After probably the most chalkiest weeks in contemporary reminiscence, we nonetheless have 9 groups left vying for 4 spots in the College Football Playoff and none of them are certain issues. That will upload numerous spice to an already highly spiced competition week. Every group in rivalry for a place in the CFP is taking part in an in-state rival who would really like not anything greater than to break their shot on the playoff. (OK, technically Michigan and Ohio State aren’t in the similar state, however it’s arguably the most important competition in the game.)
Each week, I can use this house to inform you what I believe are among the best bets heading into the weekend. I can additionally throw in an dissatisfied of the week, which will likely be a group this is no less than a landing underdog that I’m selecting to win outright.
I can additionally come up with alternatives on different video games involving doable College Football Playoff groups. Any primary convention group that hasn’t misplaced two times but is technically nonetheless a CFP candidate, that means I’m best going as a ways down as No. 10Â Louisville.
I’m again to my successful techniques simply in time for the season to return to an in depth. I used to be 2-1 remaining week and now 19-14 general. The dissatisfied particular may be completing sturdy. After an 0-7 get started, I’ve now hit on 4 of the remaining 5. Upset specials are actually 4-7 instantly up and 6-5 ATS for the season. This would be the ultimate installment of this column for the season, so I’m taking a look to move out in a blaze of glory.
Odds by way of SportsLine consensus
Week 13 alternatives
No. 2 Ohio State at No. 3 Michigan (-3.5)
It is winner-take-all for the Buckeyes and Wolverines. It would take greater than a bit of chaos to open the door to the College Football Playoff for the loser of this recreation. The two maximum dynamic gamers at the box belong to the Buckeyes in extensive receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr. and working again TreVeyon Henderson. Michigan has the easier quarterback, although, in J.J. McCarthy. This is the sport the place I believe Michigan misses having Jim Harbaugh making the large calls at the sideline. In remaining 12 months’s recreation at Ohio State, he gave the look to be training to win whilst Buckeyes trainer Ryan Day was once training to not lose. I don’t agree with offensive coordinator/period in-between Michigan trainer Sherron Moore to be so daring when the placement calls for it. Pick: Ohio State +3.5
No. 16 Oregon State at No. 6 Oregon (-13.5)
Oregon is considered one of six groups that controls its personal destiny for the College Football Playoff, however it’ll now not be simple. If the Ducks win right here, they get a rematch with No. 5 Washington for the Pac-12 identify. The Beavers play numerous shut video games. Of their 8 convention video games to this point, six have been made up our minds by way of fewer issues than this line, and their win over Utah was once by way of 14. I just like the Ducks to win, however now not by way of a lot. Pick: Oregon State +13.5
No. 17 Iowa at Nebraska (O/U 26)
Oddsmakers have after all get a hold of a complete on an Iowa recreation that has tempted me to move with the over. Psych! I’m really not deterred, even supposing the Iowa-Illinois recreation went over this quantity remaining week. Never underestimate the Hawkeyes’ talent to get an underneath. They are school football’s limbo champions. Nebraska wishes this for bowl eligibility and is in reality the favourite. Pick: Under 26
Upset of the Week
James Madison (-9) at Coastal Carolina
The Chanticleers have so much to play for right here. A win would imply a percentage of the department identify and a place in the Sun Belt Championship Game. It would additionally deny the Dukes’ declare of department superiority in spite of now not being eligible for the postseason. The NCAA rejected James Madison’s request for a waiver so they can play in the postseason remaining week. The Dukes adopted that up with their first lack of the season. Now that they have got a loss, there isn’t as a lot at stake. Their trail to a bowl recreation depends upon the misfortune of others. Pick: Coastal Carolina +9
Other CFP applicants
Which school football alternatives are you able to make with self assurance in Week 13, and which underdogs will win outright? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the spread — all from a confirmed pc style that has returned neatly over $2,000 in benefit over the last seven-plus seasons — and in finding out.