We were so hot…then rivalry week happened. Last week was my worst week of the season. Can I blame it on the post-Thanksgiving food coma? Cool, I’m going to go ahead and do that. A 5-11 week is unacceptable but we’re getting back on track for Championship Week.
There is no shortage of incredible storylines this weekend as the entire BCS picture will become clear by Saturday night. Who will play in the National Championship game? Will Jameis Winston lock up the Heisman, if he hasn’t already? Who will sneak their way into a BCS game? There a lot of questions to be answered, but more importantly we have gambling and predictions to make! Let’s catch on fire like Reggie Miller in NBA Jam.
All lines according to 5dimes.eu
Friday Special
Northern Illinois -4.5 v. Bowling Green
I’m not betting against Jordan Lynch, period. Lynch, the NIU QB, may well find himself in New York come next week as a Heisman finalist. On top of that, if Northern Illinois wins this game they will likely lock up a spot in the Fiesta Bowl. With a BCS game on the line, and the money that comes with it, I can’t see any way that Northern Illinois loses against a 9-3 Bowling Green team. Also, this game is being played at Northern Illinois. You don’t think those fans are going to be insane? The atmosphere is going to be at an all time best on Friday night.
Prediction: Northern Illinois 41 – Bowling Green 28
Championship Saturday
Texas +14.5 @ Baylor
Baylor is coming off a 41-38 victory over TCU and two weeks ago got whipped by Oklahoma State. The Bears clearly aren’t the same dominant team that they were earlier in the season. While Texas might not be the strongest competition, they should be competitive in this one. Both Baylor and Texas don’t have much to play for but they are rivals and I’m sure that Mack Brown wants to prove that he is still fit to be the Head Coach at Texas. The Longhorns offense has been strong, scoring over 30 points in 7 of their last 8 games. Look for a high scoring affair in which Baylor pulls out a close one in the end. Texas covers.
Prediction: Baylor 43 – Texas 38
Oklahoma State -10 v. Oklahoma
Bedlam! This is one of the best in-state rivalries in the entire country and Oklahoma would love nothing more than to ruin Oklahoma State’s Big 12 title and BCS hopes. The problem for Oklahoma is that the Cowboys are one of the hottest teams in the country and have been playing fantastically on both sides of the ball. Plus, Oklahoma State is 18-1 at home in their last 19 games and have won 9 straight at Boone Pickens. With everything on the line for the Cowboys will they rise to the occasion or will they fold? Based on their superior talent and motivation my assumption is that they will play their best game of the season.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 45 – Oklahoma 24
Auburn -2 v. Missouri
Auburn has used up every bit of magic that it had in its arsenal. It has probably used up its luck through the year 2037. What has it gotten them? Well, with a win over Missouri on Saturday and a loss by Ohio State the Tigers will find themselves in the National Championship game. Remember, the winner of the Iron Bowl has gone on to win the “Natty” in each of the last four seasons. I’m not betting against that streak, as you’ll see later. Missouri is an extremely talented team and James Franklin looks like James Franklin again. Unfortunately for the Missouri Tigers (seriously….2 Tigers????) Auburn is just too lucky right now. Never bet against the hot hand, or the lucky hand. Auburn has the luckiest and hottest hand in recent memory. Nick Marshall and Tre Mason are going to run wild and the Auburn Tigers are going to be in the National Championship. Mark my words.
Prediction: Auburn 35 – Missouri 27
Florida State -29.5 v. Duke
NEVER BET AGAINST FLORIDA STATE!
NEVER BET AGAINST FLORIDA STATE!
NEVER BET AGAINST FLORIDA STATE!
NEVER BET AGAINST FLORIDA STATE!
NEVER BET AGAINST FLORIDA STATE!
Prediction: Florida State 52 – Duke 20
Fresno State -3 v. Utah State
Derek Carr is only favored by 3 points in a home game. This is a ridiculous line and you should take full advantage of it. Fresno State may not be a BCS team now after losing to San Jose State, but this is still the same team that has dominated it’s opponents for most of the year. Sorry Utah State, no chance.
Prediction: Fresno State 51 – Utah State 38
Stanford +3 @ Arizona State
I attended the Arizona State–Stanford game in Palo Alto earlier this season. Stanford jumped on ASU early and never relented until the game was well within hand. Has Arizona State gotten THAT much better over the course of the season? Has Stanford regressed THAT much during the course of the season? Absolutely not. So then why is Arizona State favored by 3 points? Because the game is in Arizona? Stanford should be favored in this matchup. Stanford is going to win. Stanford is going to the Rose Bowl. David Shaw versus Todd Graham. I’m taking David Shaw.
Prediction: Stanford 31 – ASU 28
Michigan State +5.5 and ML v. Ohio State
Ohio State needs to beat Michigan State in order to reach the National Championship game. Ohio State needs to win in impressive fashion in order to ensure themselves a spot in the Natty because Auburn is coming on strong and if they beat Missouri there is a strong case to be made for them as the #2 team in the country. While the Buckeyes are 24-0 under Urban Meyer, they haven’t faced anyone over the course of those 24 games that is as talented as Michigan State. The Spartans have the best defense in the FBS and Ohio State will be hard pressed to find a rhythm on offense. The Spartans offense, while not overly impressive, always finds a way to score enough points to win. Ohio State almost lost to Michigan last week! They gave up 41 points to a team that had -48 rushing yards against Michigan State. MSU is going to upset Ohio State, derail their National Championship aspirations, and make it to the Rose Bowl. It’s going to happen. I’ve been saying it for weeks now. No need to back track on my prediction now. Take MSU against the spread AND Money line.
Prediction: Michigan State 30 – Ohio State 24
Last Week: 5-11
2013 Season: 94-85-1
2012 Season: 57-39-7
Jason Gold is the Founder and Co-Editor in Chief of SportsMoneyLife.com. Follow Jason on Twitter @TheSportsGuy33.
