It really is the most wonderful time of the year, especially for college football fans. We are now just hours away from the start of bowl season, where diehards will be treated to 80 teams, 41 games, and 24 days of comfort and joy.

It all starts this Saturday with five games which may not appear to be must-watch contests to the casual college football fan. But many off-the-radar teams and matchups can present value, whether you’re in an office pool or looking to take advantage of bookmakers in Vegas.

Over the last two weeks, many professional gamblers, including longtime handicapper Bryan Leonard of WagerTalk.com, have taken to the airwaves to suggest that playing underdogs to win outright is where the greatest opportunity in bowl season lies. The public will often be on the favorites in these early matchups, which could make plays on the underdog even more appealing.

Such is the case with two games on this weekend’s slate. Here’s why the University of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA) and San Diego State should be considered live ‘dogs in their bowl games out west this Saturday.