Wednesday, November 06, 2024

Betting, Gambling

College Football Big Bets for This Week

Usually Thanksgiving weekend is the final weekend of College Football in the regular season. Being that this year is more unusual than any other we have seen, we have more weeks of action and an uncertain timeline for the College Football Playoff. Last week was my most accurate to date, as only one prediction was wrong. Hopefully, this week there are zero inaccurate predictions as we make our Big Bets for College Football. With further to discuss, let’s dive into this week’s big games.

Over

Oklahoma Versus Baylor (62.5)

Oklahoma didn’t play last week after their game against West Virginia was canceled. Before last week, the Sooners were the hottest team in the Big 12. Spencer Rattler has figured out Lincoln Riley’s offense and the Sooners have been running up the score on everyone. Likewise, Baylor has been in many close games this season but has eclipsed the 30 point mark in two of their last three games. Expect both programs to put up points and cover the high total.

Under

Alabama Versus LSU (67.5)

67.5 points are a lot of points to cover and many would bet the Over here with Alabama’s offense looking unstoppable this season. It’s interesting to see the total being this high primarily because of the way the games in Death Valley have turned out in recent years. The last two times these schools faced off in LSU, the final scores were 29-0 and 10-0. Alabama should win this game handily but expect their defense to win this one as the Under is covered.

Intriguing, But Be Cautious

(-23.5) Ohio State Versus Michigan State

Ohio State didn’t play last week with their game being canceled against Minnesota. With not many games left on the schedule and every game needed to make a statement to the College Football Playoff committee, expect Ohio State to run up the score against Michigan State. Michigan State just pulled the upset of their season as they beat a formerly undefeated Northwestern. This game is one that we can expect Ohio State to win, and do so handily. But it’s risky to bet on the 23.5 points spread, considering Michigan State is going to give their best effort of the season on Saturday.

(-11.5) Washington Versus Stanford

Washington has put together a surprisingly impressive season, starting out 3-0 and piling on the wins in a weakened Pac-12. Stanford is always a tough school to bet against and this year is no exception. Stanford was blown out in their first game against Oregon 35-14. Since then they have played close games against both Colorado and California, with both games being decided by a field goal or less. Another issue is Washington’s record is on the merit of playing an easy schedule. All three of Washington’s victories have come against programs with 0-2 records. Washington should win and should also cover the spread, but be cautious of betting on them to do so.

Favorites

(-22.5) Clemson Versus Virginia Tech

Clemson proved last week that they will not only beat anyone on their schedule but cover the spread in the process. The Clemson Tigers are playing the remainder of their season with a chip on their shoulder as the Tigers hope to avenge their loss to Notre Dame and still reach the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech is only a shell of the program they used to be under head coach Frank Beamer. The Hokies are 4-5 this season and their most recent loss was a 33-point defeat to Pittsburgh who, interestingly enough, Clemson blew out last week. This is an easy bet for Clemson to win and cover the spread.

(-7) Iowa State Versus West Virginia

I have been saying time and time again that Iowa State is legitimate this season. The Hawkeyes have a great offense this season as Brock Purdy is having a career year. The receiving group constantly gives defenses matchup problems and Breece Hall is dominating on the ground. Additionally, the defense has been able to make the big play if necessary. Expect Iowa State to win and cover the spread against West Virginia.

Underdogs

(+14) Indiana Versus Wisconsin

This spread is favoring Wisconsin by two touchdowns on the sheer fact that Indiana’s quarterback Michael Penix Jr. tore his ACL last week and is done for the season. Indiana was in the midst of one of their best seasons and the news is devastating. Indiana should still make this a close game. The Hoosiers have shown this season that they have all the pieces around their quarterback to still be competitive and a defense to keep games close. It’s also easy to forget that backup quarterback Jack Tuttle played rather well in the second half filling in for Penix. Indiana might not win this game but they should cover the 14-point spread.

(+17.5) Tennessee Versus Florida

Florida has been one of the best in the nation this season and Kyle Trask is having a Heisman season. Florida is far more talented than Tennessee is and should easily win this game. At the same time, Tennessee at home is getting 17.5 points. While this season has been a lost cause for the Volunteers, they should bounce back this week and cover the high spread. Tennessee has been on a five-game skid and will likely end the season with this losing streak, but expect them to make this game closer than many people think it will be.

The odds are courtesy of vegasinsider.com and are subject to change.

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