Week 12 was another terrific week of college football, with compelling games and exciting finishes from start to finish. We had another solid 2-1 showing in the column last week — bringing us to 21-17 (55.3%) since Week 2. I’ve said all season that regression was to be expected after we cashed at an unsustainable 63% rate a year ago, but we’re on a 7-4 run in recent weeks so let’s keep the momentum go ing!
Rivalry Week is here and we have a compelling slate ahead of us, including massive games in the AAC, Pac-12, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC. With Friday rapidly approaching, here is a look at my best bets for Week 13 of the college football season. And remember, you can check out all of our CFB predictions for the Week 13 games.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan Wolverines First Half Under 23.5 (-115)
There are so many storylines in this year’s edition of “The Game” that I hardly know where to start. And while I lean toward backing Ohio State with the points, I’ll be focusing on the total for my best bet. It's not lost on me that Jim Harbaugh's noticeable absence on the sidelines might've really affected JJ McCarthy under center. The Wolverines offense has been extremely conservative under acting head coach Sherrone Moore, a product of an offensive line that is much worse than it has been in previous years. It also likely impacted the effectiveness and confidence of Michigan's quarterback, as McCarthy is just 19-of-31 passing with 0 touchdowns and an interception, to go along with 4 turnover-worthy throws over the last 2 weeks. Now, in steps an Ohio State defense under DC Jim Knowles that should be able to contain a Michigan offense that has a serious explosiveness problem, particularly in the passing game.