{"id":25332,"date":"2023-12-29T06:07:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T11:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/?p=25332"},"modified":"2023-12-28T09:21:32","modified_gmt":"2023-12-28T14:21:32","slug":"sun-bowl-best-bets-notre-dame-vs-oregon-state-free-picks-predictions-12-29","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/college-football-bowl-games\/sun-bowl-best-bets-notre-dame-vs-oregon-state-free-picks-predictions-12-29\/","title":{"rendered":"Sun Bowl Best Bets : Notre Dame vs Oregon State Free Picks, Predictions 12\/29"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Oregon State Beavers Best Bets: Sun Bowl Predictions & Analysis – Is Anyone Going to Play?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Football content contributor Ron Marmalefsky<\/a> burns hot and makes picks on The Sun Bowl<\/strong> being played on December 29th, between small parts of Notre Dame and Oregon State’s teams<\/strong>. What are his takeaways and things to watch when considering betting on a game where nobody is playing? Find top free picks and best bets here for the Sun Bowl. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On January 1, 2001, a loaded Oregon State team destroyed Notre Dame 41-9 in the Fiesta Bowl.  Jonathan Smith was the QB of the soon to be 12-1 Beavers, in a game where the 3rd<\/sup> string played midway through the 3rd<\/sup> quarter.  I know that because I was there<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Oregon State (OSU) has had many great memories since then, that was a signature moment.  Notre Dame has had quite a few signature moments, and now expectations are that the Irish will be a fixture in the upcoming expanded 12-team playoff picture.  I don\u2019t know quite what this game means to a pair of teams that will be missing at least a combined 25 starters, but here\u2019s what I do know: This will be the toughest and saddest preview I will ever write.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find free college football best bets<\/a> and bowl game coverage<\/a> this postseason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sun Bowl – Portal News – Everyone is MIA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The only way to begin this preview is to discuss what each team will be missing.  For the Irish, QB Hartman is gone.  That was a surprise, especially to his own coach.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to one source, most of their offensive starters will be gone along with Hartman, and the coordinator is gone as well (Head Coach, Troy).  Freshman Steve Angeli (19-of 25, no rush attempts) takes over.  Three freshman RB\u2019s will take over, with one of them (Love) having some potential.  Injuries and the portal have reduced the WR\/TE room.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe Notre Dame gets WR Thomas back, which would be a big deal.  Defensively, two or three starters could be gone but much of their fine defensive talent remains.  There\u2019s still one solid option in the return game.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

OSU Isn’t Bothering to Show up Either<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For OSU, it starts with the coaching staff. Smith bolted for Michigan State in a deal that was in the works (secretly) for weeks.  Blame the PAC 12 and ESPN\/Fox, but how he handled the departure was wrong.  The defensive coordinator is now the permanent Head Coach, but he is out recruiting and won\u2019t coach this game. Only three coaches remain, and some good ones are gone (elite OL coach).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the players, the top two QB\u2019s are gone.  Ben Gulbranson was a 62% passer with a 9-5 ratio in 2022 but sat on the bench this year.  RB Martinez is one of the best in all of the NCAA.  He won\u2019t play.  One of their two top WR\u2019s and an elite return specialist won\u2019t play.  The top two TE\u2019s are gone.  Three OL starters are gone.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

OSU had one of the nation\u2019s worst kicking games in 2022.  Shockingly, that was fixed.  Their kicker (13-14) is gone.  Defensively, two CB\u2019s are off for USC and three of their top four tacklers will be missing.  The improved pass rush (see below) stays relatively intact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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