Tomorrow kicks off the tradition we’ve all come to look forward to, the CFP. As someone who was at the past years Rose Bowl, I can tell you firsthand that the playoff is a big deal for all parties involved. It’s also a very interesting gambling day, Vegas always has something weird up its sleeve for these games, and this year is no different. With that being said; Lets dive into it!
ALABAMA (-14) VS. OKLAHOMA
O/U- 77 UA- (-650) OU- (+425)
ESPN 8:00 HARD ROCK STADIUM MIAMI, FLORIDA
Well this is an interesting game from the get-go, Heisman winner versus Heisman candidate. The last time we saw both these teams they won their conference, both in comeback fashion. First let’s address something obvious. Alabama a 14 point favorite seems a little high doesn’t it? It’s a perfect spot. Tua says that he’s going “Full Send” for the game tomorrow, which should be taken with a grain of salt. You wouldn’t tell your opponent you’re hurt- you wouldn’t tell your girlfriend that dress makes her look fat. Simple. The O/U here is pretty high, but both teams don’t have the best defense. Oklahoma allowed 300 rushing yards to Kansas. ‘Bama might have the numbers in their favor, but if you actually have sat down and watched them, it just doesn’t look the same. Also, Nick Saban having a month to prepare for a Big 12 opponent? That does not bode well for OU. Bama covers, take the over.
CLEMSON (-12) VS. NOTRE DAME
O/U- 57 CL- (-470) ND- (+335)
ESPN 4:00 AT&T STADIUM ARLINGTON, TEXAS
The “Bring your own guts” line from Dabo Swinney is the bottom- line WORST line ever muttered by a coach of all time, ever. It rained. Big whoop. Rain won’t be a factor this time though, as the game will be played in Jerry World. Take an initial look at this game and it looks like Clemson might win by a lot. If you delve a little deeper, it still looks like Clemson might win by a lot. Take an even closer look, and you’ll discover that Clemson WILL win by a lot. Look, Notre Dame is having a nice season. 12-0 against a schedule that was nothing short of nothing at all. The only notable team on that schedule is Michigan, who also had a good year, but forgot to show up in Columbus, Ohio and allowed 62 points. Clemson on the other hand, are also undefeated and are 12-0 against a schedule that was really, really bad. Just short of horrible. This is a game where the eye test comes into play. You can tell by watching that Clemson is the far more superior team. Not only is there more talent, they are more complete as well. Notre Dame is lacking on the D- Line, and Clemson has the force and size to take care of the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball- even without Dexter Lawrence. Clemson will Cover this one BIG, and the over is your friend on this one, especially with such a low number.
FLORIDA VS MICHIGAN (-6)
O/U- 51 UF- (+195) UM- (-235)
ESPN 12:00 MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM ATLANTA, GEORGIA
As a diehard Florida Gator, I can tell you right now that you should probably not take this prediction too seriously. But, I can tell you this, a very inspired Florida team looking for a chance at 10 wins in Dan Mullen’s first year are chomping at the bit to play Michigan. Michigan have stomped Florida the last 2 meetings, and this year looks like the prime opportunity to end the losing streak. Michigan is going to be without several of its defensive stars, which might be a problem for Michigan, because this is not 2017 Feleipe Franks. Franks is a much different player, and in result has turned this offense around. There is talent all over this Florida offense, and if they use it right, I think Florida keeps it within 6 tomorrow against Michigan. The key factors here will be the latter of both the highlights of these teams, the Michigan O vs the Florida D. Whichever of those 2 dominate will win the game. I’m a little biased here, but I think the Michigan offense sputters against a very inspired Florida Defense. Florida covers, and take the under on this one. I think this game is going to be defensive, points will be scarce in this one.
