Nick Bartlett’s Fearless 2024 Bowl Predictions for Jan 1

Oregon faces Liberty in the Fiesta Bowl and Washington takes on Texas in the Sugar Bowl/CFP

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Posted on December 31, 2023


  By Nick Bartlett, SuperWest Sports

Wise is the bettor who consults Nick’s No-Nonsense Betting Tips before logging on to his sportsbook.

The third week of bowl picks wasn’t so great for me—and for you, if you followed my advice.

I went a respectable 2-2. So where did I go wrong with the two?

I’ve been undervaluing Arizona all year and man did they prove me wrong. The Wildcats are the real deal and have likely put a scare into their future Big 12 foes.

Oregon State was a miscalculation as well. They’ve been solid all year, but without several of their top players, it was unrealistic of me to think they could hang with the Irish.

That brings my postseason record to 6-5 but I’m still an impressive 116-50 on the season.

Enough hindsight. It’s time to look ahead to Monday’s two SuperWest bowl games.

As always, my selections come with incredibly accurate game scores and just enough commentary to keep me from eating too many leftover Christmas cookies.

They’re almost gone, so let’s get on with the picks!

No. 8 Oregon vs No. 23 Liberty

Monday, January 1, 2024
10:00 am PT, ESPN
Glendale, AZ

Liberty enters the Fiesta Bowl putting their undisputed 13-0 middleweight title on the line against Oregon.

The Flames may be undefeated, but their schedule has been pretty easy, especially in comparison with the Ducks.

UO needs to mess up Liberty after their loss to Washington in the Pac-12 Championship. It’s also important to note that Bo Nix will be playing in this matchup.

If Liberty is to have any chance to compete in this game they’ll need their 5th ranked scoring offense to ball out.

Kaidon Salter is a phenomenal quarterback who’s thrown for 2,750 yards, 31 touchdowns, and also added 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

Oregon’s defense should probably highlight him and force Liberty’s receivers to win in one-on-one matchups. UO’s scoring defense enters this game ranked 11th.

The Ducks’ season didn’t end how they wanted it too, but they still have an opportunity to have some fun in Glendale.

Ducks in a blowout.

Oregon 42, Liberty 24

No. 2 Washington vs No. 3 Texas

Monday, January 1, 2024
5:45 pm PT, ESPN
CFP Semifinal – New Orleans, LA

Washington enters the College Football Playoff after a dream season in which they beat Oregon twice, including a victory in the Pac-12 Championship game.

Texas comes into the semifinals with a 12-1 record with their only loss coming to those guys in crimson.

For the Huskies, it’s all about the offensive trio of Michael Penix Jr. Dillon Johnson, and Rome Odunze. They also feature depth at wideout in Jalen McMillan and Ja’Lynn Polk.

The Longhorns are led by the duo of quarterback Quinn Ewers and wideout Xavier Worthy.

UT’s second-best offensive player, Jonathon Brooks,is out with an injury, Brooks has rushed for 1,139 yards and ten touchdowns in 2023.

On defense, Texas’ stopper unit ranks 12th in the nation in points allowed which should prove to be a good test for UW’s 10th-ranked scoring offense.

Stats, injuries, and sugar aside, this game will likely be decided by the best player on the field. And in New Orleans, that’s going to be Odunze.

Huskies by one.

Washington 31, Texas 30

—More from Nick Bartlett—