NCAA football odds - Rivalry Week means big games
College football betting: lots to choose from in Rivalry Week
- Mountaineers out for revenge against Panthers
- Notre Dame massive underdogs at USC
- Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate in Georgia
- Virginia Tech needs win against in-state rival
- Jayhawks look to ruin Tigers’ BCS chances
The final weeks of the college football season are sure to have sports wagering players running to check their sportsbook odds, as a number of rivalry games will take place this week following last week’s slate of games. Here’s a look at five NCAA football betting matchups that are more than just a game; there is genuine bad blood between these schools, which will make betting online even more exciting.
West Virginia vs Pittsburgh odds
The “Backyard Brawl” began in 1895, with the Mountaineers winning six of the last 10 meetings. West Virginia (7-3) is a 3.5-point college football betting favorite on the road and it’ll be hungry for revenge; an upset loss at home to Pitt last season ruined its BCS Championship hopes. The No.25 Panthers (7-3) and their 24th-ranked rush defense will have its hands full with West Virginia’s 10th-ranked ground game. PICK: WEST VIRGINIA
These storied schools have battled for the Jeweled Shillelagh Trophy since 1926, and No. 5 USC (9-1) has won seven of its last 10 over the Fighting Irish (6-5). Last season’s 38-0 rout of Notre Dame in South Bend was USC’s sixth in a row against the Fighting Irish, and Notre Dame vs USC betting has favored the Trojans by a massive 30-point spread at home. USC’s second-ranked leads the nation in scoring defense. PICK: USC
The rivalry dubbed “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” started in 1893, and the No.11 Bulldogs (9-2) have taken seven in a row over the No. 22 Yellow Jackets (8-3), who can still clinch a berth in the ACC title game with a win and some help from Virginia (see below). The Bulldogs will have one eye on a BCS bowl with a big victory, and Knowshon Moreno will be going for his eighth game of the year with 100 yards or more on the ground. Georgia is favored by online wagering sportsbooks by 11 points at home. PICK: GEORGIA
These bitter rivals kicked off the “Border War” in 1891, and they’ve split their last 10 meetings. Last season, both were ranked in the Top-5 as then-No. 4 Missouri beat then-No. 2 Kansas 36-28 on the road for its second straight win over the Jayhawks. No.13 Missouri (9-2) is a 13-point NCAA football betting favorites at a neutral site (Arrowhead Stadium) and the Tigers will want to take some momentum into the Big 12 title game after clinching the North. PICK: MISSOURI
Virginia vs Virginia Tech odds
Although the Cup was initially introduced in 1996, these state rivals first met in 1895, and they have battled every year since 1970. The Hokies (7-4) have romped to eight wins in their last 10 against the Cavaliers (5-6), and they need to beat Virginia and have Georgia Tech lose to earn a spot in the ACC title game. The Hokies have an NCAA football spread of eight points over the visiting Cavaliers. PICK: VIRGINIA TECH
For more best sportsbook picks, make sure you check the Betting Edge at betonline.com to stay on top of the game.
Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand. Thoughts or questions?.
