“Between Bets” is an article series revealing our staff’s best wagers across the NFL, College Football, NASCAR and PGA Tour. This edition’s bets feature our favorite 2024 Week 15 College Football picks for ATS and totals of the conference championship games.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
2024 College Football Week 15 Picks (ATS & Totals)
Ohio vs. Miami (OH) (MAC Championship) | Detroit, Saturday, 12:00 p.m. ET
The Ohio Bobcats are back in the MAC Championship for the second consecutive year and enter as 2.5-point underdogs against the Miami (OH) RedHawks. Ohio’s success this season has been fueled by their 14th-ranked rushing offense and a stout defense ranked 13th in total defense. Dual-threat QB Parker Navarro and RBs Anthony Tyus III and Rickey Hunt, who all average over 5.0 Yards Per Carry (YPC), provide the Bobcats with a potent ground attack.
Miami’s defense is similarly strong, ranking 14th in total defense, but their offense, led by QB Brett Gabbert, has been pedestrian, sitting at 93rd in total offense. Miami has won eight of their last nine games after an 0-3 start, but their rushing defense is a clear weak spot that Ohio is built to exploit.
Ohio’s ability to control the tempo with their ground game should give them the edge in a tight contest. The Bobcats’ 8-4 ATS record is also the best in the MAC, and we’re backing them to cover and potentially win outright.
Pick: Ohio +2.5 (-105)
#16 Iowa State vs. #12 Arizona State (Big 12 Championship) | Arlington, Texas, Saturday, 12:00 p.m. ET
The Big 12 Championship features the 12th-ranked Arizona State Sun Devils as 2.5-point favorites over the 16th-ranked Iowa State Cyclones. Arizona State has been on fire, winning and covering five straight games to lead the conference at 10-2 ATS. Behind QB Sam Leavitt and RB Cameron Skattebo, they boast the 30th-ranked total offense and 37th-ranked total defense.
Iowa State has bounced back from midseason struggles with three straight wins and covers. QB Rocco Becht leads the Cyclones’ 41st-ranked offense, complemented by the 31st-ranked total defense. However, injuries at linebacker have plagued Iowa State all season, which could be a major issue against Arizona State’s balanced attack.
While this game is expected to be close, Arizona State’s consistency, both on the field and against the spread, makes them the clear favorite. We’re taking the Sun Devils to win outright on the moneyline.
Pick: Arizona State ML (-125)
Marshall @ Louisiana (Sun Belt Championship) | Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are 5.5-point home favorites against the Marshall Thundering Herd in the Sun Belt Championship. Marshall has been a bettors’ darling this season, leading the conference with a 10-2 ATS record. Their success is largely due to a three-headed rushing attack that averages 200 yards per game.
Louisiana brings clear advantages in overall performance, ranking 18th in total offense and 42nd in total defense. However, starting QB Ben Wooldridge’s season-ending injury has been a significant setback for the Ragin’ Cajuns.
Marshall has also performed better against common opponents, outscoring them by a combined +66 compared to Louisiana’s +44. With their ability to control the game on the ground and a knack for covering spreads, Marshall should keep this one closer than the line suggests.
Pick: Marshall +5.5 (-110)
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*Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports*
