Hello everyone. Hope you all have had a great Thanksgiving with your family and friends. It’s a terrific weekend of rivalry football with major playoff implications on deck, so let’s get into some picks
for the last time this year.
As usual, I’m using the lines over at the FanDuel Sportsbook.
(Disclaimer: these are just my opinions. Please do your own analysis and pick accordingly. I am not telling you what to do with your money. Be responsible. Have a gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&C apply; lines subject to change.)
And now, on with this week’s picks…
Miami at PITT +6.5
I like Miami’s chances to win this game. I think the Canes’ pass rush will make Mason Heintschel very uncomfortable and force some mistakes. I just don’t see Miami putting their foot on the Panthers and putting them away. Canes win 27-23 to win and close out the season at 10-2 but not quite cover.
Ohio State at MICHIGAN +10.5
Ohio State hasn’t been really tested in weeks and weeks. Go check out their schedule. It’s really, really weak. They’ll go into a buzzsaw this weekend, and while I think they survive, it’ll be close.
CLEMSON +2.5 at South Carolina
The Tigers have been perhaps the biggest mystery of this season with losses at home to Duke and Syracuse. But it feels like they’re starting to play a little bit better, and I think they have a slight talent edge on the Gamecocks. I’ll take the points and the outright win on the road.
Vanderbilt at TENNESSEE -2.5
The Commodores are not good on the back end of their defense. Tennessee has the highest scoring offense in the SEC and has the deep passing game (three receivers with 700+ yards receiving; Joey Aguilar leads the SEC in passing yards) to expose them. It’s a high scoring affair, but the Vols get a stop or two more to win and cover.
Oregon at WASHINGTON +6.5
Call this one a gut pick. The Ducks got past what appeared to be their last major hurdle last week with a big win over USC at home. The Huskies have been inconsistent, but they picked up their best win of the year at home against Illinois (42-25) and have won two straight in blowout fashion after an embarrassing loss to Wisconsin. I’ll take the 6.5 and see if they can take it to the wire.
VIRGINIA TECH +8.5 at Virginia
The Hokies have just owned this rivalry and have that mental edge on the Cavaliers. Add in the loss of star UVa LB Kam Robinson to an injury, and I think Tech has a legit shot of putting off the upset.
ALABAMA -5.5 at Auburn
Anything can happen in the Iron Bowl, but Bama still has everything to play for, as they advance to the SEC Championship game with a win and are most likely out of the playoff picture with a loss. Auburn’s offense – even with their QB changes – won’t be quite enough to give the Canes the upset they need to inch closer to the playoff. Tide by a touchdown.
SMU -13.5 at Cal
The Bears have had their moment to help Miami before with an overtime win at Louisville, but that’s been about it in a disappointing season that saw the firing of former head coach Justin Wilcox after a blowout loss to Stanford. Is there anything left for them to fight for? I fear not. Ponies roll in Berkeley.
GEORGIA -13.5 at Georgia Tech
Tech showed me who they are last week after going down 28-0 to Pitt at home. This game will be in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, so home field will be even less for the Jackets. Bulldogs win big.
KENTUCKY +2.5 at Louisville
Perhaps a slight help for the Canes here if Louisville can get to 8-4, but Miller Moss’s health is still dicey, and star WR Chris Brown will be out, to add to the banged-up Cardinals’ injury woes. Kentucky has been playing better lately aside from a stinker against Vandy last week, but with bowl eligibility on the line, they’ll be the more motivated and healthier team with better vibes.
