The CFP national championship game is finally here! And we know you guys want more than just side and total breakdowns for the latest edition of Clemson versus Alabama. So, what better way to celebrate than by our Covers' staff bringing you their favorite prop bet picks for the biggest college football game of the year. **video
Jason Logan – Senior Industry Analyst
LONGEST TD OF THE GAME
The defenses may pull attention away from just how explosive these two offenses really are. Clemson ranked first in plays of 50 or more yards this season with 21 home runs, and Alabama wasn’t far behind with 19 plays of 50-plus. The Crimson Tide have allowed a couple big scoring strikes in recent games and I could see Tigers RB Travis Etienne breaking off a score that goes over the 56.5-yard bar.
PICK: Over 56.5 yards (-120)
Patrick Everson – Senior Writer
FIRST SCORE OF THE GAME – TD VS ANY OTHER SCORE
The “Other” is listed at +230 at The SuperBook, so a little juicy plus-money price. I think both teams might be wound a little tight early, even though they certainly are familiar with the territory. I can see either team mounting a good drive, but not quite good enough, forcing a field goal as the first score of the game.
PICK: Other (+230)
Joe Fortenbaugh – Host, The Sharp 600
TUA TAGOVAILOA PASSING TDS
The Heisman Trophy runner-up tossed three or more touchdown passes in eight of 14 games this season. However, in the games in which Tua threw for two or fewer touchdown passes, the Crimson Tide won by an average of 32.3 points per game. Bottom line: When the Tide were blowing out their opponents, Tua was resting on the sidelines instead of tossing touchdowns. This game won't be a blowout, therefore, Tua will be tossing touchdowns late into the fourth quarter.
PICK: Over 2.5 Passing TDs (-120)
Rob Hansen – Social Alerts/Product Coordinator
HIGHEST SCORING HALF
These two teams have met, of course, in the College Football Playoff in the last three seasons. Two of those three games were shootouts that sailed over the closing totals, but one thing all three of these games had in common were slow starts followed by second half scoring. Clemson, in particular, is averaging only eight points per opening half in their matchups against Alabama the last three years - but are averaging 19 points per game in the second half.
PICK: 2nd Half (-115)
Brandon DuBreuil – Content Marketing Strategist/NFL Writer
FIRST HALF TOTAL
It’s simple: this game is similar to the Super Bowl and teams tend to come out flat early on in these types of games. The last three times these teams met in the CFP, the first-half total points scored were 13, 21, and 28. The second-half total points scored? 17, 45, and 57. Take the Under 28.5 in the first half.
PICK: Under 28.5 (-110)
Rohit Ponnaiya – Publishing Editor
PLAYER TO SCORE AT ANYTIME
Underrated junior running back Josh Jacobs led the Crimson Tide in TDs this season with 13 (11 rushing and two receiving) and is coming off the best game of his career against Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl with 15 carries for 98 yards on the ground and another 60 yards through the air. Back him to find the end zone in this one.
PICK: Josh Jacobs to score a TD at anytime (-150)
Jameson Mossman – Social Alerts Coordinator
FIRST SCORE OF THE GAME
Alabama has been dominant in nearly all facets of the game this year, it has the fourth ranked offense overall in terms of yards allowed and the 12th ranked defense, despite playing in the always tough SEC. What they don’t do well is kicking field goals. The Tide have attempted just 18 on the season and only connected 72 percent of the time (ranked 51st). Alabama has scored a touchdown as its first score in every game they’ve played this year. Now, Clemson is no slouch and freshman QB Trever Lawrence has had a fantastic season, but he hasn’t been on a stage this big yet and it may take him a few drives to shake the nerves and get into the flow of the game. With Tua Tagovailoa getting healthier and a red-hot offense coming off a 528-yard, 47-point showing in the Orange Bowl. When Alabama gets the ball they’re thinking one thing, touchdown.
PICK: Alabama TD (+133)
Andrew Caley, Senior Publishing Editor
FIRST QUARTER SPREAD
No one explodes out of the gates like Tua Tagovailoa and Alabama. The Crimson Tide led the nation in first quarter scoring at a whopping 16.4 points per game. Now, this isn’t your typical matchup as Clemson’s defense is elite. And Nick Saban knows it will be tough to run on this unit, so expect him and Tua to attack the Tigers defense quickly through the air. Clemson on the other hand takes a little longer to get going, scoring just 7.5 of its average of its 44 points per game in the opening frame. Alabama should have a lead at the end of the first.
PICK: Alabama -0.5 (-115)
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