College football picks, schedule: ATS predictions, odds for the top 25 matches of week 14

The 2020 college football schedule has been hit again this week by postponements and cancellations due to COVID-19, but the week 14 slate is the strongest – at least in terms of brand value – we have had had for weeks. The country’s top six teams are all in action, and as each faces an unranked opponent, five of them do so on the road.

The SEC on CBS will be double with No. 6 Florida facing SEC rival East Tennessee with a divisional opportunity and a place in the SEC Championship game. The No.1 Alabama follows with a trip to LSU as Crimson Tide looks to both land SEC West and take revenge on the Tigers after last year’s loss.

The Ohio State No.4 is on the road against a Michigan State team that knocked Northwestern out of the undefeated row last week, while No.3 Clemson faces a tough Virginia Tech team in a road night game and the No. 5 in Texas. A&M opens the day with an Auburn team looking for a signature win to end their season. The No.2 Notre Dame is the aforementioned team with a home game, but it’s a huge 34-point favorite against Syracuse.

Will the varsity football playoff standings be different before the weekend is over? We will find out from the results of these landmark games. While victory is all that matters for the standings, we do care whether these teams will cover their gaps. Be sure to stick with CBS Sports throughout the day for college football coverage, from kick off Saturday until the final whistle. Let’s take a look at our expert picks for Week 14.

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# 4 Ohio State to Michigan State (noon, ABC)

Here’s the thing: Michigan State beat Northwestern last week, but it’s not like it’s a dominant performance. Four Northwest turnovers certainly helped, and we shouldn’t forget the fact that Michigan State’s final touchdown came on the last game of the game when he recovered a full-back in the end zone. I just don’t think Michigan State has the offensive firepower to compete with the Buckeyes, and Ohio State is in desperate need of impressive wins. If he has a chance to turn up the score, he won’t be shy about it. Pick: Ohio State (-23.5) – Tom Fornelli

# 5 Texas A&M in Auburn (noon, ESPN)

This Aggies team is on a mission, and that mission will be crowned with success on Saturday afternoon. They will dominate on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and control play from the start. The Texas A&M defensive front will make a living in Auburn’s backfield, forcing Bo Nix to multiple errors and preventing the Tigers from getting on the schedule consistently. Pick: Texas A&M (-7) – Barrett Sallee

No. 6 Florida at Tennessee (3:30 p.m., CBS)

Tennessee’s ability to run the ball suggests they might be able to generate some offense against a Florida defense that isn’t necessarily elite. But nothing else indicates that the volunteers will keep it competitive. Florida’s offense is just too explosive and should provide enough cover for their defense to give up a few touchdowns without the volunteers covering that spread. Pick: Florida (-17.5) – David Cobb

No 3 Clemson at Virginia Tech (7:30 p.m., ABC)

There is cruelty to the way the Tigers go about business as the year draws closer to the college football playoffs, and I expect that to continue on Saturday night. I made the mistake of trying to be too smart and pick against Clemson last week, and I won’t make that mistake again. If Virginia Tech can lousy this game, maybe it could cover, but you don’t want to bet on unusual circumstances with a Clemson side finding their best form at the end of the year (again). Picks: Clemson -22 – Chip Patterson

# 1 Alabama at LSU (8 p.m., CBS)

It’s a massive spread, but don’t worry. Score and enjoy the offensive spectacle that Alabama puts on Saturday night in prime time. Nick Saban’s crew are averaging 48.5 points per game this season, and have passed the 40-point mark in seven straight games. This LSU team not only can’t keep pace, but they’ll struggle to hit double digits. Picks: Alabama (-28.5)

What college football choices can you confidently make in week 14? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the spread – all from a proven computer model that has grossed over $ 3,500 in profit over the past four seasons and more – and find out.