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Texas Tech at Texas odds, picks and prediction

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

The Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-0) travel to the state capital Saturday for a noon ET kickoff against the Texas Longhorns (2-1) at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Below, we look at the Texas Tech vs. Texas odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Texas Tech bounced back from a lackluster 28-22 Week 2 win over Stephen F. Austin as a 31.5-point favorite to easily handle Florida International 54-21 last week as a 20.5-point favorite.

Texas destroyed Rice 58-0 Saturday as a 26-point home favorite after being upset the week prior by Arkansas 40-21 as a 5.5-point road favorite. The Longhorns prevailed over the Red Raiders in last year’s meeting 63-56 in overtime.

Texas Tech at Texas odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:11 p.m. ET.

Money line: Texas Tech +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Texas -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Texas Tech +9.5 (-110) | Texas -7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 61.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

Texas Tech at Texas odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Texas Tech 34, Texas 28

Money line

I like the Red Raiders plus points so much in this spot that I almost have to SPRINKLE on TEXAS TECH (+260). Texas has played a tougher schedule through three games, but Texas Tech has a much better EPA, success rate, points per play and yards per play differentials.

Furthermore, there’s just too much unconditional love in the market for a Texas football program that’s one of the most high-profile in the nation. Everyone is excited about first-year head coach Steve Sarkisian after what he did as the Alabama Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator in recent seasons.

However, ESPN college football guru ranked Texas 95th in returning production and the Longhorns have fewer returning starters than the Red Raiders. Also, Texas Tech junior transfer QB Tyler Shough has been awesome so far in Lubbock. Shough leads the Big 12 in passing yards and is second in passer efficiency rating.

Against the spread

Definitely BET TEXAS TECH +0.5 (-110) heavier than or instead of the money line. Texas failed to cover last season vs. Texas Tech as a 17.5-point road favorite in a 63-56 overtime victory.

The Longhorns had a former three-year starter in QB Sam Ehlinger under center who was a preseason Heisman Trophy contender and still Texas Tech almost pulled off an outright upset.

There’s flummox in Texas’s quarterback room this time around. Sarkisian benched QB Hudson Card for QB Casey Thompson during the Longhorns’ 40-21 loss to Arkansas. Thompson has better numbers thus far but the point is Texas shouldn’t be laying more than a touchdown when it’s unsettled at quarterback.

We are getting significant “reverse line movement” in the betting market. For instance, nearly 60% of the action is on Texas according to Pregame.com at the time of writing, but the Longhorns have been steamed down from a 10-point favorite on the opener. It’s a red flag whenever sportsbooks make the more popular side cheaper especially when it’s a program as popular as Texas.

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Over/Under

PASS because my predicted score is nearly aligned with the market’s projection so there isn’t much value in be betting the total.

For what’s it worth, the last three Texas Tech-Texas meetings have gone Over the total with last year’s game soaring Over by nearly seven touchdowns. Additionally, Texas Tech is 1-2 O/U and Texas is 2-1 O/U.

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

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Kansas State at Oklahoma State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Kansas State Wildcats at Oklahoma State Cowboys odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Kansas State Wildcats (3-0) meet the No. 22 Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-0) Saturday in their Big 12 conference opener at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Kansas State vs. Oklahoma State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

The Wildcats have already notched wins against Stanford and Nevada by 17 or more points. The closest game for K-State was actually a 31-23 win on Sept. 11 over Southern Illinois, a Top 10 team at the FCS level.

The Cowboys narrowly avoided upsets against FCS Missouri State and Tulsa in the first two weekends, winning those outings by a combined 12 points. Oklahoma State hit the road for Boise State last weekend, and it escaped with a 21-20 win as 3.5-point underdogs. The Under is 2-0-1 for the Cowboys.

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

Kansas State at Oklahoma State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:15 p.m. ET.

Money line: Kansas State +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Oklahoma State -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Kansas State +5.5 (-110) | Oklahoma State -5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 47.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Kansas State at Oklahoma State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Kansas State 26, Oklahoma State 23

Money line

KANSAS STATE (+180) is a value play in this conference opener, even though the game is in Stillwater.

Yes, Oklahoma State (-230) won at Boise State last week, but K-State is battled tested. They dismantled a very, very good Nevada team last weekend with relative ease, 38-17, shutting down one of the more unheralded quarterbacks in the nation.

The Cowboys have been rather one-dimensional and rush-heavy, while narrowly escaping. Oklahoma State’s three wins have been by a combined 13 points. They’ve been playing with fire and will finally get burned.

Against the spread

I like KANSAS STATE +5.5 (-110) straight up, so of course I like them catching the points.

K-State is 9-3 ATS across the past 12 games on the road, while going 11-4 ATS in the past 15 as an underdog and 12-4 ATS in the previous 16 conference tilts.

Not only that, but the Wildcats have dominated this series, at least against the number, cashing in eight of the past 10 meetings, and five of the previous six trips to Stillwater.

Over/Under

The slight lean is to the OVER 47.5 (-108). While OK State has been rather one-dimensional, running the ball heavily, and that’s a reason to take the Under usually, the Over has dominated in this series in recent years.

The Over is 6-1 in the past seven battles in Stillwater, and 11 of the previous 15 meetings overall.

K-State tossed up 38 points last week for its first Over result, and the offense has improved every week this season. I think the effectiveness of the K-State offense outweighs the run-heavy and moribund Oklahoma State offense for a slight Over.

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Akron at Ohio State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Akron Zips at Ohio State Buckeyes odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Akron Zips (1-2) meet the No. 12 Ohio State Buckeyes (2-1) on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Akron vs. Ohio State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

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

The Zips are coming off their first victory of the season, a 35-14 over FCS Bryant last week at InfoCision Stadium. It was Akron’s first win and cover after getting dusted in its first two games at Auburn, 60-10, and home to Temple, 45-24.

The Buckeyes bounced back last week against Tulsa with a 41-20 win, although questions remain about Ohio State’s offense and defense. The D has allowed 471.3 total yards per game, and 289.7 passing yards per contest while yielding 28.7 PPG. That simply will not do.

Akron at Ohio State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 4:15 p.m. ET.

Money line: Off the board (OTB)
Against the spread (ATS): Akron +48.5 (-108) | Ohio State -48.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 67.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

Akron at Ohio State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Ohio State 52, Akron 10

Money line

There was no money line at the time of this publishing, but it wouldn’t be worth pursuing anyway.

Against the spread

It’s odd to type this, but AKRON +48.5 (-108) is the play against Ohio State -48.5 (-112). Of course, the Zips aren’t going to win this one outright, or come anywhere close, but the Buckeyes just haven’t been hitting on all cylinders. They’re 0-2-1 ATS to date, and the books are not adjusting yet to their lack of defense. Akron should be able to hit double digits here.

Over/Under

As mentioned above, the Zips should be able to post at least 10 points. But I still think this game goes UNDER 67.5 (-135). Even on its worst day, the Ohio State D isn’t letting this Akron team march up and down the field.

And Ohio State ‘should’ have a big enough lead by the third quarter, calling off the dogs for the second half. It will be a blowout, but the Buckeyes aren’t posting a 60-burger as Auburn did against Akron, either.

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UCLA at Stanford odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s UCLA Bruins at Stanford Cardinal odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 24 UCLA Bruins (2-1) and Stanford Cardinal (2-1) square off this Saturday at Stanford Stadium at 6 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the UCLA at Stanford odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

After an impressive start to the season with wins (and covers) over Hawaii and LSU, the Bruins were upset by Fresno State as an 11-point favorite last week. UCLA gave up 455 yards through the air while its running backs mustered just 50 yards on 16 carries.

Stanford, on the other hand, enters this game with momentum after wins over USC (42-28) and Vanderbilt (41-23). The Cardinal made the switch to QB Tanner McKee during the USC game and the results have been fantastic (50-for-70, 570 yards, 5/0 TD/INT ratio).

UCLA at Stanford odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 4:15 p.m. ET.

Money line: UCLA -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Stanford +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
Against the spread (ATS): UCLA -4.5 (-105) | Stanford +4.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 58.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

UCLA at Stanford odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Stanford 34, UCLA 30

Money line

Stanford has won 12 of the last 13 games between these two dating back to 2009. It has also comfortably covered its last two games against Power 5 competition while UCLA looked vulnerable against the pass last week.

Take STANFORD (+155) to win outright.

Against the spread

PASS on the spread and take Stanford to win outright with a better payout.

Over/Under

The Over has hit in each of these teams’ last four combined games. UCLA is averaging 39.7 points per game this year while Stanford has gone 40+ in both games that McKee has been under center.

Root for the points and take the OVER 58.5 (-112).

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Rutgers at Michigan odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigian Wolverines odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0) and No. 19 Michigan Wolverines (3-0) meet Saturday in their Big Ten Conference opener at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Rutgers at Michigan odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Scarlet Knights have been impressive in three wins, including a 61-14 win in the opener Sept. 4 vs. Temple, and 45-13 vs. an FCS Delaware last weekend. In its only road test, Rutgers passed, 17-7, at Syracuse as 2.5-point favorites, and they’re 3-0 against the spread (ATS).

The Wolverines, No. 19 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports, are also 3-0 ATS to date, including a 63-10 beatdown against Northern Illinois. Michigan is averaging 514.7 total yards per game while rolling up 350.3 rushing yards per contest.

Rutgers at Michigan odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 4:01 p.m. ET.

Money line: Rutgers +750 (bet $100 to win $750) | Michigan -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Rutgers +20.5 (-112) | Michigan -20.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Rutgers at Michigan odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Michigan 34, Rutgers 20

Money line

Michigan (-1450) will cost you 14.5 times your potential return, and as well as they have played during the non-conference schedule, that’s way too much risk against a fellow unbeaten conference team.

AVOID.

Against the spread

RUTGERS +20.5 (-112) is worth a look catching more than 20 points. The Scarlet Knights have been good enough offensively, but it’s the defensive side of the ball where they have excelled. Rutgers is allowing just 261.7 total yards per game, and they have yielded just 11.3 PPG.

Michigan -20.5 (-108) will certainly score in this one, especially at home, but Rutgers +20.5 (-112) is easily the best team they have seen so far, and yes, that includes Washington.

Over/Under

OVER 49.5 (-112) is the lean, but only make a small-unit wager on this one. Both of these teams have allowed just 11.3 PPG to date. Still, this is the conference opener, and not a game against an FCS foe or a MAC opponent, so you can expect a little more in the way of points here.

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Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-0) meet the No. 15 Wisconsin Badgers (1-1) at Soldier Field in Chicago Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon ET. Below, we look at the Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Notre Dame eked past its first two opponents with a 41-38 overtime victory at Florida State as a 7-point favorite and then beat Toledo 32-29 as a 16.5-point favorite. The Fighting Irish took care of business in Week 3 against Purdue with a two-touchdown win as 7.5-point road favorites.

Wisconsin picked up a Week 2 victory 34-7 against Eastern Michigan as a 26-point home favorite and is coming off a bye week. The Badgers were upset 16-10 as 5.5-point home favorites in their season opener against then-No. 20 Penn State.

Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:09 p.m. ET.

Money line: Notre Dame +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Wisconsin -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Notre Dame +5.5 (-108) | Wisconsin -5.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Notre Dame at Wisconsin odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Notre Dame 24, Wisconsin 20

Money line

Pretty much all of my analysis for Notre Dame-Wisconsin is located in “narrative-ville”.

I’m a sucker for the “revenge game” angle, especially in football, and man, this is a heck of a “revenge game” spot for Notre Dame’s quarterback.

Fighting Irish super senior QB Jack Coan is using an additional year of eligibility granted due to the COVID-altered 2020 season to play for Notre Dame as a Wisconsin transfer.

Coan was replaced in Wisconsin for current starter QB Graham Mertz prior to the start of last season and rode the bench after starting every game for the Badgers in 2019. You have to figure part of Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly’s pitch to Coan was the Fighting Irish’s Week 4 meeting with the Badgers.

I think Wisconsin’s football program is typically overrated by the market just like its basketball program. I can’t totally figure out why this is the case, but the proof is there.

Since Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst took the reigns in 2015, the Badgers are 10-16 overall with a minus-2.8 margin of victory, and 10-16 ATS with a minus-2.3 spread differential, against ranked opponents. Also, Wisconsin is 5-5 overall and 5-5 ATS in neutral-site games in that span.

On the other hand, Notre Dame has been a low-key national powerhouse in the Kelly era. The Fighting Irish haven’t won any national titles but have appeared in a few College Football Playoffs and are an NFL factory.

Notre Dame has the fourth-most active players in the NFL whereas Wisconsin is 18th. The Fighting Irish are 16-8 overall in neutral-site games and 14-10 ATS since Kelly was hired in 2010.

Maybe Wisconsin is getting a boost in the market because it’s coming off a bye week and has extra time to prep for this national TV showdown. However, Wisconsin is 4-3 overall and 3-4 ATS with a rest advantage since 2015. Since 2010, Notre Dame is 22-6 overall and 16-12 ATS with a rest disadvantage.

“LEAN” to NOTRE DAME (+190) for a half unit because I like the Fighting Irish plus the points in this spot.

Against the spread

Definitely BET NOTRE DAME +5.5 (-108) heavier than or instead of the money line because of the analysis above. If it’s either-or, I’d go with the Fighting Irish getting points instead of outright.

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Over/Under

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Under 45.5 (-112) because the defense is each teams’ best unit, Wisconsin is 4-0 to the Under in its last four against teams with a winning record and the Under has cashed in Notre Dame’s last four games on a neutral field.

That said, my predicted score aligns with the oddsmakers’ projected total and we are getting to the Under party a little late as the market has steamed this total down from the 47-point opening number.

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Tennessee at Florida odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The Tennessee Volunteers (2-1) visit the Florida Gators (2-1) for an SEC East showdown at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we look at the Tennessee vs. Florida odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Tennessee bounced back from a Week 2 loss to Pittsburgh with a 56-0 rout of FCS foe Tennessee Tech last week. The setback against the Panthers stands out, as the Vols were minus-3 in the turnover column in that contest and they were undone by 134 yards in penalties.

Also see: SEC picks and predictions for Week 4

Florida is No. 11 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports, and is getting a lot of attention for its game against Alabama last week. The Gators outgained the Crimson Tide, 439 yards to 324, and all five of UF’s scoring drives were 75 yards-plus.

The Gators are 15-2 straight up in the head-to-head series since 2004.

Tennessee at Florida odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:15 a.m. ET.

Money line: Tennessee +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | Florida -1000 (bet $1,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Tennessee +19.5 (-108) | Florida -19.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 63.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Tennessee at Florida odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Florida 38, Tennessee 24

Money line

PASS on the juice-drowned prices here.

Against the spread

The Gators are 0-5-1 ATS in their last six games as favorites. Florida had some solid defensive days in wins over FAU and USF but those teams have second-division offenses.

Figure Florida as being banged up and by the end of this game, all too willing to play out a two-score victory. Peg Tennessee as being balanced enough and improved enough to live up to that same score range.

BACK THE VOLUNTEERS +19.5 (-108). It’s a bit of a play on a powerful force in nature and sports betting: gravity.

Over/Under

The Under is 3-1 across the last four meetings in this series dating back to 2017.

Tennessee has logged some solid defensive havoc numbers so far. With enough of a nod to UT and respect for the balance and patience that could well unfold here, BACK THE UNDER 63.5 (-108).

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Texas A&M vs. Arkansas odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Texas A&M vs. Arkansas odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Texas A&M Aggies (3-0) meet the Arkansas Razorbacks (3-0) in a Saturday afternoon SEC West clash at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Aggies and Razorbacks will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Texas A&M vs. Arkansas odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Texas A&M is No. 5 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports, and allowed a total of 17 points while defeating Kent State, Colorado, and New Mexico. The Aggies have yielded just 239.3 yards per game and their 3.64 yards per play allowed ranks third in the nation.

Sophomore QB Zach Calzada has had some early struggles, but he threw for 275 yards and 3 touchdowns in A&M’s win over New Mexico last week.

No. 18 Arkansas has allowed just 16.0 points per game in its victories over Rice, Texas, and Georgia Southern. The Razorbacks have been especially tough on third downs, holding foes to a 27.7% conversion rate.

A&M won last year’s meeting — in which it was favored by 14.5 points — by a score of 42-31.

Also see: SEC picks and predictions for Week 4

Texas A&M vs. Arkansas odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9:50 a.m. ET.

Money line: Texas A&M -220 (bet $220 to win $100) | Arkansas +175 (bet $100 to win $175)
Against the spread (ATS): Texas A&M -4.5 (-110) | Arkansas +4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 46.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Texas A&M vs. Arkansas odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Texas A&M 27, Arkansas 21

Money line

PASS, and focus on a solid A&M play against the number.

Against the spread

The Aggies are 7-3 ATS over their last 10 games dating back to last October. Two of those three ATS setbacks were due to last-minute, garbage-time scores.

Texas A&M is minus-3 in the turnover margin and Arkansas is plus-3. Last year’s game had a more talented roster base in the Aggies favored by 13 points. A&M won by 11 after a garbage-time score for the Razorbacks.

Has that much changed since? BACK THE AGGIES -4.5 (-110).

Peg A&M as being able to find enough success on first and second down and leverage a talent advantage in the trenches.

Over/Under

Figure the market on overcorrecting the total here based on early-season mismatches. Again, looking at last year’s game — which finished with 73 total points — the O/U was 54.5.

BACK THE OVER 46.5 (-110).

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UNLV at Fresno State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s UNLV at Fresno State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The UNLV Rebels (0-3) and Fresno State Bulldogs (3-1) meet Friday at Bulldog Stadium in Fresno, Calif. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the UNLV vs. Fresno State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Rebels opened the season with a 35-33 overtime loss against Eastern Washington, and they followed that up with a 37-10 loss at Arizona State before taking an ugly 48-3 loss at home against Iowa State last weekend.

The Bulldogs are No. 25 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports and returned to the rankings after a 40-37 road victory over UCLA last weekend. If you missed it, the Fresno-UCLA game was an instant classic, with QB Jake Haener gutting out a comeback win despite a hip injury.

UNLV at Fresno State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:22 a.m. ET.

Money line: UNLV +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | Fresno State -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): UNLV +30.5 (-110) | Fresno State -30.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 59.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

UNLV at Fresno State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Fresno State 45, UNLV 10

Money line

You can’t play Fresno State (-10000) straight up and risk $100 for every $1 won. That’s just a poor long-term betting strategy which will have you in the red before too long.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

FRESNO STATE -30.5 (-110) is going to keep its foot on the gas after the big win in the Rose Bowl. The Bulldogs have an underrated offense, as Haener, WRs Jalen Cropper and Josh Kelly and RB Ronnie Rivers are skill position players who would start at a number of Pac-12 schools.

Look for the Bulldogs to get it done in “The Valley” in this Mountain West opener for both. The favorite cashed in four of the last five meetings in this series.

Over/Under

UNDER 59.5 (-115) is the lean, as I love the Fresno State offense, but I don’t trust the UNLV offense one bit. The Rebels were horrendous against Iowa State, another ranked team, last week, and that one was in their home building.

UNLV will continue to spin the wheels on the road against a Bulldogs team playing with a lot of confidence.

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Liberty at Syracuse odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Liberty Flames at Syracuse Orange odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Liberty Flames (3-0) and Syracuse Orange (2-1) meet Friday at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Liberty vs. Syracuse odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Flames are not only unbeaten in three outings, but they covered the spread in all three games, too. That includes a 45-17 thumping of Old Dominion this past Saturday. Liberty edged Troy 21-13 Sept. 11 in a win in its only road game to date.

The Orange are flying high after a 62-24 win over FCS Albany last time out, bouncing back after a 17-7 loss to Rutgers. It was the first Over result in three tries for Syracuse.

Liberty at Syracuse odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Money line: Liberty -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Syracuse +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
Against the spread (ATS): Liberty -6.5 (-112) | Syracuse +6.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Liberty at Syracuse odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Liberty 31, Syracuse 23

Money line

Liberty (-250) will cost you two and a half times your potential return, and that’s just a little too steep for a road team against a Power 5 team.

The Flames are on the cusp of the Top 25 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports, and they have put up 38.0 points per game in three outings. They have rolled up 433.7 total yards per game to rank 43rd in the nation.

The defense for the Flames is strong, allowing just 234.0 total yards per game and 12.3 PPG. They won and covered against Syracuse in the Carrier Dome last season, taking it 38-21, and they’ll do it again Friday.

However, AVOID, and play the spread instead for a better value.

Against the spread

LIBERTY -6.5 (-112) is worth a play on the road, as they won by 17 points in this building last season.

The Flames cashed in each of their last eight games as favorites, and they’re 5-0 ATS in their last five tries against teams with a winning record.

The Orange, on the other hand, haven’t had a lot of success stringing things together. Syracuse is 0-6 ATS in its last six games following a straight-up win.

Over/Under

OVER 54.5 (-110) is the play, but play it lightly. Liberty gets a lot of headlines for the offense, but the defense is a bit on the underrated side.

The Syracuse offense showed out last week, but that was against an FCS opponent. With a short week to prepare for a team on the brink of a ranking, the Orange offense is sure to take a step backward.

Still, we should get enough points to see the Over inch across the finish line thanks to Liberty’s offense.

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

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