CFB Week 13 betting trends: Defensive battle brewing in Texas
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We hit on a couple of Week 12 trends, with LSU covering as a modest favorite and Indiana cashing as a three-score 'dog.
Now consider these angles ahead of Week 13 while doing your research.
Defensive battle brewing in Texas
Iowa State and Texas meet Friday in a pivotal Big 12 clash, and bettors should expect a low-scoring affair.
The Cyclones and Longhorns have gone under in five straight matchups. The market has pushed Friday's total down from 59 to 57, but all five games during the current streak have featured 44 or fewer points.
| Year | Result | Closing Total | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | ISU W 23-21 | 64.5 | U |
| 2018 | TEX W 24-10 | 49.5 | U |
| 2017 | TEX W 17-7 | 62 | U |
| 2016 | TEX W 27-6 | 69 | U |
| 2015 | ISU W 24-0 | 50 | U |
Trend play: Under 57
All signs point to UAB
UAB has been resting for nearly a month between games. The Blazers are fresh, at home, and coming off a loss - three good situations for them.
The school is 6-1 against the spread over its last seven off a bye, 18-7-1 ATS during its last 26 at home, and 12-3-1 ATS over its last 16 after losing.
Southern Miss, meanwhile, is 3-9 ATS over the program's previous 12 contests overall.
There's a reason this spread is so high.
Trend play: UAB -20.5
Stanford reeling as a road 'dog
Stanford head coach David Shaw has been a great bet. He's 68-52-1 against the spread since 2005. However, Shaw isn't faring well as an underdog.
Stanford is on a dreadful 0-7 run ATS away from home, and the team is 0-4 ATS over its last four when getting points on the road.
The Cardinal are getting 1.5 points against Cal, which is in a favorable spot in this series, as the favorite has covered in seven straight meetings.
Trend play: Cal -1.5
Fade Michigan State in East Lansing
Home-field advantage hasn't existed for most college football programs this season. Michigan State, however, has struggled at home since 2018.
The Spartans have covered during just two of the last 16 games in East Lansing, and in only one of their previous five clashes as a home underdog.
Making matters worse, Michigan State is running into a buzz saw in the form of undefeated Northwestern this weekend.
Don't be afraid to lay the chalk on the road team.
Trend play: Northwestern -13.5
LSU owns Texas A&M
LSU can't find any traction. The reigning national champs are 3-3 this season, with double-digit losses to Auburn and Mississippi State, and another to Missouri as a sizable favorite.
If there's any time to bounce back, it's Week 13 against Texas A&M. LSU has owned the Aggies lately, covering during nine straight contests.
We'll slap the fade tag on A&M, a team that's just 1-4 ATS over its last five games as a home favorite.
Trend play: LSU +14
(Odds source: theScore Bet).
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.