BlackJack’s Favorite Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl New Year’s Day Bets

Happy 2019! 2018 was a hell of a ride for you, me and everyone here at The Action Network. It was a great springboard, but now it's time to use the new year to start our catapult into immortality

The way to do that is start the year on a winning note. We have big games all day in college football and there are a few games speaking to me.

So let's hit it, brother.

Rose Bowl: Washington vs. Ohio State (-6.5)

5 p.m. ET | ESPN

The Rose Bowl is a matchup of two well-coached teams that each fell short of expectations this season. Both were playoff hopefuls to start the year and the Rose Bowl is their consolation.

Washington is led by Chris Petersen and plays solid defense. Its offense also has playmakers in Jake Browning and Myles Gaskin. The problem is, Ohio State has a better coach AND better playmakers.

Dwayne Haskins could be putting on an audition for NFL scouts in this game. Also, it's Urban Meyer's last game at Ohio State and I expect an inspired effort throughout for the Buckeyes.

THE PICK: Ohio State -6.5

Sugar Bowl: Texas vs. Georgia (-12)

8:45 p.m. ET | ESPN

The Sugar Bowl hosts an exciting matchup between a surprisingly game Texas squad and Georgia, a team many felt was worthy of a spot in the College Football Playoff.

There is no doubt that Georgia is a talented and well-coached group. But I do question its motivation a little here. Motivation is a key issue in bowl games at times. Georgia was left out of the playoff and now plays a game it won't even travel for against a Texas team that would be thrilled to get this win.

I don't know if the Longhorns can get a straight-up win here, but I do think they can keep it within one score.

THE PICK: Texas +12

Let's start this year right, brother! #CashIt