This story first appeared at SuperWest Sports (https://superwestsports.com/nick-bartletts-fearless-bowl-predictions-for-dec-16/)
Wise is the bettor who consults Nick’s No-Nonsense Betting Tips before logging on to his sportsbook.
Championship week was just OK for me—and for you, if you followed my advice.
I went 1-1 in the conference championship games, missing on Washington’s win over Oregon.
Where did I go wrong on that one?
Like so many who bought into inflated line favoring the Ducks, I lost sight of the ability of Michael Penix Jr. to come through in the clutch, and I underestimated the rushing strength of Dillion Johnson. Never again.
Even with those misses, I’m still an impressive 110-45 on the season. But enough hindsight. It’s time to look ahead to this weekend’s three SuperWest bowl games.
As always, my selections come with incredibly accurate game scores and just enough commentary to keep me from eating too many gingerbread cookies.
My plate is already half-empty, so let’s get on with the picks!
Fresno State vs New Mexico State
Saturday, December 16
2:45 pm PT, ESPN
Albuquerque, NM
It’s bowl season.
And Fresno State needs to start playing football. The Bulldogs enter this contest on a three-game losing streak, including a devastating loss against San Diego State to end their season.
I don’t want to see Jeff Tedford go out like a buster, but they gotta start playing better.
FSU is led by Quarterback Mikey Keene who’s thrown for 2,596 and 21 touchdowns on the year, and he has to get it done.
New Mexico State entered this contest after losing the Conference USA Championship to Liberty. Before the title loss, the Aggies had rung up eight straight wins.
NMSU is led by the nation’s 36th-ranked scoring defense and features a talented quarterback in Diego Pavia. Pavia’s thrown for 2,915 yards, ran for 853, and has a combined 32 touchdowns.
But Tedford ain’t going out like no buster.
Bulldogs by three.
Fresno State 31, New Mexico State 28
Boise State vs UCLA
Saturday, December 16
4:30 pm PT, ABC
Inglewood, CA
This feels like such a weird game.
Boise State enters this matchup after winning the conference title with an interim head coach in Spencer Danielson. UCLA enters this contest after being decimated by Cal to end their regular season.
Logically, there is no logic. But from a football standpoint, one key should prove vital in this game, and that’s whether Boise State’s quarterback can pass the ball effectively.
With Taylen Green transferring to Arkansas and Maddux Madsen out after knee surgery, the Broncos figure to start either CJ Tiller or Colt Fulton. Neither has started a college football game.
The Bruins have the best rush defense in the nation, allowing only 69.6 yards per game. Running anywhere near Laiatu Latu is bad for the whole state of Idaho.
The good thing for Boise is that UCLA’s offense has only scored more than 10 points in one of their last four outings. But sometimes Chip Kelly does his thing, and this is one of those times.
Bruins in LA.
UCLA 27, Boise State 24
Cal vs Texas Tech
Saturday, December 16
6:15 pm PT, ESPN
Shreveport, LA
Before I get into this preview, I’d like to give a shout-out to the run California had to end their season.
The Golden Bears were sitting at a pathetic 3-6 mark and I felt it was about time to fire Justin Wilcox, and I wrote it every week.
Since that moment, Cal has reeled off three straight wins and now has an opportunity to finish the year with a winning record for the first time since 2019.
Texas Tech needs to jump out to a quick lead to stymie the momentum from Cal’s win streak.
The Red Raiders are also flying high because Tahj Brooks announced he is returning next season. The star halfback has rushed for 1,443 yards and nine touchdowns this year.
I’ve only got one thing left to say tonight, and it isn’t what the folks in Berkeley want to hear.
Tech beats Cal.
Texas Tech 38, Cal 30
