College Football Bowl Picks: First Round Predictions & Odds

The 2025 College Football postseason kicks off with the First Round of Bowl Games — delivering fresh NCAAF odds, sharp betting lines, and early opportunities for bettors to exploit motivation edges and roster movement.

With transfer portal chaos, opt-outs, and coaching changes impacting bowl prep, market movement becomes unpredictable — making early reads on NCAAF odds and lines, matchup form, and player availability crucial for profitable NCAA football bets today at MyBookie Sportsbook.

D.S. Williamson breaks down the opening slate with value-driven insights, highlighting where the NCAAF betting line may be mispriced and how roster stability or coaching edges can shift outcomes. Meanwhile, Henry Watkins delivers SU, ATS, and O/U predictions rooted in bowl-season trends, motivation, tempo profiles, and matchup analytics — giving bettors clarity in one of the trickiest betting weeks of the season.

Whether you’re hunting live dogs, evaluating opt-out risk, or building parlays across the early bowls, these aren’t guesses — they’re predictive insights designed to help you beat the closing line and elevate your online sports betting this December.

Welcome to the MyBookie Writers’ First Round College Football Bowl Picks & Predictions — your opening guide to smarter wagers and sharper reads to kick off bowl season.

MyBookie Writers’ First Round Bowl Picks & Predictions

The first round of bowl games brings unique betting opportunities — from opt-out uncertainty to motivation mismatches and underrated underdogs.

Each pick below provides actionable insight on college football picks, NCAAF odds and lines, and the sharp strategies bettors use to stay ahead during bowl season.

Whether you’re betting sides, totals, or searching for early bowl upsets, MyBookie delivers live NCAAF lines, fast payouts, and everything you need to win more this postseason.

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The first round of College Football Bowl Games is here — and our MyBookie experts break down the top early matchups for bettors.

D.S. Williamson and Henry Watkins deliver SU, ATS, and O/U predictions based on matchup analysis, opt-out risk, motivation, and current NCAAF odds and lines.

Bet smarter and start bowl season strong with MyBookie’s First Round Bowl Picks & Predictions.

D.S. Williamson | MyBookie Sports Writer

Since 2008, D.S. Williamson has written about sports and sports handicapping.

His philosophy is value-based — meaning stats and trends matter only when compared to sportsbook odds. He believes bankroll management and value recognition are the true separators between winning and losing bettors.

🏈 First Round of College Football Bowl Picks

Boise State vs Washington -8.5

Washington had only one truly bad loss this season — the 13–10 defeat to Wisconsin.

Their other setbacks came against elite competition: Michigan, Ohio State, and Oregon. Jedd Fisch will have the Huskies locked in against a Boise State team that dropped games to South Florida, Notre Dame, Fresno State, and San Diego State.

Washington enters healthier, deeper, and with more top-tier talent.

Expect the Huskies to set the tone for bowl season with a statement win.

Writer’s Bowl Pick: Washington -8.5

Boise State vs Washington Betting Lines

Troy -3.5 vs Jacksonville State

Troy has a sturdy defense — but offensive inconsistency and potential opt-outs make this a dangerous spot.

After getting dominated by James Madison in the Sun Belt title game, Troy enters vulnerable.

Jacksonville State, despite falling to Kennesaw State in their championship matchup, is healthier and more motivated.

With fewer likely opt-outs and a stable roster, Jacksonville State is the sharper side.

Writer’s Bowl Pick: Jacksonville State +3.5 (Dog Covers)

Troy vs Jacksonville State Betting Lines

Old Dominion vs South Florida -6.5

South Florida is the more talented team — but bowl-season motivation and roster stability favor Old Dominion.

The Bulls were a few plays from an undefeated AAC campaign, but a 9–3 season puts many of their top players on Power-4 transfer radars.

If opt-outs appear, South Florida becomes vulnerable.

Old Dominion also went 9–3, with losses only to elite programs: Indiana, James Madison, and Marshall.

The Monarchs are live to win outright.

Writer’s Bowl Pick: Old Dominion +6.5 (Upset Alert)

Old Dominion vs USF Betting Lines

Louisiana -2.5 vs Delaware

Louisiana owns the better résumé and enters bowl season on a four-game winning streak.

Their 24–14 loss to CFP-bound James Madison was a quality defeat — proving the Cajuns can compete with elite programs. Delaware State is scrappy but outmatched physically.

With momentum and matchup edges, Louisiana should control the game.

Writer’s Bowl Pick: Louisiana -2.5

Louisiana vs Delaware Betting Lines

D.S. Williamson’s First Round Bowl Picks focus on value, opt-out risk, and motivation — essential factors in early bowl handicapping.

Henry Watkins | MyBookie Sports Writer

Henry is originally from Scotland but now lives in Metro Atlanta with his wife, Penny.

He covers sports as a freelance writer and is also an author of horror fiction, including Karaoke Night, Crueller, and Off The Grid.

🏈 NCAAF First Round Bowl Picks

NCAAF Bowl Game SU Picks

We’re looking at bowl matchups between Dec. 13–20, starting with the LA Bowl.

I’m backing Washington to take down Boise State.

I also like Jacksonville State to beat Troy in the Salute to Veterans Bowl.

And in the 68 Ventures Bowl, I’m rolling with Louisiana over Delaware.

NCAAF SU Picks

Boise State vs Washington – SU Pick: Washington
Troy vs Jacksonville State – SU Pick: Jacksonville State
Louisiana vs Delaware – SU Pick: Louisiana
Bet NCAAF Bowl Odds

NCAAF Bowl Game ATS Picks

Bowl spreads often come down to motivation and depth — and these spots fit the trend.

Old Dominion should keep things close versus USF as a 7-point underdog.

Louisiana should comfortably cover vs Delaware.

For the final ATS play, let’s back Missouri State as a 2.5-point dog against Arkansas State.

NCAAF ATS Picks

Old Dominion vs South Florida – ATS Pick: Old Dominion +7
Louisiana vs Delaware – ATS Pick: Louisiana -3
Missouri State vs Arkansas State – ATS Pick: Missouri State +2.5
Bet NCAAF Bowl Lines

NCAAF Bowl Game O/U Picks

Totals this week highlight pace, explosiveness, and defensive drop-offs in early bowl play.

Washington vs Boise State should fly OVER 51.5.

Louisiana vs Delaware also profiles as an OVER at 58.5.

For an UNDER, Missouri State vs Arkansas StateArkansas State should stay below 56.5.

NCAAF O/U Picks

Boise State vs Washington – Pick: OVER 51.5
Louisiana vs Delaware – Pick: OVER 58.5
Missouri State vs Arkansas State – Pick: UNDER 56.5
Bet NCAAF Bowl Totals

Henry Watkins’ First Round Bowl Picks provide SU clarity, ATS value, and totals insights — built for bettors looking to capitalize on early bowl volatility.

Final Take: Start Bowl Season Strong with Smart Betting

The first round of bowl games brings unpredictability — opt-outs, transfers, and motivation gaps create some of the best value opportunities.

With D.S. Williamson and Henry Watkins breaking down spreads, totals, and bowl-season angles, you get actionable insight before the market adjusts.

Track roster news, watch for late line movement, and jump early when value appears.

Smart bettors react to information — not the public.

Start bowl season with sharper reads, better lines, and winning tickets at MyBookie Sportsbook.