Previewing Monday’s Orange Bowl college football betting odds and lines between the Florida Gators and Virginia Cavaliers with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets.
The Florida Gators (10-2) face the Virginia Cavaliers (9-4) Monday in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium for an 8 p.m. ET (on ESPN). We analyze the Florida-Virginia odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
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Florida vs. Virginia: Three things you need to know
1. Florida has one of the top-ranked defenses in the country, ranking ninth in yards allowed per game this season (299.0 YPG).
2. The Gators have lost just two of their last 16 games, winning three straight to finish the season.
3. The Over has hit in six of the last seven games when Virginia has faced an SEC opponent.
Florida vs. Virginia: Odds, betting lines and picks
Virginia Cavaliers QB Bryce Perkins (3). (Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports)
The Gators (-625) open this contest as a monster moneyline favorite after losing just twice in the 2019 season. Their two losses came against No.1 LSU, and No. 5 ranked Georgia, but they were competitive in both games. Virginia (+420) is a big underdog in this contest, but there just isn’t enough value on either side. I’m taking the Florida moneyline here, but placing bigger bets against the spread.
FLORIDA (-14.5, -115) is more than a two-touchdown favorite over Virginia. The Gators have been solid this season as a favorite, covering in four consecutive games – they’re 8-4 ATS overall. On paper, these teams just don’t seem all that close. Expect Florida’s defense to stifle the Virginia offense and look for the Gators to make this an easy cover.
The O/U is 54.5 (Over -115, Under -106), which feels just about right considering the two defenses. Florida allows 14.4 points per game, and it’s worth noting that the Under has hit in 15 of its last 20 games vs. the ACC. Expect Virginia’s offense to struggle in this game and for the UNDER 54.5 (-106) to hit.
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Previewing Saturday’s Camping World Bowl betting odds and lines between Notre Dame and Iowa State with betting picks, tips and bets.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-2) and Iowa State Cyclones (7-5) meet Saturday in the Camping World Bowl in Orlando, Fla., for a noon ET kickoff (on ABC). We analyze the Notre Dame-Iowa State odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
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Notre Dame vs. Iowa State: Three things to know
1. Notre Dame enters on a five-game winning streak, and it went 4-0 against the spread over the last four games. The Irish were 8-4 ATS on the season. Meanwhile, the Cyclones are limping into this one after going 2-3 in the last five games and 0-3 ATS in the last three – they are 5-6-1 ATS on the season.
2. The Irish, behind QB Ian Book, rank 13th in the nation in scoring at 37.1 points per game. Meanwhile, Cyclones sophomore QB Brock Purdy is fourth in the country in passing yards (3,760), while the offense ranks 26th in scoring (34.1 PPG).
3. The Irish are 3-2 in their last five bowl games but were crushed 30-3 last season in a College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl by the eventual champion Clemson Tigers. The Cyclones are 2-3 in their last five bowl appearances, most recently falling to the Washington Huskies 28-26 in the 2018 Alamo Bowl – Iowa State scored with 4:02 left but came up short when a potential game-tying, 2-point conversation failed.
Notre Dame vs. Iowa State: Odds, betting lines and picks
Iowa State QB Brock Purdy. (Photo Credit: Reese Strickland – USA TODAY Sports)
AVOID. Notre Dame is -161. Every $1.61 wagered on the Irish to win outright would profit $1 if they do so. Betting on Iowa State (+135) would profit 1.35-to-1 if the Cyclones win outright. I’m going to PASS and focus on the Irish spread.
NOTRE DAME (-3.5, -106) is the STRONGEST PLAY. The Irish are just a better team, including having an edge when it comes to talent among the second-stringers (backups).
A slight lean to the UNDER 53.5 (-106). Notre Dame’s defense – led by senior DL Khalid Kareem and Adetokunbo Ogundeji – ranks 14th in points allowed at 18.7 PPG. The Cyclones defense is 52nd in points allowed (25.3). Notre Dame is 5-7 on the O/U line this season, while Iowa State is 5-6-1.
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Johnny’s December record: 15-6-1. Strongest plays: 8-1.
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Previewing the college football bowl season betting odds and lines, with a look at the best three-team parlay for the holidays.
One of the best parts about bowl season in college football is all of the different betting options available. Below, we are looking at the best three-team parlay you can make for the next two weeks of bowl games.
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College Football Bowl Parlay Bets: Memphis vs. Penn State Moneyline
What: Cotton Bowl When: Saturday, Dec. 28 at noon ET
For the first part of our bet, we are looking for an underdog to win or cover the spread to boost the total odds for our three-leg parlay. That is why I’m eying the Memphis Tigers (12-1) over the Penn State Nittany Lions (10-2) in the Cotton Bowl. Memphis is a 7.5-point underdog despite winning 12 games this season. Memphis has one of the best offenses in college football, averaging 40.5 points per game (PPG) this season to rank eighth in the nation. Memphis will certainly be challenged by a Penn State defense, which allowed just 14.1 PPG to rank seventh overall.
However, I like MEMPHIS (+200) on the moneyline – to win outright as it has proven to be one of the best teams in the country. If the moneyline makes you nervous, consider swapping out this pick with Memphis to cover the 7.5 point spread at -134 instead.
College Football Bowl Parlay Bets: LSU vs. Oklahoma Over/Under
Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons – USA TODAY Sports
What: Peach Bowl When: Saturday, Dec. 28 at 4 p.m. ET
The Over/Under for LSU-Oklahoma is set at a monstrous 76 points. While both offenses can score 40 or more with ease, these playoff games tend to start off slow, given the amount of time off for the two teams. Don’t be shocked if both use the first quarter or so to “feel” each other out before picking up the tempo on offense.
It’s also worth noting that the Under hit in four of the last five games involving the Sooners. They have proven they are at least somewhat capable of defense this season. Oklahoma should be able to get at least a few stops early in this contest.
While it’s fair to expect a ton of points, bet the UNDER 76 (-110) to hit in the Peach Bowl.
College Football Bowl Parlay Bet: Michigan vs. Alabama Point Spread
Photo Credit: John David Mercer – USA TODAY Sports
What: Citrus Bowl When: Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 1 p.m. ET
One of the biggest non-playoff bowl games will happen on New Year’s Day as Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines (9-3) will take on Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2). While Alabama will be without their star quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, it is still one of the best teams in college football, especially on offense.
That is why ALABAMA (-6.5, -118) is nearly a touchdown favorite here. In the Iron Bowl, Alabama was still able to put up 45 points against the Auburn Tigers without Tagovailoa on the field. The Tide should have no problem covering the spread against a Wolverines team that allowed 56 points to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Expect Alabama to win and cover in this Big Ten-SEC contest.
Altogether, this three-team parlay – with the Memphis ML – will payout at +958 odds. A $10 bet would return a profit of $95.80 if all three hit. It’s a decent-sized payout given the relatively safe bets.
Note: Swapping the Memphis spread in place of the ML lowers the payout to +516.
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5. Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo vs. Charlotte
Why You Should Bet On Buffalo: The Bulls have the right formula. They have the MAC’s best defense to go along with the running of 1,626-yard back Jaret Patterson. Overall, UB has the lines to take over the game right away. The O line is great for Patterson and the ground attack, and the defensive front lives behind the line. However …
Why You Should Bet On Charlotte: The 49ers have the players on the lines to be solid, too. Alex Highsmith is the best defensive end you’ve probably never seen, and he’ll be disruptive against the UB attack. As long as the defense is coming up with third down stops, this will stay close.
Prediction: Both programs are going for their first bowl win – UB has never won one, and Charlotte has never been in one. After a few notable late-season collapses over the last few seasons, the Bulls take care of Charlotte by more than a touchdown.
– CFN Full Bahamas Bowl Game Preview & Prediction
4. Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl: Utah State vs. Kent State
Why You Should Bet On Utah State: It’s the final game in the Utah State career of QB Jordan Love, who’s had a mediocre year, but has the talent to be a good mid-round NFL Draft pick. He’s leaving early, and now he gets to roll against a Kent State defense that can give up big plays in chunks. USU will own third downs.
Why You Should Bet On Kent State: There’s a running game now. It wasn’t always there this season, but the Golden Flashes are finding ways to move the ball on the ground, and it made all the difference late. Kent State is 4-1 when running for 200 yards or more, and Utah State’s defensive front isn’t a brick wall.
Prediction: It’s been a great season for Kent State under rising-star head coach Sean Lewis, but Utah State is going to come out rolling. Love will have a strong final game as the Aggies win by more than a touchdown.
– CFN Full Utah State vs. Kent State Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Appalachian State: UAB might be a wonderful story, but it built up its win total over the last few years with a whole lot of wins over a whole lot of miserable teams. The offense can hit a brick wall at times against the better defenses. That’s Appalachian State.
Why You Should Bet On UAB: The receiving corps is loaded with big-time playmakers who can get back in the game or take over early on. Austin Watkins and Kendall Parham crank out yards in bunches, and they should be able to come up with a few late scores to at least make the game interesting, if the Blazers aren’t winning outright.
Prediction: The coaching change at Appalachian State doesn’t matter. Shawn Clark makes the transition seamless, the offense will be razor-sharp, and bad things happen when UAB plays a good team. It’s a big number, but ASU covers.
– CFN Full New Orleans Bowl Game Preview & Prediction
2. Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl: SMU vs. Florida Atlantic
Why You Should Bet On SMU: There’s no Lane Kiffin around anymore – he’s off coaching Ole Miss – and Willie Taggart isn’t stepping in just yet. Just how much will the coaching change – defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer will coach in the interim – matter? QB Shane Buechele and the passing game will put the pressure on the FAU secondary from the start.
Why You Should Bet On Florida Atlantic: Takeaways, takeaways, takeaways. The Owl D loves to come up with turnovers, and it’ll make up for a few mistakes of its own with a slew of big plays. The defense leads the nation in takeaways with 31, and it should be able to keep the game alive with a few interceptions.
Prediction: SMU is too talented and too explosive. FAU is good, but the SMU offense will do enough to roll past the spread in a slightly lower-scoring game than the total.
– CFN Full Boca Raton Game Preview & Prediction
1. Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl: Boise State vs. Washington
Why You Should Bet On Boise State: The Broncos pass rush is about to give Jacob Eason a whole slew of problems. It comes from all angles, and it’s good enough to keep an occasionally stagnant UW O from going anywhere. The Huskies are mediocre on third downs, and the Broncos should be able to keep that going.
Why You Should Bet On Washington: Do you really think Washington is going to send Chris Petersen out a loser? It’s the Coach Pete bowl as he’s coaching against his old program, and he’s got the lines to take over the game and hold up. With time to rest up, this UW D is going to be the real deal – Boise State hasn’t dealt with a defense this good – especially against the run.
Prediction: Washington will get a big game out of its defense, the offensive front will hold up, and the attack will be just balanced enough to get by. The Huskies will get past the spread and the two teams will roll by the Over on the total.
– CFN Full Las Vegas Bowl Game Preview & Prediction
Now that you know what you need to know, head over to BetMGM and get some action in any — or all — of these games for college football bowl season.
For more coverage on the College Football slate of sports betting action, be sure to check out CollegeFootballNews.com. And for more sports betting tips and picks, be sure to access SportsbookWire.com.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
If you’re looking to get in on the sports betting action this weekend, be sure to sign up with BetMGM to take part in any of these games or other action on the schedule.
Why You Should Bet On Oregon: It has more talent on both sides of the ball. Utah – as good as it has been – has yet to beat a team ranked in the College Football Playoff top 25, beating up on a whole slew of mediocre teams and struggling over the second half of the season against the one team – Washington – at its level. The Utes played the 92nd-best schedule in college football, and now they have to deal with Justin Herbert and the best offense they’ve faced so far.
Why You Should Bet On Utah: The weather isn’t going to be pretty. It’s supposed to be cold, rainy, and it should fit what Utah likes to do a little bit better. The defensive front is the real deal, and the offensive line has the ability to pound away better than Oregon can. This has to be the Zack Moss game – the ground attack needs to take over.
Prediction: The weather and Oregon’s talent will keep this close, but Utah is fighting for a playoff spot and will do what it can to pile on if there’s a chance. As long as the line stays at 6.5, expect the Utes to win this, cover, and then hope the CFP will give them a break for the fourth spot.
– CFN Full Oregon vs. Utah Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Virginia: There’s enough of a pass rush to knock Trevor Lawrence off of his rhythm just a bit. Virginia is second in the ACC in sacks helped by six against Virginia Tech last week, and now it’s going to throw everything at the Tigers backfield. Add in QB Bryce Perkins and his ability to control games, and the Cavaliers should be able to do enough on third downs to stay in this.
Why You Should Bet On Clemson: Lawrence has been awesome. After a rough start, he has thrown 16 touchdown passes with no interceptions while averaging close to 12 yards per throw over his last five games. He’ll keep bombing away for a team that wants to continue to make a statement – Dabo Swinney is serious; he wants the College Football Playoff committee to love this team.
Prediction: Clemson will get out fast and put this away with an impressive performance, but Virginia will come up with just enough points in the fourth quarter – Perkins and the O will keep on trying – to barely cover the 28.5.
Why You Should Bet On Baylor: Turnover margin. Baylor doesn’t have the firepower to keep up in any sort of a shootout, but it’s efficient enough offensively to stay in the game. The defense has to continue to do what it does and make big plays. Oklahoma is minus-8 in turnover margin in its last eight games, and Baylor’s D has generated two takeaways or more in eight of the last nine games.
Why You Should Bet On Oklahoma: There’s a defense here, too. QB Jalen Hurts might be the star of the show with an offense leading the nation in yards per play, but it’s the D making the biggest difference. The Sooners lead the Big 12 in total defense with the big key being third-down stops – there are lots of them this season. Baylor struggles in pass protection, and OU should be able to get to QB Charlie Brewer just enough to be a problem.
Prediction: It’s Oklahoma in a Big 12 Championship – it’ll win. However, Baylor will get just enough takeaways and control the clock just enough to cover the nine points and make this a fight.
– CFN Full Baylor vs. Oklahoma Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Wisconsin: The Badgers might have been whacked around in the first meeting, but the defense got into the backfield and knocked around QB Justin Fields a bit. The UW lines got manhandled and shoved around – that never happens to this team. They’re going to blast away for RB Jonathan Taylor, who was held to just 52 yards by the Buckeyes – the line he’s working behind is playing better. But …
Why You Should Bet On Ohio State: The Buckeyes’ lines really are dominating. The O line blasted a Michigan run defense that came into last week’s game on a roll, and Chase Young and the defensive front isn’t going to slow down. OSU needs this game for the No. 1 seed, and it’s going to try making a statement. It starts with a D topping in the nation in total defense, and second in pass defense, sacks and tackles for loss.
Prediction: Wisconsin keeps this close for a half, and then the Buckeyes turn it on. This won’t be a total wipeout, but Ohio State will get the passing game going to pull away and win by more than the 16.
– CFN Full Wisconsin vs. Ohio State Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Georgia: The Georgia lines are good enough to keep this from getting out of hand – Bulldogs games don’t become shootouts. This isn’t a sexy team offensively, but QB Jake Fromm hasn’t thrown an interception outside of the three given away against South Carolina. The defense takes care of the rest – the Gamecocks were the only team to score more than 17.
Why You Should Bet On LSU: Get up quickly, and it might be over. All QB Joe Burrow has to do is score early and all should be fine – Georgia doesn’t have the firepower to keep up. RB D’Andre Swift has a shoulder injury to play through, WR Lawrence Cager is done for the year with an ankle injury, and WR George Pickens is suspended for the first half. This isn’t an O that can keep up in a firefight.
Prediction: Georgia’s defense will be just good enough to keep this from getting out of hand, but Burrow wins the SEC Championship – and the Heisman – with two big scoring plays in the second half to finally get a little breathing room as LSU wins and covers the seven.
– CFN Full LSU vs. Georgia Game Preview & Prediction
Now that you know what you need to know, head over to BetMGM and get some action in any — or all — of these games for Championship Week of college football.
For more coverage on the College Football slate of sports betting action, be sure to check out CollegeFootballNews.com. And for more sports betting tips and picks, be sure to access SportsbookWire.com.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
If you’re looking to get in on the sports betting action this weekend, be sure to sign up with BetMGM to take part in any of these games or other action on the schedule.
Why You Should Bet On Texas A&M: Can Kellen Mond and the Texas A&M passing game go off? LSU’s secondary has had problems in firefights with a defense ranked 43rd in the country. The pass defense has allowed 200 or more yards seven times, and got hit for over 400 against Texas and Alabama – Mond should have a huge day.
Why You Should Bet On LSU: Texas A&M has the defense, the style, and the makeup to make this close and interesting, but it hasn’t shown the ability to come through against any of the great teams on the schedule, and Mond hasn’t shown the consistency needed to win a game like this. LSU has a still-hot Joe Burrow with no real pressure on him to win this, and RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been the type of back with the ability to take over in a game like this.
Prediction: It’s not going to be the 74-72, seven-overtime thriller of last year. It’ll be a tight defensive battle for a while, and then LSU will pull away in the second half to get the win, but Texas A&M will cover.
– CFN Full Texas A&M at LSU Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Oklahoma: It’s been lost a bit in all of the close games, but Oklahoma is still No. 1 in the Big 12 in both total offense and total defense. This team needs to make a statement before going off to the Big 12 Championship, and it might do it against a wounded Oklahoma State team missing a few key offensive parts. The Cowboys have no answer for Jalen Hurts.
Why You Should Bet On Oklahoma State: This Oklahoma team is just begging to get tagged. It lost to Kansas State when a late rally fell short, needed a big two-point stop to get by Iowa State, an epic comeback to beat Baylor, and a late defensive hold to get by TCU. It might be able to win this, but it’s playing every game close, so …
Prediction: Oklahoma State can win this outright, let alone cover the 13.5 points. QB Dru Brown will be fine despite a banged-up thumb, RB Chuba Hubbard and the running game will roll, and the Cowboys will cover without a problem.
Why You Should Bet On Wisconsin: It’s supposed to be around 35 degrees with a fun mixture of snow and rain. Who’s better equipped to handle the ground-and-pound game than Wisconsin? Jonathan Taylor might not be busting out too many big runs, but he’s going to be fed the ball 30-plus times in the horrible conditions, as the Badgers dominate the clock.
Why You Should Bet On Minnesota: Turnovers. All of a sudden, Wisconsin has issues hanging on to the ball, going a plus-9 over the first six games in the turnover margin, and minus-8 in the last five. Tanner Morgan and the Minnesota passing game have just enough to produce in the bad conditions, and the weather won’t help the Badgers stop screwing up.
Prediction: It won’t be pretty, but the atmosphere will be crazy even with the bad weather. LOVE the Under, and like Minnesota pulling this off with a few key takeaways and a sharper all-around game.
– CFN Full Wisconsin at Minnesota Game Preview & Prediction
2. Alabama at Auburn
Photo Credit: John David Mercer – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On Alabama: It’s all up to Mac Jones. It’s not like the Tide dragged its starting quarterback out of psych class to come in and take over – the guy can play. He still has NFL talent all around him, and it’s all working behind what might be the best O line yet under Nick Saban. On the other side, the D takes the ball away in bunches.
Why You Should Bet On Auburn: The defense doesn’t allow much of anything. It was able to keep LSU to 23 points, Oregon to 21, Florida to 24, and Georgia to 21. This team knows how to play close games, its defense is fantastic at not breaking when it bends, and overall, it gets to play loose and free. The pressure isn’t on Alabama to just win; it needs to win by a lot to look good for the playoff committee.
Prediction: Alabama needs to be impressive to stay in the playoff chase. It might not be its normal explosive self, but it’ll be ruthlessly efficient as it covers without a problem.
– CFN Full Alabama at Auburn Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Ohio State: The defense is No. 1 in the country – by a whole lot. 2011 Alabama finished the season allowing 184 yards per game. Since then, no team has ended a year allowing under 250 yards per game. Ohio State’s D is giving up 217 yards per game. And now it’s playing Michigan with a healthy and energized Chase Young. Ramp up the intensity level several notches.
Why You Should Bet On Michigan: Michigan’s run defense has become a brick wall. Early on in the year, the Wolverines faced Army’s ground game and Wisconsin in back-to-back weeks, giving up 559 yards in the two games. It has allowed 539 rushing yards in the last eight games. It’s going to keep the Buckeyes from taking off.
Prediction: The defenses will rule for most of the day, but Ohio State will make the few plays in the second half needed to survive. The Buckeyes win, but Michigan will cover the 9.
– CFN Full Ohio State at Michigan Game Preview & Prediction
Now that you know what you need to know, head over to BetMGM and get some action in any — or all — of these games for Week 14 of college football.
For more coverage on Week 14’s College Football slate of sports betting action, be sure to check out CollegeFootballNews.com. And for more sports betting tips and picks, be sure to access SportsbookWire.com.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
Previewing Saturday’s Northwestern Wildcats at Illinois Fighting Illini college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets
The Northwestern Wildcats (2-9, 0-8 Big Ten West) visit the Illinois Fighting Illini (6-5, 4-4) Saturday for a noon ET kickoff at Memorial Stadium (on FS1). We analyze the Northwestern-Illinois odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
Get some action on the game at BetMGM by placing a sports bet!
Northwestern at Illinois: Three things to know
1. Northwestern lost at home to the Minnesota Golden Gophers 38-22 last week to remain winless in conference play. The Wildcats gave up scores on the Gophers’ first three possessions. A bright spot for NU was the emergence of sophomore QB Andrew Marty, who entered early in the second quarter and completed 8-of-10 passes for 95 yards and a TD, while running for 52 yards and two more scores.
2. Illinois, which is bowl-eligible for the first time since 2014, had a four-game win streak snapped with a 19-10 loss at the then-No. 17 Iowa Hawkeyes last Saturday. The Illini were held to their lowest point total of the season and turned the ball over three times. Trailing 13-7, Illinois was intercepted in the end zone on its first possession of the second half, which was followed by a missed field goal on its next drive.
3. Northwestern has won the last four head-to-head meetings, including 24-16 last year. A win Saturday would mark the Wildcats’ first five-game winning streak in the series, which dates back to 1892 and that the Illini lead 55-52-5. Northwestern owns four four-game win streaks vs. Illinois.
Northwestern Illinois: Odds, betting lines and picks
AVOID. Illinois is -400. Every $4 wagered on the Illini to win outright would profit $1 if they do so (Ex: Bet $40 to profit $10). Betting on Northwestern (+280) would profit 2.8-to-1 if the ‘Cats prevail, but I don’t see that happening. However, I’m not willing to wager the -400 chalk and I’m going to pass.
ILLINOIS (-9.5, +100) is the STRONGEST PLAY. Coach Lovie Smith has turned the program around and the Illini are hungry for a win vs. their instate rival. They’ve covered six in a row are and 8-3 ATS this season, while the Wildcats are 2-9 ATS.
New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered that Illinois will win by 10 points or more will profit $1.
A slight lean to the OVER43.5 (-110). Both teams are 4-7 O/U this season, while Illinois averages 28.8 PPG and Northwestern scores at a lowly 15.2 per game clip. But with this being Senior Day in Champaign, Ill., look for the home team to keep its foot on the throttle.
Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Johnny’s 2019 college football record: 9-5 (November: 4-0).
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Previewing Saturday’s UCLA Bruins at USC Trojans sports betting odds and lines, with college football picks, tips and best bets.
The UCLA Bruins (4-6) take on the USC Trojans (7-4) in a Pac-12 showdown Saturday of Week 13. Below, we analyze the UCLA-USC odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice for this matchup.
UCLA vs. USC: Three things you need to know
1. UCLA has been awful on the road over the last few seasons, winning just three of its last 20 road contests.
2. USC has been a fantastic home team over the last few years, going 17-3 in its last 20 games at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
3. The Under has hit in 10 of the last 13 meetings between UCLA and USC.
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USC (-566) opens this game as a monster favorite over its cross-town rival of UCLA (+395). Given how well the Trojans have played at the Coliseum over the last few years, that’s not too surprising. Look for USC to win this Pac-12 matchup on Saturday afternoon.
New to sports betting? A $10 wager on USC returns a profit of $1.77.
USC (-13.5, -120) is a two-touchdown favorite over UCLA. The Bruins have one of the worst defenses in college football, allowing nearly 34 points per game. While USC’s offense is still a work in progress, look for the Trojans to have no problem putting up points and covering the spread.
The total for this Pac-12 matchup is set at 65.5. While USC should have no problem scoring a ton of points in this contest, the Trojans would likely need to score in the 40s for the Over to hit. That seems somewhat unlikely given the youth on offense. Take the UNDER (-110) in this contest.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
Previewing Saturday’s Washington Huskies at Colorado Buffaloes sports betting odds and lines, with college footballs picks, tips and bets.
The Washington Huskies (6-4) take on the Colorado Buffaloes (4-6) Saturday of Week 13 in a late-night, Pac-12 matchup. Below, we analyze the Washington-Colorado odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice for this matchup.
Washington at Colorado: Three things you need to know
1. Washington has won nine straight games against Colorado.
2. Colorado has covered the spread in just five of its previous 15 contests.
3. The Under has hit in four of the last six games between Washington and Colorado.
Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!
Washington at Colorado: Odds, betting lines and picks
As expected, WASHINGTON (-625) is a massive moneyline favorite at home against Colorado (+440). Washington just doesn’t lose very often at home and it has an excellent defense and a potential first-round pick at quarterback in Jacob Eason. Look for Washington to win this contest relatively easily.
New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Washington returns a profit of $1.60.
WASHINGTON (-14.5, -110) opens this contest as a two-touchdown favorite. The Huskies have one of the best defenses in the nation, allowing just over 21 points per game. Look for them to shut down Colorado’s offense and to score in the low 40s in this Pac-12 matchup.
The total is set at 54.5. Look for Washington to put up a lot of points with Eason under center, helping to cover the spread. I like the OVER (-105) to hit.
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It’s the week before THE WEEK when we get all the big rivalry games – or, at least, most of the big ones – all crammed into one giant final full regular season Saturday. But there are still five very, very big games …
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5. UCLA at USC
Photo Credit: Melissa Majchrzak – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On UCLA: Can USC stop Joshua Kelley? The UCLA running back took over last season with 289 yards and two scores in the win over the Trojans, and he’s been every bit as good over the back half of this year. The ground game has been just good enough to pound it out again on a USC defense that’s been fine, but can and will give up yards to anyone who commits to the ground attack.
Why You Should Bet On USC: He might not be Joe or Tua or Jalen, but Kedon Slovis has been as hot as any quarterback in the country over the last few games, throwing for 838 yards and eight touchdowns in his last two outings, and with 15 touchdown passes in his last four. UCLA has been hit-or-miss when it comes to getting into shootouts, but USC is far better equipped to go up and down the field in a hurry.
Prediction: Playing for its bowl eligibility life, UCLA will make this a battle and keep it within the 13.5, but USC’s passing game will take over with Slovis throwing for four touchdowns in the win.
– CFN Full UCLA vs. USC Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Pitt: The Panthers have the nation’s best pass rush, and the Virginia Tech offensive line is just mediocre enough to have problems on the key downs. The run defense will be everything for Pitt – Virginia Tech is 6-0 when rushing for over 140 yards.
Why You Should Bet On Virginia Tech: There’s no real Pitt running game that can rise up and take over a game. The Hokies have a killer pass rush, too, and it should be able to get to Kenny Pickett and an inconsistent Panther passing attack that’s going to sputter way too often on the road. Virginia Tech can handle Pitt’s pass rush better than the other way around.
Prediction: Virginia Tech will run a little bit, Pitt won’t. The two defenses will take over in a fun fight, but the HOKIES will pull out the win – and cover – at home to be in a position to take the Coastal next week against Virginia.
– CFN Full Pitt vs. Virginia Tech Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Texas: Just how down is Baylor after its epic collapse against Oklahoma? It’s been a disappointing year for the Longhorns, but there’s still a sliver of a shot it can make the Big 12 Championship Game with a win this week. Thanks to both the legs and arm of Sam Ehlinger, Texas is among the best teams in the country at keeping the chains moving. Baylor is good on third downs, but the Longhorns have the ability to control the tempo on the road.
Why You Should Bet On Baylor: The Bears’ pass rush should be able to get to Ehlinger enough to be a big problem. There were issues getting to Jalen Hurts last week, but overall the defense is still the best in the Big 12, Charlie Brewer is still among the league’s most effective quarterbacks, and the team should be able to bomb away on a beleaguered Texas secondary, the BU D should be able to take care of the rest.
Prediction: Baylor will get over last week’s clunker and get the win it needs to not only get into the Big 12 Championship Game, but also back into the College Football Playoff picture. Brewer will have a big game as the BEARS win and cover.
– CFN Full Texas vs. Baylor Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Texas A&M: This is the exact type of Georgia team that fits what the Aggies need. There isn’t a ton of pop and explosion, it likes to go a bit slow and deliberate, and it’s not going to come out and throw for 400 yards and wing it all over the yard. The A&M secondary has been amazing – no one has completed more than 46% over the last four games. Jake Fromm might be terrific, but he’s not throwing for big yards and he’s been a bit erratic this year – his receiving corps isn’t helping.
Why You Should Bet On Georgia: Texas A&M isn’t going to get any easy chances. Georgia might not be LSU when it comes to putting up the big offensive numbers, but Fromm isn’t screwing up. He threw three picks in the loss to South Carolina, and that’s it. Defensively, the Dawgs aren’t allowing anything against the run – A&M’s Kellen Mond has to be perfect. He’s been okay this year, but not good enough.
Why You Should Bet On Penn State: The pass rush has to get to Justin Fields early, and it has to be relentless. The Buckeyes have faced a better schedule than it’s getting credit for. It dealt with a terrific Wisconsin defensive front and won easily, but it had problems keeping the Badgers out of the backfield. The Nittany Lions come in waves to get behind the line and will easily be the biggest test yet for a Buckeyes offense that hasn’t had to deal with even the slightest bit of adversity.
Why You Should Bet On Ohio State: Ohio State already had the No. 1 defense in college football, and now it gets back a rested and ready Chase Young off of his two-game bull(bleep) suspension. On the other side, the Nittany Lions secondary – even helped by the great pass rush – isn’t doing anything special. Minnesota, Pitt and Iowa were all able to throw without a problem, and Fields will be able to bomb away.
Prediction: This is where the Buckeyes flex a little muscle. Penn State is good, but it doesn’t have the consistent offensive pop to keep up. Ohio State pulls away in the second half to cover.
– CFN Full Penn State vs. Ohio State Game Preview & Prediction
Now that you know what you need to know, head over to BetMGM and get some action in any — or all — of these games for Week 13 of college football.
For more coverage on Week 13’s College Football slate of sports betting action, be sure to check out CollegeFootballNews.com. And for more sports betting tips and picks, be sure to access SportsbookWire.com.
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