Welcome to Week 17 of the college football season, where a streamlined slate presents sharp bettors with focused opportunities to capitalize on statistical edges. The action begins on December 17th with two compelling non-conference matchups that showcase contrasting offensive philosophies and defensive schemes.
NCAAF Week 17 Picks and Predictions
This week's abbreviated schedule features the South Florida Bulls hosting the Old Dominion Monarchs in a clash between explosive offensive production and aggressive pass rush capabilities. Following that, the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns travel north to face the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens in what projects as a tightly contested battle between two programs excelling in red zone execution.
From established favorites to potential value underdogs, Week 17 demands precision in identifying the key efficiency metrics and situational advantages. We'll dissect the critical performance indicators, line movement patterns, and matchup dynamics to help you navigate this concentrated slate with confidence and analytical backing.
New users can sign up with the linked BetMGM bonus code to win $150 in bonus bets or claim a $1,500 First Bet Offer.
Week 17 CFB Spreads & Totals
The betting board presents two intriguing non-conference battles with lines that reflect competitive expectations across both matchups.
- Old Dominion Monarchs @ South Florida Bulls
- Spread: South Florida -2.5
- Total: 52.5
- Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns @ Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens
- Spread: Louisiana -3
- Total: 62.5
All betting lines are via consensus odds.
Sharp money movement has created clear directional action across multiple markets this week. Professional bettors are demonstrating strong conviction on several key positions, particularly favoring offensive production in both contests.
The South Florida-Old Dominion matchup has witnessed decisive sharp backing for the home Bulls, with 72.26% of the handle supporting USF against the spread. Even more telling is the moneyline action, where 90.89% of professional money backs a straight Bulls victory, indicating minimal upset potential in the market's view.
Conversely, the Louisiana-Delaware game presents a sharp versus public divergence on the spread. Despite Louisiana's road favorite status, 72.54% of professional money supports Delaware getting the field goal at home, suggesting this contest will be closer than the line indicates.
Total betting has aligned sharply toward offensive fireworks in both games. The 52.5 number in the ODU-USF clash has attracted 64.8% of sharp handle on the Over, while the Louisiana-Delaware total of 62.5 has seen an even stronger 67.89% of professional money backing the Over, creating clear separation from recreational betting patterns.
NCAAF Week 17 Picks: ATS and Over/Under Predictions
| Matchup | ATS Pick | Total (O/U) Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Old Dominion Monarchs vs. South Florida Bulls | South Florida -2.5 | Over 52.5 |
| Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns vs. Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens | Delaware +3 | Over 62.5 |
Old Dominion Monarchs vs. South Florida Bulls
Picks: South Florida -2.5 | Over 52.5
This selection centers on offensive efficiency disparities and sharp money alignment. South Florida operates a statistically dominant offense, generating 42.3 points per game while accumulating over 500 total yards (501.7) consistently. Their situational execution proves elite, converting 47.9% of third down attempts while maintaining a devastating 93.5% red zone touchdown rate.
Old Dominion counters with solid offensive production (32.5 PPG) and an active pass rush generating 35.0 sacks, but critical execution flaws undermine their ceiling. A -3 turnover differential and significantly lower red zone efficiency (76.8%) create consistent field position disadvantages against disciplined opponents.
The Over 52.5 gains support from multiple efficiency indicators showing "Improving" offensive trends for both programs while defensive units display "Declining" metrics. Combined scoring averages approach 75 points per contest, and favorable weather conditions should allow both air attacks to operate without environmental constraints.
New users can sign up with the linked DraftKings promo code to bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets (if you win).
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns vs. Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens
Picks: Delaware +3 | Over 62.5
This represents a classic sharp money fade situation where professional backing contradicts surface-level analysis. While Louisiana enters as a road favorite, Delaware possesses superior offensive yardage production (418.1 vs. 345.7 yards per game), creating value with the home underdog receiving three points. Scoring averages remain virtually identical (Delaware 29.6 PPG, Louisiana 27.1 PPG), making the field goal cushion particularly attractive when sharp bettors demonstrate such decisive support for the Blue Hens.
The Over 62.5 benefits from line movement validation, as the total has climbed from its 58.5 opener with nearly 68% of professional money driving the action higher. Both programs excel at capitalizing on red zone opportunities, with Louisiana converting 87.5% of scoring chances while Delaware maintains an 83.7% success rate. In a projected competitive contest, expect both offenses to maximize their touchdown opportunities and push the scoring well beyond the inflated total.