Clemson vs. Rutgers: Tigers slight underdogs in March Madness Round 1

Previewing the Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Clemson Tigers odds and lines for their March Madness Round 1 matchup.

The 10-seed Rutgers Scarlet Knights (15-11) tangle with the 7-seed Clemson Tigers (16-7) in the first round of the Midwest Regional Friday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is set for 9:20 p.m. ET and will be airing on TBS.

Below, we look at the early March Madness Round 1 matchup Rutgers-Clemson odds and lines. Will one of these teams end up as this year’s National Champion? Don’t forget to check out all of the teams’ March Madness odds.

The Scarlet Knights were routed 90-68 by No. 2 Illinois in the quarterfinals of the Big 10 Tournament Friday after beating Indiana 61-50 in the second round. Entering the NCAA Tournament, the Scarlet Knights were 3-3 overall and ATS in their prior six contests.

Rutgers All-Big 10 third-team junior guard Ron Harper Jr. led the team in points per game (15.4 PPG), and junior forward Myles Johnson was selected to the Big Ten’s All-Defensive team.

The Scarlet Knight’s gambling records: 13-12-1 ATS | 12-13-1 O/U | 1-1 ATS in neutral site games

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Clemson lost a 67-64 nail-biter as 8-point favorites to the Miami Hurricanes in the second round of the ACC Tournament Wednesday. However, the Tigers ended their regular season strong, winning six of their final seven regular-season games, but only covering in four of those victories.

Tigers’ All-ACC second-team senior forward Aamir Simms led the team in points (13.3), rebounds (6.2), assists (2.7) and shooting percentage (54.3%).

Clemson’s gambling records: 11-11-1 ATS | 12-11 O/U | 3-1 ATS in neutral site games

Rutgers vs. Clemson: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 6:15 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Rutgers -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Clemson +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Rutgers -1 (-110) | Clemson +1 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 126.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Clemson at Syracuse odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Clemson at Syracuse odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Clemson Tigers (15-5 overall, 9-5 ACC) visit the Syracuse Orange (14-8, 8-7) in a Wednesday evening (5 p.m. ET) contest at the Carrier Dome. Below, we analyze the Clemson-Syracuse odds and lines, with NCAA college basketball picks and predictions.

Clemson at Syracuse: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Clemson +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Syracuse -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Clemson +2.5 (-110) | Syracuse -2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 135.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Clemson at Syracuse: Three things to know

  1. The Orange lost at Clemson, 78-61, Feb. 6. Syracuse shot a season-low 30% in that game and was out-rebounded, 39-19. The Orange are 4-2 since that setback.
  2. Clemson’s last loss came against the Duke Blue Devils Jan. 30; the Tigers have won five in a row since. In the five straight wins, Clemson has held foes to just 56 points per game on a 37.8% mark from the field. For the season, CU ranks 11th in nation in defense, allowing just 61.6 PPG.
  3. In the turnover department, Syracuse ranks in the top-60 on both sides of the ball in terms of percentage of possessions. The Orange forced 20 miscues in their last game, a Monday win over North Carolina. Over its last five games, SU has averaged a plus-4.0 in the turnover exchange.

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Clemson at Syracuse: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Syracuse 69, Clemson 67

Money line (ML)

Syracuse is 12-1 at the Carrier Dome, and the Orange certainly want to atone for their disappointing February loss to the Tigers. But Clemson has a couple days’ rest on SU, and the Tigers are playing their best basketball.

CONSIDER A PLAY ON CLEMSON if the price hits +130 or better.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Over their last nine games against teams playing .600 basketball, the Orange are 2-7 ATS.  Syracuse is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games following an ATS win.

Clemson does well against foes that favor the outside shot as a bigger chunk of their arsenal, and SU fits that bill. The Tigers are a clear lean, but to find value, hold out for a +3 or better. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

Respect the number: no lean here. PASS.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Clemson at Duke odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Clemson at Duke sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Clemson Tigers (10-4 overall, 4-4 ACC) visit the Duke Blue Devils (6-5, 4-3) for a Saturday matinee (12 p.m. ET) at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Below, we analyze the Clemson-Duke college basketball odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Clemson at Duke: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:40 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Clemson +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Duke -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Clemson +6.5 (-110) | Duke -6.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 134.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Clemson at Duke: Three things to know

  1. Clemson dropped out of this week’s Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll  after suffering three straight losses (by an average margin of 24 points) from Jan. 16-23. The Tigers were undone by 53.1% shooting from 3-point range over those three games (and in high-frequency doses: 27 attempts per game). Clemson allowed 80-plus points in all three games; the Tigers had held foes to just 57.6 points per game before that stretch. CU rallied with a 54-50 win over Louisville Wednesday.
  2. The Blue Devils snapped a three-game losing streak with a 75-68 home win against Georgia Tech Tuesday. The Duke defense held the Yellow Jackets to 43.8% from the floor, the Devils’ best mark since Dec. 4. Duke’s three-straight losses were on the road. The Devils are looking to keep some momentum going at home where they’ve won three in a row.
  3. Tiger F Aamir Simms is coming off a 16-point, nine rebound game against Louisville. The 6-foot-8 senior leads Clemson in scoring (12.0 PPG), rebounding (5.9 per game), and assists (2.4 per game) and is shooting 52.0% from the field.

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Clemson at Duke: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Duke 67, Clemson 63

Money line (ML)

Clemson downed Duke, 79-72, in last year’s lone meeting. That snapped a four-game series losing streak for the Tigers. CU got a lift on the offensive glass in that game, which was played in Clemson, S.C. That facet of the game has gone missing for the Tigers of late (7.0 offensive rebounds per game in last six), and so has CU’s ability to win away from home (1-3, 0-4 against the spread).

A young Duke team is getting healthier, but the price here is out of whack: PASS.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Blue Devils are 1-6 ATS over their last seven games as a home favorite. Slow-tempo, defense-first teams have been a blind spot for Duke this season. Enough so to make for a slight edge on a CLEMSON +6.5 (-110) play.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over is 6-1 in Clemson’s last seven games and 4-2 in Duke’s last six. But CU is scuffling of late from 3-point range. And peg the Devils as giving the defensive end more focus as the season heads into February and beyond.

The strongest play in this one is the UNDER 134.5 (-110).

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Clemson at Florida State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Clemson at Florida State sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Clemson Tigers (9-3 overall, 3-3 ACC) travel to Tallahassee, Fla., to take on the the Florida State Seminoles (8-2, 4-1) in a Saturday matinee (3 p.m. ET) at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Below, we analyze the Clemson-Florida State college basketball betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Clemson is No. 22 in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. Florida State is ranked 25th.

Clemson at Florida State: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:00 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Clemson +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Florida State -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Clemson +6.5 (-110) | Florida State -6.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 136.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Clemson at Florida State: Three things to know

  1. Pace-wise, Clemson is one of the slower teams in the nation, averaging just 66.2 possessions per contest. The Tigers head into this game ranked second in the ACC in defense (62.0 points per game) and 15th in offense (66.5). A low free-throw rate greatly affects the Clemson output on offense. The Tigers’ 13.3-attempts average ranks 14th in the conference. CU has lost two straight heading into Saturday; the Tigers were outscored, 53-9, in free-throw points over those losses.
  2. The Tigers have also been undone by three-balls in recent games (31 total allowed in last two games). And the distance game figures to be a strength for the Seminoles, a team leading the conference in 3-point shooting at 38.6%.
  3. Florida State has won five straight home games against Clemson. The last Tiger victory at FSU was a 62-56 win Feb. 4, 2015. In five games since, the Seminoles are 4-1 ATS. FSU has covered by an average of six points the last two years.

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Clemson at Florida State: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Florida State 71, Clemson 62

Money line (ML)

Clemson is a fine defensive team, but Florida State is more talented and versatile at both ends. The tag here figures to be right on the implied odds, so there isn’t enough value. PASS, unless you can get a price closer to +325 on FSU.

Against the spread (ATS)

The home team is 5-1 over the last six series meetings. A bit of value can be leaned on the ‘Noles here. The potential for 1s and 3s to drag this game into 10-point territory is there, so take FLORIDA STATE -6.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Both teams tote in several Over trends, but too many factors like FSU 3-point shooting and CU put-backs have to be hitting on all cylinders to have this one play out near 140-range. Peg a slight lean on the UNDER 136.5 (-110).

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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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Virginia at Clemson odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Virginia Cavaliers at Clemson Tigers sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The 22nd-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (8-2 overall, 4-0 ACC) visit the 12th-ranked Clemson Tigers (9-1, 3-1) Saturday for a 6 p.m. ET tip. Below, we analyze the Virginia-Clemson college basketball betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Virginia at Clemson: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:40 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Virginia -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Clemson +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Virginia -1.5 (-120) | Clemson +1.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under: 116.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Virginia at Clemson: Three things to know

  1. Virginia has won 4 in a row and 7 of 8, most recently knocking off Notre Dame 80-68 as a 9.5-point home favorite Wednesday. Seven-foot-one senior F Jay Huff sank 4 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 18 points, while senior F Sam Hauser and sophomore G Casey Morsell added 15 points each. Hauser leads the Cavs in scoring (13.8 points per game) and rebounding (7.5 RPG).
  2. Clemson is also on a 4-game win streak, but it hasn’t played since Jan. 5 – a 74-70 overtime home victory vs. NC State. The Tigers’ last two games (at North Carolina and at Syracuse) were postponed due to a positive COVID-19 test within the program. Senior F Aamir Simms leads the Tigers with 12.6 PPG and 5.8 RPG.
  3. Virginia owns a 10-game win streak vs. Clemson dating back to Feb. 7, 2013. The Cavaliers won the lone head-to-head matchup last season 51-44 but failed to cover as 7.5-point home favorites. The Tigers have actually covered two of their last three tilts in the series, but are 3-6-1 ATS in the last 10.

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Virginia at Clemson: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Virginia 68, Clemson 63

Money line (ML)

PASS because it’s better to take the Cavaliers to cover than to pay more than -130 for the Virginia money line.

Against the spread (ATS)

VIRGINIA -1.5 (-120) is the right side in this game. The Cavaliers have covered four of their last five as favorites and the underdog is 3-8-1 ATS in the last 12 Virginia-Clemson meetings.

ATS: Virginia 6-4 | Clemson 6-3-1

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 116.5 (-115) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. While these ACC rivals feature top defenses, this number is just too low. I get it. Clemson ranks fifth in the country, allowing just 57.6 PPG, and Virginia is 13th at 60.3 PPG allowed.

The books have over-reacted partly because of last season’s 51-44 tilt. The Cavs held the Tigers to 14 first-half points in that one, and both teams were dreadful shooting-wise. Clemson was 17-for-52 (32.7%) from the field; Virginia was 17-for-46 (37.0%).

This season, Clemson’s field-goal percentage is 42.7%, and Virginia is at 49.7%. If they shoot like that, 117 total combined points shouldn’t be a problem.

O/U records: Virginia 5-5 | Clemson 5-5

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Johnny’s 2020-21 CBK record / Strongest plays 29-24 / 11-15
CBK record since Jan. 1 / Strongest plays 14-7 / 6-5
2021 overall record (all sports) / Strongest plays 24-12 / 12-7
2020 overall record (all sports) / Strongest plays 178-147-4 / 87-61-1

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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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Sugar Bowl: Clemson vs. Ohio State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Clemson Tigers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Sugar Bowl sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The second-ranked Clemson Tigers (10-1) and No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0) hook up in the Sugar Bowl for a College Football Playoff semifinal Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET in New Orleans. Below, we analyze Clemson-Ohio State college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Rankings courtesy of the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Clemson vs. Ohio State: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:20 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Clemson -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Ohio State +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Clemson -7.5 (-105) | Ohio State +7.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 66.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Clemson vs. Ohio State: Three things to know

  1. Clemson will make its sixth consecutive College Football Playoff (CFP) appearance, only failing to make it in the inaugural season of 2014-15. The Tigers, 6-3 in CFP games, have played for the title four times and won it twice (2015-16 season and 2017-18). This season the Tigers had one slip up, a 47-40, double-overtime loss at Notre Dame Nov. 7, but QB Trevor Lawrence didn’t play due to a positive COVID-19 test. He returned to lead the Tigers to three consecutive wins, including a 34-10 victory against the Irish in the ACC Championship Game Dec. 19. Lawrence threw for 322 passing yards with 2 touchdowns and rushed for 90 yards and a score as the Tigers avenged the November loss. For the season, Lawrence threw for 2,753 yards with 22 TDs and ran for 211 yards with 7 TDs. RB Travis Etienne rushed for 882 yards with 13 TDs, and WR Amari Rodgers finished with 966 receiving yards and 7 TDs.
  2. Ohio State is making its fourth CFP appearance. The Buckeyes won the inaugural event, but are 0-2 since then, losing to Clemson twice in Fiesta Bowl semifinal games (2017 and 2020). This season’s Buckeyes played just 6 games due to COVID-19 issues, which have some questioning if they deserve to even be here. OSU is coming off a 22-10 victory over Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship Game (Dec. 19) as RB Trey Sermon ran for a school-record 331 yards and 2 TDs. Sermon only had 344 rushing yards and 1 TD in the previous five games. QB Justin Fields enters with 1,521 passing yards and 15 TDs while running for 274 yards and 5 scores. His top targets are WR Garrett Wilson (621 receiving yards, 5 TDs) and WR Chris Olave (528 receiving yards, 5 TDs), who returns after missing the Big Ten title game due to COVID-19.
  3. Clemson leads the all-time series vs. Ohio State 4-0 – all being bowl games, including 2 CFP semifinal matchups. In last year’s Fiesta Bowl semifinal, Clemson rallied for a 29-23 victory. Lawrence threw for 259 yards with 2 TDs, ran for 107 yards with a score and steered a 4-play, game-winning drive that started at the Clemson 6-yard line with 2:55 to go. Fields finished with 320 passing yards and a TD but was picked off twice – the second being the nail in the coffin when, from the Clemson 23-yard line, he was intercepted in the end zone with 37 seconds left.

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Clemson vs. Ohio State: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Ohio State 37, Clemson 35

Money line (ML)

OHIO STATE (+240) has all the motivation fodder a coach could ask for. Last year’s loss after leading 16-0 and 23-21; the 31-0 semifinal drubbing by Clemson four years ago; Tigers coach Dabo Swinney ranking the Buckeyes 11th and saying they don’t belong here because they didn’t play enough regular-season games; the 0-4 all-time record vs. the Tigers; and being listed as a 7.5-point underdog.

Against the spread (ATS)

OHIO STATE +7.5 (-115) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. A major reason I could see Clemson winning is the Lawrence factor. All he does is win – he’s 34-1 as a starter. Though his counterpart Fields is 19-1 as a starter. It’s the BUCKEYES’ turn to beat the Tigers.

A final suggestion: BET 1½ TIMES YOUR USUAL WAGER between the 2 plays, money line and spread. You can split ’em any way you like or put it all on one, but I’d definitely sprinkle a little on the +7.5 spread for insurance.

ATS records: Clemson 5-6 | Ohio State 3-3

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the OVER 66.5 (-115). Both teams have explosive offenses. Clemson averages 44.9 points per game, ranking 4th in the country. Ohio State scores at a 42.5 PPG clip to rank 8th.

O/U records: Clemson 6-5 | Ohio State 3-2-1

For fun: Bet a friend how many times the network shows Ohio State legendary coach Woody Hayes punching Clemson’s Charlie Bauman in the 1978 Gator Bowl. I’d take the OVER 2.5 times.

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

Johnny’s 2020 CFB record / Strongest plays 17-16 / 9-6
2020 overall record (all sports) 177-146-4
Strongest plays (all sports) 87-60-1

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Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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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ACC Championship Game: Clemson vs. Notre Dame odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s ACC Championship Game between the Clemson Tigers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The No. 3 Clemson Tigers (9-1 overall, 8-2 ACC) meet the No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-0, 9-0) in the ACC Championship Game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., for a 4 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we analyze the Clemson-Notre Dame college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Tigers are ranked No. 3 and the Fighting Irish No. 2 in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Clemson vs. Notre Dame: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9:13 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Clemson -375 (bet $375 to win $100) | Notre Dame +300 (bet $100 to win $300)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Clemson -10.5 (-105) | Notre Dame +10.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 59.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Clemson vs. Notre Dame: Three things to know

  1. Clemson has won back-to-back games by 35 points each, after losing at Notre Dame 47-40 in double overtime Nov. 7. The Tigers also covered in their last two games after failing to cover in the previous three. Two of those ATS losses came with QB Trevor Lawrence out after testing positive for COVID-19. Freshman QB D.J. Uiagalelei, a five-star recruit, started in Lawrence’s place.
  2. Aside from Clemson and Louisville, Notre Dame has beaten each of its opponents by double-digits, including a 45-21 home win vs. Syracuse in its most recent outing Dec. 5. It went down as an ATS loss for the Fighting Irish, who were 34.5-point favorites, and snapped a three-game ATS win streak.
  3. The Fighting Irish handed the Tigers their only loss of the season, 47-40 in double overtime Nov. 7, but, again, Lawrence missed the game after testing positive for COVID-19.

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Clemson vs. Notre Dame: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Clemson 31, Notre Dame 27

Money line (ML)

PASS with a slight lean to Notre Dame (+300) since I generally like to sprinkle some cash on a big dog, which I plan on backing with a spread wager.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney deserves all the praise and money he earns, but Notre Dame has more active NFL players than the Tigers. There’s too much value on a Fighting Irish team that’s been an NFL factory since head coach Brian Kelly took over the program.

I am expecting this one to come down to the wire again, with Clemson prevailing this time, possibly setting up a third showdown in the College Football Playoff.

Against the spread (ATS)

There’s not a lot separating these teams, hence the No. 2 and No. 3 rankings, but the market seems to think otherwise. Clemson has been bet up from a 7.5-point favorite on the opening line to the current price. So, we have the fade the market angle in this spot.

The one differentiator I’ll point to that makes Notre Dame +10.5 (-115) the play here is an edge it has in sustaining drives. Notre Dame is way better on third downs both offensively and defensively, and is 10th in net time of possession. Also, the Fighting Irish have a better offensive first-down rate and lesser offensive busted drive rate by a wide margin, according to Football Outsiders.

The read: Notre Dame is more buttoned-up on offenseBET NOTRE DAME +10.5 (-115) for 1.5 units.

Over/Under (O/U)

It’s UNDER 59.5 (-110) or nothing for me on the total. More than 91% of the action is on the Over, according to Pregame.com, which makes sense as both offenses are high-scoring and efficient.

I am more fading the market and buying stock in talented defenses rather than handicapping the total. If I bet this total, it’s a small play only.

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

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Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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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Clemson at Virginia Tech odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Clemson Tigers at Virginia Tech Hokies sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Clemson Tigers (5-0) visit the Virginia Tech Hokies (4-1) Tuesday in an ACC opener for both teams. Tip-off is slated for 6:30 p.m. ET at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg. Below, we analyze the Clemson-Virginia Tech college basketball betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The undefeated Tigers are the first team listed in “Others Receiving Votes” in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll. The Hokies fell out of the Top 25 after suffering their first loss last week.

Clemson at Virginia Tech: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:09 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Clemson +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Virginia Tech -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Clemson +2.5 (-115) | Virginia Tech -2.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under: 127.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Clemson at Virginia Tech: Three things to know

  1. Four of Clemson’s five wins are against Power-5 teams, victories over Mississippi State, Purdue, Maryland and most recently Alabama – 64-56 Saturday on a neutral floor in Atlanta. Clemson closed with a 10-1 run in the final 6:10 to pull away. Senior F Jonathan Baehre scored 6 points of his 8 points during the run, and sophomore G Al-Amir Dawes finished with a game-high 10 points as 10 of the 11 Tigers who saw action scored. Senior F Aamir Simms leads the Tigers’ balanced attack with 11.6 points per game.
  2.  Virginia Tech is coming off its first loss, falling at home to Penn State 75-55 last Tuesday. After hitting an opening 3, Va. Tech was outscored 19-3 over the next 6:55, trailed 42-23 at the break and never threatened in the second half. Sophomore Gs Jalen Cone (off the bench) and Nahiem Alleyne led the Hokies with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Through five games, junior F Keve Aluma is the Hokies’ top scorer (15.8 PPG) and rebounder (7.8 RPG). The Hokies’ early resume features an 81-73 upset of then-No. 3 Villanova in overtime at a neutral site Nov. 28.
  3. Virginia Tech won the last two in the head-to-head series, taking both games last season – 70-58 at home and 67-60 at Clemson. The Hokies are 6-1 in their last seven games vs. the Tigers.

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Clemson at Virginia Tech: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Clemson 64, Virginia Tech 62

Money line (ML)

CLEMSON (+115) is tempting, but I’ll take the 2.5 points of insurance with the spread below.

Against the spread (ATS)

CLEMSON +2.5 (-115) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1.5 times your usual wager. The Tigers, who have played a tougher schedule than the Hokies, won’t have to deal with a raucous Cassell Coliseum crowd as the general public is not allowed to attend games. The Hokies shot 37% (21-for-60 vs. Penn State) and 35% (20-for-54 vs. VMI) from the field in their last two games, and the Tigers, who are 5-0 ATS, will be one of the stingiest defenses they might face all season. The Hokies are 2-3 ATS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U of 127.5 seems low, but the Tigers are holding opponents to 59.7 PPG. They held the Crimson Tide to just one free throw in the final 6:10 in their last game. Clemson is 1-4 vs. the O/U, while Virginia Tech owns a 3-2 O/U record and averages 69.0 PPG.

Worried about late fouls, I’ll play UNDER 127.5 (-115) for HALF A UNIT, counting on the Tigers defense to continue to shut down opponents.

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

Johnny’s 2020 CBK record / Strongest plays 6-3 / 2-2
2019-20 CBK record / Strongest plays 5-3 / 5-0
2020 overall record (all sports) 164-126-3
Strongest plays (all sports) 80-50-1

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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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Clemson at Virginia Tech odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Clemson Tigers at Virginia Tech Hokies sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Clemson Tigers (8-1, 7-1 ACC) visit the Virginia Tech Hokies (4-5, 4-4) Saturday for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we analyze the Clemson-Virginia Tech college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Tigers are No. 3 in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Clemson at Virginia Tech: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:43 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Clemson -1200 (bet $1,200 to win $100) | Virginia Tech +750 (bet $100 to win $750)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Clemson -22 (-110) | Virginia Tech +22 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 66.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Clemson at Virginia Tech: Three things to know

  1. Clemson is coming off a 52-17 victory over Pittsburgh last week, the Tigers’ first cover in the past four outings. The Tigers are 2-1 SU on the road this season, but they covered just once in those outings. The Tigers are also on a 5-0 Over run.
  2. The Tigers offense has been a buzzsaw, posting 512.2 total yards per game to rank ninth in the country, 362.8 passing YPG to rank third and 46.1 points per game, good for fifth in the country. Defensively, they have yielded just 298.6 YPG to check in eighth, and they’re allowing just 19.2 PPG, good for 19th.
  3. Virginia Tech has dropped each of its past two home games, falling to Liberty and Miami-Florida, and it’s 0-3 SU/ATS across the past three overall. The Hokies were dusted at Pittsburgh by a 47-14 count. They are 3-1 Over in their past four.

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Clemson at Virginia Tech: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Clemson 45, Virginia Tech 17

Money line (ML)

Clemson (-1200) is a heavy favorite, and for good reason. The Tigers are sound on both sides of the football. However, you cannot risk 12 times your potential return. It’s just not a very wise long-term strategy. PASS.

Against the spread (ATS)

CLEMSON -22 (-110) has covered four of the past five in this series. The Tigers are playing good football heading into this one, while the Hokies are on a major slide. The Tigers are also 11-3 ATS in the past 14 as a road favorite, while cashing in 20 of the past 28 ACC games. The Hokies are just 2-5 ATS in the past seven league games, and 2-5 ATS in the past seven against teams with a winning overall mark.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 66.5 (-110) is the play here, as Clemson can be trusted to put up a healthy amount of points, but the same cannot be said about Virginia Tech against Clemson’s stingy defense. The Hokies were blown out 47-14 in Pittsburgh last week, and you can expect a similar lopsided result here.

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

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Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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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Pittsburgh at Clemson odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Pittsburgh Panthers at Clemson Tigers sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Panthers (5-4 overall, 4-4 ACC) visit the Clemson Tigers (7-1, 6-1) Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we analyze the Pittsburgh-Clemson college football betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Tigers are No. 4 in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Pittsburgh at Clemson: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 12:45 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Pittsburgh +850 (bet $100 to win $850) | Clemson -1667 (bet $1,667 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Pittsburgh +24 (-115) | Clemson -24 (-106)
  • Over/Under: 55.5 (O: -106 | U: -115)

Pittsburgh at Clemson: Three things to know

  1. Pitt is coming off two impressive wins, 41-17 at Florida State Nov. 7 and 47-14 vs. Virginia Tech last week. QB Kenny Pickett returned from a two-week absence due to an ankle injury, throwing for 210 yards at FSU and for 404 yards vs. Tech. For the season, Pickett has completed 63.3% of his passes for 2,003 yards with 10 touchdowns against 4 interceptions, while running for 140 yards and 7 scores.
  2. Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence will take the field for the first time since Oct. 24. After missing two games for a positive COVID-19 test, Lawrence was all set to play at Florida State last Saturday, but the game was postponed when a Clemson reserve offensive lineman tested COVID-19 positive a day before kickoff. Freshman D.J. Uiagalelei played adequately in Lawrence’s place, throwing for 781 yards and 4 TDs in the two games, but Clemson lost the second game, 47-40 at Notre Dame in double overtime Nov. 7.
  3. Clemson and Pittsburgh last played two years ago with the Tigers cruising to a 42-10 win in the ACC Championship Game. RB Travis Etienne, a sophomore then, ran for 156 yards and 2 TDs on 12 carries, while Lawrence, then a freshman, threw for just 118 yards but with 2 TDs. The Panthers lead the all-time series 2-1, including a 43-42 upset in 2016 when the Tigers were ranked No. 3.

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Pittsburgh at Clemson: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Clemson 63, Pittsburgh 24

Money line (ML)

Clemson (-1667) is going to boat race Pitt for reasons mentioned in the next section, but the money line price is way too high. I’ll PASS and focus on the spread and Over.

Against the spread (ATS)

CLEMSON -24 (-106) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1.5 times your usual wager. The Tigers are angry. They’re upset about having last week’s game postponed after they had already traveled to Florida State. Head coach Dabo Swinney went as far to say FSU used COVID as “an excuse to cancel the game.”

Meanwhile, the Tigers will have had three weeks to stew about the Notre Dame loss when they face the Panthers Saturday. That defeat knocked them out of the No. 1 ranking to No. 4. Look for Clemson to take out its frustrations on Pitt.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 55.5 (-106) is the play. I expect Clemson to hit the Over on its own. The Tigers are pissed and have been itching to get back on the field. Swinney knows the importance of “style points,” which spells doom for Pitt but bliss for Over bettors.

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Johnny’s 2020 CFB record / Strongest plays 13-14 / 7-5
2020 overall record (all sports) 146-111-3
Strongest plays (all sports) 72-42-1

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.


Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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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