#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: 62-43 (59%) | Last Week: 8-4
The November chaos is coming. It’s time for the real refining to begin and November means it’s time to pick any game with a sniff of impacting the College Football Playoff picture. It’s go time ya’ll!
12pm
7 Michigan State @ 4 Ohio State (-19) | O/U 69.5
Can the Spartans defense bend but not break in the red zone? That’s simply all the analysis necessary. Sparty must hit some deep shots early to prevent Ohio State from loading the box on Kenneth Walker. Michigan State does enough to hang around for 3 quarters, but the Buckeyes hit too many explosive plays in the 4th quarter to salt this one away. Ohio State ascension mode activated.
Ohio State 42-24 | ATS: 1H O35
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Iowa State @ 13 Oklahoma (-3.5) | O/U 59.5
Struggling to find the clear upset today so I’ll go back to the well that is Matt Campbell’s Cyclones as dogs. Oklahoma won’t be fixed from being stifled by Baylor and Caleb Williams will again look like more of a Freshman. Lincoln Riley to LSU watch is in full effect.
Iowa State 31-28 | ATS: Cyclones +3.5
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10 Wake Forest @ Clemson (-4) | O/U 56.6
Fade Wake in November continues! NC State couldn’t quite get it done last week but Clemson as home favorites will. Does this line remind you of the Demon Deacons visit to Chapel Hill two weeks ago? It’s because Vegas again has the right team favored. Hold your nose and take the Tigers.
Clemson 31-24 | ATS: Clemson -4
2:30pm
Georgia Tech @ 8 Notre Dame (-17) | O/U 58
Irish ground and pound their way closer to a NY6 Bowl. A shame they laid an egg against UC in early October.
Notre Dame 35-17 | ATS: No play
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3:30pm
SMU @ 5 Cincinnati (-10) | O/U 65
Much like Oregon, if Cincinnati hasn’t lost yet—despite trying hard to—then this spot doesn’t make sense either. This was one circled for me a month ago, but SMU is a different team and I’m trusting Fickell to refuse to go down at home. Bearcats still need some help, but need to stay focused on not losing. #math
Cincinnati 35-28 | ATS: SMU +10
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21 Arkansas @ 2 Alabama (-20.5) | O/U 58.5
Did Alabama get its offense figured out against New Mexico last week? I think so. Will Arkansas hang around for a bit? Also yes. Bryce Young cooks in the second half and the Tide defense continues to flex. Will Anderson for Heisman.
Alabama 38-20 | ATS: No play
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6 Michigan (-14.5) @ Maryland | O/U 57.5
Michigan is still a fraud and has benefited from an easy schedule. Would be hilarious if they got caught looking ahead here. Wolverines get it done and get ready for their big “rivalry” game next week. Last time I checked a rivalry requires two competitive teams. Alas.
Michigan 31-27 | ATS: No play
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7:30pm
3 Oregon @ 23 Utah (-3) | O/U 59
#3 as a dog on the road in an afternoon showdown in Salt Lake City? What is Vegas thinking here? I’m starting to believe the Ducks might just make the playoffs after all. Ducks do enough. Market and I are both too late on fading Oregon.
