We’re in the home stretch, looking to finish strong with our Best Bets for the College Football Playoff semifinals match ups.
Every week, Rock M Nation will post the SEC betting lines for that week’s slate of games. DISCLAIMER: Rock M Nation is not an online gambling operator, nor a gambling site of any kind. We are simply here to provide information about sports betting for entertainment purposes only. None of the staff will be using this information for gambling purposes and are not liable for any losses incurred due to the analysis contained within.
Happy New Year! Bowl season has continued Best Bets’ winning (or at least pushing) ways as we saw a push on the Mizzou (-3) line and nailed the Vandy (+2.5) pick against Georgia Tech. Overall, Best Bets now sits at 32-23-1 (52-52-3 overall) and we are focused on finishing in the black here heading down the stretch. It’s playoff semifinal time and since there are only two games to pick, we’ll pick two plays for each game for our Best Bets. Let’s do this!
Best Bets
Capital One Orange Bowl: Notre Dame (-1.5) vs. Penn State
If not for Ohio State ripping off two massive blow outs in back-to-back playoff games, Notre Dame would be getting flowers for being the hottest team in the country. After dropping an early season game to Northern Illinois, the Fighting Irish haven’t been threatened, winning 10 in a row. They match up well against a Penn State team that really is just a slightly lesser version of Notre Dame. I like the small line here as it gives us some wiggle room so I’m going to pick the Irish to cover and win by at least a field goal.
Capital One Orange Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Penn State (U46.5)
I expect this game to play out similarly to the Notre Dame/Georgia game where neither offense is particularly explosive. Penn State historically has had special teams issues, which is what Notre Dame to use build a double-digit lead over Georgia. Both defenses are elite and both offenses depend on their running games to move the ball and grind out the clock. The O/U of 46.5 is a bit high for my tastes so I’m going to take the Under here.
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: Ohio State (-6) vs. Texas
Just like Notre Dame, Ohio State is peaking at the right time. Add that to the fact that the Buckeyes are the most talented team in the country and you’ve got an absolute juggernaut at the moment. I’m picking Ohio State to stay hot and, to be honest, I don’t think this game will be particularly close. Texas likes to jump on lesser talented teams early and then sit on them (which almost cost them against Arizona State.) Ohio State won’t let them do that. Give me the Buckeyes big.
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: Ohio State vs. Texas (O53.5)
While both of these defenses are good, their offenses are even better. Especially Ohio State’s, who has finally figured out that if they throw it deep to freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith, good things just about always happen. Ohio State has scored more than 40 points in both of their playoff games so far and I expect them to get close again against Texas. The Longhorns are also always good for at least 20 points so I’m taking the Over 53.5 and I expect them to cover it pretty easily.
That’s all we got for this week. I can’t wait to watch these playoff games! We’ll see you then. All odds are provided by FanDuel. Which SEC teams will you be taking this week against the spread?
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See https://sportsbook.fanduel.com for details.