Will underdog Alabama beat Michigan? | Look for the under in Washington-Texas

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Monday, January 1, 2024

Happy New Year, sports fans! I hope everyone had a blast ringing in the New Year and is prepared for another entertaining year of sports drama.

It's a big sports day with the College Football Playoff getting underway. No. 1 Michigan will be taking on No. 4 Alabama, while No. 2 Washington faces No. 3 Texas in the two CFP semifinal matchups. We've also got an eight-game slate on tap in the NBA and the NHL's annual Winter Classic is already underway with the Seattle Kraken hosting the Las Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Park.

Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

Former Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei commits to Florida State.

Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL against the Ravens.

The Steelers will start Mason Rudolph at quarterback in pivotal Week 18 game against the Ravens.

Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward declares for the 2024 NFL Draft after previously being in the transfer portal.

All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

Today's top story

BEST BETS FOR CFP SEMIFINAL GAMES

The College Football Playoff begins on New Year's Day with two of the more intriguing matchups that we've seen in recent years. In a rare situation, No. 4 Alabama actually finds themselves as an underdog as they get set to step onto the gridiron against No. 1 Michigan in the Rose Bowl. Aside from an early season loss to Texas, Alabama has put together a sensational campaign, and looks as dangerous as any team in the College Football Playoff. CBS Sports college football writer Tom Fornelli took a closer look at the two CFP showdowns that we'll see on Monday, and

gave his best bets for the two contests.

Tom explains why the Alabama side of the spread is the way to go:

"Still, I'm not here to sit on the fence, so if I'm going to make a pick, it's hard to pass up Alabama as an underdog in a College Football Playoff game, no? The Tide have captured three national titles in this format and won more playoff games (nine) than any other program. Michigan is yet to win one despite consecutive appearances. Maybe its first will come in the Rose Bowl against Alabama, but I need proof of concept before I bet on it."

The Hot Ticket

Rose Bowl: (1) Michigan vs. (4) Alabama, 5 p.m. | TV: ESPN

The Pick: Alabama +2 (-110)

Key trend: Alabama is 5-1 ATS in their last six games.

SportsLine expert Kenny White is 4-0 in his last four ATS picks involving Alabama.

"Give me the SEC team. It is almost as simple as that as the SEC has dominated all other conferences for years. Alabama comes in playing their best football of the season with 11 straight wins and a ATS record of 8-3 on the year. Michigan is 13-0 with a 7-2 ATS record over their last nine games. The number one stat that back me is strength of schedule with Alabama being #1 while Michigan played the 60th SOS. Jalen Milroe and the Tide roll in this one.

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has a "B" pick on the total, while having "C" picks on the spread and moneyline.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

Also on tonight ...

Sugar Bowl: (2) Washington vs. (3) Texas, 8:45 p.m. | TV: ESPN

The Projection: Under 62.5 (-110)| Grade: B -- Moderate

SportsLine's Projection Model has a "B" grade on the total with "C" grades for the spread and moneyline for the contest. The under is 3-0 in Washington's last three games, so we'll trust that trend to continue with an elevated total in this one.

SportsLine expert picks: Our staff has combed through the CFP semifinal slate and offered their best plays as the college football season winds down.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

* Open to new subscribers only. This offer of 7 days free of SportsLine expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on 12/31/23. Must use the promo codeNEWSLETTERto redeem the Offer. Offer is not transferable. Valid credit card is required.SUBSCRIPTIONS WILL AUTOMATICALLY RENEW AFTER THE 7 DAY TRIAL PERIOD, AND YOUR CARD WILL BE CHARGED BASED ON THE REGULAR PRICE OF $9.99 (MONTHLY), $24.99 (QUARTERLY), $99.99 (ANNUAL) ON AN ONGOING BASIS UNLESS YOU CANCEL YOUR MEMBERSHIP PRIOR TO THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL. To cancel, call(888) 508-3055or email

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