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.

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

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Sugar Bowl: 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.


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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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College Football Futures: National Championship Best Bets

Previewing the College Football Playoff futures including National Championship best bets.

The College Football Playoff kicks off Dec. 28 with the semifinals. Top-ranked LSU Tigers (13-0) faces the No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners (12-1) in the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (13-0) will battle the No. 3 Clemson Tigers (13-0) in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Below is my best bet and rationale for who will be crowned the national champion on Jan. 13.


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Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. ET.

CLEMSON +200

It’s amazing how relatively under-the-radar defending champion Clemson has flown in 2019. A bonafide dynasty, the Tigers have played in four of the five College Football Playoffs, winning two titles in their three Championship Game appearances, including last year’s 28-point blistering of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence. (Photo Credit: Jamie Rhodes – USA TODAY Sports)

Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence received Burrow-esque hype following Clemson’s 2018 title run, but has been largely missing from the national conversation because of a shaky start to 2019 –  he threw eight interceptions in his first seven games. However, he finished strong with 20 passing touchdowns and NO interceptions and ended up with 41 total touchdowns. While LSU’s Joe Burrow is getting all the buzz heading into the CFP, make no mistake, Lawrence should be the No. 1 pick whenever he enters the NFL Draft, presumably in 2020.

Led by coach Dabo Swinney and defensive wizard Brett Venables, Clemson has the best coaching staff in the Playoff. No other coach in the CFP has a national championship appearance or title. The Tigers have been here before and the moment will not be too big for them. Despite all the defensive players drafted back in April, Clemson’s defense is still stout, allowing the least passing yards per game (138.5) in the country, and ranking ninth in rushing yards allowed (106.2 YPG).

Another random tidbit that I cannot explain but thought was worth mentioning: The No. 1 seed in the CFP has never won the national title. I don’t know if that’s because the top team is really feeling themselves during the extended break, grows complacent or the opening-round matchup against the No. 4 team isn’t difficult enough to get them ready for the title game. Whatever the case is, Clemson entering the CFP as the 3-seed only makes me feel better about my CLEMSON +200 ticket.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on Clemson to win the National Championship would profit $20 if the Tigers prevail.

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

Follow @Geoffery_Clark 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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