Closing 2024 Strong: 8-2 Night Sets the Stage for 2025

The Final Day of 2024 – A Year of Challenges and Triumphs:

Here we are—the last day of 2024. Tomorrow brings not just a new month but a fresh start, a new chapter in our journey together. But before we look ahead, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we achieved last night.

After days of frustration, doubt, and feeling beaten down by December’s challenges, we responded the only way we know how—with resilience and execution. Guess what? We went 8-2, erasing the losses from the night before in one incredible performance.

Winning the Month, Building Passive Income:

This is what the BrownBagBets philosophy is all about. We don’t chase perfection; we chase progress. Every month is an opportunity to win, grow, and create a consistent dividend of passive income that adds up over the year.

December tested us, no doubt. But even in the hardest moments, we stayed grounded in the process—and it paid off. Last night’s results are a testament to what’s possible when you trust the system, remain disciplined, and refuse to give up. One day, one win at a time, we move forward.

Final Thought – A New Year, A Renewed Purpose:

Tomorrow, we turn the page. A new month, a new year, and a chance to take everything we’ve learned in 2024 into an even better 2025. The wins and losses of this past year taught us valuable lessons, sharpened our approach, and strengthened our resolve.

8-2 last night? That’s how we finish a tough month—with focus, grit, and a belief in the journey ahead. Today, let’s build on that momentum and close the year with pride, knowing that we’re stepping into the new year ready to win, learn, and grow like never before.

NCAAB: New Mexico at Fresno State

Pick: Under 161.5 / Wager: 5%

Analysis

This is a lofty total to clear, especially in Fresno. While New Mexico boasts an impressive scoring average of 86.5 points per game, a deeper dive reveals that number may be inflated. The Lobos have padded their stats with high-scoring games against lesser opposition, such as 100 points against A&M Corpus Christi, 99 against Texas Southern, and 122 against Western New Mexico. When excluding those outliers, New Mexico is 5-4 to the under and lacks the same explosive firepower after losing key guards Jaelen House and Jamal Mashburn Jr.

Meanwhile, Fresno State’s home court, the Save-Mart Center, has consistently kept scoring in check. In four of their last five home games, the total has failed to surpass tonight’s 161.5 mark. Fresno’s methodical pace and defensive approach should neutralize New Mexico’s offense, keeping the scoreline lower than projected.

Betting Indicators

• New Mexico’s inflated scoring average includes several games against weak opposition.

• Lobos are 5-4 to the under when excluding their highest-scoring contests.

• Fresno State has kept totals under 161.5 in four of their last five home games.

Projection:
Fresno’s defense and pace dictate the game, leading to a lower-scoring outcome. Final score projection: New Mexico 77, Fresno State 71.

NCAAB: Utah State at Nevada

Pick: Nevada -3 / Wager: 5%

Analysis

Utah State’s road win at San Diego State was undeniably impressive, but this matchup presents a prime sell-high opportunity. The Aggies have benefited from a soft schedule thus far, and their recent victory doesn’t erase concerns of looming negative regression. New Year’s Eve brings a quick turnaround for Utah State, making this a tough spot after an emotionally charged win.

Nevada, on the other hand, is poised to make a statement at home. The Wolf Pack have been efficient offensively, shooting 42% from beyond the arc and 57% overall from the field. While the 3-point accuracy isn’t sustainable, it matches up well against Utah State’s defensive vulnerabilities. The Aggies rank 310th in 3-point attempts allowed per game, leaving them susceptible to hot shooting nights from their opponents.

Nevada also boasts one of the lengthiest rosters in the nation, with Nick Davidson leading the charge inside. Utah State has struggled to defend the interior, and Nevada’s balanced scoring attack should capitalize on these weaknesses. The Wolf Pack’s ability to dominate inside and force the Aggies into tough defensive positions makes them the clear choice here.

Betting Indicators

• Utah State’s schedule has been relatively soft, inflating their record.

• Nevada is shooting 57% from the field and 42% from 3-point range.

• Aggies’ opponents rank near the bottom in 3-point shooting luck.

Projection:
Nevada takes advantage of Utah State’s defensive lapses to secure a comfortable win. Final score projection: Nevada 75, Utah State 67.

NCAAF - Sun Bowl: Louisville vs Washington

Pick: Louisville ML / Wager: 3%

Analysis

Washington’s struggles away from Husky Stadium have been glaring this season, losing all six road games under first-year head coach Jedd Fisch. The Huskies have faced persistent issues at quarterback, with Mississippi State transfer Will Rogers delivering inconsistent performances before being replaced by freshman Demond Williams, whose inexperience has been evident.

Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm is eager for redemption after last year’s Holiday Bowl loss to USC. While the Cardinals will be without QB Tyler Shough and top RB Isaac Brown, freshman RB Duke Watson has emerged as a dynamic playmaker late in the season. Veteran QB Harrison Bailey, with six years of collegiate experience, steps into the spotlight and brings stability to the offense. Louisville’s depth and ability to adapt should prove decisive in this neutral-site matchup.

Betting Indicators

• Washington is 0-6 on the road this season.

• Louisville’s offense has shown resilience with emerging talents like Duke Watson.

• Harrison Bailey’s veteran presence provides an edge for Louisville in a bowl setting.

Projection:
Louisville capitalizes on Washington’s road woes and lack of consistency at quarterback. Final score projection: Louisville 27, Washington 21.

NCAAF - Citrus Bowl: South Carolina vs Illinois

Pick: Over 48.5 / Wager: 4%

Analysis

Both South Carolina and Illinois enter this game highly motivated, with each team aiming to achieve a ten-win season—a milestone not reached since 2013 for the Gamecocks and 2001 for the Illini. South Carolina closed out the regular season on a six-game winning streak, during which they averaged an impressive 36 points per game. Meanwhile, Illinois found offensive rhythm in their last three contests, scoring 38 points in each.

This matchup sets the stage for a back-and-forth affair, as both offenses have proven they can light up the scoreboard. With both teams likely to push into the 20s, if not higher, the total of 48.5 appears reachable.

Betting Indicators

• South Carolina averaged 36 points per game during their six-game winning streak.

• Illinois scored 38 points in each of their final three games.

• Both teams are motivated by the prospect of a ten-win season.

Projection:
An entertaining, high-scoring contest sees both teams comfortably surpassing the total. Final score projection: South Carolina 34, Illinois 26.

NCAAF - Fiesta Bowl - National Quarterfinal: Penn State vs Boise State

Pick: Over 52.5 / Wager: 4%

Analysis

Penn State’s offense has been firing on all cylinders since their loss to Ohio State, averaging 38 points per game over their last six contests. Their dominant win over SMU last weekend underscored just how potent this team can be offensively. Meanwhile, Boise State’s defense has shown vulnerabilities, and it’s questionable whether they can consistently contain the Nittany Lions.

Historical trends also favor a high-scoring game, as 13 of the last 14 Fiesta Bowls have exceeded 51 points. With Penn State pushing the tempo and Boise State likely needing to play catch-up, this matchup sets up as an entertaining, high-scoring affair on New Year’s Eve.

Betting Indicators

• Penn State is averaging 38 points per game in their last six contests.

• Boise State’s defense has struggled against top-tier offenses.

• 13 of the last 14 Fiesta Bowls have seen 51+ points scored.

Projection:
Expect both teams to find success offensively, leading to a game that comfortably surpasses the total. Final score projection: Penn State 37, Boise State 24.

NCAAB: Stephen F. Austin at Abilene Christian

Pick: Abilene Christian ML / Wager: 4%

Analysis

Abilene Christian boasts a 5-1 home record, consistently scoring 80+ points in four of those games. Their defensive pressure is elite, ranking Top 10 nationally in turnovers forced (16.3) and steals (10.0) per game. This game carries extra weight for Abilene Christian, as their rivalry with SFA took a twist this past summer when SFA abruptly left the WAC to return to the Southland Conference. With this being their only matchup of the season, expect a heightened effort from the Wildcats. Last season, the home team won both regular-season matchups before SFA edged Abilene on a buzzer-beater in the WAC Tournament. Revenge looms large here.

Betting Indicators

• Abilene Christian is 5-1 at home this season, scoring 80+ points in four games.

• Wildcats rank Top 10 nationally in turnovers forced and steals per game.

• SFA’s summer conference switch adds an emotional edge to this rivalry.

Projection:
Abilene Christian controls the pace at home and capitalizes on SFA’s travel. Final score projection: Abilene Christian 77, SFA 72.

NCAAB: St. Louis at Fordham

Pick: Fordham ML / Wager: 4%

Analysis

Fordham is riding a five-game winning streak heading into their Atlantic 10 opener, showcasing resilience after starting the season 3-5. The Rams have turned a corner with balanced play and defensive intensity. Conversely, St. Louis has struggled, losing four of their last five games against Division I opponents. With the conference opener providing a fresh start, the Billikens aim for their first road win of the season. However, Fordham’s momentum and home-court advantage make them a strong play in this spot.

Betting Indicators

• Fordham is on a season-best five-game winning streak.

• St. Louis has lost four of their last five games against Division I opponents.

• Fordham’s defensive resurgence has powered their recent success.

Projection:
Fordham defends their home court and extends their winning streak. Final score projection: Fordham 68, St. Louis 64.

NCAAB: UAB at North Texas

Pick: North Texas -5.5 / Wager: 4%

Analysis

North Texas looks to avenge last season’s meltdown against UAB, where they squandered a 17-point first-half lead and lost in overtime. This memory should fuel their intensity as they return from a productive holiday break. The Mean Green excel defensively and have the tools to control tempo against a UAB squad that relies heavily on offensive bursts. With lessons learned from last year’s collapse, expect North Texas to execute and maintain focus throughout.

Betting Indicators

• North Texas has a strong defensive identity and home-court advantage.

• UAB capitalized on a rare lapse from North Texas last season.

• The Mean Green have had ample preparation time during the holiday break.

Projection:
North Texas dominates defensively and covers comfortably. Final score projection: North Texas 72, UAB 64.

NCAAB: Colorado State at San Jose State

Pick: San Jose State +4.5 / Wager: 4%

Analysis

San Jose State continues to exceed expectations this season, having covered the spread in nine consecutive games. The Spartans’ improvement has been noticeable, as they easily covered as 9.5-point underdogs against Boise State on Saturday. The market has been slow to adjust to their progress, creating value in spots like this.

Colorado State comes into this matchup as a below-average team, and the Spartans’ recent form suggests they can keep this game close. Early line movement indicates sharp interest in San Jose State, making this a strong play. Grab the points while the value remains.

Betting Indicators

• San Jose State has covered nine straight games.

• The Spartans easily covered as 9.5-point underdogs against Boise State in their last outing.

• Early line movement shows value on San Jose State.

Projection:
San Jose State keeps this game tight and covers the spread. Final score projection: Colorado State 68, San Jose State 66.

NHL: Winnipeg Jets at Colorado Avalanche

Pick: Avalanche ML / Wager: 3%

Analysis

This play centers on a fade of Winnipeg backup netminder Eric Comrie, as No. 1 Connor Hellebuyck is unlikely to start both ends of a back-to-back after a tough matchup against Nashville on Monday. Comrie has struggled mightily, losing five straight outings and allowing at least three goals in each game. Compounding Winnipeg’s issues is the challenge of playing the second of a back-to-back in the high-altitude environment of Denver, which notoriously drains visiting teams.

Colorado, meanwhile, is in excellent form, riding a four-game winning streak. The Avalanche have been off since Friday, giving them plenty of rest and preparation time. Early-season goaltending concerns appear to have been mitigated, as Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood have stabilized the crease. All factors point to Colorado maintaining their dominance at home.

Betting Indicators

• Eric Comrie has lost five consecutive starts, allowing three or more goals in each.

• Colorado has won four straight games and has been off since Friday.

• Winnipeg is on the second half of a back-to-back, playing in high altitude.

Projection:
Colorado leverages rest, form, and home-ice advantage to secure a decisive win. Final score projection: Avalanche 4, Jets 2.