NCAAF College Football playoffs: Free picks for Saturday's televised bowl games

Where to watch

San Diego State v Central Michigan
BT Sport ESPN, 7pm Saturday
Southern Methodist v Florida Atlantic
BT Sport 2, 8.30pm Saturday

Best bowl picks

Under 41.5 points in San Diego State v Central Michigan
2pts 4-5 RedZone
Central Michigan
1pt 21-20 general
Southern Methodist -6.5
1pt 20-23 Betfred
Southern Methodist -3.5 & under 71.5 total points
1pt 6-4 Sky Bet

New Mexico Bowl

The New Mexico Bowl plays host to the 9-3 San Diego State Aztecs and the 8-3 Central Michigan Chippewas, but it looks set to be far from a fiesta.

The Aztecs’ defence has been stout all season long, seeing them rank fourth in scoring defence, allowing an average of just 12.8 points per game and seeing 11 of their 12 matches go under the points total, the most in the nation.

Their defence has needed to be every bit as good as that to help tham to a 9-3 record, thoguh, as their offence has been dysfunctional down the stretch and they have scored just 54 points in their last four games against defences ranked 48th, 97th, 83rd, and 102nd.

The Chippewas have bounced back this season under new head coach Jim McElwain after they failed to reach a bowl game last term with an abysmal 1-11 record, the worst in their history.

McElwain’s side have turned around their fortunes, averaging 31.4 points per game and ranking in the top 40 in just about every offensive category.

This match will be their biggest test of the season, but they have a balanced attack with a one-two punch at running back and Jonathon Ward and Kobe Lewis have combined for 2,059 yards and 26 rushing touchdowns.

The participation of San Diego State’s quarterback Ryan Agnew and leading rusher Juwan Washington has been in question due to injuries.

The Aztecs should slow down the Chippewas offence and with a toiling offence of their own, points could be scarce.

The Chippewas look to be live underdogs in what looks set to be a low-scoring affair in Albuquerque.

Boca Raton Bowl

Bowl games can be hugely impacted by suspensions, usually for off-field issues, and Florida Atlantic have been rocked before the Boca Raton Bowl.

They look set the be without four key starters due to suspension and illness, along with their head coach Lane Kiffin after his move to take the Ole Miss job.

The Owls look set to take the field without their top three receivers as tight end Harrison Bryant, who leads the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns with 65 catches, 1,004 yards, and seven scores, is sidelined with an illness.

The Owls are also missing wideouts Deangelo Antoine and Tavaris Harrison, who have combined for a further 1,294 yards and 12 touchdowns in a pass-happy offence that should struggle in their absence.

The problems don’t stop there for FAU as they’ll also be without their star linebacker Keke Leroy, who leads the Owls in tackles, sacks, and interceptions.

SMU started the season 8-0 before losing two of their last four, but those were against good sides in Navy and Memphis and they finished 10-2 in the regular season.

The Mustangs' offence have scored at will and boast the sixth-best points-per-game average with 43.

They can continue their offensive success against a weakened FAU side and register a first bowl victory since 2012.

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