Season record: 30-26-2

Last week: 5-0 (Minnesota -13.5, Penn State +18, Texas A&M +13.5, Arkansas +43.5, Utah -22.5)

First, I would like to Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for everyone who takes the time to read weekly.

How about that 5-0 record last week? I am now over .500 and I got there in style. Can I stay hot for Rivalry Week?

Virginia Tech Hokies (8-3) @ Virginia Cavaliers (8-3) | November 29 | 11:00 AM CT | David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium

Line: Virginia Tech -2.5 | Total: 47.5

Virginia and Virginia Tech face off with the ACC Coastal Division on the line. The Hokies got off to a slow start this season, going 2-2 with a 45-10 loss at home against Duke. Since then, they have rattled off six wins in their last seven games; the one loss was a one-point loss at Notre Dame.

Stat wise, these teams are very similar. Both have records of 8-3, and the commonalities do not stop there. Virginia averages 381.0 yards per game, while Virginia Tech averages 381.4 yards per game. Virginia gives up 22.9 points per game and Virginia Tech gives up 22.3 points per game.

What jumps out to me, however, is how the Virginia Tech defense has played the past few weeks. The Hokies have shut out their past two opponents, Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh. The old saying is that defense travels, and it will be a short trip for the Hokies. It is approximately 150 miles from Blacksburg to Charlottesville.

It is the last regular season game for defensive coordinator Bud Foster, who is retiring after this season. The long-time coordinator has been on the Virginia Tech staff since 1987, and has been the defensive coordinator since 1995. You can expect an inspired effort from his defense in this one.

I am taking Virginia Tech -2.5 as they stretch their winning streak to sixteen straight over Virginia.

Missouri Tigers (5-6) @ Arkansas Razorbacks (2-9) | November 29 | 1:30 PM CT | War Memorial Stadium

Line: Missouri -12 | Total: 53.5

Last week I took Arkansas simply because they were getting 43.5 points against LSU. This week they are getting 12 against Missouri. Can you really trust this Razorbacks team to keep it within two touchdowns of anyone?

You would have to go back to October 12 to find the last time they did that. The Razorbacks did so in a 24-20 loss at Kentucky.

Missouri is on a bit of a downward spiral as well. The Tigers have lost five on a row themselves. However, Missouri has shown they can win games.

In Missouri’s five-game losing streak, their ability to run the ball has diminished. In the losing streak, Missouri’s leading rusher Larry Rountree averaged only 3.2 yards per carry and had only one touchdown. In Missouri’s five wins, Rountree had 5.9 yards per carry and six touchdowns.

The Arkansas run defense allows 228.5 yards per game, which ranks 125 of 130 FBS teams.

Neither team will be going to a bowl game, so this is the final game for each team. Missouri would be bowl eligible with a win, however, the NCAA, in typical fashion, denied them.

This will be one of the saddest games of Rivalry Week, so it is appropriate that it is taking place at the dump known as War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Missouri -12

Ohio State Buckeyes (11-0) @ Michigan Wolverines (9-2) | November 30 | 11:00 AM CT | Michigan Stadium

Line: Ohio State -8.5 | Total: 50.5

While Ohio State continues to get pumped up by the national media, Michigan has quietly dominated their last four opponents. The Wolverines have won those games by an average of 30 points.

The Michigan offense has seen growth in the month of November, averaging 417 yards per game in the month of November. Quarterback Shea Patterson is a big reason why, throwing for 901 yards and 10 touchdowns in that span.

The biggest concern for the Michigan offense is the number of sacks they have given up. Patterson has been sacked 20 times on the season, including six times in the last two games. That problem in compacted by Ohio State defensive end Chase Young, who has 16.5 sacks and 7 forced fumbles this season.

This is Ohio State’s first real road test of the season. The Buckeyes’ away games have consisted of trips to Indiana, Nebraska, Northwestern, and Rutgers. Those teams have a combined record of 16-28. Obviously, a trip to “The Big House” is a different experience.

Michigan +8.5

Louisville Cardinals (7-4) @ Kentucky Wildcats (6-5) | November 30 | 11:00 AM CT | Kroger Field

Line: Kentucky -2.5 | Total: 53.5

I am looking at the weekend forecast for Lexington, Kentucky and seeing some rain. There is a 90% chance of rain for this game. That plays right into the Wildcats’ hands as they love to run the ball. As a matter of fact, that is about all they do.

Junior Lynn Bowden took over at quarterback midway through the season. Since then, passing has become a rarity. In six games as starting quarterback, Bowden has only attempted 60 passes. In that same span, Bowden has 116 carries.

Bowden and the Wildcats should have some success against a Louisville defense that allows 183.0 rushing yards per game.

This is a perfect game for Mark Stoops to run the ball and play defense so I am taking Kentucky -2.5.

Oregon State Beavers (5-6) @ Oregon Ducks (9-2) | November 30 | 3:00 PM CT | Autzen Stadium

Line: Oregon -19 | Total: 66

Oregon is coming off of a loss to Arizona State which dashed their College Football Playoff hopes. Now, they get a pesky Oregon State team in the “Civil War”.

Oregon State quarterback Jake Luton has quietly put together a nice season with 28 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions.

Not only is this a rivalry game, but at 5-6, Oregon State will be playing for bowl eligibility. Getting to a bowl game would be a huge accomplishment for a school that won only two games a season ago. It would be the Beavers’ first bowl trip since 2013.

The Beavers have only suffered one blowout loss. That came back in October when Utah pummeled them, 52-7.

With the Ducks on the mend, I think the Beavers keep it close. Oregon State +19 is the pick.

Texas A&M Aggies (7-4) @ LSU Tigers (11-0) | November 30 | 6:00 PM CT | Tiger Stadium

Line: LSU -17 | Total: 62.5

You already know this pick.

LSU -17

OUTTA HERE!