College football’s 2021 regular season has been a reminder of everything that’s great about the sport, as stadiums have been full of fans again and all conferences have played simultaneously during a season featuring few noteworthy COVID-19-related disruptions. As the regular season comes to a close in Week 13, the best of the sport will be on display as rivalry battles take place and conference title races are sorted out.
This weekend’s action will impact who participates in the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten and Pac-12 title games, as only the SEC has both of its two championship game competitors (Alabama and Georgia) decided. Even still, the SEC is still providing an intriguing matchup as No. 2 Alabama goes on the road to play arch rival Auburn in a game with CFP implications.
One of the reminders that the 2021 season has provided is that you never know what to expect in college football. But as we gear up for what should be a wild final week of the regular season, let’s check out the early odds.
Caesars Sportsbook has released early lines for the upcoming weekend. Let’s break down what the oddsmakers expect to happen in Week 13.
The biggest games
No. 4 Ohio State (-7.5) at No. 6 Michigan: Ohio State has won eight straight in the series, but if anyone can slow down the Buckeyes in the Big Ten this season, it might be the Wolverines. Both teams are entering off impressive beatdowns of conference opponents and are playing for a spot in the Big Ten title game. This is also an unofficial CFP elimination game. It doesn’t get much bigger than this in college football.
No. 13 Oklahoma at No. 9 Oklahoma State (-3.5): Just like with the Ohio State-Michigan game, this edition of Bedlam is a rivalry game that means even more than it usually does. It’s a de facto CFP elimination game and a potential preview of next week’s Big 12 title game. The Cowboys have been assured of a spot in the championship game, but the Sooners aren’t guaranteed of a spot with a loss.
No. 1 Georgia (-35) at Georgia Tech: Considering that Georgia Tech lost 55-0 at No. 8 Notre Dame on Saturday, it feels like the Yellow Jackets are getting the benefit of the doubt with this spread. Expect to see Bobby Dodd Stadium filled mostly with red as the Bulldogs try and cap off an undefeated regular season. With a win here, UGA will almost assuredly be in the CFP, regardless of what happens in the SEC title game the following week.
No. 5 Cincinnati (-13.5) at East Carolina: Cincinnati is also looking to cap off an undefeated regular season, but this is a tricky spot. East Carolina has won four straight to reach bowl eligibility for the first time since 2014. The Pirates were also close in losses against quality foes such as Appalachian State, Houston and South Carolina. They have wins against the likes of Marshall, Memphis and Navy and could test the Bearcats.
No. 2 Alabama (-19) at Auburn: First-year Auburn coach Bryan Harsin gets his first taste of the Iron Bowl as the Tigers try and stop a three-game losing streak. Harsin’s predecessor, Gus Malzahn, fared an entirely respectable 3-5 against the Crimson Tide during his eight-year tenure. A blowout loss for the Tigers might make their fans realize things weren’t so bad under the previous regime.
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