In case you missed it, the Home Field Sports crew is holding their second annual College Bowl Pick ‘Em, and we’re hoping you’re the big benefactor from our predictions.
Like we did last year, we started with $1,000 Bowl Bucks, and we’re making a play on each of the 42 bowl games this season. And when it’s over, we’ll take whatever money we have left and make a “Final Jeopardy” type pick in the National Championship Game in Inglewood, Calif., on Jan. 9, 2023.
Below are the picks from sports betting director Zach Ewing, along with staff writers Jim Derry, Spencer Urquhart and Gabe Henderson for the Hawaii Bowl, as it appeared in our original 2022-23 College Football Bowl Guide (Part 1).
NOTE: These predictions were originally based off lines and spreads as of early afternoon on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Caesars Sportsbook.
HAWAII BOWL
Middle Tennessee (7-5, -210) vs. San Diego State (7-5, -260)
Where: Honolulu
When/TV: 8 p.m. Dec. 24, ESPN
Dec. 13 line/total (for contest): San Diego State -7, O/U 49.5
Dec. 24 morning line/total: San Diego State -7 (+100), Middle Tennessee +7 (-120); O/U 47.5
Zach Ewing: Nothing gets you to turn on the TV on Christmas Eve like a defensive battle, right? But that’s what we might have here. The Aztecs played only three games above 50, all against better offenses than MTSU. The bet: Under 49.5 for $11.
Jim Derry: Neither one of these teams has been great away from home, and neither has won more than five games against the spread. And I certainly won’t be watching this game on Christmas Eve. I pass. The bet: None.
Spencer Urquhart: This matchup seems like a tossup, as both teams have similar resumes in similar conferences, which is why I feel there could be value with the underdog. Middle Tennessee has won three straight, so I’ll take a chance on them. The bet: MTSU +7 for $11.
Gabe Henderson: San Diego State hasn’t won convincingly all season. I’m not sure they can beat a formidable FBS opponent by a touchdown. There’s some really good value in Middle Tennessee State ML (+222) — I’m backing the Blue Raiders. The bet: MTSU ML for $20 to win $44.40.
WHERE WE STAND
Through Friday (Dec. 23)
All picks and handicaps were made and written on or before Dec. 15, and lines were taken from Caesars Sportsbook as of Dec. 13. Staff writers were allowed to make a pick on the money line, spread, total or make no pick at all.
Although our contest uses lines from Dec. 13, we also list the most up-to-date lines.
Canceled games or ties are considered no picks.
STARTING STACK FOR STAFFERS: $1,000 BOWL BUCKS
Zach Ewing: 10-5 overall, -$21 on Friday, balance $1,114.
Gabe Henderson: 7-7 overall, +$20 on Friday, balance $970.
Jim Derry: 5-10 overall, -$21 on Friday, balance $888.
Spencer Urquhart: 4-10 overall, -$21 on Friday, balance $846.
