Heart of Dallas Bowl NCAAF Betting Lines & Preview

The Golden Eagles of Southern Miss (9-4) meet the Washington Huskies (6-6) in the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl on Saturday, December 26, at 2:20pm Eastern time on ESPN. The two teams have never met on the field. Washington is favored to win by 8.5 points, with an over/under total of 55 points. Click here for MyBookie’s NCAAF betting lines.

We would like to welcome the @SouthernMissFB & @UW_Football to Dallas. @Zaxbys #HODBowl pic.twitter.com/s0wxx03BEL

— Heart of Dallas Bowl (@HODBowl) December 22, 2015

View full TV schedule here.

Why should you pick Washington (-8.5)?

In the last week of the season, the Huskies blew out Washington State 45-10 to take the annual Apple Cup rivalry game. Washington beat two teams in the top 25 (USC and Washington State) but also lost six times in a tough schedule that featured nine different opponents who are in bowl games. However, they scored a combined 97 points in the last two games of the season. They also rank #7 in the FBS with 27 forced turnovers — helped by a whopping seven in the season finale. Quarterback Jake Browning is a true freshman, so he’s had some terrific starts (beating Oregon State and Arizona by a combined 102-10) and some struggles (two picks in a six-point loss to Cal). If he’s on his game, the Huskies could roll.

Why should you take the Golden Eagles (+8.5)?

Southern Miss won nine games for just the second time since 2006. They had tough losses to such as Mississippi State, Marshall and Nebraska, but they finished the regular season with a six-game winning streak. Their strength comes from being able to win the field position battle and then exploit it with explosive plays. They only allowed 16.3 points per game in the second half of the season, and their explosive passing attack (led by quarterback Nick Mullen) makes them a challenge for any defense.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Washington has a much better resume as far as quality of opposition goes. I like them to shut down the Golden Eagles’ offense and win (and cover): 31-21.