College football betting, odds, predictions: 3 early Week 12 bets to make right now

West Virginia at Arizona State (-11.5, 47.5)

I’ve been on the “West Virginia isn’t that bad, they’ll figure it out” train all season, but after back-to-back wins, I’m officially hopping off. Early in the year, the Mountaineers dealt with major continuity issues thanks to constant quarterback changes and some serious FOMO-driven decision making under center.

Now that they’ve settled on Scotty Fox and the market has a clearer read on their true level, I’m selling my WVU stock. This team just isn’t very competent, and Rich Rodriguez’s up-tempo, “never let up” approach works against weaker opponents – but against quality teams, it only gives the other side more chances to cover.

Bet: Arizona State -11.5

Wisconsin at No. 2 Indiana (-30.5, 44.5)

Wisconsin is coming off a huge win over a ranked Washington team, but faces no time to celebrate as the Badgers – now down another QB – hit the road to take on Indiana. Looking at the Washington game stats doesn’t inspire much confidence: Only 205 total yards, 2-for-14 on third down, and Carter Smith completed only 3-of-12 passes for 12 yards.

Still, I’m buying in on the Badgers to perform better this week. Smith was thrown into action unexpectedly, and brutal weather conditions (rain and snow throughout the second half) limited both offenses as Wisconsin slowed things down with the lead. With a full week to prepare and likely playing from behind, a first half team total under a touchdown feels like an overcorrection.

Bet: Wisconsin 1H team total over 0.5 (-140) or game total over 44.5 (-110)

North Texas (-17.5, 69.5) at UAB

North Texas has been an offensive revelation this season, putting up big numbers week after week behind one of the nation’s most underrated quarterbacks, Drew Mestemaker. A trip to Birmingham to face UAB’s soft defense should play right into their strengths, as the Blazers rank 116th in defensive EPA against the pass and 127th in points allowed per quality drive.

UAB is still sorting through its quarterback issues. With Jalen Kitna injured, Rider Burton has seen more snaps than expected. While his early performances offered a brief spark – highlighted by a stunning 31-24 upset win over Memphis – the more film opponents get on him, the clearer it becomes why he started the year as a backup.

Bet: North Texas -17.5

Week 11 betting recap:

Georgia -7 at Mississippi State (win): Georgia gave up a touchdown on the opening drive, then responded with 38 unanswered points. Mississippi State added 14 in the second half, but Georgia cruised to a 20-point win.

Missouri +7 vs. Texas A&M (loss): Matt Zollers completed just seven passes for 77 yards despite a strong rushing attack (207 yards). Texas A&M’s pass rush dominated, keeping Zollers under constant pressure. Marcel Reed led the Aggies with 221 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Texas A&M at Missouri over 47.5 (win): Marcel Reed and Rueben Owens combined for four touchdowns, fueling the scoring needed to hit the over. Missouri’s ground game provided most of their offense.

USC -14 vs. Northwestern (win): Northwestern’s strong pass defense couldn’t contain the Big Ten’s top aerial attack. Jayden Maiava threw for nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns, while Makai Lemon scored twice – one receiving and one rushing – and hauled in 11 receptions.

Kennesaw State at New Mexico State under 52 (win): With 31 points scored by halftime, the under looked in trouble early. Fortunately, both offenses stalled after the break, as New Mexico State scored the only points of the second half.

San Diego State at Hawai’i under 49.5 (win): The 30 first-half points made this one look shaky early, but San Diego State was shut out after halftime, allowing the under to cash.

Record: 5-1 (2-1 early week bets)