Saturday's NCAAF Top 25 betting cheat sheet: Afternoon action
Check out our college football Top 25 cheat sheet for Saturday's evening action.
Miami Hurricanes at South Florida Bulls (+19, 47)
Miami Senior quarterback Stephen Morris suffered an ankle injury last week, but is expected to play. The Hurricanes have allowed only 29 points in three games, keyed by junior linebacker Denzel Perryman’s 20 tackles.
South Florida’s quarterbacks are struggling and five defensive touchdowns have been scored against the Bulls. Sophomore Steven Bench, a transfer from Penn State, is expected to be the third different starter at quarterback after completing 8-of-23 passes for 128 yards in the 28-10 loss to Florida Atlantic on Sept. 14. The Bulls have turned the ball over eight times.
LINE: Miami opened -20.5 and has moved as low as -18. Total moved from 48.5 to 47.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 80s, 20 percent chance of thunderstorms, winds NE 7 mph.
TRENDS:
* Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
* Road team is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Bulls are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. ACC.
Oklahoma State Cowboys at West Virginia Mountaineers (+19, 57)
Oklahoma State tallied 115 points in its last two games and is tied for 10th in the country in scoring at 45.3 points per game coming out of an early bye week. Senior Jeremy Smith leads the team with six rushing touchdowns, including three first-half scores in the Cowboys’ 59-3 win against Lamar last week. Oklahoma State racked up 426 total yards in that victory.
West Virginia redshirt freshman Ford Childress is expected to start his third consecutive game despite floundering against the Terrapins last week. West Virginia has scored seven total points in its two losses. Coming off a 37-0 shutout to Maryland, the Mountaineers will look to stay above .500 under third-year coach Dana Holgorsen, who served as Oklahoma State’s offensive coordinator in 2010.
LINE: OSU opened -20.5 and has moved to -19. Total moved between 57 and 58.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 60s, clear skies, winds 5 mph SE
TRENDS:
* Cowboys are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Mountaineers are 2-6 ATS in their last eight home games.
* Under is 7-0 in Mountaineers last seven games overall.
South Carolina Gamecocks at UCF Knights (+7, 53)
The Gamecocks, whose only loss was at Georgia, 41-30, are coming off a bye following a 35-25 home win over Vanderbilt. Senior quarterback Connor Shaw is completing 64.9 percent of his passes and has thrown six touchdowns without an interception.
Central Florida enters Saturday's game unbeaten and with arguably the more impressive win. The Knights (3-0), who have scored at least 30 points in their first three games of a season for the first time in school history, are coming off a 34-31 upset of Penn State in Happy Valley.
LINE: UCF opened +7.5 and moved to +7. Total steady at 53.
WEATHER: Temperatures in low 80s, 19 percent chance of rain, winds NE 12 mph
TRENDS:
* Gamecocks are 6-2 ATS in their last eight non-conference games.
* Knights are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games.
* Over is 5-1 in Gamecocks last six road games.
Oklahoma Sooners at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+3.5, 50)
The Irish used their passing game to stretch Michigan State and put pressure on the cornerbacks last week, drawing several penalties that kept drives alive and helped lead to a 17-13 triumph. Notre Dame is looking for its 11th straight home win.
Oklahoma is getting its biggest test of the first month and had an off week to prepare for the Fighting Irish after trouncing Tulsa on Sept. 14. The Sooners are bringing a different starting quarterback into this matchup, with junior Blake Bell proving himself after passing for 413 yards and four touchdowns in the win over Tulsa.
LINE: Notre Dame opened -1 and moved to +3.5. Total moved from 48.5 to 50.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, clear skies, winds south 12 mph
TRENDS:
* Sooners are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games.
* Fighting Irish are 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven home games.
* Under is 25-9-1 in Fighting Irish's last 35 non-conference games.
LSU Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs (-3, 62)
The Tigers have outscored opponents 173-88 and have not trailed at any point, but they also haven't yet played in a hostile environment like they'll face between the hedges. LSU's offense has taken flight under new coordinator Cam Cameron, as the Tigers have topped 30 points in their first four games for only the third time in history - and the first since 1928.
The Bulldogs put a 14-game home winning streak on the line and are after their second home win over a top-10 opponent after a 41-30 victory over South Carolina two weeks ago. Georgia's offense has been dynamic with quarterback Aaron Murray and running back Todd Gurley - the SEC's leading rusher at 125.7 yards per game.
LINE: Georgia opened -4.5 and moved to -3. Total steady at 62.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, clear skies, winds ENE 6 mph
TRENDS:
* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Tigers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 conference games.
* Bulldogs are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
Florida State Seminoles at Boston College Eagles (+23.5)
Spurred by the country’s 19th-ranked running game, the Seminoles look to extend a seven-game win streak in ACC play. The Seminoles have been remarkably efficient on offense, averaging 8.8 yards per play - the third-best mark in the nation. However, the defense has created only four turnovers and allowed 43 more rushing yards per game than it did a season ago.
Boston College, which had the FBS' 10th-worst run defense in 2012, appeared to be making strides in that area until it surrendered 257 yards in a 35-7 loss at Southern California last Saturday. However, the Eagles’ best chance at winning this game may come behind running back Andre Williams, who leads the conference in rushing.
LINE: FSU opened -22.5 and moved to -23.5. Total moved 52 to 54.
WEATHER: Temperatures in low 60s, clear skies, winds east 6 mph
TRENDS:
* Underdog is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Road team is 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings.
* Over is 6-2-1 in Seminoles last nine games overall.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Clemson Tigers (-28.5, 58.5)
The Demon Deacons have lost 32 straight games against teams ranked in the Top 5 dating back to a victory over Tennessee in 1946. Wake Forest is 9-73 all-time in road games against ranked programs.
Clemson QB Tajh Boyd had a field day against Wake Forest last season, throwing for five touchdowns and setting a school record with 428 yards. coach Dabo Swinney said that WR Martavis Bryant will have his playing time reduced against Wake Forest for making a throat-slashing gesture after one of the scores.
LINE: Clemson opened -27.5 and moved to -29. Total steady at 58.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, clear skies, winds ENE 5 mph
TRENDS:
* Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
* Under is 17-8 in Tigers last 25 conference games.
* Tigers are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
Check out our college football Top 25 cheat sheet for Saturday's evening action.
Miami Hurricanes at South Florida Bulls (+19, 47)
Miami Senior quarterback Stephen Morris suffered an ankle injury last week, but is expected to play. The Hurricanes have allowed only 29 points in three games, keyed by junior linebacker Denzel Perryman’s 20 tackles.
South Florida’s quarterbacks are struggling and five defensive touchdowns have been scored against the Bulls. Sophomore Steven Bench, a transfer from Penn State, is expected to be the third different starter at quarterback after completing 8-of-23 passes for 128 yards in the 28-10 loss to Florida Atlantic on Sept. 14. The Bulls have turned the ball over eight times.
LINE: Miami opened -20.5 and has moved as low as -18. Total moved from 48.5 to 47.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 80s, 20 percent chance of thunderstorms, winds NE 7 mph.
TRENDS:
* Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
* Road team is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Bulls are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. ACC.
Oklahoma State Cowboys at West Virginia Mountaineers (+19, 57)
Oklahoma State tallied 115 points in its last two games and is tied for 10th in the country in scoring at 45.3 points per game coming out of an early bye week. Senior Jeremy Smith leads the team with six rushing touchdowns, including three first-half scores in the Cowboys’ 59-3 win against Lamar last week. Oklahoma State racked up 426 total yards in that victory.
West Virginia redshirt freshman Ford Childress is expected to start his third consecutive game despite floundering against the Terrapins last week. West Virginia has scored seven total points in its two losses. Coming off a 37-0 shutout to Maryland, the Mountaineers will look to stay above .500 under third-year coach Dana Holgorsen, who served as Oklahoma State’s offensive coordinator in 2010.
LINE: OSU opened -20.5 and has moved to -19. Total moved between 57 and 58.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 60s, clear skies, winds 5 mph SE
TRENDS:
* Cowboys are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Mountaineers are 2-6 ATS in their last eight home games.
* Under is 7-0 in Mountaineers last seven games overall.
South Carolina Gamecocks at UCF Knights (+7, 53)
The Gamecocks, whose only loss was at Georgia, 41-30, are coming off a bye following a 35-25 home win over Vanderbilt. Senior quarterback Connor Shaw is completing 64.9 percent of his passes and has thrown six touchdowns without an interception.
Central Florida enters Saturday's game unbeaten and with arguably the more impressive win. The Knights (3-0), who have scored at least 30 points in their first three games of a season for the first time in school history, are coming off a 34-31 upset of Penn State in Happy Valley.
LINE: UCF opened +7.5 and moved to +7. Total steady at 53.
WEATHER: Temperatures in low 80s, 19 percent chance of rain, winds NE 12 mph
TRENDS:
* Gamecocks are 6-2 ATS in their last eight non-conference games.
* Knights are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games.
* Over is 5-1 in Gamecocks last six road games.
Oklahoma Sooners at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+3.5, 50)
The Irish used their passing game to stretch Michigan State and put pressure on the cornerbacks last week, drawing several penalties that kept drives alive and helped lead to a 17-13 triumph. Notre Dame is looking for its 11th straight home win.
Oklahoma is getting its biggest test of the first month and had an off week to prepare for the Fighting Irish after trouncing Tulsa on Sept. 14. The Sooners are bringing a different starting quarterback into this matchup, with junior Blake Bell proving himself after passing for 413 yards and four touchdowns in the win over Tulsa.
LINE: Notre Dame opened -1 and moved to +3.5. Total moved from 48.5 to 50.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, clear skies, winds south 12 mph
TRENDS:
* Sooners are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games.
* Fighting Irish are 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven home games.
* Under is 25-9-1 in Fighting Irish's last 35 non-conference games.
LSU Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs (-3, 62)
The Tigers have outscored opponents 173-88 and have not trailed at any point, but they also haven't yet played in a hostile environment like they'll face between the hedges. LSU's offense has taken flight under new coordinator Cam Cameron, as the Tigers have topped 30 points in their first four games for only the third time in history - and the first since 1928.
The Bulldogs put a 14-game home winning streak on the line and are after their second home win over a top-10 opponent after a 41-30 victory over South Carolina two weeks ago. Georgia's offense has been dynamic with quarterback Aaron Murray and running back Todd Gurley - the SEC's leading rusher at 125.7 yards per game.
LINE: Georgia opened -4.5 and moved to -3. Total steady at 62.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, clear skies, winds ENE 6 mph
TRENDS:
* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Tigers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 conference games.
* Bulldogs are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
Florida State Seminoles at Boston College Eagles (+23.5)
Spurred by the country’s 19th-ranked running game, the Seminoles look to extend a seven-game win streak in ACC play. The Seminoles have been remarkably efficient on offense, averaging 8.8 yards per play - the third-best mark in the nation. However, the defense has created only four turnovers and allowed 43 more rushing yards per game than it did a season ago.
Boston College, which had the FBS' 10th-worst run defense in 2012, appeared to be making strides in that area until it surrendered 257 yards in a 35-7 loss at Southern California last Saturday. However, the Eagles’ best chance at winning this game may come behind running back Andre Williams, who leads the conference in rushing.
LINE: FSU opened -22.5 and moved to -23.5. Total moved 52 to 54.
WEATHER: Temperatures in low 60s, clear skies, winds east 6 mph
TRENDS:
* Underdog is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Road team is 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings.
* Over is 6-2-1 in Seminoles last nine games overall.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Clemson Tigers (-28.5, 58.5)
The Demon Deacons have lost 32 straight games against teams ranked in the Top 5 dating back to a victory over Tennessee in 1946. Wake Forest is 9-73 all-time in road games against ranked programs.
Clemson QB Tajh Boyd had a field day against Wake Forest last season, throwing for five touchdowns and setting a school record with 428 yards. coach Dabo Swinney said that WR Martavis Bryant will have his playing time reduced against Wake Forest for making a throat-slashing gesture after one of the scores.
LINE: Clemson opened -27.5 and moved to -29. Total steady at 58.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, clear skies, winds ENE 5 mph
TRENDS:
* Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
* Under is 17-8 in Tigers last 25 conference games.
* Tigers are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
Essential betting tidbits for Week 5 of college football
We dug up these vital betting tidbits for some of Saturday's college football action that will help you make the right call before kickoff.
- The South Florida Bulls are have just a 20 percent conversion rate on third downs. Only Florida International and Miami (OH) are worse. The Bulls are 19-point home dogs with the Miami Hurricanes in town.
- The West Virginia Mountaineers had six turnovers last week versus Maryland and are averaging 3.7 giveaways per game. Only Hawaii, Southern Mississippi and Western Kentucky are worse.
- Oklahoma State is tied for 10th in the nation in scoring with 45.3 ppg. The Cowboys are 19-point road faves at West Virginia Saturday.
- The worst offensive unit in the country? That would be the Miami (OH) Red Hawks who have just 448 total net yards through three games. Florida International is next-to-last with 603 total yards. The Red Hawks are 25-point road dogs at Illinois.
- Central Florida is a 7-point home dog with South Carolina visiting. The Knights will have to put their unblemished 3-0 ATS mark on the line without starting LB Willie Mitchell who will miss his second straight game following his DUI arrest on Sept. 7.
- The SMU Mustangs are 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings with TCU. The Horned Frogs are 19.5-point home faves Saturday.
- Northern Illinois and Purdue have met once before. NIU won 28-21 and covered as 9.5-point dogs back in 2009. The Huskies are 3.5-point road faves Saturday.
- The Tennessee Volunteers host the South Alabama Jaguars Saturday. Tennessee is 8-0 all time against teams from the Sun Belt Conference and is an 18.5-point fave.
- Pitt is a 5.5-point home fave with the Virginia Cavaliers visiting on Saturday.
- The UNC Tar Heels are 12-point home faves versus East Carolina. The Heels are 6-0 ATS in the past six meetings with the Pirates.
- Navy is the No. 1 rushing team in the nation with 398 yards per game. Western Kentucky's defense allows 200 rushing yards per game which ranks them 89th in the country. The Midshipmen are 3-point road faves.
- The favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings between Bowling Green and Akron. The Falcons are 14-point favorites at home.
- The Colorado Buffaloes have not played a game since Sept. 7. Their game versus Fresno State was postponed due to weather. The Buffaloes are 11-point dogs at Oregon State.
- The Duke Blue Devils are coming off a 58-55 loss to Pitt in the second-highest scoring game in ACC history. The host the Troy Trojans with a total of 68.5.
- The road team is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings between Toledo and Ball State. The Cardinals are 2-point home faves Saturday.
- Buffalo hosts UConn with the game currently a pick. The Huskies are 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings with the Bulls.
- Clemson hosts Wake Forest with the total currently sitting at 58.5. The Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings between these two teams.
- The Colorado State Rams lead the all-time series with UTEP 24-10. The Rams are favored by two touchdowns at home Saturday.
- The Oklahoma Sooners haven't lost a regular season game since losing to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 30-13 in Week 9 last season. The Sooners are 3.5-road dogs at South Bend.
- The Iowa Hawkeyes are one of four teams with an Over/Under record of 4-0 (LSU, New Mexico State, Troy). The Hawkeyes are on the road to face Minnesota with a total of 46 Saturday.
- The North Carolina State Wolpack have played under the total in eight straight home games. They've allowed an average of 16.6 points in those eight home games. The Wolfpack host Central Michigan and the total is currently 52.
- Florida State QB Jameis Winston leads the nation with a 78.1 completion percentage and is second with a 210.5 QB rating. Winston will look to build on those numbers in Boston as the Noles are 23-point road faves at Boston College.
- A pair of SEC heavyweights face off as Georgia hosts LSU Saturday. The over is 5-1 in the last six meetings and Saturday's total is currently 62.
- Army and Louisiana Tech play in Dallas Saturday. The Under is 4-0 in Army's last four neutral site games. Total is 52.5.
- The UTSA Road Runners are one of five teams to start the season 4-0 ATS. Dating back to last season, the Road Runners are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games overall. UTSA is a 2.5-point home dog with the Houston Cougars in town Saturday.
- The Temple Owls are one of 10 squads that have failed to successfully kick a field goal. They are 0-4 this season. Temple is a 7-point road fave against Idaho with a total of 55.5.
- One of the most anticipated matchups of the weekend is Ole Miss at Bama. The Rebels are 14-point dogs, but are 4-0 ATS in their last four games at Alabama.
- The Over is 6-0 in the last six meetings between Arizona and Washington. Saturday's total is currently 61.
- A pair of anemic offenses take the field as Kent State visit Western Michigan. The Golden Flashes are ranked 120 on offense and the Broncos are ranked 115 on offense. The Broncos are 2.5-point home faves with a total of 49.5.
- The Florida Gators are 6-0 ATS in their last six games versus the Kentucky Wildcats. The Gators are 12-point road faves Saturday.
- Texas A&M, a 14-point road fave at Arkansas Saturday, has scored 40 points in its first four games of the season for the first time in school history.
- Florida Atlantic are 14-point underdogs at Rice Saturday, but are 9-0 ATS in their last nine road games.
- Wyoming is currently the top consensus pick (75%) as a 12-point road fave at Texas State Saturday.
- Louisiana-Monroe was a 63-10 winner at Tulane in Week 5 last year. The Warhawks are 12.5-point home faves in this weekend's matchup.
- The Missouri Tigers are 2-0 against Arkansas State, winning in 2004 and 2005 by a combined score of 96-37. Mizzou is favored by 21.5 at home against the Red Wolves.
- Vanderbilt WR Jordan Matthews needs one TD reception to become the school's all-time leader. He'll look get that against UAB who come in as a 19.5-point road dog at Vandy.
- Air Force will begin life without starting QB Jeleel Awini versus Nevada Saturday. The sophomore is "no longer a cadet in good standing and not eligible to represent the academy in any outside activities." Awini replaced No. 1 QB Kale Pearson who is out for the season with a knee injury. The Falcons have just two QBs left on the roster and are 11.5-point road dogs at Nevada.
- A pair of winless programs go face-to-face as San Diego state plays New Mexico State. The Aggies are 17.5-point home dogs and are 0-8 in their last eight games overall.
- UNLV and New Mexico have played under in the last four meetings in New Mexico. The total for Saturday is currently 54.
- An interesting Big Ten matchup has Wisconsin at Ohio State. The underdog is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings and the Badgers are 6.5-point road dogs.
- The Stanford Cardinal are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games at Washington State. Stanford is a 9.5-point road fave Saturday night.
- Southern Miss has played Over in nine of its last 11 road games. The Golden Eagles are on the road at Boise State with a total of 49.5.
- The total for the Cal versus Oregon game currently sits at 82. Since 1985, there have been 11 games with totals of at least 80 points. Six of them have gone under.
- USC and Arizona State square off in a Pac-12 battle Saturday Night at Sun Devil Stadium. The Trojans are 3.5-point road dogs and are 0-8 ATS in their last eight games overall.
- Fresno State is 4-0 ATS in the last four games in Hawaii. The Bulldogs are big 17.5-point road dogs in the Aloha State.
We dug up these vital betting tidbits for some of Saturday's college football action that will help you make the right call before kickoff.
- The South Florida Bulls are have just a 20 percent conversion rate on third downs. Only Florida International and Miami (OH) are worse. The Bulls are 19-point home dogs with the Miami Hurricanes in town.
- The West Virginia Mountaineers had six turnovers last week versus Maryland and are averaging 3.7 giveaways per game. Only Hawaii, Southern Mississippi and Western Kentucky are worse.
- Oklahoma State is tied for 10th in the nation in scoring with 45.3 ppg. The Cowboys are 19-point road faves at West Virginia Saturday.
- The worst offensive unit in the country? That would be the Miami (OH) Red Hawks who have just 448 total net yards through three games. Florida International is next-to-last with 603 total yards. The Red Hawks are 25-point road dogs at Illinois.
- Central Florida is a 7-point home dog with South Carolina visiting. The Knights will have to put their unblemished 3-0 ATS mark on the line without starting LB Willie Mitchell who will miss his second straight game following his DUI arrest on Sept. 7.
- The SMU Mustangs are 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings with TCU. The Horned Frogs are 19.5-point home faves Saturday.
- Northern Illinois and Purdue have met once before. NIU won 28-21 and covered as 9.5-point dogs back in 2009. The Huskies are 3.5-point road faves Saturday.
- The Tennessee Volunteers host the South Alabama Jaguars Saturday. Tennessee is 8-0 all time against teams from the Sun Belt Conference and is an 18.5-point fave.
- Pitt is a 5.5-point home fave with the Virginia Cavaliers visiting on Saturday.
- The UNC Tar Heels are 12-point home faves versus East Carolina. The Heels are 6-0 ATS in the past six meetings with the Pirates.
- Navy is the No. 1 rushing team in the nation with 398 yards per game. Western Kentucky's defense allows 200 rushing yards per game which ranks them 89th in the country. The Midshipmen are 3-point road faves.
- The favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings between Bowling Green and Akron. The Falcons are 14-point favorites at home.
- The Colorado Buffaloes have not played a game since Sept. 7. Their game versus Fresno State was postponed due to weather. The Buffaloes are 11-point dogs at Oregon State.
- The Duke Blue Devils are coming off a 58-55 loss to Pitt in the second-highest scoring game in ACC history. The host the Troy Trojans with a total of 68.5.
- The road team is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings between Toledo and Ball State. The Cardinals are 2-point home faves Saturday.
- Buffalo hosts UConn with the game currently a pick. The Huskies are 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings with the Bulls.
- Clemson hosts Wake Forest with the total currently sitting at 58.5. The Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings between these two teams.
- The Colorado State Rams lead the all-time series with UTEP 24-10. The Rams are favored by two touchdowns at home Saturday.
- The Oklahoma Sooners haven't lost a regular season game since losing to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 30-13 in Week 9 last season. The Sooners are 3.5-road dogs at South Bend.
- The Iowa Hawkeyes are one of four teams with an Over/Under record of 4-0 (LSU, New Mexico State, Troy). The Hawkeyes are on the road to face Minnesota with a total of 46 Saturday.
- The North Carolina State Wolpack have played under the total in eight straight home games. They've allowed an average of 16.6 points in those eight home games. The Wolfpack host Central Michigan and the total is currently 52.
- Florida State QB Jameis Winston leads the nation with a 78.1 completion percentage and is second with a 210.5 QB rating. Winston will look to build on those numbers in Boston as the Noles are 23-point road faves at Boston College.
- A pair of SEC heavyweights face off as Georgia hosts LSU Saturday. The over is 5-1 in the last six meetings and Saturday's total is currently 62.
- Army and Louisiana Tech play in Dallas Saturday. The Under is 4-0 in Army's last four neutral site games. Total is 52.5.
- The UTSA Road Runners are one of five teams to start the season 4-0 ATS. Dating back to last season, the Road Runners are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games overall. UTSA is a 2.5-point home dog with the Houston Cougars in town Saturday.
- The Temple Owls are one of 10 squads that have failed to successfully kick a field goal. They are 0-4 this season. Temple is a 7-point road fave against Idaho with a total of 55.5.
- One of the most anticipated matchups of the weekend is Ole Miss at Bama. The Rebels are 14-point dogs, but are 4-0 ATS in their last four games at Alabama.
- The Over is 6-0 in the last six meetings between Arizona and Washington. Saturday's total is currently 61.
- A pair of anemic offenses take the field as Kent State visit Western Michigan. The Golden Flashes are ranked 120 on offense and the Broncos are ranked 115 on offense. The Broncos are 2.5-point home faves with a total of 49.5.
- The Florida Gators are 6-0 ATS in their last six games versus the Kentucky Wildcats. The Gators are 12-point road faves Saturday.
- Texas A&M, a 14-point road fave at Arkansas Saturday, has scored 40 points in its first four games of the season for the first time in school history.
- Florida Atlantic are 14-point underdogs at Rice Saturday, but are 9-0 ATS in their last nine road games.
- Wyoming is currently the top consensus pick (75%) as a 12-point road fave at Texas State Saturday.
- Louisiana-Monroe was a 63-10 winner at Tulane in Week 5 last year. The Warhawks are 12.5-point home faves in this weekend's matchup.
- The Missouri Tigers are 2-0 against Arkansas State, winning in 2004 and 2005 by a combined score of 96-37. Mizzou is favored by 21.5 at home against the Red Wolves.
- Vanderbilt WR Jordan Matthews needs one TD reception to become the school's all-time leader. He'll look get that against UAB who come in as a 19.5-point road dog at Vandy.
- Air Force will begin life without starting QB Jeleel Awini versus Nevada Saturday. The sophomore is "no longer a cadet in good standing and not eligible to represent the academy in any outside activities." Awini replaced No. 1 QB Kale Pearson who is out for the season with a knee injury. The Falcons have just two QBs left on the roster and are 11.5-point road dogs at Nevada.
- A pair of winless programs go face-to-face as San Diego state plays New Mexico State. The Aggies are 17.5-point home dogs and are 0-8 in their last eight games overall.
- UNLV and New Mexico have played under in the last four meetings in New Mexico. The total for Saturday is currently 54.
- An interesting Big Ten matchup has Wisconsin at Ohio State. The underdog is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings and the Badgers are 6.5-point road dogs.
- The Stanford Cardinal are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games at Washington State. Stanford is a 9.5-point road fave Saturday night.
- Southern Miss has played Over in nine of its last 11 road games. The Golden Eagles are on the road at Boise State with a total of 49.5.
- The total for the Cal versus Oregon game currently sits at 82. Since 1985, there have been 11 games with totals of at least 80 points. Six of them have gone under.
- USC and Arizona State square off in a Pac-12 battle Saturday Night at Sun Devil Stadium. The Trojans are 3.5-point road dogs and are 0-8 ATS in their last eight games overall.
- Fresno State is 4-0 ATS in the last four games in Hawaii. The Bulldogs are big 17.5-point road dogs in the Aloha State.
Where the action is: Saturday's NCAAF line moves
Week 5 of the college football season is going to be awesome. If the bevy of big-name matchups wasn’t evidence enough, the furious amount of action coming in at sportsbooks is. We talk with oddsmakers about the biggest line adjustments heading into the weekend and where those odds will end up come kickoff Saturday:
Florida State Seminoles at Boston College Eagles – Open: +22.5, Move: +23, Move: +21.5
This line has bounced between 23 and 21.5 points, with some markets opening on the low end and moving up to Florida State -22. According to Michael Stewart of CarbonSports.ag, semi-sharp action took the home side, trimming the line a bit before a wave of public money stormed in on the Noles.
“Combine the public perception that Boston College stinks, with the fact that they've been blown out in this series the past two years by a combined 75 points, it's understandable that this line has moved a bunch, “Stewart tells Covers. “We're currently dealing FSU -24 as 88 percent of all the early action is on the road favorite.”
Iowa Hawkeyes at Minnesota Golden Gophers – Open: -1, Move: +2
The Golden Gophers 4-0 record isn’t fooling wiseguys. Minnesota is undefeated against the likes of UNLV, New Mexico State, FCS Western Illinois and San Jose State. Action has moved this game off the fence and towards the visitor.
“Sharp money likes Iowa and the early post of Minny as a small fave has flipped,” says Aron Black of Bet365.com. “Our action sees both sides backed, but we’re considering the sharps on Iowa.”
Arizona Wildcats at Washington Huskies – Open: -7, Move: -10
Early money showed up on the home side and moved this spread off one key number to another. According to Black, the probable status of Huskies RB Bishop Sankey is behind this move along with some key injuries to Arizona. That kept steady action coming in on Washington.
The total has come down from 63.5 to as low as 61.5 with rain in the forecast for CenturyLink Field Saturday.
USC Trojans at Arizona State Sun Devils – Open: -7, Move: -3.5
Sharp action on the Trojans in their first true road test of the year has trimmed as many as 3.5 points off this line at some books. According to Stewart, CarbonSports.ag is dealing ASU -5 and says that the rest of the market may have taken on too much sharp action and expects wiseguys to buy back the Sun Devils at the discount price.
“I might be completely misreading the markets here, but I can't see why anyone would support USC in this game,” he says. “That said, while we've seen sharp action that drove our price from -6.5 down to -5, we've since booked a bunch of recreational action on the favorite and we're currently dealing ASU -5.5.”
Mississippi Rebels at Alabama Crimson Tide – Open: -17, Move: -14
There’s a chink in the Crimson Tide’s armor and bettors no longer believe Alabama is invincible. Early action has taken this down from one key number to the next, with money on Ole Miss swaying the market place.
“Money is coming in on both sides, and although Alabama has done nothing wrong, the sharp money likes Ole Miss plus the points,” says Black, who points out that the Rebels are 6-3 ATS in their last nine meetings with the Crimson Tide. “Bettors seem to like Ole Miss to at least cover. but Bama is a banker for SU parlay action, which is nothing new.”
Texas A&M Aggies at Arkansas Razorbacks – Open: +14, Move: +16
Arkansas QB Brandon Allen is expected to miss Saturday’s showdown with the Aggies, which kept books from posting a line of this game most of the week. That injury as well as the overall popularity of Texas A&M and reigning Heisman winner Johnny Manziel has made this a very one-sided handle.
“We couldn't stop the bleeding and we decided right then, this is going to be a runaway game where our customers are all going to line up and bet the road favorite,” says Stewart. “Currently over 85 percent of the early action is on Texas A&M and I wouldn't be surprised if we closed this line as high as -17.”
Stewart does report that since making a direct jump from Aggies -14.5 to -16, some sharp money has come back to take the Razorbacks at the discounted spread.
Air Force Falcons at Nevada Wolf Pack – Open: -7, Move: -10
This MWC matchup leapt from one key number to the next with the suspension of Air Force QB Jaleel Awini moving the line as many as three points. The Falcons are also missing WR Ty MacArthur due to a concussion. Nevada got good news pertaining to QB Cody Fajardo and RB Don Jackson, who are probable for Week 5.
“Action is quiet as it’s not a sexy matchup, but we are pretty split for what we have, and actually a bit more on Air Force,” says Black.
Week 5 of the college football season is going to be awesome. If the bevy of big-name matchups wasn’t evidence enough, the furious amount of action coming in at sportsbooks is. We talk with oddsmakers about the biggest line adjustments heading into the weekend and where those odds will end up come kickoff Saturday:
Florida State Seminoles at Boston College Eagles – Open: +22.5, Move: +23, Move: +21.5
This line has bounced between 23 and 21.5 points, with some markets opening on the low end and moving up to Florida State -22. According to Michael Stewart of CarbonSports.ag, semi-sharp action took the home side, trimming the line a bit before a wave of public money stormed in on the Noles.
“Combine the public perception that Boston College stinks, with the fact that they've been blown out in this series the past two years by a combined 75 points, it's understandable that this line has moved a bunch, “Stewart tells Covers. “We're currently dealing FSU -24 as 88 percent of all the early action is on the road favorite.”
Iowa Hawkeyes at Minnesota Golden Gophers – Open: -1, Move: +2
The Golden Gophers 4-0 record isn’t fooling wiseguys. Minnesota is undefeated against the likes of UNLV, New Mexico State, FCS Western Illinois and San Jose State. Action has moved this game off the fence and towards the visitor.
“Sharp money likes Iowa and the early post of Minny as a small fave has flipped,” says Aron Black of Bet365.com. “Our action sees both sides backed, but we’re considering the sharps on Iowa.”
Arizona Wildcats at Washington Huskies – Open: -7, Move: -10
Early money showed up on the home side and moved this spread off one key number to another. According to Black, the probable status of Huskies RB Bishop Sankey is behind this move along with some key injuries to Arizona. That kept steady action coming in on Washington.
The total has come down from 63.5 to as low as 61.5 with rain in the forecast for CenturyLink Field Saturday.
USC Trojans at Arizona State Sun Devils – Open: -7, Move: -3.5
Sharp action on the Trojans in their first true road test of the year has trimmed as many as 3.5 points off this line at some books. According to Stewart, CarbonSports.ag is dealing ASU -5 and says that the rest of the market may have taken on too much sharp action and expects wiseguys to buy back the Sun Devils at the discount price.
“I might be completely misreading the markets here, but I can't see why anyone would support USC in this game,” he says. “That said, while we've seen sharp action that drove our price from -6.5 down to -5, we've since booked a bunch of recreational action on the favorite and we're currently dealing ASU -5.5.”
Mississippi Rebels at Alabama Crimson Tide – Open: -17, Move: -14
There’s a chink in the Crimson Tide’s armor and bettors no longer believe Alabama is invincible. Early action has taken this down from one key number to the next, with money on Ole Miss swaying the market place.
“Money is coming in on both sides, and although Alabama has done nothing wrong, the sharp money likes Ole Miss plus the points,” says Black, who points out that the Rebels are 6-3 ATS in their last nine meetings with the Crimson Tide. “Bettors seem to like Ole Miss to at least cover. but Bama is a banker for SU parlay action, which is nothing new.”
Texas A&M Aggies at Arkansas Razorbacks – Open: +14, Move: +16
Arkansas QB Brandon Allen is expected to miss Saturday’s showdown with the Aggies, which kept books from posting a line of this game most of the week. That injury as well as the overall popularity of Texas A&M and reigning Heisman winner Johnny Manziel has made this a very one-sided handle.
“We couldn't stop the bleeding and we decided right then, this is going to be a runaway game where our customers are all going to line up and bet the road favorite,” says Stewart. “Currently over 85 percent of the early action is on Texas A&M and I wouldn't be surprised if we closed this line as high as -17.”
Stewart does report that since making a direct jump from Aggies -14.5 to -16, some sharp money has come back to take the Razorbacks at the discounted spread.
Air Force Falcons at Nevada Wolf Pack – Open: -7, Move: -10
This MWC matchup leapt from one key number to the next with the suspension of Air Force QB Jaleel Awini moving the line as many as three points. The Falcons are also missing WR Ty MacArthur due to a concussion. Nevada got good news pertaining to QB Cody Fajardo and RB Don Jackson, who are probable for Week 5.
“Action is quiet as it’s not a sexy matchup, but we are pretty split for what we have, and actually a bit more on Air Force,” says Black.
LSU at Georgia: What bettors need to know
LSU Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs (-3.5, 62)
Louisiana State faces its toughest test on Saturday when the sixth-ranked Tigers travel to take on No. 10 Georgia in a Southeastern Conference showdown. The Tigers have outscored opponents 173-88 and have not trailed at any point, but they also haven't yet played in a hostile environment like they'll face between the hedges. The Bulldogs put a 14-game home winning streak on the line and are after their second home win over a top-10 opponent after a 41-30 victory over South Carolina two weeks ago.
It's a matchup of two of the league's top offenses this season, as quarterback Zach Mettenberger and LSU's surprisingly potent unit look to continue their success against a Georgia defense that has been susceptible against strong passing attacks. The Bulldogs had a tough time putting away North Texas last week, allowing the Mean Green to forge a tie in the second half before pulling away for a 45-21 win. The offense continued to roll, though, as Georgia ranks seventh in the nation in total offense (574 yards per game) and has scored 35 or more points in all three of its contests.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.
LINE: Georgia opened -3 and is now -3.5. The total opened at 61.5 and currently sits at 62.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with clear skies.
ABOUT LSU (4-0, 1-0 SEC West): LSU's offense has taken flight under new coordinator Cam Cameron, as the Tigers have topped 30 points in their first four games for only the third time in history - and the first since 1928. Mettenberger (1,026 passing yards, 10 TDs) has blossomed under Cameron's tutelage, but LSU still boasts a powerful ground game with Jeremy Hill (117 yards per game, six TDs) leading the charge. The defense is no longer the Tigers' clear-cut strength, but the unit has been tough against the pass and has forced six turnovers.
ABOUT GEORGIA (2-1, 1-0 SEC East): Georgia's offense has been dynamic with quarterback Aaron Murray and running back Todd Gurley - the SEC's leading rusher at 125.7 yards per game. Murray faltered late in a season-opening loss at Clemson but rebounded with a stellar performance against South Carolina and passed for 408 yards and three touchdowns last week. The defense is still finding itself after losing two NFL first-round draft picks while featuring six new starters from a year ago.
TRENDS:
* Bulldogs are 5-0 ATS in their last five conference games.
* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Tigers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 conference games.
* Over is 4-0 in Tigers last four games overall.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. LSU, which has won 29 straight games in September dating to 2006, is off to a 4-0 start for the seventh straight year.
2. Murray (11,131) needs 23 passing yards to pass Eric Zeier for second on Georgia's all-time list. He is 397 yards behind career leader David Greene, who also holds the SEC record.
3. The Tigers have won 34 straight games when scoring 30 or more points. They are 62-4 under coach Les Miles when reaching the 30-point mark.
LSU Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs (-3.5, 62)
Louisiana State faces its toughest test on Saturday when the sixth-ranked Tigers travel to take on No. 10 Georgia in a Southeastern Conference showdown. The Tigers have outscored opponents 173-88 and have not trailed at any point, but they also haven't yet played in a hostile environment like they'll face between the hedges. The Bulldogs put a 14-game home winning streak on the line and are after their second home win over a top-10 opponent after a 41-30 victory over South Carolina two weeks ago.
It's a matchup of two of the league's top offenses this season, as quarterback Zach Mettenberger and LSU's surprisingly potent unit look to continue their success against a Georgia defense that has been susceptible against strong passing attacks. The Bulldogs had a tough time putting away North Texas last week, allowing the Mean Green to forge a tie in the second half before pulling away for a 45-21 win. The offense continued to roll, though, as Georgia ranks seventh in the nation in total offense (574 yards per game) and has scored 35 or more points in all three of its contests.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.
LINE: Georgia opened -3 and is now -3.5. The total opened at 61.5 and currently sits at 62.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with clear skies.
ABOUT LSU (4-0, 1-0 SEC West): LSU's offense has taken flight under new coordinator Cam Cameron, as the Tigers have topped 30 points in their first four games for only the third time in history - and the first since 1928. Mettenberger (1,026 passing yards, 10 TDs) has blossomed under Cameron's tutelage, but LSU still boasts a powerful ground game with Jeremy Hill (117 yards per game, six TDs) leading the charge. The defense is no longer the Tigers' clear-cut strength, but the unit has been tough against the pass and has forced six turnovers.
ABOUT GEORGIA (2-1, 1-0 SEC East): Georgia's offense has been dynamic with quarterback Aaron Murray and running back Todd Gurley - the SEC's leading rusher at 125.7 yards per game. Murray faltered late in a season-opening loss at Clemson but rebounded with a stellar performance against South Carolina and passed for 408 yards and three touchdowns last week. The defense is still finding itself after losing two NFL first-round draft picks while featuring six new starters from a year ago.
TRENDS:
* Bulldogs are 5-0 ATS in their last five conference games.
* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Tigers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 conference games.
* Over is 4-0 in Tigers last four games overall.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. LSU, which has won 29 straight games in September dating to 2006, is off to a 4-0 start for the seventh straight year.
2. Murray (11,131) needs 23 passing yards to pass Eric Zeier for second on Georgia's all-time list. He is 397 yards behind career leader David Greene, who also holds the SEC record.
3. The Tigers have won 34 straight games when scoring 30 or more points. They are 62-4 under coach Les Miles when reaching the 30-point mark.
Oklahoma at Notre Dame: What bettors need to know
Oklahoma Sooners at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+3.5, 50.5)
Notre Dame used a victory at Oklahoma last season to catapult itself into the National Championship discussion. The 12th-ranked Sooners will look to return that favor when they visit the 22nd-ranked Fighting Irish on Saturday. The 2013 Notre Dame squad is taking a little longer to find itself than the 2012 version, though the defense began to make some big strides last week.
Oklahoma is getting its biggest test of the first month and had an off week to prepare for the Fighting Irish after trouncing Tulsa on Sept. 14. The Sooners have a different look than last year’s squad as well but are already displaying the type of defensive intensity that could turn the rematch in their favor. Notre Dame exploded for 17 points in the final 5:05 last year at Oklahoma to turn a tie game into a 30-13 victory.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, NBC.
LINE: The Sooners opened as 3-point road faves and are now -3.5. The total opened at 48.5 and is up to 50.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-70s. Wind will blow from the south at 12 mph toward the north end zone.
ABOUT OKLAHOMA (3-0): The Sooners, like the Irish, are bringing a different starting quarterback into this matchup, with junior Blake Bell proving himself the starter after passing for 413 yards and four touchdowns in the win over Tulsa. Oklahoma had a 356-yard passing effort from Landry Jones in the matchup last season but struggled to convert third downs against Notre Dame’s bend-don’t-break defense. “We weren’t nearly as good as we needed to be, and they were better at getting the stop, and that was a big factor,” Sooners coach Bob Stoops said of the Irish defense.
ABOUT NOTRE DAME (3-1): The Irish used their passing game to stretch Michigan State and put pressure on the cornerbacks last week, drawing several penalties that kept drives alive and helped lead to a 17-13 triumph. Quarterback Tommy Rees was not the starter last year at Oklahoma but has plenty of experience, leaving the defense the biggest question mark. “We’re going up against an extremely skilled and talented football team,” coach Brian Kelly said of Oklahoma. “Their offensive depth at the skill position is as good as I’ve seen across the country.”
TRENDS:
* Fighting Irish are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Under is 5-1 in Sooners last six non-conference games.
* Under is 4-1 in Fighting Irish last five vs. Big 12.
* Sooners are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Notre Dame is looking for its 11th straight home win.
2. The Sooners have not lost a regular-season game since falling to the Irish (8-0).
3. The Irish are 27-4-1 all-time against schools that currently make up the Big 12.
Oklahoma Sooners at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+3.5, 50.5)
Notre Dame used a victory at Oklahoma last season to catapult itself into the National Championship discussion. The 12th-ranked Sooners will look to return that favor when they visit the 22nd-ranked Fighting Irish on Saturday. The 2013 Notre Dame squad is taking a little longer to find itself than the 2012 version, though the defense began to make some big strides last week.
Oklahoma is getting its biggest test of the first month and had an off week to prepare for the Fighting Irish after trouncing Tulsa on Sept. 14. The Sooners have a different look than last year’s squad as well but are already displaying the type of defensive intensity that could turn the rematch in their favor. Notre Dame exploded for 17 points in the final 5:05 last year at Oklahoma to turn a tie game into a 30-13 victory.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, NBC.
LINE: The Sooners opened as 3-point road faves and are now -3.5. The total opened at 48.5 and is up to 50.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-70s. Wind will blow from the south at 12 mph toward the north end zone.
ABOUT OKLAHOMA (3-0): The Sooners, like the Irish, are bringing a different starting quarterback into this matchup, with junior Blake Bell proving himself the starter after passing for 413 yards and four touchdowns in the win over Tulsa. Oklahoma had a 356-yard passing effort from Landry Jones in the matchup last season but struggled to convert third downs against Notre Dame’s bend-don’t-break defense. “We weren’t nearly as good as we needed to be, and they were better at getting the stop, and that was a big factor,” Sooners coach Bob Stoops said of the Irish defense.
ABOUT NOTRE DAME (3-1): The Irish used their passing game to stretch Michigan State and put pressure on the cornerbacks last week, drawing several penalties that kept drives alive and helped lead to a 17-13 triumph. Quarterback Tommy Rees was not the starter last year at Oklahoma but has plenty of experience, leaving the defense the biggest question mark. “We’re going up against an extremely skilled and talented football team,” coach Brian Kelly said of Oklahoma. “Their offensive depth at the skill position is as good as I’ve seen across the country.”
TRENDS:
* Fighting Irish are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Under is 5-1 in Sooners last six non-conference games.
* Under is 4-1 in Fighting Irish last five vs. Big 12.
* Sooners are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Notre Dame is looking for its 11th straight home win.
2. The Sooners have not lost a regular-season game since falling to the Irish (8-0).
3. The Irish are 27-4-1 all-time against schools that currently make up the Big 12.
Mississippi at Alabama: What bettors need to know
Mississippi Rebels at Alabama Crimson Tide (-14, 55)
Top-ranked Alabama survived the first major test of its latest title defense and looks to clear another hurdle when it hosts No. 21 Mississippi on Saturday. The Crimson Tide rolled to a 31-6 win over Colorado State last week after escaping with a 49-42 victory at Texas A&M a week earlier. The Rebels are after their first 4-0 start since 1970, but haven't beaten Alabama since 2003 and have only one victory in 25 trips to Tuscaloosa, Ala.
It's the first time the long-time rivals have met when both were undefeated since 1982, and that's only the case because the Rebels have staged two second-half rallies. After coming back from an 11-point halftime deficit for a 39-35 win over Vanderbilt in their season opener, they outscored Texas 27-0 in the second half of a 44-23 win two weeks ago. Alabama's defense and special teams have excelled en route to a 3-0 start for the 10th straight season.
TV: 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.
LINE: Alabama opened as a 17-point fave and is now -14. The total opened at 57 and has come down to 55.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with clear skies.
ABOUT MISSISSIPPI (3-0, 1-0 SEC West): Ole Miss has found balance on offense by using a combination of pass-first quarterback Bo Wallace and run-first backup Barry Brunetti. The Rebels also have an explosive star in running back Jeff Scott, who set career highs in rushing yards (164) and all-purpose yards (243) against Texas and ranks fifth in the SEC in rushing (110 yards per game) and fourth in all-purpose yards (151.7 per game).
ABOUT ALABAMA (3-0, 1-0): The Crimson Tide's offense has been inconsistent and struggled to get going in last week's win over Colorado State. Christion Jones, who turned the tide of Alabama's 33-14 win over Ole Miss a year ago with 99-yard kickoff return touchdown, has helped salvage the lack of offense by returning a kickoff and a punt for scores to go along with a touchdown reception. The defense has not been as dominant as in years past, but Vinnie Sunseri has a pair of interception returns for touchdowns to contribute to five non-offensive touchdowns in three games.
TRENDS:
* Rebels are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Crimson Tide are 0-4 ATS in their last four games in September.
* Over is 6-1 in Rebels last seven games overall.
* Rebels are 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings in Alabama.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Alabama has won 42 consecutive games when it commits fewer turnovers than its opponent.
2. Ole Miss is 0-9 all-time against top-ranked teams and 1-12 against defending national champions.
3. The Crimson Tide are 52-0 since the start of the 2008 season when rushing for at least 140 yards.
Mississippi Rebels at Alabama Crimson Tide (-14, 55)
Top-ranked Alabama survived the first major test of its latest title defense and looks to clear another hurdle when it hosts No. 21 Mississippi on Saturday. The Crimson Tide rolled to a 31-6 win over Colorado State last week after escaping with a 49-42 victory at Texas A&M a week earlier. The Rebels are after their first 4-0 start since 1970, but haven't beaten Alabama since 2003 and have only one victory in 25 trips to Tuscaloosa, Ala.
It's the first time the long-time rivals have met when both were undefeated since 1982, and that's only the case because the Rebels have staged two second-half rallies. After coming back from an 11-point halftime deficit for a 39-35 win over Vanderbilt in their season opener, they outscored Texas 27-0 in the second half of a 44-23 win two weeks ago. Alabama's defense and special teams have excelled en route to a 3-0 start for the 10th straight season.
TV: 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.
LINE: Alabama opened as a 17-point fave and is now -14. The total opened at 57 and has come down to 55.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with clear skies.
ABOUT MISSISSIPPI (3-0, 1-0 SEC West): Ole Miss has found balance on offense by using a combination of pass-first quarterback Bo Wallace and run-first backup Barry Brunetti. The Rebels also have an explosive star in running back Jeff Scott, who set career highs in rushing yards (164) and all-purpose yards (243) against Texas and ranks fifth in the SEC in rushing (110 yards per game) and fourth in all-purpose yards (151.7 per game).
ABOUT ALABAMA (3-0, 1-0): The Crimson Tide's offense has been inconsistent and struggled to get going in last week's win over Colorado State. Christion Jones, who turned the tide of Alabama's 33-14 win over Ole Miss a year ago with 99-yard kickoff return touchdown, has helped salvage the lack of offense by returning a kickoff and a punt for scores to go along with a touchdown reception. The defense has not been as dominant as in years past, but Vinnie Sunseri has a pair of interception returns for touchdowns to contribute to five non-offensive touchdowns in three games.
TRENDS:
* Rebels are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Crimson Tide are 0-4 ATS in their last four games in September.
* Over is 6-1 in Rebels last seven games overall.
* Rebels are 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings in Alabama.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Alabama has won 42 consecutive games when it commits fewer turnovers than its opponent.
2. Ole Miss is 0-9 all-time against top-ranked teams and 1-12 against defending national champions.
3. The Crimson Tide are 52-0 since the start of the 2008 season when rushing for at least 140 yards.
English Breakfast: Premier League betting cheat sheet
Is there a changing of the guard in the Premier League? Has the power shifted from Manchester to North London? Arsenal sit first and their neighbor Tottenham Hotspur is currently second. If last weekend's Manchester Derby was any indication, then the red half of Manchester is in for a long season.
Early days yet, but the North London clubs are in the thick of it this weekend with a pair of tough matches on Saturday's agenda.
Subplot alert: Spurs host Chelsea and it will be student v master as Andre Villas-Boas welcomes former ally Jose Mourinho to White Hart Lane.
We talk to Aron Black at Bet365 to find where action is on some of the hotter fixtures.
Tottenham v Chelsea (+170, +230, +188)
Why bet Tottenham: When you go out and transform your club in a summer, it generally takes some time for the new faces to adapt. We've seen flashes of the new Spurs players firing on all cylinders. And those flashes have been magical. Especially Christian Eriksen who has fit right in behind the striker and given Spurs a dynamic playmaker. Winger Erik Lamela hasn't had a start yet, but he came on and supplied the assist on Paulinho's game winner one week ago at Cardiff.
Key players out/doubtful: Etienne Capoue, Aaron Lennon, Younes Kaboul, Emmanuel Adebayor
Why bet Chelsea: The Blues put an end to some drab performances with a 2-0 win at home against Fulham last week. Chelsea has been erratic from the beginning of the season, but this IS still Chelsea. The striker position must be sorted with an established starter, but Demba Ba, Samuel Eto'o and Fernando Torres have been poor to start the season.
Key players out/doubtful: Marco van Ginkel
2012-13 fixture result: Tottenham 2, Chelsea 4
Key betting note: The previous three competitive games between these clubs have yielded a total of 16 goals (5.3 per game).
Where the action is: "Prices see this match as evenly balanced, and that is fair enough. The action is seeing more on the away team getting the 3 points, but all outcomes are being backed in this one, and many are also backing the over 2.5 goals at +108."
Aston Villa v Manchester City (+550, +320, -175)
Why bet Villa: Sigh. It was such a good start for Paul Lambert and his Villains. They beat Arsenal to start the season. Christian Benteke was picking up right where his season left off, seemingly scoring at will. That has disappeared, however, as Villa has lost three of four and Benteke will be out for around six weeks.
Key players out/doubtful: Christian Benteke, Jores Okore, Charles N'Zogbia
Why bet City: Why NOT bet City, really? The Citizens dominated rival United last week in a massive statement game. Villa is one of the worst teams on their home pitch and City has scored the most goals in the league thus far. They'll be flying high after dismantling Moyes' men and will look to keep momentum rolling.
Key players out/doubtful: Martín Demichelis
2012-13 fixture result: Villa 0, City 1
Key betting note: City has won six of its last seven Premier League matches against Villa.
Fulham v Cardiff (+110, +240, +290)
Why bet Fulham: After a dreadful opening five games to the Premier League season, the Cottagers might find a rallying points after a 2-1 win over Everton in the Capital One Cup. Even more, Dimitar Berbatov scored in that midweek game and he is the player Fulham needs most to perform at a top level.
Key players out/doubtful: Ashkan Dejagah, Maarten Stekelenburg, Matthew Briggs
Why bet Cardiff: The Bluebirds were hard-luck losers against Tottenham last weekend, with Spurs stealing the game towards the end of time added on. Cardiff can be a stingy defensive unit, but the side will need a creative spark to get results. Away to Fulham would be a great place to find that fire going forward.
Key players out/doubtful: Andreas Cornelius
2012-13 fixture result: N/A
Key betting note: Fulham has just one point their previous six home games.
Hull v West Ham (+135, +225, +240)
Why bet Hull: The Tigers are currently 11th in the League with seven points (like Man United) and are coming off a huge comeback win at Newcastle. They are the top promoted club in the league after the first five games.
Key players out/doubtful: Maynor Figueroa, Paul McShane, Robert Koren, James Chester
Why bet West Ham: The Hammers have fared better away from Upton Park as they've picked up a pair of draws in their two matches on the road and have just one win their first three home games. They have been great defensively in those away matches as the side has yet to concede a goal.
Key players out/doubtful: Andy Carroll, Alou Diarra, Guy Demel
2012-13 fixture result: N/A
Key betting note: Hull is third in the league with a 15.6 percent conversion rate of chances in front of goal.
Manchester United v West Brom (-333, +475, +1100)
Why bet Manchester United: Because for David Moyes and the Red Devils, any other result is just not imaginable. The thrashing they suffered at the hands of Man City is one thing, but to leave points on the table at home to West Brom is another. United have just five losses at Old Trafford in the past three seasons.
Key players out/doubtful: Darren Fletcher, Rafael
Why bet West Brom: The Baggies will be confident after they dismantled Sunderland 3-0 last weekend and chased Paolo Di Canio out of town. The new acquisitions are getting used to one another as Stéphane Sessegnon scored the opener against his old club last week and strikers Nicolas Anelka and Victor Anichebe got playing time.
Key players out/doubtful: Zoltán Gera, Ben Foster, George Thorne
2012-13 fixture result: United 2, West Brom 0
Key betting note: United have netted at least two goals in their last 11 matches against West Brom in all competitions.
Southampton v Crystal Palace (-222, +350, +750)
Why bet Southampton: A massive win away to Liverpool will have spirits high in the Saints' locker room. As players adjust to the tactics and style implemented by manager Mauricio Pochettino, we could be seeing this season's Cinderella club.
Key players out/doubtful: N/A
Why bet Palace: Well, they do have three points from their first five matches and are above Sunderland. So there's that. But they must get points here or they'll find themselves in the basement very soon. After this fixture, Palace is away to Liverpool, home to Fulham and home to Arsenal. So it doesn't get much easier.
Key players out/doubtful: Patrick McCarthy, Glenn Murray, Yannick Bolasie, Jack Hunt, Jonathan Williams, Jonathan Parr
2012-13 fixture result: N/A
Key betting note: There has been just five goals in Southampton's league matches this season - fewest in the league.
Swansea v Arsenal (+220, +240, +138)
Why bet Swansea: After a less-than-stellar start to the season, the Swans have two wins and a draw in their last three. Michael Laudrup and his side like to jump out to big leads and have scored the two quickest goals in the Premier League thus far this season.
Key players out/doubtful: N/A
Why bet Arsenal: No club is hotter in the League and no club is hotter away from home. The Gunners haven't missed a beat since losing to Villa on opening day and have won 11-straight games away from the Emirates in all competitions. Arsenal might have a long injury list, but as long as Mesut Ozil is on the pitch, he can make the worst of reserves look like the second coming of Ian Wright.
Key players out/doubtful: Theo Walcott, Mikel Arteta, Abou Diaby, Yaya Sanogo, Lukas Podolski, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
2012-13 fixture result: Swansea 0, Arsenal 2
Key betting note: The Gunners are the only side to score in each of the Premier League games this season.
Where the action is: "The match prices see most siding with the streak to continue by backing the Gunners at +138, but this price has been drifting with the home team seeing their price drop from +240 to +220. It’s a hard game to call, but the most popular play is understandable with many backing over 2.5 goals at -133. The Gunners have been scoring well, namely in the form of Aaron Ramsey who sees backing at +260 to score at anytime, given his great start to the season."
Is there a changing of the guard in the Premier League? Has the power shifted from Manchester to North London? Arsenal sit first and their neighbor Tottenham Hotspur is currently second. If last weekend's Manchester Derby was any indication, then the red half of Manchester is in for a long season.
Early days yet, but the North London clubs are in the thick of it this weekend with a pair of tough matches on Saturday's agenda.
Subplot alert: Spurs host Chelsea and it will be student v master as Andre Villas-Boas welcomes former ally Jose Mourinho to White Hart Lane.
We talk to Aron Black at Bet365 to find where action is on some of the hotter fixtures.
Tottenham v Chelsea (+170, +230, +188)
Why bet Tottenham: When you go out and transform your club in a summer, it generally takes some time for the new faces to adapt. We've seen flashes of the new Spurs players firing on all cylinders. And those flashes have been magical. Especially Christian Eriksen who has fit right in behind the striker and given Spurs a dynamic playmaker. Winger Erik Lamela hasn't had a start yet, but he came on and supplied the assist on Paulinho's game winner one week ago at Cardiff.
Key players out/doubtful: Etienne Capoue, Aaron Lennon, Younes Kaboul, Emmanuel Adebayor
Why bet Chelsea: The Blues put an end to some drab performances with a 2-0 win at home against Fulham last week. Chelsea has been erratic from the beginning of the season, but this IS still Chelsea. The striker position must be sorted with an established starter, but Demba Ba, Samuel Eto'o and Fernando Torres have been poor to start the season.
Key players out/doubtful: Marco van Ginkel
2012-13 fixture result: Tottenham 2, Chelsea 4
Key betting note: The previous three competitive games between these clubs have yielded a total of 16 goals (5.3 per game).
Where the action is: "Prices see this match as evenly balanced, and that is fair enough. The action is seeing more on the away team getting the 3 points, but all outcomes are being backed in this one, and many are also backing the over 2.5 goals at +108."
Aston Villa v Manchester City (+550, +320, -175)
Why bet Villa: Sigh. It was such a good start for Paul Lambert and his Villains. They beat Arsenal to start the season. Christian Benteke was picking up right where his season left off, seemingly scoring at will. That has disappeared, however, as Villa has lost three of four and Benteke will be out for around six weeks.
Key players out/doubtful: Christian Benteke, Jores Okore, Charles N'Zogbia
Why bet City: Why NOT bet City, really? The Citizens dominated rival United last week in a massive statement game. Villa is one of the worst teams on their home pitch and City has scored the most goals in the league thus far. They'll be flying high after dismantling Moyes' men and will look to keep momentum rolling.
Key players out/doubtful: Martín Demichelis
2012-13 fixture result: Villa 0, City 1
Key betting note: City has won six of its last seven Premier League matches against Villa.
Fulham v Cardiff (+110, +240, +290)
Why bet Fulham: After a dreadful opening five games to the Premier League season, the Cottagers might find a rallying points after a 2-1 win over Everton in the Capital One Cup. Even more, Dimitar Berbatov scored in that midweek game and he is the player Fulham needs most to perform at a top level.
Key players out/doubtful: Ashkan Dejagah, Maarten Stekelenburg, Matthew Briggs
Why bet Cardiff: The Bluebirds were hard-luck losers against Tottenham last weekend, with Spurs stealing the game towards the end of time added on. Cardiff can be a stingy defensive unit, but the side will need a creative spark to get results. Away to Fulham would be a great place to find that fire going forward.
Key players out/doubtful: Andreas Cornelius
2012-13 fixture result: N/A
Key betting note: Fulham has just one point their previous six home games.
Hull v West Ham (+135, +225, +240)
Why bet Hull: The Tigers are currently 11th in the League with seven points (like Man United) and are coming off a huge comeback win at Newcastle. They are the top promoted club in the league after the first five games.
Key players out/doubtful: Maynor Figueroa, Paul McShane, Robert Koren, James Chester
Why bet West Ham: The Hammers have fared better away from Upton Park as they've picked up a pair of draws in their two matches on the road and have just one win their first three home games. They have been great defensively in those away matches as the side has yet to concede a goal.
Key players out/doubtful: Andy Carroll, Alou Diarra, Guy Demel
2012-13 fixture result: N/A
Key betting note: Hull is third in the league with a 15.6 percent conversion rate of chances in front of goal.
Manchester United v West Brom (-333, +475, +1100)
Why bet Manchester United: Because for David Moyes and the Red Devils, any other result is just not imaginable. The thrashing they suffered at the hands of Man City is one thing, but to leave points on the table at home to West Brom is another. United have just five losses at Old Trafford in the past three seasons.
Key players out/doubtful: Darren Fletcher, Rafael
Why bet West Brom: The Baggies will be confident after they dismantled Sunderland 3-0 last weekend and chased Paolo Di Canio out of town. The new acquisitions are getting used to one another as Stéphane Sessegnon scored the opener against his old club last week and strikers Nicolas Anelka and Victor Anichebe got playing time.
Key players out/doubtful: Zoltán Gera, Ben Foster, George Thorne
2012-13 fixture result: United 2, West Brom 0
Key betting note: United have netted at least two goals in their last 11 matches against West Brom in all competitions.
Southampton v Crystal Palace (-222, +350, +750)
Why bet Southampton: A massive win away to Liverpool will have spirits high in the Saints' locker room. As players adjust to the tactics and style implemented by manager Mauricio Pochettino, we could be seeing this season's Cinderella club.
Key players out/doubtful: N/A
Why bet Palace: Well, they do have three points from their first five matches and are above Sunderland. So there's that. But they must get points here or they'll find themselves in the basement very soon. After this fixture, Palace is away to Liverpool, home to Fulham and home to Arsenal. So it doesn't get much easier.
Key players out/doubtful: Patrick McCarthy, Glenn Murray, Yannick Bolasie, Jack Hunt, Jonathan Williams, Jonathan Parr
2012-13 fixture result: N/A
Key betting note: There has been just five goals in Southampton's league matches this season - fewest in the league.
Swansea v Arsenal (+220, +240, +138)
Why bet Swansea: After a less-than-stellar start to the season, the Swans have two wins and a draw in their last three. Michael Laudrup and his side like to jump out to big leads and have scored the two quickest goals in the Premier League thus far this season.
Key players out/doubtful: N/A
Why bet Arsenal: No club is hotter in the League and no club is hotter away from home. The Gunners haven't missed a beat since losing to Villa on opening day and have won 11-straight games away from the Emirates in all competitions. Arsenal might have a long injury list, but as long as Mesut Ozil is on the pitch, he can make the worst of reserves look like the second coming of Ian Wright.
Key players out/doubtful: Theo Walcott, Mikel Arteta, Abou Diaby, Yaya Sanogo, Lukas Podolski, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
2012-13 fixture result: Swansea 0, Arsenal 2
Key betting note: The Gunners are the only side to score in each of the Premier League games this season.
Where the action is: "The match prices see most siding with the streak to continue by backing the Gunners at +138, but this price has been drifting with the home team seeing their price drop from +240 to +220. It’s a hard game to call, but the most popular play is understandable with many backing over 2.5 goals at -133. The Gunners have been scoring well, namely in the form of Aaron Ramsey who sees backing at +260 to score at anytime, given his great start to the season."
Saturday's MLB American League betting cheat sheets
Check out our quick-hitting betting notes for Saturday's American League games:
Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers (-153, 9)
Hot pitching stat: Rangers left-hander Derek Holland is coming off his best start of the second half, going the distance on a six-hit shutout in a 12-0 triumph over the Houston Astros.
Cold batting stat: Angels OF Josh Hamilton is hitting a paltry .197 in 178 at-bats against left-handed pitchers in 2013.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-90s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will be calm.
Key betting note: The over is 12-3-1 in Los Angeles' previous 16 games against a left-handed starter.
Cleveland Indians at Minnesota Twins (+175, 8.5)
Hot pitching stat: Indians lefty Scott Kazmir stymied the Astros in his last start, scattering four hits while striking out 10 over seven innings of a 4-1 win.
Cold batting stat: Twins OF Josh Willingham has just two hits with six strikeouts in 14 career at-bats versus Kazmir.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with showers expected throughout the afternoon. Wind will blow out to center field at 13 mph.
Key betting note: Minnesota has lost seven consecutive Saturday games.
Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays (+150, 8)
Hot pitching stat: Rays right-hander Chris Archer is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two career starts against the Blue Jays.
Cold batting stat: Tampa Bay OF Matt Joyce has a .167/.193/.315 slash line with 13 strikeouts in 45 at-bats against lefties this season.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: Tampa Bay has won each of Archer's previous six starts against the American League East.
Oakland Athletics at Seattle Mariners (+150, 7.5)
Cold pitching stat: Mariners right-hander Brandon Maurer is 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA in two starts and one relief appearance versus the Athletics.
Hot batting stat: Seattle RH Raul Ibanez is 5-for-15 with a pair of homers and four RBIs lifetime against Oakland starter Jarrod Parker.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with rain expected throughout the evening. Wind will blow out to left-center field at 13 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 8-2 in Parker's previous 10 Saturday starts.
Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles (OFF, OFF)
Hot pitching stat: Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester has won back-to-back starts, limiting opponents to two runs over 15 innings in that span.
Cold batting stat: Baltimore 1B Chris Davis is a .136 hitter in 22 at-bats against Lester.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 4 mph.
Key betting note: Boston is 10-2 in its last 12 games against a left-handed starter.
Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox (+118, 7.5)
Hot pitching stat: White Sox right-hander Erik Johnson has won consecutive starts, allowing two runs in 12 2/3 innings over that stretch.
Cold batting stat: Entering Friday, Royals OF Alex Gordon is hitting just .243 with five homers in 92 games against the White Sox.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 12 mph.
Key betting note: The over is 7-1 in umpire Paul Emmel's last eight Saturday games behind home plate.
New York Yankees at Houston Astros (+148, 8.5)
Cold pitching stat: Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte is 1-1 with a 6.94 ERA in two career starts against the Astros.
Cold batting stat: Houston 1B Chris Carter is batting .234 and has struck out 63 times in 145 at-bats against lefties in 2013.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with mostly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: New York is 1-9 in Pettitte's last 10 starts against American League West opponents.
** Odds, stats, weather forecasts and probable pitchers as of 9:45 p.m. ET Friday.
Check out our quick-hitting betting notes for Saturday's American League games:
Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers (-153, 9)
Hot pitching stat: Rangers left-hander Derek Holland is coming off his best start of the second half, going the distance on a six-hit shutout in a 12-0 triumph over the Houston Astros.
Cold batting stat: Angels OF Josh Hamilton is hitting a paltry .197 in 178 at-bats against left-handed pitchers in 2013.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-90s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will be calm.
Key betting note: The over is 12-3-1 in Los Angeles' previous 16 games against a left-handed starter.
Cleveland Indians at Minnesota Twins (+175, 8.5)
Hot pitching stat: Indians lefty Scott Kazmir stymied the Astros in his last start, scattering four hits while striking out 10 over seven innings of a 4-1 win.
Cold batting stat: Twins OF Josh Willingham has just two hits with six strikeouts in 14 career at-bats versus Kazmir.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with showers expected throughout the afternoon. Wind will blow out to center field at 13 mph.
Key betting note: Minnesota has lost seven consecutive Saturday games.
Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays (+150, 8)
Hot pitching stat: Rays right-hander Chris Archer is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two career starts against the Blue Jays.
Cold batting stat: Tampa Bay OF Matt Joyce has a .167/.193/.315 slash line with 13 strikeouts in 45 at-bats against lefties this season.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: Tampa Bay has won each of Archer's previous six starts against the American League East.
Oakland Athletics at Seattle Mariners (+150, 7.5)
Cold pitching stat: Mariners right-hander Brandon Maurer is 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA in two starts and one relief appearance versus the Athletics.
Hot batting stat: Seattle RH Raul Ibanez is 5-for-15 with a pair of homers and four RBIs lifetime against Oakland starter Jarrod Parker.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with rain expected throughout the evening. Wind will blow out to left-center field at 13 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 8-2 in Parker's previous 10 Saturday starts.
Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles (OFF, OFF)
Hot pitching stat: Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester has won back-to-back starts, limiting opponents to two runs over 15 innings in that span.
Cold batting stat: Baltimore 1B Chris Davis is a .136 hitter in 22 at-bats against Lester.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 4 mph.
Key betting note: Boston is 10-2 in its last 12 games against a left-handed starter.
Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox (+118, 7.5)
Hot pitching stat: White Sox right-hander Erik Johnson has won consecutive starts, allowing two runs in 12 2/3 innings over that stretch.
Cold batting stat: Entering Friday, Royals OF Alex Gordon is hitting just .243 with five homers in 92 games against the White Sox.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 12 mph.
Key betting note: The over is 7-1 in umpire Paul Emmel's last eight Saturday games behind home plate.
New York Yankees at Houston Astros (+148, 8.5)
Cold pitching stat: Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte is 1-1 with a 6.94 ERA in two career starts against the Astros.
Cold batting stat: Houston 1B Chris Carter is batting .234 and has struck out 63 times in 145 at-bats against lefties in 2013.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with mostly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: New York is 1-9 in Pettitte's last 10 starts against American League West opponents.
** Odds, stats, weather forecasts and probable pitchers as of 9:45 p.m. ET Friday.
Saturday's MLB National League betting cheat sheets
Check out our quick-hitting betting notes for Saturday's National League games:
Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds (-128, 7.5)
Cold pitching stat: Cincinnati right-hander Bronson Arroyo has been taken deep five times over the past three games.
Hot batting stat: Reds 3B Todd Frazier is 5-for-7 with two doubles, a triple and a homer in his career against Pirates starter Charlie Morton.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 4 mph.
Key betting note: The over is 8-1 in Arroyo's last nine games with five days rest.
San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants (-153, 7)
Hot pitching stat: Giants right-hander Yusmeiro Petit has allowed more than three runs just once in six starts and one relief appearance in 2013.
Hot batting stat: San Francisco 3B Pablo Sandoval has dominated Padres starter Eric Stults, hitting 10-for-19 against him.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s under sunny skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 6 mph.
Key betting note: The Giants have won Petit's last six starts.
Milwaukee Brewers at New York Mets (-105, 7.5)
Cold pitching stat: Mets right-hander Aaron Harang is 4-7 with a 5.53 ERA in 15 home starts.
Hot batting stat: Brewers 3B Aramis Ramirez is a .333 career hitter with five home runs in 63 at-bats against Harang.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 8 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 8-1 in umpire Todd Tichenor's last nine games behind home plate involving Milwaukee.
Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves (OFF, OFF)
Cold pitching stat: Braves left-hander Mike Minor is 0-3 in his last five starts while surrendering seven home runs over that stretch.
Cold batting stat: Philadelphia OF Gary Matthews, Jr. is 1-for-12 with five strikeouts in his career against Minor.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s under clear skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 5 mph.
Key betting note: Atlanta is 10-2 in Minor's last 12 starts on four days' rest.
Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals (OFF, OFF)
Cold pitching stat: Cubs right-hander Edwin Jackson has struggled on the road in 2013, going 4-9 with a 4.94 ERA in 17 starts.
Hot batting stat: Cardinals 2B Matt Carpenter is 5-for-12 with two RBIs this season versus Jackson.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 7-2 in Jackson's last nine starts against teams with winning records.
Washington Nationals at Arizona Diamondbacks (-112, 9)
Cold pitching stat: Nationals right-hander Dan Haren is 1-1 with a 5.00 ERA in one start and one relief appearance against the Diamondbacks.
Hot batting stat: Arizona 2B Aaron Hill is a .318 career hitter with a home run and five RBIs in 22 at-bats against Haren.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from left to right field at 4 mph.
Key betting note: The over is 5-1-1 in Diamondbacks starter Brandon McCarthy's last seven outings against teams with winning records.
Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles Dodgers (-225, 7)
Hot pitching stat: Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke is 7-1 with a 1.87 ERA in 13 starts since the All-Star break.
Cold batting stat: Los Angeles 3B Juan Uribe has just two hits - both singles - in 13 at-bats versus Colorado starter Juan Nicasio.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 5 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 12-3-1 in Greinke's last 16 starts.
Interleague
Detroit Tigers at Miami Marlins (+168, 7)
Hot pitching stat: Tigers right-hander Anibal Sanchez is 7-2 with a 2.33 ERA in 13 second-half starts.
Hot batting stat: Detroit 3B Miguel Cabrera is hitting .371 with five homers and 17 RBIs in 62 interleague at-bats in 2013.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: The Tigers are 8-0 in Sanchez's previous eight starts with five days' rest.
** Odds, stats, weather forecasts and probable pitchers as of 9:50 p.m. ET Friday.
Check out our quick-hitting betting notes for Saturday's National League games:
Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds (-128, 7.5)
Cold pitching stat: Cincinnati right-hander Bronson Arroyo has been taken deep five times over the past three games.
Hot batting stat: Reds 3B Todd Frazier is 5-for-7 with two doubles, a triple and a homer in his career against Pirates starter Charlie Morton.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 4 mph.
Key betting note: The over is 8-1 in Arroyo's last nine games with five days rest.
San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants (-153, 7)
Hot pitching stat: Giants right-hander Yusmeiro Petit has allowed more than three runs just once in six starts and one relief appearance in 2013.
Hot batting stat: San Francisco 3B Pablo Sandoval has dominated Padres starter Eric Stults, hitting 10-for-19 against him.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s under sunny skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 6 mph.
Key betting note: The Giants have won Petit's last six starts.
Milwaukee Brewers at New York Mets (-105, 7.5)
Cold pitching stat: Mets right-hander Aaron Harang is 4-7 with a 5.53 ERA in 15 home starts.
Hot batting stat: Brewers 3B Aramis Ramirez is a .333 career hitter with five home runs in 63 at-bats against Harang.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 8 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 8-1 in umpire Todd Tichenor's last nine games behind home plate involving Milwaukee.
Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves (OFF, OFF)
Cold pitching stat: Braves left-hander Mike Minor is 0-3 in his last five starts while surrendering seven home runs over that stretch.
Cold batting stat: Philadelphia OF Gary Matthews, Jr. is 1-for-12 with five strikeouts in his career against Minor.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s under clear skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 5 mph.
Key betting note: Atlanta is 10-2 in Minor's last 12 starts on four days' rest.
Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals (OFF, OFF)
Cold pitching stat: Cubs right-hander Edwin Jackson has struggled on the road in 2013, going 4-9 with a 4.94 ERA in 17 starts.
Hot batting stat: Cardinals 2B Matt Carpenter is 5-for-12 with two RBIs this season versus Jackson.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 7-2 in Jackson's last nine starts against teams with winning records.
Washington Nationals at Arizona Diamondbacks (-112, 9)
Cold pitching stat: Nationals right-hander Dan Haren is 1-1 with a 5.00 ERA in one start and one relief appearance against the Diamondbacks.
Hot batting stat: Arizona 2B Aaron Hill is a .318 career hitter with a home run and five RBIs in 22 at-bats against Haren.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from left to right field at 4 mph.
Key betting note: The over is 5-1-1 in Diamondbacks starter Brandon McCarthy's last seven outings against teams with winning records.
Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles Dodgers (-225, 7)
Hot pitching stat: Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke is 7-1 with a 1.87 ERA in 13 starts since the All-Star break.
Cold batting stat: Los Angeles 3B Juan Uribe has just two hits - both singles - in 13 at-bats versus Colorado starter Juan Nicasio.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 5 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 12-3-1 in Greinke's last 16 starts.
Interleague
Detroit Tigers at Miami Marlins (+168, 7)
Hot pitching stat: Tigers right-hander Anibal Sanchez is 7-2 with a 2.33 ERA in 13 second-half starts.
Hot batting stat: Detroit 3B Miguel Cabrera is hitting .371 with five homers and 17 RBIs in 62 interleague at-bats in 2013.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: The Tigers are 8-0 in Sanchez's previous eight starts with five days' rest.
** Odds, stats, weather forecasts and probable pitchers as of 9:50 p.m. ET Friday.
Stephen Nover | CFB Side - Saturday, Sep 28 2013 3:30PM
142 Georgia -3.0(-110) Hilton vs 141 LSU double-dime bet
Analysis:Georgia has home field, which accounts for the point spread. However, the Bulldogs also have the better quarterback and have played a much tougher schedule than LSU.
The Bulldogs are treating this matchup as a BCS National Championship Playoff game, which in reality it is for them since Georgia already has one loss. That defeat came in a shootout to third-ranked Clemson.
While LSU has played UAB, Kent State and Auburn in its last three games, the Bulldogs have had to play Clemson and South Carolina. The Tigers are 1-3 ATS in their last four SEC road matchups.
Zach Mettenberger has surprised this season putting up excellent passing numbers against inferior competition. This will be a step up and a real test for him. Georgia's Aaron Murray is one of the premier quarterbacks in the country. I like him better than Mettenberger.
142 Georgia -3.0(-110) Hilton vs 141 LSU double-dime bet
Analysis:Georgia has home field, which accounts for the point spread. However, the Bulldogs also have the better quarterback and have played a much tougher schedule than LSU.
The Bulldogs are treating this matchup as a BCS National Championship Playoff game, which in reality it is for them since Georgia already has one loss. That defeat came in a shootout to third-ranked Clemson.
While LSU has played UAB, Kent State and Auburn in its last three games, the Bulldogs have had to play Clemson and South Carolina. The Tigers are 1-3 ATS in their last four SEC road matchups.
Zach Mettenberger has surprised this season putting up excellent passing numbers against inferior competition. This will be a step up and a real test for him. Georgia's Aaron Murray is one of the premier quarterbacks in the country. I like him better than Mettenberger.
Stephen Nover | CFB Side - Saturday, Sep 28 2013 12:30PM
126 North Carolina -12.5(-110) Hilton vs 125 East Carolina double-dime bet
Analysis: First off, the Tar Heels have dominated this series recently winning and covering the last four. All of the victories have been by at least 14 points.
This is a step down in class for the Tar Heels, who already have faced South Carolina and Georgia Tech.
North Carolina is an improving team. The Tar Heels are in an angry mood, too, after blowing a 13-point lead on the road against Georgia Tech last week.
The Tar Heels beat Middle Tennessee, 40-20, two games ago. East Carolina is similar to Middle Tennessee.
The Pirates have given up 12 sacks, average just 2.4 yards rushing and rank 97th in pass defense. They've fallen victim to Bryn Renner in previous years and I see the North Carolina quarterback having another big game against them. He has three excellent receiving targets.
East Carolina has a poor track record versus ACC opponents losing 11 of 12 times to them.
126 North Carolina -12.5(-110) Hilton vs 125 East Carolina double-dime bet
Analysis: First off, the Tar Heels have dominated this series recently winning and covering the last four. All of the victories have been by at least 14 points.
This is a step down in class for the Tar Heels, who already have faced South Carolina and Georgia Tech.
North Carolina is an improving team. The Tar Heels are in an angry mood, too, after blowing a 13-point lead on the road against Georgia Tech last week.
The Tar Heels beat Middle Tennessee, 40-20, two games ago. East Carolina is similar to Middle Tennessee.
The Pirates have given up 12 sacks, average just 2.4 yards rushing and rank 97th in pass defense. They've fallen victim to Bryn Renner in previous years and I see the North Carolina quarterback having another big game against them. He has three excellent receiving targets.
East Carolina has a poor track record versus ACC opponents losing 11 of 12 times to them.
Ben lee's 2013 College Football Selections
Week Five
(1) Florida St -21.5/Boston College
(2) Buffalo +1/Connecticut
(3)*Clemson -28/Wake Forest (Best Bet)
(4) Georgia -3/LSU
(5) Oklahoma -3.5/Notre Dame
(6) Louisiana Tech +1.5/Army
(7) Alabama -16.5/Ole Miss
(8) Texas A&M -3/Arkansas
(9) Wisconsin +7/Ohio St
(10) California +36.5/Oregon
Ben lee was 7-3 +$185 for week four 28-12 +$740 for the 2013 College Football season.
Ben lee is 3-1 +$95 Best Bet's.
Week Five
(1) Florida St -21.5/Boston College
(2) Buffalo +1/Connecticut
(3)*Clemson -28/Wake Forest (Best Bet)
(4) Georgia -3/LSU
(5) Oklahoma -3.5/Notre Dame
(6) Louisiana Tech +1.5/Army
(7) Alabama -16.5/Ole Miss
(8) Texas A&M -3/Arkansas
(9) Wisconsin +7/Ohio St
(10) California +36.5/Oregon
Ben lee was 7-3 +$185 for week four 28-12 +$740 for the 2013 College Football season.
Ben lee is 3-1 +$95 Best Bet's.
