Tulsa at Oklahoma State odds, picks and prediction

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

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane (0-1) and Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-0) meet Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET. Below, we look at the Tulsa vs. Oklahoma State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Tulsa is reeling after a 19-17 setback to FCS UC Davis last week at home. The Golden Hurricane outgained the Aggies 448 to 399 in total yards, but they were sacked three times and lost the turnover margin. Tulsa was rather undisciplined, too, taking 12 penalties for 122 yards.

Oklahoma State was a little on the sluggish side against its FCS foe Missouri State. It all started fine for the Cowboys, as they fired out to a 20-0 lead, but MO State, a ranked FCS team, made it a one-score game with 3:06 to go, putting a scare into OK State before acquiescing, 23-16.

Tulsa 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 Thursday at 6 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Tulsa +380 (bet $100 to win $380) | Oklahoma State -540 (bet $540 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Tulsa +12.5 (-108) | Oklahoma State -12.5 (-112)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 51.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Tulsa at Oklahoma State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Oklahoma State 31, Tulsa 13

Money line

Oklahoma State (-540) got off to a bit of a sluggish start in the post-RB Chuba Hubbard era, as the offense was a bit in disarray. QB Spencer Sanders was sidelined due to a COVID-19 issue, so Shane Illingworth was under center. He threw for 315 yards and WR Tay Martin stepped up with 107 receiving yards.

The offense will be fine, especially with Sanders returning Saturday.

Tulsa (+380) had its hands full against an FCS team and lost outright, so the Hurricane aren’t going to the Boone and dumping a Power 5 side. Still, risking more than five times your potential return is not a good long-term betting strategy.

AVOID.

Against the spread

The play here is OKLAHOMA STATE -12.5 (-112), and the books are giving you a gift based on the second-half play of the Cowboys last week.

I’ll boldly say I think MO State is actually better than Tulsa, despite the latter’s FBS standing. Take advantage, and hammer the Cowboys for the win by at least two touchdowns.

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Over/Under

UNDER 51.5 (-115) is the play. Tulsa put up plenty of yards last week but bogged down in the red zone and on third down. In fact, the Golden Hurricane were just 2-for-10 on third down in the loss to UCD.

Oklahoma State scored just 3 points in the final 40:57 against Missouri State and could be missing Sanders again. Illingworth did OK, but he isn’t Sanders. All signs are pointing to an Under result, which is the side of the total each of these teams hit last weekend.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Miami (Ohio) at Minnesota odds, picks and prediction

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

The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks (0-1) and Minnesota Golden Gophers (0-1) meet Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET. Below, we look at the Miami (Ohio) vs. Minnesota odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Miami heads to the Twin Cities after taking a 49-14 licking from the rival Cincinnati Bearcats last week. Now, the Redhawks try their luck against a mid-tier Power 5 conference member.

Minnesota put up a good fight against Ohio State in its Thursday home opener and led 14-10 at halftime. The Gophers couldn’t hold the lead and eventually fell 45-31. The game was very costly, too, as they lost leading rusher RB Mohamed Ibrahim to a season-ending lower-leg injury.

Miami (Ohio) at Minnesota odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 5:45 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Miami +700 (bet $100 to win $700) | Minnesota -1200 (bet $1,200 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Miami +19.5 (-112) | Minnesota -19.5 (-108)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 53.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Miami (Ohio) at Minnesota odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Minnesota 31, Miami (Ohio) 17

Money line

Minnesota (-1200) is rather costly on the money line, as you would receive just $7.70 in profit on a $100 stake. That’s an awful return, and too risky for a team which is reeling after losing its best player last week.

AVOID.

Against the spread

For the exact reason I mentioned above, the loss of Ibrahim, I like MIAMI +19.5 (-112) catching the points. Minnesota has to make tremendous adjustments to its offense, and it’s difficult to replace a guy who had 163 rushing yards on 30 carries in less than three quarters against the high-flying Buckeyes.

It appears RB Treyson Potts, a redshirt sophomore, will be tasked with trying to fill Ibrahim’s giant shoes. Miami has some decent offensive weapons, especially WR Jack Sorenson, and it should be able to keep Minnesota within hailing distance.

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Over/Under

UNDER 53.5 (-108) is the lean in this one, as it wouldn’t be surprising to see Minnesota get off to a rather sluggish start as it adjusts to life without the big man on campus.

Miami didn’t exactly light the world afire on offense last week, so it has work to do, too, before we start suggesting Over plays for the RedHawks.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Texas A&M at Colorado odds, picks and prediction

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

The Texas A&M Aggies (1-0) visit the Colorado Buffaloes (1-0) Saturday at Empower Field at Mile High for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we look at the Texas A&M vs. Colorado odds and lines; check back for our college football picks and predictions.

With Clemson’s loss to Georgia, Texas A&M moved to No. 5 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports. The Aggies had a strong outing to kick off the season in defeating Kent State 41-10. QB Haynes King had 3 interceptions but also threw for 2 touchdowns.

Colorado took down Northern Colorado 35-7. QB Brendon Lewis threw for just 102 yards but the Buffaloes totaled 281 yards on the ground.

Texas A&M at Colorado odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 3:55 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Texas A&M -900 (bet $900 to win $100) | Colorado +570 (bet $100 to win $570)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Texas A&M -16.5 (-117) | Colorado +16.5 (-103)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Texas A&M at Colorado odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Texas A&M 31, Colorado 21

Money line

PASS on the money line as Colorado showed too much to bet on Texas A&M at -900, meaning you’d get one-ninth of your money on top of the original bet if it hit.

At that value, it’s not even close to worth it.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to Colorado +16.5 (-103) as it’s likely to surprise some people. I still expect the Buffaloes to lose but at home against a top-tier side, this should be a decent matchup.

The Buffaloes lead the all-time series 6-3, but more importantly, they showed a terrific run game in Week 1. If they can rush for over 150 yards, that should be enough to generate some scoring.

As noted, King had a horrible game against an inferior opponent last week. Colorado will be better on both sides of the ball, and with a spread of more than two touchdowns, I expect Colorado to cover.

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Over/Under

BET on the OVER 50.5 (-105) as both sides found themselves as the primary scorers last week against far weaker competition. They combined for 76 points in their season openers.

Both sides will look to run their terrific backs often which, if successful, could run up the score.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Florida at South Florida odds, picks and prediction

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

The Florida Gators (1-0) travel to take on the South Florida Bulls (0-1) Saturday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Florida vs. South Florida odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Gators, one of the favorites in the SEC, took down Florida Atlantic in their opener. Florida failed to cover the large spread in the 35-14 victory.

The Gators had two 100-yard rushers lead the way. QB Emory Jones threw 2 interceptions in a very underwhelming performance.

South Florida was absolutely crushed by NC State. The Bulls lost 45-0 as the Wolfpack covered the spread with ease. NC State had two 100-yard rushers, so it may be tough for South Florida to tame the Gators rushing attack.

Florida at South Florida odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 3:35 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Florida -4000 (bet $4,000 to win $100) | South Florida +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Florida -28.5 (-103) | South Florida +28.5 (-117)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 58.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Florida at South Florida odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Florida 38, South Florida 7

Money line

PASS on the money line as -4000 is far too steep of a price.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to FLORIDA -28.5 (-103) as South Florida just looked that bad against NC State. The Gators will be a far greater step up in terms of competition, so this really shouldn’t be close. Florida is ninth in the AFCA Coaches Poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports; NC State earned some top-25 votes but didn’t crack the rankings.

NC State played a flawed game and won 45-0. With Florida looking good in its opener, expect the Gators to come out on fire, scoring early and often against their in-state foe.

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Over/Under

BET the UNDER 58.5 (-112) as Florida may take its foot off the gas late.

With the run a strong option, the Gators should run this clock down after getting up big early. Expect a low-scoring combined score in this one.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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NC State at Mississippi State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s NC State at Mississippi State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The NC State Wolfpack (1-0) and Mississippi State Bulldogs (1-0) meet Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the NC State at Mississippi State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Wolfpack hit the road after a decisive 45-0 victory over visiting South Florida in Week 1. RB Ricky Person Jr. opened the scoring with a 33-yard touchdown catch from QB Devin Leary and added a pair of rushing touchdowns in the second quarter to set the tone. NC State allowed just 104 rushing yards and 167 yards through the air.

Mississippi State found itself trailing 34-14 at home against Conference USA’s Louisiana Tech. Mike Leach’s “Air Raid” offense looked to be grounded, but the Bulldogs rallied for 21 points in the fourth quarter for the win. It was the largest comeback in school history.

NC State at Mississippi 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 2:07 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: NC State -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Mississippi State +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Against the spread (ATS): NC State -1.5 (-115) | Mississippi State +1.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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NC State at Mississippi State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Mississippi State 30, NC State 28

Money line

The play in this game is MISSISSIPPI STATE (+105) as a short ‘dog at home. I hate to pick on NC State, especially after such an impressive win last weekend, but this is typically a spot where it just comes up short – when expectations are ratcheted up a skosh. Going on the road to face a mid-level SEC foe is not a good spot for the Wolfpack.

Against the spread

MISSISSIPPI STATE +1.5 (-105) shouldn’t need the points, but if you expect a 1- or 2-point win by NC State then by all means play the home side with the points.

I’d advise playing this if the line were to get up to a flat three or three and a hook. However, if it stays here, play the money line instead for a much better value.

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Over/Under

OVER 55.5 (-108) is the lean, ever so slightly. Mississippi State showed in the fourth quarter that it can be an explosive offense, and NC State certainly turned on the jets and put on a solid show in its opener. The Wolfpack won’t hold the Bulldogs down like they did the Bulls.

This one should be rather entertaining and perhaps will come down to a late field goal to not only decide a winner but the total, too.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Texas at Arkansas odds, picks and prediction

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

The No.15 Texas Longhorns (1-0) and Arkansas Razorbacks (1-0) meet Saturday at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Texas at Arkansas 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 Longhorns won by a comfortable margin against previously ranked Louisiana last weekend at the DKR. The ‘Horns attack was balanced, rushing for 170 yards and passing for 265 yards, and they easily covered the spread in a 38-18 victory.

The Razorbacks host their former, and future, conference rivals after a tussle with Rice last week. Arkansas had its hands full with the Owls, trailing 10-7 at halftime, and 17-7 early in the third quarter.

QB K.J. Jefferson took over in the second half, running for a score and passing for another, as the Hogs rattled off 31 unanswered points to win it going away, grabbing a cover in the process.

Texas at Arkansas odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 12:30 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Texas -280 (bet $280 to win $100) | Arkansas +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Texas -7.5 (+100) | Arkansas +7.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Texas at Arkansas odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Texas 34, Arkansas 23

Money line

Texas (-280) will cost you more than two and a half times your potential winnings, and that’s just too expensive, especially on the road.

AVOID, and focus on the spread instead.

Against the spread

TEXAS -7.5 (+100) is a nice play on the road.

The Longhorns replaced some important pieces, but most importantly they replaced the man up top. Head coach Steve Sarkisian had them looking like a well-oiled machine against a good Ragin’ Cajuns side last week. They won’t falter against a Razorbacks team.

Jefferson has the tools to make this one interesting for Arkansas, but it doesn’t have near the same speed as Texas.

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Over/Under

OVER 55.5 (-108) is worth a small-unit play, but don’t get too carried away. Texas scored 38 points at home but it’ll be hard-pressed to do so on the road. Still, the Longhorns will be able to do enough.

Arkansas won’t have its way with Texas like it did against Rice last week, but the Razorbacks are home again and should get off to a better start than they did against the Owls.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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UAB at Georgia odds, picks and prediction

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

The UAB Blazers (1-0) and No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (1-0) meet Saturday at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the UAB at Georgia 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 Blazers kicked off last week’s action with a 31-0 win over FCS Jacksonville State in a standalone game Wednesday night at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala.

The Blazers’ defense allowed just 154 total yards of offense and overcame a minus-2 turnover margin to cover a 16.5-point number in the process.

No. 2 Georgia made a giant statement in Charlotte, easing past now No. 6 Clemson 10-3. It was a game that featured no offensive touchdowns, but tremendous defense, especially on the part of the Bulldogs. It was a performance that harkened back to the days of the “Junkyard Dawg” defense as they limited the Tigers to 2 total rushing yards – just six feet total.

UAB at Georgia odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:01 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: UAB +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200) | Georgia -4000 (bet $4,000 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): UAB +24.5 (-112) | Georgia -24.5 (-108)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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UAB at Georgia odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Georgia 41, UAB 13

Money line

Georgia (-4000) is not going to have a letdown despite the fact they’re facing a very good UAB side that won Conference USA last season. Still, you cannot risk 40 times your potential return. Like the Georgia rapper native, that’s Ludacris…err, ludicrous.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

GEORGIA -24.5 (-108) is a strong play. Hidden in the 31-0 win is the minus-2 turnover margin for UAB and if they do that again they are likely to get buried between the hedges.

The Bulldogs defense is suffocating, and the Blazers won’t be able to move the ball much.

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Over/Under

OVER 45.5 (-110) is the lean here.

Georgia will get its offense cooking with QB JT Daniels after it was stymied against Clemson in their defensive showdown.

Yes, UAB pitched a shutout, but it was against an FCS team and its defense isn’t likely going to do what Clemson did to UGA. Expect Georgia to ramp things up significantly as they improve from the first weekend to the second.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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South Carolina at East Carolina odds, expert picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s South Carolina at East Carolina odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The South Carolina Gamecocks (1-0) and East Carolina Pirates (0-1) face off Saturday at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, N.C., with a noon ET kickoff.  Below, we look at the South Carolina at East Carolina odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Head coach Shane Beamer’s debut went swimmingly last week, as the Gamecocks routed Eastern Illinois 46-0. Sure, that was an FCS opponent, but South Carolina did what it was supposed to behind a defense that allowed just 109 total yards. Graduate assistant-turned-quarterback Zeb Noland threw 4 TD as he filled in for injured starter Luke Doty in one of the better stories from Week 1.

Things will get tougher on the road for the Gamecocks this week, although East Carolina was unimpressive in a 33-19 loss to Appalachian State last Saturday. ECU’s defense gave up nearly 500 yards and it couldn’t get the running game going with just 86 yards on 24 carries.

South Carolina at East Carolina odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:35 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: South Carolina -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | East Carolina +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
  • Against the spread (ATS): South Carolina -1.5 (-112) | East Carolina +1.5 (-108)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 56.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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South Carolina at East Carolina odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

South Carolina 31, East Carolina 24

Money line

It’s a tight spread and we like South Carolina by quite a bit, so PASS on the money line and get better returns against the spread.

Against the spread

This line could fluctuate wildly depending on the health of South Carolina starting QB Luke Doty, who missed the opener but could return for this one. The tea leaves suggest he’ll be ready to go, which would only bolster South Carolina’s raw talent and depth advantage over an ECU team that’s 2-3 ATS in its last handful of games.

Bet SOUTH CAROLINA -1.5 (-112).

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Over/Under

Both of these teams hit the Under in Week 1, but this line looks just about right given ECU’s struggles on defense and Doty’s potential return for South Carolina.

We’ll lean UNDER 56.5 (-112), but without as much conviction as our ATS call.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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College Football Triple Play: 3 best small-school bets for Week 2

Looking at the 3 best small-school bets for Week 2 of the college football season, based on the odds and lines at Tipico Sportsbook.

We’re on to the second week of college football after an exciting, and successful, first week. Below, we look at the best bets for three small-school winners in Week 2 and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Every week we’ll target three smaller schools that are good bets to cash tickets and win big money. It doesn’t really matter the size of the school, it’s winners that matter.

This week we’ll tap two Conference USA teams to cover the number, and we’ll look to an independent to get the job done down south.

Also see: 2021 Heisman Trophy odds

Three small-school best bets of Week 2

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:40 a.m. ET.

FAU (-7.5, +100) vs. Georgia Southern (Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET)

The Owls of FAU were handled 35-14 at Florida last Saturday in The Swamp, but they did get the backdoor cover while building a little bit of confidence heading into its home opener.

Georgia Southern narrowly escaped last weekend in Statesboro as a 27.5-point favorite, edging Gardner-Webb of the FCS by a 30-25 score. GSU held a 20-6 lead at halftime, but the Bulldogs from Boiling Springs, N.C., outscored the Eagles 19-10 in the second half, and Georgia Southern was never close to a cover.

FAU couldn’t spring the upset, but QB N’Kosi Perry, the former Miami Hurricanes signal-caller, played well, and the diminutive speedster RB Johnny Ford had 11 touches, and looked like the fastest guy on the field at times.

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North Texas (+22.5, -110) at SMU (Saturday at 7 p.m. ET)

The UNT Eagles rolled up 345 rushing yards and totaled 527 yards of offense in a 44-14 win and cover against FCS Northwestern State.

SMU grabbed a 56-9 win and cover against Abilene Christian at home, and QB Tanner Mordecai looked good in his first game filling the big shoes of the departed QB Shane Buechele.

The Mustangs should get a much bigger test from the Mean Green, however. We saw these teams combine for 100 total points last season in a 65-35 win by SMU. Prior to that, these teams combined for 76 points in 2019, and in 2018 we saw 69 total points in a 46-23 North Texas win.

For an added bonus, play North Texas (+22.5), and roll with the Over (73.5, -105) for a nice parlay opportunity.

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Liberty (-4.5, -105) at Troy (Saturday at 7 p.m. ET)

The Flames roughed up FCS Campbell last week, winning 48-7 at home. Troy also handled its FCS foe with a 55-3 blasting of Southern University.

Despite the fact the Trojans looked so good, the public isn’t having any of it. That’s because the Flames are 6-0 ATS in their last six games as favorites, 6-1 ATS in their past seven against the Sun Belt and 14-3 ATS in the previous 17 games overall.

I am never a favorite of rolling with the public, who are playing the Flames at a 2-to-1 clip; however, I am riding and dying with Joey Public on this one. I like the powerful offense of the Flames.

Last Week’s Recap

South Dakota (+13.5) picked up a cover, losing 17-14 at Kansas, and they nearly won outright. FCS East Tennessee State (+21.5) did win outright, spoiling the coaching debut of Clark Lea at Vanderbilt, 23-3. Kent State (+28.5) nearly made it a three-game sweep at Texas A&M, but the field goal kicker for the Golden Flashes missed not once, but twice, in the final quarter for the backdoor cover. The Aggies held on for the 41-10 win and cover, a bad beat for sure.

Last Week: 2-1 (+90)
Season Total: 2-1 (+90)

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Missouri at Kentucky odds, picks and prediction

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

In an SEC clash, the Missouri Tigers (1-0) will travel to take on the Kentucky Wildcats (1-0) Saturday at Kroger Field in Lexington, KY. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Missouri vs. Kentucky odds and lines; check back for our college football picks and predictions.

With the Wildcats kicking off the QB Will Levis-era, they absolutely crushed the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks 45-10. Levis threw for 367 yards and four touchdowns. RB Chris Rodriguez had a 19-125-1 line on the ground.

Everything was clicking for the home side. The same of which can’t be said for Missouri, who won 34-24 over Central Michigan.

This game was closer than many expected. The Tigers will need a better performance to stand a chance against Kentucky. RB Tyler Badie did go for over 200 yards on the ground.

Both defenses will have their hands full trying to tame a couple of dynamic rushing offenses.

Missouri at Kentucky odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Missouri +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Kentucky -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Missouri +5.5 (-112) | Kentucky -5.5 (-108)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Missouri at Kentucky odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Kentucky 31, Missouri 20

Money line

“LEAN” to KENTUCKY -220 as a decent value on the money line. It’s a tad too rich for my liking, but given that Kentucky is at home and had a much stronger opening weekend, it’s certainly justified.

Levis looked terrific as the Wildcats leader, and the Tigers pulled off just a 10-point win. At -220, I’d still shy away from it and drop at most half a unit on the money line.

Against the spread

BET on KENTUCKY 5.5 (-108) as the best team-specific value. Kentucky has won three straight bowl games and quickly has acclimated their transfer quarterback.

The program is starting to build some quality players behind head coach Mark Stoops. Tigers’ QB Connor Bazelak didn’t throw a pick and did have two touchdowns, so he had a solid opener.

However, his performance and the Tigers winning by just 10 don’t combine to give confidence for betters. That said, the Wildcats are surging and should be able to take down the Tigers easily behind their home crowd.

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Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 55.5 (-108) as both sides put up over 150 yards on the ground. This game should go by quickly as the run game may be preferred.

While both teams hit at least 30 in Week 1, they also gave up under 25 points. This will be the best competition each has taken on. Both played much weaker sides to kick off the 2021 season.

Expect some struggle as they battle against better run defenses. The total on this one is a tough bet, but the Under is the better of the two as run game and defenses should dominate.

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