The Big E College Football Picks: Week 13

I haven't been to work since Monday because of record snowfall in my area which means I've extra time to study for these picks.

LEAGUE STANDINGS

Congratulations to iNDy_Verballer and ndbios2000 for leading week 12 with 12-6 records. That strong week moves iNDy_Verballer into a 1st place tie with Big E for the overall lead and he holds the tie breaker for now.

Big E: 125-89 (t-1st place)

Now for this week's picks...

Minnesota (+10.5) at No. 23 Nebraska

Pick: Minnesota

Both clubs are coming off losses, the Gophers at home to Ohio State and Nebraska by the way of slow strangulation via Melvin Gordon. I like the home team in this scenario but not by double digits.

Kansas (+25) at No. 21 Oklahoma

Pick: Kansas

Kansas put a proper scare into TCU last week and aside from their game against Baylor the Jayhawks have been playing well for a month and a half. Lord help me I'm putting my faith in Kansas. With the Sooners missing quarterback Trevor Knight I'll take the points.

Rutgers (+22) at No. 11 Michigan State

Pick: Rutgers

I'm already on the early underdog bandwagon. This is just so many points in a game that is likely to be slow and plodding due to the weather.

Indiana (+34.5) at No. 6 Ohio State

Pick: Ohio State

I've taken 3 straight underdogs and now I'm giving the points in this one!?!? Yes sir, because Indiana's offense has fallen apart without Nate Sudfeld and Ohio State is going to be going full throttle on offense to pile up points for the playoff committee.

Marshall (-20) at UAB

Pick: Marshall

The playoff committee is still hating on the Herd as they remain unranked. But alas, they remain in our pick 'em league due to the AP. Marshall isn't showing any signs of slowing down.

Washington State (+16.5) at No. 13 Arizona State

Pick: Arizona State

In case you didn't notice the Sun Devils went ahead and lost at Oregon State after beating the Irish. Now is a good time to jump off their bandwagon but I'll remain steady and look for ASU to rebound at home.

New Mexico (+22) at Colorado State

Pick: Colorado State

The Rams have broken into the AP Poll but remain outside of the playoff poll. All eyes are turning to Jim McElwain as he looks to win 10 games and win a conference title.

Boston College (+17.5) at No. 3 Florida State

Pick: Boston College

This line took a big drop after the terrible shooting on campus. You really have to wonder how that is going to affect Florida State in this game. The Eagles played the Seminoles pretty tough last year and have the type of offense that is going to physically demand a lot for four quarters.

No. 16 Wisconsin (-10) at Iowa

Pick: Wisconsin

After last week I wonder if the Badgers are really going to shoot for breaking the single-season rushing record for Melvin Gordon. Full steam ahead!

No. 8 Ole Miss (-3.5) at Arkansas

Pick: Ole Miss

Arkansas finally got their first SEC win in forever last week. They have to be feeling good. However, I don't like their matchup against Ole Miss' defense. Plus, the Rebels are coming off a bye.

No. 15 Arizona (+4) at No. 17 Utah

Pick: Arizona

Arizona barely got by Washington last week and Utah is a sneaky tough place to play. I'm going on a whim that the Wildcats play really well this year and drop Utah out of the rankings.

No. 24 Louisville (+3.5) at Notre Dame

Pick: Louisville

My prediction is Cardinals 39 and Notre Dame 28.

Colorado (+32.5) at No. 2 Oregon

Pick: Colorado

Anyone surprised by this pick? Oregon is averaging almost 58 points per game in their last 3 games against the Buffaloes. My theory is that Oregon knows their playoff spot is fairly locked up as long as they can just win and get to the Pac-12 title game. I can see them powering down, protecting Mariota, and not quite covering this one.

No. 20 Missouri (+3.5) at Tennessee

Pick: Tennessee

There needs to be more chaos in the SEC East. However, I'm not comfortable taking the Vols as the favorite. It doesn't seem wise.

Vanderbilt (+30) at No. 4 Mississippi State

Pick: Miss State

For all intents and purposes the Commodores are win-less this year. They've beaten UMass, Charleston Southern, and Old Dominion. That's like 0.8 wins, for real. I have some concerns about Miss State coming back strong after the Alabama game but they need to play well to stay in the top four.

Oklahoma State (+28.5) at No. 7 Baylor

Pick: Oklahoma State

Wow, this is a lot of points. So many points.

No. 19 USC (+3.5) at No. 9 UCLA

Pick: USC

UCLA has won 2 in a row in this rivalry. They have a lot of momentum but I think USC is better.