Holy cow, it’s already week 13?! Where has the time gone? We had ourselves a nice 3-2 record last weekend and hope to continue the success this weekend. Rivalry week is super fun to watch, but so tough to handicap because there are a ton of external factors to consider. I didn’t find a ton of value in the slate this week, but I think I found a few gems. A lot of gut feels this week and not a lot of research, but that’s the way I like it. Enough nonsense, let’s get to the picks.
Before we get to the picks, just a quick reminder, I don’t actually gamble real money, because gambling is illegal in Nebraska. If I could gamble legally, these would be the picks I would go with. All of the lines and totals are set at time of publishing (odds coming from oddshark), and will not change as the week goes on. So get’em while their hot! Here we go, Bart’s Best Bets Baby!
Friday, November 24th
Navy (+5) @ Houston
I watched the entire Navy v. Notre Dame game last weekend and was very impressed with how Navy controlled the majority of the game. They obviously didn’t win, but they covered the 20 point spread and it was never in doubt. Houston has been unpredictable all year, which is why I’ve stayed away from them, but I think this a good time to pick against them. Service academies always play with pride and discipline, and I think that will put them over the top in this one. Give me Navy +4.5.
Saturday, November 25th
Ohio State (-12) @ Michigan
Ever since getting crushed by Iowa, Ohio State has been on fire and I think they continue to keep that up. Urban Meyer is on a mission to get to the College Football Playoff and I would be very scared for any team in his way. I’m not sure what Meyer’s record in November is, but I bet it’s dang good. I consider Michigan dead after their last stand last week against Wisconsin. Their quarterback play has just been getting worse as the season has gone on. I love Harbaugh, but I think he’s already looking towards next season, and Ohio State still has a ton to play for. I have an odd feeling Ohio State is going to win their way into the CFP and this game will be a big reason why. The Buckeyes will roll in this one.
UTEP @ UAB (-20.5)
I’m sorry guys, but I’m addicted to the UAB Blazers and I cannot quit them, especially after last week’s stinker against Florida. UTEP is 0-11 this season and they definitely aren’t getting their first win here. UAB bounces back big here and wins by 30+.
Alabama @ Auburn Under 47.5
I really wanted to pick the spread in this game, but I think they have it right on at Alabama -4.5, so I needed to pick something else here. I took a long look at the total and decided I like the under 47.5. These are two great football teams with excellent defenses. They both had their cupcake week 12 game last week to get healthy and focused for this game. Both teams have been preparing for this game for two weeks now and I think that helps the defense way more than it helps the offense. Points will be at a premium in this one. I think this game ends with a score of 24-17 and I’ll let you pick the winner.
Wisconsin @ Minnesota (+17.5)
Ah yes, the Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe, my favorite Big Ten Trophy Game. This is the ultimate “I’ve got an odd feeling about this one” game. Wisconsin is coming into this game undefeated and are rolling opponents lately. Minnesota just got rocked by Northwestern 39-0. So why am I picking Minnesota in this one? I have no idea, I guess my love for PJ Fleck is blinding me from being a logical human being. Feel free to fade me here and take Wisconsin, but something is telling me that Minnesota is going to win this game and ruin Wisconsin’s year. Seriously though, how epic would it be to see Coach PJ running off the field with Paul Bunyan’s Axe? Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. ROW THE BOAT!
Bart’s Best Bets YTD: 32-26-2 (24-20-2 ATS, 8-6 O/U)
There you have it, folks, Week 13 of Bart’s Best Bets. We had a nice 3-2 week last week, but that doesn’t matter anymore. We’re on to Week 13. I hope you enjoyed reading and enjoy my picks this week even more. Have a GREAT Thanksgiving weekend of family, friends, and football watching, and don’t forget to check out DaveCh999’s NFL Week 12 picks!
Double COVERage 