CFB Week 1 Bowl Games: Tips and Picks Across the Sports Media Industry
Delivering quick insights, curated from experts and insiders from outlets such as CBS, ESPN, The Athletic, USA Today, SB Nation, and more.
Welcome to this week’s CFB Pulse, your ultimate source for expert CFB picks, predictions, and in-depth analysis from professionals across the media industry. Whether you're a fan or a seasoned bettor, we’re here to offer concise insights and overviews for each game, ensuring you're well-informed throughout this thrilling CFB season.
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Betting Terminology (learn more here):
SU = Straight Up Winner
ATS = Against the [Points] Spread
Total = Over or Under Total Points
% = Industry Consensus
Avocados From Mexico Cure Bowl - Miami University (Ohio) Vs. Appalachian State • 12/16 @ 3:30 pm
• Winner: Appalachian State Mountaineers (55%)
• Spread: Miami University (OH) +6.5 (62%)
• Total Points: Over 44.5 (67%)
Eric Froton, NBC Sports - “Miami OH rode their stellar defense that allowed just 16 PPG and 4.9 yards per play (16th) to a MAC Conference championship, but their offense will be hamstrung by starting QB Aveon Smith entering the transfer portal. I have a hard time believing Miami will be able to move the ball much on Appalachian State, but they could certainly slow down the Mountaineers’ passing attack that is averaging 8.2 yards per pass (31st). I got an early number on this game total.”
Eric Froton's Pick: Under 47.5 points
Isleta New Mexico Bowl - New Mexico State Vs. Fresno State • 12/16 @ 5:45 pm
• Winner: New Mexico State Aggies (67%)
• Spread: New Mexico State Aggies -3.5 (75%)
• Total Points: Over/Under 51.5 (50%)
David Kenyon, Bleacher Report - “Late losses to San Jose State, New Mexico and San Diego State diminished the shine on Fresno State's once-promising season. I'd like to think the September version of the team suddenly reappears, but that seems like wishful thinking. The defense allowed no more than 366 yards in the first six outings and no less than 415 in the last six. New Mexico State wins a second game in Albuquerque this year.”
David Kenyon's Prediction: New Mexico State Aggies 31-23
Starco Brands LA Bowl - UCLA Vs. Boise State • 12/16 @ 7:30 pm
• Winner: UCLA Bruins (58%)
• Spread: UCLA Bruins -4 (67%)
• Total Points: Under 48.5 (75%)
David Kenyon, Bleacher Report - “Similar to Miami, Boise State lost Maddux Madsen to injury, won a Mountain West title with Taylen Green and lost him to transfer. Bowl season, baby! Now, UCLA slumped down the stretch—save for a great win over USC—so a blowout feels unlikely. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is an absolute star, too. Tempting as it may be thanks to Boise State's scorching finish, siding with a true freshman third-stringer is too much for me.”
David Kenyon’s Prediction: UCLA 24-21
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl - University of California Vs. Texas Tech • 12/16 @ 9:15 pm
• Winner: Texas Tech Red Raiders (66%)
• Spread: California Golden Bears +3 (58%)
• Total Points: Over 57.5 (100%)
NBC Sports Team - “The nation’s 4th leading rusher, Tahj Brooks announced he is returning to Tech in 2024. That momentum is key for this game as the Red Raiders will be playing without two of their top three wideouts (portal). Each of these squads has had issues turning the ball over. In the end, the Red Raiders ability to control the ball and the clock should prove to be the difference.”
NBC Sports’ Pick: Texas Tech wins (take the moneyline)
We hope you enjoy this week’s games and see you again next Sunday!
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Until next time,
Team TS