college-football-picks – Page 8

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams Prediction Game Preview

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the game on Thursday, December 8

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams prediction, game preview, odds, how to watch, Thursday, December 8

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams Prediction Game Preview

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Expert Picks: Bowl Games Dec 16-19
NFL Week 14 Expert Picks |  Bowl Schedule, Predictions
Ranking all 41 Bowls | Quick Analysis on Every Bowl

Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Rams How To Watch

Date: Thursday, December 8
Game Time: 8:15 ET
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
How To Watch: CBS
Record: Las Vegas Raiders (5-7), Los Angeles Rams (3-9)
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Why Las Vegas Raiders Will Win

Call it a hangover effect, call it bad luck, or just call it a hot mess, but the Rams are in a total free fall with no real hope of getting out of it.

The stars are hurt, the offense is a shadow of its Super Bowl self, and the defense is giving it a go but can’t do much of anything meaningful against anyone who can throw.

On the flip side, the Raiders have won three straight with two thrilling overtime victories and a strong performance to get by the Chargers. Basically, they’re the trending-up opposite of the Rams.

Davante Adams has gone off, there’s a terrific balance to the attacks and the defense has ben a rock against the run. The Raiders are now 4-1 when allowing fewer than 100 rushing yards this season and 1-6 when they give up more.

However …

– Week 14 CFN NFL Expert Picks

Why Los Angeles Rams Will Win

The Rams are running well.

They’re losing, but Cam Akers has revived his season, the O is getting a little production on the ground from the quarterback, and overall the attack has hit 116 yards or more in each of the last three games.

The bigger key is the Thursday night aspect. Las Vegas is playing well, but it’s a dinged up team that’s gutting it out in certain spots. It’s nothing like the problems the Rams are having, but the legs are a bit fresher – at least in the backfield.

The run defense has been strong – this is the spot where Josh Jacobs might finally cool down a tad – it’s possible to throw on the Raider secondary, and …

What’s Going To Happen

No, Baker Mayfield isn’t expected to swoop in and save the day quite yet for the Rams.

Again, even with the wins, it’s been a bit of a grind for the Raiders with the two road overtime wins and tough battle after tough battle. This will be the fifth road game in seven dates, and the short week matters here.

The Rams might be sputtering, but they’re keeping games close. The running game and a prideful day from the defense allow them to slip out with a tight, low-scoring win to end the skid.

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams Prediction, Line

Los Angeles 24, Raiders 23
Line: Raiders -6.5, o/u: 42.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams Must See Rating: 3

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Expert Picks
Army vs Navy, and Bowl Games Dec 16-19
NFL Week 14 Expert Picks  Bowl Schedule, Predictions
Ranking all 41 Bowls | 2023 Early Heisman Candidates
Ranking all 86 Heisman Winners

College Football Bowl Games, Playoff Odds, Opening Lines, Early Values

What are the early college football lines and odds for the bowl games and College Football Playoff. Where are the potential values?

What are the early college football lines and odds for the bowl games and College Football Playoff. Where are the potential values?

College Football Bowl Game Odds, Opening Lines

Trying to figure out the lines for the bowl games is next to impossible early on.

Who’s playing? Which stars will opt out, which coaches will be leaving, who’s going to care about playing in the exhibitions? Which players – like probably Caleb Williams – will be out?

On the plus side, if you get it right, you can crush the value before the lines start to change – because they will change over the next several weeks, and wildly.

Just like the regular season, I come up with what I think the lines probably should be, and then go in and look after to see if there might be any massive discrepancies.

The real lines will be added when they’re released.

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College Football Week Bowl Game Odds, Opening Lines

Friday, December 16, 2022

HomeTown Lenders Bahamas Bowl
UAB vs Miami University
Fiu First Guess: UAB -10.5
Actual Line: UAB -11.5

Duluth Trading Cure Bowl
Troy vs UTSA
Fiu First Guess: UTSA -2.5
Actual Line: Troy -2.5

Saturday, December 17, 2022

Wasabi Fenway Bowl
Louisville vs Cincinnati
Fiu First Guess: Louisville -3.5
Actual Line: Cincinnati -1.5

Cricket Celebration Bowl
North Carolina Central vs Jackson State
Fiu First Guess: Jackson State -12
Actual Line: TBA

New Mexico Bowl
SMU vs BYU
Fiu First Guess: BYU -2
Actual Line: SMU -2.5

Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl
Fresno State vs Washington State
Fiu First Guess: Fresno State -2
Actual Line: Washington State -4

LendingTree Bowl
Rice vs Southern Miss
Fiu First Guess: Southern Miss -5.5
Actual Line: Southern Miss -5.5

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl
Florida vs Oregon State
Fiu First Guess: Oregon State -2.5
Actual Line: Oregon State -7.5

Frisco Bowl
Boise State vs North Texas
Fiu First Guess: Boise State -11
Actual Line: Boise State -7.5

Monday, December 19, 2022

Myrtle Beach Bowl
UConn vs Marshall
Fiu First Guess: Marshall -13.5
Actual Line: Marshall -9.5

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Eastern Michigan vs San Jose State
Fiu First Guess: San Jose State -2.5
Actual Line: San Jose State -4.5

RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl
Toledo vs Liberty
Fiu First Guess: Toledo -1.5
Actual Line: Toledo -1.5

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
South Alabama vs WKU
Fiu First Guess: South Alabama -4
Actual Line: South Alabama -2.5

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Air Force vs Baylor
Fiu First Guess: Baylor -4
Actual Line: Baylor -6.5

Friday, December 23, 2022

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl
Houston vs Louisiana
Fiu First Guess: Houston -11
Actual Line: Houston -3.5

Union Home Gasparilla Bowl
Missouri vs Wake Forest
Fiu First Guess: Missouri -2
Actual Line: Wake Forest -1.5

Saturday, December 24, 2022

Easyport Hawaii Bowl
San Diego State vs Middle Tennessee
Fiu First Guess: San Diego State -3.5
Actual Line: San Diego State -1.5

Monday, December 26, 2022

Quick Lane Bowl
Bowling Green vs New Mexico State
Fiu First Guess: Bowling Green -5
Actual Line: New Mexico State -1.5

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Camellia Bowl
Buffalo vs Georgia Southern
Fiu First Guess: Georgia Southern -7.5
Actual Line: Georgia Southern -4.5

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Memphis vs Utah State
Fiu First Guess: Memphis -7.5
Actual Line: Memphis -10.5

Birmingham Bowl
East Carolina vs Coastal Carolina
Fiu First Guess: East Carolina -6.5
Actual Line: East Carolina -7.5

Guaranteed Rate Bowl
Wisconsin vs Oklahoma State
Fiu First Guess: Oklahoma State -5
Actual Line: Wisconsin -2.5

NEXT: More December Bowls, New Year’s Six, College Football Playoff Games

Pages: 123

Steelers vs Falcons Prediction Game Preview

Steelers vs Falcons game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the game on Sunday, December 4

Steelers vs Falcons prediction, game preview, odds, how to watch, Sunday, December 4

Steelers vs Falcons Prediction Game Preview

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Steelers vs Falcons How To Watch

Date: Sunday, December 4
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
How To Watch: CBS
Record: Steelers (4-7), Falcons (5-7)
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Why Steelers Will Win

The Falcons have hit a wall.

They got by Chicago a few weeks ago, and they’re running well, but there’s nothing happening with the passing attack and the run D has gone bye-bye.

Najee Harris is expected to give it a go with his oblique injury, but it not of if he’s struggling, Benny Snell is a good enough hard runner to count on for a game.

The Falcons have allowed 160 rushing yards or more in four of the last five games, but …

– Week 13 CFN NFL Expert Picks

Why Falcons Will Win

The running game is good enough to take over.

The Steeler defensive front hasn’t been bad – it was a rock against the Saints a few weeks ago – but commit to the run and good things will happen.

There can’t be any straying from what has worked. This isn’t a high-powered attack that wings it around 50 times, but with the 1-2 punch of Cordarrelle Patterson and Tyler Allgeier working the ground attack should hit 150 yards without too much of a problem.

Pittsburgh is 1-5 when allowing 111 rushing yards or more.

What’s Going To Happen

Atlanta gets its bye next week and will overload the backs even more than normal.

Pittsburgh is coming off a good Monday night win over Indianapolis, the team is now +6 in turnover margin in the last three games, and …

It’ll be an entertaining game that will go fast – both teams will keep the clock moving. Pittsburgh won’t be able to get by on the road against the Atlanta ground and pound style in a close fight throughout.

Steelers vs Falcons Prediction, Line

Atlanta 20, Pittsburgh 17
Line: Pittsburgh -1.5, o/u: 42.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Steelers vs Falcons Must See Rating: 3
– Bowl Predictions

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– Bowl Projections | Rankings

Broncos at Ravens Prediction Game Preview

Broncos at Ravens game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the game on Sunday, December 4

Broncos at Ravens prediction, game preview, odds, how to watch, Sunday, December 4

Broncos at Ravens Prediction Game Preview

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Broncos vs Ravens How To Watch

Date: Sunday, December 4
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
How To Watch: CBS
Record: Broncos (3-8), Ravens (7-4)
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Why Broncos Will Win

The wheels have come off, Russell Wilson is apparently history’s greatest monster, and the season has crashed into the abyss after a 2-1 start. But there are a few positives.

The defense continues to be solid.

It’s keeping passing games from going off, the D as a whole is third in the league, and Baltimore might just fit into the style.

It’s not like the Ravens can’t spread it around through the air, but they’re at their best on the ground to set the tone and control the game. They’ll have to be ready for a low-scoring slugfest.

The Broncos were able to mix it up and run a little bit on Carolina, Wilson and the passing game haven’t been that awful, but …

– Week 13 CFN NFL Expert Picks

Why Ravens Will Win

Denver just doesn’t know how to score.

It’s miserable in the red zone and horrendous on third downs, and now it has to go against a defense that’s great at getting off the field and solid at forcing takeaways.

There’s no need to take any big chances in this. Be balanced, rely on Lamar Jackson converting on easy third down chances, and real on the defense that’s second in the NFL against the run.

Basically, make Russell Wilson beat you. He might get yards, but that offense doesn’t know how to put the biscuit in the basket.

What’s Going To Happen

Don’t expect a whole lot of offensive fun.

The Denver defense will keep the team in it, but Jackson and the passing game will will be short and steady. After last week’s late collapse against Jacksonville, expert two early Raven scoring drives – that should be enough.

Broncos at Ravens Prediction, Line

Ravens 24, Broncos 16
Line: Baltimore -8.5, o/u: 39.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Broncos at Ravens Must See Rating: 3

– Bowl Predictions

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– Bowl Projections | Rankings

Titans at Eagles Prediction Game Preview

Titans at Eagles game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the game on Sunday, December 4

Titans at Eagles prediction, game preview, odds, how to watch, Sunday, December 4

Titans at Eagles Prediction Game Preview

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Titans vs Eagles How To Watch

Date: Sunday, December 4
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
How To Watch: FOX
Record: Titans (7-4), Eagles (10-1)
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Why Titans Will Win

Even for Philadelphia, coming off a Sunday night game and turning it around for a physical team like Tennessee is a problem.

The Titans couldn’t get the O going in a 20-16 loss to Cincinnati, but the defense held the high-powered Bengal attack in relative check, Now one of the league’s best run defenses gets to handle the Eagle ground attack.

The Titans should be able to keep Jalen Hurts as contained as possible, but holding down everyone else in the backfield is the priority. Hurts is going to do what Hurts is going to do, but hold down the Eagle running backs from coming up with big gashes, and this will be close throughout.

– Week 13 CFN NFL Expert Picks

Why Eagles Will Win

The Titan running game hasn’t been rolling.

Derrick Henry continues to be terrific, but the ground attack hasn’t hit 90 yards in three weeks. The pressure has been on Ryan Tannehill and a passing game that was fine, but now has to deal with an Eagle secondary that’s picking off everything.

Philadelphia has at least one takeaway in every game – the D has forced two or more in five of the last six – it’s second in the NFL in pass defense, and …

What’s Going To Happen

Hurts will be good, Henry will be great, and both teams will give up yards before holding on in the red zone.

How do the Eagles lose? The one defeat came when they turned it over four times. Tennessee’s defense doesn’t have a takeaways in the last two games and doesn’t force enough mistakes.

Philadelphia will get a bit more balance, and it will rally late with a scoring drive in the final five minutes to take the lead, but it’s going to be a fight.

Titans at Eagles Prediction, Line

Eagles 20, Titans 17
Line: Philadelphia -4.5, o/u: 44.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Titans at Eagles Must See Rating: 4

– Bowl Predictions

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– Bowl Projections | Rankings

Packers vs Bears Prediction Game Preview

Packers vs Bears game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the game on Sunday, December 4

Packers vs Bears prediction, game preview, odds, how to watch, Sunday, December 4

Packers vs Bears Prediction Game Preview

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Packers vs Packers How To Watch

Date: Sunday, December 4
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
How To Watch: FOX
Record: Packers (3-9), Packers (4-8)
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Why Packers Will Win

There’s a chance we get a Nathan Peterman sighting.

Aaron Rodgers is expected to go with his array of injures, and Justin Fields is supposed to play through his separated shoulder. However, if Fields gets hurt more and gets knocked out, it’s Peterman’s offense to run with backup Trevor Siemian out for the season.

Even with AJ Dillon hurting, the Packers will rely on the ground game that will pound and pound some more on a Chicago defense that’s getting hammered hard by everyone.

Green Bay ran for over 200 yards in the first meeting – a 27-10 win – and it should get there again. The formula will be easy. Run and keep running, and then use Rodgers to hit the deep shot against the NFL’s worst defense at allowing big yards – it gives up over seven yards per attempt.

– Week 13 CFN NFL Expert Picks

Why Bears Will Win

Fields is back.

It’s still a question whether or not he’ll be able to rip off big runs like he normally does – the shoulder injury is still a problem – but that might not matter.

This is a far cry from the 2021 Packers that rolled to the No. 1 seed. Counting the resting final week loss to the Lions and the home playoff gack to the 49ers, they’re 4-11 in their last five games with two of the wins in overtime.

The offense is bad, the run defense worse, and even if Fields isn’t quite himself, there should be decent enough production from David Montgomery and the rest of the parts in the backfield to pound away.

However …

What’s Going To Happen

Running well hasn’t exactly equaled wins for Chicago.

It’s still Aaron Rodgers, they’re still the Chicago Bears. There will be a late Fields interception here, and a heartbreaking big pass play from 12 there, and it’ll be a close, tough fight between two bad teams.

It’ll be entertaining.

Packers vs Bears Prediction, Line

Green Bay 24, Chicago 20
Line: Green Bay -3.5, o/u: 44.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Packers vs Bears Must See Rating: 3

– Bowl Predictions

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– Bowl Projections | Rankings

Jets vs Vikings Prediction Game Preview

Jets vs Vikings game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the game on Sunday, December 4

Jets vs Vikings prediction, game preview, odds, how to watch, Sunday, December 4

Jets vs Vikings Prediction Game Preview

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Jets vs Vikings How To Watch

Date: Sunday, December 4
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
How To Watch: CBS
Record: Jets (7-4), Vikings (9-2)
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Why Jets Will Win

Mike White can play.

He’s been hurt, pushed aside, and blown off because he’s Mike White and not a No. 2 overall pick or veteran Super Bowl champion, but he’s accurate, throws the deep ball, and last week he was fantastic in the 31-10 win over the Bears.

As good as Minnesota is, the secondary hasn’t quite fixed the glitch against the better passers, or the mediocre ones. It’s partly because teams bomb away to keep up, but it’s not like the run defense is a rock.

The Vikings are dead last in the NFL in pass defense, and the Jets have the ability to come up with 300 yards as long as White has time. That, combined with a rising defense with the talent to keep Justin Jefferson under wraps – at least as much as that’s possible – might be enough to pull this off, but …

– Week 13 CFN NFL Expert Picks

Why Vikings Will Win

He’s still Mike White, and the Vikings will dial up the pressure from the start.

The Jets have parts, but the backfield is banged up, the Vikings usually make up for problems with takeaways, and on the other side, the running game should get going.

It’s too easy to rely on Jefferson and all the weapons in the passing attack, but the ground game should go off against a Jet defensive front that’s fine, but should get hit for at least 120 yards.

The Vikings are 7-0 when rushing for at least 75 yards, and the Jets have allowed that many or more in every game but three. However …

What’s Going To Happen

It’s a strange part of the puzzle – the Jets win when the run defense stinks.

New York is 3-0 when allowing 130 yards or more and 6-1 when giving up at least 100 yards. They’re 1-3 when allowing fewer than 100 yards on the ground.

White and company will do just enough to get past 20 – the Jets are 6-0 when scoring that many or more – with the passing attack making enough big plays to offset a big day on the ground by Dalvin Cook and the Viking running game.

Jets vs Vikings Prediction, Line

Jets 27, Vikings 24
Line: Vikings -3, o/u: 44.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5
Jets vs Vikings Must See Rating: 4

– Bowl Predictions

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– Bowl Projections | Rankings

Georgia vs LSU SEC Championship Prediction Game Preview

Georgia vs LSU SEC Championship game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the SEC Championship Week game on Saturday, December 3

Georgia vs LSU SEC Championship prediction, game preview, odds, how to watch. Championship Week, Saturday, December 3

Georgia vs LSU SEC Championship Prediction Game Preview

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Georgia vs LSU How To Watch

Date: Saturday, December 3
Game Time: 4:00 ET
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
How To Watch: CBS
Record: Georgia (12-0), LSU (9-3)
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Why LSU Will Win

The pressure is totally off.

That’s not necessarily a good thing – whiffing against Texas A&M in a 38-23 loss last week kept LSU from being able to make a case for the College Football Playoff with a win in the SEC Championship – but now the team can turn it loose.

This is WAY ahead of where things were supposed to be under Brian Kelly.

The first year was supposed to be good, but Alabama was supposed to be in Atlanta this Saturday. If it wasn’t Alabama, it was going to be Texas A&M. If it wasn’t A&M, if might have been Ole Miss. It certainly wasn’t supposed to be LSU coming off a dud of a 6-7 2021 and in need of a slight rebuild.

The team is playing with house money. There might not be a national championship this season, but an SEC Championship? That would be massive.

On the flip side, the pressure is off Georgia, too.

It can say it really wants to win this, but it’s in the College Football Playoff no matter what. If LSU brings the intensity, this could be more than just interesting.

Do pull this off, though, the running game has to continue to work. It’s averaging five yards per carry, and it at least has to come close. Georgia hasn’t allowed five yards per pop yet this year, but Missouri hung around averaging 4.9, Oregon ran well even though it got destroyed. Just about everyone else who couldn’t run got blasted.

That means QB Jayden Daniels has to be on the move from the start, the offense has to convert on third downs – it’s second-best in the conference at that – and it has to keep the clock moving. Georgia can strike quickly, but the more LSU can grind this out, the better.

The O should be efficient, Daniels is accurate, and …

College Football Playoff Final Top 25 Prediction
What it means for CFP: Utah beats USC for Pac-12 title

Why Georgia Will Win

You don’t think Stetson Bennett and that crew wants this?

The 2021 Georgia team was epic. It broke through and gave the school its first national championship since 1980.

It wasn’t the SEC Champion.

The 2021 Dawgs lost to Alabama 41-24 last year, and that means the 2022 version loaded with a whole slew of new starters and parts doesn’t get that. This is this team’s chance to put a stamp on its own legacy. Of course, it needs to win the national title to make this season a true success, but around that program, yeah, this matters.

Georgia has to strike fast. This isn’t exactly one of those teams that needs momentum to win, but when it gets rolling early, forget it.

LSU is hardly bad in the first quarters of games, but defensively the first is the worst allowing 71 points – it scored 74, by the way.

Georgia has outscored its opponents 101 to 16 in the first quarter and 244 to 60 in the first half.

LSU has the pop to come back and make this a battle even if it gets down, but that’s a big ask. Georgia is No. 1 in the SEC and fifth in the nation in third down conversions, No. 1 in the SEC and third overall in third down stops, and No. 1 in the SEC and seventh overall in time of possession.

Get up fast, take the air out of ball with the running game and effective drives. That starts with the lines, and it continues with Bennett who should be able to hit the third down throws against this secondary without a problem.

There won’t be any reason to take any big chances.

– Championship Week Schedule, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

Yes, LSU beat Alabama. Alabama isn’t playing defense like Georgia is. No one is playing defense like Georgia is.

It’s going to start with the nation’s second-best run defense – James Madison is No. 1, by the way. LSU is 0-2 – going to Florida State and Tennessee – when it failed to get to 140 rushing yards, and so far this year only Oregon was able to run on the Dawgs for 140 and they lost 49-3.

Daniels really is that good, and he’s going to have to get hot right away, but he can only run so much.

LSU won’t get steamrolled, but Georgia will score early and keep it all steadily going. There will be a few big plays, but it’ll be a methodical SEC Championship win.

Get comfortable. Georgia will be back in Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31st for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and the first round of the College Football Playoff.

– Expert Picks College Championship Week | NFL Week 13

Georgia vs LSU SEC Championship Prediction, Line

Georgia 37, LSU 16
Line: Georgia -18.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Georgia vs LSU SEC Championship Must See Rating (out of 5): 4

CFN 1-131 Rankings | Rankings by Conference
Path to the Playoff: 6 teams still in the race

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– Bowl Projections | Rankings

Michigan vs Purdue Big Ten Championship Prediction Game Preview

Michigan vs Purdue Big Ten Championship game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Championship Week game on Saturday, December 3

Michigan vs Purdue Big Ten Championship prediction, game preview, odds, how to watch. Championship Week, Saturday, December 3

Michigan vs Purdue Big Ten Championship Prediction Game Preview

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Michigan vs Purdue How To Watch

Date: Saturday, December 3
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
How To Watch: FOX
Record: Michigan (12-0), Purdue (9-3)
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Why Purdue Will Win

Michigan is playing for fun.

Last year the Wolverines had to beat Iowa in the Big Ten Championship to cement a spot in the College Football Playoff. Here’s the big difference – the 2021 team was 11-1, this one is 12-0. Last year’s team had to win, this one can lose and still – almost certainly – be in.

That doesn’t mean Michigan won’t care, and it would sure like to be a back-to-back Big Ten champion, but from star RB Blake Corum’s season-ending knee injury, to star DT Mazi Smith facing a felony weapon charge that was filed this week, to coming down off the high of rocking Ohio State 45-23, there’s a chance the full focus and intensity might not be all there.

Think 2021 Georgia. Of course it wanted to beat Alabama, but it didn’t bring its A game to the SEC Championship, and the other side cranked up the intensity to win with the College Football Playoff possibly on the line. What’s Purdue’s motivation? How about the Rose Bowl as the 2022 Big Ten Champion?

There’s one other big difference between this year’s Big Ten Championship and last year’s version. Purdue will bring the offense Iowa didn’t.

The passing game hasn’t ripped it up lately, but it’s been steady, effective, and it’s been able to come through when needed. Turnovers aren’t an issue over the three-game winning streak to get here, the running game hasn’t been bad, and QB Aidan O’Connell has been around long enough to not be fazed by the big setting.

The offensive line is good at keeping everyone in the backfield clean, the defense has been great on third downs and getting off the field, and …

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Why Michigan Will Win

The Michigan running game should work.

It took a while to get going against Ohio State last week, and not having Corum for more than two carries appeared to be an issue. Donovan Edwards took over late and finished with 216 yards and two scores, QB JJ McCarthy hit the big plays, and the team pulled off the shocker.

Was it totally crazy that Michigan beat Ohio State? A little bit, but it was how. It came up with the home run shots the Buckeyes are used to hitting, and more than anything else, Michigan was just … Michigan.

Very, very, very consistent, all year long the Wolverines would start a little slow, let the offensive line go to work, and then the avalanche rolled over opponents time and again.

Michigan was down 20-17 at halftime, the defense held up, the O line took over, and Edwards tore off a 75-yard touchdown run, an 85-yard scoring dash, and that was that.

Purdue’s run defense is fine, but nothing amazing.

It’ll hold up early, and it’ll get in the backfield here and there, but the yards will come from the Wolverine backfield. Purdue allowed a season-high 215 rushing yards to Indiana last week, got hammered on by Iowa for over five yards per carry, and …

– Championship Week Schedule, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

Michigan isn’t going to turn the ball over enough to matter. The offense has given it up only six times all year without an interception in the last five games.

Like always, the other side will look like it has Michigan in a little bit of trouble.

Purdue will throw well, it’ll get out to a lead, and there will be enough big plays on both sides of the ball to get the social media world buzzing. And then Michigan will go Michigan.

The amazing offensive line will take over, two good scoring drives will come, the defense will clamp down, and the Wolverines will pull away late on the way to the Big Ten Championship and a trip to the Fiesta Bowl as – at worst – the 2 seed in the College Football Playoff.

– Expert Picks College Championship Week | NFL Week 13

Michigan vs Purdue Big Ten Championship Prediction, Line

Michigan 34, Purdue 17
Line: Michigan -16.5, o/u: 52.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Michigan vs Purdue Big Ten Championship Must See Rating (out of 5): 4

CFN 1-131 Rankings | Rankings by Conference
Path to the Playoff: 6 teams still in the race

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Clemson vs North Carolina ACC Championship Prediction Game Preview

Clemson vs North Carolina ACC Championship game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Championship Week game on Saturday, December 3

Clemson vs North Carolina ACC Championship prediction, game preview, odds, how to watch. Championship Week, Saturday, December 3

Clemson vs North Carolina ACC Championship Prediction Game Preview

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Clemson vs North Carolina How To Watch

Date: Saturday, December 3
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
How To Watch: ABC
Record: Clemson (10-2), North Carolina (9-3)
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Why North Carolina Will Win

Here comes the passing game.

It struggled a wee bit over the last few games in losses to Georgia Tech and NC State, but Drake Maye and company should cranking it back up against a shaky Clemson secondary.

The ACC Championship and an Orange Bowl appearance are on the line. The offense will be pushing from the start.

Clemson might be loaded with NFL talent – the line has its share of next-level starters – but the pass defense couldn’t hold on against a hot South Carolina passing game last week allowing 360 yards in the stunning loss. It had a hard time against Louisville’s attack, got bombed on by Wake Forest, and got run over by Notre Dame.

Even with the problems of the last few games, North Carolina is still No. 1 in the ACC in total offense and scoring, averaging 481 yards and 37 points per game.

It’s doing this without a slew of turnovers – just two in the last five games – or penalties, and there’s a good chance the defense finally starts to take the ball away.

Forcing mistakes has been a problem for the Tar Heels, but Clemson can’t stop screwing up. The penalties have been kept to a bare minimum, but the O turned it over 15 times in the last five games.

If this is going to be a shootout, Clemson can’t blink.

However …

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Why Clemson Will Win

Even if the Clemson passing game struggles like it did against South Carolina, the running game should pick up the slack if needed.

DJ Uiagalelei didn’t get a whole lot of help from the receiving corps, but he wasn’t great completing just 8-of-29 passes for 99 yards with a touchdown and a pick in the loss. However, he ran for 51 yards, Will Shipley went off, and the round attack came up wit 237 yards averaging over six yards per carry.

Keeping the momentum going shouldn’t be a problem against the North Carolina defensive front.

The Tar Heels don’t get gashed too much, but they get picked apart with teams having no issues cranking up the carries because they can.

Six teams ran the ball 40 times or more against the UNC defensive front – all ran for 170 yards or more. Notre Dame was the only team that ran it more than 40 times against Clemson.

North Carolina is a dangerous team for Clemson because of the way it can throw and throw some more. On the flip side, it’s a great fit with no pass rush, no plays in the backfield, and almost no takeaways – the D hasn’t come up with multiple turnovers since mid-October.

The Tiger skill parts need all the time and room they can get. That won’t be a problem.

– Championship Week Schedule, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

Clemson is back in the ACC Championship.

The loss to South Carolina might have been a massive disappointment with a possible College Football Playoff trip still in play, but after missing out last year, Clemson has a chance to make it seven ACC Championships in eight years.

Of course the bar is set at a whole lot higher for the program, but being that dominant in conference play is amazing no matter what.

It’s going to take a lot of points to get there, though. This won’t be quite like the 51-45 Clemson win over Wake Forest, but it might not be far off.

North Carolina will get to 300 passing yards, the defense will give up over 450 yards of total offense, and it’ll be an entertaining back-and-forth fight before the Tiger running game takes over in the fourth quarter.

– Expert Picks College Championship Week | NFL Week 13

Clemson vs North Carolina ACC Championship Prediction, Line

Clemson 44, North Carolina 34
Line: Clemson -7.5, o/u: 63.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Clemson vs North Carolina ACC Championship Must See Rating (out of 5): 4.5

CFN 1-131 Rankings | Rankings by Conference
Path to the Playoff: 6 teams still in the race

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