Expert CFB Betting Locks for Oregon vs. USC and Week 13's Biggest Games
The number of college football Saturdays in 2025 are dwindling.
There is no other way to shape it. Those of us who cherish these weekly explosions of enjoyment are counting down the days. It doesn't matter how good or bad the matchups are. We don't have nearly as many left as we once did.
Soon, there will be no college football at all. And that reality, no matter the circumstances, is a dire acceptance to comprehend.
Before then, however, there will be football. Lots of football. Tremendous football. Don't sweat the schedule just yet; the sport you know and love has plenty to offer before it goes dormant once again.
For us, we're trying to get right. We delivered a "meh" week after seemingly finding our footing, and we aren't thrilled about it. Here's our chance to make it right.
Winners ahoy.
Last Week's Record: 4-6
Year to Date: 52-53-1
Oregon (-9.5) vs. USC
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Let's begin with a little credit for the team—and more specifically the head coach—I am about to fade. Lincoln Riley has done a nice job. USC is undeniably better. The program truly feels like it's in solid hands.
With that said, there's a talent gap between these two teams. And outside of perhaps wide receiver, where Oregon is still tremendously capable when healthy, the Ducks likely have an advantage on all fronts.
It's a big number. In fact, it's so big that it might have many backing the underdog. This is especially understandable after USC came back and beat a tough Iowa team in the second half.
However, playing in Eugene is difficult. At home, the Ducks are 4-2 against the spread. The lone loss came against Indiana.
USC, while a tremendous story, is not Indiana in terms of talent. And while the Trojans deserve plenty of praise, this feels like a game that will highlight one of Big Ten's most talented teams.
The Pick: Oregon (-9.5)
Missouri (+7.5) at Oklahoma
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As most of the conference celebrates its ceremonial cupcake before rivalry games kick in, Missouri and Oklahoma will deliver a massive football game with plenty of importance.
Interestingly enough, one of the conference's most intriguing players could be back much sooner than expected.
Starting QB Beau Pribula has been nearing a return for Mizzou, and this could be the week. If that's the case, the offense, which had struggled prior to last week, should get a much-needed jolt.
Oklahoma, meanwhile, is coming off a huge win over Alabama on the road. One can't help but wonder if there will be an emotional letdown of any kind or if the team's offense, which totaled just 212 yards last week, will struggle some as well.
The Sooners deserve the utmost credit for making it through their first 10 games at 8-2, and they will come away from this one victorious as well. But the Tigers stay within the number and push for the upset along the way.
The Pick: Missouri (+7.5)
Cincinnati ( 2.5) vs. BYU
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How has it gone betting against BYU this year, you ask? Not particularly great.
The Cougars are 7-3 against the spread this year, and they obliterated TCU as a small-ish favorite last week. For those keeping score at home, we backed the Horned Frogs. It wasn't good.
A week later, the oddsmakers are again not thrilled with BYU. Despite the fact that Cincinnati lost outright to Arizona on Saturday, the Bearcats are a small underdog at home.
If this scenario sounds familiar for BYU, it should. And if you think we learned anything from last week, it's clear we haven't.
Despite the loss, Cincinnati is more than capable. Brendan Sorsby, who threw two interceptions last week, can be an elite collegiate quarterback if he protects the ball.
While BYU has showcased just how exceptional it can be on a variety of occasions, Cincinnati has got more than enough firepower to win.
In Vegas we trust. Again. For real this time.
The Pick: Cincinnati ( 2.5)
Florida ( 4) vs. Tennessee
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Does Florida still want to play football this season?
That seems like an important question to ask in a game like this, with the Gators again a small underdog against a ranked football team.
In previous situations, though, the Gators have played hard. They covered against Georgia and Ole Miss, and they beat Texas outright. They didn't fare so well against Miami and Texas A&M, which would explain why they're still looking for their next head coach.
Against another ranked team, the oddsmakers clearly haven't lost faith despite the fact that Florida has won just three games all year.
Indeed, the talent is there. The offense, when it protects the ball, can be explosive. And the defense, which deserved so much better this year, has been elite at times.
All the pieces are in place to upend Tennessee's season, which has been somewhat up and down—albeit much better than the team they're playing.
For at least one more week, Florida finds a win. The Gators cover and win outright as a small dog.
The Pick: Florida ( 4)
Georgia Tech vs. Pittsburgh (Over 61.5)
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For whatever reason, totals haven't been featured much this year in our picks. There's no strategic reason for this, other than simply not seeing the right opportunities to capitalize on.
This is different. This is the ACC, which is full of joy, weirdness, scoreboard explosions, upsets, near-upsets and chaos.
Georgia Tech just nearly lost outright to lowly Boston College. While the offense has been excellent, the defense now ranks No. 71 in the nation in scoring. Although Pitt's offense didn't show much against Notre Dame last week, this will be a much different, easier challenge.
The end result could be a wild football game loaded with action and meaningful moments. As we sort out the ACC tiebreakers and potential championship matchups, this contest feels like it will play a significant role in that equation.
Regardless of the winning team, prepare for points. Lots of points.
The Pick: (Over 61.5)
Other Games on the Card
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UTSA ( 2.5) vs. East Carolina
Both teams have had their moments, and East Carolina had one last week in a win over Memphis. We were all over that, but we're now heading the other way as the Tigers hit the road.
Hawai'i ( 2.5) at UNLV
Oh, UNLV has cost us money this season. There is no getting around it. A slew of cheeky lines from the oddsmakers have sucked us in. Those lines looked a lot like this one, although we're ready to make the same mistake again.
Stanford ( 3.5) vs. Cal
From the moment I saw this line, it spoke to me. Given the records of both teams, the spread doesn't feel nearly largely enough. And although Stanford has lost three straight, the competition has played a part. We like the dog outright.
Louisville ( 2.5) at SMU
It was an ugly week for Louisville, but life in the ACC moves fast. The SMU defense will provide more chances to score than Clemson's did, and the end result should be a solid bounce-back week.
Colorado ( 7.5) vs. Arizona State
The Sun Devils are ranked again, although it might not last long. While both teams have had underwhelming years, Julian Lewis provided a spark for the Buffaloes last time out. He does the same here.
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