College Football Week 12: Favorites Who Will Cover the Spread

Entering the closing stretch of the 2014 college football season, you've seen your share of favorites disappoint and ruin your betting tickets.

Don't let these losses deter you, though. College football's Week 12 slate of games has some favorites that are locks to cover the spread.

Who are they, you ask? Let's find out.

Florida State (-2) at Miami

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The Florida State Seminoles may be riding a 25-game winning streak into their matchup with the Miami Hurricanes, but the team has ample losses on its resume when it comes to covering the spread.

With the exception being its outings against Wake Forest and Louisville—and even that was in doubt until late—Florida State has failed to cover the spread in seven of its nine games this season.

Nonetheless, the reality is, with just a two-point spread, all the Seminoles have to do is win for you to rake in the cash. Florida State's lowest margin of victory during its winning streak is three points, which came in the national title game against Auburn last season.

And let's be clear: Miami certainly doesn't sport a team of that caliber. At 6-3, the chief win on the Hurricanes' resume came against Duke.

In more high-profile matchups with Louisville, Georgia Tech and Nebraska, Miami was outscored 100-61. Because of these losses, the Canes are 0-3 against the spread (ATS) as underdogs in 2014. So, in other words, this isn't a team that exactly plays up to its competition.

Delving into the team's history against Florida State under Al Golden, Miami again comes up short. Golden's average margin of defeat in three games against the Seminoles is north of 14 points. With that said, look for Florida State to win this one by a comfortable margin.

Prediction: Florida State 34, Miami 21

Michigan State (-12) at Maryland

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Don't jump off the Spartans bandwagon just yet. While Michigan State was thoroughly dominated by Ohio State—and most importantly, didn't cover the spread—this team has been rather consistent on the gambling front.

When the Spartans face a ranked opponent, it's simple: Don't bet on them. Of their four losses ATS on the season, three have come against such opponents. But with Maryland just being another run-of-the-mill Big Ten team, you have the green light to take Michigan State this week.

If that's not enough for you to take the plunge, though, then take a peep at the Terrapins' track record at home. In Maryland's past seven home games, it has covered the spread just two times. Factor in the Spartans' 6-1 record ATS in their last seven Big Ten road games, and the pick here is an easy one.

Prediction: Michigan State 37, Maryland 17

Kentucky at Tennessee (-8.5)

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It's not the SEC matchup that will draw the most attention, but if history is any indicator, it's certainly the best contest to bet on in Week 12.

Since 2007, the Volunteers are 6-1 ATS when facing Kentucky. On the opposing side, the Wildcats are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 SEC road games.

Coming off a 45-42 victory over South Carolina, momentum is also on Tennessee's side. With Joshua Dobbs under center in place of the injured Justin Worley, the Volunteers added another dimension to their offense.

In his first career start, Dobbs set the school mark for rushing yards in a game by a quarterback, with 166 yards. Already giving up nearly 200 yards per game on the ground, this development doesn't bode well for Kentucky's defense.

With an average margin of victory of 16 points in its last three home games with the Wildcats, the pick here is Tennessee. 

Prediction: Kentucky 17, Tennessee 30

All lines and betting information are courtesy of Oddsshark.com, as of 4 p.m. ET.