The college football landscape is heating up as several conference championship games approach this weekend. Betting trends and insights from expert handicapper Bruce Marshall of CBS Sportsline reveal key matchups that fans and bettors should keep an eye on.
Mountain West Showdown: UNLV vs. Boise State
In a rematch of the past two Mountain West title games, UNLV will face Boise State on Friday. The Broncos, currently favored by 5 points, have dominated recent encounters, winning the last four matchups, including a decisive 56-31 victory on October 18. While Boise State has struggled recently, finishing the season with a 1-3 record against the spread, they remain a formidable opponent. The Rebels have performed well away from home, achieving a 5-1 record both straight up and against the spread. The betting edge slightly favors Boise State and the under.
Conference USA: Kennesaw State at Jacksonville State
Another intriguing matchup features Kennesaw State visiting Jacksonville State, with Kennesaw State currently a 2.5-point underdog. This rematch comes after Jacksonville State’s 35-26 win on November 15, and they also secured a substantial victory last year. Kennesaw State finished strong, going 9-1 straight up and 7-2 against the spread, while Jacksonville State has seen an 8-3 over run. The edge appears to be with the over and a slight favor toward Kennesaw State.
Sun Belt and American Conferences: Troy vs. James Madison and North Texas vs. Tulane
In the Sun Belt, Troy faces James Madison, where the latter is heavily favored by 23 points. Troy has shown resilience, winning and covering seven of its last nine games. Meanwhile, James Madison is on a ten-game winning streak but has been inconsistent against the spread at home. The betting edge leans slightly towards Troy and the over.
In the American Conference, North Texas will take on Tulane, with North Texas as a 2.5-point favorite. Last season, Tulane triumphed with a 45-37 win at home. North Texas comes into this matchup riding a six-game winning streak against the spread, further increasing their value as a betting option.
Big 12 and MAC: BYU vs. Texas Tech and Miami-Ohio vs. Western Michigan
The Big 12 matchup sees BYU squaring off against Texas Tech, who are favored by 13 points. Texas Tech boasts the best spread record in the nation at 11-1 and previously defeated BYU 29-7. The edge is with Texas Tech and slightly leaning towards the under.
In the MAC, Miami-Ohio will face Western Michigan. Miami won their previous encounter 26-17 on October 25 and enters this title game aiming for their third consecutive MAC title, with a solid 7-2 record against the spread. The edge leans towards Miami-Ohio.
SEC and Big Ten: Georgia vs. Alabama and Indiana vs. Ohio State
The SEC title game features a highly anticipated rematch between Georgia and Alabama, with Alabama favored by 2.5 points. Alabama has triumphed in their last three encounters with Georgia. The Bulldogs have shown improvement, recently going 5-3 against the spread. The edge is slightly to Alabama and the under.
In the Big Ten, Ohio State looks to maintain its dominance against Indiana, having won 16 straight games and boasting a 14-2 record against the spread. The edge is with Ohio State and slightly towards the under.
With these insights from Bruce Marshall, bettors and fans alike can prepare for an exciting weekend filled with competitive matchups and potential upsets.
