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Florida Gators quarterback Max Brown. Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

NCAAF betting: Best opportunities for Week 13

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 11/23/23

The college football season is winding down. I think on the whole, it has been a good one, even if we have given some back to the sportsbooks over the last few weeks. This week, we are getting this piece into circulation a couple of days earlier because there are some interesting games on Friday as part of "Rivalry Week."

Michigan vs. Ohio State is going to suck up a lot of oxygen this weekend, that's for sure (and it should), but in a lot of cases, there is bad blood and revenge this week, even if the game itself might not mean that much.

Let's pick off some games and close strong before Championship Game week.

Results to date:
Last week: 2-3:
Season to Date: 30-29-1

NCAAF Best Bets for Week 13

San Jose State @ UNLV
Saturday, 3 p.m. ET
Runnin' Rebels -2.5

UNLV is one of the most surprising teams in the country this season. San Jose State has had a nice season too, but this game is being priced as if the only advantage UNLV has is the location of the game. I think it is more than that, especially with an underrated coach in Barry Odom. I will take it though. The only concern is a letdown after winning at Air Force, but there is still a lot to play for the for Rebs.

This one is perfectly priced right now so it is probably best to pounce.

Florida State @ Florida
Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
Gators +6.5

I do not think I have backed the Gators all season. That is a good thing overall but I like them in this spot. They can truly play as if they have nothing to lose and to try and knock rival FSU out of playoff consideration. Plus I think the coach needs a win to keep his job. Lastly, the only team to beat Florida in the Swamp this season was Arkansas, in OT. The Hogs were able to lean on a veteran quarterback, that is not a luxury Florida State has anymore.

If we can get the +7 this game is even better but I think there is a great chance that Florida wins outright. Anything over +3.5 will work for strong value.

Maryland @ Rutgers
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET
Maryland -1.5

On the surface these teams look similar (both 6-5), they even have losses to a lot of similar opponents. However, even as Maryland has struggled down the stretch, five losses in their last six games, they have proven they can be an effective offense and that unit is going to be the best on the field in this matchup. Rutgers will muck up the game as much as they can but as long as Maryland plays smart football they will prevail. There is no doubt they are the more talented side.

Love this number and would bet it up to at least -3, maybe more. Look for the Terps to close strong.

Vanderbilt @ Tennessee
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET
Tennessee -27.5

I am not sure this is really a rivalry. Vanderbilt is having yet another long season where they have been overmatched most weeks. Ironically, the one game they covered this season was a loss to Georgia, where they were +32.5. That game was at home though and more than a month ago. They have not scored more than 15 points in a game since. I am looking for Tennessee to try and end their season with a bang. There is no reason to let up. They won 56-0 last season. Last year's team was better but this group can easily win 45-10.

When the spreads get big you just want to get the best number you can (obviously). I hate going so chalky but I actually feel good about this one.

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