Scully’s NCAAF Week 14 picks: Texas A&M will handle Auburn

No teams ranked in the top 10 lost in Week 13, but Texas A&M did not look good in a win over LSU. The No. 5 Aggies will try to snap a three-game losing streak to Auburn in Week 14.

Let's get to the picks!

#5 Texas A&M vs. Auburn

Texas A&M has something to prove after an ugly, 20-7 victory over LSU.

The one-loss Aggies were the top-ranked team in the primetime window last week, but quarterback Kellen Mond slept through the evening and completed just 11 of his 34 pass attempts. He will bounce back against a weak Auburn defense.

Despite six punts and a lost fumble in the first half, Texas A&M led LSU 13-0 at halftime. Superb running back Isaiah Spiller carried the Aggies, with 141 rushing yards, and their defense is formidable.

Auburn has performed poorly against versatile offenses, as the Tigers had to replace their entire defensive line from last year.

Offensive-line issues have been even more significant. Auburn quarterback Bo Nix is constantly under pressure, which makes it difficult to find any rhythm in the passing attack. An outstanding newcomer in the SEC, freshman Auburn running Tank Bigsby is future a pro, but he has to create his own rushing yards. Auburn struggles to score against quality defenses.

After a dull performance, Texas A&M will take out its frustration on Auburn.

Pick: Texas A&M -7

Penn State vs. Rutgers

Since Rutgers lost to Ohio State in early November, the Scarlet Knights have been competitive in every game. This is too many points to lay with Penn State, which earned its first win of the season in Week 13, despite another sloppy performance.

The Scarlet Knights have scored 79 points combined in their last two games. They defeated Purdue, 37-30, in Week 12 as a 12.5-point underdog.

Head coach Greg Schiano has changed the mindset of the Rutgers program for the second time in his career, and the offense has developed a rhythm with multiple quarterbacks.

Johnny Langan filled in admirably against Purdue. He completed all four of his passes, rushed for 95 yards, and Rutgers plays aggressively on special teams and defense.

This will be a season to forget for Penn State, which enters with a 1-4 record. Don’t be fooled by its 10-point win in Week 12. Michigan’s level of incompetence was staggering.

Penn State’s under-performing defense will continue to be a liability. The Nittany Lions commit too many penalties, as well.

Penn State should be on upset alert against a Rutgers program on the rise.

Pick: Rutgers +11.5

Nebraska vs. Purdue

Nebraska’s lone win came against run-heavy Penn State, and this matchup plays to Purdue’s strengths.

Behind premier wide receivers David Bell and Rondale Moore, the Boilermakers are starting to get their offense rolling. They’ve scored at least 30 points in three of their last four games. Purdue will exploit Nebraska’s vulnerable secondary, and its defense has improved from last season.

Nebraska won’t be able to match points for the entire game. The Cornhuskers surrendered 41 points to Illinois in Week 12, and they weren’t sharp in a 26-20 loss at Iowa in Week 13

The outcome won’t be close, between teams headed in opposite directions. Purdue is playing its best football, and Nebraska is eager to wrap up another disappointing campaign under embattled head coach Scott Frost.

Pick: Purdue -2.5

James Scully's NCAAF ATS record heading into Week 13: 19-14