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Eastern Kentucky at Marshall odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Marshall Thundering Herd sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The 2020 college football season opens for the Eastern Kentucky Colonels and the Marshall Thundering Herd at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington, W.V., with a Saturday afternoon kickoff at 1 p.m. ET (on ESPN). We analyze the Eastern Kentucky-Marshall college football betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Eastern Kentucky at Marshall: Betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:42 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Marshall -5000 | Eastern Kentucky +1400
  • Against the spread/ATS: Marshall -24 (-110) | Eastern Kentucky +24 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 52.5 (Over: -110 | Under: -110)

Eastern Kentucky at Marshall: Three things to know

  1. Marshall head coach Doc Holliday said he would fully support any player opting out due to COVID-19, but the Thundering Herd did not have any takers. Plenty of Group of Five members had opt outs, but none from Doc’s bunch.
  2. The Thundering Herd posted eight victories last season, including a 6-1 mark in their final seven regular-season contests before getting emasculated by UCF in the Gasparilla Bowl.
  3. Marshall RB Brenden Knox, the league’s Most Valuable Player, is back after galloping for 1,387 yards last season. He’ll likely be leaned upon heavily as the Herd break in a new signal caller with QB Grant Wells taking the reins after Isaiah Green surprisingly left the team.

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Eastern Kentucky at Marshall: Odds, betting lines and picks

Prediction

Marshall 45, Eastern Kentucky 16

Moneyline (ML)

Marshall is an overwhelming favorite in this one, and you cannot bet such a heavy fave and call yourself a legit gambler. AVOID.

Against the Spread (ATS)

MARSHALL (-24, -110) should cover this number at home, although it might get a bit hairy as some of the reserves get looks in the second half. The best part about Marshall’s defense is its tremendous secondary, and that’s bad news for an FCS team which figures to be in a hole early and in need of passing to get back into the game. Look for the Herd to build a giant early lead and hang on for the cover.

Also see:

  •  CFN – The latest college football coverage

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 52.5 (-110) is the way to go despite the fact Marshall could have some growing pains with Wells under center. The Colonels of EKU will likely see a steady diet of Knox, and that’s bad news for a team which lacks speed and didn’t have a ton of practice time to work on tackling techniques. The defending C-USA MVP should have a field day, and Marshall has the offense to nearly take care of the Over itself.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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SMU at Texas State odds, picks and best bets

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

The 2020 college football season opens for SMU and Texas State on Saturday at Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos, Texas, with a 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff (on ESPN). We analyze the SMU-Texas State college football betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

SMU at Texas State: Betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:45 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: SMU -1667 | Texas State +875
  • Against the Spread/ATS: SMU -23 (-110) | Texas State +23 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 69.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

SMU at Texas State: Three things to know

  1. SMU’s defense has a couple of notable opt-outs due to COVID-19, as senior CB Eric Sutton is passing on the year and will enter the transfer portal for his final year of eligibility in 2021, while grad transfer DT Mike Williams, who came over from Stanford, also opted out.
  2. Texas State announced in late August that capacity at Bobcat Stadium will be limited to 25 percent, or 7,500 of the 30,000 seats. The Bobcats averaged 17,140 for their six home games in 2019.
  3. These teams met on Sept. 14, 2019, with the Mustangs posting a 47-17 victory as 17 1/2-point favorites. The over (63) also just inched over the line.

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SMU at Texas State: Odds, betting lines and picks

Prediction

SMU 45, Texas State 34

Moneyline (ML)

SMU (-1667) is coming off a double-digit win season, its first since 1984, and they have a high-powered offensive attack with former Texas QB Shane Buechele back at the helm. They could challenge for the American Athletic Conference title because of that amazing offense. However, there is never a way to justify risking this kind of money for such a little return, regardless of the near-certainty of victory. It’s just bad gambling to think otherwise.

New to sports betting? You would need to bet $100 just to win $6.

Against the Spread (ATS)

TEXAS STATE (+23, -110) should be able to keep it within three touchdowns, especially on the Bobcats’ home field. Head coach Jake Spavital is an offensive guru, and he is starting to get some of his people into the program after working with recruits from a prior regime last season, his first with the program. Texas State won three games in 2019, but should take a step forward in Sun Belt play this time around. QB Brady McBride is a player Spavital targeted as a transfer from Memphis, and he’ll be itching to go after sitting out 2019. SMU has a strong offense, but Texas State has enough firepower to hang.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 69.5 (-110) is the expected result. In the early going, look for the offenses to be ahead of the defenses — with sloppy tackling likely the rule, especially for some of the lesser defenses which weren’t likely going to be very good to begin with. We’ll see plenty of broken tackles and big plays from these two potent offenses who will show out in front of a national audience.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Arkansas State at Memphis odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Arkansas State at Memphis Tigers college football matchup, with college football betting odds, picks and best bets

The 2020 college football season opens for Arkansas State and Memphis at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn., with a Saturday night kickoff at 8 p.m. ET (on ESPN). We analyze the Arkansas State-Memphis college football betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Arkansas State at Memphis: Betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 8:25 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Memphis -910 | Arkansas State +575
  • Against the Spread/ATS: Memphis -17.5 (-106) | Arkansas State +17.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 74.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Arkansas State at Memphis: Three things to know

  1. Memphis star RB Kenneth Gainwell has opted out due to COVID-19 concerns. He rolled up 1,459 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, while adding 51 catches for 610 yards and three more scores. Four members of his from his family have reportedly died from the virus, including an uncle whose funeral took place last weekend.
  2. With Gainwell out of commission, it might be more air raid in Grind City. QB Brady White posted 4,014 passing yards with 33 TD strikes in 2019, and WR Damonte Coxie hauled in 76 balls for 1,276 yards and nine scores.
  3. Arkansas State has 13 returning starters from an eight-win team that won the Camellia Bowl. WR Jonathan Adams, on the Biletnikoff Award watch list, is the Red Wolves’ biggest star on offense. He’ll help new QB Logan Bonner, who takes the reins from departed QB Layne Hatcher.

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Arkansas State at Memphis: Odds, betting lines and picks

Prediction

Memphis 41, Arkansas State 24

Moneyline (ML)

Memphis (-910) will kick off the Ryan Silverfield era with a victory against a tough customer in Arkansas State (+575). However, there is no way to justify spending nearly 10 times your potential return, especially against a good Red Wolves team that will hang tough early on. AVOID.

Against the Spread (ATS)

ARKANSAS STATE (+17.5, -115) hails from the Sun Belt Conference, and I am a big fan of the Sun Belt Fun Belt. These teams are often overlooked and underrated early on, but the Red Wolves have some exciting players who will look to make a splash on prime time with all of the nation’s eyes watching. If Gainwell, the only player to go 1,000-500 in FBS last season, were in there for Memphis (-17.5, -106), I might be whistling a different tune. However, I think Arkansas State grabs a narrow cover on the road.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 74.5 (-110) is the play in the Liberty Bowl on Saturday. The under went 2-2 in four regular-season nonconference games for Memphis in 2019, while Arkansas State saw the under hit in two of their three nonconference tilts against FBS foes. Again, Gainwell’s absence will upset the Memphis offense a bit, as will the coaching change. The Tigers will post big points and get going, but a slow start will help under bettors to a winning ticket.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Middle Tennessee at Army odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Army Black Knights sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The 2020 college football season opens for Middle Tennessee and Army on Satruday at Michie Stadium in West Point, N.Y., with a 1:30 p.m. ET kickoff. We analyze the Middle Tennessee-Army college football betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Middle Tennessee at Army: Betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:20 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Army -182| Middle Tennessee +150
  • Against the Spread/ATS: Army -3.5 (-110) | Middle Tennessee +3.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 55.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Middle Tennessee at Army: Three things to know

  1. Army employs the triple option, which might be difficult for a defense that just learned of its opponent on Aug. 10. The Black Knights averaged 297.2 yards per game on the ground in 2019.
  2. Middle Tennessee allowed a dismal 194.0 rushing yards per game last season, and 4.9 yards per attempt, suggesting it could be a long day against Army, especially if the Blue Raiders fall behind early.
  3. MTSU QB Asher O’Hara threw for 2,616 yards and 20 touchdowns with eight interceptions in 2019, while running for another 1,044 yards and nine scores.

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Middle Tennessee at Army: Odds, betting lines and picks

Prediction

Army 34, Middle Tennessee 29

Moneyline (ML)

ARMY (-182) isn’t a bad play on the moneyline, as I normally do not playing three and a hook against the spread. The -170 to -180 range is about as high as I like to go on moneylines. However, not much is normal about this 2020 season, and betting Week 1 comes with plenty of risks due to the lack of sample size and practice time. If you can find moneylines to play, which is essentially a coin-flip wager, those make it easier to navigate the early part of the season.

Against the Spread (ATS)

ARMY (-3.5, -110) is an OK play, as I expect the Black Knights to run wild in this game. However, the dual-threat QB for the Blue Raiders will keep MTSU in the game for Rick Stockstill’s bunch. Go lightly with Army against the number.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 55.5 (-110) is the way to go here. The beauty of the triple-option offense is that a lot of preparation time isn’t needed to ramp up to full speed. It’s cut and dry, with plenty of running and not many chances taken. You slam it up the middle or off tackle mostly, and challenge the defense to stop you. MTSU’s defense will be hard-pressed to do that on short notice. But the Blue Raiders have the offense to hang in, and this could be a higher-scoring and rather entertaining battle on the banks of the Hudson.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Central Arkansas at UAB odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Central Arkansas Bears at UAB Blazers sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Central Arkansas Bears will take on the UAB Blazers Thursday at Legion Field. Kick-off is set for 8 p.m. ET. We analyze Central Arkansas-UAB college football betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Central Arkansas at UAB: Betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:35 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: UAB -1430 | Central Arknasas +800
  • Against the Spread/ATS: UAB -20.5 (-110) | Central Arkansas +20.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 49.5 (O: -106 | U: -115)

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with a college football bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Central Arkansas at UAB: Three things to know

1. Central Arkansas won in Week 0, defeating Austin Peay 24-17. In that game, RB Kierre Crossley had 12 carries for 110 yards and one touchdown.

2. Central Arkansas had three turnovers in Week 0, throwing two interceptions and losing one fumble. If the Bears want to stay competitive with UAB, they will need to cut back down on the turnovers Thursday.

3. UAB QB Tyler Johnston III returns for his junior season after throwing for 2,250 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2019.

Central Arkansas at UAB: Odds, betting lines and picks

Prediction

UAB 35, Central Arkansas 14

Moneyline (ML)

The UAB Blazers (-1430) are huge favorites over Central Arkansas Thursday night. UAB has been incredible at home, winning 18-straight games. Central Arkansas has lost 11 of its last 13 games and just doesn’t match up well here. Considering the odds, PASS on the moneyline in favor of the point spread.

Against the Spread (ATS)

UAB -20.5 (-110) is a three-touchdown favorite over Central Arkansas. The Bears have been good against the spread, covering in five of their last seven games; however, they just don’t have the talent to keep up with UAB and this could turn into a blowout rather quickly. Take UAB to cover the 20.5 points and win by at least 21 points Thursday.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this matchup is set at 49.5 points and that feels about right considering how bad Central Arkansas was on offense last season. While UAB might be able to cover the total on its own, look for the Blazers to hold Central Arkansas to two or fewer scores in this contest. The point total should be close, but look for the UNDER 49.5 (-115) to hit in this matchup.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @Marcus_Mosher on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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