Can Georgia Hold That Tiger?

It's getting to be that time of the season when actual really big games are showing up on the SEC schedule.

One could argue that the LSU-Florida clash last weekend was one, but, c'mon. All that did was put the Tigers' backs to the wall as regards being a CFP candidate.

Maybe perception will change after a few more weeks. After all, Alabama's ducking Kentucky this year.

 

There's no denying the caliber of Georgia and LSU locking up in Baton Rouge, though.

Bovada has the line at Georgia -7 and the over/under at 49.

Why bet on Georgia ...

Since losing the CFP title game to Alabama, the Bulldogs have gone 6-0 and 4-0 in the SEC . However, they've faced just one ranked team, beating then-No 24 South Carolina, 41-17, in Week 2. Beating LSU will strengthen Georgia’s hold on the second-overall national ranking.

So far in 2018, the Bulldogs have out-gained and out-rushed each of their six opponents. Georgia has also won its first four SEC-conference games by an average of 23 points.

 

Georgia's 3-3 ATS. They're averaging 42.8 points per game while allowing 13 on defense. After LSU, Georgia heads into a bye week before facing Florida, Kentucky, and Auburn.

Why bet on LSU ...

The Tigers LSU opened the season by taking out Miami, 33-17. Two weeks later, they hit the Plains and edged Auburn, 22-21, in their SEC opener. Last week’s loss to Florida should've put an exclamation point on their preparations for this do-or-die cage match.

The Tigers are 3-3 SU and 4-1-1 ATS in their last six games as a home underdog. They're 2-0 in SEC conference play.

 

Instant analysis ...

Word is the Tigers are taking being 7-point home underdogs personally. Plus Georgia hasn’t faced a team as good as LSU. Look for them to cover.

Incidentally, if you want to bet the game total, the over is 6-1 in the last seven head-to-head games between these two. Your call.

ATS pick: LSU +7

Result: LSU 36 Georgia 16 ... Tigers cover

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Sportbet Columnist: Noah Williams

Noah lives and works with a simple philosophy of “Eat, Drink, Football.” This is embodied through a dedication to satellite TV, Indian delivery, Folgers in his cup, and Budweiser. He lives in a secret lair with his beautiful concubine.