We have just one remaining week of mostly Saturday action, before the final week which splits the slate on Friday and Saturday for the Thanksgiving holiday. We’re almost at the finish line. Below, we look at the best bets for three small-school college football winners in Week 12, with expert college football picks and predictions.
Every week we target three smaller schools that are good bets to cover the spread and win big money – it doesn’t really matter the size of the school, it’s winners that matter.
This weekend we’ll focus on a trio of games from Conference USA and the MAC.
Small-school college football best bets of Week 12
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:40 a.m. ET.
Kent State -13.5 (-108) at Akron (Saturday at noon ET)
Kent State (5-5, 4-2 MAC) heads to InfoCision Stadium to battle rival Akron (2-8, 1-5) in the annual “Wagon Wheel” game. I have been fortunate to attend one of these games in person and while it’s not Ohio State vs. Michigan, or any number of other fierce rivalries, it is a good, regional game that means a lot to both sides.
Akron hasn’t had the type of season it wants, but it would love to spoil a shot at the MAC Championship Game for its rival. Essentially, this is their bowl game.
It won’t matter how much the Zips want it though, because the Golden Flashes are just more talented. Kent State is rolling up 474.1 total yards per game (12th), with 225.4 rushing yards per game (13th) and 31.5 PPG. The Zips will be helpless to stop them. Kent State is a little suspect on the defensive side though, so Akron will score some. An Over (73.5, -105) play isn’t a bad idea here, either.
Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports.
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Marshall at Charlotte +14.5 (-117) (Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET)
Marshall (6-4, 4-2) still has a shot at the Conference USA East Division title, but it must win this week against Charlotte and again next week against Western Kentucky. This week will not be a cakewalk.
The Thundering Herd are favored by more than two touchdowns on the road at Charlotte (5-5, 3-3), but the 49ers have proven to be a tough out this season. Charlotte is 4-1 SU/ATS in five home games, and this is Senior Day for the 49ers. They’re still fighting for bowl eligibility too, so Charlotte will not be laying down.
I don’t know if the 49ers can overcome the visitors, but they will keep it within two touchdowns. Charlotte has been exceptionally tough at home for the most part.
UAB at UTSA -4.5 (-110) (Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET)
UTSA (10-0. 6-0 C-USA) just cannot get any respect, checking in at 22nd in the CFP rankings despite an unblemished record, one of just three in the nation along with No. 1 Georgia and No. 5 Cincinnati. However, the Roadrunners just don’t have the marquee name, opponents and media attention.
We know all about the Roadrunners, though. QB Frank Harris is a versatile dual-threat signal-caller and RB Sincere McCormick is one of the best in the nation — and perhaps the most unheralded back in the country.
UTSA enters on a 4-1 ATS run, and it is 8-2 ATS overall, so bettors have been just fine with the Roadrunners flying under the radar. There is value each week, and that’s the case again this Saturday at the Alamodome.
Last week’s recap
Oh no. A winless week puts us into the red for the first time this season. All teams in last week’s column failed to not only cover, but the favorites each lost outright. That includes FAU’s inexplicable loss on the road against a bad Old Dominion team. Let’s get it back, and get back into the black.
Let’s build that bankroll back up this week! We have just these two weeks left and then I must bid you adieu for the season.
Last Week: 0-3
Season Total: 16-17
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