College Football Betting News and Notes Saturday, November 9

College Football: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com

LSU at Alabama

Both the Crimson Tide (8-0, 5-3 ATS) and the Tigers (7-2, 4-4-1 ATS) have potent offenses. Crimson Tide lead by QB AJ McCarron are averaging 41.2 PPG on 462.8 total yards. The Bayou Bengals with QB Zach Mettenberger being the leader of the offense are averaging 40.2 points and 480.0 yards per game. Two offensive heavyweights squaring off backing the road underdog is tempting. However, since BAMA's close call against Texas A&M the squad continues to get better and better each week on the defensive end allowing just 4.3 points/game on 234.5 yards with just 2 majors over a six game span. Got to like Tide's chances as they're 3-0 SU/ATS at home vs the conference outscoring visitors 40.6 to 10 while Tigers enter 1-2 (1-1-1 ATS) away from Baton Rouge facing a conference opponent allowing a whopping 32.3 PPG

Auburn at Tennessee

Auburn Tigers on a five-game win streak outscoring foes by 24.8 points/game head to Knoxville to take on Volunteers who've been outscored 76-13 the past two weeks. Tigers' 6th-ranked ground game notching 306.2 RYG lead by RB Tre Mason (102.3 RYG) plenty of reason to side with Auburn as they should have little trouble running over Vols giving up a whopping 201.7 rushing yards/game. Spread wise the Tigers of Auburn are on a 7-1 ATS stretch pounding out 200 or more rushing yards, 5-1 ATS laying eight or more points, 4-1 ATS last five away vs SEC foes. The Volunteers are 1-5 ATS in their last six in November, 1-5 ATS at home taking eight or more, 7-19-1 ATS in home games against a team with a winning road record.

BYU at Wisconsin

Wisconsin putting together a string of three straight wins head into the contest 6-2 on the campaign with a smart 7-0-1 ATS mark vs the spread. BYU with a five-game win streak under their belt travel to Big-Ten territory with an identical 6-2 record and a 5-3 mark at the betting window. Cougars fast-paced offense which averages 32.4 points/game on 511.1 yards behind dual threat QB Tayson Hill tossing 2019 yds with 12 TD while running 841 yds for 8 majors will be tested in Madison. The Badgers giving up a lowly 15.0 points/game on 195.1 passing, 91.0 rushing yards/game have only allowed one touchdown in four home games this season. Plenty of reason to back Whisky given the staunch defense and the fact it's hasn't been easy for teams traveling to Madison the past five years (3-29 SU, 11-20-1 ATS). However, can't discount BYU keeping this one within the 7.5 point spread. The Cougars have an awesome 11-0 ATS streak as an underdog in regular season including a perfect 9-0 ATS when on the road. On the other side of the money equation Badgers are on a 2-9 ATS skid when laying 5.5 to 7.5 points.

Games to Watch - Week 11
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

BYU at Wisconsin

As of early Wednesday, most books had Wisconsin (6-2 straight up, 7-0-1 against the spread) favored by 7½ with a total of 55½. The Badgers are the nation’s lone team without a blemish on their spread record with the exception of a push in a 31-24 loss at Ohio State as seven-point underdogs. Gary Andersen’s team escaped Iowa City with a 28-9 win last weekend that was much closer than the final score indicated. UW, which covered the number as a nine-point road favorite, played excellent defense all day. The Badgers forced the Hawkeyes into three short field goals and hooked up the offense with great field position thanks to two second-half interceptions deep in Iowa territory. UW converted both turnovers into touchdowns with the second score getting it ahead of the number for the first time all day with 6:29 remaining. James White’s second rushing TD was the icing on the cake with 1:35 left. Senior LB Chris Borland, a two-time first-team All Big Ten selection, dressed at Iowa but missed another game with a hamstring issue. He is expected to play this week, but WR Jared Abbrederis is a question mark with a chest injury. Abbrederis has a team-high 46 catches for 782 yards and six touchdowns. BYU (6-2 SU, 5-3 ATS) owns an 11-6-1 spread record in 18 games as a road underdog during Bronco Mendenhall’s nine-year tenure. The Cougars have won five in a row, going 4-1 ATS. They have had two weeks to prep for this trip to Camp Randall after blasting Boise St. 37-20 two Fridays ago as seven-point home favorites. Sophomore QB Taysom Hill is on fire with an 11/4 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the last four games. He has rushed for a team-high 841 yards and eight TDs. Hill’s accuracy as a passer is steadily improving and he reminds you a little bit of Tim Tebow with his size and power running style. The ‘under’ is 5-3 overall for BYU, 2-1 in its road assignments. The ‘under’ is 5-3 overall for Wisconsin, 3-1 in its home games. If this game were a UFC fight, it would be a serious candidate for Fight of the Night honors. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

Nebraska at Michigan

As of early Wednesday, most betting shops had Michigan (6-2 SU, 4-4 ATS) listed as a seven-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 57½. The Wolverines are coming off a 29-6 defeat at Michigan St. as four-point underdogs. They were limited to 168 yards of total offense by the nation’s No. 1 defense. The loss essentially eliminated Michigan from the Big Ten race. Devin Gardner is a dual-threat QB who has rushed for 474 yards and nine TDs, but he has struggled with consistency throwing the ball. Gardner has a 13/11 TD-INT ratio. During Brady Hoke’s three-year tenure, Michigan owns an 11-6 spread record as a home favorite, including a 4-1 ATS mark in such spots this year. Nebraska (6-2 SU, 4-4 ATS) kept alive its hopes for a return to the Big Ten Championship Game by beating Northwestern 27-24 last weekend on a Hail Mary pass on the game’s final play. However, the Cornhuskers failed to cover the spread as four-point home favorites. Senior QB Taylor Martinez, a first-team All Big Ten selection in 2012, has only played once since a Week 3 home loss to UCLA. In 3½ games, Martinez had a 10/2 TD-INT ratio but he’s ‘out’ again this week with a hip pointer. On Bo Pelini’s watch in six seasons, Nebraska is 2-4 ATS as a road underdog. The ‘under’ has cashed at a 3-1 clip in Nebraska’s last four games. Meanwhile, Michigan has seen the ‘over’ go 5-3 overall, 4-1 in its home games. ABC will have the telecast at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

Mississippi State at Texas A&M

As of early Wednesday, most books had Texas A&M (7-2 SU, 5-4 ATS) favored by 19 with a total of 66. If Johnny Manziel decides to turn pro, a likely scenario for sure, this will be the final game of his legendary career at Kyle Field. Manziel threw four TD passes and ran for two more scores in last week’s 57-7 win over UTEP as a 47.5-point home ‘chalk.’ For the season, Johnny Football has a 26/8 TD-INT ratio and eight rushed scores. His favorite target Mike Evans is second in the country in receiving yards with 1,147 on 52 receptions. The Aggies’ defense is the reason they aren’t in the SEC hunt. This unit gives up 29.8 points per game. Mississippi St. (4-4 SU, 3-5 ATS) fell to 1-3 in conference play by dropping a 34-16 decision at South Carolina as a 13-point underdog. QB Dak Prescott ran for a pair of TDs but was intercepted three times by the Gamecocks. Prescott returned home earlier this week to be with his family after his mother lost her battle with colon cancer. It is unknown whether or not Prescott will make the trip to College Station. Tyler Russell will most likely get the starting nod. The Bulldogs are 4-10 ATS as road underdogs during Dan Mullen’s five-year tenure. The ‘over’ is 7-2 overall for the Aggies, 5-2 in their home games. The ‘under’ is 5-3 overall for MSU, 3-0 in its road contests. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. Eastern on CBS.

Houston at Central Florida

As of early Wednesday, most spots had Central Florida (6-1 SU, 6-1 ATS) installed as a 10½-point favorite with a total of 64. The Golden Knights suffered their lone loss of the year at home vs. South Carolina by a 28-25 count, but they quality wins at Penn St. and at Louisville on their resume. UCF is led by junior QB Blake Bortles, who has thrown for 1,870 yards. Bortles has a 15/4 TD-INT ratio and two rushing scores. RB Storm Johnson averages 5.2 yards per carry and has nine rushing TDs. Houston (7-1 SU, 7-1 ATS) saw its nine-game ATS winning streak dating back to last season snapped in last Thursday’s 35-23 win over South Florida as a 19-point home favorite. True freshman QB John O’Korn has been the catalyst for Houston this season, posting a 22/4 TD-INT ratio. RB Ryan Jackson The Cougars are 3-1 ATS as road underdogs since Tony Levine took over for Kevin Sumlin. The ‘under’ is 4-3 overall for UCF, 2-1 in its home games. The ‘over’ has hit in three straight games for Houston to improve to 5-3 overall. ESPN2 will have the telecast at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

UCLA at Arizona

As of early Wednesday, most spots had UCLA (6-2 SU, 5-3 ATS) favored by one with a total of 56. Arizona had won five straight over UCLA both SU and ATS until getting hammered 66-10 last season as a 3 ½-point road underdog. Jim Mora Jr.’s team dropped back-to-back games at Stanford (24-10) and at Oregon (42-14) before beating Colorado 45-23 last Saturday. But the Bruins, who were 30-point home favorites, failed to cover the number for the third straight game. UCLA’s recent ATS woes can, in part, be attributed to three injuries to starting offensive lineman. Two of those players are out indefinitely while the Bruins hope to get Simon Goines (knee, ‘questionable’) back this weekend. QB Brett Hundley has a 16/8 TD-INT ratio and six rushing scores. Hundley was without his leading rusher Jordon James for a three-game stretch due to a sprained ankle. James returned last week but was ineffective with only eight rushing yards on six totes. Arizona (6-2 SU, 4-4 ATS) won its first three games before losing at Washington and at USC. Since then, Rich Rodriguez’s squad has won three in a row, going 2-1 ATS. They struggled to sneak past California by a 33-28 count as 14-point road favorites last week. UA is led by QB B.J. Denker and RB Ka’Deem Carey. Denker has a 9/3 TD-INT ratio and 11 rushing TDs in R-Rod’s spread offense. Carey has rushed for 1,076 yards and 10 TDs. The ‘under’ is 5-3 overall for both schools. ESPN will have television coverage at 10:00 p.m. Eastern.

Week 11 Injury Report
By Brian Edwards
Sportsmemo.com

Stanford won’t have DE Ben Gardner for the rest of the season, but at least it is getting another 2012 All-Pac-12 selection back in the lineup. DE Henry Anderson is ‘probable’ vs. Oregon after missing several games with a leg injury.

Troy uses a two-QB system with Deon Anthony used in running situations. Anthony has rushed for 392 yards and three TDs while averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Anthony, who also has three TD passes without an interception, is ‘doubtful’ Thursday at UL-Lafayette after spraining his ankle in a 49-37 loss to ULM last week. Corey Robinson (18-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio) will get all the snaps for the Trojans.

Wisconsin WR Jared Abbrederis has been upgraded to ‘probable’ vs. BYU after sustaining a chest injury on a touchdown catch in Saturday’s 28-9 win at Iowa. The Badgers will also get back two-time All Big Ten linebacker Chris Borland, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.

Iowa QB Jake Rudock left the Wisconsin loss in the second half with a knee injury, but he’s good to go and will start at Purdue. Rudock has a 12-9 TD-INT ratio.

The status of Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott is unknown for Saturday’s game at Texas A&M. Prescott’s mother lost her battle with colon cancer earlier this week and he has left the team to be with his family. If Prescott doesn’t make the trip to College Station, Tyler Russell will get the starting nod. Russell was the starter for the Bulldogs in 2012 when he threw 24 touchdown passes. He lost his job to Prescott after suffering a concussion in a season-opening loss to Oklahoma State.

As of Wednesday, there were conflicting reports on the status of Arkansas freshman RB Alex Collins, who suffered an undisclosed injury in a 35-17 loss to Auburn. Collins has rushed for 889 yards and four TDs. If he can’t go at Ole Miss, Johnathan Williams will get the bulk of the carries and that’s not a bad thing. Williams has run for 716 yards and four TDs while averaging 6.2 yards per carry. Arkansas QB Brandon Allen is ‘probable’ (leg). Allen has a 9/7 touchdown-to-interception ratio for the Hogs, who have lost six consecutive games and are in the midst of an atrocious 1-7 against-the-spread slide.

Ole Miss is coming off a much-needed open date. RB Jeff Scott is set to return after missing back-to-back games. Scott is the Rebels’ leading rusher with an 8.2 YPC average. Also, DE Robert Nkemdiche (hamstring) and DT Carlos Thompson are expected to return to the lineup. Nkemdiche, the nation’s No. 1 recruit coming out of high school last season, has missed the last two games. Starting center Evan Swindall (eye) is listed as ‘questionable.’

Miami RB Duke Johnson broke is ankle in Saturday’s 41-14 loss at FSU and will miss the rest of the season. Johnson rushed for a team-high 920 yards and six TD in 2013.

Wake Forest senior WR Michael Campanaro has played his last game for the Demon Deacons. Campanaro suffered a broken collarbone in a 13-0 loss at Syracuse. He had 67 receptions for 803 yards and six TDs as a senior. Campanaro finishes his career at Wake Forest as the third-leading receiver in school history, behind only Ricky Proehl and Desmond Clark.

The status of Missouri QB James Franklin for Saturday’s game at Kentucky will be determined on Thursday or Friday. Franklin, who separated his shoulder in a 41-26 win at Georgia on Oct. 12, is practicing this week and was in uniform for last week’s 31-3 home win over Tennessee. Franklin reportedly looked sharp in warm-ups before the UT game. Tigers’ senior CB E.J. Gaines returned against the Vols and made his fourth interception of the season. Gaines, who had missed the two previous games, is tied for the SEC lead in interceptions.

Florida has lost a sixth starter and ninth player to a season-ending injury. OT Tyler Moore broke his elbow in a scooter accident Tuesday. This means UF will be without its top three OTs vs. Vandy. Chaz Green is out for the season and D.J. Humphries out for at least one more game.

Vandy QB Austyn Carta-Samuels remains out with a leg injury and Patton Robinette will make his second career start for the Commodores. On the bright side, the ‘Dores are going to get senior LB Chase Garnham back for the first time since he went down with a lower-body injury in a season-opening loss to Ole Miss. Garnham was Vandy’s second-leading tackler in 2012 when he had seven sacks.

Kentucky will be without a pair of productive true freshman WRs Saturday vs. Missouri. Ryan Timmons and Alex Montgomery have combined to make 43 catches for 432 yards and four TDs, but neither will be in uniform against the Tigers. Also, WR Javess Blue is a question mark. Blue took an errant ball to the eye during warm-ups before UK’s win over Alabama St. and was unable to play due to blurred vision. Blue has 28 receptions for 345 yards and two TDs.

North Carolina senior QB Bryn Renner is out for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury. After throwing 28 TD passes compared to seven interceptions as a junior, Renner wasn’t as effective this year with a 10-5 TD-INT ratio.

North Carolina State junior WR Bryan Underwood is done for the season after breaking his collarbone. Underwood finished 2013 with a team-high 32 receptions for 382 yards and one TD.

Maryland QB C.J. Brown (ankle) will be back for Saturday’s home game vs. Syracuse. Brown has a 7-3 TD-INT ratio and six rushing scores. However, he won’t have his top two weapons (WRs Stefon Digg and Deon Long are out for the year) and nine other Terrapins are ‘questionable,’ including leading rusher Brandon Ross. If there’s a team in America more decimated by injuries than Florida, it’s definitely this Maryland squad.

USC will be without three starters Saturday at California. RB Tre Madden will be missed the most. He leads the Trojans in rushing with 671 yards and three TDs. CB Anthony Brown (arm) remains out along with DE Morgan Breslin, who has been sidelined for more than a month with a hip injury.

UCLA got leading rusher Jordon James back last week, but he was ineffective in a 45-23 home win over Colorado. James rushed for only eight yards on six totes and had just two receiving yards on two catches. James had missed three consecutive games after spraining his ankle in a win at Utah on Oct. 3. Starting OT Simon Goines will return after missing back-to-back games, and that’s huge with OT Torian White done for the season and White’s back-up Connor McDermott still out. Also, LB Kevin Hendricks is ‘probable’ after sitting out the win over CU.

TCU RB Waymon James has been suspended for Saturday’s game at Iowa State. James is the Horned Frogs’ second-leading rusher with 242 yards and four TDs.

Since returning from a torn quad that caused him to miss a month, ULM senior QB Kolton Browning has thrown nine TD passes without an interception in leading the Warhawks to back-to-back wins both SU and ATS.

Boise State QB Grant Hedrick is coming off his best game since replacing senior Joe Southwick, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Hedrick threw five TD passes without an interception and also rushed for a score in leading the Broncos to a win and spread cover at Colorado State.

ACC Games to Watch
By Chuck Edel
ChuckEdel.com

Syracuse at Maryland

It was just a few weeks ago we were looking at the Terps to be a possible sleeper to play havoc in the ACC. Since starting 4-0, Maryland has been outscore 163-64, with a huge drop off in run game efficiency by averaging just 2.8 yards per carry. CJ Brown has been ineffective since his injury against FSU, playing in just one game where he averaged just 5.7 yards per attempt and threw a pair of interceptions. Caleb Rowe hasn't been any better, by completing only 48.5% of his passes on the season. The loss of top wideouts Stefon Diggs and Deon Long who had combined for 66 receptions isn't helping the struggling signal callers. The defense has still played solidly, but is no longer forcing turnovers with just a single interception in the last four games. In part its been a lack of pass rush, since they've tallied just four sacks and a single hurry. The Orange will be looking to take advantage of the weakened Terrapins, with a stifling defense that has allowed just a 30% conversion rate on third downs, and a 5.2 yards per play mark. Syracuse has been able to pressure QBs on 14% of their dropbacks, and have been even tougher against teh run by allowing only 3.7 yards per carry. If Terrel Hunt can find some rhythm as the starter, the offense might be able to get going. Hunt though is only averaging 3.8 yards per attempt in conference play, and hasn't thrown a TD against his six interceptions. These are a pair of teams that are in distress, but both are in the hunt for a bowl game. It should figure to be a super low scoring affair as both offenses struggle to get their footing.

Virginia Tech at Miami (FL)

The Hokies basically have to win this game to have a shot at a conference championship game appearance and to have a chance at an upper tier bowl game. The Hokies fortunes follow Logan Thomas, and the last two weeks its been bad Logan showing up. Thomas has completed just 57% of his passes whiel tossing six picks and just a pair of touchdowns. Last week he was sacked four times, leading to VT averaging just 28 yards per drive, and just two of thirteen drives reached the red zone. It was a perfect storm as the defense also allowed 34 points to a BC team that had been averaging 24 points a game. They do luck out facing a Miami team that is now beat up and missing their biggest offensive threat in Duke Johnson. The 'Canes allow just 7% of their plays to be run for negative yardage, so Dallas Crawford should be able to fill in for Johnson. Crawford has had 12% of his carries go for more than 10 yards, but is not as explosive as Johnson with no carries of more than 20 yards. It will be put more pressure on Stephen Morris who has already struggled the last three weeks, completing just 56% of his passes with three touchdowns and six ints. His mobility has been limited, which is not good against this pressure filled Hokies defense. The defense has got to make some plays in the backfield after making just 14 stops behind the line of scrimmage the last three weeks, after starting the season by averaging seven per game.

Big Ten Report - Week 11
By ASAWins.com

Week 10 in the Big Ten watched the favorites go 5-1 straight up and 3-3 against the spread, three of those margins decided by double digits. The lone underdog to win outright was Minnesota (+7 ½), who knocked off Indiana, 42-39 on the road. Both Ohio State and Wisconsin won in dominating fashion as road favorites. Total bettors watched the 'under' go 5-1.

Michigan (-7, 58) vs. Nebraska

How will Nebraska respond on the road after its final play hail mary win over Northwestern last week? The Huskers fell behind 21-7 early in the game and backup QB's Armstrong and Kellogg struggled with accuracy (23-of-42 passing with 4 INT). The defense delivered by allowing just three points the final 40 minutes and also returning and INT for a TD. The Huskers also received another strong performance by RB Abdullah (127 rush yards). It was a huge win for Nebraska after its surprising defeat at Minnesota in its prior week and it keeps the Huskers in the Legends Division hunt with key games against Michigan and Michigan State on deck. Michigan is off of its second loss in three games, this one to in-state rival Michigan State - and it was an ugly one. The Wolves were held to just 168 yards, 12 first downs, and 6 total points against the nation's top defense. They tallied -48 rush yards for the game (including sack yards lost) and were just 2-of-14 on 3rd down. Michigan's defensive issues have become a big concern after allowing 394 yards and 29 points to a previously-mediocre MSU offense. The Wolves have now allowed 39.6 PPG over their previous three games. Michigan's hopes of a Big Ten title have taken a serious hit as it will now need some major help to represent the Legends Division in the Big Ten title game. Michigan returns home, where it has never lost under Hoke, to face Nebraska this weekend. These two have split the only two meetings since Nebraska became a member of the Big Ten. Michigan won at home in 2011, 43-17. Nebraska won at home in 2012, 23-9. Nebraska is just 7-13 ATS in its last 20 games as a road underdog. The Wolves are 12-6 ATS in their last 18 games as a home favorite of seven points or more.

Wisconsin (-7½, 55) vs. BYU

Wisconsin gets a rare midseason non-conference game at home against BYU this weekend. The Badgers are off of a win against Iowa that was closer than the 28-9 final score indicates. Wisconsin struggled on offense for the better part of three quarters before two late touchdowns put the game away. Star RB Gordon had his worst game of the season with just 62 rush yards. QB Stave (2 TD passes) and RB White (132 rush yards & 2 TD) picked up the slack. Defensively this was one of the best performances of recent memory for Wisconsin. Despite playing without its top defender, LB Borland, the Badgers held Iowa to 289 yards and 9 points. The Hawks managed just 110 rush yards on 3.5 YPC and QB's Rudock & Beathard completed just 16-of-40 passes for 179 yards with 0 TD and 2 INT. BYU is not a familiar opponent, but new head coach Gary Anderson, previously the HC at Utah State, faced BYU each of the past four seasons. The Cougars have won five straight games (4-1 ATS) after starting the season 1-2. They've had a couple weeks off after their previous game and will be well rested for this trip to Madison. Led by do-everything QB Taysom Hill (2,019 pass yards, 841 rush yards, 20 total TD), this offense ranks 12th in yards per game and has scored 31+ points in five straight games. BYU operates at break-neck speed on offense, leading the nation with 92.8 plays per game. Defensively the Cougars have allowed over 200 rush yards in two of the last three weeks and that has to be a concern traveling to Wisconsin to face the nation's 10th ranked rush offense. Wisconsin is 27-0 SU in its last 27 home games against non-conference opponents. BYU is 4-0 ATS in its last four as a road underdog of 7+ points.

Minnesota (-2½, 48) vs. Penn State

The Minnesota magic continues, thanks in large part to an inexcusable crunch-time blunder by Indiana last week. Minnesota blew a 22-point 2nd half lead but was able to rally behind strong play from QB Nelson, who established himself as the unquestioned QB leader with 298 pass yards and four touchdowns - including the game-winning 50-yard TD pass with 3:06 remaining. It was a rough second half for the defense, but it came up with a stop when needed and overall it performed well against an Indiana offense that averages 42 points per game. Minnesota has now won three consecutive B1G games and appears to be a major player in the Legends Division. Penn State bounced back after its 49 point loss to Ohio State with an overtime win over Illinois at home last week. It wasn't pretty, but PSU got a strong passing day from freshman QB Hackenberg (240 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT) and RB Belton (201 rush yards, 1 TD). Defensively they allowed too many passing yards yet again (321 pass yards) despite playing against a quarterback that had averaged 162 pass yards over his past three games. The Nittany Lions will need to clean up the defense before they travel to Minnesota to play the Gophers who are riding a ton of momentum. Penn State is 4-1 SU & 4-0-1 ATS in the last five meetings with Minnesota. These two haven't met since 2010, a 12-point Penn State win in Minneapolis.

Iowa (-14½, 45½) @ Purdue

The Hawkeyes battled tough with Wisconsin for three quarters, but there were again too many deficiencies on offense for the team to overcome. Drives repeatedly stalled as QB's Rudock & Beathard couldn't convert on 3rd downs. Those two combined to complete just 16-of-40 passes for 179 yards with 2 INT. The team was 4-of-18 on 3rd downs and failed to find the endzone. The defense played well against one of the top offenses in the Big Ten. Wisconsin added a couple of rushing touchdowns late in the game, but Iowa held its own for the most part. The defense is good enough to get Iowa a few more wins, but unless the offense to start scoring, it's going to be another average finish for the Hawkeyes. QB Rudock is back at practice and will play this week at Purdue. Purdue headed into its bye week on a somewhat high-note after a solid defensive performance against Michigan State. It didn't translate over as the Boilers were shutout at home against Ohio State last week, 0-56. Purdue managed just 116 total yards and 10 first downs. Not many teams can slow down Ohio State's offense, but Purdue looked downright helpless. OSU QB's completed 28-of-36 passes for 5 TD and the Bucks also rushed for 345 yards on 8.4 YPC. Purdue has been shut out in consecutive games and has scored just 17 points in four Big Ten contests. Purdue has covered three of the last four over Iowa. Iowa is just 1-10 ATS in its last 11 games as a road favorite of 14 points or more.

Indiana (-10, 76) vs. Illinois

Indiana's bowl hopes took a serious hit with its home loss to Minnesota last week. The Hoosiers had the ball inside the 10 yard line down by three points. A touchdown would have given them a likely win and at the very least, Indiana would be able to send the game into overtime with a field goal. Instead, the Hoosiers turned the ball over and lost a "must-win" game. The Hoosiers now sit at 3-5, three wins away from bowl eligibility with four to play. Two of those games are at Wisconsin and at Ohio State. It's difficult to envision Indiana winning one of those games, as well as two others, to become bowl eligible. Indiana's offense again was strong, despite only controlling the ball for 22 minutes of game time. The Hoosiers tallied 496 total yards, including 227 on the ground. QB Sudfeld outplayed QB Roberson and that further complicates the decision making of the offense after Roberson clearly looked like the better talent the previous weeks. IU's defense allowed four touchdown passes to Minnesota's QB Nelson and also surrendered 248 rush yards to the Gophers. After Illinois' overtime loss to Penn State last week, the Illini's Big Ten losing streak has now reached 18 games - and it's hard to find another loss that stung as bad as Saturday's loss. Illinois had numerous early opportunities to put points on the board, took a late lead in the game, and couldn't hold on to it as PSU tied the game with 41 seconds left and won the game in overtime. QB Scheelhaase threw his first touchdown pass since September 28th and the offense moved the ball fluidly through the air. The rushing attack mustered just 90 yards on 24 carries (3.8 YPC) and the defense had one of its poorer showings. PSU freshman QB Hackenberg tossed for 240 yards and the Nittany Lions gained 250 rush yards. The Illini can take some positives away from a near victory in Happy Valley, but now the Illini have to win three of their final four to become bowl eligible. Illinois is 4-2 SU & ATS in its last six meetings with Indiana. Indiana is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games as a favorite of 10 points or more. Illinois is 14-7 ATS in its last 21 as an underdog of 10 points or more.

Ohio State - BYE

Ohio State won its 21st consecutive game under coach Urban Meyer with a 56-0 thrashing of Purdue in Ross-Ade Stadium. Ohio State scored 28 first-quarter points and 42 in the first half. QB's Miller, Guiton, and Jones combined to complete 28-of-36 passes for 295 yards and 5 TD and the Bucks tallied 345 rush yards on 8.4 YPC. Ohio State needs to keep winning with "style" as they currently sit at 4th in the BCS standings with little chance of surpassing any of the top three teams. The Buckeyes are off this week before visiting Illinois on Nov. 16.

Michigan State - BYE

The Spartans reclaimed their superiority against in-state rival Michigan in style last week and now look like the front-runner to represent the Legends Division in the Big Ten Title game. Michigan State held the Wolverines to just 168 yards, 12 first downs, and two field goals. Michigan was just 2-for-14 on 3rd down and tallied -48 rushing yards! They sacked Michigan seven times and absolutely suffocated the Michigan offense. Offensively QB Cook continued to impress with 252 pass yards while RB Langford rushed for over 100 yards for the fourth straight game. They have an open week before a key road trip to Nebraska on Nov. 16.

Northwestern - BYE

Nothing is going right for Northwestern during its five game losing streak. This time it was a Hail Mary at the buzzer that sent the Wildcats home with a loss. It was their third consecutive loss by seven points or fewer and now Northwestern is in serious danger of missing out on bowl eligibility altogether. Northwestern was outgained by 146 yards and had 12 fewer first downs against Nebraska. QB's Colter and Siemian continue to struggle through the air, combining to complete just 8-of-21 passes for 81 yards with 0 TD and 1 INT. Northwestern has an off week to regroup before hosting Michigan on Nov. 16.

Saturday's NCAAF Top 25 Betting Cheat Sheet: Afternoon action
By Covers.com

Florida State Seminoles at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (+35, 55)

As national title talk for the Seminoles goes, so goes Heisman Trophy chatter for quarterback Jameis Winston. The redshirt freshman leads the ACC in total offense (331.9 yards per game), passing average (312.8), pass efficiency (201.1) and passing touchdowns (24). Winston's 2,502 passing yards is already the sixth-highest total among ACC freshmen all-time and he is on pace to become the most prolific freshman quarterback in conference history.

Michael Campanaro, the Demon Deacons' all-time leading receiver with 229 receptions for 2,506 yards, is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks with a broken collarbone. Sherman Ragland III will be leaned on in Campanaro's absence and the sophomore performed well against Syracuse, stepping up to set career bests by grabbing 10 receptions for 91 yards. Quarterback Tanner Price ranks fourth in the ACC with 1,956 passing yards,

LINE: The Seminoles have held steady as 35-point favorites, with the total currently 55.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-50s with sunny skies.
TRENDS:

* Seminoles are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games.
* Demon Deacons are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games vs. teams with winning records.
* Under is 13-3 in Wake Forest's last 16 games on fieldturf.

Missouri Tigers at Kentucky Wildcats (+13.5, 56)

Redshirt freshman QB Maty Mauk has kept the Tigers' high-powered offense on track with James Franklin (shoulder) sidelined, and he had his best game yet in a 31-3 win over Tennessee last week. Missouri rolled up 339 rushing yards against the Volunteers and ranks second in the SEC with 237.2 yards per game on the ground. The defense has been overshadowed somewhat but Missouri ranks fourth in the SEC in scoring defense (20.6).

The Wildcats have struggled in coach Mark Stoops' first season, but they've been close to pulling off a quality win with narrow defeats at South Carolina and Mississippi State. The offense was impressive last week, albeit against Alabama State, as Whitlow rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns and threw for two more scores. Kentucky has faced trouble stopping the run, allowing 197.6 yards per game.

LINE: The Tigers opened -14 and are now -13.5, with the total set at 56.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with wind blowing across the field at 11 mph.
TRENDS:

* Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last five conference games.
* Wildcats are 0-6 ATS in their last six games following an SU win.
* Over is 18-7-1 in Kentucky's last 26 games following an ATS win.

Auburn Tigers at Tennessee Volunteers (+7, 55)

The Tigers feature the nation’s sixth-best rushing attack (306.2 yards per game), led by running back Tre Mason, who rushed for 168 yards and four touchdowns last week to earn SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Auburn did not know if quarterback Nick Marshall would start last week because of a shoulder injury, but the junior finished with 177 yards of total offense and is expected to be completely healthy against Tennessee.

The Volunteers have to shore up their run defense after allowing a season-high 339 yards on the ground against Missouri. Tennessee has allowed 76 points the past two weeks in losses to Alabama and Missouri. Dobbs completed 26-of-42 passes against Missouri and is the third freshman to start at quarterback for Tennessee in the past four years.

LINE: Auburn opened as a 7-point fave, while the total opened at 55.
WEATHER: Partly cloudy skies are in the forecast with temperatures in the high-50s.
TRENDS:

* Tigers are 5-0 ATS against teams with losing records.
* Volunteers are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 home games vs. teams with winning road records.
* Over is 9-4 in Tennessee's last 13 conference games.

Kansas State Wildcats at Texas Tech Red Raiders (-2.5, 59.5)

Former walk-on defensive end Ryan Mueller was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week after posting seven tackles (including two for loss) and one sack. Sparked by Mueller’s effort, the Wildcats allowed only one offensive snap inside their 20 and held Iowa State to 249 total yards, narrowly missing out on its first shutout in a conference game since 2003.

Despite being the focal point of the Cowboys’ defense last Saturday, Jace Amaro set career highs with 15 catches and 174 receiving yards – becoming the first Red Raider since Michael Crabtree to record at least eight receptions in eight straight games. Amaro also logged his fourth consecutive 100-yard game, the most by a Texas Tech player since Crabtree posted seven in a row in 2007.

LINE: Texas Tech opened as at 2.5-point favorite and the total opened at 59.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures are expected to be in the low-60s with wind blowing across the field at 8 mph.
TRENDS:

* Wildcats are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games vs. teams with winning records.
* Red Raiders are 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a double-digit home loss.
* Over is 23-9 in Texas Tech's last 32 games.

Mississippi State Bulldogs at Texas A&M Aggies (-19, 66.5)

The Bulldogs are on pace to break a 31-year-old school-record for total offense, averaging 447.1 yards, and Prescott is the catalyst. He has rushed for 100 yards or more three times and has accounted for 17 touchdowns. The Bulldogs' secondary was shredded against LSU and Auburn but has allowed only 312 passing yards over the past two games.

Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel has put on quite an encore after his Heisman Trophy campaign as a redshirt freshman, and he ranks fifth in the nation with 2,867 passing yards to go along with 564 rushing yards and accounting for 34 touchdowns. He has one of the nation's top receivers in Mike Evans, who needs 61 receiving yards to surpass Ryan Swope's school record of 1,207 in 2011. D

LINE: Texas A&M is a 19-point favorite after opening at -18. The total has held steady at 66.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-70s under partly cloudy skies.
TRENDS:

* Bulldogs are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Aggies are 5-1 ATS in their last six games on grass.
* Under is 9-3 in Texas A&M's last 12 games following an ATS win.

Brigham Young Cougars at Wisconsin Badgers (-8, 55.5)

Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy leads the Cougars’ defense, ranking second among active FBS players in career sacks with 26. Hill is a dangerous dual threat, passing for 339 yards and three touchdowns in BYU’s 37-20 victory over Boise State on Oct. 25. The sophomore is sixth in the nation averaging 357.5 yards of total offense per game, and has completed 65.4 percent of his passes during the Cougars’ five-game winning streak.

White scored two touchdowns in last week’s 28-9 victory over Iowa, and leads all active FBS players in career rushing touchdowns (41) and total touchdowns (43). The Badgers average 7.26 yards per play, leading the Big Ten and ranking seventh in the nation. The Wisconsin defense gets particularly tough in the red zone, leading the country in holding opponents out of the end zone 61.9 percent of the time.

LINE: Wisconsin opened -7.5 and is now -8. The total is currently 55.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-50s with wind blowing across the width of the field at 12 mph.
TRENDS:

* Cougars are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 road games.
* Badgers are 7-0-1 ATS in their last eight games.
* Under is 16-5 in BYU's last 21 games against teams with winning records.

Saturday's NCAAF Top 25 Betting Cheat Sheet: Evening Action
By Covers.com

Kansas Jayhawks at Oklahoma State Cowboys (-31, 53.5)

No. 11 Oklahoma State knows it can't overlook visiting Kansas on Saturday, even though the Jayhawks enter with a five-game losing streak and haven't won a Big 12 Conference game since 2010. Kansas quarterback Jake Heaps needs 84 passing yards to reach 5,000 for his career and could have receivers Tony Pierson (concussion), Rodriguez Coleman (leg), Josh Ford (concussion) and Andrew Turzilli (ankle) back this week.

First-year defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer has the Cowboys ranked in the top 20 in several categories, including third-down defense (ninth, 30.2 percent), red-zone defense (14th, 71.4 percent) and rushing defense (18th, 122.9 yards per game). The Cowboys, who have created at least one turnover in 16 straight games, are tied for fifth nationally with a plus-10 turnover margin.

LINE: Oklahoma State is a 31-point favorite after opening at -30.5. The total has held steady at 53.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with wind blowing across the length of the field at 5 mph.
TRENDS:

* Jayhawks are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games on fieldturf.
* Cowboys are 8-1 ATS in their last nine home games.
* Kansas is 2-8 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head meetings.

Arizona State Sun Devils at Utah Utes (+6.5, 63.5)

No. 24 Arizona State visits Utah for a Pac-12 Conference matchup on Saturday. The Sun Devils have defeated the Utes by a lopsided margin in each of the last two meetings, with the most recent occurring in Tempe. Taylor Kelly passed for 326 yards and three scores in last season's meeting as the Sun Devils scored 37 points on the Utes with 512 yards of total offense.

Coming off a 55-21 blowout of Washington State, the Sun Devils own a one-game lead in the Pac-12 South, and a win against Utah will only get them closer to a spot in the conference championship. The Utes are no strangers to upsets, having done just that to then-No. 5 Stanford earlier this season, but the offense potentially could be without Travis Wilson. The standout quarterback suffered a sprained finger late in the first half against Arizona.

LINE: ASU opened -7 and is now -6.5. The total opened 64.5 and is down to 63.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-50s and wind blowing diagonally out of the SW at 6 mph.
TRENDS:

* Sun Devils are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following a bye week.
* Utes are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 games following an SU loss.
* Over is 18-4 in Arizona State's last 22 games following an ATS win.

Virginia Tech Hokies at Miami Hurricanes (-7, 44)

Logan Thomas posted a career-high 429 yards of total offense against Boston College to give him 9,463 for his career, moving him past Tyrod Taylor for the most in school history. Thomas also committed two of the Hokies’ four giveaways and has turned the ball over 31 times since the start of the 2012 season – the third-highest individual total in FBS over that span.

Miami's Duke Johnson – the second-leading rusher in the conference – will miss the rest of the season after he broke his right ankle against Florida State. Dallas Crawford, who replaced an injured Johnson during the team’s Oct. 17 victory over North Carolina with 137 yards rushing and two scores, will be one of three backs to fill the void of a player who posted an ACC-high 1,393 all-purpose yards.

LINE: Miami opened as a 6.5-point fave, but has been bet up to -7. The total is unmoved at 44.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with a 30 percent chance of showers.
TRENDS:

* Hokies are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 road games.
* Hurricanes are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games.
* Under is 8-2 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings.

Houston Cougars at Central Florida Knights (-10.5, 64)

No. 21 Central Florida looks to claim its fourth consecutive victory when it hosts Houston with first place in the American Athletic Conference on the line. The Knights, who have scored 100 total points in their last two games, bring a dynamic offense led by quarterback Brian Bortles. With 15 touchdowns and four interceptions on the season, Bortles has proven both efficient and lethal through seven games.

The Cougars, too, have one lone slip-up fading farther into the rearview. They're coming off conference wins against Rutgers and South Florida, and boast the 12th-best scoring offense in the country at 41.4 points per game. Freshman John O'Korn provides an equal, if not stronger match for Bortles having thrown for more yardage, 2,121 yards, and touchdowns, 22, with just four interceptions.

LINE: The Knights opened -11.5-point but are now -10.5. The total is set at 64.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with wind blowing diagonally out of the NE at 6 mph.
TRENDS:

* Cougars are 9-19 ATS in their last 28 road games vs. teams with winning home records.
* Knights are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games.
* Under is 7-2 in Houston's last nine games following a bye week.

LSU Tigers at Alabama Crimson Tide (-13, 55)

Running back Jeremy Hill faces a tough test against the stout Alabama run defense, but he collected 107 yards and a score in last year’s 21-17 loss to the Crimson Tide - and he’s averaging 7.2 yards per carry this season with 12 touchdowns. Wide receivers Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry have eight touchdown receptions apiece, but quarterback Zach Mettenberger has struggled over his last three games (four TDs and five interceptions).

Quarterback AJ McCarron, who is 33-2 as a starter, has entered the Heisman Trophy discussion by completing 72.6 percent of his passes for 15 touchdowns with two interceptions over the last seven games. Alabama’s offensive line hasn't allowed a sack since the third quarter against Ole Miss on Sept. 28, and running backs T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake have combined for 17 rushing touchdowns this season.

LINE: Alabama has seen a sharp bump in the odds from an opening of -11 to -13. The total is 55.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-50s with partly cloudy skies.
TRENDS:

* Tigers are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five games following an ATS loss.
* Crimson Tide are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a bye week.
* Under is 7-3-1 in Alabama's last 11 home games.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Pittsburgh Panthers (+4, 51)

No. 25 Notre Dame has made a habit of doing just enough to win lately, which also sums up how its recent meetings with Pittsburgh have gone. The Fighting Irish have won four in a row entering Saturday’s road contest against the Panthers, including three by four points or fewer after a 38-34 victory over Navy last weekend. Notre Dame’s last five games against Pittsburgh have been decided by an average of four points.

The Fighting Irish are the only FBS team with five wins by seven points or fewer this season. The Panthers, who have dropped three straight in this series, have lost two straight and three of four overall after falling 21-10 at Georgia Tech last Saturday. Despite the loss, defensive tackle Aaron Donald had a day to remember with 11 tackles (including six for losses – the most by a player in FBS in 2013), two forced fumbles and a sack.
LINE: The Irish opened as 5-point faves, but the line has moved to -4. The total has held steady at 51.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-40s with partly cloudy skies.
TRENDS:

* Fighting Irish are 2-5 ATS in their last seven November games.
* Panthers are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games following an SU loss.
* Under is 5-1 in Pittsburgh's last six games against independents.

UCLA Bruins at Arizona Wildcats (-1.5, 56)

In addition to the return of rushing leader Jordon James to full health, the Bruins are also expected to have linebacker Eric Kendricks in the starting lineup against Arizona. Kendricks, who is fifth in the Pac-12 at eight tackles a game, did not play versus Colorado due to a shoulder injury. The Bruins enter the game sixth in the conference in total defense, one spot behind the Wildcats.

Arizona's B.J. Denker is the second-lowest rated quarterback in the Pac-12, although he has posted seven touchdown passes and one interception in the last four games. The Wildcats don’t have a receiver with more than 21 catches. Denker has scored 11 rushing touchdowns this season, two more than any previous Arizona quarterback.

LINE: What opened as a pick has shifted to Arizona -1.5. The total has risen slightly from 55.5 to 56.
WEATHER: Wind will blow south across the length of the field at 7 mph with temperatures in the mid-60s.
TRENDS:

* Bruins are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS loss.
* Wildcats are 1-5 ATS in their last six games vs. teams with winning records.
* Over is 7-3 in Arizona's last 10 home games.

Fresno State Bulldogs at Wyoming Cowboys (+9, 79)

Bulldogs quarterback Derek Carr ranks second nationally in both passing (382.6 yards per game) and touchdown throws (28), and the trio of wide receivers Davante Adams, Josh Harper and Isaiah Burse has combined for 195 catches. Carr threw for 268 yards and three touchdowns in a 42-14 home victory over Wyoming last season, while Harper had a school-record 17 catches last week for 253 yards and two scores.

The Cowboys have struggled defensively all season, but their up-tempo offense could cause trouble for Fresno State. Running back Shaun Wick gained 234 yards on 17 carries against San Jose State, and underrated quarterback Brett Smith ranks eighth nationally in total offense at 349.8 yards per game. Fresno State’s explosive offense thrives on the big play, which could mean trouble for the Cowboys defense.

LINE: The Bulldogs opened -11 and are now -9. The total is currently 79.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-30s with wind blowing diagonally out of the SW at 9 mph.
TRENDS:

* Bulldogs are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 road games.
* Cowboys are 1-7 ATS in their last eight home games vs. teams with winning road records.
* Under is 11-4 in Wyoming's last 15 games following an ATS win.

Saturday's Top Action
By Sportsbook.ag

LSU TIGERS (7-2) at ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE (8-0)

Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: Alabama -12.5 & 55
Opening Line & Total: Crimson Tide -11 & 55

No. 10 LSU will get its shot to take down the two-time reigning national champions when it travels to No. 1 Alabama Saturday night for an SEC showdown.

Alabama has been unbelievably dominant lately, giving up a total of 26 points in its past six games. The Crimson Tide are now 5-3 ATS this season, covering the spread in their past three games and four of their past five contests. LSU is 1-1 SU and 0-2 ATS in its past two games, crushing Furman last week after a disappointing loss as a 9.5-point road favorite to Ole Miss. Since LSU's 9-6 win in Tuscaloosa in 2011, Alabama won the national championship 21-0 in the rematch two months later, but needed a touchdown in the final minute of last year's matchup in Baton Rouge to win 21-17 after the Tigers had missed a couple of field goals. LSU outgained Alabama in that game 435 to 331 and its offense may lead the Tigers to victory in this one, as road underdogs averaging more than 450 yards per game, after gaining more than 7.25 yards per play in their previous game, are 36-8 ATS (82%) over the past five seasons. But Alabama is 13-3 ATS (81%) after gaining 7.25+ yards per play in its previous game under Nick Saban. Overall, LSU is 4-4-1 ATS this season including 1-1-1 ATS on the road. Saban’s squad is 5-3 ATS overall and 3-2 ATS at home.

LSU QB Zach Mettenberger has been tremendous this year, completing 65.4% of his passes for 2,492 yards and 19 TD, getting picked off seven times. The team lives and dies on his arm, as he threw three interceptions and only one touchdown in the team’s loss to Ole Miss. He was great in last year’s narrow defeat to Alabama, completing 24-of-35 passes for 298 yards and 1 TD. He almost exclusively throws to two targets in WRs Odell Beckham (48 catches, 1,009 yards, 8 TD) and Jarvis Landry (58 catches, 882 yards, 8 TD), both of whom have big-play ability. Landry caught the lone touchdown against the Tide last year. On the ground, RB Jeremy Hill bears the brunt of the workload and is nearing the 1,000-yard mark with 128 carries for 922 yards and 12 touchdowns. Hill rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown in last year’s meeting with Alabama. Reserve RBs Terrence Magee and Kenny Hilliard have also combined for 11 TD this year. The LSU defense has been stout against the run this season, yielding only 3.9 YPC. The Tigers have been decent, but not great, against the pass, holding opponents to a 57.9% completion rate.

Alabama’s defense has made its mark as one of the best in recent memory this year, only slipping up when it surrendered 42 points to Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. Mettenberger will have his work cut out for him, going against a pass defense that has allowed opponents to complete only 49.6% of passes. The rush defense is giving up just 3.4 YPC. The offense hasn't been too shabby either. Heisman candidate QB AJ McCarron, who is now 33-2 as a starter in his career, marshals the Alabama offense. He has also been ultra efficient with 16 TD and 3 INT this year, completing 69.4% of his passes for 1,862 yards. He distributes the ball well, as six players have at least two receiving touchdowns. WRs Kevin Norwood (23 catches, 348 yards, 3 TD) and DeAndrew White (22 catches, 329 yards, 3 TD) lead the way. McCarron wasn’t great against LSU last year, completing only 14-of-27 passes, but he orchestrated a game-winning drive late in the game that he capped off with a touchdown pass. RB T.J. Yeldon caught that pass for his lone reception of the game. He leads Alabama this year in rushing with 115 carries for 729 yards and 10 touchdowns. RB Kenyan Drake also has seven scores with his legs.

MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS (4-4) at TEXAS A&M AGGIES (7-2)

Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: Texas A&M -6.5 & 56
Opening Line & Total: Aggies -7 & 56

No. 11 Texas A&M will look to win its third straight game (SU and ATS) when it hosts heavy underdog Mississippi State on Saturday afternoon.

The Aggies are just 4-5 ATS this season but have won two in a row, beating Vanderbilt and UTEP in consecutive weeks by a combined margin of 113 to 31. Those two big wins followed a disappointing 45-41 home loss to Auburn in which they were 12.5-point favorites. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are 4-4 SU and 3-5 ATS this season, dropping their past four games ATS after a hot start. An upset appears unlikely for Mississippi State as the team is 0-13 SU and 3-10 ATS as an underdog over the past three years. Over the past two seasons, the Bulldogs are 0-7 ATS against teams with a winning percentage of more than 75%. That includes last year’s 38-13 home loss to the Aggies, when Texas A&M racked up 693 yards and moved the ball at will.

The Aggies offense is one of the best in the nation again this year, ranking fourth nationally in scoring (49.0 PPG) and sixth in passing yards (371.8 per game). That’s because QB Johnny Manziel is having another Heisman-caliber season, completing 200-of-276 of his passes (73%) for 2,867 yards with 26 touchdowns and only eight picks. He has also run for 564 yards and 8 TD on 96 carries, averaging 5.9 YPC. His top target through the air has been WR Mike Evans (52 catches, 1,147 yards, 12 TD), while 11 different Aggies have caught the ball in the end zone already this year. Supplementing Manziel’s production on the ground is RB Ben Malena, who has 89 carries for 456 yards (5.1 YPC) and eight touchdowns. Last year against the Bulldogs, Manziel completed an incredible 30-of-36 passes for 311 yards and ran for 129 more, scoring twice with his legs. Malena also had a big game, rushing for 112 yards on 17 carries. A&M’s defense has been its weakness this year, surrendering 5.1 YPC on the ground and 7.3 yards per attempt through the air.

Last year, the Bulldogs managed only 310 yards against the Aggies defense. But QB Dak Prescott is under center now. Prescott has completed 59.1% of his passes this year, throwing for five touchdowns and six interceptions. As those numbers suggest, he isn’t much of a threat through the air, but he can definitely make plays with his legs, racking up a team-high 568 yards on the ground on 6.0 YPC, while rushing for 10 scores. His top receiving target has been WR Jameon Lewis, who has four receiving touchdowns and 491 yards in 2013. The Mississippi State defense must limit Manziel more than it did last year. Their rush defense has been fine, giving up 4.4 YPC, while through the air they allow 6.8 yards per pass attempt, with opponents completing 60.8% of their passes.

TEXAS LONGHORNS (6-2) at WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS (4-5)

Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: Texas
Opening Line & Total: Longhorns

Texas looks to stay unbeaten in the Big 12 when it travels to Morgantown Saturday night to take on West Virginia.

Last season, these two teams squared off in Austin in what turned out to be one of the most entertaining games of the Big 12 season, with the Mountaineers holding on for a 48-45 victory. However things are different this year, as both teams have new quarterbacks running the show. Texas is led by Case McCoy, who has taken over for last year's starter David Ash, who remains out indefinitely with a concussion. While McCoy has not put up huge numbers, he has been solid and played smart football while relying on the Longhorns' top-notch running game (203 YPG, 29th in FBS). The problem for Texas has been consistency, as it has a tendency to play beneath its talent in some weeks. Through their first eight games, the Longhorns are 4-4 ATS, including failing to cover during their victory over Kansas last season. While the Mountaineers have struggled this season, they have shown the ability to play well at home as an underdog, defeating Oklahoma State 30-21 despite being 21-point underdogs on Sept. 28. Life without Geno Smith has been difficult, as the offense under current QB Clint Trickett has really struggled to find consistency. This has really hurt the team as the defense has improved greatly from last year. But the WVU defense has faced a good chunk of passing teams like Oklahoma State and Baylor, but has a different challenge this weekend against the run-first Longhorns. Texas failed to cover the big spread versus Kansas last week, but the school is 52-40 ATS (57%) after an ATS loss under head coach Mack Brown. A big trend favoring the Mountaineers is that any average rushing team (3.5 to 4.3 YPC) facing a poor rushing defense (4.3 to 4.8 YPC) after 7+ games, after allowing 100 rushing yards or less in its last game is 33-8 ATS (81%) over the past five seasons.

While a lot of teams have one running back capable of having a big day, the Longhorns have three. Johnathan Gray (724 rush yards, 4 TD) leads the team this season, but Malcolm Brown was the guy that helped Texas defeat Kansas last weekend by rushing for 149 yards and four touchdowns. He has now rushed for 100 yards in two of the past three weeks. RB Joe Bergeron (5.6 YPC) has played sparingly during his team's five-game win streak with a total of 12 carries, but he rushed for four short touchdowns against WVU last year. Texas has finally begun to establish an identity on offense, and it is using the running game to set up the passing game, where it does have playmakers on the outside. WR Mike Davis (30 rec., 386 yards, 5 TD) is a talented wide receiver that can be dominant when he is focused. Davis has great size at 6-foot-2, but can also run away from the secondary as well. West Virginia is going to be looking to try and stop the run of the Longhorns, which should set up some opportunities deep down the field for McCoy (1,188 pass yards, 7.0 YPA, 5 TD, 5 INT) to take his chances through the air. The defense is starting to turn the corner, allowing just 13.3 points per game in their past three contests. Linebacker Steve Edmond has played very well this season, totaling 47 tackles, two sacks and one interception. He is a big strong linebacker that also has the ability to run side-to-side. The defense must continue to play well, and force WVU QB Clint Trickett to have to get outside the pocket.

Trickett has thrown for 1,218 yards and five touchdowns this season, but has also thrown five interceptions as well. He is coming off one of his better performances of the year in leading his Mountaineers to a 30-27 victory over TCU last weekend, throwing for 267 yards and two touchdowns. Luckily for Trickett, he has one of the best running backs in the Big 12 in Charles Sims, who has rushed for 754 yards and five touchdowns on the season, and is also coming off a big game against TCU with 189 total yards and 2 TD. The Mountaineers are going to play very similar to the way the Longhorns will, as they will try to run the ball to help set up the passing game. With a defense that struggles to stop teams, they must win the time of possession battle and keep the Texas offense off the field. The WVU defense allows 30.0 PPG, which ranks 92nd in the country. In conference play, it has been even worst, at 35.5 PPG. One of the big problems on defense is the inability to make the tackle. The Mountaineers have decent speed and can run around well, but allow too many runners to get extra yards after contact. LB Nick Kwiatkoski has started to play well for the Mountaineers, averaging 7.9 tackles per game. He also had an interception last weekend, and must be proficient in shedding blockers to tackle the Longhorns running backs.

Check out more College Football Odds and Props at Sportsbook.ag

Essential Betting Tidbits for Week 11 of College Football
By Covers.com

We dug up these vital betting tidbits for some of Saturday's college football action that will help you make the right call before kickoff.

- Vanderbilt has scored at least 24 points in 14 straight games, a school record. Vandy plays Florida Saturday with a total of 42.

- TCU has won 16 of its last 20 conference road games, but is 0-3 (1-2 ATS) this season. The Horned Frogs are 7.5-point road faves at Iowa State Saturday.

- Mizzou ranks second in the SEC with 237.2 yards per game on the ground. The Kentucky Wildcats rank 99th in the land, allowing 204.6 rushing yards per game. Missouri is a 13.5-point road fave Saturday.

- The Minnesota Golden Gophers have covered three-straight games as dogs of a touchdown or greater. The Gophers are 2.5-point faves Saturday.

- Red-hot Florida State can clinch a second straight ACC Atlantic Division title and a third berth in the conference championship the last four seasons with a win over Wake Forest.

- The Southern Methodist Mustangs have allowed 294 points, more than double the 144 surrendered by the Cincinnati Bearcats.

- Iowa’s four losses have been to teams with a combined 32-3 record (Northern Illinois (9-0), Michigan State (8-1), Ohio State (9-0) Wisconsin (6-2). Hawkeyes are 14.5-point faves at 1-7 Purdue.

- Tennessee ranks last in the SEC in rushing defense, allowing 201.7 yards per contest and 5.1 yards per attempt.

- The Texas Tech Red Raiders are the top Covers consensus home pick at 74.89 percent. The Raiders are 2.5-point home faves against Kansas State.

- Arkansas RB Alex Collins leads all NCAA freshmen with 889 total rushing yards, and his average of 98.8 rushing yards a game is fourth in the SEC and 26th in the nation.

- Bryn Renner, the most accurate quarterback in North Carolina history, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the Tar Heels’ 27-19 win over North Carolina State last weekend. Redshirt sophomore Marquise Williams, who started against Virginia Tech earlier this year, will take full-time command under center for North Carolina. The Heels are 13-point home faves against Virginia Saturday.

- The Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings between Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan. Saturday's total is currently 59.

- California’s top defensive player is ailing – LB Khairi Fortt, a Butkus Award semifinalist with a team-best 64 tackles, is batting a biceps injury. Cal is a 16.5-point home dog with USC in town.

- Maryland had last week off to regroup following back-to-back losses to Wake Forest and Clemson. The Terps are 0-6 ATS in their last six games following a bye week.

- Michigan has won 19 straight home games - the longest active streak among BCS conference teams. The Wolverines are 6.5-point home faves versus Nebraska Saturday.

- The Wisconsin Badgers have not lost a nonconference home game since Sept. 13, 2003, a streak of 28 straight wins. The Badgers are 8-point home faves with BYU visiting.

- The New Mexico State Aggies have lost three previous games against BCS Conference teams by an average of 39.3 points. They are 24.5-point home dogs versus Boston College.

- Illinois and Indiana rank 10th and 12th in the conference, respectively, in points allowed. Saturday's total is currently 78.

- The Arizona State Sun Devils have beaten the Utah Utes in each of the last two seasons, covering the spread both times.

- The Kansas Jayhawks haven't score more than 20 points in the last seven games. The Oklahoma State Cowboys have scored more than 20 points in 47 straight games.

- The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings between FIU and Middle Tennessee.

- The NC State Wolfpack has scored less than 20 points in 5 of the last 6 games. Saturday's total versus Duke is set at 57.

- In the past four seasons, the favorite is 4-0 ATS in meetings between Arkansas State and UL Monroe. The Warhawks are 3.5-point faves.

- The under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between Virginia Tech and Miami. Saturday's total is 44.

- The Texans Longhorns have scored at least 31 points in the last five games. The under is 4-1 in that span.

- The over is 4-0 in the last four meetings between Houston and Central Florida. Saturday's total is 64.

- The Southern Miss Golden Eagles are winless this season and 1-7 ATS during the campaign. They are 16.5-point road dogs at Louisiana Tech Saturday.

- LSU QB Zach Mettenberger is eight yards shy of becoming the first player in LSU history to throw for 2,500 or more in back-to-back seasons. LSU is a 13-point road dog at 'Bama Saturday.

- The last six regular season meetings between LSU and Alabama have each been decided by less than 10 points, with an average margin of victory of just 5.3.

- The Aggies and Rebels average a combined 66.2 points per game and Saturday's total is set at 55.5.

- The Notre Dame Fighting Irish defense allows 23 points per game. Pittsburgh has been under the total the last 5 weeks. Saturday's total is currently 51.

- In the last seven games coming off a bye week, the Washington Huskies are 6-1 ATS. Saturday's line is currently Huskies -28.

- The favorite is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings between UCAL and Arizona. UCLA won 66-10 at home last season.

- Fresno State is ranked No. 8 in scoring offense, but are only 4-4 O/U this season. Saturday's total at Wyoming is currently 79.

- In their last games nine after a straight up win, the San Jose State Spartans are 8-1 ATS. The Spartans are 6.5-point faves with San Diego State visiting.

ACC Report - Week 11
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

We're back to the grind in the Atlantic Coast Conference after another marquee matchup failed to live up to its pre-hype billing. Miami hung with Florida State for about two and a half quarters before the Seminoles absolutely murdered the Hurricanes in the second half, covering the 22-point number to improve to 6-2 ATS this season. Now, Florida State tries to keep it together at Wake Forest, a team they have struggled against over the years.

Other than that game, there aren't a lot of interesting matchups for the general football fan, but for bettors, every game has its interesting points. One game, the Virginia-North Carolina game, will have the bettor's eyeballs focused on the total. The over has been the play for the Wahoos, while the under has cashed frequently for the Heels. The same holds true in that FSU-Wake game. The over is 7-1 for the 'Noles, but the under is 8-1 for the Deacs. Interesting angles to keep an eye on in Week 11.

Florida State at Wake Forest

The Seminoles of Florida State steamrolled another ACC and national championship contender last weekend against Miami, cementing their spot in the Top 2 of the BCS standings. It also helps tremendously that Oregon stumbled at Stanford Thursday night, strengthening Florida State's chances at a spot in the title game. First things first, though. FSU cannot afford to think big picture, and still need to take things one game at a time and avoid stumbling themselves. So far, that hasn't been a problem. After they trampled Clemson in Death Valley, they came home and annihilated North Carolina State leading up to their big game against Miami. So far, FSU has resembled a machine, and a well-oiled, focused machine, at that. They can clinch a second straight Atlantic Coast Conference Atlantic Division title with a win. They've won 12 in a row against ACC foes, and Wake Forest is 1-53 against Top 10 teams all-time, with their only success coming in a game back in 1946. That doesn't bode well for the Demon Deacons. While the Deacs are 6-2 ATS in their past eight against FSU, and the dog is 7-2 ATS in their past nine, it's awfully hard to take Wake and the points against this FSU team.

Virginia at North Carolina

The Cavaliers have been horrible this season, winless in conference in five tries, and five games below .500 overall. But bettors shouldn't ignore UVA completely. While their ATS record is rather middlin, you'll notice above that the over has cashed in seven of their nine games. Of course, they face a Tar Heels team which has had the under cash in seven of their eight games. UVA has actually rebounded nicely after getting curb-stomped at home, going 3-0-1 ATS i ntheir past four games following a double-digit home loss. They are also 4-1 ATS in their past five against a team with a losing record, which UNC still possesses. However, UNC is 10-3 ATS in their past 13 at home. The Cavaliers have kept it close over the years against their rivals from the south, going 11-4 ATS in the past 15 meetings, and 5-2 ATS in their past seven trips to Chapel Hill.

North Carolina State at Duke

The tables have turned in the Triangle. But North Carolina and North Carolina State have very slim chances of bowl eligibility, and are currently below .500, while the Duke Blue Devils are already bowl eligible, and flying high at 6-2. Head coach David Cutcliffe has done an amazing job getting the Dukies to a bowl in consecutive seasons for the first time in school history. As such, some shops have Duke favored by double-digits, while most others have them installed as a 9 1/2-point favorite. Either way, it's a role reversal from what we're used to seeing. NC State has won 11 of the past 12 meetings, but they were tripped up in the last meeting in 2009. The Wolfpack is just 2-7-1 ATS in their past 10 road games, and 2-5-1 in their past eight road games against a team with a winning record. The Blue Devils have piled up the wins against patsies - and the covers - going 4-1 ATS in their past five against teams with a losing record. They're also proficient at home, going 11-5 ATS in their past 16 at Wallace Wade. While NC State has covered four of the past five at Duke, the circumstances are much different. NC State was better in all of those games than they are now, and Duke was a much lesser team.

Virginia Tech at Miami, Fl.

The Hokies are in a tailspin heading down to Miami, which might be just what the Hurricanes need after being exposed in Tallahassee. Miami was shown they are a good, but not great, team by FSU last weekend, and the clock finally struck midnight after UM nearly lost to North Carolina and Wake Forest in previous games. Va. Tech is 10-23-2 ATS in their past 35 games overall, and 1-9 ATS in their past 10 road games, including last weekend's shocking setback at Boston College. The Hurricanes have been dominant at home, going 8-2 ATS in their past 10. Sure, they didn't cover their last game against Wake at home, but they have been a different team at Sun Life Stadium. Keep in mind, though, the Hokies are 5-1 ATS in the past six trips to South Florida, and 9-3 ATS in the past 12 meetings. The dog is also 4-1 ATS in the past five outings. The under might also be a strong play, too, as it has cashed in five straight meetings in Miami, and eight of the past 10 in this series. Plus, the under is 5-1 in VT's past six ACC games, and 8-2-1 in their past 11 overall. The under is also 6-2 in Miami's past eight against winning teams, and 45-21-1 in their past 67 at home.

Notre Dame at Pittsburgh

In Notre Dame's past 10 wins, the margin of victory has been a touchdown or less. That's something to keep in mind if you plan to bet the Irish. They're a four-point favorite most everywhere, but if they do cover, it could still be a very close shave. The Irish is 3-1-1 ATS in their past five non-conference tilts, while Pitt is 8-1 ATS in their past nine home games against a team with a winning road record. The Panthers are also 15-7 ATS in their past 22 against winning teams. Pitt has definitely had Notre Dame's number lately, though, going 3-1-1 ATS in the past five meetings, while the dog is a whopping 7-0-1 ATS in the past eight in this series. However, the road team is 6-1-1 ATS in the past eight, so that bodes well for Notre Dame.

Other Games

Syracuse at Maryland (3:30pm ET)
Boston College at New Mexico State (3:30pm ET)

Byes

Clemson, Georgia Tech

Pac-12 Report - Week 11
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

We're back after a one-week hiatus, as the Pac-12 schedule was rather light last week. Hopefully you enjoyed the action in Week 10, and liked what you saw last night from two Pac-12 heavyweights.

The conference, and the college football world, are still abuzz about Stanford's impressive win against Oregon Thursday night, as one of the major dominoes in the national championship picture fell. Stanford pushed their way back into the conversation, but that loss at Utah is likely to realistically keep them from getting back into the picture.

USC is also getting back into the picture as far as a possible major bowl game, and they head to the Bay Area looking to keep things going. And another interesting game will be AZ State heading to Rice-Eccles in Salt Lake City to face Utah. Ask the Cardinal how tough the Utes can be at home, dashing dreams in the course of three and a half hours.

Southern California at California

Since Southern California dismissed head coach Lane Kiffin, the Trojans are suddenly a tough out again. Interim head coach Ed Orgeron has USC headed back in the right direction again, and the upward ascent looks to continue in the Bay Area against the lowly Bears. Cal has played a little better lately, though. While the wins haven't been there, bettors will take note that they have covered two straight games after going 0-7 ATS to start the season. Cal hasn't won against USC since the 2003 season, and that doesn't figure to change this time around. To make matters worse, the top defensive player for the Bears, LB Khairi Fortt (biceps), might not play due to injury. USC enters as more than a two-touchdown road favorite, but they are just 1-10 ATS in their past 11 road games. That cover came in their last road outing in Corvallis against Oregon State, however. Cal is an abysmal 1-8 ATS in their past nine at home, and just 5-17 ATS in their past 22 games overall. The Trojans are 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings, and 4-0 ATS in their past four trips to Berkeley, while the road team is 12-5 ATS in the past 17. This one could get out of hand if WR Marqise Lee and the Trojans offense get loose, and with Fortt likely out, RB Silas Redd should see plenty of running room, too.

Arizona State at Utah

Not that AZ State has to prove themselves anymore, but we'll get an even better idea about this team in a tough road test in Salt Lake City. This team is battle tested this season already, with wins against USC, Washington and Washington, and near-misses against Notre Dame and Stanford. If there has been a chink in the armor for the Sun Devils, it's that they are 4-1 ATS at home, and 1-2 ATS in road or neutral-site games. They're also 1-5-1 ATS in their past seven on fieldturf. While the Utes are 2-6 ATS in their past eight against a team with a winning record, they are 7-3 ATS in their past 10 home games, and 7-3 ATS in their past 10 home games against a team with a winning road record. If you plan on playing the total, there is a rather stark contrast between the two in terms of trends. The over is 4-0 in AZ State's past four road games, and 26-9 in their past 35 games overall. For Utah, the under is 5-0 in their past five, 4-0 in their past four against teams with a winning record, and 4-0 in their past four Pac-12 games. However, AZ State over bettors can take solace in the fact the over is 7-3 in Utah's past 10 home games overall.

Colorado at Washington

The Buffaloes head to Seattle, and it could get really ugly in a hurry. Colorado ranks 97th in the country in rushing defense, allowing 198.9 yards per game on the ground. That's not good news facing Washington RB Bishop Sankey, who is third in the nation with 145.3 rushing yards per game. The Buffs have dropped 13 straight Pac-12 games. They have also been piledriven by the Huskies in two meetings since joining the Pac-12, losing by a combined 90-27 score. This game might feature a similar 45-13 kind of score. The Buffs are 7-20 ATS in their past 27 conference tilts, and 6-17 ATS in their past 23 games against a team with a winning record. The Huskies are 8-2 ATS in their past 10 home games, and 6-1 ATS in their past seven home outings against a team with a losing road record. Lastly, CU is 0-4 ATS in their past four meetings against UW.

UCLA at Arizona

In perhaps the most interesting game of the weekend, we get an elimination game of sorts. A loss in this game surely knocks out the loser from winning the Pac-12 South Division, and a shot at a conference championship. If UCLA is to be successful, they'll need to rein in Arizona RB Ka'Deem Carey, who they completely shut down last season. UCLA has won seven in a row against south division opponents, so one has to give them to edge until someone knocks them off down south. The Wildcats are still smarting from a 66-10 beatdown from the Bruins Nov. 3, 2012, so look for revenge to be big on their minds. However, while the Wildcats have enjoyed a resurgence of sorts this season, they are 1-5 ATS in their past six against teams with a winning record, and must prove they can beat contenders before they are taken seriously again. The trends are all over the map, if you tend to bet that way, as the favorite is a perfect 6-0 ATS in the past six meetings. However, the home team is 8-2 ATS in the past 10, and UCLA is 1-5 ATS in the past six, and 0-5 ATS in the past five journeys to Tucson.

Byes

Oregon State, Washington State

College Football Betting Preview: Virginia Tech at Miami (FL)
By Rob Veno
Sportsmemo.com

Virginia Tech at Miami (FL)
Saturday, 4 pm PT - ESPN
CRIS Opener: Miami -6 O/U 43.5
CRIS Current: Miami -6.5 (-115) O/U 44
Rob Veno's Power Rating: Miami -7
Rob Veno's Recommendation: Virginia Tech

Huge ACC Championship Game implications here as these teams meet with the Coastal Division still up for grabs. At 3-1 inside the conference, Miami holds a one game edge in the loss column over 3-2 Virginia Tech and 5-2 Georgia Tech. Having already defeated the Yellow Jackets this season, all that stands in the way of a Miami rematch with Florida State in the ACC Championship game is a win here over Virginia Tech plus a victory either at Duke or home versus Virginia. Obviously this is their main hurdle. For Virginia Tech, a victory here propels them into undisputed first place in the Coastal as they would own tie-breaker victories over Georgia Tech and Miami. On deck for the Hokies are a home game versus Maryland November 16th, and then after a bye week they close at in-state rival Virginia. Despite the rocky road they’ve traveled this season, Frank Beamer’s squad is in a position right now where they control their own destiny.

The situational aspect of this game can be debated somewhat but it’s tough to ignore the fact that Miami is in a difficult spot. Last Saturday night’s showcase game against Florida State had Miami fully focused and ready to go out and prove they were the better team. The 41-14 beating they took in that contest immediately raises questions on whether they can get back to that intensity level for this important game. The 27 point loss not only took some of the starch out of Miami, it also took their leading rusher and best offensive player RB Duke Johnson away from them for the rest of the season (broken ankle). Sophomore backup Dallas Crawford who played in place of Johnson against North Carolina (33 rushes for 137 yards, and 2 TDs) is now the starter. The numbers suggest that there may not be much of a downgrade but Johnson can and has carried the Hurricanes on his shoulders at times.

Against this fierce Virginia Tech defense, it will be interesting to see if Crawford can have the type of success he had against the UNC defense which was not tackling well at all when they met. Virginia Tech has issues of their own as they enter off of back to back conference upset losses against Duke and Boston College. As it’s been for quite some time now, QB Logan Thomas was again at the epicenter of those losses tossing six interceptions. The eight turnovers total in those two games erased stellar defensive efforts by DC Bud Foster’s group. Virginia Tech outgained Duke and Boston College 833-487 but still managed to lose.
It doesn’t seem possible that Miami which was 7-0 heading into last week could be in the same boat as struggling 6-3 Virginia Tech. However, one loss changes things dramatically in college football and that makes this a “must win” for each of these teams. As much as I respect Al Golden, this just seems like to tough a spot for his team to bounce back and cover the full touchdown price. Stephen Morris has been erratic at best and against this Virginia Tech defense, that up and down play figures to be compounded. Despite the personal three year anti-Logan Thomas soapbox I’ve been on, the Hokies plus the points are definitely the side I prefer here. Their defense will be the best unit on the field and likely be the difference maker. Miami may squeak out a win, but with this type of opportunity at their doorstep, I expect Virginia Tech to charge through and definitely get the cover if not the straight up win.

College Football Betting Preview: Nebraska at Michigan
By Ian Cameron
Sportsmemo.com

Nebraska at Michigan
Saturday, 1:30 pm PT - ABC
CRIS Opener: Michigan -6.5 O/U 63
CRIS Current: Michigan -7 O/U 57.5
Rob Veno's Power Rating: Michigan -4.5
Ian Cameron's Recommendation: Nebraska

Michigan is simply too inconsistent on both sides of the football to trust laying a full touchdown at home against Nebraska. We’ve seen Michigan’s defense unable to stop anyone like when they allowed 47 points to Indiana and 43 points to Penn State in back-to-back weeks. On the flip side, we’ve seen Michigan have games where the offense gets shut down like last week when they dropped a 29-6 loss to in-state rival Michigan State. Michigan is 1-2 SU and ATS in their last three games and even their lone pointspread cover during that stretch of games against Indiana was a fortunate one. This team isn’t clicking on both sides of the football and doesn’t appear worthy of this price in a conference game against a comparable foe.

Quarterback Devin Gardner has a mediocre 6-5 TD-INT ratio in his last five starts; struggling with decision making and protecting the football. Nebraska’s defense has had its share of ups and downs this season but the Cornhuskers showed some promise last week by holding Northwestern to 24 points and just 16 first downs. Nebraska’s offense is going to focus on running the football with running back Ameer Abdullah – a great way to take some of the pressure off the shoulders of backup quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. who is slated to get the start on Saturday since Taylor Martinez still isn’t quite ready to return from injury. Abdullah rushed for over 100 yards against Northwestern and he ran rough shot over the Wolverines last season carrying the ball for 101 yards and a touchdown. Michigan had been fairly stout against the run most of the season but last week, their run defense came unglued as they allowed Michigan State’s Jeremy Langford to gash them for 120 yards on the ground. That isn’t a recipe for success facing one of the best running backs they’ve seen to this point.

Nebraska has been favored in each of its first eight games and this is the first time we’ve seen them as underdogs. The Cornhuskers handily took care of the Wolverines 23-9 and outgained them 326-188 in Lincoln last season. Michigan will be looking to avenge that defeat and to also bounce back following the Michigan State loss and they are playing at The Big House where they’ve yet to lose this season (Michigan is on a 19-game home winning streak). However, I still feel this price is still a bit high. Nebraska is coming off their miracle Hail Mary touchdown throw at the end of the game to beat Northwestern which could leave them vulnerable on the road. But I simply don’t like what I’m seeing out of Michigan right now particularly against quality competition. These two teams plenty of flaws and in the end are rather even which make taking the points the right play.

College Football Betting Preview: Arizona State at Utah
By Andrew Lange
Sportsmemo.com

Arizona State at Utah
Saturday, 1 pm PT - PAC-12 Network
CRIS Opener: Arizona State -7 O/U 65
CRIS Current: Arizona State -7 O/U 63.5
Rob Veno's Power Rating: Arizona State -8
Andrew Lange's Recommendation: Utah

Two teams headed in opposite directions provide us with value on the home side as Utah plays host to Arizona State off of a bye week. After not having to leave the state for the first six games of the year, the Utes lost back-to-back road tilts at Arizona and USC. If you look at their body of work you'll notice that they've been competitive in practically every game with close losses to Oregon State and UCLA. The Arizona game was a one score contest before the Wildcats sprung for a big run while trying to run out the clock. And last time out against USC, the Utes coughed up the ball four times in a game that was statistically even. And speaking of turnovers, that has been Utah's downfall in PAC-12 play with an obscene -10 margin in five games. Coming in off a bye and playing at home, I believe that is something that is correctable. Keep in mind that the Utes won the turnover battle against Stanford and won 27-21 in Salt Lake.

Arizona State has looked impressive of late, hanging 50+ in three straight games against Colorado, Washington, and Wazzu. You can almost throw out all three wins with CU and WSU being so weak and UW in a horrible spot with quarterback Keith Price less than 100%. I don't think ASU will have as easy a time of it on the road against a quality foe that is rested and primed for a big effort. Note that the Sun Devils were outclassed at Stanford and outplayed in Texas against Notre Dame before a barrage of points late.

What stands out to me is the price which is a little out of whack because of the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately mentality. Utah was -3.5 vs. Oregon State, +7 at BYU, +4.5 vs. UCLA, +7.5 vs. Stanford, +3.5 at Arizona, and +4.5 at USC and now +7 at home vs. Arizona State. I'm OK with the Sun Devils being favored but at full touchdown seems rich and puts me on the home underdog.