NCAA odds lines against the spread over/under total picks predictions – Page 283

College Football Best Bets: 3 best small-school picks for Week 7

Looking at the 3 best small-school picks and predictions for Week 7 of the college football season, based on the odds and lines at Tipico Sportsbook.

We’re basically at the halfway mark of the college football regular season. Time flies when you’re having fun. Below, we look at the best bets for three small-school college football winners in Week 7, with expert college football picks and predictions.

Every week we target three smaller schools that are good bets to cover the spread and win big money – it doesn’t really matter the size of the school, it’s winners that matter.

This week we’ll look to a three-conference menu featuring Conference USA, the MAC and Mountain West.

Small-school college football best bets of Week 7

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7 p.m. ET.

Akron +19.5 (-108) at Miami (Ohio) (Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET)

Akron (2-4, 1-1 MAC) heads to Oxford to battle Miami (2-4, 1-1) fresh off a 35-20 road win at Bowling Green as a 14-point underdog. Can they do it again? I wouldn’t bank on an outright win, but Miami being favored by nearly three touchdowns while having identical records is a bit fishy.

Akron rolled up 117 yards on the ground and 268 yards through the air, including 3 touchdowns by QB Zach Gibson. All of the TD strikes came in the third quarter, perhaps Akron’s best quarter of football in a couple of decades.

Miami was edged 13-12 at Eastern Michigan last weekend, and it has managed just a 2-4 ATS mark. For an added bonus, take a look at the Under 50.5 (-107). The Redhawks have cashed the Under in four straight, with Akron going Under in two of the previous three.

Louisiana Tech at UTEP +6.5 (-105) (Saturday at 9 p.m. ET)

If you have been a regular reader of this column, you KNOW I love me some Miners. Head coach Dana Dimel has UTEP (5-1, 2-0 C-USA) within one win of bowl eligibility for the first time since 2014 when Sean Kugler lead them to the New Mexico Bowl. The Miners are 0-6 in their last six bowls, last winning one in 1967.

This season’s UTEP team is talented enough to go into unchartered territory. The Miners enter on a 3-0 ATS run, and if they cover for me again I’ll buy a Miners hat and post a selfie on social media, despite the fact I am an alumnus of a rival Conference USA institution.

The Bulldogs are fierce, and this will be a tough game. La. Tech (2-3, 1-0) showed out at NC State in its last game Oct. 2, covering a 18.5-point number, and has alternated straight-up losses and wins. The Bulldogs have also alternated covers and no-covers. It’s totally a coincidence, but they’re due for a straight-up win and non-cover if you follow the trends.

Hawaii at Nevada -13.5 (-117) (Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET)

Hawaii (3-3, 1-1 MWC) has been a tough team to figure in the Mountain West. They started out 1-3 SU, with non-covers in each of the first three outings. However, the Rainbow Warriors are piecing it together, and they’re coming off a signature win over Fresno State in the islands last week, 27-24.

Nevada (4-1, 1-0) hasn’t had to piece it together, as they’ve been good from the jump. QB Carson Strong is one of the top NFL prospects at his position, and he put on a show against New Mexico State last week as the Wolf Pack won 55-28. That’s four straight Overs for Nevada, by the way.

Hawaii might keep this close, as QB Chevan Cordeiro can sling it with the best of them. But the Warriors are 1-2 SU/ATS in three trips to the mainland, and those lengthy trips can take a lot out of them as the season treads on.

Last week’s recap

Got rooked by South Alabama last week, as they fell outright at Texas State. They led 24-10 midway through the fourth quarter, but allowed a game-tying touchdown with 17 seconds left in regulation. Worse, after 3 OT, teams alternate going for two-point conversions. So even if the Jags converted after 3 OT, they would have only won by two. That’s how Texas State won 33-31 in 4 OT.

UTEP won and covered, doubling up Southern Miss, and UTSA won outright as an underdog in a shootout.

Last Week: 2-1
Season Total: 10-8

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California at Oregon odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s California Golden Bears at Oregon Ducks odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The California Golden Bears (1-4, 0-2 Pac 12) visit the 10th-ranked Oregon Ducks (4-1, 1-1) Friday for a 10:30 p.m. ET kickoff (ESPN) at Autzen Stadium. Below, we look at the California vs. Oregon odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Both teams are coming off bye weeks. The Golden Bears are on a two-game skid, dropping back-to-back conference games. They were upset at home by Washington State 21-6 as 7.5-point favorites Oct. 2 and lost at Washington 31-24 in overtime, covering as 7.5-point underdogs Sept. 25.

The Ducks will be chomping at the bit as they had to wait an extra week to play again after suffering their first loss of the season. They were upset by Stanford 31-24 in overtime as 8.5-point road favorites Oct. 2.

Making matters worse, they lost RB C.J. Verdell (team-high 406 rushing yards, 6 TDs) and S Bennett Williams (3 interceptions, 16 solo tackles) to season-ending leg injuries and DE Kayvon Thibodeaux has to sit the first half because of a targeting penalty in the last game.

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

California at Oregon odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

Money line: California +420 (bet $100 to win $420) | Oregon -600 (bet $600 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): California +13.5 (-110) | Oregon -13.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 53.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

California at Oregon odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Oregon 30, California 20

Money line

PASS. The Ducks (-600) were upset as 9-point favorites 21-17 at the Golden Bears last season. Oregon will avenge the loss, but risking 6 times your potential return is not worth the risk.

Against the spread

CALIFORNIA +13.5 (-110) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager.

ATS records: California 2-3 | Oregon 1-4

The Bears are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games as road underdogs. The Ducks are 0-7 in their last seven games as favorites.

With Verdell out, it will take time for the Ducks to get the running game going. Plus, their air attack is average at best – QB Anthony Brown ranks eighth in the Pac-12 at 190.0 passing yards per game.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 53.5 (-108) to WIN 0.75 UNITS.

ATS records: California 3-2 | Oregon 2-3

Look for Oregon’s 35.8 PPG average to decline with Verdell done for the season, while Cal averages 24.2 points per game.

The past two games in this series cashed Under tickets. Expect the same Friday night.

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JOHNNY’S RECORD	W-L	SP	ROI
SINCE JULY 8	56-37	24-11	+18.566
–SP: Strongest plays; ROI*: Return on investment

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Auburn at Arkansas odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Auburn Tigers at Arkansas Razorbacks odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 19 Arkansas Razorbacks (4-2, 1-2 SEC) host the Auburn Tigers (4-2, 1-1) Saturday at Razorback Stadium for a noon ET kickoff. Below, we look at the Auburn vs. Arkansas odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Auburn got crushed Oct. 9 at home against the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs 34-10 as a 14.5-point home underdog, snapping a two-game winning streak. The Tigers’ only other loss this season was at the No. 8 Penn State Nittany Lions on primetime Sept. 19 in a “Penn State White Out” game.

Arkansas has lost back-to-back road games, first at Georgia 37-0 Oct. 2 then to the No. 14 Ole Miss Rebels 52-51 Oct. 9. However, the Razorbacks have exceeded the market’s expectations since they are 5-1 against the spread (ATS) this season.

Auburn squeaked past Arkansas in last year’s meeting 30-28 thanks to a game-winning field goal with 7 seconds remaining. Tigers senior QB Bo Nix is 2-0 vs. the Razorbacks with a 64.4% completion rate, four passing TDs, 0 interceptions, a 161.5 passer efficiency rating and two rushing TDs.

Auburn at Arkansas odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:08 a.m. ET.

Money line: Auburn +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Arkansas -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Auburn +4.5 (-115) | Arkansas -4.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Auburn at Arkansas odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Auburn 27, Arkansas 24

Money line

Slight “LEAN” to AUBURN (+160) for a tiny wager if at all because I “like” the Tigers plus the points and see a little value on the underdog’s money line.

This is a sell-high spot for Arkansas and a buy-low spot for Auburn. The market is excusing the past two Arkansas losses because the Razorbacks covered as underdogs at Ole Miss and weren’t expected to on the road vs. Georgia.

On the other hand, the Tigers are a more popular football program so there’s more attention and scrutiny when Auburn losses. Especially in high-profile, nationally televised games like against Georgia and in primetime vs. Penn State.

Arkansas ranks ninth in rushing rate, but Auburn has the edge in the trenches and stout rushing defense. Auburn’s defensive line ranks fifth in the country in line yards per play (according to Football Outsiders) and 21st in yards per rush allowed (3.2).

Against the spread

Definitely BET AUBURN +4.5 (-115) heavier than or instead of the money line based on the aforementioned logic. Ultimately, I have more faith in Auburn’s ability to win the line of scrimmage and dictate the pace.

Each team has a mobile quarterback and likes to establish the run. But Auburn is much better at stopping the run whereas Arkansas’s defense is 85th in yards per rush allowed (4.5).

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the UNDER 54.5 (-112) for a half unit as a fade against a market that’s betting the Over at a 66% clip at the time of this publishing (according to Pregame.com).

I see this game getting played in the trenches and there’s going to be a lot of running clock with each team looking to pound the rock.

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San Diego State at San Jose State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s San Diego State Aztecs at San Jose State Spartans odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 24 San Diego State Aztecs (5-0, 1-0 MWC) and San Jose State Spartans (3-3, 1-1) meet for a Friday MWC West Division tilt at 10:30 p.m. ET at CEFCU Stadium. Below, we look at the San Diego State vs. San Jose State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

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

San Diego State has a couple Pac-12 wins (against Arizona and Utah) under its belt. Now, the Aztecs head on the road for the first time since Sept. 11. SDSU’s defense has been its trademark in the undefeated run of wins. The Aztecs have held three of their last four opponents under 300 total yards. For the season, their 270.4 yards allowed per game rank sixth in the nation.

The Spartans have had all kinds of problems on offense. A program that ranked 36th in total yards a season ago has cranked out just 333.5 yards per game (114th) in 2021. Last time out, SJSU lost at Colorado State 31-14 Oct. 9. The Spartans’ two touchdowns came on one short-field drive and one garbage-time score.

San Diego State at San Jose State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:38 a.m. ET.

Money line: San Diego State -400 (bet $400 to win $100) | San Jose State +300 (bet $100 to win $300)
Against the spread (ATS): San Diego State -9.5 (-108) | San Jose State +9.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

San Diego State at San Jose State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

San Diego State 23, San Jose State 14

Money line

PASS on the juice-drowned tags here. San Jose State is a bit of a contrarian lean, but on the money line, it’d take a price of +350 or better to make for some decent value.

Against the spread

Peg the Spartans – bad as their offense has been – as being worthy of a look here. SJSU is at -10 in turnover margin, and those miscues and some untimely plays have led to the Spartans losing three straight games by double digits in ATS margin. Against a strong defense and running game, expect some pushback from a San Jose squad that is 2-1 ATS in its last three games against San Diego State, including a 28-17 straight-up win last season.

TAKE SAN JOSE STATE +9.5 (-112).

Over/Under

The Under is 3-0 the last three head-to-head meetings and 6-1 in the last seven tilts. That’s the lean here. Look for the visitors to game control a grinding field-position-and-clock battle.

TAKE THE UNDER 40.5 (-105).

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Clemson at Syracuse odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Clemson Tigers at Syracuse Orange odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 25 Clemson Tigers (3-2, 2-1 ACC) visit the Syracuse Orange (3-3, 0-2) in a Friday ACC Atlantic Division showdown. Kickoff at the Carrier Dome is slated for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Clemson vs. Syracuse odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

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

Clemson’s offense has continued to struggle. The Tigers come into this contest having played in three straight games decided by one score (which was followed by an off week). The most recent close tussle was a 19-13 victory over Boston College Oct. 2. Clemson has cranked out just 324.2 yards per game, which ranks 117th in the nation.

Syracuse has played in three straight games decided by 3 points each. The most recent was a 40-37 overtime loss to now-No. 16 Wake Forest Oct. 9. The Orange piled up a season-high 354 rushing yards and 514 total yards in that contest. For the season, the SU rushing attack ranks 10th (244.5 yards per game).

Clemson at Syracuse odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:46 a.m. ET.

Money line: Clemson -600 (bet $600 to win $100) | Syracuse +420 (bet $100 to win $420)
Against the spread (ATS): Clemson -13.5 (-110) | Syracuse +13.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Clemson at Syracuse odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Clemson 31, Syracuse 14

Money line

PASS on the gulf in prices here. Figure the true odds being well bracketed on both ends.

Against the spread

Look for a talented Clemson to be a bit sharper all around coming off a bye week. The Tigers are strong enough in the front seven to spell problems for a Syracuse offense which has leaned successfully on the run.

The Orange have piled up 22 sacks but in chunks against outmatched foes. Peg Clemson QB D.J. Uiagalelei as being undervalued a tad here.

TAKE THE TIGERS -13.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The Under is 4-1 across the last five meetings between the Tigers and Orange. That’s the lean for this Friday nighter featuring a struggling CU offense and a solid SU defense.

BACK THE UNDER 44.5 (-108).

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Marshall at North Texas odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Marshall Thundering Herd at North Texas Mean Green odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Marshall Thundering Herd (3-3, 1-1 CUSA) and North Texas Mean Green (1-4, 0-2) meet for a Friday game at 7 p.m. ET at Apogee Stadium in Denton, Texas. Below, we look at the Marshall vs. North Texas odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Marshall is coming off a 20-13 overtime win over Old Dominion. It was the Thundering Herd’s fourth consecutive game decided by 6 points or less as they went 1-3. Marshall – which sports a top-10 offense and an average defense – is playing its third road game in its last four contests.

North Texas enters off a 48-35 loss at Missouri. The Mean Green have lost four in a row, coughing up 36.8 points per game (PPG). Overall, North Texas has yielded 32.2 PPG, which ranks 107th in the nation. A year ago, UNT allowed 42.8 PPG (125th).

Marshall at North Texas odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:05 a.m. ET.

Money line: Marshall -420 (bet $420 to win $100) | North Texas +320 (bet $100 to win $320)
Against the spread (ATS): Marshall -11.5 (-108) | North Texas +11.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 66.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Marshall at North Texas odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Marshall 31, North Texas 17

Money line

AVOID the juice-filled money line tags here. Look to leverage some value on Marshall against the spread.

Against the spread

The Mean Green are 0-8 ATS in their last eight games as home underdogs.

Look for the Thundering Herd to open up a two-score lead in the first half and play it out to a two-touchdown win with their strong pass defense. A turnover-neutral Marshall and one which is better in defensive analytics than in its surface numbers is a solid play here.

BACK MARSHALL -11.5 (-108).

Over/Under

The Under is 4-0 in Marshall’s last four conference games and 4-1 in North Texas’ last five games overall.

Respect the Marshall defense here. Figure UNT’s weak rush defense (210.4 yards per game allowed, 116th FBS) as playing into Marshall killing the clock with its run game in the fourth. The forecast for this game includes a 17-mile-an-hour wind.

TAKE THE UNDER 66.5 (-112).

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Navy at Memphis odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Navy Midshipmen at Memphis Tigers odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Navy Midshipmen (1-4, 1-2 AAC) and Memphis Tigers (3-3, 0-2) tangle in a Thursday American Athletic Conference game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Navy vs. Memphis odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Navy is coming off a hard-fought 31-24 loss to now-No. 23 Southern Methodist (rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports). The Midshipmen head to Memphis having played in three straight games decided by one score. Navy’s offense – averaging 282.6 yards per game (ranking 126th) – has had trouble punching through to get key scores in clutch moments.

The Tigers are coming off five consecutive games decided by one score. Their 3-3 record comes courtesy of three wins to open the season followed by three straight losses. High-scoring, see-saw battles have been the norm for Memphis. The Tigers head into this game ranked 11th in the nation in total offense (499.3 yards per game) and 116th in defense (457.5 yards allowed per game).

Navy at Memphis odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:45 p.m. ET.

Money line: Navy +340 (bet $100 to win $340) | Memphis -475 (bet $475 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Navy +11.5 (-110) | Memphis -11.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Navy at Memphis odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Memphis 41, Navy 28

Money line

These two battled in a game that totaled 17 points and 601 yards a year ago with Memphis defeating Navy 10-7. The Tigers have taken two in a row and three of the last four in a series that has included plenty of close games.

The lean is on Memphis, but PASS on the pricing here.

Against the spread

Turnovers have short-circuited the Tigers in recent games. The home team is 4-0-1 ATS in the last five Memphis-Navy games.

The Tigers have a shaky pass defense, but that deficit gets mostly hidden away against the run-first Midshipmen. BACK MEMPHIS -11.5 (-110) on just a slight lean.

Over/Under

Consider a partial-unit play on the OVER 55.5 (-112). Some back-and-forth is likely to ensue, and both sides figure to find more success in red-zone opportunities than they’ve had thus far.

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Georgia Southern at South Alabama odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Georgia Southern Eagles at South Alabama Jaguars odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Georgia Southern Eagles (2-4, 1-2 Sun Belt Conference) and South Alabama Jaguars (3-2, 0-2) clash in a Sun Belt battle at Hancock Whitney Stadium Thursday in Mobile, Ala. Below, we look at the Georgia Southern vs. South Alabama odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Georgia Southern is coming off a 27-24 loss at Troy and has lost four of its last five games. Fourth-year head coach Chad Lunsford was fired partway through that stretch after the Eagles started 1-3. Interim coach Kevin Whitley is 1-1 in two games since.

Rush-first GSU (253.2 rushing yards per game) sports an overall middle-of-the-road-to-slightly-subpar offense. The Eagles struggle mightily on the other side of the ball and their 486.0 total yards allowed per game ranks 126th in FBS.

South Alabama went into a late-September bye week undefeated at 3-0. The Jaguars are 0-2 since, being outscored by a combined 4 points against Louisiana and Texas State. The second of those losses — last Saturday — came in a four-overtime game that included wild momentum swings.

USA has been solid against the run and the pass and overall ranks 24th in the nation, while yielding just 311.2 total yards per game.

Georgia Southern at South Alabama odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 2:40 p.m. ET.

Money line: Georgia Southern +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | South Alabama -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Georgia Southern +2.5 (+105) | South Alabama -2.5 (-130)
Over/Under (O/U): 49.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Georgia Southern at South Alabama odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

South Alabama 27, Georgia Southern 21

Money line

South Alabama’s 20-18 loss to Louisiana feels like a Jaguars-should-have-won game, and it’s an impressive one. Figure USA as being able to move the ball in diverse ways against Georgia Southern but PASS on the money line unless you can get the Jaguars at -150 or better.

Against the spread

The Jaguars have converted just 32.9% of their third-down conversion attempts. That ranks 110th in the nation. Look for USA to find more success against this Georgia Southern defense.

The Eagles got two late touchdowns to take last year’s meeting 24-17. GSU had a pair of short TD drives. Look for a revenge angle in this home game for the Jaguars.

The favorite is 5-2 ATS across the last seven series meetings. The home side has won four in a row ATS.

BACK THE JAGUARS -2.5 (-130).

Over/Under

The Under hit in two straight series meetings. Look for a similar score to these two games with 20-to-28 points being the winning score.

BACK THE UNDER 49.5 (-108).

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Ole Miss at Tennessee odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Ole Miss Rebels at Tennessee Volunteers odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 14 Ole Miss Rebels (4-1, 1-1 SEC) travel to meet the Tennessee Volunteers (4-2, 2-1) Saturday at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Ole Miss vs. Tennessee odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Rebels rebounded from their loss at Alabama Oct. 2 by squeaking by Arkansas 52-51 Oct. 9. It was the fourth time in five outings that Ole Miss registered 43 or more points. The Rebels rank No. 2 in the country with 561.6 total yards per game.

The Volunteers have flexed some offensive muscle over the past two games, averaging 53.5 points per game (PPG) in wins and covers against Mizzou and South Carolina. Tennessee has registered 34 or more points in five of six outings, hitting the Over ins four of the past five.

Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Ole Miss at Tennessee odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 6:19 p.m. ET.

Money line: Ole Miss -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Tennessee +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
Against the spread (ATS): Ole Miss -2.5 (-117) | Tennessee +2.5 (-103)
Over/Under (O/U): 82.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Ole Miss at Tennessee odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Ole Miss 43, Tennessee 37

Money line

OLE MISS (-145) is worth a look straight up as playing the Rebels isn’t out of line at this price. The Rebels offense will be tested by a decent Volunteers defense, but Ole Miss should be able to get it done on the road in head coach Lane Kiffin’s old stomping grounds.

Against the spread

OLE MISS -2.5 (-117) is worth a look laying the two and a hook. I just like QB Matt Corral and the Rebels offense more than the Vols offense.

Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker has been solid since transferring from Virginia Tech, and RB Tiyon Evans is the home run hitter the Vols have been lacking for years in the backfield.

But Mississippi is a much deeper team, and it will show in the second half.

Over/Under

UNDER 82.5 (-112) is worth a small-unit play. Yes, Ole Miss and Arkansas combined for a ridiculous 103 total points last week, but in its showdown with Alabama, the O/U line was 80 and the points ended up going well Under with the Tide winning 42-21.

The Under is 19-7 in the past 26 for Ole Miss as a road favorite, while Tennessee has hit the Under in nine of the past 12 at home, while going 7-3 in the past 10 SEC contests.

This won’t be confused for a defensive battle, but it won’t go Over, either.

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TCU at Oklahoma odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s TCU Horned Frogs at Oklahoma Sooners odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The TCU Horned Frogs (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) travel to meet the No. 3 Oklahoma Sooners (6-0, 3-0) Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the TCU vs. Oklahoma odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Horned Frogs were in freefall with a pair of losses to SMU and Texas, but they bounced back with a 52-31 road win at Texas Tech Oct. 9 as 2.5-point favorites. It was TCU’s first cover after opening 0-3-1 against the spread (ATS) this season.

The Sooners had a ridiculous 55-48 comeback win against Texas in the Red River Showdown in Dallas Oct. 9, covering as 4-point favorites. Head coach Lincoln Riley turned to backup QB Caleb Williams in the middle of the game, benching Heisman hopeful QB Spencer Rattler. The cover snapped an 0-3 ATS skid.

Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

TCU at Oklahoma odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 5:52 p.m. ET.

Money line: TCU +420 (bet $100 to win $420) | Oklahoma -600 (bet $600 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): TCU +13.5 (-108) | Oklahoma -13.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 65.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

TCU at Oklahoma odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Oklahoma 41, TCU 27

Money line

Oklahoma (-600) will cost you six times your potential return. That’s just too much risk and not enough reward. The Sooners are coming off an epic comeback win, and a little bit of a letdown this week could be possible.

AVOID and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

OKLAHOMA -13.5 (-108) might be a bit sluggish, especially in the early going, and TCU certainly has the horses to at least hang for a little bit.

The Horned Frogs scored 52 points last week at Texas Tech, proving they have some offensive weapons. But whether it’s Williams, Rattler or a combination of the two under center for the Sooners, Oklahoma is just too strong offensively to beat over 60 minutes.

Over/Under

OVER 65.5 (-105) is the play here. Oklahoma rolled up 55 points last week, while TCU also went for 50-plus. The Horned Frogs have hit the Over in three of the past four, also allowing 31 or more points in each of the past four. Defense isn’t exactly a hallmark for the Frogs.

The Sooners have gone for 37 or more points in four of six outings, hitting the Over in each of those contests. OU is good for 41.2 point per game (PPG) to rank eighth in the country, and its 20th in total yards per game at 472.5. The Sooners have allowed 23.8 PPG, so they’re not quite elite in that department. That’s good for Over bettors.

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