The 2024 Bowl Season is coming to a close soon but there’s still money to be made. Yesterday did not go as planned. Despite winning, Texas forgot to show up in the second half. Or, maybe we should credit Arizona State for their half-time adjustments. Oregon forgot to show up against Ohio State. 0-2 brings us to 31-15 overall. Let’s get back in the win column with the bowl games’ best bets for Thursday, January 2nd. Check out all the staff picks here.
2024 Bowl Season New Years’ Day Bowl Games Best Bets – Thursday, January 2nd
CFP Quarterfinal Sugar Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Georgia (+1)
The first bowl game to look at for best bets on Thursday, January 2nd the Sugar Bowl. This game was postponed after the New Orleans tragedy on NYE. Notre Dame cruised passed Indiana to advance while Georgia had a first-round bye. All eyes will be on Georgia and Kirby Smart to see if they can advance in the CFP without their starting quarterback Carson Beck.
With Carson Beck, Georgia went 11-2 straight up but just 4-9 against the spread (ATS). They just didn’t seem to cover the big spreads like in previous years. Their offense averaged 33 points, 284 passing yards, and 129 rushing yards. The defense held opponents to an average of 20 points per game, 208 passing yards, and 128 rushing yards. Those numbers on defense were also a step back from last year.
Notre Dame had a much easier schedule on their way to 12-1 and 11-2 ATS. Their offense averaged 39 points per game, 196 passing yards, and 222 rushing yards. Notre Dame’s defense held opponents to just 14 points per game, 162 passing yards, and 133 rushing yards. Their main focus will be stopping Georgia’s rushing attack, and forcing their backup quarterback to beat them with his arm.
The main question is – how valuable is Carson Beck? Georgia has been a dominant team the past couple of years, despite maybe not dominating as much this year. Notre Dame has continued to find themselves on the outside looking in, but now gets their chance? Could this be their year?
Bowl Games Best Bets: Georgia (+1), Georgia ML (-105). On paper, I should pick Notre Dame. However, I think Kirby Smart is one of the best coaches in the league and that’s the hill I’m choosing to die on.
Gator Bowl: Duke vs. Ole Miss (-17.5)
One of the last non-CFP games to take place, the second game on Thursday, December 2nd’s bowl game bets list is the Gator Bowl! Duke and Ole Miss will square off at 8 PM Eastern, 5 PM Pacific. Duke comes into the matchup without their season’s starting quarterback and without their top running back. It will be a tough matchup to them and that’s why they are catching 17.5 points.
My picks the past few days have been off. It makes a person second-guess everything. But have to remember, we’re still 31-15, along with some nice Moneyline dogs. Trust the process.
Duke finished the year 9-3 and 8-3-1 ATS. They averaged 26 points per game, 245 passing yards, and 96 rushing yards. Those passing stats will undoubtedly drop without their starting quarterback. Their defense held opponents to 22 points per game, 194 passing yards, and 149 rushing yards. They may have trouble stopping this Ole Miss team.
Speaking of, the Rebels went 9-3 straight up as well and 7-5 ATS. They averaged 37 points per game, 342 passing yards, and 177 rushing yards. Their defense held opponents to just 13 points per game, 231 passing yards, and 83 rushing yards. Their defense should swarm the new quarterback and stop the run enough to make the Blue Devils throw the ball. Ole Miss’s offense is fast-paced and Jaxson Dart will top off the season with a win.
Bowl Games Best Bets: Ole Miss (-17.5) – it’s a lot of points, but I don’t think Duke can keep up. This should be a blowout.
