Picks for 11/25/23
College Football
NOON EST
Rotation #156
Duke -5.5 over Pittsburgh (win)
Pitt had an awful year and will not go to a bowl game. Duke has secured a bowl game and is flat-out a better program. Pitt head coach Patt Narduzzi will likely lose players to the transfer portal. The Blue Devils have continued success even without their top QB, Riley Leonard. Duke runs the ball well and has a solid offensive line, and the veteran playmakers can help out their young QB by making plays after the catch. The Blue Devils are better on both sides of the ball and should complete their winning season with a victory. Take Duke.
College Football
2:00 PM EST
Rotation #139
Wake Forest +1.5 over Syracuse (loss)
Wake Forest played a demanding schedule this year and won’t go to a bowl game. Syracuse is trying to get their 6th win to secure a bowl bid. Today is a bowl game for both teams, just in different ways. Dave Clawson has been at Wake Forest for a decade and has a veteran staff. Syracuse head coach Dino Babers has been let go and they have a new staff. Syracuse will have a tough time throwing the ball today as they are down a few good receivers, and their offensive line is young. Look for Wake QB Mitch Griffis to have a decent day and for the offensive line to open holes for the running game. It’s not saying much, but the Demon Deacons are the better overall team and should finish their season with a nice win. Take Wake Forest
College Football
3:30 PM EST
Rotation #157
Virginia Tech -2.5 over Virginia (win)
Virginia Tech is looking to secure a bowl game against their state rivals. Both teams have switched QBs this season, but the real advantage is in the trenches. UVA has an awful offensive line and could have a better running game. The Virginia defense is also below average, so the advantage goes to Virginia Tech. The Hokies’ defensive line will run through the Virginia offensive line, causing negative plays and turnovers and forcing Virginia to throw fast, leading to interceptions by the Hokies’ secondary. Take Virginia Tech.
College Football
7:00 PM EST
Rotation #153
Florida State -6.5 over Florida (win)
Florida State has played a flawless schedule and is dealing with its first drama situation of the year, with QB Jordan Travis hurting his leg. Backup QB Tate Rodemaker is a suitable game manager against a weak Gators team. Florida State is going for perfection, and I don’t think Florida can stop them. The Seminoles are better on both sides of the football. The Gators will have a tough time moving the ball against an elite FSU defense. Once again, this is a game where the trenches mean everything. FSU should dominate the line of scrimmage and run the ball with Trey Benson. The Seminoles receivers will help their QB out by getting yards after the catch. Take Florida State.
College Football
8:00 PM EST
Rotation #161
UNC -2.5 over NC State (loss)
To win on the road, you must be able to run the ball and stop the run. North Carolina can do both and have an outstanding QB in Drake May. The UNC offensive line is a veteran group that will protect the QB and open running lanes for Omarion Hampton. Tonight’s game is a battle of 8-3 teams, but UNC is the better overall program. The Wolfpack’s top running back, Michael Allen, is transferring, which seems like there is in-house drama. Jordan Houston also left the team. He was the top running back from the 2022 team. Wolfpack QB Brennan Armstrong is starting again after being benched. QB MJ Morris unexpectedly took a redshirt and probably will leave the team, which is very odd again. Something isn’t right in Raleigh. Take North Carolina.