College football picks, schedule: ATS predictions, Week 12 big top 25 odds

For the second week in a row, the 2020 college football season has been absolutely ravaged by postponements and cancellations caused by COVID-19. With a significant number of games previously scheduled for Saturday no longer being played, the slate has been reduced somewhat. Nonetheless, there are two massive matches between unbeaten and ranked BIg Ten teams that will carry the day and one of college football’s hottest rivalries leading us through the evening hours.

No.3 Ohio State will look to maintain their place atop the Big Ten when they host a No.9 team from Indiana that surprised early in the season and boasts of a defense that could get the Buckeyes in trouble. The No.19 Northwestern also hosts a No.10 team from Wisconsin who have been the strongest member of their division in recent times, but have only made two games this season after a COVID-19 outbreak within the program. Bedlam is also set to be thrilling with the Oklahoma No.18 hosting the Oklahoma State No.14 as the Cowboys hope their surprisingly strong defense can put out a rejuvenated Sooners offense.

But we are not here to talk about wins and losses. We care about whether these teams will hedge their spreads. Be sure to stay with CBS Sports throughout the day for college football coverage from kick off at noon to the final whistle of the day. Let’s take a look at our expert picks for Week 11.

Odds via William Hill Sportsbook | Every hour in the East

What strikes me about Indiana’s incredible start is that much of what pushed this team forward in 2020 is not sustainable. In four games, 37.8% of Indiana’s offensive points have come from turnovers. It is the second highest rate in the country, behind Purdue. The national average is around 16.8%. Indiana’s average touchdown distance, thanks to the turnovers she forced, was 53.2 yards. The only team in the country with a shorter average is Washington, and Washington has played a game. The Hoosiers forced 12 turnovers in their first four games and all took advantage. That probably won’t happen against an Ohio State team that did a much better job taking care of the ball. The Indiana offense hasn’t shown a talent for organizing 75-yard touchdowns, as it will likely have to do against Ohio State on Saturday. It makes it really hard for me to trust the Hoosiers to hang on to an Ohio State team that beat them 51-10 on the road last season. Pick: Ohio State (-20.5) – Tom fornelli

I don’t have a great feel on either side of that line. For one thing, I hate going against Northwestern as an underdog because he works his best in those situations under Pat Fitzgerald. On the other hand, Wisconsin seemed unstoppable. While Northwestern’s defense will be the toughest the Badgers have faced this year, I’m concerned that Northwestern’s offense has diminished. I don’t know how many points this unit will manage against one of the best defenses in the country. So while I think playing the below is the smarter game if you’re looking for a side of the spread, I would go with Wisconsin before Northwestern. But again, I don’t like it. If you can find it under a touchdown, it becomes much more appealing. Pick: Wisconsin (-7) – Tom fornelli

Kentucky at No.1 in Alabama (4 p.m., SEC network)

Numbering games involving Alabama are always sketchy, because you never know when coach Nick Saban will let go. Knowing this, it’s important to get the big picture. The Crimson Tide will host Auburn next week in the Iron Bowl, which is the most important game of the season every year – especially when it’s not the last game of the regular season and the divisional title race is on. ongoing. For this reason, expect Saban to slow things down and get the second players in as quickly as possible. The Terry Wilson and the Wildcats running game will shorten the game and get coverage … although the game will never be in doubt. Choice: Kentucky (+30) – Barrett Sallee

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Oklahoma State has shown he can win in different ways, but more often than not he’s relying on his defense this season. Will it withstand a searing Sooners offense? Oklahoma now leads the Big 12 in points per game of six. The Cowboys have players at all levels and the game between them and guys like Jeremiah Hall or wide receiver Marvin Mims should be great. That defense has been more than enough to keep Oklahoma State in every game. I think this holds up again, at the very least to cover the spread. Choice: Oklahoma State +7 – Ben Kercheval

# 20 USC in Utah (10:30 p.m., ESPN)

It will be interesting to see where this line ends on match day. This has moved some in favor of USC. Trojans have been frustrating to watch even if you are not emotionally invested. Still, they have two games under their belt and Utah have none. And while the Utes talk like they’re doing well when it comes to roster, you just don’t know what a team has until they’re on the pitch. The spread gives you a minute’s break, but USC is literally the only one that’s proven to work. Choice: USC -2.5 – Ben Kercheval