MBG Staff Locks of the Week: Week 12

We have finally reached cupcake weekend where most SEC teams get to have the bakery come to their respective stadiums for an annual paid beat down.

In honor of the best game of the week (which surprisingly does not include an SEC team) – USC vs UCLA – we have invited @USCPsycho to provide his context to his three locks of the week.

@USCPsycho

USC ML (-130) at UCLA

USC will beat fUCLA because USC quarterback Caleb Williams is a Heisman candidate and the bRuins have no defense. Plus the Rose Bowl is USC’s home away from home and their fans will outnumber the apathetic bRuins.

Austin Peay *(+45) at Alabama

Alabama will beat a school you’ve probably never heard of called Austin Peay, but barely. Austin Peay’s chant is “Let’s go pee” so that will get into Alabama’s heads and they will only win by 2.

*FCS vs FBS games are not given spreads – we defaulted it at -45

Oklahoma State ML (+235) at Oklahoma

Oklahoma State will beat Oklahoma by 100 because the football team will be drowning in Sooner tears when their salty fans see Lincoln Riley clinched a Pac-12 Championship Game appearance on the same day. Meanwhile the Sooners aren’t even bowl eligible.

@fightonrusty

Boston College +21 at Notre Dame

I’ll either get laughed at for this or look like a genius but Boston College looks like a different team playing all of their 1st and 2nd year players. This rivalry means something to Jeff Hafley and I think he brings pressure on Pyne all day to keep it close enough for BC to potentially pull off an upset.

Oklahoma State +7.5 at Oklahoma

Oklahoma State isn’t very good but Oklahoma is even worse. This rivalry means something to Spencer Sanders, which is why I think he braves out his injury to play, while it means next to nothing to Dillon Gabriel. If Oklahoma loses here, I don’t think they have a chance against Texas Tech to become bowl eligible next week.

Oregon -3 vs Utah

Whether or not Bo Nix plays, Oregon’s run game should obliterate a weak front 7 for Utah. Utah lacks the playmakers necessary for Cam Rising to expose Oregon’s defense the way Washington did last week. Oregon keeps their Pac 12 Championship Game hopes alive with a win and a big battle vs Oregon State next week.

@bamawill06

Auburn (-5.5) vs Western Kentucky

Carnell Williams has the Tigers playing inspired ball and the fanbase is 100% behind the team. With the momentum and belief, and an Iron Bowl approaching with nothing to lose, Auburn wins by double digits.

Tennessee (-22) at South Carolina

The race to the playoff often comes with style points, and the Vols need a strong finish. This game is the last chance for any kind of statement win as Tennessee closes the season at Vanderbilt. Expect Josh Heupel to let the offense have fun and show out. Yes, it’s a lot of points, but you know they can do it.

Vanderbilt (+14) vs Florida

I’m willing this one into existence. I like Clark Lea and it’s Vanderbilt. I don’t think the Dores can win but a little momentum from beating Kentucky last week doesn’t hurt when it comes to covering.

@boardgeniuses

Baylor +2.5 vs. TCU

It’s the end of the road for TCU’s playoff run.  Baylor wins this one.

Ok.St. +7.5 at OU

Ok St is going to end Bedlam with a big win in Norman.  

USC -2.5 @ UCLA 

USC is a much better team than UCLA.  They’ll prove it on Saturday.

@hawkguymatt

Iowa +2.5 at Minnesota

I am riding the only streak I have with these picks – picking Iowa games. Hopefully this is enough for Iowa to beat Minnesota for the eighth straight time.

Nebraska +10.5 vs Wisconsin

I don’t think either of these two teams are particularly good and home field advantage should at least keep the Huskers in the game.

Penn State -19 at Rutgers

Rutgers was supposed to be the “Little Engine That Could” and make a bowl. That doesn’t appear to be happening this year. I am still not sold on Penn State, but against Rutgers, they should win comfortably.

@txhatch

TCU -2.5 at Baylor

Last week TCU proved they could play anyone even in a hostile environment. Baylor doesn’t have the defensive line Texas does and TCU will hit more big plays. Frogs easily cover.

West Virginia +7.5 vs Kansas State

Morgantown is a weird place. Big 12 teams have struggled on the road there and I think with the mountaineers new quarterback and Neal Brown fighting for his job they’ll keep this one close.

NC State +4 at Louisville

The Wolfpack are back in the top 25 and facing a Louisville team that has question marks all over the place. If Malik Cunningham doesn’t play I feel even better backing NC State.

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