### Matt Youmans' Week 14 College Football Best Bets and Predictions

Matt Youmans has returned from covering basketball in Hawaii to deliver his top bets and predictions for Week 14 of college football. With playoff implications on the line, the focus shifts to key matchups featuring Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Illinois, Northwestern, and more.

In a crucial game for the Tennessee Volunteers, they travel to face the Vanderbilt Commodores at FirstBank Stadium. Tennessee, led by standout running back Dylan Sampson, aims to secure a playoff spot. Vanderbilt's determined squad, guided by the gritty quarterback Diego Pavia, looks to play spoiler. Despite Tennessee’s strong motivation, Youmans predicts a tight game, siding with Vanderbilt to cover the spread at +11.

Illinois and Northwestern meet in a cold-weather clash at Wrigley Field. David Braun's Wildcats, boasting a 4-7 record, face an 8-3 Illinois team that has been clutch in close games. Expect a low-scoring, hard-fought battle, with Youmans favoring Northwestern to cover +7.5.

The rivalry between Arizona State and Arizona heats up in a dynamic showdown. Arizona State, under coach Kenny Dillingham, has thrived this season, driven by freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt and senior running back Cam Skattebo. However, Youmans pinpoints this as a prime opportunity for Arizona to cover +9, led by quarterback Noah Fifita and wideout Tetairoa McMillan.

In another highlight, Notre Dame clashes with USC. The Irish, on a 9-0 run since an early-season setback, showcase one of the nation’s top defenses. On the flip side, USC has endured a string of close losses. Despite their struggles, Youmans sees value in USC covering +7.5 in this contest.

For the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry, Youmans expresses a clear preference for home underdogs. Despite Texas' superior talent, the intensity at Kyle Field and recent improved performances from A&M's offense, led by freshman quarterback Marcel Reed, make Texas A&M +5.5 a compelling pick.

An intriguing high-scoring affair is anticipated between UNLV and Nevada, with dual-threat quarterback Brendon Lewis returning for Nevada. Given UNLV’s potent offense, Youmans suggests betting on the game going OVER 55 points.

Concluding with a late-night showdown, New Mexico seeks bowl eligibility against Hawaii. Playmaker quarterback Devon Dampier leads the Lobos, while Hawaii's Brayden Schager aims to finish his career on a high note. Youmans projects an offensive fireworks show, favoring an OVER 61.5 bet.

For a detailed dive into more predictions and analysis, Youmans' full insights are available on the College Football Week 14 hub at VSiN.