Man, listen here, y'all know I been slingin' that sweet tea and fried chicken tenders at the Publix customer service counter longer than some of these young bucks been breathin', noimsayin? And every year 'round this time, after the Florida high school titles get wrapped up—shoutout to them private school juggernauts still runnin' the table like they own the damn state—I flip the script to these college bowl games 'cause a brother's gotta keep the action goin'. Lifetime gambler, that's me. I'll bet on whether the rain gon' hit before that drunk lady in aisle 9 finishes complainin' about expired coupons.
Last week, Laz dropped them spreads, and this neutral observer—me, playin' it straight like a deacon on Sunday—told y'all to grab them points and ride the dogs heavy. Hit pretty good too, 'cause them favorites was gettin' fat heads thinkin' they invincible, kinda like that stripper I dated back in '78 who swore she was gon' leave the club "any day now." Yeah, that worked out 'bout as well as me pickin' favorites blind.
Now Laz got this week's slate, and I'm eyein' these New Year's quarterfinals and the bowls leadin' up. We talkin' big boy football now, playoff style.
Here's how this old hood scholar see it, straight no chaser:
Laz killin' it again—11-5 last week, .766 on the season? Man solid as that fried chicken crust. Respect.Here's how this neutral observer see this week's action—mostly them bowls around New Year's, plus them big playoff quarters, and even divin' into D3 and FCS 'cause Laz coverin' all the football meat:Regular Bowls:
Arizona over Southern Methodist +4 → SMU been gettin' love, but Arizona scrappy as hell. Take the Mustangs plus the points—they keep it close or pull the upset.
Cincinnati over Navy +5 → Navy run that option like it's still 2005, but Cincy got athletes. Still, +5 too juicy—gimme Navy and the points.
Duke over Arizona St +1 → Duke playin' smart ball, Sun Devils inconsistent. Short line? Ride Arizona State plus the hook for the dog value.
Georgia Southern over Appalachian St +1 → App State usually tough, but Eagles got that run game poppin'. I'm leanin' App State plus the points—mountaineers at home-ish feel.
Louisiana Tech over Coastal Carolina +11 → Big number, but Tech motivated. Coastal been slippin'. Take Coastal plus them double digits—easy cover if it get sloppy.
Michigan over Texas +1 → Wait, Texas layin' points? Nah, Michigan defense mean. Gimme Texas plus the points, maybe even straight up if Manning healthy.
Southern California over Texas Christian +9 → USC got Lincoln's offense hummin', TCU scrappy. +9 generous—TCU and the points all day.
Tennessee over Illinois +1 → Vols got speed, Illini tough but slow. Short spread screams Illinois plus the points—Bielema keep it close.
Texas St over Rice +10 → Bobcats underrated, Rice sneaky. Double digits? Rice plus the points—they cover runnin' clock.
Utah over Nebraska +16 → Utes defense elite, Huskers rebuildin'. Big line but Nebraska no quit—Nebraska plus them points cash easy.
Vanderbilt over Iowa +3 → Vandy hot late, Iowa offense... exist? Gimme Vanderbilt straight and on moneyline if you bold.
Wake Forest over Mississippi St +1 → Deacs slow mesh, Bulldogs chaotic. Flip a coin, but Mississippi State plus the points.
Overall on these bowls: Laz heavy on dogs again, and I'm ridin' with him—points and underdogs pay the rent, favorites pay the hype.Playoff Quarterfinals (New Year's Eve/Day):
Georgia over Mississippi +1 → Rebels got Kiffin magic, Dawgs reloadin'. +1? Hell yeah, Ole Miss plus the points—could win outright.
Indiana over Alabama +10 → Hoosiers undefeated fairy tale, Bama battle-tested. Double digits too much—Alabama plus the points big.
Ohio St over Miami FL +5 → Buckeyes loaded, Canes speed. +5 short—Miami plus the points, they hang.
Oregon over Texas Tech +2 → Ducks flyin', Tech slingin'. +2? Take Texas Tech and the points—chaos potential.
Dogs barkin' loud in the playoffs too—fade the chalk where Laz say.D3 Championship (Jan 4):River Falls WI over North Central IL +2 → North Central dynasty, but River Falls got that upset vibe. River Falls plus the points—worth a sprinkle.FCS Championship (Jan 5):Montana St over Illinois St +12 → Bobcats tough in Big Sky, Redbirds gritty. +12 massive—Illinois State plus the points easy.Bottom line this week: Same song—grab them points, ride the dogs heavy like last time. Laz seein' it clear, and this old gambler followin' suit. Already threw down on a few—gotta fund that sweet tea and occasional strip club regret fund.Y'all play 'em smart, don't chase losses like I chased that escort in Mobile back in '95... cost me a truck payment. Holla if we cash big.Peace, chicken grease, and Go Dogs!
I will have to do some digging to get you the specific margins, but it should also be noted, Public Schools have won nearly 70% of all the state championship games since 1963.