College football win totals typically don’t get released until the springtime, but Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes are an exception. Sportsbooks took so much action on the Buffs last season that they released the team’s 2024 win total immediately after the 2023 campaign ended.

FanDuel Sportsbook has set the Colorado Buffaloes’ win total for 2024-25 at 4.5 wins. The Buffs, who are moving to the Big 12, are projected to win just one more game than they did in Deion Sanders’ debut season.

How many games will Colorado win this season? Let’s analyze CU’s 2024 win total.

Colorado 2024 Regular Season Win Total

Colorado’s win total is set at 4.5 by FanDuel, with -146 odds on the “over” and +120 odds on the “under.” This means there is 59% implied chance the Buffs will get to 5 wins and 45% implied chance they won’t.

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Odds as of January 17th, 2024, at FanDuel Sportsbook. Take advantage of the FanDuel signup promo to wager on Colorado’s 2024 win total.

Buffs Fell off After Hot Start

The Colorado Buffaloes football team completed their first season under head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders in 2023, showing significant improvement from their 1-11 record in 2022 but still finishing with a disappointing 4-8 record (1-8 Pac-12).

After a hot 3-0 start, including a thrilling 45-42 win against reigning CFP runner-up TCU, the Buffs struggled mightily in Pac-12 play. Colorado only beat a single conference opponent, Arizona State, and were dominated by Pac-12 powerhouses Oregon and Washington State.

One of the biggest positives for Colorado in 2023 was the play of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who threw for 3,250 yards and 27 touchdowns in his debut season in Boulder. Sanders will be back under center in 2024 and will look to build on his impressive junior campaign.

The Colorado defense struggled mightily, ranking near the bottom nationally in most categories. However, the development of cornerback Travis Hunter, the top recruit in 2022 who followed Sanders from Jackson State, was a bright spot. The sophomore made 31 tackles and had three interceptions while also contributing heavily on offense.

While the Buffs have their two biggest pieces returning in 2024, they must overcome the loss of leading receiver Xavier Weaver, who entered the NFL Draft after catching 68 passes for 908 yards and four touchdowns in 2023.

Incoming Colorado Transfers

In preparation for their move to the Big 12, the Buffaloes have been extremely active in the transfer portal this offseason, adding key players at positions of need like offensive line, edge rusher, and wide receiver. This includes five offensive linemen with starting experience at the FBS level.

Sanders has made it clear that improving line play to establish the run game and protect his son is a top priority. Shedeur Sanders ended the 2023 campaign with a fractured back after being the most-sacked quarterback in the nation (52 times).

Among the Colorado offensive line additions are Houston guard Tyler Johnson, UTEP guard Justin Mayers, Connecticut center Yakiri Walker and Indiana tackle Kahlil Benson. Per PFF, these four linemen have given up a combined eight sacks on 2,962 pass blocking snaps over the past two seasons.

Deion Sanders & Colorado wasted NO TIME rebuilding the offensive line😳https://t.co/Y2Rhtihq3k pic.twitter.com/EB4xar4ZBJ

— On3 (@On3sports) December 10, 2023

In addition to the offensive linemen, the Buffs landed talented Vanderbilt wide receiver Will Sheppard out of the transfer portal. Sheppard paced the Commodores with 684 receiving yards in 2023 and has one year of college eligibility left.

The Buffaloes also nabbed tight end Chamon Metayer out of Cincinnati. The incoming graduate student caught 23 passes for 258 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore for the Bearcats this past season.

Coming in to dominate 😤

✍️Welcome to Buff Nation, @Takeemdeep7#GoBuffs pic.twitter.com/FxsrLR7kg7

— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) December 20, 2023

On the defensive side of the ball, the Buffs are getting bigger and bulkier on the line of scrimmage. Arkansas’ Taurean Carter, 6-foot-3, 303 pounds, and New Mexico State’s Nikhil Webb-Walker are among several defensive linemen who have transferred to CU.

One issue that needs resolving is who will coach this Colorado defense group next season. CU’s previous defensive coordinator, Charles Kelly, left the Buffs for a position at Auburn, his alma mater. Colorado previously hired former NFL OC Pat Shurmur as their new offensive coordinator.

Best Bet on Colorado Win Total

The move to the Big 12 will likely help Colorado, as the Pac-12 proved to be arguably the toughest conference in college football last season. The two most dominant teams in the Big 12, Texas and Oklahoma, are leaving for the SEC, meaning the Big 12 will be one of the weakest conferences.

Colorado’s big break isn’t going to be portal players.

It’s moving back to a Big 12 that had to replace a decade of P5 departures with G5 teams.

— CaptainBugeater (@CaptainBugeater) December 10, 2023

Colorado’s 2024 schedule features challenging non-conference games against North Dakota State, at Nebraska, and at Colorado State. Their Big 12 slate, however, includes home games against Baylor, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, and Cincinnati. The Buffs will make road trips to Texas Tech, Kansas, and UCF.

We have concerns about Colorado’s defense, but the offensive talent is undeniably among the best in the country. We’re going to bet on Deion Sanders improving this roster even further before kickoff, and therefore will pay the juice on their win total “over” before the number inevitably climbs to the 5-6 range at sportsbooks.

CU 2024 Win Total Best Bet:

• Over 4.5 Wins (-146 at FanDuel )

The post Colorado’s 2024 Win Total Released – See Over/Under Odds appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Will Jim Harbaugh coach in the NFL next season? DraftKings has released odds for a unique prop bet pertaining to Harbaugh’s immediate future. They are offering odds for which team the National Championship winner will be coaching in Week 1.

DraftKings initially opened their prop by giving Harbaugh +700 odds to not coach in the NFL next season. This implied it was very certain he would leave for the big leagues. However, this market shifted drastically on Thursday.

Let’s dive into the updated Jim Harbaugh coaching odds and break down what it means.

Which Team Will Jim Harbaugh Coach in 2024-25

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Odds as of Jan. 11, 2024, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Make sure to sign up with the DraftKings promo code to bet on Jim Harbaugh coaching props.

Will Harbaugh Stay at Michigan?

Jim Harbaugh has brought Michigan football back to national prominence, leading the Wolverines to the 2024 national championship with a perfect 15-0 record. But will he stick around to defend the title or bolt for the NFL?

DraftKings is offering odds for Harbaugh’s future, allowing customers to bet on where the 60-year-old will be coaching next season. Their initial odds implied Harbaugh was likely leaving for the NFL, but those odds have since shifted drastically.

Harbaugh next coach odds market ONLY available in WV, NH, CO, MI, IL, OR, WY, AZ, LA, ON, MD pic.twitter.com/6afzTDqhGW

— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) January 10, 2024

The DraftKings odds of Harbaugh not coaching in the NFL next season have shifted from +700 to +175. This is a massive swing in the betting market. Over the course of 24 hours, Harbaugh has gone from an 87.5% implied chance of departing for the NFL to a 64% implied chance.

What exactly has caused this shift in the odds? Our best guess is a Sports Illustrated article that went live on Thursday, reporting that people closest to Harbaugh believe he wants to stay at Michigan if he can obtain a specific clause in his new contract.

SI is reporting Harbaugh wants contractual assurance that, if the NCAA comes down hard on him for the sign-stealing scandal (based on existing info), Michigan cannot then fire him “for cause.”

Jim Harbaugh’s NFL Options

Harbaugh, 60, has been linked to several NFL head coaching vacancies since Michigan’s championship win on Monday night. While he has deflected questions about his future, reports indicate multiple teams are gathering information and have serious interest in hiring the former San Francisco 49ers head coach.

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Michigan Jim Harbaugh to the #Chargers is gaining steam in some league circles, per @JFowlerESPN.

What a massive pickup that would be for LA. pic.twitter.com/DwDWgB8siO

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 7, 2024

The Los Angeles Chargers are the front-runner to land Harbaugh if he returns to the NFL, according to DraftKings. The fit makes sense – the Chargers have a talented roster and a skilled young quarterback in Justin Herbert that could allow Harbaugh to compete quickly. Harbaugh got his NFL coaching start with the Chargers as a quality control coach in 1999-2001.

The Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders have also reportedly reached out to Harbaugh. Both teams have top draft picks and cap space to rebuild around a new coach. Harbaugh began his NFL coaching career with the Raiders and could be enticed by Las Vegas and the lack of a state income tax.

Best Bet on Jim Harbaugh Leaving for NFL

This shift in the DraftKings odds is notable, but they are still implying it’s more likely than not that Harbaugh will leave for the NFL next season. He told reporters he would talk about his future next week, suggesting he’s at least considering NFL options.

Jim Harbaugh says he will talk about his future and a possible move to the NFL next t week. pic.twitter.com/H5WBoZgF3x

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) January 6, 2024

Harbaugh had great success in San Francisco, reaching the NFC Championship game three times, including a Super Bowl appearance. But he reportedly clashed with ownership. Would complete control and a mega-contract at Michigan override the NFL?

With so many NFL jobs open, we truly believe this is the year Harbaugh leaves Michigan. Of course, the right NFL job must come along, but Harbaugh has accomplished his mission at college. He’s ready for the next level and to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, and Andy Reid on the big stage.

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The post Will Jim Harbaugh Coach in the NFL Next Season? See Odds of Coach Leaving Michigan appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The updated next Alabama coach odds suggest that Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has a great chance of replacing Nick Saban at Alabama. The betting market has shifted following the breaking news that early frontrunner Dan Lanning will most likely remain at Oregon.

Is Norvell truly the favorite to replace Saban now? Let’s analyze and break down the latest odds.

Updated Odds to Be Next Alabama Coach

In the updated odds to be the next Alabama football coach, Mike Norvell is a +130 favorite. This implies he has 43.5% implied probability to land the role.

Norvell has since been overtaken by Kalen DeBoer, however, who is now at heavier -110 odds. This shift likely has to do with prominent college football analyst Joel Klatt stating he would be shocked if DeBoer doesn’t land the role.

SBD odds as of January 11th at 2:30 PM EST.

Lanning to Remain at Oregon

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning has announced he will remain at Oregon, despite speculation that he was a top candidate to replace the retiring Nick Saban at Alabama. In the opening odds to be the next Alabama football coach, Lanning was the +200 favorite.

pic.twitter.com/NKnRYbS4u9

— Dan Lanning (@CoachDanLanning) January 11, 2024

In a video posted to social media, Lanning stated, “The Ducks aren’t going anywhere, and I’m not leaving.” He reiterated his commitment to building the Oregon program, citing the school’s facilities, fan support, and conference move to the Big Ten as reasons he is staying.

Lanning was rumored to have traveled to Tuscaloosa to interview for the Crimson Tide job, but sources close to the coach refuted that claim. While the 37-year-old on paper appears a great fit for the Alabama job, we were skeptical he’d want to leave what he’s building in Eugene.

Norvell New Favorite

In the hours after Lanning announced he was staying at Oregon, sportsbooks adjusted their odds for the next Alabama coach. Lanning had been the betting favorite, but with him out of the picture, a new leader emerged.

Sportsbooks now install Florida State’s Mike Norvell as the +130 favorite to take over in Tuscaloosa. While we think the Tide could land a coach with a bit more pedigree, there are certainly reasons it makes sense Norvell is the favorite.

Dan Lanning not interested in Bama, so will Tide now turn to Florida State’s Mike Norvell? Bama AD Greg Byrne told players on Wednesday Bama hoped to have decision in next 72 hours, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ https://t.co/E58MNle5NX

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) January 11, 2024

For starters, he has only a $4 million buyout, which is quite low compared to other high-profile candidates. Since taking the helm of a struggling FSU program, Norvell has impressively progressed from three wins to five, then to ten, and nearly reached the Playoff with a 13-1 record in four seasons.

This 42-year-old Texan lacks experience in the SEC but has experience in Southeast recruiting, having coached at both Memphis and Florida State. Furthermore, Norvell has a great grasp of working the transfer portal, which is sure to be a skill required for the role.

It would be quite the story if Mike Norvell, having been left out of the CFP playoff in favor of Alabama, went on to replace Nick Saban at Alabama. Considering FSU got crushed by Georgia in the Peach Bowl and reportedly wants out of the ACC, we don’t think Norvell would hesitate to pick up a phone call from Tuscaloosa.

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The post Mike Norvell Emerges as New Favorite in Next Alabama Coach Odds appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The odds suggest Dan Lanning or Lane Kiffin will replace Nick Saban at Alabama. The legendary Crimson Tide head coach announced his retirement Wednesday night after 17 seasons in Tuscaloosa, causing shockwaves across the college football world.

Oddsmakers didn’t waste time releasing the next Alabama football coach odds following the big news. Sportsbooks put out their odds to be the next Alabama coach just hours after the announcement, with Dan Lanning and Lane Kiffin leading the way.

Who will be the next Alabama football coach? Let’s analyze the odds and determine the best bets.

Next Alabama Football Coach Odds

In the next Alabama football coach odds, Dan Lanning is the favorite to replace Nick Saban. At +200 odds, Lanning has 33% implied probability to become the next Alabama head coach.

SBD odds as of January 11th.

Dan Lanning the Frontrunner

The current favorite in the odds to be the next Alabama football coach is Dan Lanning. The 37-year-old Missouri native is the current head coach at Oregon, where he has led the Ducks to a 22-5 record over the past two seasons.

Prior to his time at Oregon, Lanning served as the defensive coordinator at Georgia, where he helped lead the Bulldogs to the national championship game in 2021. Lanning also has experience as a graduate assistant at Alabama, which could give him an edge in the hiring process.

Dan Lanning is the expected front runner for the Alabama Head Coaching position. pic.twitter.com/UPM3tkSgzS

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) January 10, 2024

Lanning offers plenty of what the Crimson Tide would be looking for, including a relentless mentality and strong track record in developing talent. He has helped players like Nakobe Dean, Troy Franklin, and Tez Johnson reach elite levels.

Lanning is also regarded as an excellent recruiter, already securing commitments from several five-star and four-star recruits in his first Oregon class. This is a pivotal element to consider, given how well Alabama has recruited in the Nick Saban era.

Lanning is reportedly very happy in Oregon, however, and is embracing the challenge of joining the Big Ten in 2024-25. The question becomes whether or not he would want to abandon what he’s building in Eugene and move his family to an entirely different part of the country.

UPDATE (Jan. 11): Dan Lanning has announced he will remain at Oregon. See the updated next Alabama football coach odds.

What About Lane Kiffin?

Another top contender to be the next Alabama football coach is Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin is no stranger to Alabama football, having served as the team’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2014-2016, helping the Crimson Tide win a national championship in 2015.

Kiffin has since gone on to become the head coach at Ole Miss, where he has led the Rebels to an 11-2 record in 2023. Kiffin’s familiarity with Alabama and his success as a head coach make him a strong candidate for the job.

College football's greatest coach of all-time is retiring.

Bravo, Nick Saban.

My first call, if I'm Alabama, would be Lane Kiffin.

— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) January 10, 2024

Kiffin helped influence Nick Saban to modernize Alabama’s offense during his time as OC there, and the two coaches maintain a strong relationship. We’d expect Saban would advocate for his friend if Alabama sought his advice on his potential replacement.

Recruiting ability is a question mark for Kiffin. His last three Ole Miss classes ranked in the mid-teens, below Alabama’s elite top-5 standard set by Saban. Furthermore, the culture fit is also uncertain given some of Kiffin’s past controversies.

While he may be controversial and a potential sideshow to the actual football game at times, Kiffin took the Rebels to a New Year’s Six bowl game this season. His resume may finally be backing up his bluster. Furthermore, Kiffin was noticeably quiet on Twitter following the Saban retirement news, raising many eyeballs.

Next Alabama Football Coach Longshots to Consider

When it comes to the next Alabama football coach odds, some of the names are completely unrealistic and just placed on the list to attract more eyeballs. For example, Deion Sanders isn’t coming to Alabama after just one season as a Power 5 coach with Colorado.

We also don’t see Urban Meyer returning to college football to coach Alabama football considering the off-field issues that have followed him during his NCAA and NFL tenures. The Tide likely won’t target a coach such as Meyer or Sanders due to the off-the-field distractions they would bring with them.

WOW! College Football just lost the GOAT to retirement. WOW! I knew it would happen 1 day soon but not this soon. The game has change so much that it chased the GOAT away. College football let's hold up our mirrors and say HONESTLY what u see. #CoachPrime @CUBuffsFootball

— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) January 10, 2024

Washington’s Kalen DeBoer is a more reasonable longshot, given his recent success at Washington. The 49-year-old, who won three NAIA national titles at Sioux Falls, owns a career record of 104-12 and is 12-2 all-time against ranked opponents.

He has never worked in the SEC, which might give some at Alabama pause as that league is seen as a different animal, but DeBoer recently hired Jimmy Sexton, the same agent as Saban and many SEC coaches. DeBoer is a proven winner, and those are the types of personnel Alabama needs if they wish to keep their dynasty going.

Clemson’s Dabo Swinney is another interesting name, but we don’t see Alabama targeting the 54-year-old at this stage in his career despite his success. Swinney has been vocal in the past about wanting the Alabama job, but his struggles adapting to the transfer portal world will make those in Tuscaloosa hesitant to pull the trigger.

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The post Next Alabama Football Coach Odds: Dan Lanning, Lane Kiffin Among Favorites appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The college football world was turned upside down on Wednesday evening when news broke that legendary Alabama head coach Nick Saban, winner of seven national championships, is retiring after 17 remarkable seasons in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama had entered the offseason with the second-best odds to win next year’s title at +600 at leading sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings. Those odds plummeted to +1000 following confirmation of Saban’s exit.

The table below displays the updated National Championship odds. Below, find our analysis of Alabama’s betting futures.

Updated National Championship Odds

Georgia opened as the betting favorite to win the National Championship on Monday, and they remain first in the odds at +300.

Alabama is now listed fourth at +1000 in the CFP Title odds, meaning they have just a 9% implied probability of winning it all in 2024-25.

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Odds as of January 10th at FanDuel Sportsbook. Claim the FanDuel promo code to bet on Alabama’s National Title odds. 

Alabama’s National Championship Odds Plummet

Saban’s retirement sent shockwaves through both the betting markets and college football experts, calling into question the future dominance of a Crimson Tide program that has been the sport’s gold standard for over a decade.

Alabama opened as the second betting favorite to win the National Title in 2024-25, but those odds lengthened to +1000 at FanDuel following Saban’s retirement. Alabama is now fourth on FanDuel’s odds behind the likes of Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas.

Alabama's odds to win the 2024-25 National Championship have dropped from +550 to +1000 at FanDuel after Nick Saban's retirement. #RollTide

— Dylan Svoboda (@dylanksvoboda) January 10, 2024

The 72-year-old Saban departs Tuscaloosa with a record of 206-29, having led the Tide to six national titles, nine SEC championships, and 15 consecutive seasons with double-digit wins. He mentored four Heisman Trophy winners in Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, DeVonta Smith, and Bryce Young.

Saban’s retirement caps off a legendary career in which he dominated the sport like no other coach in recent memory. But he leaves enormous shoes to fill. Alabama must now embark on finding a worthy successor to take the reins of a program that has been synonymous with excellence for over a decade.

Verdict on the Crimson Tide’s 2025 Title Chances

Alabama’s CFP National Championship odds have plummeted for now, but a strong coaching hire could put them back on the right path. Of course, we don’t expect any drastic odds swing following the hire, as no coach can replace the excellence of Coach Saban.

Nick Saban has officially retired

Thank you for everything you’ve done for the University of Alabama 🐘❤️

You’re the GOAT 🐐 pic.twitter.com/5eruHx8Rjb

— Alabama DieHards (@DiehardsAlabama) January 10, 2024

No matter which coach is hired in Tuscaloosa, they will inherit a Crimson Tide team with plenty of experienced and young talent. Quarterback Jalen Milroe and safety Caleb Downs are returning in 2023-24, while incoming freshman WR Ryan Williams and RB Justice Haynes are ready to make names for themselves.

Even though losing Saban is a massive blow for the Crimson Tide, Alabama and Georgia are still the cream of the crop in the SEC. Yes, Big 12 champs Texas will be joining the conference in 2024-25, but they are unproven playing a full SEC schedule. Bama and Georgia have won nine of the past 10 SEC titles.

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The post Alabama’s National Championship Odds Plummet After Nick Saban Retires appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

2025 National Championship odds were released following the conclusion of the 2023-24 college football season on Monday night. Michigan defeated Washington to claim its first National Championship since 1997.

The opening CFP Title odds favor the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide to return to the top of the college football landscape. Reigning champion Michigan, meanwhile, is a +1000 longshot. Who else might contend for the CFP Title in 2024?

Let’s analyze the opening 2024 National Championship odds and determine the best early value.

Opening 2024-25 National Championship Odds

In the opening 2025 National Championship odds, the Georgia Bulldogs are the +450 favorites, meaning they have 18% implied win probability.

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Odds as of January 8th, 2024, at DraftKings Sportsbook.

Georgia, Alabama Early Favorites

Even though neither Georgia nor Alabama reached the CFP National Championship game in 2023, oddsmakers favor their chances of getting to Atlanta in 2025. DraftKings released their National Championship odds on Monday night, with Georgia (+450) and Alabama (+600) as the top-two favorites.

It’s hard to argue with the oddsmakers, as Georgia has only suffered two losses over the past three seasons—both in the SEC Championship game. UGA had a compelling case to make the CFP this season at 12-1, but having three undefeated teams made it tough on the selection committee.

🎬 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 | Game Fourteen#GoDawgs | #CapitalOneOrangeBowl pic.twitter.com/vMnRkG2YvO

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) January 2, 2024

A key reason Georgia is favored in the opening 2025 National Championship odds is the return of QB Carson Beck. The soon-to-be senior completed 302-of-417 passes for 3,941 yards and 24 touchdown passes with just six interceptions in 2023. His 72.4% completion rate was the fifth-best in the nation.

Alabama, on the other hand, comes in just behind Georgia in the early CFP odds. They also return their starting quarterback, Jalen Milroe, plus bring in talented freshman receiver Ryan Williams. Former five-star and rising sophomore RB Justice Haynes is also ready to takeover in the backfield with Roydell Williams and Jase McClellan likely entering the 2024 NFL draft.

Michigan Among Intriguing Longshots

It isn’t often you see the reigning National Champion open as a +1000 longshot in the college football national title odds. That’s exactly what’s happening with Michigan, priced as +1000 underdogs in the opening 2025 National Championship odds.

IT’S GREAT TO BE A MICHIGAN WOLVERINE!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/g81DFBZuH6

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) January 9, 2024

Michigan is a longshot due to the fact they will be losing several players to the NFL Draft, including leading rusher Blake Corum and offensive lineman Zak Zinter. Of course, the elephant in the room is that head coach Jim Harbaugh may take an NFL job in the offseason if a good offer is put on his table.

Still, it’s hard not to be intrigued by their opening price in the 2025 National Championship odds considering how dominant they were in the 2023-24 season. Michigan never conceded more than 24 points to any opponent and shut down two potent offenses in the CFP Semi-Finals.

Early Value to Win National Championship

It’s hard to make an early 2025 National Championship prediction this far out, as so much can change in the coming months. However, there are a few teams who stick out as good early value, including the Oregon Ducks (+1100), who are joining the Big Ten Conference.

TE Terrance Ferguson is the latest Duck to announce that he is coming back for 2024. Another massive win for Oregon. pic.twitter.com/9rnqVsmRNo

— Zachary Neel (@zacharycneel) January 7, 2024

Oregon landed senior quarterback Dillon Gabriel out of the transfer portal from Oklahoma, and return a very experienced team for 2024. Ten different players who were draft-eligible this year are returning, including linebackers Jeff Bassa and Jestin Jacobs, safety Tyshiem Johnson, and receivers Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden.

Another longshot we’re keeping an eye on is Syracuse at +8000. They’ve brought in Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord to lead their offense and have a favorable schedule in the ACC as they avoid Florida State, Clemson, and North Carolina. With the College Football Playoff bracket expanding to 12 teams in 2024, Syracuse could find their way into the CFP conversation.

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The post Opening 2024-25 National Championship Odds – Georgia & Alabama Early Favorites appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The betting line for Michigan vs Washington in the National Championship has shifted in the hours leading up to kickoff in Houston. Sharp money has come in on both the spread and the game total, causing sportsbooks to adjust their lines.

What are the updated odds and spread for Michigan vs Washington, and what do they mean? We break it down below.

Michigan vs Washington Odds

In the updated CFP National Championship odds for Monday, the Michigan Wolverines are the favorite with -225 moneyline odds and -5.5 against the spread. Jim Harbaugh’s team now has 69% implied probability to win the game.

Kickoff for the CFP National Championship is 7:30 PM ET at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. ESPN will carry the broadcast.

Odds as of January 8th, 2024 at ESPN Bet. Make sure to sign up at ESPN Sportsbook for the National Championship. Use promo code DIME to unlock a $150 bonus!

Sharp Money Backing Michigan

It’s now clear which side the professional bettors are taking in Monday’s CFP Championship game. While the public is on Washington in the college football public betting trends, the line has actually shifted towards the Wolverines.

Sharp money has come in on Michigan, causing the line to lengthen from -4.5 to -5.5. This doesn’t come as a surprise to us, as the initial look-ahead line at FanDuel before the semi-final was Michigan by just over a touchdown. Sportsbooks likely adjusted the line based on public perception.

Look ahead lines for potential CFP Final. pic.twitter.com/ciNSk1PXnI

— Alex Gold (@AlexGold) January 2, 2024

The line movement towards Michigan contradicts an impressive trend for Washington. Since Kalen DeBoer took over as the Huskies’ head coach in 2022, Washington has gone 5-0 straight up and against the spread as betting underdogs.

We gave out Michigan -4.5 in our Michigan vs Washington prediction, primarily due to the Wolverines’ stifling defense. We ultimately think it will be the difference as the game wears on. We’re also forecasting a big night from Blake Corum in our MICH vs WASH props as UM aims to wear down the Huskies with their elite run game.

Washington’s defense ranks 54th in scoring and 97th in Total Defense this season. Since the start of the BCS, there has not been a team past 32nd in the country in total defense that has won a national championship, which is a telling stat. Michael Penix is good, but this is asking a lot against this fierce Wolverines secondary.

Game Total Has Also Shifted

While the Michigan vs Washington spread has shifted towards the Wolverines, the game total has also been moving. After opening at 55.5, the total was immediately bet down to 54.5 before rising as high as 57 at some sportsbooks.

There were certainly some sharps waiting for the total to climb a few points, as they hammered the “under” Sunday and Monday, causing sportsbooks to drop it back down to 55.5. Pinnacle, one of the sharpest sportsbooks in the world, has this line at 55 now, so the “under” at places like ESPN Bet might offer some minor value.

Who wins this matchup?🍿 pic.twitter.com/uERHoH3TyU

— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 5, 2024

We do think this game goes under the total, even though Penix can sling it. Michigan hasn’t allowed over 271 yards to a single QB this season, and an injury to RB Dillon Johnson will enable Michigan to allocate more resources to defending the pass.

On the flip side, we expect Michigan to lean heavily on their run game Monday, which will run out the game clock. The Huskies were exploited on the ground by Texas in the Sugar Bowl, and the Wolverines are already running the ball on 60% of their plays this season.

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The post Updated Betting Line for Michigan vs Washington CFP National Championship Game appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

It is called football, after all, so perhaps it’s only appropriate that prior to the CFP National Championship Game between the #1 Michigan Wolverines and #2 Washington Huskies, there’s a major discussion ongoing about a player’s foot.

Washington RB Dillon Johnson is the owner of the foot in question. The leading rusher for the Huskies this season, he’s been dealing with a nagging left foot ailment for quite some time.

Johnson reaggravated the injury late in Washington’s CFP semifinal win over Texas in the Sugar Bowl and was seen leaving the field in significant pain. However, the latest word from Huskies coach Kalen DeBoer is that Johnson is going to suck it up and play.

Michigan is reporting no new injuries. The biggest loss for the Wolverines is that of unanimous First Team All-American offensive lineman Zak Zinter. Considered the top interior lineman available for the 2024 NFL Draft, Zinter was lost for the season in the Ohio State game following a leg injury.

So far in the college football public betting splits, Washington is getting 71% of ATS handle and Michigan is drawing 90% of moneyline bets.

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Michigan Wolverines Injury Report

Zinter was carted off the field after suffering a broken fibula and tibia against the Buckeyes and underwent season-ending surgery.

Zak Zinter is in the building. 🙌@zak_zinter x @UMichFootball pic.twitter.com/4CdZAnvEx8

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) January 1, 2024

Davis Warren (undisclosed) has seen limited duty this season as the backup to Michigan QB1 JJ McCarthy. He 0-for-5 through the air. Over his career with the Wolverines, Warren is 5-for-14 for 89 yards with no TDs and an interception.

Michigan Injury Report

Among Michigan’s other walking wounded, Forbes hasn’t played all season. English saw action in one game, catching one pass for four yards against Indiana.

Michigan Wolverines Opt Outs

Even though he’s entered the transfer portal, RB CJ Stokes is opting to stay with the team through to the conclusion of the season. However, his injury status is keeping him out of action.

Michigan Opt Outs

Following a solid freshman campaign in which he carried the ball 55 times for 273 yards, Stokes fell on the depth chart as Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards were dominating backfield time. He’s carried the ball four times for eight yards this season.

Johnson Good To Go For Washington

X-rays taken of Johnson’s injured left foot came back negative, clearing him to play in this game. It’ll just be a matter of him playing through the pain.

Washington Huskies Injury Report

Johnson is leading the Huskies in rushing this season with 1,162 yards. He’s also scored a team-high 16 TDs.

dillon johnson injury pic.twitter.com/EJG3qSP6fM

— ◇ (@2MANYBRIDGES) January 2, 2024

Starting CB Jabbar Muhammad is probable with an undisclosed injury. He had two tackles against Texas. For the season, Muhammad has recorded 44 tackles, recovered a fumble, picked off three passes and made two sacks.

Huskies Endure Limited Opt Outs

Backup QB Dylan Morris is the most significant name on the Washington opt out list. Playing sparingly behind Michael Penix Jr, he was 9-of-14 through the air this season for 224 yards. Morris threw for one TD and was picked off once.

Washington Huskies Opt Outs

Safety Vincent Nunley, another transfer portal departure, made 10 tackles and intercepted a pass this season.

How Could Injuries And Opt Outs Affect Wolverines vs Huskies Betting Lines?

Following three seasons at Mississippi State, Johnson transferred to Washington for this season. He led the Pac-12 in rushing while earning Second Team All-Conference honors.

Johnson is the leading rusher on the Huskies by more than 1,000 yards. He offers a threat on the ground that would prevent Michigan’s defense from focusing all of its attention on shutting down Penix and the nation’s #2 passing attack.

Both teams would be in serious trouble if either starting QB were to go down in this game. Murray is the only other Washington QB to attempt a pass this season.

As for Michigan, if Warren were unable to go, the other QB options for the Wolverines are Jack Tuttle and Jayden Denegal. Tuttle is 15-of-17 for 130 yards and a TD this season. Denegal is 4-of-5 for 50 yards and a TD.

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The post Michigan vs Washington Injury Report & Updates for CFP National Championship Game appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Two undefeated conference champions meet in the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, January 8, as the #2 Washington Huskies (14-0, 7-6-1 ATS) face the #1 Michigan Wolverines (14-0, 8-5-1 ATS). Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.

The Wolverines are 4.5-point favorites in the Washington vs Michigan odds, and today’s Michigan vs Washington same-game parlay is banking on the Wolverines proving the better team, especially on defense.

Michigan vs Washington Same-Game Parlay

The first leg of this Michigan vs Washington SGP is the under on Husky pivot Michael Penix Jr’s passing yards. The second is on the Wolverines to at least keep it within a field goal. And the final leg is on Blake Corum finding the end zone for the 15th straight game.

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The latest college football public-betting splits show the Huskies getting 72% of the ATS handle as 4.5-point underdogs, along with a stunning 91% of moneyline handle to win straight-up as +160 ‘dogs.

Michigan vs Washington SGP Pick #1: Penix Jr Under 292.5 Passing Yards

This isn’t so much a wager against Michael Penix Jr, who’s been phenomenal almost all season, as much as it is a wager on the Michigan defense.  The Wolverines are allowing just 9.5 points per game this season and haven’t allowed a single QB to go over 271 yards (Ohio State’s Kyle McCord). Only two of the 14 QBs they’ve face managed to pass for two bills.

Last Monday, UM limited Alabama pivot Jalen Milroe to 116 yards on 23 attempts (5.0 yards per pass). Milroe came in averaging just under 220 passing yards per game.

BIG TEN PHYSICALITY 💪

Michigan already has 4 sacks on Jalen Milroe pic.twitter.com/AHxT5VDGRD

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) January 1, 2024

Penix will be the most-prolific passer they’ve faced, but without a healthy Dillon Johnson in the backfield, UM will be able to devote significant resources to both the pass rush and coverage. Michigan is coming off a six-sack game against Alabama and Penix is going to find his pocket a lot less comfortable than during the Texas game.

Johnson, who rushed for 1,162 yards and 16 TDs this season, suffered an ugly-looking reaggravation of an existing foot injury late in the Texas game.

dillon johnson injury pic.twitter.com/EJG3qSP6fM

— ◇ (@2MANYBRIDGES) January 2, 2024

Michigan vs Washington Same-Game Parlay Pick #2: Wolverines +3.5

While their FBS-best scoring defense holds Penix in check, Michigan’s offense should be able to move the chains with regularity, just as the Longhorns did in the Sugar Bowl. Texas managed 498 total yards during Washington’s 37-31 victory, 318 through the air and 180 on the ground.

This is Jaydon Blue's second or third 10+ yard rush on the night pic.twitter.com/zoU0ePQGsV

— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) January 2, 2024

Michigan, meanwhile, managed a respectable 351 yards of offense (221 passing, 131 rushing) against Alabama’s top-ten defense. Washington rates just 30th in the country in defensive efficiency.

Michigan vs Washington SGP Pick #3: Corum Over 0.5 TDs

The rationale here is pretty simple: Corum has scored a touchdown in every game this season. Excepting Michigan’s 2022 win versus Ohio State, when Corum only had two carries before getting injured, he’s scored in every game for the last two seasons, amassing 45 touchdowns in 26 games during that span.

Washington is, for the most part, in the title game on the strength of its offense. The Huskies’ offense was 11th in points per game (37.6 PPG) while their defense was just 50th in the FBS (23.6 PPG) while playing a mediocre Pac-12 schedule.  Just last week, Texas was able to pile up 180 rushing yards on 28 attempts (6.4 yards per carry) and I fully expect Michigan to have similar success on the ground.

My colleague included Corum scoring two touchdowns among his best Michigan vs Washington player props and I have no issue adding one TD here at short odds.

The post Best Michigan vs Washington Same-Game Parlay for the National Championship appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Monday’s CFP title game between the #1 Michigan Wolverines (14-0, 8-5-1 ATS) and #2 Washington Huskies (14-0, 7-6-1 ATS) will not only be settling the national championship, it will be breaking the tie in bowl game results between the two schools.

The Huskies and Wolverines have played four times in bowl games, and each school is displaying two victories from those contests.

It’s the Wolverines who are set as 5-point favorites to take this tilt in the Washington vs Michigan odds. However, the betting public isn’t as decisive on the outcome as the oddsmakers.

In the college football public betting splits, it’s the underdog Huskies who are getting the majority of the action. As far as the moneyline is concerned, the handle is leaning to the Huskies, while bettors are going with the favored Wolverines.

The total is set at 56.5 points and the people are leaning into the over on both the handle and bets.

Let’s take a deeper look into what the numbers are showing in the NCAA public betting trends for the Wolverinees vs Huskies national championship game as of Sunday afternoon.

Washington vs Michigan Betting Percentages

The Wolverines are -200 moneyline favorites in the Washington vs Michigan picks, giving them a 66.67% implied win probability. Both the Huskies and Wolverines will be playing in the Big Ten next season following conference realignment.

Kickoff for this game at NRG Stadium on Monday, January 8, is set for 7:30pm ET. The broadcast is being carried by ABC and ESPN.

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Spread Bettors Leaning To Huskies

The people seem to think that giving Washington QB Michael Penix Jr a 5-point head start is too much of an ask. The Huskies are getting 69% of handle and 54% of bets in the public spread splits.

The uniforms for the National Championship have been set — Michigan in all blue and Washington in all white 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ERB12bx6ZQ

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) January 7, 2024

Washington is 2-1 against the spread in the past three games against Michigan. Interestingly, both schools are 2-0 ATS this season when playing a neutral-site game. The Huskies are 4-2 ATS in their last six games. They’re also 5-0 ATS in the last five games in which they took the field as the underdog.

The Wolverines are 8-2 ATS over the past 10 games this season after launching the season 0-3-1 ATS. Of concern, though, is the fact that Michigan is 2-11 ATS in the last 13 games when facing an opponent from the Pac-12.

Dramatic Disaparity On Moneyline

There might be unity among the people on the spread, but when it comes to the moneyline, the disparity couldn’t be much wider. In the moneyline splits, handle is going 86% on the underdog Huskies. On the other hand, there’s 91% of moneyline bets backing the favored Wolverines.

Washington is 21-0 straight up over the school’s past 21 games. The Huskies last tasted defeat on Oct. 8, 2022, a 45-38 loss at Arizona State.

Last time Blake Corum and Michigan played against Washington 🔥

pic.twitter.com/QPMZnjxTq9

— JD 〽️ (@MGoJDBlue) January 2, 2024

Michigan has been favored in all 14 games this season and won every one of them. The Wolverines are 30-1 SU in the last 31 games in which they’ve kicked off as the betting choice.

The Huskies’ most recent loss to a Big Ten school was on Sept. 11, 2021. They fell 31-10 at Michigan as 6.5-point away underdogs.

Total Action Going All In On Over

Public bettors are thinking over, even with a high total of 56.5 points set for this game. It’s generating 71% of handle and 62% of bets in the public total splits. Both Washington and Michigan’s CFP semifinal games hit the over.

Michigan is 8-2 on the over in the past 10 games. After going under in each of the first three games this season set with a total of 50+ points, the Wolverines have hit the over the last two times when facing that scenario.

The total has exceeded 50 points in 13 of Washington’s 14 games this season. The Huskies are 6-7 on the total in those games.

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The post Washington vs Michigan Betting Trends – See How the Public is Betting the National Championship appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Washington vs Michigan player props have been released by sportsbooks ahead of Monday’s CFP National Championship Game. You can wager on the passing yards totals for quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy, plus various other prop bets.

Among our expert player prop bets for Monday’s CFP National Championship Game is a touchdown prop bet for Michigan star running back Blake Corum. We’re also keying on Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze as he aims to exploit the Wolverines’ secondary.

Let’s dive into our top Michigan vs Washington player props for Monday’s CFP National Championship.

Washington vs Michigan Player Props – CFP National Championship

In the Washington vs Michigan props, Michael Penix Jr. has a much higher passing total (292.5) than J.J. McCarthy (197.5), although both QB’s share the same passing touchdowns total at 1.5.

Michigan running back Blake Corum has the highest rushing yards total at 102.5 yards, while Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze has the highest receiving total at 89.5.

Make sure you also check out our Michigan vs Washington prediction for our pick on which team will win and cover the spread.

All odds as of January 8th at ESPN Bet. Sign up at the newly launched ESPN Bet App to gain access to player props for Monday’s game. Use promo code “DIME” when registering.

Pick #1: Blake Corum 2+ Touchdowns

We’re forecasting a big performance from UM running back Blake Corum against Washington in the National Championship. The issue we’ve run into is how to tackle him in the player props market, as oddsmakers have inflated some of his lines due to the public money that will be pouring in.

It’s certainly possible Corum topples his 102.5-yard rushing prop set by bookmakers, although he’s only reached 100 yards twice all season. The best value we’ve identified is for Corum to record two or more touchdowns (+110 at ESPN Bet).

Blake Corum: 42 Rush TDs over the past two seasons

No other player has more than 31👀 pic.twitter.com/Ty6RL4Vldh

— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 31, 2023

Corum has recorded multiple touchdowns in six straight games and in nine of 13 contests overall this season. The Huskies have struggled defending the run all season, allowing 133.8 yards per game on the ground and ranking 72nd in run defense efficiency (per PFF).

Texas’ CJ Baxter and Jayon Blue each punched in scores against Washington in the Sugar Bowl, and we think Corum will follow in their path with a multi-TD game. The senior Corum has averaged an impressive 17 rushes per game this season and has seen over 60% of the team’s carries down the stretch.

This is also the final college game for Corum, and we think he will go out with a bang. He recently became the all-time career rushing touchdown leader at Michigan, and we think he tacks on a few more scores for good measure against this struggling UW rush defense.

• Pick: Blake Corum to Score 2 or More TDs (+110 at ESPN Bet )

Pick #2: Rome Odunze Over 89.5 Receiving Yards

Another player we’re targeting in the Michigan vs Washington player props is Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze. ESPN Bet is offering Odunze’s receiving yards total for the National Championship at 89.5 yards, and we think there’s great value on the “over”.

The future first-round NFL Draft pick has accumulated 100-plus yards in 10 of the Huskies’ 14 games this season, with his season-low still being an impressive 64 yards. In the Sugar Bowl vs Texas, Odunze caught six passes for 125 yards.

Rome Odunze vs Ryan Watts pic.twitter.com/ZNAgO1Kgbb

— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) January 2, 2024

Bettors may feel inclined to fade Odunze against Michigan considering their elite defense, but top college football wide receivers have still got their yards against this Wolverines secondary. A recent example is Ohio State standout Marvin Harrison Jr. hauling in five passes for 118 yards against Michigan near the end of the season.

Washington already throws the ball on nearly 60% of their offensive snaps, and that number is sure to increase with RB Dillon Johnson battling an injury. Odunze has gotten double-digit targets in four consecutive games, and he possesses the 1-on-1 skills to take advantage of his projected heavy volume on Monday.

• Pick: Rome Odunze Over 89.5 Receiving Yards (-118 at ESPN Bet)

Michigan vs Washington Touchdown Scorer Props

In the Washington vs Michigan touchdown scorer props market, Wolverines’ star running back Blake Corum has the best odds to find paydirt at -450. Washington’s Rome Odunze (-130) and Dillon Johnson (-115) are also odds-on favorites to get into the endzone.

Odds as of January 8th at DraftKings Sportsbook.

Pick #3: Roman Wilson Anytime TD

In the anytime TD market of the Michigan vs Washington props, we like the value on Wolverines wide receiver Roman Wilson to find paydirt on Monday. The senior doesn’t post eye-popping stats, but he’s been very consistent, getting into the endzone 11 times this season.

ROMAN WILSON WALKS IT IN TO TIE THE GAME‼️

WE GOT OURSELVES A GAME ON ESPN 🍿 #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/evJdfxOnQG

— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2024

Wilson delivered in the clutch with 73 yards and a TD in the Rose Bowl, and we think McCarthy will look to him again on Monday. While Michigan will rely on their run game fairly often, McCarthy should have plenty of time in the pocket to throw with UM’s O-line only allowing 1.36 sacks per game. Plus, Washington only ranks 37th in pass rush efficiency.

Wilson is trusted by McCarthy due to his explosiveness and ability to not telegraph his attack of the football. We think Wilson will create the separation needed to come through with a big TD in Houston. No other Michigan receiver has more than two TDs this season.

• Pick: Roman Wilson Anytime TD (+165 at DraftKings )

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The post Washington vs Michigan Props – Best Player Prop Bets for CFP National Championship Game appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The 2023 college football season hasn’t even wrapped up yet, but oddsmakers have already released Heisman futures for next season. FanDuel put out its 2024 Heisman odds on Thursday, with Texas’ Quinn Ewers, UGA’s Carson Beck and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe among the favorites.

LSU’s Jayden Daniels won the Heisman in 2023 despite opening the season as a +1800 longshot. While Daniels is off to the NFL, there are several returning college football quarterbacks with strong implied chance to win.

Who will win the Heisman in 2024? Let’s analyze the opening odds and make an early college football MVP prediction.

Opening 2024 Heisman Odds

In the opening Heisman futures at FanDuel, Quinn Ewers, Carson Beck and Jalen Milroe are +750 co-favorites, meaning they share 11.76% implied probability to win the award.

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Familiar Faces Among Heisman Favorites

The three opening co-favorites in the 2024 Heisman odds are all returning starting quarterbacks who led their teams to impressive seasons in 2023-24. Quinn Ewers and Jalen Milroe led Texas and Alabama, respectively into the CFP, while Carson Beck guided UGA to a 13-1 campaign.

Out of the three co-favorites, we’d give Ewers a slight edge in this race. The sophomore raised his completion percentage from 58% to 69% in 2023 and will welcome two five-star receiver weapons in Johntay Cook or Ryan Wingo. He must overcome, however, losing his top target in Xavier Worthy (NFL Draft).

"Most of y'all didn't believe that we would be here right now."

A grateful, proud Quinn Ewers speaks postgame about his team's journey to get to the CFP⤵️#HookEm | @KXAN_News pic.twitter.com/vzThdVQMSs

— Noah Gross (@noah_gross27) January 2, 2024

UGA’s Carson Beck and Bama’s Jalen Milroe will also be in the Heisman conversation for most of 2023-24. Beck will lose his top tight end in Brock Bowers, but will gain a couple of solid transfer receivers from Miami and Vanderbilt.

Milroe, on the other hand, will need to improve vastly on his passing numbers to have a legit shot at winning the Heisman. He only threw for 2,834 yards in 2023, but his top target Isaiah Bond is returning, plus incoming five-star freshman Ryan Williams is projected to be one of the next Alabama greats.

Gabriel, Howard Among Initruging Transfer Contenders

With more and more players entering the transfer portal to seek new opportunities, it comes as no surprise that several recent high-profile transfers are among the top contenders in the 2024 Heisman odds. Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel (+1000) and Ohio State’s Will Howard (+1500) are both top-five Heisman favorites in the early futures.

Gabirle, formerly at Oklahoma, is potentially worth an early wager, especially considering the success Bo Nix had in Euguene this past season. Gabirle finished top-10 in NCAAF passing yards this season while also rushing for nearly 400 yards and 12 TDs. Oregon’s leading receivers Tez Johnson and Trasheson Holdon are both returning in 2024.

Oregon WR Tez Johnson will return to school for the 2024 season, he announced🦆 pic.twitter.com/5KpBvKj42p

— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 4, 2024

Will Howard, meanwhile, transfers to Ohio State after throwing for thrown for 48 touchdowns and 5,786 yards in 27 career games at Kansas State. The fifth-year senior went 12-5 as Kansas State’s starter in 2022 and 2023 and led the Wildcats to a Big 12 title game win over TCU in 2022.

Every Ohio State quarterback is a preseason Heisman contender due to how dominant the Buckeyes are on offense every season. OSU superstar WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is likely to declare for the NFL Draft however, while Julian Fleming has also transferred out. The Buckeyes do have the top prospect in the 2024 class with incoming WR freshman Jeremiah Smith.

Early 2024 Heisman Winner Prediction

Ewers is a fairly safe choice in the opening 2024 Heisman odds, but keep in mind the Longhorns are transitioning to the SEC, where the defenses will be much more challenging than the Big 12. Still, Ewers’ odds are expected to shorten during the offseason.

Our best value play is going to be Dillon Gabriel at Oregon. Nix game arguably one game away from winning the trophy following his transfer from Auburn, and Gabriel possesses the arm talent to at least follow Nix as an Oregon QB finalist for the award.

Gabriel, who has thrown for over 3,00 yards in four different seasons, will have no shortage of weapons in Eugene with Tez Johnson, Traeshon Holden, Gary Bryant Jr., Jurrion Dickey and Kyler Kasper among others. As long as he stays healthy, we see Gabriel staying in the thick of the Heisman race all season.

• Best Early Value: Dillon Gabriel (+1000)

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The post 2024 Heisman Odds – Ewers, Beck & Milroe Open as Favorites appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Before the college football FBS national championship gets handed out Monday night, the college football FCS division championship will be decided one day prior. Montana takes on reigning champions South Dakota State in Frisco, Texas.

The latest FCS Championship odds are heavily in favor of the Jackrabbits, pitting Jimmy Rogers’ team as 13.5-point favorites over the Grizzlies. This is the second-highest spread in FCS Championship history (tied with EWU -13.5 vs Towson in 2018).

Let’s get into our Montana vs South Dakota State prediction, as we analyze the odds and preview the FCS Championship.

Montana vs South Dakota State Odds – FCS Championship

In the Montana vs South Dakota State odds for the FCS Championship Game, the Jackrabbits are heavy -525 favorites on the moneyline. SDSU’s implied chance of winning based on the odds is 84%. The over/under is at 49.5 points.

Montana and South Dakota State have played eight times (from 1969 to 2016), with the Grizzlies winning all eight meetings. However, they haven’t met since the first round of the 2015 playoffs, in which Montana won 24-17.

Kickoff for Sunday’s FCS Championship is at 2:00 PM ET at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. ESPN will carry the broadcast.

Odds as of January 4th, 2024 at ESPN Bet. Sign up and bet on the FCS Championship with our promo code “DIME“. Bet anything on the game and get $150!

Grizzlies Aim to Pull Stunning Upset

The Montana Grizzlies look to cap off their incredible season with a shocking upset of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits in the FCS Championship. Following an early-season loss to Arizona, Montana has won seven straight games, including four over ranked opponents.

Montana was in a dogfight with FCS powerhouse North Dakota State in the semi-final, emerging victorious in OT by a 31-29 final score. Grizzlies quarterback Clifton McDowell threw for 160 yards and one TD, while RB Eli Gillman punched in two scores on the ground.

How 'bout the magic from @_Cliff10 to set up the TD💪#GoGriz pic.twitter.com/Bg9RnerHgH

— Montana Griz Football (@MontanaGrizFB) December 16, 2023

McDowell has been effective under center for Montana this season, throwing for 1,861 yards and 13 touchdowns this year along with just three interceptions. Aiding McDowell in the backfield is standout freshman running back Eli Gillman.

The recipient of this year’s Jerry Rice Award, Gillman has been the centerpiece of Montana’s offense. He’s run for 950 yards and 12 scores this year while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

Defensively, the Grizzlies have been very stringent against the run, allowing just 102.8 yards per game on the ground. They’ve been more vulnerable through the air, however, allowing 208.4 yards per game, which is only 58th in the FCS.

Jackrabbits in Familiar Territory

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits are playing in their third title game since the 2021 spring season. SDSU has won 28 straight games and has been steamrolling the competition. In three playoff games, SDSU has outscored opponents by a 123-12 margin.

The Jackrabbits’ most recent outing was a 59-0 blowout victory over Albany in the semi-finals, in which they held the Great Danes to under 300 yards of total offense. SDSU QB Mark Gronowski was near-perfect, throwing for 265 yards and three scores, while RB Isaiah Davis had 107 yards and two TDs on the ground.

2023 Phil Steele Honors.#GoJacks 🐰🏈 pic.twitter.com/siFE9WJJqb

— SDSU Football (@GoJacksFB) December 16, 2023

SDSU has been dominant in all facets of the game, although their defense might be the most impressive. The Jackrabbits have allowed less than 10 points per game this season and shut out three different opponents. They rank second against the run and seventh against the pass.

A big part of South Dakota State’s success this season has been their ability to force turnovers. They forced four of them against Albany to give them an FCS-leading 26 turnovers gained (18 interceptions) on the season. On the other side of the ball, the veteran Gronowski has only thrown four interceptions this year.

Montana vs South Dakota State Prediction

Montana is capable of keeping this game close, but several things will need to go their way. McDowell has to spread the ball out to his talented receivers while also using his legs to keep plays alive. The Jackrabbits have racked up 24 sacks while allowing under 100 rush yards per game.

While not as strong as their run game, the SDSU secondary is ferocious, led by senior cornerback Dalys Beanum and safety Tucker Large. Each player has seven defended passes, while Beanum has come up with an interception in each playoff game.

We expect this game to stay somewhat close in the first half until the Jackrabbits pull away in the final two quarters. Gronowski is too experienced and poised to slip up against Montana’s inefficient defensive line (14 sacks), while Davis has been near unstoppable on the ground.

For our best Montana vs SDSU prediction, we’re leaning towards the Grizzlies to cover the first-half spread at ESPN Bet . SDSU trailed at halftime in last year’s national championship, and the Grizzlies possess the weapons to at least keep pace for one half.

FCS Championship Pick:

• Montana 1H +7.5 (-120)

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The 2023-24 college football season reaches its climax Monday night in Houston with the #1 Michigan facing off against #2 Washington in the CFP National Championship game. We’ve made our Michigan vs Washington prediction to help you make the best bet.

Bookmakers have placed the Wolverines as 5.5-point favorites over the Huskies at NRG Stadium in Houston. Both contenders are entering the CFP National Championship with impeccable, undefeated records, each aspiring to clinch the top honor in college football.

Let’s offer you our Michigan vs Washington prediction, as we analyze the odds and preview the National Championship.

Michigan vs Washington Odds – CFP National Championship

Odds as of January 8th, 2024 at ESPN Sportsbook. Make sure to sign up for ESPN Bet using our exclusive promo code “DIME“. Bet anything on the National Championship and receive $150 in bonuses!

Michigan vs Washington History

Michigan and Washington have clashed 13 times historically, with the Wolverines ahead in the all-time series 8-5. UM has triumphed in the last two encounters, including a 31-10 victory in Ann Arbor in 2021.

While QB JJ McCarthy wasn’t on the roster yet, Blake Corum had a monster game against the Huskies, rushing for 171 yards and three touchdowns. Washington was held to only 50 rushing yards, although none of their current key offensive players were on that roster.

Michigan and Washington have also competed in the Rose Bowl, facing each other four times in 1978, 1981, and twice in 1992-93, with both teams clinching two wins apiece.

Wolverines Are Clear Favorites in Houston

Oddsmakers are siding with the Michigan Wolverines in the CFP National Championship, setting them as 5.5-point favorites over Washington. This betting line is actually down a point from the initial look-ahead line prior to the semi-finals, which was MICH -6.5.

Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan enters following a 27-20 overtime victory over the #4 Alabama Crimson Tide at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy played a pivotal role with three touchdown passes, while Blake Corum had two total touchdowns.

This play was wild. What a catch and throw by J.J. McCarthy here!

pic.twitter.com/P5GJqEqeAE

— JD 〽️ (@MGoJDBlue) January 2, 2024

Michigan’s season has been marked by challenges, including a suspension for head coach Jim Harbaugh during the first three games and an NCAA investigation into potential violations. Harbaugh also missed the last three regular-season games due to an NCAA suspension related to allegations of sign stealing by Michigan.

Despite the hurdles, Michigan has consistently risen to the occasion, adopting an “Us against the world” mentality this season. Their robust defense, which limited Bama to a season-low 288 yards and sacked QB Jalen Milroe six times, is a key reason they’re favored over Washington.

It’s hard to argue with oddsmakers making Michigan the favorite in the National Championship odds. The Wolverines have been the most consistent college football team this season, never allowing more than 24 points in a game and rarely falling behind to an opponent.

Huskies Maintain Underdog Role in National Championship

The Washington Huskies have been underdogs in three of their last four games, yet have consistently defied the odds. In the Sugar Bowl CFP Semifinal, they closed as a 3.5-point underdog but triumphed with a 37-31 victory.

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was named Most Outstanding Offensive Player with his 430 passing yards and two touchdowns, while RB Dillon Johnson scored two ground touchdowns. Washington outgained Texas in total yardage, 532-498.

A DART FROM MICHAEL PENIX JR. 😮‍💨

The Huskies come out firing in the second half 🔥 #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/Ay61e1vHXL

— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2024

Even though it isn’t always pretty, the Huskies just find ways to win. They’ve won five straight one-possession games and found a way to overcome Texas rushing for 180 yards on the ground in the Sugar Bowl. Having the nation’s top-ranked passing offense certainly helps.

The big concern for the Huskies is the health of leading running back Dillon Johnson, who suffered an injury towards the end of the Sugar Bowl. The latest Dillon Johnson injury update is the RB underwent x-rays on his lower half Tuesday, which came back negative. He’s expected to play Monday, but keep in mind negative x-rays don’t preclude a foot/ankle injury.

Michigan vs Washington Prediction

The CFP National Championship seemingly brings together two teams of destiny, with Michigan overcoming all kinds of adversity and Washington finding ways to win no matter the circumstance. So, what’s the best Michigan vs Washington prediction to make?

We can’t help but love this matchup for the Wolverines, who built their team back in 2021 to finally get over the hump and beat their Ohio State rivals. Washington’s team is very similar to that OSU club, with the team relying heavily on the arm of Penix and lacking in run defense efficiency.

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS 🔥

Michigan vs. Washington in H-Town for the Natty 🏆 pic.twitter.com/K3v5kYniBC

— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2024

Michigan possesses an elite defense that can match up with a pass-first offense while also dominating the play in the trenches. The Wolverines haven’t let any team throw for over 300 yards on them, while rushing for nearly 160 yards per game on offense.

Under Harbaugh’s guidance, Michigan has seen steady progress, defeating Ohio State, securing the Big Ten title, and surmounting the college football playoff semi-final barrier. Our CFP National Championship prediction? Michigan to win by at least one touchdown over the Huskies.

• Pick: Michigan -5.5 (-110)

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The post Michigan vs Washington Prediction, Odds & Picks – CFP National Championship appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The opening Michigan vs odds were released late Monday night after the CFP National Championship matchup was finalized in the College Football Playoff Bracket. The early Michigan vs Washington betting line lists the Wolverines as 4.5-point favorites at NGR Stadium on January 8th in Houston.

This will be the 13 all-time matchup between Michigan and Washington, with the Wolverines winning the most recent battle 31-10 in 2021. Both teams will be playing in the college football championship for the first time in the CFP era (2014-present).

Let’s take a look at the Michigan vs Washington odds for the National Championship and determine how the line might move.

Michigan vs Washington Odds – CFP National Championship

In the opening Washington vs Michigan odds for the CFP National Championship, the Wolverines are 4.5-point spread favorites and -185 favorites on the moneyline. The over/under is offered at 55.5 points.

Michigan’s -185 moneyline prices imply oddsmakers believe there is a 65% chance the Wolverines will win the CFP National Championship game.

Kickoff for the CFP National Championship Game is 7:30 PM ET on January 8th at NRG Stadium. ESPN will carry the broadcast from Houston.

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Michigan Dethrones Alabama

In their third straight CFP Semifinal appearance, the Wolverines finally got their first CFP victory. The top-seeded Michigan Wolverines defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide by a 27-20 score in the Rose Bowl, advancing to their first College Football Playoff (CFP) championship game.

The match was sealed for Michigan when Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was stopped on a fourth-down sneak attempt. Michigan’s defense, instrumental throughout the game, proved pivotal in this defining moment.

JALEN MILROE IS STOPPED ON 4TH DOWN😱

THE WOLVERINES ARE HEADED TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆 #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/X2x3tPzwqr

— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2024

While the defense came up with huge stops, Michigan got clutch performances from its two offensive stars. Quarterback JJ McCarthy passed for 221 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Blake Corum rushed for 83 yards and had two total touchdowns.

This victory is particularly significant for Harbaugh, who returned to his alma mater in 2015 with high aspirations. After a challenging start and some setbacks, Michigan has emerged as an elite force since 2021, winning three consecutive conference titles and making three Playoff appearances.

Despite some potential game-changing errors in the Rose Bowl, Michigan’s overall dominance and resilience were evident throughout the game. Oddsmakers are liking the Wolverines’ chances of getting the job done in Houston.

Washington Dominates Texas

Washington punched its ticket to the CFP National Championship with a 37-31 victory over Texas in the Sugar Bowl on Monday night. Huskies QB Michael Penix Jr. continued his impressive play, throwing for 430 yards and two TDs. He completed passes to seven different players.

Michael Penix Jr my goodness

pic.twitter.com/OIAitUOgIW

— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 2, 2024

While Washington’s defense, particularly their secondary, has struggled this season, they did a great job shutting down Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns’ passing attack. Ewers and his talented receivers were held to only 318 yards and one TD through the air by the UW defense.

Washington has been underestimated by oddsmakers all year, including being set as nearly double-digit underdogs against Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship. Vegas then set Kalen DeBoer’s team as 4-point underdogs against the Longhorns despite Washington being the higher seed.

Dillon Johnson Injury Update

Something important to note before betting on the CFP National Championship is that the Huskies’ leading running back Dillon Johnson suffered an injury toward the end of the Sugar Bowl. He required assistance being helped off the field, and his status for Monday could have an impact on the betting line.

Dillon Johnson was visibly in pain after running the ball in the final seconds for Washington pic.twitter.com/pInuT7teYy

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) January 2, 2024

Johnson has been an absolute beast for the Huskies this season, rushing for 1,113 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was fairly bottled up by Texas (21 carries, 49 yards),  but he still found paydirt twice. Johnson has shown against tough competition such as Utah and Oregon that he can be a difference maker.

Projected Michigan vs Washington Line Movement

Michigan didn’t get much public betting love in the Rose Bowl, as bettors were firmly backing the Crimson Tide as moneyline underdogs. Sharp money did come in on the Wolverines leading up to kickoff, however, causing the line to shift from -2.0 to -2.5 at certain sportsbooks.

Washington was the public ATS play in the Sugar Bowl, as bettors are latching on to the Huskies’ underdog story. This means we expect both teams to receive a decent amount of money leading up to Monday’s kickoff.

Will the Michigan vs Washington betting line shift dramatically, though? We do expect to see some line movement toward Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines, as the initial look-ahead line had Michigan favored by seven points. Most power rankings have these two teams separated by over a touchdown on a neutral field.

UPDATE: We’ve released our official Michigan vs Washington prediction.

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The post Opening Michigan vs Washington Odds for CFP National Championship Game appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The Sugar Bowl is just hours away, meaning bettors across the country are scrambling to get their Texas vs Washington picks in. We’ve done the work for you and compiled a +548 same-game parlay, taking advantage of the best value in the Sugar Bowl lines.

Among our Texas vs Washington same-game parlay picks is a play on Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy facing the vulnerable Huskies’ secondary. We’re also focusing on Washington running back Dillon Johnson in our SGP.

Let’s dive into our expert Texas vs Washington same-game parlay for the CFP Semifinal Sugar Bowl.

Texas vs Washington Same-Game Parlay Picks

The first leg of our Texas vs Washington same-game parlay is the Longhorns spread, while the second leg is Texas’ top receiver scoring a TD. Finally, our third leg is the “over” on the rushing yards total for the Huskies’ top running back.

It’s important to note that this SGP was made at FanDuel using the same-game parlay section. They are one of the few sportsbooks pricing the Longhorns as -3.5, as most sportsbooks have this number at -4. Sign up for FanDuel here using our automatically applied promo code.

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SGP odds as of January 1st, 2024, at FanDuel Sportsbook. Check out the unique odds boosts FanDuel is offering for the Sugar Bowl.

Sugar Bowl SGP Pick #1: Texas Spread -3.5

The first pick we are making in our Sugar Bowl same-game parlay is the Texas spread of -3.5. The Longhorns’ offense is on fire, exploding for 1,190 yards and 106 points in their two most recent games against Texas Tech and Oklahoma State.

That's all for the farewell tour 🤘 pic.twitter.com/fvglw2pPTJ

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 2, 2023

Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers threw for a career-high 452 yards in the Big 12 Championship and now gets to feast on a Huskies secondary allowing 263 yards per game through the air. He has no shortage of weapons at his disposal, including wide receivers Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and TE Ja’Tavion Sanders.

The Huskies have been in several one-possession games this season, and their magic is bound to run out at some point. The Texas defense ranks second in the country in third-down conversion percentage, and we think that will prove to be a key factor in them advancing to the National Championship.

Sugar Bowl SGP Pick #2: Xavier Worthy Anytime TD (-138)

To complement our Texas ATS prediction, we’re parlaying the Longhorns’ top receiver to score a touchdown. There are plenty of ways to parlay a Texas player if you’re playing the team against the spread, but this is the pick we are most confident in for a variety of reasons.

Xavier Worthy @ Texas 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GaSs2L1Lo7

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) December 4, 2023

Worthy has been exceptional for Texas this season, hauling in 73 passes for 959 yards and five scores. He’s coming off one of his better performances against Oklahoma State, catching six passes for 86 yards. Furthermore, he dropped two passes in last year’s Alamo Bowl that he wants to make amends for.

We’ve already mentioned that the Huskies are giving up 263.2 passing yards per game, which ranks 120th in the country. The Longhorns’ offense does have a decent ground game, but with an average of 286.8 passing yards, they will likely rely heavily on Ewers’ arm Monday, especially with RB Jonathan Brooks sidelined.

Sugar Bowl SGP Pick #3: Dillon Johnson Over 74.5 Rushing Yards (-138)

Even though we are backing the Longhorns in our Texas vs Washington pick, we do like the value on UW’s leading rusher Monday. Dillon Johnson has been an absolute workhorse down the stretch, averaging 136 yards against tough opponents such as Utah and Oregon.

Johnson’s rushing yards total has steadily increased leading up to kickoff, and we still think there’s value left. He averaged 107 rushing yards against top-20 defenses this season and should find holes in UT’s run defense, assisted by Washington’s excellent O-line blocking.

Texas features the nation’s No. 3 rushing defense, allowing just 2.87 yards per carry, but they’ve still been exploited on the ground by opponents such as OU and Texas Tech. Johnson hasn’t been slowed by any of the elite defenses he’s faced, and we like him going over his rushing total in our same-game parlay.

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The 12-1 Texas Longhorns are #3 in the nation are missing more key elements than the 13-0 Washington Huskies as they ready to play in the Sugar Bowl, but it’s the #2 Huskies who oddsmakers are seeing as the underdogs in this CFP semifinal matchup.

Texas is set as the 4-point favorite. But going into the game, while neither team is showing much in the way of concern when it comes to injuries and opt outs, it’s the Longhorns who certainly have it the worst in this department.

Texas RB Jonathan Brooks is out with a torn ACL. As well, Longhorns backup QB Maalik Murphy won’t be playing after entering the transfer portal and moving on to the Duke Blue Devils.

So far in the college football public betting splits, Washington is getting 66% of ATS handle and Texas is drawing 95% of moneyline handle.

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Texas Gets Healthy During Break

Brooks is the leading rusher for the Longhorns this season with 1,139 yards gained on the ground and 10 rushing TDs. He was hurt November 11 against TCU. 

Texas Longhorns Injury Report

Several other Texas players who were hurting have taken advantage of the month off between this game and the Big-12 Championship to heal their wounds. Among this group are WR Xavier Worthy, RB CJ Baxter, right tackle Christian Jones, tight end JT Sanders, and cornerback Ryan Watts . Worthy leads Texas in receptions (73) and receiving yards (969).

Texas will also be getting back DB Derek Williams for the second half of the game. He’ll sit out the first half due to a targeting suspension.

Longhorns Depth Impacted By Transfer Portal

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian indicated to his players opting to enter the transfer portal that they were welcome to play in the Sugar Bowl as long as they continued to embrace the team culture.

Certainly the most significant absence is that of QB2 Maalik Murphy. He departed after utilizing the transfer portal to move to the Duke Blue Devils. Murphy left because he wants to be at Duke for spring football, improving his chances of earning the starting berth with the Blue Devils.

Texas Longhorns Opt Outs

Murphy started two games this season in place of injured QB1 Quinn Ewers. Murphy beat BYU 35-6 and led Texas to a 33-30 OT victory over #23 Kansas State. This season, he threw for 477 yards with three TDs and three interceptions

Safeties Jalen Catalon and Larry Turner-Gooden, WR Casey Cain and offensive lineman Sawyer Goram-Welch are others who decided to forego their shot at winning the national championship after entering the transfer portal. Catalon has 17 tackles and six passes defended this season.

Johnson Good To Go For Washington

The Huskies got some good news leading into this game regarding RB Dillon Johnson. Dealing with a foot injury, he’s indicating that the down time since the Pac-12 title game has enabled him to regain his health.

Washington Huskies Injury Report

Johnson is leading the Huskies in rushing this season with 1,159 yards on 201 carries. That’s good for a 5.5 yards per carry average. Johnson has scored a team-high 14 TDs.

#Washington RB Dillon Johnson, who transferred to UW from #MississippiState, on facing #Texas' defensive line anchored by @TvondreSweat and @ByronMurphyII: "I played in the SEC. It's nothing new to me. I've played Bama and Georgia. I'm used to it. I'm ready for it."

— Chip Brown (@ChipBrown247) December 28, 2023

RB Tybo Rogers, third on the team with 198 yards rushing, is showing as questionable for this game.

Huskies Endure Limited Opt Outs

Backup QB Dylan Morris is the most significant name on the Washington opt out list. Playing sparingly behind Michael Penix Jr, he was 9-of-14 through the air this season for 224 yards. Morris threw for one TD and was picked off once. 

Washington Huskies Opt Outs

Safety Vincent Nunley, another transfer portal departure, made 10 tackles and intercepted a pass this season.

How Could Injuries And Opt Outs Affect Longhorns vs Huskies Betting Lines?

The Texas run game really hasn’t missed a beat minus Brooks. Baxter has accounted for 545 yards and four TDs. Jaydon Blue (339 yards, 2 TDs), Keilan Robinson (134, 3), and Savion Red (131, 1) have also made contributions to the Longhorns rushing attack.

Although Jonathan Brooks is injured for Texas their running game will not suffer because their OL is very good at run blocking and they’re deep at RB.

— gage holley (@gageholley__) December 22, 2023

If anything should happen to Ewers, the Texas offense would be in the hands of five-star freshman recruit Arch Manning. He’s 2-of-5 for 30 yards in very limited duty this season. And yes, he’s the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning.

The post Texas vs Washington Injury Report & Latest Updates – CFP Semifinal Sugar Bowl appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The Alabama Crimson Tide will likely have their top running back available for Monday’s CFP Semifinal against the Michigan Wolverines in the Rose Bowl. Jase McClellan (foot) was a full participant in practice this week and is expected to make his return vs Michigan.

The full Alabama vs Michigan injury report can be found below, along with live updates and opt out news. Both teams are relatively healthy heading into their biggest game of the season.

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Alabama Crimson Tide Injury Report

The only player currently listed on the Alabama injury report is top running back Jase McClellan. The latest update is that McClellan (foot) was a full participant in practice this week and is expected to play in the Rose Bowl. He told reporters he feels 100%.

Jase McClellan says he feels 100% ahead of Michigan game. pic.twitter.com/rvPNuNiR2N

— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) December 30, 2023

Nick Saban also provided the following update on McClellan, “Jase is doing great. Looks good. We gave him a lot of time off to heal his foot and it looks like it paid off.”

Alabama Injury Report

McClellan’s return is massive for the Crimson Tide, as he’s rushed for 803 yards (4.8 yards-per-carry) and eight touchdowns while also reeling in 13 receptions for 126 yards. The senior missed the SEC Championship against Georgia and is known for being injury-prone, but he will make his CFP debut Monday.

Alabama Crimson Tide Opt Outs

There are also some opt outs to know for the Rose Bowl, although none of them have had a major impact on the updated Alabama vs Michigan betting line. Five different Crimson Tide players have entered the transfer portal, including QB Tyler Buchner and WR Ja’Corey Brooks.

Alabama Opt Outs

Buchner transferred to Alabama from Notre Dame in the offseason to compete for the QB1 role, but his Week 3 struggles against South Florida led to him being benched after just five drives. With Buchner entering the portal, freshman Ty Simpson (179 yds) will back up Jalen Milroe in the Rose Bowl.

Ja’Corey Brooks is an interesting situation, as the talented receiver once appeared to be next up in a long line of great Alabama pass catchers. Brooks has transferred to Lousiville, however, after playing just six games in 2023, where he made three catches for 30 yards.

Brooks will look to return to his 2022 form, when he recorded 39 catches for 674 yards and eight scores across 13 appearances.

Michigan Wolverines Injury Report

The Michigan injury report is more detailed than the Alabama injury report, as it features five different players sidelined at the moment. Four of the injuries are season-ending however, and QB Dylan Warren (undisclosed) is the only player listed as questionable to play Monday.

Michigan Injury Report

The Davis Warren injury update is only relevant in the event an injury occurs to starting QB J.J. McCarthy. We’re forecasting a big day on the ground for the Wolverines QB in our Alabama vs Michigan props. Michigan also has Jack Tuttle and Jayden Denegal as backup QB options.

The season-ending jury to Zak Zinter is devasting, as the senior is the leader of the team’s offensive line. Zinter suffered a broken fibula and tibia against Ohio State, which will sideline him for Monday’s Rose Bowl.

"It was incredible, I've never seen anything like it in my career."@joelklatt shares the emotional moment when thousands of @UMichFootball fans loudly chanted "Let's go Zak" as @zak_zinter was carted off the field during an injury timeout ❤️6️⃣5️⃣ pic.twitter.com/D7Kvta7WU0

— The Joel Klatt Show: A CFB Pod (@JoelKlattShow) November 28, 2023

Zinter is considered one of the top available guards in the 2024 NFL Draft, making him a potential Day 2 pick. The good news for Michigan, is they’ve rallied around their leader, putting on a dominant performance against Iowa in the Big Ten Championship with him on the sidelines.

Michigan Wolverines Opt Outs

Just like Alabama, Michigan doesn’t have any noteworthy opt outs heading into the Rose Bowl. Any player who opts out before a CFP Semifinal game knows they aren’t going to play in the game and are setting themself up for a future with another team.

Michigan Opt Outs

The two opt outs for the Wolverines at the time of publishing are running backs CJ Stokes and Leon Franklin. Stokes only had four carries in 2023, after an impressive freshman season last year in which he accumulated 273 yards from 55 carries. With Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards forming a dominant duo in the backfield, Stokes is seeking an opportunity elsewhere.

Stokes has, however, stated that he will be at the Rose Bowl, posting on Twitter, “I will be with the team for the CFP, although I will still remain in the portal.”

Tue freshman corner Cameron Calhoun and fifth-year senior linebacker Joey Velazquez have also both entered the transfer portal. Both will still be eligible to play in the Rose Bowl, however, and it’s unclear if they will be in LA for the game. They have yet to officially opt out but are unlikely to see the field regardless.

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The post Alabama vs Michigan Injury Report & Opt Outs – Latest Updates Ahead of Rose Bowl appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

It’s the unbeaten #1 Michigan Wolverines (13-0, 8-5 ATS) squaring off against the #4 Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1, 9-4 ATS) in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, as these two college football superpowers battle in the CFP semifinals. This clash comes exactly four years to the day of their previous meeting, when Alabama whipped Michigan 35-16 in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day 2020.

This Wolverines vs Crimson Tide SGP is banking on resurgent Alabama covering as a 2-point underdog and continuing the resurgence that has seen the Tide go 11-0 straight up and 8-3 against the spread while running the table to the SEC title.

Alabama vs Michigan Same-Game Parlay Picks

The first leg is for Michigan QB JJ McCarthy to fall short of his total 190.5 passing yards total. Then it’s counting on Alabama QB Jalen Milroe and WR Jermaine Burton to continue their chemistry to create a Burton anytime TD at +155. Finally, add in the underdog Crimson Tide, 3-1 SU in four meetings with Michigan, maintaining that mastery of the Wolverines while covering as 2-point underdogs at odds of -110.

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Odds as of Dec. 31 at ESPN BET.

The three-leg combination on this same-game parlay offers a betting line of +820. A successful $10 play would deliver a payday of $81.97.

Alabama vs Michigan Same-Game Parlay Pick #1: JJ McCarthy Under 190.5 Passing Yards

There’s been a serious late-season downturn in the passing numbers for Michigan QB JJ McCarthy. In his last four games, he’s never gone over 148 yards through the air. He’s thrown for one TD in the past six games. Through the Wolverines’ first nine games of the campaign, McCarthy was good for 200+ yards passing in seven of them.

Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy on Wolverines’ reaction when it was revealed UM was playing Bama: “A lot of the buzz out there was acting like we were scared & all this, but we were just shocked that Florida State didn't get in, being 13-0. We were just excited for this opportunity”

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 30, 2023

It appears that as the games have grown bigger, Michigan is choosing to rely more and more on the school’s vaunted running attack of Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. McCarthy threw just eight times and accounted for 60 yards through the air in the win over Penn State. He had 148 passing yards in the Ohio State victory and 147 during the Big Ten title win over Iowa.

It’s hard to imagine McCarthy getting the opportunity to put up big passing numbers in this game.

Crimson Tide vs Wolverines SGP Pick #2: Jermaine Burton Anytime Touchdown

Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton’s receiving yardage totals have seen some serious ebbs and flows this season. He went for 105 yards against Chattanooga and 107 vs Auburn. But in the SEC Championship game against his old school, the Bulldogs limited Burton to 28 yards in receptions.

This angle of Jermaine Burton’s TD over his former team Georgia 😱

(@NASAMAINE3) pic.twitter.com/7hghxt68DV

— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) December 4, 2023

Burton also doesn’t pile up the targets. He’s caught more than three passes just three times in 12 games this season. However, what Burton does do with regularity is take it to the house.

He’s leading the Crimson Tide with eight touchdown receptions. Burton caught two balls against Georgia and one was good for a TD. He’s scored in each of the last three games, four of the past five and five out of the last seven.

Alabama vs Michigan Same-Game Parlay Pick #3: Crimson Tide Spread

Ask any college football coach what it’s like to go up against Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban’s scheme on game day and they’ll tell you it’s a hard day’s work. During the regular season, it’s a daunting enough challenge. In this instance, he’s been given a month to study and prepare a game plan for his opponent.

No coach is more schooled in the challenges of the CFP than Saban. He’s been in eight of them, coaching 14 games, reaching the final six times and winning the title three times. Alabama hasn’t lost a CFP semifinal since 2014.

By contrast, Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh is 2-7 SU in bowl game appearances. The Wolverines are 0-2 SU and ATS in CFP games, losing by a combined margin of 85-56.

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The post Best Alabama vs Michigan Same-Game Parlay to Bet for the Rose Bowl appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The 2023-24 CFP Semifinals could be the best in years, as both matchups are fairly evenly matched and offer plenty of intrigue. Ever since the betting lines opened for Alabama vs Michigan and Texas vs Washington, the spreads and totals for both games have been shifting.

The line movement in these games can provide some insight into which way the professional bettors are wagering (i.e., sharps). Of course, the pros aren’t right every time, but they are on the right side of the action more often than not.

Let’s analyze the latest betting lines for both Alabama vs Michigan and Texas vs Washington.

Latest CFP Semifinal Odds

In the updated CFP Semifinal odds for New Year’s Day, the Texas Longhorns are the heavier favorite with -175 moneyline odds and -4 against the spread. The Alabama vs Michigan line is tighter, with the Wolverines only -130 moneyline favorites.

The Rose Bowl is the first game of the day and will kickoff at 5:00 pm EST, while the Sugar Bowl follows at 8:45 EST. Both games will be televised on ESPN.

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Odds as of January 1st, at FanDuel Sportsbook. Take advantage of the unique odds boost FanDuel is offering for the CFP Semifinals.

Alabama vs Michigan Odds & Spread

The Alabama vs Michigan betting line has arguably been the more compelling one of the two CFP Semifinals. The spread opened with Michigan favored by two points and moved down to MICH -1 before going up to -2.5. It’s now settled at either MICH -2 or MICH -2.5 depending on your sportsbook.

Michigan fans… this one's for YOU! 〽️✨

What a season it was @UMichFootball, but it's not over yet- see you at the Rose Bowl🌹 pic.twitter.com/JcmqYu2RAG

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) January 1, 2024

The Alabama vs. Michigan line movement tells us that the sharps are divided on which team will win and cover the spread. They are more in unison when it comes to the game total, however, as the over/under has dropped from its 46 opening number down to 45.5 at the time of publishing.

We like the “under” in this game as well and have put Alabama +2 in our Alabama vs Michigan prediction. The Wolverines have lost six straight bowl games, while Alabama, on the other hand, has a great track record in the semifinals, winning six out of seven times and securing three national titles in the College Football Playoff era.

Texas vs Washington Betting Line

The Texas vs Washington betting line hasn’t seen as much tumultuous movement as the Alabama vs Michigan spread. It opened with Texas favored by 4 points in early December and has held fairly steady in the ensuing weeks. It did climb up to TEX -4.5 at some sportsbooks, but never moved significantly towards UW.

whole lot to celebrate this year 🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/wReYLHX6YI

— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) January 1, 2024

We didn’t expect any line movement towards Washington in this game, as oddsmakers have been skeptical of them all season. They made the Huskies nearly double-digit underdogs against Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship despite Washington beating them in the regular season.

The total for Washington vs Texas has also dropped from 63 down to 62, which might surprise some who are forecasting a shootout between Michael Penix Jr. and Quinn Ewers. Keep in mind these two teams only combined for 47 points in the Alamo Bowl last season.

Public Betting for CFP Semifinal

How might the college football public betting trends impact the betting lines for the CFP semifinals? The public ATS money was initially fairly divided on Alabama vs Michigan, but the Crismon Tide are now drawing 62% of the ATS handle.

There is an instance of square vs sharp in the Sugar Bowl when it pertains to who will win the game. This is a scenario in which the public and professionals are on opposite sides of each other.

The latest CFP splits show Washington receiving 19% of bets but only 7% of the handle in the Sugar Bowl. This means that lots of people are backing Washington to win, but the amount of money wagered isn’t substantial. The more serious money is on Texas (82% of bets, 92% of the handle).

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The post Updated Betting Lines for Alabama vs Michigan & Texas vs Washington CFP Semifinals appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.