As we make our way through The 2024 Season’s Bowl games we have 8 more games this week! All before the weekend! There are three today and five on Friday. Then we get another 8 games on Saturday! To celebrate bowl season, I’ll be releasing a best bets article each day there’s a bowl game! Get your bets in before the bowl games kick off each day! Let’s hope we continue to win in today’s bowl games best bets for Thursday, December 26th. Check out all the staff picks here.
2024 Season Today’s Bowl Games Best Bets – Thursday, December 26th
Game Above Sports Bowl: Pittsburgh (-6.5) vs. Toledo
The first game on Thursday, December 26th, best bets list is Pittsburgh vs. Toledo. Both of these teams finished 7-5 straight up. However, Pittsburgh was 7-5 against the spread (ATS), while Toledo was 5-7. Toledo was able to win as many games but not cover as many, which could mean they got lucky a couple of times. Let’s take a look at how these teams performed on the field.
Pittsburgh’s offense was very well-balanced. They scored an average of 31.8 points per game. They did this by averaging 277.8 passing yards and 128.5 rushing yards per game. Their defense left a little to be desired, allowing 26.8 points per game on average. The Panthers allowed 258 passing yards and 115.5 rushing yards a game.
On the other side, Toledo was fairly similar. The Rockets averaged 26.7 points per game, 246 passing yards, and 120 rushing yards. Their defense performed a little better, holding opponents to just 21 points per game. They also held opponents to 213.8 passing yards but allowed 138.7 rushing yards a game.
After starting the season with seven straight wins, Pittsburgh dropped their last five games. While I think they could win the game, I think it’ll stay close.
Today’s Bowl Games Best Bets: Toledo +6.5 – even though I liked the opening line of +9.5 better, I think this game stays relatively close. Sprinkle a little on Toledo +210 as well.
Rate Bowl: Rutgers vs. Kansas State (-7)
The next game on Thursday, December 26th’s bowl game bets is Rutgers vs. Kansas State. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights finished the season 7-5 straight up and 6-5-1 ATS. The Kansas State Wildcats finished 8-4 straight up, but just 4-8 ATS. In fact, they’ve only covered two of the last seven games. Rutgers have covered three of the last four, including covering and winning every game they were dogs in for the last four.
The Scarlet Knights utilized their ground game to score 27.9 points per game on average. They had 204.9 passing yards a game but 176 rushing yards. Their defense held opponents to 23.8 points per game. The defense allowed opponents an average of 234 passing yards and 148 rushing yards.
Kansas State also had a strong ground game. They scored an average of 29.8 points per game while averaging 212 passing yards and 204 rushing yards. Their defense was better yet, holding opponents to 21.9 points per game. The defense also allowed an average of 223.7 passing yards and 114.9 rushing yards.
The biggest factor will be the backup running backs as both starting running backs are sitting out for their teams. Kansas State will also be without two linebackers and an edge rusher due to the transfer portal.
Today’s Bowl Games Best Bets: Rutgers +7, Rutgers +210 Moneyline – Rutgers and K-State’s offenses are very similar. It’s Rutger’s defense that makes a difference today.
68 Ventures Bowl: Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green (-8.5)
The last game on Thursday, December 26th’s best bets list is the Arkansas State Red Wolves against the Bowling Green Falcons. Both of these teams finished 7-5 straight up. The Red Wolves were 5-7 ATS, while the Falcons were 6-6. These teams have a couple of players sitting out but nobody that’s going to impact the game.
The Arkansas State Red Wolves’ offense scored an average of 24.8 points per game. However, their defense really struggled, allowing 32.3 points per game. Their offense averaged 227 passing yards and 158.8 rushing yards a game. Meanwhile, the defense allowed 234 passing yards and a big 226 rushing yards.
The Bowling Green Falcons’ offense scored an average of 26.8 points per game. The difference is that their defense only allowed 20.3 points per game. They averaged 224 passing yards and 144 rushing yards per game. The defense played very well, holding opponents to just 181 passing yards and 149 rushing yards.
These offenses are similar, but Bowling Green’s defense is the far better unit.
Today’s Bowl Games Best Bets: Bowling Green (-8.5) takes this one easily.
