College Football Playoff Betting Picks
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The 2019-20 College Football Playoff kicks off on Saturday, but odds for the two games were released over two weeks ago at sports betting sites, while futures odds have been out all season. Most recently, FanDuel Sportsbook released lines for all four possible 202 National Championship matchups. Let’s take a look at all the above before things heat up on Saturday.
College Football Playoff Odds
| Team | Odds | Sportsbook |
|---|---|---|
| LSU | +150 | FD |
| Clemson | +220 | WH |
| Ohio State | +250 | DK |
| Oklahoma | +1400 | FD |
College Football Playoff Picks: Oklahoma vs. LSU
- Spread: LSU -13.5
- Point Total: 75.5
- Open: LSU -11
- Time: 4 p.m. ET 12/28 on ESPN
The LSU Tigers opened as 11-point favorites when odds for the College Football Playoff semifinal matchup came out on December 8th. With little faith in an Oklahoma Sooners team that lost to Kansas State earlier in the year and struggled to beat sub-par teams like TCU and Iowa State, college football bettors roared, pouncing on LSU’s early number. At one point, you could find Oklahoma +14 at most sportsbooks following news of suspensions to key Oklahoma players. According to VegasInsider, 67% of bets are on LSU as of Friday afternoon.
You no longer have to lay a full 14 points if you want a piece of Joe Burrow and the Tigers’ high-flying spread offense. While Oklahoma’s best pass-rusher will miss the Peach Bowl, LSU could be without a key player as well.
Senior running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a game-time decision after injuring his hamstring in practice. Edwards-Helaire rushed for 16 touchdowns and nearly 1300 yards in 2019. Aside from being a force on the ground, the running back was also a feature in LSU’s new-look passing attack. Edwards-Helair is fifth on the team with 50 receptions and 399 yards from Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow.
“Do I think he plays? Yes, but how much he plays, I don’t know. He’s not 100%, obviously,” said head coach Ed Orgeron.
Who is next in line if Edwards-Helaire can’t go? While junior had six games with over 100 yards rushing, only two other running backs have over 100 yards rushing for the season. In fact, Burrow is second on the team in rushing yards.
With or without Edwards-Helaire, the Tigers will likely go with a committee approach in the Peach Bowl that will include two true freshmen.
Oddsmakers haven’t adjusted the Peach Bowl much in light of LSU’s concerns in the backfield. Still, Edwards-Helair’s status could definitely be a reason to bet against the LSU, who led the NCAA with 550 yards per game while with Edwards-Helair healthy, or on the Under if you’re already leaning that direction. I already grabbed LSU -13 and Over 75.5 when rumors of OU suspension began floating around, and I’m comfortable with those. Regardless of where you lean, keep in eye out on Edwards-Helaire news leading up to kickoff.
College Football Playoff Picks: Clemson vs. Ohio State
- Spread: Clemson -2.5
- Point Total: 62.5
- Open: Clemson +1
- Time: 8 p.m. ET 12/28 on ESPN
The second College Football Playoff semifinal game of the night kicks off with the 2019 Fiesta Bowl as the Clemson Tigers and Ohio State Buckeyes travel to Glendale, Arizona.
As Covers reporter Patrick Everson tweeted out, DraftKings Sportsbook’s Jonny Avello anticipates this to be “the largest single-betting college football game of all time.” He might be right. Nevada did just break a record with their $614 million November sports betting handle.
Per VegasInsider, 64%of bets are on Clemson and 67% are on the Over. It’s a bit surprising because Clemson seems to be flying under the radar, largely as a consquence of their weak schedule compared to other teams in the College Football Playoff.
They didn’t take down Alabama or Michigan in the regular season, but aside from a near slip-up at North Carolina, Dabo Swinney’s squad has dominated every team they’ve faced outside of Chapel Hill.
Swinney’s defense is allowing just over 10 points a game, while the offense has scored 50-plus points in six of their games this season.
Sophomore quarterback Trevor Lawrence hasn’t lost a game in his collegiate career and he’s only one win away from playing in his second National Championship. With Ohio State’s Justin Fields‘ health in question, I like Lawrence and Clemson to do just that. They have a plethora of talent on both sides of the ball, and I think it’ll be enough take down Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl Saturday night.
College Football Playoff Pick: Clemson -2
2020 National Championship Lines
- Ohio State vs. LSU -1
- Ohio State vs. Oklahoma +9.5
- Clemson vs. LSU +1.5
- Clemson vs. Oklahoma +10
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Check out more general tips for college football betting picks.
Image Credit: USA Today Sports Images