Texas opens as one score favorites against West Virginia per BetMGM

Coming off two-straight victories, the Texas Longhorns open as one score favorites against the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Texas will face off against West Virginia at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in a crucial Big 12 matchup. Continue reading “Texas opens as one score favorites against West Virginia per BetMGM”

Texas opens as underdogs against Oklahoma State per BetMGM

Texas opens as slight underdogs in a crucial Big 12 matchup with Oklahoma State.

Texas will face Oklahoma State in Stillwater on Oct. 31 in a crucial Big 12 matchup. Continue reading “Texas opens as underdogs against Oklahoma State per BetMGM”

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.

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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Sugar Bowl: Baylor vs. Georgia odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Sugar Bowl matchup between Baylor and Georgia, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets.

The New Year’s Day quartet of big-time bowl games ends with the Sugar Bowl, as the Georgia Bulldogs (11-2), the SEC runner-up, face the Baylor Bears (11-2), the Big 12 runner-up. They will kick off Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 8:45 p.m. ET at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

We analyze the Georgia-Baylor odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Georgia vs. Baylor: Three things you need to know

1. Baylor’s only two losses of the season came against Oklahoma, the No. 4 team in the country playing in a College Football Playoff semifinal.

2. Georgia has the No. 2 scoring defense in the country, allowing only 12.5 points per contest and surrendering more than 20 points once — against No. 1 LSU in the SEC Championship Game.

3. Georgia RB D’Andre Swift has rushed for 1,216 yards on the season, or 35 yards fewer than Baylor’s top two running backs combined.


Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!


Georgia vs. Baylor: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 2:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Georgia 27, Baylor 13

Moneyline (ML)

Georgia was considered a possible playoff team until its loss in the SEC title game. Baylor can score points but played an inferior schedule. Georgia’s -239 won’t win much money but is the smartest bet in this matchup. Baylor’s +190 has a big payout but it isn’t worth the wager in this matchup. Take GEORGIA239.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Georgia returns a profit of $4.18.

Against the Spread (ATS)

Georgia is favored in this game at -5.5 (-110). Baylor has been a very good bet against the spread, covering in nine of its 13 games (compared to only seven covers for Georgia). However, Baylor’s defense is suspect and Georgia’s defense is suffocating. This will be a lopsided win. Take the BULLDOGS -5.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is set at 41.5 points. The question will be whether Baylor can score more than two touchdowns in this game. Georgia’s games stayed under the point total in 10 of 13 games. Baylor’s stayed under in seven.

Georgia’s defense will keep the Bears from scoring much and the Bulldogs will be able to slow the game down in the second half. Take UNDER 41.5 (-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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Music City Bowl: Louisville vs. Mississippi State odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the Music City Bowl between Louisville and Mississippi State with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Louisville Cardinals (7-5) and Mississippi State Bulldogs (6-6) will square off in the Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Dec. 30 at 4 p.m. ET.

We analyze the Louisville-Mississippi State odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Louisville at Mississippi State: Three things you need to know

1. Mississippi State ranks 18th in the nation in rushing this season, averaging 227 yards per game. That doesn’t bode well for Louisville, which allowed 517 rushing yards to Kentucky in its most recent game. The Cardinals’ rush defense is 115th in the country (210.8).

2. Louisville’s five losses are all by at least 11 points with an average margin of defeat of 24.2 points. Five of the Bulldogs’ six losses came by at least 10 points, including four by at least 19.

3. Louisville’s first-year head coach Scott Satterfield is 3-0 in his career in bowl games, previously coaching Appalachian State. Mississippi State coach Joe Moorhead lost in his bowl debut as head coach last season, 27-22 to Iowa in the Outback Bowl.


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Louisville at Mississippi State: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Mississippi State 31, Louisville 21

Moneyline (ML)

The Bulldogs won each of their last two games to close out the regular season after losing 38-7 to Alabama. They are 6-1 in their last seven December games, proving to be a tough out late in the year.

Bet the MISSISSIPPI STATE (-167) moneyline, which is a good number to get in at.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Mississippi State returns a profit of $5.99.

Against the Spread (ATS)

Mississippi State is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 nonconference games. Louisville, on the other hand, is only 1-6 ATS in its last seven games against the SEC.

Bet MISSISSIPPI STATE (-110) to cover the 3.5-point spread in this one.

Over/Under (O/U)

The over/under is 62.5, which is pretty a high number for these teams. The under has hit in five of the Bulldogs’ last seven games and in each of the last three, though the over is 4-1 in Louisville’s last five.

Still, you should bet the UNDER (-110), given how bad both passing attacks are.

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 @camdasilva 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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Georgia at LSU odds, picks and best bets: Tigers favored in SEC title game

Previewing Saturday’s Georgia Bulldogs at LSU Tigers matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets for the SEC Championship.

The LSU Tigers (12-0) will try to keep their perfect season alive in Saturday’s SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They’re taking on the Georgia Bulldogs (11-1), who hope to remain in the College Football Playoff. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET. We analyze the Georgia-LSU odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Georgia at LSU: Three things you need to know

1. Georgia RB D’Andre Swift (shoulder) is probable to play Saturday with head coach Kirby Smart indicating the injury isn’t overly serious. WR Lawrence Cager is out for this one after undergoing surgery on his ankle last week.

2. LSU and Georgia have split their last 10 games against each other. LSU is 6-3-1 against the spread in those 10 games, though it has been outscored by an average of 28 points to 26.

3. The Tigers have the nation’s second-ranked offense, but it’ll be going up against the No. 2 defense in the country. Georgia allows just 10.4 points per game.


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Georgia at LSU: Odds, betting lines and picks

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

Prediction

LSU 30, Georgia 27

Moneyline (ML)

LSU is 8-0 in its last eight games against the SEC. The Tigers won their only neutral-site game this season, while Georgia has won both of its games on neutral sites. The Tigers still come in as the better team with their 12-game winning streak.

Bet the TIGERS (-270) to win straight up Saturday in Atlanta, even if it is somewhat of a home game for Georgia.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on LSU to win outright returns a profit of $3.70.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The Tigers have gone 4-1 ATS in their last five neutral-site games, but Georgia is 5-0 ATS in its last five games as an underdog. The spread is 7.5 points in favor of LSU, which is a fairly large number for this matchup.

The Bulldogs should be able to keep it close, covering the spread in four of their last five games this year. Bet GEORGIA (+7.5, -120) to cover.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over/Under is 54.5 points. The Tigers rank second in the nation in scoring, but this Georgia defense is no joke. The Bulldogs haven’t faced an offense like LSU’s, though, and will be tested.

The Over has hit in three of LSU’s last four games and 10 of its last 14 games played on Saturday. Bet the OVER 54.5 (-106), thanks to LSU’s explosive, pass-happy offense.

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 @camdasilva 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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Florida State-Florida odds, picks and best bets

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

The Florida State Seminoles (6-5) will take on the Florida Gators (9-2) this weekend in an ACC-SEC clash at The Swamp in Gainesville. Kickoff from Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night.

We analyze the Florida State-Florida odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Florida State at Florida: Three things you need to know

1. Florida State’s leading rusher, Cam Akers, is expected to return on Saturday after missing last week’s game against Alabama State with an unspecified injury. He has 1,042 yards and 13 touchdowns this season.

2. Florida has won back-to-back games in dominant fashion after losing two of its previous three games. The Gators beat Missouri 23-6 two weeks ago after blowing out Vanderbilt 56-0 the week before.

3. Florida has won six games at home this season while Florida State’s win at Boston College ended a six-game road losing streak dating back to last season.


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Florida State at Florida: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Florida 30, Florida State 17

Moneyline (ML)

Florida is the heavy favorite in this matchup with the game on home turf. As a result, the -1000 moneyline on the Gators is steep and not worth betting — even though Florida should come away victorious.

The Gators are just 3-7 against the Seminoles in their last 10 meetings and 1-5 in the last six.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Florida to win would return a profit of $1.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The Gators enter as 17.5-point favorites, which isn’t surprising given how much better they’ve been this season. Florida State has limped through a disappointing campaign, but the Seminoles have scored 87 points in their last two games, so if they can score enough, it’ll be tough for Florida to cover the spread.

Not to mention, Florida State is 6-3 ATS in its last nine games against the Gators. Bet the SEMINOLES (+17.5, -106) to cover the spread.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U is 53.5 in this matchup and both teams come in hot offensively. The Gators defense has been dominant this season, and in the last 19 games between these two teams, the total has gone under 14 times.

Bet the UNDER 53.5 (-106) on Saturday because it’ll be tough for Florida State to get much going offensively.

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 @camdasilva 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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Texas A&M at LSU odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Texas A&M at LSU college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Texas A&M Aggies (7-4, 4-3) will head to Death Valley in Baton Rouge, La., for a meeting with the second-ranked LSU Tigers (11-0, 7-0) on Saturday night. The SEC matchup will kick off at 7 p.m. ET from Tiger Stadium.

We analyze the Texas A&M-LSU odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Texas A&M at LSU: Three things you need to know

1. The Tigers rank third in the country in scoring and second in passing yards this season, and the Texas A&M defense ranks tied for 25th and 22nd in each defensive category, respectively.

2. LSU safety Grant Delpit is expected to play after missing last week’s game against Arkansas with an ankle injury. OT Saahdiq Charles is also expected to return — and start — after being held out the last two games and six overall for “coach’s decisions.”

3. The Aggies had won four straight games before losing at Georgia last week 19-13. They scored at least 24 points in each of their previous six games.


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Texas A&M at LSU: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 1:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

LSU 42, Texas A&M 28

Moneyline (ML)

The Tigers have been the best team in the country all season and they’re not going to trip up this late in the season. They will win this game by at least two touchdowns, which is why the moneyline of -770 for LSU is so steep.

It’s not worth putting any money down on this one for either team to win straight up, and you’d be better off going against the spread. The Tigers never lose at home in night games, but the low return on LSU isn’t worth the risk.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on LSU to win would return a profit of $1.30.

Against the Spread (ATS)

LSU is a 16.5-point home favorite. Death Valley is going to be rocking, as it always is for night games. The Tigers are 5-2 ATS vs. teams with a winning record, but they’ve only covered the spread in one of their last five home games.

The Aggies upset LSU last season 74-72 in a wild 7 OT shootout, and they’ll at least keep this one relatively close. Bet TEXAS A&M (+16.5, -106) to cover the spread.

Over/Under (O/U)

The over/under of 61.5 is pretty high, but both offenses are playing well right now. LSU’s defense hasn’t been great in recent weeks, either, so the Aggies will be able to score. The total has gone over in 11 of the Tigers’ last 14 games and is 4-0-1 in LSU’s last five November games.

Bet OVER 61.5 (-106) in this game.

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 @camdasilva 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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Penn State at Ohio State odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Penn State at Ohio State college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Penn State Nittany Lions (9-1, 6-1) will take on the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0, 7-0) this weekend in one of the biggest games of the season in determining the potential Big Ten champion. The winner will have the inside track at the East Division championship, while the loser could be left on the outside looking in when it comes to the conference title game.

Kickoff is set for Saturday at noon ET at Ohio Stadium.

We analyze the Penn State-Ohio State odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Penn State at Ohio State: Three things you need to know

1. Ohio State’s offense gets a lot of credit, but the defense has been phenomenal this season. The Buckeyes have allowed more than 14 points only twice this season — 21 points in the season-opening 45-21 win over Florida Atlantic, and last week’s 56-21 win over Rutgers.

2. Ohio State DE Chase Young is expected to play Saturday following a suspension handed down by the NCAA. He has 13.5 sacks in eight games and is among the favorites to go No. 1 overall in April’s draft.

3. Ohio State has won eight of its last 10 games against Penn State, averaging 33 points per game to the Nittany Lions’ 20. Penn State’s last win was in 2016, a 24-21 victory.


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Penn State at Ohio State: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Ohio State 35, Penn State 24

Moneyline (ML)

Winners of 10 straight and eight of their last 10 against Penn State, the Buckeyes are most likely going to win this game. Ohio State has won 18 in a row at home, too, further bolstering their claim as the favorite in this one.

But as heavily favored as Ohio State is in this one, it’s not worth putting anything on the moneyline. The line for the Buckeyes sits at -1000, meaning you would only profit one-tenth of what you bet.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Ohio State to win returns a profit of $1.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The Buckeyes are 18.5-point favorites over the Nittany Lions, which is the largest spread between these two teams since Ohio State was a 20-point favorite in 2010. That’s a lot of points to give up in a rivalry game, even with Ohio State being 8-1 ATS in its last nine games this season.

Penn State has covered the spread in four of its last five games against the Buckeyes. Take PENN STATE (-110) to cover once again on Saturday, given the huge margin.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U is 57.5 points (-110 on both sides), a relatively reasonable number considering the Buckeyes average 51.5 points per game. The total has gone over in three of the last four games for both teams, and it will again on Saturday.

Bet the OVER (-110) in this one. The over is 4-0 in the Buckeyes’ last four games in November, and 13-5 in Penn State’s last 18 November games, too.

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 @camdasilva 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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