And so it begins…

A stretch of 40 bowl games begins tomorrow and all of us at Skyline will have you covered with the latest lines and outlooks on each and every bowl game this bowl season. Brought to you one day at a time; saving you time instead of reading an hour long bowl preview.

All betting lines taken from Vegas Insider

Statistics from ESPN and Washington Post

All times are Central

1. Gildan New Mexico Bowl Dec. 17th, 1:00PM (CT) (ESPN)

New Mexico (8–4) vs. Texas-San Antonio (UTSA) (6–6)

Line: New Mexico -7.5

O/U: 64

Players to watch:

New Mexico: The Lobos led the nation in rushing yards per game this season, they have four players over the 500 yard rushing mark with their leaders being Teriyon Gipson (1,209 yds, 12 TD’s) and Tyrone Owens (1,084 yards, 7 TD’s) who have absolutely drove this team this season.

Texas-San Antonio: The ground game is also a point of interest for the Roadrunners, they have the programs all-time leading rusher on their roster. Jarveon Williams has amassed over 2,000 yards to go with 19 TD’s in his career.

Turning Point:

Both teams will be trying to establish their ground games with New Mexico employing their Bob Davie led triple option attack and UTSA using their balanced running game to slow down and control the game. UTSA QB Dalton Sturm has thrown for 18 TD’s and only 5 int’s this season, his arm will be the turning point in this game. If he can be efficient and effective through the air and keep the Roadrunner offense on the field they have a chance to slow down the clock eating New Mexico offense.

Prediction: The New Mexico offense eats the clock and their defense does enough to get a few takeaways and makes this a long game for Dalton Sturm and the Roadrunner offense. New Mexico 41, Texas-San Antonio 23.

Las Vegas Bowl by GEICO Dec. 17th, 2:30PM (ABC)

Houston (9–3) vs. San Diego State (10–3)

Line: Houston -4.5

O/U: 51.5

Players to watch:

Houston: This one is obvious, Gary Ward Jr. has combined for 31 TD’s this season and is the catalyst for the Houston offense. If Houston can unleash his dynamic playmaking ability, any team will have a hard time stopping him. Ed Oliver on the other side of the ball is going to be the driving force, if he can continue his playmaking ability the load will fall squarely on Donnell Pumphrey on the other sideline.

San Diego State: Once again, this is clear cut. THE player to watch on this team is Donnell Pumphrey. He has 2,018yds rushing and 16 TD’s this season to absolutely dominate the FBS rushing scene. If he is set loose and the Houston defense struggles with him this game could see some major points.

Turning Point: The big question is what Houston team will we see? Will we see the team that plays with grit and swagger as they did to open the season vs. Oklahoma? Or will we see the lackadaisical and downtrodden team that seems to be the norm after Tom Herman announced he is leaving. Because, at their best, Houston should win this game handedly.

Prediction: Look for a revitalized Houston squad that will make a statement for themselves in this game and prove to themselves how good they are. Now, Donnell Pumphrey will surely have something to say about it but it won’t be enough as H-Town has a takeover in Las Vegas. Houston 38, San Diego State 24

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl Dec. 17th, 4:30PM (CBSSN)

Appalachian State (9–3) vs. Toledo (9–3)

Line: EVEN

O/U: 60.5

Players to watch:

Appalachian State: According to ESPN this defense has only allowed 10 touchdown passes this season and has posted 20 interceptions as a defense. They will be ball-hawking all over the field in this one and I would not be surprised if we see a turnover battle ensuing in this game. Toledo has a great offense but this defense will get theirs in this game.

Toledo: Logan Woodside has been the constant for the high flying Toledo offense through this season. Throwing an FBS high 43 touchdown passes while setting another record for passing yardage. Meanwhile, the ground game has been a high point as well with Kareem Hunt slashing for 1,300 yards this season. This offense will meet an exceptional defense and will be tested all day.

Turning Point: The turning point is simple, the 20 interception App State’s defense has this season needs to increase in this game of Toledo will run and gun through this team and make App State’s offense overperform in a shootout. If App State can stymie and slow down Toledo’s offense with a few turnover this one can remain a close grind it out battle.

Prediction: Toledo’s offense ends up being too much and overwhelms Appalachian State in the end. Not before App State gets a few turnovers. Kareem Hunt will pace this offense and Woodside just puts them over the top with his stable of good receivers. Toledo 31, Appalachian State 22

AutoNation Cure Bowl Dec. 17th, 4:30PM (CBSSN)

Central Florida (6–6) vs. Arkansas State (7–5)

Line: UCF -6

O/U: 50

Players to watch:

Central Florida: Shaquem Griffin won the AAC Defensive POY Award in their conference and has 11 sacks from his linebacker spot this season. He will look to beat the Arkansas State offensive line all day long.

Arkansas State: Arkansas State boasts three 1st-team All-Conference defensive players so their defense is no slouch. But that same defense has given up over 500 yards per game and that is something that is going to be a huge part of this game. If their defense steps up, they have a good chance to take over this game.

Turning Point: The Arkansas State defense is allowing over 500 yards per game to opposing offenses. But, UCF has only been gaining around 360 total yards per game. UCF’s offense will have to take this one and I think that Scott Frost will have a gameplan to exploit that defense. They also will be in a virtual home game playing in Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando and that will certainly help them find an edge.

Prediction: UCF’s offense finds their groove and proves their 6–6 mark to date isn’t where they should be. UCF 30, Arkansas State 20

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Dec. 17th, 8:00PM (ESPN)

Southern Mississippi (6–6) vs. Louisiana Lafayette (6–6)

Line: SOMISS -6

O/U: 58.5

Players to watch:

Southern Miss: Nick Mullens will be at full strength after a dislocated thumb in his throwing hand and a concussion. It will be interesting to see how he comes back and performs in this one after throwing for 22 TD’s and nearly 3,000 yards this season. They will also be paced by dynamic back Ito Smith. He has put up 1,321 yards and 15 TD’s this season and will test the Ragin’ Cajuns defense.

Lousiana Lafayette: LSU transfer QB Anthony Jennings has come on strong late this season and will be flying high coming into this bowl game. Although he has thrown more INT’s (12) than TD’s (11) this season, he has led them to wins in four of their last six. He also can hurt the Golden Eagles on the ground; he has ran for 7 TD’s on the ground this season.

Turning Point: It is evident that the Ragin’ Cajun offense has struggled this season, they have only been able to muster 365 yards per game as opposed to Southern Miss’ 471. Their offense will have to out perform their current statistics if they are going to be able to pull this one out and at the forefront is going to be Anthony Jennings. He will need to keep his head above water in order for them to finish this one on top.

Prediction: Mistakes by Jennings and others could slow down this team. I believe that he will use both his legs and his arm to keep them in this one. But, ultimately, it won’t be enough. Southern Miss 40, Louisiana Lafayette 21