Arnold Against The Spread: Rivalry Week

After a bad Week 11, we’re back in the green with Week 12. A 4-2 record brings us to 50-47 on the season. Now, we have one final regular season push to try and finish off the season on a high note. Rivalry week tends to be full of chaos and calamity - one of the most unpredictable weeks of the season. Nevertheless, we shall attempt to take the DraftKings Sportsbook odds* and predict some winners. Let’s ride.

Eastern Michigan at Buffalo Over 36.5

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MACtion is my sweet relief from life during the midweek stretch and I am sad that it is coming to an end. With that being said, in spite of Buffalo and overs being the bane of my existence, I am taking the Bulls to come through for me one time here at the end of the season. Chaos will reign supreme and Eastern Michigan and the Bulls will turn this into a firefight. Hammer the over at 36.5.

Iowa at Nebraska Under 26.5

These Iowa unders continue to get more and more ridiculous and yet they also continue to hit. It shapes up to be another magical rock fight when the Hawkeyes take on the Huskers in Lincoln. I wouldn’t be surprised if both of these teams find themselves unable to break double digits and I don’t mean that as a diss. This is one of the contests I’m most excited about and I’m hammering the under once again.

UTSA +3.5 at Tulane

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With both UTSA and Tulane currently undefeated in conference play, this contest likely determines who heads to the American Championship Game. Aggies will doubtlessly be tuned into this contest given the Jeff Traylor rumors but we should all be tuning into this to watch what should be a fantastic football game. I’m expecting a back-and-forth battle in New Orleans but I had the pleasure of watching Frank Harris in person just a few weeks ago. After a tough start to the year, he’s playing excellent football. I like the Roadrunners in this one, especially at +3.5.

Oregon State +13.5 at Oregon

With this serving as the final Civil War between the Beavers and the Ducks for the foreseeable future, this one is set up to be a classic between two teams with a strong dislike for each other. Oregon is playing some of the best football in the country at the moment but with the extra motivation of the disrespect from the dissolution of the PAC 12 - I think the Beavers keep this one close. I still like Oregon by a touchdown but 13.5 is a lot for the Ducks to cover.

Ohio State +3.5 at Michigan

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Two straight losses to Michigan feel like an eternity for Ohio State fans who are used to the dominance the Buckeyes enjoyed prior to the recent Wolverine resurgence. This rivalry gets an extra dosage of intensity given the circumstances surrounding Jim Harbaugh’s suspension. You can bet on chippiness galore in this one but I think in the end it will be Ohio State who comes out on top in the Big House. Take the Buckeyes +3.5 or take them moneyline if it suits your fancy. Either way, this contest should be an absolute banger.

San Jose State at UNLV -3

Y’all are probably annoyed with my clear admiration for what Barry Odom and UNLV have accomplished in 2023 by this point but there’s one more game in the season left to decide their postseason fate. With a win, UNLV heads to the Mountain West Championship guaranteed. San Jose State has been playing excellent football here at the end of the season but with the momentum UNLV has and the high stakes at home, I like Barry Odom’s squad to secure one of the biggest victories in program history.

Alabama at Auburn +14.5

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I realize we just saw this Auburn team get boat raced by New Mexico State but if you don’t think there’s some witchcraft that will allow the Tigers to make this game chaotic on the Plains, I’ve got some news for you. Auburn is going to turn up with one of the best performances of their season and make this game closer than it has any right to be. It won’t be enough to beat the Tide but they’ll make the Alabama faithful sweat. Take Auburn +14.5 in this one.

Upset Special: Ole Miss at Mississippi State +300

I have no reason to believe that Mississippi State pulls off the upset here other than the Egg Bowl serving as one of the most unpredictable contests in a week full of them. The Bulldogs shock Lane Kiffin’s squad at home in Starkville. Book it.

What rivalry game are you most excited about to close out the regular season?

*Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See http://draftkings.com/sportsbook for details