College Football Championship Week Preview

This is what the college football season has been building up to. This is the last chance for teams to make an impression on the College Football Playoff Committee. Right now, there are seven teams that still have a shot at making the Playoff (Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio State, and Central Florida). Conference-less Notre Dame has already clinched a spot with an undefeated season. Alabama, win or lose in the SEC Championship, is in. If Clemson wins the ACC Championship, the unbeaten Tigers will obviously in (if they lose, probably not, but maybe). Georgia is likely in if the Bulldogs can upset the Tide. Central Florida, which just lost quarterback McKenzie Milton to a serious injury, must win the AAC Championship and hope Georgia, Oklahoma and Ohio State all lose to have a chance.

Who will be in the College Football Playoff? We'll find out this weekend.

The most interesting thing to monitor as Selection Sunday draws closer will be the cases of Oklahoma and Ohio State. If both teams win their conference championship games (and Alabama beats Georgia), it will be one of them occupying the final Playoff spot. Both teams employ elite offenses and bad defenses. Ohio State supporters will argue that both the offense and defense of the Buckeyes has been better, and will point to their utter domination of Michigan last Saturday. Oklahoma will point to Ohio State's 29-point loss to Purdue, which is much worse than Oklahoma's three-point loss to Texas. Right now, Oklahoma is ranked ahead of Ohio State, and if both teams win this weekend, it will probably be the Sooners taking on Alabama on New Year's Day (unless Ohio State absolutely dominates Northwestern), but there will be (and have been) debates regarding the two teams all week if both win this weekend. We'll find out the results Sunday night.

Record

Last Week: 15-3   vs. Spread: 8-9-1   Over/Under: 10-8
Season: 182-57   vs. Spread: 93-115-3   Over/Under: 97-112-2

Friday

MAC Championship
Northern Illinois vs. Buffalo (Detroit, MI, 7:00 PM, ESPN2)

Buffalo's chance of making it to Detroit took a hit after a loss to Ohio two weeks ago, but the 10-2 Bulls clinched a spot in the championship with a win over Bowling Green last week. Meanwhile, the 7-5 Huskies, despite losing their final two games, held on to the West division. Buffalo is clearly the better team (while the teams are almost statistically even defensively, the Bulls average 35.3 point per game to NIU's 19.9 and 419.4 yards per game to NIU's 318). I fully expect the Bulls to rumble to a victory over the Huskies in Detroit Friday night.

Spread: BUFF -3.5   Over/Under: 51

Prediction: Buffalo 27, Northern Illinois 17


PAC-12 Championship
#17 Utah vs. #11 Washington (Santa Clara, CA, 8:00 PM, FOX)

Washington beat rival Washington State in the Apple Cup last week to secure a spot in the Pac-12 Championship, while Utah held off Arizona State for a trip to Santa Clara. In a league known more for offense, the two best defensive teams made the title game. The 9-3 Utes rank 15th in the country in total defense (315.8 yards allowed per game), while the 9-3 Huskies rank 13th nationally (311.3 yards allowed per game). Utah will put up a fight, but Jake Browning and Myles Gaskin will be etermined to end their Husky careers as conference champions.

Spread: WASH -5.5   Over/Under: 44

Prediction: Washington 31, Utah 24


Saturday

Big 12 Championship
#14 Texas vs. #5 Oklahoma (Arlington, TX, Noon, ABC)

To get into the College Football Playoff, Oklahoma will have to conquer a roadblock it couldn't conquer earlier in the season. The Longhorns went to Norman on October 6 and knocked off the Sooners, beating them 48-45 on a last-second field goal from Dicker the Kicker. Texas pulled off the upset thanks in part to three Oklahoma turnovers. The 9-3 Longhorns will have to win the turnover battle again to pull off a second win over their rivals. It's doable, as is scoring on Oklahoma's putrid defense, but Kyler Murray and OU's top-ranked offense will be hard to stop.

Spread: OKLA -8   Over/Under: 77.5

Prediction: Oklahoma 52, Texas 45


Sun Belt Championship
Louisiana @ Appalachian State (Noon, ESPN)

One of two lopsided championship game matchups (at least on paper), 7-5 Louisiana-Lafayette faces off against heavily-favored 9-2 App State. The Ragin' Cajuns beat rival UL-Monroe last week to win the Sun Belt West. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers held off Troy in the much more competitive Sun Belt East. The key difference between these teams is on defense, and it's a stark difference. Appalachian State ranks fourth in the nation in total defense (276.9 yards allowed per game), while UL-Lafayette ranks 104th (443.2 yards allowed per game). These two teams already met this season, with App State winning 27-17. It might not be that close this time.

Spread: APP -16.5   Over/Under: 58

Prediction: Appalachian State 42, Louisiana 24


Conference USA Championship
UAB @ Middle Tennessee (1:30 PM, CBS Sports Network)

After losing it's football program following the 2014 season, the University of Alabama-Birmingham made it's return to the field last season, getting to a bowl game. This year, the 9-3 Blazers will look to win a C-USA title. They'll have to overcome 8-4 Middle Tennessee, a team that just beat them last week, 27-3. UAB (the statistically superior team) will make it closer this time around, but the surging Blue Raiders, led by senior quarterback (and coach's son) Brent Stockstill (2852 passing yards, 26 TD, 6 INT on the season) will be hard to beat.

Spread: MTSU -1   Over/Under: 44.5

Prediction: Middle Tennessee 28, UAB 24


AAC Championship
Memphis @ #8 UCF (3:30 PM, ABC)

The Knights of Central Florida rode to their 24th straight victory last week, but lost star quarterback McKenzie Milton in the process. Now they'll have to beat a team that has come excruciatingly close to ending the win streak twice. In last season's American Athletic Conference Championship, the Tigers took the Knights to double-overtime, but couldn't finish the deal. Earlier this season, Memphis blew a double-digit lead as UCF came back and won, 31-30. Facing a Central Florida team without the dangerous Milton, I think Memphis will finally put an end to the streak this Saturday.

Spread: UCF -3   Over/Under: 64.5

Prediction: Memphis 40, UCF 38


SEC Championship
#1 Alabama vs. #4 Georgia (Atlanta, GA, 4:00 PM, CBS)

The SEC title game pits two of the best teams in the country against each other, and it is the lone game this weekend that has Playoff implications for both teams. This is basically a play-in game for the College Football Playoff (as it usually is), but if Georgia wins, both teams will likely make the Playoff. Alabama's toughest test so far this season was a 45-23 win over Texas A&M. Aside from a blowout loss to LSU, Georgia has beaten everyone by at least 17 points. Although the Bulldogs are a very good team, it's going to take a lot to knock off unbeaten Bama. I think Georgia has a chance to upset the Tide, but I don't think it will happen.

Spread: ALA -13   Over/Under: 63.5

Prediction: Alabama 38, Georgia 24


Mountain West Championship
#25 Fresno State @ #22 Boise State (7:45 PM, ESPN)

Old friends meet again in the Mountain West Championship. For the second straight season, the Bulldogs and Broncos will meet in Boise for the MWC crown. And for the second straight season, it will be a rematch of a regular season game. Last year, Fresno State beat Boise State the last week of the regular season, but Boise State got revenge in the championship game. This year, the Bulldogs will be looking to return the favor after losing 24-17 in Boise three weeks ago. I think the 10-2 Bulldogs could get revenge on the 10-2 Broncos, but the hosts have been playing well of late, especially offensively, so I'll go with BSU.

Spread: BSU -1.5   Over/Under: 52.5

Prediction: Boise State 31, Fresno State 28


ACC Championship
#2 Clemson vs. Pittsburgh (Charlotte, NC, 8:00 PM, ABC)

All unbeaten Clemson needs to do to solidify a spot in the College Football Playoff is beat 7-5 Pitt Saturday night. The ACC has been weak beyond the dominant Tigers, who enter Saturday night's tilt as overwhelming favorites. Offensively, Clemson average over 15 more points per game and 150 more yards per game than the Panthers, and defensively, Clemson gives up over ten less points and over 100 less yards per game than the Panthers, who are coming off a 24-3 loss to Miami. It is definitely possible for Pitt to pull off the monumental upset, but it is definitely not probable.

Spread: CLEM -27.5   Over/Under: 51.5

Prediction: Clemson 38, Pittsburgh 13


Big Ten Championship
#21 Northwestern vs. #6 Ohio State (Indy, IN, 8:00 PM, FOX)

Ohio State, fresh off of an absolute thumping of rival Michigan, needs to win Saturday night and hope for a Texas win (and an Alabama win) to make the Playoff. On paper, the first part of that shouldn't be hard for the Buckeyes, as 8-4 Northwestern had a far easier route to the championship game. However, Ohio State has had problems against mediocre Big Ten teams (such as Purdue), so the Wildcats could pull off the upset. I don't think they will (and I hope they don't), especially if the Buckeyes play anything like they did last week.

Spread: OSU -14.5   Over/Under: 61

Prediction: Ohio State 40, Northwestern 24


Stats and info via ESPN.com, The Athletic, SI.com, and BleacherReport.com
Lines via OddsShark.com
Lines as of Friday afternoon

Fantasy Football/NFL Week 13 Preview

We have entered the final turn of the 2018 fantasy football season. For many fantasy football leagues, this marks the final week of the regular season. Maybe you are firmly in the playoffs and just playing for seeding (like me in two of my leagues). Maybe you are just playing for pride at this point (like me in one of my leagues). Or maybe this is a monumental week for you, a week that could determine whether you get in the playoffs or play in the consolation games. Whatever your situation, I'm here to give you some fantasy advice for this big week in fantasy football.

Guess who's back, back again...

Week 12 Picks to Click

Quarterback

Top 3

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs (@ OAK) - After a bye week that spent many fantasy owners scrambling, Patty is back and playing one of the worst teams in the league.

Cam Newton, Panthers (@ TB) - Cam extended his streak of games with multiple touchdowns to 10 last week, and this week he faces Tampa's porous pass defense.

Jared Goff, Rams (@ DET) - I thought about putting Drew Brees (who's having an amazing season) here, but I'll go with Goff, who's thrown for at least 300 yards each of his last three games.

Sleepers

Dak Prescott, Cowboys (vs. NO) - The Saints have been stingy against the run, but rank 30th against the pass. Dak, who's been playing better recently, will probably be throwing the ball a lot.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens (@ ATL) - A third straight week in the sleeper column for the former Heisman Trophy winner, who faces a weak Atlanta defense this week.

Baker Mayfield, Browns (@ HOU) - Another former Heisman Trophy winner makes a repeat performance on the sleeper list. Houston is tough, but Baker's feeling it right now.


Running Back

Top 3

Todd Gurley, Rams (@ DET) - Gurley returns from the bye with a favorable matchup against the Lions, who have been below average at defending the run this season.

Kareem Hunt (@ OAK) - Kareem the Dream gets a dream matchup against a defense that is giving up 151.4 rushing yards per game (most in the NFL).

Christian McCaffrey, Panthers (@ TB) - CMC, who exploded for 237 total yards and two touchdowns in a loss to Tampa last week, should run rampant on Tampa.

Sleepers

Austin Ekeler, Chargers (@ PIT) - With Melvin Gordon out, Ekeler takes over as L.A.'s feature back. He's worth a look (and start) just based on volume alone.

Josh Adams, Eagles (vs. WAS) - The rookie out of Notre Dame has taken control of the backfield in Philly. He had a season-high 22 carries last week (which he turned into 84 yards and a touchdown).

T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars (vs. IND) - With Leonard Fournette suspended, Yeldon is probably the best option in the lowly Jacksonville offense this week.


Wide Reciever

Top 3

Tyreek Hill, Chiefs (@ OAK) - You may be sensing a pattern here. The dangerous Kansas City offense has a good matchup this week, including Hill, who has 352 total yards his last two games.

DeAndre Hopkins, Texans (vs. CLE) - The dangerous Hopkins will be hard for Cleveland's somewhat leaky defense to handle.

Adam Thielen, Vikings (@ NE) - After two straight weeks under 100 yards receiving, Thielen got back into the triple digits last week, and he'll probably get there again this week.

Sleepers

D.J. Moore, Panthers (@ TB) - Moore has become Carolina's top receiver, totaling 15 catches for 148 yards the last two weeks. He should find openings against Tampa Bay's defense.

Adam Humphries, Buccaneers (vs. CAR) - On the other side of the matchup, Humphries has emerged for Tampa. He's found the end zone in each of his last two games.

Josh Doctson, Redskins (@ PHI) - Doctson has been heavily targeted, and this week he squares off against a depleted Philly secondary.


Tight End

Top 3

Travis Kelce, Chiefs (@ OAK) - Shocking, I know. Kelce ranks 11th in the NFL in receiving yards (914) and 10th in receiving touchdowns (7).

Zach Ertz, Eagles (vs. WAS) - While we're on the topic, Ertz ranks 13th in the NFL in receiving yards (895) and tied for 13th in touchdowns (6).

George Kittle, 49ers, (@ SEA) - The people's tight end takes this spot over Eric Ebron. Kittle should bounce back from a disappointing showing last week.

Sleepers

Cameron Brate, Buccaneers (vs. CAR) - Tampa Bay's new number one tight end scored a touchdown last week, and he could find the end zone again this week.

David Njoku, Browns (@ HOU) - Njoku also found the end zone last week (with a little help from his friends), and he may be counted on more this week.

Kyle Rudolph, Vikings (@ NE) - Rudolph has had a disappointing season thus far, but he had seven catches last week, and he could finally break out against New England.


Defense/Special Teams

Top 3

Chicago Bears (@ NYG) - The best defense in the NFL gets the dysfunctional Giants this week.

Los Angeles Rams (@ DET) - Yes, I know the Rams gave up 51 point last time out. But the struggling Lions are not the Chiefs.

Seattle Seahawks (vs. SF) - The soaring Seahawks get Nick Mullens and the lowly Niners this week in Seattle.

Sleepers

Kansas City Chiefs (@ OAK) - Yes, I know the Chiefs gave up 54 points last time out. But the Raiders are not the Rams.

Indianapolis Colts (@ JAX) - With Cody Kessler starting at quarterback and Leonard Fournette out due to suspension, scoring may be hard to come by for Jacksonville.

New Orleans Saints (@ DAL) - This may be a bit of a shot in the dark, but the Saints' defense has given up just 38 total points the last three games.


Kicker

Top 3

Will Lutz, Saints (@ DAL) - Being a kicker on a team with the best offense in the league has it's benefits.

Harrison Butker, Chiefs (@ OAK) - Start all of your Chiefs offensive players, including the kicker.

Greg Zuerlein, Rams (@ DET) - All three of the top three kickers happen to play for the top three teams in the NFL. Weird.


Week 13 Game Picks

Record
Last Week: 11-4   vs. Spread: 8-7   Over/Under: 6-8-1
Season: 109-68   vs. Spread: 86-75-5   Over/Under: 79-93-3

Thursday

Saints @ Cowboys (8:20 PM, FOX/NFL Network)

The Cowboys have played better of late, but the Saints look unbeatable right now.

Spread: NO -7   Over/Under: 52

Prediction: Saints 34, Cowboys 21


Sunday

Browns @ Texans (1:00 PM, CBS)

The Browns are rolling right now, and the Texans, who have won eight straight, are due for a loss.

Spread: HOU -6   Over/Under: 47

Prediction: Browns 24, Texans 21


Ravens @ Falcons (1:00 PM, CBS)

The Falcons have lost three in a row, whereas the Ravens have won two straight.

Spread: ATL -1.5   Over/Under: 48

Prediction: Ravens 27, Falcons 24


Broncos @ Bengals (1:00 PM, CBS)

The Broncos have won their last two, the Bengals (now led by Jeff Driskel) have lost three straight.

Spread: DEN -5   Over/Under: 45

Prediction: Broncos 32, Bengals 17


Rams @ Lions (1:00 PM, FOX)

In another game between teams going in opposite directions, it's hard to envision a Lions upset.

Spread: LAR -10   Over/Under: 55

Prediction: Rams 30, Lions 17


Cardinals @ Packers (1:00 PM, FOX)

The Packers need to run the table to make the playoffs, which means A-Rodge is in his comfort zone.

Spread: GB -14   Over/Under: 44.5

Prediction: Packers 31, Cardinals 14


Bills @ Dolphins (1:00 PM, CBS)

Josh Allen is back, and the Bills are riding high after a win over Jacksonville.

Spread: MIA -4   Over/Under: 40

Prediction: Bills 21, Dolphins 20


Bears @ Giants (1:00 PM, FOX)

The Giants, who couldn't figure out the struggling Eagles last week, will struggle against the Bears.

Spread: CHI -4   Over/Under: 44.5

Prediction: Bears 28, Giants 17


Panthers @ Buccaneers (1:00 PM, FOX)

The resurgent Bucs could keep with the Panthers, but I think Cam an co. will bounce back.

Spread: CAR -3.5   Over/Under: 54.5

Prediction: Panthers 35, Buccaneers 28


Colts @ Jaguars (1:00 PM, CBS)

The Jaguars are a mess right now, while Andrew Luck and the Colts cannot be stopped.

Spread: IND -4   Over/Under: 47

Prediction: Colts 24, Jaguars 17


Jets @ Titans (4:05 PM, CBS)

This is a must-win for the Titans, and it's at home against the 3-8 Jets.

Spread: TEN -8   Over/Under: 40.5

Prediction: Titans 30, Jets 13


Chiefs @ Raiders (4:05 PM, CBS)

The high-powered Chiefs, freshly-rested after a bye, should demolish the Raiders.

Spread: KC -14.5   Over/Under: 55.5

Prediction: Chiefs 38, Raiders 20


Vikings @ Patriots (4:25 PM, FOX)

Nothing like a trip to New England to bring the Vikings down from their high.

Spread: NE -5.5   Over/Under: 49.5

Prediction: Patriots 30, Vikings 24


Chargers @ Steelers (8:20 PM, NBC)

The better quarterback will win this game, and it's clear who the better quarterback is.

Spread: PIT -3.5   Over/Under: 51.5

Prediction: Chargers 32, Steelers 30


Monday

Redskins @ Eagles (8:15 PM, ESPN)

It will be hard for Colt McCoy and the Washington football team to win one in Philly.

Spread: PHI -6.5   Over/Under: 45

Prediction: Eagles 27, Redskins 17


Stats and info via ESPN.com, FantasyPros.com, YahooSports.com and CBSSports.com
Lines via OddsShark.com
Lines as of Thursday afternoon

College Football Week 13 Preview

It's rivalry week in college football. It's also a big week in terms of Playoff implications. There are key matchups all weekend.

Once again, The Game brings huge implications

Record
Last Week: 17-5   vs. Spread: 6-15-1   Over/Under: 9-13
Season: 167-54   vs. Spread: 85-106-2   Over/Under: 87-104-2

Thursday

#18 Mississippi State 35, Ole Miss 3


Friday

#14 Texas 24, Kansas 14


#9 UCF @ South Florida (4:15 PM, ESPN)

Central Florida easily dispatched of Cincinnati last week to extend its FBS-best win streak. Now the Knight visit their rivals to the south. Last time these two met (last year), it resulted in an exciting game that Central Florida won, 49-42. This year's game might not be as close. After starting 7-0, the Bulls have lost their last four games.

Spread: UCF -15   Over/Under: 69.5

Prediction: UCF 45, South Florida 28


#6 Oklahoma @ #13 West Virginia (8:00 PM, ESPN)

A spot in the Big 12 Championship Game is on the line when Kyler Murray and the Sooners visit Will Grier and the Mountaineers. In true Big 12 fashion, this game will likely be a shootout between two of the best offenses in the nation. I'm going to go with Lincoln Riley's Oklahoma squad.

Spread: OKLA -3   Over/Under: 85

Prediction: Oklahoma 48, West Virginia 42


#16 Washington @ #8 Washington State (8:30 PM, FOX)

This year's Apple Cup will have a lot on the line, The winner will face Utah in the Pac-12 Championship Game. Washington State will also hope to keep its Playoff hopes alive with a win. This will be a hard-fought battle between the two rivals, one I could see going either way, but it's been the year of the cougars, so I'll go with Wassu.

Spread: WSU -2.5   Over/Under: 50.5

Prediction: Washington State 35, Washington 32


Saturday

#4 Michigan @ #10 Ohio State (Noon, FOX)

The greatest rivalry in sports, as it has so many times in the past, has major implications this year. The winner goes to the Big Ten Championship to face Northwestern, and whomever emerges victorious will be the Big Ten's lone Playoff hopeful. The way these two teams have been playing, Michigan is the clear pick. However, I will never pick TTUN to win The Game. Also, Urban Meyer is 6-0 at Ohio State as an underdog.

Spread: MICH -4.5   Over/Under: 55

Prediction: Ohio State 32, Michigan 31


Georgia Tech @ #5 Georgia (Noon, SEC Network)

This in-state rivalry doesn't have the implications that the Apple Cup does, but it does provide Georgia Tech to spoil Georgia's Playoff hopes. Both teams come in having won their last four games (although three of Georgia's were against ranked teams, as opposed to none of Tech's). The Bulldogs will have to deal with the triple option, but I think they'll handle it.

Spread: UGA -17   Over/Under: 59.5

Prediction: Georgia 42, Georgia Tech 28


#11 Florida @ Florida State (Noon, ABC)

8-3 Florida will look to beat 5-6 Florida State for the first time in five years on Saturday, while the Seminoles will look to spoil the Gators' season and keep their streak of bowl game appearances (36 straight) alive. Although history is not on their side, the Gators are much better than their in-state rivals this season, and I think they'll show that Saturday.

Spread: FLA -7   Over/Under: 52

Prediction: Florida 35, Florida State 21


#20 Syracuse @ Boston College (Noon, ESPN)

These two ACC rivals will try to bounce back from rough losses Saturday. Syracuse, fresh off its first appearance in the top 10 of the CFP rankings, got trounced by Notre Dame in Yankee Stadium. Boston College, a week after falling to Clemson, lost by one to Florida State. I'm going to roll with the better offense, which belongs to the Orange.

Spread: BC -7   Over/Under: 58.5

Prediction: Syracuse 35, Boston College 31


Auburn @ #1 Alabama (3:30 PM, CBS)

The Iron Bowl has spawned some memorable moments over the years, but there might not be many memorable moments this year. The 7-4 Tigers aren't as good as they've been in recent years. Meanwhile, the Tide has rolled through their schedule. I think Auburn has a chance to pull off the upset, or at least stay within striking distance of the Tide (after all, The Citadel was tied with Alabama at halftime last week), but 'Bama will pull away.

Spread: ALA -24.5   Over/Under: 53

Prediction: Alabama 40, Auburn 23


Maryland @ #12 Penn State (3:30 PM, ABC)

Fresh off coming ohsoclose to upsetting Ohio State, Maryland will look to complete the upset over Penn State. The Nittany Lions, like the Buckeyes, have been all that impressive of late, but they have won their last two. The Terrapins have lost their last three, and I think Penn State will make it four on Saturday afternoon.

Spread: PSU -14   Over/Under: 52.5

Prediction: Penn State 34, Maryland 21


Illinois @ #19 Northwestern (3:30 PM, Big Ten Network)

Northwestern finishes off its regular season against Illinois this Saturday before heading to Indianapolis to face either Michigan or Ohio State. Lovie Smith (who has aged about 70 years since coming to Illinois) and the Illini have been lambasted by Nebraska and Iowa the last two weeks, and they'll probably get crushed again to end another disappointing season.

Spread: NW -17   Over/Under: 58.5

Prediction: Northwestern 35, Illinois 10


#24 Pittsburgh @ Miami (3:30 PM, ESPN)

This game features a reversal of roles, as ranked Pittsburgh, the normal plucky underdog, faces unranked Miami, which has been in a downward spiral. The U is a mess right now, having lost four of its last five games. The Canes definitely have the talent to beat Pitt, but they don't have much else going for them right now.

Spread: MIA -5   Over/Under: 47

Prediction: Pittsburgh 31, Miami 28


South Carolina @ #2 Clemson (7:00 PM, ESPN)

Clemson will look to secure an unblemished regular season at home against South Carolina Saturday night. The Tigers haven't had a close game in weeks, cruising through the back part of their schedule. This week, at home against 6-5 South Carolina, will probably be no different.

Spread: CLEM -26   Over/Under: 58.5

Prediction: Clemson 42, South Carolina 14


#15 Kentucky @ Louisville (7:00 PM, ESPN2)

Kentucky hasn't looked quite as good since basketball season started (coincidence?), but the Wildcats shouldn't have too much trouble against the woeful Cardinals, who have lost eight games in a row.

Spread: UK -17   Over/Under: 52.5

Prediction: Kentucky 38, Louisville 7


Kansas State @ #25 Iowa State (7:00 PM, FOX Sports 1)

These two middling Big 12 teams will look to end the regular season on a high note. The Wildcats, who shut down Texas Tech last week, need to win to become bowl eligible. The Cyclones, who blew a shot at the Big 12 title game with a loss to Texas last week, will look to bounce back. I think the hosts will bounce back Saturday night.

Spread: ISU -13   Over/Under: 40.5

Prediction: Iowa State 31, Kansas State 17


#7 LSU @ #22 Texas A&M (7:30 PM, SECN)

LSU won't be in the SEC Championship or the College Football Playoff, but the Tigers can finish off a great season with a win at Texas A&M Saturday night. LSU has won the last seven games between these two teams. The Tigers will get a fight out of the Aggies, but I think they'll hold on for their eighth straight win in this series.

Spread: TAMU -3.5   Over/Under: 47.5

Prediction: LSU 30, Texas A&M 28


#3 Notre Dame @ USC (8:00 PM, ABC)

Notre Dame will look to punctuate a perfect season (and a spot in the College Football Playoff) with a win in the Coliseum Saturday night. While the Fighting Irish have conquered every challenge this season, the Trojans have stumbled to a 5-6 record, including a loss in four of their last five games. I just see little resistance between Notre Dame and an undefeated regular season.

Spread: ND -11   Over/Under: 54

Prediction: Notre Dame 38, USC 17


BYU @ #17 Utah (10:00 PM, FS1)

Utah has already clinched a spot in the Pac-12 Championship, but the Utes have unfinished business as they look to take care of in-state rival BYU Saturday night. The 6-5 Cougars won't makes it easy for Utah, but I expect the Utes to finish the regular season with a victory.

Spread: UTAH -11.5   Over/Under: 44

Prediction: Utah 34, BYU 24


#21 Utah State @ #23 Boise State (10:15 PM, ESPN)

We finish off the ranked slate with some #MountainWestAfterDark (not a real hashtag) in a game to determine who goes to the Mountain West Championship Game. Both teams come in scorching hot, but I'll go with the host Blue-Field Broncos over a Utah State team that came a couple of inches from losing last week.

Spread: BSU -3   Over/Under: 67

Prediction: Boise State 38, Utah State 31


Stats and info via ESPN.com and OddsShark.com
Lines via OddsShark.com
Lines as of Friday afternoon