Week 12 College Football Picks: Stuckey Highlights Four Afternoon Selections for Nov. 15
As the 2024 college football season reaches its midway point, the Action Network’s analyst Stuckey releases his Week 12 betting guide, focusing on the afternoon game window. While no selections are offered for the traditional noon slot, Stuckey has identified four matchups in the later part of the day that he believes present the most favorable odds for bettors.
The highlighted games include Michigan State at +7.5 points against Penn State, scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff, along with three additional contests that fall between 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The full list features a Big Ten clash, a SEC showdown, and a pivotal Group of Five encounter, each selected for its combination of line value and recent team performance.
Stuckey’s analysis cites several factors that underpin the afternoon picks. In the Michigan State‑Penn State game, the Spartans have shown a strong defensive improvement over the past two weeks, while Penn State’s offense has struggled to convert red‑zone opportunities. Similar trends are noted in the other selected contests, where underdogs are receiving modest point spreads and over‑unders that reflect recent scoring patterns. Injuries to key starters on the favored teams also contribute to the perceived upside of the underdogs.
These selections come at a critical juncture for conference standings. A win for Michigan State, for example, could tighten the Big Ten East race, while the SEC game may have implications for bowl eligibility for both participants. Analysts across the betting industry have observed that afternoon games often feature tighter spreads, as bookmakers adjust for late‑day weather forecasts and late‑breaking injury reports.
Looking ahead, Stuckey advises bettors to monitor late‑week developments, such as coaching comments and player health updates, which could shift the betting lines before kickoff. He also suggests keeping an eye on the next week’s early‑night games, where similar value opportunities may arise as teams vie for postseason positioning.
