The final week of the regular season brings plenty of intrigue to the college football season. There are several marquee matchups ahead of the conference championships.
Despite a late run, we could never quite get over the hump in the best bets. But I’ll give it another whirl and pick the biggest games of the week.
Here’s the week 13 college football best bets.
Last Week: 3-3 ATS
Overall: 30-40-2 ATS
Nebraska (+1.5) at Iowa
I know we’re all freaking out about Iowa, but we shouldn’t lose sight that Nebraska has gotten back on track.
After an ugly loss to Ohio State, Nebraska battled back two weeks ago to defeat a Minnesota team that is better than most believe. Then, the Cornhuskers took care of business last week against Maryland, a team one win shy of a bowl berth.
The Cornhuskers haven’t been flashy, but they’ve done what they needed to do to win nine games this season. Iowa, on the other hand, looked dismal for much of the season before a close victory at home against Michigan two weeks ago. And most of the problems for Iowa have come on the offensive side of the football.
That won’t get any easier against the Cornhuskers. Even last week against a completely overmatched Illinois team, Iowa struggled to score for the majority of the game.
This game will be close, but I trust Nebraska more than Iowa. The Cornhuskers have only lost to Wisconsin and Ohio State this season, but still have no respect. That will matter in this game. — Go Against The Chalk with Nebraska
Washington (-6) at Washington State
This is an interesting game that should feature plenty of points.
Both teams are elite on the offensive side of the ball. The only question is which defense will show up this week. Washington’s defense was exposed two weeks ago against USC, while Washington State couldn’t make enough stops last week against a Colorado offense that has struggled many times this season.
It’s a rivalry game, so expect a good watch Friday night.
But in this game, I trust Washington’s defense more than the Cougars. It’s been a nice ride for Washington State, but Washington has better athletes on the defensive side of the ball. That will pay dividends in this game, especially in the second half when both defenses will have to make a stop or two.
The Cougars couldn’t make those stops last week and I don’t expect them to make them this week either. — Go Chalk with Washington
Michigan (+6.5) at Ohio State
Pretty much everything inside of me wants to pick Ohio State, but there’s just something about this game that has me tentative. Michigan can play defense. And against teams that show up on that side of the ball, the Buckeyes have struggled to get much going this year.
The Wolverines haven’t done much moving the ball lately, but they may not have to do much against Ohio State. This game should be a low-scoring affair, which favors the top defensive team in the NCAA.
This game should be close and I’m taking the better defensive team. — Go Against The Chalk with Michigan
Bonus Bets
West Virginia (-7) at Iowa State — I know everyone is excited about Iowa State’s dominating performance last week against Texas Tech. But let’s face it. The Red Raiders wanted nothing to do with that game last week. West Virginia is a much better team and that will show in this one. — Go Chalk with West Virginia
Auburn (+17.5) at Alabama — I’ve been on the Auburn train all season, and despite a loss to Georgia, I still have half of my body on that train. The Tigers won’t win this game, but they can keep it within two touchdowns. This will be closer than many imagine. — Go Against The Chalk with Auburn
Oregon at Oregon State (+3) — This game means more to the Beavers. Oregon State has been dying to get a win in this rivalry and there’s no better chance than this week. Oregon State keeps improving and wins this one outright. — Go Against The Chalk with Oregon State
