By: George Ahearn

Week 10 has blessed us with one of the best slate of games of the season, with top-25 matchups littered across the board. In addition to this slew of intriguing matchups is the largest betting preview of the season. We have detailed nine games in which we feel we have an edge, and a majority of these picks involve some of the more talked-about games of the weekend. Buckle your seatbelts, and let’s ride for what will surely be another jam-packed Saturday.

Notre Dame v. Clemson (+3) | Noon 

Many have marked this season as the end of the Clemson football era, and it is hard to argue with this sentiment. The Tigers sit at 4-4 and an even more disappointing 2-4 in the ACC, records uncharacteristic of the Dabo Swinney era. While this season has been undeniably disheartening, it cannot be understated how the unpredictability of college football has altered the direction of this Clemson team’s season. 

As Coach Swinney said, “If we didn’t lead the nation in fumbles, we’d be 8-0.” While this may not be the full truth, missed field goals and crucial red zone fumbles lost them the game against both Duke and Florida State. With those two wins early in the season, Clemson truly could be undefeated. 

Nonetheless, they have the losses, and the public opinion on Clemson could not be any lower. Yet for us, this is a great spot to back the Tigers. We forget that this team was ranked No. 9 in the preseason poll, and while the preseason poll does not mean much, it is a testament to Clemson’s potential.

Dabo Swinney owns a 165-41 record at home and has continuously proven his ability to get his players amped to play in front of raucous Death Valley crowds. This, coupled with a young, inexperienced head coach in Marcus Freeman on the Notre Dame sideline makes me comfortable in backing the Tigers.

Coming off two-straight, embarrassing road losses that have put Clemson in a position to miss out on a bowl game, the Tigers should be motivated once again against the No. 15 Irish. 

Back the Tigers in Death Valley, but take the +3. After watching the blundered field goal attempt in the Florida State game, those three points could prove to be crucial. 

The play? Clemson +3 (2u)

Texas A&M (+3) v. Ole Miss | Noon

There is a special place in my heart for the Texas A&M Aggies this year, and I’m not sure why. Possibly it is my unwavering confidence in Jimbo Fisher or the consistent “trap” lines the Aggies receive week after week. Either way, this Texas A&M team is good, and their +3 line against Ole Miss this weekend is another piece of evidence that bookmakers agree with my belief in the Aggies. 

A&M sits at 5-3 and fourth in the SEC West, a position congruent with where A&M sits in the SEC hierarchy. However, the Aggies have not played up to their potential, and botched opportunities in the Alabama and Tennessee games have led to their defeat in both contests. However, as ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill said, “They [A&M] were clearly the better team, and lost to, I think, a very overrated Tennessee, but A&M could have easily won that game.” Whether you agree with Luginbill in his assessment of Tennessee, it is true that the Aggies should have won that game. 

Their loss to Alabama was a tough, grind-it-out game, and although they lost, their ability to hang in the game with one of the nation’s best proves their formidability. Furthermore, A&M holds the seventh-ranked total defense in the nation, and have halted every offense they have faced this season outside of their early season loss to Miami (FL). This defense should control the momentum of the game and could throw an offensive-oriented Ole Miss off their usual game plan. 

This line of +3 on the road tells me enough, but when diving deeper into A&M, this is a game I think the Aggies win outright to send Ole Miss out of playoff contention.

The play? Texas A&M ML (2u)

Penn State at Maryland +8.5 | 3:30

A Maryland team that started the season 5-0 has faltered as of late, dropping three straight to the likes of Ohio State, Illinois, and Northwestern. Yet, similar to Clemson, the Terps have an opportunity to get back on track with Penn State coming to town. 

Maryland starting 5-0 was not that surprising, as this Terps team always held potential with Taulia Tagovailoa under center. Maryland’s strength has been their offense, and they will need this unit to shine if they want to knock off Penn State, who arguably owns the nation’s best defense. 

What I specifically love in this game for Maryland is the look-ahead spot that Penn State finds themselves in. After losing to Ohio State, the Nittany Lions must win their home game against No. 3 Michigan next weekend if they wish to have a chance to make the College Football Playoff. This chance for Penn State to redeem themselves next weekend has to be weighing on their minds as they travel to College Park. 

With a spread of nine, I expect the Terps to keep this contest close as they catch a Penn State team flat-footed. Roll with Maryland and their points to give the Nittany Lions a scare on Saturday. 

The play? Maryland +9 (1u)

UCF v. Cincinnati +3.5 | 3:30

The introduction to the Big 12 has been harsh to both these teams, as UCF and Cincinnati both remain winless in Big 12 play. Yet, something has to give, and one of these teams will pick up their first win as a member of the Big 12. 

UCF has looked significantly better than Cincinnati, no denying this, but the Bearcats’ psychological factor of playing another conference newcomer with no wins in the Big 12 has to play well in Cincinnati’s players’ minds. 

I told myself I wouldn’t back Emory Jones again, but this spot is undeniable. Playing the limited public backing of the Bearcats, the home ‘dog of just over a field goal, and a team in desperate need of a “pick me up” win, roll with Cincinnati to cover the 3.5 spread. 

The play? Cincinnati +3.5

Washington v. USC +3 | 7:30

With a total of 76.5, this matchup projects to be one of the more entertaining games of the season. Washington is off to an 8-0 start, yet have been quietly playing uninspiring football in their last two contests. Most likely due to the absurdly late start times of these games, people seem unaware that Washington has struggled against inferior foes Arizona State and Stanford, two bottom of the barrel teams in the PAC-12. 

Now, traveling to No. 20 USC, Washington faces their second hardest test of the season. Despite the struggles of the Trojans, including a 3-OT win against Arizona (who’s much better than we thought), back-to-back losses to Notre Dame and Utah, and a one-point win against Cal last week, they still remain 5-1 in conference play and sit at second in the PAC-12 standings. With the Trojans’ remaining schedule consisting of games against No. 5 Washington, No. 6 Oregon, and No. 19 UCLA, the time is now for a USC team that has PAC-12 title game aspirations. 

With these losses suffered by the Trojans over the last month, people have started to question quarterback Caleb Williams’ motivation. While I feel these criticisms are unwarranted, this is a contest for which he will be locked in. Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. has been one of the best field generals this season and is many media members’ Heisman pick at the moment. With a massive QB matchup, I expect Williams to be the catalyst for this Trojan team and lead them to victory. 

This feels like a game where whoever holds the ball last wins, so let’s play smart and take the three points we’re being given. 

The play? USC +3 (3u)

Miami v. NC State (+5.5) | 8:00

Miami has been one of the most polarizing teams this season, looking like one of the best teams in the ACC until a brutal decision to run the football saw the ‘Canes surrender a late lead to Georgia Tech. They followed this performance with a 10-point loss to North Carolina and were quickly held in the same negative outlook as previous Miami teams of the decade. However, they shook off the dust and rattled off two straight wins, even though they went to OT against a UVA team they were favored by 18.5 over last week. 

For NC State, they have had an up and down season, but are coming off a home win against rival Clemson. This win has the public outlook on the Wolfpack much higher than we have seen this season, and such a  perception may lead to a good buy-low spot on the ‘Canes. 

Miami is a great team, but the poor play calling of the Mario Cristobal era continues to reemerge, resulting in inexplicable losses at points this season. My belief is that Miami is simply a much better team than NC State, and the fact they are favored by 5.5-points on the road in a hostile, night game environment, makes me feel as if the ‘Canes are going to get back to their roots and roll the Wolfpack. 

Expect QB Tyler Van Dyke to play well, and lead the Hurricanes to a resounding victory. 

The play? Miami -5.5 (1u)

Florida State v. Pitt (50.5) | 3:30 

Rarely have I given out totals on this page, but I am dipping my toe a little deeper into the water this weekend. When I play a total, largely it is due to the significance of the number or a number that is positioned contrary to the projected outlook of a game. In this case, the number seems substantially lower than I’d expect. 

Florida State averages 41.5 points per contest, and their offense has proven lethal week after week. On the contrary, this is a Pitt defense that gives up 29 points per game. Given these two stats, this game should project to go way over 50.5. However, the total opened at 51, and with 81% of bets piling in on the over, the total dropped a half-point. This movement coupled with the original eye-popping number of 50.5 leads me towards playing the under. 

If Pitt, the home team in this one, has any chance of keeping this game close, they need to limit FSU’s scoring. The Panthers have proven the ability to pull off the upset (while not one of this magnitude), and their rout of Louisville has me believing in the Panthers defense to slow the Seminole offense just enough for this under to cash. 

On the other side, the Florida State defense is almost as relentless as their offense. They are ranked 30^th in the nation in total defense, and should eradicate an unimpressive Pitt offense. 

The play? Under 50.5 (1u)

Purdue v. Michigan (50.5) | 7:30

Michigan is favored by 32.5 points in a conference game. That is utterly absurd, regardless of how dominant the Wolverines have looked on the field. However, this spread being above 30 points is indicative of how good of football the Wolverines have been playing, regardless of sign-stealing accusations. 

With this scandal in the public spotlight, I expect the Wolverines to take out their anger on the Boilermakers. 

Purdue, a team that let up 31 to Nebraska last week, 41 to Ohio State two weeks ago, and 20 to IOWA the week prior, does not stand a chance in slowing the Wolverines down. I expect Michigan to put up over 40 points on their own, and Purdue will find a way to score at least 10 in what projects to be a blowout victory for Michigan. 

The play? Purdue/Michigan Over 50.5

Kentucky v. Mississippi State (46)

In their last two contests, Mississippi State has put up an underwhelming 20 combined points. On the flip side, Kentucky has shown the ability to score, but that is not how head coach Mark Stoops wishes to win football games.

In a conference game in which both teams desperately need wins, I expect the physicality to be through the roof, creating a defensive battle

In a game where I lean the Bulldogs, as 88% of spread bets are on the Wildcats to cover -5, I expect this game to be relatively close, supporting my position on this under. Expect the game to be close, low, and gross, the perfect recipe for an under. 

The play? Under 46

By: George Ahearn

The much-anticipated rematch between LSU and Alabama takes place this weekend, as the No. 13 Tigers will travel to Tuscaloosa to face the red-hot No. 8 Crimson Tide. The Tigers will look to win in Bryant-Denny Stadium for only the third time since 2010, attempting to join the 2019 and 2011 teams, both of whom went on to play for a national championship. 

After Alabama dropped their second game of the season – a home game against No. 11 Texas – the nation was ready to write them off as true playoff contenders. Now, after rattling off six straight wins, notably including those over No. 15 Ole Miss and No. 17 Tennessee, the Tide are back in the thick of the College Football Playoff race. 

Despite the Tigers entering their 2022 matchup against the Tide as 13.5-point underdogs, LSU converted a 2-point conversion in the final seconds to win outright, a victory that would see them into the SEC title game. Now, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels looks to become the first quarterback to beat Nick Saban in consecutive years since he became the Alabama head coach. 

While this statistic puts into perspective how difficult it is to best Saban and the Tide, if any quarterback were to pull off the impossible, it would be Jayden Daniels. 

Daniels has been the best quarterback in college football this season, throwing for 2,573 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only three interceptions – stats that would position him as the clear-cut Heisman favorite if not for the Tigers having two losses on their record. 

The two losses for the Tigers have effectively eliminated them from playoff contention, yet with a path to the top of the SEC West still alive, a playoff berth is still in the realm of possibility. 

The LSU offense is the top-ranked unit in total offense according to ESPN, averaging over 550 yards per game with an impressive 379 points scored, all while playing in the big, bad SEC. 

The fault of the Tigers this season has been the atrocity that is their defense. They are the 88^th ranked total defense, allowing 395 yards of offense per contest. Thankfully for the Tigers, the Alabama offense does not pose the same threat as Florida State and Ole Miss. The Tigers lose games when teams have the ability to outscore them. This week, I do not believe that is the case. 

Call it blasphemous, call it outrageous, but I expect Brian Kelly to lead his troops into Tuscaloosa and improve his record against Nick Saban as SEC foes to 2-0. 

The perfect storm for the Tigers to pull off the upset has formed once again, as the opinion on Alabama is as high as it has been all season, and the talk is as quiet as it’s been regarding LSU. 

I foresee this week being Daniels’ Heisman moment as well, and he currently sits at +450 to win the illustrious award. Yet, a win in Bryant-Denny would likely catapult him into the favorite position.

If you’re terrified to fade Nick Saban, I understand, as this choice has proven regrettable in the world of college football. However, I urge you to load up Jayden Daniels highlights, and hopefully your doubts will no longer exist. He has every tool imaginable to become the first quarterback to knock off Saban in back-to-back seasons. 

The plays?

Jayden Daniels to win the Heisman +450 (0.5u)

LSU +3 (3u)

By: George Ahearn

After two weeks of nonstop running around and subsequently failing to turn in a betting preview, it is time to return to my bread and butter. In games I have written a preview for, I have yielded an 8-3 record. On the other side, the picks I have simply tweeted out have returned a forgettable 7-8-1 record. Clearly, the thoroughness of writing a betting preview creates some positive gambling mojo. Ask any gambler, your mojo can be what carries you through the weekend.

This weekend we have one of the less exciting slates in recent weeks, yet that doesn’t change anything in terms of finding winners. We start the betting preview off with one contest tonight, and the rest will be published tomorrow. Buckle up for the weekend, as this week’s betting preview proves to be the largest yet, and in tonight’s game, we are introducing the three-unit system.

Syracuse (+3) v. Virginia Tech

The Hokies are infamous for their home crowds, week after week proving they are one of the most hostile environments in the nation. Virginia Tech has won their last two home games handedly, winning 38-21 over Pitt and 30-13 over Wake Forest. It has frequently been proven that if you wish to back the Hokies, back them at home, as at least you know the fans will come to play.

For Syracuse, they started their season an impressive 4-0, handling out-of-conference opponents Army and Purdue. Yet, the Orange were dealt a brutal hand to open ACC play, facing off against Clemson, UNC, and Florida State in their first three conference games. To no one’s surprise, ‘Cuse dropped all of these contests and now sit at 4-3. 

While fading the Hokies at home is a dangerous game to play, we have to remember the state of this Virginia Tech football program. The storied program has been faltering for the ladder half of a decade and hasn’t turned in a 10-win season since Justin Fuente’s first year at the helm back in 2016. Now in the first year of head coach Brent Pry, the nation is still unsure if he can return the Hokies to glory.

My take? Not yet. Maybe down the line Pry can prove to be the guy, but I don’t buy it at this moment. Instead, I’m buying a Syracuse team coming off a bye who has been dismantled in their three previous games. 

Syracuse QB Garrett Shrader has played college football since 2019 when he suited up as a freshman for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Now in his fifth-year of college football, Shrader has some valuable experience that he’ll look to use to end his career on a high note.

The utter embarrassment Syracuse has faced over their last three contests coupled with a bye week should have the Orange ready to match the intensity of the Hokie crowd. Once that first touchdown is scored, everyone should settle in, and I expect the ‘Cuse to win outright. 

The play? Syracuse +3 (3u)

 

 

By: George Ahearn

A Friday night showdown between the heavyweights of the American Conference kicks off when 4-1 Tulane visits 4-1 Memphis in a game that could be critical in determining the direction of each team’s season. 

Both teams are off to a terrific start to their respective seasons, yet this was expected for Tulane.

Last season, they ended the year defeating USC in the Cotton Bowl in what was a staple win for the Green Wave program. When QB Michael Pratt announced he would return to Tulane for his senior season, the expectation for the program was to once again return to a New Year’s Six Bowl game, and they are right on track.  

The only game Tulane dropped this season was at home against No. 13 Ole Miss, a game which the Rebels won 20-37. However, Tulane was without Pratt, and winning this game without their star was a nearly insurmountable task. 

For Memphis, their only loss came to Missouri, who just missed this week’s rendition of the AP poll. They won against Navy, 28-24, and defeated Boise State, 35-32, both impressive wins coming on Memphis’ home turf. 

Now, the Tigers have a Friday night battle against arguably their toughest opponent yet, a game in which they find themselves as 4.5-point home underdogs. 

Memphis has been great this season and is a formidable opponent for Tulane, but there is a reason they sit as +4.5 point underdogs in a game they’re playing at home. 

Tulane is simply that good. 

This is a Tulane team that won the Cotton Bowl last year and finished ranked No. 9 in the College Football Playoff rankings. When you have this kind of experience and have the ability to return your star QB, the next season projects to be even more dangerous, although I’m not sure if Tulane is capable of reaching greater heights than those of a Cotton Bowl victory. 

This Tulane team has inexplicably fallen out of the rankings despite their only loss coming to a top-15 team when they were playing without their quarterback. Yet lucky for us, we have one more week to take advantage of the AP poll’s misjudgment. 

If Tulane were ranked, like they should be, I am sure significantly more money would be backing the Green Wave. Yet, all people see is two, 4-1 teams, and that the home team is a ‘dog of 4.5 points, leading to 77% of tickets currently backing the Tigers. 

Michael Pratt, the Tulane all-time passing TDs leader, will continue to lead the Green Wave tonight like he has all season, and I expect them to roll over Memphis in a critical, inter-conference matchup. 

Let’s ride the Green Wave tonight. 

The play: Tulane -4.5

By: George Ahearn

The 4-1 Mountaineers travel to Houston in the first matchup between the two as conference foes. In Houston’s first season as a member of the Big 12, they have gotten off to a rocky start. They sit at 2-3, with their only wins coming against winless Sam Houston State and 2-3 UTSA. 

For the Mountaineers, they have been a pleasant surprise in the college football world this year. In his fifth season, head coach Neal Brown looks to have finally caught his stride in Morgantown. They won a gritty game against rival Pitt and upset Texas Tech as six-point home underdogs, and, most recently, upended TCU as 14-point underdogs. Safe to say the loyal West Virginia fan base is finally pleased with the direction of the program. 

In Houston, their bumpy start was relatively expected, as transitioning from the American to the Big 12 was expected to produce some growing pains. However, the manner in which they have lost some of their games leaves much to be desired. They lost a double overtime bout to Rice and were run out of the game against Texas Tech and TCU. 

Houston head coach Dana Holgorson has had a polarizing start to his time at Houston. His first two seasons were mediocre, but in 2021 and 2022 he looked to have finally established a winning culture. The last two years, they produced a 12-2 record and an 8-5 record, respectively,  results much more congruent with the expectations of what Coach Dana Holgorsen would bring to this team. 

However, this game should bring out some serious emotion for Houston’s head coach. 

Holgorsen made the rare decision to leave a Power Five program for, at the time, a Group of Five program, when he left West Virginia to return to coach at Houston. Before tonight’s game, Holgorsen was asked about his emotions regarding his former team, whom he coached for eight seasons. 

He said, “the best way to approach it is to turn the phone off and go to work.” 

Safe to say Holgorsen understands the importance of this game, not only for him, but for his Cougars to get back on track and gain some momentum.

The fault of Houston this season, like most Dana Holgorsen squads, is their inability to limit opponents’ scoring. Against Big 12 opponents, they have given up 36 and 49 points. Thankfully for the Cougars, they themselves have the ability to score points at a rapid pace.

The Cougars average over 400 yards of offense per game and will undoubtedly need points to stay in this game tonight. 

West Virginia sits at an impressive 4-1, and all the credit goes to the job Neal Brown has done with this Mountaineers team. Yet, I still believe they are playing way above expectations, and I believe they will return to Earth tonight against the Cougars. 

The Dana Holgorsen “revenge game” should provide sparks, and I anticipate this Cougars squad playing passionately for their head coach. Back in front of their home crowd, I think the Cougars will win and get their season back on track. 

Back Houston to play for their coach; nothing better than betting on a group of fired-up 20-year olds. 

The play: Houston +3

By: George Ahearn

You know football season has hit its stride when we’re delivered great games like this on a Tuesday night. Coastal Carolina and Appalachian State are a staple Group of 5 programs, and this Tuesday night contest in Boone, North Carolina should deliver fantastic football. 

Coastal Carolina is used to competing for Sun Belt championships, yet this season has not gone according to plan. The Chanticleers have started their season an underwhelming 2-3, losing to UCLA, Georgia State, and Georgia Southern. Congruent with these disappointing performances is the uninspired play of starting quarterback Grayson McCall. 

McCall is a three-time Sun Belt player of the year, winning the award each season he’s owned the starting role. Now a redshirt senior, McCall is putting together his worst season to date, already throwing six interceptions through five games, uncharacteristic of a player who had only thrown eight interceptions in his entire career up to this season.

The offense for Coastal has simply not been as potent as expected, yet a majority of these issues can be attributed to their struggles in the red zone. The Chants are only converting on 75% of their redzone trips, third worst in the Sun Belt (via The Sun News). 

Coastal is 0-2 to open Sun Belt play, and they are watching their dreams of playing for a third Sun Belt title in four seasons disappear right before their eyes. 

For App State, their season is off to a solid start, having won their first conference matchup last week against UL-Monroe, 41-40. They sit at a modest 3-2, dropping their two contests on the road at North Carolina and at Wyoming, both top-30 teams. 

Appalachian State is a team that nobody wants to see on their schedule. Throughout the 21^st century, they have been dominant, regardless of what level of football they are playing. They have become synonymous for big-time upsets, and are a decorated, Group of 5 program. 

However, what is a tad different this season with App State is they are relying on a high-scoring offense to win games. Typically, App State pulls off upsets and has success nearly every season due to their defense. Yet this year, they are allowing over 30 points per game.

This game’s total is currently sitting at 60.5, indicating that we may be in store for a shootout between these two programs tonight.

Grayson McCall is a supreme talent in college football, and I expect tonight to be his coming out party. The Chants desperately need a win in conference play, and that tenacity coupled with an offense that is due to start rolling again, points to Coastal covering this game.

The play: Coastal Carolina +5.5

By: George Ahearn

While I wish all my days consisted of strictly writing these previews, at some point during the week I had to attend to my 200-point research paper. Nonetheless, the weekend has arrived and we’re here to find some winners. While these previews won’t be as detailed as some of the stand-alone previews of the past, don’t be mistaken, just as much thought has gone into all of these plays.

We’ll be running through seven different games: Kansas State v. Oklahoma State, Maryland v. No. 4 Ohio State, No. 13 Washington State v. UCLA, No. 20 Kentucky v. No. 1 Georgia, Colorado v. Arizona State, No. 24 Fresno State v. Wyoming, and No. 15 Oregon State v. Cal. 

First off, Friday Night Lights in Stillwater. 

Kansas State (-11.5) v. Oklahoma State

Kansas State and Oklahoma State meet under the lights in Stillwater to kick off our college football slate for the weekend, in a game that pits the Pokes as heavy, home underdogs.

For the Cowboys, it has been a miserable start to the season. South Alabama came into town and embarrassed them on their home turf, winning 33-7. The following week, they lost to a lackluster Iowa State team by a touchdown. They sit at 2-2, and while they can certainly salvage their season, it is now or never for Mike Gundy’s squad.

Both teams enter this inter-conference matchup coming off a bye. Whenever teams in the same conference meet off a bye, in a highly emotional, nationally televised game, I expect the offenses to come out the gates a little slow. Two weeks to prepare for a team allows for defenses to be highly prepared, and in a Friday night game, I expect both defenses to be ready to roll. 

While I would lean the under, this game is the perfect storm for the Cowboys to get back on track. Mike Gundy is a decorated college football coach, and I trust him to have his players ready for this contest. Oklahoma State, regardless of how bad they have played, laying 11.5 points at home is more than enough to sell me. In a game I expect to be chippy and close, ride the home ‘dawg and hope the Pokes don’t lose by more than 11. 

The play: Oklahoma State +11.5

Maryland v. 4. Ohio State (-19.5)

The Terps are off to their best start in recent memory, sitting at 5-0 and on the cusp of being ranked for the first time since 2019. However, their most challenging test awaits, as they travel to Columbus to face the No. 4 ranked Buckeyes. Despite both teams being undefeated, this spread is sitting at a whopping 19.5-points. 

While I love what Maryland has built and the direction their program is heading, they are not on the same tier as Ohio State, and this line is indicative of the gap between the two programs. 

We’ve seen this before with Ohio State, where despite playing suspect football during moments within the season, they open as a 3-touchdown favorite against a good Big 10 opponent. Watching these teams this year, the logical play feels like taking Maryland and their 19-point spread. However, this feels like a game where Ohio State will turn it up and remind us all of what a dominant force they are in the college football world. 

Roll with the Buckeyes, and back the team littered with NFL prospects to deliver at home. 

The play: Ohio State -19.5

No. 13 Washington State v. UCLA (-3)

There’s a rule of thumb in college football gambling: If you have an unranked team at home that’s favored over a ranked team, you bet the unranked squad, and this rule will come into effect Saturday.

Washington State is off to an incredible start, and Incarnate Word transfer QB Cam Ward is playing like a legitimate Heisman candidate. For the Bruins, they are off to a good start too, but their last game against No. 11 Utah they put up a measly 7-points. 

Yet, the Bruins are favored by three points when No. 13 ranked Wazzu comes to town. It makes no sense, but in a PAC-12 conference with a high level of parity, it doesn’t surprise me too much. In college football, anything can happen, especially when a team is playing at home. Back the Bruins to get it done, it’s simply a system play. 

The play: UCLA -3

No. 20 Kentucky v. No. 1 Georgia (-14.5)

Both teams enter this pivotal SEC East matchup 5-0, and Kentucky has a chance to pick up one of their biggest wins in program history. 

The Wildcats were dominant last week against Florida, defeating them 33-14. On the flip side, Bulldogs fans would like to forget last week’s game, as the top ranked team in the nation sneaked out a 27-20 win over an unranked Auburn team.

Despite the drastic differences in momentum, the Bulldogs are 14.5-point favorites. This spread is seemingly large for a Georgia team that has been playing disappointing football for their standard. However, you don’t get gifted many opportunities to back the ‘Dawgs when people are doubting them.

I believe Kirby Smart is the best coach in the nation, and despite their early-season struggles, this Kentucky game is one the ‘Dawgs can get fired up for, especially after delivering such an uninspired performance last week.

There’s nothing more fun than backing a motivated Georgia team, and the Bulldogs will undoubtedly have a fire lit under their ass for Saturday’s game. Roll with Georgia -14.5, and expect the ‘Dawgs to remind everyone why they are the No. 1 ranked team in the nation.

The play: Georgia -14.5

Colorado (-4) v. Arizona State

We all know about Colorado, the public’s darling that has covered in three of their five games to start the season despite the egregious amount of money that backs the Buffs week in and week out.

Last week, they lost to No. 8 USC 48-41. While the box score makes this look like a great outing for the Buffs, this game never felt as close as a one-touchdown game. Now, after back-to-back emotional games against No. 10 Oregon and No. 8 USC, the Buffs travel to unranked Arizona State.

While many know nothing about this Sun Devils team, the name people should know is head coach Kenny Dillingham.  

In his first year as the Sun Devils head coach, they have started a disappointing 1-4. However, this program was disheveled when Dillingham took over, and despite the record, you can see the growth and improvement for Arizona State each week. 

They played USC tough, losing 42-28, and last week lost to an underrated Cal team, 24-21. In front of a sellout crowd, I expect the Sun Devils to pick up their first PAC-12 win of the season Saturday.

I know betting against Colorado is no fun, but we cannot forget this was a team that had a 3.5-win total prior to the season starting. I know it’s scary, but play the home ‘dog at +4.

The play: Arizona State +4

No. 24 Fresno State (-6) v. Wyoming

The Mountain West is the most underappreciated conference this season, producing talented teams like Fresno State, Wyoming, and Air Force. 

Fresno State has earned their No. 24 ranked, winning at Purdue week 1, demolishing the aforementioned Arizona State 29-0 on the road, and handily taking care of the other opponents on their schedule. However, I am not here to focus on the Bulldogs.

Instead, we will be looking at Wyoming and the 6-points they’re getting at home against Fresno State. Wyoming is an impressive 4-1 on the season, with their only loss coming on the road at Texas. They beat a gritty App State team 22-19 and won in double OT against a Texas Tech team people had pinned as a sleeper in the Big 12 throughout the preseason. 

While I think Fresno State is good, and expect them to win this football game, I can’t turn away from Wyoming and the +6. In Laramie, in a primetime slate on FOX, the Cowboys will be ready. 

The play: Wyoming +6

No. 15 Oregon State (-9.5) v. Cal

The late night, PAC-12 game to bet and tuck you in for Sundayis this contest right here. Oregon State travels to Cal after an emphatic Friday night win against Utah, while Cal enters after sneaking a win out at home against Arizona State

Cal is a team that I am higher on than most, having backed them against Auburn and No. 8 Washington. While I love the Beavers and thoroughly enjoyed backing them last Friday night, I have to leave my allegiance behind and ride with the Golden Bears.

Sitting at +9.5, this line indicates to me the game will be close. If Oregon State was going to waltz in and blow them out I think we would see this line at +10 or higher. I’m going to keep trying to take advantage of the lower-tier PAC-12 squads and the lines that are simply too high because of the names on the front of the jersey. 

The play: Cal +9.5

By: George Ahearn

The Red River Rivalry kicks off Saturday, when the Longhorns and the Sooners meet in Dallas, Texas for the final time as members of the Big 12. With both teams owning impressive 5-0 records, the final bout between these two as bitter Big 12 rivals has the potential to be the most memorable of them all.

No. 3 Texas has looked borderline unstoppable through their opening five games of the season, defeating No. 11 Alabama and No. 24 Kansas with ease. While the offense of the Longhorns was always feared, what has proven insurmountable to their opponents is scoring on this defense.

In his third season as Texas’ defensive coordinator, Pete Kwiatkowski may have his best defense yet. This tenacious unit owns the 12^th best scoring defense in the nation, only allowing an average of 12.5 points per contest. Led by fourth-year linebacker Jaylan Ford, who was a third-team All-American and first-team All-Big 12 talent in 2022, this Longhorns defense is a force. 

We’re used to Texas teams of the past becoming overhyped, leading to inevitable collapse at some point during the season. However, this was always partly due to their inability to slow down the nation’s top offenses. Now, their defense is what Texas leans on to win football games, and it is the main reason as to why the Longhorns are a top five team in the nation. 

In a quieter manner, the Sooners have also greatly impressed through their opening five games. In head coach Brent Venables’ second season, he has the Sooners clicking. They have won their five games by a combined score of 237-54, which is utter insanity for a team that finished with a 6-7 record last season. 

When Venables was hired by Oklahoma, the idea was that he would bring his relentless, Clemson-led defenses with him. In his second year at the helm, that is exactly what Venables has done. The Sooners own the nation’s second ranked scoring defense, allowing only an average of 8.5 points a contest. 

The story you’ll hear leading up to this game will be about quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Dillon Gabriel and how explosive these offenses will be. Yet, in reality, it should be each of these teams’ ferocious defenses. Both teams have shown the ability to ride the shoulders of their defenses to wins, and I expect this trend to continue come Saturday.  

Despite these defenses each being some of the top-ranked units in the nation, this total currently sits at 60.5. While this may seem high, this is the lowest the total has been set for the Red River Rivalry since 2018.

The expectation that revolves around this game, and for good reason, is that of a shootout, and this commonly-held belief is why I believe this total is so high. While these offenses are talented and more-than-capable of putting up points, a 60.5 total provides more than enough wiggle room for this under to cash. 

It may be scary, but, in a game where emotions will be running high, with two stout defenses and one highly defensive-oriented coach, take the road less traveled and bet the under. 

The play: Under 60.5