Season record: 30-24-1

Last week: 3-4 (Notre Dame -5, Maryland/Indiana over 62.5, Pittsburgh +24, Alabama -24.5, Auburn/Alabama over 62.5, Mississippi State/Ole Miss over 67, LSU +14)

I am losing steam as we enter December. Luckily, LSU saved me from a disastrous 2-5 week with a late, backdoor cover. However, my season record is still 55%, so do not give up on me yet. If I fall below 50%, you can call me Clark-fade-o, but not until then.

Time to opt in to this week’s picks.

Texas Longhorns (5-3) @ Kansas State Wildcats | December 5 | 11:00 AM CT | Bill Snyder Family Stadium

Line: Texas -10 | Total: 51

Rumors are swirling about Texas head coach Tom Herman’s future at the school. Meanwhile, Longhorn players are opting out. This week, left tackle Sam Cosmi and safety Caden Sterns both decided to opt out.

The Longhorns were defeated by Iowa State 23-20 last Friday. With 1:25 remaining, Iowa State running back Breece Hall scored the go-ahead touchdown, effectively ending Texas’ Big 12 Championship hopes.

Kansas State suffered a similar fate, as they were defeated by Baylor on a last-second field goal. It was the fourth straight loss for the Wildcats. However, three of those games were away from the friendly confines of Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

As the season comes to a close, Chris Klieman’s team will look to go out a positive note. As for Texas, questions are abound. With those kinds of concerns, I am taking Kansas State +10.

#5 Texas A&M Aggies (6-1) @ Auburn Tigers (5-3) | December 5 | 11:00 AM CT | Jordan-Hare Stadium

Line: Texas A&M -7 | Total: 49.5

Auburn is a team that has certainly been better at home than they are on the road. The Tigers have a home record of 4-0, but are 1-3 in away games. No player better exemplifies this than quarterback Bo Nix. At home, Nix has thrown eight touchdowns and only one interception, but on the road, has thrown only two touchdowns and six interceptions.

Last week, the Auburn defense was victimized by Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, who throw for five touchdowns en route to a 42-13 win. Auburn had no answer for Crimson Tide receiver Devonta Smith, as he caught 7 passes for 171 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Things should get a bit easier with the Aggies coming to town. Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond struggled mightily against a much-maligned LSU defense. Mond finished 11 of 34 passing for 105 yards in the contest.

The Aggies will rely heavily on running back Isaiah Spiller, who has rushed for over 100 yards in five of seven games this season. However, if the passing game does not improve, it will not be enough.

Give me Auburn +7.

#6 Florida Gators (7-1) @ Tennessee Volunteers (2-5) | December 5 | 2:30 PM CT | Neyland Stadium

Line: Florida -17 | Total: 61.5

After five straight losses, Tennessee got a bye week to regroup. They certainly needed it as they prepare to face Florida. The Gators have their eyes set on the SEC Championship, and possibly more.

Tennessee actually had one of its best offensive outputs of the season against Auburn. In the loss, the Volunteers had a season-high 464 yards of offense. Due to an untimely pick-six and a missed field goal, Tennessee fell short.

It appears Tennessee is finally moving on from quarterback Jarrett Guarantano. Freshman Harrison Bailey may get his first start of the season. Bailey has seen limited action and has completed 14 of 23 passes for 175 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Florida defense has had its struggles this season. Vanderbilt quarterback Ken Seals had one of the best games of his career against the Gators, throwing for 319 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Betting against a top 10 offense in Florida will not be fun, but I am too tempted by the Volunteers getting double-digit points at home. Give me Tennessee +17.

West Virginia Mountaineers (5-3) @ #12 Iowa State Cyclones (7-2) | December 5 | 2:30 PM CT | Jack Trice Stadium

Line: Iowa State -7 | Total: 48.5

West Virginia comes into this game with one of the best defenses in college football. The Mountaineers only allow 274 yards per game. However, they have surrendered some big games on the ground this season. Oklahoma State ran for 203 yards, and Texas and Texas Tech both ran for 179 yards. All three of those games resulted in losses. That is bad news as they will face Breece Hall in this matchup. Hall leads the Big 12 with 140 rushing yards per game.

Iowa State -7 is my pick.

#4 Clemson Tigers (8-1) @ Virginia Tech Hokies (4-5) | December 5 | 6:30 PM CT | Lane Stadium

Line: Clemson -22 | Total: 67

Last week, I picked Pittsburgh to cover against Clemson. I had my reasons, but Saturday was a reminder that Clemson is still head and shoulders above the rest of the ACC. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence made his return and threw for 403 yards and 2 touchdowns as they trounced Pittsburgh 52-17.

I may be missing something with this line being only 22, but I will bite anyway.

I am taking Clemson -22.

OUTTA HERE!