The holiday bowl season continues with three games on December 26. None of these are marquee matchups, but all three offer betting angles worth exploring.

UTSA takes on FIU in the First Responder Bowl. Minnesota faces New Mexico in the Rate Bowl. Northwestern battles Central Michigan in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. Let's break them all down.

Game 1: GameAbove Sports Bowl

Northwestern vs. Central Michigan Time: 1:00 PM ET | ESPN Line: Northwestern -10.5 | Total: 43

The Breakdown

This is Big Ten versus MAC, and the talent gap is significant. Northwestern had a middling season but still played in one of the toughest conferences in the country. Central Michigan went 4-8 and is here primarily because bowl games need teams to fill slots.

The Wildcats have the better defense, the better offensive line, and more athletes at every position. Ten and a half points feels like a lot, but Northwestern should control this game from start to finish.

Implied score: Northwestern 27, Central Michigan 16 Win probability: 80.9% Northwestern

The Pick

Northwestern -10.5. Big Ten schools cover against MAC opponents more often than not. The talent difference is too significant.

Game 2: Rate Bowl

Minnesota vs. New Mexico Time: 4:30 PM ET | ESPN Line: Minnesota -2.5 | Total: 43.5

The Breakdown

This line feels suspiciously low. Minnesota went 6-6 in the Big Ten and played a murderer's row of opponents. New Mexico went 6-6 in the Mountain West, which is a significantly easier path.

P.J. Fleck is 6-0 in bowl games during his tenure at Minnesota. Six and oh. The Golden Gophers show up prepared and motivated for postseason games, and Fleck has made bowl preparation a program identity.

The Lobos have a decent offense but struggle defensively. Minnesota's ground game should control the clock and keep New Mexico's offense on the sideline.

The Pick

Minnesota ML (-130). Fleck's bowl record is too good to ignore. The Gophers win this game outright, and laying 2.5 points feels like the right side.

Game 3: First Responder Bowl

UTSA vs. FIU Time: 8:00 PM ET | ESPN Line: UTSA -5.5 | Total: 51.5

The Breakdown

UTSA has the better quarterback, the better defense, and more experience in bowl games. The Roadrunners went 6-6 in Conference USA and earned this trip to Dallas with some quality wins down the stretch.

FIU went 6-6 in the MAC, with most of their wins coming against bad opponents. The Panthers struggle on both sides of the ball and are significant underdogs for a reason.

The total of 51.5 suggests a shootout, but UTSA's defense should limit FIU's scoring opportunities. This has the makings of a comfortable Roadrunners victory.

The Pick

UTSA -5.5. The better team by a wide margin. Roadrunners cover in a game they control throughout.

Parlay of the Day

Northwestern ML + Minnesota ML + UTSA -5.5 Combined odds: approximately +250

All three favorites should win. Northwestern and Minnesota on the moneyline give you some cushion, while UTSA laying 5.5 is the riskiest leg. If you believe in the favorites, this parlay offers solid value.

The Bottom Line

Three bowl games, three favorites. Northwestern has the biggest talent advantage. Minnesota has the best bowl coach. UTSA has the better team top to bottom.

If you're looking for action on December 26, these games offer clear betting angles. Take the favorites, watch some football, and let the holiday hangover fade naturally.