By Nick Stasiak – Wannamakeabet Staff Writer
TCU vs Oklahoma (-7)
This is the first of two rematches we will have on Saturday. Just three weeks ago Oklahoma beat up on TCU 38-20 and at a point led 38-14. In this game Baker Mayfield threw for 333 yards and three touchdowns. On the flip side, TCU’s Kenny Hill threw for 270 yards and just one touchdown. Oklahoma also had a big day on the ground. Rodney Anderson rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns and Mayfield added 50 rushing yards. Oklahoma has been playing great football since late October. ATS this season Oklahoma is 7-5 and TCU is 6-6. With just one win away from making the college football playoffs, don’t expect Baker Mayfield to fall short.
The Pick: Oklahoma -7
Georgia vs Auburn (2.5)
This is the other rematch on Saturday. Ironically enough it was on the same day as Oklahoma/TCU. And much like that game, this one was also a beat down. Georgia entered this game ranked #1 in the country and Auburn crushed them 40-17. Jarrett Stidham had a big day passing, throwing for 214 yards and three touchdowns. Kerryon Johnson added 167 yards on the ground. What makes Georgia great is their ability to run the ball and they couldn’t do that at all. Nick Chubb and Sony Michel combined for just 48 yards. The lack of the running game put a lot on the shoulders of Jake Fromm and he struggled. He was 13-for-28 for just 184 yards. Auburn has two big wins this season, but they both came at home. This is a big test for them to show what they can do without that home field environment. Both teams having winning records ATS, Georgia at 8-4 and Auburn at 6-5-1.
The Pick: Auburn -2.5
Ohio State (-6.5) vs Wisconsin
This is an extremely compelling championship game. Wisconsin has heard the talk all year how they haven’t played anyone good and now they have their chance to. If Ohio State wins, they enter the conversation to potentially make the playoffs. After leaving last weeks games with an injury, JT Barrett is set to play on Saturday. Since getting dominated by Iowa, Ohio State has hit their stride. In their past three games, they have outscored their opponents 131-37. Their offense won’t have such an easy time on Saturday facing a very good defense and the defense is in for a tough task trying to stop Jonathan Taylor. Ohio State will try to key in on the running game to force Alex Hornibrook to try and beat them. This season Wisconsin is 8-4 ATS and Ohio State is 5-7.
The Pick: Wisconsin +6.5
Miami vs Clemson (-9.5)
For people who want an expanded playoffs, you have your wish, sort of. This game is essentially a quarterfinal matchup. The winner is in and the loser is out. Clemson is the new #1 team in the country. They are coming off a dominant win on the road against South Carolina. Meanwhile Miami enters off an upset loss to Pitt. This game is likely to be a defensive showdown as both teams have great defenses. What likely gives Clemson the edge is the offense. Malik Rosier has been up and down for Miami this year and last week was by far the worst game of his season. Kelly Bryant for Clemson has been much more consistent. What can also hurt Miami is they could potentially be without their top three offensive players. Running back Mark Walton suffered a season ending injury back in October, tight end Christopher Herndon suffered a season ending injury last week, and today in practice wide receiver Ahmmon Richards was carted off the field. Not much more information is known right now, so keep your eye on that one. Clemson is 7-4-1 ATS and Miami is 5-6. This game might be the toughest one to call, but Miami’s defense could keep this one close.
The Pick: Miami +9.5