Each week during the college football season, theScore will handicap the board and offer up a three-pack of picks, with a focus on marquee matchups.
12 Oklahoma (+2.5) at 6 Baylor
If there's one Big 12 school tailored to beat Baylor, it's Oklahoma. Everyone preaches how the conference is all offense and no defense, but the Sooners own the sixth-ranked total offense, while also ranking 21st in total defense. And Baylor's seventh-ranked air raid? It'll be countered by Oklahoma's 16th-ranked pass defense. If the undefeated Bears deserve a top-four shot, this is the week to prove it. Oklahoma 44, Baylor 38
2 Alabama (-8) at 17 Mississippi State
Who's going to stop Derrick Henry? So far, no one has, and Mississippi State won't be any different. Alabama has only played two road games, winning by a combined score of 79-33 against No. 8 Georgia and No. 9 Texas A&M. It's also worth noting the Crimson Tide's third-ranked defense will be tough for the Bulldogs to penetrate. Alabama 27, Mississippi State 16
Arkansas (+7.5) at 9 LSU
The Razorbacks enjoy making life difficult for other teams. Despite a four-loss season, Arkansas hasn't been blown out this season. They've also gone to overtime three times, winning two of them (Auburn and Ole Miss). They have the 27th-ranked rushing defense, and a heavy dose of Leonard Fournette is expected. Arkansas may not take down LSU, but it will surely cover. Arkansas 31, LSU 35
Other games of note
3 Ohio State (-16) at Illinois
The Buckeyes are coming off a modest victory over Minnesota, while Illinois won its first game since Oct. 3, albeit against lowly Purdue. Ohio State 41, Illinois 17
14 Michigan (-13) at Indiana
Michigan is rolling after wins against Minnesota and Rutgers, while Indiana still hasn't won in conference play. Michigan 48, Indiana 20
21 Memphis (+7) at 24 Houston
That's right, the Tigers won't roll over against the Cougars, even if they are undefeated. Expect a close one. Memphis 30, Houston 27
NC State (+10) at 16 Florida State
Since 2010, NC State has won two out of five against FSU, and always seems to give the Seminoles a game. NC State 24, Florida State 31
Texas Tech (-5.5) vs. Kansas State
Texas Tech has lost three straight, while Kansas State has lost five straight. Either way, the Red Raiders' offense will be far too much for the Wildcats. Texas Tech 53, Kansas State 45
| Picks Summary |
|---|
| Oklahoma +2.5 (Gold) |
| Alabama -8 (Silver) |
| Arkansas +7.5 (Bronze) |
| Ohio State -16 |
| Michigan -13 |
| Memphis +7 |
| NC State +10 |
| Texas Tech -5.5 |