College football predictions, picks, odds: Alabama, Ohio State, Texas on upset alert in Week 13

After a couple of really particular weeks in a row, a regression to the imply was coming. Sadly, the penultimate week of the yr was a flop with solely one in every of 4 upset picks hitting — and two ending in fully embarrassing style for us. 

Texas completely crushed Kansas 55-14, leaving little question on a -9 line. Oklahoma jumped out to a 28-0 lead after the primary quarter of Bedlam in opposition to Oklahoma State and by no means appeared again. Nebraska got here one level away from hitting the upset in opposition to Wisconsin, whereas Duke dropped by two factors in opposition to Pitt. Fortunately, Houston got here by with a 42-3 shellacking of East Carolina. 

This week, rivalries take middle stage. The largest sport of the weekend in Columbus, Ohio, incorporates a surprisingly large line. Video games in opposition to in-state opponents for Alabama and Clemson have even greater totals. Let’s put together for chaos. Listed here are 5 video games that soar out to us in Week 13 for upsets on the cash line. 

“Upset” is outlined by odds, not rankings. All odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. Traces could shift after publication. 

Baylor at No. 23 Texas

When: Friday 12 p.m. ET | The place: Darrell Ok. Royal Stadium — Austin, Texas

Texas has been overvalued by analytic techniques all season due to an in depth outcome in opposition to Alabama and domination of an Oklahoma workforce with out its quarterback. The favorable metrics depart the Longhorns as a two-score favourite in opposition to Baylor regardless of solely profitable one sport for the reason that Purple River Showdown by double-figures: Kansas. 

Baylor gave rival TCU its hardest sport of the yr in a 29-28 loss, compiling greater than 500 whole yards and 5 yards per carry in opposition to a Frogs protection that held Longhorns rusher Bijan Robinson to 29 yards. The Longhorns are 1-3 in opposition to the highest six of the Massive 12 standings and tried their greatest to blow a 31-10 lead in opposition to Kansas State. Choose: Baylor +260

When: Saturday 12 p.m. ET | The place: Ohio Stadium — Columbus, Ohio

Featured Sport | Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines

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Revenge is on the thoughts as The Sport incorporates a play-in for the School Soccer Playoff. Ohio State has spent the final yr getting ready for the rematch after shedding 42-27 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has positioned the protection effectively in opposition to lesser competitors, however Ohio State has not performed a workforce that may push it to the bodily restrict. 

Michigan is a flawed workforce that’s one-dimensional on offensive. When working again Blake Corum went out in opposition to Illinois, the Wolverines’ offense fell aside. Nonetheless, Corum needs to be again for Michigan and Ohio State has not confronted a workforce that may compete with them within the trenches for the reason that slog in opposition to Notre Dame. Take the possibility. Choose: Michigan +240

When: Saturday 12 p.m. ET | The place: Bridgeforth Stadium — Harrisonburg, Virginia

Featured Sport | James Madison Dukes vs. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

The large line on this sport is probably the most important endorsement attainable for Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall, who will miss the matchup with a foot damage. Backup Jarrett Visitor threw two interceptions in a decent 26-23 win over Southern Miss because the Chanticleers practically blew a 17-0 first-quarter lead. A canceled sport in opposition to Virginia final week solely provides a stage of confusion to evaluating this squad. 

Nonetheless, James Madison hasn’t been give up itself over the past month, shedding video games to Georgia Southern, Marshall and Louisville, and giving up 40 factors to Georgia State. The Dukes have a powerful high line of expertise, however Coastal Carolina has the depth, expertise and maturity to handle enterprise and preserve its New Yr’s Six hopes alive. Choose: Coastal Carolina +430

When: Saturday 12 p.m. ET | The place: Clemson Stadium — Clemson, South Carolina

Featured Sport | Clemson Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks

Can lightning strike twice? Certain, why not. Clemson has dominated this matchup, profitable seven straight video games relationship again to 2014. Nonetheless, the Tigers get Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks proper as they’re discovering their rhythm. 

Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler rediscovered his mojo with a school-record six landing passes in a 63-38 victory over No. 10 Tennessee. South Carolina scored on 9 of its 10 full possessions to clinch back-to-back profitable seasons. There is a path for South Carolina to have one of the best quarterback on the sector if issues go proper. Choose: South Carolina +430

Auburn at No. 7 Alabama

When: Saturday 3:30 p.m. ET | The place: Bryant-Denny Stadium — Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Featured Sport | Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Auburn Tigers

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Do you imagine it miracles? I do not, however for greater than 10-to-1 worth involving one of many largest rivalries in faculty soccer, I am going to strive my greatest. Since firing Bryan Harsin, the Tigers took a good Mississippi State squad to extra time, and beat Texas A&M and Western Kentucky. The vibes across the program beneath interim coach Cadillac Williams are on a unique stage. 

Alabama is on a unique expertise and manufacturing stage, however the Tide have been extremely weak in 2022. Nick Saban’s squad has gained three video games by one rating, together with a area purpose as time expired in opposition to Texas and stopping Texas A&M on the purpose line. Final week, the Tide scored simply 17 first-half factors in opposition to FCS opponent Austin Peay. Alabama is not Alabama this yr, and a juiced-up Auburn workforce might take benefit. Choose: Auburn +1050

Which faculty soccer picks are you able to make with confidence in Week 13, and which top-25 groups will go down arduous? Go to SportsLine to see which groups will win and canopy the unfold — all from a confirmed laptop mannequin that has returned virtually $3,000 in revenue over the previous six-plus seasons — and discover out.