By Rock Westfall
Friday’s Final Crack at a Bowl for Nebraska
Iowa (9-2, 6-2) at Nebraska (5-6, 3-5) -1
12 p.m. ET, CBS
Iowa opened as a -2 point favorite, but Nebraska was bet into a -1 point favorite at most books. The total of 26.5 is the lowest in history.
Iowa seeks revenge for a stunning 24-17 loss to the Big Red last year as 10.5-point home favorites. Iowa has clinched the West Division title and a berth in next week’s Big Ten championship game.
Nebraska is making its fourth and final attempt at securing bowl eligibility. First-year head coach Matt Rhule desperately wants that achievement to help change the trajectory of his program. Nebraska should play with more focus and determination.
Iowa may be a bit satisfied with its West Division crown, and its 133rd-ranked offense should have a rough time with Nebraska’s 15th-ranked defense. Last week, Chubba Purdy was a noticeable upgrade in his first start as the Nebraska QB.
The Hawkeyes have gone under the total in six consecutive games. They have failed to cover four of their last five against Nebraska. Nebraska failed to pay in just one of its last eight West Division games.
https://twitter.com/Huskers_film/status/1726707880358003081
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Friday’s Final Civil War
Oregon State (8-3, 5-3) at Oregon (10-1, 7-1) -14
8:30 p.m. ET, FOX
Oregon opened as a -13 point favorite. The line fluctuates between -13 to -14 points at most books. Oregon is rolling at 9-2 against the spread this year.
Oregon State is in a potential letdown spot after a close call home loss to Washington last week. Oregon ranks 2nd in the nation for scoring offense. Oregon must win to ensure a berth in the Pac-12 championship game.
Oregon is rolling at 9-2 against the spread this year. The Ducks are 11-4-1 ATS in Pac-12 games and 8-2 vs. the odds as chalk. Oregon State failed to win its last seven trips to Autzen Stadium straight up.
Bo Nix can't miss today
— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 18, 2023
The Game
Ohio State (11-0, 8-0) at Michigan (11-0, 8-0) -4
12 p.m. ET, FOX
Michigan opened as a -3.5 point favorite. The line fluctuates between -3.5 to -4.5 at various books.
What more can be said about a game that has everything except suspended Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh?
Michigan has the confidence of beating Ohio State in the previous two meetings. But Ohio State brings a vastly improved defense and more physicality to go with its double-revenge factor.
Ohio State dropped only one of its last seven games ATS. Michigan is slowing down with one payout in its last three tries. Michigan has covered six of its last nine against the Bucks.
INTERVIEW: Jim Harbaugh previewed the undefeated matchup between Michigan and Ohio State.
We talked about the week ahead for the Wolverines, including JJ McCarthy's health, Donovan Edwards in the game plan, and the way Michigan's defense plans to handle Marvin Harrison Jr. pic.twitter.com/WkwuPnMNyX
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) November 20, 2023
The Iron Bowl
Alabama (10-1, 7-0) at Auburn (6-5, 3-4) +15
3:30 p.m. ET, CBS
Alabama opened as a -15 point favorite, and the line has stayed there.
Auburn was humiliated in a 31-10 home loss to New Mexico State last week. The Crimson Tide have a vast advantage at QB with emerging star Jalen Milroe compared to Auburn’s 121st-ranked passing offense.
Auburn can be counted on to put up a fight. War Eagle got the cash in four of its last five home games against the Crimson Tide. But the Tide is rolling with seven payouts in its last eight games.
It’s Officially Iron Bowl Week 🙂🔥 pic.twitter.com/frBOQTPBDV
— Alabama DieHards (@DiehardsAlabama) November 20, 2023
Farmageddon
Iowa State (6-5, 5-3) at Kansas State (8-3, 6-2) -10
8 p.m. ET, FOX
Kansas State opened as a -9 point favorite and was bet up to -10 at most books.
The Iowa State vs. Kansas State Farmageddon series is among the most underrated rivalry showdowns in college football. Both teams are bowl-eligible. But Iowa State’s 94th-ranked offense is a liability.
K-State got the money in its last seven home games, routing opponents badly in the process. The Wildcats beat ISU in eight of the last nine meetings straight up and have covered eight of their last ten league games.
Will Howard's game-winning touchdown run and some words he had for Jayhawk fans pic.twitter.com/vzorZS4Aps
— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) November 19, 2023
Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe – PJ’s Sinking Boat
Wisconsin (6-5, 4-4) at Minnesota (5-6, 3-5) +2
3:30 p.m. ET, FS1
Wisconsin opened as a -1 point favorite and was bet up to -2 at most books.
Last week, facing oblivion, Wisconsin mustered up all of its pride and toughness to turn away visiting Nebraska 24-17 in overtime after falling behind 14-0 in the first quarter. Minnesota is in free fall with three losses, straight-up and ATS in its last three games. PJ Fleck’s boat is not rowing with an offense ranked 125th in the country.
Wisconsin seeks revenge for losing Paul Bunyan’s Axe last year at home. They now have a newfound confidence that Minnesota is lacking.
Wisconsin won eight of its last nine games SU at Minnesota. The Golden Gophers are an abysmal 3-9 ATS in their most recent 12 games.
FREEDOM TROPHY STAYS IN MADISON!@BadgerFootball with the 24-17 OT win over Nebraska!#Badgers #Wisconsin pic.twitter.com/1WQrdz7ORR
— 1070 The Game (@TheGameMadison) November 19, 2023
