Saturday 9-30-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 30, 2017
Where: Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky


Preview: Murray State at Louisville

Gracenote
Sep 27, 2017

Despite producing a 42-3 victory against an overmatched opponent, Louisville's rout of Kent State last week didn't exactly have coach Bobby Petrino singing the praises of his team. The 18th-ranked Cardinals will try to impress their coach a little bit more Saturday when they host FCS foe Murray State.

"We basically came out and took care of business … (but) offensively, we were sporadic. … I’m really disappointed in the (four) turnovers. … Offense is a side of the ball where all 11 guys have to do their jobs … and we're just making too many errors right now," Petrino said after the game. The defense, which surrendered 613 total yards in the Cardinals' 47-21 loss to Clemson one week earlier, played more to his liking against the Golden Flashes, however, yielding 150 yards overall. Petrino told reporters he liked how many players got to see playing time against Kent State and the same should hold true this week as the Racers enter this contest having dropped three straight. Murray State mustered only five total yards in the first half last week in a 27-7 home setback against Austin Peay, which ended a 21-game skid in the Ohio Valley Conference one week after it snapped the nation's longest losing streak at 29 games.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network. LINE: NL

ABOUT MURRAY STATE (1-3): Junior defensive end Kenney Wooten leads the OVC with 1.25 sacks per game and is among the FCS leaders with five sacks, while defensive back D'Montre Wade - a first-team all-conference selection in the preseason - already has three interceptions. Jordon Gandy, the team's other preseason first-team all-league pick, ranks second behind Demetric Johnson (22) in receptions (21) but is far and away the team's most dynamic threat in the passing game (team-high marks of 272 receiving yards and four touchdowns). Freshman running back D.J. Penick scored the Racers' lone touchdown on a throw from Corey Newble last week and paces the team in rushing yards (148) while ranking third with 15 catches.

ABOUT LOUISVILLE (3-1): Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson played only three quarters last weekend and still posted his 18th career performance of at least 300 total yards, moving him past Brian Brohm and into second place on the program's all-time list. Petrino praised true freshman cornerback Russ Yeast for his tight coverage on the few times Kent State attempted a pass and linebacker Dorian Etheridge, who stepped in to fill a leadership role with senior Stacy Thomas suspended and led the team with nine tackles. Leading receiver Jaylen Smith, who entered last weekend ranked ninth nationally in receiving yards per game (126.3) was sidelined by a wrist injury last weekend, opening the door for sophomore Seth Dawkins, who caught a TD pass while tying a career high with four receptions and setting another with 75 yards receiving.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Jackson needs two more rushing TDs to tie Michael Bush (39) for second place on the school's all-time list and 350 yards of total offense to pass Teddy Bridgewater (9,987) for third place in program history.

2. Louisville gave up 11 passing yards against Kent State, the fewest by an opponent since 1975.

3. After recording 14 tackles for loss last weekend, the Cardinals have amassed 32 for the season - the 14th-highest total in FBS.

PREDICTION: Louisville 59, Murray State 7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 4:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 30, 2017
Where: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan


Preview: Iowa at Michigan State

Gracenote
Sep 28, 2017

Iowa and Michigan State both suffered their first losses of the season last weekend, so both will be looking for a bounce-back win when the Spartans host the Hawkeyes in a Big Ten clash on Saturday. The Hawkeyes fell at home on a final-play touchdown against nationally-ranked Penn State, while the Spartans were blown out by long-time rival Notre Dame.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is certainly looking for a better defensive performance this week after his team allowed 579 yards of total offense to the Nittany Lions last weekend. Offensively, the Hawkeyes struggled to move the ball, managing just 82 yards on the ground and 191 through the air, 70 of which came on a Nate Stanley touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter. The Spartans outgained the Irish by more than 140 yards but were hurt by three turnovers and nine penalties for almost 100 yards. Quarterback Brian Lewerke continues to impress with both his arm (751 yards, six TDs) and his legs (team-best 206 yards, two TDs), though the Michigan State coaches would certainly prefer if he wasn't the team's top ground gainer.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Michigan State -3.5

ABOUT IOWA (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten): Despite having a hot quarterback like Stanley (conference-best 12 passing touchdowns), for Iowa to get back into the win column, it must get its running game going. Since the start of the 2015 campaign, Iowa is 23-1 when it rushes for 100 yards and 0-7 when it doesn't, which means Ferentz will need to keep feeding running back Akrum Wadley the ball and hope he gets hot. Wadley is averaging 4.3 yards a carry and has gained 338 yards this season, but he must be more consistent to give Ferentz confidence to keep the ball on the ground more.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (2-1, 0-0): Turnovers have been a big focus for the Michigan State coaches this week, and more than just the ones that have cost the offense the ball eight times so far this season. Running back LJ Scott has two fumbles inside the 5-yard line this season and Lewerke has given it away three times, but the defense hasn't responded by creating turnovers of its own. The Spartans are tied for 125th in the FBS in turnover margin at minus-6, and the team's defensive coaches have been preaching more and more that creating miscues by the opposition is a must for the team to be successful.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Iowa LB Josey Jewell leads the Big Ten in tackles with 44 and he's tied for fifth in the conference with four pass breakups.

2. Lewerke had 396 yards of total offense (340 passing, 56 rushing) against Notre Dame, the fourth-highest single-game total in school history.

3. After ranking No. 1 in the nation in third-down conversion defense entering last weekend (3-of-28), the Spartans allowed the Irish to convert 8-of-14 third downs.

PREDICTION: Michigan State 27, Iowa 20

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Iowa at Michigan State

ATS Trends

Iowa

Hawkeyes are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 conference games. Hawkeyes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Hawkeyes are 17-6 ATS in their last 23 road games. Hawkeyes are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Hawkeyes are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win. Hawkeyes are 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Hawkeyes are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss. Hawkeyes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. Hawkeyes are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.

Michigan State

Spartans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games. Spartans are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on grass. Spartans are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Spartans are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games in September. Spartans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Spartans are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss. Spartans are 2-6-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Spartans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home.

OU Trends

Iowa

Over is 7-1-1 in Hawkeyes last 9 games on grass. Under is 6-1 in Hawkeyes last 7 games in September. Under is 4-1 in Hawkeyes last 5 games overall. Under is 5-2 in Hawkeyes last 7 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Hawkeyes last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Michigan State

Under is 4-1 in Spartans last 5 home games. Over is 4-1 in Spartans last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 5-2 in Spartans last 7 games in September. Over is 9-4 in Spartans last 13 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 17-8-1 in Spartans last 26 games following a double-digit loss at home.

Head to Head

• Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Michigan State.
• Road team is 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 meetings.
• Hawkeyes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Michigan State.
• Hawkeyes are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 meetings.
• Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
• Underdog is 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 4:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 30, 2017
Where: Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, Kentucky


Preview: Eastern Michigan at Kentucky

Gracenote
Sep 27, 2017

A pair of teams coming off tough losses will square off Saturday when Kentucky and visiting Eastern Michigan meet for the first time. The Wildcats missed out on a chance to start 4-0 for the first time since 2008 by squandering a 13-point lead in the final eight minutes against No. 20 Florida while the Eagles gave up the final two touchdowns to fall in double overtime to Ohio.

"We cannot enjoy the wins too long and we cannot dwell on losses," Kentucky coach Mark Stoops told the media. "There are things that we can all do better, starting with myself." The Wildcats seemed to be following the blueprint that worked in their first three games, including taking a lead into the fourth quarter, but their usual strong defense didn't come up with the big stop in falling to the Gators for the 31st straight time. Stoops' team allowed a pair of Florida receivers to go uncovered, including Freddie Swain on a 5-yard touchdown catch with 43 seconds left. The Eagles of the Mid-American Conference, who earned their first win over a Power 5 Conference team by beating Rutgers 16-13 on Sept. 9, will attempt to defeat an SEC opponent for the first time in 10 attempts.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, SEC Network. LINE: Kentucky -14.5

ABOUT EASTERN MICHIGAN (2-1): The Eagles' struggles in the run game, which has resulted in 2.8 yards per carry, will likely continue against a Kentucky defense that is ranked ninth nationally against the run with 89.3 yards per game allowed. Senior quarterback Brogan Roback has targeted 13 different receivers while throwing for 798 yards, but of his 69 completions, only two have gone for touchdowns. Wide receivers Sergio Bailey II and Antoine Porter have accounted for 31 receptions, 444 yards and both scores.
ABOUT KENTUCKY (3-1): Stephen Johnson continues to make the most of limited opportunities at quarterback as the senior completed 68 percent of his passes for the second time this season and had three touchdown passes for the third time in his career, against Florida. Johnson, who is 10-5 as the quarterback of the Wildcats, also has two touchdown runs on the season, which ranks second on the team to Benny Snell's three scores. Josh Allen and Denzil Ware have been the main difference-makers on defense for the Wildcats, combining for 25 tackles for loss, 16 sacks and four forced fumbles since the start of last season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The 357 rushing yards allowed by Kentucky are the fewest in its first four games since 2008 (257).

2. Eastern Michigan sophomore DB Brody Hoying is one of three players in the FBS with two forced fumbles and two interceptions.

3. The Wildcats have won 35 of their last 37 games when leading entering the fourth quarter, including 18 of 20 under Stoops.

PREDICTION: Kentucky 34, Eastern Michigan 16

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Eastern Michigan at Kentucky

ATS Trends

Eastern Michigan

Eagles are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss. Eagles are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Eagles are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games. Eagles are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Eagles are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 road games. Eagles are 7-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Eagles are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss. Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in September. Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Eagles are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Eagles are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. SEC.

Kentucky

Wildcats are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 vs. MAC. Wildcats are 5-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Wildcats are 10-21 ATS in their last 31 games following a ATS win. Wildcats are 6-14 ATS in their last 20 games following a straight up loss. Wildcats are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games. Wildcats are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 non-conference games.

OU Trends

Eastern Michigan

Under is 5-0 in Eagles last 5 non-conference games. Under is 5-0 in Eagles last 5 games in September. Over is 5-0 in Eagles last 5 vs. SEC. Under is 12-2 in Eagles last 14 games overall. Under is 6-1 in Eagles last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1 in Eagles last 5 games on grass. Under is 4-1 in Eagles last 5 games following a straight up loss. Under is 4-1 in Eagles last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 19-7 in Eagles last 26 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Eagles last 7 road games. Over is 10-4 in Eagles last 14 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Kentucky

Over is 5-1 in Wildcats last 6 games following a straight up loss. Under is 4-1 in Wildcats last 5 games overall. Under is 4-1 in Wildcats last 5 games in September. Over is 10-3 in Wildcats last 13 non-conference games.

Head to Head

No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 4:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 30, 2017
Where: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California


Preview: Arizona State at Stanford

Gracenote
Sep 27, 2017

The road has not been kind to Arizona State, which has lost eight straight conference games away from Sun Devil Stadium dating back to 2015. The Sun Devils look to end the streak Saturday against Stanford, which boasts the nation’s leading rusher in 5-foot-10, 196-pound junior Bryce Love, a dynamic big-play back averaging 196 yards per game.

Love was named Pac-12 offensive player of the week after rushing for a career-high 263 yards and a touchdown in last Saturday’s 58-34 win over UCLA while Arizona State snapped a 10-game losing streak to Oregon with a 37-35 victory. If the Sun Devils are going to build on their surprising win over the Ducks, they’ll need to slow down Love, whose 787 rushing yards through four games are the second-most by a FBS player in his team’s first four games in the last decade. “He’s as good a back as you’re going to play against,” Arizona State coach Todd Graham told reporters. “You better not think somebody else has got him tackled because this guy is really, really good. If he breaks, he’s got big-time speed.” Stanford's biggest question mark is at quarterback, where sophomore K.J. Costello could make his first career start after starter Keller Chryst left last week’s win over the Bruins with an undisclosed injury.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network. LINE: Stanford -15

ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (2-2, 1-0 Pac-12): The Sun Devils were 1-8 in their last nine games before last Saturday, when they played hard for embattled coach Todd Graham and held the high-powered Ducks to a season-low 401 yards. Quarterback Manny Wilkins threw for 347 yards and a touchdown and ran for two more scores while wide receiver N'Keal Harry caught seven passes for a career-best 170 yards and a score to lead the Sun Devils, who are the only team in the country to have five players post 100-yard receiving games. The improving defense features several playmakers, including defensive end A.J. Latu and linebacker Christian Sam, who had a team-high 11 tackles against Oregon.

ABOUT STANFORD (2-2, 1-1): Costello impressed off the bench in last Saturday’s win over UCLA by throwing for two touchdowns and running for another, while the defense bounced back from losses to USC and San Diego State by forcing four turnovers. Running back Cameron Scarlett had three touchdowns against the Bruins and has proven to be a perfect complement to Love and the Cardinal running game, which ranks 16th nationally at 259 yards per game. Harrison Phillips has 32 tackles to lead the defense, which has struggled against the run and will need to contain Arizona State’s duo of Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Stanford has won four of the last five games in the series.

2. Arizona State is 34-12 when scoring first under Graham.

3. Stanford leads the nation with seven plays from scrimmage covering 50 or more yards.

PREDICTION: Stanford 27, Arizona State 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Arizona State at Stanford

ATS Trends

Arizona State

Sun Devils are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games in September. Sun Devils are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win. Sun Devils are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Sun Devils are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Sun Devils are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Sun Devils are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games. Sun Devils are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall. Sun Devils are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games on grass.

Stanford

Cardinal are 28-9-1 ATS in their last 38 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Cardinal are 23-9 ATS in their last 32 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Cardinal are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games in September. Cardinal are 16-7 ATS in their last 23 conference games. Cardinal are 41-19 ATS in their last 60 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Cardinal are 56-27-1 ATS in their last 84 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Cardinal are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Cardinal are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win. Cardinal are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games. Cardinal are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.

OU Trends

Arizona State

Over is 4-1 in Sun Devils last 5 games in September. Over is 4-1 in Sun Devils last 5 conference games. Over is 7-3 in Sun Devils last 10 games following a straight up win.

Stanford

Over is 4-0 in Cardinal last 4 conference games. Over is 4-1 in Cardinal last 5 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Cardinal last 5 games following a straight up win. Over is 4-1 in Cardinal last 5 games on grass. Over is 4-1 in Cardinal last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 6-2 in Cardinal last 8 games overall. Under is 6-2 in Cardinal last 8 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 8-3 in Cardinal last 11 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 25-12 in Cardinal last 37 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.

Head to Head

• Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Home team is 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
• Favorite is 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings.
• Sun Devils are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
• Sun Devils are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 meetings in Stanford.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 4:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 30, 2017
Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas


Preview: Connecticut at SMU

Gracenote
Sep 27, 2017

SMU looks to unleash its high-octane offense when it opens American Athletic Conference play against visiting Connecticut on Saturday. The Mustangs enter the game averaging a gaudy 48 points while the Huskies allow 33 points per contest and are ranked last in the nation in pass defense, surrendering an average of 413 yards.




SMU rebounded from a 56-36 loss at No. 11 TCU with a 44-21 victory over Arkansas State last week. The Mustangs rushed for 314 yards in the game but may want to take their attack to the air against the Huskies, whose opponents are completing 68.9 percent of their passes. UConn is 0-3 all-time against SMU and dropped its second straight game last week as underdog East Carolina racked up 596 yards of offense in a 41-38 decision. SMU is off to its best start since the 2011 season, when it opened 5-1.
TV: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN News. LINE: SMU -17

ABOUT UCONN (1-2, 0-1 AAC): Bryant Shirreffs passed for 406 yards and three touchdowns last week. Running back Arkeel Newsome had his best game of the season, catching eight passes out of the backfield for 170 yards and a score, and became the first running back in program history to have more than 1,000 yards receiving (1,148). UConn, however, lost star receiver Hergy Mayala (11 catches, 183 yards, three TDs) to a high ankle sprain and coach Randy Edsall made three changes to the starting secondary after East Carolina's Thomas Sirk passed for 426 yards against the group last week.
ABOUT SMU (3-1, 0-0): Quarterback Ben Hicks threw for 266 yards and two touchdowns against Arkansas State, giving him 10 scoring passes on the year with three interceptions. The Mustangs are fifth in the nation in scoring and its 500.2 yards per game ranks them 17th. While running back Braeden West, a Doak Walker nominee, continues to be slowed by injuries, Ke’Mon Freeman (five TDs) and Xavier Jones (team-leading 296 rushing yards) have picked up the slack.

EXTRA POINTS
1. UConn C Ryan Crozier (torn ACL/MCL) is scheduled for season-ending surgery.
2. SMU WR James Proche had three catches for 131 yards and a pair of touchdowns last week.
3. The Huskies have not beaten an FBS team since a 20-9 victory over Cincinnati last Oct. 8.

PREDICTION: SMU 38, UConn 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Connecticut at Southern Methodist

ATS Trends

Connecticut

Huskies are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Huskies are 14-36-1 ATS in their last 51 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Huskies are 14-38-1 ATS in their last 53 games overall. Huskies are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 games following a ATS loss. Huskies are 7-23-1 ATS in their last 31 games following a straight up loss. Huskies are 11-38-2 ATS in their last 51 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Huskies are 6-21-1 ATS in their last 28 road games. Huskies are 5-19-2 ATS in their last 26 games in September. Huskies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Huskies are 4-18 ATS in their last 22 games on fieldturf. Huskies are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Huskies are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Huskies are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 conference games. Huskies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.

Southern Methodist

Mustangs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in September. Mustangs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall. Mustangs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Mustangs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Mustangs are 6-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. Mustangs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Mustangs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games. Mustangs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win. Mustangs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win. Mustangs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf. Mustangs are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Mustangs are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 conference games. Mustangs are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

OU Trends

Connecticut

Under is 5-1 in Huskies last 6 games on fieldturf. Under is 9-3 in Huskies last 12 games following a straight up loss. Under is 15-6 in Huskies last 21 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Huskies last 7 games in September. Under is 7-3 in Huskies last 10 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 7-3 in Huskies last 10 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 19-9 in Huskies last 28 games overall. Under is 19-9 in Huskies last 28 games following a ATS loss.

Southern Methodist

Over is 4-1 in Mustangs last 5 games overall. Over is 4-1 in Mustangs last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 4-1 in Mustangs last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 4-1 in Mustangs last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Mustangs last 7 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Over is 7-3 in Mustangs last 10 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 9-4 in Mustangs last 13 games following a ATS win. Under is 11-5 in Mustangs last 16 games following a straight up win.

Head to Head

No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 5:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 30, 2017
Where: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana


Preview: Miami (Ohio) at Notre Dame

Gracenote
Sep 27, 2017

Miami (Ohio) will play its first ever game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, but a warm welcome doesn’t figure to be in the offing. The Irish are 59-15-1 against first-time stadium visitors and will be eager to atone for a 20-19 loss to Georgia in their last home contest on Sept. 9.


Notre Dame is off to a 3-1 start overall, and much of the credit belongs to the team’s opportunistic defense and highly efficient red-zone offense. The Irish have nine defensive takeaways and have turned those turnovers into 56 points while only allowing a field goal on five giveaways of their own. Meanwhile, the Notre Dame offense has come away with points on all 19 of its trips into the red zone, including 15 touchdowns. “Rushing yards don't really matter much, and passing yards don't matter much,” Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said after his team’s 38-18 win at Michigan State last Saturday. “But when you can take the football away and capitalize on it in the red-zone, those are the real numbers when you get down to it because they equal points and point differentials and they equal winning football games.”
TV: 5 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network. LINE: Notre Dame -21.5


ABOUT MIAMI (2-2): Seeking to defend their 2016 Mid-American East Division co-championship, the RedHawks bounced back from a late-game loss to Cincinnati with a 31-14 road win over Central Michigan in their MAC opener last week. Second-year starting quarterback Gus Ragland accounted for three touchdowns in the game and has thrown for eight scores and rushed for two more on the season while running back Kenny Young (three), wide receiver James Gardner and tight end Ryan Smith (two apiece) all have multiple TDs on the season as well. Linebacker Brad Koenig is the leader in tackles (33 total) for a defense which ranks in the nation’s top 33 in total defense (310.8 yards allowed per game) and scoring defense (19.0), but will be without starting safety Tony Reid for the first half Saturday after he was ejected for targeting in the third quarter vs. Central Michigan.
ABOUT NOTRE DAME (3-1): Junior quarterback Brandon Wimbush, a first-year starter, bounced back from an 11-of-24, 96-yard, one-interception showing against Boston College by completing 14-of-20 throws for 173 yards and a TD against Michigan State while also rushing for a score for the fourth time in as many games. Running back Josh Adams is a potent complement on the ground with 499 yards and a pair of TDs on 65 carries for a 7.7-yard average. Defensively, the Irish have forced nine turnovers and recorded eight sacks after finishing with only 14 of each all of last season and are allowing 18.5 points and 388 yards per outing.


EXTRA POINTS
1. This will be only the second meeting between the programs and the first since a 46-0 Notre Dame win on Nov. 14, 1909.
2. Miami coach Chuck Martin spent four years as a Notre Dame assistant under Kelly, including two years as the team’s offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach in 2012-13, before assuming the RedHawks’ helm.

3. Hall of Fame coach Ara Parseghian, who coached nationally ranked teams at both schools, will be honored throughout the weekend in South Bend. Parseghian died on Aug. 2 at the age of 94.


PREDICTION: Notre Dame 34, Miami 14

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Miami (Ohio) at Notre Dame

ATS Trends

Miami (Ohio)

Redhawks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games. Redhawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win. Redhawks are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Redhawks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Redhawks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win.

Notre Dame

Fighting Irish are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Fighting Irish are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win. Fighting Irish are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS win.

OU Trends

Miami (Ohio)

Under is 4-0 in Redhawks last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 6-1 in Redhawks last 7 non-conference games. Under is 6-1 in Redhawks last 7 games in September. Under is 5-1 in Redhawks last 6 games overall. Under is 5-1 in Redhawks last 6 games on fieldturf. Under is 5-1 in Redhawks last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 4-1 in Redhawks last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Under is 9-4 in Redhawks last 13 road games.

Notre Dame

Over is 5-1 in Fighting Irish last 6 games overall. Over is 5-1 in Fighting Irish last 6 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Fighting Irish last 6 non-conference games. Over is 5-1 in Fighting Irish last 6 games in September. Under is 5-1 in Fighting Irish last 6 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Fighting Irish last 6 games on fieldturf.

Head to Head

No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Texas State at Wyoming

When: 4:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 30, 2017
Where: Jonah Field War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, Wyoming

Quick Hits

Overall Team Offense

• The Wyoming Cowboys are ranked 126 on offense, averaging 269.5 yards per game. The Cowboys are averaging 104.5 yards rushing and 165.0 yards passing so far this season.
• The Texas State Bobcats are ranked 122 on offense, averaging 289.0 yards per game. The Bobcats are averaging 118.2 yards rushing and 170.8 yards passing so far this season.

Home and Away

• The Wyoming Cowboys are 2-1 at home this season, 1-0 against conference opponents and 1-2 against non-conference opponents.
• At home the Cowboys are averaging 22.7 scoring, and holding teams to 23.3 points scored on defense.
• The Texas State Bobcats are 0-1 while on the road this season, 0-1 against conference opponents and 1-2 against non-conference opponents.
• On the road, the Bobcats are averaging 3.0 scoring, and holding teams to 37.0 points scored on defense.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Texas State at Wyoming

ATS Trends

Texas State

Bobcats are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Bobcats are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a double-digit loss at home. Bobcats are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss. Bobcats are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 road games. Bobcats are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Bobcats are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Bobcats are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games on turf.

Wyoming

Cowboys are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Cowboys are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. S-Belt. Cowboys are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games. Cowboys are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games on turf. Cowboys are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win. Cowboys are 4-12 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. Cowboys are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Cowboys are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Cowboys are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games. Cowboys are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games in September.

OU Trends

Texas State

Under is 5-0 in Bobcats last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home. Under is 5-0 in Bobcats last 5 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Under is 5-0 in Bobcats last 5 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 3-0-1 in Bobcats last 4 games on turf. Under is 5-0 in Bobcats last 5 games following a ATS loss. Under is 4-0 in Bobcats last 4 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 9-1 in Bobcats last 10 games overall. Under is 9-1 in Bobcats last 10 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Under is 7-1 in Bobcats last 8 games following a straight up loss. Under is 7-1 in Bobcats last 8 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Under is 6-1 in Bobcats last 7 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Over is 12-4-1 in Bobcats last 17 non-conference games. Over is 15-7-1 in Bobcats last 23 road games.

Wyoming

Under is 6-0 in Cowboys last 6 games overall. Under is 6-0 in Cowboys last 6 non-conference games. Under is 6-0 in Cowboys last 6 games in September. Under is 5-0 in Cowboys last 5 home games. Under is 4-0 in Cowboys last 4 games on turf. Over is 10-2 in Cowboys last 12 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 7-2 in Cowboys last 9 games following a ATS win. Over is 5-2 in Cowboys last 7 games following a straight up win.

Head to Head

No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 6:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 30, 2017
Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama


Preview: Mississippi State at Auburn

Gracenote
Sep 27, 2017

No. 15 Auburn has bounced back nicely from a loss to No. 2 Clemson earlier this month - and the Tigers' next big test comes Saturday night as they host No. 24 Mississippi State in a pivotal SEC showdown. Auburn reduced Missouri to rubble last weekend and will look to take advantage of a home meeting with a Bulldogs team coming off a shocking rout at the hands of Georgia.

This weekend will be a great barometer for the Auburn offense, which has struggled through the first four weeks of the season and will be in tough against a Mississippi State defense that had allowed just 28 points over its first three games before getting steamrolled 31-3 by Georgia. "We needed a game like this and it'll do nothing but help us momentum-wise moving forward," Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said of last week's 51-14 thrashing of Missouri. "Specifically our offense, I'm glad that they started to click and I think that'll be a sign of things to come." The Bulldogs had shown New Year's Six-bowl potential prior to last week, and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham says that success may have played a role in last week's one-sided defeat. “I just think that when you win a big game, you got to understand that it’s on to the next one and that kind of thing,” he told reporters earlier this week.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Auburn -9

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE (3-1, 1-1 SEC): At the top of the list for the Bulldogs this week: reinvigorating a passing game that produced a paltry 103 yards on 33 attempts against Georgia; Nick Fitzgerald had just 83 passing yards and two interceptions in one of the worst performances of his collegiate career. His dual-threat ability (41 carries, 287 yards, five touchdowns) will be one of Mississippi State's most powerful weapons as they face a Tigers defense that ranks fourth in the nation in total defense (236.3 yards). The Bulldogs' 6.1 yards per carry ranks among the national leaders, and it sits 14th in Division I at 267.5 rushing yards per contest.

ABOUT AUBURN (3-1, 1-0): Quarterback Jarrett Stidham has done his best Sam Bradford impression so far this season, completing nearly 71 percent of his passes but averaging 8.3 yards per attempt while throwing just three touchdown passes through four games. Fortunately for Auburn, its K-named rushing trio - Kam Martin, Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson - have picked up the offensive slack, rumbling for a combined 596 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 113 attempts. Pettway missed last week's win over Missouri with an ankle injury, but Malzahn told reporters there's a "high likelihood" of him returning to the lineup Saturday night.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Auburn is one of two teams ranked in the top-10 in Division I in total defense, scoring defense and passing defense.

2. Mississippi State has allowed just one sack through four games, the lowest total in the SEC.

3. The Tigers' 45 points allowed through four games is their fewest to start a season since 2008.

PREDICTION: Auburn 34, Mississippi State 27

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - No. 24 Mississippi State at No. 15 Auburn

ATS Trends

Mississippi State

Bulldogs are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games in September. Bulldogs are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss.

Auburn

Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Tigers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 conference games. Tigers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win. Tigers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Tigers are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Tigers are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games in September. Tigers are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Tigers are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

OU Trends

Mississippi State

Over is 4-0 in Bulldogs last 4 games following a straight up loss. Over is 4-0 in Bulldogs last 4 games following a ATS loss. Over is 6-1 in Bulldogs last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Under is 4-1 in Bulldogs last 5 games overall. Over is 4-1 in Bulldogs last 5 road games. Over is 4-1 in Bulldogs last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 7-2 in Bulldogs last 9 games in September. Under is 17-5 in Bulldogs last 22 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 11-4 in Bulldogs last 15 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Bulldogs last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 5-2 in Bulldogs last 7 conference games.

Auburn

Under is 5-0 in Tigers last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Under is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 home games. Under is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 6-1-1 in Tigers last 8 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 games in September. Under is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 games following a straight up win. Under is 12-3-2 in Tigers last 17 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 20-6-2 in Tigers last 28 games on grass. Under is 10-3 in Tigers last 13 conference games. Under is 9-3 in Tigers last 12 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Under is 18-6-2 in Tigers last 26 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 19-7-1 in Tigers last 27 games overall.

Head to Head

• Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
• Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.