Well here we are degenerate’s. We are coming down to the final stretch of college football for the season. Rivalry Week is here! Black Friday had some solid games to go by. The U is officially no longer back after losing to a BUM Pittsburgh Panthers squad (RIP in Peace the Turnover Chain). USF vs. UCF may have been the game of the year. And Josh Rosen SNUCK by Cal late night.
Today will be no different. A ton of solid games to get your Vegas fix in. The implications on the playoff picture are REAL. We could very well be able to determine at least 2 of the 4 teams locking in a spot depending on the outcomes of today’s games. But you see, the thing about college football (for those of you who are unaware), is a business. And in any business – you want the market to be as enticing to people as possible in order to keep views up. And it is that conspiracy theory that will lead me to some of the picks I will be sharing with you today. ON TO THE LOCKS!
(9) Ohio State vs. Michigan: Under 50.5
Thick Sack Alert! The only good thing about the Wolverines this season has been their defense, particularly their defensive front. Third and long situations is the goal here. Get under J.T. Barrett’s skin early and often, and he can easily be shaken on the road. The home crowd will be fired up after two days of lean protein turkey and carbo-loaded mashed potatoes to give the stadium the energy it needs for a full four quarters. In the Buckeye’s defense, they are going to need to pull this off to have any hope in having a truly successful season. If they can win this game, and take on the undefeated Wisconsin Badgers in the Big Ten Championship, they (pending other outcomes) could have an argument for the 4th spot in the playoff. Either way, I’m whipping out the sack and laying it on the under.
Final Score: Ohio State 24, Michigan 17
(1) Alabama vs. (6) Auburn: Auburn OUTRIGHT
The Iron Bowl Baby! I had hinted at this matchup the other week, and expressed my thoughts to a couple Stoop Kids how I thought this would play out. Alabama hasn’t played anyone, especially not a full-fledged defense, yet this season. Week 13 is going to be their first test. This matchup also screams thick sack if your one to just slay Vegas on the unders. Neither offense is really going to be able to get it going. It’s a final drive type of matchup. Who will be able to get that one extra push to get them into scoring territory late in the game. Jarrett Stidham and Kerryon Johnson have my vote. At home in front of a sellout crowd in Jordan-Hare Stadium, they are going to have the momentum on their side. And what a story for college football to keep things really interesting going into the playoff push. Could you imagine Auburn taking it to the house to jump into the top 4? They will need to face Georgia for the SEC West title, but man oh man would they have everything and more heading into that game if they can upset the number one team in the nation. I’m all about the storyline here, and I don’t think the college football Gods will prove me wrong. If they do, feel free to wrap up another Saban championship because he is (will be) the college football god. War Eagle!
Final Score: Auburn 23 Alabama 21
West Virginia vs. (4) Oklahoma: Under 68.5
Baker Mayfield is proving time and time again that he is the second coming of Johnny Manziel. Can you imagine this man in a Browns jersey for about 2 seasons before carrying over his partying from college into the NFL only to leave for rehab and get a dad bod? Yea – it’s a tale as old as time. Unfortunately for Baker, his nut grab last week against Kansas cost him the starting job this weekend against the Mountaineer’s. Does that mean he won’t get in the game after the first drive? No, he will play eventually. But the fact that Billy Greier is also done for the season with a recent surgery to his throwing hand, you have to sound the alarm on the thick sack alert. Sure, these two offenses are explosive. But when you are starting the game with two backup QB’s, you have to assume a defensive game plan is in place. Take the under.
Final Score: Oklahoma 35, West Virginia 17
(3) Clemson vs. (24) South Carolina: South Carolina +14
The only thing Clemson has on their side in this matchup is the fact that they don’t have room to screw up. They win this game and they could easily be on their way to another college football playoff. This has another storyline ending written all over it for college football fanatics. I was very, very close to taking the Gamecock’s OUTRIGHT. But when you have that kind of feeling, you have to look at what Vegas is handing you. And in a game that is going to be a close fought battle in South Carolina, you have to take the two touchdowns that Vegas is laying on your lap. South Carolina’s defense has been great this season. If they can grind out the backfield, and force Clemson to toss up long balls, they will absolutely have a chance in this matchup. Offense being so-so, it’s going to be another low scoring four quarter game.
Final Score: Clemson 27, South Carolina 20
(8) Notre Dame vs. (21) Stanford: Stanford OUTRIGHT
Jamaal Adams vs. Bryce Love. This is going to be Bryce Love’s game to prove that he deserves the Heisman. And I personally think Notre Dame is bobo on the road, especially Brandon Wimbush – dude’s soft. Miami got to the kid early, and we know that the defense can’t win them games. In Stanford’s case, the defense is not anything to brag about, but it has kept them in games for sure. I like the home dogs here; Stanford and Bryce Love will be banging it out tonight against the Irish. Also – the spread as of this morning is set at Notre Dame -1.5! That’s a Cardinal line all the way, OUTRIGHT!
Final Score: Stanford 24, Notre Dame 20