College Football 2016 Picks Against The Spread: Week 13
By Ty Duffy
Due to absent staff members, we’re picking the games via text this week. Ty Duffy is 32-27-1 ATS. Kyle Koster is 27-32-1.
Ohio State(-6.5) vs. Michigan
Koster [Ohio State] The Buckeyes own Michigan, winning 11 of the last 12. The game is in Columbus. The Wolverines will be sending John O’Korn, who looked terrible last week, out against a supremely talented secondary. He’ll be protected by an offensive line that’s proven to be porous in recent weeks. All the ingredients are there for a blowout. Ohio State by at least 14.
Duffy [Ohio State] These are two similar teams. They don’t throw the ball particularly well. They do just about everything else at or near elite level. The venue favors Ohio State. The history favors Ohio State. Ohio State has its starting quarterback. Maybe Jim Harbaugh has some surprises. But, it’s hard to look at the hard info and pick Michigan.
Washington(-6) at Washington State
Koster [Washington State] You can usually throw out the records when they play the Apple Cup. This year lets keep them in play because Mike Leach’s team has been incredible on offense. Still yet to see Washington win convincingly against a top opponent.
Duffy [Washington State] This is a rivalry game. It’s in Pullman. Washington’s defense isn’t quite what it was with injuries to Joe Mathis and Azeem Victor. I see this game coming down to Mike Leach’s special teams.
Alabama (-17) vs. Auburn
Koster [Alabama] Good teams win. Great teams cover. Alabama teams cover with ease. Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving. Not going to waste time explaining why the Crimson Tide are not to be bet against.
Duffy [Alabama] This may be Nick Saban’s best run defense ever. No one can run on them. Running the ball is Auburn’s plans A-C. The Tigers have looked out of sorts since their apex against Arkansas. They aren’t getting this done on the road. Take the Tide.
Colorado (-10) vs. Utah
Koster [Colorado] The Buffaloes can see the finish line. Don’t expect a letdown even against a tough team like Utah. Feels so good to have Colorado back.
Duffy [Colorado] Utah’s pass defense is not very good. If their pressure doesn’t hit up front, Colorado will spring some big plays. This does not matter much for Utah. This is Colorado’s most important game in some time.
Florida State (-7) vs. Florida
Koster [Florida State] The Seminoles are undeniably talented, if motivated. A rivalry game on senior day should do the trick
Duffy [Florida] I’ll change things up a bit and take the Gators. Florida has a strong defense that can exploit FSU’s offensive line and stop the Seminoles from picking up chunk plays. Florida State has shown no reason to think they can separate themselves from a good team. This one is coming down to one score.
Duffy’s Picks
Another 1-4 slide last week dropped these picks to 29-28-3 on the year.
Missouri (+7.5) vs. Arkansas
The Battle Line Rivalry! Arkansas’ defense isn’t good on third downs and can’t stop the run. Missouri’s tempo should trouble them. Home dogs in the SEC on Senior Day.
Arizona (+3) vs. Arizona State
Arizona can move the ball and run the ball well. Games have been closer than the results suggests. Arizona State has an all or nothing pressure defense Rich Rodriguez can probably exploit. Night game at home. Take the points.
Minnesota (+14.5) at Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a better version of Minnesota. They are both strong defensive teams that don’t have explosive quarterback play. The Badgers are not efficient in the red zone. Wisconsin has a tougher fight than anticipated.
Iowa State (+7) vs. West Virginia
This game is huge let down spot for West Virginia after losing the Big 12 title against Oklahoma. Iowa State is frisky. They have been far tougher to play in Ames this season, where they are 5-1 against the spread. They also have a good pass defense.
Boston College (+3) at Wake Forest
Wake Forest is coming off back-to-back games against Louisville and Clemson. Their run-based offense is going up against an excellent BC run defense. The Demon Deacons are through to bowl play. Steve Addazio’s dudes need one more win to get there.