Need some help wagering on the New Year’s Day games? If so, we at SDS are here to help once again.
New desk editor Michael Bratton (@MichaelWBratton) and senior national columnist Connor O’Gara (@cjogarac) break down their picks for all the New Year’s Day action against the spread.
Michigan (-7.5) vs South Carolina – Outback Bowl
Michael: I’m going against the grain on this one and picking the Gamecocks to win outright. South Carolina didn’t match up against the better teams on the schedule this season but should have the players to contend with the Wolverines. Michigan adding transfer Shea Patterson doesn’t exactly serve as a ringing endorsement of the QBs currently on the UM roster.
South Carolina 27, Michigan 21
Connor: I’m not seeing a lot of points in this one, especially for that South Carolina offense. Jake Bentley has struggled against elite defenses in 2017, and despite what Michigan’s strength of wins would indicate, that’s an elite defense. Something tells me Bentley will get to know former No. 1 overall recruit Rashan Gary quite well by day’s end. And with a motivated Brandon Peters (thanks to Shea Patterson’s arrival), I’m giving Michigan the edge.
Michigan 24, South Carolina 14
UCF vs Auburn (-10) – Peach Bowl
Michael: Bowl games like this, lower division program makes an unexpected trip to a top-tier bowl, always seem to come down to which team wants it more. How will Auburn respond to losing the SEC Championship and missing out on the Playoff? UCF seems very confident heading into this one. I think the end the season on the right note and treat this game like their national championship.
UCF 27, Auburn 24
Connor: Originally, I wasn’t sold on the idea that Auburn would walk all over UCF. I questioned the motivation for the Tigers, and I wasn’t sure about Kerryon Johnson’s health. But not only is Johnson playing, Auburn got a little bulletin board material to get them fired up. I think the Knights keep it close, but ultimately Auburn’s speed (see what I did there?) is too much for college football’s Cinderella story.
Auburn 45, UCF 28
Notre Dame vs LSU (-3) – Citrus Bowl
Michael: LSU may be the most underrated SEC team heading into the bowl season, while Notre Dame has been very unimpressive after a solid start to the season. I’ll take the Tigers in this one as this Irish team has proven to be ineffective going up against an SEC caliber defense.
LSU 24, Notre Dame 17
Connor: Derrius Guice is likely playing in his final game, which could be bad news for the Irish. This should be one of the better running back battles we’ve seen all season, but I question how the Irish will move the ball through the air in this one. LSU was a solid team after that Troy loss, and with a month for Dave Aranda to get that defense ready, I expect the Tigers to have too much pressure for Notre Dame to pull ahead.
LSU 27, Notre Dame 21
Georgia (-2) vs Oklahoma – Rose Bowl (National Semifinal)
Michael: I like Georgia big in this one. The layoff between bowl gams typically hurts offenses significantly more than defenses and the Sooners will need to be firing on all cylinders to keep this one close. The fact that Baker Mayfield’s preparation may be slowed due to an illness isn’t coming to help matters. Look for Georgia to dominate both lines of scrimmage and advance to the title game. If the Dawgs get the ground game going early, this one could be a blowout.
Georgia 38, Oklahoma 20
Connor: I’ve been saying for weeks that I’m not focused on Baker Mayfield’s ability to make plays. I’m not focused on his flu, either. He’s going to do what he does, even against that Georgia defense, which is likely the best he’s seen in the last couple years. I can’t shake the feeling that Oklahoma won’t be able to get off the field against that Georgia running attack. I think the Dawgs are able to impose their will and keep a 1-2 touchdown lead throughout this game. Jake Fromm makes a few big-time throws and continues Georgia’s magical season.
Georgia 35, Oklahoma 31
Alabama (-3) vs Clemson – Sugar Bowl (National Semifinal)
Michael: I’m not a big believer in revenge games but I do think the fact that Alabama is coming off a loss and snuck into the Playoff by the skin of their teeth will motivate this team much more heading into this game. The long layoff should also help Alabama rest several injuries while it could hurt the Tigers. Clemson was playing the best ball of any team in the nation down the stretch and may not be able to capture that same momentum weeks after the ACC title game. Considering Alabama has the edge in quarterback play and coaching in this matchup, I’ll take the Tide to win this one.
Alabama 27, Clemson 20
Connor: Part of me says that Alabama in a revenge game will be too much for Clemson. The other part of me says that the 2017 version of Alabama doesn’t have the offensive firepower to get past that loaded Clemson defense. I’m going with the latter with my prediction. I think Kelly Bryant does enough to make plays when things break down. This game won’t just be about “who wants it more.” Obviously, the narrative favors Alabama. But that stuff goes out the window early on. For me, Clemson is still the better team and it’ll move on to its third straight title game.
Clemson 24, Alabama 23
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A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
