Saturday’s Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is a game I’ve been looking forward to since it hit the betting boards. LSU opened as an 11-point favorite against Oklahoma, and I was able to get a bet down on the Tigers immediately. Even now, with the line at 13.5 points, I feel good about LSU’s chances.
In the Holiday Bowl, I took Iowa and gave away 2.5 points. The Hawkeyes obliterated the Trojans, easily winning the postseason game, 49-24.
One Bet, $100
This Week’s Pick        Last Pick’s Result      Season Total
LSU -13.5              Won Iowa           10-6, Up $330
I have the same feeling about LSU. I’m convinced this will be a rout. It is not uncommon for one of the semifinal games in the College Football Playoffs to be one sided. In the 2019 semifinal, Clemson trounced Notre Dame, 30-3. In 2015, Oregon State clobbered Florida State, 59-20. This game should mirror those two results.
LSU’s Tough Schedule an Asset in Peach Bowl
The reason I’m so bullish about LSU advancing to the National Championship game is because I believe they’re the best team in the country. I also believe that Oklahoma is one of the weakest teams in the CFP.
Yes, the Sooners can score points, but their strength of schedule compared to LSU’s is laughable. Oklahoma defeated Baylor twice, and Baylor should get exposed by Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1. Oklahoma was upset by Kansas State, and barely got by Iowa State and TCU.
LSU defeated four, top-10 teams — Florida, Georgia, Auburn, and Alabama — in the regular season. They had one of – if not the—toughest schedule in college football, and didn’t stumble once. That will be a big advantage in the Peach Bowl.
The College Football Playoff committee got it right when they seeded the Tigers No. 1. LSU coach Ed Orgeron told reporters on Monday that the team is even more intensely focused than they were in the regular season.
“Different feeling about this team this week,†Orgeron said. “This is a playoff game for us. You can feel the intensity ratcheting up. Pretty good.â€
Burrow Should Have Big Game Against Oklahoma
The leader of the Tigers is Heisman Trophy winner, quarterback Joe Burrow. The senior ran away with the award for college football’s best player, and deservedly so. His statistics were incredible. He finished the regular season with a completion rate of 77.9 percent, and threw for 4,715 yards, including 48 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley told reporters during Monday’s media conference that Burrow reminds him of Baker Mayfield.
“He’s very comfortable in their schemes, he does a great job getting the ball out of his hands, very accurate passer,†Riley said. “Then he’s made so many huge plays outside the pocket this year, extending time. That’s where he’s really hurt people.â€
Why LSU will Cover
The Tigers have the players, coaches, and confidence to win the Peach Bowl, and advance to the national championship. I believe once they defeated Alabama, they believed no one could beat them.
Oklahoma is without three key players, all of whom were suspended by the university for unknown reasons. The team is also probably without starting safety Delarrin Turner-Yell, which is another blow.
It doesn’t matter, however. LSU is ready to put a thumping on Oklahoma. The only ones who can beat LSU are themselves.