Heading into Week 12 of the 2020 college football season, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation of Arizona State’s visit to Colorado and the postponement of Ole Miss’ trip to College Station to take on #5 Texas A&M. Notre Dame continues their push to meet Clemson in the ACC Championship, and Indiana heads to Columbus to face Ohio State — the first time the Hoosiers have ever faced a top-ten team while also ranked in the top ten, standing at 4-0 for the first time since 1987.
As you consider your college football betting for the weekend, take a look at these top matchups.
NCAA News: ATS Picks for Week 12
#9 Indiana (+20) at #3 Ohio State
Did you have this written down as one of the key games that could determine the Big Ten East champion? If so, you were in a minuscule minority. Many college football experts thought that Indiana was underrated, but they have surpassed even the most sanguine expectations. Ohio State comes in off an unscheduled by, as their game with Maryland was canceled due to COVID-19 cases. Indiana comes in having dealt Michigan State a 24-0 beating at Spartan Stadium. Even if the Hoosiers can pull off what would be an amazing upset, they still have a trip to Wisconsin remaining on the schedule. With wins over Penn State and Michigan already in their pockets, though, the Hoosiers have to have tons of confidence. I like Indiana to cover.
#14 Oklahoma State (+9.5) at #18 Oklahoma
The renewal of the Bedlam rivalry features these two teams in unusual situations. This year, it’s the Cowboys who are in the driver’s seat as far as a berth in the Big 12 Championship goes — but Oklahoma would stay alive in the race if they can win. Do the Cowboys have the mental strength to beat a team that has dominated their rivalry over time? Their offense has the talent to put up enough points, but that Cowboys defense that gave up just too much against Texas will need to stand stronger against the Sooners. Oklahoma to win and cover.
#10 Wisconsin (-7) at #19 Northwestern
These are the two best teams in the Big Ten West. Northwestern is also 4-0, while Wisconsin is 2-0, having lost two games to COVID-19 cancellations. Wisconsin came out of their two-week hiatus to throttle Michigan last week, and they have looked almost as impressive at Ohio State at times. This will be a tough test, but Northwestern has had a relatively easy skate through Big Ten play thus far. Wisconsin to win and cover.
Kentucky (+29.5) at #1 Alabama
What else does Alabama have to do this season? Their game with LSU was postponed, but LSU will be lucky to make it to .500 this year. Alabama has already beaten Texas A&M (and in emphatic fashion), so Auburn is the biggest date on the calendar. Kentucky is averaging 23.3 points per season, so this line means that the oddsmakers think Alabama should more than double them up. Kentucky did win last week, but they had to fight off Vanderbilt, not one of the top teams in the SEC by any means. Alabama to win and cover.
#4 Clemson (-33) at Florida State
Trevor Lawrence returns to lead the Clemson offense; the Tigers had a bye week after losing at Notre Dame two weeks ago. They head south to take on a Florida State team that has problems all over the roster. There was a time when this was a marquee matchup on the ACC calendar, but that’s not the case anymore. I don’t like giving Clemson this many points with Lawrence coming back from an extended absence. Personally, I’m staying away from this game, but it is a popular one for bettors. I’d go with Clemson to win and cover in a statement game after losing under the shadow of Touchdown Jesus.
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