Tag: college football picks

Wake Forest-Clemson odds: Tigers huge favorites in Death Valley

Previewing Saturday’s Wake Forest at Clemson college football matchup, with college football betting odds, picks and best bets

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The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (7-2, 3-2 ACC) and Clemson Tigers (10-0, 7-0) lock horns at Clemson Memorial Stadium in South Carolina at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday. The Tigers look to avoid a hiccup against the Deacs as they hurtle toward another appearance in the College Football Playoff.

We analyze the Wake Forest-Clemson odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Wake Forest at Clemson: Three things you need to know

1. Wake Forest ranks 13th in the nation with 487.3 total yards per game, while checking in 11th in passing yards per game (314.1). However, the offense takes a huge hit with WR Sage Surratt (shoulder) ruled out for the season earlier this week. WR Scotty Washington (undisclosed), the team’s third leading receiver, is also out Saturday.

2. Clemson has scored 55 or more points in each of the past three outings, and 45 or more points in five consecutive outings.

3. The Tigers rank second in total yards (545.8) and fifth in points scored (45.3). Defensively they are fourth in total yards allowed (251.5), second in passing yards allowed (137.2) and third in points allowed (11.5).

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Wake Forest at Clemson: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Clemson 55, Wake Forest 17

Moneyline (ML)

There is no moneyline offered on this game with such a high spread.

Against the Spread (ATS)

CLEMSON (-34.5, -110) is in good shape at home laying less than five touchdowns. Wake Forest (+34.5, -110) was going to have a difficult time at full health, but missing its leading receiver, and third-best receiver, makes matters untenable.

Over/Under (O/U)

It wouldn’t be shocking to see Clemson take care of the OVER (60.5, -106) all by itself. While the loss of Surratt and Washington is worrisome to Wake’s potential to score points, the Demon Deacons should be able to get into double digits. Expect Clemson to pile up the points by halftime, perhaps with a total in the 40’s, then the defense letting up in the second half while Wake makes it look less embarrassing.

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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Oklahoma at Baylor odds: Sooners favored in titanic battle

Previewing Saturday’s Oklahoma at Baylor college football matchup, with college football betting odds, picks and best bets

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The Oklahoma Sooners (8-1, 5-1 Big 12) and Baylor Bears (9-0, 6-0) square off at McLane Stadium on the banks of the Brazos River in Waco, Texas, at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The Sooners look to deal the Bears their first loss of the season and derail their College Football Playoff chances while simultaneously enhancing their own.

We analyze the Oklahoma-Baylor odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Oklahoma at Baylor: Three things you need to know

1. Oklahoma enters the game ranked 10th in the College Football Playoff rankings, while Baylor checks in 13th despite the unblemished record — two spots behind a two-loss Florida team.

2. Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb racked up 167 receiving yards with two touchdowns in last week’s 42-41 shootout win against Iowa State, and he earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season.

3. Baylor will look to apply pressure on dynamic QB Jalen Hurts. The Bears lead the Big 12 conference with 29 sacks.

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Oklahoma at Baylor: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:25 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Oklahoma 45, Baylor 38

Moneyline (ML)

Oklahoma (-371) heads into this one as an overwhelming favorite on the road despite Baylor (+280) and its unbeaten record. If any team is worth rolling the dice on, it’s the Bears, as you can nearly triple your money. Still, I expect Oklahoma to grind out a win in a one-possession game.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Baylor to win would return a profit of $28.

Against the Spread (ATS)

BAYLOR (+10.5, -115) has the horses to hang with Oklahoma (-10.5, -106). QB Charlie Brewer has completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 2,338 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions this season, and WR Denzel Mims (44-675-8) leads the way at receiver. The Bears are 6-1 ATS in the past seven against winning teams, and 5-2 ATS in the past seven Big 12 battles.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER (67.5, -110) is a strong play with both of these high-octane offenses. The over is 18-7-1 in the past 26 overall for Oklahoma, and 8-3 in the past 11 against winning teams. The over is 20-8 in Baylor’s past 28 at home against winning teams on the road, and 5-1 in the past six meetings in Waco, 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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TCU at Texas Tech odds: Red Raiders short dogs at home

Previewing Saturday’s TCU at Texas Tech college football matchup, with college football betting odds, picks and best bets

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The Texas Christian Horned Frogs (4-5, 2-4 Big 12) and Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-5, 2-4) do battle at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas, at noon ET Saturday in an elimination game of sorts.

We analyze the TCU-Texas Tech odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

TCU at Texas Tech: Three things you need to know

1. With a game at Oklahoma still on the schedule, TCU can ill-afford a sixth loss in this one if its wants to attain bowl eligibility. The Horned Frogs are coming off a demoralizing 29-23 loss in triple-overtime last week at home to unbeaten Baylor.

2. Texas Tech is in the same boat, as the Red Raiders cannot afford a loss in this one with Kansas State and Texas remaining on the schedule. If they want to go bowling, a win Saturday is imperative.

3. TCU is 2-5 against the spread in the past seven meetings, while going 1-4 ATS in the past five trips to Lubbock.

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TCU at Texas Tech: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

TCU 34, Texas Tech 29

Moneyline (ML)

TCU (-159) nearly dealt Baylor the Bears’ first loss last week, but Baylor forced overtime with a long field in the final minute of regulation. The Horned Frogs then blew it defensively and are in a tough spot heading into this one. Despite some terrible luck against the number against Texas Tech (+130), look to the Horned Frogs to win this one outright.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Iowa State to win would return a profit of $6.30.

Against the Spread (ATS)

TCU (-2.5, -134) hits the road looking to turn things around against the number in this series. The Horned Frogs are also just 2-6 ATS in the past eight road games, and 1-4 ATS in the past five inside the Big 12. While Texas Tech is 3-1-1 ATS in the past five, and 3-0-1 ATS in the past four at home, Texas Tech’s awful defense will be the difference here. The Red Raiders rank 121st in total yards allowed (470.3) and 127th in passing yards given up (308.6).

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER (56.5, -110) is the worth a look. TCU struggled offensively last week, at least in regulation, before a bad-beat over connected. The Horned Frogs should find a lot more room to operate in Lubbock. The over is 6-1 in the past seven for TCU, and 6-1 in the school’s past seven conference games, too. The over is 4-1-1 in Texas Tech’s past six overall, 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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Texas-Iowa State odds: Longhorns underdogs in Ames

Previewing Saturday’s Texas at Iowa State college football matchup, with college football betting odds, picks and best bets

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The Texas Longhorns (6-3, 4-2 Big 12) and Iowa State Cyclones (5-4, 3-3) hook up at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa, at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, and though Texas is ranked NO. 19, Iowa State is favored by nearly a touchdown.

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

Texas at Iowa State: Three things you need to know

1. Texas has a marginal record, but it’s no fault of the offense. The Longhorns are 20th in the country in total yards (476.7), 16th in passing yards (303.7) and 14th in points scored (37.8). Defensively, however, Texas is 109th in total yards allowed (447.6) and 124th in passing yards allowed (299.6).

2. Iowa State can match Texas offensively, as ranking 16th in total yards (479.2), eighth in passing yards (323.2) and tied for 19th in points scored (36.4). It is on defense where the Cyclones separate from the Longhorns, ranking 32nd in rushing yards allowed (128.4) and 43rd in total yards allowed (359.8).

3. The home team is 5-2 against the spread in the past seven meetings in this series, and the under is 4-0 in the past four battles.

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Texas at Iowa State: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 2:20 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Iowa State 41, Texas 38

Moneyline (ML)

Iowa State (-257) is too steep at this price, although the Cyclones should be able to pull it out at home. Still, while they’re nearly a touchdown favorite, this one really could go either way.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Iowa State to win would return a profit of $3.90.

Against the Spread (ATS)

TEXAS (+6.5, -106) is ranked in the Top 20 for a reason. Between QB Sam Ehlinger and WR Devin Duvernay, this offense can roll up a lot of points and hang with anyone. Iowa State (-6.5, -115) also sports a high-powered offense, led by QB Brock Purdy. Remember, though, the Longhorns are 14-2 straight up in this series, and 6-1 in their seven trips to I-State.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER (65.5, -115) is the play, although you’ll be betting against all of the trends. The under is 38-16 in the past 54 for Texas against winning teams, while going 46-20 in the past 66 Big 12 battles. The under is also 19-9-2 in the past 30 for Iowa State and 7-2-1 in the past 10 against winning teams. However, both of these offenses are explosive, and the Longhorns defense is very giving.

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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Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech odds: Hokies favored over Yellow Jackets

Previewing Saturday’s Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Virginia Tech Hokies (6-3, 3-2) travel to Atlanta to battle the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-7, 1-5) for a Saturday afternoon game (Bobby Dodd Stadium, 3:30 p.m. ET).

We analyze the Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech: Three things you need to know

  1. The visiting team has won five of the last six in this series, which dates back to 1990. In this year’s meeting, the Hokies will be looking to avenge their worst conference loss since 2014, a 49-28 defeat to Georgia Tech on Oct. 25, 2018. The Yellow Jackets rambled for 465 rushing yards in that game.
  2. The new-look GT offense has scuffled in 2019. The Jackets still run the ball 62% of the time, but that plays into the strongest part of a VT defense ranked 34th in the nation both yards allowed per carry (3.7) and rushing yards allowed per game (132).
  3. The Hokies also like to run the ball (63% run share); that’s a negative for Georgia Tech which has coughed up nine rushing scores over the team’s last four games. GT ranks 119th in the nation rushing defense (211 yards per game).

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Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Virginia Tech 30, Georgia Tech 21

Moneyline (ML)

LAYING OFF the Georgia Tech -223 proposition. But a play of -210 or lower makes sense. So, watch the line.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Georgia Tech returns a profit of $4.48.

Against the Spread (ATS)

Georgia Tech’s 33-28 loss at Virginia last week was telling. The Yellow Jackets led that game at three different points, but a banged-up GT defense (missing numerous people from the early-season two-deep) couldn’t hold. The Jackets are 0-4 ATS at home (2-8 ATS in last 10 at Dodd Stadium).

PLAYING VIRGINIA TECH -5.5 (-110). VT has the more talented recruiting base, and the Hokies come in having won four of their last five. (The lone loss was by one point to then-No. 16 Notre Dame on Nov. 2.)

Over/Under (O/U)

A lean on the under 50.5 -115 but NO PLAY.

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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Indiana-Penn State odds: Nittany Lions face tough test at home

Previewing Saturday’s Indiana-Penn State college football matchup, with college football betting odds, picks and best bets

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The Indiana Hoosiers (7-2, 4-2 Big Ten) and Penn State Nittany Lions (8-1, 5-1) will do battle in Happy Valley on Saturday at noon ET, with the Lions looking to bounce back after a narrow loss at Minnesota last weekend and the Hoosiers going for their first 8-win season since 1993.

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

Indiana at Penn State: Three things you need to know

1. Indiana has quietly rolled up seven victories, with their two losses a 51-10 setback to Ohio State on Sept. 14 and a 40-31 loss at Michigan State on Sept. 28. The Hoosiers have won four in a row and are 5-1 against the spread in their last six.

2. Hoosiers RB Stevie Scott III is one of the most underrated runners in the Big Ten, racking up 737 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns. Penn State WR KJ Hamler of Penn State has 739 receiving yards and eight scores to lead the Lions.

3. Penn State ranks 13th in the country at 300.0 yards per game allowed, with its rushing defense (74.2 yards per game) ranking third. And the Lions’ scoring defense (12.0 points per game) is fifth in the nation.

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Indiana at Penn State: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Penn State 31, Indiana 24

Moneyline (ML)

Penn State (-834) is going to bounce back and return to the win column. However, it won’t be a rout, and the Nittany Lions are certainly not worth putting up more than eight times the return. If anything, Indiana (+440) would be worth a small-unit bet to more than quadruple your lettuce.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Penn State to win would return a profit of $1.20.

Against the Spread (ATS)

INDIANA (+14.5, -115) is a sharp play catching more than two touchdowns in this one. If you were to tease it up and combine it with a handful of other games, even better. It will be interesting to see how Penn State (-14.5, -106) rebounds. Its defense was bludgeoned by a team which wasn’t getting very much respect in Minnesota. Now against the Hoosiers, that sounds all too familiar.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total (54.5) is going to be super close. Avoid playing the O/U in this one, as Vegas has this right and the game will come in right around the projected total.

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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Louisiana Tech at Marshall odds: Herd favored in key C-USA game

Previewing Friday’s Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Marshall Thundering Herd college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (8-1, 5-0 Conference USA West) visit the Marshall Thundering Herd (6-3, 4-1 C-USA East) Friday night in Huntington, W. Va., at 7 p.m. ET.

We analyze the Louisiana Tech-Marshall odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Louisiana Tech at Marshall: Three things you need to know

1. While this is a cross-divisional matchup in C-USA, it’s a key game. The Bulldogs hold a slim one-game lead on Southern Miss in the West Division, while Marshall is a half-game back of Florida Atlantic in the East.

2. The Bulldogs rank 18th in the nation in total yards (479.1), 23rd in passing yards (292.1) and 13th in points scored (38.1).

3. Marshall ranks 50th in the country with 426.0 total yards per game, and 50th defensively with 371.1 total yards allowed.

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Louisiana Tech at Marshall: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Louisiana Tech 30, Marshall 24

Moneyline (ML)

LOUISIANA TECH (+170) is a rather moderate underdog on the road despite an 8-1 SU record. Marshall (-209) is favored at home, but is a little short-handed with WRs Obi Obialo (foot) out indefinitely and WR Artie Henry (undisclosed) done for the season.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Louisiana Tech returns a profit of $17 if the Bulldogs prevail.

Against the Spread (ATS)

Take LOUISIANA TECH (+3.5, +105) catching the points. The Bulldogs are 4-0 ATS in the past four, 4-1 ATS in the past five C-USA battles and 6-2 ATS in the previous eight games against teams with a winning record. La. Tech is also 10-4 ATS in the past 14 on the road.

On the flip side, Marshall (-3.5, -125) is just 2-12 ATS in the past 14 games at home and 2-5 ATS in the past seven conference tilts. It’s also just 2-5 ATS in the past seven overall and 1-4 ATS in the previous five coming off a bye week.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER (56.5, -115) is the play. The under has cashed in seven of the past nine road games for Louisiana Tech, while going 10-4 in the past 14 conference battles. The trends points to the over for Marshall, but injury woes in the pass game will force the Thundering Herd to try and run a lot more. Usually, ground-based attacks equal under results.

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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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.

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