Nov 23, 2013; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Devonta Freeman (8) runs for a touchdown past Idaho Vandals cornerback Delency Parham (27) during the first half at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
With just two weeks left in the College Pick’em game, we’ve got a great slate of games on this Post-Thanksgiving Rivalry week. Half of the 10 games on the ESPN schedule are all-top 25 matchups highlighted by in-state and historic rivalries which should lead to some great college football this Saturday.
Last week, my picks netted me 46 points which was 10 above the average and the highest in our very competitive FantasyCPR group. The overall leader in our group is still mdaallen who is ranked 156th overall in the national contest.
Here’s my picks for the week in the ten straight-up matchups on the College Pick’Em board. For picks against the spread, check out Mike Marteny’s picks.
1 point: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets over Georgia Bulldogs: In this toss-up game, I’ll take the Jackets at home against the Bulldogs who will be without Aaron Murray as the injuries continue to mount for the Bulldogs.
Nov 23, 2013; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils players Juwan Thompson (23), Johnell Barnes (4), Jamal Bruce (91) and Kenny Anunike (84) celebrate after beating Wake Forest 28-21 at BB
2 points: Duke Blue Devils over North Carolina Tar Heels: Duke has to take on UNC in Chapel Hill before they can clinch the ACC Coastal division. Duke has won their last seven including road wins at Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest. UNC has also been rolling having won five in a row, but haven’t had any wins over ranked teams this season.
3 points: USC Trojans over UCLA Bruins: The battle for LA pits the 22nd and 23rd ranked teams in the nation. Both teams are playing well with USC coming in undefeated in the Pac-12 under Ed Orgeron. UCLA is coming off a tough home loss to Arizona State as they look to get their first win at the Coliseum since 1997. Home-field advantage and current form should carry the Trojans to a win at home.
4 points: Alabama Crimson Tide over Auburn Tigers: The Tide face their toughest test of the season as they take on Auburn in the Iron Bowl. Auburn not only is a huge rival, but they also have their own National Title hopes. Their only loss came at LSU earlier this season, and if anyone challenges ‘Bama it’ll be the Tigers. Having the game in Auburn should also give them a boost, but ultimately I still have to go with Nick Saban’s battle-proven squad. They are way down on the confidence list, but I still think the Tide will roll.
5 points: Ohio State Buckeyes over Michigan Wolverines: It’s a rivalry game and it’s at the Big House, so it won’t be easy for the Buckeyes to stay undefeated. However, I don’t think the Wolverines have what it takes to pull off the upset, so I’ll take OSU to get the win on the road in their biggest rivalry game of the year.
Nov 23, 2013; Oxford, MS, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback James Franklin (1) passes the ball during the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Missouri Tigers defeat the Mississippi Rebels 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
6 points: Missouri Tigers over Texas A&M Aggies: Mizzou can get to the SEC final with a win and James Franklin looked like he was ready to lead them there in his return last week. On the other end of the spectrum, the Aggies were ver unimpressive in their game last week as they went down hard to LSU.
7 points: South Carolina Gamecocks over Clemson Tigers: Clemson is ranked higher but will have to deal with a tough SEC defense from SC. Since the game is in Columbia, I think the Gamecocks and Jadeveon Clowney will rise to the occasion. SC has won the last four games in this series.
8 points: Stanford Cardinal over Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Stanford has been amazingly strong at home and the Irish are pretty banged up. If this game was at South Bend, it would be close, but not on the farm where Stanford is very tough.
Nov 23, 2013; Stillwater, OK, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Antwan Goodley (5) runs the ball against Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Daywawion Lowe (8) at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
9 points: Baylor Bears over TCU Horned Frogs: The Frogs are down to 4-7 and won’t have a winning season. This week they host the Bears who are looking to bounce back from a bad loss to Oklahoma State. TCU won’t be able to keep up with the Bears offense so Baylor should get a bounceback win.
10 points: Florida State Seminoles over Florida Gators: The Seminoles have been dominating while the Gators have been dismal. Yes, the games is at the swamp, but the ‘Noles train is headed for the National Championship and I don’t see the Gators derailing it this week.