Picks for 12/27/24
College Football
3:30 PM EST
Rotation # 231-232
Georgia Tech/Vanderbilt Over 49.5 (win)
Every team has its share of opt-outs and transfers heading into the bowl season. It’s hard to keep track of as players bolt to different colleges to get more NIL money. One thing I like about this game is that Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King and Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia are both dual-threat quarterbacks, and both running games and offensive lines are more or less at full strength. Having a running quarterback is a huge asset in games where teams might not be in shape due to the long layoff and coaches playing a lot of younger guys. Having a quarterback who can run also creates more space for wide receivers, as the defense can’t cheat and commit to one thing. Look for both offenses to do enough to make this a high-scoring contest. Take the Over.
College Football
7:00 PM EST
Rotation # 235
Texas Tech -2.5 over Arkansas (loss)
It feels like the entire Arkansas team is in the transfer portal. Running back Rashod Dubinion opted out as he will get ready for the NFL. Almost every main target on the Razorbacks transferred, and the same goes for most of the offensive line. On defense, a lot of the defensive line opted out or transferred. Texas Tech has its fair share of transfers but is in better shape regarding remaining skill players. Tajh Brooks is 50/50 for this game, but as I type this, I see he is at the top of the depth chart at running back. Hopefully, he decides to play. Texas Tech QB Behren Morton is out for the year. Luckily, Will Hammond had reps in the final regular season game and prepared the last few weeks as QB1. The Red Raiders have a lot of talented receivers and are in better shape on their offensive line. The Red Raiders will be able to focus more on the run, as the passing game won’t be there for Arkansas. Take Texas Tech.
College Football
10:30 PM EST
Rotation # 239-240
Texas A&M -3 over USC (loss)
USC running back Woody Marks opted out, and Quinten Joyner will transfer. To make matters worse, QB Jayden Maiava isn’t much of a runner. The Trojans have many receivers who opted out or are in the transfer portal, and the offensive line isn’t at full strength due to transfers. The Aggies have their fair share of transfers, but young QB Marcel Reed has wheels, and the running game has talented backs. The Aggies have decent receivers playing in this game, so I give them the edge at the skilled positions. Both defenses have a lot of talent playing today, but I am not sold on USC being able to move the ball with how much talent they are missing. Take Texas A&M.