2024 College Football Week 14 action report highlights a thrilling matchup: Texas vs. Texas A&M. This storied rivalry is back on the gridiron after a 12-year hiatus.
“The winner of Texas-Texas A&M goes to the SEC title game. And this is an elimination game for Texas A&M,” said Joey Feazel, head of football trading at Caesars Sports.
Lonestar Showdown
For much of the season, Texas A&M has held a prominent position in the SEC standings. Despite a surprising defeat against South Carolina in Week 10, the Aggies remained tied for the top spot with only one conference loss.
However, the Aggies faced another setback last weekend, falling to Auburn in a dramatic quadruple overtime game, 43-41. This loss left them with an 8-3 record overall, creating challenges for their chances to qualify for the 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP). They now sit tied for third in SEC play with a record of 5-2.
Even if Texas A&M, a 6-point home underdog, manages to defeat Texas, they would still need to win the SEC title game to secure a spot in the Playoff. In contrast, Texas, boasting a strong 10-1 overall record and 6-1 in the SEC, could potentially absorb a loss and still make the CFP.
Bettors, however, seem skeptical about an Aggies victory. The betting line shifted from Longhorns -4.5 to -6 in just a few hours on Sunday, before settling back at -5.5.
“The betting activity is not surprising. They’re backing Texas by 6,” Feazel noted, adding that there was some sharp money on the A&M side at +6.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
College Football Rocks On FOX
This week’s Big Noon Kickoff features another historic rivalry: Michigan vs. Ohio State. This clash dates back to the late 1800s.
Unfortunately for the Wolverines, they have lost several key players from last season’s National Championship squad, which has impacted their performance. Michigan currently stands at 6-5 SU/4-7 ATS, while Ohio State boasts a solid 10-1 SU/6-5 ATS record and is well-positioned for the Playoff.
Oddsmakers anticipate a significant victory for Ohio State in Saturday’s noon ET matchup. The Buckeyes are favored by 20.5 points at Caesars, and bettors are not hesitating to support that line.
“Despite the large spread, the betting is heavily in favor of Ohio State. It’s Buckeyes money and the Over,” Feazel remarked, referencing the total of 43 points also attracting attention. “Michigan is showing signs of improvement, but they are far from the powerhouse they were last year.”
On-Campus Sharp Side
College football betting expert Paul Stone accurately predicted Kentucky’s performance as a 20.5-point road underdog against Texas last week. For Week 14, Stone is focusing on another rivalry: South Carolina vs. Clemson.
Clemson holds a record of 9-2 SU/5-5 ATS, with their last game not on the betting board, as they dominated FCS opponent Citadel 51-14. South Carolina, on the other hand, is 8-3 SU and ATS.
The Tigers are aiming to secure their spot in the ACC Championship Game, which could lead to a CFP berth. Historically, Clemson has fared well against South Carolina, winning eight of the last nine encounters.
Nonetheless, Stone believes South Carolina, as a 2.5-point underdog, has a strong chance of pulling off an upset in Saturday’s noon ET game.
He pointed out that two of South Carolina’s three losses were by three points or fewer (36-33 to LSU and 27-25 at Alabama), with the Gamecocks leading in both games during the fourth quarter.
Since their loss to Alabama, South Carolina has gone 5-0 SU (4-1 ATS), largely due to the emergence of redshirt freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who has thrown for 2,110 yards and added 489 rushing yards this season. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound first-year starter has not thrown an interception in his last three games.
“Clemson has faced two top-30 teams this season, Georgia and Louisville, and lost those games by a combined 43 points,” Stone stated. “South Carolina has shown significant improvement throughout the season. They could pose a real challenge for Clemson in Death Valley on Saturday.”
