Oklahoma State vs. Texas A&M

This is Part 2 of the Post Action College Bowl Guide. 

Sometimes, it seems foolish to risk hard-earned money on bowl games. Dozens of teams show up after multiple weeks off, unrecognizable from the groups that spent the fall together. Coaches are gone. Stars have too much to lose to show up. Backups and role players are weighing offers in the transfer portal. 

So, why even bother making predictions? 

Because it beats the alternative. 

Military 

Tulane (+10.5) over Virginia Tech

By now — after watching the past few weeks, after watching the past few years of games impacted by opt-outs — you should know not to overreact to the absence of any coach or player this time of year.

Tulane will be without head coach Willie Fritz and quarterback Michael Pratt, but the Green Wave will have much of their 11-win core, which took down Caleb Williams and USC in last season’s Cotton Bowl. Backup quarterback Kai Horton has seen few snaps, but has made the most of them, leading Tulane to an overtime win at Houston last year and during a close battle against No. 11 Ole Miss this season. 

Duke’s Mayo 

North Carolina (+6.5) over West Virginia

Drake Maye is off to prepare for his selection as a top-two pick in the NFL draft, triggering overwhelming action on the Mountaineers. Yet, the line hasn’t budged. North Carolina will still put up points, with the nation’s fifth-leading rusher (Omarion Hampton) and a dual-threat quarterback — “I feel like I can do everything,” Conner Harrell said. “West Virginia doesn’t have much film, they’re going to have a tough time, not really knowing.” — going against the nation’s 79th-ranked defense. 

Holiday 

Louisville (-7) over USC

The Trojans have allowed an average of 42.4 points over their past eight games. Best of luck keeping pace without a former Heisman-winning quarterback (Williams), as well as the team’s leading rusher (Marshawn Lloyd) and receiver (Brenden Rice). 

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Betting on College Football?

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Texas 

Oklahoma State (-2) over Texas A&M

Continuity counts for something. While the Cowboys — who have won five of their past seven bowl games under Mike Gundy — will have virtually their entire roster available, Jimbo Fisher’s former team will be missing double-digit players who have either opted out or entered the transfer portal, including their starting quarterback and tight end, top-two receivers, leading tackler, three cornerbacks and a pair of five-star defensive linemen from their top-10 defense.