It needs a little help to take the Mountain Division, but it still gets Boise State – that’s next – and it needs to win this week to get bowl eligible. Lose, and then it’ll get scary if it can’t get by the Broncos.
Wyoming is already bowl eligible, and it’s still sort of in the Mountain title hunt, but for now, it’s about getting a few more wins just to be assured of a decent bowl slot.
Can the Aggies slow down the Wyoming running game?
They were ripped up by Air Force and allowed 200 yards or more in three of the last five games, and lost all three. They’re now 0-4 when giving up 160 yards or more on the ground, and 5-0 when they allow fewer.
The Wyoming style isn’t sexy, but it works. When it runs for more than 160 yards, it’s 6-0 – and 0-3 when it doesn’t.
Utah State will never have the ball – it’s last in the nation in time of possession – and it’s going to have a problem with the tremendous Wyoming pass rush.
Boise State can’t lock down the Mountain Division with a win, but it won’t hurt.
It still has to get by Utah State on the road next week.
First, the Broncos get a light scrimmage in their final home game of the year – at least until, possibly, the Mountain West championship.
New Mexico has lost six straight, and the bad season got a whole lot worse after the tragic death of defensive lineman Nahje Flowers – the Lobos postponed their game with Air Force last week.
On the field, there’s no defensive hope against the Broncos. It’s been a bit of a struggle lately for a team with dreams of playing in the Cotton Bowl and now it’s time to have some fun with a massive offensive display that the Lobos won’t be able to slow down.
The Boise State defensive front will clamp down on the New Mexico running game, the team will be a +3 in turnover margin, and this will quickly turn into a light scrimmage on Senior Night.
Can the UNLV defense slow down the Hawaii passing attack?
The Rebels only have two wins on the year, and one was a strange victory over Vanderbilt on the road. They’ve been rocked by just about everyone else, but it comes down to whether or not the porous secondary can slow down the Rainbow Warrior air show that’s trying to lead the way to the team’s seventh win.
UNLV shut down the Vandy passing game cold, but it’s easy to put up at least 200 yards if anyone commits to it.
Hawaii commit to it.
The Rainbow Warrior defense will do its part, too, against a UNLV offense that can’t move the chains, isn’t consistent, and doesn’t have the ground game to slow things down when the defense is getting hit.
It doesn’t matter that it’s Chevan Cordeiro or Cole McDonald under center – Cordeiro threw for 309 yards and three scores against San Jose State, and he ran for 55 yards. The O will work without a problem as Hawaii rolls.
Well, it appears a certain, recently fired head college football coach may be headed to Ann Arbor for employment soon.
Notre Dame won’t be playing Michigan in football for the next dozen or so years assuming the stars don’t align the two don’t meet in a bowl game before the series resumes in the 2030’s.
But we tend to keep a watchful eye on what’s happening up north with a rival, whether they’re on the schedule or not.
Well, it appears a certain, recently fired head college football coach may be headed to Ann Arbor for employment soon.
Willie Taggart was the starting quarterback at Western Kentucky long before soaring up the collegiate coaching ranks.
Jim Harbaugh and his father Jack helped recruit Taggart to WKU. Eventually Jim took the job at Stanford where Taggart would become an assistant coach before Taggart would go-on to South Florida, Oregon and eventually Florida State before being fired a couple short weeks ago.
Clearly nothing is official at this point but it’s college football which means if there is smoke, there is probably fire. If you’re into coaching changes and assistant coaching searches, keep an eye out for Taggart to find employment at Michigan before long.
Before we get started, as a public service announcement, I have been ridiculously stupid off on my weeknight picks this week. A few weren’t my fault – really, Buffalo, REALLY?! A few just went the wrong way – ALL the North Carolina kicker had to do was miss in regulation – and there was a whiff or two – thanks, Toledo.
So keep that in mind on these first two picks …
Can Louisiana Tech’s offense get hot? I’m sort of under the belief that 1) yes, the Bulldogs haven’t played anyone, but 2) they’re that good offensively and now they get to prove it. Marshall is at home, but the line has moved up to Herd -6.5. That’s a lot to give the Tech offense. The 54.5 seems low, too.
– CFN Game Preview, Prediction
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line
Fresno State – San Diego State is almost certainly going to be 24-17. The hard part is guessing which way it goes, since all San Diego State games seem like they’re around the 24-17 range. The Aztec O is SO bad, but it’s down to a PICK in some places? With that SDSU D at home? Thanks.
– CFN Game Preview, Prediction
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line
ACC Betting Advice, Final Thoughts
If you’re really that weird and want in on the Alabama State – Florida State game, BetMGM does have it at Noles -41.5. This is for bowl eligibility or FSU, so it’s going to try and it should be up big in the first half, and then empty the bench in a hurry. As FCS paycheck games go, be warned, the Hornets aren’t that bad.
– CFN Game Preview, Prediction
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line
Of course Clemson is going to roll past Wake Forest. Of course there won’t be that much drama, and of course the team is going to try to make a statement, especially on Senior Day. The Tigers get two weeks off after this, but just be careful here. The Demon Deacons won’t win, but the world is giving the 13th-best offense in America – granted, without WR Sage Surratt – 34.5 points. It’s a not-that-crazy risk to take.
– CFN Game Preview, Prediction
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line
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You’re teasing me, aren’t you? You’re mocking an exhausted man who hasn’t slept for over two months by telling me and the fine people reading this that Virginia Tech is only giving up six points to Georgia Tech? I know the Yellow Jackets are playing better, but you could make it 16 and I might not blink.
– CFN Game Preview, Prediction
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line
Don’t think hard here. Duke bad, Syracuse really bad. The 10 seems like a lot for a struggling Blue Devil team to be giving away to anyone right now. but the Orange are winless in a miserable ACC for a reason.
– CFN Game Preview, Prediction
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line
Am I late to the party here? Have I missed the moment when NC State did anything this year to suggest that it should be just a +4 against any team on the verge of bowl eligibility? The Pack will make it a fight against Louisville, but this is a bad State team.
– CFN Game Preview, Prediction
– Bet on this, BetMGM latest line
Previewing Saturday’s Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Wolverines college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets
The Michigan State Spartans (4-5, 2-4 Big Ten East) visit the Michigan Wolverines (7-2, 4-2) in the 112th meeting between the in-state rivals Saturday for a noon ET kickoff at Michigan Stadium (on FOX). We analyze the Michigan State-Michigan odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
The Wolverines are ranked 14th in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. They’re ranked 15th in the latest College Football Playoff Rankings.
Get some action on the game at BetMGM by placing a sports bet!
Michigan State at Michigan: Three things to know
1. The in-state rivals have traded victories the past four seasons with the visiting team taking home the win in each. Michigan won 21-7 in East Lansing last season. The previous two head-to-head meetings played Under the total.
2. MSU was stunned by visiting Illinois 37-34 last week after leading 28-3 early in the second quarter. The Illini scored the winning touchdown with five seconds left, handing the Spartans their fourth consecutive loss.
3. Michigan is coming off of a bye week following two impressive wins. The Wolverines won at Maryland 38-7 Nov. 2 and beat Notre Dame 45-14 in Ann Arbor 45-14 Oct. 26.
Michigan State at Michigan: Key injuries
Michigan State: WRs Darrell Stewart Jr. (leg) and TE Matt Dotson (Achilles) are out. OG Kevin Jarvis (leg) and C Matt Allen are doubtful. C.J. Hayes (lower body) is questionable. Preseason All-American LB Joe Bachie is ineligible after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
Michigan: LB Josh Ross (ankle) is doubtful.
Michigan State at Michigan: Odds, betting lines and picks
AVOID. Michigan’s -667 is too chalky. Every $6.67 wagered on the Wolverines to win outright would profit $1 if they do so (Ex: Bet $66.70 to profit $10). Betting on Michigan State’s +400 ML pays 4-to-1, but the depleted Spartans are not winning Saturday.
MICHIGAN (-13.5, -110) is the STRONGEST PLAY. The team is healthy coming off a bye week and has gained confidence with its last two victories, which were by a combined score of 83-21. The Wolverines are only 5-4 ATS, but have covered three in a row and are 5-1 in their last six. The Spartans are 2-7 ATS and haven’t covered in five consecutive games.
New to sports betting? Every $1.10 wagered that Michigan will win by 14 points or more will profit $1.
A slight lean to the OVER44.5 (+100). Michigan State doesn’t have much of an offense and Michigan’s defense is starting to shine, but the “slight lean” is thinking the Wolverines score close to 35 points. Michigan State is 4-5 O/U on the season, while Michigan is 6-3.
Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Johnny’s November record: 4-2. Strongest plays: 2-1.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
There’s no LSU vs. Alabama on the slate, but there is a whole slew of massive games that will shape the final few weeks of the season and, potentially, the College Football Playoff.
If you’re looking to get in on the sports betting action this weekend, be sure to sign up with BetMGM to take part in any of these games or other action on the schedule.
5. Michigan State at Michigan
Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson leads the Wolverines against Michigan State. Tommy Gilligan – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On Michigan State: The Spartans are way, way, way overdue for something positive. They’ve had a rough run, they collapsed against Illinois, and they’re far better than they’ve been playing. The offensive line is good enough to handle the tough Michigan defensive front, and the run defense has been nasty against everyone but Ohio State and Wisconsin. But …
Why You Should Bet On Michigan: The Michigan State passing game has gone bye-bye. Brian Lewerke is struggling, he’s not accurate, and the offense is way too inconsistent. Ever since halftime of the Penn State game, Michigan has been fantastic defensively, going on a great 10-quarter run to get back into the hunt for a New Year’s Six game. Shea Patterson has settled down behind center, the running game is OK, and overall, Michigan is playing well. Michigan State isn’t.
Prediction: The rested Wolverine team will be a little bit sluggish out of gate, but the defense will take over as the game goes on. The Spartan O will stall, the Wolverine attack will go on a few late first half scoring drives, and Michigan will win by more than two touchdowns.
– CFN Full Michigan State at Michigan Game Preview & Prediction
4. Navy at Notre Dame
Navy quarterback Malcolm Perry will try to give Notre Dame fits this weekend. David Butler II – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On Navy: The Navy ground game is working at a whole other level. It’s leading the nation averaging 358 yards per game — a whopping 34 yards more than No. 2 Air Force — and everything else flows from there. QB Malcolm Perry (who’s really a running back behind center) has been brilliant, the offense is getting better and better as the year has gone on. The team should be able to control the tempo and the clock for at least 35 minutes. However …
Why You Should Bet On Notre Dame: Navy played one team that can throw the ball reasonably well, and lost. Memphis was able to pull off the 35-23 win with Brady White hitting 78% of his passes with three scores as the Tiger offense took control of the game. That’s what the Irish have to do. Ian Book might not be all that accurate lately, but he connected on 82% of his throws in last year’s win over the Midshipmen. He doesn’t have to throw for 330 yards again, but he has to be sharp.
Prediction: Somehow, it’ll be a sellout at the last possible moment to keep the 273-game streak going. The Irish have improved their rushing defense in recent weeks. They’ll have problems with the Navy offense, but they’ll be balanced enough to survive and cover on a late score.
– CFN Full Navy vs. Notre Dame Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Minnesota: It’s time to start giving the Minnesota offense — especially the passing game — a whole lot more credit. Tanner Morgan is fourth in the nation in passing efficiency (behind the one-name stars Jalen, Tua and Joe) with a loaded receiving corps to work with. Iowa doesn’t have a big-time offense, but Minnesota does, with receivers Rashod Bateman and Tyler Johnson talents who’ll soon be off to the NFL.
Why You Should Bet On Iowa: This is a steady Iowa team with the defense that’s been a brick wall against the run all year against everyone but Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor. The offense has the veteran quarterback in Nate Stanley who should be able to hit a few big plays against a good — not amazing — Gopher secondary that gave up 340 yards to Penn State. Just don’t expect Stanley to throw the picks that Nittany Lions QB Sean Clifford did.
Prediction: It’s time to start giving Minnesota credit for winning close games. As the underdog on the road, the Gophers will pull out a thrilling, tight win with a big late stop.
– CFN Full Minnesota vs. Iowa Game Preview & Prediction
2. Oklahoma at Baylor
Charlie Brewer and his Baylor Bears have a tall task ahead of them in the Oklahoma Sooners. Jerome Miron – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On Oklahoma: The offense has the ability to blow the doors off the Bears. There might be several issues, but Oklahoma continues to roll behind a brilliant year from Jalen Hurts — he’s playing better than Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray did, and with few mistakes. Baylor needs to win on turnover margin, and the Sooners don’t give the ball away with just 10 turnovers so far.
Why You Should Bet On Baylor: The pass rush is strong enough to keep Hurts from being comfortable. This is the best defense overall that OU has dealt with, with the disruptive ability to jump all over the backfield like nothing else the high-powered attack has dealt with. On the other side, the Sooner defense is starting to buckle again. It couldn’t handle Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson and the running game, it couldn’t handle Brock Purdy and the Iowa State passing attack, and now it’s going to try to keep Baylor’s Charlie Brewer from continuing to be his steady, cool self.
Prediction: It this a repeat of Minnesota-Penn State when the unbeaten team rises up at home when it get its shot? Not quite. Oklahoma will win, but Baylor will be just good enough to keep this closer than double digits.
– CFN Full OU vs. Baylor Game Preview & Prediction
1. Georgia at Auburn
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart (left) and quarterback Jake Fromm are facing yet another big game in the SEC. Matt Stamey – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On Georgia: Georgia does what Auburn likes to do, only better. The Auburn lines are great, but Georgia’s are better. Auburn has a fantastic defense, but Georgia’s is better. It’s Jake Fromm vs. Bo Nix, and it’s the Bulldog run defense that’s not giving up a thing. Nix is going to have to rock to pull this off, and he didn’t hit 42% of his throws in his three big games against Oregon, Florida and LSU.
Why You Should Bet On Auburn: There’s not enough of a Georgia downfield passing game for Auburn to worry about. This isn’t a Bulldog team that — as good as it is — is going to crank up 50 points and put the game away. This is going to be a low-scoring, tough battle, and this could be the Oregon game all over again — stays close, stays close, stays close, and then Auburn rises up when it has to.
Prediction: Go with the under as both defenses take over, but Georgia will be a wee bit better. The Bulldogs -2.5 is right at where the line should be, but go with a focused and more talented Georgia team.
– CFN Full Georgia at Auburn Game Preview & Prediction
Now that you know what you need to know, head over to BetMGM and get some action in any — or all — of these games for Week 12 college football.
For more coverage on Week 12’s College Football slate of sports betting action, be sure to check out CollegeFootballNews.com. And for more sports betting tips and picks, be sure to access SportsbookWire.com.
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 week, @NavyFB Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo shares how he got into coaching as we celebrate the great game of football ⚓️🏈 pic.twitter.com/8EeUX7B2lN
Cincinnati at USF fearless prediction and game preview.
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Cincinnati at USF fearless prediction and game preview.
Cincinnati at USF Broadcast
Date: Saturday, November 16
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Network: CBS Sports Network
Cincinnati can win the East with a victory over USF and a Temple loss to Tulane, but the No. 17 team has a loftier goal of getting the Group of Five’s New Year’s Six bowl bid.
To take that next step, the Bearcats have to clamp down on a USF team that’s missing consistent offensive pop, but hasn’t been bad defensively.
The Bulls are still trying to get bowl eligible, but they need to win two of their last three games against UC, Memphis, and UCF.
That’s a problem.
The D is fantastic at taking the ball away, and it’s great at not breaking after bending, but it’s not getting any support from an offense that’s having a rough year on the line. The running game is just okay, but overall the O has to find a way at home to control the clock, or Cincinnati will dominate the tempo and pace.
Cincinnati will run for 250 yards, come up with five sacks, and get past a tight first quarter to pull away in an emphatic road win before moving up a bit in next week’s CFP rankings.
Houston has to win its final three games just to become bowl eligible, with at Tulsa and Navy to close. On a run of three losses in its last four games, it’s had problem, but it’s been feisty.
Now it has to deal with the firepower of a Memphis team looking to take a giant step forward to winning the West.
The Tigers have won three straight since losing to Temple, getting the key win over SMU two weeks ago and beating Navy in late September. It controls its own destiny in the race, but it still has to go to USF and host Cincinnati.
The Tiger passing game has been unstoppable at times, it’s among the nation’s most efficient attacks, and the ground game is balancing things out from time to time, too. Houston has been getting roasted through the air, allowing two touchdown passes or more in every game and over 200 yards against everyone but Tulane.
Clayton Tune and the Cougar passing attack will get its licks in. Memphis has a better defense than it’s being given credit for, but it’ll allow more than 300 yards as Houston comes up with a strong performance at home. However, the lack of a pass rush and inability to generate enough key stops will let Memphis to keep on firing.
It’ll be a battle for about 40 minutes, and then the Tigers will hit two home runs to pull away.
