NCAA football trends

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FLORIDA ST at MIAMI (-14): This is just the second time Florida State (5-1 SU, 1-4-1 ATS) has been a double-digit dog in the last 10 years. The last time was against Florida last season when the Seminoles got 17 points at Florida and were bombed, 37-13. Miami (5-0 SU, 2-2 ATS) has won 26 straight regular season games since losing to Washington, 34-29 in 2000. The Hurricanes have won two of their last three against Florida State and cashed in the last three series wars. The Seminoles are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games but 42-20 ATS when facing a team with a winning record. Miami has 'covered' 10 of its last 13 against top-level teams and 11 of 13 versus teams with a winning record. The home team is 11-5 ATS in the last 16 series encounters and the favorite has cashed in 9 of the last 13. The defending BCS champs have won 13 in a row in the state of Florida the past two seasons (9-4 ATS).

RICE (-7) at NAVY: Rice (1-4 SU, 3-2 ATS) has had a tough time against service academies, coming up short in seven of nine ATS. The Owls have also failed in five of their last seven as favorites and 23 of 36 on grass. Navy (1-4 SU&ATS) scored first against Air Force only to be blitzed 48-0 the rest of the way and has now given up an average of 51.3 points per game since beating SMU in its season opener. The Middies are 25-11 ATS against teams with a winning record but 2-10 ATS in their last dozen outings in Annapolis, including all three chances this season. Rice has captured three of the last four series meetings but came up short in three of four ATS.

DUKE at WAKE FOREST (-13 ½): After dropping 9 of 11 ATS last season, Duke (2-4 SU, 5-1 ATS) has 'covered' four in a row and five of six in 2002. The Blue Devils are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games against Wake Forest (3-3 SU, 2-4 ATS), cashing four of five in Winston-Salem. Duke was 3-8 ATS on the road the past two seasons but a perfect 3-0 this year. The Demon Deacons have stumbled in six straight as favorites, including all three opportunities this season.

WEST VIRGINIA (-14 ½) at RUTGERS: The Mountaineers look to bounce back after getting hammered at home by Maryland last week. West Virginia (3-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) has won 19 of its last 22 against Rutgers (1-4 SU, 3-1 ATS), cashing 15 times, but are just 1-4 ATS in the last five games in New Brunswick. The Scarlet Knights are 15-32 ATS as home underdogs and 2-14 ATS after their bye week. They have also dropped 45 of 69 ATS in Big East play, while the Mountaineers are 3-11 ATS in conference action. West Virginia has cashed in 12 of its last 14 versus teams with a losing record.

SYRACUSE (-5 ½) at TEMPLE: Syracuse (1-4 SU, 1-3 ATS) is a single-digit favorite for the first time at Temple (1-4 SU, 1-3 ATS). The closest the Owls have come in the past 10 seasons were a pair of 17-point losses under the dome in 1995 and 1999. The Orangemen have cashed in four of the last five series tests and won 13 in a row SU. Syracuse is 9-2 ATS on the highway when favored by seven points or less. Temple has failed in 15 of its last 18 following its bye week.

CLEMSON (-5 ½) at VIRGINIA: The visiting team has dominated the series, getting the money in 9 of the last 11. Clemson (3-2 SU, 3-1-1 ATS) has 'covered' three of its last four against Virginia (4-2 SU, 3-3 ATS) and 16 of the last 25 series encounters. The Cavaliers have won four in a row for the first time since 1998 and are 9-3 ATS as underdogs, including 3-0 in 2002. The underdog has earned the spread decision in 14 of the last 21 series tussles. Three of the last four between Clemson and Virginia have dipped 'under' the total.

PENN STATE at MICHIGAN (-4 ½): This could be the week Penn State (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS) gains revenge for five straight losses at the hands of Michigan (4-1 SU, 1-4 ATS). The Wolverines have cashed five straight against the Nittany Lions, prevailing by an average margin of 19.8 points per game. The Wolverines had cashed 8 of 12 at home the previous two seasons but are 0-3 ATS in Ann Arbor this season and have dropped four of five as a favorite. The SU winner has cashed in the last nine series battles. Michigan is 2-8-1 ATS after a bye.

PURDUE at ILLINOIS: This is the first meeting between the Big-10 rivals in Champaign since 1997. Purdue (3-3 SU, 2-2-1 ATS) figures to kick Illinois (1-5 SU, 1-4-1 ATS) while its down after absorbing a 38-13 beating last season in West Lafayette. The Boilermakers have prevailed in 12 of their last 19 ATS as road chalk and cashed in three of their last four against the Illini. The visitor is 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven series clashes and the SU winner is 9-1-1 ATS.

WISCONSIN at INDIANA: Wisconsin (5-1 SU, 2-3 ATS) is also looking for revenge after being embarrassed at home against Indiana (2-3 SU, 2-2 ATS) last year, 63-32. The Badgers have 'covered' 8 of their last 12 conference road games while the Hoosiers have stumbled in 7 of their last 10 Big-10 home openers. Indiana has also failed in 21 of its last 29 as home dogs.

MICHIGAN ST at IOWA (-6 ½): Michigan State (3-2 SU, 1-4 ATS) hits the highway for the first time this season. The Spartans have stumbled in eight of its last ten against Iowa (5-1 SU, 3-2-1 ATS) ATS and have dropped seven of their last nine ATS, overall. The underdog has cashed in six of the last eight series tussles and Michigan State is 5-1 ATS in its last six as short-enders.

SAN JOSE ST at OHIO ST (-27): Ohio State (6-0 SU, 4-2 ATS) could be looking ahead to next week's showdown against Wisconsin, so San Jose State (4-2 SU, 5-1 ATS) could slip under the generous spread. The Spartans are 6-2 ATS as underdogs of 20 points or more. The Buckeyes are 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS versus WAC opposition and 4-0 ATS in Columbus this season, including a 3-1 mark in non-conference action.

SOUTH CAROLINA at KENTUCKY: After a shaky start South Carolina (4-2 SU, 2-4 ATS) seems to have it in gear. The Gamecocks have cashed in their last five visits to Kentucky (4-1 SU&ATS) and the visiting team has 'covered' in 8 of the last 10 series wars. The favorite, however, has earned the money in five of the last six meetings.

TCU at ARMY: TCU (4-1 SU, 2-3 ATS) has won four in a row since losing its season opener at Cincinnati. The Horned Frogs hit the highway for the first time since September 7 and they have failed in 13 of their last 22 ATS away from home. They have come out on top in 21 of 34 as favorites, splitting four decisions in 2002. TCU handled Army (0-5 SU, 1-3 ATS) 38-20 at home last season.

TEXAS TECH at IOWA ST (-7): Iowa State (5-1 SU, 5-0 ATS) had last week off while Texas Tech (4-2 SU, 3-3 ATS) was extended to overtime before upsetting Texas A&M, 48-47. The Red Raiders have prospered against top-level teams, getting the money in 19 of 26 and they have cashed at a 49-26 clip in Big-12 play. They have lost 16 of 23 SU the week after playing the Aggies, however. The Cyclones are one of the hottest spread teams in the land, getting the money in 14 of their last 17, overall, and in 14 of 15 as favorites since '99. Iowa State has lost four in a row against Texas Tech but the two teams haven't met since '99 when the Cyclones were Big-12 doormats.

TEXAS A&M (-1 at BAYLOR: The Aggies have won at a 15-0-1 clip against Baylor (3-2 SU, 1-2-1 ATS) and cashed in seven of the last nine meetings, coming up short the last two times. Texas A&M (3-2 SU, 1-4 ATS) is only 5-14 ATS on the road since '99, but they have 'covered' four of its last five in Waco. The Bears have already matched last season's victory total but the schedule gets much tougher and they may be hard pressed to get into the win column again. Baylor is 4-10-1 ATS in Big-12 South play and 25-44 as underdogs since '92.

COLORADO (-21) at KANSAS: The Buffaloes served notice they are once again prime contenders in the Big-12 North by upsetting Kansas State, 35-31. Colorado (3-2 SU, 2-3 ATS) has struggled on artificial turf, dropping 25 of its last 39. Kansas (2-4 SU, 2-2-1 ATS) is 2-10 ATS in its last 10 in Lawrence and 2-9 ATS in its last 11 against winning teams. The Jayhawks have also failed in seven of their last eight home conference tests ATS and in seven of eight as home underdogs. The home team in this series has 'covered' four of the last five.

PITT at NOTRE DAME: Notre Dame (5-0 SU, 4-0-1 ATS) has dominated against Pittsburgh (5-1 SU, 4-2 ATS), winning 12 of 16 SU and cashing on 11 occasions, including six of the last seven. The Panthers have next week off and are just 7-17 ATS prior to a bye.

NORTHWESTERN at MINNESOTA (-17 ½): Despite giving up an average of 35.3 points per game, Northwestern (2-4 SU, 3-3 ATS) has 'covered' three in a row. The Wildcats have won and cashed in their last three trips to Minnesota (5-1 SU, 3-2 ATS) and they have captured five of the last six series meetings SU. Northwestern has also come out on top in six of its last seven ATS against top-level competition and in five of its last six on turf. The dog has cashed in eight of the last ten series encounters. The Golden Gophers are 8-4 ATS in their last 12 shots as double-digit home chalk.

HOUSTON at UAB (-5): UAB (2-3 SU, 1-4 ATS) snapped a four-game ATS losing streak by upsetting Memphis last week as seven-point home dogs. The Blazers have won and 'covered' in their last two games against Houston (2-3 SU, 3-2 ATS) including a 43-21 victory last season on the road. The Cougars are 3-12 ATS versus bad teams and 4-12 ATS against C-USA competition the pat three seasons. UAB has stumbled in 12 of its last 18 ATS in October.

BYU at AIR FORCE (-4): Air Force (5-0 SU&ATS) has been the best bet on the board this season while BYU (3-2 SU, 1-4 ATS) continues to struggle, losing four in a row ATS. The Cougars have been a solid play as conference road dogs, however, getting the money in seven of ten. BYU won and 'covered' 10 straight against the Falcons from 1985 to 1994 but it has lost three of the last five SU and failed in four of the five ATS. Air Force is primed for revenge after getting thrashed in Provo last year, 63-33. Five of the last six series battles have topped the total.

WYOMING at COLORADO ST (-26 ½): Colorado State (4-2 SU, 3-3 ATS) has struggled as home chalk, dropping six of its last seven in that role. Wyoming (1-4 SU, 0-3-1 ATS) snapped a 12-game losing streak by edging Citadel last week, 34-30. The Cowboys are 1-7-1 ATS in their last nine outings and 14-25 ATS in Mountain West action. The Rams, on the other hand, have cashed at a 43-26-1 clip in conference play. The visiting team has 'covered' in 9 of the last 10 series tussles.

OREGON at UCLA (-3): The top spot in the Pac-10 will be up for grabs when Oregon (5-0 SU, 3-1 ATS) puts its nine-game regular season winning streak on the line at UCLA (4-1 SU&ATS). The Bruins appeared to be in ruins after getting pounded by Colorado on Sept.21, but they have rebounded to score 86 points the last two weeks in wins over San Diego State and Oregon State. The Ducks have prevailed in four of their last five against UCLA ATS, and in three of four at the Rose Bowl. Oregon has cashed six of its last seven on the road against top-level teams and in 9 of 12 as underdogs. The visiting team in the series has come out on top in 8 of the last 11 ATS.

TENNESSEE at GEORGIA (-1): Now that Tennessee (3-2 SU, 1-4 ATS) is out of the hunt for the national championship can it play spoiler at Georgia (5-0 SU, 3-1 ATS)? The Bulldogs handed the Volunteers one of their two losses last season, 26-24 in Knoxville, only their second win in the last 11 series meetings. Tennessee is making their road debut and they play four of their next six on the highway. The Vols have won four of their last five at Georgia. The Bulldogs are 3-8 ATS at home in their last 11 and 11-25 ATS in Athens in SEC play.

CINCINNATI (-7) at TULANE: Tulane (3-3 SU, 3-2 ATS) matched last season's win output with a 52-9 romp over Louisiana Monroe. The Green Wave have had a picnic against Cincinnati (2-3 SU, 3-2 ATS), winning 10 of 13 SU and cashing in five of the last six. The Bearcats won last season, 46-33, as 10-point home favorites. Tulane is 7-19 ATS as home dogs and 2-8 when getting seven points or less. Cincinnati has lost five of its last six (3-3 ATS) under a dome.

ARIZONA at WASHINGTON (-13 ½): The Wildcats have been a profitable play as a road dog, getting the cash in 18 of 23 the last six seasons. Arizona (3-2 SU, 1-3 ATS) has also cashed in three of its last four against Washington (3-2 SU, 1-3-1 ATS), though the Huskies have captured 8 of the last 10 meetings SU. The Wildcats are 7-1 ATS in their last eight Pac-10 road outings and the visiting team has 'covered' five straight series tests. The Huskies edged Arizona by a field goal in the last two meetings in Seattle.

OKLAHOMA versus TEXAS (-3): The Longhorns look to snap a two-game losing skid against Oklahoma (5-0 SU, 1-4 ATS) and prove they belong among this season's elite. Texas (5-0 SU, 2-3 ATS) has managed just 17 points against the stout Sooner defense the past two season, bowing 14-3 last year and getting thumped 63-14 in 2000. Oklahoma has cashed 8 of its last 10 as an underdog and the short end is 11-3 ATS in the last 14 series confrontations.

ARKANSAS at AUBURN: The home team has held the upper hand in this SEC rivalry, cashing in seven of the last eight. Arkansas (3-1 SU&ATS) has struggled in October, dropping 19 of 27 ATS, including seven of eight the past two seasons. Auburn (4-1 SU, 2-1-1 ATS) looks to win five in a row for the first time since it opened the 2000 season with five straight triumphs. The Tigers have 'covered' two of three this season as a favorite after failing in five of six in that role last year.

NC ST (-5 ½) at NORTH CAROLINA: North Carolina State (6-0 SU, 4-0 ATS) has rolled to six wins in a row while averaging 45.3 points per game but its only quality opponent was Texas Tech. North Carolina (2-3 SU&ATS) has 'covered' seven of its last nine against its arch rival and won eight of nine SU. The Wolfpack is 3-10 ATS as a road favorite of seven points or less but they have cashed five of their last six following a bye. The SU winner has 'covered' in the last six series battles.

CALIFORNIA at USC (-12 ½): The Golden Bears continued their 2002 magic by winning their first game in the state of Washington since 1979, upsetting the Huskies, 34-27 as 13-point dogs. California (4-2 SU&ATS) has won as many games this season as they did the last two years, as they look to finish above .500 for the first time since 1993. The Golden Bears have won four of their last seven against USC (3-2 SU, 2-2-1 ATS), getting the 'cover' in five of the last seven and 8 of 12. The Trojans are a dismal 4-15-1 ATS at home since '99 and 2-10 when giving up points at the Coliseum the last three seasons. Coach Pete Carroll's gang has also stumbled in 11 of their last 14 at home in October.

OKLAHOMA ST at KANSAS ST (-13): The Wildcats return to the friendly confines of Manhattan, after coming up short in Colorado, 35-31. Kansas State (4-1 SU, 2-1 ATS) has been nearly untouchable at home, cashing in 25 of 32 since '97 and in 14 of its last 20 in conference play. Oklahoma State (3-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) gave Texas a scare last week before dropping a 17-15 decision. The Cowboys have lost 8 of their last 10 against Kansas State (2-7-1 ATS), and failed to cash in their last three visits.

WASHINGTON ST (-6) at STANFORD: This should be the year that Washington State (5-1 SU, 4-1 ATS) gains revenge after serving as Stanford's (1-3 SU&ATS) whipping boy for the last 10 years. The Cougars have lost 8 of their last 10 SU versus the Cardinal, after pulling out a 45-39 win at the Farm in 2001 and they have come up short ATS in 8 of the last 10. Washington State has been a prime play on the highway, getting the money in 10 of 13 the last three campaigns. Stanford is 0-3 as underdogs this season after getting the money in 13 of its previous 19. The Cardinal are 17-8 ATS in conference games since '99 but just 5-14 ATS at home in October.

MISSOURI at NEBRASKA (-9 ½): Nebraska (4-2 SU, 1-4 ATS) puts a 22-game winning streak against Missouri (3-2 SU, 4-1 ATS) on the line. The Cornhuskers split the 22 games ATS despite outscoring the Tigers by a combined score of 876-300. Nebraska has dropped six of its last seven ATS, including four straight in 2002. They are 26-12 ATS in Lincoln against Big-12 foes. The series visitor has cashed in the last four series tests.

BOISE ST (-27) at TULSA: Boise State (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS) has averaged 52 points per game in its last three trips to the post and should have a field day against a Tulsa (0-5 SU, 1-4 ATS) that gives up 38.2 PPG. The Broncos are mighty tough on the road, getting the money in 11 of 16 since 2000. They have also 'covered' 16 of their last 20 in conference play and 8 of 10 against teams with a losing record. The Golden Hurricane have been more like a zephyr lately, failing in 13 of their last 15 ATS and in 10 of 12 as underdogs. Tulsa has also dropped 19 of its last 24 ATS in October.

NEW MEXICO at UNLV (-5): New Mexico (2-4 SU, 1-4 ATS) has struggled on the highway, failing at a 1-6-1 clip, including three times this season. The Lobos have won two of their last three versus UNLV (2-3 SU, 1-3 ATS) and cashed three straight. New Mexico is 22-14 ATS in October and has 'covered' eight of its last nine following a bye.

LSU at FLORIDA (-10): This is the shortest price Florida (4-2 SU, 2-4 ATS) has been at home against LSU (4-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) in the last 10 years. Out of the picture for the national championship after an upset loss to Mississippi last week, the Gators try to bounce back against a team they have dominated. Florida has 'covered' six of its last eight against the Tigers, romping in Baton Rouge (44-15 last year) and cruising at home (41-9 in 2000). The Gators had cashed in 17 of 23 as a favorite, but are 1-4 in that role this season. They had also 'covered' 9 of 12 at home until failing in three of four in 2002. LSU is 5-1 ATS as road dogs of between 7 ½ and 14 points. The visiting team has 'covered' at a 15-6-1 rate in the last 22 series encounters.

UTAH (-11) at SAN DIEGO ST: Going against San Diego State (0-5 SU, 2-3 ATS) at home is always a wise move. The Aztecs have stumbled in 10 of their last 12 at home ATS and dropped eight of nine as an underdog. Since 1991, San Diego State is 14-28-1 at home in conference play. Utah (2-3 SU, 3-2 ATS) took last week off as coach Ron McBride tries to figure out what has caused his charges to lose three in a row. The Utes are 10-5 ATS following a bye and 17-9 ATS on the highway since '98. The SU winner is 12-1 ATS in the last 13 series battles.

OREGON ST (-2 ½) at ARIZONA ST: After beating up on four straight non-conference opponents, Oregon State (4-2 SU, 3-2 ATS) has been exposed as a fraud since the Pac-10 season began. The Beavers offense took the week off against USC in a 22-0 loss and, last time out, the defense took a vacation in a 43-35 setback at UCLA. Arizona State (4-2 SU, 3-2 ATS) looks like a live dog in this spot after winning five in a row at home against the Beavers, including a 41-24 romp last season. The home team is 13-1-1 ATS in the last 15 series confrontations. Oregon State has cashed in nine of its last dozen prior to a bye.

SMU at FRESNO ST (-19): Fresno State (3-3 SU&ATS) has turned its season around with narrow wins over Rice and Colorado State, following a 59-19 blowout loss at Oregon State. The Bulldogs are 28-18 ATS in their last 46 at home. SMU (0-6 SU, 2-4 ATS) has lost 13 of its last 15 on the road SU. They are 18-11 ATS in the second half of the season.

NEVADA at HAWAII (-12 ½): Both teams look to bounce back after suffering losses last week. Nevada (2-3 SU, 4-1 ATS) blew a fourth quarter lead against UNLV when a "roughing the kicker" penalty kept a game-winning drive alive for the Rebels. Hawaii (3-2 SU, 3-1 ATS) dug itself a big hole early against Boise State and never could catch up, bowing 58-31. The Rainbows have prospered against losing teams, getting the money in eight of their last nine.

BOWLING GREEN (13 ½) at CMU: Bowling Green (4-0 SU, 3-0 ATS) has outscored its first four opponents by an average of 32.8 points per game. The Falcons have 'covered' 8 of their last 10 on the road and are 24-10-1 ATS in MAC play. They have also gone 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 October tests and cashed in 10 of 13 coming off a home win. Central Michigan (3-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) hasn't had much success following a bye, losing and failing in three straight and getting outscored 117-13 in the process. The Chippewas are 7-16 ATS in October but have cashed in six of their last nine conference games.

CENTRAL FLORIDA (-3 ½) at WMU: Central Florida (1-3 SU, 2-1 ATS) broke into the win column for the first time in 2002 by routing Liberty, 48-17. The Knights have cashed in four of their last five as favorites. Western Michigan (2-3 SU, 3-1 ATS) has 'covered' in six of its last seven in October.

ARKANSAS ST at MISSISSIPPI (-29): Mississippi (4-1 SU, 2-3 ATS) may have trouble taking Arkansas State (4-3 SU, 3-3 ATS) seriously after last week's big win over Florida and next week's visit to Alabama. The Rebels have won eight in a row against Indians but have come up short in five of six ATS, dropping the last three. Mississippi is 7-17-1 ATS as favorites since '99 and 4-9 ATS against non-conference foes. Arkansas State has 'covered' six in a row against SEC opponents.

EMU at OHIO (-11): Eastern Michigan (3-3 SU, 1-3 ATS) has won six of its last 10 against Ohio (1-5 SU, 2-3 ATS) but is just 1-7-2 ATS. The Bobcats have failed in five of their last six ATS at home. The Eagles have dropped seven in a row ATS on grass.

NO ILLINOIS at MIAMI (O) (-7): Northern Illinois (3-3 SU, 4-1 ATS) has been outscored 83-10 by Miami (O) (4-2 SU, 3-2-1 ATS) in their last two meetings. The Red Hawks have cashed at a 17-11-1 clip as home favorites since '94. NIU has 'covered' 14 of its last 18 in October.

TROY ST at MISSISSIPPI ST (-10 ½): Mississippi State (1-4 SU, 0-4 ATS) may be hard pressed to avenge a 24-9 loss against Troy State (1-4 SU, 2-2 ATS) as a 24-point favorite. The Bulldogs have dropped five of their last six as favorites.

BUFFALO at MARSHALL (-33 ½): Marshall (3-1 SU, 1-2 ATS) has outscored Buffalo (1-5 SU, 3-2 ATS) 140-31 in the last three series meetings. The Bulls are 3-0 ATS on the road this season.

IDAHO (-14) at LOUISIANA MONROE: Idaho (1-5 SU, 3-2 ATS) has been a money-burner as a favorite, dropping six of its last seven and three straight on the road. UL Monroe (0-5 SU, 1-3 ATS) has lost 10 of its last 11 SU and it has stumbled in five of six at home ATS against teams with a losing record.

SO MISS (-4 ½) at SO FLA: Southern Miss (4-1 SU, 1-2-1 ATS) has failed to 'cover' seven of its last nine on the highway while South Florida (3-2 SU, 3-1 ATS) has been successful in five straight ATS in Tampa.

BALL ST at TOLEDO (-16 ½): Ball State (2-3 SU, 2-2 ATS) handed Toledo (3-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) one of its two losses last season. The Cardinals have cashed 7 of their last 10 on the road but are just 5-14 ATS in October. The Rockets are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home appearances.

MTSU at VANDERBILT: Middle Tennessee State (0-5 SU, 2-2 ATS) surprised Vanderbilt (1-4 SU, 2-2 ATS) in Nashville last season, 37-28 as 7 ½-point dogs.

UL LAFAYETTE at NEW MEXICO ST (-10 ½): Louisiana Lafayette (1-4 SU, 2-3 ATS) is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 chances as road underdogs. New Mexico State (2-3 SU, 3-2 ATS) won 49-46 in a shootout in Louisiana last season. The Aggies are 7-1 ATS in their last eight October outings.