We’re heading into the final weekend of the college football regular season with some championship games also on the agenda. After an unprecedented 2020 college football season, we finally made it to the finish line. Let’s check out which dogs will be barking the loudest when the dust settles on Saturday.
College football underdog predictions: Week 16
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:56 p.m. ET.
Minnesota +13.5 (-110) at Wisconsin
Minnesota (3-3 overall, 3-3 Big Ten) and Wisconsin (2-3, 2-3) will battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe, which we can all agree is one of the best trophies in all of college football. They might also be battling for one of the Big Ten Conference’s bowl bids, too, perhaps for a spot in Phoenix in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl? We’ll see.
The Golden Gophers are playing their best football of the abbreviated season, entering on a two-game win and cover streak, averaging 29.0 points per game and allowing just 24.0 PPG. They have scored 24 or more points in five of six games overall, too.
The Badgers limp in on a three-game loss and non-cover skid, and QB Graham Mertz just hasn’t been taking very good care of the ball after an impressive start. Wisconsin’s two wins are against Illinois and Michigan, which isn’t terribly impressive. Why are the Badgers favored by two scores in a rivalry game, again?
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San Jose State +6.5 (-110) vs. Boise State
The unbeaten Spartans (6-0 overall, 6-0 MWC) and Broncos (5-1, 5-0) meet in Las Vegas for the Mountain West Conference title. Boise State is looking to maintain its dominance in this all-time series. The Broncos are actually 13-0 all time vs. the Spartans. San Jose State hasn’t started a season 7-0 since 1939. So, there are a lot of things going against the Spartans.
However, there are a lot of things going in the favor of San Jose State, too. Head coach Brent Brennan has seen his name bandied about for the Arizona head coaching vacancy, as he has done wonders in the Bay Area. QB Nick Starkel is the real deal, throwing for 1,453 yards, 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions. San Jose State is 5-0-1 ATS, including three covers as an underdog – against Air Force, San Diego State and Nevada.
Illinois +15.5 (-110) at Penn State
The Illini (2-5 overall, 2-5 Big Ten) head to Happy Valley to battle the Nittany Lions in their first game since head coach Lovie Smith was canned. Offensive coordinator Rod Smith will be at the helm for this one, and the Illini will band together and try and win it for their departed coach. Illinois is 2-1 SU/ATS in its past three road games, averaging 24.7 PPG on offense.
Penn State (3-5, 3-5) started out 0-5 SU/ATS in its first five games, the worst start in school history. However, this team has rallied and not quit, winning three in a row over Michigan, Rutgers and Michigan State. Plus, it covered in three straight, including each of the past two as double-digit favorites. The defense has been the biggest story lately, although it did allow a backup QB from Michigan State to lead Sparty’s offense to 24 points last week. The Nittany Lions will win again, but the Illini will play a spirited game and hang for the cover.
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