Saturday 9/5/20 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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SMU at Texas State 9/5/20 – College Football

SMU is coming into the game here with what could potentially be a good run on the year. As a lot of the teams dropped out of the competition some of them were the teams that could have been able to blow out the Mustangs. Now, the Mustangs are coming back with a fairly intact roster.

The starting quarterback is coming back for the Mustangs on the year with Shane Buechele. Buechele has thrown for 3929 yards, but he ended up in the year with 34 touchdowns and a total of 10 picks in the year. The leading rusher for the Mustangs that is coming back is TJ McDaniel. Last season McDaniel carried the ball only 41 times with 236 yards, but he did get 3 touchdowns on the year.

Texas State is coming into the game here with a potential to play 12 games. The Bobcats are now going to open the year against the SMU team and it could be a major upset if the Bobcats can keep the game close or even better pull off the upset. Look for the game to be a back and forth battle here, but the Bobcats are one team that can pull off the upset if needed.

Tyler Vitt is coming back to lead the Bobcats at the quarterback position. Vitt has thrown for a total of 1590 yards with 11 touchdowns, but he did end up getting picked off 14 times. Robert Brown Jr. is coming back to be the leading rusher for the Bobcats as the returning starter. He carried the ball a total of 28 times for 161 yards and a touchdown last year.

Free NCAAF Pick: SMU Mustangs -22

The Bobcats are bringing in a returning quarterback, but the returning running back from the team last year only had 28 carries in the season. That will lead to the Bobcats having to find a consistent running back in the game and that could take its toll and put too much pressure on Vitt in the game and that will eventually cost the Bobcats. Final Score Prediction, SMU Mustangs win and cover ATS 48-7.

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Middle Tennessee at Army 9/5/20 - College Football

This year the Blue Raiders had to add some games to make up for the games that were lost due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the Blue Raiders are a team that needs to make a statement game right out of the game. The Army team could definitely give the Blue Raiders that chance as the Black Knights have been a good team in the past and that should carry over to this game here.

Coming to the game here Asher O’Hara is coming in as the starting quarterback. Last year he ended up throwing the ball for 2616 yards and 20 touchdowns, but he was picked off 8 times in the game. Now on the downside O’Hara is going to be the starting running back in the game here as well as the quarterback. Last year he carried the ball 199 times for 1044 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground.

With the Black Knights they are going to look to replicate some of their strong play from last season. The Black Knights looked impressive with the ground game at times, but if Army fell behind they would end up having issues in the game. Look for the Army team to have some great games this year, but only if their running game gets going good.

Jabari Laws is the starting quarterback for the projected game here. Laws has ended up with a total of 311 yards passed and a touchdown, but was not picked off. The top rusher that is coming back in the game for the Black Knights is Sandon McCoy. McCoy ended up carrying the ball 134 times with 576 yards on the year with a total of 10 touchdowns,

Recent Betting Trends

Blue Raiders are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.
Black Knights are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games in September.
Over is 5-0-1 in Blue Raiders last 6 non-conference games.
Over is 4-0 in Black Knights last 4 home games.

Free NCAAF Pick: Army Black Knights -3.5

Both of these teams have to figure out some aspects of their game. However, the Black Knights have a great offense that can grind down the clock. The Blue Raiders for their part are coming into the game here with a fairly one dimensional offense as it relies on a single player to control their offense and that can make difference in the game here as the Black Knights can key in on O’Hara and contain him. Final Score Prediction, Army Black Knights win and cover ATS 27-21.

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Eastern Kentucky at Marshall 9/5/20 - College Football

Eastern Kentucky is a team that is coming into the game here with some potential, but have not played at the top tier since November. Now, the Colonels last year did decent with their record in the top level, but now the Colonels are going to open on the road against the Thundering Herd and it is not that bad of a game for the Colonels.

Last year the Colonels were led in the passing game by Parker McKinney who threw the ball for 1367 yards. The downside is McKinney threw only 7 touchdowns, but was picked off 9 times. The returning rushing leader for the Eastern Kentucky team is Alonzo Booth. He had 140 carries for 673 yards, but ended up scoring 14 touchdowns.

Marshall is heading into the game here playing good from last year. The Thundering Herd were able to get a good number of wins last year, but now Thundering Herd are going to have a good match here as they could expect. However, what should have been the opening game the Thundering Herd ended up getting postponed.

A big question mark for the Thundering Herd comes up from who will be playing quarterback. The roster for the Thundering Herd is coming in with 4 freshmen and a sophomore as the potential starters. One thing that the Thundering Herd may have going for them is the fact that Brenden Knox is coming back to start the game at running back. Knox ended up carrying the ball 270 times for 1387 yard and 11 touchdowns.

Free NCAAF Pick: Marshall Thundering Herd

With the Thundering Herd they are coming in playing a little bit better in the game here. Now, the Thundering Herd are one team that is going to welcome this easy game as the Marshall club has to figure out how to play quarterback in the game here. Look for the Thundering Herd to run the game with their rushing attack and that not only controls the clock, but makes it easier for the Marshall quarterback to settle in the game. Final Score Prediction, Marshall Thundering Herd win 31-7.

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MIDDLE TENNESSEE BLUE RAIDERS VS. ARMY BLACK KNIGHTS PREDICTIONS

PICKS

Middle Tennessee Win +3.5 Point Spread
-120

Under 55.0 Game Totals
-110

Point Spread Pick
Not exactly a full Saturday of college football, but several games to take place here as the Blue Raiders travel to West Point to take on the Black Knights. Neither team had a good season last year, with Middle Tennessee going 4-8 an Army going 5-7. This game is also interesting because Army runs a triple option offense, so you have to wonder how the preparation for this season will affect their gameplan. The advantage for the Blue Raiders is that they have had about a month to prepare for Army compared to what would have probably been a week under normal circumstances. Middle Tennessee returns nine starters on the offensive side of the ball, which includes their quarterback, Asher O’Hara. He passed for over 2,600 yards last season and rushed for over 1,000, showing his duel-threat capabilities.

Army on the other hand, loses their star quarterback from last season, Kelvin Hopkins Jr. plus three offensive linemen. That is going to spell trouble for an offense that relies on chemistry. Their defense’s main weakness is the passing game too, so I expect O’Hara and the returning cast of Blue Raiders, to have their way through the air.

The Blue Raiders are also susceptible to the passing game, but Army is not going to be passing here, so I will gladly take the Blue Raiders to cover in this game and I would not be surprised if they win pretty comfortably. ★★★


Game Totals Pick
Given we have a service academy playing, I think we will be in store for a lower scoring game. Everyone knows Army is going to runs the ball and run the ball often. That will chew the clock and cause less possessions. Army only allowed 23 points per game last season, ranking 41st in the country. Middle Tennessee did allow 29.9 points per game, but again, most of the damage against them was done through the air. They were not the best against the run either in 2019, but with more time to prepare and with Army losing some key starters, I would expect the Blue Raiders to be able to focus enough on the run and be ready. The total is more of a lean at best, but the under is the way I will look. ★

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SOUTHERN METHODIST MUSTANGS VS. TEXAS STATE BOBCATS PREDICTIONS

PICKS

Texas State Win +23.5 Point Spread
-110

Under 69.5 Game Totals
-110

Point Spread Pick
It is the Sun Belt against the American to open the season as the Bobcats of Texas State host the SMU Mustangs as huge underdogs. On another note, we just saw South Alabama win outright against Southern Miss on Thursday as a 14-point dog, so could we have another upset on the cards here? Not so fast as the Mustangs are a far superior team to Southern Miss. I am not counting out a cover by the Bobcats just yet, considering the circumstances that this game will be played under. There is likely going to be ample chances for a back door cover if SMU decides to take their foot off the gas in the second half. There is also no reason for them to run up the score and risk their star players if the game is already decided.

The good news for Texas State is they have a ton of their receivers returning this season. That should help their passing offense that ranked 106th a year ago. Also, they just got a transfer quarterback from Memphis, Brady McBride, and reports have said that he fits well in the Bobcats’ system.

The Mustangs had a pass defense ranking 125th in the country last season, so I do not trust them to shut down this young Bobcats’ offense over 60 minutes. As a result, a lean to Texas State covering this huge spread would be my play. ★


Game Totals Pick
We have two defenses here that each allowed an average 32+ points last season, ranking 100th+ in the country. Even knowing that, it is hard to believe they will come out here in the heat and both light up the scoreboard. Sure, SMU can score points in a hurry, but once they build a comfortable lead, their foot may very well be taken off the gas. Texas State is still young on offense and there are sure to be hiccups with their new quarterback making his first start. Last year when these teams met, the score was 47-17 in favor of the Mustangs. I do not think it will be another 30-point game, but I could see the Bobcats scoring in the low 20s, while SMU will score about 35 or so. This is certainly not a play I would go big on, but I will take the under here and look for SMU to let up in the second half to rest their star guys for a showdown with TCU next week. ★

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ARKANSAS STATE RED WOLVES VS. MEMPHIS TIGERS PREDICTIONS

PICKS

Arkansas State Win +18.0 Point Spread
+105

Under 74.0 Game Totals
-110

Point Spread Pick
Another Sun Belt vs. American match-up here as the Memphis Tigers will host the Arkansas State Red Wolves. Memphis is coming off a 12-1 season and the American championship, while Arkansas Sate went just 7-5. Both teams were top 30 in the country in scoring, Arkansas State being 26th, scoring an average of 33.7 points per game and Memphis averaging 40.4 points per game, ranking 8th.

Arkansas State was actually a slightly better passing offensive team than , average 312.1 passing yards per game and ranking 10th, while Memphis averaged 298.4 yards per game and ranked 17th. The Tigers will return Brady White at quarterback, but will be missing their one of their top offensive weapons, Kenneth Gainwell Jr., who decided to opt out of this season. With Gainwell out, the Red Wolves can focus more on their passing defense instead of stacking the box to stop him.

Arkansas State also returned nine starters on offense this season, including their entire offensive line, so I expect them to have success moving the ball. Because of the noteworthy absence of Gainwell, I will take the Red Wolves to cover this large spread. ★


Game Totals Pick
The total is extremely high in this game and probably warranted under normal circumstances, however I am not sure I want to back this many points in the opening game in a season we did not even know was going to actually happen. Memphis allowed 26.4 points per game last season, which ranked 58th, while the Red Wolves allowed 34.2 points. Again, the loss of Gainwell will certainly affect the production of the Tigers and may make it harder for them to throw the football because the Red Wolves will be expecting it. Memphis is going to score their fair share of points and frankly they will allow points as well, however I do not trust this much scoring in a game where conditioning of the players could play a factor. ★

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Marshall Thundering Herd
Marshall is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games
Marshall is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Marshall's last 16 games
Marshall is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Marshall is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Marshall's last 8 games at home


Eastern Kentucky Colonels
Eastern Kentucky is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Eastern Kentucky is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Eastern Kentucky is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Eastern Kentucky is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road

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Army Black Knights
Army is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
Army is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Army is 4-8-1 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Army is 20-2 SU in its last 22 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Army's last 5 games at home


Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Middle Tennessee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Middle Tennessee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Middle Tennessee's last 6 games
Middle Tennessee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Middle Tennessee's last 10 games on the road

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Texas State Bobcats
Texas State is 3-9-1 ATS in its last 13 games
Texas State is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas State's last 8 games
Texas State is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Texas State is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Texas State's last 10 games at home


SMU Mustangs
Southern Methodist is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Southern Methodist is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Southern Methodist's last 13 games
Southern Methodist is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Southern Methodist's last 7 games on the road

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North Texas Mean Green
North Texas is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
North Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
North Texas is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games at home
North Texas is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of North Texas's last 7 games at home


Houston Baptist Huskies
Houston Baptist is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Houston Baptist is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Houston Baptist is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Houston Baptist is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road

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Memphis Tigers
Memphis is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Memphis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Memphis's last 11 games
Memphis is 12-5-1 ATS in its last 18 games at home
Memphis is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games at home
Memphis is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Arkansas State
Memphis is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Arkansas State
Memphis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Arkansas State
Memphis is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Arkansas State
Memphis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Arkansas State


Arkansas State Red Wolves
Arkansas State is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Arkansas State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arkansas State's last 5 games on the road
Arkansas State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Arkansas State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
Arkansas State is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Memphis
Arkansas State is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Arkansas State is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Memphis

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UTEP Miners
Texas El Paso is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Texas El Paso is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas El Paso's last 6 games
Texas El Paso is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Texas El Paso is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas El Paso's last 8 games at home


Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
Stephen F. Austin is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Stephen F. Austin is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Stephen F. Austin is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Stephen F. Austin is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road

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EASTERN KENTUCKY COLONELS VS. MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD
The Eastern Kentucky Colonels and the Marshall Thundering Herd will be battling on the gridiron at Joan C. Edwards Stadium on Saturday in season-opening action.

Marshall lost its last outing, a 48-25 result against Knights on December 23. Marshall failed to cover in that game as a +15.5-point underdog, while the 73 combined points took the game OVER the total.

Marshall:
Team record: 8-5 SU,4-9 ATS
Marshall is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games
Marshall is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Marshall's last 16 games

Next up:
Eastern Kentucky at West Virginia Saturday, September 12
Marshall home to Pittsburgh Saturday, September 12

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MIDDLE TENNESSEE BLUE RAIDERS VS. ARMY BLACK KNIGHTS
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and the Army Black Knights will be battling on the gridiron at Blaik Field at Michie Stadium on Saturday in season-opening action.

Oddsmakers opened the Black Knights as -5-point favorites versus the Blue Raiders, while the game's total opened at 55.5.

In their last action, Middle Tennessee was a 31-26 loser on the road against Hilltoppers. They covered the +10-point spread as underdogs, while the combined score (57) was profitable news for OVER bettors.

Middle Tennessee:
Team record: 4-8 SU,6-6 ATS
Middle Tennessee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Middle Tennessee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Middle Tennessee's last 6 games

Army:
Team record: 5-8 SU,5-8 ATS
Army is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
Army is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Army is 4-8-1 ATS in its last 13 games at home


Next up:
Middle Tennessee home to Virginia Tech Saturday, September 19
Army home to Louisiana-Monroe Saturday, September 12

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SMU MUSTANGS VS. TEXAS STATE BOBCATS
The SMU Mustangs and the Texas State Bobcats will both be looking to go 1-0 on the season when they meet at Jim Wacker Field at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday.

Oddsmakers opened the Mustangs as -20.5-point favorites versus the Bobcats, while the game's total opened at 66.5.

Last time out for Texas State, they were a 24-21 loser as they battled Chanticleers on the road. Texas State covered in the match as a +7-point underdog, while 45 combined points moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

SMU was a 52-28 loser in their most recent outing on the road against Owls. They failed to cover the -7-point spread as favorites, while the total score (80) made winners of OVER bettors.

SMU:
Team record: 10-3 SU,7-5-1 ATS
Southern Methodist is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Southern Methodist is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Southern Methodist's last 13 games

Texas State:
Team record: 3-9 SU,3-8-1 ATS
Current Streak: lost 3 straight games.
Texas State is 3-9-1 ATS in its last 13 games
Texas State is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas State's last 8 games


Next up:
SMU at TCU Saturday, September 12
Texas State home to UTSA Saturday, September 12