CFP Heats Up With Notre Dame Victory
Notre Dame (-7) made quick work of Indiana 27-17 in a chilly opening game of the College Football Playoff.
The Irish opened as a 1.5-point favorites vs. Georgia on New Year’s Day in New Orleans, but in less than an hour the line flipped to Georgia -1 at DraftKings Sportsbook. The Bulldogs are likely to be without starting QB Carson Beck.
The other three second-round matchups will be decided today.
SMU at Penn State, Noon ET (TNT/Max . . . Yes, TNT!)
Zach Cohen’s preview and pick.
Rick Bracamontes of Las Vegas has the VSiN Fan Bowl Pick, presented by Omaha Steaks.
The speed of Penn State’s good-depth defense should be able to contain SMU. I like State’s D-Line and its offense is efficient. Allar decided he’ll be returning next season, so that’s a huge boost for Penn State. SMU was getting blasted by Clemson (24-7) before they made a comeback. If Penn State, who I think is a better team than Clemson is, comes out and takes an early 2 TD lead, it’s only going to get worse for SMU. Perhaps Franklin will finally win a big game. Penn State -7.5.
More about Rick: I used to work in the TV industry in LA. My wife and I have lived in Las Vegas for 10 years now. I’ve been married for 32 wonderful years to Lorie, the greatest wife ever.
Clemson at Texas, 4 p.m. ET (TNT/Max)
Adam Burke’s preview and pick.
Fan Pick from Artie Alonzo from Brooklyn, formerly known as The Swami back in the early 2000s:
Do not be fooled! This is a mismatch! Common mistakes new bettors or public bettors make is they have short memories and remember the most recent things they saw. Which was Clemson dominating in the first half and barely holding on against SMU, while Texas lost to Georgia. Do not fall into that trap! Clemson had an advantage over SMU in the trenches because on both sides of the ball SMU was simply too light in the pants to match up with Clemson. Trust me — against Texas that will be reversed similar to how they performed against a physical South Carolina defense. Simply put, Texas is just significantly bigger, stronger and more talented across the board. The Longhorns have All-American players on every level of their defense (which I love) and I am confident that on offense their line will push Clemson around all game, especially later into the 2nd half. Clemson is not in their league. Lay it with confidence!!!
Artie picked this at -12, but the line has moved to -13.5.
More from Artie: I was happy for Michael Lombardi getting the NC GM job, but he was my favorite watch on the Lombardi Line. I really respected his NFL knowledge. I DVR and watch Money Moves, and Follow the Money (gotta love the Pauly talks!) and if course Circa Friday Invitational with Matt Youmans and Circa owner Derek Stevens on Friday nights.
Tennessee at Ohio State, 8 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN)
Fan Pick from Tom Jones from Pittsburgh:
Deja vu or Dayak vu all over again as Ryan Day and the Buckeyes face a Tennessee team that is similar to but better than the team up north in Michigan.
Michigan and Tennessee are both high volume rushing teams with great defensive lines. The Volunteers rank No. 1 in rushing attempts and ninth in yards per attempt among Power 4 conference teams. On defense look for James Pierce Jr. and a blitz heavy scheme to put persistent pressure on Will Howard. OSU’s starting center Seth McLaughlin is out and this coupled with a backup at left tackle presents a massive matchup challenge for the Buckeyes. A depleted offensive line vs. an elite defensive front spells trouble for the home team. Take Tennessee plus the 7.5 and go under the total of 46.5. And for good measure put some pizza money on the money line at +235 on the Volunteers.
More about Tom: I’m retired from a Human Resources career most recently working with an organization that helps at-risk court adjudicated youth. For years, I had an hour-long commute to work and was grateful for VSIN when it was available in 2017. It’s been particularly helpful in regard to season totals and awards as I just cashed a Seahawks over total and a Travis Hunter ticket.
Thanks to Omaha Steaks, I’m sending our three handicappers a gift certificate worth more than $275.
Send me your pick with an explanation for one of the bowl or CFP games through Dec. 24. If I pick your pick, the Omaha Steaks are coming your way.
(If you don’t want to submit your pick but Omaha Steaks sound good, you can get $30 off your next order and 50% off sitewide. Visit omahasteaks.com/VSIN and enter the code VSIN30 to get this limited-time offer. Minimum purchase may apply.)
Fan Bowl Preview Record: 4-2-1.
Check the VSiN Road to Jansanity Contest selections to see how contestants played the first round. Plus we have 11 handicappers making seven picks apiece in the Circa Friday Football Invitational.
Other bowl resources
>All of our bowl and CFP previews will be posted here along with Best Bets columns from Steve Makinen, Matt Youmans, Dave Tuley and Will Hill.
>Matchup page: ATS records, advanced stats and Makinen’s estimated scores.
>DraftKings/Circa Betting Splits.
>Get your VSiN College Football Playoff Betting Guide. There are 27 pages of previews, picks and predictions. Download the PDF here.
>CFB Picks page with plays from hosts and their guests.
NFL Doubleheader
As if the college schedule wasn’t enough, we have the first NFL Saturday doubleheader of the season.
Zach Cohen has our previews on Texans-Chiefs (1 p.m. ET, NBC) and Steelers-Ravens (4:30 p.m. ET, Fox). ICYMI: Patrick Mahomes (ankle) will start.
>Look for Josh Appelbaum‘s Sharp Report later this morning.
More Week 16 resources
>DraftKings/Circa Betting Splits: At the top of this section, the chart shows a comparison of the betting splits from DraftKings and Circa Sports. Keep an eye on them this morning for late action.
Everything we do on is posted here, including Best Bets columns, from Zach, Adam Burke, Dave Tuley, Mike Somich and Will Hill.
Today in college basketball
Greg Peterson has posted his Best Bets for today’s menu.
>Adam Burke‘s top plays will be up later today.
Quick Hits
NBA: Zach Cohen will post his Best Bets by mid-morning.
NHL: Look for Jonathan Davis‘ picks by mid-day on our NHL page.
Horse Racing: Check here for picks from VSiN’s Mike Somich and “Mr. Ed” Sehon, plus 1/ST Bet handicapper Jeff Siegel. 1/ST Bet offers wagering on hundreds of races every day from across the country and around the world. Sign up at 1STBET.COM with promo code VSIN200 to claim a 20% rebate for your first 60 days, up to $200.
This is The VSiN Daily newsletter for Saturday, December 21. Sign up for this free email and get picks and insights delivered to your in-box every morning.
