ASA
Boston College +3.5
Louisville is off of its biggest game of the year against Florida State. The Cardinals held a big lead at home for the majority of the game before faltering late. It’ll be extremely difficult for them to bounce back here and play motivated against Boston College. The Golden Eagles are 10th nationally in rushing yards per game should have success running the football against this Louisville defense that has allowed 301 rush yards on 61 carries the past two games (4.9 YPC).
OC Dooley
Florida St -12.5 1st Half
Due to a weak league schedule which has led to constant money-line inflation Florida State despite a number-two overall ranking along with the nation’s longest current winning streak has been a disaster for investors (2-6 ATS) but last time out they finally broke through in a 42-31 road triumph at Louisville. That game followed a season-long habit of starting slow offensively and head coach Jimbo Fisher is seeking change in that category. The Seminoles have scored more “second half” points in 6 of 7 games versus Division I-A competition and in the last pair of outings they actually trailed versus both Louisville and Notre Dame when walking into the lockerroom at halftime. Superstar Jameius Winston’s quarterback rating in the “second half” this season (172.03) is substantially higher compared to the “opening” half (138.72). Reportedly Florida State has run more “up tempo” and no-huddle in recent PRACTICE sessions to help set the tone and I expect a very productive OPENING half. The Seminoles have special incentive to get off to an early start after the coaching staff reminded the players of the school’s most recent clash with Virginia (November 2011) when the Cavaliers traveled to Florida State and pulled off a stunning outright upset
Wunderdog
New Orleans @ San Antonio
Pick: San Antonio -6.5
It is tough to play against a San Antonio team that just doesn't let up against anyone as this team puts in an honest effort almost every time they take the floor. When a good team does that, good things tend to happen, so they are usually a wise choice. Serving testament to that is their nearly 54% ATS mark over the last 18 years. New Orleans can certainly compete at home, but they have only played one on the road where they scored just 81 points and lost by 12 to another good team, so I expect a similar result in this one. Their history leaves some indications of that as they are 9-23-2 ATS in their last 34 on the road vs. a team with a winning home record. The Spurs bounce back off big losses as they are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 after a 10+ point loss. Play on San Antonio.