No. 5 Indiana is set to clash with No. 2 Ohio State in what promises to be another thrilling top-five Big Ten showdown. This highly anticipated matchup will take place at Ohio Stadium at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday. With both teams vying for supremacy in the conference, this game will have significant implications for the Big Ten championship race.
The stakes are high as the Hoosiers (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten) face off against the Buckeyes (9-1, 6-1). Ohio State enters the game as a double-digit favorite, looking to extend its winning streak against Indiana, which has not beaten the Buckeyes in 29 attempts. Will Indiana’s head coach, Curt Cignetti, finally break the curse? This game is not just about bragging rights; it could redefine the landscape of the Big Ten.
Week 13 Matchups to Watch
This top-tier contest is just one of three matchups featuring ranked teams in Week 13 of the college football season. No. 14 BYU will take on No. 21 Arizona State at 3:30 p.m. ET, while No. 6 Notre Dame faces No. 18 Army at 7 p.m. at Yankee Stadium in what many are calling a de facto College Football Playoff elimination game. With 18 games involving top 25 teams this week, the excitement is palpable.
As we dive into our predictions, let’s take a look at our track record this season. We’ve been keeping tabs on our performance, and here’s how we stack up:
- Straight up: 158-46 (13-5 in Week 11)
- Against the spread: 95-109 (6-12 in Week 11)
Now, let’s get into our picks against the spread for Week 13.
Key Predictions for Saturday’s Games
No. 5 Indiana at No. 2 Ohio State (-11.5) (12 p.m., Fox)
This is the main event in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have been a defensive powerhouse, allowing just 9.3 points per game over the last four weeks. Meanwhile, the Hoosiers have held their opponents to 11.3 points per game in the same stretch. Quarterbacks Kurtis Rourke and Will Howard are among the best in the conference, boasting passer ratings over 180. The pressure is palpable: Ohio State must avoid a second loss at home, while Indiana seeks to claim the biggest victory in its history.
Pick: Ohio State wins 30-16 and COVERS the spread.
No. 9 Ole Miss (-9.5) at Florida (12 p.m., ABC)
Coming off a victory against LSU, Florida aims for another upset. Ole Miss, fresh off a bye week, is determined to stay in the SEC championship hunt. Quarterback Jaxson Dart has been exceptional on the road, and the Rebels are 3-1 against the spread away from home this season. Can Lane Kiffin lead Ole Miss closer to the playoff?
Pick: Ole Miss wins 31-21 and COVERS the spread.
Wake Forest at No. 11 Miami (-24) (12 p.m., ESPN)
Miami is in a must-win situation after a bye week. The Hurricanes have struggled as heavy favorites, but they face a Wake Forest team that has been outmatched by ranked opponents. Expect Miami to turn it up in the second half.
Pick: Miami wins 46-20 and COVERS the spread.
No. 14 BYU at No. 21 Arizona State (-3.5) (3:30 p.m., ESPN)
Arizona State is riding a three-game win streak with minimal turnovers. Sam Leavitt has been stellar, and if Cam Skattebo can keep the running game effective, the Sun Devils could pull off a victory against BYU.
Pick: Arizona State wins 27-25 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
No. 6 Notre Dame (-16.5) vs. No. 18 Army (7 p.m., NBC/Peacock)
The Irish have dominated this series, winning their last 14 meetings. Army’s formidable rushing attack will face a Notre Dame defense that has been nearly impenetrable. This game could be closer than anticipated.
Pick: Notre Dame wins 28-14 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
Other Notable Games
As we look at other exciting matchups, No. 7 Alabama faces Oklahoma at 7:30 p.m. The Sooners are looking for a signature win in their first SEC season, but Alabama has been on a roll, showcasing their strength against top-tier teams.
Pick: Alabama wins 28-17 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
Meanwhile, No. 15 Texas A&M will take on Auburn, where the Aggies must be wary of an upset. Auburn’s defense has been tough, but can they contain Texas A&M’s offense?
Pick: Texas A&M wins 20-14 and COVERS the spread.
With so many pivotal games on the horizon, Week 13 promises to be a thrilling chapter in the college football season. The excitement is building, and fans are ready to see how these matchups will shape the playoff picture. Will Indiana finally conquer Ohio State? Can Ole Miss continue its momentum? The answers await us on the field!
