Category: NCAA college football odds

Orange Bowl: North Carolina vs. Texas A&M odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Texas A&M Aggies Orange Bowl sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The No. 14 North Carolina Tar Heels (8-3, 7-3 ACC) meet the No. 5 Texas A&M Aggies (8-1, 8-1 SEC) in the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze North Carolina-Texas A&M college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Rankings courtesy of the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

North Carolina vs. Texas A&M: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:05 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: North Carolina +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Texas A&M -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: North Carolina +9 (-110) | Texas A&M -9 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 65.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

North Carolina vs. Texas A&M: Three things to know

  1. North Carolina beat the tar out of the Miami Hurricanes 62-26 in its final regular-season game. It capped a 2020 campaign in which North Carolina had the highest winning percentage in the program since 2015.
  2. The Aggies flirted with a College Football Playoff appearance but fell short by one spot in what is head coach Jimbo Fisher’s third year on the job. Texas A&M’s lone loss came to No. 1 Alabama  Oct. 3. The Aggies have rattled off six straight double-digit victories coming into the Orange Bowl.
  3. This is North Carolina head coach Mack Brown’s second season in charge and the Tar Heels beat Temple 55-13 in last year’s Military Bowl. Brown has a career 14-8 record in bowl games. Texas A&M’s football program is also trending up under Fisher. He has the Aggies in their first New Year’s Six bowl game since their 2012 Cotton Bowl appearance. Fisher has a 7-2 record in bowl games and won the 2013 BCS Championship while head coach of Florida State.

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North Carolina vs. Texas A&M: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Texas A&M 35, North Carolina 24

Money line (ML)

PASS ON THE MONEY LINE because it’s too risky and expensive to take Texas A&M on the money line.

I do think the Aggies are a big enough lock to include them in money line parlays if that’s your thing.

Against the spread (ATS)

While one might think Texas A&M could come into the Orange Bowl a little sullen having just missed out on the CFP, I think Fisher is going to have his guys ready to play. Aggies senior QB Kellen Mond is playing in his final game in the program and you know Fisher wants to send him off on a winning note.

I am not so sure about how dialed into this bowl game North Carolina will be. A few key contributors for the Tar Heels opted out of the Orange Bowl, including RB Michael Carter (leader in rushing yards), WR Dyami Brown (leader in receiving yards) and LB Chazz Surratt (leader in tackles and is tied for the team lead with 6 sacks).

This intel is already baked into the line and the market has steamed Texas A&M from a 6-point opening favorite to the current number. Since we aren’t getting the best of the number, I only lean TEXAS A&M -9 (-110) for a half-unit.

Over/Under (O/U)

Let’s follow the market movement in North Carolina-Texas A&M and BET UNDER 65.5 (-110) for 1 unit. It’s a fairly obvious play given the missing offensive production from the Tar Heels but this line was probably too high anyway.

Texas A&M doesn’t have an explosive offense but does have a smothering defense. North Carolina sophomore QB Sam Howell has a bright future ahead of him but it’s going to be pretty easy for the Aggies to defend Howell if he’s without his leading rusher and receiver.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Fiesta Bowl: Oregon vs. Iowa State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Oregon Ducks vs. Iowa State Cyclones Fiesta Bowl sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Oregon Ducks (4-2) squares off with the No. 12 Iowa State Cyclones (8-3) Saturday in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Oregon-Iowa State college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Rankings courtesy of the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Oregon vs. Iowa State: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:44 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Oregon +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Iowa State -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Oregon +6 (-115) | Iowa State -6 (-105)
  • Over/Under: 58.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Oregon vs. Iowa State: Three things to know

  1. The Ducks were plugged into the Pac-12 Conference title game after Washington dropped out due to COVID-19 concerns. Oregon made the most out of the fill-in situation by beating USC 31-24 to earn an automatic berth to a New Year’s Six bowl game. The Ducks closed their regular season with 3-3 ATS and 3-3 O/U records.
  2. Iowa State was invited to the Fiesta Bowl despite losing its season opener to a non-Power 5 program in Louisiana, but ISU did set a program record with eight conference wins. Besides that opening-game blunder, the Cyclones’ only losses were at a then-No. 6 Oklahoma State and then-No. 10 Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship Game. Iowa State ended its regular season with 6-5 ATS and 4-7 O/U records.
  3. The Cyclones are making program history by playing in their first New Year’s Six bowl game and fourth consecutive bowl game under fifth-year head coach Matt Campbell. Iowa State is 1-2 in bowl games under Campbell. Oregon is a little more familiar with this stage since the Ducks won last year’s Rose Bowl as the 2019 Pac-12 champion, and are 2-0 in bowl games since head coach Mario Cristobal took over the program.

Special Fiesta Bowl Betting Promotion!

Bet $1 on either Iowa State or Oregon’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team scores a touchdown. Promo available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV. PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM’s special risk-free first-bet offer. MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon — register now for early perks.

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Oregon vs. Iowa State: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Iowa State 34, Oregon 21

Money line (ML)

PASS. I’m on Iowa State to win this game and the only way I’d play the Cyclones’ money line would be in a parlay because -225 is too steep of a price for a straight-up Iowa State victory.

Against the spread (ATS)

This is more of a half-baked theory than a tried-and-trued approach to bowl game betting, but I am looking for the team that’s happier to be where they are. It feels like the teams that give the best effort for these bowl games are upstart or less prestigious football programs, which are grinding for the respect and legitimacy that comes with winning nationally televised bowl games.

Iowa State should be one of these programs. For the Cyclones, this is a culmination of years of hard work and 2020 Big 12 Coach of the Year Campbell gets to show why his name continuously comes up when talking about head coaching vacancies at big football programs.

Iowa State also has both the Big 12 Offensive and Defensive players of the Year in RB Breece Hall, who led the country with 1,436 rushing yards, and LB Mike Rose, who led the Big 12 in tackles and had four interceptions this season.

BET IOWA STATE -6 (-105) for 1 unit.

Over/Under (O/U)

I am not usually a trends bettor, but I found a few Iowa State trends that causes me to lean UNDER 58.5 (-110) for a half-unit. The Under has cashed in nine of Iowa State’s previous 10 neutral-site games, including all three of its bowl games under Campbell. Also, since 2018, the Cyclones are 12-16-3 O/U when favored.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: NC State vs. Kentucky odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s NC State Wolfpack vs. Kentucky Wildcats Gator Bowl sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

Saturday’s TaxSlayer Gator Bowl will pit the NC State Wolfpack (8-3) against the Kentucky Wildcats (4-6). The ACC-SEC teams battle at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla., with kickoff at noon ET. Below, we analyze the NC State-Kentucky college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

NC State vs. Kentucky: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 2:25 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: NC State +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Kentucky -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: NC State +2.5 (-110) | Kentucky -2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 48.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

NC State vs. Kentucky: Three things to know

  1. The Wolfpack has won four in a row since being outscored, 92-62, by North Carolina and Miami (Fla.) on Oct. 24 and Nov. 6, respectively. Since then, an improved NC State’s defense has held opponents to 19.5 points and 316.3 total yards per game.
  2. The Wildcats exploded for 41 points in their last game, a 41-18 triumph over South Carolina on Dec. 5. Kentucky had been held to 10 points-or-less in four of its previous five games. For the season, UK is averaging just 21.7 points per game (107th FBS).
  3. North Carolina State QB Bailey Hockman has been on a decent roll of late. Hockman has logged a completion rate of 64%-or-higher in four of his last five games. He threw for 300-plus yards in each of his last two.

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NC State vs. Kentucky: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

NC State 31, Kentucky 24

Money line (ML)

Kentucky was a solid play coming off its Alabama and Florida losses and heading into its game against South Carolina. In this one, the Wildcats are coming off a plus-4 in turnovers and are a bit of a fade.

The assessment of NC State swings the other way: the Wolfpack was a bit hidden-yard-and-turnover unlucky in ATS losses (straight-up wins) against Liberty and Syracuse.

THERE IS STRONG VALUE IN NC STATE (+105).

Against the spread (ATS)

The Wolfpack defense is one adept at causing havoc, but it has perhaps been a little turnover-unlucky in coming up with takeaways. The Kentucky defense has some advanced stats that point to more holes than is evidenced by a 26.4-points-per-game-allowed figure.

BACK THE WOLFPACK +2.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over is 20-6 in UK’s last 26 non-conference, and the upside of the total has all kinds of positive trends in NC State’s bowl history.

Kentucky’s top tackler, LB Jamin Davis (89 tackles, double-digit totals in six of his last eight games) is listed as questionable (undisclosed) for this one as are a few other Wildcats on that side of the ball. If UK gets up early, figure on NC State mustering a comeback.

TAKE THE OVER 48.5 (-110).

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Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Outback Bowl: Ole Miss vs. Indiana odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Ole Miss Rebels vs. Indiana Hoosiers Outback Bowl sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Ole Miss Rebels (4-5) and Indiana Hoosiers (6-1) meet in the Outback Bowl Saturday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Kickoff is slated for 12:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Ole Miss-Indiana college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Indiana is ranked No. 8 in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Ole Miss vs. Indiana: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 1 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Ole Miss +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Indiana -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Ole Miss +9 (-110) | Indiana -9 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 65.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Ole Miss vs. Indiana: Three things to know

  1. Featuring a 4-5 record, it’s a sad statement about this “COVID-19” season that Ole Miss is even playing in a bowl game, let alone a Jan. 2 contest. Following a 1-4 start, the Rebels won three of their last four games. They lost at LSU 53-48 Dec. 19 after winning at Vanderbilt 54-21 Oct. 31, vs. South Carolina 59-42 at home Nov. 14 and vs. Mississippi State 31-24 at home Nov. 28 in the annual Egg Bowl. QB Matt Corral threw for 2,995 with 27 touchdowns against 14 interceptions this season, while RB Jerrion Ealy ran for 745 yards with 9 TDs. WR Elijah Moore added 1,193 receiving yards with 8 scores.
  2. Under head coach Tom Allen, Indiana is one of the feel-good stories of the college football season – especially for bettors who backed the Hoosiers, who are 7-0 ATS. Indiana recorded its second consecutive winning season after 11 seasons in a row under-.500. Unfortunately for IU, starting QB Michael Penix Jr. (1,645 passing yards, 14 TDs) suffered a season-ending ACL injury in its sixth game. Redshirt sophomore QB Jack Tuttle made his first start in their next game as the Hoosiers upset then-No. 16 Wisconsin in Madison Dec. 5. For the season, RB Stevie Scott III rushed for 462 yards with 8 TDs, and WR Ty Fryfogle had 687 receiving yards and 7 TDs. IU hasn’t played since the Wisconsin game due to COVID-19 issues.
  3. This is the first meeting between the two programs. Ole Miss’ last bowl appearance was the 2016 Sugar Bowl when it cruised past Oklahoma State 48-20. Indiana is on an 0-5 bowl losing streak dating back to 1993. IU dropped a heartbreaker to Tennessee in last season’s Gator Bowl 23-22. The Hoosiers led 22-9 with 7:06 to go, but the Vols scored 2 touchdowns within 30 seconds – with the help of a successful onside kick – to grab the lead for good at the 3:51 mark.

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Ole Miss vs. Indiana: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Indiana 42, Ole Miss 23

Money line (ML)

PASS. Look for Indiana to pull away in the second half. However, the -350 price offers no value and is not wise sports gambling.

Against the spread (ATS)

INDIANA -9.5 (-110) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. An inside source at IU told me he’s worried about Ole Miss’ speed. I say, “speed, schmeed.”

Coach Allen’s Hoosiers want to show the selection committee they belonged in a bigger/better bowl. Indiana is the better team and features an exceptional defense, which leads the country with 17 interceptions – led by 4 apiece by junior DBs Jamar Johnson and Jaylin Williams.

The Hoosiers defense ranks 19th in points allowed at 19.4 PPG. The Rebels defense is on the other end of the spectrum, yielding 40.3 PPG to rank 122nd.

Such a mismatch points to INDIANA -9 (-110) notching the program’s first bowl victory since 1991.

ATS records: Ole Miss 4-5 | Indiana 7-0

Over/Under (O/U)

AVOID. The 65.5 line is right where it should be. Some wonder if Allen will run up the score to make a point as IU feels disrespected and screwed over in the bowl-selection process. I believe he has too much class to do so.

O/U records: Ole Miss 6-3 | Indiana 4-3

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Johnny’s 2020 CFB record / Strongest plays 17-16 / 9-6
2020 overall record (all sports) 178-147-4
Strongest plays (all sports) 87-61-1

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Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Peach Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Georgia odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Georgia Bulldogs Peach Bowl odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The No. 6 Cincinnati Bearcats (9-0) meet the No. 9 Georgia Bulldogs (7-2) New Year’s Day in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET. Below, we analyze Cincinnati-Georgia college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Rankings courtesy of the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Cincinnati vs. Georgia: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Cincinnati +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Georgia -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Cincinnati +8 (-110) | Georgia -8 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 52.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Cincinnati vs. Georgia: Three things to know

  1. Georgia’s two losses have come against top-10 teams: A 41-24 loss as a 6-point underdog at then-No. 2 Alabama Oct. 17 and 44-28 to then-No. 8 Florida as a 2.5-point favorite Nov. 7 in Jacksonville, Fla. Aside from those losses, the Bulldogs have won each game by at least 11 points, but only covered in four of their seven victories.
  2. After demolishing its seven first opponents by at least two touchdowns, Cincinnati has won its past two games by only three points apiece. The Bearcats beat the UCF 36-33 Nov. 21 and Tulsa 27-24 in the AAC Championship Game Dec. 19.
  3. The Bulldogs have the second-toughest schedule. The Bearcats have the 66th-toughest schedule, which is essentially why, even though they’re undefeated, why they never had much of a chance to make the College Football Playoff.

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Cincinnati vs. Georgia: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Georgia 38, Cincinnati 17

Money line (ML)

PASS. Georgia is the right side, but -350 is a little too pricey for me. I’d prefer to bet lay the points with the Bulldogs at a much cheaper price.

Against the spread (ATS)

This Georgia offense has hit a new stride since junior QB JT Daniels, a transfer from USC, made his Bulldog debut against Mississippi State Nov. 21. The Bulldogs have scored 31, 45 and 49 points in Daniels’ three starts with the latter two totals being the two highest-scoring games by Georgia this season.

However, Daniels has also benefitted from Georgia getting the most out of its ground game, which has rushed for over 300 yards and four touchdowns in each of the Bulldogs’ last two victories.

On the other side of the ball, Cincinnati’s offensive line is a middling unit: 85th in line yards per carry, 109th in power success rate and 98th in opportunity rate. It will have to block a Georgia rush defense that is one of the best units in the nation. Georgia has only allowed two opponents to gain more than 100 yards on the ground and none of the Bulldogs’ opponents have averaged more than 3.5 yards per rush in a game against them.

If Georgia can take away Cincinnati’s rushing attack, and establish its own ground game against a Bearcats defense which hasn’t played anyone nearly as good as the Bulldogs, then I am fine with betting GEORGIA -8 (-110). 

Over/Under (O/U)

Let’s follow the money and take OVER 52.5 (-105). According to Pregame.com, over 85% of the action is on the Over, which has pushed the number up from a 50.5-point opener.

I think Georgia putting up points is a given and six of the Bulldogs’ previous seven games coming into the Peach Bowl have gone Over the total. Also, Cincinnati’s offense is playing its best football at the end of the season and the Over has cashed in four of the last five Bearcats’ games.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Citrus Bowl: Auburn vs. Northwestern odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Auburn Tigers vs. Northwestern Wildcats Citrus Bowl sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Auburn Tigers (6-4) will lock horns with the Northwestern Wildcats (6-2) Friday in the VRBO Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we analyze the Auburn-Northwestern college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Northwestern is ranked No. 17 in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Auburn vs. Northwestern: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:37 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Auburn +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Northwestern -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Auburn +4 (-110) | Northwestern -4 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 43.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Auburn vs. Northwestern: Three things to know

  1. Northwestern ranks fifth in scoring defense, allowing just 15.5 points per game. The Wildcats are coming off a grinder of a Big Ten Championship Game, a 22-10 loss to Ohio State Dec. 19. The 22 points allowed marked NU’s second-most in a game this season – it allowed 29 in a nine-point loss at Michigan State Nov. 28).
  2. Auburn last played Dec. 12, a 24-10 win at Mississippi State. The day after, the Tigers fired head coach Gus Malzahn and hired Boise State head coach Bryan Harsin. Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will serve as interim head coach vs. Northwestern.
  3. Auburn freshman RB Tank Bigsby could prove to be a big key against an NU defense, which was torched for 399 rushing yards (9.1 yards per carry) by Ohio State. Bigsby is coming off a 26-carry, 192-yard performance against Mississippi State. On the season, he’s rushed for 834 yards on 138 carries (6.0 yards per attempt). But Bigsby is also a feature name on a crowded midweek injury report (undisclosed-questionable). His status is one worth tracking down to the wire.

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Auburn vs. Northwestern: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Northwestern 20, Auburn 14

Money line (ML)

A lot of jobs will be auditioned for the changing-of-the-guard Tigers. But a lot of bodies could also be on the shelf for this one – and on both sides. PASS.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Tigers are 0-4 ATS against winning teams. The Wildcats are 4-0 ATS in such situations.

The Northwestern defense does a tremendous job of keeping offenses off schedule and then forcing turnovers. On what figures as breezy day in Central Florida, look for more of the same against an Auburn offense which hasn’t had answers and is ready to move forward with new answers and new personnel.

Take NORTHWESTERN -4 (-110) but perhaps as a partial-unit play on a light-to-moderate lean.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is 7-1 in NU’s eight games … and 5-0 in follow-up games after AU straight-up wins.

That’s the lean in a game with quite a few understudies manning the controls. Take the UNDER 43.5 (-105).

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Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Sugar Bowl: Clemson vs. Ohio State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Clemson Tigers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Sugar Bowl sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The second-ranked Clemson Tigers (10-1) and No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0) hook up in the Sugar Bowl for a College Football Playoff semifinal Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET in New Orleans. Below, we analyze Clemson-Ohio State college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Rankings courtesy of the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Clemson vs. Ohio State: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:20 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Clemson -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Ohio State +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Clemson -7.5 (-105) | Ohio State +7.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 66.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Clemson vs. Ohio State: Three things to know

  1. Clemson will make its sixth consecutive College Football Playoff (CFP) appearance, only failing to make it in the inaugural season of 2014-15. The Tigers, 6-3 in CFP games, have played for the title four times and won it twice (2015-16 season and 2017-18). This season the Tigers had one slip up, a 47-40, double-overtime loss at Notre Dame Nov. 7, but QB Trevor Lawrence didn’t play due to a positive COVID-19 test. He returned to lead the Tigers to three consecutive wins, including a 34-10 victory against the Irish in the ACC Championship Game Dec. 19. Lawrence threw for 322 passing yards with 2 touchdowns and rushed for 90 yards and a score as the Tigers avenged the November loss. For the season, Lawrence threw for 2,753 yards with 22 TDs and ran for 211 yards with 7 TDs. RB Travis Etienne rushed for 882 yards with 13 TDs, and WR Amari Rodgers finished with 966 receiving yards and 7 TDs.
  2. Ohio State is making its fourth CFP appearance. The Buckeyes won the inaugural event, but are 0-2 since then, losing to Clemson twice in Fiesta Bowl semifinal games (2017 and 2020). This season’s Buckeyes played just 6 games due to COVID-19 issues, which have some questioning if they deserve to even be here. OSU is coming off a 22-10 victory over Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship Game (Dec. 19) as RB Trey Sermon ran for a school-record 331 yards and 2 TDs. Sermon only had 344 rushing yards and 1 TD in the previous five games. QB Justin Fields enters with 1,521 passing yards and 15 TDs while running for 274 yards and 5 scores. His top targets are WR Garrett Wilson (621 receiving yards, 5 TDs) and WR Chris Olave (528 receiving yards, 5 TDs), who returns after missing the Big Ten title game due to COVID-19.
  3. Clemson leads the all-time series vs. Ohio State 4-0 – all being bowl games, including 2 CFP semifinal matchups. In last year’s Fiesta Bowl semifinal, Clemson rallied for a 29-23 victory. Lawrence threw for 259 yards with 2 TDs, ran for 107 yards with a score and steered a 4-play, game-winning drive that started at the Clemson 6-yard line with 2:55 to go. Fields finished with 320 passing yards and a TD but was picked off twice – the second being the nail in the coffin when, from the Clemson 23-yard line, he was intercepted in the end zone with 37 seconds left.

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Clemson vs. Ohio State: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Ohio State 37, Clemson 35

Money line (ML)

OHIO STATE (+240) has all the motivation fodder a coach could ask for. Last year’s loss after leading 16-0 and 23-21; the 31-0 semifinal drubbing by Clemson four years ago; Tigers coach Dabo Swinney ranking the Buckeyes 11th and saying they don’t belong here because they didn’t play enough regular-season games; the 0-4 all-time record vs. the Tigers; and being listed as a 7.5-point underdog.

Against the spread (ATS)

OHIO STATE +7.5 (-115) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. A major reason I could see Clemson winning is the Lawrence factor. All he does is win – he’s 34-1 as a starter. Though his counterpart Fields is 19-1 as a starter. It’s the BUCKEYES’ turn to beat the Tigers.

A final suggestion: BET 1½ TIMES YOUR USUAL WAGER between the 2 plays, money line and spread. You can split ’em any way you like or put it all on one, but I’d definitely sprinkle a little on the +7.5 spread for insurance.

ATS records: Clemson 5-6 | Ohio State 3-3

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the OVER 66.5 (-115). Both teams have explosive offenses. Clemson averages 44.9 points per game, ranking 4th in the country. Ohio State scores at a 42.5 PPG clip to rank 8th.

O/U records: Clemson 6-5 | Ohio State 3-2-1

For fun: Bet a friend how many times the network shows Ohio State legendary coach Woody Hayes punching Clemson’s Charlie Bauman in the 1978 Gator Bowl. I’d take the OVER 2.5 times.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Johnny’s 2020 CFB record / Strongest plays 17-16 / 9-6
2020 overall record (all sports) 177-146-4
Strongest plays (all sports) 87-60-1

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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Arizona Bowl: San Jose State vs Ball State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s San Jose State Spartans vs. Ball State Cardinals Arizona Bowl sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The San Jose State Spartans (7-0) and the Ball State Cardinals (6-1) meet in Tucson, Ariz., for the Offerpad Arizona Bowl Thursday at 2 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the San Jose State-Ball State college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

San Jose State is ranked No. 20 in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

San Jose State vs. Ball State: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:35 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Ball State +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | San Jose State -375 (bet $375 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Ball State +10 (-115) | San Jose State -10 (-105)
  • Over/Under: 63.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

San Jose State vs. Ball State: Three things to know

  1. This is one of two bowl games on Thursday featuring two conference champs. Ball State is the MAC champion while San Jose State won the Mountain West.
  2. Ball State has never won a bowl game in seven attempts and is playing in its first bowl game since 2013.
  3. San Jose State went undefeated at 7-0 in 2020, winning all its games by double digits.

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San Jose State vs. Ball State: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

San Jose State 42, Ball State 20

Money line (ML)

San Jose State QB Nick Starkel had 1,906 passing yards and 16 touchdown passes in seven games, while Ball State allowed over 250 passing yards in six of its seven games. The Spartans will be able to move the ball. That, in addition to the stronger competition in the Mountain West, San Jose State shouldn’t have a problem in this one. Take SAN JOSE STATE -375.

Against the spread (ATS)

The numbers this year are pretty overwhelming. San Jose is 6-0-1 ATS. Ball State is 4-3 ATS. The Cardinals are 1-0 in neutral-site games this season. Take SAN JOSE STATE -10 (-105).

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U of 63.5 points is a lot, although the two teams combined to average 65.2 points per game this season. San Jose State, though, only allows 17.9 PPG. Only one of the Spartans’ games went Over, and Ball State was 3-4 O/U. Take UNDER 63.5 (-110). 

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Liberty Bowl: West Virginia vs. Army odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Army Black Knights Liberty Bowl sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The West Virginia Mountaineers (5-4) and Army Black Knights (9-2) meet in Memphis, Tenn., for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Thursday at 4 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the West Virginia-Army college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

West Virginia vs. Army: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:28 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: West Virginia -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Army +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
  • Against the spread/ATS: West Virginia -7 (+100) | Army +7 (-120)
  • Over/Under: 41.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

West Virginia vs. Army: Three things to know

  1. The Mountaineers played just once since Nov. 14, and that was a 42-6 loss at then-No. 9 Iowa State Dec. 5. Against ISU, West Virginia managed just 263 yards of total offense. WVU averaged just 338.3 yards per game since piling up 544, 438 and 485 yards over three straight games in October. For the season, the Mountaineers are averaging 26.8 points per game (78th FBS) while allowing 20.4 PPG (22nd).
  2. Army’s 14.0 points allowed per game ranks second in the nation. Albeit against a weak schedule, the Black Knights have allowed more than 27 points in a game just once this season. That was in a 38-12 loss at Tulane Nov. 14.
  3. The Black Knights have yielded just 149.9 passing YPG, which ranks No. 1 in the country. But in 11 games, Army has played three FCS squads; the average passing rank (yards) of the other eight teams is 94th. West Virginia ranks 27th in the nation, averaging 277.2 passing YPG.

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West Virginia vs. Army: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

West Virginia 27, Army 17

Money line (ML)

PASS. Figure on the true odds being bracketed, but a bit of swing back toward the Mountaineers (-250) may make them a decent play for bettors who want to take that side and avoid the full 7 points on the spread.

Against the spread (ATS)

Army has been solid in two of its last three games against Power Five opponents. But we need to go back three seasons to find those games. The Black Knights aren’t going to creep up on the Mountaineers the way they did Michigan last season and Oklahoma the year before.

Peg WVU as having the best passing attack that Army has seen this year. Look for QB Jarret Doege and the Mountaineers offense to find enough of a rhythm to get the game into two-score territory.

TAKE WEST VIRGINIA -7 (+100).

Over/Under (O/U)

The 41.5 total here is awfully low, but there isn’t enough possible-blowout/WVU-being-rusty gray area to chip away at any value. PASS.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Rose Bowl: Alabama vs. Notre Dame odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Rose Bowl sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (11-0) and No. 4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-1) will meet in a College Football Playoff semifinal Friday at 4 p.m. ET. While the game is still being called the Rose Bowl, it will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It was moved from Pasadena due to the high number of COVID-19 cases in the Los Angeles area and because of the ban on fans at sporting events in California. Below, we analyze Alabama-Notre Dame college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Alabama is No. 1 in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports, while Notre Dame is No. 4.

Alabama vs. Notre Dame: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 8:43 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Alabama -1200 (bet $1,200 to win $100) | Notre Dame +750 (bet $100 to win $750)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Alabama -20 (-110) | Notre Dame +20 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 65.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Alabama vs. Notre Dame: Three things to know

  1. Alabama returns to the College Football Playoff (CFP) after missing it for the first time last season since its inception in 2015. The Tide, who are 12-5 in bowl games under head coach Nick Saban, are coming off a 52-46 victory over Florida in the SEC Championship Game. QB Mac Jones finished second in the country with 3,739 passing yards, while throwing 32 touchdowns. WR DeVonta Smith – BetMGM‘s favorite to win the Heisman Trophy at -200 – caught 17 TDs and led all wideouts with 1,511 receiving yards. RB Najee Harris scored an NCAA-best 24 rushing touchdowns and ranked third with 1,262 rushing yards.
  2. Notre Dame will be making its second CFP appearance – the first was a 30-3 semifinal loss to Clemson in the Sugar Bowl two seasons ago. Speaking of Clemson, these Irish are coming off a 34-10 ACC Championship Game loss to the No. 2 Tigers, snapping a 16-game win streak. They beat then-No. 1 Clemson earlier in the season 47-40 in double overtime in South Bend, but the Tigers were without QB Trevor Lawrence in that first meeting. For the season, Notre Dame QB Ian Book has 2,600 passing yards with 15 TDs, while running for 430 yards and 5 scores. The ground game is led by RB Kyren Williams, who ran for 1,061 yards with 12 TDs, while WRs Javon McKinley (697 receiving yards, 3 TDs) and Ben Skowronek (398, 5) were Book’s top targets. The Irish are 5-4 in bowl games under head coach Brian Kelly.
  3. Notre Dame leads the all-time series vs. Alabama 5-2, but the Tide took the last matchup with a 42-14 rout in the BCS National Championship Game Jan. 7, 2013.

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Alabama vs. Notre Dame: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Alabama 37, Notre Dame 21

Money line (ML)

PASS. Alabama (-1200) will advance to the Championship Game, but there’s no way you should risk 12 times your potential investment.

Against the spread (ATS)

NOTRE DAME +20 (-110) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. Kelly will have the Irish ready to play, and QB Book is too good of a leader to allow the Irish to get embarrassed. Sure, they didn’t look good in the ACC title game, but Clemson had a little bit extra motivation, looking to avenge the regular-season loss.

The Irish will have the “motivation” factor working for them in this one.

ATS records: Alabama 8-3 | Notre Dame 5-6

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 65.5 (-105) is the play. It’s no secret that Alabama is a juggernaut on offense. It ranks second in scoring (49.7 PPG) and fifth in total yards (543.9 YPG), but the Irish defense will be the best the Crimson Tide faces this season. The Irish D allowed just 18.6 PPG. The Tide will score, but don’t expect them to put up 40 points.

O/U records: Alabama 7-4 | Notre Dame 6-5

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Johnny’s 2020 CFB record / Strongest plays 17-16 / 9-6
2020 overall record (all sports) 175-146-4
Strongest plays (all sports) 86-60-1

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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