Why you should bet on LSU to win national championship

Previewing Monday’s LSU Tigers vs Clemson Tigers NCAA football College Football Playoff National Championship Game matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The LSU Tigers are just one game away from winning their first National Championship Game since the 2007 season (back when the BCS ruled college football). In their way on Monday night are the Clemson Tigers, who have won the championship (the College Football Playoff variety) twice in the last three seasons. If you are thinking about betting on the LSU Tigers to win the championship, here are a few reasons to convince you to make that bet.


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1. LSU’s Offense

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who had 4 TDs in the CFP semifinal against Oklahoma, is one of numerous weapons on the revamped LSU offense. (Photo credit: Jason Getz – USA TODAY Sports)

For the last few decades, LSU has been known for its solid defense and somewhat lackluster offense. That certainly isn’t the case this season, however, as the Tigers have college football’s top-ranked offense, scoring an average of 48.9 points per game.

Not only is it the nation’s highest-scoring offense, but one of America’s most consistent, as well. The Tigers have scored at least 36 points in 13 of 14 games this season. The Tigers can do just about everything well, but the particularly excel at throwing the ball down the field. Expect LSU to challenge Clemson’s defense down the field early and often.

LSU has proven it can score against the best defenses in college football, which should make you feel good about taking them — even against the nation’s top-ranked scoring defense and No. 2 overall defense in Clemson.

2. LSU’s Defense Can Create Turnovers

Cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. (24) and Cordale Flott are part of a loaded LSU secondary. (Photo credit: Jason Getz – USA TODAY Sports)

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence may be unbeaten in his career, but he has shown that he can be prone to turnovers. He has thrown twice as many interceptions this season as he did as a rookie (8-4) as he’s taken more chances down the field.

That plays well into LSU’s strength as it has multiple first-round picks playing in its secondary. LSU’s defense isn’t quite as good as we are accustomed to seeing, but there is still talent all over the place. Their 17 interceptions are tied for fifth in the nation.

Look for the Tigers to jump a few routes on Monday, which could prove to be the difference in the final outcome.

3. Quarterback Joe Burrow

It’s not a stretch to say LSU QB Joe Burrow is having the greatest season in college football history. (Photo credit: Brett Davis – USA TODAY Sports)

Whenever you bet on an NFL or college football game, the play of the quarterback is always a major deciding factor. While you can’t really go wrong in this game between the two passers, it’s tough to bet against the 2019 Heisman Trophy winner.

Joe Burrow is having arguably the greatest season ever by a college football quarterback. Through 14 games, he’s thrown for 5,208 yards and 55 touchdowns. That doesn’t even include the 311 yards and four touchdowns he’s added on the ground. In the CFP semifinals, Burrow threw for 493 yards and seven touchdowns, most of which came in the first half.

Burrow is playing with an extreme level of confidence that we rarely see in college sports. He’s completing an absurd 77.6 percent of his passes and is averaging nearly 11 yards per attempt. Given all of the weapons at Burrow’s disposal, it’s tough to see a way that Clemson can hold this LSU attack under 35 points.

Considering just how dominant Burrow has been this season, it’s tough to make an argument for Clemson on Monday night. If you plan on betting on this game, take Burrow and the LSU Tigers to win the national championship.

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National Football Championship: LSU vs. Clemson odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s National Football Championship between the LSU Tigers and Clemson Tigers, with sports betting odds, picks and best bets.

The Clemson Tigers (14-0) and LSU Tigers (14-0) meet up in Monday’s CFP National Football Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the LSU-Clemson odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

LSU vs. Clemson: Three things you need to know for the National Football Championship

1. The “Tiger Bowl” features the nation’s No. 1 (LSU) and No. 4 (Clemson) offenses (points scored) and the No. 1 (Clemson) and 28 (LSU) defenses by the same measure. The LSU offense is being given top billing as the biggest factor in the game. The Tigers have assaulted foes every week since Halloween. What’s scary is being tasked with the job of stopping an LSU offense that has averaged 601.8 yards per game over the same span.

2. Clemson’s win over Ohio State was unlikely but impressive, and this is a program and a coaching staff that has been to the title game before – for a fourth time in five years, in fact. Other than the win over the Buckeyes, Clemson can’t claim statistical game comps to LSU’s top victories.  None of LSU’s foes hold a candle to the 2019 Buckeyes, and Clemson’s “poor man’s comps.” Routs of North Carolina, Florida State, Wake Forest and Virginia were just that commanding in the area of game control.

3. If Monday’s game becomes a shootout with a close score late, don’t underestimate the importance of LSU freshman PK Cade York who is 21-for-26 on field goals this season. York gets more work than one might think, and he has the trust of head coach Ed Orgeron.


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LSU vs. Clemson: Odds, betting lines and picks for the National Football Championship

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Clemson 31, LSU 28

Moneyline (ML)

The against the spread play is preferred, but back CLEMSON (+190) for the outright win as a supplementary move.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Clemson returns a profit of $19.

Against the Spread (ATS)

Look for Monday’s game to be close and perhaps one below the expectations of the offensive shootout some are projecting. Also, bettors should be willing to zig against the conventional-wisdom zag of the idea of defense not winning championships in the playoff era. There’s no decent sample size there, and the teams performing best in the bracket era have been undervalued in how good they really are on defense.

Look for a couple three-and-outs pitched by the Tigers in orange to loom large. Both offenses excel on the final 60 feet of the gridiron; but Clemson’s situational defense is a difference-maker. Take CLEMSON (+5.5, -110).

Over/Under (O/U)

I envision a game flow making for a lean on the UNDER 69.5 (-115). We may be better served waiting for a better price on game night as public betting action pushes this number higher.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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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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LendingTree Bowl: Louisiana vs. Miami (Ohio) odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s LendingTree Bowl between the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns and Miami (Ohio) RedHawks, with betting odds and picks.

The Miami RedHawks (8-5) and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (10-3) meet in Monday’s LendingTree Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff. We analyze the Louisiana-Miami betting odds and lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Louisiana vs. Miami: Three things you need to know

1. The RedHawks have their work cut out for them. With a margin ranked 10th in the nation, Louisiana has out-gained its opponents by 127.9 yards per game this season. Against the run, Miami has been hit-or-miss but mostly decent – especially in the season’s second half. The Mid-American Conference champions will be tested by a ULL ground game that has pounded out 3,449 yards at 6.4 yards per carry.

2. Miami has made strides under head coach Chuck Martin, but a very young 2019 team is perhaps too far over its skis in making a bowl appearance. Five of the team’s last six wins were by a one-score margin.

3. On paper, Miami was beaten soundly by Central Michigan in the MAC title game. The RedHawks got a big plus in specials teams when PK Sam Sloman connected on three field goals in excess of 40 yards (four total field goals). Two of those scores — and additionally one touchdown — were scored on drives of less than 10 yards. On special teams and in field position, Miami maintained titanic advantages CMU couldn’t overcome. MU had similar games over its second half, and those hidden-yard advantages regress more than efficiency-and-explosiveness yardage analytics.


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Louisiana vs. Miami: Odds, betting lines and picks

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

Prediction

Louisiana 35, Miami 17

Moneyline (ML)

PASS on Louisiana (-527), as the point spread in this one is a far more profitable play.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Louisiana to win outright returns a profit of $1.90.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The Ragin’ Cajuns are 6-1 ATS over their last seven games following a straight-up loss and 10-4 over their last 14 games as a favorite. Back LOUISIANA (-14.5 +105) to win by at least 15 points. Good things come to those who wait and who’ve managed their bowl funds well – I see this as perhaps the strongest play of this bowl season.

Over/Under (O/U)

Slow-paced Miami (61 plays per game) will want to win a game in the 20s. Faster-paced Louisiana (71) will be comfortable with the game getting into the 40s. Early game control and ULL’s strong run game could spell a high-scoring, one-sided Under here. That’s the lean, as we take the UNDER 55.5 (-115).

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Armed Forces Bowl: Southern Miss vs. Tulane odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Armed Forces Bowl between the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and Tulane Green Wave, with NCAA football betting picks.

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles (7-5) and Tulane Green Wave (6-6) lock horns Saturday in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, played at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Tex. Kickoff is set for at 11:30 a.m. ET (on ESPN). We analyze the Southern Miss-Tulane odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Southern Miss vs. Tulane: Three things you need to know

1. These teams have an extensive history against each other, as they’re relative neighbors (USM is in Hattiesburg, Miss. and Tulane in New Orleans). The favorite is 4-1 against the spread in the past five meetings, with USM cashing in four of the previous five. The Under is 6-1 in the past seven, too.

2. Tulane could be a little shorthanded in the backfield, as RBs Corey Dauphine (wrist) and Darius Bradwell (foot) are considered questionable.

3. The Golden Eagles lost 42-13 in their last postseason game, the 2017 Independence Bowl, while Tulane is 3-1 straight up in their past four bowl games. USM is also 0-4 SU all-time in four bowl games in the Lone Star State.


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Southern Miss vs. Tulane: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Tulane 27, Southern Miss 21

Moneyline (ML)

Tulane (-250) is moderately favored, and will cost you a quarter of a grand just to win a C-note. PASS and look to the spread instead.

Against the Spread (ATS)

SOUTHERN MISS (+6.5, +100) should keep it as a one-possession game, although it’s not bad strategy to buy one point and go with Southern Miss (+7.5, -150). That seven and a hook just makes me feel better … and to be honest, going all the way up to (+9.5, -167) doesn’t cost you all that much more. It’s some nice extra insurance as the Golden Eagles would need just to stay within 9 points in a loss, or win outright.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 56.5 (-110) is the best play in this game. These are familiar foes who have played fairly frequently, perhaps more so than any other bowl matchup this season. The Under has connected in six of those previous seven meetings, too.

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

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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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Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Ohio vs. Nevada odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Famous Idaho Potato Bowl between the Ohio Bobcats and Nevada Wolf Pack, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and bets.

The Ohio Bobcats (6-6) and Nevada Wolf Pack (7-5) will do battle at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Friday, played at Albertsons Stadium in Boise. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (on ESPN). We analyze the Ohio-Nevada odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Ohio vs. Nevada: Three things you need to know

1. Ohio won its final two games by a combined score of 118-27 to become bowl eligible, covering a pair of spreads of at least 21 points. However, the Bobcats were just 2-5 straight up and 1-6 against the spread in seven games against bowl teams this season.

2. Nevada was annihilated 77-6 Sept. 7 at Oregon, and it was trounced 54-3 at home by Hawaii Sept. 28. The Wolf Pack have been on the short end of four losses by 28 or more points this season, but they also had a signature road win over a 10-win San Diego State side.

3. The Bobcats are 2-7 ATS across their past nine as a favorite, although they’re 4-0 ATS in their past four bowl games. The Wolf Pack are 3-1-1 ATS in their past five bowl appearances and 3-0-1 ATS in the past four neutral-site games as a road dog.


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Ohio vs. Nevada: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Ohio 36, Nevada 30

Moneyline (ML)

Ohio (-304) will cost you over three times the potential reward, and it’s just not worth it, especially in a potentially close game. PASS and look to the spread instead.

Against the Spread (ATS)

NEVADA (+7.5, -106) is a good play, and it might have more support with a closer proximity to a majority of its fan base. Don’t underestimate that. The struggles of Ohio (-7.5, -115) against bowl teams is worrisome. I think the Bobcats will still win this game, but I don’t think it will be decided by more than one possession.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 59.5 (-106) is the way to go, cashing in 11 of the past 15 non-conference tilts for the Bobcats, and five of their past seven against bowl teams. The Over is 5-1 in their past six as a favorite, too. The Over is 5-2 in the past seven outside the conference, but the Under is 6-1 in Nevada’s past seven bowl outings.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Birmingham Bowl: Boston College vs. Cincinnati odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl betting odds and lines between the Boston College Eagles and Cincinnati Bearcats with betting picks, tips and bets.

The Boston College Eagles (6-6) and Cincinnati Bearcats (10-3) square off at the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl, played at Legion Field in Birmingham. Kickoff is set for Thursday at 3 p.m. ET (on ESPN). We analyze the Boston College-Cincinnati odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Boston College vs. Cincinnati: Three things you need to know

1. Boston College enters this game just 1-6 SU across its past seven games. The Eagles actually held a 7-0 lead in the first half last season in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl in Dallas, but severe weather wiped out the rest of the game and it was not rescheduled.

2. Cincinnati is facing an ACC foe in a bowl game for the second straight year. UC topped Virginia Tech 35-31 in the Military Bowl last season, but the Bearcats are just 3-5 SU across the past eight postseason games.

3. Something’s gotta give, as Boston College is 2-7 ATS in the past nine bowl games, and Cincinnati is 0-4 ATS in its past four bowl outings.


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Boston College vs. Cincinnati: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Cincinnati 34, Boston College 17

Moneyline (ML)

Cincinnati (-264) is just too expensive at nearly three times the risk of the reward. PASS and look to the spread instead.

Against the Spread (ATS)

CINCINNATI (-7.5, +100) is a good play, even with the hook. My personal preference is to buy that extra point and go Cincinnati (-6.5, -139), and even going down to (-5.5, -154) isn’t terribly costly.

Still, I expect BC to be a bit of a mess with head coach Steve Addazio fired and Richie Gunnell serving as the interim coach. Star RB AJ Dillon, who led the team with an ACC-best 1,685 rushing yards, is also sitting to protect his draft status. Oh yeah, offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian left the team to take the OC job at Northwestern, so he won’t be in Birmingham, either.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 55.5 (-106) is worth a look. Cincinnati’s offense is pretty strong, but I expect BC to be a bit of a mess. This could be a blowout early on, with UC calling off the dogs with a lower-scoring second half.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Gator Bowl: Tennessee Volunteers vs. Indiana Hoosiers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Gator Bowl betting odds and lines between the Tennessee Volunteers and Indiana Hoosiers, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets.

The Indiana Hoosiers (8-4) and Tennessee Volunteers (7-5) meet in Thursday’s Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla., at TIAA Bank Field for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff (on ESPN). We analyze the Indiana-Tennessee odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Indiana-Tennessee: Three things you need to know

  1. This tilt in Jacksonville features two evenly matched third-tier power-5 teams. Statistically, Indiana carries in the better offense (32.6 PPG, 6.1 YPP), and Tennessee brings the better defense (21.7 PPG, 5.0 YPP). The Hoosiers have become mostly relevant in the blue-chip Big Ten East, and the Volunteers are a former powerhouse with some upswing momentum.
  1. The Vols are getting credit for a win streak – Tennessee comes in having won five in a row – but the credit is perhaps too watered down. The string of foes (South Carolina, UAB, Kentucky, Missouri, Vanderbilt) doesn’t jump off the page, but in a couple of the games UT was statistically dominant without a scoreboard match. An offense that averages 5.8 YPP was over 7.0 in three of those wins. The 5.0-YPP Vols defense was better than that mark in all five wins.
  1. Various computer rankings tab Mississippi State and Kentucky as top-50 teams. Tennessee’s ability to not only hang tough with MSU and UK (as with Indiana hanging with Michigan State and Penn State) but defeat them is compelling when assembling some comps for the Vols and Hoosiers. Tennessee has the more talented roster, but it isn’t yet ready for power-5 primetime. However, they are perhaps a touchdown more ready than the Hoosiers.

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Indiana-Tennessee: Odds, betting lines and picks

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

Prediction

Tennessee 27, Indiana 24

Moneyline (ML)

PASS on Tennessee (-121) in favor of the multi-point win at a better price. Indiana is +100.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Tennessee returns a profit of $8.26.

Against the Spread (ATS)

This is an intriguing matchup and should be an entertaining watch. It sets up as a profitable one, too. Back TENNESSEE -1.5 (-110).

The Vols’ pass defense can contain the high-octane Hoosiers just enough. A bigger, more veteran and more talented Tennessee two-deep can provide enough game control and efficiency to prevail and take a six-game win streak into 2020 … and be overvalued in a half-dozen early games.

Over/Under (O/U)

The cross talents of each team make for a tough read on any sort of projectable game flow. A couple market and analytic signals point to an OVER 52.5, but that market may already be a bit overripe. Line-watch, and look for 50.5 as a trigger.

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

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Oregon odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Rose Bowl between the Wisconsin Badgers and Oregon Ducks, with NCAA football betting odds, picks, tips and best bets.

The Wisconsin Badgers (10-3) and Oregon Ducks (11-2) meet at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., for the Rose Bowl Game on New Year’s Day. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET. We analyze the Wisconsin-Oregon odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Wisconsin vs. Oregon: Three things you need to know

1. Statistically, the Badgers and Ducks are remarkably similar. Wisconsin averages 34.6 points per game; Oregon averages 35.9. The Badgers have yielded 16.1 PPG, the Ducks 15.7. Wisconsin averages 440 yards per game on offense; Oregon 451. The Badgers mostly run their way to the 440, while the Ducks pass their way to 451. On defense, both allow fewer than 4.9 yards per play, something only 21 teams can claim.

2. He may have been born in Madison, Wisc., but Badgers head coach Paul Chryst does just fine outside the friendly confines of Camp Randall Stadium. Chryst’s Wisconsin teams are 18-7 against the spread on the road. … The Badgers are ATS winners in bowl games over the last five consecutive years.

3. Oregon QB Justin Herbert is the nation’s active leader with 95 career touchdown tosses. He’s a big, florescent-green-and-highlighter-yellow factor in how many a bettor will view this contest. Herbert’s fine 2019 season numbers (66.7% completion rate, 3,333 yards passing, 32 TD passes, five interceptions) have been tallied on the backs of lesser teams. Now, overall that’s not an uncommon statistical analysis, but Herbert’s numbers are more divergent when facing credible defenses versus bottom feeders. Wisconsin sports elite pass defenders, and yet the Badgers have been a bit turnover-unlucky for the season.


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Wisconsin vs. Oregon: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Wisconsin 31, Oregon 28

Moneyline (ML)

For this game (and set of current odds), the moneyline play offers the best value. WISCONSIN (-143) builds in some profit in a matchup against a lesser power-5 champ getting a bump from recency bias. The Badgers performances against Minnesota and Ohio State were elite and more grounded than Oregon’s top recent games.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Wisconsin returns a profit of $7.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The Ducks are 0-4 in postseason games since defeating Florida State in the 2014 Rose Bowl national semifinal. But recruiting-wise, this Ducks team is UO’s best in a while. Expect a close game with a mid-range score … and one more score for Wisconsin. PASS on Wisconsin (-2.5, -121).

Over/Under (O/U)

The Rose Bowl has produced five Overs against one Under across the last six years. Look for good scoring conditions (and an unheralded-but-good UW offense) to crank out an OVER 51.5 (-106).

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Citrus Bowl: Alabama vs. Michigan odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Citrus Bowl betting odds and lines between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Michigan Wolverines with betting picks, tips and bets.

The Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2) look to end their season on a high note when they meet the Michigan Wolverines (9-3) in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando at 1 p.m. ET New Year’s Day (on ABC). We analyze the Alabama-Michigan odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Alabama vs. Michigan: Three things you need to know

1. Both teams have been solid on hitting the Over. Michigan is 9-3 O/U on the season, while Alabama is 7-5 despite some incredibly high O/U lines where the Crimson Tide had to supply most of the points.

2. Alabama is 6-1 both on the moneyline and against the spread in its last seven meetings with Big Ten schools.

3. When the Wolverines are expected to lose, they do so with alarming frequency. Michigan has lost its last 16 games against the moneyline when playing as an underdog.


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Alabama vs. Michigan: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 8:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Alabama 42, Michigan 27

Moneyline (ML)

Alabama (-250) is a prohibitive favorite despite a slew of injuries on both sides of the ball. But, Michigan (+200) has a history of coming up short against elite opponents – HC Jim Harbaugh has yet to post a win against Ohio State in his tenure at Michigan. The 2:1 return is tempting, but the Wolverines are going to need too many things to go right for them and wrong for ‘Bama. If you must make a bet here, take insurance with Alabama, but I suggest PASSING and focusing on the spread and Over/Under.

Against the Spread (ATS)

This one has been over 7 points, but, currently BetMGM has Alabama a 6.5-point favorite (-125) over Michigan (+105). As would be expected, the payback is better for Michigan, but that’s because the sportsbooks want more action going the Wolverines’ way. I wouldn’t have been shocked to see the spread closer to 10 than less than seven, so this one screams, “TAKE ALABAMA!” because the game comes down to the wire close. Alabama could struggle and still hit the spread at the end.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U is high at 57.5 points (-115 Over, -106 Under), but history is on the side of the Over. In its last eight games against SEC schools, Michigan has hit the Over. ‘Bama has a penchant for getting in high-scoring games against good teams – its losses were 46-41 to LSU and 48-45 to Auburn. Michigan’s offense grew increasingly better from what it showed in September. All that needs to happen for the Over to hit is that one team gets up double digits in the first half, preferably the first quarter. Then it’s on. It could set a tone that should leave 57.5 points in the rear-view mirror midway through the fourth. Take the OVER.

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

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Arizona Bowl: Georgia State vs. Wyoming odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Arizona Bowl between the Georgia State Panthers and Wyoming Cowboys, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and tips.

The Georgia State Panthers (7-5) and Wyoming Cowboys (7-5) tangle in the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl, played at Arizona Stadium in Tucson. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET Tuesday (CBS Sports Network). We analyze the Georgia State-Wyoming odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Georgia State vs. Wyoming: Three things you need to know

1. Wyoming was rolling right along before redshirt freshman QB Sean Chambers (knee) suffered a season-ending injury, knocking things off the rails. QB Tyler Vander Waal led the team to one win in his absence. Vander Waal is nursing an ankle injury but is expected to play. Both he and dual-threat option Levi Williams will likely see time under center.

2. Cowboys RB Xazavian Valladay rushed for a team-high 1,061 yards and 4.8 yards per carry with five touchdowns, and he is the player to watch. Wyoming also has a familiar name, WR Raghib Ismail Jr., as the ‘Baby Rocket’ posted 20 grabs for a team-high 305 yards and two scores.

3. Georgia State was a bit one-dimensional, ranking 93rd in the nation in passing (201.8 yards per game) while ranking 14th in rushing yards (245.2). RB Tra Barnett is the star, rushing for 1,389 yards and 12 scores.


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Georgia State vs. Wyoming: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 9:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Wyoming 25, Georgia State 16

Moneyline (ML)

Wyoming (-264) is expected to win this one, but it will cost you nearly three times your potential return. PASS and look to the spread instead.

Against the Spread (ATS)

WYOMING (-6.5, -121) has a star in Valladay, and he’ll be the difference. The Cowboys are a little more balanced offensively, too, and head coach Craig Bohl gives Wyoming the coaching edge, too.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 47.5 (-106) is the play. This game won’t be a 10-7 battle like last season’s Cal-TCU battle in the Arizona Bowl, mainly because each team has a tailback that can house it every time he touches the ball, but the lack of crisp passing attacks on each side will keep the score down.

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