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 Guaranteed Rate 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.
GUARANTEED RATE BOWL
Oklahoma State (7-5, +130) vs. Wisconsin (6-6, -155)
Where: Phoenix
When/TV: Dec. 27, 10:15 p.m. ESPN
Line/Total: Wisconsin -3, O/U 43
Zach Ewing: Remember when Oklahoma State was in the top 10? And Wisconsin is operating under an interim coach. But there’s a reason the Badgers are favored – not in the least because OSU QB Spencer Sanders is transferring. The bet: Wisconsin -3 for $22.
Jim Derry: Now we’re getting to the teams who already have players either sitting out or heading to the portal. As well as Oklahoma State played to start the season, they lost four of their last five and will play this one without their quarterback Spencer Sanders, who has announced his intent to transfer. That seems too much to overcome – even against a Badgers team that had its worst season in quite some time. The bet: Wisconsin -3 for $22.
Spencer Urquhart: This could come to whether or not Wisconsin star running back Braelon Allen plays, but he appears to be committed to the program after forgoing the transfer portal. That should give the Badgers enough of an edge to cover against a once-promising Oklahoma State team that fell off at the end of the season. The bet: Wisconsin -3 for $22.
Gabe Henderson: This is a very fun bowl game on paper; this is a very ugly bowl game in reality. Wisconsin’s got an interim coach and Oklahoma State got a backup quarterback. The under seems like a lock unless neither defense shows up. The bet: Under 43 for $22.
WHERE WE STAND
Through Monday (Dec. 26)
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: 12-5 overall, +$10 on Monday, balance $1,134.
Gabe Henderson: 8-9 overall, -$22 on Monday, balance $992.40.
Jim Derry: 6-10 overall, +$14 on Monday, balance $902.
Spencer Urquhart: 6-10 overall, +$10 on Monday, balance $866.
