NCAAF NEWS AND NOTES
College Football Top 25 Cheat Sheet: Week 3
By PATRICK GARBIN
Arkansas Razorbacks at Georgia Bulldogs (-2.5, 54)
Why Arkansas will cover: Since the start of 2004, Georgia has struggled at home against the number, going 12-21-1 ATS.
Why Georgia will cover: Arkansas has lost seven consecutive (2-5 ATS) playing in true road games. Quarterback Ryan Mallett completed only 39 percent of his passes in four true road games a year ago.
Total: The Hogs and Dogs might be two of the most improved defenses in the SEC and have combined to allow just 8.5 points per game this season.
Ohio Bobcats at Ohio State Buckeyes (-30.5, 45.5)
Why Ohio will cover: In the two recent meetings (1999, 2008) between the teams, the Bobcats covered both games by an average of more than 20 points.
Why Ohio State will cover: The Buckeyes are 15-4 ATS in their last 19 games overall.
Total: Dating back to last season, Ohio has averaged only 219 total yards and scored just six offensive touchdowns in its previous four games.
Kent State Golden Flashes at Penn State Nittany Lions (-21, 45)
Why Kent State will cover: Penn State continues to prove why it is arguably the most overrated team in the nation. Some question how it could beat any team by three touchdowns or more.
Why Penn State will cover: The Nittany Lions have defeated 20 non-BCS teams in a row by an average of 34 points.
Total: The under is 8-2 in Penn State’s last 10 games at home and 6-2 in Kent State’s last eight games on the road.
Maryland Terrapins at West Virginia Mountaineers (-10, 44.5)
Why Maryland will cover: The Terrapins have covered their last four games after going just 13-23-1 ATS in their previous 37 overall.
Why West Virginia will cover: There is line value here because of West Virginia’s poor performance against Marshall. The Mountaineers are much better than perceived, plus, have an extra day to prepare.
Total: In its last four games, including against noteworthy offenses of Florida State, Boston College, and Navy, Maryland is allowing just 16.3 points per game.
Alabama Crimson Tide at Duke Blue Devils (-23.5, 57)
Why Alabama will cover: The Crimson Tide have recently been one of the best teams against the number, going 21-9 ATS since their 2007 bowl game.
Why Duke will cover: This is the perfect spot for a Blue Devil cover. Alabama has had consecutive easy victories and could be looking forward to playing at Arkansas next week.
Total: Duke’s defense is twice as bad as its offense is good. In their last five games, the Blue Devils are allowing 42 points and 484 yards per game.
Air Force Falcons at Oklahoma Sooners (-17, 54.5)
Why Air Force will cover: The Falcons are 10-6-1 ATS in away games during the coach Troy Calhoun era.
Why Oklahoma will cover: The Sooners’ run defense is unyielding. After allowing just 2.8 yards per rush a year ago, Oklahoma is giving up only 2.9 this season.
Total: Both teams’ defenses, especially Air Force’s, is better than most realize. The Sooners and Falcons ranked in the top 10 in the nation in scoring defense in 2009.
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Washington Huskies (+3, 53.5)
Why Nebraska will cover: Washington’s wide-open offense plays right into Nebraska’s strength on defense. The Cornhuskers have arguably the best secondary in the country.
Why Washington will cover: The Huskies are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games.
Total: Since the beginning of last season, Nebraska is allowing less than 11 points per game.
Arizona State Sun Devils at Wisconsin Badgers (-14, 46.5)
Why Arizona State will cover: The Sun Devils have been horrid when playing on the road, going 8-21-1 ATS as an away underdog since 2001, including 2-6-1 under coach Dennis Erickson.
Why Wisconsin will cover: A sub-par Arizona State team must travel nearly across the country to face one of the Big 10’s best in one of the tougher stadiums to play.
Total: The Under is 21-7-3 in Arizona State’s last 31 road games.
Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers (+14, 46)
Why Florida will cover: Despite their slow start to the season, the Gators have been one of the best teams against the number, going 19-9 ATS in their last 28 games overall.
Why Tennessee will cover: There is line value here: Florida is not the same team as previous years while the Volunteers, as they have demonstrated in recent seasons, are steadily getting better as the year progresses.
Total: This game has been a defensive battle recently. Four of the last 5 meetings have gone under the total.
Baylor Bears at TCU Horned Frogs (-21.5, 52.5)
Why Baylor will cover: The Bears are an impressive 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games against a team with a winning record.
Why TCU will cover: Baylor’s inexperience will be no match for TCU’s tested squad, especially considering how well the Horned Frogs play at home.
Total: Although Baylor might be an untried team, directed by quarterback Robert Griffin, the Bears can put points on the board. TCU has scored 30 or more points in nine consecutive regular-season games.
Clemson at Auburn (-7.5, 55)
Why Clemson will cover: As long as they are underdogs of a touchdown or more, the Tigers’ explosive offense can nearly cover the spread by itself, especially against a below-average Auburn defense.
Why Auburn will cover: This could be another example of an ACC team exhibiting that it’s no match against another BCS team, especially when facing Auburn’s high-powered offense on the road.
Total: Playing the under would be a huge risk, considering the number of points both of these teams have scored (and allowed) the last two seasons.
Mississippi State Bulldogs at LSU Tigers (-7.5, 43.5)
Why Mississippi State will cover: Coach Dan Mullen has his Bulldogs steadily improving, especially in their running game and defense, and it’s only a matter of time until they pull an upset on the road.
Why LSU will cover: The Tigers have owned the series, winning the last 10 in a row by an average of 27 points.
Total: Usually because of LSU’s points alone, the over is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings of these teams.
Texas Longhorns at Texas Tech Red Raiders (+3, 52)
Why Texas will cover: The Longhorns pit their stout defense against a Red Raider team with no running game and a new head coach.
Why Texas Tech will cover: Texas has been disappointing and is not as good as most think. The Longhorns giving a field goal or more in this game is based purely on their reputation.
Total: Defensive-minded Tommy Tuberville and a Texas offense playing a third-stringer at left tackle while switching its main running backs should keep the combined points down.
Utah Utes at New Mexico Lobos (+22.5, 54)
Why Utah will cover: Under coach Kyle Whittingham, the Utes have thrived as heavy favorites, going 13-7 ATS as double-digit favorites, including 6-1 ATS in their last seven when giving 20 or more points.
Why New Mexico will cover: The Lobos have been playing well against conference opponents, covering four of their last five games against MWC foes.
Total: After being one of the worst teams in college football in scoring defense a season ago, New Mexico has continued the trend into 2010, allowing 124 points in its first two games.
Boise State Broncos at Wyoming Cowboys (+23.5, 52.5)
Why Boise State will cover: The Broncos want to look impressive for poll voters since their win over Virginia Tech in game one has become significantly lessened after the Hokies’ loss to James Madison.
Why Wyoming will cover: The Cowboys have covered all three games they’ve played against Boise State since 2003, plus, they are 9-3 ATS as underdogs since the start of last season.
Total: As was the case last year, Wyoming is allowing 27 points per game this season while Boise State’s reputable defense has allowed five of its last seven opponents to score 21 points or more.
Iowa Hawkeyes at Arizona Wildcats (+1.5, 42.5)
Why Iowa will cover: While the Hawkeyes are one of the better teams in the nation, Arizona is untested and unproven.
Why Arizona will cover: The Wildcats are historically tough at home and are 5-1 ATS in their last six games at Arizona Stadium.
Total: Arizona has a reputation as a defensive team; however, the Wildcats are allowing more than 26 points per game to BCS opponents since the start of the 2009 season.
Houston Cougars at UCLA Bruins (+3, 60)
Why Houston will cover: While the Cougars have forced five turnovers in two games this season, UCLA has a minus-7 turnover margin in its last four games.
Why UCLA will cover: Against non-BCS teams at home, the Bruins are nearly unbeatable, winning 23 of their last 24 games with a scoring margin of 25 points.
Total: The Over is 6-2 in Houston’s last eight road games and 6-2 in UCLA’s last eight non-conference games.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Stanford Cardinal (-17, 59.5)
Why Wake Forest will cover: Under coach Jim Grobe, the Demon Deacons always seem well prepared for the “good” teams, going 23-9 ATS in their last 32 games against teams with winning records.
Why Stanford will cover: As evident by its impressive win at UCLA, the Cardinal could be the best team in the Pac-10 and are certainly out for revenge following last year’s loss at Wake Forest.
Total: With the recent announcement that Wake Forest will start freshman Tanner Price at quarterback and “we don’t want to put too much pressure on him,” according to Grobe, points could be at a premium for this expected shootout.
College Football Top 25 Cheat Sheet: Week 3
By PATRICK GARBIN
Arkansas Razorbacks at Georgia Bulldogs (-2.5, 54)
Why Arkansas will cover: Since the start of 2004, Georgia has struggled at home against the number, going 12-21-1 ATS.
Why Georgia will cover: Arkansas has lost seven consecutive (2-5 ATS) playing in true road games. Quarterback Ryan Mallett completed only 39 percent of his passes in four true road games a year ago.
Total: The Hogs and Dogs might be two of the most improved defenses in the SEC and have combined to allow just 8.5 points per game this season.
Ohio Bobcats at Ohio State Buckeyes (-30.5, 45.5)
Why Ohio will cover: In the two recent meetings (1999, 2008) between the teams, the Bobcats covered both games by an average of more than 20 points.
Why Ohio State will cover: The Buckeyes are 15-4 ATS in their last 19 games overall.
Total: Dating back to last season, Ohio has averaged only 219 total yards and scored just six offensive touchdowns in its previous four games.
Kent State Golden Flashes at Penn State Nittany Lions (-21, 45)
Why Kent State will cover: Penn State continues to prove why it is arguably the most overrated team in the nation. Some question how it could beat any team by three touchdowns or more.
Why Penn State will cover: The Nittany Lions have defeated 20 non-BCS teams in a row by an average of 34 points.
Total: The under is 8-2 in Penn State’s last 10 games at home and 6-2 in Kent State’s last eight games on the road.
Maryland Terrapins at West Virginia Mountaineers (-10, 44.5)
Why Maryland will cover: The Terrapins have covered their last four games after going just 13-23-1 ATS in their previous 37 overall.
Why West Virginia will cover: There is line value here because of West Virginia’s poor performance against Marshall. The Mountaineers are much better than perceived, plus, have an extra day to prepare.
Total: In its last four games, including against noteworthy offenses of Florida State, Boston College, and Navy, Maryland is allowing just 16.3 points per game.
Alabama Crimson Tide at Duke Blue Devils (-23.5, 57)
Why Alabama will cover: The Crimson Tide have recently been one of the best teams against the number, going 21-9 ATS since their 2007 bowl game.
Why Duke will cover: This is the perfect spot for a Blue Devil cover. Alabama has had consecutive easy victories and could be looking forward to playing at Arkansas next week.
Total: Duke’s defense is twice as bad as its offense is good. In their last five games, the Blue Devils are allowing 42 points and 484 yards per game.
Air Force Falcons at Oklahoma Sooners (-17, 54.5)
Why Air Force will cover: The Falcons are 10-6-1 ATS in away games during the coach Troy Calhoun era.
Why Oklahoma will cover: The Sooners’ run defense is unyielding. After allowing just 2.8 yards per rush a year ago, Oklahoma is giving up only 2.9 this season.
Total: Both teams’ defenses, especially Air Force’s, is better than most realize. The Sooners and Falcons ranked in the top 10 in the nation in scoring defense in 2009.
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Washington Huskies (+3, 53.5)
Why Nebraska will cover: Washington’s wide-open offense plays right into Nebraska’s strength on defense. The Cornhuskers have arguably the best secondary in the country.
Why Washington will cover: The Huskies are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games.
Total: Since the beginning of last season, Nebraska is allowing less than 11 points per game.
Arizona State Sun Devils at Wisconsin Badgers (-14, 46.5)
Why Arizona State will cover: The Sun Devils have been horrid when playing on the road, going 8-21-1 ATS as an away underdog since 2001, including 2-6-1 under coach Dennis Erickson.
Why Wisconsin will cover: A sub-par Arizona State team must travel nearly across the country to face one of the Big 10’s best in one of the tougher stadiums to play.
Total: The Under is 21-7-3 in Arizona State’s last 31 road games.
Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers (+14, 46)
Why Florida will cover: Despite their slow start to the season, the Gators have been one of the best teams against the number, going 19-9 ATS in their last 28 games overall.
Why Tennessee will cover: There is line value here: Florida is not the same team as previous years while the Volunteers, as they have demonstrated in recent seasons, are steadily getting better as the year progresses.
Total: This game has been a defensive battle recently. Four of the last 5 meetings have gone under the total.
Baylor Bears at TCU Horned Frogs (-21.5, 52.5)
Why Baylor will cover: The Bears are an impressive 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games against a team with a winning record.
Why TCU will cover: Baylor’s inexperience will be no match for TCU’s tested squad, especially considering how well the Horned Frogs play at home.
Total: Although Baylor might be an untried team, directed by quarterback Robert Griffin, the Bears can put points on the board. TCU has scored 30 or more points in nine consecutive regular-season games.
Clemson at Auburn (-7.5, 55)
Why Clemson will cover: As long as they are underdogs of a touchdown or more, the Tigers’ explosive offense can nearly cover the spread by itself, especially against a below-average Auburn defense.
Why Auburn will cover: This could be another example of an ACC team exhibiting that it’s no match against another BCS team, especially when facing Auburn’s high-powered offense on the road.
Total: Playing the under would be a huge risk, considering the number of points both of these teams have scored (and allowed) the last two seasons.
Mississippi State Bulldogs at LSU Tigers (-7.5, 43.5)
Why Mississippi State will cover: Coach Dan Mullen has his Bulldogs steadily improving, especially in their running game and defense, and it’s only a matter of time until they pull an upset on the road.
Why LSU will cover: The Tigers have owned the series, winning the last 10 in a row by an average of 27 points.
Total: Usually because of LSU’s points alone, the over is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings of these teams.
Texas Longhorns at Texas Tech Red Raiders (+3, 52)
Why Texas will cover: The Longhorns pit their stout defense against a Red Raider team with no running game and a new head coach.
Why Texas Tech will cover: Texas has been disappointing and is not as good as most think. The Longhorns giving a field goal or more in this game is based purely on their reputation.
Total: Defensive-minded Tommy Tuberville and a Texas offense playing a third-stringer at left tackle while switching its main running backs should keep the combined points down.
Utah Utes at New Mexico Lobos (+22.5, 54)
Why Utah will cover: Under coach Kyle Whittingham, the Utes have thrived as heavy favorites, going 13-7 ATS as double-digit favorites, including 6-1 ATS in their last seven when giving 20 or more points.
Why New Mexico will cover: The Lobos have been playing well against conference opponents, covering four of their last five games against MWC foes.
Total: After being one of the worst teams in college football in scoring defense a season ago, New Mexico has continued the trend into 2010, allowing 124 points in its first two games.
Boise State Broncos at Wyoming Cowboys (+23.5, 52.5)
Why Boise State will cover: The Broncos want to look impressive for poll voters since their win over Virginia Tech in game one has become significantly lessened after the Hokies’ loss to James Madison.
Why Wyoming will cover: The Cowboys have covered all three games they’ve played against Boise State since 2003, plus, they are 9-3 ATS as underdogs since the start of last season.
Total: As was the case last year, Wyoming is allowing 27 points per game this season while Boise State’s reputable defense has allowed five of its last seven opponents to score 21 points or more.
Iowa Hawkeyes at Arizona Wildcats (+1.5, 42.5)
Why Iowa will cover: While the Hawkeyes are one of the better teams in the nation, Arizona is untested and unproven.
Why Arizona will cover: The Wildcats are historically tough at home and are 5-1 ATS in their last six games at Arizona Stadium.
Total: Arizona has a reputation as a defensive team; however, the Wildcats are allowing more than 26 points per game to BCS opponents since the start of the 2009 season.
Houston Cougars at UCLA Bruins (+3, 60)
Why Houston will cover: While the Cougars have forced five turnovers in two games this season, UCLA has a minus-7 turnover margin in its last four games.
Why UCLA will cover: Against non-BCS teams at home, the Bruins are nearly unbeatable, winning 23 of their last 24 games with a scoring margin of 25 points.
Total: The Over is 6-2 in Houston’s last eight road games and 6-2 in UCLA’s last eight non-conference games.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Stanford Cardinal (-17, 59.5)
Why Wake Forest will cover: Under coach Jim Grobe, the Demon Deacons always seem well prepared for the “good” teams, going 23-9 ATS in their last 32 games against teams with winning records.
Why Stanford will cover: As evident by its impressive win at UCLA, the Cardinal could be the best team in the Pac-10 and are certainly out for revenge following last year’s loss at Wake Forest.
Total: With the recent announcement that Wake Forest will start freshman Tanner Price at quarterback and “we don’t want to put too much pressure on him,” according to Grobe, points could be at a premium for this expected shootout.
NCAAF NEWS AND NOTES
Preview: Florida at Tennessee
By Brian Edwards
Back in the 1990s, the winner of this rivalry game could just about go ahead and book its trip to the SEC Championship Game. However, times have changed, particularly up on Rocky Top.
Tennessee (1-1 straight up, 0-1 against the spread) is a double-digit home underdog for the second straight Saturday. Guess how many times that's happened before? Never. The Volunteers have their third head coach in the last 21 months and their AD Mike Hamilton has to be on a boiling hot seat.
And, oh yeah, UT still hasn’t beaten Urban Meyer in five attempts. In fact, Meyer owns an incredible 14-1 record against Florida’s three biggest rivals – UT, UGA and FSU.
If the odds are any indicator, that record should be 15-1 once the dust settles early Saturday evening at Neyland Stadium. As of Thursday afternoon, most betting shops had Florida (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS) listed as a 14-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 46. Bettors can take the Vols to win outright for a monster plus-425 payout (risk $100 to win $425).
Florida looked like garbage in a season-opening 34-12 win over Miami (OH.) that was much closer than the final score indicated. The Gators could only muster a pathetic 25 yards of total offense in the first three quarters. Even worse, they had eight fumbles that were mostly created by confusion with the center-to-quarterback exchange from out of the shotgun formation.
Things weren’t much better in the first half last week against South Florida. The Bulls jumped out to a 7-0 lead and UF didn’t get even until John Brantley found Carl Moore for an 11-yard scoring strike late in the second quarter.
In the second half, junior running back Jeff Demps took over to lead UF to a 38-14 win over USF as a 14 1/2-point home ‘chalk.’ Demps put the Gators ahead for good when he busted loose for a 62-yard touchdown run down the sideline early in the third quarter.
Demps finished the day with 11 carries for 139 yards, but his contributions didn’t end there. He also had a 54-yard kickoff return and a 21-yard reception. Brantley completed 18-of-31 throws for 172 yards and two TDs without being intercepted. Moore had five catches for 40 yards, including a leaping grab to keep a scoring drive alive on a fourth-and-three play.
As much as the offense has struggled in two games, UF’s defense has been the exact opposite. This unit has already bagged eight interceptions, including a pair of pick-sixes for scores (one from Janoris Jenkins in Week 1 and another from Justin Trattou vs. USF).
Derek Dooley’s squad got off to a strong start with a 50-0 win over UT-Martin in its opener at Neyland Stadium. The results were the same for the first 27 minutes of last week’s home game against Oregon.
The Vols dominated most of the first half, jumping out to a 13-3 lead behind 111 rushing yards in the first quarter alone from junior RB Tauren Poole. With 2:56 left until halftime, the Ducks got a 42-yard field goal from Rob Beard to narrow the deficit to 13-6.
After forcing a three and out, Oregon took over at its own 38 with 1:55 remaining until halftime. Four plays later, Darron Thomas perfectly lofted a 27-yard strike to David Paulson to get the Ducks even going into intermission.
From there, it was all Oregon. The Ducks would outscore the Vols 35-0 over the final 30 minutes to capture a 48-13 win as 10 ½-point road favorites. What started as a promising night for UT ended with empty seats galore and a deflating defeat.
On the bright side, Poole finished with 162 yards and one TD on 21 carries. He goes into Week 3 leading the SEC in rushing yards with 272 and a 6.8 yards-per-carry average. Junior QB Matt Simms, a juco transfer who started his career at Louisville, has completed 29-of-53 passes for 332 yards with one TD pass and one interception. Simms will have to go one more week without starting WR Gerald Jones, who is still nursing a broken bone in his left hand. Jones led UT in receptions (46) and receiving yards (680) last year.
Florida will also be missing one of its best playmakers. Chris Rainey might’ve been ‘out’ due to a concussion he suffered against USF last week, but all doubt was removed Tuesday morning when he was arrested for stalking his ex-girlfriend. Rainey has made six catches for 34 yards and one TD.
In Rainey’s absence, CB Janoris Jenkins will take over the punt-returning duties. Jenkins had a 30-yard return in the second half against USF after Rainey had left the game with a concussion. Omarius Hines will move over from tight end to start for Rainey as the slot receiver.
CBS will have television coverage at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
The last time UT beat UF was in 2004 when the Vols won a controversial 30-28 decision thanks to a last-second field goal. The Gators got completely hosed by the officials when they failed to wind the clock before a UF punt in the final minute. The error, which the SEC later acknowledged, saved the Vols about 35 seconds. They prevailed on a kick as time expired.
Some UT fans might call the ’04 result poetic justice due to the controversial finish that went UF’s way in 2000. That’s when Jesse Palmer connected with Jabar Gaffney for a go-ahead touchdown in the final minute. Whether or not Gaffney ever had possession of the ball is up for debate and remember, this was before we had instant replay. But here’s the thing that the Volunteer faithful always forget: Gaffney’s catch came on 2nd and goal with the Gators trailing by three. Therefore, even if Gaffney’s game-winning grab was nullified, UF would’ve still had a chance to score a TD on third and goal, and it could’ve kicked a chip-shot field goal to force overtime if the third-down play failed.
The ‘under’ has cashed in six of the last eight head-to-head meetings between UT and UF.
Dating back to last season, the ‘over’ is 6-1 in Tennessee’s last seven games with a total.
During Meyer’s six-year tenure, UF players have been arrested 30 times.
In UF’s last trip to Neyland in 2008, it dealt out woodshed treatment. Brandon James returned the opening kickoff into UT territory and several plays later, the Gators were in the end zone. The blowout was ‘on’ at that point, as they cruised to a 30-6 victory as 7 ½-point road favorites.
As a home underdog on Derek Dooley’s watch from 2007-2009, La. Tech posted a perfect 6-0 spread record.
Georgia is still clinging to slim hopes that All-American WR A.J. Green will be able to play Saturday vs. Arkansas. The NCAA suspended Green for four games and he has already sat out two. UGA has appealed and a ruling on the appeal will be announced Friday.
Preview: Florida at Tennessee
By Brian Edwards
Back in the 1990s, the winner of this rivalry game could just about go ahead and book its trip to the SEC Championship Game. However, times have changed, particularly up on Rocky Top.
Tennessee (1-1 straight up, 0-1 against the spread) is a double-digit home underdog for the second straight Saturday. Guess how many times that's happened before? Never. The Volunteers have their third head coach in the last 21 months and their AD Mike Hamilton has to be on a boiling hot seat.
And, oh yeah, UT still hasn’t beaten Urban Meyer in five attempts. In fact, Meyer owns an incredible 14-1 record against Florida’s three biggest rivals – UT, UGA and FSU.
If the odds are any indicator, that record should be 15-1 once the dust settles early Saturday evening at Neyland Stadium. As of Thursday afternoon, most betting shops had Florida (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS) listed as a 14-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 46. Bettors can take the Vols to win outright for a monster plus-425 payout (risk $100 to win $425).
Florida looked like garbage in a season-opening 34-12 win over Miami (OH.) that was much closer than the final score indicated. The Gators could only muster a pathetic 25 yards of total offense in the first three quarters. Even worse, they had eight fumbles that were mostly created by confusion with the center-to-quarterback exchange from out of the shotgun formation.
Things weren’t much better in the first half last week against South Florida. The Bulls jumped out to a 7-0 lead and UF didn’t get even until John Brantley found Carl Moore for an 11-yard scoring strike late in the second quarter.
In the second half, junior running back Jeff Demps took over to lead UF to a 38-14 win over USF as a 14 1/2-point home ‘chalk.’ Demps put the Gators ahead for good when he busted loose for a 62-yard touchdown run down the sideline early in the third quarter.
Demps finished the day with 11 carries for 139 yards, but his contributions didn’t end there. He also had a 54-yard kickoff return and a 21-yard reception. Brantley completed 18-of-31 throws for 172 yards and two TDs without being intercepted. Moore had five catches for 40 yards, including a leaping grab to keep a scoring drive alive on a fourth-and-three play.
As much as the offense has struggled in two games, UF’s defense has been the exact opposite. This unit has already bagged eight interceptions, including a pair of pick-sixes for scores (one from Janoris Jenkins in Week 1 and another from Justin Trattou vs. USF).
Derek Dooley’s squad got off to a strong start with a 50-0 win over UT-Martin in its opener at Neyland Stadium. The results were the same for the first 27 minutes of last week’s home game against Oregon.
The Vols dominated most of the first half, jumping out to a 13-3 lead behind 111 rushing yards in the first quarter alone from junior RB Tauren Poole. With 2:56 left until halftime, the Ducks got a 42-yard field goal from Rob Beard to narrow the deficit to 13-6.
After forcing a three and out, Oregon took over at its own 38 with 1:55 remaining until halftime. Four plays later, Darron Thomas perfectly lofted a 27-yard strike to David Paulson to get the Ducks even going into intermission.
From there, it was all Oregon. The Ducks would outscore the Vols 35-0 over the final 30 minutes to capture a 48-13 win as 10 ½-point road favorites. What started as a promising night for UT ended with empty seats galore and a deflating defeat.
On the bright side, Poole finished with 162 yards and one TD on 21 carries. He goes into Week 3 leading the SEC in rushing yards with 272 and a 6.8 yards-per-carry average. Junior QB Matt Simms, a juco transfer who started his career at Louisville, has completed 29-of-53 passes for 332 yards with one TD pass and one interception. Simms will have to go one more week without starting WR Gerald Jones, who is still nursing a broken bone in his left hand. Jones led UT in receptions (46) and receiving yards (680) last year.
Florida will also be missing one of its best playmakers. Chris Rainey might’ve been ‘out’ due to a concussion he suffered against USF last week, but all doubt was removed Tuesday morning when he was arrested for stalking his ex-girlfriend. Rainey has made six catches for 34 yards and one TD.
In Rainey’s absence, CB Janoris Jenkins will take over the punt-returning duties. Jenkins had a 30-yard return in the second half against USF after Rainey had left the game with a concussion. Omarius Hines will move over from tight end to start for Rainey as the slot receiver.
CBS will have television coverage at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
The last time UT beat UF was in 2004 when the Vols won a controversial 30-28 decision thanks to a last-second field goal. The Gators got completely hosed by the officials when they failed to wind the clock before a UF punt in the final minute. The error, which the SEC later acknowledged, saved the Vols about 35 seconds. They prevailed on a kick as time expired.
Some UT fans might call the ’04 result poetic justice due to the controversial finish that went UF’s way in 2000. That’s when Jesse Palmer connected with Jabar Gaffney for a go-ahead touchdown in the final minute. Whether or not Gaffney ever had possession of the ball is up for debate and remember, this was before we had instant replay. But here’s the thing that the Volunteer faithful always forget: Gaffney’s catch came on 2nd and goal with the Gators trailing by three. Therefore, even if Gaffney’s game-winning grab was nullified, UF would’ve still had a chance to score a TD on third and goal, and it could’ve kicked a chip-shot field goal to force overtime if the third-down play failed.
The ‘under’ has cashed in six of the last eight head-to-head meetings between UT and UF.
Dating back to last season, the ‘over’ is 6-1 in Tennessee’s last seven games with a total.
During Meyer’s six-year tenure, UF players have been arrested 30 times.
In UF’s last trip to Neyland in 2008, it dealt out woodshed treatment. Brandon James returned the opening kickoff into UT territory and several plays later, the Gators were in the end zone. The blowout was ‘on’ at that point, as they cruised to a 30-6 victory as 7 ½-point road favorites.
As a home underdog on Derek Dooley’s watch from 2007-2009, La. Tech posted a perfect 6-0 spread record.
Georgia is still clinging to slim hopes that All-American WR A.J. Green will be able to play Saturday vs. Arkansas. The NCAA suspended Green for four games and he has already sat out two. UGA has appealed and a ruling on the appeal will be announced Friday.
CFB DUNKEL
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Game 107-108: Arkansas at Georgia (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 96.323; Georgia 97.959
Dunkel Line: Georgia by 1 1/2; 51
Vegas Line: Georgia by 2 1/2; 54
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (+2 1/2); Under
Game 109-110: Maryland at West Virginia (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Maryland 85.564; West Virginia 94.585
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 9; 41
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 11; 44 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (+11); Under
Game 111-112: Iowa State at Kansas State (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa State 84.941; Kansas State 93.631
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 8 1/2; 52
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 3 1/2; 49 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (-3 1/2); Over
Game 113-114: Ball State at Purdue (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ball State 68.110; Purdue 89.409
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 21 1/2; 47
Vegas Line: Purdue by 16 1/2; 49
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-16 1/2); Under
Game 115-116: Northern Illinois at Illinois (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Illinois 81.394; Illinois 87.730
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 6 1/2; 51
Vegas Line: Illinois by 8; 47
Dunkel Pick: Northern Illinois (+8); Over
Game 117-118: Connecticut at Temple (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 94.648; Temple 84.203
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 10 1/2; 53
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 6 1/2; 48
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-6 1/2); Over
Game 119-120: Ohio at Ohio State (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 81.212; Ohio State 109.813
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 28 1/2; 41
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 32; 45
Dunkel Pick: Ohio (+32); Under
Game 121-122: Kent State at Penn State (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kent State 74.318; Penn State 105.397
Dunkel Line: Penn State by 31; 41
Vegas Line: Penn State by 21; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Penn State (-21); Under
Game 123-124: Georgia Tech at North Carolina (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 95.689; North Carolina 94.981
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 1; 52
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 2; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Tech (+2); Over
Game 125-126: Vanderbilt at Mississippi (12:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 82.786; Mississippi 92.415
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 9 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 12; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (+12); Over
Game 127-128: East Carolina at Virginia Tech (1:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 85.973; Virginia Tech 107.683
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 21 1/2; 55
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 17 1/2; 57 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-17 1/2); Under
Game 129-130: San Diego State at Missouri (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego State 76.029; Missouri 99.509
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 23 1/2; 58
Vegas Line: Missouri by 13 1/2; 56
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-13 1/2); Over
Game 131-132: Tulsa at Oklahoma State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 89.963; Oklahoma State 95.452
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 5 1/2; 66
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State by 7; 69
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+7); Under
Game 133-134: Alabama at Duke (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama 111.326; Duke 85.914
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 25 1/2; 61
Vegas Line: Alabama by 23 1/2; 58
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (-23 1/2); Over
Game 135-136: Hawaii at Colorado (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Hawaii 76.701; Colorado 86.103
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 9 1/2; 52
Vegas Line: Colorado by 11 1/2; 55
Dunkel Pick: Hawaii (+11 1/2); Under
Game 137-138: BYU at Florida State (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 89.434; Florida State 100.735
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 11 1/2; 66
Vegas Line: Florida State by 9 1/2; 60 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (-9 1/2); Over
Game 139-140: Colorado State at Miami (OH) (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 70.107; Miami (OH) 74.118
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 4; 46
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 8; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado State (+8); Under
Game 141-142: Florida at Tennessee (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 108.079; Tennessee 97.156
Dunkel Line: Florida by 11; 43
Vegas Line: Florida by 14; 46 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (+14); Under
Game 143-144: USC at Minnesota (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: USC 95.190; Minnesota 81.658
Dunkel Line: USC by 13 1/2 1/2; 56
Vegas Line: USC by 11 1/2; 53
Dunkel Pick: USC (-11 1/2); Over
Game 145-146: Washington State at SMU (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington State 64.555; SMU 89.062
Dunkel Line: SMU by 24 1/2; 55
Vegas Line: SMU by 22 1/2; 57 1/2
Dunkel Pick: SMU (-22 1/2); Under
Game 147-148: Arizona State at Wisconsin (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 91.468; Wisconsin 102.321
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 11; 50
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 14; 46 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (+14); Over
Game 149-150: Nebraska at Washington (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 101.064; Washington 97.924
Dunkel Line: Nebraska by 3; 50
Vegas Line: Nebraska by 3 1/2; 53
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3 1/2); Under
Game 151-152: Louisville at Oregon State (5:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 79.408; Oregon State 100.309
Dunkel Line: Oregon State by 21; 59
Vegas Line: Oregon State by 19; 52
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (-19); Over
Game 153-154: Air Force at Oklahoma (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 90.491; Oklahoma 109.984
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 19 1/2; 57
Vegas Line: Oklahoma by 16 1/2; 54
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (-16 1/2); Over
Game 155-156: Central Michigan at Eastern Michigan (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 77.949; Eastern Michigan 70.423
Dunkel Line: Central Michigan by 7 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: Central Michigan by 9 1/2; 47
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (+9 1/2); Under
Game 157-158: Baylor at TCU (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 87.083; TCU 110.193
Dunkel Line: TCU by 23; 50
Vegas Line: TCU by 21; 52 1/2
Dunkel Pick: TCU (-21); Under
Game 159-160: Marshall at Bowling Green (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Marshall 80.648; Bowling Green 82.751
Dunkel Line: Bowling Green by 2; 55
Vegas Line: Marshall by 3 1/2; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (+3 1/2); Over
Game 161-162: Navy at Louisiana Tech (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Navy 88.757; Louisiana Tech 80.988
Dunkel Line: Navy by 8; 55
Vegas Line: Navy by 3 1/2; 48
Dunkel Pick: Navy (-3 1/2); Over
Game 163-164: Central Florida at Buffalo (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Central Florida 82.998; Buffalo 79.862
Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 3; 41
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 8 1/2; 44 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+8 1/2); Under
Game 165-166: Akron at Kentucky (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 66.673; Kentucky 92.968
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 26; 47
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 24 1/2; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-24 1/2); Under
Game 167-168: Toledo at Western Michigan (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 73.319; Western Michigan 73.924
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 1; 57
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 4; 54
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+4); Over
Game 169-170: Clemson at Auburn (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Clemson 94.981; Auburn 96.279
Dunkel Line: Auburn by 1 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Auburn by 7 1/2; 54 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (+7 1/2); Under
Game 171-172: Texas at Texas Tech (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas 109.929; Texas Tech 103.416
Dunkel Line: Texas by 6 1/2; 57
Vegas Line: Texas by 3; 52
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-3); Over
Game 173-174: Northwestern at Rice (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Northwestern 84.521; Rice 79.100
Dunkel Line: Northwestern by 5 1/2; 51
Vegas Line: Northwestern by 6 1/2; 54 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+6 1/2); Under
Game 175-176: Mississippi State at LSU (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi State 91.599; LSU 103.315
Dunkel Line: LSU by 11 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: LSU by 7 1/2; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LSU (-7 1/2); Over
Game 177-178: Utah at New Mexico (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 97.108; New Mexico 66.541
Dunkel Line: Utah by 30 1/2; 57
Vegas Line: Utah by 22 1/2; 54
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-22 1/2); Over
Game 179-180: Fresno State at Utah State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 88.590; Utah State 85.400
Dunkel Line: Fresno State by 3; 54
Vegas Line: Fresno State by 5 1/2; 58
Dunkel Pick: Utah State (+5 1/2); Under
Game 181-182: Notre Dame at Michigan State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Notre Dame 93.277; Michigan State 94.034
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 1; 54
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 3 1/2; 51 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Notre Dame (+3 1/2); Over
Game 183-184: Boise State at Wyoming (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boise State 105.671; Wyoming 79.308
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 26 1/2; 49
Vegas Line: Boise State by 23; 52 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boise State (-23); Under
Game 185-186: New Mexico State at UTEP (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 60.236; UTEP 78.448
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 18; 54
Vegas Line: UTEP by 14 1/2; 58 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (-14 1/2); Under
Game 187-188: UNLV at Idaho (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UNLV 76.183; Idaho 85.752
Dunkel Line: Idaho by 9 1/2; 59
Vegas Line: Idaho by 6 1/2; 56
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (-6 1/2); Over
Game 189-190: Iowa at Arizona (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 99.562; Arizona 100.957
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Iowa by 2; 42 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+2); Over
Game 191-192: Houston at UCLA (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 93.902; UCLA 89.995
Dunkel Line: Houston by 4; 57
Vegas Line: Houston by 3; 60
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-3); Under
Game 193-194: Wake Forest at Stanford (11:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wake Forest 87.267; Stanford 102.655
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 15 1/2; 65
Vegas Line: Stanford by 17; 59 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wake Forest (+17); Over
Game 195-196: Indiana at Western Kentucky (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 82.279; Western Kentucky 65.728
Dunkel Line: Indiana by 16 1/2; 57
Vegas Line: Indiana by 12; 63
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-12); Under
Game 197-198: North Texas at Army (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: North Texas 66.807; Army 72.209
Dunkel Line: Army by 5 1/2; 53
Vegas Line: Army by 6; 51 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Texas (+6); Over
Game 199-200: UL-Monroe at Arkansas State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Monroe 71.857; Arkansas State 76.611
Dunkel Line: Arkansas State by 5; 51
Vegas Line: Arkansas State by 3 1/2; 55
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas State (-3 1/2); Under
Game 201-202: Florida International at Texas A&M (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 68.979; Texas A&M 94.354
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 25 1/2; 63
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 28; 59 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+28); Over
Game 203-204: Middle Tennessee State at Memphis (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Middle Tennessee State 81.411; Memphis 68.748
Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 12 1/2; 52
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 4; 57
Dunkel Pick: Middle Tennessee State (-4); Under
Game 205-206: Troy at UAB (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 85.923; UAB 82.958
Dunkel Line: Troy by 3; 60
Vegas Line: Troy by 3 1/2; 58 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (+3 1/2); Over
OTHER MAJOR GAMES:
Game 241-242: Massachusetts at Michigan (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 76.256; Michigan 97.565
Dunkel Line: Michigan by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 243-244: Furman at South Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 67.363; South Carolina 98.314
Dunkel Line: South Carolina by 21;
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 245-246: Portland State at Oregon (6:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland State 54.582; Oregon 114.745
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 60
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 247-248: Maine at Syracuse (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Maine 62.760; Syracuse 85.002
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 22
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 249-250: Southern Utah at San Jose State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Utah 62.852; San Jose State 76.430
Dunkel Line: San Jose State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Game 107-108: Arkansas at Georgia (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 96.323; Georgia 97.959
Dunkel Line: Georgia by 1 1/2; 51
Vegas Line: Georgia by 2 1/2; 54
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (+2 1/2); Under
Game 109-110: Maryland at West Virginia (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Maryland 85.564; West Virginia 94.585
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 9; 41
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 11; 44 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (+11); Under
Game 111-112: Iowa State at Kansas State (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa State 84.941; Kansas State 93.631
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 8 1/2; 52
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 3 1/2; 49 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (-3 1/2); Over
Game 113-114: Ball State at Purdue (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ball State 68.110; Purdue 89.409
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 21 1/2; 47
Vegas Line: Purdue by 16 1/2; 49
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-16 1/2); Under
Game 115-116: Northern Illinois at Illinois (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Illinois 81.394; Illinois 87.730
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 6 1/2; 51
Vegas Line: Illinois by 8; 47
Dunkel Pick: Northern Illinois (+8); Over
Game 117-118: Connecticut at Temple (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 94.648; Temple 84.203
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 10 1/2; 53
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 6 1/2; 48
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-6 1/2); Over
Game 119-120: Ohio at Ohio State (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 81.212; Ohio State 109.813
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 28 1/2; 41
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 32; 45
Dunkel Pick: Ohio (+32); Under
Game 121-122: Kent State at Penn State (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kent State 74.318; Penn State 105.397
Dunkel Line: Penn State by 31; 41
Vegas Line: Penn State by 21; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Penn State (-21); Under
Game 123-124: Georgia Tech at North Carolina (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 95.689; North Carolina 94.981
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 1; 52
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 2; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Tech (+2); Over
Game 125-126: Vanderbilt at Mississippi (12:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 82.786; Mississippi 92.415
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 9 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 12; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (+12); Over
Game 127-128: East Carolina at Virginia Tech (1:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 85.973; Virginia Tech 107.683
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 21 1/2; 55
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 17 1/2; 57 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-17 1/2); Under
Game 129-130: San Diego State at Missouri (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego State 76.029; Missouri 99.509
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 23 1/2; 58
Vegas Line: Missouri by 13 1/2; 56
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-13 1/2); Over
Game 131-132: Tulsa at Oklahoma State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 89.963; Oklahoma State 95.452
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 5 1/2; 66
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State by 7; 69
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+7); Under
Game 133-134: Alabama at Duke (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama 111.326; Duke 85.914
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 25 1/2; 61
Vegas Line: Alabama by 23 1/2; 58
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (-23 1/2); Over
Game 135-136: Hawaii at Colorado (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Hawaii 76.701; Colorado 86.103
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 9 1/2; 52
Vegas Line: Colorado by 11 1/2; 55
Dunkel Pick: Hawaii (+11 1/2); Under
Game 137-138: BYU at Florida State (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 89.434; Florida State 100.735
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 11 1/2; 66
Vegas Line: Florida State by 9 1/2; 60 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (-9 1/2); Over
Game 139-140: Colorado State at Miami (OH) (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 70.107; Miami (OH) 74.118
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 4; 46
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 8; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado State (+8); Under
Game 141-142: Florida at Tennessee (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 108.079; Tennessee 97.156
Dunkel Line: Florida by 11; 43
Vegas Line: Florida by 14; 46 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (+14); Under
Game 143-144: USC at Minnesota (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: USC 95.190; Minnesota 81.658
Dunkel Line: USC by 13 1/2 1/2; 56
Vegas Line: USC by 11 1/2; 53
Dunkel Pick: USC (-11 1/2); Over
Game 145-146: Washington State at SMU (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington State 64.555; SMU 89.062
Dunkel Line: SMU by 24 1/2; 55
Vegas Line: SMU by 22 1/2; 57 1/2
Dunkel Pick: SMU (-22 1/2); Under
Game 147-148: Arizona State at Wisconsin (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 91.468; Wisconsin 102.321
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 11; 50
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 14; 46 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (+14); Over
Game 149-150: Nebraska at Washington (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 101.064; Washington 97.924
Dunkel Line: Nebraska by 3; 50
Vegas Line: Nebraska by 3 1/2; 53
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3 1/2); Under
Game 151-152: Louisville at Oregon State (5:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 79.408; Oregon State 100.309
Dunkel Line: Oregon State by 21; 59
Vegas Line: Oregon State by 19; 52
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (-19); Over
Game 153-154: Air Force at Oklahoma (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 90.491; Oklahoma 109.984
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 19 1/2; 57
Vegas Line: Oklahoma by 16 1/2; 54
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (-16 1/2); Over
Game 155-156: Central Michigan at Eastern Michigan (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 77.949; Eastern Michigan 70.423
Dunkel Line: Central Michigan by 7 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: Central Michigan by 9 1/2; 47
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (+9 1/2); Under
Game 157-158: Baylor at TCU (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 87.083; TCU 110.193
Dunkel Line: TCU by 23; 50
Vegas Line: TCU by 21; 52 1/2
Dunkel Pick: TCU (-21); Under
Game 159-160: Marshall at Bowling Green (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Marshall 80.648; Bowling Green 82.751
Dunkel Line: Bowling Green by 2; 55
Vegas Line: Marshall by 3 1/2; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (+3 1/2); Over
Game 161-162: Navy at Louisiana Tech (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Navy 88.757; Louisiana Tech 80.988
Dunkel Line: Navy by 8; 55
Vegas Line: Navy by 3 1/2; 48
Dunkel Pick: Navy (-3 1/2); Over
Game 163-164: Central Florida at Buffalo (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Central Florida 82.998; Buffalo 79.862
Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 3; 41
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 8 1/2; 44 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+8 1/2); Under
Game 165-166: Akron at Kentucky (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 66.673; Kentucky 92.968
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 26; 47
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 24 1/2; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-24 1/2); Under
Game 167-168: Toledo at Western Michigan (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 73.319; Western Michigan 73.924
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 1; 57
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 4; 54
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+4); Over
Game 169-170: Clemson at Auburn (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Clemson 94.981; Auburn 96.279
Dunkel Line: Auburn by 1 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Auburn by 7 1/2; 54 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (+7 1/2); Under
Game 171-172: Texas at Texas Tech (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas 109.929; Texas Tech 103.416
Dunkel Line: Texas by 6 1/2; 57
Vegas Line: Texas by 3; 52
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-3); Over
Game 173-174: Northwestern at Rice (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Northwestern 84.521; Rice 79.100
Dunkel Line: Northwestern by 5 1/2; 51
Vegas Line: Northwestern by 6 1/2; 54 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+6 1/2); Under
Game 175-176: Mississippi State at LSU (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi State 91.599; LSU 103.315
Dunkel Line: LSU by 11 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: LSU by 7 1/2; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LSU (-7 1/2); Over
Game 177-178: Utah at New Mexico (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 97.108; New Mexico 66.541
Dunkel Line: Utah by 30 1/2; 57
Vegas Line: Utah by 22 1/2; 54
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-22 1/2); Over
Game 179-180: Fresno State at Utah State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 88.590; Utah State 85.400
Dunkel Line: Fresno State by 3; 54
Vegas Line: Fresno State by 5 1/2; 58
Dunkel Pick: Utah State (+5 1/2); Under
Game 181-182: Notre Dame at Michigan State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Notre Dame 93.277; Michigan State 94.034
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 1; 54
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 3 1/2; 51 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Notre Dame (+3 1/2); Over
Game 183-184: Boise State at Wyoming (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boise State 105.671; Wyoming 79.308
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 26 1/2; 49
Vegas Line: Boise State by 23; 52 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boise State (-23); Under
Game 185-186: New Mexico State at UTEP (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 60.236; UTEP 78.448
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 18; 54
Vegas Line: UTEP by 14 1/2; 58 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (-14 1/2); Under
Game 187-188: UNLV at Idaho (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UNLV 76.183; Idaho 85.752
Dunkel Line: Idaho by 9 1/2; 59
Vegas Line: Idaho by 6 1/2; 56
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (-6 1/2); Over
Game 189-190: Iowa at Arizona (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 99.562; Arizona 100.957
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Iowa by 2; 42 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+2); Over
Game 191-192: Houston at UCLA (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 93.902; UCLA 89.995
Dunkel Line: Houston by 4; 57
Vegas Line: Houston by 3; 60
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-3); Under
Game 193-194: Wake Forest at Stanford (11:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wake Forest 87.267; Stanford 102.655
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 15 1/2; 65
Vegas Line: Stanford by 17; 59 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wake Forest (+17); Over
Game 195-196: Indiana at Western Kentucky (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 82.279; Western Kentucky 65.728
Dunkel Line: Indiana by 16 1/2; 57
Vegas Line: Indiana by 12; 63
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-12); Under
Game 197-198: North Texas at Army (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: North Texas 66.807; Army 72.209
Dunkel Line: Army by 5 1/2; 53
Vegas Line: Army by 6; 51 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Texas (+6); Over
Game 199-200: UL-Monroe at Arkansas State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Monroe 71.857; Arkansas State 76.611
Dunkel Line: Arkansas State by 5; 51
Vegas Line: Arkansas State by 3 1/2; 55
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas State (-3 1/2); Under
Game 201-202: Florida International at Texas A&M (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 68.979; Texas A&M 94.354
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 25 1/2; 63
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 28; 59 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+28); Over
Game 203-204: Middle Tennessee State at Memphis (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Middle Tennessee State 81.411; Memphis 68.748
Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 12 1/2; 52
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 4; 57
Dunkel Pick: Middle Tennessee State (-4); Under
Game 205-206: Troy at UAB (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 85.923; UAB 82.958
Dunkel Line: Troy by 3; 60
Vegas Line: Troy by 3 1/2; 58 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (+3 1/2); Over
OTHER MAJOR GAMES:
Game 241-242: Massachusetts at Michigan (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 76.256; Michigan 97.565
Dunkel Line: Michigan by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 243-244: Furman at South Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 67.363; South Carolina 98.314
Dunkel Line: South Carolina by 21;
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 245-246: Portland State at Oregon (6:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland State 54.582; Oregon 114.745
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 60
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 247-248: Maine at Syracuse (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Maine 62.760; Syracuse 85.002
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 22
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 249-250: Southern Utah at San Jose State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Utah 62.852; San Jose State 76.430
Dunkel Line: San Jose State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
CKO
11 *VIRGINIA TECH over East Carolina Late Score Forecast: *VIRGINIA TECH 45 - E. Carolina 13
10 *KENTUCKY over Akron Late Score Forecast: *KENTUCKY 48 - Akron 14
10 UNLV over *Idaho Late Score Forecast: UNLV 29 - *Idaho 26
NINE-RATED GAMES:
VANDERBILT (+13) at Mississippi—Vandy a tough underdog on the road; Ole Miss still trying to get its loose ends together...SMU (-22) vs. Washington State—Mustangs improved both offensively and defensively over the SMU team that blew a 17-0 lead and lost in OT last season in Pullman..
MISSISSIPPI STATE (+81⁄2) at Lsu—Bulldog program ascending; how come LSU only 2-18 vs. spread last 20 hosting SEC foes?...
UTAH (-23) at New Mexico—Can the Lobos (128 points allowed in first two games) be trusted vs. any high-quality foe?...
ARKANSAS STATE (-3) vs. Louisiana-Monroe—Red Wolves have a poor pointspread record recently, but they’ve finally reached their home opener TY after scoring 25 ppg in two road losses.
11 *VIRGINIA TECH over East Carolina Late Score Forecast: *VIRGINIA TECH 45 - E. Carolina 13
10 *KENTUCKY over Akron Late Score Forecast: *KENTUCKY 48 - Akron 14
10 UNLV over *Idaho Late Score Forecast: UNLV 29 - *Idaho 26
NINE-RATED GAMES:
VANDERBILT (+13) at Mississippi—Vandy a tough underdog on the road; Ole Miss still trying to get its loose ends together...SMU (-22) vs. Washington State—Mustangs improved both offensively and defensively over the SMU team that blew a 17-0 lead and lost in OT last season in Pullman..
MISSISSIPPI STATE (+81⁄2) at Lsu—Bulldog program ascending; how come LSU only 2-18 vs. spread last 20 hosting SEC foes?...
UTAH (-23) at New Mexico—Can the Lobos (128 points allowed in first two games) be trusted vs. any high-quality foe?...
ARKANSAS STATE (-3) vs. Louisiana-Monroe—Red Wolves have a poor pointspread record recently, but they’ve finally reached their home opener TY after scoring 25 ppg in two road losses.
NELLY'S GREEN SHEET
College Key Releases
RATING 5 MISSOURI (-16) over San Diego State
RATING 4 TULSA (+7) over Oklahoma State
RATING 3 GEORGIA (-21⁄2) over Arkansas
RATING 2 BOWLING GREEN (+21⁄2) over Marshall
RATING 2 PENN STATE (-211⁄2) over Kent State
RATING 1 VANDERBILT (+13) over Mississippi
RATING 1 VIRGINIA TECH (-171⁄2) over East Carolina
College Key Releases
RATING 5 MISSOURI (-16) over San Diego State
RATING 4 TULSA (+7) over Oklahoma State
RATING 3 GEORGIA (-21⁄2) over Arkansas
RATING 2 BOWLING GREEN (+21⁄2) over Marshall
RATING 2 PENN STATE (-211⁄2) over Kent State
RATING 1 VANDERBILT (+13) over Mississippi
RATING 1 VIRGINIA TECH (-171⁄2) over East Carolina
POINTWISE (newsletter)
COLLEGE KEY RELEASES
RATING: 1 BOISE STATE over Wyoming
RATING: 1 UTEP over New Mexico State
RATING: 2 SMU over Washington State
RATING: 3 OREGON STATE over Louisville
RATING: 4 MARYLAND over West Virginia
RATING: 4 UTAH STATE over Fresno State
RATING: 5 VANDERBILT over Mississippi
COLLEGE KEY RELEASES
RATING: 1 BOISE STATE over Wyoming
RATING: 1 UTEP over New Mexico State
RATING: 2 SMU over Washington State
RATING: 3 OREGON STATE over Louisville
RATING: 4 MARYLAND over West Virginia
RATING: 4 UTAH STATE over Fresno State
RATING: 5 VANDERBILT over Mississippi
