Friday Forecast returned this season, and we’re down to our last slate of picks. Here's how everyone’s doing against the spread heading into the final four games of the bowl season.
- Jacob Padilla: 68-59
- Erin Sorensen: 64-63
- Brandon Vogel: 63-64
- Derek Peterson: 62-65
- Greg Smith: 52-75
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl — Ohio vs. Nevada (OHIO –8.0, O/U 59.5)
BV: Nevada made the “quietly, not that good” list while Ohio made the “actually, better than you realize” chart. Who knows if both teams play to form, but the Bobcats should probably be bigger favorites here. PICK: Ohio 38, Nevada 24
ES: How could I pick against the Fighting Frank Soliches? I just can’t, so I’m not only going to take Ohio to win but I’m going to take Ohio to cover. I know Nevada has two running backs worth keeping an eye on, but I think Ohio quarterback Nathan Rourke is too good in this scenario. I expect a big final game from him for the Fighting Franks and his contract extension. PICK: Ohio 34, Nevada 24
GS: There is no way to pick against good ol’ Frank Solich right? PICK: Ohio 45, Nevada 35
JP: Go Frankies. Nevada doesn’t typically play a whole lot of defense and Ohio has the kind of quarterback in Nathan Rourke that can take advantage of that. PICK: Ohio 42, Nevada 28
DP: The Puppy picked better than me last week, so Puppy Pick No. 4. PICK: Ohio 38, Nevada 34
Armed Forces Bowl — Southern Miss vs. Tulane (TULN –7.0, O/U 56.5)
BV: Tulane sort of limped home over the back half of the season, but it (perhaps) kept its coach because of it. Give me the Green Wave. PICK: Tulane 31, Southern Miss 21
ES: I like both offenses. The defenses? Not so much. Take Southern Miss for example. While the Golden Eagles have been all right at stopping the run this season, they’ve allowed 8.2 yards per pass attempt. On the other hand, Tulane allowed 6.8 yards per pass but struggled to stop the run. So, I expect some points in this game and I think it’ll ultimately come down to whoever can make one necessary stop. PICK: Tulane 34, Southern Miss 31
GS: Perhaps the time off will allow Tulane to get back on track here. I don’t love their defense but I’m going to reluctantly pick them. PICK: Tulane 31, Southern Miss 21
JP: Seems kind of strange that none of the service academies are playing in the Armed Forces Bowl but whatever. Tulane’s lost three straight and five of six while Southern Miss lost its last two. Something’s got to give. PICK: Southern Miss 31, Tulane 28
DP: Puppy Pick No. 5. PICK: Tulane 41, Southern Miss 31
LendingTree Bowl — Miami (OH) vs. Louisiana (UL –14.0, O/U 56.0)
BV: Louisiana is the clear pick here, but the RedHawks burned me in the MAC title game. Not again. PICK: Louisiana 35, Miami (OH) 24
ES: I really don’t even know what to do with this game. A 14-point spread seems like a lot, but you know what, let’s just go with it. Ragin’ Cajuns! PICK: Louisiana 38, Miami (OH) 21
GS: This one won’t be very close. PICK: Louisiana 49, Miami (OH) 10
JP: A 14-point spread is awfully large, but that’s probably because Louisiana is the much better team in this game. Miami (OH) went 8-5 with a minus-46 point differential, which is actually kind of impressive. PICK: Louisiana 42, Miami (OH) 24
DP: Puppy Pick No. 6. PICK: Louisiana 27, Miami (OH) 21
CFP National Championship — No. 1 LSU vs. No. 3 Clemson (LSU –5.5, O/U 69.5)
BV: LSU has been great, but you’re telling me I can get points to take the team that has won 29 straight games. OK, cool. PICK: Clemson 42, LSU 38
ES: ESPN’s prediction model has Clemson with a 52% chance of winning at the time I’m writing this. I just don’t know if I can agree. I think LSU is the better team and I have a hard time betting against Joe Burrow. Maybe Clemson covers, but LSU is winning this one. PICK: LSU 35, Clemson 31
GS: LSU has been so dominant, but Clemson has enjoyed this whole “we are disrespected” thing even though they have won 29 straight games. PICK: Clemson 42, LSU 35
JP: Go Burreaux. PICK: LSU 38, Clemson 31
DP: I was on record saying whoever won the Ohio State-Clemson semifinal was winning the national title. Nothing about either semi gave me any reason to now doubt that. PICK: Clemson 38, LSU 35
