NEAL'S PICKS PALATIAL HEADQUARTERS -- Christmas is over. Santa is back at the North Pole, presumably conducting an internal review of what went right and what went wrong from his annual trip around the globe.

We at Neal's Picks, meanwhile, head into this week of bowl games in contention. The college season is coming to an end, sure, but Neal's Picks go to the Super Bowl, and from the looks of things, that game could decide more than who gets the Lombardi Trophy.

Picks will be added as the week progresses, but for now, on to the picks...

Last Week:

Neal McCready: 6-4 overall, 5-5 ATS

Chase Parham: 7-3 overall, 7-3 ATS

Jeffrey Wright: 6-4 overall, 6-4 ATS

Zach Berry: 7-3 overall, 5-5 ATS

For The Season:

Neal McCready: 140-40 overall, 92-73 ATS

Chase Parham: 134-46 overall, 92-73 ATS

Jeffrey Wright: 141-39 overall, 91-74 ATS

Zach Berry: 142-38 overall, 90-75 ATS

Louisiana Tech (+6) vs. Miami, Walk-Ons Independence Bowl, Independence Stadium, Shreveport, La., 3 p.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: This will mean a lot to the boys from Ruston, so I'll take the points. Neal's Pick: Miami 27, La. Tech 24

Chase Parham: I don’t see how Miami finds a lot of interest in this one. Meanwhile, Tech got Christmas at home and can have a memory in beating Miami. Parham’s Pick: La Tech 31, Miami 28

Jeffrey Wright: Louisiana Tech seems too obvious here, but I now get to bet on the more talented team and only have lay a touchdown. Wright’s pick: Miami 31, Louisiana Tech 20

Zach Berry: This feels like a mistake but I'm going with the U. Zach's Pick: Miami 30, Louisiana Tech 17

Pittsburgh (-11) vs. Eastern Michigan, Quick Lane Bowl, Ford Field, Detroit, 7 p.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: I'm willing to lay points here. Pitt is decent. Neal's Pick: Pittsburgh 34, Eastern Michigan 17

Chase Parham: Pittsburgh has a way of going to bowl destinations of least possible glamour. Multiple years of Birmingham. Now Detroit. The Panthers need a better advocate. Parham’s Pick: Pitt 24, Eastern Michigan 20

Jeffrey Wright: Pittsburgh doesn’t want to beat anyone by double digits, but remember Pitt has more experience playing in an empty NFL stadium with no atmosphere. Wright’s pick: PITT 31, Eastern Michigan 17

Zach Berry: PITT HAPPENS! Zach's Pick: Pittsburgh 32, Eastern Michigan 20

North Carolina (-4.5) vs. Temple, Military Bowl Presented by Northrup Grumman, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Md., 11 a.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: Temple is good at home, not so good away from home. North Carolina can't feel one way or the other about this. Neal's Pick: North Carolina 24, Temple 23

Chase Parham: When you get a chance to take Phil Longo in a bowl game, don’t you have to take it? Parham’s Pick: UNC 38, Temple 31

Jeffrey Wright: North Carolina plays close games, and I’ll take the hook.Wright’s pick: North Carolina 24, Temple 21

Zach Berry: Rod Carey is a dude, but too much Sam Howell late. Zach's Pick: North Carolina 28, Temple 26

Michigan State (-4) vs. Wake Forest, New Era Pinstripe Bowl, Yankee Stadium, Bronx, N.Y., 2:20 p.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: Wake is going to want this game so much more than Michigan State. The desire factor plays a role here. Neal's Pick: Wake Forest 24, Michigan State 23

Chase Parham: There's not much on the Michigan State schedule that's impressive. I'll take the points and feel pretty good that the Spartans are a bad-to-mediocre football team that's a product of its schedule. Parham's Pick: Wake Forest 30, Michigan State 28

Jeffrey Wright: I still think the play is fade the ACC other than Clemson, and sharps are on Michigan State. Also, I think Wake Forest has already played their best football. Wright’s pick: Michigan State 27, Wake Forest 20

Zach Berry: CLAWDADDY COVERS! Zach's Pick: Michigan State 24, Wake Forest 23

No, 25 Oklahoma State (+6.5) vs. Texas A&M, Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl, NRG Stadium, Houston, 5:45 p.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: I believe in Texas A&M far more than I should. Neal's Pick: Texas A&M 30, Oklahoma State 23

Chase Parham: I get a touchdown and Mike Gundy against Kellen Mond? Sing me up. Parham's Pick: Oklahoma State 38, TAMU 34

Jeffrey Wright: I feel like Texas A&M under Jimbo is the team to bet on when they can win a meaningless game that will build the hype for 2020. Also, Oklahoma State is on their backup quarterback, and if you watched him play against Oklahoma and still want to bet on him, be my guest. Wright’s pick: Texas A&M 37, Oklahoma State 28

Zach Berry: The Aggies will win in the ugliest way possible. Zach's Pick: Texas A&M 31, Oklahoma State 24

No. 22 USC (+2) vs. No. 16 Iowa, San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl, SDCCU Stadium, San Diego, 7 p.m., FS1

Neal McCready: I might actually watch some of this. I mean, in the end, I won't, but on the surface, I'm intrigued. Neal's Pick: Iowa 23, USC 20

Chase Parham: This is actually fun. I'm still amazed Clay Helton survived in the fashion that he did, so it'll add to the intrigue here. Parham's Pick: USC 30, Iowa 24

Jeffrey Wright: This is the first game that Iowa will have played since Hayden Fry died, so you have to take the Hawkeyes. Wright’s pick: Iowa 28, USC 24

Zach Berry: Graham Harrell vs. Phil Parker will be a treat. Zach's Pick: Iowa 24, USC 23

Air Force (-3) vs. Washington State, Cheez-It Bowl, Chase Field, Phoenix, 9:15 p.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: Again, no one in hell I stay up to watch this, but on the surface, this could be entertaining. Neal's Pick: Air Force 30, Washington State 24

Chase Parham: The contrast of styles is kind of cool, but that's where this one stops. No way in the world I'm watching this. Parham's Pick: Washington State 24, Air Force 21

Jeffrey Wright: If Washington State will just care, they’ll win this game easily because Air Force’s pass defense McGriffish. However, will they care about the Cheez-It Bowl? I mean how could you not. Wright’s pick: Washington State 41, Air Force 34

Zach Berry: Troy Calhoun and Co. will test the Cougs with their triple option attack. Zach's Pick: Washington State 34, Air Force 30

No. 17 Memphis (+7) vs. No. 10 Penn State, Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, 11 a.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: The biggest game in one program's history. A disappointment for the other. Neal's Pick: Penn State 27, Memphis 24

Chase Parham: Penn State is better in most spots, and I actually think the Lions will find a spark for this one. Memphis has complete staff upheaval and in a way getting here was the prize more than winning it. Give me the talent and the complete staff. Parham's Pick: Penn State 31, Memphis 20

Jeffrey Wright: Memphis is playing without their two play callers, and they’re playing a team that stops the run. However, no Group of Five team has lost this game by more than eight points since the start of the New Year’s Six. However, no G-5 team has played this game without its head coach and this small of a staff (Fleck didn’t get the Minnesota job until January 6th). I think it’s a bad matchup, and without Norvell to make adjustments and with a DC that might not even know the defense, I’ll lay the points. Wright’s pick: Penn State 31, Memphis 21

Zach Berry: Penn State won't be motivated so the Tigers will stay in it. Zach's Pick: Penn State 30, Memphis 26

No. 15 Notre Dame (-3.5) vs. Iowa State, Camping World Bowl, Camping World Stadium, Orlando, 11 a.m., ABC

Neal McCready: See Cotton Bowl. Neal's Pick: Notre Dame 27, Iowa State 24

Chase Parham: I'll take Matt Campbell and the points while Brian Kelly talks about changing the recruiting profile for his program this deep in his tenure. Something feels off there. Parham's Pick: Iowa State 30, Notre Dame 27

Jeffrey Wright: I just think Iowa State will care more, and the Cyclones have been pretty good against the run this year. Call me Neal McCready because I’m taking two teams from Iowa. Wright’s pick: Iowa State 27, Notre Dame 24

Zach Berry: Same thing here, I'm not sure how in it the Irish will be. Zach's Pick: Notre Dame 29, Iowa State 27

No. 4 Oklahoma (+14) vs. No. 1 LSU, Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl - CFP Semifinal, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, 3 p.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: Are the Tigers Destiny's Child? I'm not sure, but Oklahoma isn't spoiling this magical season in Baton Rouge. Neal's Pick: LSU 45, Oklahoma 21

Chase Parham: Feel free to call me an idiot tomorrow, but I have a hunch this is fairly close. LSU wins, but Oklahoma makes the Tigers play four quarters to earn it. Also, this line seems like Vegas is screaming for people to take the Sooners. Bait taken. Parham's Pick: LSU 49, Oklahoma 40

Jeffrey Wright: This game screams back-door cover because Oklahoma won’t stop scoring, but I sinned during championship week and vowed not to do it again. Plus, the odds say that one of these games will be a blowout, and I know which one feels like it has the makings of one. Wright’s pick: LSU 41, Oklahoma 24

Zach Berry: Yes, I know, the Sooners can't play defense. But, it's the playoffs. Anything can happen! Zach's Pick: LSU 38, Oklahoma 32

No. 3 Clemson (-2) vs. No. 2 Ohio State, Playstation Fiesta Bowl - CFP Semifinal, State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz., 7 p.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: I'm not sure why anyone is counting Clemson out. They might be the best team in the country and they're playing with a massive chip on their collective shoulder. Neal's Pick: Clemson 30, Ohio State 27

Chase Parham: I've touted Ohio State all season, so I can't stop that now. I'm locked in. But Clemson has been evil to everyone for a while now. The Tigers have beaten every opponent by at least 31 points since October 12. I want to see LSU-Ohio State though. Parham's Pick: Ohio State 27, Clemson 24

Jeffrey Wright: Trevor Lawrence still hasn’t lost a game as a starting quarterback, and Clemson has looked frightening since the North Carolina game. However, I’m still not convinced that they’re as dominant on the DL as they’ve been during championship seasons, and I’m not sure how they’ll handle Ohio State’s front. Wright’s pick: Ohio State 24, Clemson 21

Zach Berry: I've gone back and forth on this one, but I still think the Buckeyes are the best team in the country. Zach's Pick: Ohio State 32, Clemson 27

Western Kentucky (-3.5) vs. Western Michigan, ServPro First Responder Bowl, Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, 11:30 a.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: I haven't seen either of these teams play a single down this season. So I'll take the favorite and lay a modicum of points and move on. It's difficult to believe non-family will actually pay to attend this contest on a Monday morning. Neal's Pick: Western Kentucky 34, Western Michigan 30

Chase Parham: You could have given me 2,000 guesses to name that bowl sponsor... no chance. The stadium being named after a different Gerald Ford isn't even the most confusing thing in that paragraph. Parham's Pick: Western Kentucky 38, Western Michigan 31

Jeffrey Wright: Could you imagine being responsible for ticket sales for this game in Dallas? Wright’s pick: Western Michigan 31, WKU 24

Zach Berry: Another Helton in a bowl game! Go Toppers. Zach's Pick: WKU 30, WMU 24

Mississippi State (-4.5) vs. Louisville, Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, Nissan Stadium, Nashville, 3 p.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: Boys will be boys. I mean, I've covered college football for some 25 years now and the starting linebacker has punched the starting quarterback on a team that has been rumored to be fractured along racial lines multiple times in every season. I mean, it happens all the time. All. The. Damn. Time. Nothing to see here. Nope. No reason for anyone to dig on this. Hell, in fact, I remember when I played high school football at Ruston. We had a game called "Punch the Quarterback." It was so much fun. Just this season in Oxford, Ole Miss' linebackers put a wrestling ring on the practice field and challenged the quarterbacks to a battle royale. It was ugly. Blood everywhere. It's so common that we at RebelGrove.com chose not to report on it. I mean, if we write about that, we must get up each morning and load a story that headlines "Sun rises in East." Neal's Pick: Louisville 21, Mississippi State 20

Chase Parham: Give me the points. State has issues, and Louisville may really care about this one in its rebuilding project. Parham's Pick: Louisville 24, State 20

Jeffrey Wright: MSU beat Kentucky, and Louisville let UK run 3 plays against them in a blowout loss. I don’t care if Willie Gay beat the hell out their starting QB. I can’t bet on Louisville here. Wright’s pick: Mississippi State 38, Louisville 31

Zach Berry: Joe Moorhead vs. Bryan Brown will be a fun matchup as well. Zach's Pick: Mississippi State 34, Louisville 28

California (-6.5) vs. Illinois, Redbox Bowl, Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif., 3 p.m., FOX

Neal McCready: Cal fell apart midseason. Bizarre. Meanwhile, Illinois played pretty well down the stretch and will be jacked up for this game. Neal's Pick: Illinois 24, California 21

Chase Parham: I saw California in person, obviously, and I'm not comfortable laying a touchdown against a team that'll be very happy to be playing in Santa Clara. Parham's Pick: Illinois 27, Cal 20

Jeffrey Wright: The fact that Cal is favored by a touchdown against anyone makes me want to take them. Wright’s pick: Cal 24, Illinois 14

Zach Berry: LOVIE BEARD COMETH!!! Zach's Pick: Illinois 28, Cal 22

No. 9 Florida (-14.5) vs. No. 24 Virginia, Capital One Orange Bowl, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, 7 p.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: This is easy. Neal's Pick: Florida 44, Virginia 14

Chase Parham: Florida is deserving of an access bowl bid. Virginia is there because the ACC is awful. Parham's Pick: Florida 41, Virginia 13

Jeffrey Wright: Dan Mullen in a game against a one-dimensional quarterback. I’ll take my chances. Wright’s pick: Florida 35, Virginia 17

Zach Berry: Seems like a game that Dan Mullen runs it up, right? Zach's Pick: Florida 34, Virginia 19

Virginia Tech (-3) vs. Kentucky, Belk Bowl, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, 11 a.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: This could be an entertaining game, I think. I like Mark Stoops and the job he's done in Lexington, so... Neal's Pick: Kentucky 27, Virginia Tech 24

Chase Parham: A little social media shot from Virginia Tech has provided a little extra juice to a bowl game that's not very interesting. I'll say Lynn Bowden keeps running like crazy. Parham's Pick: Kentucky 27, Tech 20

Jeffrey Wright: I just think that Kentucky will care more.Wright’s pick: Kentucky 27, Virginia Tech 20

Zach Berry: As bad as I want to pick Justin Fuente and the Hokies here, Kentucky and Lynn Bowden, Jr. have been incredibly consistent. Zach's Pick: Kentucky 27, Virginia Tech 23

Florida State (+4.5) vs. Arizona State, Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl, Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas, 1 p.m., CBS

Neal McCready: I don't like Florida State much. I can't help it. Tallahassee sucks, the FSU fanbase is obnoxious as hell, etc. The place feels dirty. On the flip side, I kind of dig Tempe. Neal's (Scientific) Pick: Arizona State 30, Florida State 23

Chase Parham: Herm Edwards has done a pretty good job in Tempe. It was unexpected, but I must give some props. Meanwhile, this is just a transition game for FSU. Parham's Pick: ASU 34, FSU 24

Jeffrey Wright: I find it hard to believe that Florida State will care at all in this game. Wright’s pick: Arizona State 24, Florida State 16

Zach Berry: You play to win the bowl game. Zach's Pick: Arizona State 32, Florida State 26

No. 23 Navy (-2.5) vs. Kansas State, Autozone Liberty Bowl, Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, 2:45 p.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: Every time I bet against Navy, I get burned. Neal's Pick: Navy 27, Kansas State 21

Chase Parham: This will be a very fast football game -- even with the commercials and TV timeouts. Parham's Pick: Kansas State 20, Navy 17

Jeffrey Wright: I love Manhattan. Wright's Pick: Kansas State 28, Navy 21

Zach Berry: Anchors aweigh. Zach's Pick: Navy 30, Kansas State 24

Wyoming (-7) vs. Georgia State, Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl, Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., 3:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network

Neal McCready: Wyoming beat Missouri. There's my research, boys and girls. Neal's Pick: Wyoming 31, Georgia State 20

Chase Parham: This is a real game? Parham's Pick: Wyoming 31, Georgia State 20

Jeffrey Wright: I don’t even know what bowl game this is. Wright’s pick: Wyoming 23, Georgia State 13

Zach Berry: Craig Bohl is a miracle worker. Zach's Pick: Wyoming 33, Georgia State 21

No. 11 Utah (-7) vs. Texas, Valero Alamo Bowl, Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, 6:30 p.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: Hook 'em. It's almost like Ed Orgeron is trolling Texas in every way possible. Neal's Pick: Utah 34, Texas 21

Chase Parham: Utah is a good football team. Texas is Texas, so I am fine pulling against them tonight. Parham's Pick: Utah 45, Texas 34

Jeffrey Wright: This game reminds me of the 2014 Peach Bowl. Wright’s pick: Utah 34, Texas 6

Zach Berry: Texas is back. Zach's Pick: Utah 37, Texas 26

No,. 18 Minnesota (+7.5) vs. No. 12 Auburn, Outback Bowl, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla., Noon, ESPN

Neal McCready: I've watched Minnesota a lot this season, and while this could be a good game, I worry about the Gophers' chances against Auburn's defensive speed. Neal's Pick: Auburn 20, Minnesota 10

Chase Parham: Auburn's defense is the reason here. Also I give Bo Nix a lot of credit. He's really improved throughout the season. Parham's Pick: Auburn 31, Minnesota 20

Jeffrey Wright: I like betting on the SEC in mid-card games. Wright’s pick: Auburn 27, Minnesota 17

Zach Berry: Row the prayer circle. Zach's Pick: Auburn 27, Minnesota 24

No. 14 Michigan (+7.5) vs. No. 13 Alabama, VRBO Citrus Bowl, Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Noon, ABC

Neal McCready: Pissed-off Alabama versus Jim Harbaugh and Shea Patterson? All I've got to lay is 7.5? In. Neal's Pick: Alabama 30, Michigan 17

Chase Parham: I think Alabama will care. I think. I'm not positive, though. Is this going to be Alabama against Michigan State that season, or is it a clunker? Parham's Pick: Alabama 40, Michigan 24

Jeffrey Wright: This feels like the 2011 Citrus Bowl. Wright’s pick: Alabama 45, Michigan 20

Zach Berry: Pete Golding and his 6th-ranked defense vs. Josh Gattis and Shea Patterson is a mismatch. Zach's Pick: Alabama 34, Michigan 23

No. 6 Oregon (+2.5) vs. No. 8 Wisconsin, Rose Bowl Presented by Northwestern Mutual, Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif., 4 p.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: I love this game. Always have. It's my bucket list. Neal's Pick: Oregon 27, Wisconsin 24

Chase Parham: Wisconsin has bitten me all year. I have zero feel for the B1G teams. But we'll ride with them this last time. Parham's Pick: Wisconsin 34, Oregon 30

Jeffrey Wright: One last time to bet against Justin Herbert. Wright’s pick: Wisconsin 23, Oregon 17

Zach Berry: The No. 14 defense vs. the No. 10 offense should be a doozy. Zach's Pick: Wisconsin 29, Oregon 24

No. 5 Georgia (-6) vs. No. 7 Baylor, Allstate Sugar Bowl, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, 7:45 p.m., ESPN

Neal McCready: For as much as I love the Big Ten, I hate the Big 12 with an equal passion. Neal's Pick: Georgia 27, Baylor 20

Chase Parham: Georgia should want to redeem itself a bit. Baylor is likely distracted and has less talent. Parham's Pick: Georgia 31, Baylor 17

Jeffrey Wright: I think UGA will care after the Sugar Bowl from last year. Wright’s pick: UGA 24, Baylor 13

Zach Berry: Don't sleep on Baylor's top-20 defense against Georgia's paint-drying attack. Zach's Pick: Georgia 28, Baylor 20