The College Football Playoff picture is becoming clear, but an upset or two in the waning weeks of the regular season can really tilt it on its head. There are some bets this week that stand out, some of which are going to have big national championship or conference title implications and others which will have less on the line but be just as lucrative.
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Here are our top picks for NCAAF Week 13. Odds provided by Bookmaker.eu.
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Iowa Hawkeyes (-10)
The pick: Cornhuskers +10
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have really turned their season around late. They began the year with five straight losses but have won four of their past five in the Big Ten, including a 9-6 win over Michigan State in the snow last time out. The only loss in that span came by five points to Ohio State. Nebraska has to go on the road this weekend to face off against the Iowa Hawkeyes, but the point spread of 10 points in favor of Iowa is too big. Take Nebraska to stay hot by keeping this one competitive.
Oklahoma Sooners (-1.5) vs West Virginia Mountaineers
The pick: Sooners -1.5
The Oklahoma Sooners will be on the road this week in a critical matchup against the West Virginia Mountaineers. Oklahoma is the slightest of favorites at 1½ points and a loss would end its chance at sneaking into the College Football Playoff. Look for Kyler Murray to have a huge game to lead the Sooners to the victory in a shootout.
Washington State Cougars (-3) vs Washington Huskies
The pick: Cougars -3
The Washington State Cougars are also on the periphery of the national championship chase and need a win over rival Washington Huskies in order to stay there and keep their spot atop the Pac-12 North. Washington looked like the better team heading into the season but Washington State has been really good all year. The Cougars are only three-point home favorites and that spread is too small. Washington State is the pick to cover.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan Wolverines (-3.5)
The pick: Buckeyes +3.5
The Ohio State Buckeyes have stumbled lately but hope to find a way to knock off the Michigan Wolverines in their annual clash. Ohio State can knock Michigan out of the College Football Playoff picture with a win. Even though the Buckeyes are 3.5-point underdogs, they are at home and have good talent. Michigan may be the slightly better team but it will be Ohio State that not only covers this spread but also pulls off the upset.
LSU Tigers vs Texas A&M Aggies (-2.5)
The pick: Tigers +2.5
The LSU Tigers have fallen back after a hot start and will be road underdogs this weekend in a matchup against the Texas A&M Aggies. LSU has some offensive issues but it has the superior talent across the board in this one. Texas A&M is a tough place to play but look for LSU to cover and also make an upset bid.
Alabama Crimson Tide (-24) vs Auburn Tigers
The pick: Tigers +24
The best bet of the week involves the best team in the country, but this time around, the Alabama Crimson Tide won’t be the pick to cover. Don’t get it twisted, Alabama is a huge favorite and will easily knock off the Auburn Tigers.
However, the 24-point spread is too high against a team that has a solid defense. Look for Auburn to do enough to keep this game interesting for a half, which will help it cover the spread. The Tigers have been up and down on the season but should play well enough in this one to give the Crimson Tide a small scare.
Alabama has a huge game against Georgia next week and may be looking ahead. The Crimson Tide should eventually take control but this one will be a little bumpier than preferred.
Check out the latest college football week 13 betting odds.
