#NicksPicks originated on the campus of Ohio University with a college student who simply believed they were very good at picking College Football games straight up. After a year hiatus, Nick has brought back his patented Saturday morning over-a-cup-of-coffee-rapid-fire picks. Got it? Good. Grab your mug and let’s get our Saturday rolling!
Season: 73-51 (59%) | Last Week: 5-5
Conference Championship week is here and several College Football Playoff spots are up for grabs! Let’s have a chaotic final Saturday!
12pm
MAC Championship (Detroit, MI)
NIU vs. Kent State (-3.5) | O/U 75.5
Gotta make a pick for it. Worst MAC title game in a decade. Can’t read, can’t write (but can score): Kent State.
Kent State 38-35 | ATS: No play
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Big 12 Championship (Arlington, TX)
9 Baylor vs. 5 Oklahoma State (-6.5)| O/U 45.5
The Cowboys might be in the Playoff with a solid second win against the Bears and certainly will get in with a bit of chaos. Look for both defenses to flex for the majority of the game. Which QB makes the fewest mistakes? Mike Gundy won’t let this one slip away but this game will be one of the best of the day.
Oklahoma State 24-20 | ATS: Baylor +6.5
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3pm
Mountain West Championship (Carson, CA)
Utah State vs. San Diego State (-6) | O/U 49.5
Sticking to the basics out West. Trust the Aztecs running attack and their legit defense. Aztecs get to 12-1.
San Diego State 31-10 | ATS: Under 49.5
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3:30pm
Sun Belt Championship (Lafayette, LA)
Appalachian State (-2.5) @ Louisiana | O/U 52
Billy Napier will be off to Gainesville at the conclusion of this one and you have to think playing at home will be a big factor for the Ragin’ Cajuns. In their October 12 meeting Louisiana took the Mountaineers to the woodshed 41-13, but App State has been a completely different team since. The ‘Neers have won 6 straight and are simply the better team for this rematch. App State controls the line of scrimmage, wins the turnover battle, and sends Napier out of Louisiana with a loss.
Appalachian State 28-27 | ATS: No play
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4pm
SEC Championship (Atlanta, GA)
1 Georgia (-6.5) vs. 3 Alabama | O/U 49
Here. We. Go. Easily the most anticipated game of the day (and usually of the year). Alabama barely got past a decent Auburn team in the Iron Bowl last week in 4OT, while Georgia pounded Georgia Tech as expected. This game is very simple: Which team has been most consistent? Which team can control both lines of scrimmage? Which team has shown they can keep the pedal down for 60 minutes? Georgia. Georgia. Georgia. Nick Saban is not to be doubted BUT this is his weakest team in quite a while and it’s finally Kirby and the Dawgs’ time.
Georgia 31-20| ATS: Georgia -6.5, Over 49, sprinkle Georgia alt spread
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American Athletic Conference Championship (Cincinnati, OH)
21 Houston @ 4 Cincinnati (-10.5) | O/U 52.5
Win and Cincinnati is in, right? Maybe? The Bearcats obviously need a win here at home but I also believe they may need to cover with style to truly lock down their spot. Bearcats fans should still be massive Baylor and Georgia fans today to make their spot in the Playoff feel more for sure. Look for Houston to be in this one early and Cincinnati to start a bit tight. After halftime Fickell gets Ridder and co. going and the Bearcats win by two scores.
Cincinnati 31-17 | ATS: No play
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8pm
Atlantic Coast Conference Championship (Charlotte, NC)
15 Pittsburgh (-3.5) vs. 16 Wake Forest | O/U 71.5
While this ACC Title Game won’t produce a Playoff contender it should give us a great display of two high-flying offenses. Expect a game in the 30s with the Pittsburgh defense getting enough stops and getting a few crucial turnover-on-downs against the Wake offense. Kenny Pickett solidifies his name on the Heisman finalists list and the Panthers get Narduzzi an ACC crown.
Pittsburgh 38-33| ATS: Pitt -3.5
Big 10 Championship (Indianapolis, IN)
13 Iowa vs. 2 Michigan (-11) | O/U 43.5
Talk about unforeseen conference title matchups! Iowa backs their way into Indianapolis after a putrid middle of the season stretch, while the Wolverines fly-high into Indy after finally beating and truly dominating Ohio State. Expect Michigan to push around Iowa on both sides of the ball, run for 300 yards, and salt this one away early in the third quarter. Not a massive blowout but the Hawkeyes never seem to have a fighting chance. Michigan on to the Playoff.
Michigan 31-13 | ATS: Michigan -11
Best Bet 🔒: Georgia -6.5 🔨
