Cnotes 2017 College Football Picks-Trends-News Etc. !

CNOTES · Sep 23, 2017

Saturday's Best Bets
September 22, 2017

It's hard to believe that we've already reached Week 4 of the 2017 College Football season, and before you know it the playoff committee will be releasing their weekly rankings for everyone to digest. If things were to end today, there would be a good chance we'd get a third straight season of Alabama and Clemson playing for the National Title, but it's still way too early to discuss those type of scenarios.

What can be discussed is the fact that Week 4 typically brings the start of conference play for many programs across the country. Many schools have already played a conference game, but this is about the time where it's conference play the rest of the way and you'd better believe the current CFB rankings will be shaken up quite a bit over the next two months because of it.

This week we've got plenty of the Top 25 teams in action, and while there aren't as many high profile games between two highly ranked programs, there are still some great games on the board to capitalize on. Here are my two best bets for the week:

BetDSI.eu Best Bet #1: Florida (-2.5)

After Kentucky upset South Carolina last week and the Gators needed a Hail Mary at the end of their game vs. Tennessee to win and avoid OT, money has been pouring in on Kentucky all week for this game. The Wildcats are now 3-0 SU this year and last week's upset was nice, but I'm not sure a program that hasn't beaten Florida SU since 1986 (and they've played every year since then) deserves to have nearly 90% of the ML wagers on them according to VegasInsider.com. All history aside, this 3-0 SU Kentucky team has yet to face anything like the defense Florida will bring to the party this week and that poses a huge problem for them either covering this short number or winning outright.

Not only do many believe Kentucky deserves their support in part because of last week's upset, but nobody has any sort of faith in the Gators offense after what they've seen in two games. Florida has really struggled to move the ball and put up points, and some of that likely has to do with the coaching staff's inability to pick a starter and stick with him.

However, Felipe Franks was the only one who took snaps last week and it looks as if the Gators will be riding with him for at least the short term. A decision like that helps breed confidence in the locker room (no matter how poorly things have gone so far), and the Gators 50% conversion rate on 3rd downs a week ago is another positive sign this team can point too.

But when it comes down to it, all the stories and notes about the fact that Kentucky has lost 30 straight games to Florida will get into the heads of the Wildcats players, no matter how long they've been with the program. When you want something so bad like they want to beat Florida – you start to force things to happen - and that's when mistakes are made. Kentucky's going to have a lot of trouble moving the ball themselves against this Gators defense, and as long as Florida can finally find some sort of semblance of rhythm on offense, I don't see how the Gators don't win this by double digits.

Florida is 5-0 ATS in their last five trips here, and with Kentucky on a 9-21 ATS run after covering the spread the week before, 4-11 ATS after allowing less than 100 yards rushing, and 0-4 ATS in their last four at home, don't buy into all the hype of this FINALLY being the year Kentucky breaks the losing streak.

BetDSI.eu Best Bet #2: UCLA +7.5

The Bruins suffered their first defeat of 2017 last week but it really was a brutal situation all around for them. UCLA had to travel across country to play a very early body-clock game against a Memphis team that has no problem chucking the ball around the yard like UCLA does and play high-scoring shootouts. Despite a furious attempt at a comeback, UCLA ended up falling short, and now begins Pac-12 play against a Stanford team that's lost two in a row and hosting their first game of the year.

Stanford has won nine straight games against the Bruins dating back to 2008, and they've gone 8-1 ATS in those games. Yet, David Shaw's team in 2017 is nowhere near as good as Cardinal teams of yesteryear, and I don't see how Stanford will be able to beat this Bruins team by more than a TD.

UCLA QB Josh Rosen can put up points on anyone in college football, and we just saw USC's Sam Darnold rack up 42 on this Cardinal team two weeks ago. There is no doubt that Rosen and the rest of his UCLA teammates remember how last year's loss to Stanford felt as they watched the Cardinals outscore the Bruins 16-3 in the final frame at the Rose Bowl to win 22-13. Stanford scored a TD with 24 second left to take a 16-13 lead, and then returned a fumble for a TD as time ran out when the Bruins were down to their last shot. That defeat crushed UCLA as they went on to lose four of their next five games overall.

Well, this is an opportunity for Rosen and company to exact their revenge and kick Stanford while they are down. The Cardinal suffered their own similar type of defeat last week when they allowed San Diego State to score the game-winning TD with under a minute left to pull off the upset. Those kind of losses are very deflating, and while UCLA's poor defense is a little concerning, Stanford is basically a one-trick pony on offense with RB Bryce Love, and one-dimensional teams have a tough time covering bigger numbers like this against explosive offenses that should be able to keep this game well within one-score, if not win it outright.

CNOTES · Sep 23, 2017

Miss. State at Georgia
September 22, 2017

Georgia and Mississippi State are set to collide between the hedges at Sanford Stadium on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN. As of late Friday afternoon, most betting shops had Georgia (3-0 straight up, 2-1 against the spread) listed as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 48. MSU was available on the money line for a +175 payout (risk $100 to win $175).

UGA owns victories vs. Appalachian State (31-10), at Notre Dame (20-19) and vs. Samford (42-14). Kirby Smart’s squad dominated a very solid Appalachian State team in its opener, racing out to a 31-0 lead by the end of the third quarter. The Mountaineers didn’t get on the board until scoring a TD with 5:41 remaining, and they made the score look more respectable thanks to a 43-yard field goal with 26 ticks left.

Starting sophomore quarterback Jacob Eason was lost to a knee injury in the first quarter, however, but true freshman Jake Fromm stepped in and played like a poised veteran. Fromm completed 10-of-15 throws for 143 yards and one touchdown without an interception. Nick Chubb rushed for 96 yards and two TDs on 15 carries, while Sony Michel produced 87 rushing yards and one TD on 16 attempts.

In Week 2, UGA’s fan base showed up in South Bend with authority to take over Notre Dame Stadium. The defensive struggle featured two ties and three lead changes, the last of which came when Rodrigo Blankenship buried a 30-yard field goal with 3:34 left to provide the Bulldogs with the winning points.

Terry Godwin made an incredible one-handed catch in the corner of the end zone midway through the second quarter to knot the score at 10-10. After a pair of Notre Dame field goals gave it a 16-10 advantage, Michel’s six-yard TD run with 4:34 left in the third quarter gave UGA its first lead.

Fromm connected on 16-of-29 passes for 141 yards and one TD with one interception. Michel ran for 73 yards and one TD on 13 carries, while Chubb finished with 63 yards on 13 totes.

Smart’s team captured a 42-14 win over Samford last week, but it failed to cover the spread as a 33-point home ‘chalk.’ Fromm threw for 165 yards and three TDs without an interception. Godwin had four receptions for 98 yards and a pair of TDs. With Michel sitting out to rest an ankle injury, Chubb rushed for a team-high 131 yards on 16 attempts. Michel is 'probable' vs. MSU.

Georgia is ranked 17th in the nation in total defense, sixth at defending the run and 21st in scoring defense (14.3 points per game). This unit is led by senior LB Lorenzo Carter, who has recorded 14 tackles, five QB hurries, two forced fumbles, three sacks and 0.5 tackles for loss.

Mississippi State (3-0 SU, 3-0 ATS) was probably the biggest winner in Week 3, smashing LSU by a 37-7 count as a 7.5-point home underdog. The 44 combined points stayed ‘under’ the 54.5-point tally.

Nick Fitzgerald completed 15-of-23 passes for 180 yards and two TDs without an interception. He also ran for 88 yards and two TDs on 14 carries. Aeris Williams rushed for a team-high 146 yards on 23 attempts, while Keith Mixon had six receptions for 97 yards and one TD.

There was nothing fluky about this pimpslap, as MSU dominated from start to finish. Dan Mullen made the best hire of the offseason when he snatched defensive coordinator Todd Grantham away from Louisville and Bobby Petrino. Grantham’s defense held Derrius Guice, one of the nation’s premier RBs, to 76 rushing yards on 15 carries.

Mullen’s offense is averaging 47.7 PPG to rank ninth in the nation in scoring offense. Fitzgerald and Williams have been the keys. The junior QB has completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 543 yards with a 7/1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Fitzgerald has rushed for 240 yards and five TDs on 31 attempts, averaging 7.7 YPC. Williams has run for a team-best 336 yards and one TD with a 7.0 YPC average. Mixon has seven catches for 112 yards and one TD, while Donald Gray has 10 receptions for 95 yards and one TD.

Before thumping LSU, MSU routed Louisiana Tech 57-21 as a 10.5-point road favorite in Ruston. Fitzgerald threw for 124 yards and three TDs, and he also had 111 rushing yards and two TDs on 10 carries. Williams ran for 107 yards on only nine totes.

In the season opener, MSU blasted Charleston Southern, 49-0, as a 21-point home ‘chalk.’ The defense limited the FCS foe to merely two first downs.

MSU’s defense is ranked third in the country in total defense (206.0 YPG), sixth in pass defense (105.0 YPG) and sixth in scoring defense (9.3 PPG). The catalyst for this unit is sophomore DT Jeffery Simmons, who has produced 17 tackles, two QB hurries, 2.5 sacks, one blocked punt that he returned 24 yards for a TD, one blocked kick and one fumble recovery returned for a 90-yard TD.

The ‘under’ is 3-0 for UGA with its combined scores averaging 45.3 PPG. Meanwhile, MSU has seen the ‘under’ go 2-1 overall, but the ‘over’ hit in its lone road assignment. Mullen’s team has seen its games average combined scores of 57.0 PPG.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

-- Georgia owns a 1-5 spread record in six games as a home favorite since Smart took over. On the flip side, Mississippi State has compiled a 9-3 spread record in its last 12 games as a road underdog.

-- Nebraska RB Tre Bryant is ‘out’ vs. Rutgers with a knee injury. Bryant has rushed for 299 yards and two TDs this year. The Cornhuskers dropped a 21-17 decision to No. Illinois last week as 10.5-point home favorites. Starting QB Tanner Lee threw a pair of pick-sixes. Third-year head coach Mike Riley was given an extension last week ahead of the NIU game, prompting AD Shawn Eichorst to get canned on Thursday. Obviously, this increases the heat on Riley, who is just 16-13 at Nebraska. The Cornhuskers were favored by 12 points over the Scarlet Knights late Friday afternoon.

-- Boston College star LB Conner Strachan is out indefinitely with a knee injury. He will miss his second straight game at Clemson. The senior led BC in tackles (80) as a junior when he also produced 7.5 TFL’s, 3.5 sacks and one QB hurry. Before going down in a 34-10 home loss to Wake Forest, Strachan had recorded nine tackles and 1.5 TFL.

-- Clemson junior kicker Greg Huegel, a two-time second-team All-ACC selection, is done for the season after tearing his ACL at practice this week.

-- Cincinnati was extremely fortunate to improve to 2-1 last week with a 21-17 come-from-behind win at Miami (OH.). RedHawks’ junior QB Gus Ragland came into the season with a 20/1 career TD-INT ratio. The third pick of his career was a costly one, a 14-yard pick-six by Malik Clements with 1:07 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Bearcats are double-digit ‘dogs at Navy. Going against the Midshipmen’s vaunted ground attack, they will sorely miss sophomore LB Perry Young when he sits out the first half due to a targeting penalty from last week. Young has produced 24 tackles, three TFL’s, one forced fumble and two PBU through three games.

-- North Carolina has already sustained nine season-ending injuries and it still has two games left to play in the month of September. In addition, four other Tar Heels are ‘out’ vs. Duke, two are ‘doubtful’ and two are ‘questionable.’ The most disconcerting loss for Larry Fedora is junior LB Andre Smith (knee), who is done for the year after contributing 113 tackles, one sack, five TFL’s and three PBU in 2016.

-- Middle Tennessee’s two best players – QB Brent Stockstill and WR Richie James -- remain ‘questionable’ vs. Bowling Green.

-- Tulane QB Jonathan Banks was upgraded to ‘probable’ Friday and is expected to start vs. Army. Banks sustained a rib injury in the first half of a Week 2 loss at Navy. He missed last week’s loss at Oklahoma. Banks has completed 13-of-20 passes for 198 yards and three TDs without an interception.

CNOTES · Sep 23, 2017

Mountaineers try to keep rolling, Jayhawks seek fresh start
September 22, 2017

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen wouldn't change much about the way things have been going lately for his Mountaineers, who bounced back from a close loss in their opener to Virginia Tech with a pair of lopsided routs.

Kansas counterpart David Beaty is looking for a fresh start.

The Jayhawks have followed a season-opening win over Southeast Missouri State with back-to-back losses to Central Michigan and Ohio. And now, what a long-downtrodden program had thought would be a breakout season with bowl potential is looking a lot like so many seasons before it.

''The good thing is we're 1-2. That's where we're at. There's a bunch of teams out there that are 1-2,'' Beaty said. ''Don't make it more than it is. We've got a great opportunity this Saturday.''

That's when the Mountaineers roll into town for their Big 12 opener.

''It's a lot different,'' Kansas defensive end Dorance Armstrong said. ''I don't want to say that things are a lot more serious but they are. We're going into Big 12 play and I think we'll be ready.''

The Jayhawks had better be ready.

The Mountaineers, who were the first team outside the Top 25 this week, are led by prolific quarterback Will Grier and an offense that's been on a roll. They rebounded from a 31-24 loss to the Hokies with a 56-20 blitz of East Carolina and a 59-16 win over Delaware State last weekend.

Grier is averaging more than 340 yards passing per game, just outside the top 10 nationally.

''You can say what you want to, we've done what we've supposed to these last couple of weeks,'' Holgorsen said. ''We came up short in that first game, we know, but we've done what we've supposed to as a football team, as a football program, these last two weeks and we're ready to move on.''

But while Holgorsen spoke glowingly of the progress Kansas has made under Beaty, the reality is the Mountaineers have had little trouble with Kansas. They rolled 49-0 two years ago in Lawrence and led 31-0 at halftime a year go before cruising to a 48-21 victory in Morgantown.

''We need to play our best, which is what we're expected to do and what we're expecting to do,'' Holgorsen said. ''The same goes for them. They're going to say the same thing. They're going to tell their guys that this has been one that we've been looking forward to for a long time. So, we'll get their absolute best this weekend, we know that.''

As the Mountaineers visit the Jayhawks, here are some key story lines:

SPEED LIMIT: The first concern Beaty listed this week was the Mountaineers' speed, and he made a point of highlighting Justin Crawford. The running back already has 326 yards and five TDs rushing.

O-LINE SHUFFLE: Kansas swapped out Andru Tovi for Jayson Rhodes and Zach Hannon for Antione Frazier on the offensive line last week. But the Jayhawks are far from settled along their front five and there will be plenty of competition in practice this week for the starting nod.

INJURY REPORT: The Mountaineers hope to get defensive back Toyous Avery back this week, while the Jayhawks are hopeful cornerback Shaq Richmond, running back Taylor Martin and linebacker Denzel Feaster are available. They've already ruled defensive tackle Isa Holani out for the season with an injury, and it appears unlikely nickel back Derrick Neal will not be available.

ON THE ROAD: This will be the Mountaineers' first true road game after facing Virginia Tech at FedEx Field in Maryland. Their last two games have been at Milan Puskar Stadium.

MATCHUP TO WATCH: West Virginia's secondary has been shaky the last few weeks, especially when Avery has been out. The Jayhawks could exploit that with Peyton Bender, who is averaging 343.3 yards per game through the air, and speedy wide receiver Steven Sims Jr.

''We've shown glimpses of what we can do,'' Bender said. ''There's been times where we've looked really good and times where we've looked really bad. Like I keep saying, just need to keep building on what we have, and we just need to get more consistent each week.''

CNOTES · Sep 23, 2017

Bruins hoping to end skid to Cardinal
September 22, 2017

STANFORD, Calif. (AP) Just as he wanted his teammates to move quickly past their first loss of the season last week, UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen would also prefer that the Bruins not get caught up in their nine-game losing streak to Stanford.

That might be a tougher task then getting over the 48-45 loss to Memphis, one that dropped UCLA out of the Top 25 heading into its Pac-12 opener.

The Bruins haven't beaten the Cardinal since 2008 and a majority of the games have been blowouts. Last year, UCLA had Stanford on the ropes for most of the game but surrendered 13 points over the final 24 seconds and lost 22-13.

As much as that memory still sticks with Rosen, the nation's leading passer said the Bruins (2-1) can't afford to make Saturday's game against the Cardinal (1-2, 0-1 Pac-12) bigger than what it already is.

''It's moreso we want to do it for coach because we all have each other's back,'' Rosen said. ''Every game has to matter as much as possible. No one game can matter more than another. I mean, it means a lot to coach (Jim) Mora, so we're going to do everything we can on the field to get a win.''

The game features two of the nation's top offensive players in Rosen and Stanford running back Bryce Love.

Rosen leads the country in passing yards (1,283) and touchdowns (13) while completing a career-best 65 percent of his throws. Rosen has been intercepted just twice, although one was returned for a touchdown in the Bruins' loss to Memphis.

Stanford coach David Shaw found it difficult when asked to describe Rosen.

''It's hard to come up with new words,'' Shaw said. ''Since the first time I saw him throw the ball as a junior in high school ... it's how you're supposed to throw a football. Quick release and the ball always has the perfect trajectory. He pulls out the howitzer only when he needs it. He's a problem we have to deal with.''

While Rosen and the Bruins attack from the air, Love and the Cardinal have done their best work on the ground. The junior running back leads the Pac-12 and is second in the nation with 524 rushing yards while averaging nearly 175 yards per game.

Love had 184 yards and two touchdowns last week against No. 22 San Diego State but Stanford couldn't overcome numerous self-inflicted problems and lost to fall to 1-2 for the first time since 2008 when Shaw was the team's offensive coordinator under coach Jim Harbaugh.

''It's different,'' Stanford linebacker Bobby Okereke said. ''A lot of us haven't been on losing teams at all in our playing careers. We're just talking about keeping our faith. We know we're a talented team. We just have to execute. It's a lot of mistakes that are killing us. We're making plays but we have to make those timely plays.''

Here are a few other things to watch for when UCLA plays at Stanford on Saturday night:

WELCOME HOME: The game is likely to draw a larger-than-usual crowd for Stanford's home opener because students are back on campus for the start of fall classes next week. ''In years past we've had big games against USC and others and our students aren't here, and it doesn't feel the same,'' Shaw said. ''With the students being back, first game at home, there should be some energy and excitement. I can't wait for the kickoff.''

NO BARTON: Jordan Perez and Joey Alfieri will split time at inside linebacker for Stanford in place of the injured Sean Barton, who suffered a possible season-ending injury to his right leg against San Diego State. Barton was fourth on the team with 14 tackles before getting injured.

UCLA VS. LOVE: The Bruins have the worst defense in the league and have been particularly bad against the run, allowing 275 yards a game on the ground. Most telling is that UCLA has allowed 19 runs that have gone for 10 or more yards. Love, Stanford's big-play back, is averaging 12.2 yards a carry. ''If you're going to play great defense you cannot give up explosive plays,'' Bruins defensive coordinator Tom Bradley said. ''That's the killer, those large yardage chunks.''

SHUFFLING THE DECK: UCLA defensive end Keisean Lucier-South was forced to play at linebacker against Memphis because the Bruins' ranks were thinned by injuries. The situation is still uncertain so it's possible Lucier-South could be at linebacker again against Stanford.

CNOTES · Sep 23, 2017

CFB Aug/Sept Best Bets: ( All Best Bets Based On 5 Units Per Play )
BEST BETS & OPINIONS

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

09/22/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00

09/21/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00

09/16/2017 20-26-3 43.48% -43.00

09/15/2017 3-3-0 50.00% -1.50

09/14/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50

09/09/2017 19-21-3 47.50% -20.50

09/08/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00

09/07/2017 0-1-0 0.00% -5.50

09/04/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50

09/03/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50

09/02/2017 11-21-0 34.38% -60.50

09/01/2017 6-3-0 66.67% +13.50

08/31/2017 9-4-0 69.23% +23.00

08/26/2017 5-5-0 50.00% -2.50

Totals:..........88 - 87 - 6.....50.28%....-38.50

Best Bets:*****
Best Bets :........................ATS............TOTALS.... .............O/U................TOTALS

09/22/2017....................2 - 0..............+10.00.................2 - 0..............+10.00
09/21/2017....................1 - 0..............+ 5.00..................1 - 0..............+ 5.00
09/16/2017....................7 - 9 - 1.........- 14.50.................3 - 6...............-12.50
09/15/2017....................2 - 0..............+10.00.................1 - 2...............- 6.00

Totals:........................12 - 9 - 1..........+10.50.................7 - 8................- 3.50

CNOTES · Sep 23, 2017

NCAAF

Friday, September 22

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday's NCAAF Game of the Day: Penn State at Iowa
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Penn State Nittany Lions at Iowa Hawkeyes (+12.5, 52)

No. 4 Penn State faces a major test in its first road game of the season when it visits fellow unbeaten Iowa on Saturday night in the Big Ten opener for both teams. The Nittany Lions steamrolled through their first three opponents at home by a combined score of 141-14, and their bevy of offensive stars shined brightly in last week's rout of Georgia State.

Trace McSorley threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns while running back Saquon Barkley amassed 226 total yards - including a career-high 142 through the air - and the defense pitched its second shutout. Barkley is averaging 8.1 yards per carry, 21.9 per catch and 26.8 per kickoff return, presenting the Hawkeyes with a unique challenge that has coach Kirk Ferentz scrambling for superlatives.

"I'm trying to think of the last time we played a back like this," Ferentz told reporters. "I'm thinking of the backs I've seen in my time in the conference. ... He just does so many things well. He's a powerful, strong, fast athlete. He's a really good football player. Run, pass, you name it, he's a threat. He's just a really impressive football player."

The Hawkeyes also have a workhorse at running back in Akrum Wadley (60 carries, second in the Big Ten) and Nathan Stanley's 10 TD passes are first in the league, one ahead of McSorley.

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

LINE HISTORY: The line has bounced around between Penn State -12 and -13. The total is hanging around between 52 and 52.5.

INJURY REPORT:

Iowa – RB Akrum Wadley (Probable, Leg), RB James Butler (Elbow, Out 3-4 weeks).

Penn State – OL Brendan Mahon (Undisclosed, Probable), DE Torrence Brown (Knee, Probable), CB Amani Oruwariye (Undisclosed, Probable).

WEATHER REPORT: Sunny with almost no chance of rain. Game-time temperature expected to be 89 F with winds blowing at 7.8 mph.

PENN STATE (3-0 SU, 2-0-1 ATS, 1-2 O/U): McSorley is 10th in the country in passing efficiency (184.1), has increased his completion percentage (67.1) nearly 10 points from last season, is gaining six yards a carry and now has even more support in the form of versatile backup Tommy Stevens, who has passing, running and receiving scores through the first three games. "What's nice about [Stevens] is he can play like a receiver, he can play like a running back, he can play like a quarterback, and we've used him in almost all of those ways," coach James Franklin told reporters. "I don't think there's any doubt that it creates stress on a defense." Franklin also has to be pleased with the emergence of big-play receiver Saeed Blacknall, who was held without a catch in the first two games but had 64 receiving yards and a score against Georgia State.

IOWA (3-0 SU, 1-2 ATS, 1-2 O/U): Since throwing an interception on the Hawkeyes' second drive of the season, Stanley has thrown his 10 TDs without a pick and is completing 61.4 percent of his passes. Wadley, who had 234 yards through the first two games before sitting out much of last week's 31-14 win over North Texas with an ankle injury, has been practicing and is expected to play Saturday. Iowa ranks 12th among Big Ten teams with 3.8 yards a rush, a troubling trend given the fact that it was outgained 359-30 on the ground in last year's 41-14 loss at Penn State.

TRENDS:

*Penn State is 8-0-1 ATS in its last nine conference games and 12-2-2 ATS in its last 16 games overall.
*The Under is 5-1 in Iowa's last six home games.

CONSENSUS: The favored Nittany Lions are getting 52 percent of the support in the consensus while 53 percent of players like the game to go Over the total at 52.5.

CNOTES · Sep 23, 2017

Saturday's Week 4 NCAAF Top 25 betting cheat sheet and odds

Washington faces Colorado in a rematch of the Pac-12 Championship Game and have covered seven in a row in this matchup.

UNLV Rebels at (9) Ohio State Buckeyes (-40, 60.5)

* Runnin' Rebels RB Lexington Thomas ranks 13th in Division I in rushing yards (341) and fifth in touchdowns (five) despite playing just two games. UNLV is 2-14 all-time against current members of the Big Ten Conference.

* Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer is considering having placekicker Sean Nuernberger handle kickoff duties with Blake Haubeil and Bryan Kristian struggling to open the season. Ohio State has turned 93.8 percent of its red-zone visits into points.

LINE HISTORY: A few weeks ago the Rebels were 45-point favorites against Howard and now they're getting 40 points at Ohio State. A few books opened with the Buckeyes as 39-point chalk but just about all shops have it up to 40 now.

TRENDS:

*The Rebels are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight games against Big Ten opponents.
*The Buckeyes are 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.

NC State Wolfpack at (11) Florida State Seminoles (-13, 51.5)

* The Wolfpack's vaunted defense has produced just six sacks through the first three games. QB Ryan Finley comes into the week ranked 13th nationally in passing yards (987) and had 304 yards and a score in last year's loss to the Seminoles.

* Florida State is 7-0 in home openers under head coach Jimbo Fisher, outscoring opponents by an absurd 372-52 margin in that span. The Seminoles converted an NCAA-best 96.5 percent of their red-zone visits into points last season.

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers installed FSU as an 11-point fave but bettors have pushed the line up to 13 as some shops. The total started out around 51 and is up a half point to 51.5.

TRENDS:

*NC State is 20-4 ATS in its last 24 games following a bye week.
*FSU is 6-0 ATS in its last six games following an ATS loss.

Kent State Golden Flashes at (20) Louisville Cardinals (-44, 55.5)

* The Golden Flashes, who finished eighth in the nation in turnover margin in 2016, have turned the ball over just twice in their first three games. QB Nick Holley and LB Matt Bahr will miss the game due to injury; Holley leads the team with 207 rushing yards.

* Cardinals star Lamar Jackson became the ACC's all-time leader in rushing yards for a QB last week with 2,834, and has 10 100-yard rushing games since the start of 2016. Louisville ranks 10th in the nation in total offense at 554 yards per game.

LINE HISTORY: This line opened with Louisville -39.5 at some shops. The Cards have been bet up to as high as -44 now. The total has stayed pretty consistent at 56.5.

TRENDS:

*Kent State is 11-27 ATS in its last 38 non-conference games.
*Louisville is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games overall.

Old Dominion Monarchs at (13) Virginia Tech Hokies (-28, 52.5)

* True freshman Stephen Williams Jr., who will start at quarterback for the Monarchs, is the only 17-year-old QB in FBS. ODU is winless in eight games all-time against teams from the Power 5 conferences.

* QB Josh Jackson leads the ACC and ranks 10th among Power 5 quarterbacks with a 177.8 rating through three games. WR Cam Phillips leads the nation in receiving yards (417) and had 14 catches for 189 yards and three scores last week.

LINE HISTORY: The Wynn sportsbook in Las Vegas opened this game with the Hokies favored by 24.5 points but early money pushed the line up quickly. Virginia Tech is giving as many as 28.5 points at some shops.

TRENDS:

*Old Dominion is 4-1 ATS in its last five road games.
*The Hokies are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.

(5) USC Trojans at California Golden Bears (+17, 64.5)

* Five key Trojans players have been held out of practice this week, including three on the defensive side of the ball: DL Rasheem Green, CB Ajene Harris and OLB Porter Gustin. Star WR Michael Pittman Jr. is questionable to make his season debut.

* Cal will look to QB Ross Bowers to air it out a little more this week; his 7.1 yards per attempt ranks 74th in FBS. The Bears have allowed scores on just 7-of-11 opponent trips to the red zone, the 19th-best rate in the nation.

LINE HISTORY: This line seems to be floating between 16 and 17. Many shops opened at USC -16 and moved up to -17 but there are lots of 16s and 16.5s on the board now. The total opened at 63.5 and seems to be settling in at 64.

TRENDS:

*The Trojans are 6-0 ATS in their last six conference games.
*Cal is 1-5 ATS in its last six games against teams with winning records.

Boston College Eagles at (2) Clemson Tigers (-34, 52.5)

* Eagles QB is Anthony Brown ranks third among Division I freshmen in passing yards (525) and is tied for second in touchdown passes (five). The Boston College offensive line ranks fourth in the ACC with four sacks allowed through three games.

* Tigers LB Dorian O'Daniel had six tackles and a 44-yard interception return for a TD against Louisville, and has 20 tackles over his last two games. Clemson is one of four schools averaging more than 240 rushing and 240 passing yards.

LINE HISTORY: The Wynn opened with the Tigers giving 31.5 points and bettors pushed the line up to Clemson -34. The total is holding tight around 52.5.

TRENDS:

*BC is 2-9-1 in its last 12 conference games.
*Clemson is 5-0 ATS in its last five games overall.

Toledo Rockets at (14) Miami Hurricanes (-13.5, 60.5)

* The Rockets' 679 yards of offense in last week's win over Tulsa was the fourth-most in school history. Toledo has allowed just three sacks through three games, ranking in the top 20 nationally in sacks allowed per game.

* PK Michael Badgley is 21-for-21 on field-goal attempts from 40-49 yards in his collegiate career. The Hurricanes had an NCAA high-tying 17 true freshman in action in their season-opening win over Bethune-Cookman.

LINE HISTORY: This line opened at 'Canes -14 and it came down a half point to Toledo +13.5. The total is where the real movement happened. The over/under line opened at 56.5, got bet up to 62 and has since dropped back down to 61.

TRENDS:

*Toledo is 14-2 ATS in its last 16 road games.
*The Under is 9-2 in Miami's last 11 games following a bye week.

(1) Alabama Crimson Tide at Vanderbilt Commodores (+18.5, 43)

* The Crimson Tide have defeated the Commodores 21 straight times dating back to the 1985 season. Injured LBs Rashaan Evans, Dylan Moses and Anfernee Jennings returned to practice this week and could be in the lineup Saturday.

* The Commodores come into this one leading the nation in total defense (198.3 yards per game) and ranked second in team tackles for loss per game (9.3). Vanderbilt has outscored its opponents 63-7 in the first half.

LINE HISTORY: This game opened with the Tide giving 18.5 points and there's where it stands heading into Saturday. The total opened at 43.5 and is now down to 43 even.

TRENDS:

*Alabama is 6-1 ATS in its last seven conference games and 5-0 ATS in its last five road games.
*Vandy is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games against teams with winning records.

(15) Texas Christian Horned Frogs at (7) Oklahoma State Cowboys (-12.5, 71.5)

* Horned Frogs QB Kenny Hill has completed 75 percent of his passes, good for ninth in Division I. TCU leads the nation in third-down conversion rate (65.8 percent) and second in defensive touchdowns (three).

* The Cowboys enter the week averaging 607 yards of total offense, the third-highest rate in the nation. Oklahoma State has allowed opponents to convert 43.1 percent of third downs, ranking it 95th overall.

LINE HISTORY: Some books are dealing TCU +13, which is a 2-point jump from the opening number the Wynn hung over the weekend. The over/under line is stayed put between 71 and 71.5 all week.

TRENDS:

*TCU is 1-4 ATS in its last five games overall.
*Oklahoma State is 5-1 ATS in its last six games against winning sides.

(8) Michigan Wolverines at Purdue Boilermakers (+10.5, 50)

* The Wolverines have made 10 trips to the red zone in 2017 but have just one touchdown to show for it. The Michigan defense has been far more effective, allowing just three offensive TDs through three games.

* Purdue is a perfect 13-for-13 at converting red-zone visits into points, with 10 of those trips resulting in a touchdown. RB Tario Fuller has 232 rushing yards and two TDs in his past two games after finishing with just 29 yards in the season opener.

LINE HISTORY: Pinnacle opened at Purdue +8.5 and most shops are up to +10 or +10.5. The total opened up at 52 and has been bet down to 50.

TRENDS:

*Michigan is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games following an ATS loss.
*The Over is 11-2 in Purdue's last 13 home games.

Nevada Wolfpack at (18) Washington State Cougars (-28, 67.5)

* The Wolf Pack have held opponents to a 3.2 yards-per-carry average to date, a major improvement from the 6.1 YPC it allowed in 2016. Nevada's time-of-possession average of 25:25 ranks 119th in the nation.

* Cougars star ILB Peyton Pueller will miss the remainder of the season with a fractured foot; he ranked fourth in the conference in tackles last season. Washington State averages 408.3 passing yards per game, good for sixth in Division I.

LINE HISTORY: Bettors are Cougar fans this week. They bet up the opening line from WSU -25 all the way to -28.5 at some shops. The total opened as low as 64 and now can be found as high as 67.5.

TRENDS:

*The Cougars are 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.
*The Under is 4-0 in Nevada's last four non-conference games.

(3) Oklahoma Sooners at Baylor Bears (+27.5, 63)

* The Sooners have won 16 Big 12 Conference games in a row, the fifth-longest such streak since the conference was formed 21 years ago. Baker Mayfield's 226.9 rating is the highest of any Division I QB that has played multiple games.

* Bears LB Clay Johnston has amassed 6.5 tackles for loss so far, ranking him second in the Big 12 and fourth in Division I. Baylor has held foes to 4-of-24 on third down over its last six quarters after opponents went 22-of-34 in its first six quarters.

LINE HISTORY: This game opened between 26.5 and 28 for the favored Sooners. It's settled at most sportsbooks at Oklahoma -27.5. There's been no real movement on the total. It's holding at 62.5 or 63 depending on the shop.

TRENDS:

*The Sooners are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games overall.
*Baylor is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games overall.

(19) Mississippi State Bulldogs at (12) Georgia Bulldogs (-4.5, 48.5)

* Mississippi State has allowed just one sack so far this season, joining Miami, Minnesota and Iowa State as the only Division I teams with one or fewer sack against. MSU's 47.7 points-per-game average leads the SEC and ranks ninth in the country.

* Georgia's RB Nick Chubb is averaging 6.6 yards per carry through three games after posting a 5.0 YPC average a season ago. Georgia averages 5.83 yards per punt return, good for 70th in Division I.

LINE HISTORY: Georgia opened as high as 7-point chalk but the line has come all the way down to -4 at some shops. Most books are dealing Georgia -4.5. The total is hanging out around 48 and 48.5.

TRENDS:

*The Over is 5-1 in Mississippi State's last six conference games.
*Georgia is 2-5 ATS in its last seven home games.

(22) Florida Gators at Kentucky Wildcats (+1.5, 43.5)

* Gators senior CB Duke Dawson remains in the concussion protocol and is questionable to play this weekend. Outside Malik Davis (five carries, 102 yards), Florida rushers are averaging 1.5 yards per carry.

* The Wildcats boast the nation's third-best run defense (57 yards per game) while limiting opponents to less than 2.1 yards per carry. Kentucky's defense has also recovered four fumbles in 2017, second-most in Division I.

LINE HISTORY: The Wynn posted the Gators as 4-point road faves and the line has surprising moved in favor of the Wildcats. Kentucky is now between a 1.5 and 2-point underdog. The total has settled in at 44 points.

TRENDS:

*The Gators are 5-0 ATS in their last five trips to Kentucky and 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games against the Wildcats.
*Kentucky is 7-1 ATS in its last eight conference games.

Syracuse Orange at (23) LSU Tigers (-21, 56)

* The Orange have generated at least 500 total yards in seven of 15 games under head coach Dino Babers. Teams have converted just 16.3 percent of their third downs against Syracuse, the second-best mark in the ACC.

*LSU will be without star running back Derrius Guice, who is dealing with an undisclosed injury. The Tigers have won 48 consecutive home contests against non-conference foes dating back to the 2000 season.

LINE HISTORY: Bettors aren't backing the Bayou Bengals that loss to MSU last week. LSU opened around a 23.5-point fave and have been bet down to -21.5. The game over/under line is set at 56.5.

TRENDS:

*The Under is 7-1-2 in LSU's last 10 home games.
*Syracuse is 4-0 ATS in its last four games against SEC opponents.

(16) Auburn Tigers at Missouri Tigers (+18, 60)

* The Tigers have allowed a paltry 605 yards of total offense to date - its lowest total through three games since 1974. QB Jarrett Stidham set a school record with 18 straight completions in last week's 24-10 win over Mercer.

* Mizzou has allowed just two sacks through its first three games - the second-best mark in the SEC - while limiting opposing defenses to 2.7 tackles for loss per game. QB Drew Lock averages 19.1 yards per completion, third-best in Division I.

LINE HISTORY: The betting market agrees with the opening number on this game and we haven't seen much movement on the line at any shop. The total is another story though. Books opened this number as low as 55 and it's now as high as 60.

TRENDS:

*Mizzou is 2-9 in its last 11 games overall.
*The Over is 10-2 in Auburn's last 12 conference games.

(25) San Diego State Aztecs at Air Force Falcons (+3, 47.5)

* SDSU has forced 70 turnovers since 2015 - second nationally to Utah - and has committed just 29 of its own, the fifth-lowest total in Division I over that span. The Aztecs limited Stanford to 18:46 time of possession last week, its worst such mark since 1996.

* The Falcons average 320.5 rushing yards - seventh-most in Division I - while limiting opponents to an average of 227 total yards, the ninth-best rate in the country. Air Force has scored in 300 straight games, the third-longest active streak in the nation.

LINE HISTORY: The Wynn opened this game with the Aztecs favored by six points but the line was quickly bet down. Just about all outlets are dealing Air Force +3. The total jumped around a bit between 46.5 and 48 and seems to be settling across the board at 47.5.

TRENDS:

*San Diego State is 15-5-1 ATS in its last 21 conference games.
*Air Force is 4-0 ATS in its last four games overall.

(4) Penn State Nittany Lions at Iowa Hawkeyes (+12.5, 52)

* The Nittany Lions have won nine straight games against Big Ten foes, its longest such streak since 1994. Penn State averages 8.28 yards per offensive play so far in 2017, the sixth-best rate in Division I.

* The Hawkeyes have won each of their first three games despite trailing in each; that includes a 10-point comeback against rival Iowa State earlier this month. Iowa's 73 first downs rank 27th in the nation.

LINE HISTORY: The line has bounced around between Penn State -12 and -13. The total is hanging around between 52 and 52.5.

TRENDS:

*Penn State is 8-0-1 ATS in its last nine conference games and 12-2-2 ATS in its last 16 games overall.
*The Under is 5-1 in Iowa's last six home games.

(24) Oregon Ducks at Arizona State Sun Devils (+14.5, 76)

* The Beavers have produced an NCAA-high 18 TDs on the ground; RBs Royce Freeman and Kani Benoit have accounted for 15 of them while averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Oregon leads the Pac-12 with seven interceptions and 42 points off turnovers.

* The Sun Devils are one of 20 Division I teams to score touchdowns on every visit to the red zone in 2017, going a perfect 8-for-8 coming into the weekend. QB Manny Wilkins shares the school record with 149 straight pass attempts without an interception.

LINE HISTORY: The Wynn opened this game with the favored Ducks giving 17 points and the line has been bet down to 14.5 and 14. The total opened at 76 and is settling in at 75.5.

TRENDS:

*The Ducks are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games on grass but 2-8 ATS in their last 10 conference games.
*The Sun Devils are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.

(6) Washington Huskies at Colorado Buffaloes (+11.5, 50)

* Huskies WR Dante Pettis has returned punts for touchdowns in each of Washington's first three games this season, and has eight punt return TDs for his career. The Huskies limit foes to a 28.6 success rate on third downs, inside the top 30 nationally.

* LB Drew Lewis is the first Buffaloes player with double-digit tackles in each of his first three games of the season since 1990. Colorado has forced seven turnovers, one of only 26 Division I teams to do so.

LINE HISTORY: The Huskies opened as 10-point chalk and have been bet up to -11.5. The total opened at 51 and now seems to be settling in at 49.5 or 50.

TRENDS:

*Colorado is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 conference games but 1-5 ATS against the last six opponents with winning records.
*The Huskies are 7-0 ATS in the last seven meetings between the two schools.

CNOTES · Sep 23, 2017

CFB Aug/Sept Best Bets: ( All Best Bets Based On 5 Units Per Play )
BEST BETS & OPINIONS

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

09/22/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00

09/21/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00

09/16/2017 20-26-3 43.48% -43.00

09/15/2017 3-3-0 50.00% -1.50

09/14/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50

09/09/2017 19-21-3 47.50% -20.50

09/08/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00

09/07/2017 0-1-0 0.00% -5.50

09/04/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50

09/03/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50

09/02/2017 11-21-0 34.38% -60.50

09/01/2017 6-3-0 66.67% +13.50

08/31/2017 9-4-0 69.23% +23.00

08/26/2017 5-5-0 50.00% -2.50

Totals:..........88 - 87 - 6.....50.28%....-38.50

Best Bets:*****
Best Bets :........................ATS............TOTALS.... .............O/U................TOTALS

09/22/2017....................2 - 0..............+10.00.................2 - 0..............+10.00
09/21/2017....................1 - 0..............+ 5.00..................1 - 0..............+ 5.00
09/16/2017....................7 - 9 - 1.........- 14.50.................3 - 6...............-12.50
09/15/2017....................2 - 0..............+10.00.................1 - 2...............- 6.00

Totals:........................12 - 9 - 1..........+10.50.................7 - 8................- 3.50

CNOTES · Sep 23, 2017

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 ( BEST BETS ***** )

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

WVU at KU 12:00 PM

WVU -22.0 *****

KENT at LOU 12:00 PM

U 56.0

ARMY at TULN 12:00 PM

O 45.0

TTU at HOU 12:00 PM

TTU +6.5 *****

UNLV at OSU 12:00 PM

OSU -41.0

MASS at TENN 12:00 PM

O 59.5

TAM at ARK 12:00 PM

ARK +2.5 *****

NCST at FSU 12:00 PM

FSU -10.5

PITT at GT 12:20 PM

GT -7.5 *****

CNOTES · Sep 23, 2017

PITT at GT 12:20 PM

GT -7.5

UNM at TLSA 01:30 PM

UNM +10.5 *****

O 67.0 *****

IDHO at USA 02:00 PM

USA -6.0 GAME OF THE MONTH **********

OHIO at EMU 02:00 PM

OHIO +2.5

ODU at VT 02:00 PM

VT -28.0 *****

CNOTES · Sep 23, 2017

My Noon Best Bets:

UCF at MD 03:00 PM

UCF +4.5

O 61.5 *****

CIN at NAVY 03:30 PM

O 52.5

RUTG at NEB 03:30 PM

RUTG +11.0

LT at SOCAR 03:30 PM

SOCAR -9.0 *****

TCU at OKST 03:30 PM

OKST -10.5 *****

GASO at IND 03:30 PM

IND -21.5 *****

USC at CAL 03:30 PM

U 64.5

ALA at VAN 03:30 PM

VAN +19.5 *****

TOL at MIA 03:30 PM

O 61.0

M-OH at CMU 03:30 PM

M-OH +1.0

BC at CLEM 03:30 PM

BC +33.0

U 53.0 *****

WAKE at APP 03:30 PM

APP +5.5

U 48.5

DUKE at UNC 03:30 PM

DUKE +1.0 *****

CNOTES · Sep 23, 2017

MICH at PUR 04:00 PM

MICH -11.0 *****

U 51.0

ULM at ULL 05:00 PM

ULM +6.5 *****

NEV at WSU 06:00 PM

O 67.5

AKR at TROY 06:00 PM

TROY -17.5

GSU at CHAR 06:00 PM

GSU +2.0

UAB at UNT 06:30 PM

UAB +10.0

O 61.5 *****

OKLA at BAY 06:30 PM

OKLA -27.5 *****

CNOTES · Sep 23, 2017

SYR at LSU 07:00 PM

SYR +21.5

O 56.0

ARST at SMU 07:00 PM

ARST +3.0 *****

O 73.0 *****

SDSU at AFA 07:00 PM

AFA +2.5 *****

MSST at UGA 07:00 PM

UGA -3.0 *****

FAU at BUFF 07:00 PM

FAU +2.0

BGSU at MTU 07:00 PM

BGSU +7.0 *****

BALL at WKU 07:00 PM

BALL +9.0 *****

USU at SJSU 07:30 PM

SJSU +1.5 *****

FIU at RICE 07:30 PM

O 52.5

PSU at IOWA 07:30 PM

PSU -12.5 *****

U 53.0

FLA at UK 07:30 PM

UK +2.5

AUB at MIZZ 07:30 PM

MIZZ +18.0

UTSA at TXST 07:30 PM

TXST +13.5

CNOTES · Sep 23, 2017

UTEP at NMSU 08:00 PM

NMSU -18.0

O 59.5

SIU at MEM 08:00 PM

MEM -23.0 *****

ND at MSU 08:00 PM

U 53.5 *****

ORE at ASU 10:00 PM

ORE -14.5 *****

O 77.5 *****

WASH at COLO 10:00 PM

COLO +11.0 *****

HAW at WYO 10:15 PM

HAW +5.0 *****

O 55.0 *****

UCLA at STAN 10:30 PM

STAN -7.0 *****

CNOTES · Sep 23, 2017

Visit my NFL thread tomorrow to see my NFL Dog of the month.....

Good Luck All !

CNOTES · Sep 24, 2017

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

ECU at CONN

ECU +5.0

O 63.0

CNOTES · Sep 25, 2017

Betting Recap - Week 4
September 24, 2017

Overall Notes

COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 4 RESULTS

WAGER Favorites-Underdogs
Straight Up 44-14
Against the Spread 25-33

WAGER Home-Away
Straight Up 29-29
Against the Spread 22-36

WAGER Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 26-32

The largest underdogs to win straight up
Virginia (+13.5, ML +425) at Boise State, 42-23
North Carolina State (+11, ML +350) at Florida State, 27-21
New Mexico (+9, ML +260) at Tulsa, 16-13
Texas Christian (+9, ML +280) at Oklahoma State, 44-31
Texas Tech (+7, ML +220) at Houston, 27-24
Idaho (+6.5, ML +220) at South Alabama, 29-23 (OT)

The largest favorites to cover
Virginia Tech (-29.5) vs. Old Dominion, 38-0
Washington State (-28.5) vs. Nevada, 45-7
Indiana (-21.5) vs. Georgia Southern, 52-17
Alabama (-20) at Vanderbilt, 59-0
Auburn (-18.5) at Missouri, 51-14
South Florida (-18) vs. Temple, 43-7
New Mexico State (-17) vs. UTEP, 41-14

Top 25 Notes

-- Oklahoma State had been humming right along, thumping opponents during the early going. They entered Saturday's game against Texas Christian as a nine-point favorite, but not many expected the Horned Frogs to come away from Stillwater with a straight-up win. However, they built a 34-17 lead after three quarters and held on for a 44-31 victory to throw themselves into a potential Top 10 ranking and the shirts with the target. ...

The rival of the Cowboys, Oklahoma, received all they could handle from a team which had looked moribund in its first three games, Baylor. The Bears entered 0-3 SU/ATS, but they went toe-to-toe with the Sooners, trailing just 35-31 after three quarters. OU gained a little separation at 49-31 with 8:55 to go, but the Bears chipped away and had the ball in a one-possession game before turning it over late to seal the win for the Sooners. ...

Florida State was back in action after a two-week absence due to Hurricane Irma, and they looked a bit rusty at times. Using a true freshman QB, the Seminoles trailed wire-to-wire against North Carolina State, a team that always seems to give FSU trouble.

-- Alabama hit the road as 20-point favorites and whitewashed Vanderbilt, 59-0. The Crimson Tide offense appears to be hitting on all cylinders over the past three games, posting 41 or more points. The defense is also doing its job, as the Tide are allowing just 10.0 PPG, including just 3.5 PPG in games away from Tuscaloosa this season.

-- Florida was at it again in the final minute of regulation. The Gators were tied or trailing for the entire game at Kentucky until the final 43 seconds of regulation. That's when Luke Del Rio hit a wide-open Freddie Swain on a 5-yard TD strike, as the Wildcats were in disarray with just 10 players on the field. It was something Wildcats fans have seem all too often, as that's now 31 consecutive wins for Florida against Kentucky dating back to 1986. The Wildcats were still able to hang on for the cover, moving to 2-0 ATS in conference this season.

-- Mississippi State was unable to carry over momentum after their rout of LSU last week, as they were never in the game at Georgia. UGA fired out to a 14-0 lead after 15 minutes and never looked back, rolling MSU by a 31-3 score. Georgia moved to 4-0 SU/3-1 ATS while the 'under' is 4-0 thanks to their suffocating defense, allowing just 11.5 PPG.

-- Penn State struck in dramatic fashion at Iowa. The Hawkeyes took a 19-15 lead with 1:42 to go, and the upset appeared to be in good shape. However, Trace McSorley threw a strike in the middle of the end zone to Juwan Johnson with no time remaining on the clock to stun the previously happy crowd in Iowa City, 21-19. The Hawkeyes were able to hang on for their first cover since the opener on Sept. 2. The 'under' is now 3-1 for Iowa.

Big Five Conference Report (ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC)

-- Duke dealt rival North Carolina its third loss before the calendar has flipped to October, topping the Tar Heels 27-17. Duke is now an impressive 4-0 SU/ATS heading into next Friday's showdown at Wallace Wade against Miami-Florida. ... Speaking of the Hurricanes, they rolled to a 52-30 win. It wasn't easy, as the Rockets were leading 16-10 at halftime before the Canes woke up. Chalk up the first half to rustiness, as they had been off since Sept. 2 due to Hurricane Irma. ... Wake Forest moved to 4-0 SU with a non-conference win at Appalachian State, 20-19. It was the first time this season the Demon Deacons failed to cover. They'll host an angry and winless Florida State team in Winston-Salem next Saturday.

-- Indiana showed off impressive offense in a win over Georgia Southern. The Hoosiers nearly erased the entire 21 1/2-point spread after 15 minutes, taking a 21-0 lead. The Hoosiers rolled up 467 total yards to 2-1 SU/ATS, and the 'over' is 2-0 in two games at 'The Rock' this season. ... Michigan dropped Purdue down a peg, winning in West Lafayette by a 28-10 count. The Boilermakers had covered their first three games until this non-cover. The Wolverines defense improved for the third consecutive game, allowing an average of 13.5 PPG. ... Michigan State had nothing for Notre Dame in their annual rivalry game, falling to the Irish 38-18. After going 2-0 SU/ATS with two 'under' results, Sparty failed to cover and the 'over' hit.

-- Kansas fell behind West Virginia 35-13 at halftime. However, the Jayhawks offense has been respectable this season and they didn't go away. Kansas outscored West Virginia 14-0 in the third quarter to get back in good shape before hanging on for the cover, 56-34. The Jayhawks have hit the 'over' in all four games, and they have 27 or more points in each of their four outings. ... Texas Tech stepped out of conference to top Houston, 27-24. The win snapped Houston's 16-game home winning streak. The Red Raiders are now 3-0 SU/ATS through three outings.

-- UCLA looked to bounce back after a disappointing loss at Memphis last week. They were playing on 'The Farm' against an angry Stanford side looking to avoid a third straight game. The Bruins were unable to shut down RB Bryce Love, who appears to be the next star in Palo Alto. The Cardinal ran away for a 58-34 win, dropping the Bruins to 1-3 ATS through four games. The 'over' is a perfect 4-0 for UCLA, as their defense has allowed 44 or more points in three outings. ... Utah held on for a 30-24 win at Arizona, moving to 4-0 SU/ATS. The 'under' also hit for the third time thisseason.

-- Tennessee struggled Massachusetts, topping the Minutemen 17-13. Perhaps the Vols were having a bit of a hangover after last week's stunning loss in Gainesville. The Vols slipped to 1-3 ATS so far, and the 'under' has hit in three in a row. ... Auburn stormed past Missouri, 51-14. It was the first cover of the season for Auburn, and their first 'over' results. ... Texas A&M and Arkansas needed overtime to decide things, tied 43-43 after regulation. The Aggies survived for the road win, 50-43, in OT.

Mid-Major Report

-- Tulsa suffered a stunning loss at home against New Mexico, 16-13. It was not only stunning the Golden Hurricane lost at home, but that this game was a defensive battle. Tulsa had allowed 55.0 PPG through the first three outings. ... UCF was back in action after a lengthy layoff due to Hurricane Irma. They certainly didn't look rusty in a 38-10 win at Maryland, as the Terps had injury issues at quarterback. UCF is now 2-0 SU/ATS heading into their home game against Memphis next week.

-- Charlotte was blanked at home by a poor Georgia State side in a battle between two of the worst teams in FBS. The 49ers have averaged just 4.7 PPG through three outings against FBS teams, and they're 0-4 ATS overall. ... Alabama-Birmingham came up short at North Texas, 46-43, but they were able to cover the number. UNT was a rare double-digit favorite, and early on it appeared they might cover it. The Mean Green led 30-14 at half, but the Blazers outscored them 29-16 in the second half.

-- Eastern Michigan took Ohio to double-overtime on that ridiculous gray field in Ypsilanti. The Bobcats ended up hanging on for the 27-20 win, moving to 3-1 SU/ATS with a win against a Power 5 team under their belt already. The 'under' result was their first of the season in four outings. ... The woes for Bowling Green continue, as they stepped out of conference and were dropped at Middle Tennessee, 24-13. The Falcons are now 0-4 SU/ATS. While the defense allowed a season-low 24 points, the offense continues to struggle. BGSU is averaging just 10.0 PPG in three games vs. FBS opponents and the 'under' is 3-0-1 overall for the Falcons.

-- Hawaii-Wyoming could not be decided in regulation in Laramie, but the Cowboys were able to hang on for the win and cover, 28-21, in the first OT. It was Wyoming's first cover in four tries, and the 'under' is a perfect 4-0 for them. ... San Diego State moved to 4-0 SU with a 28-24 win at Air Force. The Aztecs have covered all three of their games against FBS foes this season. ... San Jose State was hammered 61-10 at home by Utah State, as the Spartans are 0-3 ATS in each of their past three. Their offense is averaging just 8.7 PPG during the span.

Bad Beats

-- 'Over' bettors (51) in the Miami (Ohio)-Central Michigan game were feeling good about things, as these two MAC teams combined for 42 points by halftime. However, there was just one field goal in the second half of action, as the Redhawks won 31-14. Ouch.

-- 'Under' bettors (50) had to like their chances in Ball State-Western Kentucky, but things got ugly in a hurry. There were just 34 points on the board until the Cardinals scored at 4:50 left in regulation to take a 21-20 lead. The Hilltoppers stormed back to take a 26-21 lead with 1:38 to go, failing on a two-point conversion try. Under bettors were still in good shape until a pick-six with 1:13 to go by WKU turned an under into an over.

-- 'Under' bettors (48.5) were staring at just 23 points after three quarters, feeling fine in the San Diego STate-Air Force game. But the Falcons outscored the Aztecs 15-14 in the final 15 minutes to push the total over.

-- Iowa moneyline bettors (+400) felt good until there were zeroes left on the clock. Penn State ruined a potentially profitable night on the final play of the game.

CNOTES · Sep 25, 2017

4th Quarter Covers - Week 4
September 24, 2017

Glancing at the scoreboard won’t tell you the whole story in most games. Here are some of the games that went down to the wire relative to the spread in the fourth quarter last week in the fourth big college football weekend.

Each week there are several teams that cover despite not necessarily deserving it, as well as other teams that played much better than the final score shows.

Utah (-4½) 30, Arizona 24: The Utes grabbed the lead early in this game with a few big plays, taking advantage of a big punt return and an Arizona fumble heading into the end zone to lead 13-3. Arizona got back within three with a late second quarter touchdown and had a chance to tie the game at the half but a 43-yard field goal missed. Both teams added third quarter touchdowns and Utah took command late in the third quarter with an interception return touchdown to lead again by 10. Early in the fourth quarter Arizona failed on 4th-and-1 from the Utah 25 and then on its next possession had a field goal attempt blocked for more missed opportunities. The Arizona defense kept them in the game holding Utah to a field goal and the Wildcats got within six finally completing a touchdown drive with just fewer than three minutes remaining. The Wildcats subsequently got the on-side kick to start at the Utah 35-yard-line but again fumbled following a strong first down gain to the 20-yard-line. Arizona’s defense again held but getting the ball back Arizona promptly threw an interception for their fifth turnover in a game where the host had significant yardage edges, particularly on the ground, despite the road favorite escaping with a very narrow win and cover. Those on the ‘over’ also felt the pain of all the missed scoring chances with the ‘under’ holding on a total that fell to as low as 55 before climbing back up to close at 60½.

Duke (+2½) 27, North Carolina 17: A big play just before halftime tied the game for North Carolina and through three quarters the Tar Heels led 17-13, just past the very slight home favorite spread, though it was Duke that was a slight road favorite most of the week. Six straight punts followed the third quarter touchdown for North Carolina before the Blue Devils put together a 74-yard touchdown drive to lead by three with about six minutes to play, with some early week spreads hitting as a high Duke -3. The Tar Heels looked like a threat to answer crossing midfield but Chazz Surratt wound up being intercepted and the return went all the way the other direction as Duke went up by 10. It wouldn’t have impacted the spread for most but North Carolina reached the Duke 13-yard-line in the final minute but Duke got the stop to secure the win and cover, now 4-0 both straight up and against the spread on the season after finishing just 4-8 SU last season.

Michigan (-13½) 28, Purdue 10: The Boilermakers led 10-7 at halftime and still were in position to clearly cover trailing 14-10 through three quarters. Michigan took over in the fourth however with two touchdown drives to go up by 18 with about seven minutes remaining. The young Wolverines defense held Purdue to just 15 net yards on six second half possessions to get the win and cover playing most of the game with backup quarterback John O’Korn.

Ohio (+1½) 27, Eastern Michigan 20: An interception return touchdown put Ohio up 10-6 just before halftime and the Bobcats led 13-6 through three quarters. Eastern Michigan tied the game early in the fourth quarter and Ohio botched two chances to win in regulation with a fumble at the end of a 29-yard pass play and then a missed field goal in the final two minutes. Eastern Michigan went first in overtime and scored on 1st down but Ohio matched that touchdown and going first in the second session they successfully converted two 3rd downs for the go-ahead touchdown. Eastern Michigan failed on 4th-and-4 as the Bobcats took a big road win in MAC play.

Nebraska (-13) 27, Rutgers 17: A defensive touchdown right after halftime put Rutgers ahead 17-14 but Nebraska was able to take over with a 97-yard touchdown drive and a field goal to lead by seven early in the fourth quarter. Starting with good field position on an early fourth quarter drive Nebraska reached the Rutgers 10-yard line but had to settle for a short field goal to only go up by 10 when a touchdown would have put Nebraska past the favorite spread that fluctuated at various price in between -11 and -14 during the week. Rutgers closed the game with a punt and another interception but Nebraska didn’t need more points to wrap up its homecoming victory as the Knights narrowly held on for the underdog cover.

Miami, FL (-13½) 52, Toledo 30: This was a one-point game until Miami scored a touchdown with 20 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The Hurricanes took over in the fourth quarter with the help of a Toledo fumble making for four consecutive touchdowns before Toledo stopped the bleeding, cutting the margin to 38-22 with a touchdown with nine minutes to go. The Rockets picked up an interception a few plays later and were back in the game, finding the end zone after the turnover to trail just 38-30 after a successful two-point conversion. It wound up not mattering as Miami scored two more touchdowns in the final seven minutes to win by a misleading 22 point final margin. After 40 points through three quarters the ‘over’ won with the all the late scoring on a total that closed at 60½.

Navy (-7½) 42, Cincinnati 32: This game featured a severe line move Saturday afternoon with Navy falling from an -11½-point favorite to closing as a -7½-point favorite. Those numbers mattered as Navy’s 18-point lead into the fourth quarter was cut into with a Cincinnati touchdown with six minutes to go. Down 12 Cincinnati went for two and got it on a play that provided a critical pointspread swing. The Bearcats were a threat to score again but they fumbled on a sack at the Navy 11-yard line with just over two minutes remaining. Navy took the ball to the Cincinnati 8-yard line in the final minute before taking a knee as the margin remained at 10 for mixed results on both sides depending on the timing.

Ohio State (-41) 54, UNLV 21: The Buckeyes led by 40 through three quarters but still throwing the ball with back-up quarterback Dwayne Haskins in the fourth quarter an interception was returned for a touchdown for UNLV to trim the margin to just 33 points. The Rebels would miss a field goal that could have secured the underdog cover but the Buckeyes fumbled at the UNLV 1-yard line with about four minutes to go as the Rebels hung on for the heavy underdog win.

Tulane (-3) 21, Army 17: Tulane led 14-10 at halftime and that score held through three quarters with the Wave opening as a -4 favorite before the number slipped to -2½ and settled right a -3. With about five minutes remaining Army completed a 15-play touchdown drive as the slight road underdog went up by three. With 23 seconds remaining Jonathan Banks ran into the end zone and the Merek Glover extra point gave Tulane the win by four for a narrow favorite cover for most.

Texas A&M (-1½) 50, Arkansas 43: The Aggies trailed 28-24 heading into the fourth quarter in Arlington but the scoring was far from over. Texas A&M settled for a field goal with about 12 minutes remaining to trail by one as a slight favorite but a lousy punt from Arkansas handed the Aggies great field position and they took a five-point lead a few plays later, failing going for two. Arkansas answered to lead 36-33 with about five minutes remaining but the ensuing kickoff was returned for a touchdown as the Aggies were back in front and ahead of the spread at 40-36. Arkansas had no problem answering again and led by three once again but the Aggies delivered on the final drive with a big 4th down conversion just past midfield and in range to hit a field goal to force overtime. A pass interference call on 3rd-and-long handed Texas A&M a quick touchdown going first in overtime and Arkansas wound up intercepted in the end zone as the Aggies won again in this series and scored a fortunate overtime cover as well.

UL-Monroe (+4) 56, UL-Lafayette 50: The underdog Warhawks led by 10 at the half and by 21 early in the fourth quarter. Louisiana-Lafayette made a furious comeback with 21 points in just over seven minutes to close regulation and force overtime, connecting on a 14-yard touchdown pass as time expired. Both teams got touchdowns in the first overtime, the Ragin’ Cajuns missed a field goal to lead off the second session while Louisiana-Monroe was able to deliver a touchdown for the win.

Western Kentucky (-12) 33, Ball State 21: This line on this game jumped around dramatically throughout the week with questionable Ball State personnel and the spread wound up closing right on the final margin. Most of the way that type of margin of victory for Western Kentucky seemed like an impossibility as they led by three through three quarters and wound up out-gained by Ball State for the game. The double-digit underdog Cardinals held a 21-20 lead into the final two minutes of the game but Western Kentucky delivered a touchdown run to go in front and then got a pick-6 a few plays later from Ball State backup quarterback Jack Milas, in an instant going from down one to up 12 and creating mixed results on the spread. That late scoring also pushed the total that settled around 50 after opening at 54½ just ‘over’.

North Texas (-10) 46, UAB 43: The Mean Green took control with a pair of field goals early in the fourth quarter pushing the margin to 14 points. UAB made a furious late rally, tying the game with back-to-back touchdowns in the final six minutes. A big kickoff return in the final minute sparked North Texas, starting at the UAB 44-yard line with 27 seconds to go. A big run quickly put the Mean Green in field goal range and they hit the 22-yard kick for the win, though the Blazers earned the underdog cover on a line that dipped from -13 to just -10.

San Diego State (PK) 28, Air Force 24: The Aztecs opened as high as a -4½-point favorite but most of the week sat between -2½ and -3½ before a drop to a pick’em just before game time. Air Force led 9-0 early before a lengthy weather delay and San Diego State took over from there leading 14-9 at through three quarters and 21-17 early in the fourth quarter. Air Force completed a 75-yard touchdown drive with about six minutes to go but San Diego State took less than a minute to go back up by four, just past the common spread while the final drive for Air Force ended with an interception. The total was narrowly eclipsed with 29 fourth quarter points.

Idaho (+6½) 29, South Alabama 23: The Jaguars led most of the game including sitting just past the closing spread with a 20-13 edge with about five minutes to go in the game with South Alabama favored by just 3½ much of the week before a late rise. Idaho delivered the tying touchdown with 13 seconds remaining to force overtime. In overtime both teams struggled to gain yards in session one, settling for matching field goals. South Alabama went backwards in round two going first and wound up missing a 43-yard field goal. Idaho delivered a touchdown for a minor upset in the Sun Belt.

USC (-17) 30, California 20: The Trojans and Bears were tied 13-13 through three quarters before USC took control with turnover help, adding 17 points in just over three minutes of game clock on drives of 30, 4, and 33 yards. USC opened as around a 15-point favorite before the line held firm at -17 to match the margin heading into the final 10 minutes. California eventually added a touchdown in the final two minutes to earn a deserved underdog cover as the Bears out-gained USC and somehow stayed in the game despite committing six turnovers.

Wyoming (-5) 28, Hawai’i 21: Hawai’i took a 14-7 lead late in the third quarter but that lead was quickly erased with a 97-yard kickoff return touchdown for Wyoming. The Cowboys struck again early in the fourth quarter leading 21-14 and past the slight home favorite spread that was as high as -7 early in the week. Hawai’i answered with a 50-yard touchdown pass to tie the game however. Wyoming missed a field goal in the final minutes and overtime was needed as those on the Cowboys still had life. Wyoming only needed one play to score an overtime touchdown going first and then delivered the win on defense with an interception as most scored a narrow cover on the Pokes.

CNOTES · Sep 25, 2017

Georgia, TCU jump into AP Top 10
September 24, 2017

No. 7 Georgia and No. 9 TCU jumped into the top 10 of The Associated Press college football poll for the first time this season and Florida State dropped all the way out of the rankings for the first time since 2011 after starting 0-2.

Alabama remained No. 1 and won back some of the support it lost last week to No. 2 Clemson. The Crimson Tide received 52 first-place votes Sunday, up seven from last week, after beating Vanderbilt 59-0 on Saturday.

Clemson received eight first-place votes, down seven from last week, after taking more than three quarters to pull away from Boston College. No. 3 Oklahoma got the remaining first-place vote.

Penn State held at No. 4. Southern California was No. 5, followed by Pac-12 rival Washington.

Georgia followed Michigan, TCU and Wisconsin rounded out the top 10.

---

POLL POINTS

OUT

What a strange start to the season for Florida State, which had a streak of 105 straight poll appearances snapped. The Seminoles were No. 3 in the preseason poll, lost to Alabama in a marquee opener and lost quarterback Deondre Francois to a season-ending injury in that game, too.

Then Florida State's season was put on hold for two weeks because of Hurricane Irma. That cost the `Noles what figured to be a good game against Louisiana-Monroe to break in freshman quarterback James Blackman, and delayed its game against Miami.

Finally back on the field against North Carolina State, the Seminoles lost 27-21 to drop to 0-2 for the first time since 1989. Florida State also became the first team to start the season ranked in the top three of the AP poll and begin its season with two losses since 1984, when No. 3 Pitt began 0-4 and finished 3-7-1.

- Oregon dropped out after one week ranked, following a 37-35 loss at Arizona State.

STREAKS

The current longest streaks of consecutive poll appearances.

168 - Alabama. Last time unranked was final poll of 2007 season.

103 - Ohio State. Last time unranked was final poll of 2011 season.

55 - Clemson. Last time unranked was Nov. 16, 2014.

IN

Welcome back, No. 22 Notre Dame and No. 23 West Virginia. The Fighting Irish had a one-week stint in the poll earlier this month and the Mountaineers are back after being in the preseason poll.

UP

- No. 9 TCU jumped seven spots after one of Saturday's most impressive victories, 44-31 at Oklahoma State. The Horned Frogs won 44-31 in Stillwater for the first time since they joined the Big 12 in 2012.

- No. 7 Georgia moved up four places after routing Mississippi State 31-3.

DOWN

- No. 11 Ohio State was nudged out of the top 10 when Georgia and TCU moved in, snapping the Buckeyes streak of 42 straight polls ranked in the top 10.

- No. 15 Oklahoma State dropped nine places after its first loss of the season

CONFERENCE CALL

SEC - 6

Big 12 - 4

Pac 12 - 4

Big Ten - 4

ACC - 4

American - 1

Mountain West - 1

Independent - 1

RANKED vs. RANKED

No. 2 Clemson at No. 12 Virginia Tech. The Tigers make their first trip to Lane Stadium since 2011.

No. 5 USC at No. 16 Washington State, Friday. Pullman, Washington, for a short-week road game. What could possibly go wrong for the Trojans?

No. 24 Mississippi State at No. 14 Auburn. Third straight ranked opponent for the Bulldogs. So far, 1-1.

CNOTES · Sep 25, 2017

CFB Aug/Sept Best Bets: ( All Best Bets Based On 5 Units Per Play )
BEST BETS & OPINIONS

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

09/24/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00

09/23/2017 31-33-1 48.44% -26.50

09/22/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00

09/21/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00

09/16/2017 20-26-3 43.48% -43.00

09/15/2017 3-3-0 50.00% -1.50

09/14/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50

09/09/2017 19-21-3 47.50% -20.50

09/08/2017 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00

09/07/2017 0-1-0 0.00% -5.50

09/04/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50

09/03/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50

09/02/2017 11-21-0 34.38% -60.50

09/01/2017 6-3-0 66.67% +13.50

08/31/2017 9-4-0 69.23% +23.00

08/26/2017 5-5-0 50.00% -2.50

Totals:.......121 - 120 - 6.....50.20%....-55.00

Best Bets:*****
Best Bets :........................ATS............TOTALS.... .............O/U................TOTALS

09/24/2017....................1 - 0..............+ 5.00.................1 - 0...............+ 5.00

09/23/2017....................9 - 16 - 1.......- 35.00.................2 - 7..............- 28.50

09/22/2017....................2 - 0..............+10.00.................2 - 0..............+10.00

09/21/2017....................1 - 0..............+ 5.00..................1 - 0..............+ 5.00

09/16/2017....................7 - 9 - 1.........- 14.50.................3 - 6...............-12.50

09/15/2017....................2 - 0..............+10.00.................1 - 2...............- 6.00

Totals:........................22 -25 - 2...........- 20.50...............10 - 15.............- 24.00