SportsTalkATL’s College Football Gambling Locks: Championship Weekend

Jake Gordon’s Locks

As I reflect on a magical 32-16 run, the 1-2 last week doesn’t sting quite as bad. This has been one of my best seasons yet, and the strategy of “only betting games that I like” has turned out to be pretty fruitful. Let’s wrap it up with a clean sweep.

Alabama (-17) v Florida

Bloodbath. Next bet

Alabama v Florida (u74.5)

I was all over the over for this game to start, but man that’s a lot of points. I don’t see Florida holding up their end of the bargain.

Oregon (+3) v USC

USC is a good team, but I think Mario Cristobal is clearly the best coach in the Pac-12. Give me the Ducks.

Notre Dame (+10.5) v Clemson

I think Clemson wins, but I don’t see this being a 2 score game for either side.

Texas A&M (-14) v Tennessee

Vawls get rolled and Pruitt gets fired. Aggies may double this as they make one last case for the playoffs.

Tulsa (+14.5) v Cincinnati

I like Tulsa and Zaven Collins. I think they can keep it close.

Louisiana-Lafayette (+2.5, 1H) v Coastal Carolina

Billy Napier’s Cajuns are a frisky crew, I think they give Coastal all they want and the Chants squeak it out.

Iowa State v Oklahoma (-5.5)

I don’t feel great about this bet, I think Matt Campbell’s squad gets up for this game. However, Oklahoma just doesn’t lose games like this (unless it’s the playoffs).

Northwestern v Ohio State (-18.5)

I want to pull for Northwestern so bad. However, my brain takes me back to the Wisconsin game when they needed to push for the playoffs and won like 59-0. Bucks roll.

Chase Irle’s Locks

Ohio State (-20.5) vs. Northwestern

I’m very happy the Big 10 decided to waive their lame rule that stated that both teams in the Championship Game have to play at least six regular season games. It’s not Ohio State’s fault they couldn’t play, and it’s also not their fault that the Big 10 completely botched this entire college football season by attempting to set the tone and shut down the season. Anyways, to this game. The Buckeyes have way too much firepower, and while I like Northwestern’s defense, I’m expecting this one to get ugly as Ohio State makes a statement.

Clemson (-10.5) vs. Notre Dame

I think my reaction was probably everyone’s when they saw this line. Being a 10.5-point favorite against a team you’ve already lost to this season doesn’t happen very often, which is why I’m on Clemson. They are the better team by a wide margin. Trevor Lawrence is back; however, I think them being healthier on defense is the real key here. Tigers blow out the Irish to pencil their place in the CFP Playoff.

Florida (+17) vs. Alabama

Alabama hasn’t flinched all season, but they haven’t faced a team as good as Florida all season (sorry, Georgia and Texas A&M). The Gators have the offensive firepower to take advantage of some of the holes on Alabama’s defense. They won’t win, but they’ll do just enough to cover. Watch out for the backdoor in this one.

Texas A&M(-14) at Tennessee

I’m still not a big believer in Texas A&M, but if they want to get into the CFB Playoff, they will need to make a statement against a really bad Tennessee team. I think they do just that this weekend.

Ole Miss (-2.5) at LSU

This game has letdown written all over it for LSU. Coach O and company put it all together and left Gainesville with what really was a season-defining win for their program. That makes it difficult to get up for an Ole Miss game that doesn’t mean much. I expect Lane Kiffin’s bunch to be ready and come out with a victory by at least a touchdown in Death Valley.

Tulsa (+14.5) at Cincinnati 

Cincinnati has been a freight train all season and they need a statement victory on Saturday. However, I see this as a game where points are extremely difficult to come by. Both these team have really good defenses, making Tulsa a safe bet at +14.5.

Iowa State (+5.5) vs. Oklahoma 

I understand Oklahoma has turned it around since their 1-2 start, but they haven’t really played anybody. Iowa State already beat them once, and while it is hard to beat a good team twice, I have to take the points and the Cyclones in what I expect to be a game that could go either way.