BCS Bowl Predictions 2014: Early Las Vegas Betting Odds And Picks Against The Spread

The 2013-2014 college football bowl schedule has been released. Seventy teams will get to continue their seasons for one more game, following the end of the regular season.

While 35 bowl games will be played from Dec. 21 until Jan.6, five stand out among the rest. The BCS bowls are set to begin on New Year’s Day, featuring the best teams in the country. The games feature no team ranked lower than 15, including the top seven schools in the polls.

Below are the betting odds for each of the BCS bowls, according to Las Vegas casinos, as well as predictions against the spread for every game.

Michigan State (+3) vs. Stanford (Rose Bowl)

The Spartans are in the contest after shaking up the national title picture with their win over Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. They’re playing as well as maybe any team in the country, especially on defense. Michigan State held the Buckeyes, the fourth-highest scoring team in college football, to 24 points. Don’t be surprised if they cover the point spread and win the contest outright.

Prediction ATS: Michigan State

Central Florida (+17) vs. Baylor (Fiesta Bowl)

Central Florida won the BCS bid after finishing first in the American Athletic Conference, but they aren’t a real threat to Baylor. The Bears have the most explosive offense in football, averaging 53.3 points per game. Quarterback Bryce Petty leads the team with 30 touchdown passes and just two interceptions. The Knights have scored 25 points or less on five different occasions, and likely won't have enough to keep up with their opponent.

Prediction ATS: Baylor

Oklahoma (+14.5) vs. Alabama (Sugar Bowl)

The Crimson Tide were the best team in the country all season, until their one slip up against Auburn. Even against the Tigers, Alabama only lost after having missed four field goals and having one returned for a touchdown. Before the defeat, Alabama had won every game by at least seven points, and all but one by a minimum of two touchdowns. The 2013 Sugar Bowl shouldn’t be close.

Prediction ATS: Alabama

Clemson (+3) vs. Ohio State (Orange Bowl)

Both teams had big seasons against weak schedules and struggled when facing tougher competition. Tajh Boyd entered the season as a Heisman Trophy candidate, but he struggled against top teams, throwing five interceptions and on touchdown in losses to ranked Florida State and South Carolina. The Buckeyes have the advantage with Braxton Miller at quarterback and Urban Meyer on the sidelines.

Prediction ATS: Ohio State

Auburn (+8) vs. Florida State (BCS National Championship Game)

No team has been close to matching Florida State’s dominance in 2013. The Seminoles not only went undefeated, but they gave none of their opponents a chance in their 13 straight victories. Their closest game was against Boston College, who they beat by 14 points. The Tiger have played really well in close games, so they might have hope if they can stay within a touchdown. Unfortunately for them, Jameis Winston and the No.1 team in the country probably won’t give them that chance.

Prediction ATS: Florida State