2017 College Football Picks and Predictions – Top Matchups for Week 13: It’s rivalry week in college football, so you know there is no shortage of big games. There are several marquee matchups on tap this weekend that will have major implications on both conference title races and the race for the four spots in the College Football Playoff.
In fact, three of these matchups feature teams that are both ranked in the Top 25. Clemson has its eye on a playoff spot as the Tigers renew their in-state rivalry with South Carolina in a clash between the ACC and the SEC. Notre Dame is clinging to playoff hopes of its own when it goes on the road to take on Stanford, and Washington State can continue its quest for a Pac-12 title if the Cougars can take down Washington in the Apple Cup.
The only thing that can make college football rivalries better is when there is more at stake than just bragging rights, and there is plenty at stake this rivalry weekend. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top college football matchups for Week 13.
2017 College Football Picks and Predictions: Top Matchups for Week 13
No. 3 Clemson Tigers (-13.5) at No. 24 South Carolina Gamecocks
I know this have the chance to be a trap game as the Tigers undoubtedly think about the looming showdown with the Miami Hurricanes in the ACC Championship Game, and I know the quarterback Jake Bentley has made South Carolina a much better team than the one Clemson drubbed 56-7 last year. I also know that Clemson checks in as the better team on both sides of the ball, in all facets of the game.
South Carolina’s offense is mediocre, at best, managing just 25.4 points per game and scoring less than 20 points five times. The Gamecocks aren’t going to be able to keep pace against a Clemson defense ranked third in the country in points allowed.
Prediction: Clemson Tigers (-13.5) Cover the Spread
No. 8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-2.5) at No. 21 Stanford Cardinal
If Stanford running back Bryce Love was at full strength, this game would interest me a lot more, and Stanford would have a much better shot at springing the upset. With Love at full strength, the Cardinal have a dynamic rushing attack. In the game he missed entirely, Stanford grinded out an ugly 15-14 win over an Oregon State team that is now 1-10 on the year.
Still alive for a spit in the Pac-12 Championship Game, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Cardinal limit Love or rest him all together. Even if he does intend to play his usual workhorse role, recent games suggest his ankle won’t hold up the entire four quarters. Led by an excellent offensive line and power ground attack of their own, look for the Fighting Irish to wear out and eventually run over Stanford.
Prediction: Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-2.5) Cover the Spread
No. 13 Washington State Cougars at No. 17 Washington Huskies (-10)
A Pac-12 North Division title is on the line for Washington State when the Cougars take on their rival, Washington, in the Apple Cup. Washington State is trying to keep a Cinderella season going, and while the Huskies have been a bit of a disappointment after last year’s playoff run, they are still plenty talented and favored in this matchup.
The Cougars like to sling the ball all over the field with one of the most potent passing attacks in the country, but in reality, Washington’s balanced offensive attack is producing more points per game. The Huskies also have a sizeable edge in defensive metrics, and they absolutely shut down UCLA quarterback and potential No. 1 pick Josh Rosen.
Uninspired play at times has burnt Washington, but a chance to ruin a rival’s season should provide some nice motivation, and the Huskies’ overall edge in talent should do the rest.
Prediction: Washington Huskies (-10) Cover the Spread
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