Tag: college football odds

North Carolina-Pittsburgh odds: Panthers favored in Thursday nighter

Previewing Thursday’s North Carolina Tar Heels at Pittsburgh Panthers college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The North Carolina Tar Heels (4-5, 3-3 ACC Coastal) visit Heinz Field to take on the Pittsburgh Panthers (6-3, 3-2) Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.

We analyze the North Carolina-Pittsburgh odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

North Carolina at Pittsburgh: Three things you need to know

1. Pittsburgh has been good to Against the Spread (ATS) bettors this season, going 6-3. The Panthers are now eight games over .500 ATS since 2017. Saturday’s contest marks just the second Pitt has had at home since Sept. 28. Two games back, the Panthers lost at home to Miami 16-12. In that one, Pitt outgained UM by more than 100 yards, but the Panthers were a -2 in turnovers. The Hurricanes prevailed on a pair of short-field scores.

2. For the season, the Panthers are a -5 in TO margin. Turnover analytics peg Pitt as being among the unluckiest teams in FBS. North Carolina has done well to only have nine giveaways on the year — especially with freshman Sam Howell at quarterback.

3. The Tar Heels have acquitted themselves well on the road, but they perhaps have some close-game fatigue and one can see a night game getting into Pitt control and having the Panthers prevail on some extra energy. UNC has played eight one-score games this season (3-5 SU); that includes a six-overtime game Oct. 19.

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North Carolina at Pittsburgh: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:25 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Pittsburgh 31, North Carolina 20

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID the Pittsburgh -200 line.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Pitt returns a profit of $5 – every $1 wagered profits $0.50 (1 divided by 2.00) with a Panthers straight-up win.

Against the Spread (ATS)

PITTSBURGH -3.5 (-115) is a solid play in this ACC game. The Panthers and Tar Heels are even talent-wise. The most elite unit on the field, however, will be a Pitt defense allowing just 4.2 YPP (5th — FBS). The worst unit, yes, will be the Panther offense. But it’s a Panther offense playing a night game at home and one some indicators point to as undercooked in delivering big plays and more efficiency.

Plus, UNC has some injury questions in key areas — offensive line and defensive backfield — play into the confidence on this side.

Over/Under (O/U)

This sets up as a game for the Panthers to get out of their 20-point shadow on offense. Pitt does indeed rank 111th in the nation in scoring (20.9 PPG), but new OC Mark Whipple has seen his offense go up against five FBS top-40 defensive teams. UNC has coughed up 9.6 yards per pass attempt in three of the last four games. The Panther defense ranks ninth in the nation in yards allowed (280 YPG); Pitt yields just 86 YPG on the ground (5th — FBS).

Even in calling for some regression in much of Pitts’ offensive efforts, I’m going to STAY AWAY from what looks like a fair O/U figure. A lean on 50.5 (-110) is mitigated by the solid possibility of a Pitt-in-control boat race.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Buffalo at Kent State odds: Bulls look to run amok in Kent

Previewing Thursday’s Buffalo Bulls at Kent State Golden Flashes college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Buffalo Bulls (5-4, 3-2 Mid-American Conference East) travel to play the Kent State Golden Flashes (3-6, 2-3) Thursday night at Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio. Kickoff is 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.

We analyze the Buffalo-Kent State odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Buffalo at Kent State: Three things you need to know

1. Buffalo is one of the top rushing teams in the country, posting 224.4 yards per game on the ground to rank 17th. On defense, the Bulls rank fifth against the run, allowing just 85.3 yards per game on the ground.

2. Kent State ranks just 128th in FBS, allowing 256.1 rushing yards per game. The Golden Flashes have also allowed 31.3 PPG, although those numbers are slightly skewed considering they lost to Power 5 teams at Arizona State, Auburn and Wisconsin.

3. The Bulls are 5-0-1 ATS in their past six trips to Kent, while the road team is 7-1-1 ATS in the previous nine meetings and the favorite 4-1 ATS in the past five in this series.

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Buffalo at Kent State: Odds, betting lines and picks

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

Prediction

Buffalo 31, Kent State 21

Moneyline (ML)

Buffalo (-250) is going to win this game and attain bowl eligibility, but this is just too much to risk, especially on a road team. Kent State (+180) has too leaky of a run defense, and the Bulls are too powerful on the ground.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Buffalo returns a profit of $4 – every $1 wagered profits $0.40 (1 divided by 2.50) with a Buffalo straight-up win.

Against the Spread (ATS)

Take BUFFALO (-5.5, -115) laying the points. The Bull will get off to a strong start behind their powerful rushing attack, and Kent State (+5.5, -106) won’t be able to keep up.

As mentioned above, three of Kent State’s six losses were against Power 5 squads. However, its defense hasn’t been much better in the past three conference losses, allowing 45 to Ohio, 23 to Miami-Ohio and 35 to Toledo. The last time these teams met, Buffalo came away with a 48-14 win Nov. 6, 2018.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER (56.5, -110) is 5-1 in Buffalo’s past six appearances on Thursday night, and 6-1 in the past seven on the road against teams with a losing record. The under is also 7-2 in Kent State’s past nine showings on Thursday and 5-2 in the past seven at home.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Northern Illinois-Toledo odds: Banged-up Toledo slight favorite

Previewing Wednesday’s Northern Illinois at Toledo college football matchup, with college football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Northern Illinois Huskies (3-6, 2-3 MAC) travel to meet the host Toledo Rockets (6-3, 3-2) Wednesday night at the Glass Bowl in a nationally televised game. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

We analyze the Northern Illinois-Toledo odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Northern Illinois at Toledo: Three things you need to know

1. Toledo can move within a half-game of first-place Western Michigan in the MAC’s West Division with a victory, joining Central Michigan at 4-2 in the conference. The Rockets already beat WMU and play CMU on Nov. 29.

2. Northern Illinois is coming off a 48-10 humbling at CMU, and the Huskies are 1-5 straight up and 3-3 against the spread on the road this season.

3. Toledo ranks 12th in the nation with 249.9 yards per game on the ground, but leading rusher RB Bryant Koback (leg) and dual-threat starting QB Mitchell Guadagni (undisclosed) are each question marks due to injuries. Koback was injured in the first half vs. Kent State last week, but RB Shakif Seymour stepped up and rumbled for a career-high 175 yards.

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Northern Illinois at Toledo: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 7:55 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Toledo 23, Northern Illinois 20

Moneyline (ML)

TOLEDO (-129) is a tad risky with injury issues to their two biggest offensive stars. However, the pregame notes show Koback listed as the starting tailback. Even if he cannot go, Seymour did a good job carrying the mail against the Golden Flashes last week. And QB Eli Peters stepped up with 332 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception while posting a 2-0 record in the past two games in place of Guadagni. So he, too, is more than capable if needed.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Toledo returns a profit of $7.75.

Against the Spread (ATS)

Until there are zeroes on the clock you will not feel completely at ease with a play of TOLEDO (-2.5, -106). NIU (+2.5, -115) is barely hanging on this season, needing three straight wins to finish at 6-6 and gain bowl eligibility. The Huskies are a proud team that will not go easily into the night; however, they just do not have the guns this season, and they were blasted 48-10 in Mount Pleasant last week by a team with similar talent to Toledo.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER (53.5, -110) is a good play in this one, as Toledo’s strength is on the run game and thus regardless of whether Koback plays, the Rockets will be running. Teams that are run-heavy are friends of the ‘under’ bettor, as that chews up clock. NIU is a marginal offense, ranking 98th in total yards, so that helps the under, too.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Eastern Michigan-Akron odds: Akron searching for first win

Previewing Tuesday’s Eastern Michigan Eagles at Akron Zips sports betting odds and lines, with college football matchup analysis and picks.

The Eastern Michigan Eagles (4-5) head to Northeast Ohio Tuesday night trying to keep the Akron Zips (0-9) down. The MACtion kicks off at 8 p.m. ET at InfoCision Stadium. We analyze the Eastern Michigan-Akron odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Eastern Michigan at Akron: Three things you need to know

1. Eastern Michigan needs two wins for bowl eligibility, and the three remaining teams on the schedule have a combined record of 6-21 straight up.

2. Not only is Akron winless at 0-9, the Zips are the only team in FBS which hasn’t covered the spread this season, too.

3. Eastern Michigan won the most recent meeting by a 27-7 score back on Nov. 10, 2018 on the gray turf in Ypsilanti.

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Eastern Michigan at Akron: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Eastern Michigan 45, Akron 13

Moneyline (ML)

EASTERN MICHIGAN (-1000) is a bit too expensive on the moneyline, but the Eagles are going to get it done on the road. Akron (+525) has been the worst team in FBS, and shows no signs of turning it around.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Eastern Michigan returns a profit of $1.

Against the Spread (ATS)

EASTERN MICHIGAN (-16.5, -115) is the better play, as it looks to keep up the offensive resurgence and get into position for a bowl game. The Eagles have scored 23 or more points in three of the past four games, and five of the past seven. The Eagles rank 32nd in the nation with 276.6 passing yards per game, so they can move the ball. Their problem is a lack of defense, ranking 109th in points allowed (33.2 PPG). The Eagles are 6-0 against the spread in the past six trips to Akron, and 9-3 ATS in the past 12 meetings in this series overall.

EMU’s lack of defense shouldn’t be a problem against Akron (+16.5, -106), as the Zips rank near the bottom of FBS in total yards per game (255.6), rushing yards per game (52.9) and points scored (10.2). They’re 129th in total yards, and 130th in rushing yards and scoring. Defensively, the Zips have allowed 35.7 PPG to rank 119th in the country.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER (46.5, -110) has cashed in four straight on the road for Eastern Michigan, and the Over is 3-1-1 in its past five conference tilts. Akron has a total of nine points scored over its past four games against Kent State, Buffalo, Northern Illinois and Bowling Green. However, the defense has allowed 84 total points over the past two, and 26 or more points in eight of nine this season.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Western Michigan-Ohio odds: Bobcats slight home favorite

Previewing Tuesday’s Western Michigan Broncos at Ohio Bobcats college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Western Michigan Broncos (6-4) travel to meet the Ohio Bobcats (4-5) on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET from Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio.

We analyze the Western Michigan-Ohio odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Western Michigan at Ohio: Three things you need to know

1. Ohio was tripped up at home last Wednesday against Miami-Ohio 24-21. The Bobcats still need two more wins in the final three games to attain bowl eligibility.

2. Ohio ranks 36th in the nation with 198.8 rushing yards per game, but is awful against the run. It has allowed 196.8 rushing yards per game, ranking 99th in the country.

3. Western Michigan has won two in a row, averaging 42.0 PPG. The Broncos are already become bowl eligible with six victories. They have scored 24 or more points in each of the past eight games.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Western Michigan at Ohio: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Western Michigan 31, Ohio 27

Moneyline (ML)

WESTERN MICHIGAN (+100) is the more functional team, as Ohio (-121) has struggled down the stretch. The Bobcats have managed a 1-3 SU record and 0-4 ATS mark in their four games at home against FBS teams.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Western Michigan returns a profit of $10.

Against the Spread (ATS)

WESTERN MICHIGAN (+1.5, –110) is the play on the road, as Ohio has managed an 0-5 ATS record in its five games at home. Western will get it done on the road and keep its hopes alive for a spot in the MAC Championship Game. The Broncos are tied atop the West Division standings with Central Michigan.

The Bobcats, 2-7 ATS overall, took a tough loss last week, 24-21 vs. visiting Miami of Ohio. They also might be missing one of their better players, TE Adam Luehrman, due to a leg injury. Feel confidence rolling with the Broncos.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER (60.5, –115) has hit in five straight appearances on Tuesday for Western Michigan, while going 4-1-1 in the past six games on the road. The over has also connected in 10 of the past 11 on the road against teams with a losing home mark. The over is 4-1 in Ohio’s past five following a straight-up loss, while the over is 5-1 in its past six meetings with Western.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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