This article is part of our College Football Picks series.
We will keep FTE going with bowl games and conference championships, but this will be it for the regular season. Our 52 percent win rate wasn't quite what we hoped at this point, but there is a bright side. Although no one is picking every game like I am, folks at major outlets all over the sports landscape are under 50 percent in picking Top 25 teams this season.
We picked out Friday selections on Thursday night, so while most of them won't help you in today's betting, I included them to maximize my win potential.
SIMULATED BETS
Week 12 Results: 34-26 (57%)
Results through Week 12: 378-328-10
WIn Pct: 52.8%
FRIDAY
WMU -7.5, MISS +2.5, SDSU+3.5,CMU -8.5, WMU -7.5, KSU +3.5, USU -17, NEB +1.5, UCF-17, AF -18.5, USA +15, ARK -14.5, UTAH -24, TCU +18, UNC +5.5,
SATURDAY
HOU +32.5,TOL -29, LIB -3.5, BAY -14.5, KENT +1, WF -5.5, UGA -25.5, NAVY -13.5, OSU -7.5, FSU +3, MIAFL -21, LT -4, UNT +19.5, CHAR +9.5, GAST -6.5, ARST -2,, GASO +24.5, WYO-10.5, USM -13.5, NMSU -5.5, PUR -15.5, WKU +1.5, PSU -3.5, ORE -7, ILL -6.5, BAMA -20.5, UVA -7, TENN -21.5, ARIZ +20, ULM +21.5, WISC -7, SMU -6.5, FAU -3.5, TA&M -6.5, WVU -15, PITT -12.5, LOU -3, CLEM -11.5, MEM -6, OKST -4.5, ND -20.5, CSU +4, UCLA -6.5, BYU -7
REAL-MONEY BETS
Week 12 Results: 2-3
Results through Week 12:33-28
Win Pct. 55.0%
OHIO STATE -7.5 @ Michigan
Let's pick the marquee matchup. Bottom line, the Wolverines haven't faced an offense like the Buckeyes, and Michigan State is the only team that even came close - they lost that matchup against a team that Ohio State destroyed. Playing in Ann Arbor does have its intangible disadvantages, but it won't be enough to stem Ohio State's offensive mettle. They have the best offense in the country at the moment, with no signs of stopping.
BYU -7 @ USC
Granted, this hasn't been BYU's best season, but this spread is almost laughable when you consider how bad USC's defense has been. It's sad, but even without Drake London, the Trojans actually can put points on the board, but they can't stop anyone. The Cougars should be no exception.
GEORGIA -3.5 @ Georgia Tech
The spread sounds like a lot, but this is Georgia we're talking about, and it might even be a majority Bulldog crowd in Atlanta Saturday. I'd probably tease this spread about five more points because that's how big of a hammer the Bulldog should lay on Tech in this rivalry game.
TEXAS A&M -6.5 @ LSU
The only thing the Tigers have going for them is that they are playing at home. Otherwise, they have nothing to play for save pride, as they won't make a bowl game this year. They could be motivated for the last hurrah from Ed Orgeron, but not if the Aggies' defense has anything to say about it. A&M has one of the best secondaries in the county and can also stop the run. The spread for this game is far too generous.
PITTSBURGH -12.5 @ Syracuse
The Panthers have an ACC championship tied up, but they would still like to showcase Keny Pickett as a Heisman hopeful (although he's a long shot). When Syracuse can't get the run game going, they always lose, and Pitt is unforgiving against opposing rushers. The Orange's defense is also poor, allowing 33 or more points in five of the last seven games.
