Gridiron Player Club NCAAF 4-5 Units (12/26/24)

NCAAF

3 Picks (8 Units)

7PM EST: Texas Tech -1.5 (2 Units).

Arkansas's pretty much packed it in for this Bowl Game. They're down 10 starters and a few other contributors. They're down to just 6 scholarship offensive linemen. Tech's down a few starters and none bigger than their starting QB but they're showing up for the most part. Tech won 3 of their last 4 and the final 2 were in blowout fashion. Overall energy and attitude around these football programs just couldn't be more opposite. The Razorbacks lost 3 of their last 4 and final game. Half the team quit and it's hard to see them showing up here. If the Big 12 wasn't such a weak conference this would be bigger than a 2 Unit play but Arkansas's still fielding some talent. Just don't really expect them to show up.

8PM EST: Syracuse -17 (4 Units).

Syracuse will be down just 1 starter for this Bowl Game. It's a testament to the program HC Fran Brown is building. Having QB Kyle McCord and all the offensive firepower is the key to covering the big number here. Washington State had the 78th ranked scoring defense this season. They'll be without 6 starters and 2 important depth pieces for this game though. They'll also be without 4 starters on offense and none bigger than QB John Mateer. It's not an exaggeration to say he was their entire offense. He threw for 3,139 yards and led the team with 826 rushing yards and that's after 205 yards lost via 31 sacks. Their starting RB and 2nd leading WR also transferred out. Washington State lost each of its last 3 games to Wyoming, Oregon State, and New Mexico. All 3 teams failed to register for bowl games and had losing records. Many of these bowl games come down to who's playing and who cares and these two are polar opposites. Syracuse is a better team as is and they should roll here.

10:30PM EST: Texas A&M/USC Over 52 (3 Units).

A&M is down just 1 starter (WR) via the Portal but 3 starting defensive lineman have opted out. USC's been hit significantly harder in the portal but mostly skill players. If there's ever a team and coach that can afford to lose some skill players, it's USC and Lincoln Riley. Their offensive issues have come at the LOS, but that A&M strength has taken a significant hit. They switched to QB Jayden Maiava a few games back and he just threw for 360 yards on a good ND defense in USC's final game of the season. With HC Lincoln Riley expected back we trust the Trojans offense to show up. All these players leaving open up an opportunity for the guys vying for starting spots next season. The only time USCs scored less than 27 points this season has come on the road. This is technically a neutral site game but it's being played in Las Vegas. This will be closer to a Home Game for USC. USC's defense is just plain terrible, and A&M's put up 30+ in 7 games this season. They've had to play significantly tougher defenses than USC's all year too. Have to stop the run to stop the Aggies offense but USC's 78th in rushing yards allowed per carry and gave up 6.8 YPC against Notre Dame in their Finale.