The New Year’s Day quartet of big-time bowl games ends with the Sugar Bowl, as the Georgia Bulldogs (11-2), the SEC runner-up, face the Baylor Bears (11-2), the Big 12 runner-up. They will kick off Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 8:45 p.m. ET at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
We analyze the Georgia-Baylor odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
Georgia vs. Baylor: Three things you need to know
1. Baylor’s only two losses of the season came against Oklahoma, the No. 4 team in the country playing in a College Football Playoff semifinal.
2. Georgia has the No. 2 scoring defense in the country, allowing only 12.5 points per contest and surrendering more than 20 points once — against No. 1 LSU in the SEC Championship Game.
3. Georgia RB D’Andre Swift has rushed for 1,216 yards on the season, or 35 yards fewer than Baylor’s top two running backs combined.
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Georgia vs. Baylor: Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 2:40 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Georgia 27, Baylor 13
Moneyline (ML)
Georgia was considered a possible playoff team until its loss in the SEC title game. Baylor can score points but played an inferior schedule. Georgia’s -239 won’t win much money but is the smartest bet in this matchup. Baylor’s +190 has a big payout but it isn’t worth the wager in this matchup. Take GEORGIA –239.
New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Georgia returns a profit of $4.18.
Against the Spread (ATS)
Georgia is favored in this game at -5.5 (-110). Baylor has been a very good bet against the spread, covering in nine of its 13 games (compared to only seven covers for Georgia). However, Baylor’s defense is suspect and Georgia’s defense is suffocating. This will be a lopsided win. Take the BULLDOGS -5.5 (-110).
Over/Under (O/U)
The total is set at 41.5 points. The question will be whether Baylor can score more than two touchdowns in this game. Georgia’s games stayed under the point total in 10 of 13 games. Baylor’s stayed under in seven.
Georgia’s defense will keep the Bears from scoring much and the Bulldogs will be able to slow the game down in the second half. Take UNDER 41.5 (-115).
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