College Football Bowl Odds: Spreads, Lines, Trends for Every Bowl Game

Patrick Everson Sports Betting Expert

77 minute read

College Football Bowl Odds

College football odds for bowl games go far beyond the highly anticipated College Football Playoff and other New Year's Six matchups. We've got a massive menu of 41 games overall. Among the more appealing secondary contests: Oregon State vs. Notre Dame, Arizona vs. Oklahoma and Iowa vs. Tennessee.

Here’s everything you need to know about the college football bowl odds market: opening lines, spreads and betting trends for every game, as multiple oddsmakers provide insights on college football bowl games odds and action. We won't have insight on every game just yet. But as bowl season rolls on, we'll flesh out every single matchup. So check back regularly for updates and use our BetMGM bonus code to get the most out of your action.

College Football Odds for Bowl Games

No. 4 Alabama vs No. 1 Michigan Odds

• Opening point spread: Michigan -2.5
• Opening moneyline: Michigan -135/Alabama +115
• Opening total: Over/Under 45.5 points scored
• Time: 5 p.m. ET Monday, Jan. 1 (ESPN)

UPDATE 2 P.M. ET MONDAY, JAN. 1: Three hours pre-kick, Michigan has advanced to -2.5 in BetMGM's College Football Playoff semifinal odds market. That's up a point from the -1.5 flat/-1.5 (-115) the line has been at since Dec. 7.

The Wolverines opened -1.5 Dec. 3. and hit a low of -1 on Dec. 5.

Alabama is taking 61% of spread bets/60% of spread money. In addition, 68% of moneyline bets/57% of moneyline dollars are on the Crimson Tide. Plus, BetMGM has significant championship futures liability to 'Bama, largely driven by a $205,500 Tide +600 bet made during the preseason. That bet alone would pay out $1.233 million.

"We took some sharp bets today on Michigan, so we're currently sitting -2.5 Michigan," BetMGM trader Seamus Magee said. "However, it's still really heavy 'Bama money coming in. We're definitely rooting for Michigan to knock 'Bama out of our futures liability, and in the win-the-game book, as well."

The total opened at 45.5 and is currently 45.5. It topped out at 46.5 on Dec. 4, hit a low of 44.5 on Dec. 19, went to 45 Thursday and 45.5 Sunday. Ticket count is almost 5/1 and money 8/1 on the Over.

UPDATE 4 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 29: Three days ahead of kickoff, Michigan is laying 1.5 points in Caesars Sports' CFP semifinal odds market. That matches the Dec. 3 opening number, but there have been a few stops in between. Among them: a high point of Wolverines -2 on Dec. 4 and a low point of pick 'em on Dec. 13.

"We've taken a lot of Alabama action," Caesars lead college football trader Joey Feazel said. "We tested the waters by going to pick 'em. We wanted to see if a sharp thought there was value on Michigan at pick 'em, and they did.

"Within a couple hours, we took a pretty sharp wager on Michigan for $79,000. So we went back to Michigan -1.5."

Even with that bet, Rose Bowl action at Caesars is pretty tilted toward Alabama. But it's well-bet game overall, as well.

"Right now, there's a lot of action on the Rose Bowl. And it makes sense, because these are the two best teams, in our eyes," Feazel said.

Feazel added that Caesars has significant liability to Alabama and Washington in the championship futures market.

The total opened at 46, spent the early part of the month at 45.5 and has been at 45 since Dec. 13.

UPDATE 4:30 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 22: This matchup, by ticket count, continues to be the most-bet bowl matchup at BetMGM. Part and parcel to that, Alabama is No. 1 in spread tickets and spread money at BetMGM.

Since Dec. 12 at BetMGM (see below update), there's been no spread movement in the College Football Playoff semifinal odds market. Michigan remains -1.5, while tickets and money run about 2/1 on Alabama. So the Wolverines have cut into the advantage slightly; on Dec. 12, it was 2.5/1-plus tickets and 3/1 money on 'Bama.

The Crimson Tide's moneyline advantage has also shortened, but is still significant. Tickets are 4/1 and money 5/1 on Alabama to win outright.

From Dec. 5-Tuesday, the total was nailed to 45.5. On Tuesday, it dipped to 44.5. Still, BetMGM is seeing ticket count of almost 3/1 and money of 2.5/1 on the Over.

UPDATE MIDNIGHT ET TUESDAY, DEC. 12: On Dec. 3, once the matchups were announced, BetMGM opened Michigan -2.5 in its College Football Playoff semifinal odds market. By day's end, Michigan dropped to -1.5, then went to -1 on Dec. 5.

The line returned to Wolverines -1.5 on Dec. 7 and hasn't moved since. Spread ticket count is beyond 2.5/1 and spread money 3/1 on Alabama. Further, moneyline tickets are running 6/1 and moneyline dollars 9/1 on Alabama.

In fact, by ticket count at BetMGM, Alabama is taking three times more spread/moneyline bets than any of the other three CFP semifinalists.

The total opened at 45.5, went to 46.5 Dec. 4 and back to 45.5 Dec. 5. There's been no movement since, with the Over getting 69% of tickets/59% of money.

UPDATE 1:30 P.M. ET SUNDAY, DEC. 3: Michigan (13-0 SU/7-5-1 ATS) had little trouble with Iowa in the Big Ten championship game. The Wolverines rolled 26-0 as 21.5-point favorites and in turn landed the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.

In the Jan. 1 Rose Bowl, the first of games on the College Football Playoff semifinal odds board, Michigan will meet No. 4 Alabama.

The Crimson Tide (12-1 SU/9-4 ATS) edged out unbeaten Florida State for the final CFP slot. In Saturday's SEC title game, Alabama held off Georgia 27-24 as a 5.5-point underdog in the SEC title game.

The SuperBook opened Michigan -2.5 in the College Football Playoff odds for the semifinals.

"Michigan has been considered better than Alabama all season. You've got to favor Michigan ins this game. But the number had to come down a little bit, because Alabama beat Georgia," SuperBook executive director John Murray said this afternoon. "This line is exactly where I think it should be. Michigan will never say this, but you know they wanted to get Florida State instead of Alabama."

Indeed, Murray said the Wolverines would've been close to 10-point favorites against the Seminoles. Instead, oddsmakers, bettors and fans get a great matchup, and at the Rose Bowl, no less. The line has already moved toward the underdog, too, with Michigan quickly shortening to -2.

"The Rose Bowl is always just an absolute monster for handle. So we're happy with that matchup," Murray said. "It sets up to be a much better playoff game for business. These are two extraordinarily public teams. Michigan-Alabama is a real jewel for us."

Murray added The SuperBook does well to Michigan and 'Bama in College Football Playoff championship futures odds. And he has no issue with the Crimson Tide getting in over Florida State.

"You can't really have a College Football Playoff, the national championship of college football, if the SEC is not included. The SEC wins this every year," Murray said.

No. 3 Texas vs No. 2 Washington Odds

• Opening point spread: Texas -4.5
• Opening moneyline: Texas -190/Washington +170
• Opening total: Over/Under 62.5 points scored
• Time: 8:45 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1 (ESPN)

UPDATE 2 P.M. ET MONDAY, JAN. 1: A few hours before kickoff, Texas is down to -3.5 (-115) at BetMGM. Back on Dec. 3, the Longhorns opened -4.5 (-105), then moved to -4 on Dec. 5. The number stuck there until dipping to Texas -3.5 (-115) Saturday, but it then rebounded to -4.5 (-105) Sunday.

Underdog Washington is landing 58% of spread tickets/56% of spread cash. Moneyline betting is more pronounced, with 77% of tickets/68% of money on the Huskies.

"Not much new on Texas-Washington. It's still looking like we'll need Texas to cover -4," Magee said.

BetMGM's total opened at 62.5 and quickly got to 64.5 on Dec. 3. On Dec. 16, it fell back to 63. Wednesday brought a move up to 63.5, but this morning, the total returned to 62.5. All that noted, the Over is attracting 63% of tickets/79% of money.

UPDATE 4 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 29: Texas is -4 (-115) at Caesars in the second semifinal. That's where the Longhorns opened, and early in the month, the line made a couple trips to Texas -4.5. But it's been stuck on Texas -4, either flat or -115, since Dec. 6.

"There's not too much interest in Texas-Washington so far," Feazel said, noting that comparatively, Alabama-Michigan is sucking up the oxygen. "But I'm sure that'll change as we get closer to Monday's kickoff."

Feazel envisions a scenario in which Washington does what it did often this season: Keep the game close and find a way to win.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we see that in this game," he said. "Texas is better on paper, on both sides of the ball. But Washington has great players, including Michael Penix Jr. The Huskies are always gonna be in games. They're well-coached."

Like the spread, Caesars' total has operated in a small window. The total opened at 64, touched 64.5 for a few hours on Dec. 4, then returned to 64. On Dec. 18, the number dipped to 63.5, and it hasn't moved since.

UPDATE 4:30 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 22: Probably no surprise, but by ticket count, this is the No. 2 most-bet bowl game at BetMGM. Washington is taking the second-most spread tickets and third-most spread dollars.

Since Dec. 12 at BetMGM (see below update), there's been no spread movement. Texas remains 4-point chalk, and Washington is landing 63% of spread bets/60% of spread money. And as on Dec. 12, the moneyline is tilted toward the Huskies, at 82% of tickets/81% of money.

The total has moved over the past week and a half. On Saturday, BetMGM fell back from 64.5 to 63. So it's almost back to the 62.5 opener of Dec. 3. That noted, tickets and money remain in the 3/1 range on the Over.

UPDATE MIDNIGHT ET TUESDAY, DEC. 12: Texas opened -4.5 in BetMGM's College Football Playoff odds semifinals market, on Dec. 3. The line saw a couple of juice adjustments, to -4.5 (-105), then back to -4.5 flat, before falling to -4 on Dec. 5.

Underdog Washington is netting 65% of early spread tickets/60% of early spread money. Moneyline action is more tilted toward the Huskies, at 83% of tickets/79% of cash.

After opening at 62.5, the total has been painted to 64.5 at BetMGM since late on Dec. 3. Tickets and money are 3/1-plus on the Over.

UPDATE 1:30 P.M. ET SUNDAY, DEC. 3: Washington (13-0 SU/7-5-1 ATS) was a 9.5-point underdog vs. Oregon in the Pac-12 championship game. The Ducks advancing to the CFP and Bo Nix winning the Heisman Trophy were considered highly likely.

However, the Huskies jumped out to a 10-0 first-quarter lead and were up 20-3 late in the first half. Ultimately, Washington had to overcome Oregon's comeback bid – the Huskies trailed 24-20 late in the third quarter – but came away with a 34-31 victory.

Texas (12-1 SU/7-6 ATS) pretty much had to get into the CFP if Alabama got in, because the Longhorns went on the road and beat the Tide 34-24 in Week 2. In Saturday's Big 12 championship game, Texas drubbed Oklahoma State 49-21 laying 14.5 points.

The SuperBook opened Texas a 4.5-point favorite vs. Washington in the Sugar Bowl.

"Washington just hasn't gotten a lot of respect in the market or from bettors. Texas is a very public team, and let's face it, Texas is rolling right now," Murray said. "But the Pac-12 had a terrific season. I don't think the Big 12 was that great this year. This will be an interesting game, and we've knocked this line down to 4."

In-Progress Games for College Football Bowl Season

No. 23 Liberty vs No. 8 Oregon Odds

• Opening point spread: Oregon -16
• Opening moneyline: Oregon -835/Liberty +540
• Opening total: Over/Under 65 points scored
• Time: 1 p.m. ET Monday, Jan. 1 (ESPN)

UPDATE 11:30 A.M. ET MONDAY, JAN. 1: The Ducks are hefty 18.5-point favorites at BetMGM, 90 minutes ahead of kickoff. Oregon opened -14 for the Fiesta Bowl, back on Dec. 3, and got out to -16.5 within two days.

The line went to Ducks -18.5 on Dec. 11, then -17.5 on Dec. 13 and -16.5 Wednesday. The weekend brought a climb to Oregon -17 Saturday, -17.5 Sunday and -18.5 this morning. Spread tickets and money are 3/1-plus on the Ducks.

BetMGM's total opened at 63.5 and slowly climbed all month long, then made a big surge this morning. Overnight, the number was 67.5; it's since gone to 68.5/69/69.5/70 and is now 70.5. Ticket count is 3/1-plus and money 8/1 on the Over.

UPDATE 8:30 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 28: Oregon stretched from a -14.5 Dec. 4 opener to -16.5 by Dec. 6 at Caesars Sports. The Ducks twice peaked at -18.5, on Dec. 11 and 15, and they've slowly dialed down since then, to the current -16.5.

"We saw a lot of action early on Oregon," Feazel said. "Since getting to 18.5, we've seen some buyback on Liberty. There's been a little more opt-out news on the Oregon side, so a little more pushback with action on Liberty of late.

"We're still gonna need Liberty to be competitive in this one."

Caesars' total climbed from 64.5 to 65.5 within several hours of opening on Dec. 4. The number got to 66/66.5 on Dec. 18, 67 on Dec. 20 and 67.5 Wednesday. It's now at 67.

UPDATE 3:30 P.M. ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20: On Dec. 3, DraftKings opened Oregon -16.5 in the college football odds New Year's Six market. The Ducks initially backed up to -14.5 on Dec. 4, but rebounded to as high as -18 on Dec. 11.

Oregon is now at -17, with tickets and money in the 3/1 range on the Ducks.

The total opened at 64.5 and slowly made its way to the current high of 67. Early tickets are almost 4/1 and early dollars 6/1-plus on the Over.

UPDATE 4 P.M. ET MONDAY, DEC. 4: Oregon (11-2 SU/10-2-1 ATS) arguably has two better losses than Ohio State and Ole Miss. The Ducks lost twice to Washington, by a total of 6 points.

But in that second meeting, the Pac-12 title game, Oregon was 9.5-point chalk. So losing outright 34-31 substantially dinged the Ducks' credentials. Just look at what happened to Bo Nix's Heisman stock: Nix was a minus-money favorite entering the Pac-12 final, and he's now the +1600 third choice at TwinSpires, with LSU's Jayden Daniels a massive -1430 favorite.

Liberty (13-0 SU/9-4 ATS) was not only perfect on the field this season, but was also a top-10 spread-covering outfit. In the Conference USA final, the Flames pulled away late vs. New Mexico State in a 49-35 victory as 10-point faves.

Oregon hasn't moved off the -16 Fiesta Bowl opener in TwinSpires' college football odds New Year's Six market. Early spread ticket count is 3/1 and early spread money 2/1 on big underdog Liberty.

"Liberty is a very trendy 'dog. It feels like a lot of points," Lucas said.

The total is stable at 65, with tickets and money just shy of 2/1 on the Over.

No. 17 Iowa vs No. 21 Tennessee Odds

• Opening point spread: Tennessee -7.5
• Opening moneyline: Tennessee -320/Iowa +250
• Opening total: Over/Under 36.5 points scored
• Time: 1 p.m. ET Monday, Jan. 1 (ABC)

UPDATE 11:45 P.M. ET MONDAY, JAN. 1: With 75 minutes until kickoff, Tennessee is at -5.5 (-115) in BetMGM's Citrus Bowl odds market. Back on Dec. 3, the Vols opened -7 and advanced to -7.5. On Dec. 13, Tennessee peaked at -8.5 and stayed there until receding to -8 Tuesday.

That started a decline in which the Vols bottomed out at -5.5 (-105) Sunday. Today, Tennessee advanced to -6/-6.5, but just backed up to -5.5 in the past few minutes.

The Vols are taking 54% of spread bets/56% of spread money. Iowa is the play on the moneyline, at 78% of bets/81% of tickets.

"We'd like Iowa [to cover] +5.5, but I wouldn't classify it as a need like Wisconsin," BetMGM trader Seamus Magee said. "Plenty of parlays on the Tennessee moneyline and teasers on Tennessee."

The total, always of interest in Iowa games, opened at 36.5 and spent much of the month bouncing between that number and 35.5. On Thursday, it hit a low of 35. But it rebounded to 35.5 Friday, and 36/36.5 this morning.

Still, tickets and money are in the 2/1 range on the Under.

UPDATE 11 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 8: Iowa (10-3 SU/6-6-1 ATS) rode its low-scoring ways all the way to the Big Ten championship game. Then the Hawkeyes didn't score at all, losing to Michigan 26-0 as a 21.5-point underdog. The total in that matchup was 35.5, giving the Under an 11-2 mark for Iowa this season.

Tennessee (8-4 SU/6-6 ATS) finished the regular season with a 48-24 home win over Vanderbilt. But the Vols failed to cash as hefty 27-point faves and in fact are on an 0-3 ATS skid.

Caesars has the Iowa-Tennessee line painted to Vols -7.5, with no movement since opening Dec. 3. The total went from 36.5 to 36/35.5 on Dec. 4, then nudged to 36 on Dec. 6.

Wisconsin vs No. 13 LSU Odds

• Opening point spread: LSU -10.5
• Opening moneyline: LSU -420/Wisconsin +320
• Opening total: Over/Under 55 points scored
• Time: Noon ET Monday, Jan. 1 (ESPN2)

UPDATE 11:15 A.M. ET MONDAY, JAN. 1: With kickoff 45 minutes out, LSU is 9.5-point chalk in BetMGM's college football bowl odds market. The Tigers opened -10.5 for the ReliaQuest Bowl, back on Dec. 3. LSU bottomed out at -7.5 (105) on Dec. 18 and over the past few days has toggled between -8.5/-9/-9.5.

Both teams have transfer-portal/opt-out issues, most notable with LSU QB and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels sitting out.

Spread ticket count is 3/1 and spread money almost 5/1 on the Bayou Bengals. On the moneyline, tickets are dead even, but money is 3/1 on LSU.

"We need Wisconsin big in this game coming up," BetMGM trader Seamus Magee said.

The total mostly toggled between 55.5 and 54.5 this month, then starting climbing over the weekend. It went to 56.5 Saturday, 57.5 Sunday and 58 this morning. But it's two-way action, with 52% of tickets on the Under/59% of money on the Over.

UPDATE 11 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 8: LSU is easily the best 9-3 SU team in the nation. If Jayden Daniels hadn't gotten hurt in the fourth quarter at Alabama, the Tigers may well have won that Week 10 game. Instead, they lost 42-28.

LSU (8-4 ATS) bounced back by winning and cashing in its last three. The Tigers topped Texas A&M 42-30 laying 11.5 points in the regular-season finale.

Wisconsin (7-5 SU/4-6-2 ATS) won its last two games to land in the ReliaQuest Bowl. In Week 13, the Badgers beat Minnesota 28-14 giving 3 points on the road.

LSU has been fairly stable at -10.5 in Caesars' college football bowl odds market this week. The Tigers spent a few hours Tuesday at -10. The total is up a point to 56.

Completed Games for College Football Bowl Season

No. 6 Georgia vs No. 5 Florida State Odds

• Opening point spread: Georgia -14.5
• Opening moneyline: Georgia -745/Florida State +480
• Opening total: Over/Under 45.5 points scored
• Time: 4 p.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 30 (ESPN)

UPDATE 3:45 P.M. ET SATURDAY, DEC. 30: As kickoff approaches, Georgia is out to a massive 22.5-point chalk at BetMGM. Florida State is plenty shorthanded (see below update), and oddsmakers keep pushing the line higher.

Just since Wednesday at BetMGM, the Bulldogs climbed from -19.5 to -22.5. Georgia opened -14 on Dec. 3 and actually backed up to -13.5 on Dec. 4. But the line has done nothing but go up since then, reaching -16.5 Christmas day.

Georgia is taking a relatively modest 55% of spread bets, but that's translating into 72% of spread money. No surprise, huge 'dog Florida State is taking 87% of moneyline bets, but those tickets only account for 32% of moneyline cash.

"We're rooting for Florida State +19.5 to +21.5. Lots of money on Georgia today," BetMGM trader Seamus Magee said.

The total opened at 45.5, bottomed out at 44.5 and stuck there most of the month. Today brought multiple upward moves as the total reached 47.5, and it's now 46.5 (Over -115). Tickets and money are 3/1 on the Over.

UPDATE 8:30 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 28: As noted in the previous update (see below), the transfer-portal/opt-out list for both teams is extensive. But it's a larger issue for Florida State, which will start third-string quarterback Brock Glenn.

Caesars Sports opened Georgia -14.5 in its college football bowl odds New Year's Six market. The number stretched to -16 by Dec. 21, -17.5 by Tuesday and is now a hefty -20.

"Georgia is obviously the better team. A lot of opt-outs and de-motivation on the Florida State side. What more could the Seminoles have done?" Feazel asked, alluding to Florida State going 13-0 SU but not getting a College Football Playoff bid.

"This might be a Georgia rout. The second-stringers for Georgia are probably better than the first-stringers for Florida State. We're gonna need Florida State."

UPDATE 3:30 P.M. ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20: Georgia's transfer-portal/opt-out situation hasn't seen any major news. But it's worth keeping an eye on in the next week and a half.

At the moment, the Bulldogs are 14-point favorites at DraftKings. That's up a half-point from the -13.5 Dec. 3 opener and down a half-point from the Dec. 4 -14.5 high point. Ticket count is 3/1 and money almost 5/1 on Georgia.

The total opened at 45 and has stuck in the narrow range of 45/45.5/44.5 over the past two weeks-plus. It's currently 44.5 on interesting splits among early bettors: Ticket count is 4/1-plus on the Over, while money is almost 2/1 on the Under.

UPDATE 4 P.M. ET MONDAY, DEC. 4: Florida State is surely feeling like the scorned stepchild. The Seminoles went 13-0 SU (8-5 ATS) and won the ACC championship, but didn't get into the four-team College Football Playoff.

However, that's a function of Florida State's far-less-than-ideal quarterback situation. Starting QB Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 12, and Tate Rodemaker got a concussion late in a Week 13 win over Florida.

Rodemaker didn't play in FSU's 16-6 win as 1-point pups vs. Louisville in the ACC title game. Freshman Brock Glenn started, completing a meager 8 of 21 passes for 55 yards.

So even though the 'Noles are ranked No. 5 in the CFP, they are two-touchdown 'dogs vs. No. 6 Georgia in the Orange Bowl. And that's with Rodemaker expected to return.

The Bulldogs, who won the last two national titles, saw their 29-game SU winning streak end in the SEC championship game. Georgia (12-1 SU/5-8 ATS) trailed Alabama most of the way and lost 27-24 as a 5.5-point favorite.

Basically, oddsmakers are saying Florida State would be a sizable 'dog to any of the four CFP teams – and then some.

"Ohio State, Georgia, Oregon and Penn State would all be favorites over Florida State," SuperBook executive director John Murray said. "In fact, Georgia would be favored vs. all four CFP teams."

At TwinSpires, the Bulldogs opened -14.5 against the Seminoles. Georgia inched down to -14 early, with 54% of bets/62% of dollars on Florida State.

"The public is siding with recently snubbed Florida State and taking the two touchdowns," Lucas said. "Nobody knows for certain how serious either school will take this game. So we've only seen a little bit of handle on it."

The total is unchanged at 45.5, with 55% of bets/63% of money on the Under.

Toledo vs Wyoming Odds

• Opening point spread: Toledo -1.5
• Opening moneyline: Toledo -125/Wyoming +105
• Opening total: Over/Under 45.5 points scored
• Time: 4:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 30 (CW Network)

UPDATE 4:15 P.M. ET SATURDAY, DEC. 30: With the Arizona Bowl kickoff minutes away, Wyoming is laying 4.5 points in BetMGM's college football bowl odds market. The Cowboys (8-4 SU/7-4-1 ATS) opened as 1.5-point underdogs back on Dec. 3. But the line jumped the fence to Wyoming -1 by Dec. 5 and has been slowly increasing since.

Today alone, the line is up a point, from Cowboys -3.5 to -4.5. Spread tickets are running almost 5/1 and spread money 3/1-plus on Wyoming. Additionally, the Pokes are taking 61% of moneyline tickets/78% of moneyline dollars.

BetMGM's total opened at 45.5 on Dec. 3, dipped to 44.5 on Dec. 4 and stuck there all month. This morning, the total fell to 44. However, tickets are 2/1 and money 3/1-plus on the Over.

Toledo (11-2 SU/6-7 ATS) won't have starting QB DeQuan Finn, who is in the transfer portal.

Auburn vs Maryland Odds

• Opening point spread: Auburn -2
• Opening moneyline: Auburn -130/Maryland +110
• Opening total: Over/Under 48.5 points scored
• Time: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30 (ABC)

UPDATE 11 A.M. ET SATURDAY, DEC. 30: It's another game with opt-outs/transfer-portal news – more so for Maryland – impacting the number. Auburn opened -2.5 on Dec. 3 and stuck there for a couple weeks. On Dec. 19, the line leapt to -6/-6.5/-7.

Wednesday brought a backup to Auburn -6.5, and this morning, the line reeled in to -5.5/-4.5. The Tigers are drawing 58% of spread bets/64% of spread money. On the moneyline, bettors are playing Maryland, at 70% of bets/71% of cash.

The total went from 48.5 to 50.5 by Dec. 5, backed up Dec. 19 to 48/47/46, then over the past few days rebounded to 48. The Over is seeing 54% of bets, while 59% of money is on the Under.

No. 11 Ole Miss vs No. 10 Penn State Odds

• Opening point spread: Penn State -4
• Opening moneyline: Penn State -186/Ole Miss +150
• Opening total: Over/Under 49.5 points scored
• Time: Noon ET Saturday, Dec. 30 (ESPN)

UPDATE 11 A.M. ET SATURDAY, DEC. 30: This line is on the move as kickoff nears. Penn State was -4.5 overnight at BetMGM, but shot up to -6 this morning, then backed up to -5.5. Ole Miss is drawing 61% of spread bets/59% of spread money.

Further, on the moneyline, it's 81% bets/74% money on the Rebels.

"There's a lot of Ole Miss moneyline play and at +5.5," BetMGM trader Christian Cipollini said. "It's two-way action at Penn State -4.5, but we'd be better off with Penn State covering -4.5."

The total opened at 48.5 and saw most of its movement since recently. It reached 50.5 Friday, then today made stops at 51.5/52/52.5 on the way to 53.5. It's now 52.5 (Over -115), with 68% of tickets/77% of money on the Over.

However, BetMGM isn't rooting for the Over. At least not at all numbers.

"We have a six-figure, two-leg parlay that can close today if Under 50.5 cashes. So the biggest need is going to be Over 50.5. Mizzou moneyline was the first leg for that parlay."

Missouri beat Ohio State 14-3 in Friday night's Cotton Bowl.

UPDATE 8:30 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 28: Penn State toggled between the -3.5 opener/-4/-4.5 most of this month at Caesars Sports. But there was a brief stint at Nittany Lions -3 on Dec. 6-7. Penn State has been stable at -4.5 since Wednesday morning.

"We're seeing the line go up for the Penn State side. I agree with the line movement. James Franklin's teams tend to show out for bowl games," Feazel said. "There's slightly more action on Penn State. I expect to see that line grow as we get closer to the game on Saturday."

The total has been painted to 49.5 at Caesars since Dec. 11. It opened 48.5 on Dec. 4 and peaked that same day at 49.5. The total then dipped to 49/48.5 on Dec. 11.

UPDATE 3:30 P.M. ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20: The Peach Bowl hasn't seen much transfer-portal/opt-out volatility. On Dec. 3, DraftKings opened Penn State -3.5 in its college football bowl odds New Year's Six market. the Nittany Lions are currently -4.

Underdog Ole Miss is netting 59% of early spread bets and spread dollars.

DK's total toggled between 48.5/49/49.5 over the past two-plus weeks. It's now back at the 48.5 opener, with tickets 2/1 and money almost 4/1 on the Over.

UPDATE 4 P.M. ET MONDAY, DEC. 4: These two teams combined for four of the most high-quality losses in the nation this season. Penn State (10-2 SU/9-3 ATS) fell at home to Michigan and on the road vs. Ohio State. Ole Miss (10-2 SU/7-4-1 ATS) lost road games to Georgia and Alabama.

Now, Penn State and Mississippi will meet in the Peach Bowl.

The Nittany Lions finished the regular season with a 42-0 bashing of Michigan State as 22.5-point road faves. The Rebels wrapped up with a 17-7 win giving 10 points at Mississippi State.

TwinSpires opened Penn State -4 and is up a tick to -4.5. The Nittany Lions are seeing 55% of early spread tickets/72% of early spread money.

"Sharp play on Penn State -4 after the opener," Lucas said.

The total is down a point to 48.5, with 54% of tickets/58% of cash on the Under.

No. 9 Missouri vs No. 7 Ohio State

• Opening point spread: Ohio State -2.5
• Opening moneyline: Ohio State -148/Missouri +120
• Opening total: Over/Under 49 points scored
• Time: 8 p.m. ET Friday, Dec. 29 (ESPN)

UPDATE 7 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 29: As is the case everywhere, this spread has been all over the map at BetMGM. On Dec. 3, Ohio State opened as 6.5-point chalk. Within a day, the number was all the way down to Buckeyes -2.5. By Dec. 5, it jumped the fence to Missouri -1, and Mizzou got to -3 by Dec. 7.

Over the past 10 days, the line made a run back to Ohio State. Slowly but surely, it got to Buckeyes -5 early this evening. Now, Ohio State is -4, while taking 56% of spread bets, while 51% of spread money is on Missouri. On the moneyline, it's 57% tickets/54% money on Missouri.

But because there was such a wide array of spread and moneyline numbers, those splits aren't necessarily indicative of the book's need. BetMGM trader Seamus Magee summarized where things stand.

"We need Mizzou to cover +4.5," Magee said.

The total opened at 51.5, bottomed out at 48.5 on Dec. 7 and 13, then slowly made its way to 52.5 by this evening. It's now at 51.5, with tickets and money 4/1 on the Over.

UPDATE 8:30 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 28: With kickoff 24 hours out, this line has moved back toward Ohio State at Caesars Sports. Over the past few days, the Buckeyes re-acquired their status as favorites.

"This has probably been the wildest line movement for a bowl game so far," Caesars lead college football trader Joey Feazel said. "We opened Ohio State -6.5, it went all the way to Missouri -3.5, now it's Ohio State -4."

That's because of all the transfer-portal/opt-out news. The latest is that Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. might actually play Friday night.

"Harrison is practicing, flirting with playing. I don't think anybody believes that's happening," Feazel said, before addressing the game itself. "Missouri way outkicked its coverage [this season]. The Tigers want this one bad. To me, the Missouri side makes sense. But Ohio State is better on paper.

"We're pretty much split on this game. On the spread, we need Mizzou, and on the moneyline, we need Ohio State."

Caesars opened the total at 51.5 on Dec. 4 and within a few hours bottomed out at 48.5. Since then, the number toggled between 49 and 49.5 a couple times, and it's now 49.

UPDATE 3:30 P.M. ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20: The Buckeyes have a host of transfer-portal players already, including QB Kyle McCord. And several opt-outs are still possible, including stud wideout Marvin Harrison Jr.

So it should come as no surprise that the Cotton Bowl line made huge moves and jumped the fence early on. DrafKings Sportsbook opened Ohio State -6.5 on Dec. 3, and within a day, it was down to Buckeyes -2. By Dec. 5, it went to Missouri -1/-1.5, and the Tigers were -2.5 from Dec. 7-14.

By Tuesday, there was a little regression for Mizzou, to -1. The Buckeyes are seeing 58% of spread bets, while 52% of spread cash is on the Tigers.

DK's total opened at 51.5, bottomed out at 48.5 multiple times and is now at 49. Ticket count is 5/1 and money 2/1 on the Over.

UPDATE 4 P.M. ET MONDAY, DEC. 4: Ohio State (11-1 SU/6-5-1 ATS) has just one blemish on its record, in the regular-season finale. The Buckeyes fell to archrival Michigan 30-24 catching 3 points on the road.

With the Cotton Bowl up next, Ohio State has notable wins over Notre Dame and Penn State.

Missouri (10-2 SU/8-4 ATS) finished the regular season on a 5-1 SU and ATS run. And the only SU loss came at Georgia, in a game the Tigers were quite competitive in. Mizzou was within 24-21 early in the fourth quarter of a 30-21 Week 10 loss as a 14-point underdog.

The Tigers capped the season with a 48-14 road beatdown of Arkansas as 9-point favorites.

Ohio State opened and remains -2.5 at TwinSpires Sportsbook, with ticket count already 3/1-plus and money 4/1 on the Buckeyes.

"It's all Ohio State action so far. We're holding steady at 2.5, but we'll likely move to 3 if this continues," TwinSpires director of retail sports Zachary Lucas said.

The total nudged from 49 to 49.5, with 61% of early tickets/66% of early cash on the Over.

Memphis vs Iowa State Odds

• Opening point spread: Iowa State -6.5 (-115)
• Opening moneyline: Iowa State -240/Memphis +196
• Opening total: Over/Under 57.5 points scored
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET Friday, Dec. 29 (ESPN)

UPDATE 3:15 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 29: Iowa State opened -6.5 at BetMGM on Dec. 3 and by Dec. 5 was already out to -8.5. The line went to Cyclones -9.5 on Dec. 21 and -10.5 Thursday. This morning brought a dip to Iowa State -10, but it's now at -10.5 again.

Contrary to the spread climb, underdog Memphis is taking 56% of bets/61% of money. The Tigers are also taking 64% of moneyline tickets, but 63% of moneyline cash is on the Cyclones.

BetMGM's total spent most of the month at 57.5, at various juice, then went to 58.5/59.5 today. It's now at 58.5 (Over -115), with tickets in the 2.5/1 range and money in the 3/1 range on the Over.

No. 19 Oregon State vs No. 16 Notre Dame Odds

• Opening point spread: Notre Dame -10.5
• Opening moneyline: Notre Dame -455/Oregon State +345
• Opening total: Over/Under 46.5 points scored
• Time: 2 p.m. ET Friday, Dec. 29 (CBS)

UPDATE 12:15 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 28: The Sun Bowl is jam-packed with transfer-portal absences and opt-outs. The Action Network's Stuckey – yes, he goes by one name – noted that by snap counts, Notre Dame will be without 11 of its top 12 offensive players. And Oregon State is minus plenty of players two.

Neither team has its starting quarterback, with Notre Dame's Sam Hartman opting out and Oregon State's DJ Uiagalelei in the transfer portal.

BetMGM opened the Fighting Irish as 10.5-point favorites Dec. 4. The number actually climbed to -11.5 on Dec. 5. But within just a few hours of that move, the line tumbled to Irish -8.5, then dropped to -6.5 on Dec. 11.

Then, in just the past 30 minutes, Notre Dame backed up 2 more points to -4.5. A rebound followed to Irish -5.5 (-105), where the line sits now. Spread tickets and money are in the 2/1 range on Notre Dame. On the moneyline, 61% of tickets are on Oregon State, while money is dead even.

On Dec. 4, BetMGM's total opened at 46.5 and hit its peak of 47.5. But that was quickly followed by a dip to 45.5, then on Dec. 5 to 43.5.

By Christmas Eve, the total was at 41.5, and today brought moves to 40.5 and a bottoming-out at 39.5. It's now at 40.5 (Under -115) on two-way play, with 52% of bets on the Over/53% of money on the Under.

UPDATE MIDNIGHT MONDAY, DEC. 11: Expect this to be a recurring theme for teams throughout bowl season: Earlier today, Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman opted out of the Sun Bowl. With DJ Uiagalelei already in the transfer portal from Oregon State, neither team will have its top quarterback for this game.

Reaction was swift this afternoon at DraftKings, with the Fighting Irish dropping from -8.5 directly to -6.5. Notre Dame's college football bowl odds were already receding well before Hartman's decision. The Irish opened -10.5 on Dec. 4 and briefly touched -11 shortly thereafter.

But within 24 hours, Notre Dame dialed down to -8.5. So this spread is now 4 points below its opener and 4.5 points off its peak at DK. The Irish are seeing 52% of early bets/57% of early money.

DraftKings opened the total at 47 and was down to 44 by Dec. 5, six days before the Hartman news. This afternoon, the number dropped another point to 43. The Over is taking 62% of bets, while 85% of cash is on the Under.

UPDATE 11 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 8: Oregon State already lost coach Jonathan Smith to Michigan State, and some of Smith's staff is joining him. Further, both teams have a lot of players in the transfer portal, most notably Oregon State QB DJ Uiagalelei. Plus, there's a chance Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman opts out.

The Fighting Irish (9-3 SU and ATS) won four of their last five games SU and ATS. In the season finale, Notre Dame steamrolled Stanford 56-23 as 26-point road chalk.

Oregon State (8-4 SU/6-6 ATS) lost its last two games, but those were against Washington and Oregon, so no shame there. In Week 13, the Beavers were 14-point pups at Oregon and got rolled 31-7. But in Week 12 at home against Washington, Oregon State closed a 1.5-point favorite and almost got there, losing 22-20.

With the Beavers' coaching change and player availability uncertainties on both sides, this line has shuffled around at Caesars Sports. Notre Dame opened -10.5, went to -11, then returned to -10.5, all on Dec. 4. On Dec. 5, the Irish slid to -10/-9/-8.5, and they remain -8.5.

The total opened at 46.5 on Dec. 4 and within about 24 hours was down to 44.

No. 22 Clemson vs Kentucky Odds

• Opening point spread: Clemson -7.5
• Opening moneyline: Clemson -335/Kentucky +260
• Opening total: Over/Under 48.5 points scored
• Time: Noon ET Friday, Dec. 29 (ESPN)

UPDATE 11:15 A.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 29: Forty-five minutes before kickoff, Clemson is laying 3.5 in BetMGM's college football bowl odds market. And like many other bowls, the Gator Bowl has its share of transfer-portal/opt-out impacts.

The Tigers opened -7 back on Dec. 3, dropped to -5.5 Dec. 11, then toggled between -4.5/-5 over the past few days. This morning brought another downward move to -3.5.

It's two-way spread play, with 57% of tickets on Clemson/56% of money on Kentucky. Moneyline bettors are leaning toward the underdog Wildcats, at 63% of tickets/59% of money.

BetMGM opened the total at 47.5 and initially ticked up a point to 48.5 on Dec. 4. But the number quickly returned to 47.5, then went to 46.5 Dec. 5. The total fell to 46 Tuesday, 45/44.5 Wednesday and 43.5 this morning.

However, 76% of tickets and 78% of money is on the Over.

UPDATE 11 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 8: Clemson was a staple of the College Football Playoff during the first few years of the format. But for the third straight season, the Tigers (8-4 SU/6-6 ATS) are in a second-tier postseason game, this time the Gator Bowl.

Dabo Swinney's troops actually finished the regular season strong, winning and cashing in their last four games. In Week 13 at South Carolina, Clemson won 16-17 giving 7.5 points.

Kentucky (7-5 SU/6-6 SU) got out of the gate 5-0 SU/4-1 ATS, but rapidly declined from there. The Wildcats rebounded with a nice Week 13 win, beating Louisville 38-31 as 7.5-point home underdogs.

On Dec. 4, Clemson-Kentucky opened Tigers -7.5 in Caesars' college football bowl odds market. Clemson slipped to -7 literally within 30 seconds, then on Dec. 7 dipped to -6.5. The total fell from 48.5 to 47 within a few hours of opening.

No. 14 Arizona vs No. 12 Oklahoma Odds

• Opening point spread: Arizona -1 (-115)
• Opening moneyline: Arizona -120/Oklahoma even
• Opening total: Over/Under 64.5 points scored
• Time: 9:15 p.m. ET Thursday, Dec. 28 (ESPN)

UPDATE 8:15 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 28: An hour before kickoff, Arizona is -2.5 (-115) in BetMGM's college football bowl game odds market. On Dec. 3, the Wildcats opened -1.5, and they peaked Dec. 5 at -4.5.

That same day, Arizona returned to -3.5, and the line slowly made its way down to -2 by this morning. That was followed by moves to Wildcats -2.5 flat and -2.5 (-115). Spread tickets and money are just shy of 2/1 on Arizona.

Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel is among a host of Sooners in the transfer portal who won't play tonight. Freshman Jackson Arnold will make his first college start.

BetMGM opened the total at 64.5 on Dec. 3 and dipped to 62.5 a day later. Since Tuesday, the total dropped 4 more points to 58.5, with multiple stops along the way. It's now at 59.5, with ticket count 4/1 and money 2/1 on the Over.

UPDATE 1:30 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 8: Arizona (9-3 SU/10-2 ATS) put together a solid 2023 campaign, finishing ostensibly tied with Oregon for the best spread-covering mark in the nation. In the regular-season closer, the Wildcats throttled Arizona State 59-23 laying 13.5 points on the road.

Oklahoma's season went sideways with back-to-back road losses to Kansas and Oklahoma State in Weeks 9 and 10. In Week 13, the Sooners lambasted TCU 69-45 as 10.5-point home favorites.

The Alamo Bowl spread was on the move early in Caesars' college football bowl odds market. Arizona opened -1.5 (-115) and within a few hours Dec. 4 was up to -3.5. The Wildcats advanced to -4 later on Dec. 4. The total dropped from 64.5 to 62.5 within a few hours on Dec. 4.

Part of what's at play in the early line movement toward Arizona: Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel has entered the transfer portal, though he still might play in the Alamo Bowl.

No. 18 North Carolina State vs No. 25 Kansas State Odds

• Opening point spread: Kansas State -4.5
• Opening moneyline: Kansas State -205/N.C. State +170
• Opening total: Over/Under 48.5 points scored
• Time: 5:45 p.m. ET Thursday, Dec. 28 (ESPN)

UPDATE 2:30 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 28: At least the Pop-Tarts Bowl hasn't seen the point spread jump the fence, unlike so many other bowl games to this point. But the line did move toward the underdog until this morning.

BetMGM opened Kansas State -4.5 on Dec. 3, and the line dipped to -3.5 a day later. The Wildcats moved to -3 on Dec. 11, -2.5 on Dec. 19 and this morning briefly bottomed out at -1.5.

Since then, though, the line has shot back up to K-State -3. However, ticket count and money are almost dead even at BetMGM. On the moneyline, tickets are 3/1-plus and money almost 2/1 on underdog North Carolina State.

Kansas State's transfer-portal/opt-out list is more substantial than N.C. State's list. Wildcats QB Will Howard is among those not playing today.

UPDATE 1:30 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 8: Of all the games, leave it to the Pop-Tarts Bowl to be the first of the season offering a matchup of two ranked teams.

North Carolina State (9-3 SU/6-5-1 ATS) finished with a flurry, on a 5-0 SU and ATS win streak. In the regular-season capper, the Wolfpack rolled over North Carolina 39-20 as 2.5-point home pups.

Kansas State (8-4 SU/7-4-1 ATS) took a big upset road loss in Week 13. The Wildcats were 9.5-point faves at Iowa State and lost outright 42-35 in the snow.

Although N.C. State has the higher ranking, Caesars Sports opened K-State -4.5 on Dec. 4. Within a couple hours, the Wildcats settled at -3.5. The total went from 48.5 to 47.5 Dec. 4, then 47 Dec. 6 before returning to 47.5 Dec. 7.

Rutgers vs Miami Odds

• Opening point spread: Miami -4.5
• Opening moneyline: Miami -190/Rutgers +158
• Opening total: Over/Under 41.5 points scored
• Time: 2:15 p.m. ET Thursday, Dec. 28 (ESPN)

UPDATE 12:30 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 28: Yes, the Pinstripe Bowl is yet another game heavily impacted by transfer portal and opt-out news. Most notably in this matchup, Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke is in the portal, heading to Wisconsin. Further, Miami backup QB Emory Williams (arm) is injured, so third-stringer Jacurri Brown could start.

The Hurricanes (7-5 SU/6-6 ATS) opened -3.5 at BetMGM on Dec. 4, and this line hit a bevy of numbers over the course of the month while jumping the fence. It's now at Rutgers -2.5.

Rutgers (6-6 SU/6-4-2 ATS) is taking 64% of spread bets/77% of spread money. On the moneyline, however, action is much closer to even, with 51% of bets on Miami/61% of cash on Rutgers.

Despite all the missing-players news, the total has been somewhat stable. BetMGM opened at 41.5 and is now at 41, with 61% of bets/68% of cash on the Over.

No. 24 SMU vs Boston College Odds

• Opening point spread: Southern Methodist -9.5
• Opening moneyline: SMU -350/Boston College +275
• Opening total: Over/Under 50.5 points scored
• Time: 11 a.m. ET Thursday, Dec. 28 (ESPN)

No. 15 Louisville vs USC Odds

• Opening point spread: Louisville -6.5
• Opening moneyline: Louisville -305/USC +240
• Opening total: Over/Under 57.5 points scored
• Time: 8 p.m. ET Wednesday, Dec. 27 (FOX)

UPDATE 7:45 P.M. ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27: As noted in the previous update (see below), USC is quite shorthanded for the Holiday Bowl. As such, on Dec. 3, Louisville opened -6.5 at BetMGM.

A week ago, Louisville was -7.5 at BetMGM. Sunday brought a move to Cardinals -7 (-115), Tuesday saw the line go to -7 flat, and the Cards dipped to -6.5 this morning. And in just the past hour, the line dipped 2 more points, to Louisville -5.5 (-105), then -4.5.

That's despite the Cardinals drawing 61% of spread bets/63% of spread money. On the moneyline, however, bettors are leaning into the Trojans, with 72% of bets/80% of cash on USC.

BetMGM's total opened at 57.5 and made multiple stops at 58.5 over the course of the month. The number briefly touched 59 this morning, then toggled between 58/58.5, and it's now at 58. The Over is netting 64% of bets, while 53% of cash is on the Under.

UPDATE 2:30 P.M. ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20: USC's transfer-portal/opt-out list is extensive, and as noted below, includes star QB Caleb Williams. As such, DraftKings has Louisville (10-3 SU/6-6-1 ATS) a 7.5-point Holiday Bowl favorite vs. Southern Cal (7-5 SU/3-9 ATS).

That matches the Dec. 4 opening number of Cardinals -7.5. Louisville was at -8 from Dec. 6-13 before returning to 7.5. The Cardinals are netting 52% of spread tickets/65% of spread money.

DK's total toggled between 58/57/57.5 over the first week-plus on the board. But it's been stable at 57.5 since Dec. 13. The Over is getting 63% of tickets, but money is running dead even.

UPDATE 1:30 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 8: Obviously, Southern Cal quarterback Caleb Williams isn't playing in the Holiday Bowl. One look at the point spread on this game tells you that. Williams might be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Trojans (7-5 SU/3-9 ATS) had a disappointing regular season and proved to be one of the worst spread-covering outfits in the nation. After a 6-0 SU start, USC lost five of its last six games, including the final three in a row. In the season finale, USC was a 5-point home favorite vs. UCLA and lost 38-20.

Louisville (11-2 SU/6-6-1 ATS) lost to Florida State in the ACC championship game. Even with the Seminoles' issues at QB, the Cardinals fell 16-6 as 1-point favorites.

With Williams a no-go for USC, Caesars Sports opened Louisville -6.5, and the line shot to -8 within 20 minutes on Dec. 4. Within a couple hours, the number settled at Cardinals -7.5. The total nudged from 57.5 to 58.

Texas A&M vs No. 20 Oklahoma State Odds

• Opening point spread: Texas A&M -4.5
• Opening moneyline: Texas A&M -205/Oklahoma State +170
• Opening total: Over/Under 53.5 points scored
• Time: 9 p.m. ET Wednesday, Dec. 27 (ESPN)

UPDATE NOON ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27: Texas A&M has an extensive list of players in the transfer portal or opting out. And as noted in the previous update (see below), coach Jimbo Fisher was fired during the season.

So, while the Aggies opened -4.5 at BetMGM, this line slowly made its way toward Oklahoma State the past four weeks. By Dec. 14, A&M was down to -2; on Tuesday, the line jumped the fence to Oklahoma State -1, and the Cowboys are now out to -3.5.

Spread tickets are nearly 5/1 and spread money beyond 9/1 on Oklahoma State. On the moneyline, tickets are 2/1 Cowboys, but money is almost even, with a slight lean toward the Aggies.

The total opened at 53.5 on Dec. 3, then went to 54.5 and back to 53.5 on Dec. 4. Tuesday morning saw a dip to 53, but within a few hours, the number got back up to 54.5. That's where it sits now, with ticket count 6/1 and money 3/1 on the Over.

UPDATE 1:30 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 8: Oklahoma State (9-4 SU/7-6 ATS) had a far better season than Texas A&M, but is a Texas Bowl underdog. The Cowboys reached the Big 12 title game, where they got trucked by Texas 49-21 as 14.5-point underdogs.

Texas A&M (7-5 SU/5-6-1 ATS) lost at LSU 42-30 catching 11.5 points in its regular-season finale. Coach Jimbo Fisher was fired during the regular season, on Nov. 12.

The Aggies opened -4.5 vs. the Sooners at Caesars Sports, and within a few hours Dec. 4, the line dipped to A&M -4/-3.5. On Dec. 7, A&M slipped to -3. The total went from 53.5 to 54 and back to 53.5 on Dec. 4.

North Carolina vs West Virginia Odds

• Opening point spread: West Virginia -3
• Opening moneyline: West Virginia -170/North Carolina +143
• Opening total: Over/Under 55.5 points scored
• Time: 5:30 p.m. ET Wednesday, Dec. 27 (ESPN)

UPDATE NOON ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27: North Carolina (8-4 SU/6-6 ATS) won't have standout QB Drake Maye, who declared for the NFL Draft. Maye leads a host of Tar Heels either in the transfer portal, opting out or injured.

As such, West Virginia opened -3.5 at BetMGM on Dec. 4, advanced to -5/-5.5 Dec. 11, -6 Dec. 13 and -6.5 Dec. 14. This morning, there was some backtracking to Mountaineers -6/-5.5 in the Duke's Mayo Bowl odds market.

West Virginia is now -6 (-115), with ticket count 2.5/1 and money 4/1-plus on the Mountaineers. Opinion is split on the moneyline, with 66% of tickets on UNC and 70% of cash on West Virginia.

The total opened at 55.5 and has been all over the map since. Early in the month, the first couple moves took the number to 57.5, but it backed up to 55.5 by Dec. 11. On Dec. it dipped to 54.5, and it bottomed out Tuesday morning at 54.

But it's been on a huge surge the past 18 hours, making several stops on the way to the current 59.5 (Over -115). Tickets and money are 2/1 on the Over.

Virginia Tech vs Tulane Odds

• Opening point spread: Virginia Tech -5.5
• Opening moneyline: VaTech -225/Tulane +185
• Opening total: Over/Under 48 points scored
• Time: 2 p.m. ET Wednesday, Dec. 27 (ESPN)

UPDATE NOON ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27: Tulane (11-2 SU/5-8 ATS) had a big season, but also has a big list of players out for today's Military Bowl. That includes QB Michael Pratt, among a host of starters. Further, coach Willie Fritz left to take the same job at Houston.

Virginia Tech (6-6 SU/7-5 ATS) opened as 5.5-point chalk at BetMGM on Dec. 4 and later that day was already up to -7.5. The Hokies advanced to -10 on Dec. 17, then to -10.5 Sunday VaTech is now -10.5 (-115).

All that movement noted, Tulane is actually taking 54% of spread tickets/55% of spread money. On the moneyline, the Green Wave are getting 72% of tickets/52% of money.

BetMGM opened the total at 48.5 and quickly dipped to 46.5. The number went to 45.5 on Dec. 18, 44.5 Thursday and 44 Tuesday. Today brought moves to 43.5, then 43.5 (Over -115). Ticket count is 2/1 on the Over, but money is running almost dead even.

Bowling Green vs Minnesota Odds

• Opening point spread: Minnesota -5.5
• Opening moneyline: Minnesota -220/Bowling Green +180
• Opening total: Over/Under 36.5 points scored
• Time: 2 p.m. ET Tuesday, Dec. 26 (ESPN)

UPDATE 1 P.M. ET TUESDAY, DEC. 26: Sixty minutes pre-kick, the Golden Gophers are down to 3-point favorites at BetMGM in the Quick Lane Bowl. Minnesota opened -5-5 back on Dec. 4 and dropped to -4 in a hurry, then stuck there until dipping to -3.5 Sunday.

The Gophers dipped to -3 this morning. Part of what's at play with the line dropping is that Minnesota QB Athan Kaliakmanis is in the transfer portal. This game, like many, is impacted by transfer-portal/opt-out news.

Spread tickets are almost dead even, while 56% of spread money is on Bowling Green. On the moneyline, the underdog Falcons are taking 70% of tickets/83% of cash.

Minnesota (5-7 SU/3-9 ATS) somehow got into a bowl game despite a losing record, apparently for lack of teams with a winning record. The Gophers lost their last four games SU and ATS. Conversely, Bowling Green (7-5 SU/8-4 ATS) went 5-1 SU and ATS in its last six.

The total climbed from 36.5 to 38.5 within a couple days early this month. On Dec. 19, it went to 39.5, and this morning, it's been on a huge surge, all the way to 43.5.

The Over is getting 66% of tickets/68% of money.

Texas State vs Rice Odds

• Opening point spread: Texas State -6.5
• Opening moneyline: Texas State -220/Rice +180
• Opening total: Over/Under 60.5 points scored
• Time: 5:30 p.m. ET Tuesday, Dec. 26 (ESPN)

UPDATE 1 P.M. ET TUESDAY, DEC. 26: Line movement for the First Responder Bowl somewhat mirrors the Quick Lane Bowl. Texas State opened -6.5 at BetMGM on Dec. 3, dipped to -5.5/-4.5 on Dec. 4, then returned to -5.5 Dec. 19.

The Bobcats (7-5 SU/6-6 ATS) dipped to -4.5 again Saturday and to -3.5 Sunday. Rice (6-6 SU/8-4 ATS) is seeing 56% of spread bets/61% of spread dollars. Further, on the moneyline, it's 74% bets/62% money on the underdog Owls.

BetMGM's total opened at 60.5 and bottomed out at 58.5 multiple times this month. The number made its way back to 60.5 this morning, and it's now 59.5. The Over is taking 73% of bets/71% of money.

Kansas vs UNLV Odds

• Opening point spread: Kansas -10.5
• Opening moneyline: Kansas -550/UNLV +400
• Opening total: Over/Under 64.5 points scored
• Time: 9 p.m. ET Tuesday, Dec. 26 (ESPN)

UPDATE 1 P.M. ET TUESDAY, DEC. 26: BetMGM opened Kansas as 12.5-point chalk in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, back on Dec. 3. The line backed up to Jayhawks -11.5 Dec. 4, then returned to -12.5 Dec. 5.

Sunday saw Kansas (8-4 SU/7-5 ATS) hit its peak of -13.5, but this morning saw a notable drop. The Jayhawks made stops at -12/-11.5/-11 on the way to the current -10.5.

Kansas is taking 59% of spread tickets/53% of spread money. Moneyline splits are interesting: UNLV (9-4 SU/10-3 ATS) is getting 53% of tickets, but 86% of cash is on Kansas.

The total opened at 63.5 and got to 65.5 within a couple days, then went to 64.5 Dec. 12. There's been a steady rise the past few days, peaking at 68.5 late this morning. It's now at 67.5, with the Over landing 62% of tickets/56% of money.

Coastal Carolina vs San Jose State Odds

• Opening point spread: San Jose State -7.5
• Opening moneyline: San Jose State -320/Coastal Carolina +250
• Opening total: Over/Under 54.5 points scored
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 23 (ESPN)

UPDATE 8:30 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 22: Thanks to the transfer portal, Coastal Carolina (7-5 SU/8-4 ATS) will start third-string QB Ethan Vasko in the Hawaii Bowl. San Jose State (7-5 SU/9-3 ATS) stretched out to -11 by Sunday, after opening -7.5 Dec. 3 at DraftKings.

There's been some regression since, with the Spartans now -9.5 (-115). San Jose State is netting 58% of spread bets/62% of spread money.

DK's total saw a lot of movement, too, but down instead of up. After opening at 54.5, it steadily made its way to 49 by Thursday. The Over is getting 78% of bets, but money is almost dead even.

Utah vs Northwestern Odds

• Opening point spread: Utah -8.5
• Opening moneyline: Utah -335/Northwestern +260
• Opening total: Over/Under 42.5 points scored
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 23 (ABC)

UPDATE 6:30 P.M. ET SATURDAY, DEC. 23: An hour before kickoff, BetMGM Nevada has the Utes as 7-point favorites. Utah opened 9.5 Dec. 4, was down to -6.5 Dec. 5 and reached a low of -6 Thursday. Today brought moves to -6.5/-7 at BetMGM's Las Vegas operations.

"Tickets are really close, a few more on Utah. Money is 2/1 Utah," BetMGM Nevada's Scott Shelton said. "On the moneyline, it's 6/1 tickets Northwestern, but 3/1 money Utah."

Shelton noted that moneyline action includes a significant six-figure Utah -275 play, to win low six figures.

"That one bet is totally skewing it," Shelton said.

The total opened at 42.5, hit a low of 40.5 Dec. 21 and is now at 43 (Over -115). Tickets are 1.5/1 and money 6/1 on the Over, thanks largely to bets of $57,500 and $23,000 on Over 43.

"We're gonna need Northwestern and Under. Northwestern outright would be best," Shelton said.

UPDATE 2:30 P.M. ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20: The Las Vegas Bowl has one of the more attractive matchups among early postseason games. DraftKings opened Utah -8.5 and quickly fell back to -7 on Dec. 4. Friday brought a move to Utes -6.5.

Spread tickets are running 2/1 Utah, while spread money is 2/1 on underdog Northwestern. The Utes have a much longer transfer-portal/opt-out/injuries list than the Wildcats.

The total opened at 42.5 and has been pinned to 41.5 since Dec. 5. Tickets are running 2.5/1 on the Over, while money is almost dead even, with a slight Under lean.

UPDATE 11 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 8: Considering Utah didn't have starting QB Cameron Rising (ACL) all year, finishing 8-4 SU/6-5-1 ATS wasn't too bad. The Utes capped the season with a 23-17 home win vs. Colorado, failing to cover as healthy 22.5-point favorites.

Northwestern (7-5 SU/8-4 ATS) put together a bowl-worthy season, after coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired during the summer following a hazing investigation of the program.

In Week 13, the Wildcats edged Illinois 45-43 catching 5.5 points on the road. Northwestern enters the Las Vegas Bowl on streaks of 3-0 SU and 6-0 ATS.

Utah's top two QBS not named Cameron Rising – Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson – are in the transfer portal. But Barnes has said he'll play for the Utes in Vegas.

Caesars opened Utah -8.5 on Dec. 4 and quickly dropped down to -7, then went to -6.5 on Dec. 5. The Utes rebounded to -7 on Dec. 7. The total went from 42.5 to 41.5 on Dec. 4, then to 42 on Dec. 5.

South Alabama vs Eastern Michigan 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.

James Madison vs Air Force Odds

• Opening point spread: Pick 'em
• Opening moneyline: James Madison -160/Air Force +135
• Opening total: Over/Under 43 points scored
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 23 (ABC)

UPDATE NOON ET SATURDAY, DEC. 23: This line has seen significant movement of late at BetMGM, most of it this morning. On Wednesday, James Madison slid from -2.5 to -1.5. The Dukes then moved to -1 this morning, but rebounded to -2.5.

However, that's since been followed by a line flip to Air Force -1.5, and the Falcons are now -2. Back on Dec. 4, the Armed Forces Bowl opened at James Madison -4.5. and quickly fell to JMU -3.

It's two-way spread play, with 57% of tickets on the Dukes and 51% of money on the Falcons. On the moneyline, it's 76% of tickets/80% of money on Air Force.

The total opened at 42.5, bottomed out at 40.5 a couple of times over the past three weeks and made its way back to 42.5 by today. The Over is drawing 77% of tickets/80% of money.

UPDATE 3 P.M. ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20: Although several James Madison starters are in the transfer portal, apparently most if not all will play in the Armed Forces Bowl. That includes quarterback Jordan McCloud.

James Madison opened -3 in DraftKings' college football bowl odds market, on Dec. 4. The line dipped to Dukes -2.5 Dec. 11, then today went to -2/-1.5, before rebounding to -2. Spread ticket count is 3/1 James Madison, but spread money is dead even.

The total dropped from 43 on Dec. 4 to 41 on Dec. 5, and it's mostly stuck at 41 since. But this afternoon brought another downward move to 40.5. The Over is drawing 68% of tickets, while 62% of cash is on the Under.

UPDATE 11 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 7: James Madison (11-1 SU/8-4 ATS) is only in a bowl game because not enough other teams posted a qualifying six-win season to fill out all the matchups. But the Dukes absolutely deserve to be here, and probably in a better game than the Armed Forces Bowl.

James Madison last played in Week 13, bouncing back nicely from an upset Week 12 overtime loss to Appalachian State. The Dukes steamrolled Coastal Carolina 56-14 as 4-point road favorites.

But because James Madison is in the second year of its transition to FBS, it wasn't allowed to compete for the Sun Belt Conference title. The Dukes won't have coach Curt Cignetti, who left to become Indiana's new coach.

Air Force was having a phenomenal season through October, sitting at 8-0 SU (5-3 ATS) and ranked in the Top 25. But the Falcons fell apart, losing their last four SU and ATS to finish 8-4 SU/5-7 ATS. In the regular-season finale at Boise State, Air Force lost 27-19 as a 6.5-point pup.

Caesars Sports opened JMU-Air Force at pick 'em on Dec. 4 and almost immediately shot all the way to James Madison -3.5. The line settled at -3 a few minutes later. The total was on the move early, too, dropping from 43 to 41 within two hours.

Georgia State vs Utah State Odds

• Opening point spread: Georgia State -3
• Opening moneyline: Georgia State -155/Utah State +130
• Opening total: Over/Under 63.5 points scored
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 23 (ESPN)

UPDATE 8 P.M. ET FRIDAY: Georgia State (6-6 SU and ATS) opened as 2.5-point chalk at DraftKings for the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. But the Panthers endured key transfer-portal losses, including standout running back Marcus Carroll and wideout Robert Lewis.

By Dec. 6, the line flipped to Utah State -1, and it got as high as Aggies -3 on Monday. Utah State (6-6 SU and ATS) is now -1.5, with spread ticket count 4/1 and spread money 6/1 on the Aggies. On the moneyline, it's 2/1 tickets snd 2.5/1 money on the Aggies.

DK's total opened at 63 and slowly made its way down to 59.5 by Tuesday. The Under is getting a modest majority 55% of tickets, but a far more solid 86% of dollars.

Troy vs Duke Odds

• Opening point spread: Troy -5.5
• Opening moneyline: Troy -225/Duke +185
• Opening total: Over/Under 44.5 points scored
• Time: Noon ET Saturday, Dec. 23 (ABC)

UPDATE 11:30 A.M. ET SATURDAY, DEC. 23: As was the case Friday at BetMGM (see below update), Troy is 7-point chalk in the college football bowl game odds market, though at -105 juice. But there's more of a lean toward the favored Trojans on the spread, at 58% of tickets/82% of money.

On the moneyline, underdog Duke is netting 70% of tickets, while money is running almost dead even.

The total remains 44.5, with not much change in action since Friday. The over is seeing 55% of tickets/61% of money.

UPDATE NOON ET FRIDAY: Duke (7-5 SU/6-6 ATS) has a lot of players on the transper-portal/opt-out/injuries list. As such, Troy (11-2 SU/8-5 ATS) opened as a 5.5-point favorite at BetMGM on Dec. 4 and within a few hours went to -6.5/-7 in the Birmingham Bowl.

The Trojans went to -7.5 on Dec. 7 and Thursday returned to -7. Spread ticket count is almost dead even, but spread money is almost 2/1 on Troy.

BetMGM's total toggled between 44.5 and 44 a couple times between Dec. 14 and Dec. 13. It's been stuck at 44.5 since Dec. 13, with 52% of tickets on the Under/62% of money on the Over.

Arkansas State vs Northern Illinois Odds

• Opening point spread: Arkansas State -1.5
• Opening moneyline: Arkansas State -125/Northern Illinois +105
• Opening total: Over/Under 52 points scored
• Time: Noon ET Saturday, Dec. 23 (ESPN)

UPDATE 11:30 A.M. ET SATURDAY, DEC. 23: With kickoff looming, Arkansas State is -2.5 (-115) at BetMGM. The Red Wolves opened -1.5 on Dec. 4, went to -1 Dec. 5 and stuck there until going to -2.5 Monday. Tuesday brought a move to -3, and Arkansas State went to -2.5 (-115) Friday.

Opinion is split at BetMGM, with 59% of tickets on Northern Illinois/64% of money on Arkansas State. However, there's more consensus on the moneyline, where 85% of tickets/90% of dollars are on the underdog Huskies.

The total moved from 51.5 to 53.5 within a few hours on Dec. 3, then spent much of this past week at 54.5. It's now at 53.5, with 73% of tickets/87% of money on the Over.

UPDATE 8 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 22: Arkansas State (6-6 SU/7-5 ATS) opened -1 back on Dec. 4 at DraftKings Sportsbook. A day later, the Camellia Bowl line jumped the fence, with Northern Illinois (6-6 SU/5-7 ATS) favored by 1.

By Dec. 13, the favorite flipped again, with the Red Wolves moving to -2.5. Arkansas State got to -3 Tuesday, then returned to -2.5 Thursday . The Red Wolves are drawing 60% of spread bets/69% of spread money. Arkansas State is seeing similar action on the moneyline.

DK's total spent most of the month toggling between 53.5 and 54. Thursday brought moves to 54.5/55, then back to 54.5. The Over is seeing 64% of bets/72% of money.

Georgia Tech vs Central Florida Odds

• Opening point spread: Central Florida -6.5
• Opening moneyline: Central Florida -220/Georgia Tech +180
• Opening total: Over/Under 61.5 points scored
• Time: 6:30 p.m. ET Friday, Dec. 22 (ESPN)

UPDATE 11:30 A.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 22: On game day, Central Florida is 5.5-point chalk in BetMGM's college football bowl odds market. Back on Dec. 4, the Knights opened -6.5 and dropped to their low point of -4.5 within a few hours.

UCF rebounded to -5.5 Wednesday and briefly got to -6 Thursday, before backing up to -5.5/-4.5 (-115). The line returned to -5.5 this morning. Spread tickets and money are just shy of 2/1 on the Knights.

On the flipside, moneyline tickets and cash are in the 2/1 range on Georgia Tech.

The total opened at 61 and slowly but steadily climbed the last two-plus weeks, landing at 67 this morning. Ticket count is almost 2.5/1 and money 9/1 on the Over.

UPDATE 2 P.M. ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20: Both teams have a handful of transfer-portal players, but that's not impacting the spread as much as in other games thus far. DraftKings opened Central Florida -5.5 for the Gasparilla Bowl and bottomed out at -4.5 a couple times over the last two weeks.

The Knights (6-6 SU/5-6-1 ATS) are now -5, while taking 54% of tickets/51% of money. Georgia Tech is 6-6 SU/7-5 ATS.

DraftKings' total has seen much more movement, pretty much all upward. The number opened at 61.5 Dec. 4 and advanced to 64 that same day. Since then, it's slowly made its way to the current peak of 66.5. The Over is landing 58% of tickets and a hefty 90% of dollars.

South Florida vs Syracuse

• Opening point spread: Syracuse -5.5
• Opening moneyline: Syracuse -220/South Florida +180
• Opening total: Over/Under 58 points scored
• Time: 8 p.m. ET Thursday, Dec. 21 (ESPN)

UPDATE 6:30 P.M. ET THURSDAY, DEC. 21: Ninety minutes pre-kick, the Orange are -3 (-115) at BetMGM. The line has seen a lot of ups and downs, in part due to Syracuse transfer portal/injury info (see below update). Syracuse opened -5.5 back on Dec. 4 and sped to -3.5 within a few hours.

The line dipped to Syracuse -3 on Dec. 12, and Monday brought movement all the way down to -1. The Orange have since rebounded, peaking at -3.5 this morning before the nudge back to -3 (-115).

All that noted, ticket count is almost 2/1 and money is approaching 3/1 on underdog South Florida. Moneyline action favors the 'dog, as well, with tickets 3/1 and money 2/1 on the Bulls.

The total opened at 58.5, stretched to 60.5 by Dec. 5 and topped out at 61 on Dec. 13. But it's been on the decline throughout this week, plunging to 56.5 Monday/56 Wednesday/55 this morning.

It's now at 55.5, with 53% of bets on the Over/61% of dollars on the Under.

UPDATE 2 P.M. ET WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20: A day out from the Boca Raton Bowl, Syracuse is 3-point chalk in DraftKings Sportsbook's college football bowl odds market. This line was a speedy mover early at DK, going from Orange -5.5 to -3 within a few hours on Dec. 4.

Syracuse (6-6 SU/5-6-1 ATS) has been -3 at various juice for most of the past couple weeks. Sunday/Monday, however, the number went to -2.5/-2/-1.5/-1. It's since rebounded to Orange -3. Syracuse is taking 58% of spread bets/56% of spread money.

One reason for all the line moves: Syracuse has a bundle of players out, via transfer portal or injuries, as is the case for QBs Garrett Shrader and Carlos Del Rio-Wilson.

Interestingly, the total opened at 58.5 and got as high 62 Saturday. But Monday/today brought a plunge all the way to the current 56.5. The Under is seeing 63% of bets/53% of cash.

South Florida is 6-6 SU and ATS.

UTSA vs Marshall Odds

• Opening point spread: UTSA -8.5
• Opening moneyline: UTSA -385/Marshall +300
• Opening total: Over/Under 56.5 points scored
• Time: 9 p.m. ET Tuesday, Dec. 19 (ESPN)

UPDATE 6:30 P.M. ET TUESDAY, DEC. 19: Between transfer portal news (see below update), opt-outs and now injuries, the Frisco Bowl line has been on a wild ride. UTSA has never not been favored, but the number has varied greatly.

On Dec. 4, the Roadrunners opened -8.5. By Wednesday, they'd shot up to -13, then receded to -12 Friday. This afternoon/evening seen huge downward movement, with UTSA quarterback Frank Harris now apparently unlikely to play.

Texas-San Antonio was -12.5 at lunchtime, but by mid-afternoon was down to -10. The decline continued into the evening, touching several numbers on the way to Roadrunners -7.5 (-105).

All that noted, 73% of spread tickets/82% of spread dollars are on UTSA. But there's a mile of middle ground there for bettors who got Marshall at a big number and UTSA at a lower number. On the moneyline, 64% of tickets are on Marshall, while 59% of cash is on UTSA.

"It's pretty lopsided on UTSA, regardless of the number. We'll still need Marshall to cover 7.5-12.5. Marshall outright would be huge," BetMGM trader Seamus Magee said.

The total obviously has plunged on all the aforementioned news. After opening at 57.5, it dropped to 52.5 last week. Today, it plummeted to 45 by early evening. It's now 46.5, with 56% of tickets on the Over/65% of money on the Under. But again, there's a chasm of numbers this total has been at over the past two weeks.

UPDATE MIDNIGHT ET FRIDAY, DEC. 15: BetMGM has made big moves on this matchup. Texas-San Antonio opened -8.5 and climbed all the way -13 by Wednesday, then backed up to -12 earlier today. Part of that movement is due to Marshall QB Cam Fancher and wideout Caleb Coombs entering the transfer portal.

It's all UTSA on the spread, with ticket count almost 6/1 and money beyond 9/1. UTSA is 8-4 SU/5-6-1 ATS, while Marshall is 6-6 SU/4-8 ATS.

The Frisco Bowl total opened at 57.5 on Dec. 4, tumbled to 54.5 a day later, then went to 53.5 Monday and 52.5 Wednesday. Ticket count is 3/1-plus and money 6/1 on the Under.

Western Kentucky vs Old Dominion Odds

• Opening point spread: Western Kentucky -1
• Opening moneyline: Western Kentucky -130/Old Dominion +110
• Opening total: Over/Under 55.5 points scored
• Time: 2:30 p.m. ET Monday, Dec. 18 (ESPN)

UPDATE 1:30 P.M. ET MONDAY, DEC. 18: An hour before kickoff, Old Dominion is out to 5.5-point chalk in DraftKings Sportsbook's college football bowl odds market. That's in large part due to the absence of a host of Western Kentucky players today. Among them: QB Austin Reed and backup QB Caden Veltkamp.

When this game opened on Dec. 3, the Hilltoppers were 1-point favorites. A day later, the line had already jumped the fence to Monarchs -2. It spent much of the last couple weeks at -2.5, then Friday went to -3/-3.5/-4. The line peaked at ODU -6.5 this morning, before receding to -5.5.

Spread tickets are dead even, while 63% of spread money is on Old Dominion.

With all the missing players, the total is down to 48.5 from a 55.5 opener and 56 high point Dec. 4. Most of the movement came since Saturday, when the total was at 54. The Over is getting 56% of tickets, and 57% of money is on the Under.

UPDATE MIDNIGHT ET FRIDAY, DEC. 15: This line quickly jumped the fence on Dec. 4 at BetMGM, going from the Western Kentucky -1.5 opener to Old Dominion -1.5. The Monarchs spent most of the past 11 days at -2.5, then today went to -3/-3.5.

Old Dominion (6-6 SU/7-5 ATS) is landing 81% of spread bets/89% of spread dollars. Western Kentucky is 7-5 SU/5-7 ATS heading into the Famous Toastery Bowl.

The total opened at 57.5, dropped to 55.5 in short order and went to 54.5 Thursday. Tickets and money are beyond 9/1 on the Under.

California vs Texas Tech Odds

• Opening point spread: Texas Tech -3
• Opening moneyline: Texas Tech -160/California +135
• Opening total: Over/Under 58.5 points scored
• Time: 9:15 p.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 16 (ESPN)

UPDATE 5:30 P.M. ET SATURDAY, DEC. 16: Of today's six games to kick off the college football bowl odds market, this Independence Bowl matchup is the most intriguing at TwinSpires Sportsbook.

Texas Tech (6-6 SU/5-7 ATS) opened -2.5 and spent time at -3 on the way to -3.5. Spread ticket count is 3/1 and spread money almost 5/1 on the Red Raiders.

"Our biggest NCAAF liability today is on Tech. We're massive Cal fans," TwinSpires director of retail sports Zachary Lucas said.

Cal went 6-6 SU and ATS in the regular season.

The total opened at 58.5 and was at 58 late last night. It's down another 1.5 points today, though 63% of tickets/54% of dollars are on the Over.

UPDATE 2:30 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 15: This line toggled between Texas Tech -3 and -2.5, at various juice, a couple of times over the past 11 days. Late this morning, the Red Raiders climbed to -3.5 (-115).

Spread tickets are 2.5/1 and spread money 3/1-plus on Texas Tech.

The total is down to 56.5, reaching that point this morning after a multiple stops on the way down from the 58.5 opener. Still, tickets and money are running about 2/1 on the Over.

In fact, among all bowl games, by ticket count, Cal-Texas Tech is the third-most-bet Over. Alabama-Michigan is No. 1, followed by Texas-Washington.

UCLA vs Boise State Odds

• Opening point spread: UCLA -2.5
• Opening moneyline: UCLA -135/Boise State +115
• Opening total: Over/Under 49.5 points scored
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 16 (ABC)

UPDATE 7 P.M. ET SATURDAY, DEC. 16: With kickoff 30 minutes out, BetMGM Nevada is at UCLA -6.5. This line has seen a lot of movement, opening at Bruins -2.5 and initially backing up to -1.5 on Dec. 4.

But that same day, UCLA rebounded to -3, then steadily climbed this past week to the current -6.5.

"Tickets are 1.5/1 in favor of UCLA, but money is almost 2/1 on Boise State. And there's nothing really big, either," BetMGM Nevada's Scott Shelton said. "On the moneyline, tickets are 2/1 Boise State, but money is really close. Right now, we want UCLA. Bruins by a touchdown would be good. We actually need favorite and Over."

The total opened at 49.5, peaked at 50.5 Dec. 4 and has since dropped down to 47. Ticket count at BetMGM Nevada is 2/1 and money 4/1 on the Under.

UPDATE 2:30 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 15: UCLA (7-5 SU/5-7 ATS) is up to 4.5-point chalk in BetMGM's college football bowl odds market. The Bruins opened -2.5 and initially backed up to -1.5 Dec. 4, then slowly climbed to the current number.

Part of the reason for the climb: Boise State QB Taylen Green entered the transfer portal and is heading to Arkansas. True freshman C.J. Tiller is expected to start for the Broncos (8-5 SU/7-5-1 ATS).

All that noted, spread bets are 2/1 and spread money almost 5/1 on underdog Boise State.

The L.A. Bowl total shifted from 49.5 to 50.5 on Dec. 4, returned to 49.5 Dec. 6, then went to 48.5 Tuesday. It's now 48.5 (Under -115), with bet count 4/1 and money 8/1 on the Under. By ticket count, UCLA-Boise State is the most-bet Under of all bowl games at BetMGM.

New Mexico State vs Fresno State Odds

• Opening point spread: New Mexico State -2.5
• Opening moneyline: New Mexico State -140/Fresno State +118
• Opening total: Over/Under 51 points scored
• Time: 5:45 p.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 16 (ESPN)

UPDATE 5 P.M. ET SATURDAY: DraftKings Sportsbook opened New Mexico State -1 on Dec. 3, and by the evening of Dec. 4. the Aggies were already out to -3. Since then, NMSU has mostly toggled between -3.5/-4, but the line is now Aggies -3 (-120).

Spread tickets are running 2.5/1 and spread money 5/1 on New Mexico State. And moneyline action is similarly tilted toward NMSU.

The total opened at 51.5, bottomed out at 51 Dec. 4 and reached its peak of 52.5 this morning. It's still at 52.5, with Ticket count is almost 3/1 and money 4/1 on the Over.

UPDATE 2:30 P.M. ET FRIDAY: New Mexico State is out to -3.5 (-115) in the New Mexico Bowl at BetMGM. The Aggies opened -1.5 and made stops at -2.5/-3 before hitting -3.5 last Friday, then going to -3.5 (-115) on Wednesday.

Spread tickets are running almost 4/1 and spread money 5/1 on NMSU. The Aggies (10-4 SU/10-3-1 ATS) are among the top five spread-covering teams in the nation, including a current 8-1 ATS run. New Mexico State posted a shocking 31-10 win at Auburn catching 25.5 points in Week 12.

Fresno State is 8-4 SU, but just 4-8 ATS, including 1-7 ATS in its last eight games.

The total opened at 52.5 and quickly dipped to 50.5 on Dec. 4. That same day, it stabilized at 51.5, and it's currently 51.5 (Under -115). The Over is netting 60% of tickets/72% of money.

Miami (Ohio) vs Appalachian State Odds

• Opening point spread: Appalachian State -4.5
• Opening moneyline: Appalachian State -178/Miami (Ohio) +150
• Opening total: Over/Under 48.5 points scored
• Time: 3:30 ET Saturday, Dec. 16 (ABC)

UPDATE 2:15 P.M. ET SATURDAY: With 75 minutes until kickoff, Appalachian State is a 6-point favorite in DraftKings' college football bowl odds market. The Mountaineers opened -4.5 and briefly backed up to -3.5 Dec. 4, then got to -5.5 Dec. 5.

App State got to -6 Tuesday and -6.5 Wednesday, then returned to -6 this afternoon. Underdog Miami (Ohio) is seeing 53% of spread tickets and money.

The total opened at 48.5 and, in a recurring theme this bowl season, plunged due in part to transfer portal news (see below). The number was down to 46.5 by Sunday, 43 Thursday and bottomed out today at 40.5. It's now 41, with 60% of tickets on the Over/65% of money on the Under.

UPDATE 2:30 P.M. ET FRIDAY: Appalachian State hit BetMGM's board at -4.5 (-115) to open and initially backed up to -3.5 on Dec. 4. But the Mountaineers quickly returned to -4.5, then -5.5 that same day. Since then, App State (8-5 SU/6-6-1 ATS) hit -6.5 a couple times and is currently -6.5 (-115).

Spread ticket count is 5/1 and spread money beyond 9/1 on the Mountaineers. It's worth noting that Miami (Ohio), at 11-2 SU/10-3 ATS, is one of the best spread-covering teams in the nation.

The total has steadily plunged from a 48.5 opener down to the current 41.5. That's due in part to Miami (Ohio) QB Aveon Smith entering the transfer portal. App State running back Nate Noel also entered the portal.

Ticket count is 5/1 and money well beyond 9/1 on the Under. By ticket count at BetMGM, Miami (Ohio)-App State is the third-most-bet Under.

Jacksonville State vs Louisiana-Lafayette Odds

• Opening point spread: Louisiana -1.5
• Opening moneyline: Jacksonville State -140/ULL +118
• Opening total: Over/Under 55.5 points scored
• Time: 2:15 p.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 16 (ESPN)

UPDATE 2 P.M. ET SATURDAY, DEC. 16: As kickoff approaches, Jacksonville State is 2.5-point chalk at DraftKings. The Gamecocks opened as 1.5-point underdogs Dec. 3 and flipped to 2.5-point faves Dec. 4.

Since then, the line has toggled between JSU -2.5/-3, then this afternoon went to -3.5. Spread tickets and dollars are running 4/1 on the Gamecocks, who are taking similar action on the moneyline.

The total opened at 56, peaked at 60 on Tuesday, then backed up to 58 Friday. It's now at 59, with 57% of tickets/59% of money on the Over.

UPDATE 2 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 15: Jacksonville State (8-4 SU/8-3-1 ATS) opened +1.5 and quickly ran out to -2 at BetMGM. The Gamecocks then spent most of the past two weeks toggling between -2.5/-3. Jacksonville State is now -2.5 (-115), while taking 60% of spread bets/68% of spread money.

Louisiana (6-6 SU/5-7 ATS) won its last game to get bowl eligible.

The total opened at 57.5 and quickly backed up to 54.5 on Dec. 4. But it rebounded over the next week, topping out at 59.5 Monday, before going to 58.5 Wednesday. Ticket count is 3/1 and money beyond 9/1 on the Over.

Georgia Southern vs Ohio Odds

• Opening point spread: Ohio -1.5
• Opening moneyline: Ohio -125/Georgia Southern +105
• Opening total: Over/Under 54.5 points scored
• Time: 11 a.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 16 (ESPN)

UPDATE 9:30 A.M. ET SATURDAY, DEC. 16: As noted below, the transfer portal is leading to significant line movement in this matchup and several others. DraftKings Sportsbook opened Ohio -1.5 back on Dec. 3 and got as high as Ohio -3 on Dec. 4. Then on Dec. 5, the line rapidly moved through several numbers while jumping the fence to Georgia Southern -3.

Georgia topped out at -4 Dec. 5 and has since slowly backed up. The Eagles are now -2.5 (-115), while taking 67% of spread bets/84% of spread money.

DraftKings opened the total at 54 and by Dec. 5 had cratered to 49. Monday brought another dip to 48, but the line rebounded to 49 by Friday. The Under is taking 56% of bets/71% of cash.

UPDATE 2 P.M. ET FRIDAY, DEC. 15: This line has seen a huge swing since opening back on Dec. 4. That's due in no small part to a few Ohio players hitting the transfer portal, including quarterback Kurtis Rourke.

BetMGM opened Ohio -2.5 in its college football bowl odds market, and the Bobcats got to -3 shortly thereafter. But Dec. 4 brought Rourke's announcement, moving the number straight to Georgia Southern -1, then -3/-3.5, all on Dec. 5. The Eagles are now -3.5 (-105).

Spread ticket count is almost 2/1 and spread money 3/1 plus on Georgia Southern.

The total opened at 54.5 and by Dec. 5 plunged all the way to 48.5. Wednesday brought a rebound to 49.5, but it's now at 48.5 again. Tickets are almost 4/1 and money 8/1 on the Under.

Patrick Everson

Patrick Everson is a senior reporter for VegasInsider. Based in Las Vegas since 1994, he's worked in the sports betting journalism/content space for more than a decade. He's most known for his deep roster of contacts behind sportsbook counters, providing readers and viewers with the ins-and-outs of how events are being bet. He's also a thought leader in the sports betting space, often appearing on or moderating panels at national conferences. More from Patrick Everson