Alabama at Florida – SEC Championship
Saturday, December 19, 8:00 P.M. (EST), Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
The Gators heavily disappointed last week against LSU and now face a tough opposition in the Crimson Tide. Keep in mind, this contest is for the SEC Championship, something the Gators have not won since 2008.
Alabama have dominated the SEC and I think they will come out on top in this contest. History has backed the Crimson Tide against the Gators as well. These teams last met in December of 2016, with the Crimson Tide winning 54-16.
The Crimson Tide is 5-0 straight up in their last 5 games against the Gators and are 5-1 in their last 6 ATS versus Florida.
Both teams have incredible, high scoring offenses, but what interests me is Bama and Florida’s defensive numbers.
The Gators allow 26.30 points per game, which is ranked 51st in the NCAA. As for the Crimson Tide, their program owns one of the best defenses in the nation, allowing just 16.80 points per game.
With how strong these defenses are, I am leaning towards the total under.
Historically, Florida vs. Alabama is relatively low scoring, with their last true barnburner coming in 1999 when the Crimson Tide won 40-39.
I like the under in this contest, as well as the Alabama money line (-770 with 888Sport)
Free Pick: Alabama/Florida total under 74.5 points (-108, 888Sport)
Oklahoma vs Iowa State – Big 12 Championship
Saturday, December 19, 12:00 P.M. (EST), AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
Saturday is a huge day for the Cyclones’ program. Iowa State has clinched a berth in the Big 12 Championship game for the first time in school history. On top of the already successful 8-2 campaign, Iowa State finishes atop the conference’s regular-season standings for the first time as well.
With that being said, they are going against the juggernaut of the Big 12 – Oklahoma. Since reinstating the Big 12 title game in 2017, the Sooners have qualified and won all three games.
The Sooners are 16-2 overall against the Cyclones which has me leaning towards Oklahoma on the money line. I know, the Cyclones beat Oklahoma earlier this season, but since that loss, the Sooners have won 6 straight.
This is an unfamiliar environment for Iowa State as well. There will be a ton of nerves, while this is business as usual for Oklahoma.
I don’t see the Sooners squandering this opportunity to get revenge on one of the few teams that beat them this season.
This should be a close, defensive battle. I think Oklahoma can edge out the Cyclones on the Money Line and take the Big 12 Championship.
Oklahoma is better on both sides of the ball despite Iowa State winning earlier in this season. With that being said, I really like both defenses, which leads me to believe that this could be another game that hits the under (u58.5, -109) on 888Sport.
Free Pick: Oklahoma Money Line (-200, 888Sport)
Ohio State vs. Northwestern – Big 10 Championship
Saturday, December 19, 12:00 P.M (EST), Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
This contest is much bigger than the Big 10 Championship for Ohio State.
The Buckeyes are trying to get the nod into the CFP, which means they need a huge statement win against their Big 10 rival.
Entering this game, the Buckeyes have won 8 straight against the Wildcats. Against Northwestern, the Buckeyes are 7-1 ATS, which is intriguing because the Buckeyes are listed at -21 (10Bet).
Northwestern’s defense is stellar. They are one of the best defenses in the NCAA but have not faced an offense like Ohio State. This season, the Wildcats’ defense has been tested but nothing like the challenge that will come to them this weekend.
I think this game has the makings of a high-scoring affair. It isn’t a Buckeyes game without a ton of scoring. Granted, it’s usually Ohio State doing the majority of the work, but the Buckeyes have allowed teams like Indiana and Rutgers to score a decent number of points on them.
I like Ohio State on the Money Line for obvious reasons, but Northwestern should be able to find the end zone on multiple occasions.
Pick: Ohio State/Northwestern Combined Points Over 57 (-118, 10Bet)
Clemson vs Notre Dame – ACC Championship
Saturday, December 19, 4:00 P.M. (EST), Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Arguably one of the most anticipated games of the week, I saved the best for last.
Battling for the ACC championship, the Tigers and Fighting Irish are destined for the College Football Playoff.
These teams most recently met on November 7, with the Fighting Irish winning by 7. The high scoring affair was beloved by college football fans as it was a terrific battle through all 4 quarters (and into the two overtimes).
Now with the ACC championship on the line, ND looks to win the big one this Saturday.
Unfortunately for the Fighting Irish, I think the Tigers stun Notre Dame on Sunday.
Notre Dame is coming in hot, but we cannot discredit the Tigers. Sure, Clemson is ranked lower than Notre Dame in the AP Polls, but betting sites are siding with Clemson over Notre Dame in terms of the spread and money line.
Don’t get me wrong, Notre Dame is an incredible team, but I think Clemson’s defense will have answers for the Fighting Irish.
Clemson has been in fine defensive form as of late. Allowing just 27 points over the past two contests. Their only defensive anomaly was against Notre Dame, where the Tigers allowed 47 points. That game was the only time this season Clemson have allowed more than 28 points.
The clutch factor is real and I think Trevor Lawrence is a better QB than Ian Book. Lawrence is trying to cement his college legacy and another ACC championship would add to the historic run of Lawrence in Clemson.
With that being said, I think the Fighting Irish can cover on the spread. Injuries will be a huge factor (for Clemson) and although the Tigers may win on the Money Line, I like Notre Dame covering on the spread.
Free Pick: Notre Dame to cover +10.5 (Betway Sports)
