You may be familiar with our weekly moneyline underdog article.
Well, we decided a couple of years ago that we needed to show love for the other side by also sharing our two favorite college football favorites that we share weekly on the "Big Bets on Campus" podcast.
We affectionately refer to them as "overdogs," thanks to one of our beloved callers.
To keep the chalk talk rolling in Rivalry Week, we're backing two home favorites — one at the Power 4 level in the SEC and one at the Group of 5 level in the American Conference.
Let's dive into our NCAAF predictions and college football picks for South Carolina vs. Clemson and Tulsa vs. UAB on Saturday, Nov. 29.
NCAAF Predictions, Picks for Rivalry Week
Stuckey: South Carolina -2.5 vs. Clemson
| Clemson Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 46.5 -110o / -110u | +120 |
| South Carolina Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 46.5 -110o / -110u | -140 |
I think this line should be more than just a field goal, which is where I have it.
The gap in strength of schedule between these two teams is massive. Clemson’s numbers really show it — and not in a good way.
The Tigers beat Louisville, but it’s worth noting that Clemson got outgained in that game. Same story against Florida State, as they won only because of FSU’s mistakes after getting outgained by about 80 yards.
While Clemson has been getting by, it hasn't exactly dominated.
Now, this game is a big step up. The Clemson defense feels like it doesn’t have an identity right now, especially after losing another defensive lineman last week and really struggling with depth.
On the offensive side, it's missing two guards who got injured in that Louisville game — one of them hurt while celebrating the win, which is just bad luck.
They really miss wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. in the lineup, and the running game is basically nonexistent.
Meanwhile, you can tell this game means everything to South Carolina. This will essentially be SC's Super Bowl after the season didn't play out as it had planned.
When I look at these two, I’d give South Carolina a slight nod on defense just because of the schedule disparity and its special teams edge. Clemson’s offense is a bit better statistically, but South Carolina’s offense has been pretty solid of late.
The Gamecocks recently changed offensive line coaches and are finally starting to get healthier up front. Clemson hasn't been as lucky with those injuries.
South Carolina also switched play-callers a few games back, and its offense looks completely different.
Remember that first half against Texas A&M? The Cocks put up 350 yards and 30 points. And last week, in a tough spot, I was really impressed with how they fought and blasted Coastal Carolina.
South Carolina’s offense is all about quick passes and getting the ball in space. It's using LaNorris Sellers in a much more creative way, rolling him out and letting him run a bit more, which he seems way more comfortable with.
Clemson’s offense isn’t running the ball much, and it's going to be under pressure on the road.
Ultimately, I think this South Carolina offense is a bit underrated right now after all these changes. Clemson might have the edge on paper offensively, but I think the Gamecocks have the momentum and matchup advantage, especially at home.
This is going to be a battle, but the edge feels like it’s with SC right now.
Collin Wilson: Tulsa -8.5 vs. UAB
| UAB Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -110 | 58.5 -110o / -110u | +255 |
| Tulsa Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 -110 | 58.5 -110o / -110u | -315 |
I’m leaning toward Tulsa on this one. I think this number should be steaming in the market because it's been playing way above what the talent level suggests.
The Golden Hurricane have been grinding week after week trying to win, and it has paid off with two straight victories and some covers along the way. Just last game, they edged out Army by one.
I don’t see them easing up here against UAB, especially considering the Blazers have been dealing with some incredibly unfortunate incidents within the program after a player stabbed his teammates before Saturday's game. That's obviously a terrible situation.
UAB also ranks near dead last in nearly every defensive metric out there.
I'll lay the points with the Golden Hurricane and back them to keep rolling.
