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Washington vs Ohio State (-7) (-105)
It’s safe to say Washington and Ohio State’s seasons are not ending the way they desire. Both coaches and QBs have something to play for. We have the Pac 12 Champion vs the Big 10 Champion squaring off in Rose Bowl. Legends are made in this stadium. Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins has an opportunity to cement himself as the first QB taken in this year’s draft with a stellar performance. Haskins has been impeccable all season throwing for 4,580 yards, 47 TDs, and only 8 INTs. Pair him with a coach (Urban Myer) who will be stepping down from coaching at the end of the season, you might find yourself with a team hungry to score points. Both teams have struggled to cover the spread this season. But Ohio State is coming into this game covering in 3 out of their last 4 games. If the Washington offense was even a little bit existent, their defense could keep them in the game. I expect Ohio State to go out with a statement win for their old ball coach Urban Myer. Take Ohio State -7 with confidence.
Bet 3 units on Ohio State -7 to win 2.86 units (-105)
Texas vs Georgia (-13) (-110)
The Sugar Bowl played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, is always a great game. This lean might come from a little SEC bias as I am an Alabama fan. Statically Georgia is a much better team than Texas. Texas does own the one blemish on Oklahoma’s record. If you look at total points for and total points against the edge goes to Georgia. They are scoring 39 points per game to Texas’ 31.3. On the other side of the ball Texas allows 26 points per game to Georgia’s 18.5. After the Bulldogs blew their chance at a bid for the College Football Playoffs, look for them to come out strong. Despite them not making it into the Playoffs, I do believe they are one of the best four teams in the country. If that is not enough to convince you of a two touchdown victory for the Bulldogs, let’s look at the trends for both teams. The Longhorns have struggled to cover the spread this season as they are 5-7-1. The Bulldogs come in at 8-5 ATS with a few 20+ point victories that did not cover. Losing the nation’s leading cornerback, Deandre Baker, will be a tough loss for the Bulldogs. But, Kirby Smart runs a next man up system. Feel free to fade if the 13 points is too large or you feel my SEC bias might be clouding my judgement. But I am forecasting a 45-21 victory for the Bulldogs.
Bet 2 units on Georgia -13 to win 1.82 units (-110)
Michigan State vs Oregon (-2.5)(-110)
Oregon’s Justin Herbert has announce that he will return to Oregon for his senior season. I have sung the praise of Justin Herbert on my Podcast, What’s the Spread. Herbert had himself a solid season throwing for 2,985 yards, 28 TDs and 8 INTs.In a battle of teams who struggle to cover, give me the team with the more talented QB. It is obvious that Michigan State has a stout defense. One that is light years better than Oregon’s, but their offense is abysmal. Michigan State is only averaging 19.8 points per game compared to Oregon’s 37. The two teams have met 4 times and Oregon has covered in all 4 matchups. Both teams have a like opponent this season. They both played close games against Arizona State. Oregon came out victorious, where Michigan State was defeated. Bowl games are tricky depending on who has the most to play for. I think Herbert’s teammates will rally behind his decision to return for his senior season and play lights out. Take Oregon -2.5.
Bet 3 units on Oregon -2.5 to win 2.73 units (-110)
Parlay Bet
Parlay 2 units on Cincinnati -5.5, Michigan ML, Clemson ML and Stanford -4.5 to win 10.65 units (+532)
