College football Week 14 odds, picks, and viewing guide

As we barrel into Week 14 of college football, I can’t help but reflect on the oddities of this season. It feels like purposefully scratching my plate with a steak knife, but as we wind down the season, things feel surreal.

I have no idea what the rest of the season holds for fans, but rather than think big picture, let’s take a look at three of the more intriguing and impactful games of the week.

#20 USC vs. Washington State

The Pac-12’s title hopes were further diminished last week, when conference favorite Oregon blew a late lead against rival Oregon State.

While Washington completed a memorable, 21-point comeback against Utah to keep its record unblemished, the Huskies don’t and won’t impress anyone as a top-four candidate.

That leaves USC as the lone bell cow for the conference, and even that seems unlikely, as the Trojans are ranked 18th and have only played three games.

In Week 14, USC at least gets the opportunity to take the field (knock on wood) and further its cause. USC has a 3-0 record and is 1-2 against the spread, while Washington State is 1-1 both overall and ATS.

Washington State has played both Oregon schools to start their year, and is coming off a defeat to Oregon, in which the Cougars gave up 43 points.

After narrow victories against Arizona State and Arizona, USC looked impressive when it defeated Utah, 33-17, in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score indicates.

The Trojans are the most talented team in the Pac-12, and quarterback Kedon Slovis has completed more than 70% of his passes in 2020. USC appears to have hit its groove, and the Trojans are well aware they need to win impressively to have any hope of impressing anybody away from the West Coast.

Look for USC to score, and then score some more.

Pick: USC -14

Liberty vs. #18 Coastal Carolina

If you aren’t a Power Five conference fan, this might be your 2020 Super Bowl. Liberty is 9-1 (8-2 ATS) and Coastal Carolina is 9-0 SU (7-1-1 ATS).

Liberty is an independent and Coastal Carolina plays in the Sun Belt, so there isn’t a lot of comparative analysis to be done. This will make for a fascinating matchup in styles to determine the surprise team of the year.

Liberty’s only blemish is a 15-14 loss to NC State, and the Flames had every opportunity to win. They also have victories against Virginia Tech and Syracuse and have rattled off seven straight wins ATS.

They are led by quarterback Malik Willis, who has 20 touchdown passes, just four interceptions, and 807 yards rushing. Liberty has a dual-threat attack that isn’t reliant on any skill player other than Willis, as no receiver has more than 500 yards, but six players have at least 200.

Coastal Carolina has dominated the Sun Belt, with their most impressive win against Appalachian State in Week 12. Coastal auarterback Grayson McCall has 20 touchdowns and just one interception this season.

Liberty and Coastal Carolina are near equals, statistically. Both give up 5.0 yards per play and gain just more than 6.3 yards per play on offense. Home-field advantage should be negligible, and Coastal Carolina’s strength of schedule doesn’t strike me as superior to Liberty’s.

Liberty has a creative offensive play caller in head coach Hugh Freeze and should continue its covering streak.

Pick: Liberty +7

#11 Oklahoma vs. Baylor

Oklahoma had a rocky start to its season, but thanks to a five-game winning streak, the Sooners are poised to redeem themselves.

If the 6-2 (6-2 ATS) Sooners take down the 2-5 (2-4-1 ATS) Baylor Bears, it will further improve their opportunity to secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game.

Laying the points is wise, as Baylor has struggled offensively, outside of a few bursts. The Bears don’t have a 200-yard rusher or a 500-yard receiver. They looked vulnerable defensively last week, against a Kansas State offense with a mediocre quarterback, and against the Sooners offense they will likely struggle.

Oklahoma is on a mission to maintain its status in the Big 12, and will exert its dominance against the inferior Bears.

Pick: Oklahoma -22

NCAAF Week 14 trends

• The home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five games between Baylor and Oklahoma
• Liberty is 5-1 ATS in its last six games against Sun Belt competition
• Liberty is 22-8 ATS in its last 30 road games
• The Over has gone 6-1 in Washington State's last seven Pac-12 games
• USC is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games