Doug Kezirian, ESPN Sports Betting Insider 5y

Bettor's Tale - Balancing life and football's busiest season

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Saturday's start to the college football bowl season brings immense excitement, thanks to a quintuple-header to kick things off. However, it also signifies the beginning of a unique broadcasting schedule that challenges every bettor's ability to fit in with society and appear normal.

Forty-one darn bowl games are scattered to optimize television ratings and interest to tons of college football fan bases. The NFL even complicates matters with games on Saturdays.

It may seem like an immense amount of sports to consume but really, this is a gambler's dream... except for the increased demands that accompany this time of year. Depending on your age and marital status, this can include shopping, holiday parties, children's recitals, visiting family, waiting in line for Santa, etc.

For me, this time of year immediately fosters a vivid memory that will forever be etched into my brain. While out to dinner in college, I observed a married couple seated against the window. The distinguished and noble gentleman closely monitored a college basketball game on his Sony Watchman -- while wearing headphones! His wife sat across the small table and ate her food in silence. They did not speak the entire hour. I wish I were making this up or embellishing the scene. Not in the slightest. It was eerie and disturbing. Either he was the biggest fan ever, or given his stoic nature, he was sweating something huge.

While I was stunned and appalled at the time, I have since toed that line of questionable behavior. I am not proud but these are the facts. I have slyly checked a score in church. I once repeatedly left a family friend's Easter brunch to monitor a game in which I had action. I even once convinced my girlfriend to eat dinner at the restaurant's bar (rather than regular dining area) so I could try to middle an NBA playoff game. Normally, that's a somewhat reasonable request, but it was her birthday and we had planned that special night out for a while. Yes, she was that cool and yes, I hit the middle which paid for that tab.

Just last weekend, a friend shared a dramatic -- and perhaps shameful -- situation. He was attending his daughter's school Christmas program. While all other Dads were using their cellphones to videotape their little angel's big moment, my buddy was streaming UMass +9 against Providence. Not sure how his daughter felt, but I know he was psyched about the outright win.

Hey, us bettors are not proud. We realize our behaviors cause concern and tempt spouses to research divorce attorneys. But don't blame us. Blame the sports calendar. Now if you'll excuse me...

Here's what I like this weekend (2-1 last week):

Middle Tennessee State +7 (vs. Appalachian State) - With every bowl game, I start with the underdog. These exhibitions can produce randomness so it is always nice to grab the points. As for this specific matchup, I give the Blue Raiders the emotional edge. Senior QB Brent Stockstill is playing his final game, and I think the team rallies around the coach's son. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers just lost their coach Scott Satterfield to Louisville. Both teams had impressive seasons, but all signs point to Middle Tennessee State in this spot.

Jaguars -7.5 (vs. Redskins) - Most of Jacksonville's woes have come on offense, and I think the recent move to Cody Kessler is an upgrade from Blake Bortles. As for the defense, in the last two home games, the Jags shutout the Colts in a win and also held Pittsburgh scoreless over the first 44 minutes before the offense put them in a bind. I expect a big effort from a unit that was completely embarrassed on national television by Derrick Henry, and the Jaguars should feast on Washington's depleted offensive line. The Redskins are an absolute mess right now, having lost four straight and will now start a fourth-string QB who signed last week.

Rams -11.5 (vs. Eagles) - This is an ideal situation for the Rams. After getting humbled in Chicago, they return home where they desperately need to get back on track before a postseason run. The Eagles are coming off a painful overtime loss that basically cost them their playoff chances. I fully expect Sean McVay to focus on rebuilding Jared Goff's confidence against a Philly secondary that is missing its top three cornerbacks. Meanwhile, Carson Wentz has a stress fracture in his back, so backup Nick Foles will likely start for a team that has disappointed all year (4-9 ATS).

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