College Football Betting Picks for Saturday 12/30/23

If you've not hopped on December's bowl-season train already, fret not! The college postseason action is heating up.

With games firing off all throughout the week, Saturday offers four more contests to keep bowl season churning strong. Of that bunch, I am most thrilled for a clash between the Mississippi Rebels and Penn State Nittany Lions in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl.

There is quite a bit to unpack here, and I know you value your time. Prior to Saturday, let's dive into the odds and lines for the upcoming bowl slate, emphasizing the most valuable of the traditional betting markets where applicable. Also, be sure to check out our piece for Monday's CFP semifinals, as well.

All college football odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. Lines may change after this article is published.

College Football Betting Picks for 12/30/23

Saturday's Full Slate

Peach Bowl

Ole Miss vs. Penn State

• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
• Time: 12 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN/ESPN+
• Spread: PSU -4.5 (-115)
• Moneyline: MISS +152/PSU -184
• Total: 48.5

In what could be the best college football action of Saturday, the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl will be a doozy. An Atlanta tradition dating back to 1968 (the same year McDonald's debuted the Big Mac), the game will feature two proud and powerful programs: Ole Miss (10-2) and Penn State (10-2). In Georgia's capital city, what will we be in store for?

At numberFire, the Nittany Lions (27.58 nERD) are ranked fourth overall on the FBS power rankings. Led by one of the fiercest defenses Division I, PSU allowed just 11.4 points per game (PPG) in 2023. Head coach James Franklin won't get to play for all the marbles this time around, but he and the Lions can certainly make a statement come Saturday in Atlanta.

Ole Miss has officially won 10 games in two of the past three years, but an 11th win here at the Peach Bowl would be a single-season school record. Simply, head coach Lane Kiffin has the Rebels nearing a pinnacle high. Mississippi was geared behind an offense that scored 34.8 PPG in the current campaign -- 19th best in college football.

Best Bet: Penn State -4.5 (-115)

Saturday's clash in Atlanta will pit two talented quarterbacks against each other: Drew Allar and Jaxson Dart. Mississippi's Dart has been the higher volume passer, but Allar has been more efficient, showing 26 total scores to just 1 interception. Additionally, Allar's task will be slightly easier going against the Rebel defense while Dart will have his hands full versus the PSU defense.

With Penn State star cornerback Kalen King likely to play this weekend, I will lay 4.5 on the Nittany Lions. Back at numberFire, the CFB game projections yield an estimated score of 36.08-27.96 in favor of PSU, giving more than three points of cushion. With that, I am on the chalk against the spread (ATS) at the Peach Bowl.

Orange Bowl

Georgia vs. Florida State

• Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
• Time: 4 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN/ESPN+
• Spread: UGA -19.5
• Moneyline: UGA -1700/FSU +890
• Total: 44.5 (-105/-115)

As the two most disgruntled teams participating on the New Year's Six schedule, the back-to-back reigning national champion Georgia Bulldogs (12-1) will take on the ACC champs in the Florida State Seminoles (13-0). UGA was kept out of the College Football Playoff after losing in the SEC title game to the Alabama Crimson Tide. Of course, FSU played to an undefeated record and was also left out of the CFP -- good grief.

The Capital One Orange Bowl will be one where Georgia looks to flex its muscles. In consolation fashion, head coach Kirby Smart is still looking to end 2023 on a high note. Unlike many schools this weekend, UGA will have the luxury of utilizing their starting quarterback, Carson Beck. The junior signal-caller had a fantastic season, showing a proficient QBR of 85.3.

numberFire's power rankings have the Dawgs (24.11 nERD) ranked seventh in the country, while the 'Noles (22.26 nERD) chime in at No. 10. However, something we need to consider here is the notable absence of FSU quarterback Jordan Travis, who is out for the year with a lower-body injury. From there, Florida State is expected to have at least 20 opt outs for the Orange Bowl.

Best Bet: Georgia -19.5 (-110)

Again, I am on the chalk ATS in this bid at Hard Rock Stadium. Simply, I believe the Seminoles are missing just a little too much to hang with Georgia. Not only is Travis out, but playmakers Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson and Jaheim Bell will not suit up on Saturday. On defense, Akeem Dent, Jared Verse and Fabien Lovett are also out this weekend. With that, FSU head coach Mike Norvell has a tall task ahead.

Naturally, 19.5 points is a fair amount to lay in a bowl game, but the Dawgs are up to the task. Many experts already had questions about Florida State's viability against powerhouse teams outside of the ACC, but with so many key contributors not in uniform for the 'Noles, I am on a UGA team that allowed just 16.6 PPG this year -- don't be surprised if FSU fails to reach that number in Miami Gardens.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.