NCAAF Betting: The Two Most Exciting Matchups of Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving is here at last, which means it is once again time for college football’s Rivalry Week. Few sports have more intense rivalries than college football, with alumni carrying hatred for their rival throughout their adult life. We have a great slate of games coming up this holiday weekend featuring some of the biggest rivalries in the sport.

Below, we will share our two favorite matchups, providing the odds and insights you need to confidently wager on them at NCAAF betting sites this weekend.

• Spread: OSU +13.5 (-110) | Oregon -13.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: OSU +425 | Oregon -575
• Total: Over 62 (-110) | Under 62 (-110)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook

Do not let the large spread fool you, you can throw the records away when Oregon and Oregon State meet for the Platypus Trophy. The rivalry game, formerly known as the Civil War, has brought us some great matchups over the last three years. OSU has won two of the previous three meetings, but both were at home. They lost 28-29 to Oregon when they played in Eugene in 2021.

The biggest issue for OSU is their pass attack, which is led by a struggling DJ Uiagalelei. The quarterback has completed less than 55% of his passes in three of his last four games, and things won’t get easier Friday. OSU’s biggest strength is their run game, led by Damien Martinez. The sophomore has 384 rushing yards and six touchdowns over their last three games.

You can’t talk about Oregon without first mentioning quarterback Bo Nix. The Heisman Trophy favorite has been stellar this season, passing for 3,539 yards and 35 touchdowns with just two interceptions. He has 816 yards and ten touchdowns in his last two games, and we see him staying hot at home in this rivalry game.

While these teams have a lot of common opponents, the most telling one is the Washington Huskies. Both teams loss to Washington by a three or fewer points. While both were good games, the Ducks were more impressive. Their close loss came on the road (OSU was at home) and was partly a result of a missed 43-yard field goal as time expired.

• Spread: OSU +3.5 (-112) | Michigan -3.5 (-108)
• Moneyline: OSU +138 | Michigan -166
• Total: Over 46.5 (-110) | Under 46.5 (-110)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbooks

The rivalry matchup known simply as “The Game” is almost always the highlight of rivalry week. Both teams are often ranked when they meet, with a trip to the College Football Playoffs on the line. While Ohio State has won eight of the previous ten matchups, Michigan has won the previous two. They outscored the Buckeyes 87-50 in the two wins and will look to repeat that success this weekend.

OSU comes in as the second ranked team in the country thanks to going 11-0. One reason for their success is junior quarterback Kyle McCord, who has done well taking over for CJ Stroud. He doesn’t turn the ball over often and is completing over 66% of his passes. He has benefited from another great season from Marcin Harrison Jr, who has 1,093 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Michigan is also 11-0, but they have been embroiled in a sign-stealing scandal that has led to head coach Jim Harbaugh being banned from their sideline during games. That is a big deal for a Michigan team that has faced just one ranked opponent in 2023. As good as quarterback JJ McCarthy has been (2,335 yards, 18 TD), he will be facing his toughest challenge without his legendary coach.

Aside from the rivalry, this game will also have a major impact on the College Football Playoffs. The winner of this game will likely lock in their spot in the Big 10 Championship, facing an easy opponent for the West. While it is possible the loser of The Game still makes the playoffs, their weak schedules could cost them when the playoff field is set.