College football picks: Week 12

Iowa State Cyclones (6-4) @ Oklahoma Sooners (9-1)

WHERE: Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium

WHEN: Nov 20, 12:00pm ET

SPREAD: OKLA -3.5 | O/U 59.5

The preseason favorites to meet in the Big 12 Championship game meet in Norman on Saturday with both needing good finishes to make that preseason prediction a reality. Having on the last six Big 12 championships, Oklahoma’s loss to Baylor last week puts that streak in danger and despite some problems in that game it looks as though QB Caleb Williams will start. For Iowa State, it’s two defeats in the last three, but they beat the Sooners in the regular season last year, before falling to them in the championship game 27-21. Despite Oklahoma never quite looking like we expected this season, their home record should be enough to cover the spread.

Pick: Oklahoma Sooners -3.5

Michigan State Spartans @ Ohio State Buckeyes

WHERE: Ohio Stadium

WHEN: Nov 20, 12:00pm ET

SPREAD: OSU -19 | O/U 68.5 Michigan State has an awful pass defense and this will be a question of whether the Buckeyes passing gets in rhythm. If it does it will be incredibly difficult for Michigan State to keep up. Running back Kenneth Walker III is the best in his position in the country and will be the main source of effective offense for the visitors, but they’re up against it.

The over is appealing, but it does feel just that bit too high. Michigan State had their let down spot against Purdue last week following their win over Michigan and should right some wrongs here. Winning the game isn’t on the cards but they should keep within the number.

Pick: Michigan State Spartans -19

Oregon Ducks (9-1) @ Utah Utes (7-3)

WHERE: Rice-Eccles Stadium

WHEN: Nov 20, 19:30pm ET

SPREAD: UTAH -3 | O/U 59

Oregon’s destiny is in their own hands – if they win out they’ll make the playoffs. The consensus for a few weeks is that if the Ducks were going to slip up, it would be at Utah. Utah’s rush defense is not the traditional powerhouse that it usually is, but they can run the ball well. The issue is that the home side have given up rush yards in most games that they played this season. The game will be very tight and if it goes down to the wire, it could be the home advantage that pushes them over the edge.

Pick: Utah Utes -3