BDN Week 13 College Football Picks

For the second week in a row, the #1 team in the country lost, and none of our pickers got it right. With the upsets to Kansas State, Oregon, and UCLA, it was a tough week for our picks. BDN's Andrew Slater maintains the overall lead and was the only one to correctly pick Georgia Tech to beat the Blue Devils. Here are this week's overall standings:

It's rivalry week for many schools, meaning that anything can happen. Can Lane Kiffin rally his Trojans, without Matt Barkley, to a win over new #1 Notre Dame? Can Auburn rally around their beleaguered head coach and upset the rival Crimson Tide in the Iron Bowl? The ACC will look to earn some national respect as they take on three of the best in the SEC in annual in-state rivalry games. Florida State hosts Florida, Clemson hosts South Carolina, and Georgia Tech travels to Athens to take on the Bulldogs. The Blue Devils host the Hurricanes as they look to ensure a winning season and generate momentum heading into their bowl game.

Here are this week's picks:

Mark Watson: Seniors Conner Vernon and Sean Renfree connect on a late game pass to give the Blue Devils a thrilling win. Duke 30 Miami 28

Patrick Cacchio: This senior class has transformed the Duke program from an ACC bottom dweller into a bowl eligible team. The #BowlBoundDevils finish their season with a win to guarantee a winning season. Duke 38, Miami 34

Bob Green: It is Senior Day for a lot of players who deserve credit for significantly contributing to the success Duke has achieved this season. It has been a long, hard path and I really desire to see all
the seniors go out winners in their last game at Wallace Wade Stadium.

The defense must step up and stop Miami's offense. The offense can score points and keep the pressure on but the outcome will be determined by turnovers and performance on 3rd down. Duke 31, Miami 28

Andrew Slater: While Miami is playing for nothing more than pride, their collective team speed and explosiveness on offense should more than offset their repeatedly demonstrated defensive weaknesses. Despite Miami's recent downturn, it would be a marquee victory for the Blue Devils if they could pull off the upset and give some momentum to the squad for bowl season. Miami 34 Duke 27

Bob Harris: : ‘Canes players are upset with powers that be over self-imposted post-season ban. They leave their will to win in Coral Gables, and Connor Vernon says goodbye to Wallace Wade Stadium with a winning smile on his face. Duke 48 – Miami 14

Matt Daniels: With the Devils falling one game short of going to the ACC championship game, look for the Devils to come out strong on their Senior Day, as Sean Renfree and Conner Vernon go out with a bang. Miami will be playing with 0 motivation, Devils pull it off at home, 31-27.

Thad Lewis: For the final game and senior day I'm going to take Duke with seniors like Conner Vernon and Sean Renfree who have seen the good bad and ugly will have their best game and lead the team to a victory. Duke 42, Miami 35

Vinny Rey: Duke will win their seventh game in front of the home crowd. In this one, Vernon and Crowder will make the plays to win the game. Duke 23 Miami 21