Jim Feist
Comp NCAAF Pick for Saturday, September 13, 2014: 7:00 PM
(191) PENN STATE VS RUTGERS
Your free pick for Saturday, September 13, 2014 comes in college football as Penn State and Rutgers battle. Rutgers is off to a 2-0 start, has home field and extra motivation. Rutgers is set for its inaugural Big Ten game and has a chance to exorcise some past demons against Penn State in the process. The Scarlet Knights are 0-9 all-time at home versus the Nittany Lions and would love nothing more than to break the curse in their first conference clash. Rutgers has a potent offense, 39.5 ppg with great balance, including 284.5 yards passing per contest. Penn State is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a win and 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games on fieldturf, so grab home field. Play Rutgers!
Comp NCAAF Pick for Saturday, September 13, 2014: 7:00 PM
(191) PENN STATE VS RUTGERS
Your free pick for Saturday, September 13, 2014 comes in college football as Penn State and Rutgers battle. Rutgers is off to a 2-0 start, has home field and extra motivation. Rutgers is set for its inaugural Big Ten game and has a chance to exorcise some past demons against Penn State in the process. The Scarlet Knights are 0-9 all-time at home versus the Nittany Lions and would love nothing more than to break the curse in their first conference clash. Rutgers has a potent offense, 39.5 ppg with great balance, including 284.5 yards passing per contest. Penn State is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a win and 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games on fieldturf, so grab home field. Play Rutgers!
Jeff Alexander
Iowa State vs. Iowa
Bonus Play for Saturday Iowa Hawkeyes -12
Bottom Line: This is a big rivalry game, but I don't see Iowa State being able to recover from last week's heartbreak. The Cyclones led K-State 28-13 but then gave up 19 unanswered points and fell to 0-2. Iowa State is on a 4-16 ATS slide in road games off a close conference loss of 7 points or less. Despite dominating the statistics, Iowa was lucky to escape with a win over Ball State last Saturday. I expect the close call to spark some extra intensity this week. Iowa won last year's meeting by 6 points but led by 20 in the fourth quarter. When the Hawkeyes take the lead Saturday, I expect no let up, especially since they lost the last time they hosted the Cyclones. Home teams that average 4.8-5.6 yards per play that are up against a non-conference foe that allows 6.2 yards per play or more are 26-6 ATS the last 5 seasons. These teams have won by an average of 25.5 points. Lay the points.
Iowa State vs. Iowa
Bonus Play for Saturday Iowa Hawkeyes -12
Bottom Line: This is a big rivalry game, but I don't see Iowa State being able to recover from last week's heartbreak. The Cyclones led K-State 28-13 but then gave up 19 unanswered points and fell to 0-2. Iowa State is on a 4-16 ATS slide in road games off a close conference loss of 7 points or less. Despite dominating the statistics, Iowa was lucky to escape with a win over Ball State last Saturday. I expect the close call to spark some extra intensity this week. Iowa won last year's meeting by 6 points but led by 20 in the fourth quarter. When the Hawkeyes take the lead Saturday, I expect no let up, especially since they lost the last time they hosted the Cyclones. Home teams that average 4.8-5.6 yards per play that are up against a non-conference foe that allows 6.2 yards per play or more are 26-6 ATS the last 5 seasons. These teams have won by an average of 25.5 points. Lay the points.
Brandon Shively
Indiana vs. Bowling Green
Bonus Play #111 Indiana Hoosiers
I like Indiana in this game, B-I-G. The Hoosiers hold all of the advantages in this game. The only thing that Bowling Green has going for them is that they are playing at home, but let me first tell more about this Bowling Green team that is regressing quickly in 2014.
Bowling Green brought in a new HC that is looking to install a up-tempo offense and this plays right into Indiana's hands this afternoon. It appears he does not have a grasp on this team and is certainly nowhere the caliber of former HC Dave Clawson. Bowling Green faced Western Kentucky in Week 1 and got torched 59-31 as Western Kentucky shredded the inexperienced secondary (lost 3 starters from last year) for 569 yards on 46-56 passing. Now, if Western Kentucky did this, there is no doubt that QB Nate Sudfeld who has NFL potential and perhaps the best arm in the BIG 10 can annihilate this Bowling Green defense as well. Bowling Green only returns 5 starters on the defensive side this year, and now 1st Team MAC selection DJ Lynch is out for this game. Also out is Zach Covin who is a starter on the defensive line. Also for Bowling Green, their starting quarterback Matt Johnson is out for the season and he threw for 25 TD's last year. I am expecting for the offense to struggle in this game as they simply do not have enough firepower to contain the Indiana Hoosiers.
Indiana returns 130 career starts on the offensive line and QB Sudfeld will have time to dissect the Bowling Green defense, while Tevin Coleman is a breakaway running back that had 8 runs of 40+ yards last season and already had a 73 yard touchdown run this year. While the Hoosiers defense was their Achilles in 2013, they do return 9 starters and there is only room for improvement. Maybe Bowling Green scores a maximum of 27 points in this game, but that won't be near enough for the 40+ that the Hoosiers will lay.
Indiana is nice and rested coming off a bye week and I am looking for them to win by 2+ touchdowns. College Football teams coming off a win, a week of rest, and playing on the road in Game 2 are 19-6 ATS (75%) when playing a defense that allows 27+ points on the season.
Indiana vs. Bowling Green
Bonus Play #111 Indiana Hoosiers
I like Indiana in this game, B-I-G. The Hoosiers hold all of the advantages in this game. The only thing that Bowling Green has going for them is that they are playing at home, but let me first tell more about this Bowling Green team that is regressing quickly in 2014.
Bowling Green brought in a new HC that is looking to install a up-tempo offense and this plays right into Indiana's hands this afternoon. It appears he does not have a grasp on this team and is certainly nowhere the caliber of former HC Dave Clawson. Bowling Green faced Western Kentucky in Week 1 and got torched 59-31 as Western Kentucky shredded the inexperienced secondary (lost 3 starters from last year) for 569 yards on 46-56 passing. Now, if Western Kentucky did this, there is no doubt that QB Nate Sudfeld who has NFL potential and perhaps the best arm in the BIG 10 can annihilate this Bowling Green defense as well. Bowling Green only returns 5 starters on the defensive side this year, and now 1st Team MAC selection DJ Lynch is out for this game. Also out is Zach Covin who is a starter on the defensive line. Also for Bowling Green, their starting quarterback Matt Johnson is out for the season and he threw for 25 TD's last year. I am expecting for the offense to struggle in this game as they simply do not have enough firepower to contain the Indiana Hoosiers.
Indiana returns 130 career starts on the offensive line and QB Sudfeld will have time to dissect the Bowling Green defense, while Tevin Coleman is a breakaway running back that had 8 runs of 40+ yards last season and already had a 73 yard touchdown run this year. While the Hoosiers defense was their Achilles in 2013, they do return 9 starters and there is only room for improvement. Maybe Bowling Green scores a maximum of 27 points in this game, but that won't be near enough for the 40+ that the Hoosiers will lay.
Indiana is nice and rested coming off a bye week and I am looking for them to win by 2+ touchdowns. College Football teams coming off a win, a week of rest, and playing on the road in Game 2 are 19-6 ATS (75%) when playing a defense that allows 27+ points on the season.
Michael Alexander
Tennessee vs. Oklahoma
1 Unit NCAAF Free Pick Oklahoma
Tennessee is off to their 4th straight 2-0 start, but finished below .500 the first 3 times that they did that. Currently they rank 90th in run offense and still have to face Oklahoma, Florida, and Georgia. The Sooners come into this one perfectly balanced, with the Knight-to-Shepard combo nearly unstoppable. Oklahoma has a 267-119 point edge in their last 6 lined games.
Tennessee vs. Oklahoma
1 Unit NCAAF Free Pick Oklahoma
Tennessee is off to their 4th straight 2-0 start, but finished below .500 the first 3 times that they did that. Currently they rank 90th in run offense and still have to face Oklahoma, Florida, and Georgia. The Sooners come into this one perfectly balanced, with the Knight-to-Shepard combo nearly unstoppable. Oklahoma has a 267-119 point edge in their last 6 lined games.
Brad Diamond
Navy vs. Texas State
Bonus Play Texas State + over Navy @ 8:00 ET
Last week in these same pages we authored Navy minus over Temple, and they did not disappoint winning and covering 31-24. The Middies generated over 500 yards of offense, 487 net yards rushing. Navy showed us that Temple is susceptible to the run, but the Owls QB Walker was 29-50 for 240 yards. If Walker was more accurate the Owls could have stolen a major home win in Philadelphia. This time around the Middies go out on the road against Texas State laying doubles…HELLO! TSU comes off a 6-6 season with 12 starters, 8 on offense. The Bobcats averaged 28+ points per game, while surrendering on average 37.6 points per game…6.7 yards per play. TSU defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff last time out 65-0 gashing for 697 net yards of offense. They had a massive 31-14 first down advantage. We note, however, UAPBs next opponent is Concordia which has just 611 students enrolled. Still, TSU last year showed they can play with FBS level talent. In fact, they defeated Southern Mississippi 22-15, Wyoming 42-21, Georgia State 24-17, South Alabama 33-31 and Idaho 37-21 last season. In 2012 the Bobcats went into Annapolis losing 21-10 to Navy, as a 13-point underdog. The Academy finished 8-5 that season. The point, feel being at home with a dangerous offense catching doubles seems like a good time to TAKE THE POINTS. This looks like a natural letdown spot for Navy who has Rutgers next week in their home opener with the Middies in REVENGE for a 21-20 loss in 2011. Also, just as important this is a REVENGE game for Texas State who lost 21-10 to Navy (Annapolis) in 2012. Good Luck.
Navy vs. Texas State
Bonus Play Texas State + over Navy @ 8:00 ET
Last week in these same pages we authored Navy minus over Temple, and they did not disappoint winning and covering 31-24. The Middies generated over 500 yards of offense, 487 net yards rushing. Navy showed us that Temple is susceptible to the run, but the Owls QB Walker was 29-50 for 240 yards. If Walker was more accurate the Owls could have stolen a major home win in Philadelphia. This time around the Middies go out on the road against Texas State laying doubles…HELLO! TSU comes off a 6-6 season with 12 starters, 8 on offense. The Bobcats averaged 28+ points per game, while surrendering on average 37.6 points per game…6.7 yards per play. TSU defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff last time out 65-0 gashing for 697 net yards of offense. They had a massive 31-14 first down advantage. We note, however, UAPBs next opponent is Concordia which has just 611 students enrolled. Still, TSU last year showed they can play with FBS level talent. In fact, they defeated Southern Mississippi 22-15, Wyoming 42-21, Georgia State 24-17, South Alabama 33-31 and Idaho 37-21 last season. In 2012 the Bobcats went into Annapolis losing 21-10 to Navy, as a 13-point underdog. The Academy finished 8-5 that season. The point, feel being at home with a dangerous offense catching doubles seems like a good time to TAKE THE POINTS. This looks like a natural letdown spot for Navy who has Rutgers next week in their home opener with the Middies in REVENGE for a 21-20 loss in 2011. Also, just as important this is a REVENGE game for Texas State who lost 21-10 to Navy (Annapolis) in 2012. Good Luck.
Tony Karpinski
Illinois vs. Washington
Bonus Play Illinois
Illinois has a handful of guys to get the ball to. QB Wes Lunt spreads the ball around to several receivers, and they all have the skills to get 100+ yards. That, with the fact that Washington has a porous pass defense gives Illinois a definite chance to put pts up through the air. Illinois had a duel threat QB and I think they keep this one close. Washington has been an odd team to look at and judge, based on what we have seen this season so far, scoring crazy pts, scoring poorly, playing great D, playing horrendous D. We can see a different story based off of the stats and obviously the scores. I expect a good tight game that comes down to the 4th quarter.
Illinois vs. Washington
Bonus Play Illinois
Illinois has a handful of guys to get the ball to. QB Wes Lunt spreads the ball around to several receivers, and they all have the skills to get 100+ yards. That, with the fact that Washington has a porous pass defense gives Illinois a definite chance to put pts up through the air. Illinois had a duel threat QB and I think they keep this one close. Washington has been an odd team to look at and judge, based on what we have seen this season so far, scoring crazy pts, scoring poorly, playing great D, playing horrendous D. We can see a different story based off of the stats and obviously the scores. I expect a good tight game that comes down to the 4th quarter.
Matt Fargo
USC vs. Boston College
Bonus Play Boston College
USC comes into this game following a big road win last week at Stanford and that automatically puts it into a tough spot here. The three-point win was a big one and a fortunate one considering that the Trojans were outgained by 122 yards. Now they have to travel to the east coast in an obvious letdown situation while laying a big price. This is a very difficult scheduling spot since the Trojans head back home after this to resume PAC 12 play. Boston College played last Thursday and were defeated at home against Pittsburgh by 10 points and if for nothing else, the Eagles have had extra time to rest and prepare for this one. While hosting USC is big enough, Boston College plays Maine next week so there is no chance of any sort of lookahead. The last thing the Eagles want to do is get into a shootout with USC as they have no chance of keeping up. They will plan on playing Boston College football and that is running the ball. The Eagles are averaging 240 rushing ypg, good enough for 25th-best in the nation. USC has given up an average of 142.5 rushing ypg through its first two games and has looked vulnerable at times so the Eagles can take advantage this way which will also help shorten the game. USC is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games as a favorite after allowing 10 or fewer points and going back further, it is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 road games. Meanwhile the Eagles are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games against teams with a winning road record while going 5-0 ATS in their last five games coming off a double-digit loss facing an opponent coming off a straight up underdog win. Play (194) Boston College Eagles
USC vs. Boston College
Bonus Play Boston College
USC comes into this game following a big road win last week at Stanford and that automatically puts it into a tough spot here. The three-point win was a big one and a fortunate one considering that the Trojans were outgained by 122 yards. Now they have to travel to the east coast in an obvious letdown situation while laying a big price. This is a very difficult scheduling spot since the Trojans head back home after this to resume PAC 12 play. Boston College played last Thursday and were defeated at home against Pittsburgh by 10 points and if for nothing else, the Eagles have had extra time to rest and prepare for this one. While hosting USC is big enough, Boston College plays Maine next week so there is no chance of any sort of lookahead. The last thing the Eagles want to do is get into a shootout with USC as they have no chance of keeping up. They will plan on playing Boston College football and that is running the ball. The Eagles are averaging 240 rushing ypg, good enough for 25th-best in the nation. USC has given up an average of 142.5 rushing ypg through its first two games and has looked vulnerable at times so the Eagles can take advantage this way which will also help shorten the game. USC is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games as a favorite after allowing 10 or fewer points and going back further, it is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 road games. Meanwhile the Eagles are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games against teams with a winning road record while going 5-0 ATS in their last five games coming off a double-digit loss facing an opponent coming off a straight up underdog win. Play (194) Boston College Eagles
Carolina Sports
UCLA vs. Texas
Bonus Play under 50.5
UCLA heads to Texas for a big non-conference game on Saturday evening. Texas looked awful last week against BYU as the offense faltered. Texas is avg only 4.4-ypp in their first two games. That is not good as they face an underrated UCLA defense. UCLA is only alowing 5.2-ypp. The Bruins are 2-0 SU to start the season but 0-2 ATS. The offense is averaging 35.0-ppg but taking a look closer they are only averaging 5.7-ypp. The elite offenses in the country are over 7.0-ypp.
Texas is playing well defensively as we figured the defense would be ahead of the offense under new HC Charlie Strong. The defense is only allowing 3.6-ypp and 24.0-ppg. This looks like a defense struggle as the Texas offense is just not that good. Look for the Longhorns to game plan to neutralize Bruin QB Brett Hundley.
UCLA is 7-0 UNDER in their last 7 road games. Texas is 6-0 UNDER in their last 6 games following a SU loss of more than 20 points. Our computer is calling for only 44-points to be scored in this one. With the situation favoring the under for the both teams look for both defenses to rule supreme in Austin.
UCLA 26-16
UCLA vs. Texas
Bonus Play under 50.5
UCLA heads to Texas for a big non-conference game on Saturday evening. Texas looked awful last week against BYU as the offense faltered. Texas is avg only 4.4-ypp in their first two games. That is not good as they face an underrated UCLA defense. UCLA is only alowing 5.2-ypp. The Bruins are 2-0 SU to start the season but 0-2 ATS. The offense is averaging 35.0-ppg but taking a look closer they are only averaging 5.7-ypp. The elite offenses in the country are over 7.0-ypp.
Texas is playing well defensively as we figured the defense would be ahead of the offense under new HC Charlie Strong. The defense is only allowing 3.6-ypp and 24.0-ppg. This looks like a defense struggle as the Texas offense is just not that good. Look for the Longhorns to game plan to neutralize Bruin QB Brett Hundley.
UCLA is 7-0 UNDER in their last 7 road games. Texas is 6-0 UNDER in their last 6 games following a SU loss of more than 20 points. Our computer is calling for only 44-points to be scored in this one. With the situation favoring the under for the both teams look for both defenses to rule supreme in Austin.
UCLA 26-16
Jimmy Adams
Central Florida vs. Missouri
Bonus Play Central Florida
Huge market overreaction in this game as Missouri is getting way too much support. Much of the market was pounding Toledo in an attempt to fade Mizzou last week. The Tigers did have a dominant performance, but one game against a mid-major certainly doesn’t warrant this kind of chalk.
UCF is coming off a bye week and the extra preparation time has helped out with some injuries. Sophomore QB Justin Holman looked good in the 2nd half against Penn St. Using a variety of high talent skill players, Holman showed that he could move the ball up and down the field. The Nittany Lions defense is better than the Tigers so we should expect a strong offensive showing from UCF.
Central Florida has consistently shown over the years that it can play with teams from the major conferences. They’ll be ready to go for this game, and I’m not sure Mizzou knows just how good this team really is. My power ratings number has the Tigers as a 5.5 point favorite. Easy play here on the underdog. Take UCF.
Central Florida vs. Missouri
Bonus Play Central Florida
Huge market overreaction in this game as Missouri is getting way too much support. Much of the market was pounding Toledo in an attempt to fade Mizzou last week. The Tigers did have a dominant performance, but one game against a mid-major certainly doesn’t warrant this kind of chalk.
UCF is coming off a bye week and the extra preparation time has helped out with some injuries. Sophomore QB Justin Holman looked good in the 2nd half against Penn St. Using a variety of high talent skill players, Holman showed that he could move the ball up and down the field. The Nittany Lions defense is better than the Tigers so we should expect a strong offensive showing from UCF.
Central Florida has consistently shown over the years that it can play with teams from the major conferences. They’ll be ready to go for this game, and I’m not sure Mizzou knows just how good this team really is. My power ratings number has the Tigers as a 5.5 point favorite. Easy play here on the underdog. Take UCF.
Doug Upstone
Texas-San Antonio vs. Oklahoma State
Bonus Play Oklahoma State
Play On favorites of 10.5 to 21 points like Oklahoma State, after allowing nine or more passing yards per attempt in their last game, with an some what inexperienced quarterback as starter, in the first month of the season. How this has typically played out is the defense makes alteration to improve against the pass. Then because of the size of the spread, oddsmakers are confident enough in the situation to make them a fairly good-sized favorite, demonstrating they believe can overcome a few obstacles. Teams like the Cowboys are 29-0 and 23-5-1 ATS (82.1%) the last 22 years in this exact situations.
Texas-San Antonio vs. Oklahoma State
Bonus Play Oklahoma State
Play On favorites of 10.5 to 21 points like Oklahoma State, after allowing nine or more passing yards per attempt in their last game, with an some what inexperienced quarterback as starter, in the first month of the season. How this has typically played out is the defense makes alteration to improve against the pass. Then because of the size of the spread, oddsmakers are confident enough in the situation to make them a fairly good-sized favorite, demonstrating they believe can overcome a few obstacles. Teams like the Cowboys are 29-0 and 23-5-1 ATS (82.1%) the last 22 years in this exact situations.
Jack Jones
Iowa State vs. Iowa
Jack's Free Pick Saturday: Iowa State +12.5
Iowa (2-0) has really had to sweat against a couple of inferior opponents thus far to remain unbeaten on the season. It beat Northern Iowa 31-23 as a 17.5-point favorite in the opener. It followed that up with a 17-13 home win over Ball State as an 18-point favorite.
Iowa State (0-2) improved quite a bit from Week 1 to Week 2. It lost 14-34 to two-time defending FCS champion North Dakota State as a 6.5-point favorite in its opener. Then, it nearly pulled off the upset as a 12-point home underdog to Kansas State, but fell by a final of 28-32.
Normally, it would be tough to recover from such a tough loss like the one the Cyclones suffered last week to Kansas State. They held a 28-13 lead over the Wildcats after scoring 28 unanswered points in the first half. However, they would allow the Wildcats to come storming back to win 32-28 in the closing minutes. It was a promising effort from the Cyclones, and they should have no problem getting motivated to face their biggest rivals this week.
Iowa State has played Iowa extremely tough in recent years. It has only lost to Iowa by more than 12 points in two of the last 10 meetings. It has even won two of the last three meetings with its only loss coming last year by a final of 27-21. There is a very good chance this one goes down to the wire as well. After all, the Cyclones are 12-4 ATS in the last 16 meetings, including 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings at Iowa.
Iowa has played two worse teams than Iowa State already and barely won. It was actually outgained by Northern Iowa 401-405 in its season-opening 31-23 victory. Then, last week, it trailed 13-3 with just 2:52 remaining in the fourth quarter against a Ball State team that is certainly down this year. It needed two touchdowns over the final three minutes to escape with a 17-13 victory. After beating those two teams by single-digits, its simply asking too much for Iowa to win by 13-plus points to beat us this week.
The Hawkeyes are 3-11 ATS as a home favorite over the last three seasons. Iowa is 3-12 ATS in its last 12 Saturday home games. The Hawkeyes are 0-6 ATS in home games off one or more consecutive unders over the last three seasons. The Cyclones are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 vs. Big Ten opponents. Bet Iowa State Saturday.
Iowa State vs. Iowa
Jack's Free Pick Saturday: Iowa State +12.5
Iowa (2-0) has really had to sweat against a couple of inferior opponents thus far to remain unbeaten on the season. It beat Northern Iowa 31-23 as a 17.5-point favorite in the opener. It followed that up with a 17-13 home win over Ball State as an 18-point favorite.
Iowa State (0-2) improved quite a bit from Week 1 to Week 2. It lost 14-34 to two-time defending FCS champion North Dakota State as a 6.5-point favorite in its opener. Then, it nearly pulled off the upset as a 12-point home underdog to Kansas State, but fell by a final of 28-32.
Normally, it would be tough to recover from such a tough loss like the one the Cyclones suffered last week to Kansas State. They held a 28-13 lead over the Wildcats after scoring 28 unanswered points in the first half. However, they would allow the Wildcats to come storming back to win 32-28 in the closing minutes. It was a promising effort from the Cyclones, and they should have no problem getting motivated to face their biggest rivals this week.
Iowa State has played Iowa extremely tough in recent years. It has only lost to Iowa by more than 12 points in two of the last 10 meetings. It has even won two of the last three meetings with its only loss coming last year by a final of 27-21. There is a very good chance this one goes down to the wire as well. After all, the Cyclones are 12-4 ATS in the last 16 meetings, including 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings at Iowa.
Iowa has played two worse teams than Iowa State already and barely won. It was actually outgained by Northern Iowa 401-405 in its season-opening 31-23 victory. Then, last week, it trailed 13-3 with just 2:52 remaining in the fourth quarter against a Ball State team that is certainly down this year. It needed two touchdowns over the final three minutes to escape with a 17-13 victory. After beating those two teams by single-digits, its simply asking too much for Iowa to win by 13-plus points to beat us this week.
The Hawkeyes are 3-11 ATS as a home favorite over the last three seasons. Iowa is 3-12 ATS in its last 12 Saturday home games. The Hawkeyes are 0-6 ATS in home games off one or more consecutive unders over the last three seasons. The Cyclones are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 vs. Big Ten opponents. Bet Iowa State Saturday.
Steve Janus
Penn State vs. Rutgers
Saturday's Free NCAAF Pick Penn State Nittany Lions -3
like Penn State's chances of going on the road and securing a win over Rutgers. The Nittany Lions got a huge emotional boost this week when it was announce that they are immediately eligible for a bowl game.
Rutgers has opened up 2-0, but they have been less than impressive in doing so. While they beat Washington State on the road, the Cougars have looked awful in the early going and are one of the worst defensive teams in the country. The Scarlet Knights then barely squeaked by Howard 38-25 as a 38-point favorite. The most telling stat in that game was that Howard actually outgained Rutgers 427 to 397 in total yards.
I believe the key factor here is the edge that Penn State has on the defensive side of the ball. The Nittany Lions have looked strong on that side of the ball, while Rutgers hasn't looked good at all. The Scarlet Knights gave up 532 yards passing against Washington State and 269 yards rushing against Howard. Penn State is going to have a much easier time moving the ball and that should allow them to win here by more than a field goal.
Key Trends - Rutgers is 6-16 ATS in their last 22 home games after scoring 37 or more points in their last game, 7-15 ATS in their last 22 games played in the month of September and 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games against a team with a winning record. BET THE NITTANY LIONS -3!
Penn State vs. Rutgers
Saturday's Free NCAAF Pick Penn State Nittany Lions -3
like Penn State's chances of going on the road and securing a win over Rutgers. The Nittany Lions got a huge emotional boost this week when it was announce that they are immediately eligible for a bowl game.
Rutgers has opened up 2-0, but they have been less than impressive in doing so. While they beat Washington State on the road, the Cougars have looked awful in the early going and are one of the worst defensive teams in the country. The Scarlet Knights then barely squeaked by Howard 38-25 as a 38-point favorite. The most telling stat in that game was that Howard actually outgained Rutgers 427 to 397 in total yards.
I believe the key factor here is the edge that Penn State has on the defensive side of the ball. The Nittany Lions have looked strong on that side of the ball, while Rutgers hasn't looked good at all. The Scarlet Knights gave up 532 yards passing against Washington State and 269 yards rushing against Howard. Penn State is going to have a much easier time moving the ball and that should allow them to win here by more than a field goal.
Key Trends - Rutgers is 6-16 ATS in their last 22 home games after scoring 37 or more points in their last game, 7-15 ATS in their last 22 games played in the month of September and 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games against a team with a winning record. BET THE NITTANY LIONS -3!
Will Rogers
UCLA vs. Texas
Bonus Play UCLA
It hasn't been easy for head coach Charlie Strong in his first season at Texas. The Longhorns had a terrible off-season, and they are coming off a 34 point blowout loss at home to then unranked BYU last week. Texas will host UCLA this Saturday, and while the Bruins are 2-0, they were absolutely unimpressive in both of those victories.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Injuries - Texas will turn to backup quarterback Tyrone Swoopes, as David Ash is sidelined with a concussion that may be career threatening. Swoopes threw for 176 yards with one TD and an INT in the loss to BYU. They will also likely be without top receiver Jaxon Shipley, starting center Dominic Espinosa, and suspended receiver Daje Johnson.
2. Texas Defense - The Longhorns were unable to stop dual threat QB Taysom Hill, who ran for 99 yards and three TDs, as well as passing for 181 yards and a TD. Bruins QB Brett Hundley could have a field day in Texas.
3. X-Factor - The Bruins defense picked up the slack for a poor performance by the offense in their Week 1 win at Virginia. It was vice versa against Memphis last Saturday, but if they can put it together and play well on both sides of the ball, it should be a blowout in Texas.
Selection: This is a play on the UCLA Bruins (Free)
UCLA vs. Texas
Bonus Play UCLA
It hasn't been easy for head coach Charlie Strong in his first season at Texas. The Longhorns had a terrible off-season, and they are coming off a 34 point blowout loss at home to then unranked BYU last week. Texas will host UCLA this Saturday, and while the Bruins are 2-0, they were absolutely unimpressive in both of those victories.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Injuries - Texas will turn to backup quarterback Tyrone Swoopes, as David Ash is sidelined with a concussion that may be career threatening. Swoopes threw for 176 yards with one TD and an INT in the loss to BYU. They will also likely be without top receiver Jaxon Shipley, starting center Dominic Espinosa, and suspended receiver Daje Johnson.
2. Texas Defense - The Longhorns were unable to stop dual threat QB Taysom Hill, who ran for 99 yards and three TDs, as well as passing for 181 yards and a TD. Bruins QB Brett Hundley could have a field day in Texas.
3. X-Factor - The Bruins defense picked up the slack for a poor performance by the offense in their Week 1 win at Virginia. It was vice versa against Memphis last Saturday, but if they can put it together and play well on both sides of the ball, it should be a blowout in Texas.
Selection: This is a play on the UCLA Bruins (Free)
Red Dog Sports
East Carolina vs. Virginia Tech
Bonus Play East Carolina +10
This line was +11 earlier in the week. Virginia Tech is off a nice win at Ohio State but the Buckeyes are playing with a backup QB. The Hokies open ACC play next week at home vs. Georgia Tech. Virginia Tech was able to win at ECU 15-10 last year. The Pirates are off a 33-23 loss at South Carolina and play UNC next at home.
ECU is led by QB Shane Carden and WR Justin Hardy, who had 11 catches last week. The team is well coached by Ruffin McNeill but the ECU defense still has problems. I think we see a 31-24 type of game with the home team winning by 7 points.
East Carolina vs. Virginia Tech
Bonus Play East Carolina +10
This line was +11 earlier in the week. Virginia Tech is off a nice win at Ohio State but the Buckeyes are playing with a backup QB. The Hokies open ACC play next week at home vs. Georgia Tech. Virginia Tech was able to win at ECU 15-10 last year. The Pirates are off a 33-23 loss at South Carolina and play UNC next at home.
ECU is led by QB Shane Carden and WR Justin Hardy, who had 11 catches last week. The team is well coached by Ruffin McNeill but the ECU defense still has problems. I think we see a 31-24 type of game with the home team winning by 7 points.
