College Football Betting News and Notes Week 3

Opening Line Report - Week 3
By Marcus DiNitto
VegasInsider.com

In college football, one loss can hamper a team’s national championship hopes. It can also have a significant impact on the betting line, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing with three top-shelf games on the Week 3 college football card.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the best games of what promises to be another thrilling weekend on the college gridiron. Line are from the Wynn as of 6 p.m. ET on Monday, 24 hours after the sports book posted Las Vegas’ first point spreads on the card.

Ohio State at Oklahoma -2

When the South Point posted its college football games of the year back in May, Oklahoma was installed as a 9-point favorite. A week before the season started, the number was down to Oklahoma -5 at the South Point and -3.5 at the Westgate. The Wynn opened Ohio State -3.5 on Sunday night.

“Total mea culpa on that one, I really had the wrong angle,” South Point oddsmaker Chris Andrews said of his May number. “I thought Ohio State would really struggle early in the season.”

According to Andrews’ math, Ohio State – after rolling through rolling its first two opponents, Bowling Green (77-10) and Tulsa (48-3) – grades out as the best team in the country. “They are way better than I thought they would be, much quicker than I thought they would be,” he said.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma “looks nowhere near as good as advertised,” Andrews said. “I thought they were the second or third best team in the country, right behind Alabama and about even with Clemson, and it doesn’t look like they’re nearly that good.”

To be fair, Andrews wasn’t alone. The Golden Nugget opened Oklahoma -6.5 on its games of the year board.

Westgate oddsmaker Ed Salmons, whose shop was dealing Oklahoma -3.5 before the season started, noted a lot of handicappers are down on the Sooners because of their poor performance in a season-opening 33-23 loss to Houston.

“I think it’s the way they lost,” said Salmons. “It’s hard to understand how Oklahoma could score a touchdown on the first drive of the game, and the rest of the game they did nothing. ... They should outclass Houston 100 days out of 100, It should never be an issue of Oklahoma not scoring points against Houston.”

Still, though, early bettors are taking Oklahoma plus the points for next week’s clash. Twenty four hours after the Wynn opened OSU -3.5, the number was down to -2 at that shop and as low as -1.5 elsewhere. “The right line on that game is Ohio State favored, but definitely not 3,” according to Salmons.

Added Andrews, “Oklahoma still has a ton of talent, and they’re probably a lot better at home than people give them credit for, and if they go out and beat Ohio State by 10 or 14, I would not be all that shocked.”

Alabama -10 at Ole Miss

This SEC showdown in Oxford features another big point-spread swing from games of the year lines. The South Point was dealing Alabama -4 and the Westgate -3.5 a week ahead of the season, but Ole Miss lost to Florida State in Week 1, and ‘Bama opened -10.

“Ole Miss is a really good team, but Alabama looks like they have all the elements again this year. The quarterback (freshman Jalen Hurts) is getting a little bit better,” the Wynn’s John Avello said. “10 seems like a high number when you’re playing in the SEC on the road, but I’ve got to put up a number where I think I can balance it out.”

The Crimson Tide, in fact, laid a shorter number (-9) at home vs. Ole Miss last season, and lost to the Rebels outright for the second straight season.

Salmons pointed to three factors pushing the line in Alabama’s direction: injuries on the Ole Miss side, double revenge for Alabama, and the way Nick Saban’s men have performed through two weeks.

“I’m sure all that is baked into the line,” Salmons said.

From a schematic perspective, Andrews added Mississippi’s running game will be “almost non-existent against Alabama. (Chad) Kelly, who is a pretty good quarterback, is going to be forced into passing situations almost the entire game, and that just plays into Alabama’s hands. I don’t think (the line move is) a huge overreaction.”

USC at Stanford -8.5

This Pac-12 contest follows a pattern similar to the two games discussed above: One team loses in its first game of the season, and we see a major shift from the lines bettors were finding over the summer. In this case, Stanford goes from -3 on the SuperBook’s game of the year lines and -5 at the South Point to opening as a touchdown favorite at the Wynn and getting pushed to -8.5.

The line did dance around Sunday night at the Wynn, as it was bet up to 7.5, then down to 6.5, before favorite money started dominating the action.

“It’s always hard to give USC too many points. It just doesn’t feel right,” Avello said. “But in this particular spot, Stanford might be the better team, at least at this point of the season.”

While the Trojans followed a pathetic showing against Alabama with a 45-7 win over Utah State, Stanford had last week off.

Andrews said of USC, “I think they’re tremendously talented but I think they’re very poorly coached. Teams like that can be wildly inconsistent, but inconsistent means good sometimes, too. I think we saw USC at nearly their best last week.”

He added, “Stanford is the kind of team that will win a lot of games but maybe not cover some big numbers.”

Louisville at Florida State -3

Louisville is getting plenty of respect from the betting market, as gamblers grabbed the +3.5 posted at the Wynn Sunday night, pushing the line to -3 (even) at that shop, while other betting locales were dealing 2.5 on Monday. Salmons expects this ACC battle to feature the classic sharps vs. public betting scenario.

“The public’s going to bet Florida State, and the sharps are going to bet Louisville,” Salmons said.

While Louisville hung 70 points on Charlotte in Week 1 and 62 at Syracuse last week, this week’s game will help reveal how good they really are.

Asked how good he thinks Louisville is, Avello responded, “Offensively, really good. But we haven’t seen them against a top-notch team. This is a big game for them because this shows us if they belong. I think Florida State’s a complete team, so if Louisville can beat them, they can show me they belong.”

Said Salmons, “I don’t think their defense is up to the standard of a Clemson or a Florida State, but their offense sure looks like it right now. A lot of people think Louisville belongs in the discussion with Florida State and Clemson (in the ACC), but the public is going to want to see it on the field, that they can beat a Florida State or a Clemson, but obviously the oddsmakers think they’re more than capable.”

Michigan State at Notre Dame

Avello opened Notre Dame -6.5 on Sunday and watched money on the favorite push his line to 7.5 on Monday.

“Michigan State for some reason in these types of games just does not get any respect,” Avello said. “I thought 6.5 was a number that would make you think about both sides, but obviously the bettors think that Notre Dame is better than that, so they laid it, and the first bets came on Notre Dame.”

Salmons seems to be with the chalk players in this case.

“This game sets up real well for Notre Dame because Michigan State plays Neanderthal football, where they just want to run the ball and use clock. The style that can beat Notre Dame is the way Texas plays, quick no-huddles, just keep snapping the ball and running play after play and outscoring them. Michigan State will never outscore Notre Dame."

Quick hits on two more good ones

Oregon at Nebraska: The Wynn opened Nebraska -2.5 and moved to -3 about four hours later. “This is not the Oregon team we remember that used to put up 40 in the first half, but it’s still a good team,” Avello said. “Nebraska is also a good team. I consider these teams to be kind of equal. They’re not at the top of the heap, but they’re just below it. The top of the heap is ‘A’ teams, these are like A-, B+.”

Texas A&M at Auburn: Avello opened Auburn -3.5 and stuck there through the first day of wagering, while other shops were dealing -4. Said Avello, “A&M has got a lot of firepower offensively. Auburn had a nice showing last week (51-14 over Arkansas State). But ever since the national championship game (in 2013), they really haven’t been the same. I don’t know what to think of them. I think the coach (Gus Malzahn) does a good job. I think they’re certainly better than they were last year, but A&M was better than they were last year, too, so I gave them a little home-field advantage, that’s it.”

Early moves

Here are Week 3 lines that saw at least a 2-point swing in the first 24 hours of wagering at The Wynn.

Temple at Penn State
Open line: Penn State -7
After 24 hours: Penn State -9.5

Middle Tennessee State at Bowling Green
Open line: MTSU -3
After 24 hours: MTSU -5.5

Georgia State at Wisconsin
Open line: Wisconsin -31.5
After 24 hours: Wisconsin -33.5

Florida Atlantic at Kansas State
Open line: Kansas State -20
After 24 hours: Kansas State -22

UL Monroe at Georgia Southern
Open line: Georgia Southern -27
After 24 hours: Georgia Southern -25

Duke at Northwestern
Open line: Northwestern -4.5
After 24 hours: Northwestern -6.5

Navy at Tulane
Open line: Navy -11
After 24 hours: Navy -6.5

ACC Report - Week 3
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

Florida State at Louisville

We're going to find out a lot about Louisville Saturday afternoon, as ESPN's College Gameday visits for the first time in the program's history. More importantly, we're going to find out if Lamar Jackson is ready for prime time or still needs some seasoning. He has been putting up video game-like numbers in the first two outings, but a visit from Florida State's battle-tested defense is a different story. The Seminoles opened as 3 1/2-point favorites and it has been bet down to 2 at most shops, with more movement to come. The 'Noles are 4-1 ATS in their past five ACC games, and 5-2 ATS in their past seven road outings against teams with a winning home record. The Cardinals are 5-2 ATS in their past seven home games dating back to last season. The 'over' is 7-2 in FSU's past nine on fieldturf, while the 'under' is 9-3 in their past 12 ACC battles. The 'over' is 4-0 in the past four on fieldturf and 4-0 in the past in the ACC for the Cards.

Miami-Florida at Appalachian State

Miami invades Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, N.C. for perhaps the biggest game in Appalachian State's history. Well, the biggest game outside of their upset win at Michigan as an FCS squad. App State is an FBS team now in the Sun Belt Conference, and they're looking to make headlines again. The Mountaineers nearly pulled off an upset at Tennessee, taking the Vols to overtime before succumbing 20-13. Miami has rolled through Florida A&M and Florida Atlantic at home, going 2-0 ATS in the process. The line for this game opened at 4 1/2 and slipped to 3 1/2 as of Tuesday night. Can the Mountaineers shut down the speedy Hurricanes? Miami is 5-1 ATS in their past six games in September, while App State is 0-5 ATS in their past five following a straight up win and 1-4 ATS in their past five at home.

Vanderbilt at Georgia Tech

Vandy goes from the capital of Tennessee to the capital of Georgia to battle the Ramblin' Wreck. Anyone going to this game have a slaw dog for me at The Varsity and tell me all about it. The Commodores are 14-6 ATS in their past 20 road games, and 12-4 ATS in their past 16 on the road against teams with a winning home record. The Yellow Jackets are 13-6-1 ATS in their past 20 in September, but just 1-4 ATS in their past five at home, 2-5 ATS in their past seven against the SEC and 1-9-1 ATS in their past 11 games overall. The trends point to an 'under' result, as the under is 7-1 in Vandy's past eight on the road and 7-2 in their past nine against teams with an overall winning record. The under is 5-1 in Ga. Tech's past six and 5-2 in their past seven against SEC foes. The line for this game is set at Georgia Tech -6 1/2 points and a total of 43.

Virginia at Connecticut

Virginia heads to UConn searching for their first taste of victory after an extremely disappointing opening game loss to FCS Richmond, and a drubbing at the hands of Oregon at Autzen last weekend. UConn nearly met the same fate in their opener, edging FCS Maine 24-21 despite entering as a 27-point favorite. The Huskies played Navy tough in Annapolis, but were dumped 28-24. The 'over' has connected in each of UConn's first two games while going 0-2 ATS. The Cavaliers are also 0-2 ATS in their first two games, so something's gotta give. Connecticuts enters as 4 1/2-point favorite with a total of 48 1/2.

Boston College at Virginia Tech

The Eagles head to Blacksburg for their second conference game of the season already, while the Hokies look to rebound after Tennessee raced past them at Bristol Motor Speedway last weekend. The Eagles have already been to Ireland and Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, and now head to Virginia, failing to play a game on campus yet. They're 5-1 ATS in their past six games on the road, including last weekend's cover against UMass. The Hokies have covered just once in the past five at Lane Stadium, and they're a dismal 5-16-1 ATS in their past 22 in the month of September. Boston College has owned this series, at least against the number, going 4-1 ATS in the past five, and 8-3 ATS in their past 11 trips to Blacksburg. The underdog is also 4-1 ATS in the past five.

Pittsburgh at Oklahoma State

The Panthers outlasted Penn State in an emotional rivalry game, and now turn around for another difficult matchup on the road. Oklahoma State was jobbed by the refs last weekend before falling on a miraculous hook and ladder play against Central Michigan that should have never been allowed to occur. OK State enters as a six-point favorite, and they should be mighty angry after their loss last weekend. Pittsburgh is 6-2 ATS in their past eight road games, but just 2-6 ATS in their past eight in September and 0-4 ATS in their past four non-conference tilts. OK State is 0-4 ATS in their past four against teams with a winning record, and 2-8 ATS in their past 10 after a straight-up loss.

South Florida at Syracuse

South Florida tuned up Northern Illinois at the Ray Jay last weekend, now they hit the road for the Carrier Dome against a Syracuse team which served as punching bag for Lamar Jackson and Louisville last Friday. USF has been hot against the number, covering six of their past seven in the month of September, 6-2 ATS in their past eight non-conference games and 5-2 ATS in their past seven on the road. The Orange is still 5-2 ATS in their past seven against winning teams despite being manhandled last weekend, and they're 5-1 ATS in their past six under the dome. however, they are just 3-7 ATS in their past 10 games following a double-digit loss at home.

Old Dominion at North Carolina State

Old Dominion pummeled FCS Hampton in their opener to cover a 24-point line, and then were smashed at App State 31-7. N.C. State returns home from the coastal plain after being dumped by East Carolina last weekend. These sides met last season in Virginia, with the Wolfpack pushing aside the Monarchs 38-14 to cover a 17-point number. The last time these teams met in Raleigh, ODU covered a 15 1/2-point number in a 46-34 loss, but that was also with their former dynamic QB Taylor Heinicke, who now carries a clipboard on Sundays for the Minnesota Vikings. N.C. State enters as a 21 1/2-point favorite with a total of 58. ODU is 1-7 ATS in their past eight non-conference tilts, and 1-5 ATS in their past six on the road. The Wolfpack are 8-2 ATS in their past 10 non-conference battles despite last weekend's debacle, but they're just 1-4 ATS in their past five at Carter-Finley.

Duke at Northwestern

Duke looks to rebound after taking it on the chin 24-14 to Wake Forest in Durham. Northwestern has really struggled to open the season, falling by a point in their opener to Western Michigan before being stunned by FCS Illinois State in a defensive slog last weekend. The Wildcats are averaging 14.0 PPG with two 'under' results and they're 0-2 ATS. The Blue Devils have split their first two games with a pair of 'under' results. The last time these clubs met, it was Northwestern winning 19-10 at Wallace Wade Stadium Sept. 17, 2016, in a game I actually attended. You can expect another low-scoring battle in Evanston between two disjointed offensive units.

Other Games

Clemson was nearly tripped up by Troy last weekend. Look for the Tigers, 0-2 ATS, to get on track against an in-state FCS foe. The last time these squads met it was a 73-7 lesson that the Bulldogs are likely still feeling. SCSU enters 0-2, having lost to UCF 38-0 in their opener Sept. 3, and 53-24 to Louisiana Tech last weekend. ... UNC handled their business, topping a Power 5 team on the road, albeit a bottom-feeder in Illinois. Now, the Tar Heels take another breather against the Dukes of James Madison. The Dukes are averaging 68.0 points per game, including an 80-spot against Morehead State in their opener. ... Wake Forest is suddenly thinking bowl after winning at Duke to move to 2-0. A win against the Blue Hens and they're halfway home to bowl eligibility in mid-September.

South Carolina State at Clemson
James Madison at North Carolina
Delaware at Wake Forest

Big 12 Report - Week 3
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

Baylor at Rice

Baylor hits the road for Rice Stadium Friday night looking to move to 3-0. So far the Bears are unbeaten, but they have appeared slightly off while failing to cover either of their games. The 'under' is also 2-0 in Baylor's first two games, something we haven't been accustomed to seeing too frequently in recent seasons. Still, Baylor is averaging 47.5 points per game (PPG), and it's more the result of a strong defensive effort that the under has been coming through. Rice has been anemic on offense, mustering just 28 total points through two games at Western Kentucky and at Army, and they're also 0-2 ATS with a pair of under results. Last season it was Baylor humbling Rice 70-17 in Waco, posting 793 total yards of offense to just 246 for Rice. You can expect a similar result, with the Owls struggling to take flight. Baylor is a 30 1/2-point favorite as of Wednesday AM.

Kansas at Memphis

The Jayhawks were feeling good about themselves, topping FCS Rhode Island in the opener after a winless 2015 season. Things were looking up heading into Game 2 against Ohio University, but after a loss it's the same old ugly feeling heading down to Memphis Saturday afternoon. KU is 9-26-1 ATS in their past 36 road outings, 4-12 ATS in the past 16 overall, 2-7 ATS in their past nine against teams with a winning record and 3-11-1 ATS in their past 15 non-conference tilts. Memphis is coming off a bye, and they're 5-1 ATS in their past six following a week off. They're also 15-5-1 ATS in their past 21 non-conference battles. Memphis failed to cover in their first game against FCS Southeast Missouri State, and they enter as a near three-touchdown favorite in this one.

Iowa State at Texas Christian

Iowa State has not fared well with teams from the Hawkeye state, so perhaps traveling outside of its borders will result in a better outcome. The Cyclones were surprised at home by FCS Northern Iowa, and they were absolutely blown out of Kinnick Stadium at Iowa last weekend, falling 42-3. TCU displayed plenty of chinks in the armor in a 59-41 win over FCS South Dakota State. Arkansas exploited those chinks and turned it into a 41-38 overtime victory last weekend over their former Southwest Conference rivals. TCU has allowed 41 points in each of their two games, and no surprise the 'over' is 2-0 in their first two games. Iowa State has scored a total of just 23 points in two games, so it's doubtful they'll be able to reach that level. The 'under' is 2-0 in I-State's first two outings. TCU opened at 22 1/2 and the line quickly escalated to 24. The total is set at 61.

Florida Atlantic at Kansas State

Florida Atlantic opened with a win over FCS Southern Illinois, and then went down to Miami and hung around with a strong defensive effort before the Hurricanes pulled away in the second half. K-State hasn't played in two weeks since their opening game loss at Stanford, when Heisman hopeful Christian McCaffrey ran wild. The Wildcats do not have to worry about any Owls running wild on them, but they will be tested by FAU's up-tempo, no-huddle offense which has them averaging 24.0 PPG. On the flip side, FAU is allowing 34.0 PPG while going 0-2 ATS so far this season.

Pittsburgh at Oklahoma State

The Panthers outlasted Penn State in an emotional rivalry game, and now turn around for another difficult matchup on the road. Oklahoma State was jobbed by the refs last weekend before falling on a miraculous hook and ladder play against Central Michigan that should have never been allowed to occur. OK State enters as a six-point favorite, and they should be mighty angry after their loss last weekend. Pittsburgh is 6-2 ATS in their past eight road games, but just 2-6 ATS in their past eight in September and 0-4 ATS in their past four non-conference tilts. OK State is 0-4 ATS in their past four against teams with a winning record, and 2-8 ATS in their past 10 after a straight-up loss.

Louisiana Tech at Texas Tech

It's the 'Tech Bowl', as the Bulldogs hit the road for Lubbock to battle the Red Raiders. Texas Tech was involved in an absurd game at Arizona State last weekend, falling 68-55 in the desert as the total of 80 was taken care of in the third quarter. Texas Tech has averaged 62.0 PPG on offense through two games. La. Tech will be hard-pressed to slow TTU down, although they did a good job holding Arkansas at bay in a near upset Sept. 3, losing 21-20 as 21-point underdogs. The Bulldogs rebounded last week and flexed a little muscle in a 53-24 win over South Carolina State, but their defense leaked a bit of oil. That cannot be good heading into a game with the Red Raiders, who are capable of 70 in this one. The Red Raiders are favored by just 10 1/2 with a total of 79 1/2.

Ohio State at Oklahoma

One of the most anticipated matchups of the weekend comes from Norman, as Ohio State heads down to Oklahoma looking to deliver a knockout blow to the Sooners' playoff chances in mid-September. The Buckeyes have piled up 125 points through two games, routing Bowling Green 77-10 and shutting down a high-octane Tulsa offense 48-3 last week. Oklahoma rebounded after their stunning 33-23 loss to Houston, pounding on Louisiana-Monroe by a 59-17 count. Still, the Sooners are 0-2 ATS while the Buckeyes are 2-0 ATS. This is the first meeting between the schools. Ohio State was installed as a six-point underdog a few weeks ago, now they enter Norman favored by two.

Texas at California

The Longhorns are climbing in the rankings after spanking Texas-El Paso last week, covering for the second time in as many games. California will be back home after dropping one at San Diego State last week against Heisman dark horse Donnel Pumphrey. The Bears were locked in a shootout last week, losing 45-40, and they figure to see more of the same against a Texas team averaged 45.5 PPG. Remember, the last time these two teams faced each other Sept.. 19, 2015, it was Cal coming away with a 45-44 win in Austin courtesy of a missed extra point. In this one, Texas is a much better team, while California isn't nearly as dangerous. Texas opened as a touchdown favorite and the line climbed to eight. The total is just shy of 80.

Team on a bye - West Virginia

Pac-12 Report - Week 3
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

Arizona State at Texas-San Antonio

The Sun Devils hit the road for Texas-San Antonio after a 68-55 shootout win against Texas Tech, while UTSA looks to rebound after a 23-14 setback at Colorado State a week ago. The Roadrunners are 0-2 ATS and the 'under' has cashed in each of their two games. The 'under' hasn't been a problem for Arizona State, as they're averaging 56.0 PPG while allowing 34.0 PPG while covering each of their first two games. The Sun Devils are 2-6 ATS in their past eight road games, while going 2-6 ATS in their past eight in the month of September. The Roadrunners are 1-4 ATS in their past five non-conference games while going 1-6-1 ATS in their past eight overall.

Idaho at Washington State

Idaho was waffled at Washington by a 59-14 score last weekend in Seattle, now they take on the Evergreen State's other Pac-12 representative. The last time these teams matched up it was WaZu winning 42-0 Sept. 21, 2013. The Vandals are averaging just 17.0 PPG while allowing 38.0 PPG. The Cougars are searching for their first win of the season after losing to FCS Eastern Washington in the opener, and at Boise State last weekend. However, the Cougs were much better in Boise. They nearly pulled off the upset, losing 31-28 as a near two-touchdown underdog. The Vandals are 1-4 ATS in their past five against the Pac-12, and 1-8 ATS in their past nine in September. The Cougs are still 5-1 ATS in their past six at home despite their loss to EWU, and they're 10-2 ATS in their past 12 overall.

Colorado at Michigan

The Buffaloes hit the road for the Big House to face the high-flying Wolverines. Seeing Colorado-Michigan on the schedule brings back memories of Kordell Stewart to Michael Westbrook on a Hail Mary to sadden Ann Arbor back in 1994. Colorado is off to a hot start, spanking Colorado State 44-7 and then punishing FCS Idaho State by a 56-7 count. So far the Buffs are 2-0 ATS, but they will face, by far, their stiffest test Saturday. Michigan is averaging 57.0 PPG while allowing just 8.5 PPG, and they have covered two spreads of 36 or more points with the 'over' cashing in each outing. Colorado is 3-1-1 ATS in their past five non-conference tilts, but they're 11-23-1 ATS in their past 35 road outings. Michigan has covered four straight non-conference games while going 7-3 ATS in their past 10 against teams with a winning overall record. However, they are 1-9 ATS in their past 10 tries against Pac-12 foes.

Oregon at Nebraska

Perhaps this game doesn't have the interest of Florida State-Louisville, Ohio State-Oklahoma, etc. However, the Ducks meeting former Oregon State head coach Mike Riley, who is now the head man in Nebraska. How's that for a storyline? Riley coached Oregon State to a 4-10 record against Oregon. The Ducks are 27-10 ATS in their past 37 against teams with a winning record, and an amazing 22-5 ATS in their past 27 road games. However, they are 0-4 ATS in their past four non-conference games, including 0-2 ATS in their first two outings. The Huskers are 5-1 ATS in their past six non-conference battles while going 5-2 ATS in their past seven against a team with a winning record. Nebraska enters as a 3 1/2-point favorite. The 'over' is also 4-1 in Oregon's past five against a team with a winning record, and the over is 8-2 in Nebraska's past 10 non-conference games and 5-1 in their past six against teams with a winning overall mark.

Southern California at Stanford

USC rebounded last week against Utah State, spanking the Aggies to make themselves feel better after being emasculated by Alabama in their opener. Stanford topped Kansas State and then had a week off, so they're fresh and ready for a visit from the Trojans. This line opened at 6 1/2 and quickly moved to 9 1/2 while the total holds steady at 53. USC is 2-6 ATS in their past eight overall, while going 7-19 ATS in their past 26 road outings. They're also 4-12 ATS in their past 16 road outings against a team with a winning home record. Stanford is 36-16-1 ATS in their past 53 conference games, and 39-18 ATS in their past 57 home games. The Trojans are 3-7 ATS in their past 10 against the Cardinal, while the road team is 9-3 ATS in the past 12 meetings. The underdog is also 8-2 ATS in the past 10 battles.

UCLA at Brigham Young

UCLA heads to Provo looking to top BYU again. They held off the Cougars last season by a 24-23 score, averting a near disaster as 16 1/2-point favorites at the Rose Bowl. UCLA lost to Texas A&M in their opener, and rebounded with a win over UNLV. They have failed to cover in either of their outings, and they're 0-4 ATS in their past four non-conference games. BYU has covered both of their games, topping Arizona in the opener and then slipping up at Utah in the Holy War last week, electing to go for two in the final moments rather than kick an extra point and battle in overtime. The 'under' is 2-0 for BYU so far.

Texas at California

The Longhorns are climbing in the rankings after spanking Texas-El Paso last week, covering for the second time in as many games. California will be back home after dropping one at San Diego State last week against Heisman dark horse Donnel Pumphrey. The Bears were locked in a shootout last week, losing 45-40, and they figure to see more of the same against a Texas team averaged 45.5 PPG. Remember, the last time these two teams faced each other Sept.. 19, 2015, it was Cal coming away with a 45-44 win in Austin courtesy of a missed extra point. In this one, Texas is a much better team, while California isn't nearly as dangerous. Texas opened as a touchdown favorite and the line climbed to eight. The total is just shy of 80.

Hawaii at Arizona

Hawaii plays its fourth game of the season already, having lost to California in Sydney and Michigan in Ann Arbor. They are coming off a win against FCS Tennessee-Martin to make them feel better, but now it's back to reality in Tucson this weekend. Arizona was dumped by BYU in their opener before narrowly avoiding disaster against FCS Gramling State last weekend. The Wildcats have failed to cover in two games, and the 'under' has cashed in each outing. Hawaii is 1-5 ATS in their past six road games, while going 1-7 ATS in their past eight overall. Arizona is just 2-9 ATS in their past 11 games in the month of September, while going 2-7 ATS in their nine non-conference battles.

Other Games

Oregon State is looking to rebound after a loss at Minnesota in their opener Sept. 1. They've had 16 days to rebound and get prepare for Idaho State in what should be their first win of the season. Idaho State was hammered last weekend by Colorado by a 56-7 score last weekend. ... Portland State heads to Seattle to battle U-Dub for the first time since Sept. 15, 2012 when the Huskies came away with a 52-13 win. That Washington team paled in comparison to this season's squad, which has lofty expectations. Washington has covered both of their games while averaging 53.5 PPG and allowed 13.5 PPG and the 'over' has cashed in each. ... Utah heads to the Bay Area to meet San Jose State, and they enter as near two-touchdown favorites. The Utes are 4-1 ATS in their past five battles against Mountain West foes, and they're 11-3 ATS in their past 14 non-conference games. The Spartans are 1-1 ATS in two non-conference games this season, and 19-9 ATS in their past 28 outside the MWC. They're just 2-9 ATS in their past 11 against teams with a winning overall mark.

Idaho State at Oregon State
Portland State at Washington
Utah at San Jose State

NCAAF: Streak, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com

Oregon at Nebraska

Oregon still a force on the offensive end racked up an average 48.5 points/game on 522 total yards in winning its first two games against Cal-Davis and Virginia. But, Ducks failed to cover in each contest in large part to a defense undergoing changes that gave up 27.0 points/game on a whopping 780 total yards.

Nebraska has also opened the campaign with a pair of victories, defeating Fresno State, Wyoming. Cornhuskers' balanced offense in full display used the ground game (406 RY) in the opener to defeat Bulldogs 43-10 covering the 28.5 point spread and its air attack (412 PY) in downing Cowboys 52-17 covering as 25.5 point favorites.

Huskers have opened 3.0 point home favorites at Bovada.lv with the total hovering between 73.0 - 74.0 depending on locale.

A few betting nuggets to ponder: Memorial Stadium is usually a tough venue for visitors at this time of the year, the Huskers have won 13 of 15 in front of the home audience in September cashing 10 of 15 tickets. On the negative side, Huskers have failed to cash in four straight as home chalk of 4.5 or less.

As for Oregon, the Ducks no slouches in a hostile environment during the first month of play have won 12, lost 2 with a 10-4 record against the betting line. Ducks have won five of its last six as road underdogs including 4-1 as 3.5 pups or less.

Alabama at Mississippi

Defending National Champion Alabama spanking Southern California 52-6 as a 13.5-point neutral-site favorites in the season opener followed it up with a not so impressive 38-10 victory over Western Kentucky as 27.0 point home chalk. Next up for Tide, a trip to Oxford as 9.5 point road favorites to take on Mississippi Rebels. Tide have won 10 of the past 12 meetings (4-8 ATS) but 'Ole Miss' dealt ‘Bama' its only loss last year, 43-37 catching 9 points on the road and also handed Crimson Tide its only regular season loss the prevoius year a 23-17 win in front of the home audience as 5.5 point underdogs. Rebels 5-1 ATS as home underdogs, Crimson Tide 2-8-1 ATS laying 7 to 10 on the road, 4-5-1 ATS last ten as road chalk vs the Conference you bet Nick Saban's troops at some risk.

Ohio State at Oklahoma

Sooners historically dominant in Norman winning seven consecutive games, eighteen of its last twenty-one in front of the home audience have opened 3.0 point home underdogs at Bovada.lv. Oklahoma's solid home field advantage no need overthinking this one. Take the points knowing Sooners are a profitable 7-1-1 against the betting line as regular season pups if 3.5 or less.

College Football Week 3

South Carolina split pair of SEC road games to open season; they didn’t score in first half of either game, gave up 290 rushing yards LW in Starkville. Gamecocks are 3-7 in last 10 games as home favorite. East Carolina covered four of last five as a road dog. Last 3+ years, AAC teams are 8-6-2 vs spread when playing an SEC opponent. SEC home favorites are 5-5 as home favorites this year; AAC road dogs are 2-2.

Florida State beat Louisville 42-31/41-21 last two years, throwing ball for 778 yards. Louisville hung 62 on defense-less Syracuse LW (gained 414 rushing yards, 431 passing), now they get a Florida State team that is missing James, one of its best defenders. First road start for FSU’s frosh QB Francois. Cardinals are 1-1 as a home dog under Petrino (4-8 since ’09); FSU is 8-5 in its last 13 games as a road favorite.

Temple sacked Hackenberg 10 times LY in 27-10 (+6.5) upset win over Penn State (outgained PSU 317-183). Owls lost 28-13 to Army then beat a I-AA team LW; they’re 8-4 as road dogs under Rhule. Lions gave up 341 rushing yards in 42-39 loss at Pitt LW; they’re 15-9 in last 24 games as a home favorite. Last 2+ years, AAC teams are 4-7 vs spread when facing Big 14 teams. AAC teams are 4-2 as underdogs this year; Big 14 home favorites are 7-5.

Nebraska coach Riley was 3-8 vs Oregon when he coached rival Oregon State; Huskers scored 95 points in whacking couple of Mountain West also rans to start season. Oregon has another I-AA transfer QB who is making his road start for Ducks- they gained 632 yards vs Virginia LW. Last 4+ years, Pac-12 teams are 13-11-2 vs spread when facing Big 14 opponents, 8-3 if an underdog. Big 14 home favorites are 7-5 vs spread this season.

UCLA ran ball for 296 yards in narrow 24-23 win (-16.5) over BYU LY; Bruins lost their only road game, in OT at Texas A&M- they pulled away late from UNLV LW. BYU split pair of games vs Pac-12 schools, with games decided by total of 3 points. UCLA is 8-5 as road favorite under Mora. Cougars are 12-4 as underdogs the last five years, 2-0 at home. Pac-12 favorites are 4-5 vs spread this season.

Oklahoma State lost as a 20-point home favorite LW, giving up a TD on a Hail Mary/lateral as time expired. Pitt is coming off of its 42-39 win over Penn State, in renewal of regional rivalry. Last 10+ years, OSU is 30-16-1 as home favorite. Pitt is 4-1 as road dog under Narduzzi, 17-9-1 over last decade. Last five years, Big X teams are 8-6 vs spread when facing an ACC opponent. Big X home favorites are 2-5 vs spread so far this year.

Michigan State lost its last three games with Notre Dame by 4-17-18 points; dogs covered four of last five series games overall, and seven of last nine played here. Teams didn’t play last 2 years. Last decade, Spartans are 14-8 as a road underdog. ND covered five of its last six home games- they ran ball for 445 yards in splitting first two games. Big 14 teams are 11-8 vs spread, 2-3 as underdogs so far this season. Spartans had LW off after opening with I-AA foe.

Home side lost last four Texas A&M-Auburn games; Aggies won 41-38/63-21 in last two visits here. A&M is 2-6 vs spread in last 8 games as a road underdog; they’re 14-25-1 vs spread in their last 40 games overall. Auburn is 0-7 in its last seven games as a home favorite, 5-11 in its last 16 SEC games. Tigers bounced back from 19-13 loss to Clemson with 51-14 rout of Arkansas State LW- they ran ball for 462 yards. Aggies won opener in OT at home over UCLA before crushing a I-AA stiff LW.

Oklahoma is a home dog for first time since ’00 vs Nebraska, game the Sooners won. OU already lost at Houston; their next two tilts are at TCU/vs Texas in Dallas- tough schedule- they gave up 593 PY in two games. Ohio State is 7-6 as road favorite under Meyer; they ran ball for 627 yards in routing BG/Tulsa to open season. Last five years, Big X teams are 10-8 vs spread when facing a Big 14 squad. Big 14 teams are 9-5 vs spread as favorites, 2-0 on road.

Ole Miss beat Alabama 43-37/23-17 last two years; they’re 8-3 vs spread in last 11 series games, but Rebels blew 28-6 lead to FSU in opener, then allowed 233 rushing yards LW to I-AA Wofford, so red flags there. Bama covered its last four games as road favorite, but this is first road start for frosh QB Hurts. Crimson Tide won its first two games easily, outscored USC/Western Ky by 90-16 total. Rebels are 5-2 as a home underdog under Freeze.

LSU used Purdue transfer Etling at QB in LW’s win over a I-AA foe; Tigers are 15-1 in last 16 games with Mississippi State, but Bulldogs did win last visit here (with Prescott at QB). MSU is 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to Death Valley. Bulldogs ran ball for 529 yards in first two games- they didn’t allow first half point in either game, but blew 17-0 lead in loss to USA. MSU is 6-2 as road underdogs the last three years. LSU is 8-3-1 in its last 12 games as a home favorite.

Stanford won six of last eight games with USC, winning last two 41-31/41-22; underdogs are 10-3 vs spread in last 13 series games. USC beat Utah St. LW after getting crushed by Alabama; they’ve lost couple players to off-field issues since. Trojans are 2-6 in last eight games as a road dog; Cardinal was outgained 335-272 in its opening win, over K-State- they didn’t play last week. Stanford is 9-5 vs spread in its last 14 games as a home favorite.

Cal (-6) won 45-44 at Texas LY, despite being outgained 650-548. Golden Bears gave up 582 rushing yards in splitting first two games; they lost wild 45-40 game at San Diego State LW. Cal is 3-10 as a home dog under Dykes. Longhorns scored 91 points in winning first two games; this is 1st road start for frosh QB Buechele. Texas is 3-1 as a road favorite under Strong. Last 5+ years, Big X teams are 12-7 vs spread when facing a Pac-12 opponent. Big X teams are 2-6 as favorites so far this year.

Armadillosports.com

Alabama at Ole Miss
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

The moment Alabama fans have been waiting for has nearly arrived. Amid the greatness of its eight straight seasons with 10 wins or more, which has included four national titles and seven years of 12 wins or better, there has emerged a new nemesis.

This fresh challenger of sorts has bitten the beast in the backside in two consecutive seasons. It goes by the name of Ole Miss and is led by the school’s best coach since the one whose name adorns the stadium, Johnny Vaught, who led the Rebels to a 190-61-12 record from 1947-1970 (and the last eight games of 1973 after his successor was fired).

His name is Hugh Freeze, who took over for Houston Nutt in 2012 after 4-8 and 2-10 campaigns in 2010 and 2011. Freeze was born and raised in Oxford and has led Ole Miss on a steady rise from the moment he set foot on campus.

In Year 1, he led the Rebels to a postseason invite and a subsequent 38-17 win over Pittsburgh at the Compass Bowl. In ’13, they improved to 8-5 and downed Ga. Tech 25-17 at the Music City Bowl. Then in ’14, Freeze’s program really arrived, starting 7-0 and climbing to No. 3 in the national rankings, the highest status for the program at that late stage of the season in nearly 50 years.

Along the way, Ole Miss stunned Alabama 23-17 in comeback fashion at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Freeze’s bunch was a legit contender to participate in the first College Football Playoff, but a late interception while in field-goal range thwarted its last drive in a 10-7 loss at LSU. Two weeks later, the season was lost at home against Auburn when star WR Laquon Treadwell’s late go-ahead TD was reversed by replace officials.

Treadwell had fumbled at the goal line when a hit by an Auburn defender knocked the ball loose and broke Treadwell’s leg. In an instant, hopes of a first SEC West title in the program’s history were dashed and one of the team’s best players had to be carted off the field with a gruesome injury.

The hangover effect resulted in a loss at Arkansas two weeks later. Then after a nice bounce-back win over fourth-ranked Mississippi State. to ruin the arch rival’s shot at a CFP berth, Ole Miss took a beatdown from TCU at The Peach Bowl to finish 9-4.

Once again last year, Ole Miss was in the mix to get to the SEC Championship Game for the first time. Despite losses at Florida and at Memphis, the Rebels were in control of their own destiny thanks to a September win at Alabama by a 43-37 count as 6.5-point underdogs. But when Arkansas came to Oxford, it captured a 53-52 overtime win thanks to a wild first-down conversion on a fourth-and-long play that involved a crazy lateral, in addition to catching a break with a face-mask call to extend the winning drive in OT.

Nevertheless, Ole Miss still finished 10-3, won the Egg Bowl for a second straight season and went to its first Sugar Bowl in decades where it smashed Oklahoma State, 48-20. Freeze was the toast of the town, continuing to recruit at a level never seen before from Ole Miss in the modern era.

And then the NFL Draft happened. On a night that should’ve been a celebration of the program’s accomplishments on Freeze’s watch with three of its players being selected in the first round, instead turned into a debacle of epic proportions live on national television. Without getting into all of the sordid details, let’s simply note that Laremy Tunsil’s social media accounts were hacked, with one of them displaying copy-and-pasted text messages from Tunsil to a member of Freeze’s staff requesting cash to pay for his mother’s bills.

When asked about this during a televised interview after being drafted by the Dolphins, Tunsil answered, “I would have to say yes” to the question of whether or not he was paid while playing for the Rebels. Shortly after that answer, an assistant for the agent (Jimmie Sexton) who represents both Freeze and Tunsil ushered him off the stage and suddenly cut off all questions from the assembled media.

These developments put a major stain on Freeze’s reputation immediately. The program was already under investigation and Freeze’s success on the recruiting trail had already been called into question by many rival schools. Freeze was suddenly under a microscope for all the wrong reasons.

After the dust settled somewhat, he appeared on The Paul Finebaum Show less than two weeks later. Freeze’s mantra was and continues to be that he can’t discuss the specifics of the Tunsil situation because that part of the investigation hasn’t been completed, but he’s insisted that he’s done nothing wrong and that his program will survive this negativity.

That remains to be seen. Whatever the case, Ole Miss (1-1 straight up, 0-2 against the spread) had to be thrilled to put the tumultuous offseason behind it and get on the field. That certainly seemed to be the case when it jumped all over Florida State for a commanding 28-6 lead late in the second quarter of the season opener in Orlando.

However, the Seminoles trimmed the deficit to 28-13 with 28 ticks left before halftime on a 16-yard TD pass from Deondre Francois to Travis Rudolph. Then on FSU’s opening drive to start the second half, it pulled to within 12 with a 40-yard field goal. Ole Miss promptly committed a turnover and several plays later FSU cashed in with a one-yard TD run from Freddie Stevenson.

Just two plays later, another Ole Miss turnover gave FSU the ball in great field position with a chance to take the lead. Jimbo Fisher’s team did just that on a short TD run by Kermit Whitfield for a 29-28 advantage less than six minutes into the third quarter. The ‘Noles would extend the lead to 39-28 before the Rebels finally answered with 12:09 remaining.

Chad Kelly’s 20-yard TD pass to Van Jefferson cut the deficit to 39-34, but the two-point conversion attempt failed. Ole Miss was still within one possession after an FSU field goal, but its offense couldn’t counter. A late field goal provided the final points for the ‘Noles in their 45-34 win as five-point favorites. The 79 combined points soared ‘over’ the 57.5-point total.

Kelly completed 21-of-39 passes for 313 yards and four TDs, but he was intercepted three times and also lost a fumble. He didn’t get any help from the running game and spent the entire second half under extreme pressure. Evan Engram hauled in nine receptions for 121 yards and one TD.

In Week 2, the Rebels bounced back with a 38-13 win over Wofford, though they failed to take the cash as 43-point home ‘chalk.’ The 51 combined points stayed ‘under’ the 56.5-point total.

Kelly connected on 20-of-27 throws for 219 yards and three TDs without an interception. Akeem Judd ran for a team-high 64 yards on 11 carries, as the running game showed a pulse with a 5.1 YPC average.

As of late Thursday, most books had Alabama (2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS) installed as an 11-point favorite with a total of 55 points. The Rebels were available on the money line for a +330 return (risk $100 to win $330). As for first-half wagers, the Crimson Tide were favored by 6.5 points with a 28-point tally.

Alabama remained undefeated at Jerry World in the season opener by smashing Southern Cal 52-6 as a 13.5-point favorite. The 58 combined points surged ‘over’ the 51.5-point total.

USC drew first blood with a 47-yard field goal on its opening drive, but Nick Saban’s team would rip off 38 unanswered points. True freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts found ArDarius Stewart for a 39-yard scoring strike with 7:46 remaining in the second quarter to put ‘Bama ahead 7-3. The Tide would tack on an Adam Griffith 29-yard field goal with 3:26 left until halftime. Then several plays later, Marlon Humphrey extended Alabama’s advantage to 17-3 at intermission with an 18-yard interception return for a TD.

Things got ugly fast in the third quarter. Hurts found Stewart again for a 71-yard TD pass less than 90 seconds into the third quarter and the blowout was on from there. Hurts would add rushing scores from six and seven yards out. He accounted for four TDs in his collegiate debut, throwing for 118 yards on 6-of-11 passing. Hurts rushed nine times for 32 yards. Damien Harris ran nine times for a team-best 138 yards.

Alabama’s defense was as nasty as usual, limiting the Trojans to 194 yards of total offense. Jeremy Pruitt’s unit held USC to 64 rushing yards on 30 attempts for a pedestrian 2.1 yards-per-carry average.

In Week 2, Alabama had its home opener against Western Ky. It was a vintage sandwich situation with USC in the rearview mirror and Ole Miss on deck. Bettors either won or lost depending on when they place their wager – at least for the side. The Tide opened as a 28.5-point ‘chalk’ versus the Hilltoppers and the number spent most of the week in the 28-29 range. Only within the 80 minutes prior to kick did most books adjust the line to south of 28 and it closed at 27.

Therefore, late ‘Bama backers cashed a winner in the 38-10 win. The 48 combined points stayed ‘under’ the 60-point total. Hurts completed 23-of-36 passes for 287 yards and two TDs without an interception. Calvin Ridley had nine receptions for 129 yards and one TD, while Stewart hauled in five catches for 90 yards and one TD. Eddie Jackson’s 55-yard pick-six gave the Tide a 17-3 lead at halftime.

Despite the victory, Saban wasn’t impressed. He had to be concerned with the play of his offensive line, which was only able to carve holes for 124 rushing yards on 39 carries (3.2 YPC). His team was also penalized 12 times for 84 yards. Those results prompted an “ass-chewing” for offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.

Since Saban took over in 2007, Alabama owns a 21-14 spread record as a road favorite, going 4-0 in its last four such situations.

Ole Miss has been a home underdog seven times during Freeze’s tenure, producing a 5-2 spread record with three outright wins. The Rebels have been double-digit home ‘dogs three times, going 2-1 ATS with one victory over LSU in ’13 as 10-point puppies.

When these schools met at Bryant-Denny Stadium last year, Kelly completed 18-of-33 passes for 341 yards and three TDs without an interception. He also had a four-yard TD run. Kelly’s third scoring strike to Treadwell gave the Rebels a 43-24 lead with 10:02 remaining. The Tide would mount a desperate rally, only to come up short.

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

B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets

Despite the emergence of the ‘over’ in last year’s meeting, the ‘under’ has still hit at a 6-2 clip in the last eight Alabama-Ole Miss encounters.

LSU owns an 8-4-1 spread record in its last 13 games as a home favorite. Mississippi State is 9-11 ATS in 20 games as a road underdog during Dan Mullen’s eight-year tenure. The Tigers will host the Bulldogs on Saturday at Tiger Stadium on ESPN2 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. LSU has won 15 of the last 16 head-to-head meetings between these SEC West rivals, but Mississippi State won 34-29 as a nine-point underdog its last trip to Baton Rouge. Mullen’s team covered the spread but came out on the wrong end of a 21-19 decision as a four-point home underdog against LSU in Starkville last season.

According to Jim McElwain’s comments after Wednesday’s practice, Florida star sophomore WR Antonio Callaway is ‘highly questionable to doubtful’ for Saturday’s home game vs. North Texas. McElwain should and I assume will rest Callaway in order for him to be as close to 100 percent as possible for next week’s trip to Swamp North in Knoxville for a crucial SEC East showdown against Tennessee. The Gators have beaten the Volunteers 11 consecutive times.

Texas A&M owns a 3-6 spread record in nine games as a road ‘dog on Kevin Sumlin’s watch. Meanwhile, Auburn has posted an 8-11 spread record as a home ‘chalk’ since Gus Malzahn took over. The Tigers had failed to cover in eight consecutive games as home favorites until taking the cash in last week’s 51-14 win over Arkansas State when they were favored by 20.5 points. As of late Thursday, most spots had Auburn favored by 3.5 points over the Aggies, who have won outright on both trips to Auburn since joining the SEC. ESPN will have the broadcast at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

Kentucky’s Mark Stoops is feeling the heat after his program lost for the 30th straight time to Florida this past Saturday. The Wildcats fell 45-7 and only dodged the cream-cheese treatment by scoring against back-ups late in the fourth quarter. We should note, however, that Stoops does have a $12 million buyout if UK chooses to part ways with him. His team is a 21.5-point home favorite this week vs. New Mexico State. The Aggies will probably be without star RB Larry Rose, who is still recovering from sports hernia surgery and has yet to play this year. Rose was the Sun Belt Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year last season when he rushed for 1,651 yards and 14 TDs while averaging 6.9 YPC.

Vanderbilt is a 6.5-point underdog Saturday at Georgia Tech. The Commodores bounced back from its 13-10 season-opening home loss to South Carolina by beating Middle Tennessee 47-24 as three-point home ‘chalk.’ Junior RB Ralph Webb was the catalyst with 211 rushing yards and two TDs on 29 carries. Since Derek Mason took over at Vandy, the ‘Dores have compiled a 6-4 spread record as a road underdog.

As of late Thursday, most spots had Georgia listed as a 6.5-point favorite at Missouri. In its last trip to Columbia, UGA dominated the Tigers in a 34-0 blowout as a three-point road favorite. When they collided between the hedges in Athens last year, the Bulldogs won a 9-6 defensive struggle with the Tigers easily covering the number as 15.5-point road underdogs. After dropping its season opener 26-11 at West Virginia, Missouri rolled past Eastern Michigan 61-21 as a 23-point home favorite last week. QB Drew Lock threw for 450 yards and five TDs without an interception. Lock is currently fifth in the nation in passing yards (730).

The ‘under’ has cashed at a 12-2 clip in Missouri’s last 14 games.

Best Bets - Week 3
By Sportsbook.ag

There are some huge games on the college football schedule this week as potential playoff aspirations for the likes of Oklahoma and Notre Dame would be dashed with another loss.

Alabama is in Mississippi with double revenge after losing to Ole Miss the past two seasons, and we can't forget about the huge matchup between Florida State and Louisville.

Ranked vs. Ranked games typically generate the most headlines, but savvy college football bettors know that there is often much more value elsewhere on the board, and that's where I'm looking with this week's best bets.

Best Bet #1: Oklahoma State -4.5

By all accounts the Oklahoma State Cowboys got screwed out of a victory last week thanks to an improper application of a rule giving Central Michigan one untimed down. Central Michigan made the most of it with a Hail Mary-lateral play for the game winning TD, sparking a tremendous amount of controversy.

Even with the misapplication of the rules, Oklahoma State should have never put themselves in that position as they could have simply ran around the field on their 4th down play for 4 seconds to run out the clock, rather than simply chuck it up and get the intentional grounding flag.

It was poor game management by the entire OK State staff and players, and bettors are already looking to go against them this week (line has moved from -6.5 to current number) after that type of defeat.

However, going the other way and backing OK State is the better bet here as this team knows they were wronged and are anxious to take out their frustrations on somebody. Enter Pittsburgh, fresh off a 3-point victory over old rival Penn State.

Pittsburgh's offense surprised many by putting up 42 points on the Nittany Lions a week ago (the total in that game was 44), but they'll have a tough time matching points with a high-powered Cowboys team that is pissed off.

Pittsburgh is on an 0-4 ATS run in non-conference games and have a 1-4 ATS run going when coming off a win.

Stylistically this is a very tough matchup for Pitt and when you add in the mindset of this OK State team right now, expect the Cowboys to rattle off a double digit victory here.

Best Bet #2: California +7.5

Cal finally gets to play a home game this year after opening up the campaign in Australia a few weeks ago and losing (but covering) in San Diego State last week.

The Golden Bears welcome in a Texas team that has been a great story in CFB so far this year, but this is an absolutely brutal spot for the Longhorns to be laying more than a TD.

Texas has put up 91 points in their two victories so far and this game should be another high-scoring game. The Longhorns do have the revenge angle in their favor after losing 45-44 in a wild game vs. Cal last season, but with this being the start of a three-game road trip for Texas with Oklahoma State and Oklahoma on deck, there is a solid chance Texas has one eye on opening up their conference schedule next week.

If this game was in the -3.5 to -4.5 range the tune might be a little different, but Texas laying -7.5 points here is simply too much.

Texas is just 1-4 ATS in their last five on the road, and last week's cover vs. UTEP was just the third time in the past 12 games that Texas has won ATS after scoring 40+ points.

The Longhorns put up 40 points in last week's victory so that same negative scenario applies here.

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

Georgia State Panthers at No. 12 Wisconsin Badgers (-35.5, 50)

* The Panthers’ defense struggled during a 48-14 loss to Air Force last week, surrendering 531 total yards while spending 45:14 on the field. Senior wide receiver Robert Davis has 166 career receptions, nine behind the program’s all-time leader and current Kansas City Chief Albert Wilson. Offensively, Georgia State will need much more than the 27 rushing yards it mustered against Air Force to stay close with the Badgers.

* Defense has done it for the Badgers as it has allowed only one touchdown, created five turnovers and stopped 17 of 20 third-down conversions through two weeks. The return of linebacker T.J. Edwards has been a big boost, but the loss of junior cornerback and top kick returner Natrell Jamerson (leg) for at least the next month is tough news for a team that plays four Big Ten foes ranked in the top 11 before the end of October. Running back Corey Clement ran 21 times for 111 yards last week before leaving with what was deemed as a non-serious injury to his left leg late in the second quarter.

LINE HISTORY: Wisconsin opened the betting week as 34-point favorites and by Friday that line has been bet up to -35.5. The total opened at 49 and gradually bumped up to 50 by the end of the week. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Panthers are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
* Badgers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.
* Under is 7-1 in Panthers last 8 games overall.
* Under is 4-1 in Badgers last 5 non-conference games.

No. 25 Miami Hurricanes at Appalachian State Mountaineers (+3.5, 51.5)

* With 17 returning starters from a team that finished 11-2 in its first season as an FBS member, the Mountaineers were expected to be good and proved that in taking then-No. 10 Tennessee to overtime before losing 20-13 in the opener on a fumble recovery in the end zone by the Vols. The defense, led by linemen Antonious Sims (seven solo tackles, three sacks) and Caleb Fuller (two sacks) along with linebackers Eric Boggs (nine tackles) and Kennan Gilchrist (eight), held Tennessee to 3 yards per carry and only 319 total yards but did allow a disappointing 5.1 yards per carry against FCS foe Old Dominion in last week's 31-7 win. Cox is the offensive focal point but the Mountaineers also have a veteran quarterback in junior Taylor Lamb who has started 25 games and thrown 49 TD passes.

* Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz promised Miami would play an attacking style, and that has been the case with the Hurricanes leading the nation with 28 tackles for loss and tied for second in sacks with 10 with freshmen linebackers Shaquille Quarterman and Michael Pinckney, who had nine tackles against Florida Atlantic, and sophomore defensive linemen R.J. McIntosh and Demetrius Jackson leading the way. Miami ranks No. 2 nationally at 8.69 yards per carry with sophomore tailback Mark Walton (271 yards, five TDs, 8.5 yards per carry) and junior Joe Yearby (224 yards, three TDs, 8.4) off to blazing starts. Kaaya is coming off one of his poorest games -- two interceptions and no scoring passes -- but his history and a talented receiving corps suggests he'll rebound from a slow start.

LINE HISTORY: Miami opened as 4.5-point road favorites but the public really seems to like App State in this spot and has bet the point spread down to 3.5. The total opned at 53.5 and has come down two full point to 51.5. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Hurricanes are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in September.
* Mountaineers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
* Under is 4-0 in Hurricanes last 4 games following a ATS win.
* Under is 7-0 in Mountaineers last 7 games in September.

Ohio Bobcats at No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers (-27, 58)

* While senior quarterback Greg Windham has already thrown for 560 yards and five touchdowns this season, the Bobcats proved they can also run the ball by boasting two runners with more than 100 yards last week for the first time since 2005. Windham (146 yards, touchdown) and junior running back Dorian Brown (122) slashed through the Kansas' defense with career-high performances to lead a 329-yard rushing attack. Windham's top targets are senior wide receiver Jordan Reid (nine catches, 152 yards, two touchdowns) and sophomore running back Papi White (9-154-1).

* The Volunteers nearly had a pair of 100-yard rushers against the Hokies as junior running back Jalen Hurd rushed for 99 and averages 104.5. Junior wide receiver Josh Malone made his four catches count this season as they've gone for 127 yards and two touchdowns. The defense is led by sophomore linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. (16 tackles, 11 solo) and senior linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (15, 10), who combined for 20 (15 solo) last week.

LINE HISTORY: Tennessee opened the betting week as 27.5-point home favorites and the line can come down slightly to -27. The total began the week at 56.5 and has steadily jumped in 1/2 point increments all week to settle in at 58 by Friday afternoon. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Bobcats are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games.
* Volunteers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win.
* Over is 6-0 in Bobcats last 6 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
* Over is 20-7 in Volunteers last 27 games in September.

No. 2 Florida State Seminoles at No. 10 Louisville Cardinals (pick, 67.5)

* James played near the line of scrimmage and received much of the credit for holding Jackson to only 32 yards rushing in last season's 41-21 win - a "spy" role that could fall into the lap of linebacker Matthew Thomas this time around. Junior Travis Rudolph burned Charleston Southern for seven catches, 105 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone, allowing him to earn the second ACC Receiver of the Week award of his career and become the fifth Seminole to win a conference player of the week award this season. Cook tallied 192 yards from scrimmage in the opener against Ole Miss before settling for 92 in a little over two quarters last week, but he amassed 223 total yards in last year's meeting.

* Jackson set an ACC record with 610 total yards of offense last week versus the Orange and became the first player in FBS history to record over 400 yards passing (411) and 175 yards (199) in the same game, helping the Cardinals set another school record with 845 total yards. Jackson and Brandon Radcliff (156) each topped 100 yards rushing, while receivers Jamari Staples (136) and James Quick (108) each went over 100 yards receiving, giving Louisville its first pair of 100-yard rushers and 100-yard receivers in the same game. The Cardinals are averaging a FBS-best 754 yards of total offense - 138 more than Baylor's top-ranked offense from a season ago and 338 more than Louisville averaged in 2015.

LINE HISTORY: The higher ranked Florida State Seminoles opened as 3.5-point road faves but the betting public said, "Nuh uh!" and hammered the host Louisville Cardinals. By Friday morning the point spread was all the way down to a Pick. The total began the week at 65 and was taken all of the way up to 68 before settling down a half point to 67.5 by Friday. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Seminoles are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
* Cardinals are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
* Under is 5-0 in Seminoles last 5 road games.
* Over is 6-1 in Cardinals last 7 games overall.

No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide at No. 17 Mississippi Rebels (+11, 54.5)

* Freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts still hasn't been declared the starting quarterback over redshirt freshman Blake Barnett but it is heading in that direction after Hurts passed for 287 yards and two touchdowns in last Saturday's victory over Western Kentucky. "I know you all are going to ask me about the quarterbacks, but we are going to continue to work with both of the quarterbacks," Saban said. "We have to try to get them better. Jalen, obviously, played the most in the game and there are things he could do better and there are things he did very well." Senior defensive end Jonathan Allen (three sacks) has been superb while senior safety Eddie Jackson (one interception) and sophomore cornerback Marlon Humphrey (one interception, one forced fumble) will be key figures against the Rebels' passing attack.

* Senior quarterback Chad Kelly passed for 341 yards and three touchdowns while fueling last season's win at Alabama and he has thrown for 532 yards and seven touchdowns in this season's first two games. Senior tight end Evan Engram, who has caught 11 passes for 164 yards, claimed he isn't the least bit concerned about playing the Crimson Tide, saying "we love opportunities and we know what's at stake with this game. I just have a confidence about it." Senior standout safety Tony Conner is shaking off the rust -- the NFL prospect suffered a season-ending knee injury against Alabama last season and is still rounding into top form.

LINE HISTORY: Alabama opened as 9.5-point favorites in this SEC showdown and by late in the week they had been bet all of the way up to 11-point faves. The total opened at 54.5 and has been steady for the entire week. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Crimson Tide are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.
* Rebels are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
* Under is 7-0 in Rebels last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
* Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.

Colorado Buffaloes at No. 5 Michigan Wolverines (-19, 56)

* Senior quarterback Sefo Liufau went 15-of-18 for 204 yards and two touchdowns in two quarters of action against Idaho State before he was rested for the second half with the Buffaloes up 42-0. Center Alex Kelley and linebacker Derek McCartney both missed the win against Idaho State but are expected to return in time to make the trip to Michigan. The Buffaloes poked fun at Michigan's refusal to provide a depth chart by creating their own, listing pop culture characters such as Elmer Fudd at quarterback, Eric Cartman at left tackle and Happy Gilmore as the punter.

* Wilton Speight was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after completing 25-of-37 passes for 312 and four touchdowns in his second career start. All-American cornerback Jourdan Lewis missed his second straight game due to a muscle strain but is expected to return against the Buffaloes while defensive ends Taco Charlton (ankle) and Bryan Mone (knee) will be sidelined at least for another game. "We've got a few guys working through some things," Harbaugh told reporters. "Other than that we've got a team that came out of the past ballgame with no injuries ... so I believe the callous of the football team is being built and hardened."

LINE HISTORY: The Wolverines opened as big 19-point home favorites. During the week the point spread inflated as high as 20.5 before settling back down to the original opening figure of -19. The total hit the betting board at 57 and came down a point to 56. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Buffaloes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
* Wolverines are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 vs. Pac-12.
* Under is 5-1 in Buffaloes last 6 games overall.
* Over is 10-1 in Wolverines last 11 games overall.

No. 21 Oregon Ducks at Nebraska Cornhuskers (-3.5, 73)

* The Ducks appear well on their way to fielding at least one 1,000-yard runner for a FBS-best 10th straight season as Royce Freeman ranks eighth in the country with 294 yards rushing - 9.2 yards per carry - while scoring twice in each game. With 39 rushing touchdowns and 3,495 rushing yards in his career, the junior needs only two more rushing scores and 129 yards to move into second place in school history in both categories. Montana State graduate transfer Dakota Prukop has thrown for three touchdowns in both of his starts, extending the Ducks' FBS record with at least one touchdown pass to a FBS-record 82 straight games.

* One game after attempting only 10 throws, Tommy Armstrong Jr. unleashed 34 attempts for 377 yards - four shy of his personal best - and three touchdowns to give him a school-record 57 TD passes for his career. Jordan Westerkamp (105) and Alonzo Moore (109) each topped 100 yards receiving versus the Cowboys, marking only the third time in school history a pair of Nebraska wideouts accomplished the feat in the same game - Westerkamp has been a part of all three, which have occurred over the past three seasons. Safety Nate Gerry was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after returning from his one-game suspension to intercept two passes and record a team-high seven versus Wyoming.

LINE HISTORY: The upstart Nebraska Cornhuskers opened the betting week as 2.5-point favorites over the visiting Oregon Ducks. By the end of the week the Huskers had been bet all the way up to 3.5-point faves. The total opened at 73 and hasn't moved off that number. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Ducks are 22-5 ATS in their last 27 road games.
* Cornhuskers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.
* Over is 5-1 in Ducks last 6 games overall.
* Over is 8-2 in Cornhuskers last 10 non-conference games.

No. 20 Texas Aggies A&M at Auburn Tigers (-3, 54.5)

* Oklahoma transfer Trevor Knight (583 passing yards, four touchdowns) is second in the SEC in passing and is tied for the league lead with three rushing TDs. Oklahoma transfer Keith Ford (team-high 63.5 yards) also has three rushing TDs for Texas A&M, which is averaging 49 points. Christian Kirk (team-high 13 catches for 164 yards, two TDs) needs seven receptions to join teammates Josh Reynolds (six catches, 131 yards, TD) and Ricky Seals-Jones (six catches, 90 yards) with 100 career catches.

* White went 17-of-23 for 244 yards and three scores last week after rotating with two other quarterbacks in a Week 1 loss to Clemson. Sophomore tailbacks Kerryon Johnson (218 yards, three TDs) and Kamryn Pettway (152 yards) each recorded their first 100-yard games last week, helping the Tigers to a SEC-leading 274.5-yard rushing average. Marcus Davis (seven receptions, 60 yards) is one of three Tiger receivers with at least five catches while Tony Stevens (five catches, 91 yards) has two scoring receptions.

LINE HISTORY: Auburn opened as four-point home favorites against visiting Texas A&M, but the 2016 Auburn Tigers are leaving a bad taste in the public's mouth and they have been bet down to -3. The total hit the board as 54 and after a few wobbles throughout the week settled in at 54.5 on Friday afternoon. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Aggies are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 conference games.
* Tigers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win.
* Under is 6-0-1 in Aggies last 7 games overall.
* Under is 6-0-1 in Tigers last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.

Mississippi State Bulldogs at No. 22 Louisiana State Tigers (-13.5, 45)

* Bulldogs wideout Fred Ross caught a touchdown and threw for another score last week, and the senior enters this weekend leading all active SEC receivers in career catches (138). Fitzgerald, meanwhile, is looking to deliver an encore to his 195-yard rushing effort against South Carolina and enters this weekend second in the nation in rushing yards among quarterbacks. On the defensive side of the ball, A.J. Jefferson is tied for the SEC lead with three sacks and has a league-high six tackles for loss.

* The Tigers leaned on sophomore Derrius Guice in Fournette's absence last week and were rewarded with 155 rushing yards and a score. Etling, a transfer from Purdue who was making his LSU debut, completed only six passes but those passes went for 100 yards and a score, plus he added a rushing TD. Linebacker Kendell Beckwith paces LSU with 17 tackles, while cornerback Tre'Davious White had a pick-six in Week 1 and a punt return for a touchdown in Week 2.

LINE HISTORY: This one opened with LSU pegged as 12.5-point faves at home and by the end of the week the line was up to -13.5. The total opened at 44 and jumped one full point to 45 by Friday. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in September.
* Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
* Under is 11-2 in Bulldogs last 13 conference games.
* Under is 6-1 in Tigers last 7 games overall.

No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes at No. 14 Oklahoma Sooners (+1, 63)

* The Buckeyes proved that their offense can be centered on the passing game in Week 1, when J.T. Barrett threw for six touchdowns as part of a 349-yard performance against Bowling Green. Then last week they showed off their rushing attack as Mike Weber rushed for 92 yards and a score, Curtis Samuel added 78 yards on eight carries and Barrett rushed for a pair of scores. As for the defense, which allowed 188 total yards and forced six turnovers, coach Urban Meyer said: "Our defense is playing so well right now. Obviously, the challenge will come (Saturday) against a very good team, and we're going to jump on that one early and get ready to go."

* The Sooners only needed Mayfield for a half against ULM their last time out, as the junior passed for three touchdowns before sitting out the rest of a contest that saw his team finish with 640 total yards. Joe Mixon paced the Oklahoma rushing attack with 117 yards on 13 attempts while Semaje Perine added a pair of rushing scores. Jordan Evans and Neville Gallimore combined for 18 tackles versus ULM and will have their work cut out for them against Ohio State's dynamic attack.

LINE HISTORY: Ohio State opened the betting week as 2.5-point road faves against the powerful Oklahoma Sooners. The line has been wobbly for most of the week; dropping to 1.5 before jumping back up to 2, dropping all of the way down to a Pick before recovering up to 1.5, and finally settling down at Buckeyes -1 by Friday. The total hasn't been anywhere near as exciting, opening at 64.5 before dropping down to the current number of 63. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Buckeyes are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
* Sooners are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
* Over is 6-0 in Buckeyes last 6 games on grass.
* Over is 5-1 in Sooners last 6 home games.

No. 8 Michigan State Spartans at No. 18 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-7, 49.5)

* The Spartans had more trouble than expected in Week 1 as the offense was inconsistent with senior Tyler O'Connor taking over at quarterback after spending three years backing up Connor Cook. "We've been working, and we had a tough bye week," O'Connor told reporters. "We had our toughest bye week that we've had since we've been here over the past two years and rightfully so. We need it early in the season and also a big-time opponent." O'Connor, who threw three touchdown passes in the win over Furman, started against a ranked team at Ohio State last season in place of an injured Cook and managed 89 passing yards in a 17-14 win.

* Kizer was named the full-time starter over Malik Zaire after throwing five touchdown passes in the narrow loss to Texas and cemented his position with another solid performance against Nevada. "Look, if you've got a really good quarterback you've got a chance, and he's a really good quarterback," Kelly told reporters of Kizer. "He knows the offense, you know. ... He knows what he's doing. He knows how to do it and he's working to get better at it every single day. He gives you a shot at winning every game you play." Kizer completed 15-of-18 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 2 win and added a rushing score.

LINE HISTORY: The Irish opened as 7.5-point favorites at home over the higher ranked Spartans. The point spread was pretty steady all week before taking a slight nudge up to -8 on Thursday evening. The total hit the board at 52.5 View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Spartans are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.
* Fighting Irish are 8-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
* Under is 5-1 in Spartans last 6 games overall.
* Road team is 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 meetings.

Texas State Bobcats at No. 24 Arkansas Razorbacks (-30.5, 61.5)

* The Bobcats will go into Arkansas with plenty of confidence after beating Ohio on the road in Week 1 and having Week 2 off to prepare for the battle with an SEC titan. The Sun Belt Conference team put up 546 yards of total offense in the opener - led by a school-record 440 passing yards - and Tyler Jones added a rushing score to his total of four passing touchdowns. The Bobcats are about to endure one of the tougher back-to-backs in the nation with a home date against No. 7 Houston scheduled for next week.

* Allen, a junior, is in his first season as the Razorbacks starting quarterback and proved himself cool under pressure with his two-minute drill to send the game into overtime last week. "I thought I was gonna have to loosen him up," Bielema told reporters of his conversation with Allen before the start of the final drive. "...He just smiled and said, 'I got you coach.' Just that moment, I walked away. He was smiling, I was smiling. I'm like, 'That bro don't have no problems right now.'" Allen, who also led a game-winning drive in the opener against Louisiana Tech, was named SEC Player of the Week.

LINE HISTORY: The No. 24 ranked Razorbacks opened as 32.5-point faves at home against Texas State. The public actually showed a bit of faith in the Bobcats and bet the line down to -30.5 by Friday afternoon. The total opened at 57.5 and finished the week at 61.5. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Bobcats are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games.
* Razorbacks are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
* Over is 6-0-1 in Bobcats last 7 games in September.
* Under is 6-1 in Razorbacks last 7 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.

North Texas Mean Green at No. 23 Florida Gators (-36, 51)

* Fine was 11-of-22 passing for 108 yards and gained 46 yards on eight rushes while commanding an offense that rushed for 329 yards and gained 420 yards overall against Bethune-Cookman. "His numbers may not be eye-popping, but he led us on some touchdown drives and he really managed the game well," said first-year coach Sean Littrell, the offensive coordinator at North Carolina the past two seasons. Junior tailbacks Jeffrey Wilson (14 carries, 83 yards ,two touchdowns) and Willy Ivery (13 carries, 103 yards, one TD) led a running attack that averaged 6.5 yards per carry. The Mean Green defense, led by senior linebacker Courtney Finney (eight tackles, one sack and a touchdown-saving batted down pass), allowed only 78 yards in the opening half and 231 overall.

* A key to Del Rio's big game was the improved play of the offensive line -- the quarterback said he was only touched once after the opening possession -- which struggled at times in the win over UMass. Better blocking also helped open up the rushing attack, which produced 244 yards after gaining only 107 against UMass, a total that was almost equaled by freshman Lamical Perine (105 yards on 17 carries). All-America cornerback candidate Teez Tabor, Quincy Wilson and Marcus Maye all had interceptions as the defense held Kentucky quarterback Drew Barker, who threw for more than 300 yards against Southern Mississippi, to 2-of-10 passing for 10 yards before he was benched in the third quarter.

LINE HISTORY: Florida opened as big favorites at -36 and, although there a brief jump up to -36.5, closed the week at that number. The total hit the board at 49.5 and rose steadily all week to settle at 51 on Friday afternoon. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Mean Green are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 road games.
* Gators are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
* Over is 5-0 in Mean Green last 5 games following a straight up win.
* Under is 6-1 in Gators last 7 games on grass.

No. 13 Georgia Bulldogs at Missouri Tigers (+6.5, 55)

* Smart did not say whether freshman Jacob Eason (11-for-20, 204 yards last week in his first career start) or senior Greyson Lambert would start at quarterback. Junior tailback Nick Chubb rushed for 80 yards on 20 carries after a 222-yard performance against North Carolina in the season opener, but three turnovers led to 17 points last week, and the Bulldogs gave up three touchdowns and a field goal in the red zone. Sophomore defensive tackle Trenton Thompson recorded 11 tackles last week and has 3 1/2 tackles for loss through two games.

* Improved play by the Tigers’ offensive line has sparked Lock’s hot start, as the sophomore has been sacked just once while passing for 730 yards – fifth among FBS quarterbacks. Four receivers – Chris Black, J’Mon Moore, Johnathon Johnson and Ray Wingo – have all reached the 100-yard receiving plateau in a game this season, helping Missouri rank 15th nationally in total offense per game (554.5 yards). Defense has been an issue at times as the Tigers have surrendered 461 yards per contest, but Missouri broke up 14 passes last week and senior cornerback Aarion Penton has interceptions in each of the first two games.

LINE HISTORY: The point spread for this one opened with the Georgia Bulldogs as 7-point faves on the road. The line wobbled a bit before settling in at 6.5 on Tuesday afternoon as has been steady ever since. The total opened at 50, took a sharp turn upward, and currently sits at 55. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Bulldogs are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games.
* Tigers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.
* Under is 11-0 in Bulldogs last 11 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
* Under is 7-1 in Tigers last 8 conference games.
* Road team is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.

Southern California Trojans at No. 6 Stanford Cardinal (-8.5, 52.5)

* Max Browne threw for 182 yards last week and connected with JuJu Smith-Schuster for two touchdowns after the star wideout was held to one catch against Alabama in the opener. USC will look to control the clock behind a solid offensive line and running back Justin Davis, who ran for 99 yards against Stanford in last season’s Pac-12 title game and gained 70 on 16 carries last week against Utah State. The Trojans need improvement from their defensive line but have a shutdown cornerback in Adoree’ Jackson, who returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown last week and could be the most dynamic player on the field besides McCaffrey.

* Senior Ryan Burns made his first career start against Kansas State and threw for a serviceable 156 yards with one touchdown, but he’ll receive a tougher test against USC's secondary. Starting defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (knee) likely will miss Saturday’s contest, while running back Bryce Love (leg) is expected to return after missing the opener but figures to see limited playing time behind McCaffrey, who will receive another heavy workload against the Trojans. “Great players need to touch the ball,” coach David Shaw told reporters. “Last year, he had over 400 (touches). But he doesn’t get hit hard a lot. His 400 may not be like 400 for somebody else.”

LINE HISTORY: Stanford kicked off the betting week as 6.5-point favorites over their rivals from USC. The public was all over the Cardinal, forcing the books to move the line higher. The spread peaked at -9.5 on Tuesday and settled in at -8.5 by the end of the week. The total opened at 53 and came down a half point to 52.5 by Friday. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Trojans are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
* Cardinal are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
* Over is 4-1 in Trojans last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
* Underdog is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 meetings.

No. 16 Texas Longhorns at California Golden Bears (+7, 81)

* A true freshman, Buechele continued to impress against UTEP with 244 passing yards and four touchdowns - including a pair to sophomore wide receiver Jerrod Heard, who started at quarterback last season. Sophomore defensive end/linebacker Breckyn Hager recorded a team-high eight tackles against UTEP in his first career start, but questions remain about the team’s secondary after Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer threw five touchdown passes in the opener. The young Longhorns expect starting running back D’Onta Foreman, left tackle Connor Williams and tight end Caleb Bluiett to return Saturday after all three sat against UTEP with minor injuries.

* Webb has picked up where Jared Goff left off as the Golden Bears are second in the nation in passing offense (481.5 yards per game) and tied for third in total offense at 617 yards per game. Chad Hansen has become Webb’s favorite target with 28 catches for 350 yards and three touchdowns, but the team ranks 94th nationally with an average of 135.5 rushing yards through two games and could use a more-balanced attack after tailbacks Khalfani Muhammad and Vic Enwere combined for 13 carries against San Diego State. Cal needs to see improved play from its linebackers after being exposed by Aztecs star Donnel Pumphrey, who rushed 29 times for 281 yards and three touchdowns.

LINE HISTORY: The point spread in this one opened with Cal as 7-point home favorites. Despite the line peaking as high as -8, on Thursday it settled back down to the original figure of -7. The total hit the board at 76.5 and immediately began it's week-long upward climb. At publication time on Friday evening the total for this game was up to 81. View complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Longhorns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Pac-12.
* Golden Bears are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
* Under is 7-1 in Longhorns last 8 road games.
* Over is 6-1 in Golden Bears last 7 vs. Big 12.

NOTE: No. 11 Iowa hosts North Dakota State, No. 3 Clemson hosts South Carolina State and No. 9 Washington hosts Portland State, none of which currently have lines posted.

Big Ten Report - Week 3
By ASAWins.com

Ohio State: Urban Meyer takes his Buckeyes into Oklahoma as a favorite. It’s the first time since 2000 that the Sooners have been a home underdog. Since Stoops took over in 1999, the Sooner have been a home dog just 2 times winning both those games outright in easy fashion 51-6 & 31-14. Oklahoma has a home record of 96-8 since Stoops took over…Urban Meyer, however, is a remarkable 18-0 in road games since taking over at Ohio State back in 2012. The Buckeyes have averaged 41 PPG in those 18 road games and were held under 28 points only twice…After 2 games OSU is 2nd nationally in scoring offense averaging 62.5 PPG and 5th in total offense putting up 596 YPG…

Michigan: The Wolverines are now 2-0 beating Hawaii & UCF by a combined score of 114-17…Those games provided a “perfect storm” for Michigan blowouts as Hawaii had nothing left in the tank after playing in Australia vs Cal a week earlier and UCF is implementing a new fast-paced offense which plays right into the hands of the much more talented Wolverines…Michigan’s defense has allowed their first two opponents to complete only 18 total passes however, their rush defense also allowed UCF to run for 6.0 yards per carry last Saturday…Talk about a favorable schedule? Michigan doesn’t leave Ann Arbor until venturing to New Jersey to play Rutgers on October 8th…Colorado is 2-0 and entered the season with more returning starters (18) and more returning lettermen (63) than any other Power 5 Conference team…The Buffs have outscored their first 2 opponents (Colorado State & Idaho State) 100 to 14…

Michigan State: Sparty had a bye last week after an uninspiring 28-13 win over Furman in week 1. The Paladins actually had the ball in the 4th quarter with a chance to tie the game with the score at 21-13. That’s a Furman team that was just 4-7 the previous season…Notre Dame has won 4 of the last 5 in this series with MSU’s only win during that stretch coming in 2010 by a final score of 34-31…After playing each other for 16 consecutive seasons from 1997 – 2013, these two did not face each other the last 2 seasons…The Spartans have been an absolute money maker as an underdog with a spread record of 13-3-1 their last 17 in that role – including 11 outright wins during that stretch…Dating back to 1980, when Michigan State is a dog of a TD or more they are 55-35-2 ATS (61%)…MSU has won 39 of their last 44 games dating back to November of 2012…Notre Dame is now 1-1 with a 3-point loss at Texas and an easy win last week at home vs Nevada…Irish are just 11-23-1 ATS as a home favorite of -7 or more dating back to the 2006 season…Irish WR Torii Hunter Jr said he expects to play on Saturday after missing last week’s game after sustaining a concussion at Texas…

Nebraska: The Huskers are 2-0 on the season but led Fresno just 21-10 entering the 4th quarter and were up just 24-17 last week vs Wyoming entering the 4th quarter. NU ended up burying each of those opponents outscoring by them by a combined 50-0 in the 4th quarter…The Huskers have outgained ther first two opponents by a combined total of 818 yards to 463 and they are also already +7 in turnover margin…These two haven’t faced each other since 1986, however Nebraska head man Mike Riley will have a good idea of what he needs to do against Oregon having coached at Oregon State for 14 years prior to taking the job at Nebraska. Riley’s Beavers went 4-10 SU & 5-7-2 ATS vs the Ducks during his tenure…The Ducks have been a fabulous underdog going 31-13 ATS the last 44 times they’ve been getting points…Even more impressive, of those 44 times they’ve been tabbed a dog by the oddsmakers, Oregon has won 25 of those games outright…Oregon is averaging 48.5 PPG on a whopping 8.1 yards per play…Only Marshall & Louisville have a better YPP average…

Wisconsin: Starting RB Corey Clement was held out of last week’s 2nd half vs Akron after sustaining an ankle injury. He said following the game he could have played if needed. He has been held to limited duty so far in practice this week and may not play on Saturday…Wisconsin is a 34 point favorite this week vs Georgia State and it looks warranted. After 2 games, Georgia State is dead last in the NCAA in rush defense allowing 395 YPG and dead last in time of possession. Not a great recipe when playing Wisconsin…The Panthers have been outgained 986 to 441 in their 2 losses to Ball State & Air Force. Tough travel spot for Georgia State (based in Atlanta) after traveling west to play Air Force last week and now north to play Wisconsin this week…

Penn State: Penn State made a valiant comeback last week at Pitt but fell just short. The Nittany Lions fell behind 28-7 and came back to cut the lead to 42-39 late in the game. PSU had the ball on Pitt’s 30-yard line late before throwing an interception to end the comeback…The Penn State offense has topped 30 points in each of their first 2 games after topping 30 just 3 times all last season…Heading into last year’s meeting with Temple, the Lions were 25-0 all-time vs the Owls. Temple won last year’s meeting 27-10 to get their first win every in this Pennsylvania series. Temple’s defense held PSU to just 183 total yards in that win…Temple is 1-1 this year with a home loss to Army and home win vs Stony Brook. The interesting point in their home loss to Army is the fact that the Cadets were 1-25 their previous 26 road games before that win…

Illinois: The Illini are actually a 3-point home dog in this one…Illinois has won 5 straight games vs MAC teams. The last time they lost to a MAC team was in 2008 vs this Western Michigan team…Last week’s home loss to North Carolina (46-23 final) was actually a one score game in the 4th quarter with the Illini trailing 31-23…Western Michigan already played at a Big Ten venue and beat Northwestern on the road as a 5-point underdog…The Broncos are 2-0 beating Northwestern as we mentioned and then clobbering North Carolina Central 70-21…WMU returns most of their key offensive players from a team that went 8-5 last year and averaged 36 PPG on nearly 500 YPG…Dating back to 1950, Big Ten teams are 273-49-2 vs MAC teams…

Maryland: After winning only 3 games all of last season, the Terps are already 2-0 under new head coach DJ Durkin…Much of last year’s struggles were due to mistakes as Maryland threw a whopping 29 interceptions in 2015. This year they have yet to turn the ball over in their first 2 games…The Terps are traveling to Florida for the 2nd straight week after beating FIU in Miami last week 41-14. This week they are 9-point favorites at UCF…Entering this season Maryland had been tabbed a road favorite only 5 times over the last 7 seasons. They are now favored on the road in back to back weeks…The Maryland offense has put up 519 yards & 477 yards in their first 2 games vs Howard & FIU. To put that in perspective, coming into this season the Turtles had topped 500 yards just once in their previous 35 games…UCF has implemented a new “fast-paced” offense under new head coach Scott Frost. The Knights are averaging 80 offensive plays per game so far this year…UCF lost 51-14 at Michigan last week but averaged 6 yards per carry on 46 carries vs Michigan’s defense…

Rugers: The Knights bounced back with a win over Howard last week after getting whipped at Washington in week 1. Their blowout loss to the Huskies (48-13 final) was actually not as bad as it seemed. Rutgers was only -76 total yards in that game and they ran 29 more offensive plays. How did they lose so badly you ask? Big plays. The Knights gave up 2 special teams TD’s and 3 TD passes of 38, 43, and 50 yards…The Knights will face a completely different offense this week as they prepare for New Mexico’s 3 back triple-option attack. The Lobos do it with a twist however as their QB Apodaca operates out of the pistol formation. Rutgers defensive coaches this week have stated that this offense is really hard to emulate in practice…New Mexico is coming off a rivalry loss to New Mexico State last weekend 32-31 as the Lobos blew a 9-point 4th quarter lead…Dating back to the 2007 season, Rutgers is 12-21 ATS as a home favorite of -3 or higher…

Northwestern: The Wildcats have started the season in disappointing fashion losing each of their first two games to Western Michigan & Illinois State. The Cats were favored in both games. They lost those 2 games by a combined 3 points…Neither loss was a fluke as NW was had fewer first downs and were outgained in both games. For the season, mind you after playing WMU & Illinois St, two teams they expected to beat, the Cats are -21 first downs and -192 yards…Duke was upset at home last week by Wake Forest losing 24-14 as a 7-point chalk. The Devils offense moved the ball well (370 yards of offense) but shot themselves in the foot with 2 missed FG’s and 2 turnovers in Wake territory…NW beat Duke on the road last year 19-10 as a +4.5 point dog. The Cats had just 1 offensive TD, a 55-yard run, and scored on a 98 yard kick return. Duke outgained NW by 56 yards…These two top notch academic institutions have met 11 times on the gridiron since 1996 with Northwestern winning 9 of those games…