NCAA Football Betting Predictions: Week 14 Opening Line Report and Picks
We can debate, compare and contrast after that first week of the college football player rankings. I can’t say I agree but I can’t say I disagree.
Here were the rankings before last weekend’s games.
1. Alabama (Undefeated)
2. Notre Dame (Undefeated with win over Clemson)
3. Clemson
4. Ohio State (Undefeated with win over Indiana)
5. Texas A&M
6. Florida
7. Cincinnati (Undefeated)
8. Northwestern (Were undefeated until last week)
9. Georgia
10. Miami
14. BYU (Undefeated)
20. Coastal Carolina (Undefeated)
21. Marshall (Undefeated)
Things have since changed after last week. Northwestern lost to Michigan State. Their CFP hopes have diminished. Actually, the Big Ten’s hopes of playing in the CFP have diminished, thanks to the conference’s quarantine policy that doesn’t match-up with other conferences.
If Ohio State misses one more game, they will not qualify for a CFP appearance. They would then give up their No. 4 spot to a team like Texas A&M or Florida.
If Cincinnati or BYU go undefeated, they’ll have their say but ultimately won’t get in because of the conference they play in.
If Ohio State are unable to play this Saturday against Michigan State, the season will be in jeopardy due to COVID. Last weekend, Northwestern lost to a 1-3 Michigan State team and now Indiana is without their star quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., due to a torn ACL.
The Big Ten might not have a team in the CFP and yet we usually talk about how competitive and tough of a league the conference is.
It’s a weird year. Penn State has one win. Michigan has two wins. These teams were projected to be near the top of the college football AP poll this season and yet are nowhere to be found.
It might finally be time to add a non Power 5 conference team in the CFP and see what they’re made of. It’s only right.
Cincinnati doesn’t play this week. The next game for the Bearcats is scheduled for December 12 against a ranked opponent in Tulsa. This game will be played a week before the conference championship game. If the Bearcats win out, they have a legitimate argument.
BYU also won’t be playing until December 12, against San Diego State.
Meanwhile, Coastal Carolina has Liberty on the slate this weekend. Liberty is an independent team that has looked incredibly good this season, only to lose a one-point game to North Carolina State.
College Game Day is going to Coastal Carolina for the big game. Let’s look at it.
Liberty vs Coastal Carolina (-6.5, 57.5): Coastal Carolina is ranked 14th in the nation, while Liberty is ranked 25th. Both teams have been bright spots in college football this season, staying away from COVID and playing extremely well behind their head coaches even when most thought these teams wouldn’t have successful seasons. Coastal Carolina has had a couple scares, but that defense is fantastic. Grayson McCall has been ridiculous against Sun Belt competition. Meanwhile, Liberty has looked unreal running the football and are making tons of plays on defense. This is going to be a close game. Every Liberty game has been. This one is no different. Pick: Liberty
Ohio State vs Michigan State (+23.5, 59.5): The Michigan State/Ohio State game is on for now. The spread is humongous, and for good reason. But even if Ohio State is able to play, what are the chances all starters are healthy and able to play? Michigan State has Big Ten talent to compete against Ohio State, and this game is also in Michigan. Therefore, there’s just too many points being given in this one. They pulled off an upset against Northwestern, and they can do that to Ohio State too (only against the spread though). Pick: Michigan State
Alabama vs LSU (+28.5, 67.5): Last season, this was the most anticipated game in the college football season. LSU didn’t disappoint behind Joe Burrow. The funny thing is, the Dolphins are playing the Bengals this week, too, but Burrow and Tagovailoa will need to wait for their first match-up in the NFL against one another. Anyway, as long as LSU starts TJ Finley, you can take Alabama to win by 45+. Kind of joking, but not really. LSU will have more success with Max Johnson under center, so maybe you’ll get a touchdown or two from LSU. However, other than that, they’ll be destroyed. Pick: Alabama
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