NFL Week 16 Best Bets
December 24, 2021NCAAF Odds – Georgia vs. Michigan
December 27, 2021The Cotton Bowl is more than a CFP matchup. Additionally, it is a battle of two of the nation’s top quarterbacks. Alabama Crimson Tide QB Bryce Young is the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner. Young ignited Alabama’s impressive SEC Championship Game win over Georgia. In like manner is Desmond Ridder of the Cincinnati Bearcats. Ridder is a veteran that has led the College Football Odds transformation of the UC program. Further, Ridder re-wrote the UC record book. Both QBs are complete threats with the perfect running and passing ability combination. Cincinnati has made history as the first Group of Five program to make the College Football Playoff.
Betting on College Football – Cotton Bowl – College Football Playoff
The Alabama Crimson Tide will face the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Cotton Bowl on Friday, December 31, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. ET. This matchup is one of two College Football Playoff games. The Cotton Bowl will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. ESPN will televise this bowl game.
NCAA Football Odds
Alabama opened as a 13-point favorite with a total of 58 for the Cotton Bowl. Alabama is one of the most public brands on the board. Casual money is going to flood in on the Crimson Tide. Despite being college football’s ultimate name brand, Alabama holds good College Football Betting value. Meanwhile, Cincinnati carries the stigma of being a Group of Five program from the American Athletic Conference. That is hard for casual gamblers to bite on. But sharps are equally hesitant to step into Alabama with such a team. Check the SugarHouse Sportsbook for current odds.
Alabama Rises When Stakes are Highest
Alabama stands at 12-1 straight up, 7-6 against the spread, and 7-6 over/under. The Crimson Tide ranks 6th for offense and 4th for scoring. And then on defense, Alabama ranks 7th overall and 20th for points allowed. In the SEC Championship Game, Alabama beat Georgia 41-24 as 6-point dogs. Also, the matchup cleared the NCAAF Betting Odds total of 48.5.
Nick Saban is the face of the Alabama dynasty. Saban has led the Crimson Tide to six national championships. Gamblers usually end up regretting a wager against the GOAT of College Football Coaches. For example, the Alabama win over Georgia was a painful reminder of the risk of betting against the Crimson Tide and the Nicktator.
Cincinnati Makes History as First G5 College Football Playoff Team
Cincinnati is 13-0 straight up, 8-5 against the spread, and 6-7 over/under. Cincinnati ranks 45th for total offense and 8th for scoring offense. While on defense, the Bearcats rank 8th overall and 5th for points allowed. In the American Athletic Conference Championship Game, Cincinnati beat Houston 35-20 as 10.5-point home favorites. Further, the game snuck over the NCAA Vegas Odds total of 52.
Head coach Luke Fickell has engineered a total remake of the Cincinnati program. In his five seasons on the job, Fickell has engineered an elevation of UC from being an also-ran to a national power. In fact, Cincinnati is so impressive it earned a promotion to the Power Five Big 12 Conference. The Group of Five has campaigned hard for a shot at the College Football Playoff. That is one of the reasons why the CFP is likely to expand in the coming years. Yet UC needed everything to break their way to get in.
Cotton Bowl – College Football Playoff Betting Trends
Overall, UC has covered six consecutive games vs. teams with a winning record. Also, the Bearcats have gotten the cash in five straight games as an underdog. Alabama has failed to cover four of their last five games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous matchup. Alabama is 5-0 over the total in their previous five CFP semifinal games. The Bearcats are 4-0 to the over as a dog of 10.5 or more points. After compiling 450 or more total yards in their previous game, Alabama is 6-1-1 over the total.
Cotton Bowl – College Football Playoff Free Pick
Alabama brings a championship pedigree and a loaded roster of top recruits in this situation. To be exact, Cincinnati is at a distinct disadvantage with its comparative lack of depth.
Cotton Bowl Best Bet: Alabama Crimson Tide
Every day through June, the Top College Football odds and picks can be accessed and made at SugarHouse.