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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5. Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo vs. Charlotte
Why You Should Bet On Buffalo: The Bulls have the right formula. They have the MAC’s best defense to go along with the running of 1,626-yard back Jaret Patterson. Overall, UB has the lines to take over the game right away. The O line is great for Patterson and the ground attack, and the defensive front lives behind the line. However …
Why You Should Bet On Charlotte: The 49ers have the players on the lines to be solid, too. Alex Highsmith is the best defensive end you’ve probably never seen, and he’ll be disruptive against the UB attack. As long as the defense is coming up with third down stops, this will stay close.
Prediction: Both programs are going for their first bowl win – UB has never won one, and Charlotte has never been in one. After a few notable late-season collapses over the last few seasons, the Bulls take care of Charlotte by more than a touchdown.
– CFN Full Bahamas Bowl Game Preview & Prediction
4. Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl: Utah State vs. Kent State
Why You Should Bet On Utah State: It’s the final game in the Utah State career of QB Jordan Love, who’s had a mediocre year, but has the talent to be a good mid-round NFL Draft pick. He’s leaving early, and now he gets to roll against a Kent State defense that can give up big plays in chunks. USU will own third downs.
Why You Should Bet On Kent State: There’s a running game now. It wasn’t always there this season, but the Golden Flashes are finding ways to move the ball on the ground, and it made all the difference late. Kent State is 4-1 when running for 200 yards or more, and Utah State’s defensive front isn’t a brick wall.
Prediction: It’s been a great season for Kent State under rising-star head coach Sean Lewis, but Utah State is going to come out rolling. Love will have a strong final game as the Aggies win by more than a touchdown.
– CFN Full Utah State vs. Kent State Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Appalachian State: UAB might be a wonderful story, but it built up its win total over the last few years with a whole lot of wins over a whole lot of miserable teams. The offense can hit a brick wall at times against the better defenses. That’s Appalachian State.
Why You Should Bet On UAB: The receiving corps is loaded with big-time playmakers who can get back in the game or take over early on. Austin Watkins and Kendall Parham crank out yards in bunches, and they should be able to come up with a few late scores to at least make the game interesting, if the Blazers aren’t winning outright.
Prediction: The coaching change at Appalachian State doesn’t matter. Shawn Clark makes the transition seamless, the offense will be razor-sharp, and bad things happen when UAB plays a good team. It’s a big number, but ASU covers.
– CFN Full New Orleans Bowl Game Preview & Prediction
2. Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl: SMU vs. Florida Atlantic
Why You Should Bet On SMU: There’s no Lane Kiffin around anymore – he’s off coaching Ole Miss – and Willie Taggart isn’t stepping in just yet. Just how much will the coaching change – defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer will coach in the interim – matter? QB Shane Buechele and the passing game will put the pressure on the FAU secondary from the start.
Why You Should Bet On Florida Atlantic: Takeaways, takeaways, takeaways. The Owl D loves to come up with turnovers, and it’ll make up for a few mistakes of its own with a slew of big plays. The defense leads the nation in takeaways with 31, and it should be able to keep the game alive with a few interceptions.
Prediction: SMU is too talented and too explosive. FAU is good, but the SMU offense will do enough to roll past the spread in a slightly lower-scoring game than the total.
– CFN Full Boca Raton Game Preview & Prediction
1. Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl: Boise State vs. Washington
Why You Should Bet On Boise State: The Broncos pass rush is about to give Jacob Eason a whole slew of problems. It comes from all angles, and it’s good enough to keep an occasionally stagnant UW O from going anywhere. The Huskies are mediocre on third downs, and the Broncos should be able to keep that going.
Why You Should Bet On Washington: Do you really think Washington is going to send Chris Petersen out a loser? It’s the Coach Pete bowl as he’s coaching against his old program, and he’s got the lines to take over the game and hold up. With time to rest up, this UW D is going to be the real deal – Boise State hasn’t dealt with a defense this good – especially against the run.
Prediction: Washington will get a big game out of its defense, the offensive front will hold up, and the attack will be just balanced enough to get by. The Huskies will get past the spread and the two teams will roll by the Over on the total.
– CFN Full Las Vegas Bowl Game Preview & Prediction
Now that you know what you need to know, head over to BetMGM and get some action in any — or all — of these games for college football bowl season.
For more coverage on the College Football slate of sports betting action, be sure to check out CollegeFootballNews.com. And for more sports betting tips and picks, be sure to access SportsbookWire.com.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
If you’re looking to get in on the sports betting action this weekend, be sure to sign up with BetMGM to take part in any of these games or other action on the schedule.
Why You Should Bet On Oregon: It has more talent on both sides of the ball. Utah – as good as it has been – has yet to beat a team ranked in the College Football Playoff top 25, beating up on a whole slew of mediocre teams and struggling over the second half of the season against the one team – Washington – at its level. The Utes played the 92nd-best schedule in college football, and now they have to deal with Justin Herbert and the best offense they’ve faced so far.
Why You Should Bet On Utah: The weather isn’t going to be pretty. It’s supposed to be cold, rainy, and it should fit what Utah likes to do a little bit better. The defensive front is the real deal, and the offensive line has the ability to pound away better than Oregon can. This has to be the Zack Moss game – the ground attack needs to take over.
Prediction: The weather and Oregon’s talent will keep this close, but Utah is fighting for a playoff spot and will do what it can to pile on if there’s a chance. As long as the line stays at 6.5, expect the Utes to win this, cover, and then hope the CFP will give them a break for the fourth spot.
– CFN Full Oregon vs. Utah Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Virginia: There’s enough of a pass rush to knock Trevor Lawrence off of his rhythm just a bit. Virginia is second in the ACC in sacks helped by six against Virginia Tech last week, and now it’s going to throw everything at the Tigers backfield. Add in QB Bryce Perkins and his ability to control games, and the Cavaliers should be able to do enough on third downs to stay in this.
Why You Should Bet On Clemson: Lawrence has been awesome. After a rough start, he has thrown 16 touchdown passes with no interceptions while averaging close to 12 yards per throw over his last five games. He’ll keep bombing away for a team that wants to continue to make a statement – Dabo Swinney is serious; he wants the College Football Playoff committee to love this team.
Prediction: Clemson will get out fast and put this away with an impressive performance, but Virginia will come up with just enough points in the fourth quarter – Perkins and the O will keep on trying – to barely cover the 28.5.
Why You Should Bet On Baylor: Turnover margin. Baylor doesn’t have the firepower to keep up in any sort of a shootout, but it’s efficient enough offensively to stay in the game. The defense has to continue to do what it does and make big plays. Oklahoma is minus-8 in turnover margin in its last eight games, and Baylor’s D has generated two takeaways or more in eight of the last nine games.
Why You Should Bet On Oklahoma: There’s a defense here, too. QB Jalen Hurts might be the star of the show with an offense leading the nation in yards per play, but it’s the D making the biggest difference. The Sooners lead the Big 12 in total defense with the big key being third-down stops – there are lots of them this season. Baylor struggles in pass protection, and OU should be able to get to QB Charlie Brewer just enough to be a problem.
Prediction: It’s Oklahoma in a Big 12 Championship – it’ll win. However, Baylor will get just enough takeaways and control the clock just enough to cover the nine points and make this a fight.
– CFN Full Baylor vs. Oklahoma Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Wisconsin: The Badgers might have been whacked around in the first meeting, but the defense got into the backfield and knocked around QB Justin Fields a bit. The UW lines got manhandled and shoved around – that never happens to this team. They’re going to blast away for RB Jonathan Taylor, who was held to just 52 yards by the Buckeyes – the line he’s working behind is playing better. But …
Why You Should Bet On Ohio State: The Buckeyes’ lines really are dominating. The O line blasted a Michigan run defense that came into last week’s game on a roll, and Chase Young and the defensive front isn’t going to slow down. OSU needs this game for the No. 1 seed, and it’s going to try making a statement. It starts with a D topping in the nation in total defense, and second in pass defense, sacks and tackles for loss.
Prediction: Wisconsin keeps this close for a half, and then the Buckeyes turn it on. This won’t be a total wipeout, but Ohio State will get the passing game going to pull away and win by more than the 16.
– CFN Full Wisconsin vs. Ohio State Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Georgia: The Georgia lines are good enough to keep this from getting out of hand – Bulldogs games don’t become shootouts. This isn’t a sexy team offensively, but QB Jake Fromm hasn’t thrown an interception outside of the three given away against South Carolina. The defense takes care of the rest – the Gamecocks were the only team to score more than 17.
Why You Should Bet On LSU: Get up quickly, and it might be over. All QB Joe Burrow has to do is score early and all should be fine – Georgia doesn’t have the firepower to keep up. RB D’Andre Swift has a shoulder injury to play through, WR Lawrence Cager is done for the year with an ankle injury, and WR George Pickens is suspended for the first half. This isn’t an O that can keep up in a firefight.
Prediction: Georgia’s defense will be just good enough to keep this from getting out of hand, but Burrow wins the SEC Championship – and the Heisman – with two big scoring plays in the second half to finally get a little breathing room as LSU wins and covers the seven.
– CFN Full LSU vs. Georgia Game Preview & Prediction
Now that you know what you need to know, head over to BetMGM and get some action in any — or all — of these games for Championship Week of college football.
For more coverage on the College Football slate of sports betting action, be sure to check out CollegeFootballNews.com. And for more sports betting tips and picks, be sure to access SportsbookWire.com.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
If you’re looking to get in on the sports betting action this weekend, be sure to sign up with BetMGM to take part in any of these games or other action on the schedule.
Why You Should Bet On Texas A&M: Can Kellen Mond and the Texas A&M passing game go off? LSU’s secondary has had problems in firefights with a defense ranked 43rd in the country. The pass defense has allowed 200 or more yards seven times, and got hit for over 400 against Texas and Alabama – Mond should have a huge day.
Why You Should Bet On LSU: Texas A&M has the defense, the style, and the makeup to make this close and interesting, but it hasn’t shown the ability to come through against any of the great teams on the schedule, and Mond hasn’t shown the consistency needed to win a game like this. LSU has a still-hot Joe Burrow with no real pressure on him to win this, and RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been the type of back with the ability to take over in a game like this.
Prediction: It’s not going to be the 74-72, seven-overtime thriller of last year. It’ll be a tight defensive battle for a while, and then LSU will pull away in the second half to get the win, but Texas A&M will cover.
– CFN Full Texas A&M at LSU Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Oklahoma: It’s been lost a bit in all of the close games, but Oklahoma is still No. 1 in the Big 12 in both total offense and total defense. This team needs to make a statement before going off to the Big 12 Championship, and it might do it against a wounded Oklahoma State team missing a few key offensive parts. The Cowboys have no answer for Jalen Hurts.
Why You Should Bet On Oklahoma State: This Oklahoma team is just begging to get tagged. It lost to Kansas State when a late rally fell short, needed a big two-point stop to get by Iowa State, an epic comeback to beat Baylor, and a late defensive hold to get by TCU. It might be able to win this, but it’s playing every game close, so …
Prediction: Oklahoma State can win this outright, let alone cover the 13.5 points. QB Dru Brown will be fine despite a banged-up thumb, RB Chuba Hubbard and the running game will roll, and the Cowboys will cover without a problem.
Why You Should Bet On Wisconsin: It’s supposed to be around 35 degrees with a fun mixture of snow and rain. Who’s better equipped to handle the ground-and-pound game than Wisconsin? Jonathan Taylor might not be busting out too many big runs, but he’s going to be fed the ball 30-plus times in the horrible conditions, as the Badgers dominate the clock.
Why You Should Bet On Minnesota: Turnovers. All of a sudden, Wisconsin has issues hanging on to the ball, going a plus-9 over the first six games in the turnover margin, and minus-8 in the last five. Tanner Morgan and the Minnesota passing game have just enough to produce in the bad conditions, and the weather won’t help the Badgers stop screwing up.
Prediction: It won’t be pretty, but the atmosphere will be crazy even with the bad weather. LOVE the Under, and like Minnesota pulling this off with a few key takeaways and a sharper all-around game.
– CFN Full Wisconsin at Minnesota Game Preview & Prediction
2. Alabama at Auburn
Photo Credit: John David Mercer – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On Alabama: It’s all up to Mac Jones. It’s not like the Tide dragged its starting quarterback out of psych class to come in and take over – the guy can play. He still has NFL talent all around him, and it’s all working behind what might be the best O line yet under Nick Saban. On the other side, the D takes the ball away in bunches.
Why You Should Bet On Auburn: The defense doesn’t allow much of anything. It was able to keep LSU to 23 points, Oregon to 21, Florida to 24, and Georgia to 21. This team knows how to play close games, its defense is fantastic at not breaking when it bends, and overall, it gets to play loose and free. The pressure isn’t on Alabama to just win; it needs to win by a lot to look good for the playoff committee.
Prediction: Alabama needs to be impressive to stay in the playoff chase. It might not be its normal explosive self, but it’ll be ruthlessly efficient as it covers without a problem.
– CFN Full Alabama at Auburn Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Ohio State: The defense is No. 1 in the country – by a whole lot. 2011 Alabama finished the season allowing 184 yards per game. Since then, no team has ended a year allowing under 250 yards per game. Ohio State’s D is giving up 217 yards per game. And now it’s playing Michigan with a healthy and energized Chase Young. Ramp up the intensity level several notches.
Why You Should Bet On Michigan: Michigan’s run defense has become a brick wall. Early on in the year, the Wolverines faced Army’s ground game and Wisconsin in back-to-back weeks, giving up 559 yards in the two games. It has allowed 539 rushing yards in the last eight games. It’s going to keep the Buckeyes from taking off.
Prediction: The defenses will rule for most of the day, but Ohio State will make the few plays in the second half needed to survive. The Buckeyes win, but Michigan will cover the 9.
– CFN Full Ohio State at Michigan Game Preview & Prediction
Now that you know what you need to know, head over to BetMGM and get some action in any — or all — of these games for Week 14 of college football.
For more coverage on Week 14’s College Football slate of sports betting action, be sure to check out CollegeFootballNews.com. And for more sports betting tips and picks, be sure to access SportsbookWire.com.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
It’s the week before THE WEEK when we get all the big rivalry games – or, at least, most of the big ones – all crammed into one giant final full regular season Saturday. But there are still five very, very big games …
If you’re looking to get in on the sports betting action this weekend, be sure to sign up with BetMGM to take part in any of these games or other action on the schedule.
5. UCLA at USC
Photo Credit: Melissa Majchrzak – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On UCLA: Can USC stop Joshua Kelley? The UCLA running back took over last season with 289 yards and two scores in the win over the Trojans, and he’s been every bit as good over the back half of this year. The ground game has been just good enough to pound it out again on a USC defense that’s been fine, but can and will give up yards to anyone who commits to the ground attack.
Why You Should Bet On USC: He might not be Joe or Tua or Jalen, but Kedon Slovis has been as hot as any quarterback in the country over the last few games, throwing for 838 yards and eight touchdowns in his last two outings, and with 15 touchdown passes in his last four. UCLA has been hit-or-miss when it comes to getting into shootouts, but USC is far better equipped to go up and down the field in a hurry.
Prediction: Playing for its bowl eligibility life, UCLA will make this a battle and keep it within the 13.5, but USC’s passing game will take over with Slovis throwing for four touchdowns in the win.
– CFN Full UCLA vs. USC Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Pitt: The Panthers have the nation’s best pass rush, and the Virginia Tech offensive line is just mediocre enough to have problems on the key downs. The run defense will be everything for Pitt – Virginia Tech is 6-0 when rushing for over 140 yards.
Why You Should Bet On Virginia Tech: There’s no real Pitt running game that can rise up and take over a game. The Hokies have a killer pass rush, too, and it should be able to get to Kenny Pickett and an inconsistent Panther passing attack that’s going to sputter way too often on the road. Virginia Tech can handle Pitt’s pass rush better than the other way around.
Prediction: Virginia Tech will run a little bit, Pitt won’t. The two defenses will take over in a fun fight, but the HOKIES will pull out the win – and cover – at home to be in a position to take the Coastal next week against Virginia.
– CFN Full Pitt vs. Virginia Tech Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Texas: Just how down is Baylor after its epic collapse against Oklahoma? It’s been a disappointing year for the Longhorns, but there’s still a sliver of a shot it can make the Big 12 Championship Game with a win this week. Thanks to both the legs and arm of Sam Ehlinger, Texas is among the best teams in the country at keeping the chains moving. Baylor is good on third downs, but the Longhorns have the ability to control the tempo on the road.
Why You Should Bet On Baylor: The Bears’ pass rush should be able to get to Ehlinger enough to be a big problem. There were issues getting to Jalen Hurts last week, but overall the defense is still the best in the Big 12, Charlie Brewer is still among the league’s most effective quarterbacks, and the team should be able to bomb away on a beleaguered Texas secondary, the BU D should be able to take care of the rest.
Prediction: Baylor will get over last week’s clunker and get the win it needs to not only get into the Big 12 Championship Game, but also back into the College Football Playoff picture. Brewer will have a big game as the BEARS win and cover.
– CFN Full Texas vs. Baylor Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Texas A&M: This is the exact type of Georgia team that fits what the Aggies need. There isn’t a ton of pop and explosion, it likes to go a bit slow and deliberate, and it’s not going to come out and throw for 400 yards and wing it all over the yard. The A&M secondary has been amazing – no one has completed more than 46% over the last four games. Jake Fromm might be terrific, but he’s not throwing for big yards and he’s been a bit erratic this year – his receiving corps isn’t helping.
Why You Should Bet On Georgia: Texas A&M isn’t going to get any easy chances. Georgia might not be LSU when it comes to putting up the big offensive numbers, but Fromm isn’t screwing up. He threw three picks in the loss to South Carolina, and that’s it. Defensively, the Dawgs aren’t allowing anything against the run – A&M’s Kellen Mond has to be perfect. He’s been okay this year, but not good enough.
Why You Should Bet On Penn State: The pass rush has to get to Justin Fields early, and it has to be relentless. The Buckeyes have faced a better schedule than it’s getting credit for. It dealt with a terrific Wisconsin defensive front and won easily, but it had problems keeping the Badgers out of the backfield. The Nittany Lions come in waves to get behind the line and will easily be the biggest test yet for a Buckeyes offense that hasn’t had to deal with even the slightest bit of adversity.
Why You Should Bet On Ohio State: Ohio State already had the No. 1 defense in college football, and now it gets back a rested and ready Chase Young off of his two-game bull(bleep) suspension. On the other side, the Nittany Lions secondary – even helped by the great pass rush – isn’t doing anything special. Minnesota, Pitt and Iowa were all able to throw without a problem, and Fields will be able to bomb away.
Prediction: This is where the Buckeyes flex a little muscle. Penn State is good, but it doesn’t have the consistent offensive pop to keep up. Ohio State pulls away in the second half to cover.
– CFN Full Penn State vs. Ohio State Game Preview & Prediction
Now that you know what you need to know, head over to BetMGM and get some action in any — or all — of these games for Week 13 of college football.
For more coverage on Week 13’s College Football slate of sports betting action, be sure to check out CollegeFootballNews.com. And for more sports betting tips and picks, be sure to access SportsbookWire.com.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
There’s no LSU vs. Alabama on the slate, but there is a whole slew of massive games that will shape the final few weeks of the season and, potentially, the College Football Playoff.
If you’re looking to get in on the sports betting action this weekend, be sure to sign up with BetMGM to take part in any of these games or other action on the schedule.
5. Michigan State at Michigan
Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson leads the Wolverines against Michigan State. Tommy Gilligan – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On Michigan State: The Spartans are way, way, way overdue for something positive. They’ve had a rough run, they collapsed against Illinois, and they’re far better than they’ve been playing. The offensive line is good enough to handle the tough Michigan defensive front, and the run defense has been nasty against everyone but Ohio State and Wisconsin. But …
Why You Should Bet On Michigan: The Michigan State passing game has gone bye-bye. Brian Lewerke is struggling, he’s not accurate, and the offense is way too inconsistent. Ever since halftime of the Penn State game, Michigan has been fantastic defensively, going on a great 10-quarter run to get back into the hunt for a New Year’s Six game. Shea Patterson has settled down behind center, the running game is OK, and overall, Michigan is playing well. Michigan State isn’t.
Prediction: The rested Wolverine team will be a little bit sluggish out of gate, but the defense will take over as the game goes on. The Spartan O will stall, the Wolverine attack will go on a few late first half scoring drives, and Michigan will win by more than two touchdowns.
– CFN Full Michigan State at Michigan Game Preview & Prediction
4. Navy at Notre Dame
Navy quarterback Malcolm Perry will try to give Notre Dame fits this weekend. David Butler II – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On Navy: The Navy ground game is working at a whole other level. It’s leading the nation averaging 358 yards per game — a whopping 34 yards more than No. 2 Air Force — and everything else flows from there. QB Malcolm Perry (who’s really a running back behind center) has been brilliant, the offense is getting better and better as the year has gone on. The team should be able to control the tempo and the clock for at least 35 minutes. However …
Why You Should Bet On Notre Dame: Navy played one team that can throw the ball reasonably well, and lost. Memphis was able to pull off the 35-23 win with Brady White hitting 78% of his passes with three scores as the Tiger offense took control of the game. That’s what the Irish have to do. Ian Book might not be all that accurate lately, but he connected on 82% of his throws in last year’s win over the Midshipmen. He doesn’t have to throw for 330 yards again, but he has to be sharp.
Prediction: Somehow, it’ll be a sellout at the last possible moment to keep the 273-game streak going. The Irish have improved their rushing defense in recent weeks. They’ll have problems with the Navy offense, but they’ll be balanced enough to survive and cover on a late score.
– CFN Full Navy vs. Notre Dame Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Minnesota: It’s time to start giving the Minnesota offense — especially the passing game — a whole lot more credit. Tanner Morgan is fourth in the nation in passing efficiency (behind the one-name stars Jalen, Tua and Joe) with a loaded receiving corps to work with. Iowa doesn’t have a big-time offense, but Minnesota does, with receivers Rashod Bateman and Tyler Johnson talents who’ll soon be off to the NFL.
Why You Should Bet On Iowa: This is a steady Iowa team with the defense that’s been a brick wall against the run all year against everyone but Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor. The offense has the veteran quarterback in Nate Stanley who should be able to hit a few big plays against a good — not amazing — Gopher secondary that gave up 340 yards to Penn State. Just don’t expect Stanley to throw the picks that Nittany Lions QB Sean Clifford did.
Prediction: It’s time to start giving Minnesota credit for winning close games. As the underdog on the road, the Gophers will pull out a thrilling, tight win with a big late stop.
– CFN Full Minnesota vs. Iowa Game Preview & Prediction
2. Oklahoma at Baylor
Charlie Brewer and his Baylor Bears have a tall task ahead of them in the Oklahoma Sooners. Jerome Miron – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On Oklahoma: The offense has the ability to blow the doors off the Bears. There might be several issues, but Oklahoma continues to roll behind a brilliant year from Jalen Hurts — he’s playing better than Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray did, and with few mistakes. Baylor needs to win on turnover margin, and the Sooners don’t give the ball away with just 10 turnovers so far.
Why You Should Bet On Baylor: The pass rush is strong enough to keep Hurts from being comfortable. This is the best defense overall that OU has dealt with, with the disruptive ability to jump all over the backfield like nothing else the high-powered attack has dealt with. On the other side, the Sooner defense is starting to buckle again. It couldn’t handle Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson and the running game, it couldn’t handle Brock Purdy and the Iowa State passing attack, and now it’s going to try to keep Baylor’s Charlie Brewer from continuing to be his steady, cool self.
Prediction: It this a repeat of Minnesota-Penn State when the unbeaten team rises up at home when it get its shot? Not quite. Oklahoma will win, but Baylor will be just good enough to keep this closer than double digits.
– CFN Full OU vs. Baylor Game Preview & Prediction
1. Georgia at Auburn
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart (left) and quarterback Jake Fromm are facing yet another big game in the SEC. Matt Stamey – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On Georgia: Georgia does what Auburn likes to do, only better. The Auburn lines are great, but Georgia’s are better. Auburn has a fantastic defense, but Georgia’s is better. It’s Jake Fromm vs. Bo Nix, and it’s the Bulldog run defense that’s not giving up a thing. Nix is going to have to rock to pull this off, and he didn’t hit 42% of his throws in his three big games against Oregon, Florida and LSU.
Why You Should Bet On Auburn: There’s not enough of a Georgia downfield passing game for Auburn to worry about. This isn’t a Bulldog team that — as good as it is — is going to crank up 50 points and put the game away. This is going to be a low-scoring, tough battle, and this could be the Oregon game all over again — stays close, stays close, stays close, and then Auburn rises up when it has to.
Prediction: Go with the under as both defenses take over, but Georgia will be a wee bit better. The Bulldogs -2.5 is right at where the line should be, but go with a focused and more talented Georgia team.
– CFN Full Georgia at Auburn Game Preview & Prediction
Now that you know what you need to know, head over to BetMGM and get some action in any — or all — of these games for Week 12 college football.
For more coverage on Week 12’s College Football slate of sports betting action, be sure to check out CollegeFootballNews.com. And for more sports betting tips and picks, be sure to access SportsbookWire.com.
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