Another winning week last week (9-7) but it could have been much, much better. The biggest misses were Michigan, Oklahoma State, and Mississippi State. All three suffered shocking blowouts to their archrivals.
This is the final week of picks. The biggest game of the week is in Charlotte, N.C., where No. 1 Clemson collides with streaking North Carolina. Most of the country is hoping the Tigers lose to create chaos in the College Football Playoff poll.
The remainder of the slate is composed of conference championship games and a few meaningless conference games. As always, all selections are against the spread.
I'll be back in a couple of weeks to select the post-Christmas bowl games and playoffs.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
North Carolina vs. Clemson -4.5 -- Well, it all comes down to this. No. 1 Clemson, which has been wobbling in recent weeks, against the hated Tar Heels. This is Clemson's 10th straight game (its bye week was in late September), and the Tigers are starting to show some wear and tear. Lack of depth on defense is becoming a factor. The Tar Heels can score a lot of points and their defense is more salty than it was last season. North Carolina is still questionable against the run, and the Tar Heels have yet to be under the blazing national spotlight this season. I think those two factors are major pluses for the Tigers. If North Carolina wins, the ACC will probably get left out of the playoffs. If Clemson wins, the Tigers will get a chance to get their feet under them before starting preparations for the semifinal on Dec. 31. I think the national media pulling for North Carolina is going to have a positive effect on the Tigers. Some people still don't believe in the Tigers. I think the Tigers will win some more converts Saturday night. And John Swofford will be shedding tears. Pick Clemson.
Southern Miss at Western Kentucky -7.5 -- Southern Miss has been one of the biggest surprises in college football with a wonderful turnaround season. I like the points in this matchup. Pick Southern Miss.
Temple at Houston -5.5 -- Houston will unleash its high-powered offense on the Owls. Pick Houston.
Texas at Baylor -20.5 -- Meaningless Big 12 game. Bears roll. Charlie Strong's seat gets warmer. Pick Baylor.
Florida vs. Alabama -18.0 -- Do we even have to play this game? Can't we call Gainesville and tell Florida to stay home? SEC haters are pulling for the ultimate upset. But the Gators have no shot. The Gators cannot score. The Tide rolls into the playoffs and possibly into the No. 1 spot by crushing the Gators. Pick Alabama.
West Virginia -5.5 at Kansas State -- Another meaningless Big 12 game. Kansas State needs to win to qualify for a bowl game. I don't think the Wildcats are going to make it. Pick West Virginia.
Air Force at San Diego State -6.0 -- I always liked the nickname Aztecs. Pick San Diego State.
Stanford -4.5 vs. Southern Cal. Interesting game. Stanford has been whining/campaigning for a spot in the playoffs if it beats Southern Cal. Southern Cal has played well for interim-now-new-head-coach Clay Helton. This one is being played in Santa Clara, which is closer to Stanford's campus. But I don't think that is going to matter. Fight On. Pick Southern Cal.
Michigan State -3.5 vs. Iowa -- I think this spread is too low. Michigan State rolls, ends Iowa's unbeaten season, and earns a spot in the playoffs. Pick Sparty.
Georgia State at Georgia Southern -21.0 -- I needed a 10th game, so I picked this one. Eagles in a blowout. Pick Georgia Southern.
Last Week -- 9-7
For The Season -- 73-68
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