Finally, the College Football Playoffs have arrived. Four first-round games are scheduled for this weekend: Ohio State vs. Tennessee, Texas vs. Clemson, Penn State vs. SMU, and Notre Dame vs. Indiana.
Let’s make some selections, then.
We finished 2-4 during our conference championship weekend, which was below average. We are 31-38-1 after nine weeks of choosing games against the spread (with a few over/unders thrown in).
In the future, we may include some more well-known non-CFP bowls. However, for the time being, let’s concentrate on the CFP’s first round on the path to.500.
It will be challenging to choose these CFP matchups in a parity-defined year. However, we’ll try our hardest. These are my first-round selections. Tail (or fade) responsibly as usual.
DraftKings Sportsbook is the source of all odds. CFP seeds are the numbers in front of teams.)
No. 7 Notre Dame at. No. 10 Indiana (-7.5)
ESPN/ABC Friday, 8 p.m.
Although I picked Indiana to win my bracket, I must admit that I’m not too secure in this situation. By 20 points, Notre Dame may prevail. However, quarterback Riley Leonard prioritizes runs. And the Hoosiers have a chance at an upset if Indiana’s run defense, which is ranked first in the country, can keep the Irish on the ground. Give me Curt Cignetti’s points.Indiana was chosen. +7.5
No. 6 Penn State at. No. 11 SMU (-9)
At noon on Saturday, TNT/Max
The degree of trust in my prediction is also low because I dabbled in making a Penn State blowout prediction. However, I decided on a Nittany Lions victory of 30–23, which just about covers the SMU spread. The Mustangs have enough offensive firepower, in my opinion, to either stay up late or backdoor cover early. I wouldn’t blame you if you stayed away.SMU +9 is the selection.
Texas at No. 5 against No. 12 Clemson (-12)
TNT/Max on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Recently, Clemson’s offense has been inconsistent, particularly on the ground. The Tigers now take on the Texas defense, which is ranked No. 1 in the country in terms of passing yards per game and yards per play allowed, and No. 3 in terms of scoring. Simply put, I don’t think Clemson will move the ball. The Texas offense also has flaws. The Longhorns, however, can do plenty.Texas -12 is the selection.
No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Tennessee (-7.5)
ESPN/ABC, Saturday, 8 p.m.
I have the Buckeyes winning this game because I predict Ohio State will win the national championship. However, I don’t think they’ll cover the spread. These defenses are among the best in the nation; in terms of points given up per possession, Ohio State and Tennessee are ranked first and third, respectively. At The Shoe, this can turn into a rock fight.The selection: Less than 46.5
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Johnny McGonigal
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