Not sure how to spend your weekend? We have you covered! BetAmerica writers
Ashley Anderson,
Jeremy Balan, Philip Marshall and
Ryan Murphy share their top picks for this weekend's must-see games and sporting events.
Ashley: The outcome of this game will significantly impact the College Football Playoff. With a Georgia loss, Utah, Oklahoma or Baylor have a shot at the fourth spot in the playoff, depending on the outcomes of Utah vs. Oregon and Baylor vs. Oklahoma (both high on my watch list, too). A Georgia win would knock LSU down from No. 2 to the third or fourth seed and create a two-SEC team CFP, but it’d be far more interesting to see another conference represented and LSU as No. 1 or No. 2 in the playoff. Chances are LSU will prevail on Saturday, but it should be an intense battle and one of the most exciting games to follow during Championship Week.
Jeremy: It should be a windy, wet and wild
Pac-12 Championship Game. The current forecast for Friday night in Santa Clara, California—where Levi’s Stadium sits—shows a half-inch of rainfall, along with winds of 20-30 mph. The Utes come into the conference title game as one of the hottest teams in the country (a 33-28 win over Washington on November 2 is their only remotely close result since a 30-23 loss to USC in September) and have a spot in the College Football Playoff on the line. Oregon hasn’t played as well in recent weeks, including an upset loss to Arizona State, but has a Rose Bowl bid to play for. Whichever team overcomes the conditions, takes care of the ball and minimizes mistakes will likely leave the Bay Area with a win.
Philip: The Manchester Derby is always entertaining, and this year is no exception. This particular match isn't as straightforward as the standings suggest, as United has posted positive results against the top six teams. I think both teams will leak goals and my bet for this game is over 3.5 (+125).
Ryan: Two of the NBA's hottest teams collide on Friday night when the Clippers visit the Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Los Angeles has won nine of its last 10 games while Milwaukee is riding a 13-game streak in which they've outscored opponents by 15.8 points per game. It's the kind of marquee matchup usually reserved for Christmas Day, but we get to enjoy it three weeks early.
