College Football Week 13 Picks: USC vs. Oregon Showdown

The Critical Week Ahead in College Football

As the 2025 regular season approaches its conclusion, Week 13 delivers high-stakes matchups that could reshape the College Football Playoff landscape. With only two full Saturdays remaining before bowl season, teams like USC, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Missouri face defining moments. Here’s your breakdown of the key games and expert picks:

USC vs. Oregon: Battle for Playoff Survival

No. 15 USC travels to No. 7 Oregon in a clash with massive implications. The Trojans’ only realistic path to the CFP is winning out, which would also require external help for a Big Ten title. Oregon, meanwhile, can’t afford slip-ups against top-tier opponents if they want to secure their own playoff bid. Expect both teams to leave everything on the field at Autzen Stadium.

Both rosters are battling injuries, particularly on defense. Oregon’s backfield stars Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. remain questionable, but the Ducks have proven they can dominate with their ground game—ranking second nationally in EPA per rush and fifth in explosive rush rate. USC’s defense is vulnerable against the run (119th in success rate and 126th in EPA per rush allowed). Offensively, USC’s Jayden Maiava struggles on the road, making the Trojans’ offense less reliable outside The Coliseum.

Given Oregon’s rushing dominance and USC’s road/offensive woes, the total feels inflated. The pick: Under 59.5 (-112).

Oklahoma’s defense aims to stifle Missouri’s offense in a defensive showdown. - Image from https://duckduckgo.com/?origin=funnel_home_website&t=h_&q=Oklahoma+Sooners+defense+tackling+Missouri+Tigers+qarterback&ia=images&iax=images&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fimg-s-msn-com.akamaized.net%2Ftenant%2Famp%2Fentityid%2FAA1tOHJV.img%3Fw%3D768%26h%3D512%26m%3D6

Oklahoma vs. Missouri: Defensive Duel

No. 8 Oklahoma hosts No. 22 Missouri in a game that hinges on defensive prowess. The Sooners’ offense sputtered against Alabama last week, but their elite defense carried them to victory. That trend will likely continue. Missouri’s quarterback situation remains uncertain—star Beau Pribula is recovering from a severe ankle injury. His return (if limited) could hinder the Tigers’ rhythm.

While Oklahoma’s defense is arguably the nation’s best, Missouri’s isn’t far behind. If the Tigers can stifle Oklahoma’s rushing attack, this game could devolve into an ugly, low-scoring affair. The pick: Under 42.5 (-110).

James Madison looks to make a statement against Washington State. - Image from https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/david-pollack-predicts-winner-of-washington-state-james-madison-game/ar-AA1QPpc2

Lock of the Week: James Madison’s Statement Game

The CFP committee’s controversial snub of James Madison—one-loss Sun Belt champion—has the Dukes motivated. They host Washington State needing a convincing win to earn respect. The Cougars (5-5) are fighting for bowl eligibility but may prioritize next week’s Pac-12 rematch with Oregon State. James Madison, locked in and vengeful, should dominate early and cover the spread.

The pick: James Madison -13.5 (-110).

What’s Next?

With Thanksgiving looming, Week 14’s Black Friday slate will further thin Saturday’s schedule. For USC and Oregon, a loss could end playoff dreams. Oklahoma needs to secure its spot, while James Madison aims to force the committee’s hand. Will the underdogs defy expectations or will the favorites hold strong?