CFB Picks 11/30: Favorites Firing

Saturday afternoon wraps up the regular season with College Football Conference Championships just one week away.

Saturday is headlined by #1 Ohio State traveling to the Big House and taking on #13 Michigan, as well as the Iron Bowl between #5 Alabama and #15 Auburn. Here’s a closer look at those matchups:

#1 Ohio State Buckeyes @ #13 Michigan Wolverines, 12:00 PM:

• Each of the last six games between Ohio State and Michigan have gone OVER the total points line.
• Michigan has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games. Stats courtesy of StatsChecker.

Ohio State, the consensus number one ranked team in the nation, looks to put the finishing touches on an undefeated regular season and secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Led by Heisman Trophy candidates quarterback Justin Fields and defensive end Chase Young, the Buckeyes (11-0) have the best offense and defense in college football averaging (49.4 ppg) and allowing only (10.5 ppg).

Fields has been sensational totaling 43 touchdowns (33 passing and 10 rushing) to only one interception, while Young leads the nation with 16.5 sacks in nine games.

Michigan (9-2) is coming off their fourth consecutive win after defeating the Indiana Hoosiers 39-14.

Quarterback Shea Patterson had a huge outing completing 20-of-32 for 366 yards, five touchdowns and an interception.

Although not number one, the Wolverine defense has been impressive allowing the 10th fewest points in the nation (16.2 ppg).

The Buckeyes have won 14 of the last 15 meetings between these two teams.

My pick is Ohio State to remain unbeaten and cover the spread (-9).

#5 Alabama Crimson Tide @ #15 Auburn Tigers, 3:30 PM:

• The favorite has covered the spread in seven of the last eight Auburn home games.
• Auburn has a 14 record as an underdog since 2018. Stats courtesy of StatsChecker.

The fifth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (10-1) have found themselves on the outside looking in at the College Football Playoff. Alabama does not control their own destiny, but must win the Iron Bowl if they have any chance of getting in.

Last time out, the Crimson Tide barely broke sweat defeating the Western Carolina Catamounts 66-3.

Back-up quarterback Mac Jones took over from the injured Tua Tagovailoa and was nearly perfect, completing 10-of-12 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Auburn (8-3) also eased their way to a win with a shutout 52-0 victory over the Samford Bulldogs.

The Tigers defense forced four turnovers (two interceptions and two fumbles) and sophomore running back JaTarvious Whitlow took care of the rest, rushing for 49 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries.

These teams mirror each other in defensive dominance as both are tied allowing the 10th fewest points in the country (16.2 ppg).

Take the Crimson Tide to cover the spread (-3).

My expectation on Saturday is this to be a tightly-contested game early on in true Iron Bowl fashion. Alabama has won four of the last five Iron Bowls, and I’m rolling with the Tide to take care of business by more than a field goal.

#3 Clemson Tigers @ South Carolina Gamecocks, 12:00 PM:

• Clemson has covered the spread in five of its last six games with an 83 ATS record overall.
• South Carolina has an 1813 ATS record after a loss when playing at home since 2011. Stats courtesy of StatsChecker.

The third-ranked Clemson Tigers (11-0) are coming off their fourth consecutive 50-point game after defeating the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 52-3.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was sharp, completing 21-of-27 for 272 yards and four touchdowns.

Despite a lack of competition, Clemson has a case at being the best overall team in the nation ranking third in points scored (45.9 ppg) and second in points allowed (10.7 ppg).

The South Carolina Gamecocks (4-7) dropped a second consecutive game after falling on the road to the Texas A&M Aggies 30-6.

South Carolina struggled to get anything going behind quarterback Ryan Hilinski, who completed less than 50 per cent of his passes (16-of-41) for 175 yards.

Clemson is my play at (-27.5)

Anticipate the Tigers to outmatch the Gamecocks on both sides of the ball.