College Football Week 13 Game Predictions
Rivalry Week is here and it is loaded with big time games. Not only that, but many of these games have major College Football Playoff implications.
There are plenty of games that we could talk about this week, but there are four games in particular that I'm most interested in. Some will certainly impact the Playoff rankings, while others matter more to Notre Dame.
IB has made predictions for four of this weekend's biggest games, beginning with one that kicks off Friday night.
#16 Oregon State (8-3) at #6 Oregon (10-1)
Time: 8:30 PM ET (Friday)
Network: Fox
Line: Oregon -14.0; O/U: 62.5
Oregon has a chance to earn a Playoff berth if it can win out. A win over No. 16 Oregon State, the program's biggest rival, and a win against Washington in the Pac 12 title game would give the Ducks a legitimate chance to earn one of the four Playoff spots. Right now their resume is light on big wins, but that could change over the next two weeks.
This could be the last time we see these two teams play for awhile, and Oregon State would certainly like to end the rivalry with a huge upset win. It would be the final middle finger to the Ducks, who along with USC were the driving forces behind the death of the Pac 12.
Bryan Driskell, Publisher - Oregon 27, Oregon State 24
I would love to pick Oregon State in this game, but I just can't do it. The Beavers rallied from 21 down last season to win at home, but I think the Ducks are just too much for Oregon State in this matchup. I really do hope I'm wrong on this one.
Vince DeDario, Football Analyst - Oregon 24, Oregon State 21
This is Oregon's last test before the PAC12 title game and they have a top 11 team in Oregon State coming to town. The Beavers have lost three games, two on the road and they played Washington to the wire and lost by two last weekend at home. Unfortunately, this game is on the road and although it will be close I just do not see a path for OSU to get it done. The Beavers will lose and fall behind the Irish in the standings.
Ryan Roberts, Recruiting Director - Oregon 35, Oregon State 23
The Beavers are a team who are good for your occasional upset. They play sound defense and run the ball very well. Unfortunately Oregon is just playing at way too high of a level. Quarterback Bo Nix continues to solidify his Heisman hopes with a big game.
Sean Stires, Staff Writer - Oregon 31, Oregon State 27
Oregon State ran the ball down Oregon’s throat in last year’s win and they’ll look to do more of the same in this one. The Beaver defense is great up front but Bo Nix’s arm will be the difference.
Andrew McDonough, IB Contributor - Oregon 31, Oregon State 23
The Ducks are playing as well as anyone in the country right now and are looking to avenge last season's loss at Oregon State. With another big-game performance Bo Nix cements his lead on the Heisman Trophy. Oregon sets up the rematch with Washington in the Pac-12 title game.
#2 Ohio State (11-0) at #3 Michigan (11-0)
Time: 12:00 PM ET
Network: Fox
Line: Michigan -3.5; O/U: 46.5
Ohio State and Michigan have hated each other as long as I've been alive, but this game has a little bit more bitterness to it. The off-the-field back and forth seems to have been talked about more than what we are going to see on the field this year.
Ohio State has an outside shot at still getting in even with a loss, but it will be tough. The Wolverine Playoff hopes are done with a loss. The winner gets Iowa in the Big Ten title game, which means the winner is all but a lock to make the College Football Playoff. Ohio State is looking for redemption while Michigan is looking for its first three-game win streak over the Buckeyes in over two decades.
Bryan Driskell, Publisher - Ohio State 27, Michigan 17
Michigan is a really good team, but it's not as good as it has been in recent seasons. They should be embarrassed for the schedule they played up until the last two weeks, and they have not looked like world beaters in those games. Ohio State is finally healthy on offense and the pass game is going to give Michigan fits. Ohio State's improved defense will shut down the Wolverines in this one.
Vince DeDario, Football Analyst - Ohio State 21, Michigan 17
The big game that everyone is talking about and I have to say college football is better when this game matters, and not to just two of the most annoying fan bases in the country. I think these are two of the most overrated teams in the country but they are both undefeated and that is what matters. JJ McCarthy's "Heisman race" ends in this game. You want to talk about fake hype? I think Ohio State is a better team but playing at Michigan Stadium will be a challenge. Michigan's offense will struggle to score and OSU will make just enough plays to win.
Ryan Roberts, Recruiting Director - Michigan 27, Ohio State 23
Ohio State heads into this contest with a lot glinting for them. Michigan is going through turmoil and the Buckeyes seem a lot more suited to withstand the physicality the Wolverines bring to the table. Still, Michigan seems to have the edge on confidence and mindset in this particular matchup.
Sean Stires, Staff Writer - Ohio State 24, Michigan 20
Michigan’s won the last two meetings between the old rivals and this year the Wolverines are actually the favorite going in for the first time in five years. We’ll see if the Buckeyes are as physical as Ryan Day says they are.
Andrew McDonough, IB Contributor - Ohio State 27, Michigan 13
In 2021, Michigan outscored Ohio State 28-14 in the second half (14-0 in the third quarter). In 2022, Michigan outscored Ohio State 28-3 in the second half. Well, let's just say that things have changed since then on the Wolverine sideline. Michigan needed two safeties, a defensive touchdown, and multiple Maryland mistakes to survive last weekend - that's not going to happen against a motivated Buckeye team.
#5 Florida State (11-0) at Florida (5-6)
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Network: ESPN
Line: Florida State -6.5; O/U: 49.5
Florida State fell out of the Top 4 after losing quarterback Jordan Travis. We could debate all day whether or not that should have happened, but a dominant win over Florida and a win over Top 10 Louisville in the ACC title game could be just what they need to jump back in after one of Ohio State or Michigan loses.
Barely beat a 5-6 Florida team and we could see the committee do the unthinkable, which is leap a 1-loss team over the Seminoles. The overall lack of respect for the ACC and the loss of Travis could do that if Florida State isn't impressive enough the next two weeks.
Bryan Driskell, Publisher - Florida State 37, Florida 17
Florida has been competitive in its last two losses, but this is still a reeling football team. How they bounce back from last week's devastating late loss to Missouri will determine if this game is also competitive, or if the Seminoles dominate. Florida is also playing with its injured quarterback, and Graham Mertz is a bigger loss for Florida than Travis is for the Seminoles. I think Florida State controls the action thanks to its ground attack and tough defense.
Vince DeDario, Football Analyst - Florida 28, Florida State 24
This game all of a sudden has a lot of eyeballs on it after the horrific injury to Jordan Travis and the media scrutiny as to if they belong in the playoff if they go undefeated. Traveling to The Swamp is never easy even though Florida has lost four in a row. The Gators have a great chance to play spoiler here and I think they get it done. FSU is the better team but they lost one of the most dynamic players in the country and they are scrambling.
Ryan Roberts, Recruiting Director - Florida State 31, Florida 20
Florida State is set for life without Jordan Travis. It should lead to a little bit of a sluggish start but ultimately Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson and Trey Benson will ease that transition. The Florida offense doesn’t have enough to keep pace.
Sean Stires, Staff Writer - Florida State 27, Florida 21
What will FSU look like in a rivalry game without Jordan Travis. They’re the better team than Florida and I’llgive them the benefit of the doubt with Travis Rodemaker making the start.
Andrew McDonough, IB Contributor - Florida State 21, Florida 13
I expect a lower scoring game with Jordan Travis out, but the Seminoles still have the better roster and Gator QB Graham Mertz was also lost for the season last weekend with a broken collarbone. Florida State limps onto the ACC title against Louisville, where they'll have a change to state their case for a CFP spot, even without Travis.
North Carolina (8-3) at #22 NC State (8-3)
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Network: ACC Network
Line: North Carolina -2.5; O/U: 55.5
North Carolina and NC State are headed in different directions. NC State has won four straight, including wins over Clemson and Miami. That has vaulted the Wolfpack into the Top 25 for the first time this season. If they beat North Carolina it would all but guarantee a Top 25 win for Notre Dame, who beat the Wolfpack 45-24 back in September.
North Carolina spent all season ranked, climbing all the way up to No. 10 during its 6-0 start to the season. The bottom fell out over the last five weeks, with the Tar Heels going 2-3, including a home loss to Virginia and a road loss to Georgia Tech. The most recent loss to Clemson knocked the Tar Heels out of the Top 25.
Bryan Driskell, Publisher - NC State 30, North Carolina 27
North Carolina's body language in recent games concerns me. Drake Maye hasn't been as good this season, and he's coming off his worst game of the season. NC State's attacking defense will force some turnovers, and the Wolfpack should be able to slow down Omarion Hampton enough to win the game.
Vince DeDario, Football Analyst - North Carolina 13, NC State 10
One of the teams in the ACC playing so far under the radar is North Carolina. They have three losses and lost to Clemson last week. NC State has been disappointing this season to me but they have won their last four games and 5 of their last six. They have a great chance to get into the rankings if they can knock off #20 UNC at home on Saturday night.
Ryan Roberts, Recruiting Director - North Carolina 28, NC State 20
NC State has really turned the corner defensively after a slow start to the here. They have enough ammo to slow down the Tar Heels offense for a while but ultimately quarterback Drake Maye and running back Omarion Hampton get things going in the second half.
Sean Stires, Staff Writer - North Carolina 35, NC State 24
NC State has won the last two meetings against the Tar Heels. Brennan Armstrong is back at quarterback for the Wolfpack but the offense is still too inconsistent.
Andrew McDonough, IB Contributor - NC State 24, North Carolina 21
These teams are going in opposite directions, and NC State's defense plus a resurgent Brennan Armstrong at quarterback limit talented Tar Heel QB Drake Maye and give the Wolfpack a 5th straight win and sole possession of third place in the ACC.
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