College Football Betting News and Notes for Monday, January 2nd, 2017

Outback Bowl - Florida - Iowa

Iowa lost its last four bowl games, all by 7+ points; they lost 45-28/45-16 last two years, and lost 21-14 to LSU in this game three years ago. Hawkeyes won/covered their last three games; they’re 2-2 as an underdog this year, 2-2 in games with single digit spread. Florida lost two of last three bowls but covered three of last four as bowl favorite; they got drilled 41-7 by Michigan LY in Citrus Bowl. Gators scored only 15 pts/game in its last three games overall, losing 31-13/54-16 in last two, to Florida St/Alabama; Florida is 4-4 as a favorite this year, 1-3 in games with single digit pointspread. SEC teams beat Big 14 clubs in this game three of last four years; Big 14’s last two wins in this game both came in OT. Underdogs are 3-1-1 vs spread in this game last five years.

Cotton Bowl - Wisconsin - Western Michigan

Western Michigan is 13-0 this season, with wins over Northwestern (22-21, +4), Illinois (34-10, -3) of Big 14. Broncos are 1-0 as an underdog this year, 5-0 in games with single digit spread- they beat Middle Tennessee 45-31 LY in Bahamas for their first-ever bowl win in seven tries. Somehow no one has hired their coach away (yet). Wisconsin won its last two bowls by total of five points; underdogs are 3-0-1 vs spread in their last four bowls. Badgers are 5-3-1 vs spread as favorites this year, 3-2 in games with single digit spread. Chryst is 2-1 as a bowl coach. Favorites are 3-2 vs spread in this game last five years, with average total, 58.4. Last four Wisconsin games went over total. as did four of last six WMU games.

Rose Bowl - Penn State - USC

USC is in Rose Bowl for first time in eight years, when they beat Penn State 38-24; Trojans won by 14-32-14 points in last three Rose Bowl appearances. USC won its last eight games after a 1-3 start, covering last six games; they’re 7-1 as favorites this year, 1-3 in games with single digit spread. Penn State won/covered its last nine games after a 2-2 start; they’re 3-1 as a underdog this year, 6-1 in games with single digit spread. USC is 3-2 in its last five bowls overall (2-3 vs spread); they were favored in all five games. Helton is 1-1 as a bowl coach, Franklin 3-2. Penn State lost three of last four bowls; they’ve been underdog in last five bowls. Pac-12 won this game four of last five years, winning 45-16/59-20 last two years; favorites are 3-1-1 vs spread in last five Rose Bowls. Pac-12 teams are 0-5 vs spread in bowls this season.

Sugar Bowl - Auburn - Oklahoma

Oklahoma won its last nine games after a 1-2 start, covering four of last five games; they scored 47.8 pts/game during their win streak. Sooners are 6-5 as favorites this year, 2-1 in games with single digit spread. Oklahoma lost three of last four bowls, losing 40-6/37-17 as favorites last two years- Sooners beat Alabama in this game three years ago, as a 15-point dog. Auburn is 3-2 in last five bowls (4-1 vs spread), with both losses by 34-31 scores; Tigers lost 13-7/30-12 in last two I-A games; they’re 1-2 as an underdog this year, 4-1 in games with single digit spread. SEC teams lost this game three of last four years; underdogs won three of last four Sugar Bowls SU, all as dogs of 8+ points. Last three Auburn games, four of last five Oklahoma games stayed under the total.

Monday's Early Bowl Tips
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

Florida vs. Iowa

The Florida Gators (8-4 straight up, 4-7-1 against the spread) of the Southeastern Conference meet the Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4 straight up, 6-6 against the spread) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. for the Outback Bowl. Despite the fact the Gators enter on a two-game losing streak, they are a field goal favorite as of Saturday night with a total hovering around just 40 1/2 points.

The Gators had a resurgent season under head coach Jim McElwain, who led them to an appearance in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta following a East Division title. The Gators opened with six victories in their first seven games, although a loss at Tennessee back on Sept. 24 still stings, as it ended a lengthy win streak in the series against that rival. The Gators lost three of their final five games, but a lot has to do with a much tougher schedule down the stretch. All six of Florida's final games were against teams competing in bowl games, and Florida ended up going 3-3 SU during that span.

Florida's success was mostly due to a suffocating defensive unit which ranked in the Top 10 in the nation in total yards allowed (298.6), passing yards allowed (156.3) and points allowed (17.9). They were also good against the run, giving up just 142.2 yards per game to rank 33rd in the country in that department. The strong defensive effort masked some problems on the offensive side of the football. Florida ranked just 116th in the country with 345.1 total yards per game, and they rushed for just 129.8 yards per outing to check in 113th. Their 23.4 points per game was also just 109th in the country.

QB Luke Del Rio (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Monday's bowl game. He completed just 56.7 percent of his pass attempts for 1,358 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. QB Austin Appleby took over in the final four games, and he ended up throwing for 1,225 yards with 61.4 percent of his passes completed. He threw for 1,225 yards on the season with eight TDs and five INTs, performing slightly better than his counterpart. Neither was a rushing threat, and the two combined for zero rushing scores.

In the run game, freshman RB Jordan Scarlett averaged 4.8 yards per game with team-highs of 795 yards and six scores. RBs Lamical Perine and Mark Thompson were serviceable backups, as the Gators lost nothing when Scarlett was on the sidelines getting a breather. Perine averaged 4.8 yards per tote, and Thompson was good for 4.5 yards per attempt. In the pass game, it's sophomore WR Antonio Callaway who had 666 yards and three touchdowns with 14.2 yards per catch leading the way. WR Brandon Powell managed 372 yards with a pair of scores as a secondary option, and TE DeAndre Goolsby posted 315 yards on 36 grabs and a pair of scores to also offer a big target. Defensively. DB Jalen Tabor led the way with three interceptions while

Iowa struggled offensively, too, and that might be a problem against Florida's suffocating defense. The Hawkeyes were just 120th in the country in total yardage at 333.2 yards per game with only 161.3 yards per game through the air to rank 115th in the country. They were middle of the road in the run game, posting 171.9 yards per game, but if they're going to be successful they need to move the ball on the ground.

Defensively, Iowa was not quite as strong as Florida statistically, but they ranked 25th in the country with just 352.8 total yards allowed, and they were also 25th in the country in passing yardage allowed at just a tick under 200 yards per outing. Their 17.9 points per game allowed was 10th overall in the land.

Senior QB C.J. Beathard, grandson of former NFL executive Bobby Beathard, will be playing in his final collegiate game. He was able to tie a season-high with three touchdown passes in the regular season finale against Nebraska despite throwing for just 144 yards. In fact, in the final three games Beathard threw for just 290 yards and four TDs. RBs LeShun Daniels Jr. and Akrum Wadley combined for 1,979 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. Wadley was good for 6.6 yards per carry to lead the team, while Daniels topped 1,000 yards o nthe season.

As a single-digit favorite this season, Florida was 1-1 SU/ATS, with the lone win and cover coming in a neutral-site game against Georgia Oct. 29 in Jacksonville, Fla.

As a single-digit underdog this season, Iowa was 1-2 SU/ATS in three tries, losing and failing to cover in their past two tries at Penn State and at home against Wisconsin.

After getting trounced 41-14 at Penn State Nov. 5, Iowa finished up with three wins and covers, outscoring Michigan, Illinois and Nebraska by a combined score of 82-23. The Hawks are 5-2 ATS in their past seven games overall, but just 1-4-1 ATS in their past six neutral-site contests.

Florida is 5-2 ATS in their past seven bowl games, and 6-2 ATS in their past eight neutral-site games. However, they were rolled 54-16 in the SEC Championship Game in their most recent neutral-site battle. The Gators failed to cover in their past two, and they're 1-3-1 ATS in their previous five outings. The Gators are also a dismal 0-7 ATS in their past seven non-conference games, and 1-3-1 ATS in their past five against teams with a winning record, too.

The 'over' is 6-1 in Florida's past seven tries against Big Ten foes, while the 'over' has cashed in seven of their past 10 bowl games. The 'under' is 5-1 in the past six non-conference outings while going 5-1 in the past six against teams with a winning record.

The 'over' is 6-0-1 in Iowa's past seven games on a natural grass surface, while the 'under' is 8-3 in Iowa's past 11 neutral-site games.

These teams met Jan. 2, 2006 in the Outback Bowl, with Florida coming out on top 31-24. The Gators avenged a 2004 loss to the Hawkeyes in this bowl game, when Iowa routed them 37-17.

Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin

In the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas it will be Mid-American Conference champion Western Michigan (13-0 straight up, 9-4 against the spread) looking to continue rowing the boat against Big Ten representative Wisconsin (10-3 straight up, 9-3-1 against the spread).

Western Michigan had a pair of victories on the road against Big Ten clubs, topping Northwestern 22-21 back on Sept. 3 as 3 1/2-point underdogs, and destroying Illinois in Champaign by a 34-10 score on Sept. 17 as a field-goal favorite. Those two games were part of a 5-0 ATS run by the Broncos to open the season. Western Michigan is generally known for a high-octane offense, but their defense was also able to record a pair of shutouts this season while holding four opponents to 10 or fewer points.

The Broncos rolled up 496.7 total yards per game to rank 14th in the country, and 237.0 yards per game to check in 21st overall in the nation. In the passing game they were 40th in the nation with 259.7 yards per game while scoring 43.5 points per contest to finish eighth overall.

Senior QB Zack Terrell looks to put a cherry on top of his collegiate career with one final win. He threw for two or more touchdowns in six straight games from Sept. 24-Nov. 1, and two or more TDs in nine of his final 10 outings, including 290 yards and two scores in the MAC Championship Game against Ohio University. The first thing that jumps off the stats page about Terrell is his ability to take care of the football, throwing 32 touchdowns with just three interceptions. He also completed 70.8 percent of his pass attempts while running for six scores.

When Terrell isn't running the ball, junior RB Jarvion Franklin is carrying the mail. He piled up 1,300 rushing yards with 12 touchdowns on 5.4 yards per attempt. When he needs a breather sophomore Jamauri Bogan proved he is equal to the task, posting 865 yards with eight rushing touchdowns on 5.3 yards per attempt. Franklin was also a threat out of the backfield with 21 catches, 255 yards and two scores. WR Corey Davis led the way with 91 receptions, 1,427 yards and 18 touchdowns, as he appears to be the next great Western Michigan wide receiver in a long line of recent standouts. WRs Michael Henry (61-760-4) and Carrington Thompson (38-605-6) were each solid options in the receiving game, too.

For Wisconsin, it's all about the defense, and they'll definitely be tested by one of the best offenses they have seen all season. The Badgers were seventh in the country with just 303.0 yards per game allowed, while limiting the opposition to just 96.9 yards per game on the country to rank second in the land. The 15.5 points allowed were also fourth in the country. If Western moves the ball, it might be in the passing game, although Wisconsin was still very good at 35th in the country.

Offensively, Wisconsin was 88th in the country in total yards (383.7), 104th in passing yards (179.2) and 41st in rushing yads (204.5). They were also middle of the road in points scored at 28.7 per game, although the offense actually picked up down the stretch with 31 or more points in each of their final four games.

QB Bart Houston and QB Alex Hornibrook each split snaps under center this season. The freshman Hornibrook is expected to play in this game after recovering from a concussion. Neither piled up very impressive numbers, and neither side is considered a dual threat. Hornibrook completed just 58.1 percent of his pass attempts with 1,243 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Houston completed 65.9 percent of his attempts while throwing for 1,086 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.

RB Corey Clement rushed 292 times for 1,304 yards and 14 touchdowns while rushing for 4.5 yards per attempt. RB Dare Ogunbowale subbed in and went for 484 yards and four scores on 5.6 yards per dash. Freshman RB Bradrick Shaw looks like the next great in the pipeline, rolling for 457 yards and five scores on 5.2 yards per attempt. WR Jazz Peavy led the way with 43 catches, 635 yards and five scores, while no other Badgers receiver had more than two scoring catches.

The Broncos are 7-0 ATS in their past seven non-conference games, and 4-0 ATS in their past four against Big Ten teams, including the two games this season. WMU is also 6-2 ATS in their past eight against teams with a winning overall record, and 27-11 ATS in their past 38 overall. However, they are 1-4 ATS in their past five neutral-site battles.

This is the eighth bowl game in Western Michigan's history. While they won the Bahamas Bowl last season against Middle Tennessee, 45-31, that was the first in school history. Previously they were 0-6 SU, including a 38-14 loss in the Texas Bowl in 2008 against a Big Ten opponent, Purdue.

Wisconsin has won back-to-back bowl games, including an exciting 23-21 win over Southern California in the Holiday Bowl last season. This is Wisconsin's first meeting against a MAC team in a postseason contest.

The Badgers are 5-0 ATS in their past five against the MAC, 4-1 ATS in their past five non-conference tilts and 6-2-1 ATS in their past nine against teams with a winning record. The Badgers are 11-3-1 ATS in their past 15 games overall.

The 'over' is 4-1 in Western Michigan's past five bowl games, and 10-4-1 in their past 15 non-conference games. However, the 'under' is 7-3 in their past 10 against Big Ten foes.

The 'over' is 4-0 in the past four for Wisconsin and 8-3-1 in their past 12 neutral-site games. The 'under' is 7-3-1 in Wisconsin's past 11 bowl games, and 9-4 in their past 13 against teams with a winning overall record.

Monday's Late Bowl Tips
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

Southern California vs. Penn State

Southern California Trojans (9-3 straight up, 8-4 against the spread) of the Pac-12 Conference will face off against the Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2 straight up, 9-3-1 against the spread) of the Big 10 Conference in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual. Penn State enters on a nine-game winning streak, going 8-0-1 ATS during the span, but despite their winning ways they enter this game as a touchdown underdog as of Saturday evening. The total has dipped to 59 1/2 after opening at 62.

The Trojans were terrible to start the season, opening 1-3 SU/ATS, including a 52-6 loss against Alabama in the very first game. After righting the ship in their home opener against Utah State, the Trojans were destroyed 27-10 at Stanford and fell 31-27 on the road at Utah Sept. 23. Remember when head coach Clay Helton was under fire, and everyone on Twitter and other social media platforms were calling for his head? Go ahead. Google 'Fire Clay Helton' and see when the last results were. Ever since that loss to Utah the Trojans have rattled off eight straight victories, including a 26-13 win at Washington Nov. 12 as a 10-point underdog. The Trojans won their final eight outings, and covered the past six. No one came closer than 13 points in the final six tries against USC, who enters as one of the hottest teams in the nation.

Speaking of hot, Penn State came back from a 14-point deficit to rally and top Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game, touching off a controversy about conference champions and playoff worthiness since they beat Ohio State, etc. And the way the Buckeyes looked in the national semifinal against Clemson, all of the Penn State supporters of a playoff bid over Ohio State looked awfully wise after the Fiesta Bowl blowout loss of the Buckeyes.

The Nittany Lions, like the Trojans, struggled to open the season. They fell at Pittsburgh, 42-39, back on Sept. 10, and were waffled 49-10 at Michigan on Sept. 24. Penn State opened 1-3 ATS in their first four games, and this certainly didn't look like a playoff-worth team, or even a team headed for a major bowl. An overtime win against Minnesota Oct. 1 turned things around, and then a 38-14 win against Maryland had Penn State on a roll heading into their showdown with the Buckeyes Oct. 15 in Happy Valley.

Penn State entered the fourth quarter of their showdown with Ohio State down 21-7 at home, but outscored the Buckeyes 17-0, including a 60-yard blocked field goal for touchdown which eventually proved to be the difference. It appeared to be a major upset at the time, but the more Penn State continued to win, it actually added to Ohio State's strength of schedule and resume for the playoff committee.

After that upset win, Penn State steamrolled Purdue 62-24, Iowa 41-14, Indiana 45-31 and Rutgers 39-0. They did not falter against Michigan State at home, topping them 45-12, either, claiming a place in the conference title game. Eight straight covers and here they are for the Rose Bowl, a spot no one predicted in the preseason, and certainly didn't see coming after a 2-2 start.

Penn State ranked 49th in the country in total yards on offense, posting 433.4 yards per game. They threw for 261.2 yards per game to rank 37th, and their 36.7 yards per game was good for 23rd in the country. On defense, they struggled early on, but were great down the stretch. Penn State ranked 24th in the country in both total yards (352.0 yards per game) and passing yards (198.5) allowed. And they were 32nd in the country with 23.4 points per game, worked down significantly after allowing 31.4 points per game through the first five outings.

Sophomore QB Trace McSorley threw for 3,360 yards, 25 touchdowns and just five interceptions, perhaps one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the nation. He also rushed 140 times for 352 yards and six touchdowns. RB Saquon Barkley led the team with 1,302 yards and 16 rushing scores, averaging 5.3 yards per tote. Barkley also has decent hands out of the backfield, posting 23 receptions for 347 yards and three scores. WR Chris Godwin is the go-to receiver on offense, posting team-high with 795 yards and nine touchdowns. TE Mike Gesicki is a big target, too, putting up 668 yards and four scores on 47 grabs, good for 14.2 yards per snare.

USC was 23rd in the country in total yards with 468.2 yards per game, and they ranked 35th in the nation in passing yards (261.7 yards per game). That number figures to be even better going forward, as freshman Sam Darnold took the reins of the offense after the slow start, and never relinquished the job after QB Max Browne struggled early on. Darnold ended up throwing for 2,633 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Darnold's favorite target, WR Juju Smith-Schuster, posted 63 receptions, 781 yards and nine touchdowns. WR Darreus Rogers also managed 51 grabs for 654 yards and three scores. WR Deontay Burnett is also a future star, and he showed glimpses of brilliance with 458 yards and four touchdowns.

It's USC's first trip up to the Rose Bowl since meeting Penn State Jan. 1, 2009. The Trojans won that meeting 38-24, and they also won 14-3 in the 1922 Rose Bowl, the first meeting between the schools in the 'Granddaddy of Them All'. The only time the Nittany Lions topped the Trojans in three tries in a bowl game was a 26-10 win in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1, 1982.

Penn State has won just one of their past four bowl games, and they're 1-2 all-time (0-2 vs. USC) in the Rose Bowl. Their lone win in the Rose Bowl came Jan. 2, 1995, as the Nittany Lions throttled the Oregon Ducks 38-20 in front of 102,247 fans behind legendary head coach Joe Paterno.

USC is 6-0 ATS in their past six games overall, 5-0 ATS in their past five on grass and 5-1 ATS in their past six games in the month of January. The Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their past five against Big Ten teams, and 0-4 ATS in their past four neutral-site games.

Penn State is 8-0-1 ATS in their past nine games overall, and 5-0-1 ATS in their past six against teams with a winning record. But they're 1-4 ATS in their past five non-conference games, and 1-4 ATS in their past five in the month of January.

Auburn vs. Oklahoma

The Allstate Sugar Bowl takes place in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La. when the Auburn Tigers (8-4 straight up, 9-3 against the spread) of the Southeastern Conference do battle with the Oklahoma Sooners (10-2 straight up, 6-6 against the spread) of the Big 12 Conference. These teams also played each other in the 1971 Sugar Bowl, with the Sooners coming out on top by a 40-22 score.

In the state of Alabama, the Tigers of Auburn have certainly been the little brother in the shadow of the big brother in Tuscaloosa. And they didn't start out their season like a team destined to be playing in a major bowl like their biggest rivals across the state. Auburn started out with a hard-fought 19-13 loss against Clemson at Jordan Hare Stadium Sept. 3, and they also lost their third game of the season at home against Texas A&M by a 29-16 score. At 1-2 SU through the first three games, averaging 14.5 PPG in two games against Power 5 teams, this Tigers team appeared to be in some disarray. However, an 18-13 win over LSU Sept. 24 kicked off a six-game winning streak, which also included an embarrassment of Mississippi State on their field Oct. 8, 38-14, and a 56-3 thumping of Arkansas on the Plains on Oct. 22. Momentum was slowed Nov. 12 with a 13-7 loss at Georgia, and an SEC West title was out the window as well. And after hanging around for a while, the Tigers fell 30-12 at Alabama in the season finale.

Oklahoma also stumbled out of the chute, falling in a neutral-site game against Houston, 33-23 in the opener Sept. 3, and at home against Ohio State, 45-24, in the second home game. A 1-2 SU/0-3 ATS start is not what fans in cream and crimson expected, and a playoff chance appeared to be out of reach even before the leaves started to change. However, the Sooners still proved to be the class of the conference, rolling to a 9-0 record in the Big 12, covering six of their league games.

The Sooners ranked third in the country in total yardage, posting 557.4 yards per game. Oklahoma was 12th in the country with 319.8 passing yards per game, and even rolled to 20th in the country with 237.6 yards per game on the ground. Their 44.7 points per game also helped them end up third in the nation. On defense, Oklahoma ranked 87th in the country in total yardage allowed at 439.8 yards per game. The Sooners struggled against the pass, allowing 279.0 yards per game to rank 118th in the country.

Auburn was 37th in the country, posting 449.2 total yards per game. They were a VERY run-heavy team, rolling up 278.5 yards per game to rank sixth in the country, while posting just 170.8 yards per game to rank 112th in the nation. They ranked 45th overall with 32.2 points per game. Defensively, they're 21st in the country with 348.4 yards per game allowed, while allowing just 124.8 yards per game to rank 20th. They're fifth by allowing just 15.6 points per game, but they have been dinged for 223.6 yards per game through the air to rank 61st.

Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield completed 71.2 percent of his pass attempts for 3,669 yards, 38 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season. The two-headed monster of RBs Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine was dangerous. Mixon posted 1,183 yards on 169 totes for 7.0 yards per carry, finding the end zone eight times. Perine posted 974 yards on 5.4 yards per carry with 11 scores on the ground. Mayfield was third on the club with six rushing touchdowns. WR Dede Westbrook was huge in the pass game, hauling in 74 balls for 1,465 yards and 16 touchdowns. Mixon added 449 yards with five touchdowns on 32 receptions out of the backfield, second-best on the team.

Sooners PK Austin Seibert could be a difference, as he had a 100-point season with 11 field goals and 67 extra points, although his long was just from 39 yards.

Tigers QB Sean White (shoulder) is listed as probable due to a shoulder injury, and there is no way he misses the game. White completed 65.2 percent of his pass attempts for 1,644 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions, while running for 148 yards and two touchdowns. The run game is where the bread is buttered, and RB Kamryn Pettway led the charge. He posted 1,123 yards with seven touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per tote. Sophomore RB Kerryon Johnson led the team with 11 rushing scores on 5.0 yards per rush, finishing with 862 yards. In the receiving game it's WR Tony Stevens leading the way with 466 yards and three touchdowns on 29 catches. WR Darius Slayton is the secondary option in the pass game with 236 yards and a touchdown.

Auburn has covered five straight non-conference games, and they're 4-1 ATS in their past five bowl games. They're also 7-2 ATS in their past nine games overall.

The 'under' is 4-0 in Auburn's past four games overall, and 2-0-2 in their past four neutral-site games while going 5-1-1 in their past seven appearances in the month of January. The under is also 13-3-2 in Auburn's past 18 against teams with a winning record, and 8-2-1 in their past 11 bowl appearances.

Oklahoma is a perfect 5-0 ATS in their past five against teams with a winning overall record, and 4-1 ATS in their past five games overall. However, they're just 3-7 ATS in their past 10 bowl games, 0-5 ATS in their past five non-conference tilts and 0-6 ATS in their past six neutral-site outings.

The 'under' is 4-1 in Oklahoma's past five neutral-site games, and 4-1 in their past five bowl outings. The under is also 4-1 in their past five games overall, and 6-1 in their past seven against SEC foes.

Outback Bowl Betting Preview: Florida vs Iowa
By Covers.com

Florida Gators vs Iowa Hawkeyes (+3, 40.5)

Florida’s defense tries to redeem itself after two disappointing performances when the Gators take on Iowa in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 2 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Florida allowed 14 or fewer points in eight of its first 10 games to earn a spot in the SEC Championship game before giving up 85 combined against rival Florida State and Alabama in the last two. Gators defensive coordinator Geoff Collins was hired as the new coach at Temple last week and former Miami (Fla.) coach Randy Shannon will run the defense against Iowa.

Iowa recently won the Joe Moore Award, given to the nation’s most outstanding offensive line, and the Hawkeyes sealed it with impressive performances in consecutive victories over Michigan, Illinois and Nebraska to end the regular season. Senior LeShun Daniels Jr. (1,013 yards, 10 touchdowns) and junior Akrum Wadley (966, 10) could become the first pair of Iowa running backs to go over 1,000 in the same season. Iowa rushed for a total of 526 yards in the wins over Illinois and Nebraska after grinding out the upset win against Michigan with 98 on the ground.

This is the third time the programs meet in the Outback Bowl as Iowa took the 2004 contest 37-17 before the Gators fought back to win 31-24 in 2006. Florida lost two of its last three bowl games after the 41-7 setback against Michigan in the 2015 Citrus Bowl and is 21-21 all-time. The Hawkeyes play their fourth straight January bowl game and dropped four in a row overall after last season’s 45-16 defeat against Stanford in the Rose Bowl - falling to .500 all time at 14-14-1.

LINE HISTORY: The Florida Gators opened as 2-point favorites and shortly after release that line was bumped up to 3 points. The total opened at 40.5 and has been stable since release. Check out the complete line history here.

WEATHER REPORT: The weather is expected to be perfect for Monday's Cotton bowl in Tampa Bay, Florida with sunny skies and temperatures in the low-90's. The humidity levels will be in the 80's and wind may be a factor with cross-winds expected to be blowing at around 15 mph.

INJURY REPORT:

Florida - LB A. Anzalone (Probable, arm), WR R. Wells (Questionable, personal), WR K. Jackson (Questionable, foot), LB J. Moon (Questionable, thumb), DL J. Reed (Questionable, undisclosed), WR C. Worton (Questionable, ankle), QB L. Del Rio (Questionable, shoulder), OL C. Dillard (Questionable, knee), DB N. Washington (Questionable, ankle), DB D. Dawson (Questionable, ankle), RB M. Herndon (Questionable, hamstring), OL F. Johnson (Questionable, undisclosed), TE C. Lewis (Questionable, ankle), OL T. Jordan (Questionable, ankle), LB D. McMillian (Questionable, shoulder), OL J. Taylor (Questionable, undisclosed), RB M. Thompson (Questionable, possible suspension), DL J. Sherit (Out For Season, knee), DB M. Maye (Out For Season, arm), WR D. Massey (Out For Season, knee), DB C. McWilliams (Out For Season, knee), OL A. Riles (Out For Season, knee).

Iowa - OL C. Croston (Probable, calf), TE G. Kittle (Probable, foot), DB M. Taylor (Questionable, concussion), DB M. Rugamba (Doubtful, undisclosed), FB D. Kulick (Out, undisclosed), DB G. Mabin (Out For Season, leg), DL J. Hulett (Out For Season, ankle), WR M. VandeBerg (Out For Season, foot).

ABOUT FLORIDA (8-4 SU, 4-7-1 ATS, 4-8 O/U): The Gators gave up 483 yards on the ground over the last two games to push their season average to 142.2 - 36th in the nation - and are still sixth overall in total defense (298.6) despite two rough outings. Sophomore running back Jordan Scarlett (795 yards, six touchdowns on the ground) prospered with more carries in the middle of the season - totaling three 100-yard efforts in five games before being limited to 70 combined in the last two. Senior transfer Austin Appleby took over at quarterback when Luke Del Rio was injured, completing 61.6 percent of his passes in the last four games, and sophomore Antonio Callaway is his most dangerous target (47 catches, 666 yards, three touchdowns).

ABOUT IOWA (8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS, 5-7 O/U): The Hawkeyes lost their top receiver (Matt VandeBerg) to a season-ending injury early on and coach Kirk Ferentz had to do a lot of mixing and matching on the offensive line. Senior quarterback C.J. Beathard (17 touchdown passes, seven interceptions) threw for only 290 yards combined the last three weeks as the running attack took over with Daniels totaled 317 yards on the ground against Illinois and Nebraska while combining with Wadley for 20 rushing TDs overall. The defense stepped up after a 41-14 loss at Penn State, allowing 23 total points in the last three games, and linebacker Josey Jewell (fourth team) along with defensive back Desmond King (second) were named All-Americans.

TRENDS:

* Gators are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.
* Hawkeyes are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games.
* Over is 6-1 in Gators' last 7 vs. Big Ten.
* Over is 6-0-1 in Hawkeyes' last 7 games on grass.

CONSENSUS: The public is backing the Florida Gators with 56 percent of wagers. The Over is picking up 57 percent of the totals action.

Cotton Bowl Betting Preview: Western Michigan vs Wisconsin
By Covers.com

Western Michigan Broncos vs Wisconsin Badgers (-8.5, 52.5)

Wisconsin will never know if it was one win away from earning a spot in the College Football Playoff, but there is no time for the Badgers to dwell on their missed opportunity. After losing the Big Ten title game and finishing eighth in the CFP standings, the Badgers head to Dallas for a Jan. 2 matchup against undefeated Western Michigan in the Cotton Bowl. The Broncos are enjoying the best season in school history after going 17-21 during P.J. Fleck's first three seasons as Western Michigan coach, and attempt to complete their Cinderella run by knocking off a third Big Ten opponent this season (Northwestern, Illinois).

The Badgers rank fourth in the country in points allowed (15.5), while the Broncos are 16th nationally (19.5). Wisconsin's defense features standout linebacker T.J. Watt (10.5 sacks), whose brother J.J. is the former Wisconsin standout and current defensive terror for the Houston Texans. Western Michigan led the Mid-American Conference in scoring defense and ranked second in the country in turnover margin (plus-19) with Keion Adams (7.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss) leading the way.

The biggest challenge for the Western Michigan defense will be containing Corey Clement, the senior running back for Wisconsin who has rushed for at least 100 yards in seven of the last eight games. Clement recorded 1,304 rushing yards and 14 scores on the season, helping to take the pressure off the Badgers' inconsistent quarterbacks. Alex Hornibrook (58.1 percent completions, eight TDs, seven interceptions) missed the Big Ten title game loss to Penn State with a head injury but will be ready to play versus the Broncos, and will look to get the ball to Jazz Peavy (team highs of 43 catches, 635 yards, five TDs).

LINE HISTORY: Wisconsin opened as 7.5-point favorites and have been bet up to -8.5 on Friday and Saturday. The total hit the board at 54 and has dropped slightly to 52.5. Check out the complete line history here.

WEATHER REPORT: The roof of AT&T Stadium will likely be closed with rain in the forecast for Monday in Arlington, Texas.

INJURY REPORT:

Western Michigan - S J. Ferguson (Out For Season, ankle).

Wisconsin - QB A. Hornibrook (Probable, concussion), OL L. Schmidt (Questionable, head), CB C. Williams (Questionable, leg), LB N. Thomas (Questionable, leg), LS J. Cesear (Questionable, undisclosed), OL J. Maxwell (Questionable, shoulder), DE C. Sheehy (Questionable, arm), K R. Gaglianone (Out For Season, back), LB J. Cichy (Out For Season, pectoral), LB C. Orr (Out For Season, knee).

ABOUT WESTERN MICHIGAN (13-0 SU, 9-4 ATS, 7-6 O/U): The Broncos have an impressive set of "triplets" at the offensive skill positions, led by quarterback Zach Terrell (3,376 yards, 70.8 completion percentage, 32 touchdowns), who threw two of his three interceptions in the 29-23 victory over Ohio in the MAC title game. From that point on, Fleck said he believed his team belonged on this stage, telling reporters: "We are 13-0. We're the best Group of Five team in the country. We didn't lose a game. Whoever they put on our schedule, we beat. There's two undefeated teams in the country - us and Alabama. There is no argument (that we belong in the Cotton Bowl)." Fleck and company now must prove they can hang with the big boys as they rely on Terrell, Jarvion Franklin (1,300 rushing yards, 12 TDs) and All-American wideout Corey Davis (91 catches, 1,427 yards, 18 scores).

ABOUT WISCONSIN (10-3 SU, 9-3-1 ATS, 6-7 O/U): The Badgers' defense could have their hands full with a Broncos' offense that averages 43.5 points - eighth-best in the country - particularly if their performance against Penn State is any indication. Wisconsin gave up 384 passing yards and four touchdowns through the air against the Nittany Lions as their six-game winning streak came to an end in disappointing fashion. Coach Paul Chryst acknowledged that finals provided a welcome distraction for his players as they try to forget about the Big Ten title game and added that "historically, (the Cotton Bowl) has been a big bowl, and anytime you get a chance to play in a bowl game that’s assigned by the committee, and then when you find out you’re facing one of two undefeated teams, it was exciting to me and I know to our kids, too. ... I think they're excited to play."

TRENDS:

* Broncos are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.
* Badgers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. MAC.
* Over is 4-1 in Broncos' last 5 Bowl games.
* Under is 5-1 in Badgers' last 6 non-conference games.

CONSENSUS: The public is backing the Wisconsin Badgers with 58 percent of wagers. The Over is picking up 53 percent of the totals action.

Rose Bowl Betting Preview: USC vs Penn State
By Covers.com

Southern California Trojans vs Penn State Nittany Lions (+7, 59.5)

Although neither Penn State or USC was selected for the College Football Playoff, two of the hottest teams in the country meet Jan. 2 in ”The Granddaddy of Them All” -- the 103rd Rose Bowl. Despite the Nittany Lions winning their last nine games, including 24-21 over CFP participant Ohio State and 38-31 over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Conference title game, they were left out of the playoff because of early losses to Pittsburgh and Michigan. Much like Penn State, USC was left for dead after a 1-3 start that included a 52-6 humiliating loss at No. 1 Alabama, but a change at quarterback revitalized the Trojans and they finished with eight straight wins, including 26-13 over CFP-bound Washington and 21-17 over Colorado.

This game features two of the best young quarterbacks in the country in Penn State sophomore Trace McSorley (school records of 3,360 yards passing and 25 touchdown passes) and USC freshman Sam Darnold (68.1 completion percentage, 26 TDs, eight interceptions). McSorley led the FBS in yards per completion (16.3), topped the Big Ten and finished 14th nationally in passer rating (156.6), and completed 39-of-54 passes for 760 yards with eight TDs and no interceptions in victories over Michigan State and Wisconsin to wrap of the Big Ten title. Darnold took over from Max Browne in the fourth game, finished second in ESPN’s Total Quarterback Rating (86.8 behind Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield), and 10th in passing rating (161.0), and became the only USC quarterback to throw five TD passes in consecutive games.

McSorley had a record-breaking campaign but it was all made possible because of the threat of sophomore running back Saquon Barkley, who is on the short list for the 2017 Heisman and the likely first running back off the NFL draft board in 2018. The 5-11, 223-pounder ran for 1,302 yards and scored a total of 19 touchdowns - tops in the Big Ten - and finished second in the conference in all-purpose yards (128.2 per game) after adding 347 yards on 23 pass receptions. The first Nittany Lions running back to garner All-American accolades since Larry Johnson in 2002 won’t be the only back on the field as USC’s Ronald Jones II enters having run for 742 yards, nine TDs and a 7.8 yards-per-carry average in his last five games.

LINE HISTORY: The USC Trojans opened as 6.5-point favorites and over the past few weeks the line has been up-and-down between 6.5 and 7 several times. As of Sunday morning the Trojans are 7-point favorites over Penn State. The total hit the board at 62 and has been bet all the way down to the current number of 59.5. Check out the complete line history here.

WEATHER REPORT: Pretty decent football conditions are in the forecast for Monday in Pasadena, California. Temperatures will be in the mid-50's with cloudy skies (but only a 20 percent chance of precipitation) and light winds (5-7 mph).

INJURY REPORT:

USC - QB M. Fink (Questionable, ankle), WR K. Young (Questionable, concussion), DT K. Scott (Out, academics), LB O. Tucker (Out, academics), DT K. Bigelow (Out For Season, knee), DE J. Ruffin (Out For Season, suspension), WR S. Mitchell (Out For Season, knee), C T. Lobendahn (Out For Season, knee).

Penn State - WR B. Polk (Questionable, undisclosed), T P. Palmer (Questionable, leg), WR S. Blacknall (Out, suspension), LB M. Bowen (Out, suspension), LB V. Walker (Out For Season, knee), G B. Mahon (Out For Season, undisclosed), T N. Beh (Out For Season, suspension) TE N. Bowers (Out For Season, undisclosed), LB N. Wartman-White (Out For Season, knee).

ABOUT USC (9-3 SU, 8-4 ATS, 3-9 O/U): Darnold fell just shy of Cody Kessler’s completion-percentage school record of 69.7 set in 2014, but his 26 TD passes are a school record for a freshman and his 230 rushing yards are the most in a season by a USC quarterback since 1991. Jones ran for 1,027 yards and a 6.5 average, and junior wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster (63 catches, 781 yards, nine touchdowns), who ranks fifth all-time in receptions (206) joins Darreus Rogers (51 catches, 654 yards) as Darnold’s main threats in the passing game. Junior cornerback-wide receiver-returner Adoree’ Jackson (51 tackles, team highs of four interceptions, two fumble recoveries), who was named the winner of the 2016 Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, also averaged 30.5 on kickoff returns and 15.9 on punt returns with a combined four touchdowns.

ABOUT PENN STATE (11-2 SU, 9-3-1 ATS, 10-3 O/U): McSorley has a plethora of capable receivers, including wideouts Chris Godwin (50 receptions, 795 yards, nine touchdowns), DaeSean Hamilton (34 catches, 506 yards) and tight end Mike Gesicki, who set a school record for tight ends with 47 catches while totaling 668 yards and four TDs. The offense was able to overcome a much-maligned line which lost its top three tackles during the course of the season to average 36.7 points - including an NCAA-best 13 per fourth quarter. Befallen by injuries to all three starting linebackers early in the season, the defense, led by safety Marcus Allen (101 tackles), linebacker Brandon Bell (87 tackles in nine games) and defensive end Garrett Sickels (12.5 tackles for loss, six sacks), ranked fourth in the FBS in tackles for loss (112), 14th in sacks (39) and 22nd in total defense (352.0).

TRENDS:

* Trojans are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
* Nittany Lions are 8-0-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
* Under is 9-1 in Trojans' last 10 games on grass.
* Over is 5-1 in Nittany Lions' last 6 games overall.

CONSENSUS: The public is backing the Penn State Nittany Lions with 54 percent of wagers. The Over is picking up 58 percent of the totals action.

Sugar Bowl Betting Preview: Auburn vs Oklahoma
By Covers.com

Auburn Tigers vs Oklahoma Sooners (-3, 64.5)

Auburn and Oklahoma each began the season by losing two of their first three games, but regrouped in a big way and cap off the season by meeting in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Jan. 2. Auburn used a six-game winning streak in the middle of the season to get on track and should have the services of some key players who battled late-season injuries. The Sooners enter the Superdome riding a nine-game winning streak and look to topple their third consecutive ranked opponent following lopsided wins against West Virginia and Oklahoma State.

Auburn quarterback Sean White missed the last two games with a shoulder injury after playing through pain the previous two games, but coach Gus Malzahn told reporters Dec. 14 that White "looks ready to go, didn't miss a beat" as Auburn began its bowl preparations. Kamryn Pettway, the Tigers' 6-foot, 240-pound sophomore running back, missed two games late in the season with a quad injury and didn't record a carry or reception in two others, but still has 1,123 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the season. He returned for the regular-season finale against top-ranked Alabama and was held to 17 yards on 12 carries in the 30-12 loss, but three weeks to heal and three more weeks of practice should have Pettway back in peak form.

Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting after throwing for 3,669 yards and 38 touchdowns with eight interceptions, and has a talented go-to receiver in Dede Westbrook, the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year who enters the game with 74 catches for 1,465 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Sooners also have a pair of running backs who can pile up yardage, but it might be interesting how they use Joe Mixon (1,183 yards, nine touchdowns), who gained national attention this week after the release of a 2014 video that showed him punch a female Oklahoma student, an incident which led to a misdemeanor assault charge. Samaje Perine, who missed three conference games with a leg injury, combined for 499 rushing yards in the last three games, putting him within 26 yards of going over 1,000 yards for a third straight season.

LINE HISTORY: The Oklahoma Sooners opened as 6-point favorites and early, steady action on Auburn brought that line down to the current number of -3 during the first 10 days of availability. The total opened at 62.5 and currently sits at 64.5. Check out the complete line history here.

INJURY REPORT:

Auburn - QB S. White (Probable, shoulder), WR M. Davis (Probable, shoulder), DB J. Holsey (Probable, ankle), DB J. Ford (Probable, ankle), OL P. Sammons (Questionable, foot), WR S. Truitt (Questionable, ankle), DE B. Cowart (Out For Season, ankle), DB J. Myers (Out For Season, knee), RB M. Miller (Out For Season, knee), LB P. James III (Out For Season, knee), DB J. Dinson (Out For Season, knee), DL J. Johnson (Out For Season, knee), DB J. Dean (Out For Season, knee).

Oklahoma - WR D. Westbrook (Probable, concussion), RB D. Montgomery (Questionable, head), DB W. Johnson (Questionable, undisclosed), DT M. Overton (Out For Season, foot), RB R. Anderson (Out For Season, neck).

ABOUT AUBURN (8-4 SU, 9-3 ATS, 4-8 O/U): Kerryon Johnson has been a fantastic fill-in and change-of-pace running back for the Tigers, piling up 862 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns during the season. Auburn isn't as talented at the receiver positions, but the Tigers do have plenty of options as eight different players caught from 10 to 29 passes this season. Defensively, they seem to get stronger as games go on, allowing only 35 points in the fourth quarter this season.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA (10-2 SU, 6-6 ATS, 6-6 O/U): Linebacker Jordan Evans and cornerback Jordan Thomas were selected to the all-Big 12 first team. Evans is the leader of the unit and posted four interceptions on the season, returning two for touchdowns, and Thomas broke up a conference-leading 16 passes on the season. Another defender Auburn needs to track is defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, who finished third in the conference with nine sacks, though he produced only three in the last six games.

TRENDS:

* Tigers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
* Sooners are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games.
* Under is 8-2-1 in Tigers' last 11 bowl games.
* Under is 6-1 in Sooners' last 7 vs. SEC.

CONSENSUS: The public is backing the Oklahoma Sooners with 69 percent of wagers. The Over is picking up 64 percent of the totals action.

Steve's Screenshot
By Steve Merril

USC (-7.5, 59) vs. Penn State

This is the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. My power ratings make USC -7, so this line was spot on all week, but has now crossed that key number in most locations.

USC won eight consecutive games after opening the season with a 1-3 SU record. The Trojans’ offense averaged 32.9 points per game on 6.4 yards per play versus defenses that allowed 28.5 points per game on just 5.5 yards per play this season. USC’s defense was excellent as they only gave 22.2 points per game on 5.2 yards per play versus offenses that averaged 31.6 points per game on 5.9 yards per play overall.

Penn State won their final nine games of the season after opening with a 2-2 SU record. The Nittany Lions averaged 36.7 points per game on an incredible 6.4 yards per play versus defenses that allowed 25.2 points per game on just 5.3 yards per play. Penn State’s defense was also terrific as they only gave up 23.4 points per game on 4.9 yards per play versus offenses that averaged 28.8 points per game on 5.5 yards per play overall.

Auburn vs. Oklahoma (-2, 67.5)

This is the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana. My power ratings make Oklahoma -4.5, so there is some value on the Sooners as this line continues to drop lower after opening at -5 last month. However, Oklahoma is just 1-3 SU/ATS in bowl games the past four years, including losing outright by 34 and 20 points the past two seasons as a favorite.

Auburn averaged 32.2 points per game on 6.3 yards per play versus defenses that allowed 27.4 points per game on 5.7 yards per play this season. The Tigers’ defense was outstanding all year, giving up only 15.6 points per game on 4.9 yards per play versus offenses that averaged 27.8 points per game on 5.7 yards per play overall.

Oklahoma went 10-2 SU with both losses coming way back in September. The Sooners have a potent offense that averaged 44.7 points per game on a whopping 7.6 yards per play versus defenses that allowed just 29.3 points per game on 5.7 yards per play. However, Oklahoma has a weak defense that gave up 38.3 points per game on 6.6 yards per play away from home this season.