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RAS
Syracuse -13
Kansas -9
Memphis +7
Maryland -4
Gaming Today
Mark Mayer
North Texas +33 @ Georgia North Texas
Western Michigan +17 @ Iowa Western Michigan
Wake Forest -3 @ Army Army
Purdue +24½ @ Wisconsin Wisconsin
North Carolina +4½ @ Georgia Tech North Carolina
Utah +7 @ BYU Utah
Arizona State +7½ @ Stanford Arizona State
Colorado State +39½ Alabama Colorado State
Missouri -3 @ Indiana Indiana
Richard Saber
North Carolina +5½ @ Georgia Tech Georgia Tech
Wyoming -2½ @ Air Force Wyoming
Utah +6½ @ BYU BYU
Rice +2½ @ Houston Houston
Kansas State +6½ @ Texas Texas
La-Monroe +27 @ Baylor La-Monroe
Doc’s Sports Service
U Mass +31½
Maryland -5
Texas -5
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Time Posted: 11:00 a.m. EST (9/18)Game 307-308: North Texas at Georgia (12:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: North Texas 76.712; Georgia 106.214
Dunkel Line: Georgia by 29 1/2; 62
Vegas Line: Georgia by 33; 67
Dunkel Pick: North Texas (+33); UnderGame 309-310: Florida International at Louisville (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 58.433; Louisville 103.193
Dunkel Line: Louisville by 45; 62
Vegas Line: Louisville by 41 1/2; 56 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Louisville (-41 1/2); OverGame 311-312: Western Michigan at Iowa (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 72.152; Iowa 86.479
Dunkel Line: Iowa by 14 1/2; 53
Vegas Line: Iowa by 17; 50
Dunkel Pick: Western Michigan (+17); OverGame 313-314: Vanderbilt at Massachusetts (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 95.228; Massachusetts 59.835
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 35 1/2; 49
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 32; 52 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (-32); UnderGame 315-316: Tennessee at Florida (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 86.561; Florida 106.134
Dunkel Line: Florida by 19 1/2; 52
Vegas Line: Florida by 16 1/2; 47 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-16 1/2); OverGame 317-318: Wake Forest at Army (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wake Forest 71.342; Army 74.174
Dunkel Line: Army by 3; 44
Vegas Line: Wake Forest by 3; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Army (+3); UnderGame 319-320: Pittsburgh at Duke (12:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 86.193; Duke 86.228
Dunkel Line: Even; 47
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 4 1/2; 51
Dunkel Pick: Duke (+4 1/2); UnderGame 321-322: Michigan at Connecticut (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan 106.944; Connecticut 76.810
Dunkel Line: Michigan by 30; 57
Vegas Line: Michigan by 17 1/2; 52
Dunkel Pick: Michigan (-17 1/2); OverGame 323-324: Purdue at Wisconsin (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Purdue 77.608; Wisconsin 104.810
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 27; 44
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 24; 47 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (-24); UnderGame 325-326: Ball State at Eastern Michigan (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ball State 78.165; Eastern Michigan 69.621
Dunkel Line: Ball State by 8 1/2; 58
Vegas Line: Ball State by 11; 54 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (+11); OverGame 327-328: Kent State at Penn State (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kent State 77.775; Penn State 101.800
Dunkel Line: Penn State by 24; 49
Vegas Line: Penn State by 20; 54
Dunkel Pick: Penn State (-20); UnderGame 329-330: Marshall at Virginia Tech (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Marshall 85.057; Virginia Tech 90.909
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 6; 58
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 9 1/2; 53
Dunkel Pick: Marshall (+9 1/2); OverGame 331-332: Cincinnati at Miami (OH) (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 97.151; Miami (OH) 62.816
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 34 1/2; 52
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 22; 55 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-22); UnderGame 333-334: North Carolina at Georgia Tech (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina 95.316; Georgia Tech 97.401
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 2; 64
Vegas Line: Georgia Tech by 6 1/2; 60 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (+6 1/2); OverGame 335-336: West Virginia at Maryland (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 84.502; Maryland 93.740
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 9; 47
Vegas Line: Maryland by 6; 51 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (-6); UnderGame 337-338: San Jose State at Minnesota (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 87.246; Minnesota 84.838
Dunkel Line: San Jose State by 2 1/2; 56
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 5; 51 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose State (+5); OverGame 339-340: Troy at Mississippi State (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 78.914; Mississippi State 90.566
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 11 1/2; 65
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 14 1/2; 60
Dunkel Pick: Troy (+14 1/2); OverGame 341-342: UL-Monroe at Baylor (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Monroe 77.523; Baylor 111.867
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 34 1/2; 70
Vegas Line: Baylor by 28 1/2; 74 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-28 1/2); UnderGame 343-344: Wyoming at Air Force (10:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wyoming 79.416; Air Force 82.848
Dunkel Line: Air Force by 3 1/2; 66
Vegas Line: Wyoming by 4; 63 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (+4); OverGame 345-346: Utah at BYU (10:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 97.446; BYU 94.761
Dunkel Line: BYU by 10; 58
Vegas Line: BYU by 7; 61 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-7); UnderGame 347-348: Hawaii at Nevada (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Hawaii 68.665; Nevada 84.227
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 15 1/2; 61
Vegas Line: Nevada by 10 1/2; No Total
Dunkel Pick: Nevada (-10 1/2); UnderGame 349-350: Utah State at USC (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 99.042; USC 91.784
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 7 1/2; 56
Vegas Line: USC by 7; 51 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah State (+7); OverGame 351-352: SMU at Texas A&M (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: SMU 80.809; Texas A&M 115.742
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 35; 74
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 28; 79 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (-28); UnderGame 353-354: Rice vs. Houston (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 86.613; Houston 75.929
Dunkel Line: Rice by 10 1/2; 69
Vegas Line: Houston by 3; 64 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+3); OverGame 355-356: Michigan State at Notre Dame (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 94.267; Notre Dame 97.861
Dunkel Line: Notre Dame by 3 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: Notre Dame by 7; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (+7); OverGame 357-358: Kansas State at Texas (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas State 96.476; Texas 104.139
Dunkel Line: Texas by 7 1/2; 55
Vegas Line: Texas by 4 1/2; No Total
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-4 1/2); UnderGame 359-360: Arkansas State at Memphis (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 77.014; Memphis 76.140
Dunkel Line: Arkansas State by 1; 50
Vegas Line: Arkansas State by 4 1/2; 54
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+4 1/2); UnderGame 361-362: Louisiana Tech at Kansas (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 67.368; Kansas 80.414
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 13; 56
Vegas Line: Kansas by 10; 50
Dunkel Pick: Kansas (-10); OverGame 363-364: Colorado State at Alabama (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 77.509; Alabama 113.944
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 36 1/2; 47
Vegas Line: Alabama by 40; 52
Dunkel Pick: Colorado State (+40); UnderGame 365-366: Arkansas at Rutgers (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 87.616; Rutgers 88.524
Dunkel Line: Rutgers by 1; 54
Vegas Line: Arkansas by 1; 47
Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (+1); OverGame 367-368: Arizona State at Stanford (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 100.485; Stanford 110.951
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 10 1/2; 53
Vegas Line: Stanford by 7; 49 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (-7); OverGame 369-370: UL-Lafayette at Akron (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Lafayette 78.789; Akron 75.935
Dunkel Line: UL-Lafayette by 3; 58
Vegas Line: UL-Lafayette by 7 1/2; 64 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Akron (+7 1/2); UnderGame 371-372: Idaho at Washington State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 56.890; Washington State 81.750
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 25; 52
Vegas Line: Washington State by 31 1/2; 56 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (+31 1/2); UnderGame 373-374: Middle Tennessee State at Florida Atlantic (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Middle Tennessee State 73.237; Florida Atlantic 76.088
Dunkel Line: Florida Atlantic by 3; 54
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 4 1/2; 48
Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (+4 1/2); OverGame 375-376: Tulane at Syracuse (12:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tulane 80.778; Syracuse 91.633
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 11; 51
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 14 1/2; 54 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulane (+14 1/2); UnderGame 377-378: Toledo at Central Michigan (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 86.364; Central Michigan 67.950
Dunkel Line: Toledo by 18 1/2; 62
Vegas Line: Toledo by 13; 56 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (-13); OverGame 379-380: Texas State at Texas Tech (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas State 71.559; Texas Tech 101.036
Dunkel Line: Texas Tech by 29 1/2; 64
Vegas Line: Texas Tech by 26 1/2; 58 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (-26 1/2); OverGame 381-382: Oregon State at San Diego State (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon State 90.547; San Diego State 90.458
Dunkel Line: Even; 50
Vegas Line: Oregon State by 11; 54 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (+11); UnderGame 383-384: Auburn at LSU (7:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Auburn 84.301; LSU 108.892
Dunkel Line: LSU by 24 1/2; 51
Vegas Line: LSU by 17; 56 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LSU (-17); UnderGame 385-386: TX-San Antonio at UTEP (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: TX-San Antonio 74.009; UTEP 71.133
Dunkel Line: TX-San Antonio by 3; 63
Vegas Line: Pick; 58 1/2
Dunkel Pick: TX-San Antonio; OverGame 387-388: Missouri at Indiana (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 92.760; Indiana 94.048
Dunkel Line: Indiana by 1 1/2; 66
Vegas Line: Missouri by 3; 71
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+3); UnderGame 389-390: New Mexico State at UCLA (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 61.583; UCLA 100.606
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 39; 70
Vegas Line: UCLA by 43; 65
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (+43); OverOTHER MAJOR GAMES:
Time Posted: 11:00 a.m. EST (9/18)Game 431-432: Jacksonville State at Georgia State (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville State 65.146; Georgia State 51.752
Dunkel Line: Jacksonville State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Jacksonville State by 10
Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville State (-10)Game 433-434: Savannah State at Miami (FL) (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Savanna State 35.378; Miami (FL) 91.008
Dunkel Line: Miami (FL) by 55 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (FL) by 60
Dunkel Pick: Savannah State (+60)Game 435-436: Bethune-Cookman at Florida State (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Bethune-Cookman 71.162; Florida State 113.731
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 42 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida State by 40
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (-40)Game 437-438: Maine at Northwestern (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Maine 67.129; Northwestern 100.849
Dunkel Line: Northwestern by 33 1/2
Vegas Line: Northwestern by 28
Dunkel Pick: Northwestern (-28)Game 439-440: Florida A&M at Ohio State (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida A&M 50.866; Ohio State 106.210
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 55 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 49 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (-49 1/2)Game 441-442: VMI at Virginia (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: VMI 37.330; Virginia 85.226
Dunkel Line: Virginia by 48
Vegas Line: Virginia by 44
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (-44)Game 443-444: South Dakota State at Nebraska (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: South Dakota State 77.187; Nebraska 94.141
Dunkel Line: Nebraska by 17
Vegas Line: Nebraska by 20 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Dakota State (+20 1/2)Game 445-446: Austin Peay at Ohio (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Austin Peay 42.938; Ohio 80.630
Dunkel Line: Ohio by 37 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio by 30
Dunkel Pick: Ohio (-30)Game 447-448: Northwestern State at UAB (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Northwestern State 56.715; UAB 69.047
Dunkel Line: UAB by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: UAB by 16
Dunkel Pick: Northwestern State (+16)Game 449-450: Murray State at Bowling Green (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Murray State 58.514; Bowling Green 81.958
Dunkel Line: Bowling Green by 23 1/2
Vegas Line: Bowling Green by 26
Dunkel Pick: Murray State (+26)Game 451-452: Idaho State at Washington (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho State 38.572; Washington 105.170
Dunkel Line: Washington by 66 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington by 49
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-49)Game 453-454: Morgan State at Western Kentucky (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Morgan State 40.880; Western Kentucky 70.976
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 30
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 34 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Morgan State (+34 1/2)Game 455-456: Eastern Illinois at Northern Illinois (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Illinois 78.197; Northern Illinois 95.052
Dunkel Line: Northern Illinois by 17
Vegas Line: Northern Illinois by 14
Dunkel Pick: Northern Illinois (-14)Game 457-458: Western Illinois at UNLV (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Western Illinois 57.903; UNLV 67.574
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: UNLV by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Illinois (+12 1/2)
Dave Cokin
337 San Jose +5
Sweetjones55
Louisiana Tech/Kansas Under 51.5 Points (x1)
Louisville Cardinals -41.5 (x1)
Joe Wiz Saturday Football
Free Pick Football Notre Dame/Michigan St Over 40
IveyWalters
Double Dime 2% Michigan State +7
The Sharps
Western Michigan Broncos at Iowa Hawkeyes
Saturday Noon – Kinnick Stadium
Current Line – Iowa (-16.5)
Let's just start with the fact that Iowa shouldn’t be favored by 16.5 over anyone! This is an improved team with HC Kirk Ferenz, but WMU has had success against Iowa (2-0 SU) and against Big 10 teams. WMU played Northwestern tough last week before falling 38-17 and one concern we have is the turnovers from the QB position as VanTubbergen has 5 picks to only 2 TD’s. Iowa beat their in-state rival Iowa State 27-21 last week and is 2-1 on the season, but we think that WMU has the experience and offense to stay close with Iowa. The challenge for the Broncos will be stopping RB Weisman for Iowa, who is averaging 5.0 yds per carry. If the Broncos can keep the turnovers to a minimum, they will be in this game in the 4th quarter. The Sharps say…
The FREE Sharps Play is 2 UNITS ON….Western Michigan
DHayes2
San Jose St +5
StatFox Super Situations - FoxSheets
CFB SMU at TEXAS A&M
Play On - Home favorites of 21.5 to 31 points (TEXAS A&M) quick starting offensive team - scoring 16+ PPG in the first half, after scoring 37 points or more in 2 straight games
46-18 over the last 10 seasons. ( 71.9% 26.2 units )
CFB LA LAFAYETTE at AKRON
Play On - A road team vs. the money line (LA LAFAYETTE) good offensive team - scoring 31 or more points/game, after scoring 24 points or more in the first half last game
146-83 over the last 5 seasons. ( 63.8% 0.0 units )
CFB ARKANSAS at RUTGERS
Play Under - Road teams where the first half total is between 21.5 and 24.5 off a home win by 17 points or more, in the first month of the season
89-45 over the last 10 seasons. ( 66.4% 39.5 units )
4-5 this year. ( 44.4% -1.5 units )
power sweep
ncaafb:
4* kansas
3* houston
3* wisconsin
NFLBettingPicks
Kevin
CFB week 4 picks
We're looking for our first big week with our college football system picks. It has been a tough start, but it's a long season. Things should turn around soon.
Sat Sept 21st - San Jose State @ Minnesota - [338] MINNESOTA -4.5 (-102)
(Note: I'm risking 2.00 units to win 1.96 units)
Sat Sept 21st - Oregon State vs San Diego State - [382] SAN DIEGO STATE +10.5 (-110)
(Note: I'm risking 2.00 units to win 1.82 units)
Sat Sept 21st - Wyoming @ Air Force - [343] WYOMING -4 (-108)
(Note: I'm risking 2.00 units to win 1.85 units)
Steve Fezzik
Early Bird CFB False Favorite Best Bet
2* San Jose St +4
Prediction Machine College Week 4
Between 57 and 60 are considered normal plays
386 UTSA +1
362 Kansas -10
354 Rice +3
381 Oregon State -11
388 Indiana +4
337 SJSU +5
343 Wyoming -4
326 E. Michigan +10.5
Totals
338 SJSU under 51
346 Utah under 61.5
326 Ball State over 55
380 Texas state over 58.5
328 Kent State under 54
352 SMU under 79.5
374 MTS over 47.5
362 La Tech over 49.5
lock is UTSA +1 (they have UTSA winning by 7.9)
Dr. Bob
3* Georgia Tech
2* Penn State
2* Maryland
Strong Opinions
Georgia
Washington State
Winning Points:
NCAA BEST: San Jose St, Syracuse (said 14-3 college picks)
Preferred: Wyoming, Toledo, San Diego St., LSU
Spartan
Triple Star on Missouri -3
Bryan Leonard | CFB SideSat, 09/21/13 - 12:20 PM *†
double-dime bet
307 North Texas 33.0 (-110) Hilton vs 308 GeorgiaAnalysis: 307 North Texas at GeorgiaInspiring come from behind victory last week for the Mean Green who used the southern heat to their advantage in the second half against Ball state. Now sitting at 2-1 on the season without being beat up by superior competition, this Dan McCarney squad could be a surprise money maker for backers the rest of the way. Since McCarney took over the program in 2011 the Mean Green have been road underdogs at BCS programs three times, cashing each game. As a 27 1/2 point dog to #15 ranked Kansas State they easily covered 35-21. As a 44 point underdog at #3 LSU North Texas lost 41-14, another easy spread cover. In 2011 they played at #2 Alabama and easily covered the spread without scoring a point in a 41-0 defeat. That's three covers against ranked opposition by pointspread margins of 13 1/2, 17 and 6. North Texas won't fall victim to the Georgia heat here and with a bye on deck the Bulldogs get their full attention.
Georgia is coming off a bye but with this game sandwiched between Clemson, South Carolina and LSU we can see the Bulldogs using that extra prep time for the Tigers next week. Last year Georgia was a home favorite of 30 or more three times, failing to cover the number in each game by margins of 4 1/2, 5 1/2 and 15 points. Mark Richt hasn't distinguished himself in the home favorite role overall or hosting non-conference opposition. Georgia has permitted 34 ppg against Clemson and South Carolina along with allowing 5.2 yards per carry on the ground, North Texas has the ability to move the football here. With only LSU and Florida left on the schedule to boost the Bulldogs in the polls, we fully expect Georgia to overlook the Mean Green.
PLAY NORTH TEXAS
Factsman Saturday:
Wake Forest / Army Over 48
Doc's
4 Unit Play. #26/#314 Take UMASS Minutemen +32.5 over Vanderbilt Commodores (Saturday 12 pm ESPNNEWS) We used the Minutemen last week on the road in a hostile environment in Manhattan and will ride them again this week at home against Vanderbilt. UMASS has a decent defense, relatively speaking, and playing at home will allow their offense to move the football a little bit and enough to keep this game under a 30-point deficit. The Commodes are coming off a hard loss to South Carolina last Saturday. In this game they were down big early but made it only a 10-point game in the second half. I do not expect them to be pumped for this game, and thus they will just go through the motions and win this game by 21-25 points. Vanderbilt allowed 284 yards passing and three touchdowns to a so-so South Carolina passing attack, and I believe that UMASS will put up the highest point total of the season thus far. The SEC is overrated, and we will go against the conference again in this nonconference game.
4 Unit Play. #78/#322 Take Connecticut Huskies +18 over Michigan Wolverines (Saturday 8 pm ABC) Yes Michigan had their look ahead performance last Saturday against Akron coming off a big victory over Notre Dame the previous week. But that being said, I just do not believe that Michigan is good enough to be laying this many points on the road to a BCS Conference team (Yes the AAC is a BCS Conference). UCONN is terrible on offense, but they do have a decent defense and thus I see Michigan winning this game by 10-14 points. Michigan has holes and UCONN will find a few of them to keep this game somewhat respectable.
4 Unit Play. #16/#336 Take Maryland Terrapins -4.5 over West Virginia Mountaineers (Saturday 3:30 pm ESPN U) We used Maryland as our big play last week and won the game despite a terrible performance on offense. Even though Maryland moved the football at will against a strong UCONN defense, they were just bitten by the turnover bug. This team put up over 500 yards of offense but had 3 turnovers and was just 4 for 15 on third-down conversions and 0-2 on fourth-down conversions. If they can clean up these things, they will pound West Virginia, a team that is in complete rebuilding mode. Maryland players are sky high at the moment as they are 3-0, and this is a must win game for them to keep their magical ride going. West Virginia is 6-13 ATS in their last 19 games against ACC teams. Maryland is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Maryland wins this game by double digits in Baltimore.
5 Unit Play. #31/#343 Take Wyoming Cowboys -5 over Air Force Falcons (Saturday 10:15 pm ESPN U) Top College Play of the Weekend. Much like our top play last week, revenge will be served on the field as we side with the more balanced team on Saturday night in Colorado Springs, CO. Coach Christensen was upset at how the game ended last year, a 28-27 victory for Air Force, and you can be sure his team will be ready to make a statement on Saturday night. But this play just comes down to Air Force not being able to stop the passing attack. They have no pass rush whatsoever, having accumulated just 1 sack on the season. Boise State and Utah State just picked this team apart, with QB Southwick going 27 for 29 and Chuckie Keaton going 32 for 40 with 5 touchdowns. Bad weather kept the Falcons closer to the Broncos last week, but we have a short number to work with backing the road favorite tonight. Wyoming is completing 63% of their passes and throwing for over 316 yards in just three games, and one of them came against Nebraska, a team expected to challenge for the Big Ten title. Wyoming is up-and-coming team that will be bowl eligible this season. They have covered 4 straight against the Falcons and will win this game by double digits. Wyoming is 19-7 ATS in their last 26 road games. Air Force really fell apart last year toward the end of the season, and they are just 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Air Force goes down tonight in Colorado Springs.
4 Unit Play. #44/#356 Take Notre Dame Fighting Irish -4.5 over Michigan State Spartans (Saturday 3:30 pm NBC) Michigan State has been the side to play in this series over the years. However, the Irish have pounded the Spartans the last two years. That includes a 20-3 victory in East Lansing last year despite Notre Dame being a 6-point underdog. Michigan State did not have an offense last year but did have a really good defense. I just do not see the Spartans being that improved on offense this year to threaten the suspect Irish defense. Notre Dame can score points, and I just do not believe that Michigan State will be able to keep pace with them. Michigan State is 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games on grass. The Irish shut down the Spartans offense, take care of the football, and win this game comfortably.
4 Unit Play. #64/#374 Take Florida Atlantic Owls +3.5 over Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (Saturday 12 pm) This is a battle of two teams not expected to challenge in Conference USA, and thus we will side with the home underdog. This will be FAU's only home game in their first six games this season, and thus expect the home crowd to be behind them in a big way. They picked up a surprising victory against USF last week, and they have a strong defense that returns most of their talent from 2012. They have not been giving up big numbers on the road, with opposing teams scoring just 25 points per game. Expect that number to go down since they are at home this week. MTSU has not looked that impressive thus far in 2013 despite a strong offense as they got pounded by North Carolina and struggled to beat a terrible Memphis team at home last Saturday. MTSU is 3-7 ATS in their 10 games following an ATS loss in their previous game. FAU is 11-2 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
4 Unit Play. #18/#376 Take Syracuse Orange -16 over Tulane Green Wave (Saturday 12:30 pm ESPN 3) The Orange are ready to pound another mid-major, a team that has a familiar name at quarterback in Nick Montana (son on Joe Montana). Syracuse appears to have a much more potent offense since they made a quarterback change to Terrel Hunt as he threw three touchdowns against Wagner last week. Tulane is better than in year's past, but they are still a bottom-feeder team in a bad conference. Syracuse showed signs against both Penn State and Northwestern and dominated last week against a lesser opponent. Tulane has lost 11 of their last 12 road games. Tulane is 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games following a victory in their previous game. Syracuse is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 nonconference games.
Chicago Syndicate
Early Top CFB Release
Marshall +9.5
Allen Eastman
3* Under Arkansas State
3* Memphis
3* Wyoming
Northcoast
Early Bird - Cincinnati -21
Underdog POW - Duke +4
4'* Power Play - Hawaii +11.5
Economy Club - Penn St. -20.5
Big Dog - San Diego St. +11 +365 ML
CHASE DIAMOND
9* CFB Customer Special
Southern Methodist vs. Texas A&M
Point Spread: +29/-110 Southern Methodist
9* CFB Customer Special
Texas State vs. Texas Tech
Point Spread: +27½/-110 Texas State
Phil Steele ESPN Insider
Each week during the 2013 college football season, I will offer up my picks and scores for the biggest games in addition to a handful of other key matchups.
Week 3 is in the books and my picks went 7-2, giving me an overall record of 19-8.
While this week's slate of games looks like a bit of a letdown after last week's Alabama-Texas A&M thriller, there are some intriguing conference matchups along with some longtime nonconference rivals squaring off. I tried to find games that could offer a lot of split opinions.
No. 23 Arizona State Sun Devils at No. 5 Stanford Cardinal
Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
This week's only game involving two ranked teams takes place in the Pac-12 as the Sun Devils, fresh off a controversial 32-30 win over then-No. 20 Wisconsin, travel to take on the defending Pac-12 champion Cardinal, who are off to a 2-0 start after last week's 34-20 win over Army.
These two conference foes have not met since 2010, but Stanford is going for three straight wins in the series for only the second time (1999-2001).
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After two wins over overmatched foes in San Jose State and Army, this will be the first legitimate test for the Cardinal. Last week's relatively close game can be excused when you consider the Cardinal were traveling across the country, playing at 9 a.m. PT time. Plus, Stanford had to face Army's option offense.
Quarterback Kevin Hogan is now a perfect 7-0 as a starter, and last year had four wins over ranked teams. On the other side, prior to last week's win over the Badgers, the Sun Devils' only win in the Todd Graham era over a team with a winning record came in last year's bowl game over Navy.
This will be the best defense that the Sun Devils have faced in two years. On the other side, I look for the Cardinal's excellent offensive line to wear down a relatively undersized Arizona State front seven that allowed 231 rush yards last week.
Pick: Stanford 31, Arizona State 20
Michigan State Spartans at No. 22 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
After going just 3-9 against the Spartans from 1997-2008, the Fighting Irish have now won three of the past four games over MSU, including two straight for the first time since 1993-1994. Last year's 20-3 win also ended Michigan State's 15-game home winning streak.
Last week, the Irish were in a flat spot against Purdue and found themselves down 17-10 into the fourth quarter before they scored three touchdowns in a span of 3:30 to make it 31-17. Quarterback Tommy Rees has thrown for more than 300 yards in all three games this year, but the Irish's ground game has averaged just 94 yards per game (YPG) the past two weeks. It will not get any easier for the Irish this week as they go up against a Spartans D that ranks No. 1 in the country in total defense, allowing just 177 YPG, albeit against poor competition.
On the other side, the Notre Dame defense has been a disappointment but will face a Michigan State offense that had struggled mightily prior to last week's 55-17 win over Youngstown State. After throwing four touchdown passes in Week 3, MSU quarterback Connor Cook will be making his first career road start in South Bend, where the Irish have won nine straight home games, their longest streak since 1997-1999.
Nine of the past 13 meetings between these teams have been decided by single digits, and I expect more of the same Saturday with the Irish winning their third straight.
Pick: Notre Dame 23, Michigan State 17
Auburn Tigers at No. 6 LSU Tigers
Saturday at 7:45 p.m. ET, ESPN
Both teams come in a perfect 3-0. Last week Auburn capped off an 88-yard drive with a touchdown pass with 10 seconds left to beat Mississippi State 24-20. Quarterback Nick Marshall continues to improve each week and connected on 6 of 8 passes on the game-winning drive. However, he will be making his first career road start in one of college football's toughest settings: a night game at Death Valley.
LSU QB Zach Mettenberger continues an impressive season to date under the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. He has completed 66 percent of his passes the past two weeks (albeit against UAB and Kent State), and has a 9-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio on the season.
While LSU does have a huge game against Georgia on deck, you have to think Auburn left it all on the table last week and will have no answer for an LSU attack that features a one-two punch at wide receiver in Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham, who are averaging a combined 316 all-purpose YPG this year.
Pick: LSU 38, Auburn 21
Tennessee Volunteers at No. 19 Florida Gators
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
The Gators have won eight in a row in this series by an average of 16 points. Last year, Tennessee led 14-10 at halftime, but Florida, true to form in the Will Muschamp era, made adjustments at the break and outgained the Vols in yardage to the tune of 399-109 in the second half in its 37-20 win.
Jeff Driskel
Kevin Liles/US PRESSWIRE
Jeff Driskel and the Gators are looking to bounce back after losing to Miami in Week 2.
This year, Florida comes in off a bye after a disappointing 21-16 loss to Miami. The Gators had a 22-10 first-down advantage and 413-212 yard edge in the game, but inefficiency in the red zone was the issue as they had two turnovers and also were stopped on downs. Quarterback Jeff Driskel threw for a career-high 291 yards but now has 12 turnovers in his past seven starts. On the bright side, the Gators defense ranks among the best in the country despite returning only three starters from last year.
Tennessee comes in off its worst loss since 1910; after leading Oregon 7-0 early, it was all downhill from there in the Vols' 59-14 loss to the Ducks. Quarterback Justin Worley, despite having a 5-1 TD-INT ratio, is averaging just 124 YPG and the Vols overall are getting outgained by 49 YPG.
Look for the Gators to shut down the Volunteers offense and, as long as Florida can clean up the turnovers in the red zone on offense, it should come away with a two-touchdown win.
Pick: Florida 30, Tennessee 16
Boise State Broncos at Fresno State Bulldogs
Friday at 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Broncos have dominated this series, winning seven straight games and, prior to last year's 20-10 win, had won the previous four games by an incredible 42 PPG.
Boise State has piled up 28 wins in its past 31 road games, but it was steamrolled at Washington earlier this year 38-6 and will be facing a Fresno State team that is a perfect 8-0 at home under coach Tim DeRuyter. The Broncos have won two straight games since that disappointing opener, and last week quarterback Joe Southwick had the highest passing efficiency total in Broncos history after completing 27 of 29 passes.
Southwick's counterpart, Derek Carr, is averaging 331 passing yards with an 8-1 TD-INT ratio as the Bulldogs have not played a game in two weeks because of the postponement of the Colorado game.
In my preseason College Football Preview, I picked Fresno State as my top non-AQ team and a win here will further validate that prediction. Look for the Bulldogs to finally end their series losing streak, but they may have to see the Broncos again here in the inaugural Mountain West championship game in December.
Pick: Fresno State 38, Boise State 34
Quick hitters
Utah State Aggies at USC Trojans
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN 2
Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton deserves Heisman consideration as he is averaging 308 pass YPG to go with a 12-1 TD-INT ratio. However, he will be facing a USC defense that is allowing just 212 YPG and 10 PPG this year. Last week, the Trojans offense finally kicked into gear as quarterback Cody Kessler completed 15 of 17 passes for 237 yards. In the end, the Trojans get their second straight win before a showdown with Arizona State next week.
Pick: USC 30, Utah State 20
Arkansas Razorbacks at Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Arkansas is off to a 3-0 start under new coach Bret Bielema and its offense looks much like Wisconsin's in recent years as running backs Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins have each topped 100 yards in the first three games. While both Arkansas QB Brandon Allen and Rutgers signal-caller Gary Nova were hurt in last week's games and are questionable this week, I think the Hogs have the better supporting cast and will move to 4-0.
Pick: Arkansas 24, Rutgers 18
Kansas State Wildcats at Texas Longhorns
Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, ABC
I had extremely high expectations for Texas this season but clearly the Horns have disappointed. They come in reeling after back-to-back losses and now face a Kansas State team that has beaten them five straight times despite the Wildcats getting outgained in all five of those games by an average of 96 yards. Sooner or later, the Horns will play up to their talent level. Plus, earlier this week Gary "the Gut" Galante went with Texas and I always stick with "the Gut."
Pick: Texas 34, Kansas State 28
Utah Utes at Brigham Young Cougars
Saturday at 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN 2
Utah and BYU have been playing the "Holy War" since 1896, but this is just one of many longtime rivalries that looks to be going by the wayside because of conference realignment. The Utes have now beaten the Cougars three straight years; however, this year BYU has the situational edge coming off a bye week after its impressive win over Texas while Utah comes in off a tough overtime loss to Oregon State. The Cougars get revenge and bragging rights until they meet again in 2016.
Pick: BYU 34, Utah 27
Norm Hitzges
NCAA
Double Plays
· Auburn +17 vs LSU
Single Plays
· Syracuse -16 vs Tulane
· Washington St.-31 vs Idaho
· Michigan -18 vs UConn
· Maryland -5 vs West Virginia
· Utah +6 vs BYU
· Kansas -10.5 vs LaTech
· San Diego St. +9 vs Oregon St
· Florida Atlantic +3.5 vs Middle Tennessee
· Indiana pick vs Missouri
· Hawaii +9 vs Nevada
· North Texas +33 vs Georgia
JIM FEIST
GAME OF THE YEAR WINNER'S CIRCLE EARLY!
9/21 3:30 PM EST CF (335) WEST VIRGINIA VS (336) MARYLAND
Take: (336) Non-Conference Game of the Year: Maryland.
Maryland is on a 5-0 ATS run, 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games. Randy Edsall can coach, with his Maryland team now 3-0. The offense has been great, 40.7 points per game with exceptional balance, including 262 yards rushing per contest (21st in the nation). Senior QB C.J. Brown (6 TDs, 1 INT) leads an attack that returns 7 starters, including 3 on the offensive line. They take on a West Virginia team (2-1) that has problems on both sides of the ball. They were awful on defense last season and allowed 435 yards to Oklahoma despite losing only 16-7. And the offense has been in transition, 4 TOs in that game, and Coach Dana Holgorsen has rotated QBs Paul Millard and freshman Ford Childress, the latter who is now starting after playing in only 1 game. After torching defenses the last two years, they are averaging just 24 ppg. The Mountaineers are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 vs. the ACC and 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games on fieldturf. The favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings and the Terrapins hold all the cards.
Play Maryland!
STRIKE POINT SPORTS
College Football Plays
4-Unit Play. #375 Take Tulane (+16) over Syracuse (12:30 p.m., Saturday, September 21)
I like this Tulane team. We backed them in their lone loss to a surprising South Alabama team in a close loss. Here, despite the heavy underdog label, I think the points will be good. The Green Wave have the offensive punch to score enough points against the Orange to not only cover but also compete for an outright victory. I can't remember Syracuse being this big a favorite over a team that wasn't a complete cupcake. Well, I can tell you Tulane is no walkover and I feel good about the points and the dog in this match-up. Outside of a 52-0 win over a horrible Wager team, Syracuse has lost its only two games this season, and I don't think they should be this big of chalk. Grab the points and the small conference team in this match-up.
4-Unit Play. #336 Take Maryland (-4.5) over West Virginia (3:30 p.m., Saturday, September 21)
Equal parts fade the Mountaineers and back the home Terps. I basically think this WVU squad is nothing to write home about. Graduating Geno Smith will catch up with them sooner than they will get over not having their do-it-all quarterback from a season ago. Maryland has some nice momentum with a 3-0 start and get a modest home line if I can say so as well. West Virginia has won each of the past three games in College Park, however this season the Terps are the better team. I was assuming this line would be around a touchdown in favor of the home team, so it's a value pick of sorts. Let's go with Maryland to continue their strong start to their 2013 season.
4-Unit Play. #387 Take Missouri (-1) over Indiana (8 p.m., Saturday, September 21)
It's all well and good for the Hoosiers to put up points in bulk against the likes of Indiana State, Navy and Bowling Green. However the SEC's Mizzou is a whole different opponent. Granted the Tigers aren't a legit Top Ten team or anything, however I think Missouri is in a class well beyond Indiana. I see this being another 30-point performance by Mizzou's high tempo offense as well as a win and a cover. Not trying to think too much on this one because I think Missouri is clearly the pick here. Go with the SEC over the Big Ten.
Matt youmans colo st.
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.
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
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
Gamblers Data (Fletcher)
3* Wyoming-3
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)
Lee Sterling with Paramount sports
The Florida gators -16
The auburn tigers +17
Jeff White
Ga tech -5.5
Maryland -4
San Jose st +4
Michigan st +7
Sweetjones55
Louisiana Tech/Kansas Under 51.5 Points (x1)
Louisville Cardinals -41.5 (x1)
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.
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.