Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 13
After BH choked last week, The Skinny has come back within striking distance. The anticipation is building with just two weeks to go.
On to this week’s picks.
BLATANT HOMERISM—Week 13
(Last week: 1-4; Overall: 31-27-2)
LSU at Texas A&M (-3)
The Aggies probably have their best chance yet to end years of frustration against the Bayou Bengals. If LSU can’t run the ball consistently against a team, it’s curtains. A&M has one of the stingiest run defenses in the country, allowing 3.1 yards per rush, which ranks eighth in the country.
Jimbo Fisher can start drawing up a contract extension now.
The pick: A&M 18, LSU 11.
Kansas State (+13.5) at Iowa State
The Cyclones have seen their offensive productivity tail off in recent weeks. That includes the 10 points scored versus Texas in their last game.
Sounds like the kind of matchup that is right in Bill Snyder’s wheelhouse.
The pick: ISU by a touchdown.
Notre Dame at USC (+11)
I have little interest in betting on Southern Cal. I do like the prospect of betting against a team from Indiana that played in New York last week and has to travel to Los Angeles for a game the next. That will have to pass for rationale at this point in the year.
The pick: Fighting Irish in a squeaker.
Navy at Tulane (-7)
The Green Wave came within inches a year ago of making a bowl game. I have to think they will make the most of their shot this time around against a group of Midshipmen with nothing to play for and a rivalry game against Army looming.
The pick: Tulane comfortably.
Pittsburgh at Miami (-4)
Speaking of teams lacking for motivation, the Panthers last week locked up their date with Clemson in the title game. Chance they’re looking ahead?
Miami played a solid game last week at Virginia Tech. The Hurricanes will be after revenge for last season’s loss.
The pick: The U, 14-6.
THE SKINNY--Week 13
(Last week: 3-2; Overall: 26-34)
Notre Dame (-11) at USC
Nebraska (+8.5) at Iowa
Pittsburgh (+4) at Miami
South Carolina (+26) at Clemson
Michigan at Ohio State (+3.5)