Gamblers World Line Moves: College Football Championship Week

College Football Championship Week 

The regular season is complete. We move ahead to the conference championships and this could be the most competitive year ever, with the largest current point spread of only 5.5. After enjoying this article, return Friday for our free picks (52-38 ATS) and all the updated information.

CFB – (103) Tulane at (104) Army +5.5
Friday, December 6 – 8:00 p.m. ET / ABC

American Championship – Tulane returns to play in this contest for a third consecutive year, winning it in 2022 over Central Florida. Tulane is 9-3 SU and ATS and was bumped up from -4 to -5.5 point road favorites over the once-beaten Army. The Green Wave had issues stopping the run in all three setbacks, permitting an average of 213 yards a game. However, in the rest of their contests, they only gave up 94.3 yards per game on the ground including 100 to the Navy on the road, who plays a similar style to the Black Knights. Army is the top rushing team in the country, but they only scored 19 PPG in their last four games which might explain the line moving against them.

Early Bet Percentage: Tulane 55%

Doug’s Pick – Power Rated Tulane -5 – Back Friday

CFB – (109) Iowa State vs. (110) Arizona State -2.5
Saturday, December 7 – 12:00 p.m. ET / ABC

Big 12 Championship – These two programs have little experience in these battles. Brock Purdy led Iowa State to this contest in 2020, falling to Oklahoma by six. Arizona State played in only one PAC-12 title tilt back in 2013 where Stanford won. Neither was among the three clubs expected to reach this point, but both finished 10-2 and earned it. Iowa State’s better reputation under coach Matt Campbell earned them a one-point favorite roll. However, college football bettors were more impressed with the Sun Devils closing the year 5-0 SU and ATS and they are now a 2.5-point favorite in Arlington TX. Look for turnovers to play a big part with ISU at +8 in TO margin and ASU at +11.

Early Bet Percentage: Arizona State -2.5

Doug’s Pick – Power Rated – Iowa State -1 – Back Friday

CFB – (111) Ohio U. vs. (112) Miami-O -2.5
Saturday, December 7 – 12:00 p.m. ET / ESPN

MAC Championship – Both these clubs have played in Detroit the last two years with Ohio losing to Toledo in 2022 and Miami-O upsetting the Rockets last year. The RedHawks won the earlier meeting at home 30-20 as 3.5-point favorites, with a -2 in turnovers dooming the Bobcats. Miami’s been lifted from -1 to -2.5, but the last nine meetings are 4-5 and 5-4 ATS. The underdog is 5-4 ATS in those nine contests.

Early Bet Percentage: Miami-O 65%

Doug’s Pick – Power Rated Miami-O -1 – Back Friday

CFB – (115) Marshall at (116) Louisiana -5.5
Saturday, December 7 – 7:30 p.m. ET / ESPN

Sun Belt Championship – There have only been five prior SBC title games (no game in 2020 with Covid) with Louisiana reaching the first three versus App. State, winning one in 2021. Marshall is a newer member of the Sun Belt, who made two appearances in Conference USA title games in 2013 and 2020, coming up short both times. The SBC still uses divisions to decide who plays for the championship, however, these were the two best squads at 7-1. Louisiana received the home game and was lifted two points to -5.5 over the Thundering Herd. Remember that Marshall is 5-1 ATS on the road while the Ragin’ Cajuns are 2-4 at home.

Early Bet Percentage: Louisiana 64%

Doug’s Pick – Power Rated Louisiana -5 – Back Friday

CFB – (117) Clemson at (118) SMU -2.5
Saturday, December 7 – 8:00 p.m. ET / ABC

ACC Championship – The Tigers have played in this conflict in seven of the last nine years, winning the crown each time. SMU wasn’t supposed to handle the more physical ACC, yet they are 8-0 in conference play. The Mustangs are making a second straight conference title game after defeating Tulane last year in AAC action. Given Clemson’s history, a bit surprising to see them flip from -1 to +2.5 vs. SMU. Nevertheless, the Ponies had the better SU and ATS records and scored more and allowed less.

Early Bet Percentage: SMU 66%

Doug’s Pick – Power Rated SMU -4 – Back Friday

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