College Football Picks: Week 14

I'm thankful for rivalries... oh, and family and stuff, too. I'm also thankful for going 6-3-1 against the spread last week. Not so thankful for the 4-6 on winners.

But late November football is about rivalries and teams ruining their hated rivals' championship hopes. That makes this week fun to pick.

Texas Tech at Texas (-4) (Thursday)
After a 7-0 start, Texas Tech has stumbled with four straight losses. Texas has had a week off, but the Longhorns are still going to be without RB Jonathan Gray and DT Chris Whaley. Even with a banged up Longhorn team, Tech's defense concerns me. Case McCoy gives Mack Brown a win in what may be his last game at Darrell K Royal.
The pick: Texas 35-30

#3 Ohio State (-12.5) at Michigan
The only reason to pick Michigan in this game is the "it's a rivalry and anything can happen" philosophy. Ohio State is more talented at every position and has everything to play for. Given the chance, the Buckeyes will run up the score to try to steal a few votes from Florida State. Although, I think that battle is futile at this point. Alabama or Florida State has to lose for Ohio State to play for a title. They'll do their best to humiliate Michigan this week.
The pick: Ohio State 45-17

#24 Duke (+6) at North Carolina
The legendary rivalry means a lot on the football field this year instead of just the basketball court. A RANKED Duke team can clinch a berth in the ACC Championship Game here. And the Dukies are a touchdown underdog? Heck no. Give me the Fightin' Cutcliffes for the big road win.
The pick: Duke 31-28

Georgia (-3) at Georgia Tech
What a bummer for Georgia to lose Aaron Murray to an ACL injury, but I guess that falls right in line with the rest of their season. It'll be up to Hutson Mason to defeat the Ramblin' Wreck in this annual grudge match. Pro tip, Hutson: give it to Todd Gurley. A lot.
The pick: Georgia 28-24

#21 Texas A&M at #5 Missouri (-4.5)
I put too much faith in Johnny Football and his Aggies last week. I won't make the mistake this week. He may be spectacular against Missouri, but A&M's defense will not stop Mizzou enough. With James Franklin back, Missouri will be just fine at home and (I can't believe I'm saying this) clinch the SEC East.
The pick: Missouri 49-42

#1 Alabama at #4 Auburn (+10.5)
Perhaps the most meaningful Iron Bowl Ever? The winner goes to the SEC Championship with BCS title dreams. It would be very interesting to see how how Auburn would climb with a win. Over Ohio State? Over Florida State?? We'll see.
Or maybe we won't. Alabama is due to be challenged, and the Tide will be. I fully expect A.J. McCarron and Nick Saban to come through though. They always do.
The pick: Alabama 27-24

#9 Baylor (-13) at TCU
I expect Baylor to come out flat after getting their souls crushed in Stillwater last week. However, over the course of 60 minutes, I fully expect Baylor to pull away from TCU. Expect it to be ugly at half, but comfortable for Baylor by day's end.
The pick: Baylor 44-20

#6 Clemson (+5) at #10 South Carolina
It's a great rivalry game, and both teams have their eyes on the BCS. Clemson has a good chance to be in with a win while South Carolina needs a Missouri loss to get to the SEC Championship Game. I'll take the points on Clemson in this one. Winning on the road will be tough, but I still think Clemson's offense should be able to escape with a W.
The pick: Clemson 35-31

#22 UCLA at #23 USC (-3.5)
While I've been on the UCLA bandwagon all year, I'm jumping off this week. That's mainly because I've learned to stay away from teams that don't have much to play for. UCLA blew its opportunity to win the Pac-12 South last week. USC, on the other hand, is surging. Could this be the win that convinces the USC brass to keep Ed Orgeron in charge?
The pick: USC 35-30

#25 Notre Dame at #8 Stanford (-14)
The only hope Notre Dame has is if Stanford takes the week off mentally because this game really means nothing to the Cardinal. They have clinched the Pac-12 North and have zero hope of getting into the national championship game with two losses. I don't think Stanford will play so casually, however, that they'll let Notre Dame sneak up on them. Stanford is much better and should coast.
The pick: Stanford 42-20