How Sharps are Betting Thursday’s Bowl Tripleheader (12/26)

Post Xmas Barrage Begins in Detroit, Phoenix, and Mobile

If Christmas is in the rear view mirror, that means the college football bowl schedule is about to get very busy.

Three games on tap Thursday. Let’s see how sharps (professional wagerers) have been betting the games you’ll be watching on TV.

Pittsburgh vs. Toledo (Detroit)

Opening line of Pitt -9 has been dropping steadily because it’s STILL not known (as I write this) if Eli Holstein will be able to return from his long injury absence. Replacement Nate Yarnell entered the transfer portal. So, Pitt will either be forced to use its #3 starter, or have Holstein back on the field. NOT A MINOR DETAIL! A prior resting point of Pitt -7.5 a week ago eventually dropped to -7. That suggested skepticism. But, another tick down to Pitt -6.5 was followed by chalk interest. Might just be “taking a shot” because Pitt -6.5 is probably a very sharp bet if Holstein is ready to return. Dog lovers have been taking Toledo +7.5 recently…with at least a few still taking +7. We may be at a point now where everybody’s just going to wait for clarity.

I think Pitt -7 or less “with Holstein” is going to be considered sharp. Toledo +7.5 against the #3 guy would definitely be considered sharp. The rest has to work itself out. Usually good injury news travels faster than this. For now, dog lovers are probably happy with their early positions.

Opening total of 52 has walked the ladder down to 50 as everyone awaits news on Pitt’s starting QB. Game is indoors in Detroit. So, weather won’t be a factor. Scoring potential will definitely be influenced by personnel. For now, Under 51 or more is sharp with an assessment that Holstein will either NOT be ready or will be rusty…or the backup won’t be explosive. Could see the Over getting hit at 50, 51, and even 52 if Holstein is back and looking good pregame.