Here are the expert picks for the scheduled games on Friday, January 3, 2025:
College Football Bowl Games
1. SERVPRO First Responder Bowl: North Texas Mean Green vs. Texas State Bobcats
• Moneyline: North Texas (-140), Texas State (+120)
• Spread: North Texas -3.0
• Over/Under: 57.5 points
• Pick: North Texas to win and cover; over 57.5 points
• Reasoning: North Texas’ balanced offense and efficient quarterback play should give them the edge in a high-scoring contest.
2. Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
• Moneyline: Minnesota (-160), Virginia Tech (+140)
• Spread: Minnesota -4.5
• Over/Under: 48.0 points
• Pick: Minnesota to win and cover; under 48.0 points
• Reasoning: Minnesota’s strong defense and ground game should outmatch Virginia Tech’s inconsistent offense in a lower-scoring game.
College Basketball Picks
1. DePaul @ Villanova
• Moneyline: Villanova (-220), DePaul (+180)
• Spread: Villanova -6.5
• Over/Under: 139.5 points
• Pick: Villanova to win and cover; under 139.5 points
• Reasoning: Villanova’s disciplined defense and home-court advantage make them favorites in a low-scoring Big East matchup.
2. Baylor @ Iowa State
• Moneyline: Baylor (-150), Iowa State (+130)
• Spread: Baylor -3.5
• Over/Under: 142.0 points
• Pick: Baylor to win and cover; over 142.0 points
• Reasoning: Baylor’s offensive firepower and experience should overcome Iowa State’s defense in a high-scoring affair.
3. Florida @ Kentucky
• Moneyline: Kentucky (-300), Florida (+240)
• Spread: Kentucky -8.5
• Over/Under: 147.5 points
• Pick: Kentucky to win and cover; over 147.5 points
• Reasoning: Kentucky’s high-tempo offense and dominance at home should lead to a decisive victory.
4. Louisville @ Virginia
• Moneyline: Virginia (-180), Louisville (+160)
• Spread: Virginia -5.5
• Over/Under: 130.5 points
• Pick: Virginia to win and cover; under 130.5 points
• Reasoning: Virginia’s defensive system and slow pace will stifle Louisville in a low-scoring ACC battle.
5. Oklahoma @ Alabama
• Moneyline: Alabama (-170), Oklahoma (+150)
• Spread: Alabama -4.5
• Over/Under: 145.0 points
• Pick: Alabama to win and cover; over 145.0 points
• Reasoning: Alabama’s offensive versatility and strong rebounding should give them the edge in a high-scoring game.
Best Parlay Option
3-Leg Parlay
1. Villanova -6.5
2. Kentucky -8.5
3. Alabama -4.5
Odds: Approx. +600
$10 Bet Payout: ~$70
NBA Pick
Atlanta Hawks @ Los Angeles Lakers
• Moneyline: Lakers (-140), Hawks (+120)
• Spread: Lakers -3.0
• Over/Under: 231.5 points
• Pick: Lakers to win and cover; under 231.5 points
• Reasoning: The Lakers’ veteran leadership and defensive intensity at home should secure a win in a moderately high-scoring game.
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