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Week 13 of college football brings pivotal matchups as the season approaches its end. With heightened scrutiny over team resumes for the College Football Invitational, or College Football Playoff, every game counts more than ever. For sports bettors looking to make their picks, here are some crucial games to watch.

### Ohio State vs. Indiana: Defensive Battle Expected

The weekend's showcase game features No. 2 Ohio State hosting No. 5 Indiana. Both teams face uncertainties, with Ohio State suffering significant injuries on their offensive line, losing their starting center during practice and a left tackle earlier in the season. This reshuffling could spell trouble against Indiana's disruptive defensive line.

However, uncertainties loom over Indiana's offense as well. The Hoosiers have faced a relatively easy schedule so far, and their worst offensive outing was against a strong Michigan defense. Now on the road against an even tougher Ohio State defense, Indiana’s scoring capability is questionable. Given these factors, betting on the under 51.5 points seems a prudent choice.

### Arizona State vs. BYU: Sun Devils Favored

In another key matchup, No. 21 Arizona State takes on No. 14 BYU. The Cougars have had a strong season, though their ranking compared to similar one-loss teams like Miami, Boise State, and SMU has puzzled analysts. Arizona State, meanwhile, has been somewhat under the radar but has shown consistent performance, including wins against Mississippi State and Texas State.

Sam Leavitt's impressive play at quarterback for Arizona State and Cam Skattebo’s aggressive running game make the Sun Devils the favorites. The recommendation here is to back Arizona State at -3 points, indicating confidence in their ability to secure a win and boost their standing.

### Notre Dame vs. Army: Lopsided Odds

No. 6 Notre Dame faces No. 19 Army in a game reminiscent of their earlier season clash with Navy. Despite Army’s undefeated record, they have not faced a team of Notre Dame’s caliber. Given the athletic disparity, Notre Dame is again the Lock of the Week, with expectations of a comfortable win despite not being anticipated to repeat their 37-point margin from the Navy game. Betting on Notre Dame at -14.5 seems safe.

### Other Key Picks: Vanderbilt, Kentucky, and Tulsa

Elsewhere, Vanderbilt at LSU presents a tempting underdog pick. LSU, once a top contender, has seen their season unravel with three consecutive losses. Vanderbilt has enjoyed playing spoiler and their mobile quarterback could capitalize on a potentially demoralized LSU team. A spread of +7.5 for Vanderbilt appears favorable.

Another intriguing game is Kentucky versus No. 3 Texas. The under 47.5 points bet is advised here due to Texas' offensive struggles against strong defenses and Kentucky's proficiency in stopping red zone attacks. The lackluster offensive showing from Kentucky adds to the case for the under.

Lastly, Tulsa at South Florida is expected to be a high-scoring affair. Tulsa games typically average high scores, and South Florida's performance varies widely based on their opponent's quality. An over 60.5 points bet seems warranted given the track records of both teams.

With these picks in mind, Week 13 offers plenty of action and potential for savvy bettors. Let's see how the matchups unfold this weekend.