NCAA Football Betting Predictions: Week 13 Opening Line Report and Picks

The first Top 25 reveal is set for Tuesday, November 24, to see which four teams are in line to play in the College Football Playoff. Of course, many things can change from then until the final rankings are out, but things are a bit difficult with leagues playing at different times and COVID affecting scheduling with postponements and cancellations.

Whatever the committee chooses will give us a better understanding on what exactly they’re looking for.

The reality is, the top four is set. The other reality is, no other team could really hang with any of the top four in a College Football Playoff game.

The top four are likely going to be Alabama, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Clemson.

Remember, Notre Dame already defeated Clemson, and Alabama and Ohio State are undefeated on the season.

Other teams in consideration would be Texas A&M, Florida, Cincinnati, BYU and Oregon.

A sleeper and darkhorse would be Northwestern, who are now ranked 11th in the nation after starting the season 5-0 in the Big Ten with a big win over Wisconsin last week.

For Oregon, they’re going to be in a pickle from the start knowing they’ve played very few games this season. On the other hand, BYU has been extremely active this season, starting when the season really began. However, the schedule they’ve played might not be good enough to make the College Football Playoff in the first place.

On the regular schedule, Ohio State has Illinois, Michigan State and Michigan to finish up their season. Until the additional game and Big Ten Championship, there’s almost no way Ohio State loses. They’re in a great position after beating Indiana.

Alabama’s schedule isn’t complete, but we do know they’ll take on No. 22 Auburn and then Arkansas after. Both teams have been solid this season, but absolutely not on the same level as Alabama. Maybe Alabama loses in the SEC Championship. However, after a 63-3 performance against Kentucky, it would be hard to see any team in college football defeat Alabama.

On December 19, the ACC will hold the 2020 ACC Championship Game. It’ll likely be Notre Dame against Clemson, once again. Clemson was defeated in overtime by Notre Dame earlier this season. If Notre Dame was able to win the ACC, Clemson would likely miss out on an opportunity in the College Football Playoff. If they win, they’ll be in, likely along with Notre Dame, as long as neither team loses. There’s a lot to break down, but games that have implications are below.

Notre Dame vs North Carolina (-4.5, 65.5): Notre Dame is in a fantastic position when it comes to making the College Football Playoff. They’ve run the ball well and have stopped the run on defense. They’re taking on a North Carolina team that is currently ranked 25. I would say North Carolina is not a Top 25 team. Notre Dame will have their way rushing the ball against a terrible North Carolina defense. And although North Carolina has played very well offensively, yardage will be limited against a great Notre Dame defense. Defense wins ball games. Notre Dame will be prepared.  Pick: Notre Dame

Alabama vs Auburn (-24, 60.5): Alabama is facing a ranked opponent, but the spread is currently -24. That’s how well Alabama has played this season. Earlier in the year, the defense was suspect and the offense lost some key playmakers. But now, the Crimson Tide look incredible on all aspects of the game and are playing at the most elite level in college football. Auburn struggled out of the gate against Tennessee. And if that happens against Alabama, things will get real ugly against Alabama. Pick: Alabama

LSU vs Texas A&M (+14, 62.5): The LSU Tigers defeated Arkansas for their first win since their win against South Carolina on October 24. Arkansas was without practically their entire defense due to COVID and still hung in. LSU ran the ball well, and TJ Finley looked a lot more comfortable in the pocket. The Texas A&M front seven scares anyone and should absolutely scare LSU. However, the Tigers looked very good in protection last week for Finley. If A&M wins this game, they’re still going to be in contention for a playoff spot in the future. A&M will win this game at home, but LSU has momentum and should keep this closer than many think. Pick: LSU (ATS) and Texas A&M (SU)

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