College Football Picks (11/25/17) + Update on the legalization of sports betting

Unfortunately I started The Bench late into the college football season, but this will be a weekly blog that I post this season and again next college football season.

Update on the pending legalization of sports betting

On December 4th the Supreme Court will listen to oral arguments on a case that can effectively legalize betting on sports, like we can do in Nevada, in the state of New Jersey. The case was originally brought by the infamous Chris Christie. If the Supreme Court decides for the legalization of sports betting in NJ, it will set a precedent for other states to attempt to legalize it as well. The Court will make a decision late next spring. You can read about it more here. 

For years people have been saying “we are 5-10 years from sports gambling being legal”, but now, it is foreseeable that it will be legal in a large number of states in less than 3 years.

With that being said, here are my picks on a few of the games on Saturday for you degenerate gamblers out there!

College Football Locks of the Week

1. Washington State +10

There is some madness at the top of the Pac-12 north, where Stanford, and Washington State both have a chance to make it to the conference championship game. Washington State is in the driver’s seat, as the only team that controls their own destiny. If they win the Apple Cup, they will fly up the CFP rankings and play USC in the conference championship game.

I’m not sure that they win the game in Seattle, but with everything to play for, and an impressive defense for the most part, they will definitely cover the 10 points.

2.  Arizona -1

I could just say, Khalil Tate and that would probably be enough analysis. Look, in wins and losses Arizona has been scoring on everybody. Arizona State’s offense has been decent, and they are at home, but they can’t match up with Arizona for four quarters. Arizona State has given up A LOT of points every game since their impressive showing against Washington six weeks ago.

Arizona wins a high scoring game and covers the point.

3. Alabama -4

How insane is it that the winner if the Iron Bowl has gone on to the national championship game every year except one since 2009? Also, Nick Saban has never beaten a nine win Auburn team, BUT, that changes this year.

Alabama essentially had a bye week last week playing Mercer, so they had a chance to get healthy. The defense may not be as dominant as it has been in years past, but it’s still one of the best three defenses in the country. Bama’s worst game came against Mississippi State in a night game in Starkvegas, and they only gave up 24 points to an electric Nick Fitzgerald (RIP to his leg).

Also, Bama’s offense lead by Jalen Hurts is much improved. Hurts is a baller.

It’s a rivalry game, and both offenses have been humming recently, but Bama will wear Auburn down and pull away late. Bama wins by a touchdown, covering the four points.