Will Louisville cover against USC? | Russell Wilson one of three QBs benched

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Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Greetings, gamblers.

College football bowl season continues with No. 15 Louisville taking on USC in the Holiday Bowl, while No. 20 Oklahoma State will face Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl in primetime. We've also got a six-game NBA slate on tap on Wednesday evening. Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

The Packers have suspended cornerback Jaire Alexander for one game for conduct detrimental to the team.

Tennessee five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava will start against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl

after Joe Milton opts out.

Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is currently away from the team after being bit in the face and hand by a dog.

All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

Today's top story

NFL QUARTERBACK CAROUSEL CONTINUES TO TURN

The Broncos' playoff chances took a huge hit when they lost to the Patriots in Week 16. Now with a minimal chance of qualifying for the postseason, the Broncos have chosen to bench quarterback Russell Wilson for the final two games of the 2023 regular season, according to reports from multiple NFL writers. As a result, it's possible that the Broncos could elect to move on from the veteran signal caller during the offseason.

Wilson isn't the only quarterback that is being benched. The Giants have elected to sit Tommy DeVito in favor of veteran Tyrod Taylor. Taylor replaced DeVito in the second half of the team's Week 16 loss at the hands of the Eagles. In addition, the Commanders have opted to replace starting quarterback Sam Howell with Jacoby Brissett for their final two games.

Here's more from CBS Sports NFL writer Cody Benjamin on how the 2023 season has gone for Wilson:

"Wilson has certainly improved on his erratic 2022 Broncos debut, leaving Week 16 with 26 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 98.0 passer rating -- his best in three years. But Denver's offense has struggled overall, ranking No. 16 in scoring and No. 25 in yards per game. And then there's the QB's lucrative contract, a $245 million whopper set to count $35.4M against the 2024 salary cap."

The Hot Ticket

Louisville at USC, 8 p.m. | TV: FOX

The Pick: Louisville -6.5 (-110)

Key trend: USC is just 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games.

SportsLine expert Micah Roberts is 4-1 in his last five ATS picks involving USC.

"Louisville will be without their top RB Jawhar Jordan and top WR Jamari Thrash, but the lineman are still there, defense is still there, and QB Jack Plummer is still there. The funny thing is that USC wasn't very good with Caleb Williams under center, and the others sitting out include their top rusher and leading TD pass receiver. USC was 3-9 ATS, and the Over at 9-3. I'd like to take the Over because the defense is always awful but can I count on USC to score their share? I don't think so. Take Louisville to cover."

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has a "B" pick on the total and moneyline, while having a "C" pick on the spread.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

Also on tonight ...

Suns at Rockets, 8 p.m. | TV: League Pass

The Projection: Under 226 (-110)| Grade: B -- Moderate

SportsLine's Projection Model has a "B" grade on the spread, moneyline and total for the contest. The under is 4-1 in the Suns last five games, so look for that trend to continue.

SportsLine expert picks: Our staff has combed through the Wednesday night NBA slate and offered their best plays as the season continues.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

* Open to new subscribers only. This offer of 7 days free of SportsLine expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on 12/31/23. Must use the promo codeNEWSLETTERto redeem the Offer. Offer is not transferable. Valid credit card is required.SUBSCRIPTIONS WILL AUTOMATICALLY RENEW AFTER THE 7 DAY TRIAL PERIOD, AND YOUR CARD WILL BE CHARGED BASED ON THE REGULAR PRICE OF $9.99 (MONTHLY), $24.99 (QUARTERLY), $99.99 (ANNUAL) ON AN ONGOING BASIS UNLESS YOU CANCEL YOUR MEMBERSHIP PRIOR TO THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL. To cancel, call(888) 508-3055or email

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