Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Saturday, October 29, 2016
Your free pick for Saturday, October 29, 2016, comes in the Pac 12 as Washington State heads to Oregon State. Washington State has a deadly air raid attack, No. 3 in the nation in passing with 366.6 yards per game, plus 40.4 ppg. Quarterback Luke Falk directs the Cougars high-powered attack and is ranked second in the Pac-12 with an average of 358.7 passing yards per game. The Cougars complement Falk with an improved rushing attack with 17 rushing TDs. The Over is 8-3 in the Cougars last 11 road games. Oregon State has dropped four of its last five games, and playing a similar all-out passing team, beating California (47-44). The Over is 7-1 in Beavers last 8 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Washington State has won the last two meetings in the back-and-forth series after last season's 52-31 road victory. The Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Play Washington State/Oregon State Over the total.
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Saturday, October 29, 2016
Your free pick for Saturday, October 29, 2016, comes in the Pac 12 as Washington State heads to Oregon State. Washington State has a deadly air raid attack, No. 3 in the nation in passing with 366.6 yards per game, plus 40.4 ppg. Quarterback Luke Falk directs the Cougars high-powered attack and is ranked second in the Pac-12 with an average of 358.7 passing yards per game. The Cougars complement Falk with an improved rushing attack with 17 rushing TDs. The Over is 8-3 in the Cougars last 11 road games. Oregon State has dropped four of its last five games, and playing a similar all-out passing team, beating California (47-44). The Over is 7-1 in Beavers last 8 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Washington State has won the last two meetings in the back-and-forth series after last season's 52-31 road victory. The Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Play Washington State/Oregon State Over the total.
Stephen Nover
Penn State vs Purdue
Bonus Play Purdue
Purdue has been more competitive under interim coach Gerad Parker and catches Penn State in a monster letdown spot.
The Nittany Lions are on the road after just upsetting previously undefeated Ohio State at home last Saturday. It's a double whammy for Penn State, which is 3-12 ATS after covering a game and 3-14-2 ATS in its last 19 away contests.
Penn State hasn't traveled in four weeks. This is only its third road game of the season. The Nittany Lions are 0-2 on the road giving up an average of 45 1/2 points to Pittsburgh and Michigan. Penn State is 0-7-1 ATS the past eight times it has been a road favorite and has lost straight-up seven straight times away from home under James Franklin.
Parker's first game as interim head coach was last week. Purdue was a 24-point road 'dog to then ninth-ranked and now seventh-ranked Nebraska. The Boilermakers played hard, led 14-10 at halftime and gave the Cornhuskers a scare before losing, 27-14. The Boilermakers have covered seven of the last eight times following a loss.
Purdue has some decent skill position talent that can take advantage of Penn State giving up an average of 4.7 yards per rush and 203 yards rushing a game. The Boilermakers have been weak defensively, but received a boost from 345-pound tackle Lorenzo Neal, who recorded three tackles behind the line of scrimmage versus the Cornhuskers. Parker should have Purdue playing hard again this week with the team still alive for a bowl berth.
Penn State vs Purdue
Bonus Play Purdue
Purdue has been more competitive under interim coach Gerad Parker and catches Penn State in a monster letdown spot.
The Nittany Lions are on the road after just upsetting previously undefeated Ohio State at home last Saturday. It's a double whammy for Penn State, which is 3-12 ATS after covering a game and 3-14-2 ATS in its last 19 away contests.
Penn State hasn't traveled in four weeks. This is only its third road game of the season. The Nittany Lions are 0-2 on the road giving up an average of 45 1/2 points to Pittsburgh and Michigan. Penn State is 0-7-1 ATS the past eight times it has been a road favorite and has lost straight-up seven straight times away from home under James Franklin.
Parker's first game as interim head coach was last week. Purdue was a 24-point road 'dog to then ninth-ranked and now seventh-ranked Nebraska. The Boilermakers played hard, led 14-10 at halftime and gave the Cornhuskers a scare before losing, 27-14. The Boilermakers have covered seven of the last eight times following a loss.
Purdue has some decent skill position talent that can take advantage of Penn State giving up an average of 4.7 yards per rush and 203 yards rushing a game. The Boilermakers have been weak defensively, but received a boost from 345-pound tackle Lorenzo Neal, who recorded three tackles behind the line of scrimmage versus the Cornhuskers. Parker should have Purdue playing hard again this week with the team still alive for a bowl berth.
Ray Monohan
Northwestern vs Ohio State
5* CFB ATS Bonus Play Ohio State -27
The Buckeyes look to rebound from what was an embarrassing and tough loss to swallow last Saturday in Penn State.
As heavy favorites, the Buckeyes flopped, making their road to the BCS Playoff much tougher now.
This is going to be a case where Urban Meyer takes out his frustrations. Northwestern isn't an overpowering team by any means as they average just 25.9 points per game. The Buckeyes have put up 55.2 points per game at home, while conceding just 7.
Combine those stats with the Buckeyes not only needing impressive wins, but also taking their frustrations out, and Ohio State will try to score 100 points if they can.
Some trends to note. Favorite is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings. Home team is 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 meetings.
Trends favor the home team and favorite. Aside from that, Meyer isn't happy after last week and will really open the playbook here for JT Barrett and company.
Back Ohio State ATS.
Good Luck, Razor Ray
Northwestern vs Ohio State
5* CFB ATS Bonus Play Ohio State -27
The Buckeyes look to rebound from what was an embarrassing and tough loss to swallow last Saturday in Penn State.
As heavy favorites, the Buckeyes flopped, making their road to the BCS Playoff much tougher now.
This is going to be a case where Urban Meyer takes out his frustrations. Northwestern isn't an overpowering team by any means as they average just 25.9 points per game. The Buckeyes have put up 55.2 points per game at home, while conceding just 7.
Combine those stats with the Buckeyes not only needing impressive wins, but also taking their frustrations out, and Ohio State will try to score 100 points if they can.
Some trends to note. Favorite is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings. Home team is 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 meetings.
Trends favor the home team and favorite. Aside from that, Meyer isn't happy after last week and will really open the playbook here for JT Barrett and company.
Back Ohio State ATS.
Good Luck, Razor Ray
Doc's Sports
Cincinnati vs Temple
Bonus Play from Doc’s Sports. #129 Take Cincinnati Bearcats over Temple Owls (Saturday 3:30 pm CBSSN)
Temple is coming off an impressive victory last week against USF but I think that is more of an anomaly. This team still have major issues and they do not warrant being this big of a favorite against anybody in the conference. Cincinnati is a classic underachieving team but they still have a ton of talent and they are coming off a victory last week against East Carolina. The Bearcats have been covering the spread in 70% of their games played during the month of October (10 game sample). I fully expect them to take this game down to the wire and we will collect with whoever comes out on top
Cincinnati vs Temple
Bonus Play from Doc’s Sports. #129 Take Cincinnati Bearcats over Temple Owls (Saturday 3:30 pm CBSSN)
Temple is coming off an impressive victory last week against USF but I think that is more of an anomaly. This team still have major issues and they do not warrant being this big of a favorite against anybody in the conference. Cincinnati is a classic underachieving team but they still have a ton of talent and they are coming off a victory last week against East Carolina. The Bearcats have been covering the spread in 70% of their games played during the month of October (10 game sample). I fully expect them to take this game down to the wire and we will collect with whoever comes out on top
Scott Spreitzer
Duke vs Georgia Tech
Bonus Play Duke
I'm taking the points with the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday's slate. Both teams had last weekend off and David Cutcliffe-coached teams already have had little trouble preparing for option football even without an extra week. Duke has beaten Ga Tech each of the last two seasons, including once on this field and they already beat Army and their option-based offense earlier this season, holding the Cadets to 6 points. Cutcliffe's Blue Devils have covered five straight off a bye week and the defense will face a Ga Tech option attack that's down a tad from recent versions. I'm recommending a play on the Duke Blue Devils plus the points on Saturday's card. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Duke vs Georgia Tech
Bonus Play Duke
I'm taking the points with the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday's slate. Both teams had last weekend off and David Cutcliffe-coached teams already have had little trouble preparing for option football even without an extra week. Duke has beaten Ga Tech each of the last two seasons, including once on this field and they already beat Army and their option-based offense earlier this season, holding the Cadets to 6 points. Cutcliffe's Blue Devils have covered five straight off a bye week and the defense will face a Ga Tech option attack that's down a tad from recent versions. I'm recommending a play on the Duke Blue Devils plus the points on Saturday's card. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Jack Jones
Tennessee vs South Carolina
Jack's Free Pick Saturday: Tennessee -14
The Tennessee Volunteers needed a bye last week more than anyone in college football. They had just played a gauntlet of a schedule with four straight games against Florida, Georgia, Texas A&M and Alabama. And they clearly ran out of gas in their 10-49 loss to the Crimson Tide.
I believe the Volunteers will be rejuvenated off their bye week. They get some key players back healthy this week both offense and defense. And now they get to face what I believe is the worst team in the SEC in South Carolina.
The Gamecocks are scary close to being 0-7 this season. All three of their wins have come by 6 points or less to Vanderbilt, East Carolina and UMass. They have only outgained two opponents all year. They outgained UMass by only 6 yards last week and Vanderbilt by 66 yards in the opener.
Tennessee will be the best team that South Carolina has faced this season outside of maybe Texas A&M. And I know the Aggies only beat the Gamecocks by 11 earlier this season, but they weren't taking that game very seriously as they sat several key players with injury, including Myles Garrett and two of their top receivers.
Tennessee gets back linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr and three offensive linemen who missed most of the Alabama game. The Volunteers realize they are basically still in control of their own destiny in the SEC East with Florida likely to lose again.
They have a cake schedule the rest of the way and should take advantage of it, just like they did last year. The Vols won their final six games last season by an average of 22 points per game. With SC, Tennessee Tech, Kentucky, Missouri and Vanderbilt remaining, another dominant finish can be expected.
The Vols are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games. The Gamecocks are 1-5 ATS in their last six games following a win. Tennessee is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 road games following two more more consecutive losses. Off those two losses to A&M and Alabama, and off their by week, I think the Vols couldn't be in a better spot both mentally and physically for their best performance of the season this week. Bet Tennessee Saturday.
Tennessee vs South Carolina
Jack's Free Pick Saturday: Tennessee -14
The Tennessee Volunteers needed a bye last week more than anyone in college football. They had just played a gauntlet of a schedule with four straight games against Florida, Georgia, Texas A&M and Alabama. And they clearly ran out of gas in their 10-49 loss to the Crimson Tide.
I believe the Volunteers will be rejuvenated off their bye week. They get some key players back healthy this week both offense and defense. And now they get to face what I believe is the worst team in the SEC in South Carolina.
The Gamecocks are scary close to being 0-7 this season. All three of their wins have come by 6 points or less to Vanderbilt, East Carolina and UMass. They have only outgained two opponents all year. They outgained UMass by only 6 yards last week and Vanderbilt by 66 yards in the opener.
Tennessee will be the best team that South Carolina has faced this season outside of maybe Texas A&M. And I know the Aggies only beat the Gamecocks by 11 earlier this season, but they weren't taking that game very seriously as they sat several key players with injury, including Myles Garrett and two of their top receivers.
Tennessee gets back linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr and three offensive linemen who missed most of the Alabama game. The Volunteers realize they are basically still in control of their own destiny in the SEC East with Florida likely to lose again.
They have a cake schedule the rest of the way and should take advantage of it, just like they did last year. The Vols won their final six games last season by an average of 22 points per game. With SC, Tennessee Tech, Kentucky, Missouri and Vanderbilt remaining, another dominant finish can be expected.
The Vols are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games. The Gamecocks are 1-5 ATS in their last six games following a win. Tennessee is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 road games following two more more consecutive losses. Off those two losses to A&M and Alabama, and off their by week, I think the Vols couldn't be in a better spot both mentally and physically for their best performance of the season this week. Bet Tennessee Saturday.
Doc's Sports
Cincinnati vs Temple
Bonus Play from Doc’s Sports. #129 Take Cincinnati Bearcats over Temple Owls (Saturday 3:30 pm CBSSN)
Temple is coming off an impressive victory last week against USF but I think that is more of an anomaly. This team still have major issues and they do not warrant being this big of a favorite against anybody in the conference. Cincinnati is a classic underachieving team but they still have a ton of talent and they are coming off a victory last week against East Carolina. The Bearcats have been covering the spread in 70% of their games played during the month of October (10 game sample). I fully expect them to take this game down to the wire and we will collect with whoever comes out on top
Cincinnati vs Temple
Bonus Play from Doc’s Sports. #129 Take Cincinnati Bearcats over Temple Owls (Saturday 3:30 pm CBSSN)
Temple is coming off an impressive victory last week against USF but I think that is more of an anomaly. This team still have major issues and they do not warrant being this big of a favorite against anybody in the conference. Cincinnati is a classic underachieving team but they still have a ton of talent and they are coming off a victory last week against East Carolina. The Bearcats have been covering the spread in 70% of their games played during the month of October (10 game sample). I fully expect them to take this game down to the wire and we will collect with whoever comes out on top
Teddy Covers
Washington State vs Oregon State
Bonus Play Oregon State (#166)
This is the wrong price range for Washington State in a very hostile road environment. It’s also the wrong pointspread range for an Oregon State team that has been getting killed on the highway, but consistently playing competitive football at Reser Stadium.
There’s been one very consistent facet of Mike Leach coached teams, dating back to his tenure at Texas Tech – they have letdowns, not a coach who’s prone to guiding his team to extended winning streaks. In his fifth season at Washington State, the Cougars current five game winning streak is the longest of the Leach era. Only once during his extended tenure at Texas Tech did the Red Raiders win more than four in a row.
And when it comes to winning on the road by big margins, the Cougs again have a very limited track record. They won five games away from home last year, none by more than a touchdown. They didn’t win a road game by more than a touchdown the previous year either. They lost at Boise in one road game this year, and barely hung on to beat Arizona State last week, notching only one win by margin on the highway (against collapsing, offensively challenged Stanford in the game where Christian McCaffrey got hurt and the Cardinal fell apart without him.
Oregon State has won three of the last five meetings against Wassou in SU fashion, and a fourth loss – Washington State’s last visit to Reser – was a competitive, seven point defeat. This is not unusual for the Beavers. In previous ‘step-up’ games at home this year, Gary Anderson’s squad covered the spread against Boise, pulled the outright upset over Cal and hung within five points of Utah in another spread covering defeat.
And Oregon State has the appropriate game plan to keep the ball out of Cougs QB Luke Falk’s hands. The Beavers do one thing well – they run the football, gaining 177 yards on 5.8 per carry against Washington’s elite defense last week. They ran for 197 against Utah the previous week and 474 against Cal in their last win, at home, right here in Corvallis earlier this month. Expect a competitive contest, not a blowout. Take the Beavers.
Washington State vs Oregon State
Bonus Play Oregon State (#166)
This is the wrong price range for Washington State in a very hostile road environment. It’s also the wrong pointspread range for an Oregon State team that has been getting killed on the highway, but consistently playing competitive football at Reser Stadium.
There’s been one very consistent facet of Mike Leach coached teams, dating back to his tenure at Texas Tech – they have letdowns, not a coach who’s prone to guiding his team to extended winning streaks. In his fifth season at Washington State, the Cougars current five game winning streak is the longest of the Leach era. Only once during his extended tenure at Texas Tech did the Red Raiders win more than four in a row.
And when it comes to winning on the road by big margins, the Cougs again have a very limited track record. They won five games away from home last year, none by more than a touchdown. They didn’t win a road game by more than a touchdown the previous year either. They lost at Boise in one road game this year, and barely hung on to beat Arizona State last week, notching only one win by margin on the highway (against collapsing, offensively challenged Stanford in the game where Christian McCaffrey got hurt and the Cardinal fell apart without him.
Oregon State has won three of the last five meetings against Wassou in SU fashion, and a fourth loss – Washington State’s last visit to Reser – was a competitive, seven point defeat. This is not unusual for the Beavers. In previous ‘step-up’ games at home this year, Gary Anderson’s squad covered the spread against Boise, pulled the outright upset over Cal and hung within five points of Utah in another spread covering defeat.
And Oregon State has the appropriate game plan to keep the ball out of Cougs QB Luke Falk’s hands. The Beavers do one thing well – they run the football, gaining 177 yards on 5.8 per carry against Washington’s elite defense last week. They ran for 197 against Utah the previous week and 474 against Cal in their last win, at home, right here in Corvallis earlier this month. Expect a competitive contest, not a blowout. Take the Beavers.
Marc Lawrence
Maryland vs Indiana
Play - Maryland
Edges - Terrapins 3-0 ATS as road dogs with revenge off a SU underdog win. Hoosiers: Outstatted in each of the last four games; and 1-8 ATS as favorites of 3 or more points against foes off a DD win; and 4-0 start to the season last year; 2-7 finish. 4-1 start to this season and 0-3 next three games. With the Terps off an upset win over Michigan State, and playing with 19-point home loss revenge from a 47-28 loss to Indiana last year, we recommend a 1* play on Maryland. Thank you and good luck as always.
Maryland vs Indiana
Play - Maryland
Edges - Terrapins 3-0 ATS as road dogs with revenge off a SU underdog win. Hoosiers: Outstatted in each of the last four games; and 1-8 ATS as favorites of 3 or more points against foes off a DD win; and 4-0 start to the season last year; 2-7 finish. 4-1 start to this season and 0-3 next three games. With the Terps off an upset win over Michigan State, and playing with 19-point home loss revenge from a 47-28 loss to Indiana last year, we recommend a 1* play on Maryland. Thank you and good luck as always.
Teddy Covers
Washington State vs Oregon State
Bonus Play Oregon State (#166)
This is the wrong price range for Washington State in a very hostile road environment. It’s also the wrong pointspread range for an Oregon State team that has been getting killed on the highway, but consistently playing competitive football at Reser Stadium.
There’s been one very consistent facet of Mike Leach coached teams, dating back to his tenure at Texas Tech – they have letdowns, not a coach who’s prone to guiding his team to extended winning streaks. In his fifth season at Washington State, the Cougars current five game winning streak is the longest of the Leach era. Only once during his extended tenure at Texas Tech did the Red Raiders win more than four in a row.
And when it comes to winning on the road by big margins, the Cougs again have a very limited track record. They won five games away from home last year, none by more than a touchdown. They didn’t win a road game by more than a touchdown the previous year either. They lost at Boise in one road game this year, and barely hung on to beat Arizona State last week, notching only one win by margin on the highway (against collapsing, offensively challenged Stanford in the game where Christian McCaffrey got hurt and the Cardinal fell apart without him.
Oregon State has won three of the last five meetings against Wassou in SU fashion, and a fourth loss – Washington State’s last visit to Reser – was a competitive, seven point defeat. This is not unusual for the Beavers. In previous ‘step-up’ games at home this year, Gary Anderson’s squad covered the spread against Boise, pulled the outright upset over Cal and hung within five points of Utah in another spread covering defeat.
And Oregon State has the appropriate game plan to keep the ball out of Cougs QB Luke Falk’s hands. The Beavers do one thing well – they run the football, gaining 177 yards on 5.8 per carry against Washington’s elite defense last week. They ran for 197 against Utah the previous week and 474 against Cal in their last win, at home, right here in Corvallis earlier this month. Expect a competitive contest, not a blowout. Take the Beavers.
Washington State vs Oregon State
Bonus Play Oregon State (#166)
This is the wrong price range for Washington State in a very hostile road environment. It’s also the wrong pointspread range for an Oregon State team that has been getting killed on the highway, but consistently playing competitive football at Reser Stadium.
There’s been one very consistent facet of Mike Leach coached teams, dating back to his tenure at Texas Tech – they have letdowns, not a coach who’s prone to guiding his team to extended winning streaks. In his fifth season at Washington State, the Cougars current five game winning streak is the longest of the Leach era. Only once during his extended tenure at Texas Tech did the Red Raiders win more than four in a row.
And when it comes to winning on the road by big margins, the Cougs again have a very limited track record. They won five games away from home last year, none by more than a touchdown. They didn’t win a road game by more than a touchdown the previous year either. They lost at Boise in one road game this year, and barely hung on to beat Arizona State last week, notching only one win by margin on the highway (against collapsing, offensively challenged Stanford in the game where Christian McCaffrey got hurt and the Cardinal fell apart without him.
Oregon State has won three of the last five meetings against Wassou in SU fashion, and a fourth loss – Washington State’s last visit to Reser – was a competitive, seven point defeat. This is not unusual for the Beavers. In previous ‘step-up’ games at home this year, Gary Anderson’s squad covered the spread against Boise, pulled the outright upset over Cal and hung within five points of Utah in another spread covering defeat.
And Oregon State has the appropriate game plan to keep the ball out of Cougs QB Luke Falk’s hands. The Beavers do one thing well – they run the football, gaining 177 yards on 5.8 per carry against Washington’s elite defense last week. They ran for 197 against Utah the previous week and 474 against Cal in their last win, at home, right here in Corvallis earlier this month. Expect a competitive contest, not a blowout. Take the Beavers.
Jimmy Boyd
Baylor vs Texas
Free Pick on Baylor -
I just don’t trust the Longhorns in this spot. I believe the books are being cautious with Baylor given their easy schedule. I know they struggled in their last road game at ISU, but they aren’t going to overlook Texas in this spot.
The Bears are going to come into this one with a chip on their shoulder after last year’s ugly loss. Keep in mind that Texas shutout Baylor 20-0 in the 1st half. It’s the only time the Bears failed to score in the 1st half of a game since 2011. What’s impressive is they almost came back and won, despite turning it over 4 times. Note they did finish with a 479-307 edge in total yards.
You also have to keep in mind that was the final game of the regular season. Oklahoma had already wrapped up the Big 12 title and there was nothing left for Baylor to play for.
Another key factor here is that the Bears catch Texas off a bye week. Their second bye in the last 3 weeks, as they also had one before playing Kansas. This team is fresh and well prepared for what Texas has to offer. Note that the Bears are 6-1 in their last 7 off a bye. At the same time, Texas is coming off a very physical game against Kansas State.
We have seen the Longhorns defense get torched on a regular basis this season. I’m not sure what makes anyone thing Baylor isn’t going to expose them as well. Texas enters with the 102nd ranked pass defense in the country, giving up 263.1 ypg. They are also allowing a staggering 8.7 yards/pass attempt. The Bears are averaging 266.3 ypg through the air and 8 yards per attempt.
Another thing I like with Baylor is the fact they aren’t getting any public attention. Despite the fact that they haven’t lost a game and are ranked in the Top 10. I think we see them come out 100% locked in and wouldn’t be surprised if this turned into a blowout. Take Baylor!
Baylor vs Texas
Free Pick on Baylor -
I just don’t trust the Longhorns in this spot. I believe the books are being cautious with Baylor given their easy schedule. I know they struggled in their last road game at ISU, but they aren’t going to overlook Texas in this spot.
The Bears are going to come into this one with a chip on their shoulder after last year’s ugly loss. Keep in mind that Texas shutout Baylor 20-0 in the 1st half. It’s the only time the Bears failed to score in the 1st half of a game since 2011. What’s impressive is they almost came back and won, despite turning it over 4 times. Note they did finish with a 479-307 edge in total yards.
You also have to keep in mind that was the final game of the regular season. Oklahoma had already wrapped up the Big 12 title and there was nothing left for Baylor to play for.
Another key factor here is that the Bears catch Texas off a bye week. Their second bye in the last 3 weeks, as they also had one before playing Kansas. This team is fresh and well prepared for what Texas has to offer. Note that the Bears are 6-1 in their last 7 off a bye. At the same time, Texas is coming off a very physical game against Kansas State.
We have seen the Longhorns defense get torched on a regular basis this season. I’m not sure what makes anyone thing Baylor isn’t going to expose them as well. Texas enters with the 102nd ranked pass defense in the country, giving up 263.1 ypg. They are also allowing a staggering 8.7 yards/pass attempt. The Bears are averaging 266.3 ypg through the air and 8 yards per attempt.
Another thing I like with Baylor is the fact they aren’t getting any public attention. Despite the fact that they haven’t lost a game and are ranked in the Top 10. I think we see them come out 100% locked in and wouldn’t be surprised if this turned into a blowout. Take Baylor!
