New Year's Day Bowl Picks

Before you say goodbye to 2010 by drinking your weight in Jager, you might want to get your bowl bets down.

It’ll save you staring though stats and matchups on New Year’s Day while you battle a headache, dehydration, and whatever else comes crawling home with you from the night before.

Here’s a quick look at the bowl action on January 1:

TicketCity Bowl: Northwestern vs. Texas Tech (-9.5, 60.5)
(Betting line available at 5Dimes)

The Red Raiders are big faves in Dallas, in part due to their explosive offense which ranked eighth in the country in passing yards per game. Texas Tech can air it out, but the team is focusing on fixing its defense heading into New Year’s Day. It allowed over 30 points per game this season, but takes on a shorthanded NU squad which is without QB Dan Persa and could be without RB Mike Trumpy.

Pick: Texas Tech -9.5

Outback Bowl: Penn State vs. Florida (-7, 48)
(Betting line available at Sportsbook.com)

The Gators will be looking to give head coach Urban Meyer a proper sendoff against PSU. Meyer has stepped down as UF’s coach but will finish out the season at the Outback Bowl. The Gators have some controversy at QB, with No.1 John Brantley considering transferring. That could press Meyer to go with dual-threat pivot Trey Burton more this Saturday.

Pick: Florida -7

Capital One Bowl: Michigan State vs. Alabama (-10, 51.5)
(Betting line available at Bodog Sportsbook)

Playing in a non-BCS bowl is a slap in the face to Alabama fans. The Crimson Tide faithful are up in arms about the team’s New Year’s Day date with MSU – along with Auburn being in the BCS Championship Game. Nick Saban had better not fudge this one up. Expect Alabama to pour it on to appease the program’s backers.

Pick: Alabama -10

Gator Bowl: Michigan vs. Mississippi State (-4.5, 59.5)
(Betting line available at Bodog Sportsbook)

Rich Rodriguez is singing for his supper in the Sunshine State after disappointing Wolverines boosters since his arrival in Ann Arbor. Saturday’s game will be a national showcase for dual-threat QB Denard Robinson, but he’ll go up against a tough MSU defense that limited a similar talent, Ole Miss’ Jeremiah Masoli, on the ground in the season finale.

Pick: Michigan +4.5

Rose Bowl: TCU vs. Wisconsin (+3, 58.5)
(Betting line available at 5Dimes)

This spread went to +2 before climbing back up to a field goal, with early money fading the Horned Frogs. The Badgers are wizards at controlling the clock with their methodical rushing attack, averaging 32:39.08 time of possession. One of the few teams better at eating time: TCU, which ranked second in time of possession. Whoever wins the coin toss could win the game.

Pick: Wisconsin +3

Fiesta Bowl: UConn vs. Oklahoma (-16.5, 54.5)
(Betting line available at BetUS Sportsbook)

If you need evidence that the BCS system is flawed, take a look at the pile of chalk facing OU bettors New Year’s Day. These elite matchups shouldn’t promise two-touchdown blowouts. With that said, the Fiesta Bowl is known for crazy upsets. And Oklahoma knows firsthand, losing in upset fashion in 2008 and 2007. The Sooners don’t play around this time. Give the points.

Pick: Oklahoma -16.5