The most anticipated weekend of the college football season is finally here. Rivalry Week brings heated showdowns, playoff implications, and no shortage of drama. As the nation’s elite teams clash on the gridiron, bettors are scouring the odds for an edge. Where does the smart money lie in these high-stakes matchups?
Palmetto Bowl: Can South Carolina Spring the Upset?
The 15th-ranked Gamecocks enter Death Valley as 2.5-point underdogs against the 12th-ranked Tigers. But don’t count out South Carolina just yet. Led by a fearsome pass rush that ranks third nationally with 39 sacks, the Gamecocks have the defensive firepower to rattle Clemson QB Cade Klubnik.
Over his last three games against FBS foes, Klubnik has been sacked 11 times. Now he faces an elite South Carolina front seven spearheaded by edge rusher extraordinaire Kyle Kennard and his 11.5 sacks. If the Gamecocks can bring the heat and force errant throws, their ball-hawking secondary (12 interceptions) is poised to capitalize. Look for South Carolina to control the trenches and pull off a statement win as +2.5 underdogs. For the bold, sprinkling the +115 moneyline is a high-upside play.
Points Aplenty in the Carrier Dome
When the 6th-ranked Hurricanes visit the Orange, expect the Carrier Dome scoreboard operator to stay busy. Oddsmakers have set the over/under at a lofty 67.5 points, but don’t be shocked if this one soars over that total.
On the Syracuse side, QB Kyle McCord brings the nation’s most pass-heavy attack, with an FBS-high 522 attempts and 3,946 yards through the air. His connection with do-it-all RB LeQuint Allen Jr. (423 receiving yards) is a matchup nightmare. They’ll face a vulnerable Miami secondary fresh off allowing 236 passing yards to Duke.
The Hurricanes won’t go quietly though. Chasing an ACC title game berth, expect them to open up a balanced and explosive offensive playbook. In a back-and-forth affair with two suspect pass defenses, the points should come early and often. Hammer the over 67.5 and enjoy the fireworks.
Huskies Hang Tough in Eugene
Top-ranked Oregon is an 18.5-point home favorite against Washington, but don’t be surprised if the Huskies rise to the occasion and keep this one close. Finally free of their grueling travel schedule that spanned nearly 19,000 miles with trips to Rutgers, Iowa, Indiana and Penn State, Washington should benefit from some home cooking in the Pacific Northwest.
The Huskies boast a potent ground attack led by Jonah Coleman and his 1,008 rushing yards. That plays right into an Oregon run defense that showed cracks against Wisconsin, surrendering chunk plays. If Coleman can find room to operate and QB Michael Penix Jr. makes some noise through the air (UW ranks 37th in passing), the Huskies have the balance to stay within this big number. Take the generous 18.5 points.
Scoreboard Assault in the Iron Bowl
Fresh off a deflating loss to Oklahoma, the 13th-ranked Crimson Tide should come out with something to prove against bitter rival Auburn. Expect QB Jalen Milroe to light up an Auburn defense that has struggled mightily to contain mobile QBs.
The Tigers just allowed Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed to gash them for 66 rushing yards. Two weeks ago, Arkansas’ Taylen Green racked up 80 yards on the ground. Now they face the ultimate dual threat in Milroe, who will be hungry to atone for his meager seven rushing yards against the Sooners. Look for a bounce-back performance and a big statistical day for Milroe.
Auburn has offensive firepower of their own, fresh off hanging 43 points on Texas A&M in a thrilling quadruple-OT win. QB Payton Thorne threw for 301 yards while RB Jarquez Hunter added 130 yards and three scores on the ground in that one. Against a Tide defense that just got carved up by the Sooners, they’re primed to find success.
With a total of just 52 points, the oddsmakers may be underestimating the offensive potential in a game dripping with bad blood. Bank on a high-scoring affair as two potent attacks trade haymakers. Ride the over 52 to the window.
Rivalry Week never fails to deliver heart-stopping action, and the betting opportunities are just as enticing. As these marquee matchups unfold, look for the wiseguys to cash in on underdogs with bite, offenses set to erupt, and totals that undersell the drama. From Death Valley to Tuscaloosa, it’s time to get in on the action. Where will you be putting your money when the most heated feuds in college football write their next chapter?
