Expert CFB Betting Locks for Michigan vs. Ohio State and Week 14's Biggest Games
Rivalries still matter. Don't let anyone tell you differently.
Amid the many changes across college football in conferences and rules and postseason structure, the matchups between two programs that genuinely and respectfully despise one another is where this sport truly thrives.
This installment of CFB's rivalry week is particularly juicy. With playoff spots and conference championship game appearances up for grabs, there are a slew of home underdogs hoping to inject some chaos into the sport.
That chaos is indeed coming; it's simply a matter of where and when.
The last full week of the college football season is upon us, and we intend to savor every single moment while we can. While the picks last week featured ups and (slightly more) downs, none of that matters at the moment.
This is a massive week, and we are ready for it. Let's embrace rivalries and point spreads and everything this glorious game has to offer.
Last Week's Record: 4-6
Year to Date: 56-59-1
Ohio State (-10) at Michigan
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History says Michigan will win this game. That's been the outcome the past four seasons, and Ohio State was ranked in the top five each time they met.
In fact, Ryan Day was nearly broken by this result a season ago. Then, the Buckeyes ripped through the College Football Playoff, finding their footing at just the right time.
None of that matters now. As heavy as this rivalry feels, it means nothing when Saturday morning kicks off. And come Saturday morning, Ohio State will showcase why it's a far more talented team.
Oh, the environment will be challenging. The fact that quarterback Julian Sayin has played at Washington and Illinois, however, should help. The other reality is quite simple: Ohio State's roster is better.
Has the schedule been a bit easy? Sure. We could say that about both teams. But just a few short weeks ago, Michigan nearly lost outright to Northwestern on a neutral field.
The Buckeyes, despite their demons against this team, will move on without much drama. For real this time.
The Pick: Ohio State (-10)
Texas ( 2.5) vs. Texas A&M
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Had Texas found a way to beat Georgia, this would have been one of the most intriguing football games in recent memory. As is, it's a doozy for both squads, even if one team is squarely in the playoff and the other, well, is almost certainly on the outside looking in.
It's also an amazing rivalry game with loads of hate. That part matters most of all.
The oddsmakers have plenty to say about this matchup and the accompanying point spread. Perhaps it was Arch Manning's latest performance, which featured five touchdowns and 389 passing yards.
On the other side, A&M is unbeaten. That part is undeniable. The Aggies, however, have a win over one ranked team this season. Granted, that team is Notre Dame, and it's a nice one to have in the back pocket these days.
Regardless, Texas will be ready. The home crowd, which will play a significant role, will be up for it as well. The Longhorns cover the spread and win this one outright.
The Pick: Texas ( 2.5)
Auburn ( 5.5) vs. Alabama
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If you are an Iron Bowl regular, this pick should come as no surprise.
Under normal circumstances, weird things happen in this matchup—not just weird things, but over‑the‑top, game‑altering weirdness.
Recently, Alabama has dominated in terms of victories, winning the last five Iron Bowls. However, the last two games played at Auburn have been decided by a grand total of six points.
In many respects, this is a microcosm of the Tigers' season. Hugh Freeze is no longer the head coach after losing a slew of close games across the first two months. The offense struggled, the defense largely was superb and eventually it all toppled over.
The glimpses from freshman Deuce Knight were exciting, albeit from a raw young player oozing with talent. Oh, and it came against Mercer.
Against Alabama, things will be a lot tougher.
Still, the Crimson Tide's offense hasn't exactly sparkled, and this will serve as a tricky road trip. Don't let the records fool you; things will be close (and weird) again.
The Pick: Auburn ( 5.5)
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Washington ( 6.5) vs. Oregon
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This one could be an absolute delight. And like most games this week, we've seen plenty of fireworks between these two teams in the past.
For most of the year, Oregon has hovered around the top five. And for most of the year, Washington has been a competitive afterthought.
The Huskies received plenty of love before their game against Ohio State, although it's been a quiet year in many respects. An ugly loss to Wisconsin three games ago served as the season's only true lowlight, although the team has been solid since.
The Ducks, of course, have been nearly perfect. A loss to Indiana remains their only blemish, although there have been multiple close calls along the way.
After an emotional win over USC, this is an incredibly difficult road trip against an offense loaded with weapons. While the Ducks are battle-tested, this is a tough turnaround.
Both teams have injuries worth monitoring, although it won't sway us here. Oregon wins, Washington covers. Heck of a game on tap.
The Pick: Washington ( 6.5)
Pittsburgh ( 7) vs. Miami
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At around noon, a.k.a. kickoff, the temperature for this game is likely to be in the low 30s.
That doesn't tell the story of how this game will go, but this is a less-than-ideal spot for a Florida-based team trying to keep its playoff hopes alive.
Let's be honest: These kinds of games—this exact scenario—are where Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes have come up short.
Maybe that's why this point spread is as small as it is. Or maybe it's because Pitt, fresh off a disappointing showing against Notre Dame, dropped 42 points on Georgia Tech to shake up the season.
Quarterback Mason Heintschel and running back Ja'Kyrian Turner were tremendous on Saturday, and they'll need to be just as good. If they can avoid turnovers and negative plays, they can keep Pitt in this game.
Miami has failed to cover the spread in its last two road games, and the same will happen here. Hurricanes win, but it'll be awfully tight.
The Pick: Pittsburgh ( 7)
Other Games on the Card
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Arkansas ( 2.5) vs. Missouri
Arkansas is bad. The 2-9 record tells the story. But Missouri, after such a massive gauntlet of a year, might have run out of gas. The oddsmakers certainly believe that might be the case with this line, and so do we.
Baylor (-2.5) vs. Houston
Dave Aranda is back for 2026, and that news will likely give this team a jolt. The Bears have lost four of the past five games, but they're still playing for bowl eligibility. Motivation ahoy.
Kansas vs. Utah (over 59.5)
Don't let this game get buried. While the point spread is double digits, Kansas and Utah could light up the scoreboard. In fact, the Utes could come close to hitting this number all by themselves.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
