Simulation Picks
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Expert Picks
This total has fallen to the point where I think there's value on the Over. With so much speed on both sides, I'll look for the Over to improve to 5-0 in Clemson's last five games overall and 8-2 in Ohio State's last 10 games on grass.
There is a lot of "sharp" money coming in on Clemson, pushing the Ohio State moneyline down to just -120. While I respect the sharp money and the weapons Clemson has, I have to back the Buckeyes tonight. As of my most recent update, I have Ohio State winning 59 percent of simulations. Look for key special teams plays to give the Buckeyes the edge they need to escape with a win.
This isn’t a great matchup for Ohio State. The one area in which the Buckeyes match up well is in the secondary. This game will come down to QB play and who can make plays consistently in the passing game. To me, that’s Clemson’s Deshaun Watson.
This total has dropped a few points since opening, but I think the line was pretty close when it opened around 61. When teams have a month to prepare you tend to look towards the defense and the Under, but I'm looking the other direction in this one. Both teams have excellent offensive weapons and questionable defensive play, making the Over a strong play. This will be a back and forth game with plenty of offense.
The Buckeyes have averaged a 42-14 score while Clemson's is 40-18. The low points allowed average by each defense is helped by playing the bottom teams of their conferences, but it has a major impact in the total rating. I have the total set at 66, with more emphasis on the offenses. Each of these teams should be able to score plenty off each other to help this game get Over the cheap total.
This should be a riveting national semifinal. My simulations show Urban Meyer's Buckeyes winning outright 63 percent of the time, making this a moneyline play. Ohio State has forced 25 turnovers this season and that could be the difference here. Play the Buckeyes as Meyer ruins the Tigers' chances for a rematch with Alabama.