College Football Betting News and Notes Saturday, October 25

Top 25 Betting Recap - Week 8
By Mike Rose
VegasInsider.com

Week 8 of the 2014 NCAA football betting season is in the books, and today, we're going to be taking a look at each of the Top 25 teams in the rankings and see how they did from an ATS perspective in this go around this past week.

(Results in parentheses represent SU Result-ATS Result)

1) Mississippi State (Bye)

2) Florida State (W-L vs. Notre Dame 31-27)
The Noles never looked the part of the better team against Notre Dame, but the coast should be clear from here.

3) Ole Miss (W-W vs. Tennessee 34-3)
After falling behind 3-0, the Rebs never looked back against UT.

4) Baylor (L-L vs. West Virginia 41-27)
Baylor couldn't survive a second straight bad first three quarters, and it was knocked from the ranks of the unbeatens.

5) Notre Dame (L-W vs. Florida State 31-27)
A suspect offensive pass interference call is what gave the Irish their first loss of the year.

6) Michigan State (W-W vs. Indiana 56-17)
There was a point that MSU was in a dog fight with Indiana, but a 28-0 second half changed all of that.

7) Alabama (W-W vs. Texas A&M 59-0)
Did you really think that Alabama was done? Not after that win, you don't.

8) Auburn (Bye)

9) Oregon (W-W vs. Washington 45-20)
There were no problems for the Quack Attack this week against U-Dub.

10) Georgia (W-W vs. Arkansas 45-32)
Everyone has really forgotten who Todd Gurley is in Athens.

11) Oklahoma (L-L vs. Kansas State 31-30)
The Sooners' kicking woes took them out of title contention once and for all.

12) TCU (W-W vs. Oklahoma State 42-9)
Was TCU that good, or was Okie State that bad? It's a question that begs to be asked for sure.

13) Ohio State (W-W vs. Rutgers 56-17)
JT Barrett has the biggest test of his career next week in Happy Valley.

14) Kansas State (W-W vs. Oklahoma 31-30)
That's two straight trips to Norman in which the Wildcats have pulled off the big upset.

15) Oklahoma State (L-L vs. TCU 42-9)
Don't be stunned if the Cowboys don't win another game this year.

16) East Carolina (Bye)

17) Arizona (Bye)

18) Arizona State (W-W vs. Stanford 26-10)
Mike Bercovici has made the QB competition interesting in Tempe.

19) Nebraska (W-W vs. Northwestern 38-17)
Another 146 yards and four TDs for Ameer Abdullah against NW.

20) Stanford (L-L vs. Arizona State 26-10)
The Cardinal never figured they would be 4-3 through seven games.

21) Texas A&M (L-L vs. Alabama 59-0)
That win over South Carolina in Week 1 feels like forever ago.

22) Clemson (W-L vs. Boston College 17-13)
Cole Stoudt is clearly no Deshaun Watson, and the Tigers might be struggling for it.

23) Utah (W-W vs. Oregon State 29-23)
The Utes survived on the road in Corvallis, and they have a real shot to seize control of the Pac-12 North next week against USC.

24) Marshall (W-W vs. FIU 45-13)
Does anyone care that Rakeem Cato has 19 TDs and 1,912 yards this year?

25) USC (W-W vs. Colorado 56-28)
Four first quarter TDs made this one a no-contest early.

Bad Company - Week 9
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com

The bad teams in college football continue to stick out like a sore thumb heading towards the end of October. Several of these squads are listed as double-digit underdogs in conference action this week, trying to hang around and cover the spread. We’ll take a look at five of these clubs, including Colorado, who hopes to avoid another blowout against a Los Angeles school.

Colorado (+13) vs. UCLA

The Buffaloes were blitzed out of the gate by USC last Saturday, allowing 28 first quarter points in a 56-28 blowout as 20-point underdogs. How bad was Colorado’s defense? Trojans’ quarterback Cody Kessler burned the Buffs for seven touchdown passes, including five in the first half. CU has yielded 36 points or more in five of the past six games, while failing to cover its last two contests after three straight ATS wins.

The Bruins dodged a third straight loss in Saturday’s 36-34 victory at California, but didn’t cash as 6 ½-point favorites. UCLA owns a dreadful 1-6 ATS record this season, but has won all four of its road contests at Virginia, Texas, Arizona State, and Cal. The Bruins have cruised past the Buffaloes in all three meetings since Colorado joined the Pac-12 in 2011, but CU covered as 30-point underdogs at the Rose Bowl last season in a 45-23 defeat.

Georgia State (+16½) vs. Georgia Southern

This Sun Belt battle is an obvious mismatch, with Georgia Southern looking for its fifth consecutive win, facing a Georgia State team that has dropped six straight games. However, the Panthers have turned into a solid money-maker, covering in four of the past five contests, including in last week’s 30-27 defeat at South Alabama as 19 ½-point underdogs. Georgia State owns an incredible 11-3 ATS record as a ‘dog since the start of last season, but have lost 10 of its past 11 home contests.

Georgia Southern is the top rushing team in the country, averaging 372 yards a game on the ground, facing a Georgia State squad that allows 241 rushing yards a contest. The Eagles have covered six of seven games this season, as the lone ATS defeat came in a 36-28 win at New Mexico State as 17½-point road favorites.

Kent (+7) at Miami, Ohio

These MAC rivals have combined for a 2-13 record out of the gate, as the Redhawks are favored in conference play for the second time since 2012. This season, Miami has failed to cover in the favorite role against Eastern Kentucky and UMass, while its only victory came over the Minutemen, 42-41 as 5½-point ‘chalk.’ All five ATS wins for Miami came as a double-digit underdog, but the Redhawks have compiled a 3-9-1 ATS record since 2012 either in the single-digit ‘dog role or as a favorite.

Kent put together its best performance of the season last Saturday, stunning Army as a three-point home underdog, 39-17 for its first win following an 0-6 start. The Golden Flashes have covered just two of seven games this season, while scoring only 27 points in three road losses at Ohio State, Virginia, and Northern Illinois. Kent has won each of the past two meetings with Miami, including a 24-6 drubbing of the Redhawks as 19½-point road favorites last season.

Wake Forest (+12½) vs. Boston College

The Demon Deacons are by far the worst team in the ACC, losing their three conference games by a combined 93-20 to Louisville, Florida State, and Syracuse. The Orange scored the final 30 points in a 30-7 rout at Wake Forest last Saturday, but Syracuse was aided by a pair of defensive touchdowns. Wake has dropped seven straight conference contests since last season, while posting an 0-3 SU/ATS mark at home in this stretch.

Boston College barely covered as 5½-point home underdogs in a 17-13 loss to Clemson, the third ATS victory for the Eagles in the ‘dog situation this season. The Eagles need to avoid a letdown this week, with games against Virginia Tech, Louisville, and Florida State on the horizon, as BC is just 2-7 in its past nine ACC road contests. Boston College dominated Wake Forest last season, 24-10 as three-point home favorites, as the Eagles are 1-3 ATS in its past four opportunities as a road favorite.

Vanderbilt (+20½) at Missouri

The Tigers bounced back in a big way after getting shut out at home by Georgia, as Mizzou waxed Florida at the Swamp, 41-13, in spite of racking up just 119 yards. It helps that the Tigers scored four non-offensive touchdowns, including a kickoff return and a punt return for a score. Missouri’s schedule is extremely manageable the rest of the way for a shot to go to the SEC championship, avoiding Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State in the final five games. The Tigers are 3-0 SU/ATS since joining the SEC as a double-digit home favorite in conference play.

Vanderbilt is fresh off the bye week after edging FCS school Charleston Southern, 21-20 as 20-point home favorites. The Commodores have covered their last three opportunities as an underdog in losses to Georgia, Kentucky, and South Carolina, but Vandy has scored 17 points or less in three of four SEC games. Since 2012, the Commodores have compiled a solid 7-2 ATS record as a road ‘dog in conference play, while winning at Missouri in 2012 as a seven-point ‘dog, 19-15.

ACC Report - Week 9
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

North Carolina at Virginia

The Tar Heels hit the road for Charlottesville looking to turn things around. UNC has allowed 34 or more points in five straight games, 27 or more in all seven outings this season and they're just 2-5 ATS overall. Lately, the over has been the play in games involving the Tar Heels, going 4-1 over the past five. However, the under is 6-2-1 in the past nine meetings in this series. UNC hasn't had a ton of success at Scott Stadium over the years, going just 2-7 ATS in their past nine trips to UVA, although they have covered the past four meetings overall against the Hoos. UVA is 3-1-1 ATS in their past five ACC games, with their lone non-cover coming last week at Duke. They are 5-0-1 ATS in their past six at home, and 7-1-1 ATS in their past nine games overall.

Georgia Tech at Pittsburgh

Things were going swimmingly for the Ramblin' Wreck until a couple of weeks ago when they faced Duke at home. They lost their first conference game 31-25 to the Blue Devils, and then were tripped up on the road at North Carolina, 48-43, last week. The Yellow Jackets are just 2-8 ATS in their past 10 against a team with a winning record, and 5-11-1 ATS in their past 17 games overall. In addition, they're 0-4 ATS in their past four road games against a team with a winning home record. For Pitt, while they are 1-3-1 ATS in their past five, the Panthers are 3-1-1 ATS in their past five ACC battles, and 3-1-1 ATS in their past five against a team with a winning record. Better yet, the Panthers are 10-1 ATS in their past 11 home games against a team with a winning road mark.

Boston College at Wake Forest

The Eagles head to Winston-Salem looking to maintain their dominance agaisnt a Demon Deacons team which has been hard-pressed to must any offense. Boston College is 4-1 ATS in their past five overall and 8-3 ATS in their past 11 ACC battles. However, they are also 4-10 ATS in their past 14 road games, and 8-23 ATS in their past 31 against a team with a losing record. However, that's old BC. This season in two road tilts, they are 2-0 SU/ATS. The real trend to be mindful about might be the under, which has cashed in three straight for the Eagles and four straight, and six of seven, for the Deacs. Wake Forest is averaging just 6.7 points per game over the past three.

Syracuse at Clemson

Syracuse hits the road for Death Valley looking to build on last weekend's thrashing of Wake Forest on the road. The Orange are 4-1 ATS in their past five road trips, and 4-1 ATS in their past five road outings against a team with a winning home record. For Clemson, they're 5-1 ATS in their past six home games, and 5-2 ATS in their past seven ACC games. However, all bets are off with backup QB Cole Stoudt under center. The Tigers barely scratched out a 17-13 win at Boston College last week in Stoudt's first start since Sept. 20. The under has hit in three straight for Clemson, and the under is 4-1-1 in the past six for Syracuse.

BYES: Duke, Florida State, Louisville and North Carolina State

Pac-12 Report - Week 9
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

UCLA at Colorado

UCLA heads to Folsom Field in Boulder looking to stay perfect on the road, as they're 4-0 SU away from Pasadena this season. However, the Bruins are just 1-6 ATS in their past seven overall, and a dismal 7-19 ATS in their past 26 games overall in the month of October. Colorado has improved, although it hasn't exactly translated into victories on the field. However, they're keeping games closer these days, going 5-2 ATS in their past seven Pac-12 games. The road team has cashed in four of the past five meetings in this series.

Oregon State at Stanford

The Cardinal are in a rare spot, as they have three losses and it is still just late October. They find themselves as a two-touchdown favorite against Oregon State, who is 5-2 ATS in their past seven on the road, and 4-1 ATS in their past five road games against a team with a winning home record. The Cardinal are 6-2 ATS in their past eight home games, and 25-12-1 ATS in their past 38 conference tilts. However, they are just 1-5 ATS in their past six against a team with a winning record. In this series, the trends seem to point to Stanford. The favorite is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings, the home team is 5-2 ATS in the past seven in the series, and the Beavers are 0-4 ATS in their past four battles with the Cardinal.

Arizona at Washington State

In one of those 'too good to be true' lines, the Wildcats are favored by a field goal (or less at some shops) on the Palouse. Perhaps it is because the trends point to Washington State. The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings in this series, and the underdog is 10-2 ATS in the past 12 meetings. Arizona is just 1-4 ATS in their past five overall, with their only cover their outright win at Oregon a few weeks ago as a 21-point underdog. They're 0-6 ATS in their past six road games against a team with a losing home record. However, they are also coming off a bye, and they're 11-5 ATS in their past 16 following a bye week. Washingotn State is 5-2 ATS in their past seven conference games.
Southern California at Utah (FOX Sports 1, 10:00 p.m.)
The Trojans have seized control of first place in the Pac-12 South Division, and they hope to stay their after their game at Rice-Eccles. USC is 4-1 ATS in their past five against a team with a winning record, and 6-2 ATS in their past eight games overall. However, they're just 4-12 ATS in their past 16 road games, and 2-8 ATS in their past 10 road games against a team with a winning home record. The Utes are 5-1 ATS in their past six games overall, and 5-0 ATS in their past five against a team with a winning record, while posting a 7-3 ATS mark in their past 10 home games against a team with a winning road record. The under is the trend which looks to be dominant. The under is 8-1-1 in USC's past 10 against a team with a winning record, while Utah is 3-0-1 in the past four overall and 7-1-1 in Utah's past nine against a team with a winning record. The Utes are also 5-2 in their past seven at home.

Arizona State at Washington

The head-to-head trends in this series jump right off the page. Arizona State has covered its past six trips to Seattle, and the Sun Devils are a whopping 9-1-1 ATS in the past 11 meetings against the Huskies. However, Arizona State is just 15-33-3 ATS in their past 51 road games against a team with a winning home record, and 1-6-1 ATS in their past eight games on field turf. For Washington, they have covered 17 of their past 24 home games, although they're just 16-40-2 ATS in their past 58 games in the month of October. The total trends are conflicting, too. The over has been hot for AZ State, going 17-7 in their past 24 road games, and 20-8 in their past 28 against a team with a winning record. The under is 10-1 in Washington's past 11 home games against a team with a winning road record, and 18-7-1 in their past 26 home games, and 5-2 in their past seven against a team with a winning record.

College Football: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com

Michigan at Michigan State

The never-lacking-for-hype rivalry between the Michigan State Spartans (6-1, 4-3 ATS) and Michigan Wolverines (3-4 SU/ATS) takes place in East Lansing this weekend. Coach Dantonio's troops take the field with plenty of confidence. The Spartans have won five (3-2 ATS) consecutive games since dropping a decision at Oregon, have won eleven straight in Spartan Stadium (6-5 ATS) and have won five of the last six in this long-standing rivalry (6-0 ATS). Spartans in search for another conference championship and potentially a spot in college football's new playoff format have plenty of incentive beyond the usual hunger to beat Michigan so expect the current series dominance to continue this weekend. Spartans enter this week's game as a heavy favorite (-17) but with the nations 3rd ranked scoring offense (47.0) should have little trouble covering against a shaky Wolverine offense recording 21.7 PPG on the year, just 18.8 PPG over it's three conference games. Spartans who haven't allowed Wolverines a touchdown the past two meetings adds fuel they'll crush. Lay the points. Spartans have a penchant for keeping pedal-to-metal posting a 15-7-1 ATS record following an ATS win, have a profitable 6-3 ATS mark laying double digits, 5-1 ATS stretch at home, 13-5-1 ATS record last 19 conference games.

Boston College at Wake Forest

The Eagles off a 17-13 home loss to Clemson but covering as 5.5 point underdogs hit the field 5-2 ATS on the campaign, 8-3 ATS last eleven within the ACC. Meanwhile, Demon Deacons spanked 30-7 by Syracuse have now lost seven straight (2-4-1 ATS), ten of eleven (3-7-1 ATS) vs conference opponents. Not that you don't have plenty of reason to back Boston College, but be mindful that Eagles are just 1-3 ATS last four as a road favorite, 4-10 ATS in their last 14 road games, 2-6 ATS the past eight ACC road contests and on an 8-23 ATS skid against a team with a losing record.

Mississippi at Louisiana State

Unbeaten Mississippi heads into Week 9 of the college football season with a 7-0 SU record and have yet to lose against the spread posting a 6-0-1 mark. This week Ole Miss puts both streaks on the line in a SEC West tilt when they visit Louisiana State (6-2 SU, ATS). Rebels 4-1 SU/ATS last five road games, 10-3 ATS last thirteen vs LSU and a sparkling 9-0 ATS last nine in Tigers' back yard keep both SU/ATS streaks alive.

Big Ten Report - Week 9
By ASAWins.com

Game of the Week

Michigan State (-17) vs. Michigan

After an early 17-14 second quarter deficit to Indiana, the Spartans were able to get on track to the tune of 42 unanswered points in the 56-17 blowout win. The Hoosiers, playing with their third string quarterback, were completely outmatched against this MSU defense. Hoosiers' QB Diamont completed just 5-of-15 passes for 11 yards as Indiana limped to just 224 total yards (75 of which came on one TD run) and 7 first downs. It was just the type of dominating win that the Spartans needed after back-to-back close calls against Nebraska and Purdue. MSU, meanwhile, did whatever it wanted on offense, gaining 662 yards and achieving 30 first downs. It was the fifth time in seven games that the Spartans scored 45+ points and Sparty now has the 3rd ranked scoring offense in the nation. This week they return to East Lansing for the all-important rivalry game with in-state rival Michigan.

Michigan was off last week after ending a three-game skid with a home win over Penn State. It'll be a matchup of strengths as MSU will try to get its 12-ranked rushing attack going against this Michigan run-defense that surrenders just 93.3 yards per game on the ground. The Wolves' offense will need to perform much better than the unit that has averaged just 16.5 PPG over the last four games. They'll also need to avoid costly mistakes that have plagued them throughout the year (-13 turnover ratio). This hasn't been a very close rivalry in recent past as the Spartans are 5-1 SU & 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings. Last year MSU won 29-6 and owned a +226 yard advantage as it held Michigan to -48 total rushing yards. Michigan State is 13-5-1 ATS in its last 19 conference games. Michigan is just 10-23-1 ATS in its last 34 road games.

Best of the Rest

Ohio State (-13.5) @ Penn State

Ohio State QB Barrett is putting himself in the Heisman discussion as he has averaged 292.5 pass YPG with 17 pass TD, 3 rush TD, and just 1 INT over the last four games. OSU has outscored those four opponents 224-69, including a 56-17 blowout win over Rutgers last week. The game was over early as OSU scored early and often en route to a 35-7 halftime lead. The Buckeyes' defense suffocated the Scarlet Knights on offense, not allowing any big plays and forcing three turnovers. Rutgers' yardage total was 345, but a lot of that came in garbage time when the game was well in hand for the Bucks. OSU is playing at an extremely high level on both sides of the ball and it will take a huge effort for the Nittany Lions to come up with an upset on Saturday. The Nittany Lions are off of a bye after playing six straight games to start the season. They are off of a second consecutive loss in their last week against Michigan and are now reeling after a strong 4-0 start. Christian Hackenberg may have all the talent in the world, but he appears to be playing without confidence; mainly because the offensive line stinks and he has so few playmakers around him. Hackenberg has just 1 TD pass in the last four games and the Nittany Lions have limped to just 104 rush yards on 60 carries (1.7 YPC) in consecutive losses.

The defense continues to be outstanding as this unit held Michigan to just 256 total yards - including 64 rush yards on 2.1 YPC - and 12 first downs. The pass defense has surrendered B1G-best three TD passes this season and is allowing opposing QB's to complete just 53.8%. They'll face their toughest test to date against Barrett and this rolling OSU offense. OSU is 3-0 SU & ATS in the last three road games against the Nittany Lions, winning by an average margin of 16.3 PPG (all by 12 points or more). Last year the Buckeyes won in Columbus by 49 points and had +329 yards, +12 first downs, and +3 in turnovers. OSU is on an extraordinary run on the road with a 35-15-1 ATS record in the last 51 road games. They are also 28-12-2 ATS in the last 42 vs. a team with a winning record. Penn State is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 games following a SU loss and 11-5 ATS in the last 16 home games.

Nebraska (-17.5) vs. Rutgers

The Huskers got off to a slow start in Evanston last week and trailed Northwestern 14-17 at halftime. They woke up in the 2nd half and put the Wildcats away with a 24-0 surge to win 38-17 in a key road win. RB Adullah rebounded after a poor performance against MSU (45 rush yards) to rush for 146 yards and 4 TD against NW. The Huskers defense limited Northwestern to just 290 total yards and frustrated Wildcats QB Siemian into just 18-of-39 completions with 0 TD and 1 INT. Northwestern RB Jackson had 99 rush yards and 2 TD in the 1st half, but Nebraska limited his impact in the 2nd half and held him to just 29 rush yards in the final two quarters. The Huskers will face a similar team this Saturday against Rutgers. Expect Nebraska to ride Abdullah against this Rutgers D that surrendered 324 rush yards on 8.1 YPC to Ohio State last week. Rutgers played well hosting its first two B1G games against Penn State (narrow three-point loss) and Michigan (two-point win) before getting absolutely blasted in its first B1G road game last week at Ohio State. A normally stout pass defense was picked apart by OSU's Barrett, who finished with 261 yards and 3 scores.

The Scarlet Knights didn't get much going on offense and the lack of playmakers on offense was apparent as QB Nova struggled to get the ball down-field and finished with just 192 pass yards despite attempting 28 passes. The three-headed rushing attack of Peoples, Goodwin, and Martin combined for 170 yards on 31 carries with 2 TD, representing the lone thing that went right for the Scarlet Knights last week. Rutgers gets another tough road test this week as it travels to Lincoln to take on the Huskers. Rutgers is 19-6-1 ATS in its last 26 games as a road underdog, though they did fail to cover last week as the 20.5-point 'dog @OSU. Nebraska is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 as a home favorite of 14 points or more.

Minnesota (-6.5) @ Illinois

An ugly win is still a win and the Gophers have become accustomed to winning ugly. A week after needing a 99-yard kickoff return for TD to beat Northwestern at home, the Gophers needed a second half comeback to hold off a stiff challenge from the visiting Boilermakers. Purdue held a 38-29 lead in the 3rd quarter before Minny scored the final 10 points to escape with a victory. Three different players scored a rushing TD as Minnesota romped for 285 rush yards on 5.5 YPC while QB Leidner was an opportunistic with 2 TD passes on just 9 completions. It's a bit concerning that the Gophers were so ceding against the Boilers offense as they allowed 451 total yards, including 298 rush yards on 8.5 YPC. Minnesota yielded a number of big plays, including a 55-yard TD pass and a 42-yard TD run. Still, the 39-38 win might not have been the most impressive, but Minnesota stands alone in first place in the B1G West as it heads to Champaign this weekend.

Illinois used part of their bye week to decide between Aaron Bailey and Reilly O'Toole for starting QB, and it appears that both will split time against Minnesota. Credit the Illini for playing the Badgers tougher than anyone really expected in their last game; especially considering they were playing their first game without star QB Wes Lunt. Illinois jumped out to a 14-7 lead - before the Badgers scored the next 31 points - and then cut a 24-point deficit to just 10 in the 4th quarter. Backup QB Riley O'Toole made a few big plays (2 TD passes) and the rushing attack notched 153 yards against the Badgers. Still, despite all the "good" things that the Illini did, they were still outgained by 210 yards and allowed UW RB's Gordon & Clement to rush for 339 yards and 5 TD. This is a porous defense, and now without Lunt, the offense is not nearly as explosive. The Gophers are 7-2 SU & ATS in the last nine meetings with Illinois. They've won three straight overall (3-0 ATS) and four straight in Champaign (4-0 ATS). Minnesota is 10-4 ATS in the last 14 overall and 8-1 ATS in the last nine B1G games. The Gophers are also 15-7 ATS in the last 22 as a road favorite. Illinois is just 5-15 ATS in its last 20 conference games and just 5-13 ATS following a SU loss.

Wisconsin (-10.5) vs. Maryland

The Badgers had last week off after their 38-28 win over Illinois on October 11th. The winning margin of 10 points over Illinois is a bit misleading as the Illini scored a couple of garbage touchdowns and the Badgers had a +210 yard advantage; but the Badgers had to overcome another slow start and struggled yet again to get a passing attack going. The lack of quarterback production didn't matter against the Illini as the Badgers gored Illinois' defense for 401 rush yards on 8.5 YPC, but the Badgers will need to develop an aerial attack if they want a shot at a B1G title. Melvin Gordon had another huge day (175 rush yds, 4 TD) to continue his torrid pace of 868 rush yards and 12 TD over the past four games. Maryland has been rather lenient against the rush this season, allowing 198 rush YPG (104th nationally). The Terps will likely attempt to stack the box and not allow Gordon to dictate the pace of this game, rather make Wisconsin QB's Stave & McEvoy beat them through the air.

Defensively, the Badgers' pass defense ranks as the top unit in the B1G, allowing just 50.3% completions for 169.2 YPG with just 5 pass TD. They'll be tested against Maryland QB Brown and a talented receiving corps. CJ Brown is healthy and ready to go after a wrist injury sidelined him for part of the game last week. Despite playing with their 3rd string QB at times, the Terps were still able to get a seven-point win over the Hawkeyes. Maryland's defense surrendered 433 yards, but forced three turnovers - and returned one for a TD - in a much-needed conference victory. Maryland makes its first road trip to Madison this week where the Badgers have as much home field advantage of anyone in the country. The Badgers are 64-7 SU in their last 71 home games and they are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games as a B1G home favorite of 10 points or more. Maryland is just 4-8 ATS as a road underdog of 10 points or more, but they are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games overall.

Northwestern - Bye

The Wildcats have dropped back-to-back games after starting 2-0 in B1G play, but there are positives to take away. They were tied with the Gophers late @Minnesota two weeks ago before allowing a game-winning 99-yard kickoff return for TD. Last week they were leading at halftime against Nebraska before the Huskers scored the final 24 points in the game. The Wildcats will need to figure out how to add a little punch to this offense. QB Siemian has just four TD passes this season and this rushing attack is ranked 105th nationally. They have yet to reach the 30-point mark in a game and have been held to 20 points or fewer in three consecutive league games. The defense is good enough to keep Northwestern competitive against most opponents, but that will go unnoticed as long as this offensive ineptitude continues. Next up is a road trip to Iowa to try to avenge last year's seven-point overtime loss.

Iowa - Bye

The Hawkeyes had two quick touchdowns at Maryland last week and appeared to be in great position to pull off the upset - and then Maryland scored 38 of the next 45 points. QB Rudock threw for 317 yards with 2 TD and 1 INT, but he completed just 32-of-56 passes (57%) and the INT he threw was returned for a Maryland touchdown. Rudock has been forced to throw it more than he should because Iowa has trouble mustering any sort of rushing threat (90th in rush YPG). As is the case with a number of other Big Ten squads this year, a stout defense will only carry this Iowa team so far before the offense needs to pick up some slack. Iowa still controls its own destiny in the Big Ten race with key games against Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska on deck, and they'll use the bye week to work out the kinks before hosting Northwestern last week.

Purdue - Bye

Quarterback Austin Appelby has revitalized this offense that was downright putrid in 2013. He has led Purdue to three straight games of 30+ points, two of which came against the stout defenses of Michigan State and Minnesota. The Boilers took an 11-point lead into halftime against the Gophers and led by nine points late in the 3rd quarter before Minny scored the final 10 points to notch the 39-38 victory. Appleby threw three touchdown passes and the Boilers rushed for 298 yards on 8.5 YPC. Purdue has now covered six of eight games this season, including four of five as the underdog. It'll be tough for the Boilers to become bowl eligible as they need to win three of the remaining four games against Nebraska, Wisconsin, Northwestern, and Indiana - but the arrow is definitely pointing up for Purdue. Next up the Boilers travel to Lincoln where they'll likely be heavy 'dogs against the Huskers.

Indiana - Bye

A season-ending injury to starting QB Sudfeld pushed freshman Zander Diamont under center last week against Michigan State for the first start of his career. It did not go well as he completed just 5-of-15 passes for 11 yards. Somehow, Indiana held a 17-14 lead in the second quarter before Michigan State scored the game's final 42 points. Other than a stout offensive line that paves the way for star RB Tevin Coleman (132 yards on 15 carries against the Spartans), there isn't much to like about the direction of this team. What once looked like a promising season in Indiana has now been replaced by concern over whether Indiana will win another game this season. Next up the 3-4 Hoosiers travel to Ann Arbor to face the Wolverines.

College Football Early Betting Previews
Atssportsline.com

North Carolina (3-4 SU, 2-5 ATS, 4-2 O/U) at Virginia (4-3 SU, 5-1-1 ATS, 3-4 O/U)

Last game: (11/9/13): North Carolina (-11.5) over Virginia, 45-14.

Key Football Trends

North Carolina is
6-14 ATS last 20 following a SU win.
4-1 ATS last 5 in October.
4-10 ATS last 14 road games.

UVa is
4-0 ATS last 4 following a SU loss.
7-1-1 ATS last 9 overall.
7-2 ATS last 9 at home in series.
2-6-1 last 9 matchups on the under bet in series.

Intangibles
North Carolina is 0-3 SU on the road this year
North Carolina is allowing 43.3 points per game.
Virginia has lost three games by eight points or less.

Outlook: Virginia takes on a North Carolina team, that needed to rally beat Georgia Tech, 48-43 last week. The Tar Heels scored a touchdown with 11 seconds left as T.J. Logan ran it in. Their offense has been led by quarterback Marquise Williams, who completed a school-record 38 passes and added 73 yards on the ground. He also has 898 total offensive yards over his last two games. They have a deep receiving corps led by Ryan Switzer (34 for 429 yards). The Heels are within just one game of the Coastal Division lead, despite owning a 3-4 overall record. The defense has allowed just 34 points in their last five games. They rank 124th in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 43.3 points per game and they 119th in the nation allowing 522.3 yards per game.

Virginia has weapons, but not like North Carolina. They average 29 points per game and 40.73 yards per game of total offense. Yet last week, Duke held them to just 13 in a 7-point road loss. The problem is at quarterback as sophomore Matt Johns has 1,012 yards with eight TDs but is just average (56% completion percentage). Sophomore Greyson Lambert (ankle) is questionable and has missed the last three games. The offense is led by senior TB Kevin Parks, who has started the last 19 games and averages 4.2 yards per carry with three TDs. The defense has played well, allowing just 22.1 points per game and they will be tested in this one. They've produced 23 sacks and have forced 19 turnovers. Fershman safety Quin Blanding leads the ACC with 70 tackles. Linebacker Henry Coley (5 sacks), Max Valles (5.05 sacks) and DE Eli Harolds (8.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks provide the pressure. College Football Odds: Virginia is a 7.0-point betting odds favorite. Total: 65.0.

Georgia Tech (5-2 SU, 3-4 ATS, 4-3 O/U) at Pittsburgh (4-3 SU, 3-3-1 ATS, 2-4-1 O/U)
When and Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pa., 3:30pmET

(11/2/13): Georgia Tech (-11.5) over Pittsburgh, 21-10.

Intangibles
Georgia Tech's Jamal Golden leads the ACC in combined return yardage (496).
Pitt running back James Connor ranks eighth in the nation with 959 yards.
Pitt ranks 14th in scoring defense (18.6 points per game).

Key College Football Trends

Georgia Tech is:
5-11-1 ATS last 17 overall.
4-10-2 ATS last 16 in October.
11-5 last 16 matchups on the over bet overall.

Pittsburgh is
2-6 ATS last 8 following an ATS win.
1-6 ATS last 7 following a SU win.

Outlook: Georgia Tech's triple option is tough to stop, but the defense has faltered in back-to-back losses to Duke (31-25) and North Carolina (48-43). The offense is led by quarterback Justin Thomas, who leads the offense to 463.3 yards per game and 306.3 on the ground (4th in the nation). Thomas has 625 rushing yards and has 10 TD pass, while averaging 19.2 yards per completion. Senior fullback Zach Laskey racked up 595 yard and five scores to lead the way, but they have plenty of rushing options. However, Laskey is expected to miss this game due to a shoulder injury he suffered against UNC. The defense was terrible last week and overall, they allow 28.3 points per game and 416 yards per game of total offense. They also allow 5.3 yards per carry and 188 yards per game. Sophomore linebacker Paul Davis leads the team with 57 tackles but they have just eight sacks and as the team generates very little pass rush.

Pittsburgh should run all over Georgia Tech as they generate 239 yards per game on the ground and average 5.2 yards per carry. James Conner (6-2, 250) averages 137 yards per game and has 11 TDs through seven games. Quarterback Chad Voytik is a game-manager, who has 1,014 passing yards with nine TDs, His favorite target is sophomore Tyler Boyd, who has 36 receptions for 514 yards and five TDs. The defense ranks seventh in the nation against the pass (168.3 yards per game) and ranks fourth in total defense (280.4 yards per game). They held Virginia Tech to less than 40 yards rushing in last Thursday's 21-16 win. College Football Odds: Pittsburgh is a 3-point betting odds favorite. Total: 54.5.

Michigan (3-4 SU, 3-4 ATS, 3-4 O/U) at Michigan State (6-1 SU, 4-3 ATS, 6-1 O/U)

Last game: (11/2/13): Michigan State (-4) over Michigan, 29-6.

College Football Trends

Michigan is
1-5 ATS last 6 on grass.
5-1 ATS last 6 conference games.
10-23-1 ATS last 34 road games.

Michigan State is
9-4 ATS last 13 conference games.
5-1 ATS last 6 home games.
6-0 ATS last 6 in series.
Favorite is 6-2 ATS last 8 in series.

Intangibles
Michigan State has won 12 straight regular-season Big 10 games.
Michigan State has won five of the last six meetings.
Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner has thrown more INTs (eight) than TD passes (six).

Outlook: It's been a rough year for Brady Hoke and Michigan, who did edge Penn State on Oct. 11 at home and had a bye week to prepare against their state rival. They rank 12th in the league in scoring (21.7 points per game) and last in yards per game (340.0 ypg). It doesn't help that top running back Derrick Green (471 yards) is out for the year with a broken collarbone. QB Devin Gardner (63 percent) has thrown for just 1,103 yards. His top target is Devin Funchess (36 for 461 yards and four TD) has more than twice as many catches as his closest teammate. The defense is allowing just 21.4 points and 301 yard per game. They've allowed a league-low three rushing TDs. They've allowed just 207.4 yards per game in the air, but they own just three INTs. They also own a -13 turnover margin, which is the worst mark in the conference. Jack Ryan leads the team with 56, tackles and nine tackles for loss.

Michigan State does not have the same dominating defense as they had last season, but their offense is elite. They beat up on Indiana on the road, 56-17 last week and now average 47 points per game. They also put up 260 yards per game on the ground and 265.1 in the air. QB Connor Cook is a 61 percent passers, who has 16 TDs and just five picks with 1,600 yards. RB Jeremy Langford is averaging 5.3 yards per carry and 94.9 yards per game. Nick Hill led the Spartans last week with 178 yards on 16 carries. Cook passes for 332 yards and three TDs. He hit WR Tony Lippett (112.3ypg) with seven catches for 123 yards. The defense allowed just 224 yards last week against Indiana, including 11 via the pass. MSU has recorded 26 sacks, while allowing just four as both lines have been dominant. The run defense was not sturdy as they allowed RB Tevin Coleman to rush for 132 yards on 15 carries. The defense allows just 292 yards per game and 100.3 on the ground. NCAAF Odds: Michigan State is a 17-point betting odds favorite. Total: 49.0.

West Virginia (5-2 SU, 4-3 ATS, 3-4 O/U) at Oklahoma State (5-2 SU, 3-4 ATS, 4-3 O/U)

Last game: (9/28/13): West Virginia (+19.5) over Oklahoma State, 30-21.

Intangibles:

Oklahoma State has won five straight and 23 of its last 25 at home.
West Virginia WR Kevin White has seven straight games of 100 or more receiving yards.
Oklahoma State averages just 3.3 yards per carry in conference games.

Key College Football Trends

West Virginia is:
4-12 ATS last 16 on fieldturf.
1-7 ATS last 8 in October.
1-6 ATS last 7 conference games.

Oklahoma State is
13-4 ATS last 17 at home.
21-7-1 ATS last 29 in October.
1-4 ATS last 5 conference games.

Outlook: West Virginia is led by quarterback Clint Trickett has passed for 300 or more yards in a school-record eight straight games. Last week, he passed for 322 yards and three touchdowns in their 41-27 home upset win over Baylor. It only gets tougher for West Virginia,w ho has also faces TCU, Texas, Kansas State and Iowa State. Trickett has one of the best receivers in the nation to throw to in Kevin White, who leads the league with 9.86 receptions per game. Trickett leads the Big 12 in passing with 2,525 yards, has completed 68.2 percent of his throws and has 15 TDs and just five picks. The defense isn't dominant, but they are improved. They showed that last week against Baylor when they allowed just 318 yards against Bryce Petty and company. That's despite both corners (Daryl Worley, Terrell Chestnut) out with injury. Both are considered questionable this week. They did have four sacks, including three from Shaq Riddick. It also helped that Baylor was penalized 18 times for 215 yards. Nick Kwiatkoski leads the defense with 55 tackles and nine TFLs.

Oklahoma State is coming off a 42-9 loss at TCU, which snapped a streak of scoring 20 or more points in 58 straight games. Junior quarterback Daxx Garman, is a transfer from Arizona, who struggled against TCU, passing for 132 yards. He failed to complete a pass in the second half of that game. He's completing 55.4 percent of his passes for close to 250 yards per game with 10 TDS and seven INTs. They are 33.1 points per game, while allowing 27.1 points per game. They can't stop the pass as opponents have thrown for 288.4 yards per game and 13 TDs. RB Desmond Roland anchors the offense with 79.2 yards per game and has scored seven times. RB/KR Tyreek Hill is also dangerous with two kickoffs returned for TDs, and rushed for 52 yards on 11 carries at TCU. NCAAF Lines: Oklahoma State is a 1-point betting odds favorite. Total: 65.0.

NCAAF Week 9

South Carolina is 1-5 vs spread this season, 0-2 on road, splitting pair of road games, winning 48-34 (-21) at Vandy, losing 45-38 at Kentucky (-4) Gamecocks are 15-10-1 as road underdogs under Spurrier. Auburn is 7-3 as home favorite under Malzahn, 3-1 this year; since '08, Tigers are 9-15 in game following a bye. Four of five Auburn wins this year are by 24+ points. Carolina allowed 450 rushing yards in last two games; even I-AA Furman ran it for 211 against them.

Last time Miss State played on road (Sept 20) they were unranked; now they're #1 in country, unchartered territory which means every team will bring their best game against them. State allowed 27.7 ppg in last three games- they're 3-1 as favorites this year. SEC home underdogs are 6-4 in conference play. Kentucky was 5-1 before losing 41-3 at LSU last week; they're 2-6-2 in last ten games as a home dog, 7-10-1 last 18 games that followed a loss.

UCLA won its three Pac-12 meetings with Colorado by average score of 49-14; Bruins are 1-6 vs spread this season, 1-2 as road favorites, with wins by 8-35-2 points on foreign soil- they allowed 30-42-34 points in last three games. Colorado is 3-1 as underdog this year, covering both its games as home dog, losing to ASU by 14, Oregon State by 5. Pac-12 home underdogs are 6-3 vs spread in conference games this years. Buffs gave up seven TD passes to USC's Kessler last week.

Oregon State is 19-7 vs spread in its last 26 games as road dogs, 0-1 this year (lost 35-10 at USC); only twice in its last 16 games with Stanford have Beavers lost by more than 8 points. OSU lost its last four games vs Stanford (1-3 vs spread)- they lost last three visits to Farm by 4-38-8 points. Cardinal lost two of last three games, scored 20 or less points in three of last four- they're 20-16 in last 36 games as home favorite, 2-1 so far this season.

Lane Kiffin returns to Knoxville (he coached Tennessee to 7-6 record in 2009, then bolted to USC) as Alabama's OC; Crimson Tide won 59-0 at home over Texas A&M last week, but scored 17-14 points in previous two games- they're 2-1 on road this season, winning by 1-10 points with loss at Ole Miss. Young Vols lost last four I-A games, scoring 9-3 in last two; they're 3-10 in last 13 games as a home dog. Bama ran ball for total of only 234 yards in two road games.

Michigan State won five of last six games with Michigan, with four of five wins by 14+ points; favorites are 5-2-1 in last eight series games. Wolverines lost last three visits here, by 23-14-6 points; faves are 4-1-1 in their last six trips to East Lansing. Michigan lost three of its last four games- they gained total of 256 yards in 18-13 win over Penn State last week and covered once in last six games. Oregon/Nebraska are only two teams to hold Michigan State under 45 points this year.

Ole Miss covered its last nine visits to LSU, but lost five of last six SU, with all five losses by 7 or less points. LSU is 9-3 SU in last 12 series games, scoring 41+ in last four series wins. Rebels are 7-0 with one win by less than 15 points (Bama 23-17); they've won at Vandy/A&M, are 4-0-1 as favorites this year. LSU scored 71 points in winning last couple games since 41-7 loss at Auburn; Tigers are 2-2 as home underdog under Miles- they completed less than half their passes in last three games.

Arizona won five of its last six games with Washington State; underdogs are 9-3 vs spread in last 12 series games. Wildcats won last three trips to Pullman by 17-31-10 points, but they failed to cover last three tries as a road favorite at Wazzu. Coogs are off bye after losing three of previous four games, allowing 34+ points in all three- they scored 31+ points in three of their five losses. Arizona is 5-1 but their last five games were all decided by 7 or less points-- dogs covered all five of those games.

USC won its last three games with Utah by 16-10-9 points; Trojans are 2-1 on road this season, with all three games decided by 6 or less points (underdogs 3-0 vs spread). Utah is 5-1, winning its last two games by a total of eight points; they're back to Wilson at QB this week-- curious that they scored 26+ points in every game while being undecided at QB. Teams that beat USC scored 37-38 points; Since 2012, Trojans are 1-9 vs spread when giving points on the road.

West Virginia gave Baylor its first loss LW; home team won both their games with Oklahoma State, with Cowboys winning 55-34 here couple years ago. WVU won 30-21 at home LY. OSU QB Walsh is out for year; they're 27-56 passing in last two games, but both were on road. West Virginia won both its true road games by FG, scoring 40-37 points; they gained 456+ yards in each of last six games. State is 16-6-1 vs spread in last 23 home games, 2-1 this year.

Keep in mind Kansas State's gutty QB Waters dinged his shoulder last week at Oklahoma; he finished game but wasn't 100%. Wildcats are 5-1 in last six games with Texas, with three of last four wins by 18+ points. Longhorns lost last three visits to Little Apple by 18-25-3. Texas is 3-4; its last two games were decided by total of 8 points- they won 23-0 at Kansas (-12) in their only true road game. K-State covered its last four games- they won last three, scoring 44.7 ppg.

Ohio State won/covered its last four games, scoring 50+ points in every game; Buckeyes won 52-24 (-7) at Maryland in its only true away game. Penn State scored total of 19 points in losing its last two games; since '06, they're 2-4-1 as home underdogs. OSU assistant coach Johnson was longtime aide at Penn State. Big 14 home underdogs are 3-4 vs spread in conference games. Penn State ran ball for 64 or less yards in four of six games; Akron/UMass are only teams they ran ball for 100+ against.

Arizona State QB Kelly's foot is said to be OK; he should play here after backup Bercovici did yeoman work in 2+ games as backup. ASU is 3-0 on road, scoring 44.7 ppg, allowing 27 ppg. Sun Devils won eight in row vs Washington, covering all eight (were favored in 7 of 8). Huskies allowed 314 rushing yards in LY's game. ASU beat USC/Stanford in last two games; they had allowed 200+ rushing yards in four straight games before holding Cardinal to 76 in last game.

Notes on rest of the card

-- Northern Illinois is 12-1 in last 13 games with Eastern Michigan, winning last six meetings (5-1 vs spread). Eagles are 7-13 in their last 20 games as a home underdog.
-- Clemson is 5-2 but its last two wins are by total of 10 points; they’re 5-3 in last eight games as home favorites. Syracuse won both its road games this year but was favored in both games- they're 4-6 as underdogs under Shafer. .
-- Underdogs covered four of last five Minnesota-Illinois games, with Gophers winning nine of last 12, including last four in Champaign, by 14-4-7-26 points.
-- Favorites covered six of last eight Akron-Ball State games, with Cardinals winning last four games, taking last two here 37-30/23-17. This is Akron’s last Saturday game; their last four games are all on Tuesdays.

-- Central Michigan-Buffalo haven’t met since '09; Chippewas split four road games but lost as 10-point home favorites last week. Buffalo is 1-4 vs I-A teams despite scoring 31.4 ppg in those games; they’ve already fired their coach.
-- Western Michigan won three of last four games with Ohio, with wins by 21-7-13 points; Bobcats lost 41-20/23-10 in last two trips to WMU- they lost last three road games, by 17-30-18 points.
-- Favorites covered four of last five BC-Wake games, with Deacons winning two of last three. Last eight series spreads before this game had all been 6 or less points. Wake covered two of last three as a home dog vs BC.
-- UCF outgained Temple 657-519 in wild 39-36 win LY in Philly, last-minute win propelled UCF QB Bortles up NFL draft boards. Temple allowed total of 41 points in its four wins; they allowed 31 in each of their two losses.

-- Lot of distractions at North Carolina with the academic scandal becoming more public. Tar Heels won/covered last four games with Virginia by average score of 38-14, winning last two here 37-13/44-10. UNC allowed 43+ points in four of last five games (34 in fifth).
-- Pitt (+10.5) lost 21-10 at Georgia Tech LY, with Tech running for 276 yards; Panthers snapped 3-game skid with win over Va Tech last week, but they lost last two home games, to Akron/Iowa.
-- Maryland is 3-0 SU on road this year; they allowed 83 points in last two games, both at home. Terps are 10-7 vs spread in last 17 games as an underdog. Wisconsin is 7-3 as home favorite under Anderson, 1-2 this year.
-- Vanderbilt is starting its 4th different QB this season vs Missouri; a freshman this time. Underdogs covered six of seven Vandy games this year; Commodores are 3-1 as an underdog, all getting double digit points.

Armadillosports.com

Saturday's Top Action
By Sportsbook.ag

MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS (6-0) at KENTUCKY WILDCATS (5-2)

Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: Mississippi State -14, Total: 59.5

No. 1 Mississippi State looks to continue its run as the top team in the nation with a potentially dangerous trip to Kentucky on Saturday.

The Bulldogs have been dominant so far in 2014 as they have gone 5-1 ATS while getting some huge victories against the likes of LSU, Texas A&M, and Auburn. They defeated those three SEC juggernauts by an average of 12.3 PPG as they took over the No. 1 spot in the polls. In their most recent game on Oct. 11, they hosted Auburn as three-point underdogs and came away with a definitive 38-23 win while totaling 469 yards of offense in a contest where each team had four turnovers. Kentucky has been solid this season with a 5-2 ATS mark, and has a big victory under its belt when it defeated South Carolina 45-38 as a five-point underdog a few weeks ago. Last week, the Wildcats had a tough draw when they headed to Baton Rouge and got dismantled by a score of 41-3 to an LSU team favored by 11 points. They managed just 217 yards of offense while the Tigers rolled them for 423 total yards, including 303 on the ground. Mississippi State has been a double-digit favorite in this matchup in each of the past three meetings, going 3-0 SU (2-1 ATS) while failing to cover as a 12-point favorite in last season’s 28-22 win at home. In the contest, the Bulldogs threw for a solid 295 yards while the teams combined for 44 first downs. Bettors should know that Mississippi State is 6-0 ATS after playing two consecutive conference games in the past two seasons while the Wildcats are 4-2 ATS after being outrushed by 125 or more yards in their previous game in the past three seasons. On the injury front, the Bulldogs have no omissions from their team, while HB Stanley Boom Williams (head) is listed as questionable for Kentucky.

Mississippi State's offense has done so well this season (41.8 PPG, 9th in FBS) due to its ability to both pass the ball (265.3 YPG) and pound it on the ground (264.3 YPG, 12th in FBS). QB Dak Prescott (1,478 pass yards, 14 TD, 4 INT) is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation as he connected on 61.5% of his passes on the year while rushing the ball at least 20 times in each of the past three weeks. Overall, he has rushed the ball 106 times for 576 yards (5.4 YPC) while getting into the end zone eight times, and has eclipsed 200 yards passing in each of his games. Joining him in the lethal backfield is HB Josh Robinson (689 rush yards, 8 TD) who has averaged 7.0 YPC while scoring in each of the past five contests, and contributed to the passing game with 148 yards (13.5 avg) through the air. WR De’Runnya Wilson (319 rec yards, 6 TD) leads the team with just 18 receptions, while a third of them have gone for scores. Wilson has been wildly consistent with at least one touchdown in every game he’s played in. While their offense gets much of the praise for the great start, the defense has also impressed while allowing a mere 20.0 PPG (19th in FBS) behind the big play of LB Benardrick McKinney (41 tackles, 3 sacks) and DL Preston Smith (19 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 INT).

Kentucky has a balanced, yet unimpressive, offense that has gained 247.4 YPG in the air (53rd in nation) and 168 rushing YPG (62nd in FBS) as they are scoring 31.7 PPG (55th in nation). QB Patrick Towles (1,687 pass yards, 10 TD, 4 INT) has not thrown an interception since Sept. 27 against Vanderbilt, but has not surpassed 220 yards passing in any of his past four contests. HB JoJo Kemp (300 rush yards, 4 TD) leads the team in rushing attempts while HB Stanley Williams (222 rush yards, 2 TD) has averaged 7.4 YPC on the year while putting together a big performance (104 yards, 1 TD) in the win over Louisiana-Monroe a few weeks ago. WR Ryan Timmons leads the team in both receptions (31) and yards (339) while catching 2 TD, but has not had any huge outputs to date. The defense has done fairly well on the year while limiting their opponents to 21.9 PPG (37th in nation) and giving up a mere 181.3 YPG in passing (15th in FBS). LB Josh Forrest (56 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1 INT) and DB A.J. Stamps (32 tackles, 3 INT) hope they can put their best foot forward on Saturday and help pull off a major upset against the top-ranked team in the nation.

TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS (3-4) at TCU HORNED FROGS (5-1)

Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: TCU -23, Total: 71.5

No. 10 TCU looks to remain in the playoff race as it takes on in-state rival Texas Tech on Saturday afternoon.

The Red Raiders are coming off their first conference victory of the season, as they defeated Kansas, 34-21. However, Saturday will provide a much more difficult test. TCU is a perfect 6-0 ATS this season and bounced back from its lone SU loss on Oct. 11 at Baylor with a 42-9 pounding of Oklahoma State last week. Last season, Texas Tech was able to defeat TCU, 20-10, en route to a 7-0 start to its season. The Red Raiders were able to hold TCU to a mere 4-of-16 on third downs, and both teams struggled with penalties as Texas Tech committed 10 for 89 yards, while the Horned Frogs were whistled for 13 penalties totaling 115 yards. The Red Raiders got off to a great start last season, but struggled down the stretch. That has been a trend, as the team is 3-11 ATS in the past three seasons in the second half of the year. While the Red Raiders have struggled down the stretch, TCU has played great at the end of seasons, going 25-14 ATS at home in the second half of the year under coach Gary Patterson. TCU has no new injuries, but Texas Tech has a slew of players listed as questionable for Saturday including WR Jakeem Grant (leg), WR Bradley Marquez (ribs) and DB Keenon Ward (concussion).

Under head coach Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech has continued to be one of the best teams at throwing the ball. Heading into this game, the Red Raiders rank 10th in the country in passing (330.4 YPG), while ranking 61st in scoring (30.9 PPG) and 69th in rushing (158.7 YPG). Quarterback Davis Webb (2,239 pass yards, 62% completions, 22 TD) has potential to be a star, but he has to limit his mistakes (12 INT). He has a very strong arm, but sometimes forces throws that just aren’t there. At the running back position, DeAndre Washington (112 carries, 622 yards, 1 TD) is a talented player who is capable of carrying the ball nearly 30 times a game, while RB Justin Stockton (31 carries, 297 yards, 4 TD) is the big-play threat with a 75-yard touchdown on his resume. Jakeem Grant (50 catches, 629 yards, 5 TD) and Bradley Marquez (41 catches, 517 yards, 7 TD) are one of the best receiving duos in the Big 12. With Grant and Marquez both questionable with injuries, Webb will look more for WR Reginald Davis, who has five touchdowns on the year. Davis could play a bigger role in this game, as Texas Tech can score points, but has really struggled on defense. The unit ranks 116th in the country (36.9 PPG), and has been dominated in both the rushing and passing games. LB Pete Robertson (54 tackles, 7 TFL, 7 sacks) has been great for the Red Raiders, and has the ability to make plays all over the field. DB Keenon Ward (40 tackles, 4 PD, 1 FF) is a talented player as well, but he may miss this game because of a concussion. Texas Tech has struggled against ranked teams (0-2, 45.0 PPG allowed), and the Horned Frogs offense is outstanding.

TCU ranks fifth in FBS scoring (45.2 PPG), ninth in passing (340.2 YPG) and 42nd in rushing (197.5 YPG). The biggest reason for the offensive explosion is the development of QB Trevone Boykin (1,873 pass yards, 346 rush yards, 17 total TD). Boykin struggled last season (6.8 YPA), as defenses loaded up the box and dared him to throw the ball deep. But he has vastly improved this year (7.6 YPA), and has turned the TCU offense into one of the country’s best. Junior RB B.J. Catalon (69 carries, 370 yards, 8 TD) is a solid runner that has allowed Boykin to not have to run as much. This duo can be especially tough to stop in the read option. Catalon is a bruising running back with nice speed, while Boykin is a blur in the open field. WR Josh Doctson (31 catches, 497 yards, 5 TD) has emerged as Boykin’s favorite target, but he is not the only guy that can make plays. WR Kolby Listenbee (18 catches, 418 yards, 3 TD) forces defenses to play deeper, as he averages 23.2 YPC. The receiving group is deep, as eight guys have at least seven catches. Aside from the outing in Waco, the defense has been tough all season. The unit ranks 26th in the country (20.7 PPG), but nearly half of those points came in one game. Head coach Gary Patterson has long had great defenses in Fort Worth, and this unit once again is loaded with talent. LB Paul Dawson (68 tackles, 9 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 INT) always seems to be around the ball, and even scored a touchdown against Oklahoma. If DE James McFarland (19 tackles, 7 TFL, 3 sacks) can get pressure on the quarterback, that will be huge in this game, as a lot of Davis Webb’s interceptions come when he is on the run.

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES (3-4) at MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS (6-1)

Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: Michigan State -17, Total: 49.5

Rivals collide in East Lansing on Saturday as No. 8 Michigan State hosts a Michigan team looking to save its season.

The Wolverines are coming off a bye week, and on Oct. 11 they snapped a three-game losing skid with an 18-13 win over Penn State. Since a Week 2 loss at Oregon, the Spartans have been rolling. Michigan State has scored less than 45 points only once in the past five games, and is coming off a 56-point performance last week when it racked up 662 total yards in a 56-17 win at Indiana. The Spartans are 7-4 (SU and ATS) at home in this series since 1993 and dominated last season’s game by defeating the Wolverines, 29-6. In that contest, Michigan set a school record for futility by rushing for minus-48 yards. The score was only 13-6 at the half, but MSU pulled away behind QB Connor Cook’s 252 passing yards. The key to Saturday's game may be who gets to 28 points. The Wolverines are 2-0 SU this season when scoring at least 28, while Michigan State is 11-1 ATS the past two seasons when it reaches 28 points. While the Spartans have no significant injuries, Michigan has three questionable players for this rivalry game in DB Jabrill Peppers (leg), WR Jehu Chesson (undisclosed) and OL Erik Magnuson (undisclosed).

It has been a very tough season for the Wolverines thus far, in large part due to an offense that has struggled to get into any kind of flow. Michigan enters this game ranked 66th in the nation in rushing (164 YPG), 108th in scoring (21.7 PPG) and 110th in passing (176 YPG). Senior QB Devin Gardner (1,103 pass yards, 6 TD, 8 INT) has had his problems, but the fact he is even playing is an accomplishment itself. At the end of the Penn State game last week, Gardner was barely able to get to the running back fast enough on the stretch play, as a leg injury was causing major problems. Against a Michigan State defense that gets after the quarterback, the offensive line will have to step up, as Gardner just doesn’t have the mobility he has shown when healthy. That means RB De’Veon Smith (59 carries, 306 yards, 4 TD), who is filling in for the injured Derrick Green (broken collarbone), must have a big game to take some of the pressure off Gardner. WR Devin Funchess (36 catches, 461 yards, 4 TD) is a big physical receiver on the outside, but he has only one touchdown since the season opener. The Spartans defense is terrific, but Indiana found some big plays in the game last weekend. Michigan’s defense has played pretty well as of late, and ranks 30th in the country in points allowed (21.4 PPG). LB Jake Ryan (56 tackles, 9 TFL, 2 sacks) is the leader of this unit. DE Brennen Beyer (20 tackles, 4 TFL, 4 sacks) has shown the ability to get after the quarterback, while DB Jourdan Lewis (27 tackles, 2 INT, 4 pass breakups) can make the big play. This unit is going to have to play at a top level, as the Spartans offense is as good as there is in the country.

Michigan State ranks third in the nation in scoring (47 PPG), 16th in rushing (260 YPG) and 42nd in passing (265 YPG). Heady QB Connor Cook (1,641 pass yards, 16 TD, 5 INT) has continued to develop, and his job is made easy with a strong ground game, as RB Jeremy Langford (125 carries, 664 yards, 7 TD) is the type of bruising running back the team has had in the past few seasons. He started off slow this season, but has had four consecutive games of at least 100 yards. RB Nick Hill (76 carries, 465 yards, 6 TD) is a great change-of-pace runner, and rushed for 178 yards and a touchdown last week against Indiana. He is the speed back of the two, and this combination has proven to be a nightmare for opposing defenses. On the outside, WR Tony Lippett (39 catches, 786 yards, 8 TD) has the ability to make the big play. He has five games this season of at least 100 yards, including three consecutive games. WR Josiah Price (15 catches, 244 yards, 4 TD) is an emerging player that makes it tough for opponents to double-team Lippett. The defense is once again solid, ranking 34th in points allowed (21.6 PPG). However, the unit has given up some big plays as of late, allowing three of at least 50 yards versus Indiana, including runs of 65 and 75 yards. The defense is led by star DE Shilique Calhoun (5 sacks, 22 tackles, 7.5 TFL). While those are huge stats, he is facing constant double teams, allowing teammates easier opportunities to make a play on the quarterback. S Kurtis Drummond (33 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 INT) is all over the field, doing a great job both against the run and the pass. LB Ed Davis (6 sacks, 28 tackles, 8 TFL) has benefited the most from having Calhoun, as he has become a terror for opposing quarterbacks. With Gardner’s mobility in question because of his leg injury, any time the Wolverines are in third-and-long situations, look for the Spartans to bring the pressure.

OLE MISS REBELS (7-0) at LSU TIGERS (6-2)

Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: Ole Miss -3.5, Total: 44.5

In a tough SEC battle on Saturday night, No. 3 Ole Miss attempts to stay undefeated when it travels to Baton Rouge to face No. 24 LSU.

Ole Miss has amazed everybody by going undefeated both SU and ATS; winning their games by an average of 24.9 PPG and defeating the likes of Boise State, Texas A&M and Alabama. Last week the Rebels got a breather within the SEC as they faced Tennessee while giving 15 points and came away with a convincing 34-3 victory. Their defense forced four turnovers in the win while holding the Volunteers to a mere 3-for-16 on third-down conversions and a meager 191 total yards of offense. The Tigers have had a solid start to the year, but have some blemishes such as losing to both Mississippi State at home by a score of 34-29 and falling on the road to Auburn 41-7. Overall they are 6-2 ATS and were dominant last week as 11-point favorites at home against Kentucky as they pulled out a huge 41-3 win and totaled 423 yards of offense. As usual, it was LSU's defense that shined brightest, allowing just 217 total yards including a putrid 27 rushing yards on 2.6 YPC. These programs have played some close battles over the past two seasons with the home team winning each time by an average of 4.5 PPG, as the Rebels were the victors in 2013 with a 27-24 win as 9.5-point underdogs. In the contest, Ole Miss held the Tigers scoreless in the first half as it forced three turnovers and passed the ball for 349 yards. Bettors should realize that LSU is a poor 33-55 ATS (38%) in home games against conference opponents since 1992, but the team is also 5-1 ATS (83%) this year after a game where it allowed one or fewer turnovers. There are no significant injuries to either Ole Miss or LSU heading into this game.

Ole Miss has been solid all year through the air with 282 YPG of passing (33rd in FBS) while getting 151 YPG on the ground (84th in nation) and scoring 35.4 PPG (30th in FBS). QB Bo Wallace (1,899 pass yards, 17 TD, 6 INT) has been thrown into the Heisman talks with his play, and over the past three contests, he has thrown 6 TD with no interceptions while getting double-digit rushing attempts in each game and going for 40.7 YPG with his legs. In the victories over Alabama and Texas A&M, Wallace combined to go 31-for-50 (62%) for 429 yards, 4 TD and 0 INT. HB Jaylen Walton (347 rush yards, 4 TD) has been the team’s lead back, but has hit double-digit carries in just three games while averaging 5.9 YPC, and has also scored two receiving touchdowns. WRs Laquon Treadwell (458 rec yards, 4 TD), Vince Sanders (242 rec yards, 4 TD) and Cody Core (345 rec yards, 4 TD) have all taken turns being the main target in this offense for Wallace. The defense for the Rebels has allowed the fewest points to their opponents in the nation (10.6 PPG) as no team has scored more than 20 points against them. This side of the ball is led by freshman DL Marquis Haynes (19 tackles, 6.5 sacks) and DB Senquez Golson (19 tackles, 7 INT, 1 TD) who have been making big plays all year.

LSU has earned many of its 35.6 PPG (28th in FBS) on the ground where it gains 220.9 YPG (30th in nation) while also adding a subpar 194.4 YPG through the air (98th in FBS). Because the Tigers lean heavily on the run game, QB Anthony Jennings (1,048 pass yards, 7 TD, 3 INT) has had more than 20 throws just three times this year. Although he has connected on a mere 50% of his passes for 8.2 YPA, Jennings has not thrown a pick since tossing two against New Mexico State on Sept. 27. Freshman HB Leonard Fournette (544 rush yards, 5.0 YPC, 7 TD) has double-digit attempts in 6-of-8 games this year, and is joined by HBs Kenny Hilliard (353 rush yards, 6 TD), Terrence McGee (344 rush yards, 3 TD) and Darrel Williams (249 rush yards, 3 TD) to create a lethal ground game. WR Travin Dural (665 rec yards, 7 TD) has been lightning in a bottle with 25.6 yards per catch, but has had more than three receptions in a game just twice so far on the year. Like their counterparts, the Tigers defense is tough as they are allowing 17.0 PPG (8th in FBS) but has allowed more than 21 points three times. DL Danielle Hunter (46 tackles, 8 TFL, 1 sack) and LB Kwon Alexander (49 tackles, 3.5 TFL) hope they can outshine the Rebels defense and earn their team a win on Saturday.

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (5-1) at PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (4-2)

Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: Ohio State -14, Total: 51

No. 13 Ohio State looks to stay undefeated in the Big Ten when it travels to Penn State on Saturday night.

The Buckeyes have not faced real tough competition yet this season, as they have been double-digit favorites in 5-of-6 games, including a tough 35-21 loss as 10-point favorites against Virginia Tech in the second contest of the year. Overall, they are 5-1 ATS and easily covered as 20.5-point favorites last week against Rutgers, dominating in a 56-17 victory where they totaled 585 total yards of offense while forcing three turnovers. Penn State opened the year with four consecutive SU victories (3-1 ATS), but has fallen off in the past two games with losses to both Northwestern by a score of 29-6 as 10-point favorites, and an 18-13 defeat in Michigan most recently as 2.5-point underdogs. The Nittany Lions had a meager 214 yards of total offense in that most recent game on Oct. 11 as they ran for a putrid 35 yards (1.5 YPC). Ohio State has dominated this Big Ten rivalry over the past two seasons, winning by an average of 30.5 PPG, which includes a 63-14 victory at home in 2013 after gaining an amazing 408 yards from the rushing attack. Trends show that Ohio State is 64-40 ATS (62%) in road games since 1992 while Penn State is 20-8 ATS (71%) in home games after having lost two of its past three games in the same timeframe. The Buckeyes have seemingly moved on from losing QB Braxton Miller (shoulder) for the season while the Nittany Lions have no significant injuries in their program.

The Buckeyes offense has been one of the best in the nation while scoring 46.5 PPG (4th in FBS) behind 274 YPG through the air (34th in nation) and 260 YPG on the ground (16th in FBS). QB J.T. Barrett (1,615 pass yards, 20 TD, 5 INT) has thrown 11 TD and 0 INT over his past three games while going over 260 yards in each of the past four contests. He gives opposing defense headaches with his ability to contribute to the run game, as he has 383 rushing yards on 78 attempts (4.9 YPC) while getting into the end zone four times. HB Ezekiel Elliot (531 rush yards, 4 TD) joins Barrett in the backfield and has gone over 135 yards in two of the past three games while getting 4+ receptions in three of his past four contests. WR Michael Thomas (377 rec yards, 5 TD) leads the team in receptions (21) while WR Devin Smith (355 rec yards, 5 TD) has provided a big downfield threat while averaging 29.6 yards per catch. Their defense is led by LB Joshua Perry (45 tackles, 3 TFL) and DL Joey Bosa (20 tackles, 5.5 sacks) as they are allowing 20.2 PPG (24th in nation) and 319 YPG to their opponents on the year.

Penn State’s offense has done well in the passing game (282 YPG, 32nd in FBS) while failing to get anything going on the ground (93 YPG, 121st in nation) as it has scored a woeful 21.2 PPG (111th in FBS). QB Christian Hackenberg (1,637 pass yards, 5 TD, 7 INT) has really struggled this season, as he has failed to throw a touchdown in three of his six games while having at least one interception in all but one contest. After throwing for over 300 yards in each of the first three games in 2014, he has averaged a mere 185 passing YPG in his past three contests. HB Bill Belton (258 rush yards, 3 TD) has not gone over 80 yards on the ground in any of his games, but has contributed nicely through the air with 155 yards on 18 catches (8.6 avg) while scoring a touchdown. WR DaeSean Hamilton (560 rec yards, 1 TD) has hit the century mark three times this year as he leads the team with 43 receptions while WR Geno Lewis (512 rec yards, 1 TD) has been the clear No. 2 option. While the Penn State offense has been sad, the defense has excelled while allowing 15.2 PPG (6th in nation) and 283 total YPG behind the play and leadership of LB Mike Hull (64 tackles, 2 sacks).

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

Total Notes - Week 9
By Chris David
VegasInsider.com

Week 8 Recap

Total bettors saw a stalemate last week as the ‘over/under’ produced a 25-25-3 record. It’s rare to see three outcomes end in a push but that was the cased based on our closing numbers. Looking at the games closer, the ‘under’ was the right side in arguably two of the three games.

Nebraska 38 Northwestern 17 (Push 55)
The Wildcats led 17-14 at the break but the Cornhuskers outscored used a 24-0 run in the final two quarters to capture the win, 17 of the points coming in the fourth.

Oregon 45 Washington 20 (Push (65)
It was a little surprising that the Ducks kicked a meaningless field goal late in the fourth but it was probably the right call since it was fourth-and-goal from the 9-yard line. Some ‘over’ bettors may’ve earned wins with early numbers (64, 64.5).

San Jose State 27 Wyoming 20 (Push 47)
Likely the worst total beat of Week 8. This was a 10-10 game in the fourth quarter and seven of those points came on a fumble return. The offensive units got in gear in the final 15 minutes, wound up forcing overtime and the rest is history.

Big Five Report (ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC)

Including the non-conference game between Florida State and Notre Dame, the ‘under’ went 6-1 in ACC matchups last season. North Carolina’s 48-43 victory over Georgia Tech was the lone ‘over’ (67.5) to connect.

The scoreboard operators were busy in the Big Ten last weekend as the ‘over’ went 4-0-1 with the aforementioned push between Nebraska and Northwestern. The two big bullies in the conference, Ohio State and Michigan State, both put up 56-spots last Saturday in easy victories against Rutgers and Indiana respectively.

The Big 12 watched the ‘under’ go 3-2 in Week 8 and we had some surprising outcomes. The Baylor-West Virginia total was the highest on the board (80.5) last week and the game had a decent pace at halftime (24-20). In the final 30 minutes, the Bears managed just seven points and the Mountaineers captured a 41-27 upset at home while the game stays ‘under’ the number. While those schools failed to deliver a shootout, the Longhorns and Cyclones did and that certainly wasn’t expected. Texas defeated Iowa State 48-45 as ‘over’ bettors (45) were celebrating in the second quarter.

The ‘under’ went 3-1-1 in Pac-12 play last week and some ‘under’ bettors are probably upset that Oregon kicked a late field goal against Washington when the game was already in hand. (See above)

In five SEC conference games last Saturday, total bettors watched the ‘under’ go 3-2 and there were some outcomes that likely pissed off a few bettors. In particular, Alabama beats Texas A&M 59-0 and the game stays ‘under’ (62.5) the number. No points from the Aggies? Also, Missouri beats Florida 42-13 with 119 yards of total offense. Four defensive and special team touchdowns will hurt any ‘under’ tickets (45) which was the case in Gainesville.

Teams to Watch

When this week’s totals opened on Tuesday afternoon, there were three games that caught my eye and the quick adjustments (line moves) made me delve into them even further.

We asked VegasInsider.com Totals Expert James Manos to offer up his thoughts and betting advice on three schools that continue to post lopsided total results.

Michigan State has watched the ‘over’ go 6-1 this season. This Saturday, the Spartans face intrastate rival Michigan in East Lansing. The total opened 51½ and has dropped to 48½ points. Make a note that the ‘under’ is on a 5-0 run in this series.

Manos: Michigan State totals have been consistently getting UNDER money and it's been costly to those betting. While this Spartans defense is still talented it's likely not on par with last year's edition and has been on the field for more plays as their offense is playing faster. Improved QB play has helped Michigan St. shed it's under ways and the Spartans offense has become balanced averaging 265 YPG passing and 260 YPG rushing. The Spartans have seen a "perfect storm" of sorts when it comes to their totals. They've played three up-tempo teams in Oregon, Purdue, and Indiana, with all those games going OVER the total, and when they've played slower paced teams, Eastern Michigan and Wyoming, they've simply been able to dominant them athletically causing both those games to go OVER as well. The movement on their total this week, however, has little to do with Michigan State and lots to do with their opponent. Bettors see an inept Michigan offense on the road vs. a tough defense and automatically look UNDER. Throw in the rivalry and the fact that the Wolverines were shutout in their only other road game vs a ranked opponent and a case can be made for playing the low side. This is not the week to be riding the MSU OVER train.

Stanford has been a clear-cut ‘under’ team this season, posting a 6-0 record against FBS schools. The Cardinal host Oregon State in Week 9 and the total opened at 44, which has been lowered. Three of the last four have went ‘under’ in this series.

Manos: Not so long ago a total of 42 in a college football game would have had me looking UNDER immediately but now it has me wondering if the line is a mistake. Stanford is a throwback and they've certainly been an UNDER team this season, with a dominating defense and an offense that can't make explosive plays. These trends are unlikely to change for the Cardinal as they are a direct reflection of the style of football played in Palo Alto. Stanford has been playing great defense for years but now their power running game is struggling (95th in the nation in rushing) and it's limiting their offense. Oregon State has been struggling to run the ball as well and will mean lots of 3rd and longs in this contest, meaning lower 3rd down conversion rates, and less offensive efficiency. My concern in playing UNDER would be Beaver QB Mannion's propensity for throwing INT's, potentially setting up short fields for Stanford's offense.

Mississippi faces a tough road test this week at LSU and oddsmakers are expecting a slugfest, opening the total at 47, which was dropped quickly to 45. The Rebels have seen the ‘under’ go 6-0 in their last six SEC matchups. However, the ‘over’ is on a 4-1 run in this series and the lone ‘under’ occurred last season as the pair combined for 51 points. We asked Manos if the Ole Miss defense is legit.

Manos: Yes, I think it's time to say that the Ole Miss Rebels have a great defense. This is the defensive team that the program envisioned when they pulled a recruiting coup and got DT Robert Nkemdiche to come to Oxford. They have nine starters back and their two deep is filled with talented players. Holding Memphis to three points and Alabama to 17 were impressive feats and they simply dominated an improving Tennessee team last week. They haven't' really been tested away from home yet though, but fortunately for them the two toughest remaining games on their schedule (Auburn, Miss. St.) are both home tilts. The Rebels did allow 400+ passing yards at Texas A&M but don't face another team with that type of passing game this season.

Line Moves

This segment has become a very popular feature of our weekly piece and all the credit should be directed towards Manos, who analyzes the line moves in the totals market for us and breaks them into four categories.

1) Correct Sharp Movement – Syracuse/Clemson Under

2) Incorrect Sharp Movement – Wyoming/Colorado State Over

3) Public Movement – Texas Tech/TCU Over

4) Market Manipulation – USC/Utah Under

Ole Miss at LSU
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

For the first time since the 1960s, Ole Miss is up toward the top of the list of national-title contenders in late October. On Saturday night, the Rebels will bring their unbeaten record to Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, where a hostile crowd and a hungry LSU team will be ready to greet them.

As of early Friday afternoon, most betting shops had Ole Miss (7-0 straight up, 6-0-1 against the spread) installed as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 45. Gamblers can take the Tigers on the money line for a +145 return (risk $100 to win $145). Ole Miss has won eight in a row dating back to a 25-17 win over Georgia Tech at the Music City Bowl last December. Hugh Freeze's team has won six of its seven games this year by 15 points or more, and that 15-point margin was the result of an opponent scoring a meaningless touchdown on the final play of the game.

In other words, Ole Miss has been absolutely dominant in every game except for its Oct. 4 win over Alabama. The Rebels knocked off the Crimson Tide 23-17 thanks to a dramatic fourth-quarter rally as 5.5-point home underdogs.

Senior QB Bo Wallace, a three-year starter, enjoyed his finest moment in Oxford vs. 'Bama. He threw for 251 passing yards and three TDs, including a pair of scoring strikes in the final 5:29 of the final stanza.

Since throwing three first-half interceptions in a season-opening win over Boise State, Wallace has only been intercepted three times. He has a 17/6 touchdown-to-interception ratio for the year, in addition to a pair of rushing scores. Wallace has six TD passes without an interception in the last three games.

After a slow start last week, Hugh Freeze's team eventually poured it on Tennessee in a 34-3 triumph as a 16-point home favorite. The Rebels didn't score until Wallace hooked up with Vince Sanders for a 39-yard scoring strike with 5:08 left in the second quarter. They would extend the lead to 14-3 before intermission and then outscored the Volunteers 10-0 in both the third and fourth quarters.

The Ole Miss defense limited UT to just 191 yards of total offense and intercepted Justin Worley three times. Senquez Golson had a pair of picks to bring his season total to seven, which is tops in the SEC and second in the nation.

LSU (6-2 SU, 6-2 ATS) has responded from a 41-7 thrashing at Auburn by winning back-to-back games. Two weeks ago, the Tigers went on the road and escaped The Swamp with a 30-27 victory over Florida thanks to a 50-yard field goal from Colby Delahoussaye with three seconds remaining. Then at home last week, they exposed a 5-1 Kentucky squad as a fraud by spanking the Wildcats 41-3 as 11.5-point home favorites.

Terrence Magee was the catalyst against UK, rushing for 127 yards and two TDs on just nine carries. LSU has four talented RBs, including true freshman Leonard Fournette, who has rushed for a team-high 544 yards and seven TDs. He is averaging 5.0 yards per carry.

The issue for LSU's offense is its quarterback play. Anthony Jennings hasn't been especially productive in LSU's back-to-back victories, but he hasn't been intercepted and that's crucial. For the season, Jennings is completing only 50 percent of his passes, but he has a solid 7/3 TD-INT ratio.

During Les Miles's 10-year tenure, LSU has been a home underdog just four times. It has gone 2-2 ATS in those contests with one outright win coming over Alabama in 2010.

On Freeze's watch, Ole Miss has compiled a 3-2 spread record in five games as a road favorite. The Rebels have dealt out woodshed treatment in a pair of road assignments this year. They blasted Vanderbilt by a 41-3 count in Music City and also trashed Texas A&M by a 35-20 count.

When these teams met in Oxford last year, LSU rallied from a 24-0 deficit to tie the game at 24-24 on a TD pass with 3:19 remaining in the final stanza. But Ole Miss recovered and won by a 27-24 count thanks to Andrew Ritter's 41-yard field goal with two ticks left. The Rebels won outright as 9.5-point home underdogs.

Ole Miss has covered the number in seven straight games at LSU. With that said, we'll also note that the underdog is 12-2 ATS in the last 14 meetings between these bitter rivals. However, we should note that the Rebels are usually the 'dogs, but they aren't in this instance.

The 'under' is 6-1 overall for Ole Miss, appearing in four straight games. The 'under' comfortably cashed in both of the Rebels' road contests.

Totals have been an overall wash for LSU (4-4) with the 'under' cashing at a 3-2 clip in its five home games.

Kickoff is slated for 7:15 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

B.E.'s Bonus Nuggets

This is LSU's ninth game in nine weeks. The Tigers get an open date next weekend before hosting Alabama on Nov. 8. They play at Arkansas on Nov. 15 and then get another open date before closing the regular season in College Station against Texas A&M.

The 'over' has hit at a 4-1 clip in the last five meetings between LSU and Ole Miss.

Vanderbilt is listed as a 23.5-point underdog at Missouri. Going back to 2004, the Commodores have compiled a stellar 29-13-1 spread record as home underdogs, including a 2-0 ATS mark in a pair of such spots this year.

Tennessee owns a 3-1 spread record in four games as a home underdog on Butch Jones's watch. The Volunteers are 17-point home 'dogs to Alabama on Saturday. The Volunteers haven't tasted a victory over 'Bama since 2006, going 0-7 against Nick Saban with the defeats coming by an average margin of 25.0 points per game. Ouch!

Alabama has limped to a 1-6 ATS record in its last seven games as a road favorite. The Crimson Tide is 0-2 versus the number and 1-1 SU in two road 'chalk' situations this season.

South Carolina TE Rory Anderson is expected to miss the next two games due to a tricep injury. The Gamecocks are hopeful that he can return for a Nov. 15 game at Florida. Anderson has 18 receptions for 204 yards and one TD. Steve Spurrier's bunch got good news Thursday when senior DT and team leader J.T. Surratt (hamstring) was able to practice. He did some jogging at Wednesday's practice, according to GamecockCentral.com, and was able to fully participate in all drills Thursday. Surratt's status has been upgraded from 'doubtful' to 'probable.'

Clemson is 20-12 ATS as a home favorite during Dabo Swinney's tenure. The Tigers are 14.5-point home 'chalk' Saturday vs. Syracuse.

College football Top 25 Betting Cheat Sheet: Week 9
By Covers.com

Looking to wager on the elite teams in college football this weekend? Don't have time to handicap every Top 25 matchup? Put your mind at ease and just cheat - with our NCAAF Top 25 betting cheat sheet featuring all of Week 9's biggest games.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights at (16) Nebraska Cornhuskers (-20)

Rutgers allowed J.T. Barrett to amass 368 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns last week. The No.98 defense will need to adjust quickly for Tommy Armstrong who has thrown for 1546 yards while adding 482 on the ground.

An effective run game has been the key to ensuring Nebraska's success since Bo Pelini's takeover of the program. During Pelini's tenure the Cornhuskers are 18-0 when they rush for 300 or more yards do. Nebraska is averaging 293.6 ypg this season.

(24) Minnesota Golden Gophers at Illinois Fighting Illini (+5.5)

Despite allowing a season-high 38 points last week, Minnesota still ranks tied for 29th in the FBS with 21.4 points surrendered per contest and is tied for seventh in total takeaways with 18, including a Big Ten-leading 11 interceptions.

If there is one thing Illinois does well, it's create big plays. The Fighting Illini have tallied 43 plays of 20 or more yards from scrimmage this season, while vaulting themselves into No.20 in the nation for 30 plus yard plays.

Texas Longhorns at (11) Kansas State Wildcats (-9.5)

Despite getting torched by Iowa State, the Longhorns defense still ranks No.5 in passing defense and No.10 in yards allowed per play nationally.

Even though the Wildcats offensive line may not have kept Jake Waters off of his back, the line played well last week. "What I was pleased with is that we only had one penalty," coach Bill Snyder says. " In reality, they were not penalized and being in that environment down there with so much noise, it is easy to get discombobulated with the cadence and snap counts and communication."

(25) West Virginia Mountaineers at Oklahoma State Cowboys (Pick)

WVU WR Kevin White has a school-record seven straight games of 100 or more receiving yards, the longest active streak in the nation.

Through seven games, opposing offenses have reached the red zone 25 times against Oklahoma State, but they have only converted 10 of those trips into touchdowns. That ranks second in the Big 12 and 12th nationally.

Florida Atlantic Owls at (22) Marshall Thundering Herd (-28)

The Owls have been a different team away from home this season. FAU is 3-0 at home and has outscored opponents by 40 points (13.3 ppg), compared to going 0-4 on the road and being blown out by 118 points (28.5 ppg).

No team in the nation has been pummeling opponents quite like Marshall. The Thundering Herd is beating opponents by an average margin if 29.2 ppg, which is tops in the country.

(1) Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kentucky Wildcats (+14.5)

Dan Mullen seems happy to have gotten a bye week when they did. "It is not about one game. It is the cumulative effect of playing in [the SEC]," says the coach. "I think our guys took advantage of the bye week, because they know now we have to play six straight to end the season."

If the Wildcats want to compete with the nations top team, they will need to improve an offense that averages a poor 5.1 ypp and 35.16 third down conversion percentage.

Michigan Wolverines at (5) Michigan State Spartans (-17)

After getting beaten up by the Spartans last year, the Wolverines know they need to fix things. "Those negative rushing yards last year [at MSU] weren't just on Devin [Gardner]," Brady Hoke says. "When a guy gets sacked, you're turning some people loose. And also, he's got to get rid of the ball. There's a rhythm to it."

The Spartans have been coming out to quick leads and coasting in the second half of games. No team is averaging more points in the first half than Michigan State (30.7), but in the second half the team is tallying 16.7 points.

Texas Tech Red Raiders at (10) TCU Horned Frogs (-22.5)

Discipline has not been the Red Raiders strong suit as they are the second most penalized team in the nation. So far this season, Texas Tech has 71 penalties for 648 yards.

Under new co-coordinators Doug Meacham and Sonny Cumbie, TCU has the nation's most improved offense in both total yards (+192.9 ypg) and scoring (+20.1 ppg) from last season.

(15) Arizona Wildcats at Washington State Cougars (+2.5)

"They will run it just enough to keep you honest and they did against us last year," Wildcats coach Rich Rodriguez says about Washington State. " They will throw the ball to any one of the guys on any part of the field; they will throw it deep, short, back or on whatever down it is."

When you face the Cougars you certainly know what you are getting. The Cougars throw the ball 78.04 percent of the time while accumulating 490.0 passing ypg, both tops in the nation.

Syracuse Orange at (20) Clemson Tigers (-14.5)

The Orange, who are playing in the state of South Carolina for the first time in school history, lost to the Tigers 49-14 at the Carrier Dome last season in the first ever meeting between the programs.

The injury bug has hit Clemson hard this year and has caused some change ups in their game plan. "“It’s just one of those years,” offensive coordinator Chad Morris said. "Two weeks in a row now that the first two drives of the game you essentially lose a big part of your plan. “So, you kind of scramble, adjust and make do.”

(4) Alabama Crimson Tide at Tennessee Volunteers (+17.5)

Since the start of the 2007 season, when coach Nick Saban arrived, the Crimson Tide have held opponents to 10 points or fewer 51 times.

Only two teams in the nation have allowed more sacks per game than the Volunteers who have watched their quarterback hit the turf 4.2 times per game.

(3) Ole Miss Rebels at (23) LSU Tigers (+3.5)

If you're talking about dominant defense this season, you must be talking about Ole Miss. The Rebels lead the nation in scoring defense (10.6 ppg) touchdowns allowed (seven) and interceptions (15).

LSU will return home for the first time in almost a month for their biggest game this year. "After talking to several old-timers about it, I think Tiger Stadium is going to be louder than ever on Saturday," said LSU football legend Jerry Stovall.

South Carolina Gamecocks at (6) Auburn Tigers (-19.5)

The defensive line was expected to dip a bit for the Gamecocks with the loss of Jadevon Clowney, but it's been injuries that has made the group ineffective. "Right now it's open," said South Carolina defensive line coach Deke Adams. "We're going to see who has the best week of practice."

Auburn may be getting a key piece of their defense back after S Jermaine Whitehead was reinstated to the team. The senior has been a three year starter for the Tigers, but was suspended for undisclosed reasons earlier this season.

(12) Ohio State Buckeyes at Penn State Nittany Lions (+13.5)

Ohio State has scored at least 50 points in four consecutive games which is a program record. You can thank J.T. Barrett who has thrown for 17 touchdowns and one interception during that span.

No team in the nation is better than Penn State at shutting down the run game. Through six games, teams have only averaged 60.8 rushing yards and one touchdown per game against the Nittany Lions.

(21) USC Trojans at (19) Utah Utes (Pick)

Injuries have been hitting the Trojans hard this season, but maybe none hurt more than Adoree Jackson. An injured hip flexor has limited Jackson in the past two games, who is both a starting cornerback, one of their better receivers and their punt returner.

If there is one thing the Utes can do, it's get after the passer. Utah sacks the opposing quarterback on 12.72 percent of snaps, which is almost a full point ahead of second in the nation.

(14) Arizona State Sun Devils at Washington Huskies (+3)

The Sun Devils are boasting a quick strike offense, that points to them not needing possession. Arizona State is averaging 37.4 ppg (No.17 in nation), but have the lowest average possession time per game (21:25).

The Huskies have not been ignoring the special teams game this season. Washington opponents have had just eight punt return yards on six returns this season for an average of 1.33 yards per return.