Category: NCAA College Football Picks and Predictions

College Football Playoff: Ohio State vs. Texas odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Ohio State vs. Texas odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Ohio State Buckeyes (12-2) face the Texas Longhorns (13-2) in the Cotton Bowl Friday in a College Football Playoff semifinal. Kickoff from AT&T Stadium in Arlington is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Ohio State vs. Texas odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Buckeyes fans were up in arms and ready to run coach Ryan Day out on a rail after a stunning 13-10 home loss to rival Michigan Nov. 30, a game Ohio State was favored by 19.5 points. However, things have simmered down considerably in the playoffs.

Ohio State fired out of the chute to throttle Tennessee 42-17 in a first-round playoff game as a 7-point home favorite Dec. 21 while the Over (47) cashed. The Buckeyes rolled up 156 yards on the ground and 317 yards through the air, winning handily despite a minus-1 turnover margin.

At the Rose Bowl Jan. 1, the Buckeyes exacted a little revenge with a 41-21 spanking of Oregon, covering as 2.5-point favorites while the Over (55.5) cashed. The Buckeyes led 34-0 until a late score by the Ducks before halftime.

Against Oregon, Ohio State posted 181 rushing yards and 319 passing yards while limiting the Ducks to minus-23 rushing yards. RB TreVeyon Henderson had 94 rushing yards and 2 TDs while QB Will Howard passed for 319 yards with 3 TDs.

Texas polished off Clemson in the first round with 38-24 win as a 13.5-point home favorite Dec. 21 while the Over (49.5) cashed.

On New Year’s Day, the Longhorns were facing a fourth and long, down 31-24 in overtime against Arizona State (91.2% win probability for Arizona State per ESPN Analytics). QB Quinn Ewers hit WR Matthew Golden on a 28-yard scoring strike to force 2OT, and Texas scored to win it 39-31.

Ohio State is No. 7 in the US LBM Coaches Poll (Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports), while Texas is No. 4.

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Cotton Bowl: Ohio State vs. Texas odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:44 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Ohio State -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Texas +195 (bet $100 to win $195)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Ohio State -6 (-105) | Texas +6 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 53.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Ohio State vs. Texas picks and predictions

Prediction

Ohio State 34, Texas 30

Moneyline

Ohio State (-250) will set you back 2½ times your potential return, and that’s a little too much risk for not enough reward.

Texas (+195) has the short ride up Interstate 35 from Austin to the Metroplex, although travel could be complicated by a winter storm striking the state. Still, there should be plenty of burnt orange in the stands, making it seem like a road game for the Buckeyes.

PASS.

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Against the spread

TEXAS +6 (-115) is worth a look, and even better if this line were to go up to a flat 7 or, better yet, 7 and a hook. You can also buy a point, if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Again, this is going to feel like a home game for the Longhorns, with the short ride to the Dallas metro area, as opposed to the longer flight from Columbus.

While the Buckeyes are on a roll, and the Longhorns will have their hands full trying to contain super freshman WR Jeremiah Smith, take the points.

Over/Under

OVER 53.5 (-105) may be the best play on the board in this national semifinal game.

Texas has cashed high in both playoff games to date, averaging 38.5 points per game (PPG) on offense while allowing 27.5 PPG.

For Ohio State, it has averaged 41.5 PPG in 2 games against Tennessee and Oregon, which is quite impressive, while allowing 19.0 PPG.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
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Alex’s best bet: College Football Playoff – Notre Dame vs. Penn State prediction

SportsbookWire.com’s Alex White likes a total in Thursday’s College Football Playoff semifinal game between Notre Dame and Penn State.

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SportsbookWire.com’s Alex White is zoned in on Thursday’s College Football Playoff semifinal when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (13-1) face the Penn State Nittany Lions (13-2) in the Orange Bowl. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on ESPN.

The winner will advance to the CFP Championship Game Monday, Jan. 20, in Atlanta against Friday night’s Cotton Bowl winner between Ohio State and Texas.

The Irish and Lions have met 19 times. The series is tied 9-9-1. Penn State won the last meeting 31-10 at home in September 2007. They’ve only met once in the postseason when the Irish claimed a 20-9 victory in the 1976 Gator Bowl.

As of Thursday at 12:35 a.m. ET, BetMGM Sportsbook lists the Over/Under at 44.5 — Over juice -115; Under juice -105 — while FanDuel Sportsbook lists the O/U at 45.5 (O: -102 | U: -120).

Notre Dame is a 1.5-point favorite at both books.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Listen below to why Alex likes a side in this one as her best bet.

Make sure to catch Alex on Sports By the Book Saturday 11 a.m.-noon ET, and Sunday through Wednesday noon-1 p.m. ET, and on Punch Lines every Monday and Wednesday 3 p.m.-4 p.m. ET — live from the South Point Sportsbook in Las Vegas. Follow @alexwhitee on Twitter/X.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
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College Football Playoff: Notre Dame vs. Penn State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Notre Dame vs. Penn State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (13-1) face the Penn State Nittany Lions (13-2) in the Orange Bowl Thursday in a College Football Playoff semifinal. Kickoff from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Notre Dame vs. Penn State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Fighting Irish and Nittany Lions will battle in South Florida for the opportunity to play in the CFP Championship Game Monday, Jan. 20, in Atlanta against the Cotton Bowl winner between Ohio State and Texas.

Notre Dame humbled Georgia 23-10 in a quarterfinal, cashing as a 1-point favorite with the Under (45) hitting Jan. 2 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans in a game postponed a day due to the tragedy on Bourbon Street on New Year’s Day. Notre Dame led 13-3 before WR/KR Jayden Harrison returned a kickoff 98 yards to open the second half to increase the lead to 17. The Fighting Irish finished with 154 rushing yards against the vaunted Dawgs defense, and it limited Georgia offense to just 62 yards on the ground.

Notre Dame opened these playoffs with a 27-17 home win against Indiana Dec. 20 in the first round, cashing as a 6.5-point favorite with the Under (50.5) cashing. The Fighting Irish held the Hoosiers to 63 rushing yards and 215 passing yards in a game that wasn’t as close as the score. Notre Dame led 27-3 with 4:50 to go after QB Riley Leonard’s 1-yard TD run before Indiana tacked on 2 late TDs.

Penn State advanced to this semifinal by working over Boise State 31-14, covering as an 11.5-point favorite in the Fiesta Bowl and the Under (54.5) hitting in a New Year’s Eve game. Boise’s Heisman finalist RB Ashton Jeanty rushed for 104 yards on 30 carries, but he was held out of the end zone. The Nittany Lions doubled up the Broncos in rushing yards 216-108, while QB Drew Allar tossed 3 TDs among his 171 passing yards in the victory.

Penn State thumped SMU 38-10 Dec. 21 in the first round in Happy Valley, easily covering as a 9-point favorite with the Under (51) cashing. The Nittany Lions built a 14-0 lead with a pair of pick-sixes in the first 16:51 of the game. Penn State held a 28-0 lead at halftime, too, and it limited the Mustangs to just 58 yards on the ground while gobbling up 189 rushing yards of its own.

Notre Dame is No. 3 in the US LBM Coaches Poll (Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports), while Penn State is No. 5.

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Orange Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Penn State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Wednesday at 10:34 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Notre Dame -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Penn State +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Notre Dame -1.5 (-110) | Penn State +1.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Notre Dame vs. Penn State picks and predictions

Prediction

Notre Dame 23, Penn State 19

Moneyline

Notre Dame (-120) is favored by just a point and a half, so it makes little sense to play the extra juice if you like the Fighting Irish, unless you’re absolutely convinced they’ll only win by 1 point.

PASS on the moneyline unless it unexpectedly moves to a flat 3 or more.

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Against the spread

NOTRE DAME -1.5 (-110) is a much more economical play.

The Fighting Irish should be able to get the job done, although you can expect points to be at a premium in South Florida. The dual threat QB Leonard can lead them to victory with his feet as well as with his arm.

The Nittany Lions have benefited from facing less experienced teams in SMU and Boise State, who aren’t marquee teams like Notre Dame.

Over/Under

UNDER 44.5 (-105) is worth a look, although it certainly is a low number in this day and age of tossing the rock around.

However, we have sturdy defenses on both sides, particularly against the run, so expect points to be tough to come by.

The Under cashed in both team’s first 2 playoff games, and a third is expected in South Florida.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
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Northwestern at Purdue odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Northwestern at Purdue odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Northwestern Wildcats (10-4, 1-2 Big Ten) and No. 22 Purdue Boilermakers (10-4, 2-1) meet Sunday. Tip-off from Mackey Arena is set for 2 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Northwestern vs. Purdue odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Northwestern’s 4-game win streak ended Thursday in an 84-80 loss to the Penn State Nittany Lions. Despite the defeat, they covered as 4.5-point road underdogs as the Over 144.5 hit. G Brooks Barnhizer had a huge game, posting 20 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and a block. F Nick Martinelli also contributed with 18 points and 5 rebounds.

Purdue secured its second straight win Thursday, defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers 81-61. They easily covered as 5.5-point road favorites as the Over 135.5 hit. G Fletcher Loyer led the way with 24 points while G Braden Smith delivered a double-double with 20 points and 10 assists, adding 6 rebounds and a steal.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll 

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Northwestern at Purdue odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 12:16 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Purdue -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +6.5 (+100) | Purdue -6.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 137.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Northwestern at Purdue picks and predictions

Prediction

Purdue 74, Northwestern 71

Moneyline

PASS.

Purdue (-350) will earn a hard fought victory at home, but the Wildcats (+260) will give them a run for their money. I’ll take my wager to the spread.

Against the spread

BET NORTHWESTERN +6.5 (+100).

I’m all in on Northwestern with the points, especially at even money. The Wildcats have covered the spread in 7 straight games against solid teams like Illinois, Iowa, Penn State, and UNLV. They’ve also covered in their last 3 matchups against Purdue.

Meanwhile, Purdue has failed to cover in 3 of its last 4 outings, including their last at Mackey Arena. Northwestern’s defense is no joke, holding teams to 65.3 points per game (PPG), fourth-best in the Big Ten. With Barnhizer and Martinelli each averaging 20 PPG, the Wildcats are tough to stop.

Purdue isn’t a high-scoring juggernaut, averaging 77.3 PPG (14th in the Big Ten). All signs point to the Wildcats keeping this one close.

Over/Under

BET OVER 137.5 (-110).

Purdue and Northwestern have both gone Over in 4 of their last 6 games. Their last 2 matchups hit the Over too, with the Jan. 31, 2024, game topping 200 total points. Purdue is the best 3-point shooting team in the Big Ten, knocking down 39.6%. Together, these teams average 152.3 PPG, so the Over feels like a solid play here.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Duke / Florida / Florida State / Georgia / Iowa / Kentucky / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / Washington / Wisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

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Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo vs. Liberty odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Buffalo vs. Liberty odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Buffalo Bulls (8-4) battle the Liberty Flames (8-3) in the Bahamas Bowl Saturday. Kickoff from Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET (ESPN2). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Buffalo vs. Liberty odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Buffalo closed its season with 4 wins in a row, capped by a dominating 43-7 rout of Kent State Nov. 26. The Bulls covered as a 23.5-point home favorites in the regular-season finale with the Under (51) hitting. QB C.J. Ogbonna threw for 193 yards with 3 TDs vs. 1 interception, while adding 2 TDs on the ground. RB Al-Jay Henderson carried the ball 30 times for 185 yards and a TD in the win.

Liberty had a 3-game win streak snapped with a 20-18 loss as a 2.5-point favorite at Sam Houston State in its regular-season finale Nov. 29. QB Kaidon Salter only completed 12 of 35 passes for 83 yards and a TD with 2 INTs as the Under (48) cashed. He won’t be playing in the bowl game as he transferred to Colorado. RB Quinton Cooley finished with 90 rushing yards on 19 carries, ending a 4-game streak of rushing for at least 100 yards.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Buffalo vs. Liberty odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Friday at 10:34 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Buffalo -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Liberty +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Buffalo -3 (-105) | Liberty +3 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Buffalo vs. Liberty picks and predictions

Prediction

Buffalo 38, Liberty 28

Moneyline

PASS.

There is better value on the Buffalo spread than its ML (-150).

Against the spread

BET BUFFALO -3 (-105).

During the Bulls’ 4-game win streak, they went 3-1 ATS. Four of their last 5 wins have come by 11 or more points with the other coming by an overtime field goal. They have scored 37 or more points in each of their last 4 games and face a Flames team that is 3-8 ATS on the season.

Over/Under

BET OVER 50.5 (-115).

Liberty has scored 35 or more points in 3 of its last 4 games and 28 or more points in all 8 its wins. The Flames have allowed 24 or more points in 7 of its 11 games.

As mentioned, Buffalo has scored 37 or more points in each of its last 4 games. They’ve scored at least 30 points in 8 of their 12 games, while allowing 30 or more points in 4 of their last 6.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Duke / Florida / Florida State / Georgia / Iowa / Kentucky / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / Washington / Wisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

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First Responder Bowl: North Texas vs. Texas State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s North Texas vs. Texas State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The First Responder Bowl in Dallas features the North Texas Mean Green (6-6) of the AAC facing the Texas State Bobcats (7-5) of the Sun Belt. Kickoff Friday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium at 4 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the North Texas vs. Texas State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

North Texas went 3-5 in conference play and salvaged bowl eligibility in the final game of the season on Nov. 30 by snapping a 5-game losing streak and beating the Temple Owls on the road 24-17. They failed to cover the 11.5-point spread as favorites.

Texas State went 5-3 in conference play, finishing second in the Sun Belt West division. The Bobcats won 3 of their last 4 games, averaging 46.3 points in those games. They finished the regular season beating South Alabama Jaguars 45-38 on the road and covering the 2.5-point spread as favorites.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

North Texas vs. Texas State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 12:02 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): North Texas +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | texas State -550 (bet $550 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): North Texas +13.5 (-105) | Texas State -13.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 61.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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North Texas vs. Texas State picks and predictions

Prediction

Texas State 42, North Texas 27

Moneyline

North Texas didn’t score more than 28 points in their last 4 games despite averaging 488.7 yards per game on the season, the No. 3 offense in the country.

Texas State didn’t score fewer than 38 points in their final 4 games and averaged 37.1 points per game all season.

These are 2 productive offenses, but Texas State’s defense only gives up 24.2 per game.

But -550 odds aren’t worth any wager.

PASS.

Against the spread

Five of the Texas State’s 7 wins were by 21 or more points.

North Texas was 4-8 ATS on the season.

BET TEXAS STATE -13.5 (-115).

Over/Under

You have 2 teams averaging over 30 PPG and North Texas allows 34.5 PPG. This game screams someone scoring a lot.

BET OVER 61.5 (-115).

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Duke / Florida / Florida State / Georgia / Iowa / Kentucky / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / Washington / Wisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

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Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-5) and Virginia Tech Hokies (6-6) meet Friday in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Kickoff from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Minnesota ended their regular season strong with a 24-7 win over the Wisconsin Badgers on Nov. 29. They covered as 2-point road favorites, making it 7 covers in their last 8 games. The Under 41 also hit.

That win gave the Gophers a 5-4 record and a tie for seventh in the Big Ten. Offensively they had their struggles, averaging 26.3 points per game (PPG) to ninth in the conference and sitting in the bottom half of most offensive stats.

Their defense, though, was a different story. They gave up just 290.9 yards per game and 17.5 PPG, both fourth-best in the Big Ten, and their 16 interceptions were second in the conference.

Minnesota is riding a 7-game bowl win streak heading into this matchup. Their last bowl victory was in the 2023 Quick Lane Bowl, where they beat the Bowling Green Falcons 30-24. They covered as 2-point favorites, and the Over 44.5 hit.

The Hokies ended their regular season on a high note, snapping a 3-game skid with a 37-17 victory over their in-state rival Virginia Cavaliers on Nov. 30. They covered as 5-point road favorites, with the Over 45 hitting.

Virginia Tech will be without QB Kyron Drones due to injury, and now it looks like star RB Bhayshul Tuten won’t play either, as he’s been away from the team since Christmas. Tuten’s absence is a big blow after a season where he racked up 1,159 rushing yards (fourth in the ACC) and 15 TDs (second in the ACC).

The Hokies’ defense remains a strength, allowing just 22.8 PPG (fourth in the ACC), led by DL Antwaun Powell-Ryland, who recorded 16 sacks (second in the ACC).

Last year, Virginia Tech ended a 4-game bowl losing streak by beating the Tulane Green Wave 41-20 in the Military Bowl, covering as 13-point favorites with the Over 43.5 cashing.

These 2 college programs have never met on the football field.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:37 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Minnesota -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | Virginia Tech +280 (bet $100 to win $280)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Minnesota -9 (-110) | Virginia Tech +9 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech picks and predictions

Prediction

Minnesota 27, Virginia Tech 10

Moneyline

PASS.

The Golden Gophers (-350) will win their eighth consecutive bowl game, but the price is way too steep on the moneyline. Take your wager to the spread and/or total.

Against the spread

BET MINNESOTA -9 (-110).

Virginia Tech’s offense is in serious trouble without Drones and Tuten. Drones was average at best as a passer, but Tuten was their workhorse all season, and losing him is a massive blow.

The Hokies have failed to cover in 3 of their last 4 games, and a strong Minnesota defense should have no issue shutting down this depleted offense.

On the other side, Minnesota’s offense isn’t flashy, but they can move the ball effectively against a Hokies defense that’s falling apart. Virginia Tech fired defensive coordinator Chris Marve earlier this month, and several key defenders, including CB Mansoor Delane, DE Braelin Moore, S Mose Phillips, and LB Sam Brumfield, have exited the program.

The Golden Gophers have covered the spread in 7 of their last 8 games and are well-coached under P.J. Fleck, who is perfect (5-0) in bowl games since 2017. With their defensive strength and steady offense, Minnesota should control this matchup.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 42.5 (-110).

This game screams Under. The total is set low for a reason, especially for college football.

Virginia Tech is missing its top 2 offensive weapons, and their defense is depleted from opt-outs. Even with full rosters, this matchup lacks offensive firepower. Both teams rely on solid defenses and struggle to produce big plays offensively.

With a slow-paced, grind-it-out style likely, this game has Under written all over it.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @DrewPhelps05 on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Duke / Florida / Florida State / Georgia / Iowa / Kentucky / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / Washington / Wisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

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Cotton Bowl first look: Ohio State vs. Texas odds and lines

Looking at Friday’s Ohio State vs. Texas college football odds, lines and trends. Here’s what you need to know.

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The eighth-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes (12-2) and fifth-seeded Texas Longhorns (13-2) will meet in a College Football Playoff semifinal game in the Cotton Bowl Friday, Jan. 10. Kickoff from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we look at Ohio State vs. Texas odds from BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds before making our expert college football picks and predictions later in the week.

The Buckeyes scored on 6 of their first 7 drives in cruising past the top-seeded Oregon Ducks 41-21 Wednesday in the Rose Bowl. Despite being the lower seed, Ohio State was favored by 2.5 points and the Over (55.5) cashed.

The Buckeyes fired out to a quick start, scoring 2 TDs in the first quarter and grabbing a 34-0 lead with 2:59 to go in the first half before the Ducks were able to get on the board with a TD and 2-point conversion on the final play of the second quarter.

Freshman WR Jeremiah Smith had 7 catches for 187 yards and 2 TDs, QB Will Howard threw for 319 yards with 3 TDs and the defense held the Ducks to -23 rushing yards … yes, that’s negative 23 with a lot of help from 8 sacks.

Ohio State is 2-0 against the spread (ATS) in its 2 playoff games, which both cashed Over tickets.

Meanwhile, the Longhorns posted a 31-24 double-overtime victory against the fourth-seeded Arizona State Sun Devils in the Peach Bowl Wednesday to advance to the semifinal. The Over (52) hit, but Texas did not cover as a 13.5-point favorite.

Texas was on the brink of elimination, down 31-24 in OT and facing 4th-and-13 at the ASU 28-yard line. That’s when QB Quinn Ewers connected with WR Matthew Golden for a 28-yard TD to send the game to a second OT. On the first play in the second extra period, Ewers found TE Gunnar Helm for a 25-yards TD before hitting Golden for a 2-point conversion and DB Andrew Mukuba’s interception sealed it.

Ewers finished with 322 passing yards with 3 TDs and 1 pick. Golden had 7 catches for 149 yards and a TD, while Helm had 3 catches for 56 yards and his score.

Texas is 1-1 ATS in its 2 playoff games, which, like Ohio State, both cashed Over tickets.

Texas is No. 4 in the US LBM Coaches Poll (conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports), while Ohio State is No. 7.

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Cotton Bowl: Ohio State vs. Texas odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 1:25 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Ohio State -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Texas +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
  • Against the spread: Ohio State -6.5 (-110) | Texas +6.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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2024 betting stats

  • ML: Ohio State 12-2 | Texas 13-2
  • ATS: Ohio State 8-6 | Texas 8-7
  • O/U: Ohio State 7-7 | Texas 6-8-1

Ohio State vs. Texas head-to-head

Texas leads the all-time series 2-1, including a 24-21 victory in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl which was the most recent meeting. Ohio State did cover as an 8-point underdogs and the Under (52) hit.

The teams exchanged regular-season victories in 2005 and 2006, with the road team winning each of the outings. The 2006 game was a matchup of No. 1 vs. No. 2 with the top-ranked Buckeyes winning on the road 24-7 as 3-point underdogs.

Ohio State appeared in the Cotton Bowl last season in a game with much lower stakes. It fell to Missouri 14-3 as OSU was hurt by a ton of portal losses and opt-outs.

Texas hasn’t appeared in the Cotton Bowl since 2003 when it topped LSU 35-23.

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College Football Playoff: Notre Dame vs. Georgia odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Notre Dame vs. Georgia odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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Update Jan. 1, 10:18 p.m. ET: Wednesday’s Sugar Bowl between the Notre Dame Fightin Irish and Georgia Bulldogs was moved to Thursday at 4 p.m. ET due to the deadly French Quarter attack early New Year’s Day.

Original column below (published Jan. 1, 12:10 p.m. ET)

The No. 5 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-1) face the No. 2 seed Georgia Bulldogs (11-2, 6-2 SEC) Wednesday in the Sugar Bowl edition of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Kickoff from New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome on New Year’s Day is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Notre Dame vs. Georgia odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

This showdown of top-5 teams in the Coaches Poll (US LBM Coaches Poll) comes with a few significant injuries, but plenty of talent to lead either side to a possible CFP semifinals berth.

As SEC Champions, Georgia received a first-round bye, but will have to compete without starting QB Carson Beck, who’s out with an injury to his right (throwing) elbow.

Sophomore Gunner Stockton lines up to take snaps. Following Beck’s injury at the end of the first half of the SEC Championship Game, Stockton led a second-half comeback that eventually produced a 22-19 overtime win over Texas.

Stockton must now deal with the vaunted Notre Dame defense, which shined in its 27-17 Round 1 CFP victory over the Indiana Hoosiers.

Notre Dame’s outlook has surged due to defensive coordinator Al Golden’s system of playmakers (including top NFL Draft prospect safety Xavier Watts) and an elite run game led by QB Riley Leonard (2,293 passing yards, 751 rush yards, 17 pass TDs, 15 rush TDs) and RB Jeremiyah Love (1,057 rushing yards, 16 TDs).

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Sugar Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Georgia odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 7:01 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Notre Dame -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Georgia -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Notre Dame -1 (-105) | Georgia +1 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Notre Dame vs. Georgia picks and predictions

Prediction

Notre Dame 24, Georgia 20

Moneyline

Georgia will be tested for a full game without Beck against one of the country’s best defenses, especially stopping air attacks (162.3 passing yards/game ranks the Irish third in the nation).

Notre Dame’s scheming has already adeptly overcome many significant defensive injuries, and Golden should account for the significant loss of defensive lineman Rylie Mills (knee).

This game is priced as a coin flip, but BetMGM gives the slight value nudge to the underdogs — luckily for us.

BET NOTRE DAME (-110).

Against the spread

PASS.

Bet the Irish for the outright win.

Over/Under

Expect both clubs to try to slow the pace through the ground game: Though typically explosive this season, Notre Dame will play to its strength (11th in the nation with 222.4 rushing yards per game) to maintain possession against an SEC juggernaut that’s likely better than most defenses the Irish have faced.

Meanwhile, Georgia will aim to ease the burden on Stockton through RBs Nate Frazier (634 yards, 8 TDs) and Trevor Etienne (571 yards, 9 TDs).

Fade the scoring ceiling that has slightly more beneficial juice.

BET UNDER 45.5 (-115).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
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Gator Bowl: Duke vs. Ole Miss odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Duke vs. Ole Miss odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Duke Blue Devils (9-3) and No. 15 Ole Miss Rebels (9-3) meet Thursday in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Kickoff from EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Duke vs. Ole Miss odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Blue Devils exceeded expectations with a 9-win season, closing out the regular season with a 3-game win streak. Their 23-17 victory at the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, covering as 3.5-point favorites, capped off a 5-3 ACC record, tying them for fourth place in the conference.

QB Maalik Murphy, who threw 26 TDs (fourth in the ACC), was a key driver of the offense. However, he announced his transfer to Oregon State and will miss this bowl game.

Duke’s defense was a strength, ranking second in the ACC, allowing just 22.2 points per game (PPG). DE Wesley Williams was a standout, recording 8 sacks, ranking fifth in the conference.

The Blue Devils have been successful in recent bowl games, winning 5 in a row starting with a 44-41 OT win in the 2015 Pinstripe Bowl. Last season, Duke upset the Troy Trojans 17-10 in the Birmingham Bowl where the Blue Devils were 6.5-point underdogs and the Under (44) hit. They’ll lean heavily on their defense as they aim to extend the bowl win streak.

Ole Miss had big expectations hoping to make the College Football Playoff but fell short after losing 3 SEC games — home vs. Kentucky, at LSU in OT and at Florida. They closed the regular season with a 26-14 win over in-state rival Mississippi State, although they failed to cover as a 26-point home favorites with the Under (63.5) cashing.

QB Jaxson Dart led the SEC with 3,875 regular-season passing yards with 26 TDs and just 6 interceptions. WR Tre Harris had a standout season, with 60 catches for 1,030 yards (second SEC) and 7 TDs. The defense was also strong, allowing only 13.9 points per game (second SEC) and an conference-best 83.5 rushing yards per game.

Ole Miss snapped a two-game bowl losing streak in 2023 with a 38-25 Peach Bowl victory over Penn State. The Rebels won outright as 6-point underdogs  and the Under (52.5) cashed.

These 2 college programs have never met on the football field.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Duke vs. Ole Miss odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Wednesday at 1:10 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Duke +550 (bet $100 to win $550) | Ole Miss -800 (bet $800 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Duke +17.5 (-110) | Ole Miss -17.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 51.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Duke vs. Ole Miss picks and predictions

Prediction

Ole Miss 34, Duke 13

Moneyline

PASS.

The Rebels (-800) will handle their business here and make short work of the Blue Devils (+550), but the price is way too steep. I’ll take my wager to the spread because it’s not wise to back anything with -800 juice.

Against the spread

BET OLE MISS -17.5 (-110).

The big question going into this game is whether Ole Miss will stay motivated after being left out of the College Football Playoff. But with Dart and most of the skill players set to play, it’s clear the Rebels are out to prove they should have been included. Coach Lane Kiffin has been vocal about how he thinks Ole Miss is better than some of the teams that made the cut.

The Blue Devils had a solid season in the ACC, but their story ends here. Their defense struggled against offenses like Miami’s, which put up 53 points on them. With QB Murphy out, their chances are slim.

Even if Murphy didn’t transfer, Ole Miss is the better team and would’ve controlled this game. The Rebels offense is too strong, and their defense is tough. If the Rebels show up ready to play, expect them to win by 3-plus touchdowns.

I’m confident taking OLE MISS -17.5 (-110) to cover the spread.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 51.5 (-110).

Duke has a strong defense, but Ole Miss has one of the best in the country, allowing just 13.9 points per game, ranking fourth overall. That defense is mostly why the Rebels hit the Under in 10 of their 12 games this season.

Duke went Under in 5 of its last 8 games. With no Murphy under center, the Blue Devils offense will be very limited. This game is set up for the UNDER 51.5 (-110), which is my favorite bet in the 2025 Gator Bowl.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
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