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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Chick-Fil-A Bowl (Dec. 31, 3:00 pm ET) – Washington (+15) over Alabama

Come on. You guys had to know I’d have the Huskies in this spot. Yes, Alabama has made many contrarians (myself included) look silly this season, but this line is preposterous in my mind. The Crimson Tide should be considerable favorites and, provided they don’t lay an egg, should win this game. However, Washington is loaded from a talent standpoint and I’m not sure Alabama can throw the ball on the Huskies. Look for a two-possession game or less and probably an uglier product than you’re imagining right now.

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Fiesta Bowl (Dec. 31, 7:00 pm ET) – Ohio State (-3) over Clemson

I’m picking this game because it is a CFP Semifinal. In truth, I think this is the right line and staying away is probably the move. The Buckeyes have the better coach in my mind, but Clemson has the edge at both quarterback and with the skill positions. This is also a (very) nice match-up for the Tigers on the defensive line given how Ohio State is playing up front. Still, Urban Meyer and company should be able to hold this Clemson offense in check and game-plan themselves to a very close victory. Give me the (slightly) better team, even if I don’t feel great about it.

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