Expert CFB Betting Locks for Georgia vs. Texas and Week 12's Biggest Games

Oh, we needed that.

For as much as we appreciate and respect the grind of picking games against the spread the entire college football season, sometimes you need to taste success to remember how good it feels.

After finding success in six of nine games in Week 11, we have momentum entering Week 12. We've now done this a dozen times. The season truly flies, so soak up every moment.

From a few key matchups in the SEC to the weird, wild and always unpredictable ACC, this week's picks go coast-to-coast in search of winners.

Last Week's Record: 6-3

Year to Date: 48-47-1

Georgia (-6) vs. Texas

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While we often search for contrarian angles and deep logic in our selections, this doesn't have to be overly complicated.

Playing in a tough environment, Georgia just feels like a better overall team. Texas has the better defense, but the Bulldogs have the better quarterback, the better offense and a home crowd behind them.

The last part, more than anything, feels most concerning for the Longhorns.

Texas is 0-4 against the spread on the road this year. Taking that a step further, Steve Sarkisian's team, if not for tremendous finishes against Kentucky and Mississippi State, could have easily lost all four games.

Granted, QB Arch Manning has looked better of late. And Texas, which has impressive wins over Oklahoma and Vanderbilt, is certainly capable. But Georgia also might be figuring it out, and QB Gunner Stockton is poised to deliver a moment here.

This doesn't feel like a blowout. In fact, it will be close and somewhat ugly for a while. But Georgia will happily grind out a win, much like it has all season.

Duke (-4) vs. Virginia

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If nothing else, the ACC isn't boring.

Perhaps you have other ways to describe it, although we prefer to keep things positive around these parts. Regardless of how you feel about the conference, this spread perfectly encapsulates the competitive depth within it.

Those who have followed these picks all season know how badly Duke has done for us. In fact, after the last loss, it wasn't clear if this team would be featured again.

Well, here they are.

The fact that this spread is where it is despite the Blue Devils' loss to UConn last week speaks to the questions, injuries and unknowns surrounding the Cavaliers presently.

It also speaks to the firepower Duke possesses, which has no issue scoring points behind quarterback Darian Mensah, who also occasionally throws it to the other team.

Turnovers and mistakes are indeed a concern. Then again, Virginia has its own issues despite entering this game with a record of 8-2.

We're putting our faith in Duke one last time. For real this time.

The Pick: (-4)

TCU ( 4.5) vs. BYU

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Emotionally speaking, one can't help but wonder about the state of both teams after a rough Week 11.

For TCU, it was unable to topple Iowa State at home, falling 20-17. Three turnovers likely doomed the Horned Frogs, which are a few ugly plays away from entering this game with just one loss.

For BYU, it was simply outmatched against Texas Tech. The Red Raiders overpowered the Cougars at home, showing why this team is the best in the Big 12. Given the buzz of that game, though, one can't help but wonder if a letdown is in store.

Given how BYU has played, this point spread seems small at a glance.

Perhaps the greatest concern backing TCU is quarterback Josh Hoover. He is plenty talented, and he's shown that. He has also thrown six interceptions in the Frogs' three losses, which have put this team in a difficult position.

But this feels like the right opponent at just the right time. While TCU might not win, it'll keep it close enough.

The Pick: TCU ( 4.5)

North Carolina (+6.5) vs. Wake Forest

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Let's (gasp) give Bill Belichick some credit.

North Carolina is playing significantly better football than it was earlier in the year. While the Tar Heels are just 2-2 in their last four games, the two losses, at Cal and against Virginia, came by a combined four points.

The defense, in particular, has really stepped up. UNC hasn't allowed more than 16 points in each of its last three games, playing its way into the top 40 in scoring defense.

Given where the season started, this program has come on in light years.

Wake Forest, meanwhile, is coming off a massive win over Virginia. The Demon Deacons have won four of the past five games, and they'll enjoy this game at home.

Despite the many positives, this spread is hovering around a touchdown. In many respects, this spread underlines the sudden respect Belichick and his team are getting.

And with a total sitting in the upper 30s, this is likely to be a tight, low-scoring football game.

The Pick: North Carolina (+6.5)

Oklahoma (+6) at Alabama

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Candidly, I didn't expect to make this selection. The more I thought, however, the more I reconsidered. And while Alabama will ultimately find a way to win, it won't be easy or pretty. It will also be by less than six points.

Both teams enter this game having endured a gauntlet from the schedule-makers. After losing inexplicably to Florida State to start the year, the Crimson Tide have tallied four wins against ranked teams and zero additional losses.

Despite losing starting QB John Mateer for a good chunk of the season, Oklahoma has managed to lose only two games despite having one of the most difficult schedules in the country. It doesn't get any easier with this road trip, either.

Although the numbers have regressed slightly, the Sooners still have the nation's No. 2 scoring defense. Alabama, for what it's worth, is No. 13 in that department. A total hovering in the mid-40s speaks to these figures.

It also indicates Alabama's current state of offensive woes. While QB Ty Simpson is very much a Heisman contender—and he has special weapons to throw the ball to—the Tide haven't exactly been dominant on that side of the ball.

As such, Oklahoma keeps the game tight.

The Pick: Oklahoma (+6)

Other Games on the Card

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Indiana (-29.5) vs. Wisconsin

Yes, last week was close for Indiana. On the other side, Wisconsin beat a good Washington team. None of that will matter here when the scoreboard flips sideways by halftime.

East Carolina (-2.5) vs. Memphis

Longtime readers of this weekly staple know how we feel about East Carolina, and I love this spot against a Memphis team that is coming off a tough loss. The Pirates make it two tough weeks in a row.

Arizona State (-11.5) vs. West Virginia

Although ASU will be without its star QB, it won't matter. In fact. backup Jeff Sims flashed quite a bit in the team's last game against Iowa State. After a nicely timed bye, the Sun Devils roll.

Wyoming ( 3.5) at Fresno State

Despite two recent losses and a long road stretch, Wyoming is getting plenty of love from oddsmakers. We tend to agree.

Northwestern ( 12) vs. Michigan

Wrigley Field will serve as the setting for this one, which will likely be overflowing with Michigan fans. That aside, Northwestern will push to make this one a smidge uncomfortable.