Tag: Cincinnati Bearcats betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Cincinnati Bearcats at Tulsa Golden Hurricane odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Cincinnati at Tulsa odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Cincinnati Bearcats (3-1) head to Oklahoma to take on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (2-2) Saturday. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cincinnati vs. Tulsa odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Bearcats beat Indiana 45-24 last week at home. QB Ben Bryant had only 1 interception to go along with 4 touchdowns and 354 yards passing on 24-of-40 attempts. His top receiver was WR Tyler Scott, who caught 10 passes for 185 yards are 3 TDs; the Hoosiers had no answer for Scott. WR Tre Tucker also had a big day catching 5 receptions for 92 yards. In total, 7 Bearcats had at least 1 reception. UC struggled to get their ground game going, with RB Corey Kiner carrying the ball 14 times for only 17 yards, but he did tack on a TD. The Bearcats defense stepped up and forced 3 turnovers (2 INT, 1 FUM), which ultimately propelled the Bearcats to victory. Cincinnati is on a 3-game win streak and will look to extend it on the road Saturday.

Tulsa is coming off a 35-27 loss to then-ranked No. 13 Ole Miss. The Golden Hurricane were up 14-7 after the 1st quarter, but could not recover after giving up 28 points in the 2nd, even though they did not give up any points in the second half. The Tulsa quarterbacking was split between QB Braylon Braxton (83 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) and QB Davis Brin (112, 1, 0). WR Isaiah Epps was the top receiver (4/62/2), but WR J.C. Santana (4/55/0) was a critical part of the Golden Hurricane offense as well. Tulsa found success on the ground with 3 rushers accumulating more than 65 yards each with RB Bill Jackson (8/77) leading the way.

Check out: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY sports

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Cincinnati at Tulsa odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Cincinnati -380 (bet $380 to win $100) | Tulsa +300 (bet $100 to win $300)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Cincinnati -10.5 (-105) | Tulsa +10.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

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Cincinnati at Tulsa picks and predictions

Prediction

Cincinnati 41, Tulsa 21

Money line

PASS. The -380 Cincinnati ML does not bring the rewards for the risk involved.

Against the spread

Lean CINCINNATI -10.5 (-105). This game will be a big tell for the rest of the Bearcats season. It is never easy to win on the road, but if UC hopes to break back into the Top 25, this is a must-win. Behind Bryant, their offense should prove to be too much for Tulsa’s defense while the Bearcat defense will be too much to handle for the Golden Hurricane offense.

Bearcats are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Furthermore, the road team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings between the two schools.

Over/Under

Take the OVER 58.5 (-110). Both teams are capable of putting up big offensive numbers, and that is what is expected for Saturday. Bryant and UC’s offense should start rolling early against the Golden Hurricane defense which should lead towards the Over hitting.

The Over is 3-0-1 in the Bearcats last 4 games overall as well as 3-0-1 in their last 4 games on turf. For Tulsa, the trend is similar with the Over being 4-0 in their last 4 games on turf. The Over is also 5-1 in the last 6 Golden Hurricane games played in October.

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Indiana at Cincinnati odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Indiana at Cincinnati odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Indiana Hoosiers (3-0) visit the Cincinnati Bearcats (2-1). Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Indiana vs. Cincinnati odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Hoosiers are coming off of a 33-30 OT victory against Western Kentucky. QB Connor Bazelak threw for 364 yards and 2 touchdowns, completing 33 passes on 55 attempts. RB Josh Henderson carried the ball 11 times for 65 yards and a TD. Bazelak spread the ball around as 12 receivers had at least 1 catch. Indiana played a solid game but will need to clean up its penalties (6 for 65) in order to compete against the Bearcats.

Cincinnati beat Miami (Ohio) 38-17 last week at the Cincinnati Bengals’ Paycor Stadium. The ‘Cats started off slow, trailing 10-7 after 1 quarter, but quickly turned it around from there. QB Ben Bryant had 337 passing yards with 2 TDs and an interception. RB Charles McClelland led the way on the ground with 18 carries for 101 yards and 2 TDs. WRs Tyler Scott (8 receptions, 119 yards, 1 TD) and Tre Tucker (7, 105, 0) each eclipsed the 100-yard mark to round out an explosive performance from the Bearcats. The defense also had a strong showing, holding Miami to 183 total yards total with only 67 rushing yards.

Check out: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY sports

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Indiana at Cincinnati odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:42 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Indiana +520 (bet $100 to win $520) | Cincinnati -750 (bet $750 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Indiana +16.5 (-110) | Cincinnati -16.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Indiana at Cincinnati picks and predictions

Prediction

Cincinnati 38, Indiana 14

Money line

PASS. The risk does not compare to the reward with -750 odds, although Cincinnati should come out of this game with a victory.

Against the spread

LEAN CINCINNATI -16.5 (-110).

The Bearcats are finding their groove on offense after a slow start last week and their defense is looking as strong as ever.

The Hoosiers are on an ATS cold streak, too. In their last 4 games following an ATS loss, they are 0-4 ATS as well as 0-4 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.

The Bearcats are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing less than 100 yards in their previous game, meaning they are a team which is able to build momentum and keep it.

Over/Under

UNDER 57.5 (-112) is the play.

UC is playing strong on defense, while Indiana is still trying to find its way behind Bazelak. Expect a slow start followed by Indiana turnovers to help the Under hit.

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Miami (Ohio) at Cincinnati odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Miami (Ohio) at Cincinnati odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Cincinnati Bearcats (1-1) play the Miami Redhawks (1-1) Saturday with kickoff from Paycor Stadium (home of the Cincinnati Bengals) set for noon ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Miami (Ohio) at Cincinnati odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Technically a neutral-field environment, the 2 programs will continue the oldest-running non-conference rivalry, with the Victory Bell at stake in the 126th meeting. The series record is 59-59-7.

Cincinnati has won every battle since 2006 and are huge favorites in this game. The Bearcats beat Kennesaw State 63-10 last weekend after kicking off the season with a 31-24 loss to Arkansas, a program now sitting 10th in the nation.

QBs Ben Bryant and Evan Prater have combined to replace what Desmond Ridder (now with the Atlanta Falcons) gave the Bearcats attack. It’s been a tougher-than-expected transition, but Cincinnati does have a legit defense and returned many of its offensive linemen.

Miami, on the other hand, lost to Kentucky 37-13 in a game they made  difficult for the Wildcats to pull away. The Redhawks then beat Robert Morris 31-14 behind QB Aveon Smith‘s 3 TDs.

Check out: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY sports

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Miami (Ohio) at Cincinnati odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:22 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Miami (Ohio) +900 (bet $100 to win $900) | Cincinnati -1600 (bet $1,600 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Miami (Ohio) +22.5 (-108) | Cincinnati -22.5 (-112)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Miami (Ohio) at Cincinnati picks and predictions

Prediction

Cincinnati 41, Miami (Ohio) 17

Money line

PASS.

Cincinnati has dominated this rivalry and will continue to. Its linebackers and the whole defense looked quick and the offensive line has held up. This should be a solid win, but it’s not worth the price.

Against the spread

LEAN CINCINNATI -22.5 (-108).

Cincinnati dropped out of the top 25 following a loss to Arkansas, but that was a game that showed resilience and was a positive for the season’s outlook, especially having to incorporate many new faces.

The Bearcats then destroyed Kennesaw State as expected. They should have their way with the Redhawks here. They won last season 49-14 and the 2019 matchup 35-13. Also, Miami hasn’t shown much this season.

It postponed getting destroyed by Kentucky, but did lose the second half  24-3. The Redhawks haven’t thrown for more than 200 yards in a game and will have a tough time running all over the Bearcats as they did Robert Morris.

Considering this is a rivalry, the Bearcats should keep the gas on the entire game.

Over/Under

BET OVER 50.5 (-112).

The Redhawks might not have a great offense, but they did put up 13 on a Kentucky team that ranks in the top 10 and also drop 31 on a Sun Belt side. They should get on the board enough to help the total here.

Betting the Over is virtually a bet on the Bearcats.

Having dropped 63 in their last game behind Bryant, who had an 85% completion rate and 3 touchdowns, backing the Bearcats seems preferred here. The Bearcats also ran for 200 yards.

Cincinnati can do both, and the Redhawks’ defense, which allowed 37 to Kentucky, may struggle to stop the Bearcats.

In the rivalry game, 1 that has generally seen Cincinnati put up big points in recent history, back the OVER 50.5 (-112).

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Cincinnati at Arkansas odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Cincinnati at Arkansas odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Cincinnati Bearcats travel down to Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark., for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff Saturday against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cincinnati at Arkansas odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Bearcats are coming off their best season in program history, becoming the 1st non-Power 5 program to reach the College Football Playoff in its 8-year history. Cincinnati fell 27-6 to Alabama for its only loss (13-1).

While QB Desmond Ridder and a star-studded defense (most of which are no longer with the program) played a large role, coach Luke Fickell has been the key component in their improvements.

As for Arkansas, it will be returning K.J. Jefferson, its starting quarterback from a season ago. He had 2,676 passing yards and a 21-4 TD-INT ratio. Jefferson is a redshirt junior.

Arkansas is led by Sam Pittman, who kicked off his career with the Razorbacks in 2020 with a 3-7 record and after going 9-4 in 2021 is looking to continue making major strides. Arkansas is 19th in the AP poll and was as high as No. 8 last season.

Cincinnati comes in at No. 22 and Arkansas No. 23 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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Cincinnati at Arkansas odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:31 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Cincinnati +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Arkansas -260 (bet $260 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Cincinnati +6.5 (-103) | Arkansas -6.5 (-117)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Cincinnati at Arkansas picks and predictions

Prediction

Arkansas 30, Cincinnati 20

Money line

PASS.

The only way to play this is Cincinnati to win at +205, but since I don’t think the Bearcats will come out on top, especially on the road, I’ll find a better value.

Against the spread

BET ARKANSAS -6.5 (-117).

The rationale is pretty simple here — the most important players on the field will be back for Arkansas, and I’d prefer to side with experience.

Also, while the home-field advantage is going to be huge, several of Cincinnati’s close wins last year (Notre Dame by 11, Indiana by 14, and Navy by 7) were on the road.

But without their returning quarterback, running back, cornerbacks, or top wide receiver, I’d prefer to bet on the side with a quarterback that performed very well last season coupled with a coach improving year-over-year.

Arkansas will have 2 wide receiver transfers, so the upperclassman have  some experience. Jefferson, who led the team in rushing with 664 yards, and Raheim Sanders, who also received over 100 carries and had 578 yards rushing, will be back.

I would play Arkansas up to -9.5.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 52.5 (-110).

Arkansas will be returning its leading tackler from last season, LB Bumper Pool. He should bring some leadership that could thrive against an inexperienced Cincinnati offense.

The Bearcats line is basically the same, but they weren’t a great unit a season ago.

Cincinnati’s defense, while changed quite a bit because of the absence of CB Sauce Gardner, did not give 30 points a single time on the road.

Fickell is going to have his linebacker corps, which could be among the best in the nation, ready to limit Jefferson. Couple the Bearcats linebackers and lack of skill players offensively, and l prefer the Under 52.5 (-110) here.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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AAC Tournament: Cincinnati vs. Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Cincinnati vs. Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 8 seed Cincinnati Bearcats (18-14) will take on the top-seeded Houston Cougars (26-5) Friday in an AAC Tournament quarterfinal at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. Tip is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we look at the Cincinnati vs. Houston odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Cincinnati, which was 7-11 in conference play, took down the ninth-seeded East Carolina Pirates 74-63 in Thursday’s opening round to snap a five-game losing streak. The Bearcats covered the spread as 5.5-point favorites but are still just 11-17-3 against the spread (ATS) overall.

Cincinnati lost by 22 at home against the Cougars and by 18 on the road at Houston, failing to cover as 7-point and 15-point underdogs.

Houston, the AAC’s regular-season champion after going 15-3, received a bye and will play its tourney opener Friday. The Cougars beat the Bearcats twice during the season, by 22 as 7-point road favorites Feb. 6 and by 18 as 15-point home favorites March 1.

The Cougars, 19-12 ATS, finished with the nation’s best opponents’ field-goal percentage, holding teams to just 37.2% from the field. They own non-conference wins over Butler, Oregon and Virginia with a 2-point loss to now-No. 12 Wisconsin and a 1-point loss to Alabama on its resume.

Houston, which is 10-8 ATS in AAC matchups – Cincy is 7-11-1 – is ranked No. 18 in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Cincinnati vs. Houston odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:48 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Cincinnati +520 (bet $100 to win $520) | Houston -850 (bet $850 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Cincinnati +11.5 (-107) | Houston -11.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 133.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Cincinnati vs. Houston odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 73, Cincinnati 59

Money line

PASS.

It’s March and a conference quarterfinal with an -850 money line is unplayable. Cincinnati didn’t get close to Houston’s level in the first two matchups, so its +520 ML also isn’t great value.

Against the spread

BET HOUSTON -11.5 (-115).

One can argue Cincinnati barely snuck by in the first round. The end score doesn’t showcase Cincinnati’s struggles as it trailed ECU 63-62 with under 4 minutes to go.

It’s how you finish, not start, but the Bearcats didn’t show enough despite covering for one to believe they can hang with the Cougars, especially after the two beatdowns by Houston this season.

Cincinnati’s weakness plays incredibly poorly into Houston’s strength. The Bearcats rank 328th in field-goal percentage at just 40.7%. The Cougars’ defense is the real deal and will wreak havoc on the ‘Cats.

Over/Under

LEAN to the UNDER 133.5 (-115).

Houston has the best defense percentage-wise in the nation, and the Bearcats do not typically shoot the ball well. They shot just 41.7% from the field in their opening victory vs. the Pirates.

Also, Cincinnati didn’t score over 60 in either matchup against Houston earlier this season and only had one of the Overs hit because the Cougars went for 80, more than their 75.9 per game average.

Both teams have been better hitting Unders as well. Cincinnati is 15-16 O/U, while Houston is 13-16-2 O/U.

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AAC Tournament: East Carolina vs. Cincinnati odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s East Carolina vs. Cincinnati odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 9 seed East Carolina Pirates (15-14) will face the eighth-seeded Cincinnati Bearcats (17-14) in the American Athletic Conference first round at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. Tip is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the East Carolina vs. Cincinnati odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Bearcats have several bad conference losses this season. They lost to Tulsa and South Florida, the bottom two teams in the AAC. However, they oddly also have wins that showcase their upset potential. They beat then-No. 15 Illinois in November and routed AAC regular-season runner-up SMU by 17 in early January.

Cincinnati beat ECU by 8 at home and by 1 on the road this season but was 0-2 against the spread (ATS) in those games.

East Carolina finished 6-11 in conference play, just behind Cincinnati (7-11). The Pirates are 16-13 ATS but just 2-7 straight up (SU) on the road and 1-3 (SU) in neutral settings.

ECU lost to Davidson and Oklahoma earlier in the season and was destroyed by Houston 79-36. ECU is led by 6-foot-5 G Tristen Newton, who is averaging 17.4 points and 5.0 assists per game.

See also: Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

East Carolina vs. Cincinnati odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:53 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: East Carolina +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Cincinnati -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: East Carolina +4.5 (-102) | Cincinnati -4.5 (-122)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 136.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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East Carolina vs. Cincinnati odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Cincinnati 68, East Carolina 65

Money line

PASS.

I like Cincinnati to win, having taken down ECU in both regular-season matchups, but at -230, I’d rather look to the points for value in this AAC battle.

Against the spread

LEAN to EAST CAROLINA +4.5 (-102).

Cincinnati was a conference-worst 6-11-1 ATS in AAC games. On the season, it was just 10-17-3 ATS.

Both times against East Carolina, Cincinnati failed to cover. The Pirates are also coming in with more confidence, having covered 4 of their last 5 outings overall. Cincinnati is just 1-4 ATS entering this matchup.

Six-foot-9 F Vance Jackson, an Arkansas transfer for ECU, averaged 30.0 points and 9.5 rebounds in the two games against UC. Jackson and Newton seem to have the greater offensive upside.

I’d prefer to side with the team with more scoring options as Cincinnati’s team strengths are in its defense and depth. Having the more talented scorers should help ECU keep it close and cover yet again.

Over/Under

LEAN to the UNDER 136.5 (-112).

Both teams are strong defensively. Cincinnati ranks 25th in opponents’ field-goal percentage. ECU has held its opponents to 43.3% from the field this season as well.

In the season matchups, the Bearcats won 79-71 and 60-59. In the first matchup, Cincinnati shot 47% from the field and ECU shot 45% from deep.

Assuming there could be some nervous jitters as well, I’d expect this matchup to be more similar to the second meeting given both teams’ defensive strength.

Cincinnati was 14-16 O/U this season. ECU was 15-14 O/U.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Cincinnati at Houston odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Cincinnati at Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Cincinnati Bearcats (17-12, 7-9 AAC) visit the No. 14 Houston Cougars (24-4, 13-2) Tuesday. The contest at Fertitta Center is slated to tip-off at 9 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Cincinnati vs. Houston odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Cincinnati has lost three straight games, and that’s part of a larger downtrend since late January. The Bearcats are just 3-7 over their last 10 games have shot just 37.4% from the field over that span. Cincinnati shot just 34.0% in one of the losses, an 80-58 setback Feb. 6 to this Houston team.

Houston lost back-to-back American Athletic Conference games three weeks back but has responded with four consecutive victories. Renewed vigor on the offensive glass (12.5 offensive rebounds per game during the streak) and hard-nosed defense (36.8% field goals allowed) have been evident over the quartet of victories, and all four wins came against decent foes.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Cincinnati at Houston odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Cincinnati +750 (bet $100 to win $750) | Houston -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Cincinnati +14.5 (-105) | Houston -14.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 135.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Cincinnati at Houston odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 73, Cincinnati 57

Money line

The Cougars are playing at a tremendously high level,  and they have full ownership of every statistical slice of this match-up.

A line watch here can yield a solid value. A price drop to the neighborhood of Houston (-1300) would make for a nice investment for decent-size bankrolls.

Against the spread

UH led by five-or-more possessions for all of the last 14 minutes n the 22-point win over UC Feb. 6. Expect a similar boat race in this tilt on home hardwood.

Cincinnati is a fast-paced squad, while Houston plays at a slow pace. Looking at AAC games when the Bearcats and Cougars have previously “crossed the streams,” the mix has been a positive one for UH and a negative one for UC.

On a small-to-moderate lean, BACK THE COUGARS -14.5 (-120).

Over/Under

In those same tortoise-hare comparisons above, the trend is on the Under winning out. TAKE THE UNDER 135.5 (-112) Tuesday.

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Houston at Cincinnati odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Houston at Cincinnati odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 9 Houston Cougars (19-2, 8-0 AAC) and Cincinnati Bearcats (15-6, 5-3) meet Sunday for a 6 p.m. ET tip-off at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati. Below, we look at the Houston vs. Cincinnati odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Houston ranks fourth in the nation in allowing just 56.5 points per game and heads into this game on an 11-game win streak. UH last played Wednesday when it held Tulane to a 32.8% mark from the floor in a 73-62 triumph. Houston has held foes under 41% in 11 straight games.

The Bearcats are lined up for their first game since winning 60-59 at East Carolina Jan. 30 as their Thursday home game against Memphis was postponed. Cincinnati has the second-best defense in the AAC (62.5 points allowed per game) and returns to action looking for a fifth win in its last six games.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Houston at Cincinnati odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:23 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Houston -280 (bet $280 to win $100) | Cincinnati +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Houston -5.5 (-120) | Cincinnati +5.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 132.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Get some action on this matchup at Tipico Sportsbook, a trusted, global sports-betting leader and Sportsbook Wire’s official betting partner.

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Houston at Cincinnati odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 70, Cincinnati 62

Money line

UC is rock-solid defensively, but it hasn’t played the schedule Houston has.

UH has logged tremendous defensive performances of its own in recent games. The Cougars excel in forcing shots where the offense doesn’t want them and their shot-blocking is a big part of that. Houston registered 9 blocks in their last game, and they have logged 6 or more blocks in six of their last seven games.

The expected exchanges in chances from rebounds and turnovers also tilt toward the visitors, who figure as a four-out-of-five proposition for this one. TAKE HOUSTON (-280).

Against the spread

The Cougars are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games against teams playing at least .600 at home.

The Bearcats are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games against teams with a winning road record.

Houston is 8-1 ATS versus Cincinnati across the last nine meetings in the series. The Cougars have covered four in a row and with ATS margins exceeding 20 points in the last two games.

TAKE THE COUGARS -5.5 (-120).

Over/Under

Respecting Houston’s ability to play in different gears: PASS.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Cotton Bowl: Alabama vs. Cincinnati odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Cotton Bowl odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 1-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1) meet the No. 4 Cincinnati Bearcats (13-0) Friday in the Cotton Bowl in a College Football Playoff semifinal in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Alabama vs. Cincinnati odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The experienced Crimson Tide head into this one in their usual spot, as the favorite. Alabama has the Heisman Trophy winner in QB Bryce Young as it looks to push past the first Group of 5 representative in CFP history.

The defending national champions will try to solve Cincinnati, a team which allowed just 304.9 total yards per game to rank eighth in the country. UC’s defense also was second overall by allowing just 167.5 passing yards per game, while yielding only 16.1 points per game to check in fifth. If there is a weakness for Cincy, it is stopping the run, although it was still a rather solid 45th with 137.5 rushing yards per game allowed.

On the offensive side of the ball, Cincinnati has stars QB Desmond Ridder and RB Jerome Ford. Ridder threw for 3,190 yards and 30 touchdowns against 8 picks, while running for 371 yards and 6 more scores. Ford registered 19 rushing touchdowns and 1,242 yards on the ground.

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Alabama vs. Cincinnati odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:56 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Alabama -550 (bet $550 to win $100) | Cincinnati +400 (bet $100 to win $400)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Alabama -13.5 (-112) | Cincinnati +13.5 (-108)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Alabama vs. Cincinnati odds, lines, picks and predictions

Get some action on this matchup at Tipico Sportsbook, a trusted, global sports-betting leader and Sportsbook Wire’s official betting partner.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO and NJ at Tipico now. IA, Tipico is coming to your state soon! New customer offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $100 in instant bet credits! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Prediction

Alabama 41, Cincinnati 20

Money line

Alabama (-550) will cost you five and a half times your potential return. While I think there is very little chance the Crimson Tide are upset in this semifinal, that’s way too much to risk for such little reward.

PASS and focus on the spread instead.

Against the spread

It’s another season, and ALABAMA -13.5 (-112) is the favorite to win another national title. While I can definitely see the winner of the Georgia-Michigan game giving the Crimson Tide quite a run, I am personally not taking Cincinnati seriously. The Bearcats get a late score to make this game look closer than it is, but it’s going to be all Crimson Tide.

Over/Under

The OVER 57.5 (-108) is the lean here, but this is only worth a small-unit play. It’s going to take a late score to get this one across the finish line, and I believe it will be an inconsequential score in the fourth quarter from the Bearcats to do it.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter and SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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AAC Championship Game: Cincinnati vs. Houston odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Cincinnati vs. Houston odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 16 Houston Cougars (11-1) will head to Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, OH to take on the No. 4 Cincinnati Bearcats (12-0). Kickoff for the AAC Championship Game is at 4 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Cincinnati vs. Houston odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Bearcats have an over 80% chance to make the College Football Playoffs with a win. With a loss, that number drops all the way down past 5%. The point being, they need to win this game.

At home, potential Heisman finalist Desmond Ridder needs to get the job done. With wins at Notre Dame and Indiana, the Bearcats are sitting pretty, but they must come out on top.

It’s the Houston Cougars who could spoil the party in Cincinnati.

They’ve been getting national respect with just one loss on the season. The Cougars’ only loss of the season was their first game against Texas Tech. They’ve been perfect since.

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Houston at Cincinnati odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Houston +320 (bet $100 to win $320) | Cincinnati -420 (bet $420 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Houston +10.5 (-110) | Cincinnati -10.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Houston at Cincinnati odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Cincinnati 31, Houston 24

Money line

PASS on the money line with a slight lean to Houston +320. That’s just where the value is, especially with Cincinnati playing in so many close games over the past month.

Against the spread

BET on HOUSTON +10.5 (-110) as that’s just too many points for two teams that may not be that far apart in terms of talent and resume.

The Bearcats have blown out opponents in three straight games, but before this streak, they only beat Tulsa by 8 and Navy by 7. Also, Houston nears 150 yards per game on the ground, the weakness of the Bearcats defense.

They should be able to find success in the run, which propels both points and a quicker game. Houston also ranks 16th in opponents passing yards, so Ridder may struggle to find success as well.

Couple the Cougars’ strengths mixed with the Bearcats’ weaknesses, and this being a competitive game seems likely.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 52.5 (-110) as Cincinnati’s offense has been red hot. The Bearcats average the 8th-most points per game, and they should be able to again find success.

I’m also convinced the Cougars’ run game should be able to keep them in the game and on the board. Houston averages the 10th most points per game in the nation, so both teams have dynamic offenses.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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