2023 68 Ventures Bowl Betting Odds, Predictions, Preview

The 68 Ventures Bowl wrapped up on Saturday, December 23, 2023 and bettors saw South Alabama roll Eastern Michigan, 59-10 as 16.5-point favorites.

Recap all the 2023 68 Ventures Bowl Betting Odds, Picks, Predictions and History below and be sure to check back for the 2024 installment.

68 Ventures Bowl Betting Odds

SALA @ EMICH Odds

  • Opening point spread: South Alabama -16
  • Opening moneyline: South Alabama -800/Eastern Michigan +550
  • Opening total: Over/Under 48.5 points scored
  • Time: 7 p.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 23 (ESPN)

UPDATE 8:30 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 22: In the 68 Ventures Bowl, Eastern Michigan opened -15 at DraftKings Sportsbook. The Eagles (6-6 SU/6-5-1 ATS) spent much of the month at -16, but on Tuesday advanced to -17.

It's two-way spread play, with 56% of bets on EMU/56% of money on South Alabama (6-6 SU/4-8 ATS).

Per usual, the transfer portal and injuries are part of the equation. More on that here.

Click here for Vegas Insider senior reporter Patrick Everson's full College Football Bowl Odds: Spreads, Lines, Trends for Every Bowl Game.

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68 Ventures Bowl Pick, Prediction

Action Network college football betting expert Collin Wilson offers this prediction:

Eastern Michigan beat Buffalo and Akron to close the season with six wins, signifying another overachievement for head coach Chris Creighton.

The Eagles won their first bowl since 1987 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl a year ago but now travel to a hostile environment in Mobile, Alabama. Once known as the LendingTree, Dollar General and GoDaddy Bowl, the 68 Ventures Bowl will take place on South Alabama’s home field of Hancock Whitney Stadium.

The Eastern Michigan offense is bottom-15 in nearly every category after facing the second-easiest schedule in the nation. Even with star running back La’Damian Webb opting for the NFL Draft, South Alabama will have too much firepower for a team that struggled in MAC play.

Pick: South Alabama -15.5

For more college football picks, check out Action Network's College Football Bowl Confidence Pool Rankings: Collin Wilson’s Picks for All 2023 Bowl Games.

68 Ventures Bowl Betting Resources

  • Date: Saturday, December 23, 2023
  • TV-Time: ESPN, 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Venue: Hancock Whitney Stadium
  • Location: Mobile, Alabama

68 Ventures Bowl History

The LendingTree Bowl began in 1999 and the matchup currently features schools from the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and the Sun Belt. The game takes place at Ladd Peebles Stadium from Mobile, Alabama.

This game was previously called the Mobile Alabama Bowl, GMAC Mobile Alabama Bowl, GMAC Bowl, GoDaddy.com Bowl, Dollar General Bowl, and Lending Tree Bowl. 

Arkansas State has made the most appearances with four while owning a 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS record. Appalachian State won the latest installment in 2017, top Mid-American Conference champ Toledo by a 34-0 score.

In 2018, Troy kept the 'dogs barking with a 42-32 comeback victory against Buffalo of the MAC. The Trojans outscored the Bulls 21-8 in the second half to earn the victory. It was the second win in three seasons for the Trojans in this game.

In 2019 under the new LendingTree banner, Louisiana picked up a 27-17 win for the Sun Belt Conference, while Miami (Ohio) was able to grab the cover as a two-touchdown 'dog, a common theme at this bowl game no matter the name. The MAC has dropped five straight in this game.

In 2020, Georgia State snapped a five-game run by underdogs, pounding Western Kentucky by a 39-21 score as 3-point favorites.

Favorites have won and covered the last four games in Mobile, capped off by South Alabama crushing Eastern Michigan, 59-10 in 2023.

68 Ventures Bowl Betting History

YearMatchupSpread, TotalsATS Result
2023South Alabama 59 Eastern Michigan 10South Alabama -16.5, 42.5Favorite, Over
2022Southern Mississippi 38 Rice 24USM -6.5, 45.5Favorite, Over
2021Liberty 56 Eastern Michigan 20Liberty -9.5, 58.5Favorite, Over
2020Georgia State 39 Western KY 21Georgia State -3, 50.5Favorite, Over
2019Louisiana 27 Miami (OH) 17Louisiana -15, 55.5Underdog, Under
2018Troy 42 Buffalo 32Buffalo -1.5, 51.5Underdog, Over
2017Appalachian State 34 Toledo 0Toledo -6.5, 61.5Underdog, Under
2016Troy 28 Ohio 23Troy -6, 49Underdog, Over
2015Georgia Southern 58 Bowling Green 27Bowling Green -5.5, 63Underdog, Over
2014Toledo 63 Arkansas State 44Toledo -3, 70.5Favorite, Over
2013Arkansas State 23 Ball State 20Ball State -6.5, 63.5Underdog, Under
2012Arkansas State 17 Ball State 13Arkansas State -3, 64Favorite, Under
2011Northern Illinois 38 Arkansas State 20Arkansas State -1, 65.5Underdog, Under
2010Miami (OH) 35 Middle Tenn State 21Middle Tenn State -1.5, 48.5Underdog, Over
2009Central Michigan 44 Troy 41Central Michigan -3, 63.5Push, Over
2008Tulsa 45 Ball State 13Tulsa -2.5, 70.5Favorite, Under
2007Tulsa 63 Bowling Green 7Tulsa -5.5, 77.5Favorite, Under
2006Southern Miss 28 Ohio 7Southern Miss -6.5, 42.5Favorite, Under
2005Toledo 45 UTEP 13Toledo -3, 62Favorite, Under
2004Bowling Green 52 Memphis 35Bowling Green -3, 67Favorite, Over
2003Miami (OH) 49 Louisville 28Miami (OH) -13, 67.5Favorite, Over
2002Marshall 38 Louisville 15Marshall -2.5, 63Favorite, Under
2001Marshall 64 East Carolina 61Marshall -2.5, 67Favorite, Over
2000Southern Miss 28 TCU 21TCU -7, 43.5Underdog, Over
1999TCU 28 East Carolina 14East Carolina -5.5, 46Underdog, Under

College Football Bowl Betting Resources

College Football Playoff Odds: Lines, Spreads, Betting Trends for Semifinal Games

College Football Playoff odds for the semifinals are on the board and getting attention, even as debate rages over the four participants. Michigan nabbed the No. 1 ranking and a meeting with No. 4 Alabama in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. No. 2 Washington then faces No. 3 Texas in the Sugar Bowl.

Here’s everything you need to know about College Football Playoff odds for the semis: opening lines, spreads and betting trends for each game, as multiple oddsmakers provide insights on CFP odds and action. Check back regularly for updates and use our new ESPN BET bonus code VIBONUS to get the most out of your action.

College Football Playoff Odds for Semifinals