Bob Balfe
College Football
3:30 PM EST
Rotation #142
UCF +2.5 over Oklahoma State
UCF/Oklahoma State Over 64.5
Oklahoma State is coming off a monster win against Oklahoma, while UCF got their first BIG 12 win. You have to wonder why the oddsmaker made this spread so low. The public will back Oklahoma State in this game, but UCF is sneakily a good team that has lost many close games in 2023. Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee has many offensive weapons to throw and hand the ball to. The same is true for Oklahoma State, so we should see a lot of offense in Tampa, FL, today. Today’s game should come down to the wire. One thing of note is the Cowboys’ need for more depth on defense. As the game gets into the second half, we will see banged-up and tired players. The advantage goes to the home team, which is the deeper team. Oklahoma State might be a better overall team, but that gets thrown out the window on the road. Look for the Knights to get a huge upset today. Take UCF and the Over
College Football
4:00 PM EST
Rotation #197
Auburn +2.5 over Arkansas
Auburn and Arkansas are rebuilding with new coordinators on both sides. Auburn has an edge today as they have a more balanced offense. QB Payton Thorne has a lot of excellent receivers and good running backs. The Tigers have a solid offensive line to lean on. Arkansas needs a talented receiving group, and their offensive line is young. Both defenses are good, but the Tigers have a passing game, while the Razorbacks would struggle if they have to make a comeback throwing the ball, which is why they are a 3-6 team. The Tigers have a chance at making a bowl game today and should play like it. Take Auburn.
College Football
10:15 PM EST
Rotation #172
BYU +8.5 over Iowa State
At kickoff, the advantage is already with the Cougars as Iowa State is playing in a different time zone late in the evening. BYU will most likely be without QB Kendon Slovis again, but they have a decent running game and a veteran offensive line. Iowa State is a heavy road favorite, which doesn’t add up. The Cyclones have a first-year offensive coordinator. QB Rocco Becht is a freshman, and their offensive line is nothing to write home about. The Cyclones don’t have the best receivers either, so I don’t see them blowing out the Cougars if they win the game. Tonight will be the Cougars’ last chance to get bowl eligible because they are not doing it against either Oklahoma team in the next two weeks. Look for the Cougars to hang tight and cover the number. Take BYU.