College football 2023 Week 13 picks: Iowa vs. Nebraska, Iowa State vs. Kansas State, Ohio State vs. Michigan

The Gazette’s Pick ‘Ems panel has score predictions for three games every week during the college football season, including the Iowa and Iowa State games. Here are the picks for Friday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Nov. 25.

No. 17 Iowa (9-2, 6-2 Big Ten) at Nebraska (5-6, 3-5)

11 a.m. Friday (CBS)

Mike Hlas (1-2 last week, 19-17 overall) — I really must take time to learn about these other panelists. Have you heard of these creatures? Do they have Social Security numbers? Fingerprints? Are they available for children’s parties? Iowa 25, Nebraska 23 (3OT)

John Steppe (3-0, 25-11) — Which will be lower ... game-time temperature or points scored? Iowa 19, Nebraska 16

Jeff Johnson (2-1, 22-14) — I mean this has got to be the final score, right? Iowa 2, Nebraska 0

Rob Gray (3-0, 27-9) — Let’s take a trip down memory lane. The year is 2016 and then-Huskers head coach Mike Riley has guided his team to a 9-3 finish in the regular season. Nebraska plays in the Music City Bowl and loses, 38-24, to Tennessee. Just two seasons earlier, then-head coach Bo Pelini had been fired after winning a minimum of nine games in seven successive seasons. And seven seasons since Riley hit that previously scoffed at nine-win mark, the Huskers have failed to qualify for postseason play once, but can rectify that situation against the Big Ten West champion Hawkeyes. Will they? Maybe. But it’s hard to bet against Iowa’s defense, even with Cooper DeJean being out. Iowa 16, Nebraska 13

Beth Malicki (3-0, 24-12) — For all those parents with young adult kids visiting for the holidays, let them sleep in. They’re finally in a familiar place where they can totally relax and you deserve some me-time. Iowa 20, Nebraska 14

Todd Brommelkamp (3-0, 20-16) — Win, lose or draw the Hawks are headed to Indianapolis. I’m confident there will not be a draw. Nebraska 16, Iowa 12

Iowa State (6-5, 5-3 Big 12) at No. 19 Kansas State (8-3, 6-2)

7 p.m. Saturday (Fox)

Hlas — It’s I-State vs. K-State, with J-State caught in the middle. Your grandkids will get it, newspaper readers. Kansas State 31, Iowa State 21

Steppe — I love visiting Manhattan. The other one. Not the one where this game is being played. Kansas State 27, Iowa State 16

Johnson — Googled “Things To Do In Manhattan, Kansas,” and there was one entry that listed 35 things. Thirty-five! I’d have bet against it. Kansas State 24, Iowa State 13

Gray — The Wildcats have yet to score a touchdown on either kick return or punt return this season, which is rare. Stellar special teams play is a hallmark of Kansas State’s successful seasons, but it hasn’t been required in 2023 as the Wildcats seek to get to nine wins on Saturday against the Cyclones. Expect two very good defenses to dictate how this game will go and whichever team can hit on a few big plays offensively while not turning the ball over likely will win. The Cyclones have been excellent in the latter category, but so has Kansas State — as both teams are tied for 11th nationally in turnover margin at plus-nine. Home field tips the scales here. Kansas State 28, Iowa State 23

Malicki — If you’re like me and still doing the same eye makeup routine from high school, I highly advise finding new techniques on TikTok. You have no idea how much things have changed until you look on that app. And you will look amazing. Kansas State 28, Iowa State 20

Brommelkamp — Big Apple. Little Apple. So many apples. Kansas State 28, Iowa State 23

No. 2 Ohio State (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) at No. 3 Michigan (11-0, 8-0)

11 a.m. Saturday (Fox)

Hlas — Jim Harbaugh’s suspension will turn out to be 11 games shorter than Noah Shannon’s. Your tax dollars at work, Iowans. Michigan 17, Ohio State 14

Steppe — I’m giving my best Ohio State/Michigan pick ’em jokes the week off to rest for the Big Ten championship game. Ohio State 42, Michigan 34

Johnson — Signs point to Michigan winning this game. Signs. Get it? Michigan 21, Ohio State 14

Gray — The winner almost certainly secures a spot in the College Football Playoff. The loser remains alive, but would need a lot of help. So it’s another ultra high-stakes battle between the scarlet and gray and the maize and blue — and the Hawkeyes get the winner in the Big Ten title game. Michigan’s defense allows an FBS-low 9.0 points per game. Ohio State’s defense has allowed the fewest touchdowns (10) in the country. So whichever offense manages to produce the most explosive plays will likely decide who claims bragging rights in the trophy-less “Big Game.” Michigan 37, Ohio State 30

Malicki — These pick ’ems are more tame this week as my in-laws are in town and reading this right now. Love you Shirley and Sonny. Michigan 24, Ohio State 21

Brommelkamp — Michigan stole my comment. Michigan 24, Ohio State 20