NCAAF Fiesta Bowl Free Pick Analysis – No. 10 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Texas
The tenth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2 SU, 5-6 ATS, 5-6 O/U) have won and covered the spread in three straight games for BetUS NCAA college football online betting backers. The third-ranked Texas Longhorns (11-1 SU, 9-3 ATS, 6-6 O/U) have also won three consecutive games in the BetUS Sportsbook, while covering the spread for backers in each of their last two contests.
Now, one team’s winning streak will come to an emphatic end in the season’s biggest and final game for both schools when they meet in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Monday, Jan. 5.
The Buckeyes have routed three straight opponents since losing to Penn State 13-6 back on Oct. 25 and are coming off a convincing 42-7 win over beleaguered Michigan on Nov. 22, covering the spread as a 20.5-point home favorite as they handed Michigan their worst in the longtime rivalry in over four decades.
Starting quarterback Todd Boeckman went 3-for-3 for 64 yards with one touchdown and exciting freshman Terrelle Pryor threw two additional TD passes, completing 6of 13 passes for 120 yards with one interception.
Wide receiver Brian Hartline caught two scoring passes while running backs, Chris ‘Beanie’ Wells rushed for 134 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries and Daniel ‘Boom’ Herron added another 80 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
“The turning point was when they punted us down to the 9 and then two plays later we scored,” head coach Jim Tressel said. “That was huge. A big run by Beanie, and then a big run by ‘Boom” Herron. That really made a difference.”
No. 3 Texas has laid into two opponents since losing their only game of the season 39-33 in Texas Tech back on Nov. 1 and are coming off a 49-9 rout of Texas A&M on Nov. 27, covering a whopping 35-point spread at home.
Quarterback Colt McCoy completed 23 of 28 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 49 yards and two more touchdowns on the ground. Running back Cody Johnson added 102 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries.
Even with their spectacular final regular season performance, the Longhorns were left on the on the outside looking in when it came time to choose the national championship teams, despite the fact that the handed Oklahoma their only loss of the season, a convincing 45-35 win back on Oct. 11.
“I felt they made the statement they needed to make,” head coach Mack Brown said. “Starting with Colt.”
“The voters have a real tough decision,” Brown said. “Oklahoma is a great team. Texas Tech is a great team. I do not want to sit here and take anything away from them. This league is better than it’s ever been.”
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NCAAF Free Pick.
The Buckeyes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
The Buckeyes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big 12.
The Longhorns are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.
The Longhorns are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
The Under is 4-0 in Buckeyes last 4 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
The Over is 6-1 in Buckeyes last 7 games on grass.
The Over is 4-1 in Longhorns last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
The Over is 6-2 in Longhorns last 8 neutral site games.
NCAAF Odds
Ohio State Buckeyes +10 -110
Texas Longhorns -10 -110
Over 53½ -110
Under 53½ -110
Analysis: Okay NCAA college football betting enthusiasts, I really don’t think this matchup requires much though as I fully believe the Longhorns and far and away the better team in this contest.
While the Buckeyes are by no means, pushovers, I don’t think they will be able to contend with the numerous offensive weapons on the Longhorns roster, starting with quarterback Colt McCoy.
Besides, I think the Longhorns are going to be absolutely furious they are not playing for the BCS National Championship and will take out their frustration on an Ohio State team that isn’t all that impressive if you ask me.
I say take the Texas Longhorn to win and cover the spread with room to spare.
