College football picks against the spread: Bowl season, week 3

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Billy Price (54) during the first overtime against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson poses with the trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis after winning the 2016 Heisman Trophy award during a presentation at the Playstation Theater. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Orange Bowl (Dec. 30, 8:00 pm ET) – Florida State (+7) over Michigan

For the uninitiated, I am a Michigan fan, but that won’t stop me from seeing the value on the ‘Noles. The Wolverines have exactly one victory outside of the state of Michigan this season, and while they played well enough to win in Columbus, the offense struggled. With a gun to my head, I would tell you that Jim Harbaugh’s team is likely to win this game outright, but the number is a touch too high in my mind. Jimbo will have Florida State ready and this should be a fun, close game.

Citrus Bowl (Dec. 31, 11:00 am ET) – Louisville (+3.5) over LSU

I just don’t buy it with LSU. The advanced metrics do take kindly to Ed Orgeron’s team but, without Leonard Fournette, I can’t grasp why the Tigers would be favored in this spot. Louisville’s profile has tapered off since the middle of the season, but having Lamar Jackson is nice and there is plenty of talent on this roster. It feels to me like LSU is getting the SEC bump and I think Louisville is just the better team given Jackson’s overall ridiculousness.

Next: College Football Playoff

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