In Between the Lines: Chapter 5
Football is flying by, as the NFL is going into Week 9 and NCAA Football is going into Week 10. Some big college football games on the slate for this weekend. And don’t forget that you can get 10 percent cash back on all football losses this weekend and this weekend only. Receive up to $2,000 cash back, and all users are eligible. See the full website for details.
With a stacked sports schedule comes fervent sports bettors. “In Between the Lines” gives avid fans and sports bettors exactly what they want. Looking ahead to the upcoming week in sports, “In Between the Lines” offers inside analysis on line movements and key stats.
Here’s what you absolutely can’t miss this upcoming week in sports:
1. NFL – New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11/8/20 at 8:20pm)
Tom Brady and Drew Brees. Arguably a couple of the best, seasoned quarterbacks in the NFL right now. Not only does this game have huge NFC South implications, but both Brees and Brady keep taking turns on this whole touchdown record business. Brady’s second touchdown pass on Monday night gave him 561 for his career. Brees, on the other hand, has 560. Who will hold the record when these two top-tier quarterbacks face off on Sunday night during primetime?
Additionally, Antonio Brown will make his debut for the Buccaneers. Brown’s debut with Brady in his 2019 season with the Patriots was nothing short of impressive. Brown finished that Patriots game with four catches, 56 yards and one touchdown.
The Saints defeated the Buccaneers 34-23 in this season’s opening game. However, the Buccaneers are a 3.5-point favorite. Brady wants revenge, and I believe the Buccaneers will win and cover the spread. I would also think about betting the over. The over/under is currently set at 50.5. All seven of the Saint’s games this season have gone over the total.
2. College Football – No. 1 Clemson Tigers at No. 4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11/7/20 at 7:30pm)
Clemson is without quarterback Trevor Lawrence for the second week in a row due to him testing positive for coronavirus. When Lawrence was in the mix two weeks ago, the Tigers were a 13.5-point favorite. Clemson is still the favorite, but only by 4.5 points. In addition to Lawrence’s absence, Clemson will also be without starting linebacker James Skalski, defensive tackle Tyler Davis and linebacker Mike Jones Jr.
I think this is going to be a close one. The Tigers have a 15-game road winning streak. This is the longest such streak in the country. When Clemson and Notre Dame last faced each other, the Tigers walloped the Fighting Irish 30-3. Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei will start his second game in a row after defeating Boston College 34-28.
However, Notre Dame definitely has a shot at this one. The 6-0 Fighting Irish have not only won 12 games in a row, but have also won 29 of their last 32 games. They have also won 22 straight games at home. This game carries both ACC title and College Football Playoff implications. I think the Tigers will win and cover the 4.5-point spread.
3. College Football – West Virginia Mountaineers at No. 22 Texas Longhorns (11/7/20 at 12pm)
This game is sort of a rivalry game…I guess? Remember when West Virginia created that whole “Horns Down” symbol in 2012? Yeah, there is some bad juju there. The Longhorns are coming off a stellar 41-34 win against Oklahoma State on Saturday. But hold your horns because West Virginia is also coming off a big win, as the Mountaineers defeated Kansas State 37-10.
This game has Big 12 Championship implications. West Virginia plays well at home. But this weekend, they will not be home. They will be playing in front of a bunch of Longhorns fans, in which case there won’t be many “Horns Down” sign holders. West Virginia is 0-2 on the road. The Longhorns are a 5.5-point favorite and are averaging 44.3 points per game. The over/under is set at 53.5. I would bet on the Longhorns winning and covering the 5.5-point spread and the over.
4. College Football – No. 8 Florida Gators at No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs (11/7/20 at 3:30pm)
The World’s Largest Cocktail Party, popularly known as the Florida-Georgia football rivalry game. This will be the 98th meeting between the Gators and the Bulldogs. This game has a chance of deciding the SEC East. Additionally, both teams are NCAA FBC Championship contenders. According to Tipico Sportsbook’s odds, Georgia and Florida are at +1000 and +2000 to win the Championship, respectively.
Saturday’s odds currently have Georgia listed as a 3.5-point favorite. If the Dawgs win this one, it will be their fourth straight win over the Gators.
Florida quarterback Kyle Trask is tied for the SEC lead in touchdown passes. He has at least four touchdown passes in each game this season. On the other hand, Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett has been having some trouble, throwing five interceptions in the last two games. Based on Trask’s performance, I am going to go out on a limb here and pick the Gators to win and cover at +3.5.
