2024-2025 Best College Football Bowl Picks – Week 3 Picks

Another week of bowl games is here. From the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl with Oklahoma and Navy to the high-octane potential of the Valero Alamo Bowl between BYU and Colorado, each game offers its own intrigue. But in today’s college football landscape, one thing is certain — what we know now could look very different at kickoff.

The transfer portal, coaching changes and opt-outs have turned the postseason into an ever-changing puzzle. With key players entering the portal and others opting out of preparing for the NFL draft, predicting how these games will play out requires not only research and analysis, but also the ability to adapt as new information comes in .

For now, here’s a breakdown of what we know about these marquee matches, with the understanding that the picture could change dramatically when the teams take the field.

All odds accurate at time of publication. For the latest odds, go to ESPN BET.

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Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

Oklahoma (-3, 43.5) vs. the fleet
Friday noon ET on ESPN

Oklahoma, already languishing at 127th in total offense, has been decimated by the transfer portal. The Sooners have seen an exodus of talent, including starting quarterback Jackson Arnold, two of their top three wide receivers, their leading tight end and most productive running back. Combined, those departures accounted for 22 of Oklahoma’s 28 touchdowns this season, leaving their offense in shambles.

On the back end, Navy brings its signature, methodical ground game to the table. The Midshipmen are fifth in the nation in rushing yards, but a near-last 133rd in games per game. game, taking a slow and steady approach that slows down the clock and keeps scoring opportunities at a premium. Quarterback Blake Horvath is the engine of this offense, who recently put on a show with an astounding 204-yard rushing performance against Army.

This clash of styles plays directly into the bottom line. Navy’s run-heavy offense will chew up time and limit possessions, while Oklahoma’s patchwork offense faces an uphill battle to establish any rhythm. The Sooners’ inexperienced replacements will be tested against a disciplined and physical Navy defense that thrives on wreaking havoc on opponents.

With Oklahoma’s offensive struggles and Navy’s clock-dominant strategy, expect a slugfest where every yard is hard-earned. The bottom feels like the smart play in what looks to be a grind-it-out Armed Forces Bowl classic.

Pam’s Pick: Total Points UNDER 43.5

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DirecTV Holiday Bowl

No. 21 Syracuse (-16.5, 59.5) vs. Washington State
Friday at 20 ET on FOX

This could be a lopsided affair, with dramatic line moves that reflect the chaos around Washington state. Once a modest -6, the spread has risen to Syracuse -16.5, while the total has dropped from 62 to 59.5. These shifts perfectly capture the stark contrast between two programs moving in opposite directions in the postseason.

Washington State enters the bowl game in utter disarray. The Cougars are reeling from the departure of head coach Jake Dickert to Wake Forest, along with exits from their offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach and running backs coach. This mass coaching exodus has left the program rudderless at the worst possible time.

The disruption doesn’t end there. The transfer portal has ravaged WSU’s roster, with key players abandoning ship. Chief among them is starting quarterback John Mateer, the heart and soul of the Cougars’ offense. Mateer’s departure is devastating; he ranked 18th nationally in passing yards, fifth in touchdown passes (29) and also led the team in rushing. His staggering 44 total touchdowns accounted for 77% of WSU’s scoring this season. Add to that the losses of RB1 Wayshawn Parker and WR2 Kris Hutson, and it’s hard to see where the Cougars will generate any offensive spark.

In stark contrast, Syracuse arrives in San Diego in full force. Head coach Fran Brown’s bold declaration, “We don’t quit around here,” underscores the Orange’s unity and commitment. Quarterback Kyle McCord and the rest of the roster are expected to fit together, giving Syracuse a big advantage against a depleted WSU team.

Given the Cougars’ coaching vacuum and decimated roster, Syracuse may not need to push the pace offensively, especially with such a massive spread. On the other hand, WSU’s offensive struggles are all but guaranteed, making the underdog an enticing play. Expect a one-sided affair where points are at a premium in what could be a sobering end to Washington State’s season.

Pam’s Pick: Total Points UNDER 59.5

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Isleta New Mexico Bowl

Louisiana vs. TCU (-13, 57.5)
Saturday at 2:15 PM ET on ESPN

While the line is extended in TCU’s favor, the depth chart leaves serious doubts about the Horned Frogs’ ability to cover.

For Louisiana, there is hope on the horizon with quarterback Ben Wooldridge making progress in his recovery. His inclusion on the bowl depth chart signals a potential return to the lineup. A healthy Wooldridge could ignite the Ragin’ Cajuns’ offense, bringing a dynamic dimension that has been sorely missed.

Meanwhile, TCU faces significant obstacles. Leading rusher Cam Cook, responsible for nine of the team’s 26 rushing touchdowns, has entered the transfer portal. The hits keep coming with wide receivers Jack Bech and Savion Williams opting out. Those two accounted for over a third of TCU’s receptions, 43% of their receiving yards and 15 of the Frogs’ 25 receiving touchdowns. Such losses are a major blow to TCU’s passing attack and leave a massive void in offensive firepower.

Louisiana’s opportunistic defense can exploit these vulnerabilities. The Ragin’ Cajuns thrive on creating turnovers and are tied for the fifth-most interceptions (15) in the country. Coupled with TCU’s shaky red zone defense, allowing scores on 90% of drives and ranking 101st in red zone touchdown defense (67%), the Horned Frogs could have a long day.

The 13-point spread feels far too generous to TCU under the circumstances.

Pam’s Pick: Louisiana +13

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Valero Alamo bowl

No. 17 BYU vs. No. 23 Colorado (-4, 54.5)
Saturday at 7:30 PM ET on ABC

This game has all the makings of an electrifying shootout, provided there are no major opt-outs. Both teams bring dynamic, powerful attacks to the table and set the stage for an exciting spectacle in San Antonio.

Colorado, led by the ever-charismatic Deion Sanders, has been an offensive powerhouse in the Big 12. Averaging 35 points per match, the Buffaloes’ aerial attack is nothing short of lethal. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been a revelation, ranking seventh nationally with 316 passing yards per game and second with 35 touchdown passes. His connection with Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter is pure magic. Hunter’s season has been one for the ages, a constant nightmare for secondaries with his unmatched ability to turn any play into a highlight reel.

BYU, meanwhile, brings its own impressive arsenal to the game. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff is the Cougars’ ultimate dual-threat weapon, mixing dynamic playmaking with precision passing. His chemistry with standout receivers Chase Roberts and Darius Lassiter gives BYU the ability to strike quickly and anywhere on the field, ensuring the defense is always on their heels.

Both teams are no strangers to lighting up the scoreboard. BYU’s offense has been on fire, topping 34 points in six consecutive games this season — a streak unmatched by the program since 1996. On the other hand, Colorado’s offense led the Big 12 in efficiency with 6.1 yards per carry. looking for the big play.

Defensively, the cracks are clear. BYU has struggled on third downs, but its opportunistic defense has been a force for havoc, ranking second in the nation in turnovers forced. Colorado has shown vulnerability in containing explosive plays, leaving the door open for the Cougars to exploit.

Going over here feels less like a gamble and more like an expectation. With solid quarterback play, plenty of playmakers and a defense prone to lapses, this game has all the ingredients for fireworks. If Sanders and Retzlaff take the stage at full strength, the Alamo Bowl could be one of the most entertaining games of the entire bowl season.

Pam’s Pick: Overall Score OVER 54.5