LSU Opens a Small Favorite Over Clemson

The national championship is set, and oddsmakers have made LSU a slight favorite against Clemson.
 
The initial line posted Saturday night at SportsBetting.ag showed LSU listed as a 3.5-point favorite over Clemson. However, early wagering forced a move to LSU -4, then -4.5 and then finally the current spread of -5.
 
The game's over/under is set at 68.5 points, which is by far the highest total in CFP title game history (see complete list below).
 
The moneylines, or the odds for each team to just win the game, are LSU -210 and Clemson +180.
 
Current odds: https://www.sportsbetting.ag/sportsbook/football/ncaa
 
LSU started the season with 30/1 odds to win the CFP National Championship. Clemson's odds were 13/2, or +650.
 
LSU's dominant victory against Oklahoma, as well as the close contest between Clemson and Ohio State, impacted the calculation of the championship odds. On Thursday, SportsBetting.ag posted look-ahead lines for each of the four matchup scenarios and at that time an LSU-Clemson game was listed as a pick 'em or tossup.
 
CFP National Championship Spreads
2018-19: Alabama (-5) vs. Clemson
2017-18: Alabama (-3.5) vs. Georgia
2016-17: Alabama (-6.5) vs. Clemson
2015-16: Alabama (-6) vs. Clemson
2014-15: Oregon (-6) vs. Ohio State
 
CFP National Championship Over/Unders
2018-19: Alabama vs. Clemson (57.5)
2017-18: Alabama vs. Georgia (45.5)
2016-17: Alabama vs. Clemson (51)
2015-16: Alabama vs. Clemson (50.5)
2014-15: Oregon vs. Ohio State (72.5)
 
Clemson is 4-0 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) when listed as an underdog when playing in the CFP.
 
All-Time CFP Records
LSU: 1-0 SU / 1-0 ATS
Clemson: 6-2 SU / 7-1 ATS

Alabama Opens as 6.5 Favorite Over Clemson

BetDSI opened the Alabama Crimson Tide as a 6.5-point favorite versus the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship Game. The game's over/under is 61. 

 

This matchup marks the first time since 2011 that two undefeated teams are playing for the national championship. It is also the first time in FBS history two 14-0 teams will square off. 

 

List of National Championship Games with Undefeated Teams (since start of the Bowl Coalition in 1992-93)

2011: Auburn (+1) vs. Oregon

2010: Alabama (-3.5) vs. Texas

2006: Texas (+7) vs. USC

2005: USC (-1) vs. Oklahoma

2003: Ohio State (+12) vs. Miami

2000: Florida State (-5.5) vs. Virginia Tech

1996: Nebraska (-3.5) vs. Florida

1993: Alabama (+8) vs. Miami

 

- Underdogs are 4-4 straight up in undefeated vs. undefeated national championship games.

 

- The three biggest underdogs in undefeated vs. undefeated national championship games won outright.

 

- The winner of Clemson/Alabama will become the second team in FBS history to finish a season 15-0, joining the 1897 Penn Quakers.

 

- The only other time two 14-0 teams played against each other in Division I college football came in 1996 when Marshall beat Montana in the FCS Championship Game.

College Football Bowl Play of the Day: Orange Bowl

It's Big East vs. ACC in the Orange Bowl.

West Virginia vs. Clemson.

This game looks like kind of a letdown after a great slate of BCS games so far.  Both teams are coming off wins.  Clemson was impressive over Virginia Tech and West Virginia took care of South Florida.

Oddsmakers have Clemson favored by 3 and I love that.  Tajh Boyd quietly threw for 31 TDs this season leading the Tigers.  Look for Boyd to have a big game on this national stage.

Clemson will outscore West Virginia and win by 9.