Black Friday means just one thing. No, not 60% off a 75-inch TV at Wal-Mart. It means kicking off those shopping shoes, grabbing some leftover turkey, and sitting down for over 10 hours of college football action and excitement.
Our college football picks and predictions for Black Friday bring you the potential winners, losers, betting odds, and even “must-play” DFS options. Enjoy!
College Football Picks and Predictions Today
There are 13 games to enjoy on Black Friday, with six in the noon ET window, two — including a pivotal clash in the AAC — in the 3:30 p.m. ET window, two at 4:00 p.m. ET, two at 7:30 p.m. ET, with Oregon and Oregon State bringing us home at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Below, you’ll find college football picks and predictions for all 13 games. If you’re compiling a DFS lineup on Friday, Fanduel Superflex contests require you to select a quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, and a “superflex” that can be any of the above or a tight end. You won’t be able pick them all, but take note of the “must-play” options in each game.
Oklahoma vs. TCU Prediction
Must-Play DFS Player: Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Sooners welcome the TCU Horned Frogs to Norman with the potential to still book a place in the Big 12 Championship Game. It’s a win-and-wait scenario, with the Sooners relying on the results of other games to book their spot. If Oklahoma State loses to BYU, or if Texas and Kansas State both lose, the Sooners will head to Arlington for the title game.
Behind Dillon Gabriel and a plethora of offensive weapons, not to mention a defense featuring some of the best playmakers in the conference, Brent Venables’ team should have the beating of an inconsistent TCU team.
They’re a 10-point favorite heading into the game and should extend their 17-6 head-to-head advantage before scurrying for the SEC at the end of the season.
Prediction: Oklahoma 34, TCU 24
Nebraska vs. Iowa Prediction
Must-Play DFS Player: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
The presence of two offenses that rank in the bottom three of the Big Ten for scoring, combined with two defenses that rank in the top five of the conference for points allowed, make for a game that carries little-to-no offensive excitement. The defensive showcase is tailor-made for Big Ten purists on Black Friday, with the total points line set at 26.5 by DraftKings Sportsbook.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers need the win to become bowl-eligible but haven’t beaten the Iowa Hawkeyes in Lincoln since 2011. Iowa’s defense — combined with special teams standout Tory Taylor — should prove too stingy for the Cornhuskers’ 121st-ranked scoring offense.
Neither quarterback has thrown more touchdowns than interceptions, with both completing less than 50% of pass attempts.
Prediction: Iowa 15, Nebraska 12
Boston College vs. Miami (FL) Prediction
Must-Play DFS Player: Jacolby George, WR, Miami (FL)
The last time the Miami Hurricanes took a trip to Chestnut Hill, they returned to South Florida with a 27-14 defeat. Despite that, they hold a 24-6 head-to-head advantage over their ACC though. Mario Cristobal’s team is an 8.5-point favorite despite entering the clash on a three-game losing streak.
The Boston College Eagles have lost their last two after embarking on a run to bowl eligibility.
This game hinges on the health of Boston College QB Thomas Castellanos. Even with the dual threat at his most dangerous, the run-heavy Eagles might struggle to penetrate a Hurricanes defense that leads the ACC in yards per carry and yards per game allowed.
Miami’s Tyler Van Dyke showed flashes of his best form against Louisville, which, if replicated could prove decisive.
Prediction: Boston College 23, Miami (FL) 30
Temple vs. Memphis Prediction
Must-Play DFS Player: Blake Watson, RB, Memphis
The Memphis Tigers might be out of the race for the AAC Championship Game but don’t expect them to take the foot off the peddle when they travel to Philadelphia to face the Temple Owls on Friday. Although the Tigers’ defense has allowed 29.7 points per game this year, they should be too strong for a Temple offense that has scored over 30 points in just three games this season.
The Owls might struggle to keep up with a high-scoring offense led by running back Blake Watson. The Memphis standout all-purpose weapon features as a “must play” DFS option in our college football picks and predictions after scoring 227.4 fantasy points this year. Watson has scored a touchdown every game in the last five, with two multiple-touchdown outings in that spell.
Prediction: Temple 21, Memphis 37
Central Michigan vs. Toledo Prediction
Must-Play DFS Player: Peny Boone, RB, Toledo
With their trip to Detroit for the MAC Championship Game already booked in, will the Toledo Rockets take their foot off the break in the season finale to prevent any unnecessary injury risk. Or, will the disrespect shown by the College Football Playoff committee to avoid ranking the Rockets lead to them beating the brakes off another Michigan-based team to end their campaign.
In our college football picks and predictions were leaning toward the latter. The Central Michigan Chippewas‘ defense has allowed the third-most rushing yards per carry and rushing touchdowns in the MAC this year, allowing Toledo juggernaut Peny Boone to end a stellar season in style. Central Michigan has covered just three times this season, for those eying the 10.5-point spread.
Prediction: Central Michigan 21, Toledo 37
Akron vs. Ohio Prediction
Must-Play DFS Player: Kurtis Rourke, QB, Ohio
After a dicey mid-season that saw them drop two pivotal games in the MAC that cost a return to the title game, the Ohio Bobcats have come on strong down the stretch. While the Akron Zips have been involved in some close-fought games in their 2-9 campaign, this likely isn’t going to be one of them as Tim Albin’s Bobcats team looks to end the season on a high.
Akron’s offense runs through the ground game, and there isn’t a better-rushing defense in the MAC than the Ohio unit led by Bryce Houston. Meanwhile, Ohio quarterback Kurtis Rourke can undo a Zips defense that has allowed 18 passing touchdowns and only secured six interceptions. With the worst red zone defense in the MAC, Rouke may also grab himself a rushing touchdown.
Prediction: Akron 13, Ohio 30
Tulane vs. UTSA Prediction
Must-Play DFS Player: Joshua Cephus, WR, UTSA
Here. We. Go.
Without a doubt, the biggest game on the Black Friday slate, the Tulane Green Wave hosts the UTSA Roadrunners in Yulman Stadium with a place in the AAC Championship Game on the line. If Tulane wins, they’ll host the title game in New Orleans, but UTSA still has a chance to make the game with a loss. It all hinges on the SMU vs. Navy game on Saturday.
While clinching scenarios can be found here, let’s focus our college football picks and predictions on why Tulane can win on Black Friday. This should be an incredibly close game, with the two teams evenly matched in almost all facets of the game. Michael Pratt vs. Frank Harris will be a dual for the ages, but Tulane’s rush defense could prove the difference-maker in this game.
Prediction: Tulane 27, UTSA 24
New Mexico vs. Utah State Prediction
Must-Play DFS Player: Jacory Crosby-Merritt, RB, New Mexico
The Utah State Aggies head to Albuquerque with the opportunity to bag a spot in bowl season but face a New Mexico Lobos side that has already won more games this season than any of the last six campaigns and are fresh off an astonishing win at Mountain West frontrunners Fresno State. Can Danny Gonzalez’s team cause one more upset this season?
Although our college football picks and predictions suggest Blake Anderson’s team can book a bowl spot, New Mexico running back Jacory Crosby-Merritt is a player to watch — and potentially play in your DFS lineup.
Averaging 6.1 yards per carry this year, he’s been a touchdown machine with 17 total scores and faces an Utah State run defense ranked bottom in the conference.
Prediction: New Mexico 31, Utah State 40
Arkansas vs. Missouri Prediction
Must-Play DFS Player: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The 2023 Battle Line Rivalry brings together two teams at opposite ends of the SEC, with the Missouri Tigers looking to add to their 10-4 advantage over the Arkansas Razorbacks while securing their first 10-win season since 2014. Meanwhile, will the announcement that Sam Pittman will remain head coach for 2024 brings some stability to a team who’ve won just one SEC game?
The answer is likely no, with the electric Missouri offense and impressive defensive playmakers proving too much for an Arkansas team that has played in close games this year, but also given up 24+ points to every SEC opponent except Mississippi State. With the Razorbacks giving up 21 touchdowns through the air, your DFS lineup might want to include Luther Burden III.
Prediction: Arkansas 24, Missouri 33
Boise State vs. Air Force Prediction
Must-Play DFS Player:
Another potential conference championship game decided on Black Friday, as the Boise State Broncos welcome the Air Force Falcons to the ‘Smurf Turf” with a place in the Mountain West Championship Game a possibility for both teams. You wouldn’t have believed it three weeks ago, but the Broncos have the upper hand and easier route to the title game.
It’s a win-and-they’re-in scenario for Boise State, who fired head coach Andy Avalos in the midst of a run to the title game. Meanwhile, the Falcons are riding a three-game losing streak after effortlessly casting everyone aside through the first eight weeks of the season. The Broncos hold the narrowest offensive advantages with George Holani and Ashton Jeanty on form.
Prediction: Boise State 27, Air Force 24
Texas vs. Texas Tech Prediction
Must-Play DFS Player: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
In one of the most complicated clinching scenarios of all the college football conferences, the Texas Longhorns have a simple mission in Week 13. Win and in. Securing a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game is the first order of business because, without that, any thoughts of returning the program to national relevance and a playoff appearance go out of the window.
Steve Sarkisian’s team is a 12.5-point favorite over a Texas Tech Red Raiders team who have disappointed this season. However, nothing we’ve seen from the Longhorns in the past three weeks would suggest such a dominant victory. Meanwhile, the Red Raiders have won their last three. The Texas run defense could be the key to locking up the win and shutting down Tahj Brooks.
Prediction: Texas 31, Texas Tech 24
Michigan State vs. Penn State Prediction
Must-Play DFS Player: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
After a season of turbulence, the Michigan State Spartans have nothing but pride to play for when they welcome the Penn State Nittany Lions to East Lansing with bowl eligibility just out of reach. Can they provide a Black Friday night upset while the eyes of the nation are on Texas vs. Texas Tech?
It feels unlikely.
After their almost annual two losses to Ohio State and Michigan, Penn State will look to end the year with a convincing win that secures a New Year’s Six spot. Their defense is simply far too powerful for the Spartans, and QB Drew Allar is expected to be ready to go, allowing him to dissect a Spartans secondary that’s allowed 21 passing touchdowns this year.
Prediction: Michigan State 10, Penn State 34
Oregon vs. Oregon State Prediction
Must-Play DFS Player:
Rounding out the college football picks and predictions for Black Friday, the scheduling gods have saved one of the most important matchups of Week 13 right until the end. The Oregon State Beavers travel to Eugene looking to end their bitter rivals’ hopes of making the Pac-12 Championship and College Football Playoff. Could there be any better end to the year for the Bears?
Despite boasting two exceptional defenses, at least one team has scored 30 points in the rivalry in all-bar-two games this millennium. If you’re a betting person, you’d wager that team would be the one that leads the nation in scoring offense. The Oregon Ducks have been the epitome of offensive consistency this season, and by Bo Nix or Bucky Irving, they have the talent to get the win.
Prediction: Oregon 30, Oregon State 27