Conference Title Game Betting Lines Released, For A Huge Weekend In College Football
We have made it to the conference championship week in college football, somehow getting through 13 weeks of football without losing our minds. But we now get some solid matchups to decide how the Playoff will look. So, let's take a look at which games to pay attention to this week.
Make sure to checkout FanDuel for the latest betting lines and movement before the games!
Georgia (-6.5/50.5) vs. Alabama, 4 p.m. ET
The Georgia Bulldogs come into this game 12-0, which is the first time since 1982 that they've finished the regular season undefeated. This Georgia defense has been dominant all season, and I expect them to give Alabama a lot of trouble up front. My biggest question for the Dawgs is: can they throw the ball enough if Alabama forces them to? Speaking of the Tide, they are coming off a wild win in Auburn, defeating the Tigers in four overtimes to claim the Iron Bowl. The Alabama offense looked troubled through three quarters, but Bryce Young bailed them out at the end with a beautiful throw to send it into OT. This game could come down to which team can establish a rushing attack, with both defensive lines bringing the heat. Good luck betting this one.
Michigan (-11.5/44) vs. Iowa, 8 p.m. ET
How about the Michigan Wolverines knocking off Ohio State on Saturday? That was a physically dominating performance from the boys in blue, who rushed for 297 yards against the Buckeyes. If Michigan can put up those types of numbers again this week, I have no idea how Iowa can keep up. The Hawkeyes come into this game off a close win over Nebraska, but haven't played a decent team since they faced Wisconsin back in October -- a game they lost. I like what Iowa does with their TEs and the passing game, but I don't think they can keep up with Michigan.
Baylor vs. Oklahoma State (-5.5/48,) noon ET
The Bedlam game might go down as one of the best football games this season, as Oklahoma State clinched a spot for Baylor in the title game and put Oklahoma out to pasture. It was a battle for the Cowboys, but they pulled off the great fourth quarter win, holding the Sooners to just 9 points in the second half. I enjoy watching QB Spencer Sanders play, but he will have to be better with the ball against the Bears, as he threw two interceptions on Saturday. As for Baylor, they defeated Texas Tech 27-24 and needed help from the Cowboys to get in, but Dave Aranda has done a fantastic job with the Bears this season. Baylor lost to Oklahoma State 24-14 in Stillwater earlier this season, so these two teams are familiar with one another. Should be a shootout for the Big 12.
Houston at Cincinnati (-10/54.5), 4 p.m. ET
After defeating East Carolina, No. 4 Cincinnati is looking to win the AAC title game on Saturday and punch their ticket for the Playoff. The Bearcats were impressive against the Pirates, but Houston could present a bigger problem. Houston QB Clayton Tune can sling the football and has had success down the field. This is the one game where Cincinnati cannot leave any doubt with the Playoff committee, so taking care of business in an impressive way is key. Take care of the spread, and I don't think the Bearcats have anything to worry about. Win by a field goal, and they may be sweating a bit.
Oregon vs. Utah (-3/59.5), 8 p.m. ET Friday
Can Mario Cristobal finish off this season with a Pac-12 Championship? That's the question that many around the country are asking. The Ducks won't be playing for a National Championship this season, but they can still finish the year strong. Utah comes into this game with a 9-3 record, looking to take advantage of a wounded Duck and steal the title. Don't be surprised if this game comes down to the 4th quarter, as I don't trust the Oregon defense at the moment. This could be fun.
Pittsburgh (-2.5/72) vs. Wake Forest, 8 p.m. ET
This one should be fun, as Kenny Pickett faces off against Sam Hartman in a battle of quarterbacks. The Panthers are 10-2 this season and have played well in the ACC, putting up big numbers on offense, only dropping one conference game to Miami. As for Wake Forest, things were lining up nicely for the Demon Deacons until they dropped games against UNC and Clemson. But, they are very good in explosive plays and have the ability to go back and forth with the Panthers. This could turn into a shootout, so watch that spread and Over/Under.
Here are your other Conference Championship games for this weekend.
Mountain West: Utah State at San Diego State (-4/50.5), 3 p.m. ET
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