College football betting odds lines picks predictions best bets – Page 150

Portland State at Hawaii odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The Portland State Vikings and Hawaii Rainbow Warriors meet Saturday at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:59 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Portland State vs. Hawaii odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Portland State played just one game in the spring and was drummed 48-7 at Montana. At least the Vikings will be used to the quiet of a smattering of fans, as they have played in front of just 4,569 total fans since the end of the 2019 season. The Ching Athletics Complex has a capacity of only 9,000.

Hawaii (0-1) plays games at its practice facility due to issues with Aloha Stadium, and the Warriors are expected to be displaced through at least the 2022 season. The fans haven’t been what has marooned teams visiting the islands, it’s the travel. That isn’t changing, so expect Hawaii to still enjoy a home-field advantage of sorts.

The Rainbow Warriors were hammered 44-10 on the road against UCLA in its opener on the mainland. Look for QB Chevan Cordeiro and the home side to be much different here.

Portland State at Hawaii odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Money line: Portland State +1000 (bet $100 to win $1,000) | Hawaii -2500 (bet $2,500 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Portland State +25.5 (-112) | Hawaii -25.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 56.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Portland State at Hawaii odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hawaii 45, Portland State 17

Money line

The way Hawaii (-2500) looked last week, you can’t risk 25 times your potential return. You can’t really do that, anyway. Over the long haul, it’s a losing betting strategy.

AVOID.

Against the spread

HAWAII -25.5 (-108) is back in the islands, and it gets an FCS opponent in Portland State to take out frustrations from Week 0.

The Rainbow Warriors had tremendous difficulty against UCLA last week but expect plenty of wide-open spaces and big plays in their home opener. Cordeiro and the Rainbow Warriors will get the passing offense rolling.

Over/Under

OVER 56.5 (-115) is a great play and the Rainbow Warriors have the potential to take care of a huge chunk of the Over on their own. They’ll roll up huge offensive totals against the undermanned Vikings, sending them back to the mainland with an L in a higher-scoring game.

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

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Utah State at Washington State odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The Utah State Aggies and Washington State Cougars meet Saturday at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Utah State vs. Washington State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Aggies tumbled to a 1-5 mark last season. Utah State made a change at the top, and head coach Blake Anderson comes over from Arkansas State to take the reins. QB Logan Bonner and WR Brandon Bowling follow Anderson from Jonesboro to Logan to give USU an immediate injection of talent.

The run-and-shoot is in effect in Pullman. After a strange 2020 campaign with little to no time to implement his system, head coach Nick Rolovich has had a full and more normal offseason to get things in place.

RB Max Borghi is a jack of all trades who should shine in Rolovich’s system, and they return top-notch WRs Renard Bell and Travell Harris. QBs Jayden de Laura and Tennessee transfer Jarrett Guarantano are likely to split work under center, at least early on.

Utah State at Washington State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:50 p.m. ET.

Money line: Utah State +520 (bet $100 to win $520) | Washington State -800 (bet $800 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Utah State +17.5 (-107) | Washington State -17.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 66.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

Utah State at Washington State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Washington State 41, Utah State 31

Money line

Risking eight times your potential return on Washington State (-800) is not a recommended play. That’s just too much risk, especially for a team with some question marks under center.

AVOID.

Against the spread

UTAH STATE +17.5 (-107) should be much better this season, especially with a bona fide winner in Bonner under center. While he is new to Logan, he isn’t new to Anderson’s system. He’ll shine, regardless of the logo on the side of his helmet, due to the familiarity.

I don’t expect the Aggies to win this one outright, but I do think they’ll give Wazzu a scare. Rolovich and the Cougs are still trying to find their way after transitioning from Mike Leach and the “Air Raid” offense in 2019.

Over/Under

OVER 66.5 (-107) is the play here. Washington State has a multi-faceted back in Borghi who can do big things and several receivers who can house it every time they touch the ball. The Cougars will pass, pass and then pass more. Over bettors love teams addicted to the pass.

Utah State averaged just 15.5 points per game in 2020, but it will be much, much better with Bonner and Anderson at the helm. The Aggies are going to be much more exciting, and it will show immediately in this potential shootout.

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

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

New Mexico State at San Diego State odds, expert picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s New Mexico State at San Diego State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New Mexico State Aggies and San Diego State Aztecs meet Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the New Mexico State vs. San Diego State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Aggies (0-1) were worked over by UTEP last weekend in Las Cruces, falling 30-3. NMSU managed just 101 rushing yards, and 89 passing yards, while getting sacked three times and fumbling it away once. On a positive note, they were plus-1 in the turnover department.

The Aztecs, who are more like nomads, are playing games 111 miles north in the greater Los Angeles area while their new Mission Valley stadium is being constructed. Whether this game is in SoCal, or on the moon, they should be able to easily push past the Aggies.

New Mexico State at San Diego State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:55 a.m. ET.

Money line: New Mexico State +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | San Diego State -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): New Mexico State +31.5 (-120) | San Diego State -31.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

New Mexico State at San Diego State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

San Diego State 41, New Mexico State 6

Money line

No way, no how can you bet San Diego State (-10000), risking $100 for every $1 won. That’s especially so playing in a sterile environment nearly two hours north of its usual home, so fans are likely to be very sparse.

AVOID.

Against the spread

SAN DIEGO STATE -31.5 (-105) is worth a small-unit play. The Aztecs should pounce on a New Mexico State team that was drummed by subpar UTEP. Look for RBs Chance Bell, Greg Bell, Jordan Byrd and Kaegun Williams all to see meaningful touches in the SDSU backfield. TE Daniel Bellinger is also a top red-zone target, and you can expect him to get his.

In addition, San Diego State has a monster defensive front, and the Aztecs limited the opposition to just 17.8 points per game in 2020, tops in the Mountain West. That’s not what the Aggies want to see after being held to just a field goal last weekend.

Over/Under

UNDER 50.5 (-108) is the lean here. New Mexico State looked atrocious last week, giving us a sneak peek at what to expect this weekend. The Aggies will be facing a superior defense than the one they saw in El Paso last weekend.

While San Diego State has a bevy of backs to carry the mail, its pass attack is just mediocre. The Aztecs were good for just 24.6 PPG and 5.1 yards per play last season, so they need improvements before Over bets are considered in their games.

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

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

BYU vs. Arizona odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The BYU Cougars and Arizona Wildcats head to Las Vegas, Nev., to open their seasons Saturday in the Vegas Kickoff Classic at 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the BYU vs. Arizona odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Arizona’s opener is the head coaching debut for Jedd Fisch, who served as the New England Patriots’ QB coach in 2020. Fisch has a full rebuild on his hands in Tucson, as Arizona’s 0-5 season ended with an embarrassing 70-7 loss to rival Arizona State in the Territorial Cup last year.

BYU went 11-1 behind a prolific offense that led the nation with 7.9 yards per play. The problem is that most of that production is gone, as QB Zach Wilson was the second overall pick in the NFL draft and the offensive line lost its top three starters. It must also replace three starting defensive linemen, including star DT Khyiris Tonga and leading tackler LB Isaiah Kaufusi.

BYU vs. Arizona odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:35 a.m. ET.

Money line: BYU -500 (bet $500 to win $100) | Arizona +360 (bet $100 to win $360)
Against the spread (ATS): BYU -12.5 (-110) | Arizona +12.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 53.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

BYU vs. Arizona odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

BYU 31, Arizona 17

Money line

Arizona enters this contest on a 12-game losing skid and the talent cupboard is bare for its new regime. BYU is the heavy favorite, but there’s not enough payout at -500 to bet on them straight up.

PASS and target the spread instead.

Against the spread

Not only has Arizona lost 12 straight, but they’ve failed to cover in 10 of those games. Despite some promising offseason moves by Fisch – most notably hiring defensive coordinator Don Brown from Michigan – this won’t be an overnight fix.

BYU will have plenty of fresh faces as well, but most of its skill position players return and the continuity on its coaching staff should minimize that early-season learning curve. Take BYU -12.5 (-110).

Over/Under

With a bunch of turnover for both teams, and in Arizona’s case an entirely new offensive scheme, expect the defenses to be farther along than each offense this early in the season. Bet the UNDER 53.5 (-107) as both teams work out the Week One kinks.

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

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

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Nevada at California odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The Nevada Wolf Pack and California Golden Bears meet Saturday at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nevada at California odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Nevada is considered the favorite in the Mountain West’s West Division, and head coach Jay Norvell’s team is stacked in 2021. It all starts with QB Carson Strong, who tossed 27 TD passes in just eight regular-season games and the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Top WR Romeo Doubs returns too, as does RB Toa Taua.

California managed just one win in four games in a COVID-19 shortened season. QB Chase Garbers had a full offseason to get on the same page with offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, so look for the Golden Bears to be much better in 2021. Four returning starters on the offensive line will give him ample time and keep him upright.

Nevada at California odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:41 a.m. ET.

Money line: Nevada +133 (bet $100 to win $133) | California -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nevada +3.5 (-125) | California -3.5 (+100)
Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Nevada at California odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Nevada 31, California 24

Money line

NEVADA (+133) is a tremendous underdog opportunity for a chance at plus money. Strong and the Pack will have their hands full against a talented Cal defense, although the Bears are a little light in the pass rush. With an experienced O-line in front of him, Strong should be able to pick Cal apart.

Against the spread

NEVADA +3.5 (-125) is an outstanding value while catching three and the hook. The Wolf Pack are on the outside looking in as far as the Top 25 rankings are concerned, but a road win over a Power 5 team would certainly turn some heads.

I like Strong and the Nevada offense much better than Garbers and the Cal offense, and I think that alone is the difference.

Over/Under

OVER 52.5 (-110) is the “lean”, although only a small-unit play is warranted. Strong and the Nevada offense has the potential to get a good chunk of this total all on their own. Cal has a strong defense, though, especially in the back end.

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

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Kent State at Texas A&M odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The Kent State Golden Flashes and Texas A&M Aggies meet Saturday night at the Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Kent State vs. Texas A&M odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Kent State rolled up some mighty impressive offensive totals last season, and there is no reason to believe that production will be curbed in 2021.

QB Dustin Crum is back to lead an offense that averaged an eye-popping 49.8 PPG and 7.4 yards per play. WR Nykeim Johnson transfers over from Syracuse to keep the unit humming, and the Flashes return all five on the O-line.

Texas A&M went to and won the Orange Bowl over North Carolina last season, but they must replace QB Kellen Mond. QB Haynes King takes over, but Zach Calzada could also see time. King will have TE Jalen Wydermyer as a top target to help ease him into the starting role.

Kent State at Texas A&M odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Kent State +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | Texas A&M -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Kent State +28.5 (-110) | Texas A&M -28.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 67.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Kent State at Texas A&M odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Texas A&M 45, Kent State 30

Money line

Needless to say, betting $100 for every $1 won isn’t a good idea, so AVOID a Texas A&M (-10000) wager at all costs.

Against the spread

KENT STATE +28.5 (-110) is a highly attractive play catching more than four touchdowns. Yes, going to Kyle Field in front of the 12th man is intimidating, and Texas A&M -28.5 (-110) will win this football game handily.

However, the Golden Flashes sport an offense with the quality of a Power 5 school, and they’re no joke. Kent State is going to move the ball, they’re going to be quick, and the Aggies are going to be confused. Kent State’s offense is experienced and will give Texas A&M fits all evening long.

Over/Under

OVER 67.5 (-108) is the play here. As mentioned above, Kent State has a powerful offense, but they also have plenty of question marks on the defensive side of the football. This should allow King and the Aggies offense to move the ball at will, too.

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

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

FAU at Florida odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The FAU Owls and Florida Gators meet Saturday night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the FAU vs. Florida odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Florida enters the season at No. 11 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

FAU won five of eight games last season before falling in its bowl game to Memphis. The Owls trail the all-time series against the Gators 3-0, but lost just 20-14 in overtime in the most recent meeting in 2015.

Florida is aiming for bigger things than just a win in the opener. Head coach Dan Mullen must replace QB Kyle Trask, TE Kyle Pitts and WR Kadarius Toney, but QB Emory Jones could make the transition relatively seamless.

FAU at Florida odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.

Money line: FAU +850 (bet $100 to win $850) | Florida -1800 (bet $1,800 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): FAU +23.5 (-112) | Florida -23.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

FAU at Florida odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Florida 34, FAU 20

Money line

Risking 18 times your potential return on Florida (-1800) is not a good long-term betting strategy.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

FAU +23.5 (-112) is the play, although I fully expect Florida to win this game. The problem with the Gators isn’t on offense, even though they’re replacing three big cogs. The issue with Florida is it allowed 30.8 points per game and 6.1 yards per play, and that defense needs to be shored up.

Florida added a number of recruits and transfers through the portal, but we need to see them jell together before they can be trusted.

FAU has former Miami QB N’Kosi Perry starting under center, so he should give the unit a much-needed improvement. The Owls defense ranked second in Conference USA with 17.4 PPG allowed, so they could slow down the Gators and their new skill position guys.

Over/Under

OVER 52.5 (-107) is a bit on the low side, but I’d only go with a small-unit wager here. Again, the Gators defense was putrid by their standards in 2020, and the Owls should be able to find the end zone at least a couple of times.

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

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Montana at Washington odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The Montana Grizzlies and Washington Huskies meet Saturday at Husky Stadium in Seattle. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Montana at Washington odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Griz played just two games last season, a pair of contests in the spring. They won 59-3 against Central Washington April 10, and 48-7 against Portland State April 17, before shutting it down for the season. Fans in Missoula were left wondering what could have been after the impressive two-game showing.

The Huskies are ranked No. 21 in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll heading into the first full year under head coach Jimmy Lake. QB Dylan Morris is back to lead the offense, and TE Cade Otton is a star and likely to play his football on Sundays very soon.

On defense, Washington had difficulty stopping the run last fall. The D is already behind the 8-ball with DE Zion Tupuola-Fetui suffering a torn Achilles’ tendon during spring practice. They also lost CB Elijah Molden to graduation, so the defense has some holes to fill.

Montana at Washington odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Money line: Montana +1300 (bet $100 to win $1300) | Washington -5000 (bet $5,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Montana +22.5 (-112) | Washington -22.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 53.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Montana at Washington odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Washington 38, Montana 17

Money line

Washington (-5000) will cost you 50 times your potential return, and that’s just not a recommended long-term betting strategy, especially against a solid FCS club capable of making bettors sweat early on.

AVOID.

Against the spread

MONTANA +22.5 (-112) is the recommended play here as it looks to keep it within three touchdowns. The Griz were impressive, albeit in a two-game spring stint against inferior foes. Washington -22.5 (-108) has a lot of big shoes to fill, especially on defense, and it might take them a little bit of time to gel and get on the same page.

Over/Under

OVER 53.5 (-110) is the lean, but it’s only worth a small-unit play. It will likely take a late score to push Over bettors across the finish line. The Griz scored at will in the spring, but it will be a different story against a Top 25 FBS team. The Huskies have a good defense, but the Griz could find some open spaces early on as new players settle in for UW.

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

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

UTSA at Illinois odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The UTSA Roadrunners and Illinois Fighting Illini meet Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the UTSA at Illinois odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Texas-San Antonio will challenge for a West Division title in Conference USA, and a big reason is RB Sincere McCormick. Not only is he one of the best tailbacks in C-USA, he is a top-tier talent in the nation. QB Frank Harris is also a dual-threat signal caller who can help the Roadrunners pile up the points.

The Fighting Illini (1-0) already have a game under their belts, easing past Nebraska 30-22 in Champaign last weekend as 6.5-point underdogs.

Illinois won in Bret Bielema’s debut erasing an early 9-2 deficit for the eight-point win. The Illini offense was balanced, posting 167 rushing yards and 159 yards through the air. Illinois was able to get to the quarterback, recording five sacks, while going even in the turnover department.

UTSA at Illinois odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: UTSA +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Illinois -205 (bet $205 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): UTSA +4.5 (-112) | Illinois -4.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

UTSA at Illinois odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 29, UTSA 26

Money line

Illinois (-205) will cost you over two times your potential return, and that’s risky business against an underrated opponent.

AVOID.

Against the spread

UTSA +4.5 (-112) is a dangerous opponent, and Illinois -4.5 (-108) should not look past the Sun Belt Conference visitors. McCormick is Power 5 quality, and he could gash an Illini defense that yielded 160 yards on the ground last weekend.

I don’t think the Roadrunners have the goods to pull the upset, but it could easily happen in this trap game. After an emotional win over Nebraska, Illinois could easily take its eye off the ball against a non-conference team they feel they might be above.

Over/Under

OVER 50.5 (-112) is the play here. The Illini offense showed a lot of promise last weekend hanging 30 on the visiting Cornhuskers. The Roadrunners of UTSA boast an underrated offensive unit with some big-time stars, and the Roadrunners allowed 25.7 PPG in 2020. We should easily see a total pushing the mid-50’s.

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

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Missouri State at Oklahoma State odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The Missouri State Bears and Oklahoma State Cowboys meet Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and the game can be viewed on ESPN+. Below, we look at the Missouri State vs. Oklahoma State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Bears lost three games last fall and then played six contests in the spring. Missouri State won its final four regular-season games in March and April, including a 27-24 win over South Dakota; however, the Bears were bounced by North Dakota in the FCS playoffs.

The Cowboys won eight of 11 games in the fall. They have some big shoes to fill with RB Chuba Hubbard and WR Tylan Wallace moving on to the NFL, but at least QB Spencer Sanders is back. True freshmen twins WRs Blaine and Bryson Green are two players to watch. WR Brennan Presley will also work to fill Wallace’s shoes.

Missouri 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 at 9:35 a.m. ET.

Money line: Missouri State +1700 (bet $100 to win $1,700) | Oklahoma State -100000 (bet $100,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Missouri State +37.5 (-105) | Oklahoma State -37.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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

Prediction

Oklahoma State 45, Missouri State 13

Money line

PASS on the hefty money line price for the favorite. A $100 bet would return a profit of just 10 cents.

Against the spread

MISSOURI STATE +37.5 (-105) is the lean here, as Oklahoma State is traditionally a slow-starting team. The Cowboys were sluggish in a 16-7 win over Tulsa in last season’s opener, and they won 52-36 at Oregon State to begin the 2019 campaign.

The last time OK State faced Missouri State, it won 58-17 as 45-point favorites in 2018, as the Over connected. This Cowboys team is a little less talented than those Cowboys teams of the past.

Over/Under

OVER 55.5 (-110) is the lean in the opener. Oklahoma State has a good chance of helping Over bettors to a victory, as it will be looking to pass early and often with Sanders, especially since Hubbard is gone and the Cowboys won’t be able to lean on the run game as heavily.

Over bettors love pass-first teams, as the clock doesn’t run as much.

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

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]