A pair of Big 12 matchups this week could have significant implications for the conference championship race, set to unfold at Jerry World on December 7. With playoff aspirations on the line, every game counts, and fans are eagerly anticipating the outcomes.
Key Big 12 Showdowns
First up, we have No. 14 BYU (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) heading to face No. 21 Arizona State (8-2, 5-2) at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Pool Genius college football data grid gives the Sun Devils a slight edge, with a 55.3% chance of victory. Arizona State has been on a roll lately, showcasing a strong offense that has committed only one turnover during their impressive three-game win streak. Can they maintain this momentum against a BYU defense that allows an average of 176.1 passing yards per game?
Meanwhile, No. 16 Colorado (8-2, 5-2) will clash with Kansas (4-6, 3-4) at Arrowhead Stadium, also at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Buffaloes, under the guidance of second-year coach Deion Sanders, are in the playoff conversation, but the Jayhawks have been a thorn in the side of ranked teams lately, having taken down No. 22 Iowa State and BYU in consecutive weeks. The data grid gives Colorado a 56.2% chance of winning, but will they rise to the occasion?
Exciting Matchups in Week 13
These two games are among the most thrilling in our Week 13 picks featuring teams from the AP Top 25. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is electric as teams vie for crucial victories that could shape their postseason prospects.
Throughout the 2024 season, Sporting News is collaborating with PoolGenius to bring you top-notch pool strategy tips, expert quick picks, and updated data grids, all aimed at helping you secure a win. Not only does the PoolGenius college football data grid project winners for every game, but it also highlights the most significant discrepancies between their model and public betting trends. This gives you the chance to uncover hidden opportunities across the entire schedule.
Friday Night Lights
As we look ahead to Friday, November 22, No. 23 UNLV (-7.5) will take on San Jose State at 10 p.m. on FS1. The Rebels are fighting to stay in the Mountain West Conference championship race, and they’re 3-2 against the spread on the road this season. San Jose State’s high-volume passer, Walker Egat, has had some impressive games but also struggles with interceptions. Expect UNLV’s quarterback, Hajj-Malik Williams, to minimize mistakes and lead the Rebels to a back-door cover.
Pick: UNLV wins 38-24 and COVERS the spread.
Saturday Showdowns
On Saturday, November 23, the action heats up with several compelling matchups. No. 9 Ole Miss (-9.5) visits Florida at noon on ABC. The Gators are fresh off a win against LSU, but can they pull off another upset? Ole Miss, coming off a bye week, is keen to remain in the SEC championship race. With quarterback Jaxson Dart boasting a 177.2 passer rating on the road, look for the Rebels to inch closer to the playoffs.
Pick: Ole Miss wins 31-21 and COVERS the spread.
In another exciting Big Ten clash, No. 5 Indiana faces No. 2 Ohio State (-11.5) at noon on Fox. Indiana is desperate to snap a 28-game losing streak against the Buckeyes. With both teams showcasing strong defenses, this game could come down to who can capitalize on mistakes.
Pick: Ohio State wins 30-16 and COVERS the spread.
More Notable Games
The day continues with No. 11 Miami (-24) hosting Wake Forest at noon on ESPN. The Hurricanes are in must-win territory, having struggled against ranked opponents this season. Miami is expected to dominate in the second half.
Pick: Miami wins 46-20 and COVERS the spread.
As the day progresses, No. 24 Illinois visits Rutgers (-2) at noon on Peacock. The Scarlet Knights are bowl-eligible after back-to-back wins, but Illinois has historically performed well in this matchup.
Pick: Illinois wins 24-23 in an UPSET.
Later, No. 12 Boise State (-22.5) travels to Wyoming at 7 p.m. on CBSSN. Boise State is on a quest for a Mountain West Conference title, but Wyoming has proven to be a tough opponent at home.
Pick: Boise State wins 38-14 and COVERS the spread.
Evening Highlights
As night falls, No. 7 Alabama (-14) takes on Oklahoma at 7:30 p.m. on ABC. Oklahoma’s first season in the SEC has been rocky, but a win over Alabama would be a significant statement.
Pick: Alabama wins 28-17 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
Finally, No. 15 Texas A&M (-2.5) faces Auburn at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN. Auburn’s defense has been formidable, but Texas A&M is looking to bounce back from recent setbacks.
Pick: Texas A&M wins 20-14 and COVERS the spread.
With so many exciting matchups on the horizon, college football fans are in for a thrilling weekend. Each game holds the potential to alter the landscape of the playoff race, making every moment count. Are you ready for the action?
