Liberty Flames betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Liberty at Western Kentucky odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Liberty at Western Kentucky odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Liberty Flames (7-0, 5-0 CUSA) and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (4-3, 2-1) meet Tuesday at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green, Ky. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Liberty vs. Western Kentucky odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Flames have won all 7 games so far, including an impressive 5-0 straight up (SU) and 3-2 against the spread (ATS) mark inside Conference USA. Liberty has done its best work on the road, going 3-0 SU/ATS, including a 31-13 win at 7-point favorites at Jacksonville State in the most recent road game Oct. 10. The Under is 3-1 in the past 4 games for Liberty.

The Hilltoppers are coming off a 20-17 loss at Jax State last Tuesday, losing outright as a 7.5-point favorite as the Under (60.5) connected. WKU returns home for the 1st time since a 31-10 win over Middle Tennessee on Sept. 28, cashing as a 6.5-point favorite. The ‘Toppers are 2-0 SU/ATS in 2 home games against FBS opponents this season.

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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Liberty at Western Kentucky odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:42 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Liberty -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Western Kentucky +170 (bet $100 to win $170)
Against the spread (ATS): Liberty -5 (-110) | Western Kentucky +5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 61.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Liberty at Western Kentucky picks and predictions

Prediction

Liberty 45, Western Kentucky 24

Moneyline

Liberty (-210) will set you back more than 2 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not nearly enough reward.

While the Flames have won all 3 of the previous meetings in this series, including 30-24 on Sept. 19, 2020 in Bowling Green, it’s still just a little too expensive for my liking.

PASS.

Against the spread

LIBERTY -5 (-110) is a strong play on the road. While the Flames have, well, flamed out, in the past 3 games, going 1-2 ATS, it is still 5-2 ATS overall. And the Flames offense has been on point, going for 487.9 total yards per game, with 274.6 rushing yards per contest. That number makes the Flames No. 2 in the country on ground. In addition, Liberty hoists up 36.3 PPG, ranking No. 15 overall.

Conversely, Western Kentucky +5 (-110) allows 203.7 rushing yards per game, which ranks 129th in the country. That’s a bad recipe for success against a Flames team that undoubtedly will try to run the ball down the throats of the ‘Toppers.

Over/Under

OVER 61.5 (-110) is a pretty big number, but the way Liberty piles up points, and the way Western Kentucky allows rushing yardage, the Flames could take care of a good chunk of the Over on their own.

While Western Kentucky has been much better defensively against the likes of Jacksonville State and Middle Tennessee in the past 3 games, it hasn’t faced a powerful offense like Liberty since the Ohio State loss.

Liberty has scored 31 or more points in 6 of 7 games this season, and it should get well into the 40’s in this one, needing little help from WKU to get the Over across the finish line.

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Middle Tennessee at Liberty odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Middle Tennessee at Liberty odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (2-5, 1-2 CUSA) and Liberty Flames (6-0, 4-0) meet Tuesday at Williams Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Middle Tennessee vs. Liberty odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Middle Tennessee covered the spread as a 3-point home favorite with a 31-23 win vs. the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs last Tuesday as the total (54) pushed. QB Nicholas Vattiato threw for 248 yards with 2 TDs and rushed for a score as the Blue Raiders snapped a 3-game losing skid.

Liberty covered as a 7-point favorite with a 31-13 win at the Jacksonville State Gamecocks last Tuesday as the Under (59.5) hit. RB Quinton Cooley rushed for 2 TDs as Liberty improved to 5-1 against the spread (ATS) on the season.

These teams have not played each other since Liberty covered as a 20-point home favorite with a 41-13 win as the Under (59.5) cashed Oct. 9, 2021.

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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Middle Tennessee at Liberty odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 10:54 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Middle Tennessee +475 (bet $100 to win $475) | Liberty -650 (bet $650 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Middle Tennessee +14.5 (-115) | Liberty -14.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 56.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Middle Tennessee at Liberty picks and predictions

Prediction

Liberty 41, Middle Tennessee 18

Moneyline

Liberty (-650) should have no trouble keeping its undefeated season alive vs. the 2-5 Blue Raiders. However, -650 is too much to lay on the Flames.

PASS. Lay the points and/or the total instead.

Against the spread

We saw this line open at -13 Sunday, and it has been creeping up ever since. While -13 obviously would’ve been a better play, Liberty should still cover -14.5 vs. this Middle Tennessee side which is just 2-5 ATS on the season.

Middle Tennessee had failed to cover in 4 straight games before covering last week and has not covered in back-to-back games this season. While 7 games is a small sample size, at least Liberty has shown that it can string together good performances, and the market is reflecting that.

BET LIBERTY -14.5 (-105).

Over/Under

Middle Tennessee is 113th in the nation in opponent points per game this season (34.8), while Liberty is tied for 16th with the Oregon State Beavers in points per game (35.3). This is the best offense that Middle Tennessee has faced all season, and Liberty should be able to score enough to help the Over hit.

BET OVER 56.5 (-110).

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Liberty at Jacksonville State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Liberty at Jacksonville State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Jacksonville State Gamecocks (5-1, 3-0 C-USA) welcome the Liberty Flames (5-0, 3-0) to Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium Tuesday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Liberty at Jacksonville State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Flames beat Sam Houston State 21-16 last Thursday, but failed to cover as a 21.5-point home favorite. Liberty is 4-1 against the spread (ATS) this season, and 2-0 ATS on the road. The Flames are led by QB Kaidon Salter, who has 1,176 passing yards and 12 TDs to go along with 306 rushing yards.

The Gamecocks are coming off a 45-30 win over Middle Tennessee, beating the Blue Raiders by 15 to cover as a 2.5-point road underdog. Jacksonville State is 4-1-1 ATS and 3-0 ATS at home this season. It is led by QB Logan Smothers, who has 5 passing TDs and 5 rushing TDs. The Gamecocks’ lone loss was in a 30-16 Week 3 loss to Coastal Carolina.

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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Liberty at Jacksonville State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:31 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Liberty -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Jacksonville State +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
Against the spread (ATS): Liberty -6.5 (-110) | Jacksonville State +6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 56.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Liberty at Jacksonville State picks and predictions

Prediction

Liberty 31, Jacksonville State 24

Moneyline

PASS.

There’s no reason to bet a -250 moneyline favorite here even though Liberty is 2-0 on the road and undefeated this season.

Against the spread

LEAN LIBERTY -6.5 (-110).

Liberty is coming off a close call against Sam Houston State, but it has been terrific this season ATS and has continued possessions at a high rate.

Liberty ranks 16th in the nation in 3rd-down conversation rate while Jacksonville State sits 108th. The Flames have won 4 of their 5 games by double figures. They will be the better side offensively.

The Gamecocks haven’t played a competent opponent at home yet this season and have yet to be a home underdog, so this will be unfamiliar territory for Jacksonville State, which doesn’t have a QB with a completion rate over 60%

Back LIBERTY -6.5 (-110).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 56.5 (-110).

Jacksonville State is 2-4 O/U, and Liberty is 2-3 O/U this season. The Gamecocks have held their opponent to 30 or fewer in every game and have held their opponent to 14 or fewer in 3 of 6.

Both Liberty and Jacksonville State rank top 25 in opponents’ yards per play, respectively at 4.7 and 4.8. Expect defenses to dominate and take UNDER 56.5 (-110).

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Sam Houston State at Liberty odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Sam Houston State at Liberty odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Sam Houston State Bearkats (0-4, 0-1 CUSA) and the Liberty Flames (4-0, 2-0) meet Thursday at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Va., for a Conference USA game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (CBSSN). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Sam Houston State vs. Liberty odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Bearkats have dropped all 4 games and are trying to overcome an early-season offensive power outage. Sam Houston State scored a total of just 10 points in the first 3 games before a 28-point explosion at home against Jacksonville State in a 35-28 overtime loss last Thursday. After going 2-0 against the spread (ATS) in the first 2 games, Sam Houston is 0-1-1 ATS in the past 2 outings.

Sam Houston State’s defense allowed a total of just 27 points in the first 2 games, cashing the Under in each. The defense might be a bit tired, which would explain why it has been the complete opposite in the past 2 outings, yielding 36.5 points per game (PPG), resulting in 2 Overs.

Liberty has fired out of the chute with 4 victories and 4 covers, including a 2-0 SU/ATS mark at home. The Flames have split the Over-Under in the 4 games, including an Under (53.5) result last time out in a 38-6 road win at FIU in a conference game on Sept. 23.

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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Sam Houston State at Liberty odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 9:39 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Sam Houston State +720 (bet $100 to win $720) | Liberty -1200 (bet $1,200 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Sam Houston State +19.5 (-110) | Liberty -19.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Sam Houston State at Liberty picks and predictions

Prediction

Liberty 38, Sam Houston State 6

Moneyline

Liberty (-1200) will cost you 12 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not enough reward.

While the Flames are unbeaten and playing at home, and the Bearkats are winless, you simply cannot risk that much for such a small return.

AVOID.

Against the spread

LIBERTY -19.5 (-110) is a great play at home, as Sam Houston State just doesn’t have the offense to hang with the Flames.

LU has rolled up 33 or more points in all 4 games to date, and it has covered all 4 games, although this is easily the largest spread of the season. Still, it covered a double-digit spread as a 10-point road favorite at FIU on Sept. 23. The Flames are an impressive plus-7 in turnover ratio, too, which is another check mark in their favor.

The Bearkats finally awakened from their offensive slumber with 28 points at Jacksonville State, but are still averaging just 9.5 PPG overall. Sam Houston won’t be able to keep up with Liberty, especially on its home field.

Over/Under

UNDER 45.5 (-105) is the lean, but go lightly.

Sam Houston State will have difficulty solving the Liberty defense. The Flames have allowed just 16.7 PPG across the past 3 outings, cashing the Under in 2 of the past 3 games during the span.

Liberty’s defense has allowed just 310.8 total yards per game, and 182.3 passing yards per contest.

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NIT: Villanova at Liberty odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Villanova at Liberty odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 6-seed Villanova Wildcats (17-16) face the 3-seed Liberty Flames (26-8) Tuesday in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament. Tip from Liberty Arena in Lynchburg, Va., is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Villanova vs. Liberty odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

It was an up-and-down season for Villanova in the 1st season under the leadership of coach Kyle Neptune. However, the new coach had this team playing hard down the stretch, and Villanova really jelled as a group.

The Wildcats head on the road for this NIT game, but could easily be favored. It won its final 2 road games outright, and Villanova is a solid 7-4 ATS in the last 11 games overall.

Liberty was stunned by Kennesaw State Owls in the final seconds of the Atlantic Sun Championship. The Flames and Owls saw 9 lead changes, and 10 times the teams were tied in the title game. With just 0.7 seconds left, a shooting foul was called on Liberty’s Isiah Warfield, and the Owls took advantage with a successful free throw to snuff out the Flames.

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Villanova at Liberty odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 11:15 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Villanova +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Liberty -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Villanova +3.5 (-115) | Liberty -3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 137.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Villanova at Liberty picks and predictions

Prediction

Villanova 75, Liberty 71

Moneyline

VILLANOVA (+130) heads down to Lynchburg looking to keep its season alive. The Wildcats won’t be fazed by a road game in front of a raucous crowd, as this team just played at Madison Square Garden in the Big East Tournament, and have been on the road in difficult environments all season.

In fact, Villanova has won its past 2 true road games, including at Xavier as a 4.5-point underdog on Feb. 21 at Cintas Center.

Liberty (-165) lost both of its games against top-flight conference teams this season by double digits, including a 36-point loss at Alabama, and a 14-point loss t Northwestern on a neutral floor.

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Against the spread

VILLANOVA +3.5 (-115) has managed a 5-2 ATS mark in 7 road games as an underdog this season, including the outright win at Xavier, and a near-miss earlier in the season against Michigan State. Again, ‘Nova won’t be fazed by playing at Liberty.

The Wildcats are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 games after a straight-up (SU) loss, and a non-cover, too.

Liberty -3.5 (-110) is an impressive 14-2 ATS in the last 16 at home. On the other hand, the Flames are a dismal 1-6 ATS in the last 7 games against teams with a winning overall record.

Over/Under

OVER 137.5 (-110) is worth playing lightly.

The Over is 6-2 in the last 8 games overall for the Flames, while cashing at a 16-7 clip in the last 23 road games for the Wildcats against teams with a winning home record.

One thing to really like about Villanova if you play the Over, it is a great free-throw shooting team. During the regular season, according to covers.com, this team led the nation at 82.3%. The ‘Cats don’t leave free points on the floor.

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ASun Tournament: Liberty at Kennesaw State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Liberty at Kennesaw State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 2 Liberty Flames battle the No. 1 Kennesaw State Owls Sunday in the ASun Championship Game. Tip from the KSU Convocation Center is set for 3 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Liberty vs. Kennesaw State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

In their lone matchup during the regular season at Kennesaw State, the Owls won 88-81 and covered as a 6-point underdog.

Liberty beat No. 8 Bellarmine 76-56 Tuesday, Feb. 28. It then beat No. 3 Eastern Kentucky 79-73 on Thursday. The Flames covered a 16-point spread in the first battle then failed to cover a 12.5-point spread. They are 4-4 ATS over their last 8. Liberty is 17-11 ATS on the season.

Kennesaw State is 18-9-1 ATS and 23-8 straight up this season. They are 1-1 ATS in the tournament, beating Lipscomb 80-71 and covering a 5.5-point spread while also beating Queen University of Charlotte 67-66 yet failing to cover as a 7.5-point favorite.

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Liberty at Kennesaw State odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:41 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Liberty -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Kennesaw State +160 (bet $100 to win $160)
Against the spread (ATS): Liberty -4.5 (-105) | Kennesaw State +4.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 136.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Liberty at Kennesaw State picks and predictions

Prediction

Liberty 70, Kennesaw State 68

Moneyline

PASS.

Take the points instead of playing the plus-money home side.

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Against the spread

LEAN KENNESAW STATE +4.5 (-115).

The Flames were the worst team in the ASun on the road, posting just a 3-8 ATS record away from home. They were just 3-6 as a road favorite as well.

The Owls were 8-4 ATS at home and covered in this same situation on Feb. 16 despite G Darius McGhee hitting eight 3-pointers. The Flames were 11-8-1 ATS in conference games while Kennesaw State edged them there as well, posting a 12-7-1 ATS record.

Back KENNESAW STATE +4.5 (-115).

Over/Under

BET OVER 136.5 (-115).

Kennesaw State has gone Over in 4 of its last 7 games and has scored at least 70 in 6 of its last 7 games as well.

As for Liberty, it has gone Over in 6 of its last 7 games and has topped 75 in both tournament games and has scored at least 70 in 8 straight games, including an 81-point effort against Kennesaw State.

These teams were a combined 21-17-2 O/U in conference games this season, so they have consistently topped the projected total. Back the OVER 136.5 (-115).

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Boca Raton Bowl: Liberty vs. Toledo odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Liberty vs. Toledo Boca Raton Bowl odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Liberty Flames (8-4) and Toledo Rockets (8-5) meet in the Boca Raton Bowl Tuesday at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Liberty vs. Toledo odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Flames have had a slew of players hit the transfer portal, and it also lost coach Hugh Freeze to Auburn. Co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Josh Aldridge will serve as the interim coach for the bowl.

Liberty lost a depth receiver, Jaivian Lofton, to the transfer portal, but most of the damage from the portal is on the defensive side of the ball. LB Ahmad Walker, the team’s 3rd-leading tackler, has entered the portal. He was also tied for 4th in sacks (4.0). DL Stephen Sings V (3.5 sacks) has also opted out, joining Walker and 4 other defenders in the portal.

The Rockets saw QB DeQuan Finn (ankle) nicked up down the stretch, but he appears to be ready to go for the bowl game, and he will face lesser pressure with Sings and Walker not on the other side.

Toledo won the MAC Championship Game in Detroit against Ohio 17-7 on Dec. 3, covering as a 3.5-point favorite to snap an 0-5 ATS skid. The Under is 4-1 in the previous 5 games for the Rockets.

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Liberty vs. Toledo odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 9:35 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Liberty +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Toledo -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Liberty +4 (-111) | Toledo -4 (-109)
Over/Under (O/U): 53 (O: -111 | U: -109)

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Liberty vs. Toledo picks and predictions

Prediction

Toledo 26, Liberty 20

Moneyline

Toledo (-190) will cost you nearly 2 times your potential return and that’s just too expensive — even as attractive as the Rockets look. Plus, the Rockets have dropped each of their past 4 bowl games, although Toledo’s last win was in the Boca Raton Bowl over Temple back in Dec. 2015.

PASS.

Against the spread

TOLEDO -4 (-109) is a strong play, as it hasn’t had any notable opt-outs or transfer portal announcements prior to the bowl game and Finn is expected to be healthy.

Liberty cannot be trusted, not only because it lost its head coach and several defenders, but this is a team that was dusted 49-14 in the regular-season finale by New Mexico State. The Flames carried a top-25 ranking in Nov., but they have dropped and failed to cover each of the past 3 games overall.

Over/Under

UNDER 53 (-109) is the play here, although go lightly.

Liberty allowed 49 points in the regular season finale, and the Over cashed in 2 of the final 3 for the Flames, mostly due to poor defense.

However, the Rockets cashed in the Under in 4 of their final 5 games, and are averaging just 15.5 PPG in the last 2 outings while allowing just 13.5 PPG.

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Liberty at Connecticut odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Liberty at Connecticut odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 19 Liberty Flames (8-1) meet the Connecticut Huskies (5-5) Saturday at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Conn. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (CBS Sports Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Liberty vs. Connecticut odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Flames, ranked No. 23 in the College Football Playoff rankings, picked up a giant 21-19 win at Arkansas last week as a 14-point underdog, Liberty’s 2nd straight outright win as a ‘dog of 7 or more points. Liberty has won 6 in a row since its lone setback at Wake Forest on Sept. 17, a 1-point loss.

The Huskies have already gone Over their preseason win total, but UConn now finds itself needing 1 win in the final 2 games to qualify for a bowl game. UConn has put itself into position for the postseason with a 4-1 SU mark in the last 5 games, and the Huskies have covered 6 in a row. The Under is 5-0 in the last 5 for Connecticut, too.

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Liberty at Connecticut odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:09 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Liberty -800 (bet $800 to win $100) | Connecticut +520 (bet $100 to win $520)
Against the spread: Liberty -14 (-115) | Connecticut +14 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Liberty at Connecticut picks and predictions

Prediction

Liberty 24, Connecticut 17

Moneyline

Liberty (-800) will cost you 8 times your potential return, and that’s quite a bit risky, especially on the road.

In addition, the Flames could have a little bit of a hangover here after a thrilling win on the road against an SEC team, followed up with a trip against a .500 independent. Liberty should win, but this could be closer than some think.

PASS.

Against the spread

Play CONNECTICUT +14 (-105) catching the 2 TDs, and if it happens to go up to 14 and a hook or more, go even heavier.

The Huskies don’t have the prettiest numbers overall, but the offense has been a lot better as the season has gone on. The offense is averaging just 18.5 PPG overall, but UConn has exceeded that total with 21 or more points in 3 of the last 4 outings. The run game is exceptional, going for 187.6 yards per game, and it will be a test for the Liberty D.

Over/Under

UNDER 45.5 (-110) is the lean here. Liberty has rolled up 30.0 PPG, but it underachieved last week with just 21 points. The defense has been air-tight, allowing just 17.7 PPG in the previous 3, all Under results.

UConn is also on a 5-0 Under run lately, so you have to keep rolling with the Under until further notice.

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Liberty at Arkansas odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Liberty Flames at Arkansas Razorbacks odds and lines, with college football expert picks and predictions.

The No. 23 Liberty Flames (7-1) and Arkansas Razorbacks (5-3) engage in a Saturday afternoon non-conference battle at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. Kickoff will be at 4 p.m. ET (SEC Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Liberty vs. Arkansas odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Liberty enters this contest off a bye week. The Flames sport a strong running game as part of a solid overall offense, and their defense –ranked 26th in the nation in total yards allowed (330.5 per game) — has held opponents under 25 points in 5 straight games. Liberty won all 5, including a 41-14 contest against a favored-by-7 BYU on Oct. 22.

The Razorbacks have cranked out a lot of yards offensively while struggling on defense. They rank 4th in the SEC in total offense (492.5 yards per game) and 13th in total defense (458.6 YPG). Arkansas has won 2 straight games after losing 3 in a row. Saturday’s game is its first in Fayetteville since Oct. 1.

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Liberty at Arkansas odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 9:36 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Liberty +360 (bet $100 to win $360) | Arkansas -500 (bet $500 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Liberty +13.5 (-110) | Arkansas -13.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 64.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Liberty at Arkansas picks and predictions

Prediction

Arkansas 35, Liberty 24

Moneyline

AVOID. The margin on the visitors and the points is better.

Against the spread

Liberty has played the likes of current-No. 19 Wake Forest and then 2 weeks back, BYU. After a bye week, look for a strong effort from a defense that should be able to pester Arkansas just enough to make for a little leverage with 13.5 points.

The Flames have been tough in the red zone. They’ve allowed TDs on just 45.2% of applicable drives; that ranks 13th in the nation.

TAKE LIBERTY +13.5 (-110). Consider a partial-unit play; buy in more if the spread gets to 14. Some outlets had this game lined at 14 or even 14.5 earlier in the week.

Over/Under

Arkansas does run the ball across many situations more than average, and that may play into boat-race 4th quarter in the Hogs are up a couple scores.

The Under is a slight lean, but not an actionable one. PASS.

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BYU at Liberty odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s BYU Cougars at Liberty Flames odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The BYU Cougars (4-3) and the Liberty Flames (6-1) play Saturday at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Va. Kickoff for this non-conference tilt is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the BYU vs. Liberty odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Cougars opened the season 4-1, but they have lost back-to-back games to Notre Dame in Las Vegas (28-20 Oct. 8) and at home to Arkansas (52-35 Oc.t 15). BYU failed to cover the spread in its past 5 games after opening 2-0 against the spread (ATS). The Over is 4-1 in the past 5 games.

The Flames are nearly unbeaten, with the lone exception a 37-36 loss at then-No. 18 and now-No. 13 Wake Forest Sept. 17. They were fortunate to win last week, defeating Gardner-Webb of the FCS 21-20 in a nearly disastrous setback at home. Liberty has allowed 20 or more points in 3 straight games, and it has failed to cover the past 2.

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY sports.

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BYU at Liberty odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:23 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): BYU -280 (bet $280 to win $100) | Liberty +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
Against the spread: BYU -6.5 (-122) | Liberty +6.5 (-102)
Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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BYU at Liberty picks and predictions

Prediction

BYU 30, Liberty 26

Moneyline

BYU (-280) will set you back nearly 3 times your potential return, and that’s a risky proposition, especially for a road team.

AVOID.

Against the spread

LIBERTY +6.5 (-102) is a decent play at home as it is likely the Flames were simply looking ahead to this important matchup in last weekend’s near-debacle against Gardner-Webb.

In addition, BYU has failed to cover 5 straight games, while going 1-6 ATS in the past 7 on the road. Liberty is 9-4 ATS in the past 13 games against winning teams, while cashing in 10 of the past 14 outings at home.

Over/Under

UNDER 57.5 (-105) is the lean, but go lightly.

The Under has hit in 5 of the past 6 against fellow independents for BYU, while the Under is 4-1 in the past 5 home games for Liberty, including each of the 3 home games so far this season.

Defense isn’t a hallmark for either of these teams, but we should see the Under cash in this one.

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Want action on this game or any other NCAA football matchup? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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