College Football Betting News and Notes for Saturday, December 17th, 2016

New Mexico Bowl - Texas-San Antonio @ New Mexico

New Mexico stays at home for this bowl, its 4th bowl in last 11 years, all here in Albuquerque. Lobos won six of last seven games to finish 8-4; they’re 5-1 at home, 1-2 as a home favorite- their only home loss was 49-21 to Boise State. New Mexico likes to run ball; they ran for 300+ yards in seven games this year, had an astounding 568 rushing yards in 56-35 win in its finale vs Wyoming. UTSA’s QB is Dalton Sturm, named after Patrick Swayze’s character in Road House; Roadrunners are in first-ever bowl- they went 5-3 in last eight games, covered four of last five- none of their last eight opponents ran for more than 180 yards. New Mexico is 3-2 vs spread in games with single digit spread; UTSA is 2-2. C-USA non-conference road underdogs are 9-11 vs spread. Mountain West home favorites are 9-14. Mountain West team covered this bowl the last four years, with underdogs 3-1 vs spread in those games.

Las Vegas Bowl - Houston - San Diego State

Houston started season with upset of Oklahoma, then upset Louisville later in season, but they also lost to Navy-SMU-Memphis and now they’re in a lesser bowl than they thought and their coach is off to Texas, taking lot of assistants with him. Cougars scored 35-38 points to post upset wins in bowls the last two years; senior QB Ward (also leading rusher) needs a big game here. Houston is 9-0 when they allow less than 38 points, 0-3 when they give up 38+; Cougars are 0-6 vs spread in their last six games as a favorite. San Diego State lost its last two games, allowing 97 points; they’re 2-3 in bowls the last five years- they play on this field every other year- Aztecs beat UNLV here 52-14 LY. RB Pumphrey is one of nation’s best; Aztecs are 9-0 when they run for 200+ yards, 0-3 vs D-I teams when they do not. AAC non-conference favorites are 10-8 vs spread this season; Mountain West underdogs are 5-12.

Camellia Bowl - Appalachian State - Toledo

Toledo won three of its last four bowls, beating Temple LY; Rockets scored 32+ points in four of last five (3-2) bowl games. Toledo is 2-1-1 vs spread in games with a single digit spread; they allowed 249+ rushing yards in all three of their losses- they’re 9-0 when allowing less than 249 YR. Appalachian State won 31-29 over Ohio in this game LY, ASU’s first-ever bowl. Mountaineers won eight of last nine games this year after a 1-2 start, with loss to Troy; they’re 2-2 vs spread in games with a single-digit pointspread. ASU lost its season opener in OT at Tennessee. Junior QB Lamb is a 3-year starter for App State. Sun Belt teams are 8-7 in last 15 games with MAC opponents; Toledo opened this year with a 31-10 win over Arkansas State. App State won 45-38 at Akron in September. This is third Camellia Bowl; MAC/Sun Belt split first two, with totals of 61-60.

Cure Bowl, Orlando - Central Florida - Arkansas State

Central Florida was 0-12 LY after being 31-9 the three years before that, now they’re favored in a bowl game. Knights won three of their last four bowls, are playing in hometown here. UCF is 6-6 this year, 4-2 vs number in games with single-digit spread, 4-1 as a favorite- they lost last two games, allowing 83 points. Arkansas State is playing in its sixth straight bowl (under four different HC’s); they’re 0-2 in bowls under Anderson, losing 63-44/47-28. ASU is 7-5 this season after an 0-4 start that included a loss to a I-AA team. Red Wolves are 2-2 as underdogs this season. Under is 7-1-1 in last nine ASU games, 6-1 in UCF’s last eight games. Last two years, AAC teams are 4-2 vs spread when playing Sun Belt teams. AAC non-conference favorites are 10-9 vs spread this year. Sun Belt underdogs are 13-13. This is only second Cure Bowl, so no history to lean on here.

New Orleans Bowl - Southern Mississippi - UL-Lafayette

UL-Lafayette is playing in this bowl for 5th time in last six years; they won previous four, and were underdog three times- those are ULL’s only bowl appearances. Lot of people will make the trip east from Lafayette. ULL is 4-2 as an underdog this year, 7-2 vs number in games with a single-digit spread. ULL QB Jennings started 14 games for LSU before transferring. Southern Miss lost three of last four games, covered one of last eight; they had to beat La Tech as a 14-point dog to get bowl eligible. USM lost as a 10-point favorite to Troy of Sun Belt. Golden Eagles are 1-6 as a favorite this year, 1-2 in games with a single digit spread- they’re 1-3 in last four bowl games, they split two trips to this bowl in 2008-09. Underdogs won this bowl SU three of last five years; Sun Belt teams won four of the five.

Armadillosports.com

Saturday's Top Action
By Sportsbook.ag

Texas-San Antonio vs. New Mexico

Sportsbook.ag Odds: New Mexico (-7); Total set at 63

The college football Bowl season officially gets going on Saturday and the first game on the card is a rare true home game for a Bowl team.

The New Mexico Lobos, who finished with an 8-4 SU and 6-6 ATS record, get to play on their own field as they host the UTSA Road Runners. This will be the first ever Bowl game for the Road Runners who have only been in FBS for five seasons and you know that program will be hyped up to be on the Bowl stage.

Things won't be easy for UTSA here as they've got to go on the road against a very partisan crowd which isn't always the case this time of year. The Road Runners finished the campaign with just a 6-6 SU and ATS record, and four of those defeats did come away from home.

Getting a touchdown here against a Lobos team that's on their own field is something that not too many casual bettors will want to back, but this UTSA team does have a history with New Mexico and could surprise many on Saturday.

The strength of UTSA's attack is that it's a balanced approach that highly values time of possession. HC Frank Wilson is in his first year with the program, but he was previously at LSU as a running back coach and is known as one of the best recruiters in the country. Having just taken over for Larry Coker in January, Wilson's recruiting skills haven't really bore fruits as of yet, but Coker left the program with significant stock and Wilson has made the most of it this year.

The Road Runners will likely aim to dominate the time of possession in this game to keep New Mexico's offense off the field and subsequently keep the partisan home crowd out of the game. IF UTSA is successful in that, then this game has a great chance to go down to the wire.

While Bowl games at home can appear to be a huge advantage on the surface, in practice that's not always the case. Players miss out on a lot of unique Bowl experiences in that regard with all the pre-game events taking on a different feel. There is no sightseeing for New Mexico players to do in a different locale and while the business approach of winning a game does fit better here, these college kids like to get out and go new places during this time of year and when they don't – like New Mexico here – it's tough to really be highly energized for the Bowl game.

Im not saying that will be the case for a Lobos squad, but this team got to their first Bowl game in decades a year ago and wouldn't you know it it was this same New Mexico Bowl. The Lobos lost that game 45-37 vs Arizona and I would not be surprised to see a similar result this season.

On the other hand, there is no question that New Mexico's returning players would have learned from last year's disappointment, but asking them to win by a touchdown is too much here. There defense has been torched in recent weeks to the tune of 84 points allowed over their final two games and when that's the case, the possibility for a back-door cover by UTSA increases.

UTSA has a tremendous run defense that should negate much of the advantage New Mexico has enjoyed on the ground this year (361 yards/game), and with UTSA on a 5-1 ATS run against winning teams, taking the points is the way to go here.

Best Bet: Take Texas-San Antonio +7

Houston Cougars vs. San Diego State Aztecs

Sportsbook.ag Odds: Houston (-3.5); Total set at 55

Arguably the best game on the first day of Bowl games, this Houston/San Diego State game should have a bit of everything. These are two very good programs that finished the year with just three losses each, and San Diego State is coming off a Mountain West Championship.

It's Houston that's generating all the headlines leading up to this game as HC Tom Herman has moved on to bigger things by taking the job at Texas, and leaving DC Todd Orlando to coach this contest.

Backing teams that lose their head coaches at this time of year is always a slippery slope and while Houston does have some very impressive victories this season (Oklahoma, Louisville), you can't help but wonder if the players on this team are prepared to play their best this week.

Interim HC's are always put in a tough spot during Bowl season and it's a situation that the Houston Cougars program knows all too well. This will be the third time since 2007 that the Cougars put an interim HC on the sidelines for one game and the fourth time in that span that they've gone into their Bowl game with a different HC from the regular season.

Big names like Art Briles, Kevin Sumlin, and now Tom Herman have all used the Houston program as a launching point for their careers, and should Major Applewhite experience similar success with the program starting next year and beyond, it would not be surprising at all to see him move to a bigger school. So on one hand, this program is used to dealing with situations like this, but that also doesn’t make it any easier.

For senior QB Greg Ward Jr, this will be the second time in three seasons that he's had to deal with that change and typically it's got to be considered a warning sign for bettors.

Another knock against those looking to back Houston here is the fact that the Cougars have been burning money since the start of October. Houston is 1-6 ATS in their last seven games with the lone win coming in their tremendous 36-10 upset as 17-point underdogs vs. Louisville.

This team has been the definition of one that plays up or down to the level of their competition and given all the changes within the program recently, I don't see them “getting up” for this game against the Aztecs as they did vs the likes of Louisville and Oklahoma.

The fact that Houston promoted their DC to the interim HC position doesn't do them any favors either when they've got to deal with arguably the best RB in the nation in Donnel Pumphrey. Pumphrey has 2018 rushing yards on the season, an average of 6.1 per carry, and needs 108 yards on the ground in this game to be College Football's leading rusher of all time.

That's quite an accomplishment for a RB that doesn't get mainstream attention at San Diego State, but that school is known for producing quality RB's (Marshall Faulk). There's no question that SD State will lean heavily on Pumphrey and their talented defense to limit Houston's offensive possessions in this game and they should have quite a bit of success in doing so.

Houston's defense doesn't have the full attention of their DC right now with him being the HC and that could end up being a disaster for the Cougars here.

So while the majority of bettors, according to Vegas Insider, have been betting on the Cougars for this game (70%+), I'm not shy at all about being in the minority here. San Diego State is more of an unknown program to the majority of bettors and people often don't want to back a team they know little about.

But after Pumphrey sets the all-time rushing record and leads his Aztecs to an outright win and improves upon their 4-1 ATS mark when coming off a win, the entire nation will garner more respect for this Aztecs program.

Best Bet: Take San Diego State +3.5 (and don't be scared about a ML bet either).

Saturday's Early Bowl Tips
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

Texas-San Antonio at New Mexico

This is the Gildan New Mexico Bowl that’ll be played at New Mexico’s home venue, University Stadium in Albuquerque. This is the Lobos’ second straight appearance in this postseason game after losing a 45-37 decision to Arizona last season as nine-point underdogs.

As of Thursday night, most betting shops had New Mexico (8-4 straight up, 6-6 against the spread) installed as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 58.5. The number has moved up from seven earlier in the week, while the total has dipped down from 62.5 points. The Roadrunners were +250 on the money line (risk $100 to win $250).

UNM was a single-digit favorite only once this year, beating Utah St. 24-21 as a 1.5-point road ‘chalk’ on Nov. 12. The Lobos closed out the regular season by smashing Wyoming 56-35 as three-point home underdogs. They led 35-7 at intermission and 42-7 midway through the third quarter. Lamar Jordan led the way by rushing for 176 yards and one TD on just 12 carries. The junior quarterback also completed 4-of-5 passes for 122 yards and one TD without an interception. RB Teriyon Gipson ran for a team-best 217 yards and two TDs on 13 attempts. RB Richard McQuarley also eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark with 121 yards and three TDs on 15 totes.

Bob Davie’s team leads the nation in rushing offense, averaging 360.9 yards per game. Gipson has rushed for 1,209 yards and 12 TDs while averaging an eye-opening 9.2 yards per carry. Tyrone Owens has run for 1,084 yards and seven scores with an 8.1 YPC average, while Jordan has 658 rushing yards and three TDs. McQuarley has rushed for 588 yards and 16 TDs while averaging 4.7 YPC.

New Mexico doesn’t throw it much. Jordan has connected on 37-of-71 passes (52.1%) for 604 yards with a 6/4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Austin Apodaca has completed 53-of-96 throws for 654 yards with a 5/2 TD-INT ratio. Q’ Drennan has 11 receptions for 284 yards and three TDs.

Owens missed the regular-season finale with a foot injury and is listed as ‘questionable’ vs. UTSA. Starting senior nose tackle William Udeh also missed the win over Wyoming and is ‘questionable.’ Udeh has recorded 12 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and one sack.

UTSA (6-6 SU, 6-6 ATS) beat Charlotte by a 33-14 count in its regular-season finale to secure its first bowl-game appearance in program history. Dalton Sturm threw for 286 yards and two TDs without an interception, while Kerry Thomas had five receptions for 145 yards and one TD.

Sturm, the junior signal caller, has completed 58.2 percent of his throws for 2,052 yards with an 18/5 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Sturm has also rushed for 263 yards and four touchdowns. Josh Stewart has a team-best 36 receptions for 682 yards and five TDs, while Thomas has 31 catches for 510 yards and eight TDs.

UTSA’s ground game is led by the 1-2 combination of Jarveon Williams and Jalen Rhodes. Williams has run for 775 yards and eight TDs while averaging 4.1 YPC. Rhodes has rushed for 756 yards and nine TD with a 5.3 YPC average.

Frank Wilson led UTSA to a second-place finish in Conference USA’s West Division with a 5-3 record in league play. The Roadrunners went 3-4 against teams that made the postseason. They compiled a 4-3 spread record with two outright victories as underdogs. Wilson’s squad faced one team from out of the Mountain West Conference in Week 2, losing 23-14 at Colorado St. as an 8.5-point ‘dog. UTSA squared off with a pair of Power Five foes, losing 32-28 to Arizona St. as a 21.5-point puppy and 23-10 at Texas A&M when catching 27 points. The Sun Devils actually trailed the Roadrunners 28-12 midway through the third quarter and 28-15 going into the fourth.

UTSA’s defense is led by redshirt freshman LB Josiah Tauaefa, who was the program’s first player to earn first-team All C-USA honors after recording a program-record 104 tackles, including 7.5 for loss. Tauaefa is ranked third among FBS freshmen in tackles.

The ‘over’ is 10-2 overall for New Mexico, 6-0 in its home games. The Lobos have seen their games average combined scores of 70.2 PPG.

Totals have been an overall wash for the Roadrunners (6-6), but the ‘under’ has cashed in back-to-back games. Their games have averaged combined scores of 58.2 PPG.

Kickoff on Saturday is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

Houston vs. San Diego State

The Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium in Sin City features a matchup of the AAC vs. the Mountain West. As of Thursday night, most spots had Houston (9-3 SU, 5-7 ATS) installed as a four-point favorite with a total of 51.5. The Aztecs were available on the money line for a +160 payout (paid $160 on $100 wagers).

Houston went 22-4 in 26 games under Tom Herman, who left UH to take the Texas job shortly after the Cougars dropped a 48-44 heartbreaker at Memphis in their regular-season finale at the Liberty Bowl. Offensive coordinator Major Applewhite has been tabbed as UH’s new head coach.

Houston probably has the best true freshman in all of America in DT Ed Oliver, who has lived up to his 5-star billing and then some. Oliver has produced 61 tackles, 19 TFL’s, five sacks, three forced fumbles, nine passes broken up and seven QB hurries. Senior LB Steven Taylor has registered a team-best 72 tackles, 11 TFL’s, 8.5 sacks, four QB hurries, two PBU, a pair of forced fumbles and one pick-six.

Houston opened the season with a 33-23 win over Oklahoma as a 13-point underdog at NRG Stadium in H-Town. Senior QB Greg Ward Jr. was the catalyst, throwing for 321 yards and two TDs without an interception. Duke Catalon rushed for 88 yards on 22 totes, while Steven Dunbar hauled in seven receptions for 125 yards. Catalon also had four catches for 29 yards and one TD.

Houston has been a single-digit favorite three times this year, posting a 1-2 spread record.

One of those non-covers from the single-digit ‘chalk’ role was an outright defeat at Memphis. The Tigers won in come-from-behind fashion as six-point home underdogs thanks to Riley Ferguson’s 10-yard scoring strike to Anthony Miller with 19 seconds remaining. UH held a 624-555 advantage in total offense, but the Cougars were minus two in the turnover department. Ward completed 47-of-67 passes for 487 yards and four TDs with one interception. He also ran for a team-high 65 yards on 16 attempts. Catalon rushed 13 times for 60 yards and one TD while also catching seven balls for 41 yards. Linell Bonner had 17 receptions for 235 yards and one TD, while Chance Allen had eight catches for 73 yards and two TDs.

For the season, Ward has completed 67.6 percent of his passes for 3,328 yards with a 22/9 TD-INT ratio. He has rushed for a team-high 518 yards and nine TDs, while Catalon has 510 rushing yards and four TDs. Catalon, a transfer from Texas, missed four games with injuries and averages only 3.9 YPC.

Bonner has a team-high 93 receptions for 1,076 yards and three TDs. Allen has 56 grabs for 815 yards and six TDs, while Dunbar has 51 catches for 669 yards and five scores.

Houston is ranked third in the nation in rush defense and 14th in total defense.

Houston has won back-to-back bowl games, beating Pitt 35-34 in 2014 as a 3.5-point ‘dog at the Armed Forces Bowl. Then last year at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, the Cougars thumped FSU by a 38-24 count as seven-point ‘dogs.

Houston took its other two defeats at Navy (46-40) and at SMU (38-16). The Cougars posted quality wins over Tulsa (38-31), UCF (31-24) and Louisville. They hosted U of L on a Thursday night as 17-point home underdogs. Bobby Petrino’s team was still in the mix for a CFP berth, but UH destroyed the Cardinals 36-10 and cashed money-line tickets for their backers to the tune of a monster return in the +550 range.

San Diego State (10-3 SU, 6-6 ATS) played a soft schedule, which is evidenced by its first underdog spot of the season here. Nevertheless, the Aztecs won the Mountain West Conference Championship Game by capturing a 27-24 win at Wyoming as seven-point road ‘chalk.’ Rashaad Penny rushed for 117 yards and two TDs on 16 carries, while Donnel Pumphrey ran for 110 yards and one TD on 25 attempts.

San Diego State lost two of its last three games, going 0-3 ATS. The Aztecs dropped a 34-33 decision at Wyoming two weeks before returning to Laramie to exact revenge. They closed the regular season by getting smashed 63-31 at Colorado St.

San Diego State is led by Pumphrey, the senior who has shredded all of Marshall Faulk’s school rushing records Pumphrey rushed for a career-best 2,018 yards and 16 TDs this year, averaging 6.1 YPC. He also had 26 catches for 205 yards. Penny has rushed for 995 yards and 11 TDs while averaging 7.9 YPC.

San Diego State QB Christian Chapman has completed 60.3 percent of his passes for 1,866 yards with a 19/6 TD-INT ratio. Chapman’s favorite target is Mikah Holder, who has 26 receptions for 569 yards and five TDs. Penny has 14 catches for 220 yards and three TDs.

San Diego State started the season 3-0, only to get thumped 42-24 at South Alabama as an 18.5-point road favorite in Week 5. The Aztecs responded with six straight wins while going 5-1 ATS, but then they lost their last two regular-season contests.

San Diego State is 12th in the nation in total defense, 11th in defending the run and 19th in scoring (21.0 PPG). This unit has lost three starters to season-ending injuries since late October, including LB Na’im McGee, LB Randy Ricks and CB Billy Vaughn.

Rocky Long has led San Diego State to six straight postseason appearances since taking over. The Aztecs are 2-3 both SU and ATS in those bowl. They drilled Cincinnati 42-7 as 2.5-point favorites at last year’s Hawaii Bowl.

The ‘over’ is 8-5 overall for the Aztecs, cashing in five of their last six outings.

The ‘under’ is 7-5 overall for the Cougars, going 4-1 in their last five games.

ABC will have the broadcast at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

Saturday's Late Bowl Tips
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

Appalachian State vs. Toledo

This is the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl that’ll be contested in Montgomery, Alabama, otherwise known as ‘The Gump.’ This game will feature the MAC against the Sun Belt with Toledo taking on Appalachian State. As of Friday afternoon, most betting shops had Toledo (9-3 straight up, 7-5 against the spread) listed as a one-point favorite with a total of 60.

Toledo started 3-0 before losing a 55-53 decision at BYU in a wild, back-and-forth affair in Provo. The Rockets covered the spread as three-point road underdogs. There were four ties and nine lead changes, including one tie and five lead changes in the final stanza. BYU pulled into a 45-45 tie on Rhett Almond’s 32-yard field goal with 5:21 remaining, and the Cougars went ahead 52-45 on Jamaal Williams’s 14-yard TD run with 3:00 left. Toledo answered on Kareem Hunt’s seven-yard TD run with 1:11 remaining and then first-year head coach Jason Candle brazenly chose to go for two. The conversion was good when Logan Woodside hit Michael Roberts for a three-yard scoring pass. However, trailing 53-52, BYU quickly moved into field-goal range and then actually had two plays inside the 10 that could’ve resulted in a TD and a spread cover. That didn’t happen, though, with Almond’s 19-yard FG proving to be the game winner (unless you were holding a BYU -3 ticket). Woodside completed 30-of-38 passes for 505 yards and five TDs with two interceptions. Hunt rushed for 146 yards and one TD on 27 carries.

Following the loss to BYU, Toledo enjoyed another three-game winning streak before dropping a 31-26 decision to Ohio as a 15-point home ‘chalk.’ The Rockets bounced back with a third three-game winning streak before losing 55-35 at Western Michigan to close the regular season. Their best wins were at Arkansas State (31-10), at Eastern Michigan (35-20) and vs. Central Michigan (31-17).

Toledo is fourth in the nation in total offense, eighth in passing and 18th in scoring, averaging 38.8 points per game. Woodside, the junior signal caller, enjoyed a sensational campaign. He completed 69.1 percent of his passes for 3,882 yards with a 43/9 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Senior WR Corey Jones, an electrifying speedster who thrives on special teams, has 60 receptions for 745 yards and five TDs. Jones has 1,525 all-purpose yards. Cody Thompson has 59 catches for 1,170 yards and 10 TDs, while Jon’Vea Johnson hauled in 38 balls for 751 yards and 10 TDs. Roberts has 43 catches for 514 yards and 15 TDs.

Hunt, a three-time All-MAC selection, needs only 25 rushing yards against the Mountaineers to become the school’s all-time leader. He produced 1,355 rushing yards and eight TDs with a 5.6 yards-per-carry average during his senior campaign. Hunt also had 39 catches for 377 yards and one TD. His 200-yard effort on 20 attempts was a season-high in the regular-season finale at Western Michigan.

Toledo has been a single-digit favorite just once this year, easily cashing tickets in the 31-10 win over Arkansas State as a 4.5-point road favorite.

Appalachian State (9-3 SU, 6-6 ATS) nearly shocked the country on the Thursday night of Week 1 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. Scott Satterfield’s squad was a 21.5-point road underdog at Tennessee, but it jumped out to a 13-3 intermission lead. However, a missed extra point by freshman Michael Rugino, in addition to a 42-yard fourth-quarter field goal that sailed wide right, would come back to haunt the Mountaineers. On a third-and-goal play on the first possession of overtime, UT QB Josh Dobbs dove for the end zone, only to get stuck by an ASU defender and cough up the ball. The fumble was recovered by Jalen Hurd in the end zone for a TD. ASU’s incomplete pass on fourth and five ended the game, but the Mountaineers easily covered the number as 21.5-point road underdogs.

After thumping Old Dominion 31-7 as a 21-point home ‘chalk,’ App. State welcomed Miami to Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone for the biggest home game in the program’s history. Things didn’t go well, however. A long run by Marcus Cox was called back and the star RB was injured in the first quarter. The Hurricanes rolled to a 45-10 win as 4.5-point road favorites.

ASU won six in a row after the loss to UM, only to see its winning streak halted in a 28-24 loss at Troy as a two-point road underdog. The Mountaineers bounced back to win their last two games, beating ULM 42-17 at home before blasting New Mexico State 37-7 as 20-point road ‘chalk.’ In the win over the Aggies, Cox rushed for 140 yards on 16 carries while Jalin Moore ran 17 times for 111 yards and one TD. Junior QB Taylor Lamb completed 20-of-28 passes for 220 yards and one TD without an interception. Lamb also rushed for 71 yards and a pair of scores on 10 attempts.

After getting injured vs. Miami, Cox missed four consecutive games before returning to run for 115 yards and one TD in a 34-10 win at Ga. Southern. For the season, Cox ran for 854 yards and eight TDs with a 6.3 YPC average. Cox is the school’s all-time leading rusher with 4,942 career yards. He also had 12 catches for 102 yards and one TDs this year. Moore rushed for a team-high 1,367 yards and 10 TDs with a 6.2 YPC average.

Lamb completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 2,162 yards with a 14/8 TD-INT ratio. He rushed for 379 yards and eight scores. Those numbers were down from his 2015 stats as a sophomore when Lamb threw for 2,387 yards with a 31/9 TD-INT ratio. He ran for 436 yards and five TDs.

Lamb’s favorite target is Shaedon Meadors, who has 43 receptions for 698 yards and two TDs.

ASU is 15th in the nation in total defense, 23rd in defending the run and seventh in scoring (17.0 PPG).

ASU went to this same bowl game last year, defeating Ohio 31-29 but failing to cover as a 7.5-point favorite.

When Matt Campbell left Toledo to take the Iowa State job last year, Candle led the Rockets to a 32-17 win over Temple at the Boca Raton Bowl as 2.5-point underdogs.

These schools have one common opponent. App. State won 45-38 at Akron, while Toledo coasted to a 48-17 road win against the Zips.

The ‘under’ is 7-5 overall for Appalachian State, which saw its games average combined scores of 46.1 PPG.

The ‘under’ is 6-5-1 overall for the Rockets, who saw their games average combined scores of 64.1 PPG. The ‘under’ cashed at a 4-1-1 clip in their last six outings.

Kickoff is slated for 5:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

Central Florida vs. Arkansas State

The Autonation Cure Bowl will take place in Orlando at Camping World Stadium, where Arkansas State will represent the Sun Belt against Central Florida from out of the AAC. This contest will kick at 5:30 p.m. Eastern on the CBS College Sports Network.

As of Friday, most spots had UCF (6-6 SU, 8-4 ATS) installed as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 50. The Red Wolves were +205 on the money line (risk $100 to win $205).

Scott Frost, the former offensive coordinator at Oregon, took over for George O’Leary and immediately posted a six-game improvement. The Knights finished 2015 with a 0-12 record, but they’re back in the postseason under Frost’s direction.

UCF went 1-2 both SU and ATS in three games as a single-digit favorite during the regular season.

UCF lost back-to-back contests to close the regular season, including a 35-20 home loss to Tulsa and a 48-31 loss at South Fla. The Knights gave up 351 rushing yards to the Bulls and they were minus two in turnover margin.

UFC’s defense is led by junior LB Shaquem Griffin, who has 85 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, six passes broken up, three QB hurries, two forced fumbles and one interception. Senior CB Shaquill Griffin is the leader in the secondary, recording 48 tackles, four interceptions, one pick-six, 2.5 TFL’s, one blocked kick and 12 PBU.

UFC true freshman QB McKenzie Milton took over the job from senior Justin Holman in Week 3. Milton completed 57.9% percent of his passes for 1,808 yards with a 9/7 TD-INT ratio. He has rushed for 153 yards and three TDs. Milton’s favorite target is Tre’Quan Smith, who has 54 receptions for 808 yards and six TDs. UFC uses a trio of RBs led by Jawon Hamilton, who has rushed for a team-high 481 yards and four TDs.

Arkansas State (7-5 SU, 6-6 ATS) won seven if its last eight games while going 6-2 ATS after getting out to an abysmal 0-4 start. Blake Anderson’s team lost its first three games by double-digit margins vs. Toledo (31-10), at Auburn (51-14) and at Utah State (34-20). Then the Red Wolves hit rock bottom by losing at home to an FCS school, Central Arkansas, by a 28-23 count as 16.5-point ‘chalk.’

From there, however, Arkansas State turned it around with a six-game winning streak that included five wins by double-digit margins. The most impressive of those victories came at Troy on national television. The Trojans were 10-point home favorites, unbeaten in Sun Belt play with their only loss coming at Clemson by just a 30-24 score. Arkansas State limited Troy’s high-octane offense to merely 262 yards and forced five turnovers. Justice Hansen threw for 149 yards and one TD without an interception, while Warren Wand rushed for 90 yards on 17 attempts. Justin Clifton had a pair of interceptions for the defense.

Arkansas State has held foes to only 13.7 PPG in its last seven contests. Senior DE Chris Odom leads this unit with a team-best 12.5 sacks, while junior DE Ja’Von Rolland-Jones collected 11 sacks. Odom also tallied 52 tackles, 17.5 TFL’s, six QB hurries, four forced fumbles, two PBU and one blocked kick. Rolland-Jones finished the regular season with 53 tackles, 19 TFL’s and six QB hurries.

Wand has rushed for a team-high 867 yards and seven TDs while averaging 4.7 YPC. Hansen has completed 58.9 percent of his throws for 2,514 yards with a 16/8 TD-INT ratio. Blake Mack and Kendall Sanders have both caught 33 balls apiece. Mack has 585 receiving yards and three TD grabs, while Sanders has 426 receiving yards and four TD receptions.

Arkansas State has been an underdog four times this year, compiling a 2-2 record both SU and ATS with outright scalps at Troy and at Ga. Southern.

This is Arkansas State’s third straight postseason appearance under Anderson, but the Red Wolves are looking for their first bowl win on his watch. They lost 47-28 to La. Tech as 1.5-point underdogs at last season’s New Orleans Bowl.

The ‘under’ has been a monster money maker in Arkansas State games, cashing at a 9-2-1 overall clip. The Red Wolves have watched their games average combined scores of 49.2 PPG.

The ‘under’ is 8-4 overall for UCF, going 6-1 in its last seven games. The Knights have seen their games average combined scores of 54.2 PPG.

Southern Miss vs. UL-Lafayette

This is the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl that’ll take place at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in the Crescent City. Mark Hudspeth’s program is no stranger to this game. In fact, before last year’s dismal 4-8 campaign, the Ragin’ Cajuns not only went to the New Orleans Bowl four straight years, but they won it four consecutive times both SU and ATS. They beat San Diego State 32-30 as four-point ‘dogs in ’11 before besting East Carolina 43-34 as 6.5-point ‘chalk’ in ’12. Also, UL-L edged Tulane 24-21 as a 1.5-point puppy and knocked off Nevada 16-3 as a 1.5-point ‘dog.

Southern Miss is no stranger to the New Orleans Bowl, either. The Golden Eagles are also making their fifth appearance. They are 3-1 with wins in ’04, ’05 and ’08 with a loss in ’09.

As of Friday, most books had So. Miss (6-6 SU, 3-8-1 ATS) listed as a six-point favorite with a total of 58.5. The line opened at two at The Westgate SuperBook, but it was up to 3.5 within 24 hours. Then on Monday, the number went to four and was to 4.5 by Tuesday and five on Wednesday. The number was up to six as of Thursday. The total opened at 58 points and hasn’t moved much, resting at 58.5 at most place on Friday. The Ragin’ Cajuns can be had on the money line for a nice +200 return.

Jay Hopson’s first team at So. Miss got out to a nice start, winning its opener 44-35 at Kentucky after trailing 35-10 late in the second quarter. The Golden Eagles improved to 4-1, with their lone defeat coming at home to Troy by a 37-31 score, by winning at UTEP (34-7) and vs. Rice (44-28) in their first two C-USA games. However, four lopsided defeats followed in the next five outings.

The slide began with a 55-32 loss at Texas-San Antonio as a 16.5-point road ‘chalk.’ After a 45-10 loss at LSU, So. Miss briefly stopped the bleeding with a 24-14 non-covering home win over Marshall. Next, the Golden Eagles lost 38-27 to Charlotte as 19.5-point home favorites. Following a 51-35 loss at Old Dominion and a 29-23 setback at North Texas, they had to win the regular-season finale at home vs. La. Tech to get bowl eligible.

With a seven-game ATS losing streak to go with five outright defeats in the last six outings, So. Miss produced its best performance in months by beating La. Tech 39-24 as a 14.5-point home underdog. Nick Mullens couldn’t have played better on his Senior Night in Hattiesburg, completing 29-of-33 passes for 342 yards and three TDs without an interception. Ito Smith rushed for 127 yards on 24 attempts and also had four catches for 63 yards. D.J. Thompson had a team-high 12 receptions for 135 yards and two TDs. Junior safety Picasso Nelson had a pair of interceptions.

As a junior in 2015, Mullens threw for 4,476 yards with a 38/12 TD-INT ratio. He couldn’t duplicate those numbers this year, however. Mullens missed losses at ODU and at North Texas due to injuries. He finished the regular season by connecting on 63.4 percent of his throws for 2,926 yards with a 22/10 TD-INT ratio. Mullens rushed for four TDs.

Smith led the Golden Eagles with 1,321 rushing yards and 15 TDs with a 5.5 YPC average. He also had 42 catches for 453 yards and one TD. Allen Staggers is Mullens’s top target. Staggers has 51 receptions for 927 yards and six TDs, while Thompson has 43 catches for 470 yards and six TDs.

So. Miss has been a single-digit favorite three times this year, going 0-3 both SU and ATS. Meanwhile, UL-Lafayette has posted a 4-2 spread record with a pair of outright victories in six games as an underdog.

UL-Lafayette (6-6 SU, 8-4 ATS) has covered the spread in four consecutive games, including a 30-3 win at ULM as a 5.5-point road favorite in the regular-season finale. The defense forced five turnovers and scored a pair of TDs on scoop and scores. Trevera Miller’s 73-yard return of a fumble recovery gave UL-L a 14-3 lead early in the second quarter. Then with 5:10 left until halftime, Otha Peters put his team ahead 21-3 with a 29-yard return of a fumble recovery. Elijah McGuire rushed for 110 yards and one TD on 28 totes.

Hudspeth’s team produced its best wins at home over South Alabama (28-23) and Arkansas State (24-19). The Ragin’ Cajuns beat the Red Hawks as six-point home underdogs thanks to three defensive stops on fourth-down conversion attempts and a 17-yard pick-six by junior DT Taboris Lee. UL-L QB Anthony Jennings, a transfer from LSU, threw for 242 yards and two TDs without an interception.

McGuire is the school’s second all-time leading rusher with 3,896 career yards. He was a Freshman All-American in 2013 and the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year in 2014. He ran for 1,028 yards this season to give him three 1,000-yard rushing years. McGuire averaged 4.8 YPC and had seven rushing TDs. McGuire also had 28 catches for 231 yards and two TDs.

Jennings has completed 61.1 percent of his passes for 2,083 yards with a mediocre 11/12 TD-INT ratio. Jennings has rushed for 322 yards and seven TDs. His best WR is Al Riles, who has 55 catches for 665 yards and two TDs. Keenan Barnes has 30 catches for 406 yards and a team-best six TD grabs.

The ‘under’ is 7-4-1 overall for UL-L, going 5-2 in its last seven regular-season contests. The Ragin’ Cajuns have watched their games average combined scores of 48.9 PPG.

The ‘over’ is 6-5-1 overall for So. Miss, but it saw the ‘under’ connect its last two regular-season contests. The Golden Eagles have seen their games average combined scores of 63.5 PPG.

Kickoff is slated for 9:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

New Mexico Bowl betting preview: New Mexico vs Texas-San Antonio
By Covers.com

New Mexico Lobos vs Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners (+7.5, 59.5)

It will be a program participating in its first bowl game against a school playing in rather-familiar territory Dec. 17 when Texas-San Antonio tangles with New Mexico on its own University Stadium turf in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl on Dec. 17 in Albuquerque. The Roadrunners, of Conference USA, beat Charlotte 33-14 in their regular-season finale to earn a bowl invitation in their sixth season of play, matching the FBS earliest-bowl-bid record shared by South Alabama (2014) and Georgia State (2015). Meanwhile, the Lobos of the Mountain West Conference will be making their second straight and fourth overall New Mexico Bowl appearance in the 11-year history of the post-season contest.

Guided by fifth-year coach Bob Davie, 8-4 New Mexico is in the midst of its best season in a decade and is seeking the fifth nine-win campaign in the program’s 85-year history. The Lobos, however, are 3-8-1 in bowl games, including 1-2 in the New Mexico Bowl, and its 2007 New Mexico Bowl win over Nevada stands as its only bowl victory since 1961. The Lobos went 5-1 in Albuquerque this season, and won six of its last seven games overall to earn a share of the Mountain West Mountain Division title at 6-2.

Like the Mountain West, Conference USA also is sending seven teams to bowls, with UTSA joining Old Dominion as first-time FBS post-season participants. The Roadrunners are guided by first-year coach Frank Wilson, who had spent the previous 11 seasons as an SEC assistant, and they finished second in the C-USA’s West Division with a 5-3 record. UTSA went 3-4 against bowl qualifiers during the regular season and played the two Power Five opponents – Arizona State and Texas A&M – tough in 32-28 and 23-10 losses, respectively.

LINE HISTORY: The Lobos opened the week as 7-point favorites and that numbered held until Thursday before inching up to 7.5. The total opened at 62.5 and briefly moved up to 63, before fading late in the week to 59.5. Check out the complete history here.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: “College bowl season begins Saturday, with a couple of entertaining games. In the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, Will UT-San Antonio be able to showcase enough defense against a fast-moving Lobos offense? Vice-versa will the Lobos defense be able to handle the methodical move-the-chains approach from UT-San Antonio?” - Covers Expert Zack Cimini

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We opened New Mexico as a 7 point favourite and took all the early action on New Mexico to cover (a 77% clip) We have since moved to New Mexico -7.5 which has started to bring some action in on UTSA +7.5, 40% to be exact." - Michael Stewart from CarbonGaming.ag.

WEATHER REPORT: The forecast for University Stadium Saturday afternoon is calling for partial cloudy skies with a passing shower with temperatures in the mid-40’s and 18mph winds coming in from the southeast.

INJURY REPORT:

New Mexico - DL William Udeh (questionable, knee), RB Tyrone Owens (probable, foot)

Texas-San Antonio - C Juan Perez-Isidoro (questionable, undisclosed)

ABOUT THE LOBOS (8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS, 10-2 O/U): On the legs of running backs Teriyon Gibson (120.9 yards per game, 12 TDs) and Tyrone Owens (98.5 yards, seven TDs), the Lobos and their option attack lead the FBS in all the major rushing categories, including total yards (4,331), yards per game (360.9) and yards per carry (6.81). Quarterbacks Lamar Jordan and Austin Apodaca have shared time, but the former is the more potent rushing threat with 658 yards and three TDs on the ground for New Mexico, which averaged a Mountain West-best 37.8 points per outing and is fewer than 100 yards away from setting a school single-season record for total offense. Defensive linemen Nik D’Avanzo (60 total tackles) and Garrett Hughes (team-most 6.5 sacks) were All-Mountain West second-team selections and lead a unit which allows 32.4 points and 397.3 yards per game.

ABOUT THE ROADRUNNERS (6-6 SU, 6-6 ATS, 6-6 O/U): The Roadrunners rely heavily on their 1-2 rushing punch of senior Jarveon Williams, the program’s all-time leading ground gainer, and sophomore Jalen Rhodes, who have combined for 1,903 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns this season. UTSA’s passing attack is average all around under junior quarterback Dalton Strum, who averages 192.9 yards of total offense per game and has accounted for 22 total TDs with junior wide receivers Josh Stewart (36 receptions-682 yards-five TDs) and Kerry Thomas Jr. (31-510-8 ) serving as his top targets. Defensively, the Roadrunners ranked third in C-USA with an average of 28.3 points and fourth with an average of 400 yards allowed per game, and are led by freshman linebacker Josiah Tauaefa – the first UTSA player to earn first-team all-Conference-USA honors – who currently ranks third among FBS freshmen in tackles with a program single-season-record 104 total stops, including 7.5 tackles for loss.

TRENDS:

* Lobos are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
* Roadrunners are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.
* Over is 6-0 in Lobos last 6 non-conference games.
* Over is 12-2 in Lobos last 14 games overall.

CONSENSUS: 61 percent of the public is grabbing New Mexico and 58 percent are taking the Over.

Las Vegas Bowl betting preview: Houston vs San Diego State
By Covers.com

Houston Cougars vs San Diego State Aztecs (+4.5, 52)

Houston interim coach Todd Orlando guides the Cougars into the Las Vegas Bowl matchup with San Diego State on Dec. 17 after Tom Herman departed to become Texas coach. Houston has never won bowl games in three consecutive seasons so the current group has plenty to play for against the Aztecs. San Diego State is attempting to match the school mark for victories and is participating in a bowl for the seventh straight season, the longest streak in school history.

San Diego State senior running back Donnel Pumphrey (6,290 yards) sits 108 yards away from surpassing Wisconsin's Ron Dayne (6,397) as the all-time leading career rusher in FBS history. Moving past Dayne doesn't come without controversy for Pumphrey as the NCAA didn't recognize bowl statistics during Dayne's career from 1996-99, otherwise Dayne's yardage total is 7,125. Pumphrey rushed for 2,018 yards in the regular season but figures to be tested by the Cougars, who rank third nationally in rushing defense (97.9 yards per game) and allow just 2.9 yards per carry.

Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. is playing the final game of his spectacular career and ranks fifth in school history in both passing touchdowns (52) and passing yardage (8,476). Ward accounted for 31 touchdowns (22 passing, nine rushing) this season while throwing for 3,328 yards and rushing for 518. His health is something to watch as Ward has been dealing with shoulder soreness for most of the campaign but leg soreness could have an effect as well on a player who has 38 career rushing touchdowns.

LINE HISTORY: The line opened with Houston as 3-point favorites and has inched up to 3.5 in Todd Orlando’s first game as Cougars coach. The total opened at 55 and has faded to 52.5 late in the week. Check out the complete history here.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: “It's odd to see a Las Vegas Bowl partake without a Pac-12 representative. Yet, Houston's offensive display should pose as better on field value as opposed from a bottom-tier Pac-12 representative.” - Covers Expert Zack Cimini

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We opened Houston as a 3 point favourite and took all Houston action early, over 85% worth. We are now sitting at Houston -4 with just under 75% of the action on them to cover." - Michael Stewart from CarbonGaming.ag.

WEATHER REPORT: The forecast for Sam Boyd Stadium in Whitney, Nevada for kickoff is mostly sunny with temperatures in the high-40’s and slight winds coming from the south.

INJURY REPORT:

Houston - WR Linell Bonner (probable, shoulder), WR Ra’Shaad Samples (questionable, concussion), QB D’Eriq King (out, knee)

San Diego State - No injuries to report.

ABOUT THE AZTECS (9-3 SU, 5-7 ATS, 5-7 O/U): The Aztecs have won 11 games three times in their history and this year's squad is a run-based team that relies on Pumphrey and junior Rashaad Penny (995 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns). Pumphrey rushed for 16 touchdowns while shattering numerous records held by school legend Marshall Faulk and Penny averaged 7.9 yards per carry running the ball as well as averaging 31.9 yards and scoring two touchdowns on kickoff returns. Sophomore quarterback Christian Chapman (19 touchdowns, six interceptions) isn't asked to do a lot in passing game and San Diego State rides a sturdy defense led by senior cornerback Damontae Kazee (seven interceptions this season, school-record 17 in his career) and senior outside linebacker Calvin Munson (team-best 108 tackles).

ABOUT THE COUGARS (10-3 SU, 6-6-1 ATS, 8-5 O/U): Ward fuels an attack that averages 38 points per game and junior receiver Linell Bonner caught 93 passes for 1,076 yards but only found the end zone three times. The Cougars' best player is freshman defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who posted 19 1/2 tackles for losses (including five sacks) but he could be hampered in the bowl game by a balky knee. Sophomore cornerback Howard Wilson intercepted a team-best five passes while senior outside linebacker Steven Taylor had a team-best 72 tackles for the unit run by Orlando, who is hoping to land the full-time head-coaching gig after recently interviewing for the post.

TRENDS:

* Cougars are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 neutral site games.
* Cougars are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
* Aztecs are 0-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
* Over is 5-1 in Cougars last 6 games in December.
* Over is 5-1 in Aztecs last 6 games overall.

CONSENSUS: 56 percent of the betting public is grabbing Houston and 69 percent are taking the Over.

Automation Cure Bowl betting preview: Central Florida vs Arkansas State
By Covers.com

Central Florida Knights vs Arkansas State Red Wolves (5.5, 49.5)

Arkansas State and Central Florida both made major turnarounds to arrive at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. for the AutoNation Cure Bowl on Dec. 17. UCF went 0-12 in 2015 but won six of its first 10 games this season under first-year coach Scott Frost before losing to Tulsa and South Florida. Meanwhile, the Red Wolves began the season 0-4, including a 51-14 loss to Auburn, before winning seven of their last eight to gain a share of their fifth Sun Belt Conference title in six years.

The teams are led by their defenses, which both rank in the top 50 in yards allowed per game and are among the top 15 in sacks. The Knights allowed a total of nine points to American Athletic Conference rivals Tulane and Cincinnati in the first two games of November and are led by linebacker Shaquem Griffin (85 tackles, 11 sacks). Arkansas State has allowed an average of 13.7 points over its last seven contests while defensive ends Chris Odom and Ja’Von Rolland-Jones have combined for 24 sacks.

Arkansas State starts a sophomore quarterback in Justice Hansen while UCF is led by freshman signal-caller McKenzie Milton - and each has had his moments. Milton, who played in nine of the last 10 games after taking over for senior Justin Holman, is averaging almost 201 yards through the air with nine touchdown passes and seven interceptions. Hansen did not open the season as the starter but has thrown for 2,514 yards with 16 TDs and eight interceptions – 10 and two, respectively, in the last six games.

LINE HISTORY: The Knights opened the week as 6.5-point favorites and during the week it has slowly faded a full point to 5.5. The total opened at 49 and has been bet up a half-point to 49.5. Check out the complete history here.

WEATHER REPORT: The forecast for Camping World Stadium is calling for mostly sunny skies, winds out south southeast ranging from 6-10 mph and temperatures in the mid-80’s.

INJURY REPORT:

Central Florida - No injuries to report

Arkansas State - DE Chase Robison (probable, undisclosed), OL Devin Mondie (probable, shoulder), LB Trent Ellis (questionable, undisclosed), DL Waylon Roberson (questionable, knee)

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "On Straight bets is pretty Even, with more Action on Central Florida. On Parlays and on Teasers the Action is on Central Florida and the Game to Go Over. The Total’s Action is on the Game to Go Over." BetNow.eu oddsmaker.

ABOUT THE KNIGHTS (9-3 SU, 6-6 ATS, 5-7 O/U): The Knights return to the postseason for the first time since losing to North Carolina State 34-27 in the 2014 St. Petersburg Bowl, dropping to 3-4 in the program’s history that includes a 2013 Fiesta Bowl triumph over Baylor. Milton has thrown for 458 yards in his last two games and has one premier target in sophomore Tre'Quan Smith, who has made 54 receptions for 808 yards along with five touchdowns. UCF is 96th in the nation in rushing (151.9 yards), with freshman Jawon Hamilton (481, four TDs) and senior Dontravious Wilson (463, eight) leading the way.

ABOUT THE RED WOLVES (9-3 SU, 7-5 ATS, 5-6-1 O/U): Hansen has a variety of weapons at his disposal as five receivers have accumulated 300 yards, including tight end Blake Mack (33 catches, 585 yards, three touchdowns) and senior wideout Kendall Sanders (33, 426, four). Running back Warren Wand has recorded 867 yards and seven scores on the ground for the Red Wolves, who are 2-4 in bowl games as they prepare for their sixth in a row. The defense (374.5 yards allowed) has had several contributors, including senior linebacker Xavier Woodson-Luster (team-leading 88 tackles).

TRENDS:

* Knights are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
* Red Wolves are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.
* Red Wolves are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.
* Under is 6-1 in Knights last 7 games overall.
* Under is 4-0 in Red Wolves last 4 games following a ATS loss.

CONSENSUS: 55 percent of the users are taking Arkansas State and 51 percent are taking the Over.

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl betting preview: Appalachian State vs Toledo
By Covers.com

Appalachian State Mountaineers vs Toledo Rockets (-1, 59.5)

Appalachian State will return to familiar grounds and aim for similar results when it plays Toledo on Dec. 17 in Montgomery, Ala. The Mountaineers, co-champions of the Sun Belt Conference, faced Ohio last season in the second year of the Camellia Bowl and came away with a 31-29 victory inside the 21,000-seat Cramton Bowl. Toledo, which was the runner-up in the West Division of the Mid-American Conference, will be making its sixth bowl appearance in the last seven years, most recently beating Temple 32-17 in last season's Marmot Boca Raton Bowl - the first game as coach for Jason Candle.

Both teams feature 1,300-yard rushers, but Appalachian State has a second running back that's topped 1,400 each of the last two seasons in senior Marcus Cox. He'd likely be nearing that mark again if not for a four-game absence caused by a left quadriceps injury that occurred at the end of a negated 79-yard touchdown run on Sept. 17 against Miami. His injury opened the door for Jalin Moore to receive more playing time, however, and the sophomore responded by rushing for at least 100 yards in eight of the last nine games, giving the Rockets two explosive ball carriers on which to focus.

Toledo wasn't able to topple unbeaten Western Michigan in the MAC championship game on Nov. 25, but few offenses have kept up with the Rockets this season. Behind the nation-leading 43 touchdown passes by junior quarterback Logan Woodside, they enter the bowl season ranked eighth in the nation in passing offense at 329.1 yards per game and fourth in total offense at 529.8. Appalachian State, by comparison, was 10th in the Sun Belt Conference in pass offense during the regular season (184) and second in total offense (429.6).

LINE HISTORY: The Rockets opened as 1-point favorites and that line was bumped up to 1.5 for most of the week before fading back to 1 Thursday afternoon. The total opened at 57 and has been slowly inching up throughout the week to 58.5. Check out the complete history here.

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "On Straight bets the Action is heavier on Appalachian State. On Parlays and on Teasers the Action is on Appalachian State and the Game to Go Over. The Total’s Action is on the Game to Go Over." - Oddsmaker for BetNow.eu.

WEATHER REPORT: The forecast for Montgomery, Alabama at kickoff is mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the high 60’s at kickoff with winds to the north at 9 mph.

INJURY REPORT:

Appalachian State - OL Beau Nunn (probable, undisclosed), WR Shaedon Meadors (probable, foot)

Toledo - No injuries to report

ABOUT THE MOUNTAINEERS (9-3 SU, 6-6 ATS, 5-7 O/U): Not only will Cramton Bowl be a familiar site for coach Scott Satterfield, but the Rockets likely will bring back memories as well. Satterfield was the passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Toledo in 2009 - serving on the same staff as Candle, who was in his first year as a 29-year-old slot receivers/tight ends coach. Satterfield also still is young at 43 but has experience and proven success, likely putting both on short lists to replace coaches at higher-profile programs such as Cincinnati and Indiana.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (9-3 SU, 7-5 ATS, 5-6-1 O/U): The Rockets have a solid running game they can implement if Appalachian State floods the secondary, and Kareem Hunt has some incentive to end his collegiate career on a high note. He enters the game with 1,355 rushing yards on the season and 4,825 for his career, 25 away from passing Chester Taylor as the school's career leader. Hunt has produced 27 performances with at least 100 rushing yards during his stay at Toledo and has become a dependable receiver as well, catching at least three passes in eight games this season - another reason why he was invited to participate in the Senior Bowl.

TRENDS:

* Mountaineers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win.
* Rockets are 8-0-1 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games.
* Over is 4-1 in Mountaineers last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Under is 4-1-1 in Rockets last 6 games overall.
* Under is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 neutral site games.

CONSENSUS: 60 percent of the betting public is taking Toledo and 64 percent are taking the Over.

New Orleans Bowl Betting Preview: Southern Mississippi vs UL Lafayette
By Covers.com

Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles vs UL Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (6, 59)

Louisiana-Lafayette needed to win its final two games to become bowl eligible and did just that with triumphs over Arkansas State and Louisiana-Monroe in the last two weeks. Southern Miss, which will face the Ragin' Cajuns in the New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 17, dropped three in a row beginning in November to fall out of the bowl picture before stunning Conference USA West champion Louisiana Tech in the regular-season finale to even its record. The Golden Eagles are making their second straight bowl appearance while Louisiana is back after missing out in 2015.

The Ragin' Cajuns should feel right at home in the Superdome after making four straight appearances in the New Orleans Bowl from 2011-14. Louisiana earned the win on the field in all four trips - beating San Diego State, East Carolina, Tulane and Nevada, but two of the victories were later vacated. Southern Miss lost to Washington in the Heart of Dallas Bowl last year and also is making its fifth appearance in the New Orleans Bowl after wins in 2004, 2005 and 2008 and a loss in 2009.

The Golden Eagles are led by senior quarterback Nick Mullens, who returned from a two-game absence due to a concussion in the regular-season finale and totaled four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) to help clinch the bowl berth. Mullen will go up against a Ragin' Cajuns pass defense that allowed opposing signal-callers to complete 62 percent of their throws during the regular season but have tightened things up of late. Louisiana surrendered 31 passing yards in its victory over Louisiana-Monroe.

LINE HISTORY: The line opened with the Golden Eagles 2-point favorites, that wasn’t enough for betting public and has since jumped up to 6 as of Friday. The total opened at 58 and has been bumped up a full point to 59. Check out the complete history here.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: Louisiana returns to a bowl game after a 4-8 season last year and the Cajuns are in familiar territory as they went to the New Orleans Bowl four straight years from 2011-2014 and won them all. This is a weaker version of those teams however as they come in at 6-6, were outgained on average and have a pretty weak defense. Southern Mississippi also comes in at 6-6 and really struggled late in the season as it opened 4-1 before finishing 2-5. The Golden Eagles defeated Louisiana Tech in the season finale to become bowl eligible and that also snapped a seven-game ATS losing streak. Their defense struggled as well so a high scoring game could take place in New Orleans. - Covers Expert Matt Fargo

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "On Straight bets the Action is heavier on Southern Miss. On Parlays the Action is heavier on Southern Miss and the Game to Go Over. On Teasers the Action is on UL Lafayette and the Game to Go Over. The Money Line Action is heavier on Southern Miss. The Total’s Action is on the Game to Go Over." - BetNow.eu oddsmaker

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "ULL returns to a bowl game after a 4-8 season last year and the Cajuns are in familiar territory as they went to the New Orleans Bowl four straight years from 2011-2014 and won them all. This is a weaker version of those teams however as they come in at 6-6, were outgained on average and have a pretty weak defense. Southern Mississippi also comes in at 6-6 and really struggled late in the season as it opened 4-1 before finishing 2-5. The Golden Eagles defeated Louisiana Tech in the season finale to become bowl eligible and that also snapped a seven-game ATS losing streak. Their defense struggled as well so a high scoring game could take place in New Orleans." - Covers Expert Matt Fargo

INJURY REPORT:

Southern Mississippi - DL Derrick Dixon (questionable, undisclosed), QB Parker Adamson (questionable, leg), K Parker Shaunfield (questionable, undisclosed)

UL Lafayette - RB Darius Hoggins (probable, ankle), WR Jared Johnson (probable, concussion), WR Michael Jacquet (probable, ankle), DL Jarvis Jeffries (probable, groin), RB Raymond Calais (questionable, shoulder)

ABOUT THE GOLDEN EAGLES (6-6 SU, 3-8-1 ATS, 6-5-1 O/U): Mullens is playing his final college game after setting a school record with 85 career touchdown passes and found a new weapon in the finale in Keon Howard. Howard, who started two games at quarterback while Mullens was out, shared the field against Louisiana Tech while serving as a receiving and a wildcat threat in the backfield. Running back Ito Smith rushed for 1,321 yards and 15 TDs while adding 42 receptions to an offense that averages 33.4 points.

ABOUT THE RAGIN’ CAJUNS (6-6 SU, 8-4 ATS, 4-7-1 O/U): The Ragin' Cajuns will start a senior at quarterback as well in Anthony Jennings, who remarkably guided his team to a win in the regular-season finale without recording a passing yard (2-of-5 for zero yards). Running back Elijah McGuire rushed for over 1,000 yards for the third consecutive season and has recorded 52 career touchdowns (10 receiving). Louisiana turned things around on the defensive end down the stretch en route to bowl eligibility and totaled three defensive TDs in its final two games.

TRENDS:

* Golden Eagles are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
* Ragin' Cajuns are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 bowl games.
* Ragin' Cajuns are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
* Over is 4-0 in Golden Eagles last 4 games following a straight up win.
* Golden Eagles are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 meetings.

CONSENSUS: Users are split 50/50 on the line, while the over is getting 61 percent of the action.

Steve's Screenshot
By Steve Merril

UTSA vs. New Mexico (-9.5, 54)

My power ratings make New Mexico -9, so there is no value on this game from a numbers perspective.

However, New Mexico is essentially playing a home game with this game coming in their home stadium. The Lobos lost 45-37 to Arizona in this same bowl last season, so they will be looking to atone for that defeat. New Mexico went 5-1 SU and 3-3 ATS at home this season with three of those wins coming by 10 points or more.

UTSA went 2-4 SU on the road, but they played a difficult schedule. The Roadrunners faced five bowl teams on the road: Texas A&M, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee State, Old Dominion, and Colorado State. UTSA gave up 174 rushing yards per game on 4.7 yards per rush on the road, and since New Mexico averages 361 rushing yards per game on 6.8 yards per rush, that’s a major concern for the Roadrunners in this game.

Houston (-5.5, 51.5) vs. San Diego State

My power ratings make Houston -5, so the line is spot on.

Houston opened as a 3-point favorite over San Diego State, but this line has steadily gone higher. Houston’s head coach Tom Herman left for Baylor, and after the Cougars beat Florida State in the Peach Bowl last season, this game may be an afterthought, especially after they lost their last regular season game.

San Diego State only lost three games all season, but those defeats came when they were double digit favorites. The Aztecs were projected to go undefeated because of their easy schedule, and they had hopes of a much better bowl game. San Diego State plays in Las Vegas every other year in conference play, so this destination is nothing special for them.

Las Vegas had terrible winds on Friday (35-40mph), and projections call for 25mph winds with very cold temperatures (39 degrees) for game time. Those are abnormal weather conditions for Las Vegas at this time of the year, so they could have an impact on this game, especially the total which has already dropped 9 points from the opener.

Arkansas State vs. Central Florida (-4, 51)

My power ratings make Central Florida a 5-point favorite in this game.

Arkansas State had a mediocre offense this season while averaging 27.0 points per game on 5.6 yards per play versus defenses that gave up 28.2 points per game on 5.7 yards per play. The Red Wolves had a strong defense that only gave up 22.2 points per game on 5.2 yards per play versus defenses that gave up 26.7 points per game on 5.5 yards per play.

Central Florida went 6-6 SU on the season after losing their last two games. The Golden Knights had a fortunate offense that scored 30.1 points per game on just 4.8 yards per play. Those numbers don’t correlate, so they are not the type of team to lay points with. Central Florida had a strong defense though as they only gave up 24.1 points per game on 4.9 yards per play versus defenses that gave up 28.3 points per game on 5.5 yards per play.

Appalachian State (-1, 60.5) vs. Toledo

My power ratings make this game a Pick'em, so there’s not much value with the spread currently sitting on +1 for Toledo.

This game is a matchup of strong offense (Toledo) versus strong defense (Appalachian State). Toledo is averaging 38.8 points per game on a whopping 7.2 yards per play versus defenses that allow 28.3 points per game on 5.8 yards per play.

Appalachian State’s defense gives up just 17.0 points per game on 4.9 yards per play versus offenses that average 27.8 points per game on 5.6 yards per play this year.