Welcome back to Big Will Bets: Weekend Winners, and I told you I excel under pressure! Now hand up, I apologize for not going 4-1 again, but I’d say that going 3-2 is pretty damn good. We started off the weekend hot, cooled off on Saturday night, then ended strong on Sunday. Now, let's jump into my complete breakdown of my greatness.
WINNERS
Friday Game of the Week: Notre Dame (-7.5) 27, Indiana 17
I loved the Cinderella story of this year’s college football season, the Indiana Hoosiers. Unfortunately, just like in the story, the Hoosiers will turn back into a pumpkin on Friday. Notre Dame has the better athletes, they are better in the trenches, and they’ve had a better track record this season against top tier opponents. Notre Dame runs all over Indiana and wins easily.
And win easily the Fighting Irish did. Notre Dame had 130 more rushing yards than the Hoosiers had and almost averaged 6.0 yards a play! This game was over the minute Love took the handoff on his 98 yard touchdown run on Notre Dame’s second series of the game. Take away the two garbage time TDs from Indiana and this game was a butt kicking. Absolute domination from Notre Dame in the first playoff game of the 12 team era.
The Big Nooner: Penn State (-9) 38, SMU 10
With QB Kevin Jennings, SMU wants to air out the football. Jennings can sling the rock, and can use his legs in the run game if he gets into trouble. Unfortunately for him, Abdul Carter is on the opposing defensive line. Carter is a game wrecker, just ask opposing offensive line coaches. I think Carter runs down Jennings all game until he is seeing ghosts.
Penn State rolls. Congratulations James Franklin.
This game was over after the second pick six in the first half. Abdul Carter and his crew on Penn State’s defense made Jennings’ life hell, constantly putting pressure on him. Jennings never looked comfortable in the pocket. He never had time to go through his progressions, he looked cold and rattled all game. Not a recipe for success.
Congratulations to James Franklin, 1-0 all-time in the playoffs.
Good Vibes Game of the Week: Rams (-3.5) 19, Jets 9
The vibes are high in LA, and the vibes are low in NY. Rams all day.
A nice 13-point fourth quarter helped push this bet home in an ugly game. Stafford didn’t look great, but it didn’t matter because Kyren Williams did, rushing for 122 yards and a TD. The defense did their part, holding the Jets to one touchdown all game. Ugly game, but an ugly win cashes the same as a pretty win.
LOSERS
Under of the Week: Texas 38, Clemson 24 (Under 52)
This game has all of the signs of a tough, close defensive battle in Austin, Texas, and I intend to listen to those signs.
I followed the wrong signs and got lost. Clemson’s defense couldn’t stop the Longhorns' rushing attack all game, allowing 292 yards on the ground! Texas’ defense couldn’t really stop the Tigers passing attack, allowing 336 yards through the air. Both teams averaged more than 6.0 yards a play. That’s never a good stat for under betters. I said the game would be close, I just didn’t think it would be high scoring. Whoops.
Best Game of the Week: #7 Tennessee (+7) 17, Ohio State 42
I think this is going to be the most exciting game of the weekend. Ohio State has a strong defense, Tennessee has a strong defense. Ohio State’s offense has been up and down all year, Tennessee’s offense has been up and down all year. Two evenly matched teams!
Boy, was I wrong! Ohio State came out and punched Tennessee right in the month, jumping out to a 21-point lead in the 4th quarter. The Volunteers fought back in the second quarter, so I had some hope for a comeback. That hope was immediately dashed when Jeremiah Smith scored his second TD and essentially ended this game. Tennessee looked out-classed all game long and maybe, just maybe, Ohio State got their mojo back after their long break. I can’t wait for the Rose Bowl!
Grande Finale
The best performers show up and perform at their peak in big moments. All I have done in those moments is win! For you, my loyal Willies. I will continue to win and I hope I was able to help you get some extra money for the Holidays. I can’t wait to return and bet on the big bowl games. I hope you enjoy the next week or so with your families. Happy Holidays!
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