Archived: College Football Picks Week 14

Western Kentucky (8-4) at UTSA (11-1), 7 p.m. ET (Friday)

Earlier this year, UTSA clipped Western Kentucky 52-46 on the road. Given that the Roadrunners host the matchup this time around—with the Conference USA title at stake—the easy path is favoring home-field advantage. However, UTSA has staggered to the finish with two uncomfortable wins and a loss at North Texas. WKU, meanwhile, hasn’t ceded more than 21 points in a contest during its seven-game winning streak.

Prediction: UTSA 42, W Kentucky 27

Kent State (7-5) vs. Northern Illinois (8-4), Noon ET

Similar to the C-USA title tilt, the MAC Championship Game features a rematch of a high-scoring affair. One month ago, Kent State edged Northern Illinois 52-47. Expect more of the same in Detroit because both of these defenses are dreadful. The main concern for NIU is quarterback Rocky Lombardi—who threw for 532 yards in the last meeting—missed Week 13’s loss with an injury. If he’s not reasonably close to full health, NIU may have trouble keeping up. But their run game can produce big numbers too.

Prediction: N. Illinois 41, Kent St 27

Utah State (9-3) at San Diego State (11-1), 3 p.m. ET

Following a heart-wrenching departure from Arkansas State, Blake Anderson has turned Utah State into an immediate winner. San Diego State, though, is the deserving favorite here.

Utah and Fresno State are the only teams to surpass 21 points on SDSU, which ranks seventh nationally in yards allowed per play. The offense isn’t overwhelming, but the Aztecs can capitalize on Utah State’s shaky pass defense to earn a tight victory in a low-scoring Mountain West Championship Game.

Prediction: San Diego State 24, Utah State 20

Appalachian State (10-2) at Louisiana (11-1), 3:30 p.m. ET

Before he heads to Florida as Dan Mullen’s replacement, Billy Napier will coach his final game at Louisiana. Although his Ragin’ Cajuns blasted App State 41-13 in the October meeting, they’re actually the underdog in the Sun Belt title. App State has surrendered only 31 points in its past four outings, and that defense can contain a UL offense that hasn’t really had a great performance since mid-October.

Prediction: Appalachian State 31, Louisiana 24

Houston (11-1) at Cincinnati (12-0), 4 p.m. ET

In easily the biggest G5 game of the weekend, Cincinnati has a trip to the College Football Playoff at stake. Win the AAC crown, and the Bearcats need a loss from any of Michigan, Alabama or Oklahoma State to unquestionably earn a spot.

Does it happen? Yes. Will it be comfortable? No. Although the Bearcats own 10 double-digit wins, they have an unsettling habit of not playing a strong second half. But in this one they need to be sharp and run up some points for pollsters.

Prediction: Cincinnati 38, Houston 24