Analysis and predictions for college football Week 13 including CFP Top 25 contests and biggest rivalry games

Some of the biggest gambling stories over the past 20 years include incidents that happened in Michigan, Florida and Arizona. And that's where some of the biggest college football rivalry games will be played this weekend to close out the month of November.

These rivarly games are some of the most exciting and meaningful games of the season to the players, coaches and fan bases, as rivalry games bring out the greatest emotions, energy and effort. 

No. 2 Ohio State at No. 3 Michigan is "The Game" and a behemoth Big Ten battle between undefeated teams with both 11-0 and the winner moving on to the Big Ten Championship game next week and securing their spot in the final 4-team College Football Playoff. 

But that monster matchup is one of many during Week 13 and the biggest games over rivalry weekend. 

So with a fulfilling Thanksgiving day in the books including three NFL games plus the Egg Bowl between Ole Miss and Mississippi State (Ole Miss won 17-7), it's a good time to continue to be thankful for for all our blessings, and betting opportunities! 

Bet Fairway's Picks at these Top Online Sportsbooks for more profits and payouts. 

Top 25 Games, Odds and TV Schedule

College football odds from BetOnline refresh periodically and are subject to change, including on props and live betting. All times Eastern (ET).

Friday, Nov. 24 

TCU at No. 13 Oklahoma (-9.5) | 12 p.m. | FOX - Friday
No. 17 Iowa at Nebraska (-2.5) | 12 p.m. | CBS - Friday (Heroes Trophy)
UTSA at No. 23 Tulane (-3) | 3:30 p.m. | ABC
No. 9 Missouri (-9.5) at Arkansas | 4 p.m. | CBS
Texas Tech at No. 7 Texas (-14) | 7:30 p.m. | ABC
No. 11 Penn State (-22) at Michigan State | 7:30 p.m. | NBC
No. 16 Oregon State at No. 6 Oregon (-14) | 8:30 p.m. | FOX

Saturday’s biggest games, rivalries and most bet CFP Top 25 contests that also impact the top 4 College Football Playoff positions include:

No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Michigan (-3.5) | FOX | 12 p.m. ET (The Game)
No. 8 Alabama (-13.5) vs. Auburn | CBS | 3:30 p.m. ET (Iron Bowl)
No. 5 Washington (-16.5) vs. Washington State | FOX | 4 p.m. ET (Apple Cup)
No. 4 Florida State (-7) vs. Florida | ESPN | 7 p.m. ET (Sunshine State)
No. 1 Georgia (-24) vs. Georgia Tech | ABC | 7:30 p.m. ET (Governor’s Cup) 

Other CFP ranked teams and games 

Texas A&M at No. 14 LSU (-11.5) | 12 p.m. | ESPN
Kentucky at No. 10 Louisville (-7.5) | 12 p.m. | ABC (Governor’s Cup)
BYU at No. 20 Oklahoma State (-16.5) | 3:30 p.m. | ABC
No. 15 Arizona (-11) at Arizona State | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN (Territorial Cup)
Vanderbilt at No. 21 Tennessee (-27) | 3:30 p.m. | SEC Network
No. 25 Liberty (-17) at UTEP | 3:30 p.m. | CBSSN
No. 18 Notre Dame (-26) at Stanford | 7 p.m. | Pac-12 Network
No. 24 Clemson (-7.5) at South Carolina | 7:30 p.m. | SEC Network (Palmetto Bowl)
North Carolina (-2.5) at No. 22 NC State | 8 p.m. | ACC Network (Tobacco Road)
Iowa State at No. 19 Kansas State (-9.5) | 8 p.m. | FOX (Farmageddon)  

Other Rivarly games 

- Indiana at Purdue (-4.5) | 12 p.m. | Big Ten Network (Old Oaken Bucket)
- Northwestern at Illinois (-6) | 3:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network (Land of Lincoln)
- Wisconsin (-3) at Minnesota | 3:30 p.m. | FS1 (Paul Bunyan Axe) - Opinion Minnesota
- Virginia Tech (-2) at Virginia | 3:30 p.m. | ACC Network (Commonwealth Cup) - Opinion Virginia Tech

I've added a few opinions on rivalries, but non-Top 25 games

In addition, some key Mountain West Conference games will decide which teams play in the conference championship game on Dec. 2nd. 

- Air Force at Boise State (-7) | 4 p.m. | FS1 - Friday
- San Jose State at UNLV (-2.5) | 3 p.m. | Mountain West Network - Saturday 

Sun Belt first place showdown in East division 

- James Madison (-8.5) at Coastal Carolina | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN2 

Last Saturday's Week 12 Top 25 Picks went 1-2. 

All college football 2023 Picks and Opinions through Week 12 are 27-26, including 21-18 ATS on sides. 

Top 25 Matchup Picks: 3-8 
Top 25 Matchup Opinions: 8-11
Top 25 Game Picks: 4-1
Bonus Picks: 6-0
Bonus Opinions: 1-1
Top 25 Games Opinions: 4-2
Top 25 Totals Opinions: 1-3 

Week 13 College Football Playoff Top 25 Picks And Matchups 

No. 16 Oregon State at No. 6 Oregon | 8:30 p.m. ET on FOX (Friday)
Line: Oregon -14 and Total 62
Opinion: Oregon State

I still believe Oregon (10-1) can not only make the College Football Playoff, but win the national championship. Yet these points offered on a quality Oregon State (8-3) team are too much and too attractive to pass up in this rivalry, that is no longer called the Civil War. Even after the Beavers let us down last week in a 22-20 loss vs. Washington. A letdown after that loss, or a good enough effort against their big rival as they try to kick them aside and prevent Oregon from potentially making the Pac 12 championship and College Football Playoff? Oregon advances with a win, or if the Ducks lose to the Beavers, then Oregon needs Arizona to lose to Arizona State for the Ducks to make the Pac 12 Championship game and a rematch with Washington. Coach Jonathan Smith has rebuilt the Oregon State program beautifully since taking the job in 2018, and the Beavers have hung within this number in each year since his first year with the program. Oregon State (8-3) has lost all three games this season in Pac-12 play by 3-points or less. 

Oregon leads the Pac-12 in scoring averaging 46.5 points per game - 10 points per game more than Oregon State. The Ducks average a Pac-12 best 545 yards per game (OSU 441). These are also the top-2 rushing offenses in the Pac 12 averaging 192-195 yards per game at 6.0 (OR) and 5.2 (OSU) yards per rush. Or course, Oregon QB Bo Nix is a Heisman favorite with a sensational senior season. Oregon State's pass defense is No. 2 in the Pac-12 behind No. 1 Oregon. The Beavers just held the NCAA 2023 passing leader Michael Penix, Jr. of Washington to 48% completions and 162 passing yards last week in a 22-20 defeat despite a 22-13 first down edge and 317-272 yards edge while running 20 more plays than the Huskies. That's what a -2 turnover differential will do in defeat, as Oregon QB DJ Uiagalelei played poorly with 48% completions and 2 interceptions. The Ducks defense is also a dominator, allowing just 16.7 points per game, 310 yards per game and 4.8 yards per play (OSU 20.6 PPG, 327 YPG, 5.1 YPPL). If the Beavers can clean up those turnovers, they should hang within the number even against the Oregon juggernaut. 

No. 2 Ohio State at No. 3 Michigan | 12 p.m. on FOX
Line: Michigan -3.5
Lean: Michigan

The most anticipated regular season game of the year, and the most watched and wagered college football game is Saturday in Ann Arbor. It’s a behemoth Big Ten battle and huge rivalry between heavyweights Ohio State (11-0) and Michigan (11-0) in "The Game". 

Back on Nov. 10 when I posted the biggest games during the closing weeks of the college football season, Michigan was a 6-point favorite on the advance line. Now the Wolverines are laying just -3.5 points, but Ohio State has been playing better and the Buckeyes are one of, or the most bet team over rivarly weekend at the top online sportsbooks as bettors expect to get a top payout on the moneyline as well betting on Ohio State. That may be the percentage play but I'm still leaning Michigan's way with better opportunities to cash in on live betting and in-play wagering. 

Both teams have only enhanced their defensive dominator status since I posted the top defenses in college football in late October. Ohio State’s defense is allowing a nation-low 3.9 yards per play and 255 yards per game, and Michigan 4.1 yards per play and a nation-low 235 yards per game. Neither teams offense ranks top 25 in yards with Ohio State 424 yards per game (148 rush, 276 pass) and Michigan 400 yards per game (171 rush, 229 pass). 

Michigan has won the last two meetings over Ohio State 42-27 and 45-23 last year with the Buckeyes losing as 7+ point favorites in each contest. I bet Michigan in both those contests ATS and also on the Moneyline when I scored big. I lean big blue's way again even with coach Harbaugh sidelined and suspended. And bucking this trend from Playbook Sports: Since 1987 there have been 7 college football regular season games matching 10-0 or greater teams. The underdog is 6-1 SU and 7-0 ATS. 

Top 25 Picks 

No. 8 Alabama at Auburn | 3:30 p.m. on CBS
Line: Alabama -13.5
Pick: Auburn 

Alabama is 10-1 with their last four wins by 14 or more points. Alabama has now won 10 or more games in 16 straight seasons under coach Nick Saban - sensational for sure. The 'Tide are also playing in next week's SEC Championship game vs. Georgia. But 'Bama is not that good this season, despite nine straight wins and a 7-1 ATS run. You think Auburn (6-5) was looking ahead to this huge Iron Bowl rivalry game last week when they lost to New Mexico State 31-10 as a 25-point favorite? The Aggies put the Tigers in a deep (Hugh) Freeze. But the Tigers had beaten three straight SEC teams prior, and were good enough to be leading No. 1 Georgia 20-17 in the fourth quarter before losing 27-20 as a 14-point home 'Dog earlier this season. Now they are priced the same vs. 'Bama. Tigers come to play with a roaring effort as big rivalry home 'Dog. 

Check back for more updates, analysis and information you can bet on by Saturday morning, along with any additional picks.

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