College Football Betting Preview: Week 13 picks

Each week during the college football season, theScore will handicap the board and offer up a three-pack of picks, with a focus on marquee matchups.

8 Ohio State (pk) at 10 Michigan

Fading the national champion in the year following their title run has been a very profitable endeavor for the better part of the last two decades. But the adjustment on Ohio State has gone too far in the other direction here. Last week's loss wasn't an excuse to abandon ship and get out of Columbus - it was a much-needed wakeup call for a team that's been stuck in cruise control. Expect a bounce back from the Buckeyes. A quick look at Michigan's schedule shows losses to its two toughest opponents - Utah and Michigan State. Ohio State 33, Michigan 24

Auburn (+14) vs. 2 Alabama

Auburn was written off early in the season, and rightfully so, but the Tigers have been more competitive of late, and the Iron Bowl has a way of getting those competitive juices flowing in anyone. Don't be surprised to see Auburn close out its SEC schedule with its best performance to date. Alabama 31, Auburn 24

4 Iowa (-1) at Nebraska

How much credit does Nebraska deserve for catching Michigan State with its pants down and eking out a one-point victory? It's been a down year for the Cornhuskers, while Iowa's firmly in the CFP picture. If the Hawkeyes can avoid looking ahead, they should take this one in a walk. Iowa 38, Nebraska 28

Other games of note

19 TCU (OFF) vs. 7 Baylor

Both teams won't be fielding their optimal lineups due to injuries. This is a game TCU's had circled for a year. TCU 47, Baylor 35

18 Ole Miss (pk) at 21 Mississippi State

The Egg Bowl participants enter with close proximity in the national rankings, but only one's played at an elite level in game's it's shown up for, and this will be one of those. Ole Miss 34, Mississippi State 28

12 Florida (+2.5) vs. 13 Florida State

Many expected it would take Jim McElwain a lot longer to turn things around in Gainesville than it has. Florida 23, Florida State 17

6 Notre Dame (+4) at 9 Stanford

There's a feel about this year's Irish team that just makes it seem destined for the CFP. They need to win this one by a decent margin to get there. Notre Dame 40, Stanford 24

11 Oklahoma State (+7) vs. 3 Oklahoma

Don't underestimate how difficult it is to make that trip out to Stillwater. Oklahoma State 31, Oklahoma 30

(Line courtesy: BookMaker)