Bowl season is in full swing, with an exciting lineup of games taking place on Friday, January 2. As the College Football Playoff narrows down to its final four contenders, Indiana stands out as the top favorite for the national championship title. The semifinals are set for January 8 and 9, leading up to the championship game on January 19 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Several bowl matchups are drawing attention, with updated odds provided by DraftKings indicating shifting dynamics ahead of the games.
In the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, Rice takes on Texas State, where Texas State opened as the -10.5 favorite. The teams hold records of Rice 5-7 and Texas State 6-6. The current betting line is Texas State -18.5, with a money line of Rice (+550) and Texas State (-800). The over/under stands at 55.5, and Texas State is projected to win by 9.4 points, boasting an 80% likelihood of victory.
The AutoZone Liberty Bowl features Navy facing Cincinnati. Both teams show promising records, with Navy at 9-2 and Cincinnati at 7-5. Cincinnati starts as a -7.5 favorite after opening at -6.5, with a money line for Navy at (-278) and Cincinnati (+225). The over/under has been set at 55.5, and Cincinnati has a 67% chance of winning by 4.4 points.
In the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl, No. 17 Arizona is a slim favorite against SMU, with the line currently at -1.5. Records for the teams include Arizona at 9-3 and SMU at 8-4. The matchup is expected to be competitive, indicated by the close odds and projections.
Lastly, the Duke’s Mayo Bowl showcases Wake Forest versus Mississippi State. Mississippi State is favored by -3, and both teams have different season records, with Wake Forest at 8-4 and Mississippi State at 5-7. The over/under is at 53.5, and Mississippi State is projected to win by 2 points.
As we move into the College Football Playoff semifinals, No. 10 Miami and No. 6 Ole Miss will face off at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, while No. 5 Oregon challenges the undefeated No. 1 Indiana at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. Both games promise thrilling matchups, with Indiana holding firm as the favorite for a championship run.
With the excitement building as teams fight for their place in the history books, fans can anticipate an exhilarating final stretch of the college football season. Each game presents an opportunity for underdog stories and memorable performances, making for a captivating spectacle for sports enthusiasts everywhere.