College Football Week 13: Expert Picks, Predictions, and Best Bets

College football Week 13 expert picks, predictions, and best bets are back as we gear up for an exciting slate of college football action in Week 13.

We’re on to Week 13 of college football, as the country has now seen the College Football Playoff rankings for the last few weeks. Teams across the country are down to their remaining few games on the schedule, and conference title games and bowl eligibility hang in the balance as teams jockey for position.

Let’s jump right into our College Football Week 13 expert picks, predictions, and best bets!

College Football Week 13 Expert Picks and Best Bets

Illinois vs. Rutgers Betting Preview and Expert Pick

All Illinois vs. Rutgers odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024.

• Spread
  Illinois -1
• Moneyline
  Illinois -105, Rutgers +105
• Over/Under
  48 points
• Game time
  Noon ET
• Location
  SHI Stadium | Piscataway, NJ
• Predicted Weather at Kick
  50 degrees, mostly cloudy, 12 mph winds
• How To Watch
  Peacock

Illinois, a team many underestimated, has spent this season shattering expectations. Covering the spread in six of ten games, the Illini surged past their preseason win total, defying doubters and showcasing resilience. Their journey began with a four-game win streak, including a hard-fought contest against Penn State. A midseason stumble followed, but Illinois found its footing last week in a dominant 27-3 win over Michigan State, comfortably covering a modest 1.5-point spread.

Against Michigan State, Illinois flexed its defensive muscle, holding the Spartans to a mere 2-of-15 on third downs. Offensively, they racked up 369 yards and converted key plays late to pull away. But cracks appeared the previous week against Maryland, with Illinois surrendering 457 yards, including 335 through the air. It’s a reminder that consistency is still a work in progress.

Rutgers enters with momentum of its own, coming off a 31-17 victory over Maryland. The Scarlet Knights flashed offensive promise as Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 238 yards, and Kyle Monangai added 97 rushing yards with two scores. They’ve averaged 26 points per game recently and look ready for this pivotal Big Ten clash.

Yet, Illinois has proven its ability to make critical stops and execute late. With a steady defense and an efficient passing game, the Illini are poised to deliver another strong road performance. Expect a closely contested matchup, but trust Illinois to make the key plays that secure both the cover and a much-needed win.

Prediction: Illinois 30, Rutgers 24

Best Bet: Illinois -1

Illinois with another TD and they continue to extend their lead!!! 🤩 @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/FPlrVbtP3f

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2024

Penn State vs. Minnesota Betting Preview and Expert Pick

All Penn State vs. Minnesota odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024.

• Spread
  Penn State -12
• Moneyline
  Penn State -440, Minnesota +365
• Over/Under
  45.5 points
• Game time
  3:30 p.m. ET
• Location
  Huntington Bank Stadium | Minneapolis
• Predicted Weather at Kick
  36 degrees, mostly cloudy, 8 mph winds
• How To Watch
  CBS

The Penn State Nittany Lions opened their season in commanding fashion, cruising to seven straight victories. They rolled past West Virginia, Bowling Green, and Kent State before handling Big Ten challengers Illinois, UCLA, USC, and Wisconsin. A setback against Ohio State briefly halted their momentum, but Penn State responded with authority, dismantling Washington and Purdue in back-to-back weeks.

Last Saturday’s 49-10 rout of Purdue highlighted the Nittany Lions’ depth and versatility. Drew Allar orchestrated the offense with 247 passing yards and three touchdowns. Tyler Warren delivered on both the ground and through the air, logging 63 rushing yards and 127 receiving yards, each accompanied by a score. For Penn State, it was another statement of intent.

Minnesota, meanwhile, sits at 6-4 with a defense that ranks fifth in the Big Ten, allowing just 17.7 points per game. The Golden Gophers faltered in a 26-19 loss to Rutgers last week, struggling offensively with only 35 rushing yards. Still, their defense showed resilience, keeping the game competitive until late.

Historically, Penn State has dominated this matchup, winning 10 of 16 meetings, including a decisive 45-17 victory two years ago. On Saturday, Minnesota will lean on its defense to dictate the pace and force Penn State into uncomfortable situations. While the Gophers may not have the firepower to match the Nittany Lions, their grit and defensive strength make them a tough out. Expect Minnesota to make it a battle and keep the final score closer than many anticipate.

Prediction: Penn State 27, Minnesota 17

Best Bet: Minnesota +12

Celebrating our Seniors on Saturday on CBS! #RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers

⏰ 2:30 PM CT
📅 Saturday, Nov. 23
🏟️ Huntington Bank Stadium
📰 https://t.co/z7khvYCPAH pic.twitter.com/lXjlNJQj6H

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) November 20, 2024

Indiana vs. Ohio State Betting Preview and Expert Pick

All Indiana vs. Ohio State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024.

• Spread
  Ohio State -12.5
• Moneyline
  Indiana +380, Ohio State -440
• Over/Under
  51.5 points
• Game time
  Noon ET
• Location
  Ohio Stadium | Columbus, OH
• Predicted Weather at Kick
  46 degrees, mostly cloudy, 11 mph winds
• How To Watch
  FOX

This game has some massive implications for college football. Saturday’s clash between No. 2 Ohio State (9-1) and unbeaten No. 5 Indiana (10-0) offers a showdown of strengths, as the Buckeyes’ sixth-ranked pass defense meets the Hoosiers’ explosive, second-ranked scoring offense led by Kurtis Rourke. The Ohio transfer has turned Indiana into an offensive force, but it’s their defense, under head coach Curt Cignetti, that has stolen the show. Ranked third nationally in total defense, first in the Big Ten in sacks, and dominant against the run, the Hoosiers have brought Cignetti’s James Madison blueprint to life in Bloomington.

Ohio State’s defense, however, is a class apart. Ranked second nationally and first in scoring, the Buckeyes’ unit has held opponents under 17 points in all but two games since 2022. Anchored by NFL-ready talent and bolstered by Alabama transfer Caleb Downs, the Buckeyes have consistently risen to the moment.

Offensively, Ohio State has thrived behind quarterback Will Howard, who’s been protected by a line that’s allowed just 12 sacks this season. However, the loss of center Seth McLaughlin looms large and could test an otherwise sturdy front.

Indiana’s relentless defense is built to disrupt, and with Cignetti at the helm, they’ll aim to capitalize on any Buckeye vulnerabilities. Expect Ohio State to emerge victorious, but Indiana’s defensive grit and offensive firepower should keep this one closer than the spread suggests. Buckeyes win, but the Hoosiers make it a fight.

Prediction: Ohio State 27- Indiana 20

Best Bet: Indiana +12.5