The Wildcat returns for his 22nd season in The Post. Including the 1997-2017 seasons in the Bettor’s Guide, Cat’s record in print stands at 595-498 (54.4 percent) against the spread.
Saturday
Seahawks (+1¹/₂) over COWBOYS: With an 0-2 record leading into the Cowboys’ visit, Seattle responded, launching its run to this postseason. The Cowboys’ acquisition of wideout Amari Cooper was an inspired move that lit their fuse. Though a couple of their offensive linemen got nicked, Dallas largely got away with playing most of its regulars (excepting Ezekiel Elliott) in the meaningless Week 17 visit to MetLife — still, an absurdly risky decision. Seattle boasts proven winners, QB Russell Wilson and coach Pete Carroll. Visitors grind down clock with RB Chris Carson and friends. Seahawks sail on, for one unit.
Monday
Clemson (+6) over Alabama (CFP Championship; Santa Clara, Calif.): Those who ceded this crown to the Tide after their first looks at QB Tua Tagovailoa may be right. However, Bama’s defense isn’t bulletproof — the soft spot being freshman corner Patrick Surtain II, who was victimized by Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray. Now we get another look at Clemson’s true freshman QB Trevor Lawrence, an iconic performer who destroyed Notre Dame’s secondary. Lawrence’s sheer youth is a caution, but his stylistic resemblance to Joe Namath is haunting. Tigers look to gain revenge, for one unit.
Last week: 1-2
Season: 17-20
