#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: 68-46 (60%) | Last Week: 6-3
12pm
1 Georgia (-35) @ Georgia Tech | O/U 54.5
Georgia doesn’t need style point here and I expect to see plenty of run for the backups and beyond. Dawgs win easily but don’t cover.
Georgia 45-14 | ATS: No play
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2 Ohio State (-7) @ 5 Michigan | O/U 64.5
Simply cannot fathom why this line is so low in favor of the Buckeyes. I don’t expect Stroud and Co. to tear up the Wolverines defense to a similar tune as they did last week against Michigan State, but I do expect the Michigan secondary to get sliced and diced. If Michigan can get consistent pressure, force Stroud out of the pocket, and establish the run on their own side–they might only lose by 20. Ohio State is in full Ascension Mode and all but books their spot in the CFB Playoff.
Ohio State 49-20 | ATS: Ohio State -7
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Texas Tech @ 8 Baylor (-14) | O/U 52
Baylor needs a win and an Oklahoma State win in Bedlam to get to the B12 Championship. The Cowboys held pitched a shutout against this Texas Tech offense last week and I wouldn’t be surprised if Baylor makes it two in a row. Bears handle their business and hope the Pokes can turn the proverbial tide against Oklahoma later in the day.
Baylor 34-10 | ATS: Under 52
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Florida State @ Florida (-3) | O/U 59
Dan Mullen was fired on Sunday and the Gators are still favored by 3? Absolutely hilarious. Was selfishly hoping Mullen would survive long enough to avoid bowl eligibility at the hands of the rival Seminoles. Florida State continues to play hard and Mike Norvell continues to back up his hot recruiting with on field improvement.
Florida State 31-30 | ATS: FSU +3
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3:30pm
3 Alabama (-20.5) @ Auburn | O/U 57
Weird things happen when the Iron Bowl occurs in Jordan Hare and history favors the Tigers to keep it competitive and cover at home. While there hasn’t been much to write home about concerning the Tigers in the last month (with or without Nix), Alabama has similarly not played the impressive November football we’ve become accustomed to. This one’s outcome will never be in doubt but the Crimson Tide will have to wait until early in the fourth quarter to truly begin looking ahead to Atlanta. War Eagle.
Alabama 34-21 | ATS: Auburn +20.5
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Penn State (-4) @ 12 Michigan State | O/U 52
The most confusing and hard to comprehend matchup of the week lies here. Can Sparty rebound on Senior Day after losing by 49 (could’ve been 70) in Columbus? Can Penn State win a close one against a quality opponent? Who the heck knows man. I’ll play the under and hope for an exciting one to flip over to if Alabama gets the pedal down early on Auburn.
Penn State 27-17| ATS: Under 52
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7:30pm
10 Oklahoma @ 7 Oklahoma State (-4.5) | O/U 49.5
There are two historical (and recent) outcomes in Bedlam. Oklahoma by a little or Oklahoma by a LOT. Lincoln Riley and Co. will have more than enough bulletin board material about how fantastic the Cowboys defense has been and how their own offense led by Freshman QB Caleb Williams has been stuck in idle the past few weeks. Lincoln Riley will do what he does: scheme dudes open and beat Gundy and the Pokes.
Oklahoma 28-24 | ATS: Sooners +4.5
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23 Clemson (-11.5) @ South Carolina | O/U 43
Clemson has won four in a row and South Carolina is already going bowling in year one under Shane Beamer. What’s that mean? A Tigers blowout. Clemson covers as the smallest favorite in this rivalry game since who knows when.
Clemson 31-10 | ATS: Clemson -11.5
Kentucky @ Louisville (-3) | O/U 57.5
The Governor’s Cup features a free falling Kentucky squad and a Louisville bunch that’s found their best form of a rocky season. A month ago Louisville being favored in this game would’ve been outright laughable, but here we are. I expect a high energy, four quarter bout that features plenty of turnovers and big plays. Call me crazy but I’m riding with the Louisville defense to do enough while Malik Cunningham accounts for 4 scores as the Cards OL keeps things neutral in the trenches. Satterfield needs this one and he gets it. Go Cards beat UK.
Louisville 31-28 | ATS: No play
