NCAAF Best Bets for Saturday, January 1, 2022

We are now 8-4 in our bowl game plays this week after a nice 2-1 day for the College Football Playoff yesterday. Today, we have another full slate of games, so let’s get to it.

Oklahoma State vs. Notre Dame

Speaking of the College Football Playoff, Notre Dame was the first team left out of the playoff and they are likely going to look for a performance to make the committee feel like they made a mistake. Even after their coach left, they still have good players that can make that happen. These two teams are matched pretty evenly though and should have a closer game in terms of score. I’m looking at taking the under in this one because I think that both teams will rely on their defenses to lead the charge here. Oklahoma State is not impressive to me in their passing game. I’ll play the under on the game at 45.5 -105. I’m also leaning towards Notre Dame winning the game at -110.

Utah vs. Ohio State

Ohio State is another team that at the beginning of the season people were sure would make it to the final four, but two losses kept them out. Utah climbed their way up throughout the season and is looking to finalize their season with a strong win over Ohio State. I feel like this game will be closer than some anticipate and the spread has already moved six points in favor of Utah. Has it dropped too low? That’s the biggest question. I would prefer to get this line at -3, but I still think I need to take Ohio State at -4. This is a program that has been through these types of games, they are, in my estimation, more prepared. Utah can definitely put up points but I don’t know that they will be able to put up at the same pace as Ohio State or against the Ohio State defense. I’ll play Ohio State -4 at -115.

Baylor vs. Ole Miss

This game I’m circling for the total. Baylor is a strong program and they have a balanced program that is averaging over 200 rushing yards a game. The passing game does leave me with a bit of concern and some question marks, but I think they can perform against an Ole Miss program allowing 245 passing yards per game. The total in this game has jumped up by a touchdown already. Ole Miss might actually have the more impressive offense. They will have their work cut out for them against a Baylor defense that is allowing just 19 points a game. I still think that the attacks will eventually break through and Ole Miss will put up enough points to get us over 58.5 at -110.