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Chevan Cordeiro of the San Jose State Spartans passes the ball during the first quarter as we share our top college football expert picks.
Chevan Cordeiro of the San Jose State Spartans passes the ball during the first quarter against the USC Trojans. Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images via AFP.

Our team of analysts at Underscoreg Review have compiled a list of expert picks for the college football bowl games happening this Saturday. These picks are based on the top NCAAF odds available on our recommended sports betting apps. This page will be your go-to destination for our top selections for Saturday’s games.

It’s that time of year when we must choose between indulging in sports or maintaining good relationships with our family.

No matter what, our college football experts are ready to provide you with their top picks for Saturday’s bowl game lineup. Be sure to visit our College Football Best Bets and College Football Player Props for comprehensive betting coverage before the games begin.

In our analysis of college bowl game odds, we present our top expert picks for Saturday’s bowl games, with confidence ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Odds are sourced from our recommended college football betting sites.

College football schedule for Saturday

(Odds via Caesars)

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College football expert picks for Saturday’s bowl games

Scott JustinAllen ByronLopez JuliaPhil Wood
Troy vs. DukeJordan Moore anytime touchdown (+190 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐Troy team total Over 27.5 (+105 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐⭐Gunnar Watson Over 1.5 passing touchdowns (-114 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐Gunnar Watson Over 227.5 passing yards (-115 via bet365) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
James Madison vs. Air ForceJames Madison -1 (-110 via Caesars) ⭐⭐⭐Air Force ML (+107 via BetRivers) ⭐⭐⭐James Madison -1 (-110 via Caesars) ⭐⭐⭐⭐Zac Larrier Under 47.5 rushing yards (-114 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Georgia State vs. Utah StateUtah State -2.5 (-105 via Caesars) ⭐⭐⭐Jalen Royals 90+ alternate receiving yards (+100 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐Darren Grainger Over 48.5 rushing yards (-114 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐Darren Grainger Under 195.5 passing yards (-115 via bet365) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
South Alabama vs. Eastern MichiganKentrel Bullock Over 0.5 rushing touchdowns (+290 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐Braylon McReynolds Over 91.5 rushing yards (-115 via DraftKings, bet365) ⭐⭐⭐⭐Tanner Knue Under 35.5 receiving yards (-115 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐Samson Evans Over 0.5 rushing touchdowns (+160 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐
Utah vs. NorthwesternCam Porter Over 6.5 receiving yards (-114 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐Ja’Quinden Jackson Under 74.5 rushing yards (-114 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐Under 41.5 (-110 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐Cam Johnson Over 52.5 receiving yards (-115 via bet365) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coastal Carolina vs. San Jose StateChevan Cordeiro Over 1.5 passing touchdowns (-115 via DraftKings, bet365) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Chevan Cordeiro Over 1.5 passing touchdowns (-115 via DraftKings, bet365) ⭐⭐⭐⭐Over 48.5 (-110 via bet365) ⭐⭐⭐⭐Kairee Robinson 2-plus touchdowns (+215 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐

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College football top picks for Saturday

Chevan Cordeiro Over 1.5 passing touchdowns (-115 via DraftKings, bet365) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Deciphering motivation is crucial when betting on bowl games, and San Jose State quarterback Chevan Cordeiro will be incredibly motivated in his final collegiate game at the Hawaii Bowl against Coastal Carolina.

Cordeiro’s journey has come full circle, starting his career with three seasons at Hawaii before transferring to San Jose State for the last two years. As the Mountain West Conference’s all-time leader in touchdowns, he even practiced for this bowl game on the same field in Honolulu where he grew up.

Putting aside the story, the statistics show that the odds are in our favor for this prop bet at the top sportsbooks. Our quarterback is expected to throw for two or more touchdowns in a game where San Jose State is heavily favored to win by double digits. He has thrown for multiple touchdowns in five of his last six games and has led the Spartans to victory in 11 out of 14 games over the past two years.

Scott Justin, also known as SBR on Twitter.

Troy team total Over 27.5 (+105 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Arguably, there is no better example of the influence of the transfer portal and player opt-outs in bowl games than Troy being favored by more than a touchdown against Duke.

The Trojans have won 10 consecutive games thanks to their strong defense, which ranked in the top 20 in Rush Success, Pass Success, Line Yards, Finishing Drives, and Quality Drives allowed in the Sun Belt Championship Game. With former Duke starting quarterback Riley Leonard transferring to Notre Dame, the Blue Devils may struggle to maintain offensive consistency in this matchup.

Troy’s offense will be up against a depleted Duke defense, missing several key players due to the transfer portal and opt-outs. Despite their average offensive performance in the past, the Trojans managed to score over 28 points in their last six games. With their ability to produce quality drives consistently, they are expected to have success against the undermanned Blue Devils.

Bet365 is offering -110 odds for Troy’s team total Over 27, but DraftKings is providing better value with plus-money odds for a total of just half a point higher.

– Allen Byron (@SBR | Twitter/X)

Darren Grainger Over 48.5 rushing yards (-114 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Georgia State’s mobile quarterback, Darren Grainger, is poised to have a successful game rushing the ball against a struggling Utah State defense. The Aggies have allowed an average of 208 rushing yards per game, placing them near the bottom of FBS teams in that category.

Utah State was ranked 34th in the nation in pass defense, so it would be wise for the Panthers to focus on running the ball. Marcus Carroll, one of the top rushers in FBS, would typically excel in this situation. However, he has announced his transfer to Missouri, leaving the backfield situation uncertain for the upcoming bowl game.

I predict that Grainger will seize control and have a successful game running the ball in this exhibition, as the opposing defense tends to struggle against the run. While Grainger has only surpassed this rushing total five times this season, we can expect a change in the team’s offensive strategy without their top running back.

The slight difference in odds between FanDuel (-114) and DraftKings (-115) is so small that either site is a suitable choice for this prop bet.

Julia Lopez (SBR | Twitter/X)

Zac Larrier Under 47.5 rushing yards (-114 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Dukes are about to face the Falcons, who have a strong rushing attack that they haven’t seen this season. However, the Dukes still have the best rush defense in college football, allowing only 61.5 rushing yards per game. Despite the challenge of facing an offense that averages 266.8 rushing yards per game, the Dukes have the advantage.

In order to defeat the Dukes, you must rely on a strong passing game. The Dukes have one of the worst passing defenses in the NCAA, ranking in the bottom five in passing yards allowed. However, Larrier, the quarterback, may struggle with his passing accuracy. If the Falcons find themselves trailing, Larrier will be forced to pass more frequently, which could be problematic against a defense that averages 3.7 sacks per game, tied for the second-highest in the nation.

Larrier has been sidelined since November 11th and in his last four games, he has rushed for 45 yards or less each time. Despite being a frequent ball carrier, he is not the main focus of the offense. Additionally, the Dukes’ defense is currently too strong to overcome.

– Phil Wood (SBR | @X on Twitter)

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