Tag: college football predictions 2020

Liberty (8-1) vs UMass (0-3) Game Preview

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Why UMass Will Win

Can the Minutemen force enough turnovers to make this interesting?

The defense has only come up with two in the three games it played, but Liberty isn’t above giving it up once in a while with 13 turnovers on the season. UMass has to be at least a +3, and it has to capitalize on every opportunity. That all has to come from a pass rush that’s been the one bright spot so far – the D can get behind the line.

Everything will have to go right. The Minutemen need to force a few fumbles, they have to at least move the chains a bit, and they have to hope the Flames are a bit down after the brutally-tough close loss to NC State last week to ruin the perfect season.

Why Liberty Will Win

You can’t win if you can’t score, son.

UMass freshman QB Will Koch threw a touchdown pass against Marshall on November 7th. That was the only TD the program has enjoyed all season, getting outscored by a combined score of 116-12.

The Minutemen have yet to run for over 115 yards in any of the three games, and only threw for over 80 yards once – rolling for 149 in the 51-10 loss to the Thundering Herd.

The lack of a steady offense – averaging just 176 yards per game – all leads to never, ever, ever having the ball. UMass keeps it for just over 25 minutes per game. If it seems like Liberty controls the clock for close to 40 minutes, it’s because it will.

CFN Rankings 1-127 | CFN Bowl Projections
20 Most Important College Football Thoughts Ever

What’s Going To Happen

Liberty will put this away after two drives.

It’s easy to dog UMass after three ugly blowout losses, but it hasn’t been totally awful in all areas. The special teams aren’t miserable, and again the pass rush is solid, but …

This offense just doesn’t work. Liberty will run for over 300 yards and be in total control all game long.

Liberty vs UMass Prediction, Line

Liberty 40, UMass 6
Bet on Liberty vs UMass with BetMGM
Liberty -37, o/u: 56.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 1.5

5: Thanksgiving beef tenderloin
1: Thanksgiving turkey

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Wyoming vs UNLV Prediction, Game Preview

Wyoming Cowboys vs UNLV Rebels prediction and game preview.

Wyoming vs UNLV prediction and game preview.

Wyoming vs UNLV Broadcast

Date: Friday, November 27
Game Time: 4:00 ET
Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Network: FS1

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Wyoming (1-2) vs UNLV (0-4) Game Preview

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Why Wyoming Will Win

It’s not always perfect, but the Wyoming defense is still really, really strong.

The front line is excellent at pressuring the quarterback and the run D as a whole is allowing just 95 yards per game so far. There aren’t the big takeaways flowing – at least not yet – and there haven’t been enough third down stops, but in general, the defense hasn’t been the issue.

QB Levi Williams is able to hit the deep throw, and the ground game was able to get 281 yards on Hawaii and had some nice moments in the other two games, however …

Why UNLV Will Win

The Wyoming offensive line isn’t getting the job done. It’s allowing way too many plays behind the line – at least it did in the 34-24 loss to Colorado State – and UNLV has a wee bit of a pass rush to worry about.

The Rebels are going to need to manufacture a few big breaks to get through this. The offense hasn’t been explosive enough, but the passing attack was able to work a little bit over the last few weeks.

There hasn’t been quite enough balance, but if they can just keep the tempo slow and the score within range – Wyoming is usually happy to oblige – the hope will be for the mistakes to come.

UNLV isn’t turning the ball over, and Wyoming isn’t giving it up that much, but even being a +1 in this should matter.

CFN Rankings 1-127 | CFN Bowl Projections
20 Most Important College Football Thoughts Ever

What’s Going To Happen

Is it a road thing? Wyoming rolled through Hawaii in Laramie, but lost at Nevada and Colorado State on the road when the secondary got lit up.

UNLV’s backfield tandem of RB Charles Williams and QB Max Gilliam are just experienced enough to make this a game, but Wyoming’s defensive line will take over as the game goes on.

It’s not going to be anything pretty, but the Cowboys will take it after a disappointing start.

Wyoming vs UNLV Prediction, Line

Wyoming 30, UNLV 17
Bet on Wyoming vs UNLV with BetMGM
Wyoming -16.5, o/u: 52
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 2

5: Thanksgiving beef tenderloin
1: Thanksgiving turkey

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UCF vs USF Prediction, Game Preview

UCF Knights vs USF Bulls Prediction, Game Preview

UCF vs USF prediction and game preview.

UCF vs USF Broadcast

Date: Friday, November 27
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Network: ESPN

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UCF (5-3) vs South Florida (1-7) Game Preview

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Why UCF Will Win

USF doesn’t have the defense to hold down the explosion.

Cincinnati’s defense was barely able to hold on in last week’s 36-33 win over the Knights, and the Bulls don’t have the ability to slow down anything UCF tries to do.

Memphis hit USF for 437 passing yards a few weeks ago, and Houston ran for 319 yards the game after – the Bulls allowed well over 1,000 yards of total offense in its last two games.

Even after the loss to the Bearcats, UCF is still No. 1 in the nation in passing offense, second in total O, and to make things worse No. 1 in college football in takeaways. USF has a giveaway problem, turning it over two times or more five times in the last six games.

Why USF Will Win

Yeah, the UCF offense is having a blast, but the defense hasn’t exactly been a rock.

The run defense hasn’t had too many problems – the line was able to keep Cincinnati in relative check – but anyone with balance gives the Knights issues.

Memphis was able to get by in a shootout by running for over 200 yards and throwing for almost 500. Three times this season teams have been able to hit UCF for 200 on the ground and 200 through the air, but this week, USF might only be able to get hot with the passing game.

Freshman Noah Johnson was able to push Memphis with 217 yards and two scores, but it was Jordan McCloud who stepped back in against Houston and was able to overcome a few too many misfires with a few good downfield plays.

The Bulls have to keep pressing, and no matter what …

CFN Rankings 1-127 | CFN Bowl Projections
20 Most Important College Football Thoughts Ever

What’s Going To Happen

USF has GOT to move the chains.

The time of possession battle has been an issue for first year head coach Jeff Scott’s team, mostly because the O can’t connect on a meaningful third down try. UCF is No. 1 in the conference on the money downs.

The Bulls will keep it interesting for a little while, but the UCF explosion will take over in the second half.

UCF vs USF Prediction, Line

UCF 48, USF 20
Bet on UCF vs USF with BetMGM
UCF -25, o/u: 67
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 2

5: Thanksgiving beef tenderloin
1: Thanksgiving turkey

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UCLA vs Arizona Prediction, Game Preview

UCLA Bruins vs Arizona Wildcats prediction and game preview.

UCLA vs Arizona prediction and game preview.

UCLA vs Arizona Broadcast

Date: Saturday, November 28
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
Network: FOX

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UCLA (1-2) vs Arizona (0-2) Game Preview

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Why Arizona Will Win

Arizona might not have a win, and it’s not quite as explosive and as productive as everyone might like, but it went up against two of the three best teams in the Pac-12 – USC and Washington, with Oregon being the third – and it more than held its own.

The passing game has been efficient, and the defense has held up relatively well considering this was supposed to be a total overhaul year and it had to deal with the Trojan passing game and the Husky power attack.

And now the Wildcats might catch a break against a UCLA team that didn’t have starting QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson last week against Oregon, and now might be missing him along with several other players going through the contact tracing protocols.

Why UCLA Will Win

Yeah, all things considered, Arizona hasn’t been all that bad. Most teams in the league would be 0-2 against USC and UW. However, the Wildcat offensive line isn’t playing all that well, there isn’t enough of a running game to worry about, and the O isn’t moving the chains well enough to maintain any sort of consistent control.

Despite missing DTR and a several other parts, the Bruins pushes Oregon hard in a. 38-35 loss with the running game taking over.

The offensive system is finally starting to work, mostly because the offensive line is finally stronger than it has been in a several years. Arizona won’t be dealing with the power ground game like the Washington offensive front brought last week – this will be more up-tempo speed. That, and …

CFN Rankings 1-127 | CFN Bowl Projections
20 Most Important College Football Thoughts Ever

What’s Going To Happen

A terrific pass rush should be enough to overcome the other UCLA issues and personnel concerns.

The Bruins might only be 1-2, but the lines are playing well enough, the offense will be more explosive, and despite all the problems just getting this going, they’ll be 2-0 at home this season.

UCLA vs Arizona Prediction, Line

UCLA 38, Arizona 30
Bet on UCLA vs Arizona with BetMGM
UCLA -10.5, o/u: 69
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 2.5

5: Thanksgiving beef tenderloin
1: Thanksgiving turkey

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Washington vs Utah Prediction, Game Preview

Washington Huskies vs Utah Utes prediction and game preview.

Washington vs Utah prediction and game preview.

Washington vs Utah Broadcast

Date: Saturday, November 28
Game Time: 7:30 ET
Venue: Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA
Network: ABC

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Washington (2-0) vs Utah (0-1) Game Preview

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Why Utah Will Win

Expect the Utes to be far better from Game 1 to Game 2.

They were the last team to get their 2020 college football season going, and it showed in the 33-17 loss to USC. That wasn’t the normal Utah team that dominates on the lines and controls games by being more physical – but that’s coming.

What have we seen so far this year when it comes to how team play after getting a game or two under its belt? More often than not, everything starts to change.

Washington wants to smash away with the running game, and new head coach Jimmy Lake wants to set a physical tone right away. Utah held USC to under 100 yards rushing and came up with ten tackles for loss.

Why Washington Will Win

Utah has to be a whole lot sharper offensively and a whole lot better with the passing game. Jake Bentley came in from South Carolina with a whole lot of experience and the ability settle the position right away, but he struggled to push the ball down the field and threw two interceptions – USC ended up coming up with three picks.

Washington’s defense has been a killer on third downs so far, the offensive line has been outstanding, and the team is dominating the time of possession battle.

The Huskies are holding on to the ball over 37 minutes per game. If Utah isn’t controlling the clock and the tempo, forget it.

CFN Rankings 1-127 | CFN Bowl Projections
20 Most Important College Football Thoughts Ever

What’s Going To Happen

Everyone likes to talk about USC and Oregon as the stars of the Pac-12, but Washington is playing as well or better than both of them.

The offense is balanced, QB Dylan Morris settled in and was more comfortable last week against Arizona, and the team is going to hold up well against the Utah defensive front.

Washington vs Utah Prediction, Line

Washington 26, Utah 17
Bet on Washington vs Utah with BetMGM
Washington -7, o/u: 49
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5

Must See Rating: 3.5

5: Thanksgiving beef tenderloin
1: Thanksgiving turkey

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USC vs Colorado Prediction, Game Preview

USC Trojans vs Colorado Buffaloes prediction and game preview.

USC vs Colorado prediction and game preview.

USC vs Colorado Broadcast

Date: Saturday, November 28
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
Network: ABC

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USC (3-0) vs Colorado (2-0) Game Preview

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Why Colorado Will Win

The Colorado offense has been surprisingly strong so far.

This isn’t one of the Pac-12’s top teams, but the passing game has been solid, the running attack fine, and best of all, the team is doing all the key things right in the first two games.

The offense is taking advantage of every opportunity to score, the team is +4 in turnover margin – the O has only given it away once – and keeping the chains moving is leading to a dominant time of possession advantage.

USC isn’t consistent enough, it’s not converting on enough third downs, and turnovers have been a problem. Weirdest of all, though, the downfield passing game isn’t working like it should be – this is supposed to be an explosive offense that’s dinking and dunking.

Why USC Will Win

Considering it an ongoing positive that USC keeps winning even though it’s not playing well.

It didn’t have to rally in the final moments to get by Utah last week, and it was the team’s strongest defensive performance so far, but this is a better team than it has shown. At some point, it’s all going to come together, and then … look out.

For all of the good thing Colorado has done over its first two games, there’s no pass rush, and that’s leading to a whole lot of passing yards – UCLA and Stanford each came up with more than 300 yards.

Kedon Slovis has been good enough, but again, that light bulb will turn out for this offense soon.

CFN Rankings 1-127 | CFN Bowl Projections
20 Most Important College Football Thoughts Ever

What’s Going To Happen

USC got the good fortune of getting three straight teams playing their opener. Colorado has two games under its belt, it’s – for the most part – playing with house money after winning two games to kick off the Karl Dorrell era, and it’s going to play loose.

The Trojans are going to be in for a bit of a shootout, but they’ll pull away late with two fourth quarter scoring drives to start to breathe a whole lot easier.

USC vs Colorado Prediction, Line

USC 41, Colorado 27
Bet on USC vs Colorado with BetMGM
USC -11.5, o/u: 64
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 3.5

5: Thanksgiving beef tenderloin
1: Thanksgiving turkey

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Oregon vs Oregon State Prediction, Game Preview

Oregon Ducks vs Oregon State Beavers prediction and game preview.

Oregon vs Oregon State prediction and game preview.

Oregon vs Oregon State Broadcast

Date: Friday, November 27
Game Time: 7:30 ET
Venue: Reser Stadium, Corvallis, OR
Network: ESPN

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Oregon (3-0) vs Oregon State (1-2) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Oregon Will Win

The offense has figured it out.

It’s been a rough run for the Pac-12 so far to get the offensive production rolling – no one’s sharp, everything has been rugged, the O lines haven’t been right – but Oregon has managed to do enough to get by.

The team hasn’t been perfect, the defense hasn’t been a rock, but the offense leads the Pac-12 in total yards, the passing game is great with a whole lot of big plays, and Tyler Shough has been solid.

Oregon State struggled against the run over the first few games, and last week it had problems with Chase Garbers and the Cal passing attack. The pass rush hasn’t shown up yet and the third down stops aren’t there – Oregon will keep the chains moving.

Why Oregon State Will Win

The Oregon defensive front hasn’t been anything great, either.

There aren’t enough plays in the backfield so far on a consistent basis, it got run over way too easily by UCLA, and the team overall hasn’t been nearly as sharp or as dominant as it should be.

Oregon State is dangerous. RB Jermar Jefferson has been phenomenal so far – 120 yards or more in all three games – QB Tristan Gebbia has been inconsistent, but okay, and the team is bringing just enough pop to keep up the pace with whatever Oregon does.

The overall stats aren’t great, but the Beavers have the linebackers to keep up and contain the Oregon backfield. Come with a few takeaways – there’s been a slight fumbling problem with the Ducks – and this gets interesting.

CFN Rankings 1-127 | CFN Bowl Projections
20 Most Important College Football Thoughts Ever

What’s Going To Happen

The positive for Oregon is that it’s 3-0 and hasn’t played all that well. Eventually, the team is going to put it all tougher, the defense will start to be more productive, and the offense will show the normal knockout punch ability Duck fans are used to.

It won’t be this week, though.

Oregon State won’t win, but it’ll be plucky enough to make things interesting in the second half once Gebbia gets on a little bit of a roll.

Oregon vs Oregon State Prediction, Line

Oregon 38, Oregon State 26
Bet on Oregon vs Oregon State with BetMGM
Oregon -14, o/u: 64
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5

Must See Rating: 3

5: Thanksgiving beef tenderloin
1: Thanksgiving turkey

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Stanford vs Cal Prediction, Game Preview

Stanford Cardinal vs Cal Bears prediction and game preview.

Stanford vs Cal prediction and game preview.

Stanford vs Cal Broadcast

Date: Friday, November 27
Game Time: 4:00 ET
Venue: California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
Network: FOX

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Stanford (0-2) vs Cal (0-2) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Stanford Will Win

The offense is working okay, but the defense hasn’t been able to put it together quite yet. The mediocre Cal offense should help the cause.

The Cardinal couldn’t hold up against the Oregon running game in the opener, and last week it struggled too much to come up with a stop against the Colorado ground attack – losing both games.

Cal’s ground game isn’t strong enough to take over, there’s not enough of a downfield passing game to mater, and most of all, the problem is coming from an offensive front allowing way too many plays in the backfield.

The Golden Bears after two games are dead last in the Pac-12 in total offense, but …

Why Cal Will Win

Stanford isn’t generating a lick of of a pass rush to take advantage of the struggles on the Cal offensive front.

It hasn’t been a pretty start for the Bears, but they’ve been thrown into a rough run with the last-minute trip to UCLA, and then came the struggles against the Oregon State balance. But now the Bears get a chance to keep things moving against a Stanford defense that’s not able to get off the field.

The Cardinal might be great at controlling the clock, but they’re awful on third downs – Oregon and Colorado combined to convert a whopping 17 of 25 third down tries – and Cal is overdue to start playing stronger and sharper.

Finally, QB Chase Garbers should get a little time to work.

CFN Rankings 1-127 | CFN Bowl Projections
20 Most Important College Football Thoughts Ever

What’s Going To Happen

It has been a wildly disappointing season for both teams, and the loser’s campaign is effectively over after this. Going 0-3 is bad enough, but to start winless and lose this game.

Finally, Cal gets a home game against a team that’s going to fit its style. Deliberate, ball control, strong defense.

Can the Bear offense finally start to do something well? The defense will play just a bit better as Cal will look like it needed the two games under its belt to finally start playing like it’s supposed to.

Stanford vs Cal Prediction, Line

Cal 30, Stanford 27
Bet on Stanford vs Cal with BetMGM
Cal -1, o/u: 52
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 2.5

5: Thanksgiving beef tenderloin
1: Thanksgiving turkey

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Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Football Team Prediction, Game Preview

Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Football Team prediction and game preview.

Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Football Team prediction and game preview.

Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Football Team Broadcast

Date: Thursday, November 26
Game Time: 4:30 ET
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
Network: FOX

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Washington Football Team (3-7) vs Dallas Cowboys (3-7) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Washington Football Team Will Win

The passing game got going over the last few weeks, Alex Smith is playing well, and the defense continues to be terrific.

There were only 161 yards through the air in last week’s win over Cincinnati, but that’s partly because the running game was working. On the other side, the Football Team D leads the NFL in pass defense and hasn’t allowed anyone to throw for over 300 yards – although Jared Goff and the Rams got to exactly 300.

Dallas has a big, big problem with the pass defense, it allowed most touchdown passes than anyone, and Washington will control the game through the air, but …

Why Dallas Cowboys Will Win

Welcome back, Dallas running game.

No team could’ve possibly needed time off more than the Cowboys, and it showed with a tough-effort win over Minnesota coming off a bye week. The running game ranked it up with a season-high 180 yards, the fight continues to be there in a lost season, and it’s the Thanksgiving Day showcase in AT&T – the effort will be there.

The Washington offense continues to struggle, Andy Dalton is coming off a strong game for the Cowboys, and it’s not going to be Ben DiNucci under center like he was in the 25-3 loss to the Football Team a few weeks ago when Dalton was knocked out.

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

RB Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas
He was held to 71 yards in last year’s Thanksgiving loss to Buffalo, but he accounted for 66 receiving yards. Against Washington in 2018 he ripped off 121 yards and a touchdown, but he wasn’t right in the first meeting this year with just 49 yards. The yards reappeared last week against Minnesota and he caught a touchdown pass, but he hasn’t run for a score in five weeks.

What’s Going To Happen

Did Dallas find its groove against last week against the Vikings? The Washington defense is just good enough to keep this from being any sort of a shootout, but a rejuvenated Elliott will run well, and two takeaways will play a big role in the Cowboys’ first back-to-back wins of the season.

Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Football Team Prediction, Line

Dallas 27, Washington 23
Bet on Dallas vs Washington with BetMGM
Dallas -3, o/u: 46
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1

Must See Rating: 3

5: Thanksgiving beef tenderloin
1: Thanksgiving turkey

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New Mexico vs Utah State Prediction, Game Preview

New Mexico Lobos vs Utah State Aggies prediction and game preview.

New Mexico vs Utah State prediction and game preview.

New Mexico vs Utah State Broadcast

Date: Thursday, November 26
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Maverik Stadium. Logan, UT
Network: FS1

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New Mexico (0-4) vs Utah State (0-4) Game Preview

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Why New Mexico Will Win

Utah State’s offense is having a hard time getting going.

It has yet to throw for 150 yards, the running game finally started to move a little bit against Fresno State in a 35-16 loss, and the defense isn’t helping the cause, especially against anyone trying to throw.

The Aggies allowed 843 yards through the air over the last few weeks against Nevada and Fresno State, and San Diego State ran for 407 yards. They’re last in the Mountain West in total defense, they’re last in total offense, and New Mexico has to take advantage of the team at its own level.

On the road in a game like this, just don’t screw up. New Mexico has been solid at taking the ball away, and Utah State has only forced two takeaways.

Why Utah State Will Win

The Lobos need need their guy to get on the field and stay there.

Trae Hall was able to throw okay in his appearances, but he hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass and gave up three picks. This is a different team and a different offense with Tevaka Tuioti, but he’s had a hard time staying healthy throughout his career, and now he’s trying to get through the concussion protocol.

No matter who’s on offense, the New Mexico defense isn’t going to help the cause after getting ripped up through the air in the first three games, and hammered for 356 yards in last week’s 28-0 loss to Air Force last week.

Utah State might be struggling, but the O line is keeping teams out of the backfield and the defensive front can bring the pressure.