The Weekend That Will Be: College Football Picks Week 12

There are plenty of lines that don't make sense this week. No idea whether it is me lacking knowledge about the teams involved or that Vegas can't get a good read on where the money is going. Either way, I am like the Razorbacks this week. With a good week, I can put some space between Arkansas Fight and the Razorbloggers.net in out yearlong pick 'em. A good week for the Hogs could mean a bowl game. If these what seem like gimme lines turn out to not be as forgiving then it could be hard to take down the enemy, or in Arkansas' case earn this week, earn a bowl berth.

If you want to see Walking On Sunshine's picks, click here.

Noon

No. 8 Ohio State at No. 25 Minnesota (-12 OSU)- The mostly untested Golden Gophers are finished with the easy part of their schedule as they will host ranked teams in each of the final three weeks of the season (Haha--only THREE ranked opponents!). On the other hand, the Buckeyes are playing some of the best football in the country. J.T. Barrett is getting some Heisman love and experts are deciphering how Ohio State could reach the final four. Minnesota has spent much of the season playing down to its opponent. No chance for that this weekend. Buckeyes are on a mission and win easily.

No. 19 Clemson at No. 22 Georgia Tech (-3 Clemson)- It's probably because of where I live, but when I think of these two teams, I think of how they've been dominated by their respective in-state SEC counterparts. South Carolina has beaten Clemson the last five seasons, which is respectable when compared to Tech's current streak. The Yellow Jackets have lost 12 of the last 13 games. S-E-C! S-E-C! S-E-C! Take the home Dawgs (Tech) and the points. See what I did there?

Afternoon

No. 1 Mississippi State at No. 5 Alabama (-8 Bama)- The winner of this game will decide the SEC West and Heisman winner. Dak Prescott will have to use his arm cannon and legs to lead his Bulldogs to victory over the Tide. On the other sideline is one of the most impressive college receivers to come through T-Town since Julio Jones in Amari Cooper. Prescott will have the ball in his hands for every offensive snap, while Cooper can only home Blake Sims has enough time to just throw it up to the general vicinity of where Cooper is. Cooper will have a big day against a weak MSU secondary, which could prove to be the difference in the game. Also, Alabama, albeit against inferior opponents, has outscored their opponents on an average of 49-8 at home. Bama allows a few more points at home this week than its average and finds a way to cover.

No. 16 Nebraska at No. 20 Wisconsin (-6 UW)- Nebraska will have to lose its next three games to continue its streak of 8-4 seasons. That could with a loss on the road in Madison. However, Nebraska is the real deal this year and will find a way to win, thus breaking the streak. If you're into the over/under, take the over. I don't even know what it is, but there will be a ton of points scored.

Night

No. 9 Auburn at No. 15 Georgia (-2 UGA)- Have you heard Todd Gurley is back this week? He and the rest of the running back committee will run and run often against a porous Auburn defensive side. Mark Richt said this week Gurley will be on the field for the first play. If I'm offensive coordinator Mike Bobo though, I let quarterback Hutson Mason bomb a play action pass downfield. Because even if it's incomplete, you still have a fresh-legged Gurley on three rushing attempts for ten yards. Bulldogs win in a big game by outscoring the Tigers by more than a field goal.

No. 3 Florida State at Miami (-1.5 FSU)- I understand that Florida State has struggled to establish a lead early. Instead they have spent a majority of their last few contests just finding a way to get the lead before 60 minutes is over. However, I don't care what the Vegas oddsmakers say or where the "smart" money is going. Take the Noles.

No. 17 LSU at Arkansas (-1.5 Ark)- Bert is to wins what Chris Farley is to his pet sale. For those of you who need a refresher...

Arkansas has the wins, takes care of a lead or is at least near winning at the end of games, and then, BAM! They kill their win. It's the most appropriate analogy I can come up with. Maybe this week, we don't kill the sale and get the shrimp cocktail for Richard.

I'm too emotional for an Arkansas pick this week and choose to abstain.

Late Night

No. 6 Arizona State at Oregon State (-8.5 ASU)- If you're still functioning well enough after watching the three big SEC games to watch the nightcap, Arizona State is pretty good. Once-nomadic coach Todd Graham has this program headed for big things, but this is the sort of game that is closer than it should be. The Sun Devils will struggle early after coming off an emotional win over Notre Dame last week but find a way to win.

Last Week: 6-2

Season: 45-54-4 (45%)