RCT Bets the Big 12: Bowl Mania Edition

I never did a season recap, so we’ll just continue with a four-week gap between games.

Just like college football! (Who thought that was a good idea, anyway?)

So here we are, welcome to the bowl edition of the picks segment. Let’s see if we can get this published before Boise State and Baylor kick off. First, though, we have to recap the final week of the regular season and see where we stand.

Starting Bank: $1500

Current bank: $1251

+/- for the year: -$249

LAST WEEK

Kansas State @ TCU, KSU Moneyline, WON $66

Oklahoma State +11 @ Oklahoma, LOST $40

Baylor @ West Virginia -17, LOST $40

Week 14 Won/Loss: -$14

Last week’s bank: $1251

New bank: $1237

Last Week: 1-2

Overall picks: 37-50-1

Wow. I’m really, really bad at this.

Oh well, it’s a new season, right folks?

Standard reminder that this is purely for entertainment purposes only. I am not actually betting real money on these games. But if you are, please please PLEASE don’t take my advice EVER, and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Bet with your head, not over it.

Boise State vs Baylor

Cactus Bowl, Phoenix, AZ

Line: Boise State -7

O/U: 69 (nice)

Moneyline: +230

When it comes to bowl games, my general rule of thumb is to not take a team with an interim coach. That, combined with the way Baylor finished the season - losing six in a row, four of them in blowout fashion - doesn’t bode well for the Bears. I look for Boise to make a statement.

My bet: $50 Boise State -7

Texas A&M vs Kansas State

Texas Bowl, Houston, TX

Line: Texas A&M -2.5

O/U: 56.5

Moneyline: +125

According to all the “experts” this is one of the most closely matched bowl games and this game could go either way. Bill Snyder doesn’t have a great record in bowls, but Texas A&M’s late season swoon may be too much for me to ignore. Is Jesse Ertz playing? My sources say Yes, but also inform me that Barnes is a question mark.

I know it’s practically a home game for A&M, but I just can’t seem them being super excited about this game. Score another one for #Motivation.

My bet: $50 Kansas State Moneyline

West Virginia vs Miami FL

Russell Athletic Bowl, Orlando, FL

Line: Miami FL -2.5

O/U: 57.5

Moneyline: +120

No idea where to go on this one. Guess I’ll take the favorite.

My bet: $30 Miami FL -2.5

Oklahoma State vs Colorado

Alamo Bowl, San Antonio, TX

Line: Colorado -3

O/U: 62.5

Moneyline: +125

Did you know Colorado won a game by a score of 10-5 this year? Yeah, neither did I.

That game aside, the Buffs have been pretty high scoring this year, as has Oklahoma State, so I’m really tempted to give the Over a try. I could easily see a shootout develop. Just a year or two ago, Colorado was one of those teams I wish was still on KU’s schedule. Sadly, those days are over.

My bet: $40 on the Over

Georgia vs TCU

Liberty Bowl, Memphis, TN

Line: Georgia -1

O/U: 48.5

Moneyline: N/A

Literally a pick ‘em game. Did you know that Georgia lost to Vanderbilt? LOL I know, I remember that too! I didn’t watch any Georgia games this year, but I saw plenty of TCU, enough to know that I don’t trust an offense that managed just six points in two of their final three games of the season.

My bet: $40 Georgia -1

Auburn vs Oklahoma

Sugar Bowl, New Orleans, LA

Line: Oklahoma -3

O/U: 62.5

Moneyline: +135

The Sooners have been on an absolute roll since the Ohio State game way back in September, and I just don’t see Auburn being able to slow Oklahoma down for very long. I probably need more analysis on this game, but... meh.

My bet: $40 Oklahoma -3

DrCrushALot’s Picks of the Week

Each week, DrCrushALot will provide a maximum of five games that he likes.

Season record: 26-23

Last week: 2-1

Kansas State +4.5 @ TCU, WIN

Troy -7 @ Georgia State, LOSS

Wisconsin @ Penn State +2.5, WIN

This week:

I’m only gonna pick three games for this final round, although I will say that unless Tommy Armstrong plays, Tennessee -6.5 is easy money. However, I don’t look for Nebraska to burn their redshirt QB.

My picks:

Boise State -7 vs Baylor. Baylor has no business playing in a bowl game this year; I’ll bet against them no matter what the spread is.

Kansas State +2.5 vs Texas A&M. Bill Snyder got one month to prepare for a team that has lost four times already.

Michigan -7 vs Florida State. Jim Harbaugh is pissed.