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Boca Raton Bowl: Western Kentucky vs. James Madison odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Western Kentucky vs. James Madison odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-5) and James Madison Dukes (8-4) meet Wednesday in the Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Western Kentucky vs. James Madison odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Hilltoppers qualified for the Conference USA Championship Game, but they were no match for the champion Jacksonville State Gamecocks. Western Kentucky was trampled on the road 52-12 as a 4-point underdog as the Over (59.5) connected.

The ‘Toppers ended up just 1-3 straight up (SU) in the final 4 games, while going just 1-5 against the spread (ATS) in the past 6 outings. The offense took a bit of a step back, while the defense was not as good in the second half, and that’s a concern.

Backup QB TJ Finley has hit the portal, but starter QB Caden Veltkamp will finish up. He actually has also entered the portal, but he plans to play. Veltkamp had 23 TDs and 10 INTs for WKU this season, while also running for 7 scores.

On the defensive side of the ball, LB Darius Thomas is a big defection in the portal. He had 37 total stops, a forced fumble, fumble recovery and 4 sacks, leading the team. The Hilltoppers had a total of 26 players enter the portal. This is a rush defense which allowed 221.9 yards per game.

For James Madison, QB Alonza Barnett III is out, but he is dealing with a leg injury, not a portal issue. QB Billy Atkins, a four-year backup, will get the start.

In addition, RB George Pettaway will get a crack at that awful WKU rush defense, and he rolled for a team-high 881 rush yards, 5 TDs and 197 receiving yards with 2 scores.

Rankings – US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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Western Kentucky vs. James Madison odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Tuesday at 6:58 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Western Kentucky +225 (bet $100 to win $225) | James Madison -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Against the spread: Western Kentucky +7 (-105) | James Madison -7 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 51.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Western Kentucky vs. James Madison picks and predictions

Prediction

James Madison 36, Western Kentucky 25

Moneyline

James Madison (-275) will cost you nearly 3 times your potential return, and that’s a little too expensive for a standalone wager, especially with a backup quarterback making his first start with just 2 pass attempts under his belt.

Of course, JMU should be able to pile up the rushing yards against a depleted Western Kentucky (+225) side.

Still, AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

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Against the spread

BACK JAMES MADISON -7 (-115), especially if you can get this at a flat 7. Some books are up to 7 and a hook.

The Dukes should be able to pound the ball on the ground against a Hilltoppers rush defense which was among the worst in the nation. And, JMU might prefer that method given it won’t have the dual threat Barnett due to injury.

Add in the fact Western Kentucky +7 (-105) has 26 transfer portal players, including its sack leader, and the Dukes look mighty attractive laying the points in Boca.

While Veltkamp is expected to play despite hitting the portal, there is no guarantee he goes all the way. We saw this last year with WKU WR Malachi Corley. He surprisingly elected to play in the bowl, despite being a prospect for the NFL Draft. He made only a cameo for the Hilltoppers before opting out during the game, so that’s a concern.

Over/Under

OVER 51.5 (-105) is a strong play in this Boca Bowl.

While the Dukes have to break in a new quarterback, the rush attack should do some serious damage against a Swiss cheese defense for the Hilltoppers.

With Western Kentucky’s poor defense, and it’s quick-strike offense, the Over would normally be a slam-dunk play in its games. With 26 players in the portal, and the defense at an all-time low, the Over looks to be the strongest play here.

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LA Bowl: Cal vs. UNLV odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Cal vs. UNLV odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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Wednesday’s LA Bowl in Inglewood, Calif., features the Cal Golden Bears (6-6) and UNLV Rebels (10-3). The opening kickoff at SoFi Stadium will be at 9 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Cal vs. UNLV odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Cal clocked a midseason, 4-game losing streak (Sept. 21-Oct. 19), but the Golden Bears have rallied to go 3-2 since. They last played Nov. 30, losing at SMU 38-6. The Bears, who were 12½-point underdogs in that one, enter this bowl game on a 3-game losing streak against the spread (ATS).

UNLV, which is No. 24 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, is looking to win an 11th game for just the second time in its history and the first since 1984. The Rebels were the Mountain West Conference regular-season runner-up, and the squad last played Dec. 6 when, as a 4-point underdog, it was felled by Boise State in the MWC title game, 21-7. The Rebels are 2-4 ATS in their last half-dozen games.

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Cal vs. UNLV odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Tuesday at 8:58 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Cal -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | UNLV -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Against the spread: Cal -1 (-105) | UNLV +1 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 47.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Cal vs. UNLV picks and predictions

Prediction

UNLV 31, Cal 24

Moneyline

UNLV coach Barry Odom has moved on (taking the Purdue job), but for the most part Cal is the more affected roster when it comes to transfer-portal lineup changes. That includes Bears starting QB Fernando Mendoza entering the portal. Cal, which may also be without backup QB Chandler Rogers after he was injured in the regular-season finale, may well flip the script and be forced into being a run-first team. That’s not something the Bears have much experience with. Because UNLV is excellent in keeping offenses off schedule, the potential is there for a very slow start for Cal.

The Rebels also rank highly in causing havoc plays. So, that matchup is a big green checkmark in the UNLV column.

Nevada-Las Vegas has run for 200-plus yards in each of its last 5 games. The Rebels racked up over 5 yards per carry in 4 of those contests. They are a solid outright play in this one.

TAKE UNLV (-110).

Against the spread

No interest; PASS.

Over/Under

Expecting some turnover-fueled, short-field chances in this one. Mix in Cal usually playing at a brisk pace on offense and a good weather report, and the OVER 47.5 (-115) is the lean for this one.

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Frisco Bowl: Memphis vs. West Virginia, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Memphis vs. West Virginia odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 25 Memphis Tigers (10-2) and West Virginia Mountaineers (6-6) meet Tuesday in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl. Kickoff from Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Memphis vs. West Virginia odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Memphis ended its season on a high note, winning the final 3 games to finish fourth in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The Tigers capped off their streak with a 34-24 upset over Tulane on Nov. 28, handing the Green Wave their first conference loss. They were 12.5-point road underdogs and the Over 54 hit.

QB Seth Henigan threw 2 TD passes in that win to become the AAC’s all-time leading passer with 13,972 career yards. RB Mario Anderson added 177 yards and a TD to finish second in the conference in rushing with 1,292 yards.

This is the 10th consecutive bowl game for Memphis. The Tegers beat the Iowa State Cyclones 36-26 in the 2023 AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

West Virginia closed out a bumpy regular season, losing 2 of its last 3 games and finished eighth in the Big 12. Defensive issues were glaring, as the Mountaineers allowed an average of 40.8 points per game (PPG) over their final 3 contests.

Their season ended with a 52-15 blowout loss to the Texas Tech Red Raiders, failing to cover as 2.5-point road underdogs as the Over 62 hit. RB Jahiem White had 124 rushing yards and a TD, but West Virginia’s offense was plagued by 3 costly turnovers, including 2 INTs by QB Garrett Greene.

The Mountaineers have been to bowl games in 3 of the last 4 seasons. They beat the North Carolina Tar Heels 30-10 in the 2023 Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Memphis at West Virginia odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 6:20 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Memphis -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | West Virginia +170 (bet $100 to win $170)
Against the spread: Memphis -4.5 (-115) | West Virginia +4.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 58.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Memphis at West Virginia picks and predictions

Prediction

Memphis 38, West Virginia 23

Moneyline

Memphis (-210) will win its 4th consecutive bowl game on Tuesday evening. West Virginia has just too much turnover to have a chance at winning this game. I’ll take my bet to the spread.

PASS.

Against the spread

BET MEMPHIS -4.5 (-115).

This game is a send-off for a special group at Memphis under coach Ryan Silverfield, led by record-breaking, 4-year starter Henigan. With NFL-caliber talent like Anderson Jr. and WR Roc Taylor, the Tigers’ offense is poised to shine.

While the defense has had its issues, they’ve been opportunistic, forcing 24 turnovers this season. Against a struggling West Virginia team, Memphis shouldn’t encounter much resistance. Mountaineers’ Greene has been inconsistent with 13 TDs and 11 INTs.

Silverfield boasts a 3-1 bowl record, including last year’s win over Iowa State. West Virginia, now rebuilding under Rich Rodriguez, has seen multiple players opt out for the transfer portal. A victory would mean Memphis ends the season inside the Top 25 rankings for the first time since 2019.

Over/Under

BET OVER 58.5 (-115).

The Tigers and Mountaineers both tend to light up the scoreboard, finishing Over the posted total in 5 of their last 6 games. Neither team is known for its defensive prowess, setting the stage for a high-scoring affair.

Henigan will aim to end his college career in style, leading a Memphis offense that averaged 34.7 PPG, 14th best in the nation. Memphis games surpassed 58.5 total points 5 times this season.

West Virginia also has a penchant for shootouts, with 6 games exceeding 58.5 total points. The Mountaineers averaged 26.6 PPG while allowing 32.6, creating an environment ripe for offensive fireworks.

The Over/Under of 58.5 points is slightly above the season averages for both teams. With both offenses capable of putting up points, expect an up-and-down matchup with plenty of scoring.

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Salute to Veterans Bowl: South Alabama vs. Western Michigan odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s South Alabama vs. Western Michigan odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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It is officially college bowl season! On Saturday, we have the Salute to Veterans Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, between the South Alabama Jaguars (6-6, 5-3 Sun Belt) facing the Western Michigan Broncos (6-6, 5-3 MAC). Kickoff from Cramton Bowl is at 9 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the South Alabama vs. Wastern Michigan odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

South Alabama won 4 of its last 6 games but ended the season with a 45-38 home loss to the Texas State Bobcats, failing to cover the 2.5-point spread as underdogs. The Over (61) cashed in.

Western Michigan reached bowl eligibility in the final week of the season. Snapping a 3-game losing streak, the Broncos beat the Eastern Michigan Eagles 26-18 at home, covering the 6.5-point spread as favorites. The Under (55.5) cashed in.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

South Alabama vs. Western Michigan odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Friday at 4:07 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): South Alabama -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | Western Michigan +270 (bet $100 to win $270)
Against the spread (ATS): South Alabama -8.5 (-110) | Western Michigan +8.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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South Alabama vs. Western Michigan picks and predictions

Prediction

South Alabama 31, Western Michigan 21

Moneyline

Western Michigan averaged only 20.3 points per game (PPG) over its final 4 contests and didn’t score more than 28.

South Alabama scored 30 or more in 4 of its final 5 games. The Jaguars averaged 34.8 PPG. The Broncos gave up 31.4 while the Jaguars allowed 25.3 PPG this season.

Expect the Jaguars to be able to keep scoring and win, but -350 odds aren’t worth your time.

PASS.

Against the spread

Neither team was reliable as a spread beater. Both were 5-7 ATS this season.

Five of the Jags’ 6 wins were by more than a TD while 4 of Western Michigan’s losses were by more than a TD.

BET SOUTH ALABAMA -8.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The Under has hit in the Broncos’ last 3 games.

Two of the final 3 games for South Alabama had the Under cash in. Three of its final 4 wins did not reach 58 points.

Western Michigan’s final 2 losses and 3 of their last 4 losses did not reach 58 total points.

BET UNDER 57.5 (-110).

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Cricket Celebration Bowl: Jackson State vs. South Carolina State, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’Jackson State vs. South Carolina State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Jackson State Tigers (11-2) and South Carolina State Bulldogs (9-2) meet Saturday in the Cricket Celebration Bowl. Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is scheduled for noon ET (ABC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Jackson State vs. South Carolina State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Jackson State wrapped up the season with a 9-game win streak, highlighted by a 41-13 victory over the Southern Jaguars in the SWAC Championship. Their offense shined, averaging 37.1 points per game (PPG)—well ahead of the SWAC competition. RB Irv Mulligan led the conference in rushing yards (1,174), yards per game (106.7), yards per carry (6.5), and TDs (11). The defense was equally strong, allowing just 17.9 points per game.

The Tigers return to the Celebration Bowl for the first time since their 41-34 overtime loss to the North Carolina Central Eagles in 2022.

South Carolina State closed the season on an impressive 8-game win streak, finishing as the only undefeated team in the MEAC. The Bulldogs tied for first in scoring offense at 35.5 PPG and ranked second in points allowed at 20.9. QB Eric Phoenix led the conference with 2,469 passing yards (587 more than the next closest), 20 TDs and just 7 interceptions.

The Bulldogs return to the Celebration Bowl for the first time since their 31-10 win over Jackson State in 2021.

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Jackson State at South Carolina State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Friday at 9:25 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Jackson State +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | South Carolina State -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
Against the spread: Jackson State +2.5 (-110) | South Carolina State -2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 53.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Jackson State at South Carolina State picks and predictions

Prediction

South Carolina State 31, Jackson State 28

Moneyline

South Carolina State (-130) will win its second Celebration Bowl on Saturday afternoon, but I’d rather take the slightly better odds on the spread than this moneyline.

PASS.

Against the spread

BET SOUTH CAROLINA STATE -2.5 (-110).

South Carolina State beat Jackson State 31-10 in the 2021 Celebration Bowl and the MEAC holds a 6-2 all-time record against the SWAC in this bowl. The Bulldogs are currently on an 8-game win streak and finished 7-0 against the spread.

Jackson State is still seeking its first Celebration Bowl win and first HBCU national title since 1996. Starting QB Jacobian Morgan was injured in the SWAC Championship game, but is expected to play. He was replaced by Zy McDonald, who helped JSU score 24 consecutive points.

South Carolina State also has a huge rest advantage, having not played since Nov. 23, while Jackson State just played on Dec. 7.

Over/Under

BET OVER 53.5 (-110)

The first bowl game of the season is set to be a high-scoring spectacle, with both FCS teams averaging 35 points or more per game.

The Tigers have been particularly explosive, scoring at least 41 points in 4 of their last 5 games and 30 points or more in 10 of 12. They lead the country in red-zone efficiency (89.0%) and rush offense (216.5 yards per game). The total has gone over in 9 of Jackson State’s last 12 games.

The Bulldogs are no slouches either, scoring 53 or more points in back-to-back games and 30 points or more in 6 of their last 8.

Despite solid defenses, both will be overmatched in what’s likely to be a shootout.

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Navy vs. Army odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Navy vs. Army odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Navy Midshipmen (8-3) and Army Black Knights (11-1) meet on the gridiron for the 125th time when they clash Saturday in Landover, Md. The opening kickoff at Northwest Stadium will be at 3 p.m. ET (CBS). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Navy vs. Army odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Navy, which has lost back-to-back games in this series, has had some offensive struggles over the back half of the season, but the Midshipmen head into this game off a 34-20 win over the East Carolina Pirates on Nov. 29, an against-the-spread (ATS) victory as +3 underdogs. Navy was a minus-2 in turnovers when it outgained Army 309 yards to 259 in a 17-11 loss in last year’s game.

Army, which is No. 18 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, suffered its only loss in a Nov. 23 contest vs. the No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Since then, the Black Knights have 2 wins, the last of those a 35-14 win as a 5-point underdog vs. the Tulane Green Wave in the Dec. 6 American Athletic Conference title game. QB Bryson Daily ran in 4 scores in that game and has 29 rushing TDs this season.

Navy leads the all-time series with Army 62-55-7, including a 1-0 record in the only game previously played in Northwest Stadium (2011). Since breaking a 13-game losing streak to Navy in 2015, Army has won 6 of the last 8 meetings.

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Navy vs. Army odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 1:46 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Navy +205 (bet $100 to win $205) | Army -255 (bet $255 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Navy +6.5 (-105) | Army -6.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 39.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Navy vs. Army picks and predictions

Prediction

Army 28, Navy 24

Moneyline

No interest: PASS.

Against the spread

Against the number, Army is 2-4 over its last 6 games.

Advanced analytics would point to the Black Knights’ 15.0 points per game as not being fully supportable. Some balance in success rate and explosiveness is in the Navy arsenal, and the value money is on the Midshipmen keeping this contest within 1 score.

Eight of the last 10 Army-Navy games have been 1-score triumphs. Consider a partial-unit play on NAVY +6.5 (-105).

Over/Under

The strongest play in this matchup involves betting the total. Both offenses excel in the red zone, cranking out 6s and not often settling for field goals. Both offenses do register slow pace numbers, but look for some strategic hurry-up at times and for the defenses to spend plenty of time in their own ends.

On a good-weather day in the Washington, D.C. area, expect more point spiral here than what this series has historically cranked out. TAKE THE OVER 39.5 (-110).

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Sun Belt Championship Game: Marshall at Louisiana odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Marshall at Louisiana odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Marshall Thundering Herd (9-3, 7-1 Sun Belt) and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (10-2, 7-1) meet Saturday for the Sun Belt Conference Championship Game. Kickoff from Cajun Field in Lafayette, Louisiana, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Marshall vs. Louisiana odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Marshall is making its first appearance in the Sun Belt title game after just moving to the conference in 2022. Louisiana has been selected 5 times, going 1-2 in the previous 3 games played. It was to play in 2020 against Coastal Carolina, but that game was wiped out due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Louisiana’s lone title game victory came in 2021 against Appalachian State in a home game, winning as a 2.5-point underdog with the Under (52.5) hitting. Ironically, the Ragin’ Cajuns would go on to face the Thundering Herd in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 18, 2021, winning 36-21 as a 4-point favorite while the Over (54.5) cashed.

These teams have met just once in the regular season, with Louisiana going to Huntington and winning 23-13 as a 10-point underdog in October 2022 as the Under (45.5) hit. This will be their first meeting in Lafayette.

Marshall capped off the season with 6 straight wins and 4 consecutive covers. It was an impressive 10-1-1 against the spread (ATS) this season, while splitting the Over-Under 6-6.

Louisiana suffered a 24-22 loss to South Alabama at home on Nov. 16, its only blemish since a 41-33 home setback vs. Tulane Sept. 21. The Cajuns were 5-1 ATS in the final 6 games, and the Over cashed in 3 of the final 4 outings.

Rankings – US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Marshall at Louisiana odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 9:53 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Marshall +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Louisiana -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Against the spread: Marshall +5.5 (-105) | Louisiana -5.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 58.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Marshall at Louisiana picks and predictions

Prediction

Louisiana 36, Marshall 31

Moneyline

Louisiana (-225) is on the expensive side, costing more than 2 times the potential return. That’s quite a bit of risk for a standalone wager, even if the game is being played on its home turf.

If you were to toss this into a multi-leg parlay, it can be excused, but it is too expensive betting the Cajuns straight up.

PASS.

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Against the spread

BACK MARSHALL +5.5 (-105) lightly as this should be a very good and close game.

Marshall is 10-1-1 ATS this season, so it’s hard to go against that. The Thundering Herd went 5-0-1 ATS on the road this season, too, with covers at No. 8 Ohio State and Virginia Tech. It’s only non-cover came against Louisiana-Monroe at home Nov. 2.

Louisiana should still be able to get the job done at home. The Ragin’ Cajuns went 4-2 straight up at home this season but were just 2-4 ATS in those contests.

Over/Under

OVER 58.5 (-110) is a strong play in this Sun Belt title game as both of these teams can move the ball.

Louisiana QB Ben Wooldridge accounted for 22 total touchdowns — 17 passing, 5 rushing. The Ragin’ Cajuns were good for 446.3 total yards per game, and 35.6 PPG. Defensively, it is just so-so, especially against the run.

Marshall QB Braylon Braxton is similar to Wooldridge, throwing for 17 TDs and running in for 4. The Herd rolled up 200.4 rushing yards per game, and they’ll look to take advantage of the Cajuns mediocre run defense. Defensively, though, Marshall allowed 388.0 total yards and 189.3 rushing yards per game.

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Big Ten Championship Game: Penn State vs. Oregon odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Penn State vs. Oregon odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten) and No. 1 Oregon Ducks (12-0, 9-0) meet Saturday in the Big Ten Conference Championship Game. Kickoff from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (CBS). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Penn State vs. Oregon odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Oregon took the Big Ten by storm in its first season in the league, running the table as the only unbeaten team in FBS — though it didn’t have to play Penn State or No. 10 Indiana (11-1, 8-1). It had its close shaves, including a 37-34 win over MWC champ Boise State back on Sept. 7. It also narrowly escaped 32-31 against then-No. 2, now-No. 8 Ohio State Oct. 12, while finding a way at Wisconsin in a 16-13 victory Nov. 16.

Penn State has appeared in the Big Ten Championship Game once before when it edged Wisconsin 38-31 in 2016 behind QB Trace McSorley. Big Ten and college football fans are just hoping for a good game, as the past 6 title games have been decided by 12 or more points, including an average margin of victory of 28.7 points per game (PPG) in the previous 3.

While Oregon is 12-0, it is just 1-2 against the spread (ATS) in the past 3 games and 5-6 ATS as a favorite this season. Excluding being 3.5-point home underdogs vs. Ohio State, not only were the Ducks favored in every game, they were favored by double digits. So, this game — and line — is something new to Oregon backers. Also, the Under is 3-1 in their past 4 road games.

Penn State enters on a 4-game win streak, beating Washington, Purdue, Minnesota and Maryland. The Nittany Lions went 3-1 ATS in the stretch. Their lone loss — a 20-13 defeat — came at home to then-No. 4 Ohio State Nov. 2. The Over finished 3-0 in their final 3 games and the offense scored 35 or more points in 3 of the final 4 outings.

These two did not meet in the regular season.

Rankings – US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Penn State vs. Oregon odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 7:58 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Penn State +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Oregon -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
Against the spread: Penn State +3.5 (-115) | Oregon -3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Penn State vs. Oregon picks and predictions

Prediction

Oregon 29, Penn State 19

Moneyline

Oregon (-185) will cost nearly 2 times the potential return. That’s quite a bit of risk for a singular bet. If you were to back the Ducks in a multi-leg parlay, it is more than fine to include them in either an all-football parlay or cross-sport ticket.

PASS.

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Against the spread

PLAY OREGON -3.5 (-105) laying the points in its first foray into the Big Ten title game.

The Ducks have an electric offense, while the Nittany Lions have a suffocating defense. It will be interesting to see if Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel can pick Penn State’s D apart. He has had a special season, and he certainly has the experience.

The Ducks have a lockdown defense, too, and they’ll throw things at Nittany Lions QB Drew Allar just like the Buckeyes did in Happy Valley earlier in the season. He has had success against the dregs of the league, but struggled against the top- and even mid-tier teams.

Over/Under

UNDER 50.5 (-110) is the lean in this battle for the Big Ten crown.

Both teams sport top-10 defensive units. Penn State has allowed 20 or fewer points in 5 of the past 6 games. Oregon has also allowed 21 or fewer points in its past 6 contests, including just 9 points in a battle with No. 21 Illinois in Eugene Oct. 26.

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MAC Championship Game: Ohio vs. Miami (Ohio) odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Ohio vs. Miami odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Ohio Bobcats (9-3, 7-1 MAC) and Miami RedHawks (8-4, 7-1) meet Saturday in the MAC Championship Game. Kickoff from Ford Field in Detroit is scheduled for noon ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Ohio vs. Miami odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Ohio is making its sixth appearance in the conference title game, while Miami will play in its seventh.

Ohio has always been the bridesmaid, but never the bride, losing all 5 of its appearances — the first in 2006, the last in 2022. While the Bobcats suffered a 31-10 setback to Central Michigan in ’06, they haven’t lost by more than 10 points in any of their title game trips.

Miami is 4-2 in MAC Championship Games, including last season’s 23-14 upset of Toledo as a 6.5-point underdog with the Under (43.5) cashing. The RedHawks are on a 3-0 straight-up and against the spread (ATS) run in the title game at Ford Field.

The Bobcats steam in with 5 consecutive wins and covers, with the Under going 3-1 in the past 4 outings. Ohio’s offense has amassed 35 or more points in 4 of those 5 games, while the defense has limited the opposition to 10 or fewer points in 3 of the past 4, including an impressive 24-7 win at Toledo as 1-point underdogs Nov. 20.

The RedHawks took the regular-season meeting as 3.5-point favorites vs. the Bobcats 30-20 at Yager Stadium in Oxford Oct. 19 as the Over (43.5) cashed. That was 1 of 7 straight wins for Miami since Oct. 12, while going 5-2 ATS during the span. The Under is 2-1-1 in the RedHawks’ past 4 contests.

Rankings – US LBM Coaches Poll: Conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Ohio vs. Miami (Ohio) odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated at 5:55 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Ohio +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Miami -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Against the spread: Ohio +2.5 (-110) | Miami -2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Ohio vs. Miami (Ohio) picks and predictions

Prediction

Miami 23, Ohio 19

Moneyline

If you’re expecting a close game, and you probably should, MIAMI (-135) isn’t a terrible play if you don’t want to mess around laying the points.

Ohio (+110) has been generally competitive in all 5 of its MAC title game appearances. As mentioned, while the Bobcats have lost all 5 of those games, they kept it within 10 points in the past 4 showings, including one-score games twice.

Miami just knows how to get the job done in Detroit, even winning the last 3 MAC Championship Game there as underdogs. It will be interesting to see how the RedHawks respond as favorites in this one.

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Against the spread

PLAY MIAMI -2.5 (-110) unless you’re absolutely sold that Ohio will win outright or the RedHawks will win but not by 3 or more points.

Miami has proven itself in this building, while Ohio is 0-for-5 in the MAC Championship Game. There is something to be said for that.

Over/Under

UNDER 44.5 (-115) is worth a look, but go with a half-unit bet at most.

First off, the Under has cashed in each of the past 2 MAC Championship Games. As mentioned Miami topped 23-14 last year. In 2002, Ohio lost to Toledo 17-7.

The defenses for both of these teams are nasty. Miami has allowed 12 or fewer points in 3 straight outings, and 4 of the past 5 games.

Ohio has a top-notch offense, but the defense has allowed 16 or fewer points in 4 of the previous 5 outings. We should see defense win the day Saturday afternoon.

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SEC Championship Game: Georgia vs. Texas odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Georgia vs. Texas odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs (10-2, 6-2 SEC) take on the No. 2 Texas Longhorns (11-1, 7-1) in the SEC Championship Game at Mercedez-Benz Stadium in Atlanta Saturday. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET (ABC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Georgia vs. Texas odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Bulldogs had their eyes opened and fortitude tested as they needed 8 overtimes to take down Georgia Tech 44-42 Nov. 29. The Dogs failed to cover as 17-point favorites to cap off a 3-9 season against the spread (ATS). Georgia went 6-2 in SEC play, losing at the Ole Miss Rebels 28-12 and at the Alabama Crimson Tide 41-34.

The Longhorns finished up with an impressive 17-7 win over Texas A&M Nov. 30, covering as 4.5-point favorites. Texas went 7-5 ATS during the regular season and 7-1 in the conference. The Longhorns’ only loss was to these Bulldogs, at home, in a 30-15 setback Oct. 19 as 4-point favorites.

Georgia QB Carson Beck threw 3 INTs, but RB Trevor Etienne ran in 3 TDs. Texas didn’t score a point until the second half and were down 23-0 at the break. QB Quinn Ewers was 25-for-43 for 211 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT. He lost 2 fumbles, though.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Georgia vs. Texas odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Friday at 5:10 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Georgia +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Texas -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread: Georgia +3 (-115) | Texas -3 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Georgia vs. Texas picks and predictions

Prediction

Georgia 24, Texas 21

Moneyline

Etienne is listed as questionable with a rib injury, and he has missed 3 straight games. He has been limited in practice this week, but this feels like a situation that he was held out in order to be ready for this one. If the Longhorns lose this game, they can probably still get in the college playoff. However, it’s probably lights out for the Bulldogs if they don’t win.

With this game being in Atlanta, that motivation for the Bulldogs, and the previous win by them, I like Georgia here. Texas has a little bit of a quarterback controversy with Arch Manning mixing in the offense, and Ewers averaged just 195 yards passing the last 3 games.

Take GEORGIA +125.

Against the spread

Since we’re going with the value at the ML, forget the spread. Instead, take QUINN EWERS UNDER 233.5 YARDS PASSING (-115). He has not eclipsed this moderate number in 6 of his last 8 games.

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Over/Under

Texas is 3-6-1 O/U in its last 10, and Georgia is 6-4. These teams have met twice since 2019; both went Under and had fewer than 51 total points scored.

I look for a tightly contested matchup where the run game will be key.

Take the UNDER 50.5 (-115).

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