College Football Betting Preview: Sugar Bowl

The College Football Playoff begins with the much-anticipated matchup between the Washington Huskies and the Texas Longhorns in the night cap. 

Let’s take a look at the best way to attack this semifinal matchup.

Washington vs. Texas

Spread: Texas -4
Moneyline: Texas -180
Total: 62 

The Washington Huskies have been doubted a lot lately with the masses saying it was a “generational wealth opportunity” betting Oregon in the Pac-12 title game. Not only did the Dawgs deliver a championship game victory over the Ducks, but it was the second time this year that they won against their bitter rivals.

Fast-forward to the CFP semifinals, and once again the industry is clamoring to bet against them. Not only do I think the Huskies will cover tonight, but I think they win this game outright as well. Yes, I’m a Huskie homer, but that’s not the only reason I’m backing them.

The Longhorns rush defense has been rather stout, which will likely stifle the recent surge in production on the ground for the Huskies. However, U Dub had one of the most dominant passing attacks in all of college football for the first two months of the season. Now is a great time for them to return to that aspect of their game. Coincidentally, the Texas secondary is also good, but not elite, and they’ll certainly find it difficult to cover the multitude of speedy receivers the Huskies have.

You also have a quarterback in Michael Penix who isn’t afraid of the big lights and thrives with the ball in his hands. Not only am I all over the Huskies +4, but I’m slamming the overs on Penix’s passing yardage and passing touchdowns. His passing yardage prop on most books is 312.5 and 2.5 passing touchdowns. 

While I’m all about the purple and gold tonight, I also have a bet for the Texas side as well. The Huskies will work hard to keep everything in front of them, and that means TE Ja’Tavion Sanders will have an open middle of the field to rack up yardage, but it’s his anytime TD prop that we are zeroing in on. For the past two years, he has been one of Quinn Ewers’ favorite red-zone targets, and I’m expecting those two to connect at least once in an expected shootout.

Best Bets

• Washington +4 (-110, DraftKings Sportsbook)
• Over 62 Total Points (-110, DraftKings)
• Ja’Tavion Sanders Anytime TD (+160, DraftKings)
• Michael Penix over 312.5 Passing Yards (-115, DraftKings)
• Michael Penix over 2.5 Passing Touchdowns (+144, FanDuel Sportsbook)