Best College Football Betting Underdogs In FBS Bowl Games

The Group of Five Underdog of the Week almost cashed four weeks in a row to close out the regular season. 

Eastern Michigan was the Week 14 selection, but the Eagles failed to cover the spread against Western Michigan. College football betting odds had the Eagles as a 4.5-point favorite. They lost 26-18 to finish with a record of 5-7. EMU lost its final five games of the season.

Now in the midst of all the transfer portal chaos and head coaching changes, knowing which players will be available and which teams will show up to play in their respective bowl games is becoming more and more difficult. But I think this bodes well for the underdogs.

Here’s the selection for the bowl edition of the G5 Underdog of the Week.

Tulane (Spread +13, Moneyline +380) vs. Florida In The Gasparilla Bowl

Despite the swirling reports of Jon Sumrall leaving the program after one season, the head coach recently said he will remain at Tulane. 

I think that’s more important than starting quarterback Darian Mensah entering the transfer portal and committing to Duke. Obviously Mensah played a large role in the Green Wave’s success, but I think Tulane will adapt just fine without him. 

Tulane was more of a run-first offense for most of the season and ranked third in the AAC with 205.4 rushing yards per game, trailing only Army and Navy. First-team All-AAC running back Makhi Hughes was second in the league with 1,372 rushing yards and should be playing in this contest. He struggled late in the season, but I anticipate him to knock off the rust.

Ty Thompson will be starting at quarterback and has seen the field in certain situations this season, mainly as a rushing threat. He did announce that he’ll also be entering the portal, but he confirmed he’ll be playing in the bowl game. He finished with 243 yards and one touchdown this season and will do what he can to put his skills on display to gauge interest from other programs. 

I think Thompson will have no issues stepping into the starting role against a Florida rushing defense that ranked third-to-last in the SEC (156.2 yards per game allowed).

The Green Wave don’t have any key opt-outs yet while Florida has a few injured players — including their top three cornerbacks — and a few key players in the portal. 

Tulane did not end the season like it would have liked, which included getting beat by Army in the AAC title game. But I think Sumrall committing to returning should be encouraging for this squad and next year’s returning players. They should be eager to get over the rough stretch and gain some momentum heading into the offseason. 

Honorable Mentions

Western Michigan (+8, +270) vs. South Alabama In The Salute To Veterans Bowl

South Alabama played in the bowl’s inaugural game (formerly known as the Camellia Bowl) in 2014 where it lost to Bowling Green 33-28. 

Since then, all but one of these contests have been a one-score game. I anticipate this game to be another one-score affair.

While WMU has its top three running backs, the Jaguars lost their top RB to the portal in Fluff Bothwell. Quarterback Gio Lopez also left the regular season finale with an injury, and I don’t know if he is expected to play, although he did confirm he will be returning to South Alabama next season.

I expect both teams to play well with limited transfers or opt-outs being a concern. Because this game is played in Montgomery, Alabama, the Jaguars should have a slight advantage, but the Broncos should show up in what is their first bowl appearance since 2021.

Toledo (+9.5, +260) vs. Pitt In The GameAbove Sports Bowl

As of this writing, Toledo hasn’t had any transfer portal losses or any opt-outs for this game. 

A lot could change in two weeks, however, and Pitt also has limited production that has entered the transfer portal.

The Panthers started the season 7-0 before losing their final five games. Their offense really struggled in the back half of the season. The Rockets also struggled down the stretch and fell to Akron in the regular season finale.

It was an uncharacteristic season for Toledo under head coach Jason Candle, and I expect the Rockets to at least put up a fight.

Toledo is 2-0 against the spread as an underdog this season. This game is also at Ford Field, the home of the MAC title game, where Toledo has plenty of experience playing.

Louisiana (+12.5, +370) vs. TCU In The New Mexico Bowl

What a brutal performance it was for the Ragin’ Cajuns in the Sun Belt title game.

ULL lost 31-3 and was down to its third-string quarterback. Starter Ben Wooldridge missed the game and is still sidelined with an injury, but reports say he may be back for this game.

If he is, I like Louisiana’s chances to keep this game close. ULL is 5-1 ATS away from home this season.