Week 13 College Football Bets

Kevin goes through his favorite bets of the Week 13 college football season.

We’ve reached the home stretch of the college football season, and Week 13 promises plenty of excitement as teams jockey for conference championships, bowl eligibility, and, for a select few, a spot in the College Football Playoff. Rivalry games, high stakes, and unpredictable matchups are all on the menu, making this one of the most exciting weeks for bettors.

This is the time to capitalize on teams showing clear trends—whether it’s a dominant run game, a leaky defense, or a quarterback heating up down the stretch. With conference storylines playing out and postseason hopes on the line, every play matters. I’ve combed through the slate and found the games where the numbers just don’t add up. Let’s break down my favorite plays for Week 13!

UNLV -7.5 Over SJSU

The No. 24 UNLV Rebels (8-2) are rolling as they head into a Mountain West showdown with the San Jose State Spartans (6-4) on Friday night. The Rebels have been one of the hottest teams in the conference, winning four of their last five games, including a dominant 41-20 victory over San Diego State in Week 12. Meanwhile, San Jose State struggled in a 42-21 loss to Boise State, snapping their own winning streak.

UNLV’s success starts with senior quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams, who brings a dual-threat dynamic to the offense. Williams is as efficient as they come, completing 64% of his passes for 1,436 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also leading the team with 646 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground. His ability to extend plays and make defenses pay with his legs keeps opposing teams off balance. Against Hawaii earlier this month, he showcased his versatility with 175 passing yards, 122 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns.

Sophomore running back Jai’Den Thomas complements Williams perfectly in the backfield. Thomas has racked up 563 rushing yards and five touchdowns this season, consistently churning out yardage with his excellent vision and acceleration. He’s been reliable down the stretch, posting at least 50 rushing yards in five of his last six games, including 55 yards and a touchdown in his most recent performance.

San Jose State has shown flashes this season, but their defense has struggled against efficient, balanced offenses like UNLV’s. The Rebels are clicking on all cylinders and have the weapons to control the pace of the game. Expect UNLV’s ground game to shine as they continue their push for a Mountain West title. Lay the points and ride with the Rebels to cover the -7.5 spread.

Sleeper Picks sponsor this article! We are currently running a contest for first-time users. If you sign up using our promo code below, you will be automatically entered into a Keenan Allen Jersey giveaway! Just message us here with the screenshot!

Dear Readers,

We’re an independent site thriving thanks to the support of our valued members. By signing up for our Substack or Patreon, you’re directly contributing to keeping our business running. Subscribing to Patreon grants you access to Substack content and our exclusive material. Your support is crucial, and we sincerely appreciate your commitment.

Thank you for helping us continue our work.

Illinois -1 Over Rutgers

The Illinois Fighting Illini (7-3) head to Piscataway to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-4) in a pivotal Big Ten clash this Saturday. Illinois is a slight favorite, and for good reason—they’ve been one of the most resilient teams in the conference this season. Coming off a convincing 38-16 win over Michigan State, Illinois has their sights set on solidifying their strong campaign.

Illinois’ ability to control games starts with their balanced offense. Averaging 374 total yards and 27.1 points per game, they’ve shown they can move the ball effectively. Last week, the Illini converted an impressive 8-of-15 third downs and limited Michigan State to just 2-of-15 on their attempts. Their defense thrives in critical moments, and their ability to get off the field has been key to their success.

Rutgers enters this matchup riding a two-game win streak, including a solid 31-17 victory over Maryland. The Scarlet Knights have been strong at home, boasting a 4-2 record at SHI Stadium. Athan Kaliakmanis has shown growth as a passer, throwing for 238 yards last week, while running back Kyle Monangai added 97 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. However, their defensive vulnerabilities were on display, giving up 457 total yards to Maryland, including 335 through the air.

This game feels like a battle of strengths—Illinois’ steady, disciplined approach versus Rutgers’ scrappy, home-field energy. While the Scarlet Knights have shown they can score, Illinois’ defense and ability to make clutch plays should give them the edge.

I’m backing Illinois to cover the -1 spread and leave Piscataway with a hard-fought road victory. Look for their defense to come up big and for the offense to exploit Rutgers’ secondary when it matters most.