Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CFB/NFL Picks, CFB/NFL Free Picks, CFB/NFL Predictions 12/21/24

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CFB/NFL Picks, CFB/NFL Free Picks, CFB/NFL Predictions 12/21/24

CLEMSON @ TEXAS (TEX -13.5, 50.5)

CLEMSON +13.5

This one opened at Texas -11.5 and has steamed to -13.5. I just can't get my head around the Longhorns scoring enough points to cover. The Longhorns ran for just 31 yards in the SEC title game loss to Georgia. QB Quinn Ewers threw two interceptions in that game and now Texas goes up against another elite defense in Clemson.

Texas has gone Over the total just once in its last nine games. That's a result of their own stellar defense coupled with their offensive struggles. Texas is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 as a favorite and 3-3 ATS against ranked opponents. Clemson is 5-0 SU in its last five road games and I think they can do enough to cover.

TENNESSEE @ OHIO STATE (OSU -7, 46.5)

TENNESSEE (1H) +4.5

This one should be a pretty good battle. Two elite defenses take on two offenses that can score. With the game tight, I'm going to back one of the gifts that kept on giving throughout this college football season. Josh Heupel coached teams are 51-24-1 ATS in the first half in his career. When his teams have played on the road that record is 28-9-1 ATS 1H.

Ohio State has some offensive line issues that will make it a challenge against one of the best defenses in the country. Tennessee is fourth (14.9 ppg) in the nation in scoring defense. The Vols should be able to keep it close just like they did against Georgia. That game was 17-17 at the half. Tennessee covers another first half spread.

PITTSBURGH @ BALTIMORE (BAL -7, 44.5)

STEELERS (3Q) +1.5

Last week against the Eagles, Pittsburgh lost the third quarter 3-0. That is something that hasn't happened often this season. Pittsburgh is 11-2 ATS in the third quarter this season. I'm going to stick with another gift that has kept giving all season long here.

Pittsburgh has beaten Baltimore in 8 of the last 10 meetings. Lamar Jackson is just 1-4 SU against the Steelers in his career. Plus, we all know the whole Mike Tomlin as an underdog thing. The third quarter is all about coaching and Tomlin is the master. Baltimore is 5-9 ATS in the third quarter this season.

Ylose expert Coach Rick Bowe delivers his daily Quick Picks. The Coach continues to roll up big wins in MLB, college football, the NFL, and much more. Coach Rick offers a unique perspective to handicapping. Check out his daily free picks right here and jump on his daily Best Bets, which you can find right here at Ylose.com/coach.