Bowl season is almost here, and with it comes a laundry list of handicapping factors football bettors must consider. One of the most underrated capping angles is weighing the various coaching changes that occur at the end of the regular season. Here are three coaching swaps and some handicapping tips for their upcoming bowl games:
Georgia Bulldogs (9-3 SU, 5-7 ATS)
At 9-3, UGA is one of the better teams going bowling this season. The Bulldogs gave head coach Mark Richt his two-week notice – of sorts – announcing they would fire him at the end of the season. So, that means Richt will be on the sidelines for Georgia’s bowl game this month. He doesn’t have any other commitments, like recruiting or organizing for next season, which means Richt can pour everything into his postseason matchup. On top of that, UGA’s players will want to send their head coach – the guy who brought them to Athens – a proper send off.
Memphis Tigers (9-3 SU, 6-5-1 ATS)
The Tigers could see it coming from a mile away but couldn’t do much to stop it, losing head coach Justin Fuente to the big job at Virginia Tech this past week. That leaves assistant and former North Texas head coach Darrell Dickey in charge for Memphis’ upcoming bowl matchup. Memphis took a three-game tumble after a strong start, coincidentally around the time rumors about Fuente’s future started, but the Tigers finished with bang in a 63-0 bashing of SMU last weekend. Motivation will be a major influence in how bettors should manage Memphis this bowl season.
Toledo Rockets (9-2 SU, 8-2-1 ATS)
One of college football’s best bets could be a go-against team in their pending bowl game after head coach Matt Campbell took the open coaching gig at Iowa State. Not only do the Rockets lose their head coach, but Campbell is poaching assistants for his move to Ames as well. Toledo will be under the direction of defensive coordinator Jon Heacock for the postseason. The wheels are already wobbling on the Rockets with a loss to Western Michigan in their final game, losing 35-30 as touchdown favorites at home.
