New Year’s Day prop bets:
SHANE RAY’S STATLINE IN ORLANDO
Options — 1 sack or less, 2 sacks or less, 3 sacks or more
Projection: How will Minnesota contain the SEC’s most-feared pass rusher in the Citrus Bowl? Double-teams and being aware of where Shane Ray lines up at all times. In his final game for Mizzou, the standout defensive end doesn’t need to impress NFL scouts anymore than he already has with a high motor, above-average instincts and a knack for finding the football. The Golden Gophers have given up just 19 sacks all season, third-best in the Big Ten. Ray is a different animal, one far more challenging to contain. We’re going with two sacks and a Citrus Bowl defensive MVP award for the Tigers’ top defender.
YARDAGE FOR MELVIN GORDON VS. AUBURN
Options — 100 yards or less; 150 yards or less; 200 yards or less; 250 yards or less
Projection: The nation’s leader rusher against a defense giving up just under 150 yards on the ground per game is a favorable matchup for this Heisman trophy finalist and potential first-round pick, but the Tigers are playing for SEC pride. The Western Division has lost three consecutive bowl games coming in after Wednesday’s Magnolia State disaster in Atlanta and Miami. Gordon’s streak of 10 consecutive 100-yard games came to an end last time out, a humiliating 59-0 loss to Ohio State. He’ll fare better in this afternoon’s Outback Bowl, but even a 145-yard, two-touchdown performance won’t be enough for the Badgers.
OHIO STATE’S PRODUCTION AGAINST ALABAMA
Options — 200 yards of offense or less; 250 yards or less; 300 yards or less; 350 yards or more
Projection: Two weeks of practice time and extra hours of film for Kirby Smart and the Alabama defense is a lethal combination for Ohio State, the last team in this year’s inaugural College Football Playoff. The outcome of this one falls on the shoulders of third-team quarterback Cardale Jones who will try and exploit the Crimson Tide’s weakness at the back end. Tailback Ezekiel Elliott can take some of the pressure off of the inexperienced passer with a solid game, but running lanes won’t be available against the nation’s top-ranked rushing defense. All signs point to a dominating effort for Alabama and a frustrating evening offensively for Urban Meyer. With 227 total yards, the Buckeyes lose big.
