We’ve hit the homestretch of the college football season.
Conference title games are just around the corner, leaving ample opportunities for the sport’s heavyweights to bolster their resumes before the 12-team playoff.
With that in mind, let’s break down some of my best bets on the Week 13 slate.
College Football Week 13 Predictions
All college football odds used for these Week 13 best bets are current as of Thursday, Nov. 20, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Missouri vs Oklahoma Best Bet: Oklahoma -7.5 (-110)
Welcome back, Oklahoma. Brent Venables’ team turned in a throwback performance last week on the road against Alabama, scoring 17 points off three turnovers in a 23-21 win. Now 8-2, the Sooners control their own destiny for the College Football Playoff.
Missouri, on the other hand, is just 2-3 since a 5-0 start and has long since faded from such discussion. The Tigers took care of business last week, dominating Mississippi State 49-27, but can they do it again against a far superior opponent? The Tigers — who curiously have played just two road games to date — are 0-3 ATS as an underdog.
The Sooners must continue to win for a chance at the 12-team field. Look for them to do that — and cover — here.
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USC vs Oregon Best Bet: Oregon -9.5 (-112)
USC has picked up steam of late with three straight wins, including a 26-21 victory over Iowa in which the Trojans (8-2) scored the final 19 points to keep their CFP hopes alive. The Trojans toughed it out in sloppy, rain-soaked conditions, proving they’re capable of winning multiple ways.
While impressive, it only gets more difficult from here. Autzen Stadium is no picnic for visitors. Oregon is 4-2 ATS and 5-1 outright at home, with the lone loss coming against unbeaten Indiana. The Ducks (9-1) are averaging 42 points in those games, a tick above their season average of 39.
The Trojans deserve credit for playing their way back into the CFP conversation. But until they consistently show they can win on the road, they’re difficult to trust.
As such, I’m backing Oregon by double digits as one of my college gameday picks.
Louisville vs SMU Best Bet: SMU -2.5 (-115)
SMU can still find its way back to the ACC Championship Game if it wins out and gets some help. Off last week, the Mustangs (7-3) have won two straight since falling on the road to Wake Forest and are 13-1 in league play over the last two seasons.
Louisville (7-3), on the other hand, is coming off back-to-back losses at home to unranked California and Clemson. Although the Cardinals are unbeaten on the road, can they be trusted to get up for this 11 a.m. local kickoff?
I’m taking the team with something to play for to win by at least a field goal at home.
Duke vs North Carolina Best Bet: North Carolina +6.5 (-108)
North Carolina has been a major disappointment. The Tar Heels (4-6) need to double their win total against power-conference opponents over the next two weeks just to become bowl eligible. It’s far from what was expected after the school threw a boatload of money at Bill Belichick.
If it’s any consolation, the Tar Heels have been more competitive of late. They’d won two straight before last week’s 28-12 loss to Wake Forest and were a 2-point conversion away from upsetting then-No. 16 Virginia in overtime. Credit the defense, which has 15 sacks over the last three games.
Look for them to keep it close against rival Duke (5-5), which fell flat last week against Virginia and has allowed 116 points over its past three games. I’m taking UNC to cover as one of my best college football bets today.
