Bowl game spread picks: College Football Playoff Quarterfinals, Mayo Bowl and more

OK, School Soccer Playoff. What’ve you bought for us this week?

The primary spherical of video games have been duds, with the house crew in all 4 video games blowing out their lower-seeded opponents, however now the quarterfinals shift again to impartial fields and conventional huge bowl recreation settings.

You understand those: The Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Sugar Bowl and their numerous sponsors.

We’ve additionally bought a few of the extra enjoyable non-playoff matchups of the postseason with Alabama-Michigan and the Duke’s Mayo Bowl between Minnesota and Virginia Tech.

Right here’s an up to date have a look at our standings in opposition to the unfold as we hit the house stretch. Tail (or fade) responsibly!

Title
Final Week
Bowl Season
YTD

Mitchell Northam
9-7-1
18-14-1
97-92-1

Michelle Martinelli
7-9-1
15-17-1
94-95-1

Tyler Nettuno
7-9-1
18-14-1
88-101-1

Blake Schuster
8-8-1
10-22-1
86-103-1

Christian D’Andrea
13-3-1
14-11-1
84-91-1

All odds by way of BetMGM

ReliaQuest Bowl: No. 11 Alabama vs. Michigan, Tuesday, Midday ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Alabama -13.5

Blake Schuster: Michigan +12.5

Just one crew desires to be right here and it’s the one getting almost two touchdowns.

Mitchell Northam: Michigan +12.5

Certainly one of these groups bought blown out by Oklahoma. The opposite one beat Ohio State on the street.

Christian D’Andrea: Michigan +12.5

Michelle Martinelli: Alabama -12.5

If Michigan was at full power, I may have satisfied myself that the Wolverines would possibly cowl. However with out operating again Donovan Edwards, tight finish Colston Loveland and a number of defensive lineman whereas projected first-round NFL Draft decide Jalen Milroe remains to be anticipated to play for the Tide, this just-OK Alabama crew ought to be capable to cowl.

Tyler Nettuno: Michigan +12.5

I believe the Tide are in all probability 13 factors higher than the Wolverines, however Michigan enters this one with a variety of momentum on and off the sphere, whereas Alabama is probably going nonetheless stewing about its perceived CFP snub.

Tony the Tiger Solar Bowl: Louisville vs. Washington, Tuesday, 2 p.m. ET on CBS

Opening Line: Louisville -4.5

Blake Schuster: Louisville -2.5

Washington shedding a defensive coordinator proper earlier than this one after weeks of distraction. Woof.

Mitchell Northam: Louisville -2.5

Going to imagine that Washington’s defensive coordinator hasn’t been locked in on preparation given the noise round him becoming a member of his dad in Chapel Hill.

Christian D’Andrea: Louisville -2.5

Michelle Martinelli: Louisville -2.5

The Cardinals had some low moments this season however have been aggressive in most of their losses, whereas Washington actually didn’t do a lot of something. A 3-point win appears doable for the favorites.

Tyler Nettuno: Louisville -2.5

The Cardinals disenchanted in 2024 at instances, however they have been nonetheless much more constant than a Washington crew that struggled in 12 months 1 of the Jedd Fisch period.

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl: No. 15 South Carolina vs. No. 20 Illinois, Tuesday, 3 p.m. ET on ABC

Opening Line: South Carolina -10.5

Blake Schuster: South Carolina -9.5

LaNorris Sellers’ 2025 Heisman Marketing campaign begins now.

Mitchell Northam: South Carolina -9.5

Maybe the perfect non-CFP bowl video games. I’ll give South Carolina the sting as one of many hottest groups in faculty soccer — they’ve gained six in a row — and since they’ve a fully electrical quarterback in LaNorris Sellers.

Christian D’Andrea: Illinois +9.5

Michelle Martinelli: South Carolina -9.5

Illinois had an important season that it ought to be pleased with, and I wish to decide it. However the Gamecocks had one of many hottest Novembers with wins over Texas A&M, Missouri and Clemson. Hate how huge the unfold is, however right here’s hoping South Carolina takes its playoff-snub rage out in its bowl.

Tyler Nettuno: South Carolina -9.5

Illinois had a quietly very spectacular season, however the Gamecocks ended the 12 months as one of many hottest groups within the nation. I count on that pattern to proceed right here.

Kinder’s Texas Bowl: Baylor vs. LSU, Tuesday, 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: LSU -2.5

Blake Schuster: Baylor -2.5

Dave Aranda pulled a Neal Brown this season, going from the coach probably to get fired within the Massive 12 to the one who deserves coach of the 12 months votes. After all, all of us noticed how that turned out for Neal Brown this 12 months.

Mitchell Northam: Baylor -2.5

LSU doesn’t wish to be on this recreation.

Christian D’Andrea: Baylor -2.5

Michelle Martinelli: LSU +2.5

Baylor undoubtedly turned its season round after a rocky 2-4 begin, however I’ve underestimated LSU too many instances this season to select in opposition to the Tigers, even with a pair holes of their roster.

Tyler Nettuno: LSU -2.5

The Tigers shall be down a number of starters, however they’ll have Garrett Nussmeier, and that can in all probability be sufficient in opposition to a Baylor crew that improved this 12 months however nonetheless has some points.

School Soccer Playoff Quarterfinal on the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 3 Boise State, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Penn State -9.5

Blake Schuster: Penn State -10.5

That is such a brutal matchup for Boise State after an unimaginable season. That’s the playoff for ya.

Mitchell Northam: Penn State -10.5

If there’s a unit able to bottling up Ashton Jeanty, it’s in all probability this Penn State protection.

Christian D’Andrea: Boise State +10.5

Michelle Martinelli: Boise State +10.5

The CFP quarterfinals matchup I’m least positive of, largely for 3 causes: Penn State has had a number of sluggish offensive begins this season, the Broncos care for the ball and, in fact, Ashton Jeanty. However Boise State hasn’t confronted a protection this robust all season. I say the Nittany Lions win, however not by 11.

Tyler Nettuno: Penn State -10.5

Barring an absolute banger of a recreation from Ashton Jeanty, I don’t see how Boise stays on this one. In opposition to the Nittany Lions defensive entrance, that looks as if a significant ask.

School Soccer Playoff Quarterfinal on the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 4 Arizona State, Wednesday, 1 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Texas -13.5

Blake Schuster: Texas -13.5

I hate this quantity however can’t flip down a Texas offense that may rating as quick as anybody.

Mitchell Northam: Arizona State +13.5

Simply appears like too many factors for a Texas crew I don’t fully belief but.

Christian D’Andrea: Arizona State +13.5

Michelle Martinelli: Texas -13.5

No disrespect to Arizona State as a result of the Solar Devils and Cam Skattebo are so enjoyable and earned their playoff berth. However Texas’ protection is elite and can maintain Arizona State from maintaining in scoring — although if the Longhorns keep a bit turnover comfortable, this shall be unsuitable in a giant means.

Tyler Nettuno: Texas -13.5

I nonetheless have my questions on Texas, however I don’t see it right here for the Solar Devils. Speeding success with Cam Skattebo shall be arduous to return by, and I don’t assume Arizona State can have the identical sort of passing success that stored Clemson nominally within the recreation in Spherical 1.

School Soccer Playoff Quarterfinal on the Rose Bowl: No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State, Wednesday, 5 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Ohio State -1

Blake Schuster: Oregon +2.5

I can not imagine the undefeated No. 1 Geese are getting factors on the Rose Bowl.

Mitchell Northam: Oregon +2.5

C’mon guys. We’ve seen this film earlier than.

Christian D’Andrea: Oregon +2.5

Michelle Martinelli: Ohio State -2.5

This decide has much less to do with how dominant the Buckeyes seemed in opposition to Tennessee and extra about being a giant believer that when two pretty equal groups play twice in the identical season, the loser of the primary recreation wins the rematch. Oregon has had an distinctive season, however I’ve a sense Ohio State will break the Geese’ undefeated streak.

Tyler Nettuno: Ohio State -2.5

I already felt good in regards to the Buckeyes within the CFP earlier than their blowout win over Tennessee. I’ll take them in a rematch of a recreation they misplaced by one level on the street all the way in which again in October.

School Soccer Playoff Quarterfinal on the Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame, Wednesday, 8:45 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Georgia -1.5

Blake Schuster: Notre Dame +1.5

If it’s any comfort, I’d have taken this line even when Carson Beck have been wholesome.

Mitchell Northam: Notre Dame +1.5

The Irish are usually not the identical crew that misplaced to NIU in September. They’ve bought a extremely good protection and now they’re going through a Georgia crew with a backup quarterback.

Christian D’Andrea: Georgia -1.5

Michelle Martinelli: Notre Dame +2.5

With or with out Carson Beck, I used to be choosing the Preventing Irish to win. They’ve been enhancing all through the season, their protection is sort of a brick wall and that Northern Illinois loss feels prefer it was a unique crew.

Tyler Nettuno: Notre Dame +1.5

I merely don’t belief this Georgia crew, given the quarterback state of affairs. Notre Dame is the rather more full crew proper now, and whereas I could come to remorse choosing in opposition to Kirby Sensible within the CFP, that’s eactly what I’m going to do.

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: No. 14 Ole Miss vs. Duke, Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Ole Miss -12.5

Blake Schuster: Duke +14.5

Lane Kiffin is gonna find yourself with extra losses within the postseason than the common season.

Mitchell Northam: Duke +14.5

This ain’t the place Ole Miss wished to be. In the meantime, I belief that Manny Diaz may have his guys motivated to play properly in opposition to an SEC crew for doubtlessly a tenth win this season for the Blue Devils.

Christian D’Andrea: Ole Miss -14.5

Michelle Martinelli: Duke +14.5

I don’t belief Duke, however I belief this underachieving Ole Miss crew much less. Lane Kiffin’s squad *ought to* win, however I gained’t be shocked if the Blue Devils cowl in opposition to this big unfold.

Tyler Nettuno: Duke +14.5

This unfold is solely means too huge in opposition to an Ole Miss crew that doesn’t wish to be right here. The Blue Devils have some momentum after a 9-3 season and a few offseason success, and that ought to be sufficient to not less than cowl right here.

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl: North Texas vs. Texas State, Friday, 4 p.m. on ESPN

Opening Line: Texas State -7.5

Blake Schuster: Texas State -13.5

I might’ve taken North Texas if Chandler Morris hadn’t simply transferred to Virginia.

Mitchell Northam: Texas State -13.5

Certain.

Christian D’Andrea: North Texas +13.5

Michelle Martinelli: Texas State -13.5

Massive unfold, however I’m having a tough time choosing the Imply Inexperienced to cowl with a bottom-10 protection.

Tyler Nettuno: North Texas +13.5

The Imply Inexperienced can not less than put factors on the board, and that’s sufficient for me to take them to cowl right here within the First Responder Bowl.

Duke’s Mayor Bowl: Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech, Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Opening Line: Minnesota -1.5

Blake Schuster: Minnesota -7.5

Row the mayo.

Mitchell Northam: Minnesota -7.5

PJ Fleck strikes me as a man who would get pleasure from a mayo tub greater than Brent Pry.

Christian D’Andrea: Minnesota -7.5

Michelle Martinelli: Virginia Tech +7.5

We’ll get to see PJ Fleck lined in mayo after this one, however this recreation feels fairly evenly matched between two two-faced and unpredictable groups.

Tyler Nettuno: Minnesota -7.5

It is a huge unfold, however the Gophers have merely been rather more reliable in what has been a quiet however very good season for coach PJ Fleck.

Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo vs. Liberty, Saturday, 11 a.m. ET on ESPN2

Opening Line: Liberty -3.5

Blake Schuster: Liberty +2

Jamey Chadwell can coach and that’s all I have to find out about this one.

Mitchell Northam: Liberty +2

I’ll give the benefit to Chadwell.

Christian D’Andrea: Buffalo -2

Michelle Martinelli: Liberty +2

The Bulls are on a four-game win streak, whereas the Flames have gained three of their final six video games. However Liberty feels just like the extra full crew right here.

Tyler Nettuno: Liberty +2

As disappointing because the Flames have been this 12 months, they’re nonetheless rather more proficient than Buffalo. I’m not likely positive why they’re underdogs on this spot.