We’ve reached conference championship weekend after the 2024 college football regular season. This results in a few exciting games that could affect the College Football Playoffs, such as Texas vs. Georgia in the SEC and Penn State vs. Oregon in the Big Ten.
Come on, let’s pick.
We did well last week, going 2-3 against the spread on our big board selections. The USC cover, which looked fine during the game, was ruined by two late pick-sixes. As Indiana dominated Purdue in a comeback scenario, we did hit our best wager, and we did so with ease.
We are 2-3 on best bets and 29-34-1 on our regular choices ATS after eight weeks. To get above, there is still some work to be done.500 for the season.
These are my selections for the weekend of the conference final. Tail (or fade) responsibly as usual.
(FanDuelSportsbook provided all odds as of Thursday afternoon.)
No. 10 Boise State vs No. 20 UNLV (-4)
FOX, Friday, 8 p.m.
For the challengers from Mountain West, this is a CFP win-and-in match. Ashton Jeanty, a Heisman candidate, was restricted to 128 yards on 33 carries (3.9 yards per attempt), his lowest totals of the season, as UNLV lost to Boise 29–24 at Allegiant Stadium in October. Boise’s blue turf will host this game. However, I believe Ricky White III, an NFL-ready wide receiver and special teams star, does enough to give the Rebels a chance to pull off the upset.UNLV +4 is the selection.
Arizona State at No. 15 vs. No. 16 Iowa State (-2.5)
ABC on Saturday at 12:00 (at AT&T Stadium)
I will not be choosing the spread. The most turbulent league in college football is the Big 12. I lean toward Arizona State, but I’m not sure who will win. Playing the total is what I’d prefer. Cam Skattebo leads the Sun Devils’ offense, which ranks fourth among major conference teams in terms of rushing attempts per game. Iowa State’s rush defense is porous, but their secondary is impenetrable. It’s going to run that clock.The selection: Less than 49.5
No. 2 Texas vs. No. 5 Georgia (-2.5)
ABC (at Mercedes-Benz Stadium) on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Georgia defeated Texas 30–15 in Austin in October to win the inaugural encounter. Four Longhorn errors were turned into opportunities for the Dawgs. I don’t think that will occur again. I anticipate that Steve Sarkisian will grow from that defeat and devise a more effective strategy. Additionally, I anticipate Georgia to have issues with the Texas defensive front.The selection is Texas -2.5.
No. 8 SMU at. No. 17 Clemson (-2.5)
ABC (at Bank of America Stadium) on Saturday at 8 p.m.
Even if the Mustangs lose, I believe they should still qualify for the CFP because I respect SMU. However, I worry that Selection Sunday will be a wild day full with SEC rumors. The only setback for Dabo Swinney, who is 8-1 in ACC title games, came during his first season as head coach. In terms of values, I have no problem with Clemson. I’ll take the points here, though.The selection is Clemson +2.5.
No. 1 Oregon at. No. 3 Penn State (-3.5)
Saturday, CBS (at Lucas Oil Stadium), 8 p.m.
I predicted that Oregon will defeat Penn State 31–24. The Nittany Lions can definitely succeed, in my opinion. However, the lack of wide receiver potential and James Franklin’s track record in crucial games make me wary of the nation’s top team.The selection is Oregon -3.5.
THE BEST CHOICE
Tulane (-5.5) versus Army No. 24
ABC, Friday, 8 p.m.
Although Army has been an incredible tale, Tulane is well-positioned to win the AAC championship for the third consecutive year. Coach Jon Sumrall of the Green Wave has had success against Army; in 2022 and 2023, he led Troy to victories while keeping the triple-option to nine points overall. It’s all Green Wave, in my opinion, when you combine it with Tulane’s prolific offense (39.1 points per game, sixth in the FBS).Tulane -5.5 is the selection.
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