9-21-13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wunderdog Sports Free Pick

CFB Game: Louisiana Monroe at Baylor (Saturday 9/21 4:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: Baylor -29 (-110)

Before RGIII put the Baylor Bears on the map, they had trouble getting the type of athletes to compete in the rugged Big-12. That has all changed now. Upon his departure, most thought the offense would leave with him but Nick Florence had something to say about that. Last year he led the Bears' offense to more yards and more points per game than RGIII di. That shows the fact that the Bears are now getting better athletes. It is now Bryce Petty's turn and all he has done is throw for an unthinkable 16.3 yards per attempt, as the Bears are running and passing to even greater heights. UL Monroe scored 0 at Oklahoma and just 21 points at Wake Forest. They will be hard pressed to produce enough to even make this remotely close. They had a good team last year and gave Baylor fits at home, but the Bears won't be caught off guard this time, and they have them in their house this time. This one looks like a colossal blowout. The Bears are 20-8 ATS in all games the past three seasons including 13-2 ATS at home and 10-1 ATS at home with a total set at 63 or higher. Under head coach Art Briles, Baylor is 19-8 ATS as a favorite and 11-3 ATS in expected shootouts (games with totals set at 63 or higher). Lay the points with Baylor.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

LA Syndicate Top CFB Plays

2 Early CFB Top Plays Released Mid-Week
San Jose State +4
USC -6.5

Adds
Baylor/UL Monroe Over 75
Wyoming -4
BYU -6.5
Over Hawaii
Houston -2.5
Stanford/Arizona St Over 52.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Syndicate Top CFB plays

Early Top CFB Releasen Mid-Week
Marshall +9.5

CFB Game of the Month - Missouri (moneyline)

Adds
Army +3
Michigan -18.5
Troy/Mississippi St Over 60
UL Lafayette -6
Tulane +17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Gamblers Data (Fletcher)

3* Wyoming-3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Saturday Edge -
GoSooners
342 Baylor -29 (1 unit)
353 Rice +3 (1 unit)
350 USC -6.5 (1 unit)
333 North Carolina +6.5 (1 unit)
Maggiore

Pezgordo
345 Utah +7 (1 unit) & .25 units ML (225)
350 USC -6.5 (1 unit)
367 ASU – 368 Stanford UNDER 51 (1.5 units)
6 – Team ML Parlay -102 (1 unit)
SabertStxVii
303 Clemson -13.5 (2 units) – LOSER
336 Maryland -4 (3 units)
315 Tennessee +17 (2.5 units)
321 Michigan -17.5 (3.5 units)
324 Wisconsin -23.5 (1.5 units)
362 Kansas -10 (1 unit)
307 North Texas +33 (1 unit)
Trentmoney
[COLOR=#0F0C0C][FONT=Verdana]383 Auburn – 384 LSU OVER 55 (3 units)
384 LSU -17 (2 units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Lee Sterling with Paramount sports
The Florida gators -16
The auburn tigers +17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jeff White

Ga tech -5.5
Maryland -4
San Jose st +4
Michigan st +7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sweetjones55
Louisiana Tech/Kansas Under 51.5 Points (x1)
Louisville Cardinals -41.5 (x1)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Saturday's NCAAF Top 25 betting cheat sheet: Afternoon action

We give a quick look at all of Saturday's Top 25 afternoon betting action from Week 4 of the college football schedule:

Florida International Golden Panthers at Louisville Cardinals (-43, 56.5)

Louisville will try to avoid a letdown Saturday at home when it hosts Florida International, a team that has given the Cardinals fits the last two years. Louisville is coming off a 27-13 victory at Kentucky in its first road game last Saturday, which vaulted the Cardinals to the No. 6 spot in the country. Teddy Bridgewater threw for 250 yards and a touchdown as Louisville won for the 14th time in its last 16 games.

The Golden Panthers had two turnovers and committed seven penalties in a 34-13 loss at home to Bethune-Cookman last weekend. More notable was the fact that they were outgained on the ground by a 311-73 margin, which does not bode well against a Louisville rushing attack that found its groove at Kentucky. Sophomore quarterback Jake Medlock threw for a season-high 149 yards and had his first passing touchdown in the loss.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with a 13 percent chance of rain.
LINE: Louisville opened as a 42-point favorite and is currently -43. The total has held firm at 56.5.
TRENDS:

* The Golden Panthers are 0-6 ATS versus a team with a winning record.
* The Cardinals are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 versus CUSA.
* The Under is 5-1 in the Cardinals last six games overall.

Florida A&M Rattlers at Ohio State Buckeyes (-50)

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference representatives will be hard-pressed to keep pace with the explosive Buckeyes after mustering just nine first downs and 219 yards of total offense last week. Junior Damien Fleming has struggled mightily, throwing five interceptions while rolling up only 383 yards this season. Florida A&M has scored 54 points combined in its three games this season, which sits just nine better than Ohio State's average.

Ohio State anticipates the return of Heisman Trophy candidate Braxton Miller on Saturday to conclude the non-conference portion of its schedule. Sidelined with a sprained knee ligament, Miller expects to get the kinks out on Saturday afternoon as the third-ranked Buckeyes tune up for Big Ten play by hosting FCS representative Florida A&M. Senior quarterback Kenny Guiton didn't miss a beat last week as he threw for four touchdowns - including a school-record 90-yard scoring strike to Devin Smith on the team's second offensive play - in Ohio State's 52-34 triumph over California last week.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-60s and a 56 percent chance of rain is in the forecast.
LINE: Ohio State opened as a 50.5-point favorite and is currently -50.
TRENDS:

* Rattlers are 0-6 ATS in their last six games overall.
* Buckeyes are 6-0 ATS in their last six games following a SU win.
* Rattlers are 0-6 ATS in their last six non-conference games.

North Texas Mean Green at Georgia Bulldogs (-33.5, 67)

The Mean Green battled back from a 27-9 second-quarter deficit to earn a 34-27 win over Ball State last week behind a pounding running attack that churned out 231 yards. Quarterback Derek Thompson is part of that running game and led North Texas to 1,395 yards of total offense - the most for the school in its first three games since 1951. The Mean Green are getting plenty of help from their defense, which forced 11 turnovers in the first three contests.

The Bulldogs remade much of their defense in the offseason and believe they once again can return to an elite level on that side of the ball. While the defense gets settled, the offense has the ability to keep the team in the win column behind Aaron Murray, who threw for four touchdowns in a 41-30 victory over South Carolina on Sept. 7, and running back Todd Gurley.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with a 96 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast.
LINE: Georgia opened as a 31.5-point favorite and is currently -33.5. The total opened at 67.
TRENDS:

* Mean Green are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a bye week.
* Bulldogs are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games.
* Over is 9-3 in Bulldogs last 12 home games.

Idaho State Bengals at Washington Huskies (-49)

The Bengals rolled up the yardage against the two Division II opponents with junior quarterback Justin Arias (868 yards) topping 400 yards in each game and senior receiver Cameron Richmond making a combined 21 receptions for 301 yards. Arias is completing 66.3 percent of his passes for four touchdowns but will be hard-pressed to come close to a high-yardage output against a Pac-12 defense. They have lost 18 consecutive games against FBS opponents.

Huskies tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins had just three receptions for eight yards against the Fighting Illini after missing the opener due to a suspension, while sophomore wideout Jaydon Mickens has been highly productive in the first two games with 17 receptions. Junior defensive end Josh Shirley has three sacks, while junior middle linebacker John Timu (team-high 18 tackles) is questionable after bruising his right rotator cuff against Illinois.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with a 58 percent chance of rain.
LINE: Washington opened as a 49-point favorite.
TRENDS:

* Over is 4-0 in Bengals last four road games.
* Huskies are 6-0 ATS in their last six home games.
* Over is 4-0 in Bengals last four non-conference games.

Michigan State Spartans at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-5, 42)

Spartans QB Connor Cook threw for four first-half touchdowns and 202 yards overall to seize the starting job. Running back Jeremy Langford has scored four touchdowns and is averaging 4.5 yards per carry but coach Mark Dantonio termed him a player that can "pop a big one." Still, the onus will fall on Michigan State's defense, which ranks fifth nationally with an average of 126.7 passing yards against but has yet to face a high-powered offense.

Tommy Rees threw two scoring passes to DaVaris Daniels during a 21-point blitz in a span of 3 1/2 minutes against Purdue and can become the first Notre Dame QB to open a season with four consecutive 300-yard games. The more pressing concern for the Irish is plugging the holes in a defense that has surrendered 65 points in the last two games - one fewer than it allowed in the first seven contests last season.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s and wind will blow at 12 mph toward the south end zone.
LINE: Notre Dame opened as a 6.5-point favorite with the line now -5. The total opened at 40.5 and is up to 42.
TRENDS:

* Spartans are 7-1 ATS in their last eight meetings in Notre Dame.
* Road team is 11-2 ATS in their last 13 meetings.
* Fighting Irish are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.

Maine Black Bears at Northwestern Wildcats (-28)

The Black Bears, from the FCS Colonial Athletic Association, knocked off an FBS school in Massachusetts already this season and displayed a tight defense in their two road victories. That defense needs to find a way to contain the Wildcats’ running game, which is piling up an average of 249 yards. That ground game is supplemented by a two-quarterback system featuring Trevor Siemian and Kain Colter, who is also one of the team’s most effective runners.

Northwestern is getting used to strong starts under coach Pat Fitzgerald and 2013 is no exception. The 16th-ranked Wildcats are averaging over 500 yards of offense and already own wins over a pair of major-conference opponents as they gear up for the start of Big Ten play. Northwestern will get one more chance to pad its record before diving into the heart of the Big Ten when it hosts Maine on Saturday.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s and wind will blow toward the south end zone at 10 mph.
LINE: Northwestern opened as a 28-point home favorite.
TRENDS:

* Wildcats are 5-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
* Wildcats are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
* Wildcats are 11-0 ATS in their last 11 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.

Tennessee Volunteers at Florida Gators (-16.5, 47)

The Volunteers have put up solid numbers on the ground - mostly in their first two contests - with running back Rajion Neal (257 rushing yards, 4 TDs) leading the way, but the passing game has left something to be desired. In fact, offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian told reporters Wednesday that junior quarterback Justin Worley is competing with freshmen Nathan Peterman, Joshua Dobbs and Riley Ferguson and "the process could go all the way into pregame warm-ups."

Florida ranks third in the nation in total defense (208.5 yards per game), but the offense was plagued by five turnovers against Miami. Quarterback Jeff Driskel's inconsistency has been emblematic of the Florida offense, as the junior passed for a career-high 291 yards against the Hurricanes but also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-80s with partly cloudy skies and a 19 percent chance of rain.
LINE: Florida opened as a 14.5-point favorite and is currently -16.5 The total opened at 47.
TRENDS:

* Road team is 4-0-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Volunteers are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six meetings.
* Gators are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a bye week.

UL Monroe Warhawks at Baylor Bears (-30, 75.5)

Baylor held on to beat the host Warhawks in last year’s meeting 47-42 and Louisiana-Monroe returns Kolton Browning at quarterback. He was named Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 315 yards and three touchdowns last weekend in a 21-19 victory at Wake Forest.

Baylor has outscored its first two opponents by a combined total of 139-16, so quarterback Bryce Petty hasn’t logged many second-half minutes. Still, he has connected on a nation-leading 80 percent of his passes and contributed four touchdowns through the air without an interception. Baylor running back Lache Seastrunk had just one carry when these teams last met, but has since reeled off six straight 100-yard games dating to last season.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-80s and wind will blow across the field at 9 mph.
LINE: Baylor opened as a 27-point favorite and is currently -30. The total opened at 74.5 and is up to 75.5.
TRENDS:

* Warhawks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games.
* Bears are 0-4 ATS in their last four games following a bye week.
* Over is 6-0 in Bears last six games in September.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL Saturday: What bettors need to know

Montreal Alouettes at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (-8, 52.5)

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are used to playing home games away from home this season, but they will travel a lot further than Guelph on Saturday when they host the Montreal Alouettes in Moncton. The Tiger-Cats have been playing home games at the University of Guelph’s Alumni Stadium while Tim Hortons Field is built in Hamilton, making them the perfect team to host the third regular-season game to be played in the Maritime town. Moncton could be a prime candidate for future expansion.

Montreal could use a change of scenery since the team appears to have lost any momentum gained from Tanner Marsh’s comeback victory over the BC Lions. The Alouettes have dropped two straight games and Marsh was replaced by Josh Neiswander after a lacklustre first half against BC last week. Veteran quarterback Anthony Calvillo is likely out for the rest of the season, meaning either Marsh or Neiswander will need to seize the starting role if Montreal is to make a playoff run.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, TSN

ABOUT THE ALOUETTES (4-7): Quarterback Troy Smith also took a couple snaps last week as general manager/head coach Jim Popp searches for a solution under center. Smith signed with Montreal in August and is still adjusting to the CFL after failed attempts to crack the rosters of three NFL teams. Uncertainty at quarterback is an unusual situation for the Alouettes, who had two starters - Tracy Ham and Calvillo - since 2006. “We heard a lot of complaining about not seeing anybody else,” Popp said. “Now you're seeing other people and there's complaining that you're seeing three quarterbacks in a game. You're never going to make everybody happy. We're trying to give these guys a chance - to see what they can do.''

ABOUT THE TIGER-CATS (5-6): Quarterback Henry Burris leads the league in passing yards by a substantial margin, recording 3,589 - 802 more than any other quarterback - as he tries to top his career-best total of 5,367 set last season. Eight hundred of those passing yards have been to wide receiver Greg Ellingson, who has six touchdown catches. Running back C.J. Gable surpassed 400 rushing yards after dealing with injuries to start the season. Linebacker Jamall Johnson leads the team with 42 tackles and has three sacks.

TRENDS:

* Tiger-Cats are 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall.
* Under is 8-2 in Alouettes last 10 games following a ATS loss.
* Under is 6-1 in Tiger-Cats last seven home games.
* Alouettes are 0-5 ATS in their last five meetings.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. The last time the Tiger-Cats played in Moncton - 2011 - Burris was a member of the Calgary Stampeders, who lost 55-34 to Hamilton in that game.

2. Montreal LB Chip Cox leads the league with 78 tackles.

3. Burris surpassed 50,000 career passing yards last week.


Toronto Argonauts at Calgary Stampeders (-7.5, 55.5)

The Toronto Argonauts’ road-warrior status will be put to the test against a fellow division leader when they visit the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday. The Argonauts are 4-1 on the road, but the Stampeders stand 5-0 at home and have ridden a four-game winning streak to the top of the West Division. East Division-leading Toronto has won two straight despite missing top offensive players such as quarterback Ricky Ray and slotback Chad Owens, moving into second in the CFL power rankings behind Calgary.

The Stampeders are no stranger to battling through injuries. Even though Calgary lost top slotback Nik Lewis for the season and is still without starting quarterback Drew Tate, third-string quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell is making a strong case to start more games with a completion rate of 70.3 percent and 10 touchdown passes to just three interceptions. Mitchell completed 4-of-6 passes in limited action during Calgary 35-14 victory in Toronto in Week 9, but he and young Argonauts quarterback Zach Collaros will take center stage Saturday in a game Ottawa Redblacks scouts would be smart to watch.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TSN

ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (7-4): Coach Scott Milanovich said Owens is doubtful for Saturday, marking the second straight game last season’s Most Outstanding Player will miss. Running back Chad Kackert returned from injury last week but left after a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first half and his status for Saturday is uncertain. Jerious Norwood ran for 73 yards and one touchdown replacing Kackert. Linebacker Robert McCune leads the team with 60 tackles.

ABOUT THE STAMPEDERS (9-2): Defensive linemen Charleston Hughes and Cordarro Law set the tone on Calgary’s defense, accounting for 21 of the team’s 41 sacks. Defensive back Fred Bennett has a team-leading three interceptions. Running back Jon Cornish reached 1,000 rushing yards for the second straight season last week against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Mitchell is second on the team with 145 rushing yards.

TRENDS:

* Argonauts are 6-0 ATS in their last six Saturday games.
* Over is 8-1 in Stampeders last nine home games.
* Under is 6-0 in the last six meetings in Calgary.
* Argonauts are 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Three of Toronto’s four losses have come against West Division opponents.

2. Calgary might not get Tate back until the 2014 season, raising big questions over whether to protect him or Mitchell for the Redblacks’ expansion draft after the season.

3. Toronto WR John Chiles has caught seven touchdown passes in his last seven games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

College football betting weather report: Saturday's forecasts

Find out how weather will impact your college football bets for Saturday's matchups:

Toledo Rockets at Central Michigan Chippewas (+13, 56.5)

Temperatures will be in the high-50s but there is a 40 percent chance of rain in the forecast.

North Carolina Tar Heels at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (-6.5, 58.5)

Temperatures will be in the low-70s, but there is a 100 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms.

Florida A&M Rattlers at Ohio State Buckeyes (-50, OFF)

Fans should expect a 55 percent chance of rain with temperatures in the high-60s.

Marshall Thundering Herd at Virginia Tech Hokies (-10, 51.5)

Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with a 95 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms.

North Texas Mean Green at Georgia Bulldogs (-33.5, 67)

Fans at Sanford Stadium will see temperatures in the mid-70s, but with a 95 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms.

Pittsburgh Panthers at Duke Blue Devils (+3.5, 50.5)

The forecast calls for temperatures in the low-70s with a 55 percent chance of showers.

Ball State Cardinals at Eastern Michigan Eagles (+9.5, 57.5)

Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with a 30 percent chance of showers and wind blowing diagonally from north to south at 12 mph.

Northwestern State Demons at UAB Blazers (-15.5, OFF)

Fans at Legion Field face a 100 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms with temperatures in the low-70s.

Idaho State Bengals at Washington Huskies (-49.5, OFF)

Temperatures at Husky Stadium will be in the low-60s with a 60 percent chance of showers

Murray State Racers at Bowling Green Falcons (-26, OFF)

There is a 25 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms with temperatures expected to be in the mid-60s. Wind will blow diagonally from the northwest end of the field at 11 mph.

Tennessee Volunteers at Florida Gators (-15, 47)

Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with a 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms.

West Virginia Mountaineers at Maryland Terrapins (-5, 53)

Fans at M&T Bank Stadium face a 90 percent chance of showers with temperatures in the low-80s.

Kent State Golden Flashes at Penn State Nittany Lions (-22, 54)

There is a 100 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms at Beaver Stadium with temperatures in the low-60s and wind blowing diagonally across the field at 11 mph.

Arkansas Razorbacks at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (-2.5, 44)

Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with a 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms.

VMI Keydets at Virginia Cavaliers (-44, OFF)

Fans face a 90 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms with temperatures expected to be in the low-70s.

Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks at Baylor Bears (-30.5, 75)

Temperatures at Floyd Casey Stadium will be in the mid-80s with a 20 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms and wind blowing diagonally out of the northeast at 10 mph.

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at Florida State Seminoles (-39.5, OFF)

The forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-80s with a 60 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms.

Colorado State Rams at Alabama Crimson Tide (-39, 51)

Temperatures will be in the low-70s with persistent rain expected to fall throughout the game.

SMU Mustangs at Texas A&M Aggies (-28.5, 78)

Temperatures at College Station are expected to be in the mid-70s with a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms tapering off throughout the night.

Arizona State Sun Devils at Stanford Cardinal (-5.5, 51.5)

There is a 40 percent chance of showers at Stanford Stadium with temperatures in the high-60s and wind blowing across the field from west to east at 10 mph.

Troy Trojans at Mississippi State Bulldogs (-13.5, 61)

Temperatures at Scott Field will be in the low-70s with a 40 percent chance of showers.

Auburn Tigers at LSU Tigers (-16.5, 55)

Fans at LSU Tiger Stadium face a 100 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms and temperatures in the mid-70s.

Michigan Wolverines at Connecticut Huskies (+18.5, 51)

There is a 40 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms with temperatures in the low-60s and wind blowing across the width of the field at 10 mph.

Utah Utes at BYU Cougars (-6.5, 62)

Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with a 20 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms and wind blowing from north to south at 13 mph.

Idaho Vandals at Washington State Cougars (-31, 58.5)

Fans at Martin Stadium will be treated to temperatures in the low-50s and a 20 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms.

** Odds and weather forecast as of 7:10 p.m. ET Saturday.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Essential betting tidbits for Week 4 of college football

We dug up these vital betting tidbits for some of Saturday's college football action that will help you make the right call before kickoff.

- The North Carolina Tar Heels and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets played in the highest scoring game in ACC history last November. The Jackets won 68-50 and the teams combined for 1,085 yards of total offense and 16 touchdowns. Total is 59.5 for Saturday's matchup.

- The Florida International Golden Panthers are 0-3 and have been outscored 115-23 in the process. The Panthers travel to Papa John's Cardinal Stadium to face No. 6 Louisville and are 42-point underdogs.

- The UMass Minutemen have just 21 first downs on offense but have allowed 106 this season. The Minutemen are 31-point home dogs to Vanderbilt.

- The San Jose State Spartans will be without star-WR Noel Grigsby (10 rec, 106 yards, 2 TDs) who injured his knee at practice Wednesday and did not travel to Minnesota. The Spartans are 4-point dogs Saturday.

- The Virginia Tech Hokies are on a seven-game winning streak against Marshall. Hokies are 10-point home faves Saturday.

- The Toledo Rockets are 0-9 O/U in their previous nine games. Total is 56.5 at Central Michigan.

- The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders are 4-0 ATS in their last four games against Florida Atlantic. Raiders are 3.5-point road faves Saturday.

- The Western Michigan Broncos face their third Big Ten program in four weeks as they travel to Iowa. They are 0-2 SU but 2-0 ATS having covered at Michigan State and at Northwestern. Iowa is a 16-point home fave.

- The Kansas Jayhawks are currently riding a 22 game losing streak against Bowl Subdivision schools. 10.5-point faves with Louisiana Tech in town Saturday.

- Army hosts the ACC's Wake Forest Demon Deacons Saturday. The Deacons are 5-0-1 O/U in their last six versus ACC opponents. Saturday's total is 49.5.

- The North Texas Mean Green have lost 34 straight games to ranked opponents. They are 33.5-point road dogs as the face No. 10 Georgia Saturday.

- After starting QB Anthony Boone broke his collarbone against Memphis on Sept. 7, Brandon Connette is back under center for the Duke Blue Devils. He was 15-of-28 for 122 yards in his first start one week ago, which was a 38-14 loss to Georgia Tech. Duke is a 3.5-point home dog with Pitt in town.

- Syracuse will give QB Terrel Hunt his first career start versus Tulane. Six of the Orange's last seven starting quarterbacks have lose their first game.

- Eastern Michigan will play host to Ball State Saturday. The Over is 4-0 in the previous four meetings and 6-1 in the last seven between the two schools. Total is 57.5 for this matchup.

- Houston WR Markeith Ambles will likely make his debut versus Rice Saturday. The WR transferred from Arizona Western Community College after beginning his career at USC. Houston is a 3-point fave.

- Michigan State is No. 12 in the country in points against (12.0). Spartans are 5-point road dogs at Notre Dame.

- The last time Kent State played Penn State was in 2010. Penn State's defense pitched a shutout in a 24-0 victory. Nittany Lions are 22-point home faves.

- Tennessee has not fared well in its recent meetings with Florida. The Volunteers are 1-4-1 ATS in the last six meetings with the Gators. Florida is a 16-point home fave.

- Wisconsin is No. 5 in the country averaging 337 rushing yards per game and Badgers RB Melvin Gordon is second in rushing yards with 477. The Purdue defense allowed Cincinnati to rumble for 221 rushing yards back in Week 1. Wisconsin is favored by 22 points at home.

- The Arkansas Razorbacks are tough down the stretch. They have outscored their first three opponents 21-0 and outgained them 308-78 in the fourth quarter. The Razorbacks are 2.5-point road dogs as they travel to Rutgers.

- Maryland is one of three teams in the country that has compiled 500-plus yards of total offense in the first three games of the season. The other two are Oregon and California. Maryland is a 5-point fave against rivals West Virginia.

- Utah State QB Chuckie Keeton is third in the country with a 78.1 completion percentage (82-of-105). Keeton has 12 TD passes and just one pick. Utah State is a 6.5-pont road underdog at USC Saturday.

- The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks are dead last in the nation with just 16 first downs. The RedHawks are 23-point home dogs with Cincinnati in town.

- Baylor defeated UL Monroe 47-42 last season. The Bears are 30.5-point faves and the total is 75 in this season's meeting.

- The Arkansas State Red Wolves have converted 26-of-47 third-down opportunities (55.3 percent), while Memphis has converted just 30.3 percent (10-of-33). Memphis is a 4-point home dog.

- The Akron Zips are 0-5 ATS and 1-4 SU in their last five home games. The Zips are 6-point home dogs with the UL Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns in town.

- The Arizona State Sun Devils have not fared well in recent trips to Stanford posting a 1-5 ATS mark in the last six meetings there. The Cardinal are 5.5-point home faves.

- The Texas A&M Aggies haven't lost a non-conference home game to a Texas school since 1954 (Texas Tech). -27.5 home faves with SMU in town Saturday.

- Alabama head coach Nick Saban faces his former offensive coordinator Jim McElwain who is the new head coach at Colorado State. Saban and the Tide are 39-point home faves.

- Texas State will have a tough test as they are away to Texas Tech Saturday. But the Bobcats are ranked No. 4 in the country allowing just 9.0 points against thus far. Tech is a 27.5-point home fave.

- San Diego State has lost 20 of its previous 21 games against the Pac-12. The Aztecs are 8-point home dogs as they host Oregon State.

- Troy's QB Corey Robinson is the NCAA's active leader is passing attempts, completions and yards. Troy is a 13.5-point road dog against Mississippi State Saturday.

- The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings between LSU and Auburn. LSU is a 16.5-point home favorite Saturday evening.

- UConn is expecting a record crowd at 40,000 capacity Rentschler Field as the Huskies play host to Michigan. UConn is an 18.5-point home dog.

- The Kansas State Wildcats are on the road to face the Texas Longhorns. The Wildcats are 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings and are 6.5-point road dogs Saturday.

- The Indiana Hoosiers average 50.0 points per game through their first three games and host the Missouri Tigers, who are averaging 48.0 ppg. The total is currently 71.

- The UTSA Roadrunners are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games overall and are 2.5-point road dogs at UTEP Saturday.

- Most shops opened the line in the Hawaii at Nevada game with Nevada as a 12.5-point favorite. That line has been coming down all week and is currently Nevada -7.

- It's an all Utah affair as BYU hosts Utah Saturday night. BYU is a 6.5-point home fave, but the underdog is 13-3 ATS in the last 16 meetings.

- Wyoming is one of nine programs to begin the season 3-0 ATS. The Cowboys are 4-point road faves at Air Force Saturday night.

- The UCLA Bruins have outscored their opponents 72-7 in the second half of their first two games. The Bruins are 42-point home faves against New Mexico State.

- The Idaho Vandals lead the country with eight fumbles lost. +31 at Washington State Saturday night.

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Where the action is: Saturday's NCAAF line moves

There might not be as many marquee matchups on the college football Week 4 board but that doesn’t mean the action is any less intense. We talk to sportsbooks about the betting patterns, sharp and public money, and where they see the lines ending up come kickoff Saturday:

Kent State Golden Flashes at Penn State Nittany Lions – Open: -18.5, Move: -22

The Golden Flashes have a slew of injuries on defense and have allowed an average of 32 points per game so far this season. Some spots had this line opened as low as PSU -14 but with the public behind a rebounding Nittany Lions squad, this line has rocketed in favor of the home team.

“With the injuries to Kent State, it’s easy to see how the line has moved to (PSU),” Aron Black of Bet365.com tells Covers. “Money has been more Penn State, but luckily for us at higher numbers.”

North Carolina Tar Heels at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Open: -5, Move: -6.5

This ACC rivalry has seen one-sided money on the Yellow Jackets, according to Mike Perry of Sportsbook.ag, who says 90 percent of the handle is riding on Georgia Tech.

“Tuesday, we got sharp action on the favorite, so we moved to the current number of -6.5,” says Perry.

Michigan State Spartans at Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Open: -7, Move: -4.5

The early action took this spread from a touchdown to as low as Notre Dame -4.5. The Spartans offense is still finding its stride but the Irish haven’t been able to turn away opponents in the first four weeks, allowing 259.3 passing yards per game.

“Money is split on this game, which is obviously one of the marquee games of the weekend, but as I’m sure it is the same with most places,” says Black. “Early money liked +7 and the later money is starting to come back on Notre Dame, leaving a possible middle or siding on this game for us.”

Colorado State Rams at Alabama Crimson Tide – Open: -41, Move: -39.5

A week after escaping College Station with a big win over Texas A&M, Alabama is giving a boat-load of points to the visiting Rams. Sharp money took the road team at the opening number and books have trimmed this spread under 40 with 55 percent of the action on CSU.

“Could be a case where (Alabama coach Nick) Saban calls off the dogs late in the fourth quarter against the Rams,” says Perry. “One of Saban's former disciples is CSU head coach Jim McElwain, who was offensive coordinator at Alabama from 2008-11.”

San Jose State Spartans at Minnesota Golden Gophers – Open: -5.5, Move: -3.5

Injuries to the Gophers’ skill players have bettors siding with SJSU coming to Big Ten Country. Minnesota QB Philip Nelson is questionable and RB Donnell Kirkwood is nursing an ankle injury, slowing down the Gophers’ ground game. That’s good news for the Spartans, who have allowed 197 yards rushing in a loss to Stanford.

“A loss at Stanford is no shame and this is a hard cross-country trip to follow that up,” says Black. “Sharp money likes San Jose State plus the points.”

Arizona State Sun Devils at Stanford Cardinal – Open: -9, Move: -6

The ultra-competitive Pac-12 headlines the late games Saturday, with money on Arizona State moving this spread past the key number of a touchdown and down to two field goals. According to Perry, 55 percent of the action is on the visiting Sun Devils.

“This is likely the game of day, and the sharps seem to like the dog,” says Perry. “The Cardinal opened -9 and wiseguy action came on Thursday to move the game to Cardinal -7.”

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bookieshunter

3* purdue/wisconsin over 47.5 (total of the month)
3* maryland -4.5
2* missouri -1
2* wyoming -3.5
1* ga tech -6
1* arkansas st/memphis over 52.5
1* utsa -2.5

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Betting Line Moves

Boise State +4

ULMonroe +28
Cincy -22
Wvirg +5.5
Utah State +6.5
Utah +7
Florida Atlantic +4
Iowa over 49.5
florida Under 47.5
eastern Michigan Over 55.5
stanford Under 51.5
San Diego State Under 54.5
UTEP Over 59.5
Wake Forest -2.5
Ball State -9.5
Nevanda -7