In case you missed it, the Bayou Bets 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 Orange Bowl, as it appeared in our original . You can also see .
NOTE: These predictions were originally based off of lines and spreads as of early afternoon on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Caesars Sportsbook. Also listed are spreads as of late Thursday, Dec. 29.
ORANGE BOWL
Tennessee (10-2) vs. Clemson (11-2)
Where: Miami Gardens, Fla.
When/TV: Dec. 30, 7 p.m. ESPN
Dec. 28 line / total (for contest): Clemson -4.5 (ML -205); Tennessee (+170); O/U 63.5
Dec. 29 late line / total: Clemson -6 (ML -225); Tennessee (+185); O/U 63.5
Zach Ewing: This line would have been completely shocking a month ago, with Clemson scuffling and Tennessee in the national title chase. Changes at quarterback for both teams, however, have changed the equation, with Hendon Hooker injured and Clemson finally turning to Cade Klubnik. Still, it's hard to imagine the Volunteers getting blown out. The bet: Tennessee +4.5 for $33.
Jim Derry: Sorry Vols fans, but this might be the best value of the entire bowl season. Clemson is clearly a better football team than Tennessee, and I’m not sure what kind of push the Volunteers will even have here. Why do they care? Dabo Swinney has always put an emphasis on winning bowl games, and they’ll win this one … in a BIG way. The bet: Clemson -4.5 for $110.
Spencer Urquhart: Clemson is still a top 10 team in the country, but they’re not at the elite level that they usually are, which is why it’s puzzling to me why they’re favored by more than a field goal here. The line has shifted toward Tennessee and rightfully so, and I’ll roll with the Vols since they showed they could still put up points without Hendon Hooker. The bet: Tennessee +4.5 for $66.
Gabe Henderson: Tennessee will be without Hendon Hooker for this contest and Dabo Swinney finally made the change at quarterback that fans have been crying out for all season long. Clemson should be able to beat the Volunteers by more than a touchdown without the Heisman candidate under center. I liked the Tigers at the opening line of -6.5, I love them at -4.5. The bet: Clemson -4.5 for $33.
WHERE WE STAND
Through Thursday (Dec. 29)
All picks and handicaps were made and written on or before Dec. 29, and lines were taken from Caesars Sportsbook as of Dec. 28. Staff writers were allowed to make a pick on the money line, spread, total or make no pick at all.
Canceled games or ties are considered no picks.
STARTING STACK FOR STAFFERS: $1,000 BOWL BUCKS
Zach Ewing: 19-10 overall, +$80 on Thursday, balance $1,217.
Gabe Henderson: 14-14 overall, +$28 on Thursday, balance $989.40.
Jim Derry: 11-16 overall, +$29 on Thursday, balance $912.
Spencer Urquhart: 10-18 overall, -$55 on Thursday, balance $817.