Tag: CFB Picks

Orange Bowl: Florida Gators vs Virginia Cavaliers odds, picks and best bets

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.

Get some action on the game at BetMGM by placing a sports bet!

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)

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:50 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Florida 35, Virginia 14

Moneyline (ML)

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.

Against the Spread (ATS)

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.

Over/Under (O/U)

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.

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

Follow @Marcus_Mosher and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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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Camping World Bowl: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Iowa State Cyclones odds, picks and best bets

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.

Get some action on the game at BetMGM by placing a sports bet!

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)

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Notre Dame 30, Iowa State 21

Moneyline (ML)

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.

Against the Spread (ATS)

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).

Over/Under (O/U)

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.

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

Johnny’s December record: 15-6-1. Strongest plays: 8-1.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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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Northwestern-Illinois odds, picks and best bets

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

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 4:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Illinois 38, Northwestern 17

Moneyline (ML)

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.

Against the Spread (ATS)

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.

Over/Under (O/U)

A slight lean to the OVER 43.5 (-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).

November’s strongest plays: 6-3.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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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Minnesota-Northwestern odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Minnesota Golden Gophers at Northwestern Wildcats college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Minnesota Golden Gophers (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten West) visit the Northwestern Wildcats (2-8, 0-7) Saturday for a noon ET kickoff at Ryan Field. We analyze the Minnesota-Northwestern odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

The Golden Gophers are ranked 11th in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. They’re 10th in the College Football Playoff Rankings.

Get some action on the game at BetMGM by placing a sports bet!

Minnesota at Northwestern: Three things to know

1. Minnesota suffered its first loss of the season last week, dropping a 23-19 decision at then-No. 23 Iowa Hawkeyes. The Gophers still control their own destiny to win the division and make their first Big Ten Championship Game. After Northwestern, they close the regular season at home against second-place Wisconsin, which is one game back.

Northwestern snapped a seven-game losing streak by stepping out of conference for a 45-6 rout of lowly UMass (1-10) last Saturday. It’s been a tough season for the ‘Cats, who a year ago won the Big Ten West and lost to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game.

2. Gophers QB Tanner Morgan, who has thrown for 707 yards in the last two games, is in the concussion protocol. With his status for Northwestern uncertain, Cole Kramer or Jacob Clark – both true freshmen – could start.

3. Northwestern has won the last two head-to-head meetings, 24-14 at Minnesota last season and 39-0 at home in 2017.

Minnesota at Northwestern: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 2:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Minnesota 35, Northwestern 17

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. Minnesota’s -667 is too chalky. Every $6.67 wagered on the Gophers to win outright would profit $1 if they do so (Ex: Bet $66.70 to profit $10). Betting on Northwestern (+450) pays 4.5-to-1, but the Wildcats are not winning Saturday no matter who’s behind center for the Gophers. I just can’t suggest to anyone to lay that kind of wood.

Against the Spread (ATS)

MINNESOTA (-12.5, -134) is the STRONGEST PLAY. With a full week to fume about the Iowa loss, the Gophers will take out their frustrations on the Wildcats, who are 2-8 against the spread this season. The Gophers are 6-3-1 ATS in 2019.

New to sports betting? Every $1.34 wagered that Minnesota will win by 13 or more points will profit $1.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 39.5 (-115) is worth a small play. Minnesota averages 35.7 PPG and is 6-4 O/U this season. Northwestern ranks 129th (out of 130 teams) with 14.5 PPG and it’s 3-7 O/U. Even if Minnesota’s Morgan sits, look for WRs Rashod Bateman (945 receiving yards, 7 TDs) and Tyler Johnson (900 receiving yards, 9 TDs) to have big games. Meanwhile, Northwestern should be able to move the ball behind freshman RB Evan Hull, who ran for 220 yards on 24 carries vs. UMass last week.

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: 7-5. Strongest plays: 3-3.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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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Michigan State-Michigan odds: Wolverines, Spartans set to battle for 112th time

Previewing Saturday’s Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Wolverines college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Michigan State Spartans (4-5, 2-4 Big Ten East) visit the Michigan Wolverines (7-2, 4-2) in the 112th meeting between the in-state rivals Saturday for a noon ET kickoff at Michigan Stadium (on FOX). We analyze the Michigan State-Michigan odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

The Wolverines are ranked 14th in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. They’re ranked 15th in the latest College Football Playoff Rankings.

Get some action on the game at BetMGM by placing a sports bet!

Michigan State at Michigan: Three things to know

1. The in-state rivals have traded victories the past four seasons with the visiting team taking home the win in each. Michigan won 21-7 in East Lansing last season. The previous two head-to-head meetings played Under the total.

2. MSU was stunned by visiting Illinois 37-34 last week after leading 28-3 early in the second quarter. The Illini scored the winning touchdown with five seconds left, handing the Spartans their fourth consecutive loss.

3. Michigan is coming off of a bye week following two impressive wins. The Wolverines won at Maryland 38-7 Nov. 2 and beat Notre Dame 45-14 in Ann Arbor 45-14 Oct. 26.

Michigan State at Michigan: Key injuries

Michigan State: WRs Darrell Stewart Jr. (leg) and TE Matt Dotson (Achilles) are out. OG Kevin Jarvis (leg) and C Matt Allen are doubtful. C.J. Hayes (lower body) is questionable. Preseason All-American LB Joe Bachie is ineligible after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

Michigan: LB Josh Ross (ankle) is doubtful.

Michigan State at Michigan: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Michigan 34, Michigan State 13

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. Michigan’s -667 is too chalky. Every $6.67 wagered on the Wolverines to win outright would profit $1 if they do so (Ex: Bet $66.70 to profit $10). Betting on Michigan State’s +400 ML pays 4-to-1, but the depleted Spartans are not winning Saturday.

Against the Spread (ATS)

MICHIGAN (-13.5, -110) is the STRONGEST PLAY. The team is healthy coming off a bye week and has gained confidence with its last two victories, which were by a combined score of 83-21. The Wolverines are only 5-4 ATS, but have covered three in a row and are 5-1 in their last six. The Spartans are 2-7 ATS and haven’t covered in five consecutive games.

New to sports betting? Every $1.10 wagered that Michigan will win by 14 points or more will profit $1.

Over/Under (O/U)

A slight lean to the OVER 44.5 (+100). Michigan State doesn’t have much of an offense and Michigan’s defense is starting to shine, but the “slight lean” is thinking the Wolverines score close to 35 points. Michigan State is 4-5 O/U on the season, while Michigan is 6-3.

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

Johnny’s November record: 4-2. Strongest plays: 2-1.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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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