Week 13 of the college football season is here, and honestly, it looks like a wild one. There’s a ton at stake for a lot of teams, and expert analyst Wes Reynolds is back with his best bets for the week.
He’s got thoughts on matchups that could decide conference championships and bowl eligibility. From the quirky Golden Pineapple rivalry to possible upsets and sneaky plays, these predictions are worth a look if you’re thinking about betting or just want to sound smart at the tailgate.
If you want a full breakdown, check out the source here.
Golden Pineapple Showdown: Hawaii vs. UNLV
The Golden Pineapple game is basically a playoff for the Mountain West Championship, with Hawaii taking on UNLV in Vegas. Hawaii just had a bye and comes in with a defense that’s giving up 100 fewer yards per game than UNLV.
The Rainbow Warriors have been hot, putting up over 30 points in each of their last five games. That trend could keep rolling against a Rebels defense that’s been pretty generous lately.
But UNLV has some issues. Their top running back, Jai’Den Thomas, is questionable with a hamstring, and without him last week, they only managed 3.9 yards per carry. That’s not ideal.
Key Points to Consider
- Hawaii’s Defense: Allows 100 yards fewer per game.
- Offensive Consistency: Hawaii has scored 30+ points in five straight games.
- UNLV’s Struggles: RB Jai’Den Thomas is questionable, and the team averaged only 3.9 yards per carry without him last week.
Ohio State vs. Rutgers: A Clash with History
Ohio State, sitting at No. 1 in the CFP rankings, faces Rutgers. Rutgers is still chasing bowl eligibility and, under Greg Schiano, tends to be a tough road underdog.
There’s some extra drama here since Schiano used to work with Ohio State’s coach Ryan Day. While Ohio State is 10-1 straight up, they’re just 3-8 against the spread in their last 11 games before the Michigan matchup. Maybe that means something, maybe not, but it’s a trend worth noting.
Factors Influencing the Game
- Greg Schiano’s Record: 16-8-2 ATS as a road underdog since returning to Rutgers.
- Ohio State’s Pre-Michigan Performance: 3-8 ATS in the last 11 games before facing Michigan.
- Injuries: Key players like WRs Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate and RB CJ Donaldson are battling injuries.
SEC’s Cupcake Week: Georgia vs. Charlotte
The week before Thanksgiving in the SEC is, let’s be honest, a bit of a joke. Georgia, finished with its conference slate, hosts Charlotte—one of the worst teams in the FBS.
Georgia’s been steamrolling people, but head coach Kirby Smart has a pretty terrible record covering big spreads. When favored by more than 38 points, he’s 0-15 against the spread. That’s rough.
This game is mostly about getting through healthy as Georgia looks ahead to the SEC Championship and, probably, the playoff.
Important Considerations
- Kirby Smart’s ATS Record: 0-15 ATS as a favorite of more than 38 points.
- Georgia’s Focus: Looking ahead to the SEC Championship and CFP berth.
- Charlotte’s Struggles: 1-9 record, one of the worst teams in the FBS.
LSU vs. Western Kentucky: A Final Home Stand
LSU just squeaked by Arkansas and now hosts Western Kentucky in their last home game of the year. The Tigers want to send interim head coach Frank Wilson out on a high note.
Western Kentucky is stepping way up in competition and could have a tough time against an LSU squad that’s still got something to prove. Their only real non-conference test so far was a 45-21 loss to Toledo, so this is a big leap.
Matchup Highlights
- LSU’s Motivation: Last home game for players to impress interim head coach Frank Wilson.
- Western Kentucky’s Challenge: Facing a much tougher opponent compared to their season schedule.
- Previous Performance: WKU’s only notable non-conference game was a 45-21 loss to Toledo.
Washington State vs. James Madison: A Battle for Respect
Washington State has been right there with top teams like Ole Miss and Virginia, losing by just a hair. Now they get James Madison, who’s been crushing people and is trying to make a case for a Group of 5 spot in the playoff.
James Madison’s won their last four by big margins, but Washington State is a step up in competition. This one’s got some real intrigue.
Game Dynamics
- James Madison’s Dominance: Rolling over teams with significant point margins.
- Washington State’s Competitiveness: Narrow losses to top-ranked teams.
- CFP Implications: James Madison is still fighting for respect and a potential Group of 5 spot in the CFP.
South Florida vs. UAB: A Question of Focus
South Florida’s playoff and conference title hopes ended with a loss to Navy. Now, with head coach Alex Golesh rumored for bigger jobs, you have to wonder if the team’s heads will be in it.
UAB, under interim coach Alex Mortensen, keeps battling and has an offense that can move the ball. They could be a sneaky threat to cover the spread here.
Critical Points
- South Florida’s Disappointment: CFP and American Championship Game hopes ended.
- Coaching Distractions: Head coach Alex Golesh is a hot name for bigger gigs.
- UAB’s Resilience: Continues to play hard under interim coach Alex Mortensen.
Notre Dame vs. Syracuse: A Must-Win for the Irish
Notre Dame gets Syracuse, who’s starting lacrosse player Joey Filardi at quarterback. Filardi’s last outing was, well, rough.
The Irish are fired up to quiet the doubters about their playoff chances. They need this one to keep their hopes alive.
Game Insights
- Syracuse’s QB Struggles: Joey Filardi didn’t have a great outing in his last start.
- Notre Dame’s Motivation: They’re out to prove the doubters wrong about their playoff chances.
- Playoff Implications: Notre Dame has to win this one to keep their CFP hopes alive.
Want more analysis and a few extra best bets for Week 13? You can check out the College Football Week 13 hub over on VSiN.
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