College Football Week 14 Saturday Picks

College Football Week 14 Saturday Picks

Rivalry Saturday is always dramatic, but there are levels to this year’s Week 14 slate. Top-ranked Ohio State will try to snap a four-game losing streak against Michigan, at the Big House no less, while Wisconsin-Minnesota brings decades of bad blood and two programs trending in opposite late-season directions. Out west, Washington-Oregon might present the most intriguing underdog spot of the entire weekend. 

With that in mind, here are the three best edges on Saturday’s card.

CFB Saturday Predictions

Pick #1: Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan Wolverines Under 44.5 (-115)

Pick #2: Wisconsin Badgers ML over Minnesota Golden Gophers (+125)

Pick #3: Washington Huskies +6.5 over Oregon Ducks (-110)

Pick #1: Ohio State vs Michigan Under 44.5 (-115)

Ohio State enters The Game with the nation’s best scoring defense, allowing just 7.6 points per game, and the Buckeyes continue to suffocate opponents by eliminating chunk plays and forcing long, mistake-free drives. Their pass defense is the most efficient unit in college football, surrendering only 126.6 yards per game and erasing downfield threats before they develop. That becomes the dominant factor in this year’s meeting because Michigan is dealing with significant uncertainty in the backfield. Jordan Marshall is expected to play, but Justice Haynes is the true explosive runner, and without him, the Wolverines lack the home-run ability that typically protects them in scale-tilted games like this.

Michigan’s offensive identity remains tied to its run game, and asking freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood to solve the best secondary in the nation is a tall ask when Michigan’s two losses, both by double digits to Oklahoma and USC, came against the most complete teams they’ve faced. Michigan’s passing game has shown flashes, but it’s not built to win a shootout and becomes increasingly limited without a fully healthy rotation at running back.

The weather also matters. Ann Arbor will be cold, wind-affected and leaning toward the type of environment in which both teams tighten their approach. The Buckeyes can play with tempo, but they have shown all season they are willing to lean on their defense in lower-variance spots. 

Michigan, meanwhile, will want to shorten the game and keep the Buckeyes’ explosive receivers off the field. Add in two top-tier red-zone defenses, and the under remains the clearest angle.

Pick #2: Wisconsin ML over Minnesota (+125)

Wisconsin’s late-season evolution into a more dynamic, more aggressive and surprisingly resilient team began when the Badgers fully committed to their youth movement, handing control of the offense to freshman quarterback Carter Smith and elevating standout freshmen Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano on defense. The results have been undeniable. Wisconsin shocked Washington in ugly conditions three weeks ago, trailed No. 2 Indiana by only three points at halftime on the road, and just handled Illinois 27-10 in one of their most complete efforts of the season.

The defense has been revitalized, especially against the run, where Wisconsin ranks 16th nationally. The Badgers force opponents into predictable passing situations, and that is precisely where Minnesota tends to unravel. The Gophers’ offense sits near the bottom of the FBS in overall yardage, rushing output and scoring. 

Minnesota has won three of the last four in this rivalry, tying the all-time series, but the momentum entering this matchup sits entirely with Wisconsin. The Badgers are more energetic and playing with a sense of edge their opponent has lacked since mid-October. 

Pick #3: Washington +6.5 over Oregon (-110)

Washington’s inconsistencies have frustrated bettors all year, but is ceiling remains undeniable, and this matchup captures the exact version of the Huskies that can keep a game close for four quarters. Their offense is still top-20 nationally in scoring and top-30 in total yardage, and Demond Williams Jr. has quietly been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country. The real reason Washington is live in this spot, however, is its defense. Ranking 18th overall and top-20 against both the run and the pass, Washington is built to limit explosive plays, which is what Oregon depends on to separate from opponents.

The Ducks have the superior statistical profile, where they sit third nationally in yardage allowed and eighth in scoring, but their biggest weakness aligns perfectly with Washington’s strengths. Oregon is one of the worst red-zone defenses in the country, allowing opponents to score on more than 90 percent of their trips. Washington, meanwhile, is top-20 in red-zone scoring efficiency. If the Huskies finish drives, they don’t need to overpower Oregon to find success behind a raucous home crowd.

This series has produced tight games for years, and Washington’s offensive versatility prevents Oregon from dictating pace. With Williams able to create off-script and Jonah Coleman controlling early downs, Washington has the tools to stay inside this number. The Ducks may win, but the Huskies cover.