2022 ReliaQuest Bowl, Illinois vs. Mississippi State: TV, time and Bayou Bets staff picks

In case you missed it, the Bayou Bets crew is holding their second annual College Bowl Pick ’Em, and we’re hoping you’re the big benefactor from our predictions.

Like we did last year, we started with $1,000 Bowl Bucks, and we’re making a play on each of the 42 bowl games this season. And when it’s over, we’ll take whatever money we have left and make a “Final Jeopardy” type pick in the National Championship Game in Inglewood, Calif., on Jan. 9, 2023.

Below are the picks from sports betting director Zach Ewing, along with staff writers Jim Derry, Spencer Urquhart and Gabe Henderson for the Orange Bowl, as it appeared in our original 2022-23 College Football Bowl Guide (Part 2). You can also see our Part 1 picks from Dec. 16 through Dec. 29.

NOTE: These predictions were originally based off of lines and spreads as of early afternoon on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Caesars Sportsbook. Also listed are spreads as of late Thursday, Dec. 29.

RELIAQUEST BOWL

Mississippi State (8-4, -115) vs. Illinois (8-4, -105)

Where: Tampa

When/TV: Jan. 2, 11 a.m. ESPN2

Line/Total: Miss. State -1, O/U 46

Zach Ewing: Mike Leach’s death casts a pall on this one. In an even matchup on paper, Mississippi State either folds in their grief or uses it as fuel. It seems to me the latter is more likely. The bet: Mississippi State ML (-115) for $34.50.

Jim Derry: This is a tough one. I have no idea how Mississippi State will respond following the death of their coach, Mike Leach. Meanwhile, Illinois is pretty darned good. I’ll play it, but only super small. The bet: Illinois ML -105 for $10.50 to win $10.

Spencer Urquhart: This is a tough one to handicap with Mississippi State having tragically lost Coach Mike Leach, but their players will almost certainly be motivated to perform well in memory of their fallen coach. Illinois is a tough opponent due to their stingy defense, but the Bulldogs should be able to cook up enough offense to make coach Leach proud. The bet: Mississippi State -1 for $33.

Gabe Henderson: This one’s simple: I love Mississippi State to get it done in honor of Mike Leach. Some storylines in sports write themselves and this is one of them. The bet: Mississippi State ML -115 for $23 to win $20.

WHERE WE STAND

Through Saturday (Dec. 31)

All picks and handicaps were made and written on or before Dec. 29, and lines were taken from Caesars Sportsbook as of Dec. 28. Staff writers were allowed to make a pick on the money line, spread, total or make no pick at all.

Canceled games or ties are considered no picks.

STARTING STACK FOR STAFFERS: $1,000 BOWL BUCKS

Zach Ewing: 27-11 overall, +$120 on Saturday, balance $1,405.

Gabe Henderson: 20-16 overall, +$28 on Saturday, balance $1,044.40.

Spencer Urquhart: 15-22 overall, +$103 on Saturday, balance $904.

Jim Derry: 15-21 overall, +$89.80 on Saturday, balance $836.80.

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