The College Football Playoff games are only a few days away, but we still have bowl games to get through. Yesterday’s picks ended up going 2-1, and only missed 3-0 by three receiving yards. But today’s a new day, and we’ve got three more picks that you should add to your Underdog Fantasy College Football Pick’em entry.
Underdog Fantasy College Football 12/29 Bowl Games Higher / Lower Picks
Today’s picks are all about the quarterbacks. A few teams have skill position players who have opted out or entered the portal. However, the guys under center are mostly locked in, and we’ve got today’s top plays.
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Oregon State vs. Notre Dame
Ben Gulbranson Lower 181.5 passing yards
Oregon State quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei has entered the transfer portal and won’t be available for the Sun Bowl. He’ll hand the reins over to redshirt Sophomore Ben Gulbranson. You may remember Gulbranson from a limited run last year when starter Chance Nolan was injured.
In 2022, Gulbranson only cleared 182 passing yards in three out of eight games in which he saw an extended run.
Gulbranson gets what’s left of the Notre Dame defense today. At least four key members of the Notre Dame defense won’t be in uniform, including two top corners. However, Notre Dame had the third-best pass defense in the nation. The Fighting Irish only allowed 162.1 passing yards on average.
Also, the Oregon State Beavers will be without their top tight end and one of their top receivers. Star running back Damian Martinez is also unavailable due to a suspension. Oregon State passing game coordinator Kefense Hynson will handle head coaching duties, with Johnathan Smith taking the Michigan State job.
Gulbranson will have to face Notre Dame without a full offense or a full coaching staff. He’ll likely spend most of the afternoon handing the ball off and trying not to make mistakes. Make sure to go lower on Gulbranson’s passing yards total in your Underdog Fantasy College Football Pick’em entry.
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: Missouri vs. Ohio State
Brady Cook Lower 28.5 passing attempts
Missouri is expected to have the majority of its key players available for the Cotton Bowl and that includes Junior quarterback Brady Cook.
Cook has thrown 29 passes or more in six out of 12 starts this year, and he gets the Ohio State defense. The Buckeyes have the top-ranked pass defense in the nation. Ohio State has only allowed 148.6 passing yards per game on average, and that comes with a 51.2% completion percentage against.
Missouri will need to lean on running back Cody Schrader to keep their offense moving. The lower number for passing yards and completions for Cook are also in play.
This game may end up being a low-scoring affair, with Ohio State missing multiple key pieces on offense and both teams having capable defenses. Look to go lower on passing attempts for Cook, and consider going lower on his other passing props.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Iowa State vs. Memphis
Rocco Becht Higher 211.5 passing yards
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht has cleared 212 passing yards in seven out of 12 games in which he started or received an extended run.
The Memphis Tigers’ pass defense is one of the worst in the nation. The Tigers have the 124th-ranked pass defense in the nation and have allowed 272.6 passing yards per game. Memphis will play this game without safety Cameron Smith. He’s in the transfer portal.
Becht should absolutely roll against the Tigers’ defense. Look for Becht to go higher than 211.5 passing yards in your Underdog Fantasy College Football Pick’em entry.
Do you still need top picks against the spread for the rest of the college bowl games? Listen to The College Football Experience podcast, take our expert advice, and let it ride!
