NCAA College Football 12/21

Here are the expert picks for the College Football Playoff First Round games scheduled for Saturday, December 21, 2024:

1. No. 11 SMU Mustangs at No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions

• Moneyline: Penn State (-350), SMU (+280)

• Spread: Penn State -9.5

• Over/Under: 56.5 points

• Pick: Penn State to win and cover; under 56.5 points

• Reasoning: Penn State’s dominant defense and strong run game should overwhelm SMU’s offense. The game is expected to be low-scoring, with Penn State controlling the pace.

2. No. 12 Clemson Tigers at No. 5 Texas Longhorns

• Moneyline: Texas (-200), Clemson (+170)

• Spread: Texas -5.5

• Over/Under: 63.5 points

• Pick: Texas to win and cover; over 63.5 points

• Reasoning: Texas’ high-powered offense, led by an elite quarterback and a balanced attack, is likely to outscore Clemson in a shootout. Clemson’s defense may struggle against Texas’ speed on the outside.

3. No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers at No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes

• Moneyline: Ohio State (-150), Tennessee (+130)

• Spread: Ohio State -3.5

• Over/Under: 58.0 points

• Pick: Tennessee to win; over 58.0 points

• Reasoning: Tennessee’s up-tempo offense could cause issues for Ohio State’s secondary. This matchup has upset potential, with Tennessee’s dynamic passing game giving them the edge in a high-scoring affair.

Parlay Option

1. Penn State -9.5

2. Texas -5.5

3. Tennessee +3.5

• Odds: Approx. +600

• $10 Bet Payout: ~$70

Best Single Bet

• Game: Clemson vs. Texas

• Bet: Over 63.5 points

• Reasoning: Both offenses are among the best in the nation, and neither defense is likely to completely contain the other. Expect a shootout.