Big Picks Energy: Rivalry Week Edition

By Chris Marler

We had another winning week last week! We finished Week 13 with a 9-6 record, and four of those six losses came in Ole Miss’ and Alabama’s huge upset losses. Regardless, we are in prime position to finish the season on a winning streak. 

This week the theme is rivalries, revenge and riding momentum. I have five picks, and I’m telling you we are going undefeated for the first time this season. Let’s ride.

Auburn +14.5 – Lock of the Week

There is a very flawed and misguided narrative that the Iron Bowl is always crazy every year. It’s really only crazy, chaotic, and/or close when it’s played at Auburn. Since 2008, Alabama has won seven eight games in Tuscaloosa, and they have won those games by an average of 28 points.

However, this year’s matchup couldn’t feel less similar to any of those last eight games. Alabama comes into the game limping from a humiliating loss at Oklahoma last week where they scored their fewest points in nearly 20 years. Auburn comes into this game following a huge, four overtime win against a top 15 team and are now just one win from bowl eligibility.

The vibe of each program feels like they are in very different places right now. Alabama’s playoff hopes are gone, the transfer portal is about to open, and the naysayers are currently letting Kalen Deboer and Jalen Milroe know their thoughts and feelings about a potential four-loss season. Auburn is riding a ton of momentum, closing in on a potential top-two ranked recruiting class, and they are not scared of Alabama.

Take the Tigers.

Missouri ML

Missouri is a different team with Brady Cook at quarterback. The offense has averaged 35 points per game in their last two games since he’s returned. It will be senior day in Columbia, and Eli Drinkwitz desperately wants to prove a point that this team didn’t finish 2024 as an underachiever.

All that aside, Missouri is 8-1 in the last nine games against Arkansas. The Razorbacks are also 2-10 in their last 12 games against ranked teams. Missouri will win. Take that to the bank, or your bookie.

Florida To Score First -215 

Florida State is hot dog water. They are awful, and there are few teams going into rivalry weekend with more positive optimism and momentum than Florida. It’s a lot of juice and risk to bet the -215, but Florida State might not score at all. Take Florida to score first and get an easy win.

Ohio State -19.5

I don’t care if Ryan Day woke up on third base or has “done less with more” more often than any other head coach in the country like social media and his critics say. Neither of those things are true. Ryan Day is a great head coach and one of the best offensive minds in football. He’s also had more first round draft picks than losses as a head coach.

I don’t care what happened last year. Over the last 20 years, Michigan is an inferior program to Ohio State. The Buckeyes have lost three straight to that team up north and are absolutely chomping at the bit to restore order. Ohio State has weapons everywhere on offense and a a defense that ranks first nationally in points allowed, yards allowed, and red zone conversions allowed.

Ohio State by a million.

Indiana -6.5 1st Quarter 

Our system play of the week is one that could honestly be the lock of the week as well. This is the type of play that sometimes gets me in trouble because I make the pick based on logic and numbers.

Here are the numbers and rankings for Purdue and Indiana in the 1st Quarter this season.

1st Quarter Offense

• Indiana –  9.2 ppg (9th)

• Purdue – 1.2 ppg (134th)

1st Quarter Defense

• Indiana – 1.2 ppg (2nd)

• Purdue – 8.8 (129th)

Enoy the leftover turkey–and cold, halrd cash.