“Between Bets” is an article series revealing our staff’s best wagers across the NFL, College Football, NASCAR and PGA Tour. This edition’s bets feature our favorite 2024 College Football Bowl Games picks for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl and Bahamas Bowl.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
2024 College Football Playoffs First-Round Picks (ATS & Totals)
Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech (Duke’s Mayo Bowl)
Friday, Jan. 3 @ 7:30 p.m. ET | Charlotte, N.C.
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl presents a clear clash between a surging Big Ten squad and a depleted ACC opponent. Minnesota, fresh off a strong finish to the regular season, is a 9.0-point favorite against Virginia Tech.
The Golden Gophers are riding high after closing out their schedule with a string of impressive performances. They knocked off ranked Illinois on the road, pushed College Football Playoff semifinalist Penn State to the brink in a 26-25 thriller,and dominated rival Wisconsin 24-7. Their sixth-ranked total defense and physical rushing attack, led by Darius Taylor and Marcus Major, should have no trouble controlling this game.
Max Brosmer’s steady play at quarterback (17-five TD-to-INT ratio) adds balance to a Minnesota team that seems to be peaking at the right time. With minimal opt-outs – just one cornerback and two offensive tackles – the Gophers enter this game relatively intact.
Virginia Tech, on the other hand, is decimated by opt-outs and injuries. Starting QB Kyron Drones is sidelined, along with their RB2, top two receivers and eight total starters. The Hokies’ 6-6 record doesn’t inspire much confidence, and their depth will be tested against Minnesota’s physical style.
The Big Ten has been a force this bowl season (7-4), and Minnesota’s dominance on both sides of the ball should shine through. Expect the Gophers to impose their will and cover the spread.
Pick: Minnesota -9.0 (-110)
Buffalo vs. Liberty (Bahamas Bowl)
Saturday, Jan. 4 @ 11:00 p.m. ET | Nassau, Bahamas
The Bahamas Bowl gives us a unique MAC vs. Conference USA matchup, with Buffalo favored by 2.5 points over Liberty.
Liberty enters this game with significant issues, starting with the absence of dual-threat QB Kaidon Salter, who accounted for 2,400 total yards and 31 touchdowns this season. Salter’s transfer to Colorado, coupled with the loss of three starting offensive linemen, including both tackles, leaves the Flames in a precarious position. Redshirt freshman Ryan Burger will make his first career start, backed by a run-heavy offense that may struggle without its usual line dominance.
Buffalo, meanwhile, has momentum and stability on its side. Winners of four straight, the Bulls finished 7-5 ATS this season, including 4-1 as favorites. Their rushing defense ranks 59th nationally, a decent counter to Liberty’s ground game, which may be less effective without Salter or a cohesive offensive line.
Buffalo’s offensive trio of QB CJ Ogbonna, RB Al-Jay Henderson and WR Victor Snow provides enough firepower to outpace a Liberty team that went 3-8 ATS this season and lost to FBS newcomer Kennesaw State in November.
With only minor opt-outs – CB Marquis Cooper and their kicker – Buffalo is the more complete team. Expect the Bulls to take advantage of Liberty’s inexperience at quarterback and on the line, covering the modest spread.
Pick: Buffalo -2.5 (-112)
Thanks for reading our 2024 College Football Bowl Game Picks for Jan. 3-4! Check out more of our College Football betting articles and other written content here at In-Between Media, or head over to our YouTube channel to get your fix via video.
*Photo Credit: Mike Dinovo – USA TODAY Sports*
