Pick 6: Can Harbaugh Beat a Rival?

6 Michigan (-4) @ 8 Michigan State, 11:00 CT, FOX
Jim Harbaugh has his Michigan Wolverines playing well this season and has quieted a lot of his doubters. But Jimbo still needs to prove he can beat rival opponents like Ohio State and Michigan State. Harbs is 3-3 against Michigan State and the Spartans host the Wolverines with an eight in front of their name this season - something we’re not used to seeing in this rivalry AND both teams are undefeated at 7-0. The difference maker in this game will be Kenneth Walker (RB, Michigan State) and how much success he can find against the Michigan defensive line. I believe Walker can find enough space to pace the Spartans to a win and for fans all over Michigan to once again start questioning Jim Harbaugh. I’m taking Mel Tucker and the home crowd. 

9 Iowa @ Wisconsin (-3.5), 11:00 CT, ESPN
I must be missing something because Wisconsin is favored by 3.5 over Iowa. I know people say Camp Randall is a tough place to play so maybe the odds makers give Wisconsin a couple points for that??? BUT, all three Wisconsin losses have come at home. Iowa will not be bothered and already has one solid road win (at Iowa State) under their belt. I’m hammering the Hawkeyes to win this game, and clearly cover, on the road against the poor Wisconsin offense. 

1 Georgia (-14) @ Florida, 2:30 CT, CBS
All signs point to JT Daniels making the start at quarterback for Georgia this weekend but if I’m being honest - it doesn’t matter who plays quarterback for UGA. Back up, Stetson Bennett has been good enough in every start this season and Georgia is 5-2 against the spread. Florida has their own problems at quarterback and head coach Dan Mullen has said both Emory Jones and Anthony Richardson will play on Saturday against Georgia and both QBs should be scared. Florida is going to have their hands full just trying to move the ball on Georgia and Georgia will be able to run the ball and work the play action on offense. I like the Dawgs to cover the 14 points over Florida. 

10 Ole Miss @ 18 Auburn (-2.5), 6:00 CT, ESPN
Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin is facing off-field distractions with many questioning his vaccination status. The university will start mandating vaccinations by Dec. 8 and Harsin has not made it clear whether or not he is vaccinated. For this weekend, Harsin will be coaching the Tigers but any distraction is an unwanted distraction. Ole Miss is playing good football and coming off three good wins against SEC opponents - Auburn will make it four. Even with an extra week to prepare for Ole Miss, Auburn has been too inconsistent for me and I think Matt Corral (QB, Ole Miss) can get the offense going on the road and Auburn will struggle to keep up once down. Take Ole Miss as road dogs. 

20 Penn State @ 5 Ohio State (-18.5),  6:30 CT, ABC
Penn State head coach is clearly distracted by the USC job opening and Penn State is facing one of their toughest opponents yet. On the other sideline, Ryan Day has Ohio State playing much better after an early season loss to Oregon. The spread on this one is huge but I like the Buckeyes in a statement game over Penn State, especially with Coach Franklin still worried about Illinois. Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud has been lights out of late and could see his name back in the Heisman conversation after a good showing against Penn State. 

North Carolina @ 11 Notre Dame (-3.5), 6:30 CT, NBC
Notre Dame is without one of my favorite players in Kyle Hamilton and that is huge for UNC and quarterback Sam Howell. Notre Dame defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman will have the Fighting Irish in a good spot to slow down North Carolina but I wouldn’t be surprised to see UNC put points on Notre Dame and Notre Dame struggle on offense. I’m taking UNC in a much needed rebound game. The Tar Heels have a ton of young talent - watch WR Josh Downs go off this weekend - on offense and defense and Notre Dame’s big questions at quarterback still scare me away from betting on them. 

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