We will know a lot more about the top four in the College Football Playoff standings and the SEC race after this weekend. Alabama visits LSU, and Tennessee visits Georgia, which means that only one unbeaten will remain in the SEC East, and we will know whether Alabama will take on a second loss in conference play. Brian Kelly has no doubt had this game circled on his calendar since taking the job at LSU, but the rise of not one but two foils for the Tide in the SEC East actually makes the conference championship a meaningful game for the second year in a row. Read on to find our sports betting thoughts on five top matchups on the college gridiron for this weekend.
NCAA News: Top 5 Betting Games for Week 10
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#2 Ohio State Buckeyes (-38) at Northwestern Wildcats
Normally, we only see a line like this when Alabama writes The Citadel a huge check to come in and take a massive beating – not during the middle of the conference schedule. However, this is a game that may start some buzz around the question of when underperforming schools, particularly smaller, private schools, will start to be weeded out of the top conferences. Vanderbilt and Stanford are also emerging as programs that may have political clout through well-known alumni but may not be able to contribute their share in terms of program quality and television funds. For now, though, the Wildcats are another conference foe, even though they haven’t won since that bizarre victory in Ireland over Nebraska. Ohio State has the talent to win this by 50, but it’s possible they could lose interest after putting the game out of reach. After all, they’ve been favored by 30 or more points three different times this season, but they’ve only covered once. Northwestern to cover.
#17 North Carolina Tar Heels (-7.5) at Virginia Cavaliers
North Carolina has the inside track to the ACC Coastal crown, which would put the Tar Heels on a collision course with Clemson in the conference championship. Drake Maye has thrown for 18 touchdowns against just two interceptions. Virginia’s offense has not gotten on track yet this year, hitting 20 points just once since Week 1. North Carolina has not covered the spread on the road this year, but that should end this weekend. North Carolina to win and cover.
#5 Clemson Tigers (-4.5) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Irish have had a roller coaster season, but they have put up points against ACC foes. They beat North Carolina and Syracuse and put up 40 or more points in each victory. The Clemson front seven should be able to manage Notre Dame’s offense more ably, but the real questions will come for the Clemson offense, which is much better this season but still struggles when it comes to sustained drives. Clemson to win and cover.
#6 Alabama Crimson Tide (-13) at #15 LSU Tigers
The LSU offense is terrific with Jayden Daniels at the helm, whether he is throwing the ball or taking off on a scramble. The Alabama roster is much better, top to bottom, but the Tide have had a hard time with inconsistent play on both sides of the ball, and they have taken brutal penalties at just the wrong time. The Tide win, but LSU makes it much too interesting for Nick Saban’s liking. LSU to cover.
#2 Tennessee Volunteers (+8.5) at #1 Georgia Bulldogs
We have the top two rushing defenses in the SEC, the two best offenses and the two top-ranked teams – as well as two of the four best scoring defenses in the conference. Georgia can torment Tennessee both on the ground and through the air, while Tennessee can torch Georgia’s secondary down the field. The better running game should be able to take control of the game’s rhythm, which means that Georgia should have the late edge. But 8 ½ points? Tennessee to cover.
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