Our college football expert has made three picks for this week’s conference championship games, and I’m going to take a stab at five other CFB bets. There are 10 contests that will crown conference winners.
5 Bets to Make this Week
Georgia -6 over Alabama
Michigan -22 over Iowa
Boise State -2.5 over UNLV
Oregon-Washington Under 65.5
Miami (OH) +7.5 over Toledo
The big one is the SEC Championship, which pits the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs against the No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide. The Crimson Tide might have to win this game to stay in the college football playoffs.
While that game is the most anticipated, there are several others that look enticing, especially from a betting standpoint.
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Georgia Holds on to Top Spot
The Georgia Bulldogs have held on to the No. 1 spot for most of the year. Not surprisingly, Kirby Smart’s team is in the Top 10 in both offensive and defensive categories.
The Alabama Crimson Tide, however, is not far behind them.
Georgia ranks fifth for yards per play this season, as they are averaging 7.3. Alabama ranks 27th averaging 6.5. On defense, the Bulldogs rank 12th allowing 4.8 yards per play, and Alabama ranks 19th allowing 4.9.
The run game might be the deciding factor. Alabama’s starting running back Jase McClellan is expected to be out with an injury.
Georgia’s running back Kendall Milton has been a major part of the Bulldogs’ offense. In his last three games, he has averaged 8.5 yards a carry.
If Alabama stops him they have a chance to win. I, however, don’t see that happening.
Prediction: Georgia -6 over Alabama (112 at BetRivers
Watch: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET CBS or fuboTV
Michigan Continues to Roll
With the Michigan Wolverines a more than three touchdown favorite against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big 10 Conference Championship, it would be natural to be a little skittish. Laying 22 points isn’t going to make anyone feel real comfortable.
You can put that fear aside. Michigan is legit. They are my pick to win the National Championship. They are averaging 37.5 points a game. Iowa is averaging 18 points a game, 14.5 in conference play.
There is an argument to be made that the Wolverines could have a hangover from beating Ohio State. I don’t see that happening. Also, they’re getting Jim Harbaugh back on the sidelines, so there’s that for extra motivation.
Prediction: Michigan -22 (-114 at BetRivers)
Watch: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET FOX or fuboTV
UNLV Comes Up Short
There has been no better story in college football than the resurgence of the UNLV Rebels’ program. They were predicted at the beginning of the season to finish middle of the pack in the Mountain West. Instead, they are playing in the conference championship game against another surprise team, the Boise State Broncos.
More importantly, the Rebels have been the favorite of sports bettors. They had a 10-2 record against the spread this season.
Sadly, I think their dream season is ended by the Broncos. Last week’s performance against San Jose State left me unimpressed and doubtful they can beat Boise State. The game is in Las Vegas, but Boise State fans travel well and that will negate any home-field advantage.
With the spread under a field goal, I am taking the Broncos.
Prediction: Boise State -2.5 (-110 at Caesars)
Watch: Saturday, 3 p.m. ET FOX or fuboTV
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Washington Oregon Go Low
In the regular season game between the Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies, it was a shootout. A total of 69 points were scored, with the Over hitting.
Washington’s defense is suspect and Oregon is going to score, but I don’t see the Huskies being able to keep up with them in the Pac-12 Championship game on Friday.
The total for this game is 65.5 and Washington has hit the Under in its last two games. Expect them to make it three in a row.
Prediction: Oregon-Washington Under 65.5 (-105 at BetMGM)
Watch: Friday, 8 p.m. ET ABC or fuboTV
Miami of Ohio Gets Revenge on Toledo
It’ is always tough to beat a team twice in a season, especially if they are closely matched. The Miami of Ohio Redhawks lost to the Toledo Rockets early in the year, 21-17.
The spread for the MAC Championship game is -7.5 Toledo. If they couldn’t cover a touchdown in the last meeting, I don’t see them doing it in this one.
Miami (OH) has a decent run and that is how you beat the Rockets. This would be my pick for a moneyline bet, but I’ll stay conservative and take them and the points.
Prediction: Miami (OH) +7.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
Watch: Saturday, Noon ET ESPN or fuboTV
