The new landscape of college football has brought many changes, and the transfer portal has significantly affected bowl games. More and more players are opting out of bowl games if their teams aren’t in the College Football Playoff, and while that is disappointing for fans, it gives sports bettors an edge. On top of the opt-outs, coaches are now leaving early, leaving their teams with interim head coaches and, in some cases, entirely new staffs. With each move comes line movement and adjustments made by the books, but in some cases those adjustments aren’t enough, allowing opportunities to take advantage.
Some of the biggest storylines to watch this bowl season range from obvious to underrated. Of course, Ole Miss being without head coach Lane Kiffin will be the biggest headline, but the spread has already moved with that knowledge in mind. Under-the-radar losses, like Troy losing starting running back Tae Meadows to the portal, can’t be ignored. In other cases, both teams’ opt-outs cancel each other out, like in the Old Dominion vs. South Florida game, where Monarchs quarterback Colton Joseph plans to sit out. Behind him is freshman Quinn Henicle. On the other side, South Florida also has quarterback uncertainty, as Byrum Brown may declare for the NFL Draft or transfer to Auburn with former head coach Alex Golesh.
Coaching turnover continues to shape matchups. Memphis will be without head coach Ryan Silverfield, who left for Arkansas, with DB coach Reggie Howard serving as interim. Alabama has quarterback concerns due to injury news, though the Heisman finalist is expected to play. At Tulane, head coach Jon Sumrall has accepted the Florida job but will remain through the season, as will Bob Chesney at James Madison and both coordinators at Oregon. However, Washington State faces instability, as Jimmy Rogers left for Iowa State and will not coach the bowl, increasing transfer risks. Southern Miss faces a similar issue after Charles Huff took the Memphis job.