Tag: College Football

ACC Predictions, Game Previews, Lines, TV: Week 12

Check out all the fearless predictions, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 12 of the ACC season.

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Check out all the fearless predictions, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 12 of the ACC season.

How are the ACC predictions so far?
Straight Up: 64-24, ATS 38-36-2, o/u: 43-33

Click on each game for game preview & prediction

Thursday, November 14

North Carolina at Pitt

8:00 ESPN | Get Tickets
BetMGM Line: Pitt -3.5, o/u: 50.5
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)

Saturday, November 16

Alabama State at Florida State

12:00 ACC Network X | Get Tickets
BetMGM Line: No Line, o/u: No Line
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)

Wake Forest at Clemson

3:30 ABC | Get Tickets
BetMGM Line: Clemson -34.5, o/u: 60.5
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)

Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech

3:30 ACC Network X | Get Tickets
BetMGM Line: Virginia Tech -5.5, o/u: 50.5
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)

Syracuse at Duke

4:00 ACC Network | Get Tickets
BetMGM Line: Duke -10.5, o/u: 54.5
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)

Louisville at NC State

7:30 ACC Network | Get Tickets
BetMGM Line: Louisville -3.5, o/u: 55.5
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)

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Virginia Tech vs. Georgia Tech Fearless Prediction, Game Preview

Virginia Tech vs. Georgia Tech fearless prediction and game preview.

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Virginia Tech vs. Georgia Tech fearless prediction and game preview.

Virginia Tech vs. Georgia Tech Broadcast

Date: Saturday, November 16
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
Venue: Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Network: ACC Network X

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Virginia Tech (6-3) vs. Georgia Tech (2-7) Game Preview

If want in on this week’s games, sign up with BetMGM

Why Virginia Tech Will Win

The Hokies are finding ways to win.

They’re not consistent enough defensively, but they’re getting the job done offensively and the D has clamped down in three of the last four games.

Now everything is on the table. Win the last three games against Georgia Tech, Pitt and at Virginia, and it’s off to the ACC Championship.

There’s no reason to work too hard on this – start running, and keep running.

The Hokies have hit the 220-yard mark in three of the last four games with a good rotation of backs to go along with whoever is under center.

The Georgia Tech run defense has been a wee bit better after getting hammered early, but it’s still allowing over four yards per carry and 150 yards or more in every game but the early win over USF.

Back in the mix after missing the Notre Dame game, freshman QB Hendon Hooker is the playmaker who’s making it all go. He’s not making mistakes, and he’s running well enough to tear off yards in chunks against this defensive front.

– “Go to the bank!” Today’s top pick of the day just released

Why Georgia Tech Will Win

The record isn’t great, but the Yellow Jackets really are playing a whole lot better. They beat Miami, and they pushed Pitt and Virginia over the last few weeks.

Finally, the passing game is starting to kick it in. James Graham is coming off a 229-yard, two-score day in the loss to Virginia. Now he gets to go against a leaky Hokie secondary that’s picking off a lot of passes, but is allowing over 300 yards a game with 14 touchdowns in the last five games.

He doesn’t have to go off, but as long as he’s merely okay, and if the offense can catch a few breaks on takeaways, the Yellow Jackets should be in the game.

There haven’t been a whole lot of big plays coming from the defense, but Virginia Tech has fumbling problems and is next-to-last in the ACC in giveaways.

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What’s Going To Happen

Will Virginia Tech be on letdown alert with the big games coming up with Coastal title implications? Georgia Tech – at home – is doing just enough to hang around, but the offense isn’t good enough to put together a full four quarters to pull this off.

Just when it seems like the game is about to slip away for the Hokies, they’ll get two second half scoring drives to survive and advance. The Yellow Jackets won’t have an answer.

Virginia Tech vs. Georgia Tech Prediction, Line

Virginia Tech 34, Georgia Tech 17
Bet on VT vs. GT with BetMGM, or for latest line 
Virginia Tech -5.5, o/u: 50.5
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
– Get Tickets For This Game

Want a 2nd opinion on who to bet in the Virginia Tech vs Georgia Tech game? Click here to get WinnersAndWhiners.com’s predictions on the side, total, first half, and exotic bets! All Free!

Must See Rating: 2.5

5: The Mandalorian (if it came out in 1984)
1: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

CFN Podcast: Who’s No. 4 in the CFP?
Bowl Projections | CFN Rankings
Predicting The Rest of the Season
Week 12 Expert Picks

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Another Pair of Notre Dame Stars Headed to Senior Bowl

Pride has 33 tackles on the year along with one interception, as he recorded his first last-Saturday at Duke.

It seems like just about every hour at this point another Notre Dame player accepts an invitation to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl

We’ve given you the stories on both Chase Claypool and Jalen Elliott but that’s not enough as a couple of other Notre Dame seniors accepted their invitations to the annual Mobile, Alabama event today.

Enter Troy Pride, Jr. and Khalid Kareem.

Pride has 33 tackles on the year along with one interception, as he recorded his first last-Saturday at Duke.

Kareem has four-and-a-half sacks on the season and 11 for his Notre Dame career.  The defensive lineman has totaled 31 tackles this season.

That brings the total to four for Notre Dame players headed to Mobile, a sign of a strong program.

Broncos QBs Brandon Allen and Drew Lock recall facing each other in college

I still tell him about it,” Broncos quarterback Brandon Allen said of beating Drew Lock in college.

Denver Broncos quarterbacks Brandon Allen and Drew Lock faced off as the starters for Arkansas and Missouri during the 2015 college football season. Allen was a senior and Lock was a freshman.

“It was freezing,” Allen said Wednesday. “I remember that. It was a sleet game at home. I think it was the only time I played him, and I think we beat him. That was good. I still tell him about it.”

Wait, he thinks he beat him?

“No, we definitely beat them,” Allen said with a smile.

The Razorbacks defeated the Tigers 28-3.

Neither QB played particularly well in the game — they both threw an interception and neither scored a touchdown — but Allen got the win and therefore has the bragging rights.

“He does,” Lock admitted. “They did beat us when I was a young 18-year-old. I think he was a fifth-year guy so what 22 maybe, 23? I was very young, but then I think we took care of business the next couple of years.”

Brandon’s younger brother, Austin, took over as Arkansas’ starter in 2016. Lock got the best of Austin in 2016 and 2017, winning 28-24 and 48-45.

“I kind of claimed [bragging rights] back from him and it was against his brother,” Lock said. “I think I got the family outright. He just might have me.”

Austin signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and failed to make their 53-man roster. He then went on to spend time with the Memphis Express and Salt Lake Stallions in the now-folded AAF.

Lock went on to be selected by Denver in the second round of April’s draft. He is below Allen on the depth chart at the moment but that might change by the end of the season.

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Notre Dame – Claypool in Senior Bowl

I talked last week about how Chase Claypool’s development as a WR throughout his career has opened eyes in the college football world, but also by scouts at the next level. Well, it looks like he’s going to have an even greater opportunity to raise …

I talked last week about how Chase Claypool’s development as a WR throughout his career has opened eyes in the college football world, but also by scouts at the next level.

Well, it looks like he’s going to have an even greater opportunity to raise his draft stock in the eyes of evaporators with an invitation to the Senior Bowl.

In recent years, with the boom of NFL Draft interest, the Senior Bowl has become the premier event for NFL personnel executives to further evaluate prospects. Current Executive Director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl and 18-year NFL scout Jim Nagy has done a tremendous job using social media to promote the event and publicize those players getting invites to the week.

I emphasize week, not game, because it is really the measurements, practices and workout that provide evalutators with the analysis they’re looking for.

The crop of wide receivers for the 2020 NFL Draft is being hailed as one of the best ever by many draft analysts. Eligible prospects include Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, and DeVonta Smith, Clemson’s Tee Higgins, Colorado’s Laviska Shenault, Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb, Minnesota’s Tyler Johnson, USC’s Michael Pittman, Texas’ Collin Johnson, TCU’s Jalen Reagor, and Oklahoma State’s Tylan Wallace.

 

 

Notre Dame Football: Sellout Streak Over

Where were you on Thanksgiving Day in 1973?

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Where were you on Thanksgiving Day in 1973?

If you answered with being at Notre Dame Stadium when the Irish dismantled Air Force 48-15 en-route to a national championship, then you were a part of history.

No, not just because that Ara Parseghian-led team went on to win it all, but because it was the last time Notre Dame Stadium failed to sell out for a home football contest.

Until this weekend.

It went over four-and-a-half decades and lasted 273 games but it appears that streak of consecutive sellouts is history.

“Based on ticket sales through Wednesday, we do not anticipate sellouts for our games against Navy and Boston College,” Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said in a statement. “That this comes during a time of sustained success for our football program reflects both challenges impacting the ticket market nationwide and the unique dynamics of this year’s schedule.”

Swarbrick mentioned in an interview with Eric Hansen of the South Bend Tribune that the Irish playing three true home games this November and the weather that comes with that are the most-likely factors to seeing the streak end.

In the piece you find out how several games over the years counted as sellouts as well, even when plenty of empty seats were clearly evident.

The streak ranked second, behind only Nebraska who has sold out every one of their last 373 home contests.

Over the last ten seasons the Irish have played just one home-game five times, often playing the on-again, off-again Shamrock Series during the month.

Notre Dame can move to 8-2 with a win over No. 21 Navy and potentially 9-2 if they can also get by traditional pain-in-the-rear, Boston College in two weeks.

If you haven’t been to a game in quite some time, here’s your chance to see a potential top-10 finishing Notre Dame team up close.

Syracuse vs. Duke Fearless Prediction, Game Preview

Syracuse vs. Duke fearless prediction and game preview.

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Syracuse vs. Duke fearless prediction and game preview.

Syracuse vs. Duke Broadcast

Date: Saturday, November 16
Game Time: 4:00 ET
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
Venue: Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC
Network: ACC Network

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Syracuse (3-6) vs. Duke (4-5) Game Preview

If want in on this week’s games, sign up with BetMGM

Why Syracuse Will Win

Duke’s offense has picked a bad time to take a break.

The offense that was so sharp early in the year has suffered a power outage, failing to score more than 17 points in any of the last three games after scoring 30 or more in the previous five.

The passing game doesn’t have anything happening down the field – the dinking and midrange passes aren’t going anywhere – and the ground game hasn’t been able to get over four yards per pop in any of the last five games.

The Syracuse defense needs the break.

For all of the problems on both sides of the ball, the Orange are great at taking the ball away, and they should be able to generate a few easy scoring opportunities against a Duke offense that’s way too happy to give the ball away.

The Orange have turned it over 16 times in the last five games.

– “Go to the bank!” Today’s top pick of the day just released

Why Duke Will Win

The Syracuse offense isn’t doing enough.

On a four-game losing streak, the Orange have yet to beat a Power Five team, they’re winless in ACC play, and they’re not going on enough long and sustained drives.

That’s because the offensive line isn’t doing anything.

Syracuse is still dead last in the nation in sacks allowed, the running game is averaging just three yards per carry, and even when Tommy DeVito has a good game – he threw for 289 yards and three scores against Boston College two weeks ago – it isn’t enough.

Despite all of the recent problems, Duke has enough decent offensive parts that can move the ball however it wants against this Orange D. This is the game for the Blue Devils to try cranking up that passing game again – it should work if Quinten Harris can get hot early.

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What’s Going To Happen

Duke will start to look the part again. Harris will hit over 60% of his passes, the offense will keep things moving enough to keep the Orange O off the field, and the slide will finally stop.

The Blue Devils will get the win they have to have, and then need to win one of their final two games against Wake Forest and Miami to become bowl eligible.

Want a 2nd opinion on who to bet in the Syracuse vs. Duke game? Click here to get WinnersAndWhiners.com’s predictions on the side, total, first half, and exotic bets! All Free!

Syracuse vs. Duke Prediction, Line

Duke 31, Syracuse 20
Bet on SU vs. Duke with BetMGM, or for latest line 
Duke -10.5, o/u: 54.5
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
– Get Tickets For This Game

Must See Rating: 2.5

5: The Mandalorian (if it came out in 1984)
1: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

CFN Podcast: Who’s No. 4 in the CFP?
Bowl Projections | CFN Rankings
Predicting The Rest of the Season
Week 12 Expert Picks

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Meet Jamar Watson, Kentucky’s next pass-rushing prospect

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Kentucky edge defender Jamar “Boogie” Watson

Last year, the NFL draft featured a talented edge rusher by the name of Josh Allen. In 2020, another pass-rushing Wildcat could make waves at the next level.

A versatile prospect who can get after opposing quarterbacks and shut down ball-carriers in the backfield, Watson recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about the skill set he brings to the table, how playing at Kentucky has prepared him for the next level, and what fans can expect from him the rest of this season.

JM: How would you describe your skill set?

JBW: I’m a very athletic edge rusher. I can play off the edge as a rusher and I can drop in coverage a little bit as well. I’m a savvy player and I have a high football I.Q. as well.

JM: What’s your favorite part about playing linebacker?

JBW: I love having the ability to effect the game on a snap-by-snap basis. I play in the middle of the defense and we get to be involved on every single play. I have a role to play on every single defensive snap. I love that. That gives me a chance to be a high impact player.

JM: I heard that you’re a tap dancer. How did you get into that?

JBW: My high school basketball coach recommended that I get into tap dancing. I needed an extra credit and it was a pretty easy class, if I’m being honest (laughs). I gave it a shot and I’ve actually kept it going since high school. I really ended up liking it.

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

JM: Your dream job outside of being an NFL player is to become a police offer. Why is that?

JBW: It started off with me watching lots of law enforcement shows. Those were my favorite types of shows growing up. CSI, Law & Order, shows like that. As I got older, my interest in law enforcement became more serious and I started doing some research. If I wasn’t playing football, that would be my dream career. That’s what I’m studying right now in school. That’s my top desire aside from football. My goal is to play in the NFL, first and foremost, but a career as an officer of the law after football definitely intrigues me.

JM: What’s your favorite cop show of all time?

JBW: That’s a great question. If I had to go all time, I would probably say “Person of Interest.” It’s on Netflix now, and it has about five seasons. It’s about this I.T. nerd guy who has the ability to predict future crimes and he has this badass friend who’s the muscle of the group. He sends him out on these missions to stop these crimes before they happen. That’s probably my favorite show of all time.

JM: Who do you think is the best NCAA player you’ve ever gone up against?

JBW: I would probably go with Sony Michel or Deebo Samuel. Those guys stood out for obvious reasons. I can’t forget about Lamar Jackson. He’s as dynamic as they come. Those are definitely my top three.

JM: Is there an NFL running back or tight end you’re looking forward to tackling or covering?

JBW: I would probably say Ezekiel Elliott. He’s received so much publicity over the last couple of years. He’s a superstar running back and I’d love to test out my abilities against a guy like that.

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

JM: Coach Brad White did a great job with Josh Allen last year. He also has six years NFL experience with the Indianapolis Colts. How has he helped elevate your game?

JBW: He’s definitely taken my game to another level. He has an incredible feel for the game. He understands the role of a linebacker well beyond pass rushing. He’s helped me in every faucet of my game. His attention to detail is tremendous. It’s the small things that he’s taught me that helped me become a better player. He’s really made a difference in my life. Josh Allen will tell you himself, we as a linebacker group give a ton of credit to coach White. He puts a huge emphasis on having us reach for the ball. Try to strip it out and create turnovers. It’s the small technique stuff that he’s really helped me out a lot.

JM: How has Kentucky helped prepare you for what’s next?

JBW: The weight staff is one of the best in the country. We have some veteran guys around this program. The coaching staff has a ton of experience. The training staff is top notch as well. They keep us right throughout the summer and throughout the season as well. Our coaches have had success at multiple levels. Having these guys at my disposal has been huge for me.

JM: What can Kentucky fans expect from you for the rest of this season?

JBW: They can expect me to be continue being a productive member of this defense. My team needs me to be productive. I’m working hard to improve every single day. I’m definitely focused and locked in right now.

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Florida State vs. Alabama State Fearless Prediction, Game Preview

Florida State vs. Alabama State fearless prediction and game preview.

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Florida State vs. Alabama State fearless prediction and game preview.

Florida State vs. Alabama State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, November 16
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
Venue: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Network: ACC Network X

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Florida State (5-5) vs. Alabama State (5-4) Game Preview

If want in on this week’s games, sign up with BetMGM

What’s Going To Happen

And now we’re here.

After the firing of Willie Taggart, and after missing out on a bowl game last year, and after all of the underwhelming performances and disappointing moments, this is when the Florida State program should be able to exhale and enjoy itself.

At least, it had better. The 5-5 Noles have to win this week with a trip to Florida to follow. This is when they have to get bowl eligible.

Alabama State isn’t bad. It pushed UAB really, really hard in a 24-19 loss to start the season, and it’ll be bring an aggressive defense that’s one of the best in the FCS against the pass.

The problem is the Hornet offense – it’s not good enough to throw any sort of a scare into a Nole defense that could use the break.

FSU will get this done early.

Coming of a 346-yard day against Boston College, James Blackman will throw two first quarter touchdown passes, and the bowl eligibility party will be on.

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Florida State vs. Alabama State Prediction, Line

Florida State 45, Alabama State 10
Bet on FSU vs. ASU with BetMGM, or for latest line 
No Line, o/u: No Line
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
– Get Tickets For This Game

Must See Rating: 1.5

5: The Mandalorian (if it came out in 1984)
1: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

Bowl Projections | CFN Rankings
Predicting The Rest of the Season
Week 12 Expert Picks

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Alabama-Mississippi State odds: Can ‘Bama bounce back?

Previewing the Alabama at Mississippi State college football matchup, with college football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Alabama Crimson Tide (8-1, 5-1 SEC) take their show on the road following their first loss of the season when they play the Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-5, 2-4) at noon ET Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss.

Alabama at Mississippi State: preview, betting trends and notes

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  • Alabama has been a 20+ point favorite over the Bulldogs five times since 2008. Alabama was won all five games and covered the spread in four of them.
  • Mississippi State is 1-4 straight up and against the spread in its last five games.
  • Alabama is 2-5 ATS in its last seven games against SEC teams.
  • Mississippi State has lost the last 11 games vs. Alabama.
  • Alabama’s defense has struggled in recent weeks and is now 30th in the country in yards allowed, giving up 204 passing yards and 132 rushing yards a game.

Alabama at Mississippi State: Key injuries

The biggest question being asked this week is whether Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will play. The word out of Tuscaloosa is that he will, but Nick Saban may have a quick hook for him after the QB looked far from 100 percent against LSU last weekend.

Alabama at Mississippi State: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m.

Prediction

Alabama 49, Mississippi State 17

Moneyline (?)

As expected, Alabama remains a huge moneyline favorite to win straight up (-1000), while Mississippi State is getting a big number on its side of the line (+625). Typically in games such as this, most gamblers won’t jump on either side because of the lack of return for Alabama and the unlikeliness Mississippi State can hang with the Crimson Tide for 60 minutes.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Alabama to win would return a profit of $1.

Against the Spread (?)

The line has fluctuated by 17½ and 21½ on different betting sites, but the point is expected to be at 20 when game time arrives. (ALABAMA would be laying 20 likely at -115 and Mississippi State getting 20 at -105.) This is a statement game for an Alabama team that is currently outside the top four in the College Football Playoff rankings. ‘Bama needs to finish strong to keep any hope of climbing back into one of those four spots.

LAY THE POINTS.

Over/Under (?)

The Bulldogs have one of the worst defenses in the SEC, having given up 56 points to Auburn and 49 points to Texas A&M this season. With an over/under of 60.5 (-106 for the over, -115 on the under), the likelihood of Alabama hitting 50 or more points by itself is probable, with Mississippi State likely to score when the starters are pulled in the second half. TAKE THE OVER.

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