Dave Gloeckner 
Happy 2024! I hope everyone had a great New Year’s celebration, even if it was as simple as staying home (my favorite). We finished 2023 strong going 4-1 in NFL Bets yesterday. Now we look to continue the hot streak in College Football with the last major day of Bowls for the 2023 season. After three early games, we have the two national semifinal games to watch in the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowls. It’s sure to be an exciting day and I can’t wait to see the storylines playout. Good luck and let’s go get a few more W’s!
2023 BOWL GAME RECORD: 16-8
Monday January 1st
RELIAQUEST BOWL (12:00PM EST): LSU TIGERS -9 vs WISCONSIN BADGERS
This is a matchup of good defense (Wisconsin) versus great offense (LSU). And I’m trying to convince myself that Wisconsin can stay in this game primarily because LSU’s defense is one of the worst in the entire nation. Heck, I just saw the Arizona Cardinals never punt the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles and pull off a massive upset in the NFL. So it really can happen.
But the problem is, Wisconsin’s offense just isn’t good enough to sustain drives and they’re without their star RB in Braelon Allen, who opted out for the NFL Draft. The Badgers are also without two top WR’s, their backup RB, and key lineman.
On the other sideline, LSU’s biggest absence is Heisman Trophy Winner QB Jayden Daniels. And while that is significant, backup QB Garrett Nussmeier has experience and the pedigree. He played in the SEC Championship last year and threw for almost 300 yards against Georgia. He also has his full allotment of weapons as WR Malik Nabers and WR Brian Thomas Jr will play in this game. Plus, HC Brian Kelly is looking to go 2-0 in bowls as coach at LSU. The Tigers won the Citrus Bowl versus a Big 10 team last year by the count of 63-7. Give me the coach with the fake southern accent to try and pull of a Kirby Smart today against a punchless opponent.
VRBO FIESTA BOWL (1:00PM EST): OREGON DUCKS -16 vs LIBERTY FLAMES
We all love the little guys especially when stepping up in competition. We remember the Boise State Broncos pulling of massive upsets in NY6 Bowl Games. And today, that little guy is Liberty who finished off a perfect season by winning the Conference USA Championship.
However, as much as I love betting the dogs, the Flames have not seen anything like what they’ll face today in Oregon. The Ducks, known for their explosive offense, boast one of the nation’s best defenses. Liberty’s strength is their running game, and Oregon has the athlete’s to counter. The Ducks finished 39th in defensive rush success rate and allowed just 3.4 ypc.
While Oregon will be without one of their top playmakers on offense in WR Tony Franklin, both QB Bo Nix and RB Bucky Irving are suiting up. Combine that with their other stars such as WR Tez Johnson and TE Terrance Ferguson and you have an offense that is ready to be on full display today. While Liberty’s defense was decent, they allowed 25 or more points in 6 of their last 7 games. That’s bad news when trying to slow down Nix and company.
Give me the Ducks who are positioning themselves for their transition to the Big 10 and want to show the nation they are ready. Remember, Dan Lanning comes from Georgia who often shows no mercy when playing the role of the bully.
CHEEZ-IT CITRUS BOWL (1:00 PM EST): IOWA HAWKEYES +6.5 vs TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Iowa is so inept on offense but still found a way to navigate themselves to the Big 10 Championship Game as well as win 10 games on the season. It’s quite an impressive coaching job for HC Kirk Ferenz. They can also attribute most, if not all, of their success to one of the best defenses in the nation.
As for Tennessee, they finished a disappointing 8-4. Coming into this season they had playoff aspirations, based off their 2022 season where they went 11-2. All of the Volunteers top offensive players have opted out. They will turn to freshman QB Nico Imaleava. While Tennessee fans are excited to see the five-star recruit in action, he will have his hands full against a tough defense.
I expect Tennessee to have trouble navigating the Hawkeyes defense. Iowa HC Kirk Ferentz has 10 career bowl wins and knows how to motivate his team for post season football. I’ll take the points here and expect turnovers to be a big factor.
ROSE BOWL (5:00 PM EST): #4 ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE vs #1 MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
Pick will be posted by 1pm EST
SUGAR BOWL (8:30 PM EST): #3 TEXAS LONGHORNS vs #2 WASHINGTON HUSKIES
Pick will be posted by 1pm EST
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