Michigan and TCU will face off in the Peach Bowl from Glendale, Arizona at 4pm on New Years Eve – and Georgia and Ohio State will face off in the Fiesta Bowl from Atlanta’s Mercedez Benz Stadium at 8pm. Below are the betting odds and preview for the Fiesta Bowl according to our exclusive wagering partners at BetOnline.ag. You can check out a Peach Bowl preview HERE.

Fiesta Bowl

January 31, 2022 – Mercedes Benz Stadium

8:00pm – ESPN

Odds – (1) Georgia vs. (4) Ohio State

Spread: Georgia -6.5

Moneyline: Georgia -255/Ohio State +215

Total: 63

Storylines

Below is an InfoMap, from BetOnline, outlining who the betting public in each state is placing their money to win the College Football Playoff National Championship:

Ohio State has eight states (Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Oklahoma, Missouri, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia), while Georgia is second to only Michigan with 19 states. Here’s what I wrote about each team in my College Football Playoff Preview:

Many will say that Ohio State backed its way into the playoff after a 22-point spanking against Michigan, but it was obvious that they deserved a spot following USC’s loss to Utah in the PAC-12 championship. Heisman candidate CJ Stroud now has a chance to win a Natty after throwing for 3,340 yards and a nation-leading 37 TDs in 2022.

The defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs steamrolled their way through the SEC once again this season behind another dominant defense and some quality quarterback play from Stetson Bennett. The Dawgs are 11-0 and are SEC champions for the second time under head coach Kirby Smart.

The two quarterbacks in this game, Stroud and Bennett, were both Heisman trophy finalists this season and will faceoff for the first time in their storied careers. Stroud is 21-3 in two seasons at the helm for Ohio State, while Stetson Bennett is 30-3 as a starter for the Bulldogs. Both of these guys only know winning.

Prediction/Pick

Though this one will be closer than people think – the better team will pull it out in the end.

The Georgia defense proves to be too much for CJ Stroud, and the Stetson Bennett-led Bulldogs to their second consecutive National Championship game.

Prediction: Georgia 31 – Ohio State 28

Side: Ohio State +6.5

Total: UNDER 63

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1. Georgia

2. Michigan

3. TCU

4. Ohio State

—

5. Alabama

6. Tennessee

Michigan and TCU will face off in what will be the Peach Bowl from Glendale, Arizona – and Georgia and Ohio State will face off in the Fiesta Bowl from Atlanta. Here are the betting odds for each game according to our exclusive wagering partners at BetOnline.ag:

(2) Michigan vs. (3) TCU

Spread: Michigan -8.5

Moneyline: Michigan -325/TCU +270

Total: 59.5

(1) Georgia vs. (4) Ohio State

Spread: Georgia -7

Moneyline: Georgia -280/Ohio State +235

Total: 60.5

Let’s take a quick look at the final four:

Many will say that Ohio State backed its way into the playoff after a 22-point spanking against Michigan, but it was obvious that they deserved a spot following USC’s loss to Utah in the PAC-12 championship. Heisman candidate CJ Stroud now has a chance to win a Natty after throwing for 3,340 yards and a nation-leading 37 TDs in 2022.

TCU was the team that many thought could find themselves on the outside looking in after losing the Big 12 championship game on Saturday, but quarterback Max Duggan had other plans. After being down 11 late against Kansas State, Duggan willed the Horned Frogs to overtime before some boneheaded offensive playcalling led to a 31-28 Wildcat win. The committee didn’t knock them down a single spot despite the loss.

Jim Harbaugh looked to be on his way out of Michigan after struggling out the gate in Ann Arbor, but the Wolverines have now won their second BIG-10 Championship in a row and are on their way to their second consecutive College Football Playoff.

The defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs steamrolled their way through the SEC once again this season behind another dominant defense and some quality quarterback play from Stetson Bennett. The Dawgs are 11-0 and are SEC champions for the second time under head coach Kirby Smart.

We’ll preview each matchup more in-depth here on CLNSMedia.com once the games get closer, so make sure to keep it here for all of the best sports betting coverage courtesy of our partners at BetOnline.

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However, with a dominant performance and a win against Ohio State this coming Saturday, there’s still a chance that Michigan running back Blake Corum could run away with the award. Here are the odds to win according to our partners at BetOnline.ag:

Odds to Win 2022 Heisman Trophy

Caleb Williams              -130

CJ Stroud                       +110

Blake Corum               +1400

Here’s a case for each player to win it:

Caleb Williams

USC’s Caleb Williams has been outstanding in 2022. The sophomore has thrown for 3,480 yards, 33 touchdowns, and only three interceptions while also adding 7 touchdowns on the ground.

A win against Notre Dame this coming Saturday could wrap up the award for Williams who currently holds -130 odds to do so. A loss to the Irish, however, would jolt CJ Stroud to the front of the board.

CJ Stroud

Ohio State’s CJ Stroud has also been sensational this season. He’s thrown for 2,991 yards, 35 TDs, 4 INTs, leads the nation in QBR at 89.7, and most of all has led the Buckeyes to an 11-0 record thus far.

The sophomore QB was destined to win the award in 2021 before Alabama’s Bryce Young ran away with the award, and has a chance to add Heisman Trophy Winner to his resume prior to entering the 2022 NFL Draft.

Blake Corum

Rounding out BetOnline’s Heisman contenders is Michigan running back Blake Corum. Corum has paced the Wolverine’s offense this season with 1,457 rushing yards, 5.9 yards per attempt, and 18 rushing touchdowns – and with a win against Ohio State on Saturday could become the first running back to win the Heisman since Derrick Henry in 2015.

My Pick: This is Caleb Williams’ award to lose right now. He’s hot at the perfect time and could realistically get USC into the College Football Playoff for the first time in its existence. I almost bet it at +1200 just a week ago, so -130 is the best you’ll probably get moving forward.

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Phil Jerkovec, a redshirt junior, announced last December that he would not yet declare for the NFL draft – instead opting to come back to Chestnut Hill for another year:

Jerkovec, who transferred from Notre Dame and has dealt with injury throughout his lengthy college career, seems to finally have the stability he needs heading into his third year at BC.

The Eagles went 6-6 last year and were supposed to play in the Military Bowl against East Carolina – but the game was canceled due to COVID. I wrote a preview on the game (read HERE), and naturally picked BC to win and predicted Jerkovec would have a day.

The kid is good, and according to our exclusive gambling partners at BetOnline.ag, he’s in the conversation to be the number one overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Here are their odds:

Number One Overall Pick – 2023 NFL Draft

CJ Stroud                                    +200

Bryce Young                                +250

Will Anderson                             +300

Paris Johnson                             +900

Tyler Van Dyke                          +1600

Jaxon Smith-Njigba                  +1600

Phil Jerkovec                            +1600

Spencer Rattler                          +1800

The first two names on this list, CJ Stroud (+200), and Bryce Young (+250), are the two best quarterbacks in college football. Stroud has the shortest odds to win the Heisman according to BetOnline, with +325 odds to win the trophy. Young is third at 7/1.

Young’s teammate, linebacker Will Anderson, is the first non-QB on the list with 3/1 odds to go number one. Anderson is the nucleus of the Alabama defense. He led the nation in sacks last season with 17.5 and recorded 57 solo tackles.

South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler is, shockingly, on this list. The former Oklahoma Sooner was projected to be the number 1 pick last season – but spiraled miserably with Lincoln Riley in Norman before being benched for Caleb Williams. Taking Rattler at 18/1 is charity.

I ultimately think Bryce Young at +250 is the best bet here. The Crimson Tide are due for a national championship, and he’ll be in the spotlight every week.

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Despite trading for Dolphins WR DeVante Parker a few weeks ago, wide receiver is still a major need for the Patriots. They need to capitalize on Mac Jones being on a rookie contract for another 3+ years, and it starts with surrounding him with weapons.

There’s no better way to do this than through the draft – where you can get top tier production from day one (if you make the right pick, of course).

We’ve got you covered here at CLNS all week leading up to this weekend draft. Check out some of our pre-draft content from CLNSMedia.com HERE:

Lazar’s Big Board: First Tier

Lazar’s Big Board: Second Tier

Lazar’s Big Board: Third Tier

Lazar’s Big Board: 11-20

Lazar’s Big Board: Top 10

Lazar’s Final Patriots Mock Draft

Kadlick: Jimmy Garoppolo is Once Again an Untradable Asset

Kadlick: Over/Unders for Top Secondary Prospects

Kadlick: Over/Unders for Top D-Line and Linebacker Prospects

Kadlick: Over/Unders for Top Quarterback Prospects

Where Will Baker Mayfield Play in 2022?

Colts, Patriots Among Teams Who Could Land Deebo Samuel

Our partners at BetOnline.ag have draft position bets posted for all of the top prospects. Below I take a look at the top wide receivers in this class, and give my pick on where they’ll be drafted:

Chris Olave Draft Position

Over/Under                   16½

College: Ohio State

Position: Wide Receiver

The Scoop: Chris Olave had an incredible career with the Buckeyes, hauling in 175 catches for 2,702 yards and 35 touchdowns during his four years in Columbus. His sub-4.4 40-yard dash at the Combine in February will surely impress scouts – and his 6-foot-1, 190ish pound frame allows him to go get the ball while also giving him some wiggle. Olave will be a treat for a team in the top 16.

The Pick: UNDER 16.5

Drake London Draft Position

Over/Under                   11½

College: USC

Position: Wide Receiver

The Scoop: A duel-sport athlete at USC, London was a monster target for Kedon Slovis and the Trojans. Being a Slovis stan, I’ve watched plenty of Drake London football – and he’s dominant. His broken ankle this past season may scare teams off, but his confidence certainly won’t. London told ESPN, “everybody knew where the ball was going [when I was at USC]. I had triple coverage, double coverage all game, and it still didn’t stop me.” I ultimately think he’ll be the second WR off the board and will fall out of the top 10.

The Pick: OVER 11.5

Garrett Wilson Draft Position

Over/Under                   9.5

College: Ohio State

Position: Wide Receiver

The Scoop: The first receiver off the board will be Garrett Wilson. Olave’s running partner at Ohio State – Wilson, hauled in 70 passes for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2021 for the Buckeyes. He’s the number one WR in this class and will undoubtably be taken in the top 9 on Thursday night.

The Pick: UNDER 9.5

Jahan Dotson Draft Position

Over/Under                   30½

College: Penn State

Position: Wide Receiver

The Scoop: Jahan Dotson is a superior athlete who was third in the Big 10 in both receptions and receiving yards, earning him First-Team All-Conference in 2021. I think Garrett Wilson, Drake London, and Chris Olave will all go in the top 16, starting a run of receivers being drafted. A team will surely want the chance at Dotson’ fifth year option, which is why I love this pick at UNDER 30.5.

The Pick: UNDER 30.5

Jameson Williams Draft Position

Over/Under                   11½

College: Alabama

Position: Wide Receiver

The Scoop: Jameson Williams is one of two stud Alabama wide receivers who is going to be drafted lower than they should due to an ACL injury. Both he and John Metchie III tore up their knees in their final season with the Crimson Tide – brutally hindering their draft stock. Williams, who was once considered the top WR in this class, will still be a first round pick – but will fall out of the top 11.

The Pick: OVER 11.5

Treylon Burks Draft Position

Over/Under                   23½

College: Arkansas

Position: Wide Receiver

The Scoop: Considered the Deebo Samuel of his draft class, Treylon Burks is a thick receiver who you can trust to put anywhere in your offense and he’ll make a play. Though he’s not as fast or as athletic as some of the top guys in his class, Burks is a reliable target who at 6’3″ 225 pounds, reminds me of N’Keal Harry (scary). Hopefully he ends up as a far better playmaker. He’ll go at the end of round one. I like OVER 23.5.

The Pick: OVER 23.5

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The post Will the Patriots Take a Receiver in the First Round? NFL Draft Over/Unders For Top WR Prospects appeared first on CLNS Media.

New England currently holds the 15th overall pick in the first round and the 47th overall pick in the second round. Many players in tonight’s game are in play at both spots. 

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has ties to both programs, mainly Nick Saban and Alabama, but he also got to know Ryan Day’s staff through former Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer. 

As much as we’d like to discuss Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, we don’t share in Todd McShay’s view that the dual-threat quarterback will be available in the middle of the first round.

Other prospects, such as Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and center Landon Dickerson, are injured and won’t participate in Monday night’s game. 

Here’s a quick viewers guide for Pats fans on players to watch in tonight’s game that kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN:

ALABAMA PROSPECTS

1. Mac Jones, Quarterback

Alabama loves to run the “dino” concept or double posts when they get single-high. Here, the deep safety runs with the inside post, and Jones throws a well-timed deep ball to the outside receiver to beat the safety trying to recover. Timing, ball placement. pic.twitter.com/wyVaLKbOWt

— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) January 11, 2021

The Alabama quarterback checks a lot of boxes for the Patriots. He’s accurate to all three levels, has a quick release, throws with great touch and anticipation, and is well-versed in reading out a full-field progression. Stylistically, he has New England written all over him. However, some legitimate concerns make it difficult to pound the table for Jones in the first round. For starters, he’s surrounded by arguably the most talented supporting cast in quite some time. Then, there are question marks about his overall arm talent and poise under pressure. Jones tends to get happy feet and fade away from pressure in the pocket, and without a big arm, that leads to trouble. Ohio State’s defense is the perfect litmus test for Jones. The Buckeyes are good enough in the secondary to battle with Alabama’s receivers, and OSU has a terrific defensive line that could get pressure up the middle on Jones. If the redshirt junior handles that and the stage well, he could be in Foxboro next season. 

2. Devonta Smith, Wide Receiver 

make the whole plane out of devonta smith pic.twitter.com/uQBYwwxbOq

— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) December 6, 2020

There are very few collegiate prospects that combine technical savvy and explosiveness as well as the Heisman Trophy frontrunner. Smith is an incredibly smooth route runner and added another gear this season. The NFL comparison for Smith is Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, which doesn’t feel like a stretch. He can play inside or outside, gets on defenders quickly in his stems, knows how to get out of his breaks, battles at the catch point with strong hands, and does it all at top speed. Based on how Alabama calls their offense, Smith was the coaching staff’s favorite target over the last two seasons in a group that included Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, and Jaylen Waddle. Smith might be gone by no. 15, but if he isn’t, he’d be a home-run pick for the Pats. 

3. Patrick Surtain II, Cornerback 

Patriots fans might complain if the team goes with a cornerback in the first round. Still, with Stephon Gilmore’s future uncertain, Surtain should be on the watch list. Alabama’s coverage system, which includes mostly press-man and match zones, is very similar to New England’s scheme. Surtain is a shutdown corner for the Crimson Tide with excellent press-man skills and the length to get his hands on passes. Surtain’s patience at the line and trust in his technique resembles Gilmore’s brand of man coverage. His hips hardly ever open too early, and he stays square until the route to declares to smother receivers in the first five yards. Even if you don’t want to see a corner in the first round, Surtain is a perfect fit with the Patriots at a potential position of need. 

4. Alex Leatherwood, Offensive Tackle 

Tough, dependable, versatile, and a man/gap scheme fit; Leatherwood screams Patriots. He has experience at both guard and tackle spots with a filled-out frame to impose his will. Leatherwood’s pass sets are smooth, and he has plenty of foot speed to mirror edge rushers. However, his change of direction and flexibility are only so-so, which presents problems when he faces explosive edge rushers that can change directions quickly. As a run blocker, he connects well and definitely creates movement. The Patriots might want to add depth at offensive tackle with Isaiah Wynn’s issues staying healthy and uncertainty in the interior of their offensive line. Rookie sensation Michael Onwenu could move inside to guard, and Leatherwood would be a potential day-one starter at right tackle. 

5. Dylan Moses, Linebacker 

Moses is the latest in a long and successful lineage of Alabama linebackers. He has played all three linebacker spots and has plenty of game experience, but would fit best off the line. Like most Alabama linebackers, Moses is an aggressive take-on tackler and off-ball blitzer in passing situations. He also possesses the necessary lateral agility to scrape into gaps at the second level. There’s a lot of C.J. Mosley and Dont’a Hightower in his game, but he does have an injury history that will likely push him down the board. Moses won’t be in play at no. 15 but should be in the mix with the Patriots’ second pick of the draft. 

6. Christian Barmore, Defensive Line 

The Patriots need to work on the defensive line this offseason, and Barmore fits the bill. He mostly lined up as a one or three-technique for the Crimson Tide on early downs, where his upper-body power, length (6-5), and aggressive hands made him an immovable object. However, Alabama also played him at defensive end in their odd fronts, his likely role in New England. Although he’s more of a penetrator than a two-gapper, at roughly 310 pounds, Barmore should have no issues holding up at the point of attack. He’d be a nice get for New England on day two. 

7. Miller Forristall, Tight End

After watching Alabama beat Notre Dame in the semifinal, I was surprise to learn that the draft community isn’t very high on Forristall. He’s got a lanky frame at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, but he shows excellent effort as a run-blocker and can move around the formation as a receiver. Alabama uses him on tight end screens and other short passes while he also runs the seam occasionally. As far as Alabama prospects go, Forristall could be a nice sleeper.

OHIO STATE PROSPECTS

1. Wyatt Davis, Interior Offensive Line

Davis is one of the best offensive line prospects in this year’s class and projects as a starting guard in the league. He can play in multiple schemes and is an absolute force at the point attack. The Buckeyes’ guard also has excellent lateral movement and footwork to connect on combination blocks or climb to the second level. There will be a few things to clean up, such as playing under control and anchoring in pass protection, but he’s a plug-and-play starter if the Patriots are in the market for immediate interior OL help. 

2. Chris Olave, Wide Receiver 

Chris Olave is one one of the best route runners in college football. Pure, fluid, explosive – the true sophomore has it all.

Wisconsin has to commit multiple defensive backs to stopping his vertical presence. pic.twitter.com/fAC0yhH56q

— Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) December 6, 2019

Yes, yes, and yes. Olave’s performance in the College Football Semifinal put him in the first-round conversation, as he’s a technician with a fantastic feel for middle of the field coverage. Olave’s spacing and ability to find pockets in zone coverage is outstanding. Plus, he can play inside or outside, projecting into a “Z” receiver role at the next level. Olave’s best routes are deep overs/crossers, double moves, and patterns that break back to the line of scrimmage. He’s excellent at setting up his angles and uses multiple moves in his breaks to get corners to bite in man coverage. The Buckeyes wideout is one of the best route runners in the class, and if he has a big game on Monday night, he’ll give himself a chance to sneak into the backend of the first round. Either way, Olave is a top 50 prospect. 

3. Shaun Wade, Cornerback 

Depending on how they view him, the Patriots might not need Wade, but he can play. Many scouts project Wade in a strong safety or nickel role at the next level. Think Kyle Dugger or Patrick Chung as a box or slot defender. Wade’s hip transitions aren’t smooth enough for outside work, and he’s at his best playing in zone coverage where he can click and close to the ball. Still, he’s an NFL player, and the Patriots love themselves a versatile safety. 

4. Haskell Garrett, Defensive Line

Easily one of my favorite prospects to watch in Monday night’s championship game outside of the first-rounders. Garrett is a wall in run defense that can align at either defensive tackle or defensive end, depending on the front. He’s got immense hand strength to separate, shed, and find the ball while also drawing blockers in pass-rush situations. Garrett projects mostly as a two-down player in the pros because of limited twitchiness in his pass rushes, but he’d look great next to Lawrence Guy as an early-down run stuffer. Sign me up on day two.

5. Josh Myers, Center

Myers will go higher than his pecking order on the list, but I don’t love his fit. He sometimes struggles to move big DTs at the point of attack and can get caught in the quarterback’s lap with a poor anchor. Still, he’s got some movement skills and is a cerebral player that understands how to adjust on the fly. His shotgun snaps are solid, and in a zone scheme, he’ll be a starter. The Patriots ran more inside zone this past season, but they’re more of a man/power running team. Still, the Pats have zero depth behind starting center David Andrews, who is a free agent. Who knows how long Andrews will continue to play?

6. Pete Werner, Linebacker 

Assuming New England sticks with a base odd front (3-4), Werner would fit nicely at inside linebacker. The Buckeyes also used him in a SAM or overhang role, lining up over tight ends. He’s a little undersized for them at 6-foot-3, 242 pounds, but he’s also projected as a late day-two pick, so maybe they’d look past that. Werner has decent coverage skills while possessing the necessary power and hand strength to hold up against the run. He also finishes tackles and has long arms that present a wide tackle radius. The Ohio State linebacker has the typical cliche traits with a great nose for the ball and is a physical player that could play in the kicking game. He’s a good fit for New England. 

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