Once again, we have a Georgia-Alabama matchup to contend with in the SEC title game, one of three free college football betting picks for Championship Saturday.
Picks Summary
- Alabama-Georgia Over 55½ (-110) at Bet365
- Tulane -4 (-105) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Appalachian State +6½ (-110) at Bet365
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
Saturday, December 2, 2023 – 04:00 PM ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
For the 10th consecutive year, the Southeastern Conference Championship Game will include either the Alabama Crimson Tide or the Georgia Bulldogs, and for the third time in six seasons, it will include both.
Last 4 SEC Title Games Go ‘Over’
Alabama has beaten Georgia in their previous two SEC Championships, a 35-28 final in 2018 with Crimson Tide backers giving up 11 at sharp sportsbooks, and a 41-24 decision in 2021 when Nick Saban’s troops were getting 6 points.
The 2018 clash pushed a 63-point total, while the contest two years ago easily hopped a 48½-point mark.
Underdog Cashes 7 of Last 9 Meetings
In addition to the conference title games, the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs have also met twice in the College Football Playoff Championships, splitting those contests in 2018 and 2022. They have only met once during the regular season in the last eight years.
Alabama was fortunate to pull out a win at Auburn last week to remain undefeated in SEC action, and the Iron Bowl victory included leading rusher Jase McClellan reaggravating a foot injury. The senior from Texas is day-to-day and will be a game-time decision.
The underdog is 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings, and ‘over’ bettors are 6-3-1. Play the final going past the total at -110 betting odds.
NCAAF Pick: Alabama-Georgia Over 55½ (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
SMU Mustangs vs. Tulane Green Wave
Saturday, December 2, 2023 – 04:00 PM ET at Yulman Stadium
The weather forecast for Saturday in New Orleans suggests things could get sloppy when the Tulane Green Wave hosts the SMU Mustangs for the AAC title.
Last 3 AAC Title Games Go ‘Over’
Tulane hosted UCF a year ago and skated to a 45-28 win as small home chalk on the NCAAF odds. That was the first AAC Championship appearance for the Green Wave, and their first conference crown since winning the Conference USA title in 1998.
Southern Methodist is making its first AAC Championship appearance and is looking for its first league title since sharing 1984 SWC honors with Houston.
Ponies’ Backfield Banged Up
The regular season schedule didn’t include a meeting between the Mustangs and Green Wave, and SMU would rather forget its last trip to New Orleans a little more than a year ago. The Mustangs committed 5 turnovers in the 59-24 loss, and Tulane ran at will on the SMU defense, compiling more than 300 rushing yards.
That win for Tulane halted a 7-game win streak in the rivalry for SMU, and the Mustangs are up 15-14 in the series that includes their years together in CUSA.
There’s a 60% chance of rain in the Big Easy, along with a 10-20 mph blow out of the north, on Saturday. The Green Wave will prove to be the better mudder on their home field.
NCAAF Pick: Tulane -4 (-105) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. Troy Trojans
Saturday, December 2, 2023 – 04:00 PM ET at Veterans Memorial Stadium
While it’s a shame that silly NCAA rules prevent James Madison from playing for the Sun Belt title, the matchup between Appalachian State and Troy should still provide excellent entertainment… as well as a tough decision for college football bettors.
Sun Belt Title Games 2-2 O/U
Like most reputable shops, BetRivers (check our BetRivers Review) has installed Troy as a 6½-point favorite. With rain in the long-range forecast, the scoreboard target is set at 51½.
The Mountaineers are in the Sun Belt Championship for the fourth time in its six years of existence (really five years since the Wuhan Flu got in the way of the 2020 contest). All three previous appearances came against Louisiana-Lafayette, with Appalachian State winning two of those contests.
Troy is hosting the championship matchup for a second consecutive season after dispatching Coastal Carolina by a 45-26 count last year. The Trojans easily covered a 6½-point spread, and almost hit the 49½-point total by themselves.
App State Has Won Last 5 Meetings
The Mountaineers and Trojans didn’t square off in the regular season, and this is a rivalry that has been dominated by Appalachian State, with 5-straight wins to take a 7-1 lead in the series.
Just like their neighbors 300 miles southeast in New Orleans, Troy could get a little wet come Saturday afternoon, with the weatherman calling for a 60% chance of showers. This should be a fun collision between Troy’s stout defense and Appalachian State’s high-powered offense. Let’s take the points with our final college football pick.
NCAAF Pick: Appalachian State +6½ (-110) at Bet365
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
