Nervous LSU-Clemson Spread Bettors Can Find Value in Prop Bets

The line movement in the LSU-Clemson game has made some bettors a little anxious about picking a side in Monday’s College Football Playoffs National Championship game, but several sportsbooks are still giving them attractive gambling options through a variety of proposition bets.

The line for the National Championship game opened at 4.5 points in LSU’s favor, but was quickly bet up to five and, in some cases, 5.5. It went up to six on Tuesday at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook and the Mirage in Las Vegas. Those backing Clemson took those odds, and the line was adjusted once again to 5.5.

For those bettors still unsure of which team to back — or who are just looking for a little additional action — the Westgate put out a two-page list of proposition bets for the big game. We take a look at some of the better ones that gamblers might want to wager on.

First Player to Score Touchdown

Two of the LSU players are the favorite to score the game’s first touchdown. Wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson are each listed at 5/1. Clemson running back Travis Etienne is next at 6/1. Etienne is from Louisiana, and will have extra motivation to do well in the Superdome.

Another good choice for this wager might be LSU’s Joe Burrow at 18/1. The quarterback has 11 rushing touchdowns in two seasons. If the Tigers get inside the five, it might be Burrow who gets the call.

Trevor Lawrence Total Touchdown Passes 

The over/under on this prop is 2.5 TD passes, and Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence has been a touchdown-passing machine this season. Still, he’s had some games where he didn’t meet the over. The over is the favorite at -120, but the under at even money might be the way to go.

The sophomore signal caller had three regular season games where he threw just one touchdown pass. In the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State, he had two TD passes.

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron told reporters on Monday that Lawrence is dangerous for several reasons.

“He can make a decision on the line of scrimmage whether to hand it off, whether to throw it, short, easy throws. And then they’re going to take shots at those big receivers,” Orgeron said. “He gets a one-on-one, he’s going to get the ball down the field, and then it shows you the type of championship quarterback he is that he started extending plays with his feet.”

Will There be a Safety?

Other than betting on some of the players who are likely to score first, this prop has the longest odds of any National Championship proposition bets. The obvious favorite is the “no” at -2000, but with the “yes” at +1000, it might be worth a small wager.

First Score of Game

A touchdown is the favorite at -400, but any other score is at +300. The first scoring drive could stall and necessitate a field goal. Any coach would gladly take three points on their opening drive.

Alternate Spreads

This one is tricky, but can be profitable if the right one is taken. Of the six options offered by the Westgate, LSU and 14.5 points has a solid payout at +275 for the Tigers. Think LSU is going to blow out Clemson? The 17.5 points pays +375 for LSU.