The regular season lives on.
Despite the fears of the many who claimed that the expanded playoff would diminish college football’s regular season, the final week will be an exceptional showcase of significant and intriguing matchups, with rivalry week offering more than a dozen games with playoff implications.
Once more, the battle between Michigan and Ohio State seems to matter most of all.
The No. 1 Buckeyes (11-0) have lost four straight games to the “team up north,” and are one loss away from clinching their worst losing streak in the rivalry in a century. The No. 15 Wolverines (9-2) need a victory more, needing another upset to make their first post-Harbaugh playoff appearance.
On paper, Ohio State cruises. It is almost impossible to imagine underwhelming freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood making a dent against a top-ranked defense that allows less than nine points per game.
But the Wolverines will pack 100,000-plus into the Big House and carry the mental edge, as well as a top 15 defense, which could disrupt a relatively untested Buckeyes offense that was limited to an average of 19 points against the two toughest defenses they faced (Texas, Washington). Kickoff might also include snow, increasing the odds of a low-scoring rock fight.
Ohio State will prevail, but Michigan (+10.5) won’t make it easy.
MEMPHIS (-5.5) over Navy
Sure, the kids who have dedicated their lives to the service of their country could be off for Thanksgiving, but it’s more important that they participate in a game that most of the country won’t even know is taking place, going head-to-head with the NFL.
MISSISSIPPI STATE (+7.5) over Ole Miss
Anything can happen in the Egg Bowl. Anything can happen when thousands of cowbells are screaming in Starkville. Now, add the drama of Lane Kiffin soon after revealing whether he will lead the Rebels in the playoff or leave for a nine-figure offer from LSU or Florida.
GEORGIA TECH (+13.5) over Georgia
It’s hard to imagine Haynes King going down without a fight. The hard-nosed senior quarterback has helped Tech cover both games as an underdog this season, and lost his only two meetings against the Bulldogs by a total of 10 points. In last year’s eight-overtime thriller, King had 413 total yards and five total touchdowns.
Indiana (-28.5) over PURDUE
The Hoosiers are averaging 28.8 points against top 60 defenses. The nation’s No. 2 team is putting up more than 60 points per game against teams outside the top 60. The Boilermakers defense ranks 114th. Simple enough.
Texas A&M (-2.5) over TEXAS
Home field rarely tips the scales in this historic series. Usually, talent takes the day. Don’t be fooled by the recent surge from Arch Manning, who has thrown for 1,314 yards and 11 touchdowns in the past four games, but faced two defenses outside the top 100. The Aggies are a different beast, looking for their first win over their rival since 2010.
PITTSBURGH (+6.5) over Miami
It will likely be below freezing when the Hurricanes take the field. Expect the worst of Florida native Carson Beck, who has nine interceptions in his past six road games, and is playing his first career game north of the Mason-Dixon line.
Texas Tech (-23.5) over WEST VIRGINIA
The Red Raiders remain undefeated on the field and against the number with Behren Morton under center, but it is their balance that has made them one of the most dominant teams in the nation, ranking fourth in scoring (40.2) and tied for second in points allowed per game (12.8).
Oregon (-6.5) over WASHINGTON
A trip to Husky Stadium can never be taken lightly, but it is no coincidence that Washington has gone winless against the top three defenses on its schedule. The Ducks will be the first top 10 defense it has faced.
UCF (+17.5) over BYU
The Cougars will clinch a spot in the Big 12 title game with a win, but they aren’t built to embarrass the opposition. In eight conference games, BYU has won only one game by more than 17 points.
OKLAHOMA (-10.5) over LSU
Garrett Nussmeier appears doubtful to return for the regular-season finale, leaving Tigers interim coach Frank Wilson with an offense that was held to 13 points against Western Kentucky without the starting quarterback. LSU, which has lost three straight road games and gone 1-4 against the spread as an underdog, may struggle to hit double digits against the Sooners’ elite defense.
Vanderbilt (+2.5) over TENNESSEE
Diego Pavia has taken us too far to doubt him now. Having already clinched the Commodores’ first nine-win season in 110 years, the Heisman contender has the chance to claim the first-ever meeting between the in-state schools as ranked opponents. Pavia is 15-6-1 in his career as an underdog against the spread.
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Virginia Tech (+9.5) over VIRGINIA
No team in the chaotic ACC should be laying double-digit points, especially the unproven Cavaliers, who are unaccustomed to the pressure of playing for a spot in the conference title game, and have won this rivalry game just once in the past two decades.
AUBURN (+5.5) over Alabama
Some of the best versions of Nick Saban’s dynasty crumbled down the road in the Iron Bowl. The undefeated, back-to-back champions were eliminated by the Kick Six.
In 2017, the undefeated, top-ranked Tide lost at Auburn again, before winning the national title. The Tigers ended their rival’s playoff hopes with another upset in 2019. Two years later, No. 3 Alabama and unranked Auburn went four overtimes.
In 2023, Alabama needed Jalen Milroe’s miracle 4th-and-31 touchdown pass to escape. This season, Auburn nearly defeated three soon-to-be playoff teams (Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Georgia). It would be fitting if the Tigers finally caught a break in the only game that matters.
STANFORD (+32.5) over Notre Dame
This season has clearly demonstrated I’m not afraid to look stupid. Stanford could avert a season-ending massacre with the help of its top 25 run defense, which faces an offense that is averaging nine points fewer away from South Bend.
Best bets: Mississippi State, Pittsburgh, Oregon
This season: 89-106 (14-25)
2014-24 record: 1,392-1,309-31
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Howie Kussoy has long been the New York Post’s main handicapper in college basketball (since 2011) and college football (since 2013).
