Thanksgiving weekend is usually a time for food and football (oh, and family). This year is unlike any other, and thus College Football is unique and altered from the ongoing pandemic. Games have been canceled and games will be canceled leading up to this weekend. Regardless, the NCAA presses on with the urgency of finishing this season and they will do whatever it takes. Last week, I impressed myself with my predictions as I went four for seven on the predictions. With that in mind, here are my eight Big Bets.

Over

Clemson versus Pittsburgh (55)

Clemson has not played a game since November 7th when they lost to Notre Dame without Trevor Lawrence. With the hopes to prove that Clemson is worthy of making the College Football Playoff and a reminder that the loss to Notre Dame was an anomaly, expect the Tigers to run up the score on Sunday. Clemson might cover the Over in this game by themselves, honestly. The only reason to be nervous about this total going Over is the Pitt offense not scoring against a stout Clemson defense. If Pittsburgh scores at least 10 points, then you should be fine with the Over.

Under

Ohio State versus Illinois (70.5)

When this total is seen, the instincts say to bet the Under. While many were more than impressed with how Ohio State’s offense has looked and how last week’s game against Indiana became a high-scoring affair, there is reason to think the Under will hold. For starters, Illinois doesn’t have the same offense as Indiana and will only score if Ohio State chooses to let them have a late touchdown. It’s also important to keep in mind the potential for this game getting too out of hand that Ohio State brings in the backups. It just feels like 71 points is too tall a task to clear in this game.

Intriguing but be Cautious

Alabama (-23.5) versus Auburn

As we all found out, Nick Saban contracted Covid-19 and won’t be coaching on Saturday. It’s hard to know how this will effect the playoff hopeful Alabama in the Iron Bowl against an Auburn program that would love nothing better than to spoil the Crimson Tide’s season. Alabama has been more than great throughout this season. Mac Jones has emerged as a sudden NFL Draft prospect, Najee Harris might be the best running back in the nation, and the rest of the roster looks like their usual dominant self. Alabama should win this game, but will they cover the spread? Defeating Auburn by 24 points will be a daunting task considering Auburn has displayed a great season in the process.

Notre Dame (-5) versus North Carolina

This game can go either way and it’s hard to feel confident in any bet. Notre Dame is hopeful of returning to the College Football Playoff and this might be their final obstacle in reaching that goal. North Carolina has been an interesting program this season. Do they have the talent to upset Notre Dame? Of course. Do they have one of the best quarterbacks in the nation in Sam Howell? Also yes. However, Notre Dame is one of the top four programs in the nation. This game is going to be close and I would bet on Notre Dame winning this game. I would be cautious considering this game can come down to a field goal.

Favorites

Indiana (-12.5) versus Maryland

It’s odd but Indiana made a loss feel like a win last week. They played one of the best in college football at Ohio State and only lost by a touchdown. Of all the games they played this season, last week felt like their best performance, featuring a passing attack that carved up one of the best secondary’s for over 400 yards. Indiana is in the middle of an incredible season and we should expect them to win handily against a Maryland squad that has been sputtering since week one. The Hoosiers should win by at least two touchdowns.

Oregon (-14) versus Oregon State

Oregon knows that they won’t make the College Football Playoff with close games. With the limited schedule, they need to blow out the rest of the conference and that starts with their in-state rival Oregon State. Oregon played a close game against a UCLA program that has the talent to make games close. Oregon State might be the worst in the conference. Expect Oregon to move the ball at will on Oregon State and have their best defensive performance as well. The 14-point spread feels too low for any bettor.

Underdogs

LSU (+14) versus Texas A&M

It’s clear that a lot went wrong in LSU’s quest to repeat as National Champions. The roster looks significantly worse this season and their 3-3 record reflects that. Texas A&M on the other hand is having one of their best seasons in years and certainly the best one in the Jimbo Fisher era. With the only Aggie loss coming to top-ranked Alabama, there’s a legitimate argument to make the playoffs if they go unbeaten. LSU is still a good bet for a few reasons. For starters, LSU is hoping to salvage their season with a big victory and, despite everything, they still match up relatively well with A&M. The Second reason to bet on LSU is the 14-points you get in the process. LSU has either played in close games against Texas A&M or beaten them handily in recent matchups.

Iowa State (+1.5) versus Texas

I was incredibly surprised to see Iowa State as underdogs. Both Texas and Iowa State have looked good with a few bad losses in the mix. However, I am convinced that Iowa State is either the best or second-best in the Big 12. They have played great football in their recent games including a 45-0 shutout against Kansas State. The offense continues to impress with Brock Purdy making all the right throws and the run game being a pleasant surprise. In big games like these, Texas tends to crumble in the spotlight. I would take Iowa State with the money line considering the odds you would get.

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