After a week of bowl games to whet the college football fan’s appetite, the games that matter most arrive this weekend. The first College Football Playoff semifinal will pit the No. 1 LSU Tigers (13-0) against the No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners (12-1) at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jan. 28.
We analyze the LSU-Oklahoma odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
LSU vs. Oklahoma: Three things you need to know
1. This matchup features two of the best quarterbacks in the nation — and the top two finishers in Heisman voting. Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts has passed for 3,634 yards and 32 touchdowns while rushing for another 1,255 yards and 18 scores. LSU QB Joe Burrow, the Heisman Trophy winner, has 4,715 passing yards (second in the nation) and 48 passing TDs (leads the nation).
2. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU’s leading rusher with 1,291 yards and 16 touchdowns, is questionable for the game with a hamstring injury.
3. LSU leads the nation averaging 554.4 yards per game; Oklahoma is second at 554.2. In 13 games, the two teams are separated by two total yards.
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LSU vs. Oklahoma: Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 3 p.m. ET.
Prediction
LSU 48, Oklahoma 34
Moneyline (ML)
LSU has been the best team in the country by far all season. As such, the Tigers are -455 on the moneyline, netting you a very small return. Oklahoma, on the other hand, would land a huge profit at +335. Ultimately, however, the Sooners just aren’t good enough, and a bet on them would be throwing money away. Take the TIGERS -455.
New to sports betting? A $10 wager on LSU returns a profit of $2.20.
Against the Spread (ATS)
If you want to get something closer to even money on LSU, the point spread sits at Tigers -12.5 (-115). They covered the spread in eight of their 13 games, while Oklahoma only covered in four of their 13. While Hurts has been in big games such as these and knows how to win, the Oklahoma defense will not be able to keep the Sooners within two touchdowns. Take the TIGERS -12.5 (-115).
Over/Under (O/U)
The total is set at an insane 75.5 points. Oklahoma’s games only hit the over five times this season while LSU’s did seven times. However, these are two very potent offensives, Oklahoma is weak defensively, and LSU gives up more than 21 points a game. That said, there should be a lot of firepower in this game. It will be close, but take the OVER 75.5 (-110).
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