Bowl season kicks off this week

Bowl season kicks off this week

Bowl season is the best time of year for college football fans, as the NCAA’s elite do battle for bragging rights and national prestige. Here is a look at this week’s action, beginning on Thursday.

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl - Utah (8-4) vs. Navy (8-4):

The Utes were third in the Mountain West this season behind the 15th-ranked defense in the country, and they come in having won their last six bowl appearances. The Midshipmen had the best record of the Independents, and they did it with the best rushing attack in the NCAA. Utah is an 8-point favorite in this contest.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl - Memphis (7-5) vs. Florida Atlantic (7-5):

The Tigers were third in the C-USA East division, powered by the 23rd-ranked offense in the nation. The Owls won a share of the Sun Belt championship, led by their 19th-ranked aerial attack, and they also led the country in turnover margin. The Owls are 2.5-point favorites in this encounter.

Papajohns.com Bowl - Southern Mississippi (7-5) vs. Cincinnati (9-3):

The Golden Eagles were third in the C-USA East division, and they had the 22nd-ranked rushing attack during the regular season. The Bearcats were third in the Big East, and they were 14th in the country in points scored. Cincinnati is a 10.5-point favorite in this matchup.

New Mexico Bowl - Nevada (6-6) vs. New Mexico (8-4):

The Wolf Pack was fourth in the WAC this season, ranking seventh in the nation in total offense. The Lobos were third in the Mountain West, and they will counter with the 23rd-ranked defense. The Lobos are 3-point favorites in this game.

Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl - UCLA (6-6) vs. BYU (10-2):

The Bruins were fifth in the Pac-10 this season, and they were tied for 14th in the nation in sacks while coming in 34th in total defense. The Cougars rolled to the Mountain West title with a perfect conference record, and they were in the top ten nationally in both offense and defense. The Cougars are 6-point favorites in this duel.

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl - Boise State (10-2) vs. East Carolina (7-5):
The Broncos were second in the WAC, putting up the fifth-highest amount of points in the country. The Pirates were second in the C-USA East division, and they finished sixth in the nation in turnover margin. The Broncos are 10.5-point favorites in this clash.

BetJamaica Odds

Navy: +8
Utah: -8 (O/U 65.5)

Florida Atlantic: -2.5
Memphis: +2.5 (O/U 66.5)

Southern Mississippi: +10.5
Memphis: -10.5 (O/U 56)

Nevada: +3
New Mexico: -3 (O/U 59)

UCLA: +6
BYU: -6 (O/U 47)

East Carolina: +10.5
Boise State: -10.5 (O/U 70)