College Football Betting News and Notes Week 10

Betting Recap - Week 9
By Daniel Dobish
VegasInsider.com

College Football Week 9 Results

Favorites-Underdogs
Straight Up 39-15
Against the Spread 22-32
Home-Away
Straight Up 27-27
Against the Spread 26-28
Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 22-31-1

The largest underdogs to win straight up

Buffalo (+19.5, +700 ML) vs. Akron, 41-20
Ohio U. (+15, +500 ML) at Toledo, 31-26
South Carolina (+14.5, +500 ML) vs. Tennessee, 24-21
Wyoming (+14.5, +500 ML) vs. Boise State, 30-28
Boston College (+14, +500 ML) at North Carolina State, 21-14

The largest favorites to cover

Oklahoma (-39.5) vs. Kansas, 56-3
Louisiana Tech (-29.5) vs. Rice, 61-16
Massachusetts (-22.5) vs. Wagner, 34-10
Western Kentucky (-21.5) at Florida Atlantic, 52-3
Arkansas State (-21) vs. Louisiana-Monroe, 51-10

Top 25 Notes

West Virginia suffered its first setback of the season in a road game at Oklahoma State, 37-20. The Mountaineers are 4-0 SU at home and 2-1 ATS in three games against FBS teams in Morgantown, but they're just 2-1 SU/1-2 ATS in three games on the road. The 'under' has connected in four straight games for the Mountaineers. ... Louisville likely didn't think they would have nearly as much of a fight as they had in Virginia, but the Cavaliers gave them all they could handle. The Cavs were 32-point favorites on their home turf, but they led 25-24 with 1:57 left in regulation. However, Heisman candidate Lamar Jackson tossed a 29-yard touchdown to Jaylen Smith with :13 left to spoil UVA's upset bid. ... Ohio State bounced back, sort of, against Northwestern. After last week's disappointment in Happy Valley, the Buckeyes sleepwalked through 24-20 win in Columbus. After opening 4-0 SU/ATS, the Buckeyes are 3-1 SU/0-4 ATS over their past four games.

Florida picked up a 24-10 win over Georgia in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. The Gators improved to 6-1 SU, and they have covered in back-to-back games for the first time this season. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have lost four of the past five games and they're just 2-5 ATS over their past seven outings.

Baylor suffered its first loss of the season, as Texas outscored them 9-3 in the fourth quarter for a 35-34 victory. The Bears had a 31-26 lead and the ball inside the 5, but settled for a field goal. The Longhorns scored a TD, but missed the two-point conversion, down 34-32. Eventually, the Longhorns got the ball back and were able to make the Bears pay for their late inability to punch it into the end zone and put the game away.

Boise State joined the list of teams taking their first loss, as Wyoming stunned them 30-28 in Laramie. The Cowboys had a strip sack with less than two minutes to go in regulation with the game tied at 28. The ball squirted through the back of the end zone for the safety. It was a tough pill to swallow for 'over' (62.5) bettors, who were banking on gift points in overtime.

Big Five Conference Report

Boston College snapped a 12-game conference losing streak dating back to Nov. 29, 2014, topping North Carolina State 21-14. The Wolfpack are on a three-game skid since winning in Hurricane Matthew against Notre Dame, and the Wolfpack have failed to cover in back-to-back games for the first time this season after opening 5-1 ATS in their first six outings. ... Miami-Florida's skid continued in South Bend in a wild game, as Notre Dame won and covered for just the second time in six games, and it was their first win in South Bend since Sept. 10. After opening 4-0 SU/ATS, the Hurricanes are 0-4 SU/ATS in their past four outings. ... Duke fell 38-35 at Georgia Tech, but the Blue Devils have covered in a season-high three straight games. The Yellow Jackets are 2-2 SU in their past four at home, but just 1-3 ATS during the span.

Michigan State was unable to avoid a sixth consecutive loss, falling 32-23 against rival Michigan. However, Sparty was able to slap the brakes on a five-game non-cover streak. ... Minnesota routed Illinois by a 40-17 score in Champaign, quietly improved to 6-2 SU while covering for the second time in three games. The Golden Gophers improved to 2-0-1 ATS in three road outings. ...Indiana posted a 42-36 win over Maryland to end a three-game skid. The win moved the Hoosiers just two games away from bowl eligibility, and the 'over' result ended a four-game 'under' run for Indiana. It was just the second 'over' result in egiht games for IU. ... Penn State built on their signature win against Ohio State last week with a 62-24 throttling of Purdue at Ross-Ade. The Nittany Lions improved to 6-2 with their fourth straight victory, and they're 3-0-1 ATS during the stretch.

Texas Tech outlasted Texas Christian 27-24 in overtime as the Red Raiders won outright as a 9 1/2-point underdog. The Red Raiders snapped a three-game losing streak, and improved to 5-1 ATS over the past six outings. ... Iowa State hasn't had a lot of success posting wins, but the Cyclones aren't that far away. They dropped a fourth straight outing against Kansas State, 31-26, but three of their past four losses is by seven or fewer points. The Cyclones improved to 5-1 ATS over their past six games heading into next week's home game against Oklahoma.

Washington kept their playoff and national championship aspirations alive with a 31-24 road win at Utah. While the Huskies are 3-0 SU on the road this season, they slipped to 1-2 ATS away from home, and they're just 2-4 ATS over the past six outings. The 'over' is 5-0 in the past five games for Washington, and 7-1 overall this season. ... Washington State kept pace with the Huskies in the North Division with a win at Oregon State, but the Cougars failed to cover for the third consecutive game. The Beavers have dropped three straight, and five of the past six games. But the Beavers have covered four straight overall. ... Oregon picked up a much-needed win with a 54-35 thumping of Arizona State. The Ducks entered the game 0-6-1 ATS. The 'over' has hit in five straight for UO.

It's a new day of Kentucky Football, as they hit the road and picked up an SEC win at Missouri. After ppening the season with back-to-back losses, the Wildcats are 5-1 SU over the past six games, and they have covered five in a row, all inside the SEC. The Wildcats are one game away from bowl eligibility. ... Auburn continues to surprise, outscoring Mississippi 13-0 in the fourth quarter for a 40-29 road win. The Tigers have won and covered five straight games since their last setback Sept. 17 against Texans A&M.

Mid-Major Report

Tulsa routed Memphis 59-30 in the Liberty Bowl, covering for the third consecutive game. After the 'under' started out 0-2 for the Golden Hurricane the 'over' has cashed in six straight outings. ... South Florida bounced back with a 52-45 win against Navy in a crazy game Friday at the Ray Jay. The Bulls opened the season 5-1 ATS in the first six outings, but they're just 1-2 ATS over the past three. The 'over' is 3-0 in the past three for USF, and 7-2 in nine games overall. ... Houston picked up a 31-24 win against UCF, but they failed to cover for a fourth consecutive outings.

Louisiana Tech thumped Rice by a 61-16 count, nearly taking care of the 'over' (61) all by themselves. The Bulldogs have won five in a row after a 1-3 SU start, and La. Tech has covered each of their past four straight while the 'over' is 4-0 during the span. The 'over' is 7-1 in La. Tech's past eight outings, too. ... Western Kentucky pounded overmatched Florida Atlantic by a 52-3 count, ruining homecoming in Boca Raton. The Owls have dropped seven straight since their opening game win, and they are 1-7 ATS this season. ... It will be a battle of Owls next week, as FAU travels to Rice next Saturday. Rice is 2-1-1 ATS in four home games this season.

It was a week of the underdog in the Mid-American Conference. Buffalo (+19.5), Kent State (+12.5), Miami-Ohio (+7) and Ohio University (+15) each won outright as underdogs. In the Ohio game, the 'under' improved to 8-0 over the past eight heading into next week's game against Buffalo. ... No. 21 Western Michigan was off, but they'll play Tuesday at Ball State looking win their ninth straight game. The Broncos enter 6-2 ATS on the season.

New Mexico hit the islands and took care of pesky Hawaii by a 28-21 score. The Lobos have rattled off three straight wins and covers heading into next weekend's game against Nevada, and they're just one game away from bowl eligibility. ... San Diego State overpowered Utah State by a 40-13 count in Logan Friday night, improving to 7-1 SU. It was just the first time the Aztecs have covered in back-to-back games this season. ... San Jose State kept their slim bowl hopes alive with a 30-24 win over UNLV, posting a fourth straight 'under' result in the process.

Arkansas State entered as a 21-point favorite against Louisiana-Monroe and they showed why. The Red Wolves powered past the WarHawks by a 51-10 count, winning and covering for the third straight game after opening 0-4 SU/ATS.

Appalachian State posted a 34-10 win at Georgia Southern Thursday night, picking up their fifth consecutive game. The Mountaineers have alternated covers in each of the past seven games.

Bad Beats

The Boise State-Wyoming total was a disappointment for 'over' (62.5) bettors. Tied at 28 with less than two minutes to go, overtime looked good and so did a winning ticket. But 'under' bettors were the ones getting the gift in Laramie, as the Cowboys posted a strip sack and safety to cement the under result.

Virginia Tech posted the 39-36 win over Pittsburgh, but Hokies side bettors were anything but enthusiastic about the win. The Gobblers were laying 3 1/2 on the road at most shops, but ended up allowing a touchdown with 2:31 left in regulation to give the Panthers the cover.

'Over' (64.5) bettors were feeling pretty good with the score at 56-3 after three quarters in Kansas-Oklahoma. Unfortunately a scoreless fourth quarter handed 'under' bettors the winning ticket.

Iowa State outscored K-State 16-0 in the fourth quarter for the backdoor cover, including a touchdown with :51 remaining in regulation to deal Wildcats side bettors a tough losing ticket.

Opening Line Report - Week 10
By Marcus DiNitto
VegasInsider.com

With the College Football Playoff committee set to release its first rankings of the 2016 season on Tuesday, it’s the perfect time to look ahead to prospective betting lines for some of the potential matchups.

So before we get to the Week 10 slate, here are hypothetical point spreads for 10 games we may see in January, courtesy Nick Bogdanovich, director of trading at William Hill U.S.

Alabama (-6) vs. Michigan
Alabama (-8 ) vs. Clemson
Alabama (-10) vs. Washington
Michigan (-7) vs. Washington
Michigan (-2.5) vs. Clemson
Clemson (-1.5) vs. Washington
Alabama (-11) vs. Louisville
Alabama (-7) vs. Ohio State
Ohio State (-2) vs. Clemson

Now here’s an early look at three key games coming up this Saturday:

Alabama (-7.5) at LSU

On Sunday, CG Technology opened Alabama -7 and the Wynn opened -8, before the two books met in the middle at -7.5. Not much can be gleaned from this line movement, other than a peek into how wiseguys approach certain games.

"They laid 7 with us, so I think they were just playing the number there, so we moved it to 7.5 so they would stop doing that," said Jason Simbal, vice president of risk at CG Technology. "It wasn’t an opinionated bet."

Alabama hasn’t been this short a favorite all season, an enticing proposition for gamblers, and the Crimson Tide get the opportunity to cover this relatively light spread against a team they’ve beaten in five straight meetings (3-1-1 ATS).

But going into Death Valley, especially at night, is never easy. Plus, LSU is surging since Les Miles was showed the door, putting up 42, 45 and 38 points in wins over Missouri, Southern Mississippi and Ole Miss under interim head coach Ed Orgeron.

"LSU has changed their offense some, they’re spreading it out a lot more and throwing the ball more since Miles has left, but I still don’t think their offense is conducive to playing against Alabama," said Ed Salmons, oddsmaker at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook. "It’s never really been a good matchup for LSU. But playing at home, as long as they can keep it close, the crowd will be huge for them."

Salmons said of LSU’s potential to pull off the upset, "You have a freshman quarterback for Alabama (Jalen Hurts) going on the road, and a lot of things would have to happen and break right in the direction of LSU. They (can’t) turn the ball over – Alabama seems to get a defensive touchdown every game you watch – so they can’t do any of that stuff."

Considering how dominant Alabama has been this season, it’ll take some serious gumption to bet against them Saturday.

"To me, you have to either lay it with Alabama or not play (the game) after what you’ve seen this season," Simbal said.

Nebraska at Ohio State (-17)

While Simbal said his shop booked two bets on the 'dog Sunday, one at +16 and one at +15.5, before moving the line to 15, the number drifted back to 17 throughout Las Vegas on Monday.

Ohio State has looked vulnerable over the last three week, in fact losing at Penn State two games ago. The Buckeyes were also taken to overtime three weeks ago at Wisconsin and were given all they could handle at home versus Northwestern this past week.

Asked if he has lowered his rating on Ohio State in wake of this relative mediocrity, Salmons said, "Not really, not really. Northwestern played a good offensive game (Saturday). I was surprised at how Ohio State struggled to get them off the field. But I don’t think much of that Nebraska team."

While offshore books were dealing Ohio State as low as -12.5 on Sunday, Salmons’ expectations were 17, exactly where it currently sits.

Washington (-16) at California

The line for this Pac-12 matchup at both CG and the Wynn moved in the underdog’s direction from opening numbers of 17 and 16.5, respectively.

"There’s been three teams this year where the lines have just skyrocketed from the openers – Washington, Louisville and Michigan – because these teams are so popular and they’ve been killing teams," said Simbal. "But all three failed to cover last week, so it will be interesting to see if that trend continues or if people start backing off a little bit."

While Washington continues to hum along at 8-0, the Huskies are in the classic sandwich spot this week. They held on for a 31-24 win at Utah last Saturday and have USC at home in two weeks.

While both Simbal and Salmons envision Cal being able to move the ball on Washington, the Bears’ banged up defense is cause for concern.

"Cal scores and Washington’s on the road, but Cal has no chance to stop them, so it’s a question of how much they’ll score against them," Salmons said. "Cal works against themselves with the style they play because they try to score as fast they can and they get the defense back out there, and the defense can’t stop anyone..."I can almost feel how this game’s going to end," Salmons added. "Washington will be up by 20 and Cal will have the ball with a minute and half to two minutes to go, and if they score they cover and if they don’t they don’t cover."

Early line moves

These games saw the point spread move two or more points in the favorite’s direction during the first 24 hours of wagering at the Wynn.

Navy vs. Notre Dame
Opening line: Notre Dame -3.5
After 24 hours: Notre Dame -6.5

Georgia Southern vs. Ole Miss
Opening line: Ole Miss -24.5
After 24 hours: Ole Miss -27.5

Florida Int’l vs. Western Kentucky
Opening line: Western Kentucky -25.5
After 24 hours: Western Kentucky -28.5

Oregon vs. USC
Opening line: USC -13.5
After 24 hours: USC -17

Marshall vs. Old Dominion
Opening line: Old Dominion -7.5
After 24 hours: Old Dominion -12

Nebraska vs. Ohio State
Opening line: Ohio State -15
After 24 hours: Ohio State -17

Nevada vs. New Mexico
Opening line: New Mexico -12.5
After 24 hours: New Mexico -15

Only one game this week saw the point spread move at least two points in the underdog’s direction during the first 24 hours of wagering at the Wynn.

UMass vs. Troy
Opening line: Troy -23.5
After 24 hours: Troy -21

ACC Report - Week 10
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

Louisville at Boston College

The Cardinals hit the road for Chestnut Hill looking to keep their playoff aspirations alive, and as of Wednesday morning they were 25-point favorites. Last week Louisville struggled at Virginia, eeking out a 32-25 win despite entering as 32-point favorites. The Cardinals are 0-2 ATS in their past two as more than a 20-point favorite, and 0-2-1 ATS in the past three in the situation. Overall Louisville is 1-3 ATS over the past four outings. Boston College snapped a 12-game ACC losing streak last week at N.C. State, 21-14, winning as 16-point underdogs. The 'under' is now 4-1 in the past five games for Boston College, and 6-2 overall this season. It's the opposite for Louisville, as the 'over' is 10-3 in the past 13 overall and 5-1 in their past six road games. The total is set for 57.

Georgia Tech at North Carolina

The Ramblin' Wreck roll into Chapel Hill looking to deal the Tar Heels a costly loss in the Coastal Division. UNC enters as an 11-point favorite, and they're 2-0 ATS this season as a double-digit favorite. On the flip side, Georgia Tech failed to cover in their only game as a double-digit underdog Sept. 22 against Clemson, and they're 0-3 SU/1-2 ATS in three games as an underdog this season. Tech has struggled against the number lately, going 3-9 ATS in their past 12 against teams with a winning record, 4-12-1 ATS in the past 17 games overall and 1-5-1 ATS in their past seven away from home. They're also 1-6-1 ATS in their past eight ACC battles. For UNC, they're 5-2 ATS in their past seven overall while going 10-4 ATS in their past 14 against teams with a winning record. In this series, though, the Yellow Jackets are 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings.

Pittsburgh at Miami-Florida

The Hurricanes lost a heartbreaker in South Bend last week, falling 30-27 in a wild one at Notre Dame. After opening the season 4-0 SU/ATS, the Canes are 0-4 SU/ATS over the past four. Pitt has been a little more consistent, although they were dropped 39-36 last week against Virginia Tech at home. The Panthers have covered in back-to-back games for the first time this season after opening 1-5 ATS in their first six outings. The Panthers have seen the 'over' hit in seven consecutive games to make them popular at the betting window. Pitt is 8-3 ATS in their past 11 road games, and 5-2 ATS in their past seven ACC battles. While the road team is 6-0 ATS in the past six meetings, while the Panthers are 1-4 ATS in the past five meetings.

Virginia at Wake Forest

Virginia heads to the Triad looking to battle Wake Forest, and the Demon Deacons can become bowl eligible with a win against the 2-6 Cavaliers. UVA hasn't won many games, but they're tremendous against the number. The Cavaliers are 6-0-2 ATS in their past eight road games, 6-0-1 ATS in their past seven road outings against a team with a winning home record and 8-2 ATS in their past 10 league games. Overall they're 10-3-1 ATS in their past 14 outings. The Deacs are 5-2 ATS in their seven ACC games, but just 1-4 ATS in their past five outings. The underdog is 5-1-1 ATS in the past seven in this series, with the road team also 5-1-1 ATS during the span. The Cavs are 0-4 ATS in the past four in this series, although UVA is 3-1-1 ATS in their past five trips to Wake.

Syracuse at Clemson

The Orange head to Death Valley to battle the Tigers, and Clemson is a heavy favorite as they look to keep their playoff hopes on track. Syracuse pulled off a win as a 23-point underdog against Virginia Tech, so they're capable of winning against good teams. Syracuse has won back-to-back ACC games to get back to .500 overall, and defense has played a big part. They're allowing 18.5 PPG over the past two games, and the 'under' is 5-1 in their past six outings. For the Tigers, 'under' is 14-6 in the past 20 home games, and 5-2 in their past seven games in the month of November. Over the past 13 ACC games the 'over' has hit nine times for Clemson.

Virginia Tech at Duke

The Hokies head down to Wallace Wade Stadium looking for their seventh victory of the season, and they're favored by 11 as of Wednesday morning. With Duke, it's uncertain what team will show up. They upset Notre Dame Sept. 24, and were turnover machines against Virginia Oct. 1. They slipped by Army in the rains of Hurricane Matthew Oct. 8, and then played playoff contender Louisville extremely tough, losing 24-14 as 35-point underdogs. The Blue Devils have covered their past three entering play, and the underdog is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The 'under' has been a popular play for both sides, going 6-1 in Virginia Tech's past seven road outings and 4-0 in their past four against a team with a losing record. The under is 4-0 in Duke's past four home games, and 6-2 in their past eight overall.

Florida State at North Carolina State

The Seminoles suffered a tough loss at home against Clemson last week, as they looked to save their season. It's unusual to see FSU sitting at 5-3 heading into November. Now, they play in Raleigh against N.C. State, a place where the Seminoles have had plenty of trouble over the years. The Seminoles are 4-1 ATS in their past five road games, and 9-4 ATS in their past 13 games overall. N.C. State fell victim last week to a bad Boston College team, as the Eagles snapped a 12-game ACC losing streak. The Wolfpack are 2-5 ATS in their past seven ACC tilts, and 2-6 ATS in their past eight against teams with a winning record. However, FSU opened as a 7 1/2-point favorite and bettors have moved the line down to 5 1/2. It's likely because the home team is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings in this series and the underdog is 12-3-1 ATS in the past 16 meetings. FSU is 0-6-1 ATS in their past seven trips to Carter-Finley Stadium, and the 'Noles are 3-12-1 ATS in the past 16 in this series.

Big 12 Report - Week 10
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

Texas at Texas Tech

The Longhorns likely gave Charlie Strong a reprieve with a solid victory against Baylor last week, erasing an eight-point deficit to win 35-34 on a 39-yard field goal with :46 remaining. The Longhorns haven't been as good on the road, however, covering just two of their past nine games on the road. Texas Tech, who are currently 3 1/2-point underdogs as of Wednesday morning, are 7-1 ATS in their past eight Big 12 games and 5-1 ATS in their past six overall. The Red Raiders are also 4-1 ATS in their past five home games. Texas Tech won in overtime at TCU last week, and look to finally solve the Longhorns. Despite some lean times at Texas lately, they're 5-1 ATS in their past six meetings aginst the Red Raiders, with the road team 5-2 ATS in the past seven overall in the series.

Texas Christian at Baylor

Baylor and TCU each suffered disappointing setbacks last weekend, as the Horned Frogs were dumped in overtime at home against Texas Tech, while Baylor was tripped up in Austin by Texas. Baylor opened as 10-point favorites, but the line sits at 7 1/2-point favorites as of Wednesday AM. The Horned Frogs are in a tailspin, and they're 0-5 ATS in their past five conference tilts and 0-4 ATS in their past four overall. Baylor is just 4-10 ATS in their past 14 overall, and 3-7 ATS in their past 10 inside the conference. However, the Bears are 29-11 ATS in their past 40 games at home. TCU is 4-0 ATS in the past four in this series, and 4-1 ATS in their past five visits to Waco with the underdog 5-0 ATS in the past five meetings. While the 'under' has dominated for each side lately, as the under is 4-1 in TCU's past five and 6-1 in Baylor's past seven, the 'over' is 4-1 in the past five in this series.

Oklahoma State at Kansas State

OK State picked up an impressive victory last week, handing West Virginia their first loss in a 37-20 win in Stillwater. Now, the Cowboys look for their fifth straight victory at K-State. The Cowboys have covered three of their past four, while the 'over' has hit in three of the past four as well. It's been the complete opposite for K-State lately. While they're 3-1 SU in their psat four, the Wildcats are 1-3 ATS in the past four while going 3-5 ATS in eight games overall. The 'over' is 9-2 in the past 11 conference games for the Cowboys, and 11-4 in their past 15 overall. The 'over' is 19-8 in K-State's past 27 home games agaisnt a team with a winning road record, the 'under' is 5-2 in their past seven against a team with a winning overall mark. In this series the 'over' has cashed in each of the past five, while the 'over' is 4-1 in the past five meetings in Manhattan. While the road team is 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings, OK State is 1-5 ATS in the past six trips to Manhattan, and 0-5 ATS in the past five in this series. As of Wednesday morning the Wildcats are installed as field-goal favorites.

Kansas at West Virginia

Kansas is on primetime television for the second consecutive weekend, but it's certainly not to watch the Jayhawks. They're 1-7 SU and 2-6 ATS this season, and they head to Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown to face an angry Mountaineers team coming off its first setback of the season at Oklahoma State last weekend. The Jayhawks are a dismal 3-13 ATS in their past 16 conference games, and 6-23 ATS in their past 29 road games against a team with a winning home record. The Mountaineers, who enter as five-touchdown favorites, are 4-1 ATS in their past five games in the month of November, but 0-5 ATS in their past five games following a straight-up loss. The total sits at 54 as of Wednesday morning, and the 'under' might be a popular play. The 'under' is 6-1 in KU's past seven overall, and 4-1 in their past five Big 12 games. The under is also 19-7 in the past 26 road outings for Kansas. The 'under' is an impressive 18-3 in the past 21 conference games for West Virginia, and 22-7 in their past 29 games overall. The under is also 7-2 in their past nine against teams with a losing record.

Pac-12 Report - Week 10
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

Oregon State at Stanford

Stanford went down to Arizona and won 34-10 against the struggling Wildcats, improving to 3-1 on the road this season. Their problems have been on 'The Farm', as they have dropped their past two in Palo Alto, last winning at home Sept. 17. Oregon State dropped their third straight game last weekend, but they played Washington State tough in a 35-31 loss. It's the same Washington State team which emasculated Stanford 42-16 Oct. 8 in Palo Alto. The Beavers have covered four in a row, and they're 2-1 ATS in three games on the road this season. Oregon State has also covered four conference games, and they're 4-0 ATS in their past four against winning teams. In this series, the favorite is 6-0 ATS in the past six, while Oregon State is 0-4 ATS in their past four trips to Stanford and 0-6 ATS in their past six tries against the Cardinal.

Arizona at Washington State

The Wildcats continue to struggle, and things do not figure to get much better on the Palouse against the Cougars. Washington State is 5-0 in five league games, as they look to keep pace with Washington and set up a winner-take-all finale in the Apple Cup for a trip to the Pac-12 Championship Game. First things first, though, as WaZu must get by Arizona first. The underdog is 11-3 ATS in the past 14 meetings in this series.However, Arizona is 0-5 ATS in their past five road games, 0-4 ATS in their past four overall and 1-4 ATS in their past five against teams with a winning overall record. Washington State is 7-2 ATS in their past nine at home, 10-4 ATS in their past 14 Pac-12 games and 13-5 ATS in their past 18 overall.

Oregon at Southern California

Oregon looked like Oregon last week, rolling past Arizona State 54-35 in Eugene to snap a five-game losing streak. They covered as a 10-point favorite, picking up their first cover of the season after an 0-6-1 ATS start. It was also the fifth consecutive 'over' for the Ducks, who have yielded 35 or more points in six straight games, and 26 or more points in all eight of their outings. However, Oregon has also scored 32 or more in seven of their eight games, so you can still expect plenty of points in an Oregon game win or lose. After a difficult 1-3 SU/ATS start, the Trojans have rattled off four straight games while going 3-1 ATS. While Oregon has scored plenty of points, the 'under' is 4-0 in USC's past four, and 6-1 in their past seven overall. The 'over' has hit in five straight games, with the Ducks 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. However, the favorite is 8-2 ATS in the past 10 in this series.

Washington at California

The Huskies are on the road for the second straight week. They survived a difficult test in Salt Lake City against Utah last week, winning by seven, but failing to cover. They head to Berkeley as a 17-point favorite as of Wednesday morning. The Huskies are 4-1 ATS in their past five trips to California, and they're 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings overall in this series. The road team is also 4-0 ATS in the past four, favoring the Huskies in this one. The 'under' has hit in seven in a row in this series, but the 'over' is the trend for both teams lately. The 'over' is 5-0 in Washington's past five road games, 7-0 in their past seven league games and 10-1 in the past 11 overall. For Cal, the 'over' is 8-2 in their past 10 overall, 4-1 in their past five at home and 5-2 in their past seven against teams with a winning overall mark.

Bye Week: Arizona State, Utah

Big Ten Report - Week 10
By ASAWins.com

Nebraska at Ohio State (-17)

Ohio State – The OSU games have had some interesting line movements the past 2 weeks. Their line vs Northwestern last Saturday opened at -21 and moved up to -27. The Buckeyes struggled to win and never were anywhere close to covering in a 24-20 win. This week their line vs Nebraska opened -14 and within 24 hours was up to -17. Interesting line and line movement. For comparison’s sake, these two teams played at Wisconsin within the last two weeks, both were outgained by 40ish total yards in the game, and both games went to OT. Pretty comparable numbers to say the least. The fact is the Bucks are not playing up to their billing right now and it’s not even all that close. After starting the season a perfect 4-0 ATS, they have failed to cover their last 4 games by a combined 53 points. That’s failing to cover by an average of almost 14 points per game in each of their last 4.

Last week they outgained Northwestern by only 0.3 YPP (5.9 YPP to 5.6 YPP) and they allowed the Cats to top 400 total yards. It was the second time in the last three games the OSU defense allowed an opponent to gain more than 400 yards. The defense allowed the Cats four long scoring drives of 16, 16, 12, and 10 plays. The Buckeye stop unit was unable to get off the field on 3rd down allowing NW to convert of 10 of their 18 3rd (and 4th) down plays. However, let’s not forget this team is very young as they returned the fewest starters in college football at just 6. Could they be hitting a bit of a wall? Possibly. Head coach Urban Meyer mentioned he sees “a lot of positives” from his young team after their win over Northwestern. The offense could be without key WR Parris Campbell this week after he injured his ankle vs NW. Campbell is also the Buckeyes main kick returner.

Nebraska – The Huskers finally played a formidable opponent last week at Wisconsin and were dealt their first loss of the season. They played well however taking UW to OT before losing 23-17. Nebraska came in averaging almost 450 YPG in total offense and they were held to their season low of 305 on just 4.0 YPP in Madison. It was just the 2nd time this year they were held under 400 total yards. QB Tommy Armstrong was simply bad completing only 12 passes the entire game for an average of just 4.9 yards per attempt. He also threw 2 interceptions which now makes it 6 picks in the last 4 games after throwing only one his first four games. Three of his twelve completions went to WR Westerkamp who returned from an injury and moved to 3rd on the all-time receptions list with his catches on Saturday.

The Nebraska defense was fairly impressive. They held Wisconsin to 17 points in regulation and kept UW RB Clement in check. Clement had one long run of 41 yards late in regulation but other than that, he didn’t have a run of more than 5 yards before OT. The Badger QB’s (Hornibrook & Houston) combined to complete only 14 passes for just 114 yards. The Huskers allowed the UW offense to get inside the red zone (20 yard line) only 2 times in their 13 possessions. NU looks decent on the “health” front with the exception of the offensive line. They came into the game banged up on the O-Line and lost starting guard Tanner Farmer to a leg injury early in the game. He left Madison on crutches and in a walking boot.

Last Year – These two have not met since 2012. They have faced off twice since Nebraska joined the Big Ten with the home team winning each time. OSU won 63-38 here in 2012 and Nebraska topped the Bucks 34-27 in 2011 in Lincoln.

Inside the Numbers – Nebraska has not been an underdog of this magnitude (17 or more points) since the 2008 season. Since 1980, they’ve been a dog of 17 or more just 8 times and they are 1-7 SU in those games, 5-3 ATS. OSU is just 5-11 ATS their last 16 conference games, 0-4 ATS this season. The Bucks were just 12-19 ATS as a 17-point or higher favorite heading into this season. They are 3-3 ATS in that role this year.

Wisconsin (-7) at Northwestern

Northwestern – As we’ve mentioned many times in this column, the Cats have made more in-season improvement that any team in the Big Ten. After starting the season 1-3 with losses to Illinois State, Western Michigan, & Nebraska, the Cats have since won 3 of 4 with their only loss coming in a toe to toe match up at Ohio State last Saturday. NW was a hefty 27-point dog but played the Buckeyes to the wire losing 24-20. Despite being big underdogs, the Wildcats never trailed by more than 10 and had a chance with a few minutes to go to tie the game at 24 but failed to put the ball in the endzone after a 1st and goal situation from the 3-yard line. They put up over 400 yards on the OSU defense and in the clutch they converted on 10 of their 18 third and fourth down attempts.

The defense continues to allow opposing offenses to put up big yardage numbers, OSU had 431, but they’ve done a nice job of keeping teams off the scoreboard. While they are giving up 416 YPG, which is a full 100 yards more per game than they allowed Last Year, they are giving up just 22 PPG. Wisconsin obviously likes to run the ball and the NW rush defense was looking very solid heading into last week’s game. Before facing the Buckeyes, the Northwestern defense had held each of their three previous opponents below 85 yards rushing. Then last week OSU put up 208 yards on the ground so they’ll have to be better this week as the Badgers have averaged 209 YPG on the ground the last 3 games.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin picked went to OT for the 2nd time in 3 weeks but this go around they picked up a win 23-17 over Nebraska. However, the injuries are starting to pile up for UW. Especially at linebacker. This team is already minus Chris Orr & Jack Cichy, both starters, and now TJ Watt is possibly on the shelf for this week. He injured his shoulder in last week’s win and while he finished the game, he’s been very limited in practice this week. Watt leads the Badgers with 7 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. They will also be without starting NT Sagapola for the 3rd straight game. The offense looked like they “turned the corner” coming out of their bye putting up over 400 yards on both OSU & Iowa.

Last week they took a step back with just 337 yards vs Nebraska. Wisconsin finished the game with backup QB Houston in the game and freshman starter Hornibrook on the bench. Head coach Paul Chryst has gone to somewhat of a QB rotation the last few weeks and we’re not so sure it hasn’t shaken Hornibrook’s confidence. The offense continues to struggle getting into the endzone when they have a legitimate shot to do so. Since their game vs Michigan State, the Badgers have played 4 games vs Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa, and Nebraska. Granted all of those teams have solid defenses, but in those games Wisconsin has had 49 offensive possessions and scored TD’s on just 8 of those. That will have to improve as the defense is starting to get beat up physically with injuries mounting.

Last Year – Northwestern came to Madison Last Year and beat Wisconsin in a slugfest 13-7. It was obviously a defensive game with both offenses being held under 210 total yards.

Inside the Numbers – Wisconsin has not won at Northwestern since 1999, losing all 4 games during that span both SU & ATS. The last 3 years these teams have played some defensive, grind it out games with the total scores ending on 20, 34, and 41 points. Since 1995, the Cats are 37-27 ATS as a home underdog. The home team has covered 8 of the last 9 in this series with last season being the only exception.

Indiana (-14) at Rutgers

Rutgers – The Knights are off a bye after blowing a game two weeks ago at Minnesota. Rutgers nearly pulled off the upset as a 17.5 points underdog in Minneapolis losing 34-32 on a Gopher field goal as time expired. That was after getting outscored by a ridiculous 174-14 in their first four Big Ten games. Part of the spark came from a switch at QB. Getting his first start of the season, Gio Rescigno threw for 220 yards and 3 TD’s. He also ran for 26 yards.

While those numbers aren’t overwhelming, they are a huge upgrade for the stats put up by former starter Chris Laviano who threw for just 5 TD’s in his 7 starts this season. Laviano’s biggest passing game this year was 190 yards vs Iowa. Rescigno led the Knights to 32 points after they put up just 64 total points vs 6 FBS opponents this year under Laviano’s direction. All that vs a solid Minnesota defense. The Rutgers offense crossed the 50-yard line and made it into Minnesota territory 8 times in the game. While that may not seem like a huge number, keep in mind the Knights crossed midfield only 8 times in their previous 3 games combined. Now that the offense seems to be at least headed in the right direction, they need some help from their defense which ranks dead last in the conference allowing 37 PPG on 430 YPG.

Indiana – So much for the IU defense being strong and the offense struggling this season. The game vs Maryland last Saturday completely basically reversed that trend. After averaging just 19 PPG over their first four Big Ten games, the Hoosiers erupted for 42 points and 650 total yards! After failing to reach 100 in three consecutive games, IU ran the ball 57 times for a ridiculous 414 yards in the 42-36 win. They had three separate players go over 100 yards on the ground. Not bad for a team that didn’t have a single player top 100 yards rushing since way back on September 10th vs Ball State. Their 414 yards on the ground was almost as many yards as the rushed for in their first four Big Ten games combined (427).

IU unleashed their brand new Wildcat package on a Maryland defense that admitted afterward they hadn’t seen it from the Hoosiers and obviously weren’t ready for it. They hadn’t seen it because it was the first time the Hoosiers ran the package this year with backup QB Zander Diamont who rushed for 111 yards on just 10 carries. The two teams combined to rush 107 times for almost 700 yards in last week’s game. The two teams combined to score 21 points in the final 3:55 of the game including 14 points in the final 50 seconds. Indiana was forced to punt just twice in their 12 offensive possessions. The IU defense, who had been playing very well, was shredded by Maryland. After allowing just 360 yards to Nebraska and 383 to Ohio State, two of the top offenses in the Big Ten, IU gave up 517 yards to the Terps, including 269 rushing.

Last Year – Rutgers has won both meetings since joining the Big Ten. Last Year they topped IU in Bloomington 55-52 as the two combined for over 1,200 total yards! In 2014 the Knights played host to the Hoosiers and came out on top 45-23 with the two topping 900 total yards.

Inside the Numbers – Rutgers is just 3-11 ATS their last 14 games in the month of November. Indiana favored by double digits on the road in a conference game? The last time that happened was way back in 1998, one year after the inception of ASA! If this number stays at -14, IU has been a Big Ten road favorite of two TD’s or higher just 3 times since 1990. They are 0-3 ATS in those games.

Michigan State at Illinois (No Line)

Illinois – There is currently no line on this game due to the status of Illinois QB Wes Lunt. He sat out his 3rd consecutive game last week as the Illini were beaten 40-17 at home vs Minnesota. They are just 1-2 in those 3 games but have been outgained in all three by a combined 492 yards. Lunt’s replacement, Jeff George Jr, has completed just 20 of his 49 passes (40%) for only 250 yards in his two starts, both Illini losses. They have been outscored 81-25 in those two games.

Last Saturday’s 40-17 loss wasn’t quite the blowout it looked like. The Illinois defense actually held the Gophers to just 283 total yards. Three Illinois turnovers led directly to 17 points for Minnesota. The Gophs seemed to work on a short field all game long with TD drives of 9, 10, and 20 yards. In a very odd stat that you won’t see very often, the Illini defense forced Minny to punt 8 times in the game yet they still put up 40 points! Lunt is the only key injury for Illinois. Two key WR’s left last week’s game (Thieman & Turner) and RB Vaughn also exited with a foot injury. Now reports out of Illinois that head coach Lovie Smith is “miserable” at his current job, which he attempted to debunk this week, and this team just might have a tough time turning around their current downward spiral.

Michigan State – Sparty continued to tumble further downward with their 6th straight loss last week at Michigan. MSU gave a valiant effort against their arch rival easily covering the 24-point spread losing to the Wolverines 32-23. It was the first time MSU covered the spread since mid-September. It’s hard to fathom, but Michigan State, along with Rutgers, has the worst record in the Big Ten at 0-5. Who would have guessed that when this team was ranked in the top 10 at the start of the conference season? Head coach Mark Dantonio continued to juggle his QB’s starting senior Tyler O’Connor after he sat at the start of the previous two games vs Northwestern and Maryland. O’Connor was then yanked early in the 2nd half with the Spartans trailing 30-10. Dantonio then opted for Damion Terry who hadn’t taken a snap since their home loss to BYU back on October 8th. Terry played one series and then was replaced by Brian Lewerke who has started the previous two games. Lewerke led them to their final 13 points but it’s safe to say the MSU QB situation is an absolute mess.

On a positive note, the Spartans rushed for 217 yards against a Michigan defense that was allowing only 63 YPG rushing in conference play coming into the game. They outrushed a Michigan team that had outgained their opponents by an average of 161 YPG on the ground entering last week’s game. Another hard to believe situation, but MSU now has to win the remainder of their games to simply finish with a .500 record. That feat seems unlikely with games remaining vs Ohio State and at Penn State.

Last Year – These two have met only once since 2010 with MSU winning that game 42-3 back on 2013.

Inside the Numbers – The favorite has covered 7 of the last 8 meetings in this Big Ten battle. That would lend you to believe that Michigan State has done well vs Illinois since they’ve probably been favored more often than not. That would be correct as since 1994, MSU is 12-1 SU and 11-2 ATS in this series. The Illini have won only 7 of their last 36 Big Ten games dating back to 2012.

Maryland at Michigan (-31)

Michigan – The Wolverines topped MSU on the road last week 32-23 but didn’t come close to covering the 24 point spread which was the largest in this storied series since 1992. It was actually the fourth time in the last six weeks that Michigan failed to cover as they are a “public” team and their pointspreads have been skyrocketing. As the saying goes, you can just throw out the previous records and stats when it comes to rivalry games. A struggling MSU offense, who had scored 21 or fewer points in all but one of their Big Ten games entering last week, put up 23 points and over 400 yards on the nation’s top defense. The Spartan yardage output nearly doubled what the Wolverines had been giving up on average this year which was just 205 YPG. The 23 points were almost the same amount the Michigan defense had given up for the entire Big Ten season (25 total points allowed coming into last week).

The Michigan offense certainly played well scoring points on their first 6 offensive possessions (minus one drive they threw an interception) while piling up 436 yards on 6.5 YPP. They built a comfortable 30-10 lead at that point but after scoring on all of their first 6 drives, the offense then went stale and had to punt on every possession from that point on. It gave MSU a chance to get back into the game and they did scoring TD’s on two of their final three possessions. Michigan is favored by 31 points here which makes it the third time in four weeks they’ve been a favorite of 30 or more.

Maryland – New head coach DJ Durkin brings his Maryland team into Ann Arbor for their second of back to back road games after the Terps lost at Indiana 42-36 last Saturday. Durkin should have a good read on Harbaugh and the Wolverines as he was their defensive coordinator last season. If Durkin and the Terps want any chance of keeping this one close, they better improve their rush defense and improve it fast. In last week’s 6 point loss at Indiana they allowed the Hoosiers to rush for over 400 yards! That was vs an offense that was averaging barely over 100 YPG rushing in the Big Ten before last weekend. Now they face a Michigan offense putting up 250 YPG on the ground. S

ince shutting down Purdue to start the Big Ten season, the Maryland defense has allowed 500+ yards twice and is giving up 477 YPG over their last four. For as poor as their defense played last week, Maryland still had a shot as the offense definitely upheld their end of the bargain. They put up 36 points, over 500 yards, and converted on 10 of their 19 third and fourth down opportunities. They got inside Indiana territory on 8 of their 12 offensive possessions and two of the four that did not end up crossing the 50 yard line were due to Terp turnovers. After getting through the “easier” portion of their schedule with a 5-3 record, the turtles now play Michigan, Ohio State, and Nebraska the next three weeks.

Last Year – The road team has won each of the meetings (2) since Maryland joined the Big Ten. Last Year Michigan pitched a 28-0 shutout at Maryland and in 2014 the Terps upset the Wolverines 23-16 in Ann Arbor.

Inside the Numbers – These two have met 5 times since the start of the 1980 season with Michigan winning 4 of those games – all by at least 20 points. This is already the 5th time this season that Michigan has been favored by 30 points or more. They are 3-1 ATS so far in those games, however entering the season they were just 10-18 ATS as a 30+ point favorite. Maryland is 16-7 ATS the game following a SU loss dating back to the 2012 season.

Iowa at Penn State (-7.5)

Penn State – The Nittany Lions quietly came in at #12 in the first College FB Playoff rankings earlier this week. They are flying under the radar a bit at 6-2 but we have to admit we were shocked they were ranked that highly. Last Saturday they cruised to an easy 62-24 win at Purdue but that game was tied at 17 at halftime. PSU scored 6 TD’s in the 2nd half on 8 possessions. The other two possessions ended in a field goal and a turnover so it was quite a productive 2nd half for Penn State to say the least. However, four Purdue turnovers had something to do with those massive second half numbers. In fact, they had A LOT to do with it as PSU scored TD’s after each of Purdue’s 4 turnovers a drives of 24, 24, 28, and 58 yards.

That win moved the Nits to 4-1 in Big Ten play and if they win out and Ohio State beats Michigan in the season finale, this Penn State team would win a share of the Big Ten East title. Their record is a bit skewed in our opinion and we’ll tell you why. After they were dominated by Michigan to open the season (lost by 39 points & outgained by 324 yards) they’ve been the beneficiary of some nice situations. After Michigan, they topped Minnesota at home in OT, beat Maryland as the Terps starting QB Hills was injured, beat OSU scoring 10 points in the final 12:00 minutes despite gaining -1 yard during that stretch, and then beat Purdue last Saturday just a week and a half after the Boilers fired their head coach. We’ll find out this weekend if PSU is really as good as their ranking. If they easily handle Iowa, we’ll back off.

Iowa – The Hawkeyes are coming off a bye week. Their most recent game was a 17-9 loss at home vs Wisconsin. The Badgers dominated that game outgaining Iowa by nearly 200 yards but struggled to score points in the red zone. It looks like Iowa was able to get some key players healthy during their bye week. Previously injured starters OT Boone Myers, TE George Kittle and DT Nathan Bazata are all slated to be back in the line up on Saturday. The Hawkeyes look like they will have their entire starting offensive line on the field for the first time since winning at Minnesota in early October.

The Hawks defense has been focusing this week on slowing down PSU RB Barkley and keeping QB McSorely from hurting them with his feet. McSorely is PSU’s 2nd leading rusher on the season. Iowa’s run defense has been trending up as of late holding their last 3 opponents (Minnesota, Purdue, and Wisconsin) to just 3.8 YPC. Offensively they need improvement from their senior QB CJ Beathard. All of his key passing numbers from Last Year are down including completion percentage, YPG passing, interceptions, and yards per attempt. Some of his struggles really kicked in when Iowa lost their top WR Vandeberg to a season ending injury in late September. Iowa already has more losses this year (3) than they had all of last season however those 3 losses have come by a combined 17 points.

Last Year – These two have not met since the 2012 season. Despite losing 38-14 in 2012, Iowa has won 9 of the last 13 meetings.

Inside the Numbers – Iowa is a road dog here and going back to the 2013 season, the Hawkeyes have won outright 4 of the last 5 times they’ve been getting points on the road. . Iowa is 21-9-1 the last 31 times they’ve been an underdog of a TD or more. PSU has failed to cover the last 9 times they’ve been tabbed a home favorite (0-7-2 ATS).

Purdue at Minnesota (-17)

Minnesota– After starting the Big Ten season with two tight losses at PSU (in OT) and at home vs Iowa (by 7), the Gophers have quietly put together a 3 game winning streak. Granted those three wins have come against Maryland, Rutgers, and Illinois, but a 3 game winning streak none the less. Last week’s 40-17 win at Illinois was actually quite deceiving. First of all, the Illini played without QB Wes Lunt which really slows down their already not so productive offense. On top of that, Illinois turned the ball over 3 times which led directly to 17 Minnesota points. The Gophs had 3 TD drives of less than 21 yards in the game. The Gophers tallied 40 points but only had 283 yards of total offense vs Illinois.

Minnesota should find out this week if five players currently under a restraining order will be allowed to play Saturday against Purdue. An alleged victim of a Sept. 2 incident petitioned in October to keep Ray Buford, KiAnte Hardin, Tamarion Johnson, Dior Johnson and Carlton Djam from TCF Bank Stadium, where she takes part in the university’s gameday operations. The five players have been able to play in road games but not at home. The Gophers also kicked starting WR Brian Smith off the team this week due to ongoing issues including a recent fight. He was Minnesota’s second leading receiver this season and his loss means they now turn to Tyler Johnson, who has only 13 catches, and Rashad Still, who has just 5 receptions.

Purdue – How will Purdue respond now? That’s a tough question. They were tied last week 17-17 at half vs Penn State but then were destroyed in the 2nd half in a 62-24 loss. Two weeks ago head coach Darrell Hazell was fired and the Boilers rallied to play very well in a tight loss at Nebraska. Last week they looked like they were heading in the same positive direction as they played PSU toe to toe. Then four second half turnovers led to a massive implosion in a blowout loss.

You have to wonder how where this team’s “psyche” stands right now. They’ve had a lot of distractions over the last few weeks. They are 3-5 and can still get to a bowl eligible record although that doesn’t seem likely as they’d have to win 3 of their last 4 games. This week they face a physical Minnesota team that loves to run the ball. The Gophs average 45 carries and 207 YPG on the ground and Purdue can’t stop the run. The Boilers have allowed 300+ yards in 3 Big Ten teams and 250+ in another. The only team they’ve held below 250 yards in conference play was Nebraska. The way to beat Minnesota it to shut down their run and make them beat you through the air. Minnesota ranks just 111th in passing YPG, their QB Leidner is not all that accurate (57% completions), and has thrown just as many picks (5) as TD’s (5). Purdue’s defense hasn’t shown their equipped to win by shutting down anyone’s running game. The one positive as a big underdog is the Purdue offense can score. They have put up 35, 34, and 24 points in three of their last four Big Ten games which could make it tough for Minnesota to pull away here.

Last Year – Minnesota was a 3-point favorite at Purdue Last Year and won going away 41-13. The Gophers rushed for 326 yards to just 68 for Purdue.

Inside the Numbers – Our in depth database goes back to 1980 and this is the largest point-spread on record for this Big Ten series. Minnesota has been a double digit favorite 3 time this year and they are 0-3 ATS in those games. The Gophers are just 4-11 ATS their last 15 in that situation. The Boilermakers have covered 8 straight as an underdog of 17 or more.

NCAAF Week 10

Florida State is 5-3 with road wins at USF (55-35), Miami (20-19); they had tough 37-34 loss at home to Clemson LW- tigers outgained them 511-449. FSU is thin; that is tough game to bounce back from. NC State lost its last three games, allowing 33 pts/game; State is 1-4 when it allows 21+ points, 3-0 when it does not. Florida State won its last three games with Wolfpack, by 17-15-32 points; Seminoles are 2-3 in last five visits here, 0-5 vs spread. FSU is 2-3 as a single digit favorite vs Wolfpack. Underdogs are 11-3-1 vs spread in last 15 series games. ACC home underdogs are 5-6 vs spread.

Oklahoma State won its last four games, scoring 42 pts/game; Cowboys are 1-1 on road this year, losing 35-24 at Baylor, winning at lowly Kansas. OSU is 12-10 as a road dog the last 11 years. Home side won nine of last ten Oklahoma State-Kansas State games; Wildcats covered seven of last eight meetings, but OSU won five of last seven SU. Cowboys lost five of last six visits to Little Apple, losing 48-14/44-30 in last two visits. K-State is 15-10 in last 25 games as a home favorite, 1-4 in last five- they won both Big X home games this year, 44-38 over Texas Tech, 24-21 over Texas. Big X home favorites are 9-5 vs spread.

Baylor lost its first game LW; tends to be letdown by teams when their unbeaten season goes down drain. Bears scored 40.8 pts/game in its 3-1 start in Big X, winning home games by 11 over Oklahoma, 42 over Kansas. Young Horned Frogs are 1-3 in Big X with only win 24-23 at lowly Kansas; TCU is 10-3 in last 13 games as a road underdog, but 0-1 this year. Underdogs covered four of last five Baylor-TCU games; Bears won three of last five SU- teams split last four games played here. Baylor ran ball for 272-272 yards in last two meetings. Big X home favorites are 9-5 vs spread.

Miami lost its last four games after a 4-0 start; Hurricanes scored total of 32 points in losing last two home games. Miami is 8-4-1 in last 13 games as home favorite, 1-2 this year; they won nine of last ten games with Pitt but they’re 3-4 vs spread in last seven; Panthers lost three of last four visits here (2-2 vs spread). Hurricanes are 4-0 vs spread as a single digit series favorite. Pitt allowed 31+ points in six of last seven games; Panthers are 5-2 as road underdogs under Narduzzi, 1-1 this year. Miami ran ball 64 times for 60 yards in last two games (includes sacks); they need to do better. ACC home favorites are 6-13 vs spread.

Georgia lost four of last five games, scoring total of 26 points in losing last two games, to Vandy, Florida. Dawgs are 12-10 in last 22 games as road faves, 1-1 this year. Georgia is 17-2 in its last 19 games games with Kentucky, winning last six, last three by 24+ points. Dawgs won last four visits here- they’re 5-3 as single digit series favorite. Georgia ran for 300-305 yards in last two series games- they’re 5-4 vs spread in last nine visits here. Kentucky won five of last six games after an 0-2 start; they’re 2-9-1 as home dogs under Stoops, 0-1 this year. SEC home underdogs are 9-4 vs spread.

Arkansas allowed a ludicrous 543 rushing yards in its last game, a 56-3 loss to Auburn. Florida allowed 7.3 pts/game in its six wins; their only loss was 38-28 at Tennessee, in game the Gators led 21-3 at half. Florida covered four of last five tries as a road favorite (0-1 this year)- they won their last seven games with Arkansas (6-1 vs spread); teams last met in 2013. This is Gators’ first visit to Arkansas since 2008. Razorbacks allowed 45 pts/game in its 1-3 start in SEC play; Hogs are 5-5 as home underdogs under Bielema, 1-1 this year. SEC home underdogs are 9-4 vs spread.

Wyoming had great win over Boise State LW, has to guard against letdown. Cowboys are having breakthrough season at 6-2; they’re 1-3 as home favorites under Bohl- this first time they are HF this year- they have three SU home wins as an underdog. Wyoming lost last four games with Utah State, all by 17+ points. Favorites are 6-1 vs spread in last seven series games. Aggies won 20-3/63-19 in last two visits to Laramie. USU is 5-7 as road dogs under Wells, 1-1 this year. Aggies gave up 400 rushing yards in last game, a 40-13 home loss to San Diego State. Mountain West home favorites are 5-9 vs spread.

Oregon snapped 5-game skid LW with 54-35 win over ASU, but they still allowed 468 TY. Ducks are 0-3 on road, allowing 47 pts/game in losses by 3-18-3 points. Oregon is 0-1-1 as a road dog this year, after being 5-0 the previous six years. USC scored 38.8 pts/game in winning last four games, vs Colorado (21-17) and three stiffs; Trojans are 21-12 in last 33 games as a home fave, 3-1 this year. Ducks won four of last five games with USC, scoring 49 pts/game; favorites covered eight of last ten series games. Ducks won 62-51/53-32 in last two visits here- they’ve gained 578+ TY in four of last five series games. Pac-12 home favorites are 11-7 vs spread.

Texas is 0-4 away from Austin, allowing 42 pts/game; Longhorns are 3-2 as road favorites under Strong, 0-1 this year. Texas Tech covered five of last six games; they’ve scored 50+ points four times this year, are just 2-2 SU in those games. Red Raiders are 5-3 as home dogs under Kingsbury, 1-1 this year. Texas won 11 of last 13 games with Texas Tech, losing 48-45 to Tech LY. Favorites covered four of last six series games. Longhorns won last three visits to Lubbock: 34-13, 31-22, 24-14- they ran ball for 308.3 yds/game in last three games vs Red Raiders. Big X home underdogs are 6-3 vs spread.

Penn State won/covered its last four games; they’re 8-6 as home favorites under Franklin, 1-2 this season. Iowa scored 14 or less points in three of its last five games, with pair of 14-7 wins in there; Hawkeyes are 3-0 on road this year, with Minnesota only good win of the three; they’re 5-2 in last seven games as a road underdog. Underdogs are 8-4 vs spread in last 12 Iowa-Penn State games; Lions won 38-14/13-3 in last two meetings, but Hawkeyes won four of last six visits here, with average total in last four, 24.3. Teams last met in 2012. Big 14 home favorites are 6-13 against the spread.

LSU scored 41.7 pts/game in winning all three games since Miles was fired, but that was vs two stiffs and banged-up Ole Miss in last game. Alabama won its last five games (4-1 vs spread) by average score of 43-12 since their one close game this year, a 48-43 win at Ole Miss in September- they covered five of last six games as a road favorite. Tide won its last four games with LSU, winning 20-13/21-17 in last two visits to Death Valley. Tigers are underdog for first time this year- since 2010, they’re 3-1 as home dogs. Favorites are 6-3 vs spread in last nine meetings; Tigers were held under 290 TY in last three. SEC home underdogs are 9-4 vs spread.

Northwestern is 6-4 in last ten games with Wisconsin, despite being underdog in all ten games; Wildcats were double digit dog in three of the six wins- they’re +11 in turnovers the last three series games. Badgers lost last four visits to Evanston, by 6-2-3-9 points. Wisconsin won its last three games, two in OT, the other 17-9 at Iowa; Badgers have played a very hard schedule this year- they’re 7-4 in last 11 games as road favorites, 1-0 this year. Northwestern lost tough 24-20 game to Ohio State LW; 5-8 in last 13 games as a home dog, 0-1 this season. Big 14 home underdogs are 7-8 vs spread.

Nebraska is 7-1 vs soft schedule; they lost 23-17 (+9) at Wisconsin LW; total yardage was 337-305, Badgers. Cornhuskers are 6-1-1 in last eight games as a road underdog, 1-0 this year. Ohio State’s last three games were all decided by 7 or less points; Buckeyes are 0-4 vs spread in last four games; they’re 16-18 as home favorite under Meyer, 3-2 this year. OSU Home side won last two Nebraska-Ohio State games; teams haven’t met since 2012. Huskers lost first game of year at Wisconsin LW; Big 14 favorites are 14-20 vs spread. Nebraska gave up 332 rushing yards in win over Oregon, 223 LW; they’ll be tested by OSU’s running game.

Armadillosports.com

Best Bets - Week 10
By Sportsbook.ag

After a mostly down CFB season with my best bets, the switch to playing two totals last week paid off. Both the Penn State/Purdue and Clemson/Florida State games were no doubt winners on the 'over' and the 2-0 day helped add some units to the bankroll.

This week we've had the first CFB Playoff rankings come out with Texas A&M being a surprise at #4 and they'll no doubt have a target on their back this week as they are on the road to face Mississippi State. But that game is not the focus of this week's card as there are plenty of other intriguing games out there, including one featuring a program that by nearly all accounts got snubbed by these initial CFB Playoff rankings.

Best Bet #1: Washington -16.5

There is no doubt that the undefeated Washington Huskies feel like they got snubbed by those rankings as the one-loss Aggies grabbed that #4 ranking. Washington came in at #5 and while the argument behind putting Texas A&M ahead of them is largely based on strength of schedule, the Huskies still have a few weeks to prove to the committee that they got these initial rankings very wrong.

Washington has dominated the Pac-12 opponents they've faced aside from an OT win in their conference opener at Arizona, but if there ever was a time for Washington to state their case that they belong in the CFB playoff, getting snubbed in the first rankings having not lost yet would be it. The Huskies are in California this week to take on a sub-par Golden Bears program that is still adjusting to life after Jared Goff.

From a betting perspective, Washington hasn't been great as road favorites this year, but the fact that they've been double digit favorites in all three of their road games so far – four including this one – speaks volumes about just how good this team is. Washington is 1-2 ATS in those three games, but that lone ATS win came about a month ago in Oregon when many were questioning the legitimacy of Washington too. That was a dominant 70-21 victory over a very porous Ducks defense and the similarities between that contest and this one are many.

For one, Cal has an atrocious defense themselves in allowing 41.8 points per game and Washington should rip them to shreds this week. That was likely always going to be the case, but throw in that snubbing by the playoff committee, and the Huskies will be out to prove a point here. The road team is a perfect 4-0 ATS the last foru times these two teams have met and that includes a 30-24 Cal win last year as -1 favorites. There is no Jared Goff to deal with this time around for the Huskies and with a 4-1 ATS run going as a program in their last five trips to Cal, this game will get ugly in a hurry for the home side.

Best Bet #2: TCU +8

TCU has been one of the worst bets in college football all year with a 1-7 ATS mark, but the 4-4 SU Horned Frogs are still fighting to become Bowl eligible this year and that means they'll have to close out the season strong. They've got a tough task going into Baylor this week to take on the Bears, but thanks to Texas shocking Baylor last week, this situation sets up pretty nicely for the Horned Frogs to have a chance this week.

One thing I always look for in college football every year by the time mid-October hits is undefeated teams that suffer their first loss. With the emphasis on these programs staying undefeated or only suffering one loss all year to keep their national championship hopes alive, that first loss for a 6-0, 7-0 etc team can be extremely deflating. Baylor was arguably the Big 12's best chance at getting into the CFB playoff this year (Oklahoma is the other) and last week's loss all but killed those chances unless a myriad of things fall Baylor's way in the next few weeks.

It's going to be very tough for those Baylor players to “get up” for a game like this knowing their National Title hopes have basically been dashed and with all the negative stories hovering over the football program at Baylor the past 6+ months, this could be the game we finally see it all be too much to overcome for the Bears.

So while TCU hasn't been a great team this year, HC Gary Patterson will have his team ready and prepared to pull off the upset and put arguably the final nail in Baylor's playoff hopes. The Horned Frogs have covered the number in four straight meetings with Baylor – all as underdogs – and won two of those games outright. This one should come down to the wire again as Baylor's 3-7 ATS mark in their last 10 Big 12 games takes another hit.

Saturday's SEC Tip Sheet
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

Florida at Arkansas

Florida (6-1 straight up, 3-4 against the spread) is ranked No. 11 in the College Football Playoff Committee’s first rankings this week. However, UF fans shouldn’t fret over that in any way whatsoever because the Gators can add a slew of quality wins to their resume in the next month. The meat of UF’s schedule is on the horizon starting with this week’s trip to Fayetteville. As of Friday afternoon, most betting shops had Jim McElwain’s team installed as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 47. The number was at 4.5 early in the week. The Razorbacks were +155 on the money line (risk $100 to win $155).

With Tennessee losing at South Carolina last week, Florida simply needs to win two of its final three SEC games to repeat as East champs. Even if the Gators lose twice, they could still win the East depending on what Kentucky and UT do in league play in the coming weeks. UF hosts South Carolina and then travels to LSU after taking on Arkansas this weekend. In terms of its CFP hopes, UF will undoubtedly get an invite by winning out because that would include a win at FSU and in the SEC Championship Game against the West’s representative.

-- Since blowing a 21-0 lead in a 38-28 loss at Tennessee in Week 4, Florida has won three straight games while going 2-1 ATS. The Gators could easily be 3-0 ATS during this stretch, but they fumbled the quarterback-center exchange on a second-and-goal play from the one yard line with about two minutes left in a 13-6 win at Vanderbilt as 13-point road favorites.

If we eliminated the Tennessee game, Florida’s defense has only allowed 44 total points in its six other games. This unit ranks second in the nation in total defense, pass defense and scoring defense (11.7 points per game). Defensive Coordinator Geoff Collins’s group is led by senior LB Jarrad Davis, who has recorded 55 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, four passes broken up and four QB hurries. The secondary might be the nation’s best and it’ll be tested by a talented and underrated group of Arkansas WRs. CBs Quincy Wilson and Teez Tablor along with safety Marcus Maye will be playing in the NFL real soon. Tabor has 12 tackles, four interceptions, one pick-six, one TFL, one PBU and one sack, while Wilson has produced nine tackles, three interceptions, one pick-six, three PBU, two TFL’s, one sack and one QB hurry.

Florida won a 24-10 decision over Georgia last week for its fifth victory by a double-digit margin. UF took the cash as a seven-point favorite and the 34 combined points stayed ‘under’ the 43-point total. The UF defense limited UGA to 164 yards of total offense and held Nick Chubb to 20 rushing yards on nine carries. Jordan Scarlett rushed for 93 yards and one TD on 26 carries. Luke Del Rio played poorly for a second straight game since returning from a sprained MCL suffered in Week 3. Del Rio completed 15-of-25 passes for 131 yards with one TD and one interception.

As a road favorite on McElwain’s watch, Florida owns a 3-1 spread record.

Florida has won nine in a row over Arkansas while going 8-1 ATS since the Razorbacks joined the SEC in 1992. The Hogs’ only win over UF came at the 1982 Bluebonnet Bowl at the Astrodome in Houston. Arkansas rallied from a 17-7 halftime deficit to beat the Gators 28-24 behind Gary Anderson’s 161 rushing yards. Anderson would go on to star for Steve Spurrier with the USFL’s Tampa Bay Bandits. In the losing effort, Bob Hewko threw three TD passes to Dwayne Dixon, who was Spurrier’s WRs coach at UF throughout his 12-year tenure from 1990-2001. UF has won in all three of its trips to Fayetteville by scores of 42-7, 33-28 and 38-7.

Arkansas (5-3 SU, 3-5 ATS) has had two weeks to prepare for UF after taking a 56-3 beatdown from Auburn on The Plains. Austin Allen injured his knee on a low hit from AU’s Carl Lawson and Bret Bielema has said that Allen probably wouldn’t have played if there was a game last week. However, he’s been declared 100 percent and ready to go this week.

Arkansas has wins vs. La. Tech (21-20), at TCU (41-38 in OT), vs. Texas State (42-3), vs. Alcorn State (52-10) and vs. Ole Miss (34-30). The Razorbacks have taken their defeats to the teams ranked No. 1, No. 4 and No. 9 in this week’s CFP Rankings. That would be Alabama, Texas A&M and Auburn, respectively.

Allen has done an outstanding job replacing his older brother Brandon, who was the Hogs’ starting QB from 2013-2015 before getting drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars. For starters, Arkansas’ offensive line has given up 20 sacks already compared to only 14 last season. Nevertheless, Allen has been tough as nails and has continued to play effectively despite taking a beating. Allen has completed 62.2 percent of his passes for 2,048 yards with an 18/7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Allen has a plethora of talented targets, including Keon Hatcher, who has 28 receptions for 435 yards and five TDs. Jared Cornelius has 24 catches for 465 yards and four TDs, while Drew Morgan has made 41 grabs for 420 yards and two TDs. With TE Hunter Henry now playing for the Chargers, TE Jeremy Sprinkle has stepped up to haul in 20 receptions for 215 yards and four TDs, including the game-winner late in the fourth quarter of the season-opening win over La. Tech.

Arkansas RB Rawleigh Williams has rushed for a team-high 807 yards and five TDs while averaging 5.3 YPC.

Arkansas is 5-5 ATS with three outright wins in 10 games as a home underdog since Bielema took over in 2013.

The ‘under’ is 4-3 overall for UF, 1-1 in its two previous road assignments. The Gators have seen their games average combined scores of 41.1 PPG.

Totals have been an overall wash (4-4) for the Hogs, but they have seen the ‘under’ go 4-1 in their five home outings. Arkansas’ games have averaged combined scores of 62.2 PPG.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Eastern on CBS.

Alabama at LSU

Alabama (8-0 SU, 6-2 ATS) has won seven of its eight games by margins of 19 points or more. The Crimson Tide has scalps vs. USC (52-6 at Jerry World), vs. Western Ky. (38-10), at Ole Miss (48-43), vs. Kent State (48-0), vs. Kentucky (34-6), at Arkansas (49-30), at Tennessee (49-10) and vs. Texas A&M (33-14).

LSU (5-2 SU, 3-4 ATS) has won three in a row both SU and ATS since the school fired Les Miles after a 2-2 start that included losses at Wisconsin (16-14 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay) and at Auburn (18-13). Ed Orgeron, the former head coach at Ole Miss and former interim HC at Southern Cal, took over for Miles and things have been on the up and up since then. LSU has posted home wins over Missouri (42-7), So. Miss (45-10) and Ole Miss (38-21) before going into the open date.

LSU fell behind to Ole Miss 10-0 in the first quarter, only to recover for a 21-13 advantage late in the second quarter. The Rebels scored in the final seconds before halftime and converted a two-point conversion to knot the score at intermission. However, it was all LSU in the second half as it outscored the Rebels 17-0 to cover the eight-point spread. Leonard Fournette returned to the lineup after missing three games to set a school record with 284 rushing yards. The junior RB scored three TDs and needed only 16 carries to break the school record.

Alabama handed Texas A&M its only loss of the season thus far on Oct. 22. Saban’s squad trailed 14-13 early in the third quarter, but it would score 20 unanswered points on the way to a 33-14 triumph as an 18-point home favorite. The 47 combined points stayed ‘under’ the 59-point tally. Jalen Hurts rushed for 93 yards and one TD on 21 carries. The true freshman QB completed 15-of-25 throws for 164 yards and two TDs, but Hurts was intercepted twice. Damien Harris ran for 125 yards on 18 attempts.

Other than starting WR ArDarius Stewart missing two games in October, Alabama has done a sensational job of staying healthy this year. However, the win over Texas A&M came at a high cost because senior safety Eddie Jackson was lost for the season due to a shattered leg. Jackson had produced 24 tackles, 2.5 TFL’s, two PBU and one 55-yard pick-six. He was also averaging 23.0 yards per punt return with a pair of special-teams TDs.

Since replacing Brandon Harris as the team’s starting QB, Purdue transfer Danny Etling has completed 89-of-147 passes (60.5%) for 1,129 yards with a 7/3 TD-INT ratio. Etling has a pair of WRs who are going to play in the NFL for a long time in Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural. Unfortunately, both players have been vastly underused in their collegiate careers. Dupre has 23 receptions for 288 yards and two TDs, while Dural has 24 catches for 246 yards and one TD. Those numbers don’t do either player justice. Both are extremely fast and can make big plays if Etling can get them the ball down the field.

As of Friday afternoon, most spots had Alabama as a seven or 7.5-point favorite with a total of 45. The Tigers were +245 on the money line (risk $100 to win $245).

LSU owns a 3-3 spread record in six games as a home underdog since 2006.

Alabama owns a 23-15 spread record in 38 games as a road favorite during Saban’s 10-year tenure.

When these bitter rivals met at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa last year, Alabama captured a 30-16 win as a 7.5-point home ‘chalk.’ The 46 combined points slipped ‘under’ the 47-point total. The Tide dominated in the yardage department by a 434-182 margin. Fournette was held to 31 rushing yards and one TD on 19 attempts.

Alabama has won five in a row over LSU while compiling a 4-1 spread record. The Tigers last tasted victory against the Tide when they won a 9-6 decision in overtime as 5.5-point road underdogs in 2011. The ‘under’ has cashed at a 6-1 clip in the last seven head-to-head meetings between these schools.

The ‘over’ is 3-0 for Alabama in its road games. The Crimson Tide ranks eighth in the nation in scoring, averaging 43.9 PPG. The Tide’s games have averaged combined scores of 58.8 PPG.

The ‘under’ is 5-0-2 for LSU, 3-0-2 in its home games. However, since Orgeron took over for Miles, the three combined scores have been 49, 55 and 59 points. The Tigers’ average combined scores are 44.9 PPG.

This 45-point total is the lowest Alabama has seen all season by 3.5 points. It is the second-lowest tally for the Tigers, who had a 43.5-point total in their season-opening loss to Wisconsin.

CBS will have the broadcast at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets

Vanderbilt has had two weeks to prep for its trip to The Plains to take on a red-hot Auburn squad. As of Friday, most spots had the Tigers favored by 26.5 points. During Derek Mason’s tenure, the Commodores have compiled a 6-1 spread record in seven games as underdogs of 20 points or more. The Vandy defense has only allowed more than 24 points in regulation once this year (38 at Ga. Tech, Western Ky. needed overtime to get to 30).

Vandy junior RB Ralph Webb is second in the SEC with 855 rushing yards. He’s now the Commodores’ second all-time leading rusher with 2,919 career yards. He needs just 225 more rushing yards to surpass Zac Stacy as the school’s all-time leader.

Auburn has won five in a row both SU and ATS after rallying to clip Ole Miss 40-29 in Oxford last week. Kamryn Pettway rushed for a career-high 236 yards and one TD on 30 carries against the Rebels. Pettway leads the SEC in rushing with 933 yards despite missing a pair of games. AU quarterback Sean White has the SEC’s highest QB rating (159.0).

South Carolina improved to 4-4 overall with last week’s 24-21 win over Tennessee as a 14.5-point home underdog. Will Muschamp remained unbeaten in five career games against the Volunteers as a head coach. The Gamecocks will get bowl eligible if they can win home games against Missouri and Western Carolina in the next three weeks. Their season win total was five flat, so victories in those two games would hook up their ‘over’ backers. South Carolina is a seven-point home favorite Saturday vs. Missouri.

Muschamp’s decision to take the redshirt off of true freshman QB Jake Bentley has proven to be a stroke of genius. South Carolina was sitting at 2-4 going into its open date after dropping a 28-14 decision to Georgia at home. That’s when Muschamp elected to give Bentley the starting nod vs. UMass. Bentley was a four-star recruit who should be a senior in high school right now, but he opted to join the Gamecocks a year early. Bentley completed 15-of-20 passes for 167 yards and two TDs without an interception against the Vols. If Bentley can continue to improve and play like he did last week, the SEC East should be on alert with Muschamp finally finding a quality QB that he’ll have for at least two more seasons.

Texas A&M is a 12-point favorite at Mississippi State. The Aggies, who are ranked fourth in the CFP Rankings this week, have zero room for error and can’t afford a letdown in Starkville. In fact, Kevin Sumlin’s team needs to be going for style points. The Bulldogs are 9-10 ATS as home underdogs during Dan Mullen’s eight-year tenure. They might be without their best defensive player against the Aggies. Senior DE A.J. Jefferson missed last week’s 56-41 win over Samford after having elbow surgery. Jefferson, who has 26 tackles, four sacks, two QB hurries, one forced fumble and is fourth in the SEC with 10 TFL’s, is listed as ‘questionable.’

Georgia has won six in a row over Kentucky by an average margin of 21.0 PPG. The Bulldogs have won 22 of the last 25 encounters with the Wildcats, who are 5-1 both SU and ATS in their last six games since getting smashed by a 45-7 count at Florid in Week 2. Kirby Smart’s team was a two or 2.5-point road favorite at most spots late Friday afternoon. Since Mark Stoops took over at UK in 2013, the ‘Cats have limped to an atrocious 2-9-2 spread record in 13 games as home underdogs.

Tennessee’s Derek Barnett leads the SEC in sacks with nine.

Tennessee junior RB Jalen Hurd quit the team early this week and intends to transfer to another school and move to the tight end position. In my SEC preview in August, I predicted that UT would lose three games in a row after beating Florida for the first time in 12 years. I was accurate on that suggestion, but I had the defeats coming in the wrong order. The Vols won at Georgia on a walk-off Hail Mary pass, but they’ve dropped three in a row since then. They host Tennessee Tech on Saturday.

NCAAF: Streak, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com

Purdue at Minnesota

Boilermakers' (3-5 SU/ATS) defense hasn’t shown their equipped to shut down anyone’s running game (250.1 RYG) and now face a Minnesota (6-2, 3-4-1 ATS) squad that thrives on runnung the ball behind Rodney Smith (801 RY, 10 TD) and Shannon Brooks (472 RY, 5 TD). Gophers rushed for 326 yards in last years meeting walking off with an easy 41-13 victory covering as 3-point road favorites.

Sports Interaction isn't giving Boilermakers much of a change opening the squad a whopping +17.0 point road underdogs. Rather generous considering Boilermakers can score (25.4 PPG) behind a conference best 304.6 passing yards/game making it tough for Minnesota to pull away.

Minnesota has been a double digit favorite 4 time this year and they are 1-3 ATS in those games covering double digit chalk just once in seven situations. Boilermakers' money in the bank handed 15 or more points cashing four straight, six of nine (6-1-2 ATS) are worth a second look.

Alabama at LSU

Alabama has been making it look easy. Dispatching Texas A&M 33-14 as 18-point choice prior to their bye week, the Crimson Tide remain undefeated on the season and have won 20 consecutive games dating back to last season with a money-making 13-7 record against the betting line. The 'Bama' squad now sets it sight's on LSU Tigers at Death Valley. Winning on the road is always a challenge, winning on the road against a conference rival an even bigger challenge. However, Nick Saban's troops have shown being away from Tuscaloosa has had little effect. Crimson Tide have won 10 consecutive SEC road games (6-3-1 ATS) and 17 of 19 (10-8-1 ATS) over the past five seasons.

Defense the moniker for Crimson Tide allowing a lowly 14.9 points/game on 275.1 total yards along with an unstoppable offense racking up 43.9 points/game lead by QB Jalen Hurts tossing 193.6 yards/game with 11 TD's and sprinting 65.1 yards/game with 5 majors expect Alabama to improve the 5-0 (3-1-1 ATS) record vs Tigers handing interim LSU coach Ed Orgeron his first blemish.

Currently odds at bet365.com, Crimson Tide are -7.5 road favorites with the total set at 45.0.

Week 10 Pointspread Picks and Predictions
By Joe Fortenbaugh
Covers.com

After 10 legendary encounters that included one showdown on the National Championship stage in 2012, the Les Miles-Nick Saban SEC West rivalry officially reached its conclusion in September when Miles was relieved of his head coaching duties at Louisiana State just after the commencement of his 11th year on the job.

Nine years of high-profile battles with Alabama’s master tactician has a way of doing that to a man.

Urban Meyer fled the University of Florida in 2010 for a brief hiatus before accepting an easier conference schedule at Ohio State. Steve Spurrier waved the white flag midway through the 2015 campaign at South Carolina and headed for the golf course. Butch Jones is head coach No. 4 at the University of Tennessee since Saban’s arrival in Tuscaloosa, Mark Richt was run out of Georgia and later signed on with Miami, Bobby Petrino couldn’t keep his composure at Arkansas, Auburn fired Gene Chizik two years after winning the national championship, and on and on we go.

This Saturday in Baton Rouge, the post-Miles era of the LSU-Alabama rivalry begins with interim head coach Ed Orgeron looking to cement his place as the Tigers’ new frontman. Orgeron has quietly righted the ship in Baton Rouge by guiding the new-look Tigers to a 3-0 SU and ATS record since taking charge. But a primetime date with Alabama is a different beast entirely when compared to matchups against Missouri, Southern Mississippi and Ole Miss.

Especially when you consider the fact that Saban has been on the warpath as of late, with convincing wins and covers at Arkansas (49-30, -14.5), at Tennessee (49-10, -14) and against previously unbeaten Texas A&M (33-14, -18) over his last three outings.

Bottom line? The Tide are 8-2 ATS over their last 10 road dates and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 trips to Baton Rouge.

Lay the lumber.

Pick: Alabama -7.5

TCU Horned Frogs at Baylor Bears

Spread: Baylor -8.5

Despite its recent ascension to the rank of “Most Deplorable Program in the Country,” Baylor’s roster and new head coach found a way to turn down the noise and race out to an impressive 6-0 start.

That was before the team’s championship dreams came crashing down last Saturday against a mediocre Texas program that will likely fire head coach Charlie Strong by the end of the year. Now, Baylor must pick up the pieces in a very troubling look-ahead situation, as a daunting trip to Norman against the Oklahoma Sooners resides in the on-deck circle.

At 4-4, Gary Patterson’s TCU squad is no prized pig at this year’s state fair, but the Horned Frogs have a habit of making life miserable for Baylor. Texas Christian is 8-1 ATS over its last nine showdowns against the Bears. In addition, Patterson himself is a bankable 16-4 ATS over his last 20 games as an underdog of seven or more points.

While TCU has covered the number in four of its last five trips to Waco, take note that Baylor is an abysmal 4-10 ATS over its last 14 games overall and 3-7 ATS over its last 10 Big 12 matchups. Expect a good deal of scoring in this one, with TCU eventually finding a way to notch a cover for the fifth straight year against Baylor.

Pick: TCU +8.5

Florida State Seminoles at North Carolina State Wolfpack

Spread: Florida State -5.5

Let’s begin with the fact that we have a reverse line movement situation in regards to this matchup. As of Thursday night, 75 percent of the wagers placed on this game favored Florida State, yet the pointspread has been adjusted from Seminoles -8 to Seminoles -5.5. This information tells us that while the ticket count favors Florida State, the big money is backing the Wolfpack… and for good reason.

This is a classic flat spot situation for Jimbo Fisher’s Seminoles, as FSU suffered their third defeat of the season last Saturday night in the form of a gut-wrenching 37-34 home loss to No. 2 Clemson. With all hope for a major bowl bid now dashed, there’s a real good chance we’ll see a lackadaisical effort on behalf of the Noles come Saturday afternoon.

Additionally, take note that North Carolina State is 4-1 ATS over its last five home games and an ultra-impressive 12-3-1 ATS over its last 16 showdowns with Florida State. Not only that, but FSU is a lousy 0-6-1 ATS over its last seven trips to Raleigh, so don’t be surprised if the Wolfpack find a way to win this game outright.

Pick: North Carolina State +5.5

Utah State Aggies at Wyoming Cowboys

Spread: Wyoming -4.5

Many will argue that Wyoming’s 30-28 upset win over Boise State last Saturday night as 14.5-point underdogs indicates that the Cowboys are headed for a major letdown due to a prolonged celebration and lack of focus attributable to what some refer to as the “Hangover Effect.”

Those naysayers, however, are making a critical error in underestimating Wyoming boss Craig Bohl, who is without question one of the top head coaches in the country.

After a 2-2 start to the season, Wyoming has ripped off four straight victories (and four straight pointspread covers) by an average of 10 points per game. But what’s really impressive is that the Cowboys have been underdogs in three of those four matchups. Based on the four closing lines in those aforementioned games, Wyoming is a ridiculous +66.0 against the spread since October 1.

As for Utah State, the Aggies are headed in the opposite direction from Wyoming, having dropped four of their last five games both SU and ATS. Utah State, on the other hand, is 1-5 ATS over its last six road dates and 1-7 ATS over its last eight conference showdowns.

But this game is all about exacting revenge for Wyoming, which has been soundly whipped by the Aggies in each of the past three seasons by an average of 25.3 points per game. Now that the Cowboys are on the rise, it’s time for a little payback.

Pick: Wyoming -4.5

Last week: 3-1 ATS
Season: 21-15 ATS

Saturday’s NCAAF Top 25 Betting Cheat Sheet
By Covers.com

No. 5 Louisville at Boston College (+25, 55.5)

* Lamar Jackson, who has accounted for an FBS-high 38 touchdowns, is four yards away from becoming the first quarterback in school history to run for 1,000 in a season and still leads the nation with 16 rushing scores despite getting held out of the end zone against the Cavaliers. Jamari Staples (29 catches for a team-high 546 yards), James Quick (32 for 523) and Cole Hikutini (33 for 482) each rank inside the top 13 in the conference in receiving yards and have taken turns leading the team in that category in every game this season. Sophomore cornerback Jaire Alexander, who picked off two passes for the second time in four games, was named ACC Defensive Back of the Week and ranks second in the nation with five interceptions.

* The Eagles got unusual contributions from several players versus the Wolfpack, as leading receiver Jeff Smith rushed 60 yards for their first score and running back Davon Jones threw a short scoring pass to tight end Tommy Sweeney for the go-ahead TD with 4:43 remaining. Starting quarterback Patrick Towles (204 passing yards) and top rusher Jon Hilliman (20 carries for 74 yards) each returned from injury and recorded their second and third-best efforts of the season, respectively. Harold Landry continued to wreak havoc on opposing offenses with a sack and forced fumble to earn ACC co-Defensive Lineman of the Week honors; the junior defensive end is tied for national lead in sacks (nine) and forced fumbles (five).

LINE HISTORY: Louisville opened as 25-point road favorites and as of Friday morning that number hasn’t moved. The total opened at 55 and has gone up as high as 57 and since came back to 55.5. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Cardinals are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games on fieldturf.
* Cardinals are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
* Over is 7-0 in Cardinals last 7 games in November.
* Over is 4-1 in Eagles last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

Vanderbilt at No. 12 Auburn (-26.5, 45)

* Junior Ralph Webb is second in the SEC with 855 rushing yards - Auburn sophomore Kamryn Pettway has 933 - and needs 230 to break the school career record of 3,143 set by Zac Stacy (2009-12). Linebacker Zach Cunningham leads the SEC with 85 tackles and is second with 13.5 for losses, which remarkably do not include a sack. Vanderbilt boasts a special-teams threat in senior Darrius Sims, who is third in nation at 32.1 yards per kickoff return and needs 17 to break the school record of 2,263 set by Mark Johnson (1986-90).

* The Tigers are the only team in the nation to average better than 300 yards rushing and 200 passing, with Kerryon Johnson (580 yards, eight touchdowns) a heavy contributor. Pettway (seven TDs) rushed for a career-high 236 yards and a score in last week's 40-29 victory at Ole Miss and has averaged 199 yards with six TDs in his last three games. Lineman Carl Lawson is third in the SEC and tied for 14th nationally with 7.5 sacks.

LINE HISTORY: Auburn opened as 24.5-point road favorites and as of Thursday night that point spread has risen to 26.5. The total opened at 45 and remains at that number on Thursday evening. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Tigers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 conference games.
* Tigers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win.
* Under is 5-1-1 in Commodores last 7 games following a straight up win.
* Under is 9-2-1 in Commodores last 12 road games.

No. 7 Texas A&M at Mississippi State (13.5, 61.5)

* The Aggies lead the nation in tackles for loss with 77 and are tied for 10th in sacks (3.25 per game) behind a defense led by ends Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall. The two combine for 7.5 sacks, and their consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks helps the Texas A&M defense lead the SEC with 19 takeaways. Sophomore wide receiver Christian Kirk hauled in a TD reception for the third straight game last week and gave the special teams a big boost by running a pair of punts back for touchdowns to push his school-record total to four punt return TDs.

* The Bulldogs won their SEC opener the second week of the season against South Carolina but dropped four of the next five before Nick Fitzgerald worked his way into the record books in a win over Samford last week. Fitzgerald passed for 417 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 119 yards and two scores to join Archie Manning and Johnny Manziel as the only quarterbacks in SEC history to record at least 400 yards through the air and 100 on the ground in the same game. Fitzgerald tying the school record for single-game TDs helped overshadow another struggle for the defense, which surrendered 627 yards to a FCS team.

LINE HISTORY: Texas A&M opened as 13.5-point faves and that number is fine with the betting public and has held all week. The total opened at 60.5 and went up a full point to 61.5. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Aggies are 5-0 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
* Bulldogs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
* Under is 8-0 in Aggies last 8 road games.
* Under is 20-5-1 in Bulldogs last 26 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.

No. 8 Wisconsin at Northwestern (7, 41)

* With leading rusher Corey Clement bottled up for most of the day (exactly half of his 82 yards rushing on 19 carries came on one late rush), Dare Ogunbowale erupted for a season-high 120 yards, including the eventual game-winning touchdown in overtime. Ryan Connelly started in place of injured leading tackler Jack Cichy at inside linebacker and earned Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording a career-high 11 tackles (two for loss) and two pass breakups. Wisconsin is one of four FBS teams to boast a pair of players with at least 10 pass breakups (Derrick Tindal has 12 and Sojourn Shelton has 10), helping the Badgers post the best touchdown-to-interception ratio in the country (0.4) and tie LSU for fewest TD passes allowed (four).

* Clayton Thorson ranks third in the league in passing yards (1,942), yards per game (242.8 ) and touchdowns (15) - the last of which is the most ever by a sophomore quarterback in school history. Favorite target Austin Carr was held out of the end zone for the first time in seven games versus Ohio State, but the senior receiver collected a career-high 158 yards on eight catches and still leads the conference in receptions (58 ), receiving yards (878), receiving yards per game (109.8 ) and touchdowns (9). Defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo did not record a sack for the first time in four games, but he remains the Big Ten leader with eight and needs 6.5 more before the end of the season to tie the school record.

LINE HISTORY: Wisconsin opened as 5.5-point faves and throughout the week that line continued to rise and on Friday morning was 7. The total opened at 41, quickly dropped to 40.5, then rose to 42, before settling at 41 as of Friday morning. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Badgers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games
* Badgers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on grass.
* Under is 6-1 in Badgers last 7 games following a ATS loss.
* Under is 4-1 in Badgers last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.

Georgia Tech at No. 17 North Carolina (-10.5, 61.5)

* The Yellow Jackets begin a difficult month in which they will play three of four games on the road, including back-to-back away matchups against ranked teams (North Carolina on Saturday; No. 21 Virginia Tech on Nov. 12). Thomas’ big day, the third-highest single-game yardage total in school history, helped Georgia Tech pile up 605 yards of total offense against Duke. The Yellow Jackets have struggled defensively of late, allowing 35 or more points in three of their past four games.

* The Tar Heels surrendered 31.5 points per game during their first six contests but have improved of late, limiting Virginia to 93 total yards in the second half of a 35-14 victory on Oct. 22. Trubisky passed for 310 yards and three touchdowns against the Cavaliers, and has three of the top 11 single-game passing performances in school history this season. Running back Elijah Hood averages five yards per carry and rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown against Virginia.

LINE HISTORY: The Tar Heels opened as 11-point home favorites and by Thursday evening has dropped to 10.5. The total opened at 58 and jumped as high as 62, before ending up at 61.5 by the end of the week. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Tar Heels are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
* Tar Heels are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
* Over is 4-0 in Yellow Jackets last 4 games overall.
* Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

Syracuse at No. 2 Clemson (-26.5, 66.5)

* The Orange boast one of the nation’s most improved offenses, averaging 487 total yards behind the prolific passing duo of quarterback Eric Dungey and receiver Amba Etta-Tawo. Syracuse averages 45 pass attempts per game, with Dungey completing 65 percent of his passes for an average of 329 yards per game and Etta-Tawo ranking third nationally with 134 receiving yards per contest. The defense has improved recently, allowing 18.5 points per game over the past two contests after giving up an average of 36 in the first six games of the season..

* The Tigers have been somewhat inconsistent in their ability to run the ball, though Wayne Gallman put up 82 yards and two touchdowns in a solid effort at Florida State. Gallman, Watson and Co. should be able to exploit a Syracuse defense that gives up 450.8 yards per game and hasn’t had much success stopping the run or the pass. Clemson’s defense will have its work cut out against the Orange’s up-tempo offense but has been up to the task all season, ranking in the top 15 nationally in total defense and scoring defense.

LINE HISTORY: Clemson opened the week as monster 26 point home favorites and as of Thursday night that spread was up to 26.5. The total opened at 61.5 and exploded to 68 by Friday morning. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Orange are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
* Tigers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
* Under is 4-0 in Orange last 4 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
* Under is 4-0 in Orange last 4 vs. a team with a winning record.

No. 21 Virginia Tech at Duke (11.5, 53)

* Evans sprained his ankle in the win over Pittsburgh but has been able to practice fully as he looks to follow up a performance in which he compiled 439 total yards, the most ever for a Hokies quarterback in ACC play. Junior wide receiver Cam Phillips was the team's leading rusher with 43 yards and also hauled in six catches for a career-high 109 yards. Travon McMillian, who was held to minus-3 yards on six carries last week, had a career-high 142 in last year's 45-43 quadruple-overtime loss to the Blue Devils.

* Duncan's injury is the latest blow for a team that also lost quarterback Thomas Sirk to the same injury and top cornerback DeVon Edwards to torn ligaments in his left knee. Junior Shaun Wilson, who had 109 yards on 10 carries versus the Yellow Jackets, is next up in the rushing department, while quarterback Daniel Jones ranks third with 276 yards on 82 carries. Jones became the first Duke freshman with three 300-yard passing games when he had 305 last week.

LINE HISTORY: The Hokies began the betting week at 11.5-point road favorites and by the time this cheat sheet was put together that number was down to 10.5-point faves. The total hit the board at 52.5 and has risen to 53. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Hokies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.
* Blue Devils are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
* Under is 4-0 in Hokies last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
* Under is 4-0 in Blue Devils last 4 home games.
* Underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

Texas Christian at No. 13 Baylor (7.5, 68.5)

* Starting quarterback Kenny Hill was pulled in favor of sophomore Foster Sawyer during last Saturday's 27-24 double-overtime loss to Texas Tech -- the Horned Frogs' third setback in four games -- after throwing his 10th interception of the season but the Texas A&M transfer is still expected to start this week. Running back Kyle Hicks, who injured his left ankle in the loss to Texas Tech and leads the team with 597 rushing yards and is tied for the team lead with 31 catches, was listed as probable by head coach Gary Patterson. The Horned Frogs are tied with Texas for the Big 12 lead in sacks (31) with end Mat Boesen (6) leading the way while junior linebacker Travis Howard leads the conference in tackles (88).

* Quarterback Seth Russell, who missed the last six games of the 2015 season with a neck injury and took numerous hard hits from the Texas defense, is expected to start but will continue to be monitored for potential concussion-like symptoms throughout the week after feeling nauseous and groggy about 90 minutes after the loss. Russell has thrown 52 touchdown passes and only 11 interceptions while compiling a 14-1 record in 15 career starts with junior wide receiver KD Cannon, who ranks fourth in the Big 12 in both receptions (5.8 ) and receiving yards (88.5) his No. 1 target. Baylor's defense, which is second in the Big 12 in takeaways (16) and first in passing yards allowed (179.4), is led by returning all-Big 12 linebacker Taylor Young (53 tackles, 4 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss) and junior defensive back Travon Blanchard, a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist who has 34 tackles and four pass breakups.

LINE HISTORY: Baylor opened as 10-point faves and throughout the week that line was dropped like a rock before settling at 7.5. The total opened at 69 and the line went down to 68.5. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Horned Frogs are 13-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
* Bears are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
* Under is 4-0 in Horned Frogs last 4 road games.
* Horned Frogs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.
* Underdog is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

No. 9 Florida at Arkansas (3.5, 47)

* The Gators gave up 38 points in their lone loss to Tennessee and 44 combined during six victories, standing second in the nation in total defense (239.9 yards). Sophomore quarterback Luke Del Rio threw for 131 yards in the 24-10 victory over Georgia last week and has three receivers with at least 25 catches, but junior tight end DeAndre Goolsby (hand) is questionable. Sophomore Jordan Scarlett rushed for 194 yards combined the last two games and the Gators get fellow running back Mark Thompson back after a one-game suspension.

* Allen is third in the SEC in passing yards per game (256) and boasts 18 touchdown passes as opposed to seven interceptions with a trio of talented veteran receivers as weapons. Seniors Drew Morgan (41 catches, 420 yards, two TDs) and Keon Hatcher (28, 435, five), along with junior Jared Cornelius (24, 465, four), are all dangerous through the air. Sophomore Rawleigh Williams III has also had a big year on the ground, totaling 807 yards and five touchdowns, but will have to rebound after registering a season-low 22 yards against Auburn.

LINE HISTORY: The Gators opened as 5.5-points favorites and as of Thursday night it had dropped 2 full points. The total opened at 47 and remains at that number on Thursday. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Gators are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
* Razorbacks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
* Under is 4-1 in Razorbacks last 5 home games.
* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

No. 22 Oklahoma State at Kansas State (-3, 57)

* Junior quarterback Mason Rudolph has stepped things up over the last month, throwing for 1,273 yards and 11 touchdowns without an interception, including a 273-yard, three-TD outing against the Mountaineers. Wideouts James Washington (43 receptions-857 yards-six TDs) and Jalen McCleskey (49-602-5) are Rudolph’s top targets, but the ground game has struggled to find consistent traction behind leading rusher Justice Hill (128 carries-619 yards-four scores). Defensively, the Cowboys are allowing 26.5 points and 445.2 total yards per game, and their strength is a formidable defensive line, led by defensive tackle Vincent Taylor (4.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss), that has accounted for 18.5 of the team’s 22 sacks.

* Quarterback Jesse Ertz only has thrown for 1,078 yards and seven touchdowns this season but has emerged as a dangerous running threat, capped by last week’s career-high 106 yards on nine carries against Iowa State. Senior tailback Charles Jones ranks second to Ertz on the team with 439 yards and two TDs on 88 attempts, but Snyder will ride the “hot hand” in games, and against Iowa State, sophomores Justin Silmon (9-54-1) and freshman Alex Barnes (5-37-1) stepped forward to complement Ertz. On the other side of the ball, linebacker Elijah Lee (8.6 tackles per game) and defensive end Jordan Willis (Big 12-most eight sacks) anchor a defense which has been the best in the conference against the run (102.9 yards per game) and is allowing only 21.6 points and 363.5 yards per game.

LINE HISTORY: The Cowboys opened the betting week as 1.5-point road favorites and the public decided that wasn’t enough - betting the line up to 3-point faves. The total hit the board at 58.5 and had been bet down to 56. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Cowboys are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
* Cowboys are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf.
* Over is 9-2 in Cowboys last 11 conference games.
* Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.

Maryland at No. 2 Michigan (-31, 54)

* Ty Johnson racked up 142 yards on 13 carries in the loss to Indiana for his second straight 100-yard game and can become the first running back since Lance Ball in 2005 to reach the century mark in three consecutive contests. Running back Lorenzo Harrison has been a revelation in the backfield for the Terrapins and needs 115 yards to break LaMont Jordan's freshman record (689) set in 1997. Sophomore wide receiver D.J. Moore caught five passes for 81 yards and a touchdown against the Hoosiers - his third straight game with a score - to extend his streak of games with at least one reception to 16.

* Kenny Allen was named the Big Ten's Special Teams Player of the Week after kicking field goals of 23, 23 and a season-long 45 yards in the win over Michigan State. Heisman Trophy candidate Jabrill Peppers, who registered a rushing touchdown, seven tackles and a sack against the Spartans, has been named a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, which is given to the most outstanding player in college football. Nose tackle Bryan Mone limped off with an apparent leg injury but Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh expects him to play on Saturday but Harbaugh was mum when asked about slot receiver Grant Perry, who has missed the last three games for undisclosed reasons.

LINE HISTORY: Michigan opened as 30.5-point home favorites and inched up a half point to 31. The total opened at 54 and has yet to move. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Terrapins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
* Wolverines are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
* Over is 5-0 in Wolverines last 5 games in November.
* Over is 7-0 in Wolverines last 7 games following a ATS loss.

Arizona at No. 25 Washington State (-17, 65.5)

* With running back Nick Wilson out for several more games, the Wildcats have turned to converted receiver Samajie Grant, who finished with 64 yards on 19 carries in last week’s loss to Stanford. Grant could receive a heavier workload Saturday after Dawkins and Solomon each struggled to establish a rhythm at quarterback last week. Safety Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles has a team-high 51 tackles while linebackers Paul Magloire Jr., Michael Barton and Jake Matthews combined for 2.5 sacks against Stanford, but Barton could miss this Saturday’s contest with a knee injury.

* The Cougars’ surge has featured a surprisingly balanced offense highlighted by receivers Gabe Marks and River Cracraft along with Falk, who has thrown 16 touchdown passes and three interceptions during the team’s six-game winning streak. Running backs Jamal Morrow, Gerard Wicks and James Williams have scored 23 total touchdowns and averaged 198 all-purpose yards per game. Linebacker Peyton Pelluer has a team-high 49 tackles to lead the defense, which is aiming for a more complete effort after Oregon State’s Ryan Nall rushed for 131 yards and scored three times last week.

LINE HISTORY: Washington State opened the week as 15.5-point home favorites and by Thursday number was up to 17. The total hit the board at 66 and has dropped by a half point to 65.5. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Wildcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in November.
* Cougars are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
* Under is 4-1 in Wildcats last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
* Under is 4-0 in Cougars last 4 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.

No. 19 Florida State at North Carolina State (5.5, 58 )

* Junior running back Dalvin Cook hopes to extend his streak of 100-yard rushing games to six and boasts 1,069 overall with 11 touchdowns on the ground. Freshman quarterback Deondre Francois has had a productive year (2,162 yards passing, 11 TD passes, 60.5 completion percentage), but has been sacked 25 times – six last week. Senior receiver Jesus Wilson (foot) is questionable after missing last Saturday’s game and safety Trey Marshall must sit out the first half against N.C. State due to a targeting call last week.

* Sophomore quarterback Ryan Finley threw for a career-high 307 yards last week, but had two interceptions for the third consecutive game. Junior tight end Jaylen Samuels (seven total touchdowns) is the top threat through the air with 34 catches for 325 yards, but was held to one reception last week, and sophomore Stephen Louis has hauled in 21 for 422 yards. Senior Matthew Dayes, who leads the ground attack with 727 yards and four scores, was held to 58 combined by Louisville and Boston College the last two contests.

LINE HISTORY: The Seminoles opened as 7.5-point road favorites and throughout the week that spread was reduced to 5.5. The total opened at 58 and hasn’t moved. View complete line history here.

TRENDS

* Seminoles are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss.
* Seminoles are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in November.
* Under is 8-1 in Seminoles last 9 games in November.
* Home team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.

Kansas at No. 15 West Virginia (34.5, 53.5)

* The Jayhawks look to pin West Virginia with its first home loss in five games this season as they face their third ranked team (Baylor, Oklahoma) on the road in four weeks. Some kind of spark is needed to jump start an offense that averages only 19.4 points for a team tied for last in the Big 12. Running back Ke’aun Kinner (427 rushing yards) leads a ground game that averages only 102.8 yards and scored six touchdowns this season.

* The Mountaineers rank 18th nationally in averaging 497.3 yards per game, but the offense turned the ball over three times inside their own 15-yard line against Oklahoma State. Top rusher Rushel Shell III has gained 503 yards and five touchdowns, but did not return after suffering a leg injury during the second quarter last week. Quarterback Skyler Howard threw for 212 yards last week and has 2,033 yards and 13 touchdowns for the season.

LINE HISTORY: West Virginia opened the betting week as 34.5-point home favorites and the number has remained the same all week. The total opened at 55 and has slowly been dropping all week - all the way down to 53.5. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Mountaineers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in November.
* Under is 5-0 in Jayhawks last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
* Under is 7-1 in Jayhawks last 8 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Under is 7-1 in Mountaineers last 8 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.

Iowa at No. 23 Penn State (7.5, 53)

* Senior quarterback C.J. Beathard has thrown for 1,380 yards with 11 TDs and four interceptions but his numbers are down across the board from last season when the Hawkeyes opened the season with 11 straight wins. Backs Akrum Wadley (636 yards) and LeShun Daniels Jr. (624), who rank seventh and eighth, respectively, in the Big Ten rushing chase, will look to exploit a run defense that surrenders 183 yards per game. Cornerback Desmond King (the only Big Ten Player in the last 20 years with 12 career interceptions and 1,500 kickoff/punt return yards), linebacker Josey Jewell (16 tackles against Wisconsin) and defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson (tied for fourth in Big Ten with 5.5 sacks) lead a defense that yields 154 yards per game on the ground.

* Barkley has a conference-high 888 yards rushing, averaging six yards per carry, and he leads the Big Ten with 111 rush yards per game to go with 11 total TDs. McSorley (55.2 completion rate, 12 TDs, three interceptions), who threw a career-high three touchdowns last week, is averaging over 15 yards a completion in each of the last four games. The defense, led by safety Marcus Allen as well as linebackers Brandon Bell and Jason Cabinda (both playing their third game back after missing several games with injuries), has allowed just 81 points after halftime and has held two teams scoreless.

LINE HISTORY: Penn State opened as 5.5-home favourite and, despite the spread going as high as 8 at one point on Tuesday, they currently sit as 7-point favorites. The total opened at 53 and went up by half point to 53.5. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Hawkeyes are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
* Nittany Lions are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 conference games.
* Over is 5-0-1 in Hawkeyes last 6 games on grass.
* Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Penn State.

No. 10 Nebraska at No. 6 Ohio State (17, 52.5)

* The Cornhuskers overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter last week but ultimately fell in overtime as they were not able to stop the running game all night. Nebraska allowed 5.9 yards per carry and two rushing touchdowns but still has the 18th-ranked defense in the country, allowing 18.4 points entering this weekend's action. Quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. became the 11th player in Big Ten history to go over 10,000 career yards and comes into this matchup hoping to take better care of the ball, as he has six interceptions in the last four games after totaling one in the first four games.

* The Buckeyes ran for 208 yards last week in the victory against Northwestern, getting a team-high 87 yards and two TDs from Mike Weber. Malik Hooker had 14 tackles to lead the Ohio State defense, which has given up only three rushing TDs this season and ranks sixth in the nation in yards allowed per game (295.5) and points allowed per game (15.1). Offensively, Weber provides a nice balance to quarterback J.T. Barrett, who has accounted for 90 career touchdowns - tops in Ohio State history - but has thrown only three touchdowns in the last four games after passing for 14 scores in the season's first four outings.

LINE HISTORY: Ohio State opened the betting week as 12.5-home favorites and that number was definitely not enough for the betting public. Plenty of Ohio State money bumped that number up to 17 by Friday morning. The total opened at 52.5 and has stayed there all week. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Cornhuskers are 4-0-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
* Cornhuskers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
* Under is 6-0 in Cornhuskers last 6 games overall.
* Under is 4-0 in Buckeyes last 4 home games.

No. 4 Washington at California (17, 77.5)

* The Huskies average 46.1 points per game and sophomore quarterback Jake Browning has joined has the Heisman race by throwing 28 touchdowns passes against only three interceptions. Junior wideouts John Ross (11) and Pettis (eight) have combined for 19 touchdown receptions while sophomore running back Myles Gaskin has rushed for 878 yards and seven touchdowns. Washington leads the nation in turnover margin (plus 1.63 per game) and fumble recoveries (12) - junior inside linebacker Keishawn Bierria is the nation's individual leader with five – and ranks seventh in scoring defense at 15.8 points per game.

* The Golden Bears can score rapidly (41.3 average) but give up points just as fast (41.8 ) and the pass-first offense hinges on senior quarterback Davis Webb, who has passed for 2,914 yards and 29 touchdowns. Senior running back Khalfani Muhammad has a team-best 614 rushing yards while freshman receiver Demetris Robertson is helping make up for the absence of Hansen with six scoring receptions. Cal is a woeful 124th in total defense (505.9 yards per game) despite the opportunistic nature of junior free safety Luke Rubenzer, who has four takeaways (two interceptions, two fumble recoveries).

LINE HISTORY: Washington opened as 15.5-point road favorites and throughout the week that spread grew to 17 Friday morning. The total opened at 78.5 and dropped two full points to 76.5. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Golden Bears are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
* Golden Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
* Over is 5-0 in Huskies last 5 road games.
* Huskies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings in California.