MILITARY BOWL -- Temple has a poor recent bowl history, and there is some concern in this one because North Carolina will have a decided coaching edge. But the bottom line is the value is with the underdog, which could be the better team. The Owls came up just short of the AAC title game but have a sturdy defense and a veteran-laden club. The Tar Heels overachieved this season but are a bit overvalued in this spread.

MILITARY BOWL -- North Carolina has played 11 games against FBS competition this year, and the average final margin -- win or lose -- in those games has been 7.5 points. The Tar Heels play close games against everybody, and in this game they're facing a Temple team that thrives as an underdog. Since 2010, the Owls have gone 39-20 ATS as a dog, and catching nearly a touchdown here, I can't pass up the opportunity to take them.

MILITARY BOWL -- Tar Heels quarterback Sam Howell has put up a season that has been comparable to Clemson signal-caller Trevor Lawrence. Is that going to stop against a Temple pass defense that has given up 104 passing plays of 10 or more yards? Nope. The Tar Heels have been one of the biggest surprises of the season, and Howell will light up the Owls to cap off his sizzling freshman season.

MILITARY BOWL -- A young Tar Heels team that won consecutive games to earn a bowl bid takes on an experienced Temple squad. The benefit of youth is that you're able to take risks. But a veteran team knows how to take advantage of inexperience and avoid mistakes. Plus, the Owls defense could be tough on UNC.