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College football Week 13 SEC and Top 25 picks by Dean Zulkofske

By Dean Zulkofske

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 11: Detailed view of the "SEC" logo on an end zone pylon during a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Chattanooga Mocs at Neyland Stadium on October 11, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 45-10. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 11: Detailed view of the "SEC" logo on an end zone pylon during a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Chattanooga Mocs at Neyland Stadium on October 11, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 45-10. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Here are Dean Zulkofske’s college football Week 13 picks for SEC and top 25 games.

Well, with another week of college football comes another week of Tennessee football not taking the field for reasons related to the coronavirus. This time, the Vols scheduled matchup against the Vanderbilt Commodores has been postponed to make room for a previously scheduled Vanderbilt-Missouri contest that was delayed due to positive tests.

Nevertheless, we still have eight games to pick from here in Week 13, beginning with a couple of Friday matchups. Before you check out this week’s picks, take a gander at how I fared last week and how I’ve done overall in 2020.

Week 12 performance

Straight up: 6-3

Gambling picks: 11-7

  • 5-4 against the spread
  • 6-3 over/under

Overall performance for 2020

Straight up: 47-17

Gambling picks: 68-60

  • 32-32 against the spread
  • 36-28 over/under

Week 12 was another winning week, but we stuck our necks out for a couple of underdog upsets and that ended up costing us. This week’s picks are a little more conservative and feel more straightforward. Let’s keep the train rolling. Even though Tennessee football won’t be taking the field, here are my college football picks for the other SEC matchups and Week 13’s Top 25 games.

837. 24. 851. Prediction. 21

Texas +1.5; Under 56.5

In this Big 12 college football matchup of Top 25 ranked teams, we’ll look towards experience to judge who’ll come out on top. Sam Ehlingher, though he’s really not very good, has no reason to lose this game at home. The Longhorns defense doesn’t even have to stop, but if they can slow down Iowa State’s Brock Purdy they’ll have every opportunity to win this game.

Prediction. 37. 819. 30. 838

Notre Dame -5.5; Over 66.5

The Tar Heels’ defense is an abomination. They allowed 53 points to Wake Forrest, and it’s hard to believe they’ll have a chance to keep up with Notre Dame. With that being said Mack Brown has the ACC’s leading passer, receiver, and one of the top running backs. How they perform against the Fighting Irish defense will make all the difference, but key-in on the over here.

833. Prediction. 51. 840. 20

Florida -22.5; Over 61.5

After getting routed by Alabama last week, Kentucky covering this spread shouldn’t be tempting anyone right now. No, the Gators didn’t play nearly as well as they should’ve last week against Vanderbilt, but expect an offensive explosion with Kyle Pitts back in the lineup as they gear up for the Vols on Dec. 5. Take Florida and the over, because Kyle Trask might have eight scores himself.

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24. 822. Prediction. 17. 887

Vanderbilt +14.5; Under 51.5

Vanderbilt has quietly been one of the bigger surprises in the SEC over the last few weeks. No, they haven’t won a game yet and don’t necessarily look close to doing so just yet, but they do look good enough to cover two touchdowns. Mizzou will win at home, but their offense has struggled ever since posting 45 points against LSU back in Week 7 so this one should stay under.

829. Prediction. 18. 842. 48

Alabama -24.5; Over 62.5

It’s looking like Nick Saban won’t be on the sideline for this year’s Iron Bowl after testing positive for COVID-19, but at this point, Butch Jones could be calling plays for the Tide and they’d still cover. The Tigers’ offense will have a much tougher task this week after exploiting UT’s secondary last Saturday. Expect the Tide to roll again and Auburn scoring just enough to hit the over.

893. 36. 841. Prediction. 21

Ole Miss -9.5; Under 67.5

It’s the Egg Bowl we’ve all been waiting for, but maybe not the circumstances we would’ve predicted entering this season. Lane Kiffin’s Rebels don’t have the record to prove it, but they’ve been an exciting team to watch and are definitely on the rise. Mike Leach’s Bulldogs just stink. Ole Miss covers and this one stay under because MSU won’t score enough.

873. Prediction. 7. 817. 42

Texas A&M -14.5; Under 63.5

There’s simply no way LSU wins this game in College Station – the Aggies are ranked No. 5, just on the outside looking in on the top four of the College Football Playoff. If they win out they’ll definitely have a shot at sneaking in. Look for Jimbo Fisher to send a statement win up to the committee with a beat-down of the defending national champs.

Next. Vols don't move in Week 12 SEC Power Rankings. dark

10. 850. Prediction. 40. 814

Georgia -21.5; Over 49.5

One thing became apparent after UGA’s Week 12 win: JT Daniels is the quarterback they’ve been waiting for. He’ll keep slinging the ball to George Pickens and Jermaine Burton against the coach-less Gamecocks. The total is so low because of the mismatch between the Bulldogs’ defense and South Carolina’s offense. If USC scores one touchdown this game will have a chance to sneak over.

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