The 2018-19 college football bowl schedule features 39 bowls, and that means there are 39 opportunities to enjoy college football before the final College Football Playoff championship game.
Sporting News' Bill Bender will pick every bowl game leading up to the CFP title game at Levi's Stadium on Jan. 7. The Playoff semifinals are on Dec. 29 at the Cotton Bowl Classic and Orange Bowl.
MORE: Dates, times for all 2018-19 bowls
How did we do during the regular season? Bender finished 213-54 (.798) straight up and 143-108 (.569) against the spread. How will that fare over the always-unpredictable bowl season? It's time to find out.
Here are our bowl picks, with point spreads provided courtesy of Vegasinsider.com as of Dec. 27; lines reflect consensus picks unless otherwise noted. Sporting News will update those spreads as bowl season progresses.
Cure Bowl: Tulane (-4) vs. Louisiana
Why to watch: Exciting backfields. Darius Bradwell and Corey Dauphine both average 6.0 yards per carry for the Green Wave, and Ragin' Cajuns' running backs Trey Ragas and Elijah Mitchell combined for 20 rushing touchdowns this season.
SN pick: Louisiana wins 31-28 in an UPSET.
New Mexico Bowl: Utah State (-11) vs. North Texas
Why to watch: Utah State quarterback Jordan Love and North Texas quarterback Mason Fine combined for 55 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions between them this season. This will be an exciting, high-scoring game, even without Aggies coach Matt Wells, who took the same position at Texas Tech.
SN pick: Utah State wins 41-36 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
Las Vegas Bowl: Fresno State (-5.5) vs. Arizona State
Why to watch: Veteran coaches Herm Edwards and Jeff Tedford have led impressive turnarounds at their school. The Bulldogs allowed just 13.7 points per game this season, tied for second nationally. Can the Sun Devils break through?
SN pick: Fresno State wins 27-21 and COVERS the spread.
Camellia Bowl: Georgia Southern (-3) vs. Eastern Michigan
Why to watch: The contrast in styles in a battle of Eagles. Georgia Southern averages 260.8 rushing yards per game. Eastern Michigan won its last three games. The difference? Georgia Southern quarterback Shai Werts did not throw an interception this year (with 65 attempts).
SN pick: Georgia Southern wins 31-21 and COVERS the spread.
New Orleans Bowl: Appalachian State (-7) vs. MTSU
Why to watch: It's not clear if Scott Satterfield, who left to take the Louisville job, will coach the Mountaineers in this bowl game. The Blue Raiders were 6-0 against the spread in the second half of the season, and this is a send-off game for veteran quarterback Brent Stockstill. The Mountaineers are 3-0 all-time in bowl games.
SN pick: Appalachian State wins 33-30 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
MORE: Six biggest bowl games to watch
Boca Raton Bowl: UAB (-2.5) vs. Northern Illinois
Why to watch: This is one of the few bowl games featuring two conference champions. Bill Clark's amazing job at UAB continues, and the Blazers have to punctuate against an experienced NIU team looking to break a five-game bowl losing streak under Rod Carey dating back to 2012.
SN pick: UAB wins 29-24 and COVERS the spread.
Frisco Bowl: Ohio (-3) vs. San Diego State
Why to watch: Ageless coaches Frank Solich and Rocky Long meet in a bowl game that will be won on the ground. Juwan Washington had four 100-yard games for the Aztecs. Nathan Rourke, A.J. Ouellette and Maleek Irons all averaged at least 6.2 yards per carry for the Bobcats.
SN pick: Ohio wins 34-27 and COVERS the spread.
Gasparilla Bowl: Marshall (-2.5) vs. South Florida
Why to watch: Marshall is looking for a nine-win season. Watch Ty Tyler, the Thundering Herd defensive lineman who leads the team with eight sacks. South Florida was riddled with injuries this season in the second half. Will Alabama/Arizona State transfer Blake Barnett, who had a shoulder injury at the end of season, start for the Bulls?
SN pick: South Florida wins 28-25 in an UPSET.
Bahamas Bowl: Toledo (-6.5) vs. FIU
Why to watch: Eli Peters settled in at quarterback for Toledo, leading the Rockets to wins in four of their last five games. James Morgan (26 touchdowns, seven interceptions) leads a high-scoring Panthers offense that averaged 34.6 points per game this season. This will be a shootout, and the high over (68.5) is warranted.
SN pick: Toledo wins 45-38 and COVERS the spread.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: BYU (-10) vs. Western Michigan
Why to watch: The Cougars are heavy favorites, and they bring a solid defense led by Sione Takitaki. The Broncos averaged 25.4 points per game and allowed 21.7 points per game. LeVante Bellamy is an exciting playmaker at running back for WMU. There will be points.
SN pick: BYU wins 41-31 and COVERS the spread.
MORE: Big Ten must make off-field changes to get back in Playoff
Birmingham Bowl: Memphis (-3.5) vs. Wake Forest
Why to watch: Memphis all-purpose running back Darrell Henderson lead the nation with 2,332 all-purpose yards, and Wake Forest receiver Greg Dortch (1,748) is No. 11 in the same category. They are two of the most- exciting players in college football. Dave Clawson is 2-0 in bowl games for Wake Forest. Mike Norvell is 0-2 at Memphis.
SN pick: Wake Forest wins 44-38 in an UPSET.
Armed Forces Bowl: Army (-5.5) vs. Houston
Why to watch: Houston star defensive lineman Ed Oliver and quarterback D'Eriq King won't play, and that will make it a little tougher for the Cougars to keep against Army's triple-option attack. The Black Knights are led by star running back Darnell Woolfolk and quarterback Kelvin Hopkins Jr. They combined for 26 rushing TDs this season.
SN pick: Army wins 41-34 and COVERS the spread.
Dollar General Bowl: Buffalo (-1) vs. Troy
Why to watch: Buffalo coach Lance Leipold and Troy coach Neal Brown will move up the coaching ranks soon, and this matchup features two teams with exciting offenses. Troy is a little more experienced in bowl games. Brown makes it 3-0 for the Trojans.
SN pick: Troy wins 37-28 in an UPSET.
Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii (-1.5) vs. Louisiana Tech
Why to watch: Late-night football at its best. Hawaii quarterback Cole McDonald (35 touchdowns, eight interceptions) put up big numbers this year, and the Bulldogs have Jaylon Ferguson, who leads the FBS with 15 sacks. There is star power in this game.
SN pick: Hawaii wins 35-31 and COVERS the spread.
First Responder Bowl: Boston College vs. Boise State (-2)
Why to watch: Boston College running back AJ Dillon battled injuries throughout the season, so his status will be worth monitoring. Veteran quarterback Brett Rypien can give the Broncos a fourth bowl victory in five seasons.
SN pick: Boise State wins 28-24 and COVERS the spread.
MORE: Sporting News' updated Power Rankings
Quick Lane Bowl: Minnesota vs. Georgia Tech (-5.5)
Why to watch: Veteran coach Paul Johnson's last game, and P.J. Fleck's first bowl game with the Gophers. Minnesota is impossible to predict — they won five games by double digits and lost six games by double digits. We're betting on the Johnson farewell factor.
SN pick: Georgia Tech wins 38-26 and COVERS the spread.
Cheez-It Bowl: California (-1) vs. TCU
Why to watch: Cal is moving up with second-year coach Justin Wilcox, and this bowl game is a nice program-builder. TCU won three of its last four games to get back into the bowl picture. The Horned Frogs opened as a two-point favorite but it's a pick-em now.
SN pick: TCU wins 24-21 in an UPSET.
Independence Bowl: Duke vs. Temple (-3.5)
Why to watch: Duke lost its last two games by a combined score of 94-13, but the Blue Devils have won their last two bowl games under David Cutcliffe. The Owls, meanwhile, closed their season with three straight wins.
SN pick: Duke wins 27-24 in an UPSET.
Pinstripe Bowl: Miami (-2.5) vs. Wisconsin
Why to watch: This is a rematch of last year's Orange Bowl, and neither team had the season they wanted. It's going to come down to which team can generate something in the passing game between N'Kosi Perry and Alex Hornibook, who had his best game of the season against the Hurricanes last year. The Hurricanes get their revenge, but it won't be easy.
SN pick: Miami wins 24-20 and COVERS the spread.
Texas Bowl: Vanderbilt (-4) vs. Baylor
Why to watch: The Bears will be closer to home in Houston, and they have been a good story with second-year coach Matt Rhule. This game, however, is one more showcase for Vanderbilt quarterback Kyle Shurmur (23 touchdowns, six interceptions). Derek Mason picks up his first bowl win for the Commodores.
SN pick: Vanderbilt wins 31-24 and COVERS the spread.
MORE: Four-team Playoff imperfect, but you'll miss it
Music City Bowl: Auburn (-3.5) vs. Purdue
Why to watch: The Boilermakers should come out inspired around coach Jeff Brohm, who opted to stay in lieu of leaving for alma mater Louisville. We'll see how Rondale Moore (2,018 yards from scrimmage) stacks up against the Tigers in Jarrett Stidham's last game. Auburn should be motivated after last year's bowl flop. We almost went with the Boilermakers here.
SN pick: Auburn wins 35-30 and COVERS the spread.
Camping World Bowl: West Virginia vs. Syracuse (-1.5)
Why to watch: Old Big East rivals collide, and we're hoping Eric Dungey plays for the Orange in what should be a hyper-speed shootout (the over/under is 74.5). With West Virginia quarterback Will Grier opting to sit out, however, the line dropped almost six points.
SN pick: Syracuse wins 45-42 and COVERS the spread.
Alamo Bowl: Washington State (-3) vs. Iowa State
Why to watch: Washington State was snubbed by the New Year's Day Six, and Gardner Minshew missed out as a Heisman finalist after a loss to rival Washington. Iowa State didn't play well in its finale against Drake, but Matt Campbell will have this team ready. The Cyclones are used to shootouts.
SN pick: Iowa State wins 40-31 in an UPSET.
Peach Bowl: Michigan (-6) vs. Florida
Why to watch: Michigan is 4-0 all time against the Gators, and that includes two victories under Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines won't have defensive lineman Rashan Gary, Devin Bush or Karan Higdon, and they better be ready after a 62-39 loss to Ohio State. Florida, meanwhile, can earn a 10-win season under first-year coach Dan Mullen.
SN pick: Michigan wins 24-21 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
Belk Bowl: South Carolina (-5) vs. Virginia
Why to watch: This line has dropped 2.5 points from where it opened, which is at least some measure of faith in the Cavaliers, who are looking for their first bowl win under Bronco Mendenhall. The Gamecocks are a little closer to home, however, and Jake Bentley caps a junior season with a victory.
SN pick: South Carolina wins 31-24 and COVERS the spread.
MORE: Oklahoma's defense the difference-maker in Playoff hopes
Arizona Bowl: Arkansas State (-1.5) vs. Nevada
Why to watch: Both teams were hot at the end of the season, and the Red Wolves and Wolfpack will score points here. Look for quarterbacks Justice Hansen (27 touchdowns, six interceptions) and Ty Gangi (23 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) to light it up.
SN pick: Nevada wins 37-31 in an UPSET.
Military Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati (-5.5)
Why to watch: The Bearcats enjoyed an impressive turnaround under second-year coach Luke Fickell, but they are up against a Virginia Tech team that built some momentum late behind quarterback Ryan Willis.
SN pick: Virginia Tech wins 30-27 in an UPSET.
Sun Bowl: Stanford (-5.5) vs. Pitt
Why to watch: Stanford running back Bryce Love gets a chance to shine one more time, and Pitt will look to bounce back with the tandem of Qadree Ollison and Darrin Hall. Stanford has the better passing attack. It makes a difference.
SN pick: Stanford wins 28-24 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
Redbox Bowl: Michigan State vs. Oregon (-2.5)
Why to watch: The line has bumped up in the Ducks' favor, and that is a nod to the offense around Justin Herbert. Michigan State will test that offense with its physicality and defensive end Kenny Willekes. Mark Dantonio has won five of his last six bowl games. Michigan State needs to generate some offense to match, and they will.
SN pick: Michigan State wins 30-28 in an UPSET.
Liberty Bowl: Missouri (-8) vs. Oklahoma State
Why to watch: Oklahoma State will be without Justice Hill, who opted to skip the bowl game. It's a throwback Big 12 shootout, and we like the over (-72.5). The spread opened at 10, but we still like the favorite here. Drew Lock produces a bowl win for the Tigers.
SN pick: Missouri wins 38-31 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
MORE: Jalen Hurts' 'fairytale' moment was Alabama contingency
Holiday Bowl: Northwestern vs. Utah (-7)
Why to watch: It's a battle of max effort coaches in Pat Fitzgerald and Kyle Whittingham, and it will be interesting to see how Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson attacks a Utah defense led by Chase Hansen. The Utes have been inconsistent on offense, but they make the big plays in a tight game.
SN pick: Utah wins 27-17 and COVERS the spread.
Gator Bowl: N.C. State vs. Texas A&M (-7)
Why to watch: The quarterback matchups between Ryan Finley and Kellen Mond is exciting, and this is a chance for Jimbo Fisher to win nine games in his first season in College Station. Both teams were hot at the end of the season. The Aggies were 6-1 against the spread as a favorite this season. We trust that line.
SN pick: Texas A&M wins 38-28 and COVERS the spread.
Outback Bowl: Mississippi State (-7) vs. Iowa
Why to watch: The Bulldogs are favored by five points, and Joe Moorhead knows the Hawkeyes' scheme well from his days with Penn State. Both teams have outstanding defensive lines, led by Mississippi State's Montez Sweat and Iowa's A.J. Epenesa. This will be a defensive struggle.
SN pick: Mississippi State wins 23-20 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
Citrus Bowl: Kentucky vs. Penn State (-6.5)
Why to watch: This line jumped up two points, a nod to the Nittany Lions' offense with senior quarterback Trace McSorley. Kentucky is shooting for a 10-win season, and Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner Josh Allen leads a veteran defense. This is one of the best matchups outside the New Year's Day Six.
SN pick: Penn State wins 30-20 and COVERS the spread.
Fiesta Bowl: LSU (-7.5) vs. UCF
Why to watch: The Knights take a 25-game win streak against their toughest opponent to date, though standout cornerback Greedy Williams won't play for the Tigers. Darriel Mack Jr. played well in McKenzie Milton's place in the AAC championship. Can he do the same against LSU, which is looking for its first 10-win season since 2013 and first under Ed Orgeron?
SN pick: LSU wins 31-24 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
MORE: Clemson now in a league of its own in ACC
Rose Bowl Game: Washington vs. Ohio State (-6.5)
Why to watch: Urban Meyer's last game with the Buckeyes should be emotional, and the Huskies are tasked with stopping Heisman Trophy finalist Dwayne Haskins. Washington was tough when it got healthy at the end of the season, but they will see Ohio State's best game.
SN pick: Ohio State wins 38-28 and COVERS the spread.
Sugar Bowl: Georgia (-13) vs. Texas
Why to watch: Georgia was left out of the Playoff, but it's not a bad consolation prize to face the Big 12 runner-up. Tom Herman has the Longhorns pointed in the right direction, but they might not be ready for this game yet.
SN pick: Georgia wins 38-24 and COVERS the spread.
College Football Playoff matchups
Cotton Bowl Classic: Clemson (-12.5) vs. Notre Dame
Why to watch: Clemson and Notre Dame played a thriller in 2015 — a 24-22 victory for the Tigers. Notre Dame has a physical defense up front and they will test freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Will Ian Book have enough time against Clemson's fierce pass rush? Expect the Irish to make it interesting again.
SN pick: Clemson wins 31-23 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
Orange Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Alabama (-14)
Why to watch: Tua Tagovailoa vs. Kyler Murray. Defensive genius Nick Saban and offensive whiz Lincoln Riley matching wits. This is going to be a highly entertaining game that will shape the entire Playoff. We know Oklahoma is capable of scoring 40 on anybody, but can they stop the Crimson Tide enough times in the process? We all remember the Sooners' 45-31 victory in the 2015 Sugar Bowl. Alabama remembers that, too.
SN pick: Alabama wins 44-34 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
College Football Playoff championship: Alabama (-5.5) vs. Clemson
Why to watch: And we get Alabama-Clemson IV. The matchup between Tagovailoa and Lawrence will provide more offensive action than last year's Sugar Bowl, and the familiarity factor translates into a close game. The first two championship games were classics. Will the third one be even better? We think so.
SN pick: Alabama wins 34-31 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
