2022 Holiday Bowl: Odds, prediction and how to watch

The 2022 Holiday Bowl should be one of the best bowl games during the 2022 cycle and here’s a look at the odds, how to watch, and a prediction. 

College football bowl season is really heating up. Four games are on the schedule for the second straight day, including an exciting matchup in the 2022 Holiday between Oregon football and North Carolina.

When the bowl schedule first came out, the 2022 Holiday Bowl was one that caught my eye and the reason is simple — two elite quarterbacks.

Bo Nix and Drake Maye were each considered Heisman Trophy contenders at one time or another this season and both will be in the mix for the award in 2023.

Maye still has eligibility and can’t leave for the draft but Nix decided to stay. Both teams are without their offensive coordinators as Kenny Dillingham left Oregon football for the Arizona State head coaching job and Phil Longo was hired by Wisconsin.

Also, opt-outs are an issue for both teams but the biggest name missing is North Carolina’s Josh Downs, who is expected to be one of the first receivers drafted in the 2023 NFL draft.

Both teams were mediocre this season on defense. Neither has been very good at pressuring the quarterback and Oregon just allowed over 250 rushing yards to Oregon State in an upset loss that cost the Ducks a chance to play for the Pac-12 title. Michael Penix Jr. also lit up Oregon football, which has actually lost two in a row.

North Carolina also stumbled home after a 9-1 start to the season losing to Georgia Tech, North Carolina State, and then Clemson in the ACC title game.

Still, you don’t see many bowl games with a pair of nine-win teams before New Year’s Day and with two of the best QBs in college football, the 2022 Holiday Bowl is well worth the watch.

Here’s a look at the odds, a prediction, and how to watch.

2022 Holiday Bowl odds

Both teams are trending in the wrong direction and are dealing with some opt-outs. However, Oregon is the heavy favorite and is favored by 13.5 points according to Fan Duel. The over/under is 74.5 and the money line is -500 for Oregon and +350 for North Carolina.

(Odds are subject to change)

2022 Holiday Bowl prediction

With two dynamic quarterbacks, the offenses should dominate this game. Both teams will be without their offensive coordinators, which could be a bit of a challenge, yet the fireworks should be plenty.

That being said, Dan Lanning is known as one of the best defensive minds in college football and his defense will find a way to get more stops. Oregon is more talented and has a more physical team.

The ability of Nix to dominate the game on the ground could also be an X-factor. In the end, Nix will account for well over 300 yards of total offense. Drake Maye will too but it won’t be enough to pull the upset, yet I think the Tar Heels do enough to cover the spread.

Oregon 45, North Carolina 35

How to watch the 2022 Holiday Bowl

Kickoff: 9 PM EST

TV: Fox

Stream: Fubo TV