College football bowl predictions for Saturday, Dec. 19.
Bowl season begins on Saturday with five games, starting with New Mexico playing in their home stadium against Arizona in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl.
Below are Saturday’s college football bowl predictions, along with previews, predictions and spreads for each game.
Gildan New Mexico Bowl
Arizona vs. New Mexico
Saturday, December 19, 2:00 pm ET, ESPN
University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM
The Lobos are at home, and will have the crowd behind them. The Wildcats, though, are more talented and will be healthy. Arizona QB Anu Solomon, LB Scooby Wright and RB Nick Wilson will all be back at full strength. Points will be scored and Zona will walk out as the winner of this year’s first bowl game.
Prediction: Arizona
Line: Arizona -10
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl
BYU vs. Utah
Saturday, December 19, 3:30 pm ET, ABC
Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
It’s not often that you get a rivalry game combined with a bowl game, but that is exactly what takes place in the Las Vegas Bowl. The Holy War between BYU and Utah comes to postseason play, and bragging rights will be on the line. The Utes coach Kyle Whittingham is 8-1 in bowl games, and no one prepares his team better than him.
Prediction: Utah
Line: Utah -2.5
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl
Ohio vs. Appalachian State
Saturday, December 19, 5:30 pm ET, ESPN
Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, AL
Mountaineers RB Marcus Cox has been one of the most productive backs in college football the last two seasons, and will get a chance in front of a national audience to make a statement. The Bobcats defense is stout, though, and will challenge Appalachian State to beat them by throwing the ball.
Prediction: Appalachian State
Line: Appalachian State -9
AutoNation Cure Bowl
San Jose State vs. Georgia State
Saturday, December 19, 7:00 pm ET, CBS Sports Network
Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL
The Panthers are making their first ever bowl appearance thanks to a dynamic passing game. They will now go against a Spartans defense that ranks second in the nation in pass defense. San Jose State RB Tyler Ervin could be the difference maker, as he has rushed for 1,469 yards and 13 touchdowns this season.
Prediction: San Jose State
Line: San Jose State -3
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Arkansas State vs. Louisiana Tech
Saturday, December 19, 9:00 pm ET, ESPN
Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Offensive fireworks will take place under the roof of the Superdome as the Red Wolves and Bulldogs meet in The Big Easy. Arkansas State QB Fredi Knighten has been on fire since returning from injury in mid-October, while Tech QB Jeff Driskel has a plethora of weapons to throw to.
Prediction: Arkansas State
Line: Louisiana Tech -2