It is getting time to start thinking about becoming bowl eligible and games this week represent the need for some teams to get a win in order to breathe a little easier. Arizona, Colorado, Michigan State, and Maryland are all in positions where they can get to premier postseason games if they get more victories.
For Georgia, Ohio State, and even Kentucky, they are still longshots to make the College Football Playoffs if the teams in front of them falter. Winning this weekend would keep their hopes alive.
Below are five games we think have postseason implications.
1. Colorado +3.5 at Arizona
These two teams seem to be going in opposite directions. Colorado won its first five games, and looked to be challenging for the Pac 12 South title. They have lost their last three, however, and only one of the three have a winning record.
Arizona stopped a two-game skid last week when the dismantled Oregon, 44-15. A healthy Khalil Tate at quarterback has been the difference, and he, as well as running back J.J. Taylor should be able to run against the Buffaloes defense.
Another good reason to take Arizona at -3.5 is they are at home, where they own a 3-2 record.
Take Arizona and give away the points.
2. Georgia -9 at Kentucky
The Bulldogs have aspirations to get in the College Football Playoffs, and if they can win out, they might possibly do it. The Bulldogs were ranked at No. 2 at one point this season, and now at No. 6, they will need some help from the teams in front of them.
Kentucky has been mildly surprising. The Wildcats are at No. 9 in the AP Top 25 Poll, and have signature wins over Florida and Mississippi State. They got a scare last week against Missouri on the road, but might have been looking ahead to this game.
The Wildcats probably won’t win this game, but they should keep it close.
Take Kentucky and the points.
3. Nebraska +17.5 at Ohio State
The Buckeyes are a mad team, after being upset by Purdue two weeks ago. But they are also a program that is in turmoil. Coach Urban Meyer’s health is in question, and so is his return next year to Columbus.
But they are coming off a bye and still have a remote chance to get into the CFP. Nebraska should provide a nice warm up for them for the rest of the season. The Cornhuskers are terrible, and recent blowout wins against Minnesota and Bethune Cookman are not impressive.
The line began at 21 and has been bet down to 17.5. We liked it at 21, we really like it at 17.5.
Take Ohio State and give away the points.
4. Michigan State -2.5 at Maryland
The Terrapins have finally reached a conclusion with their coach D.J. Durkin, firing him on Wednesday after his suspension for running an alleged toxic program. That has hung over the Maryland players all year, and they still managed to go 5-3 with all the distractions.
Saturday could be a coming out party of sorts. They face a tough Michigan State team who has an identical record, but was once in the Top 25. This is going to come down to the Terrapins running game against the Spartans run defense. We like Maryland’s rushers.
Take Maryland and give away the points.
5. Cal +10 at Washington State
Cal is a complete mystery. They upset BYU and Washington, then get blown out at home by UCLA. Would the real Bears’ team please stand up.
Saturday it could be the latter. Washington State is undefeated at home, and against the spread. Pullman, Washington gives teams fits. Plus a night game will drop the temperature down into the 40s and rain is expected.
We might be jinxing the Cougars, but they should be able to cover 10 points.
Take Washington State and give away the points.
