Media by Associated Press – Clemson defensive end Myles Murphy (98) plays against South Carolina during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Championship Week is upon us, with games on Friday and Saturday in college football. Not only are conference titles on the line this weekend, but so are sports in both the College Football Playoffs and New Year’s Six bowl games. Let’s take a look at five bets to make this weekend in college football.
USC -2.5
The Trojans are looking for revenge against Utah, and quarterback Caleb Williams can lock up the Heisman trophy. USC also knows they have to win to stay in the CFP top four and play in the semifinals on New Year’s Eve. Over the last three weeks, Williams has become the Heisman favorite by throwing for seven touchdowns and over 700 yards against three ranked opponents.
Utah beat USC 43-42 in the first game at home as they scored with 48 seconds left. Since then, they have only faced one ranked team, Oregon, and lost. Williams threw for 381 yards against Utah in the first game and should have another big day. Utes quarterback Cam Rising struggled against Oregon with three interceptions and hasn’t topped 235 yards since beating USC.
Ohio +1.5
Ohio will again be without quarterback Kurtis Rourke, and while CJ Harris isn’t the same passer, the backup provides mobility. Last week he ran for 65 yards and three touchdowns, and Toledo struggles against the run game. The Rockets have allowed a 100-yard rusher in four of the last six games and allowed just 54 passing yards to Western Michigan last week.
Bobcats running back Sieh Bangura should have a big day. He has four rushing touchdowns in the last three games and went for 145 against Miami, Ohio, and 146 against Ball State before being held to 96 yards last week.
Look for Ohio to control the clock and the game to claim their first MAC Championship.
Michigan -17.5
Michigan rolled over Ohio State in the second half to set themselves up for a second straight Big Ten Championship and playoff appearance. Outside of a low-scoring game against Illinois, the Michigan offense has been elite all season, averaging 39.8 ppg and just running all over team with Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. The defense is third in the nation with 12.7 ppg allowed, and they should dominate this game in the trenches.
Purdue isn’t a great football team, and they benefited from the Big Ten West being bad this year as both Illinois and Iowa collapsed down the stretch. The Boilermakers didn’t have to face Michigan or Ohio State in the regular season.
UCF +4.5
Tulane is favored in the American title game, and with a win, they will head to a New Year’s Six bowl game to represent the Group of Five. But just because the Green Wave are perceived to have more to play for doesn’t mean they are the best bet.
On Nov. 12, UCF went to Tulane and won 38-31, leading by 14 with 1:50 to play before the hosts scored. The Knights had 468 total yards and ran all over Tulane with 336 yards for a 6.2 average. UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee had 176 yards on the ground, 132 through the air, and three total touchdowns in the win.
Tulane has had a magical season, and they need one more win to reach the New Year’s Six and win a conference title. They need to slow down Plumlee and the Knights, but even with a win, this should be a close, one-possession game.
Clemson -7.5
Neither team in the ACC Championship game finished the season in style. Clemson blew a big lead and lost to rivals South Carolina at home, while North Carolina lost to both Georgia Tech and rivals NC State. The Tar Heels can put up points with at least 30 in five of the last six games, but they have struggled to stop anyone.
Clemson isn’t the same Tigers team we are used to seeing, and they don’t have a playoff to look forward to. However, another ACC title is in the offering and a New Year’s Six bowl game. Clemson has a better defense than the Tar Heels and while they will be challenged by the UNC passing game, look for Clemson to win this one going away.
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