Thanksgiving weekend often features some of the great rivalry games in college football, and there are also several key matchups of ranked teams coming this Friday and Saturday. There are 12 games on Friday, including a Big 12 showdown between #20 Texas and #15 Iowa State that will have major implications for the Big 12 Championship. The ACC also has a major Friday game featuring #2 Notre Dame and #25 North Carolina. On Saturday, the Iron Bowl features #1 Alabama and #22 Auburn, although the struggles that Auburn has faced this season means that this will likely not be the terrific matchup it has been in recent years.
Let’s take a look at some of the early odds on college football betting picks for the weekend.
NCAA News: ATS Picks for Week 13
#22 Auburn (+24) at #1 Alabama
Last year, Auburn knocked off Alabama, but Auburn was only a 3 ½-point underdog in that game. This knocked Alabama out of the College Football Playoff. However, this year, Auburn has had difficulty on both sides of the ball, even struggling against Tennessee last week before pulling away late. Alabama remains undefeated and could even handle a loss at this point without having problems getting into the Playoff. Even so, I see Alabama having plenty of motivation against an Auburn team that simply isn’t playing all that well this year. Alabama to win and cover.
#2 Notre Dame (-4) at #25 North Carolina
Remember when North Carolina was #5 in the nation after a 3-0 start? Well, losing to Florida State and Virginia has them clinging to the bottom of the AP Top 25. Even so, if quarterback Sam Howell can get the ball moving, the Tar Heels have the talent to threaten the Fighting Irish and even pull off the upset, particularly on the road. Given the tough tests Notre Dame has already passed, though, I see the Irish checking this box too. Notre Dame to win and cover.
LSU (+12.5) at #5 Texas A&M
In 2019, LSU rolled to a 50-7 shellacking of the Aggies. In 2018, though, the Aggies had the last laugh, winning 74-72 in seven overtimes. After getting hammered by Alabama, Texas A&M has improved significantly and now stands on the bring of a College Football Playoff slot. This is a big line, but LSU’s defense has not been good this year. Texas A&M to win and cover.
#15 Iowa State (+2) at #20 Texas
Texas has not played since November 7 thanks to COVID-19 and a scheduled bye. Iowa STate comes in having demolished Kansas State last week, 45-0, and the Cyclones now lead the Big 12 Championship standings. Sam Ehlinger has shown that he can be a clutch quarterback down the stretch, but Iowa State has been too impressive in too many clutch situations this year. Iowa State to cover.
#14 Oklahoma (-10.5) at West Virginia
Oklahoma rolled over Oklahoma State in their Bedlam showdown, and now they head to one of the toughest road destinations in college football. West Virginia has a stout defense this year, holding their last three opponents under 14 points, and I see this as a trap game for a Sooner team that may have some overconfidence going after rolling over the Cowboys. West Virginia to cover.
#11 Northwestern (-11) at Michigan State
Northwestern used their defensive to get the takeaways in a win over Wisconsin last week, staking their claim as the favorite in the Big Ten West. Next up is a trip to Michigan State, where the Spartans have been inconsistent this season. Given that Northwestern only put up 17 points against Wisconsin, I’m not sure they can cover this spread against Sparty. Michigan State to cover.
Texas Tech (+12.5) at #21 Oklahoma State
This is a huge line for an Oklahoma State team that has seen claims of a terrific defense questioned by Texas and shredded by Oklahoma. Will the Cowboys get back up to thrash Texas Tech? The Red Raiders have shocked the likes of West Virginia and Baylor at home, but they also lost by 16 at TCU. I see the Cowboys getting back up and delivering a rout. Oklahoma State to win and cover.
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