SUGAR BOWL -- This is a bowl where the underdog likely used the time off appropriately. The Bulldogs have weaknesses that an elite Big 12 school can attack. Look for Texas to stay within this massive spread, and take the points.

SUGAR BOWL -- The Sugar Bowl has a blueblood matchup between Texas and Georgia. Both teams have solid defenses and can run the ball. You wonder which Georgia team will show up in this game. The one that's upset that it missed out on the playoffs, or the one that is upset that it missed out on the playoffs. The difference between the two statements is that one is motivated and the other is ready for the season to be over. Look for both sides of the statement to show up, which will keep this game entertaining and close.

SUGAR BOWL -- If incentive was in short supply for the nation’s third-best team, it was replenished last Saturday. Georgia’s belief that it belonged in the FBS playoffs was affirmed with decisive losses by Notre Dame and Oklahoma, and the Bulldogs will take out their ire on Texas. It’s pick-your-poison against the offense as QB Jake Fromm and a squadron of RBs keep opponents guessing. The defense is so strong that it made Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa look mortal (10-for-25, two picks) in the SEC Championship. No matter the coach, Georgia (5-0 ATS streak) excels in bowls. For once, spotting an underdog double-digit points is justified.

SUGAR BOWL - I'm always leery of betting against Tom Herman as an underdog, but even without Deandre Baker, Georgia is just better than Texas is at nearly every spot on the field. It's also deeper. Herman may have his program in a position to win these kind of games someday, but it's not there now. Georgia is.

SUGAR BOWL -- It's looking as if Texas could end up a strong candidate for The Underdog Nobody Wants in bowl season -- seeing as this spread already has jumped from an opener of -10.5 -- and there are a lot worse teams you could back. The Longhorns nearly beat playoff-bound Oklahoma twice and could be getting two full touchdowns in this one by kickoff. Georgia could have motivation issues after coming up short of a return bid to the playoffs. Also, the transfer of backup QB Justin Fields and three other players could cause locker-room distractions. Don't be surprised if this is a one-score game. Take the points.