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

Arkansas at LSU odds, picks and prediction

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

The Arkansas Razorbacks (6-3, 2-3 in SEC) head to “Death Valley” to play the LSU Tigers (4-5, 4-4) at Tiger Stadium Saturday for an SEC showdown. The kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Arkansas vs. LSU odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Arkansas has won back-to-back games over the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions and Mississippi State Bulldogs following a three-game losing streak to quality conference opponents.

The Razorbacks are 5-4 ATS and 6-3 with the 22nd-toughest strength of schedule, according to USA TODAY’s Jeff Sagarin.

LSU has lost back-to-back games but covered in its latest outing, which was a 20-14 loss at the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide as 29.5-point road underdogs in Week 10. The Tigers are 4-5 ATS and 4-5 O/U with the second-hardest strength of schedule, according to Sagarin.

The Tigers have beaten the Razorbacks in five straight meetings but Arkansas has covered in two of the last three games.

Arkansas at LSU odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:15 p.m. ET.

Money line: Arkansas -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | LSU +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread (ATS): Arkansas -2.5 (-110) | LSU +2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 59.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Arkansas at LSU odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Arkansas 27, LSU 24

Money line

I’m on ARKANSAS (-135) for 1 unit even though this is traditionally a spot where I’d back LSU (+110). The Tigers are tough to beat in primetime games at “Death Valley”.

But, ultimately, LSU just doesn’t have the bodies to compete in the SEC this season hence it being Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron’s final year on the job. For instance, LSU’s secondary has one four-star and three five-star DBs on its injury report.

More importantly, LSU’s defense is solid on standard downs but terrible on passing downs and the Tigers rank 118th in 3rd-down conversion rate. Plus the advanced analytics paint an even grimmer picture of LSU’s defense in passing situations.

The Tigers rank 114th in defensive passing down success rate, 111th in defensive predicted points added (PPA) on passing downs and 117th in explosive plays allowed on passing downs.

On the other hand, Arkansas ranks 17th in offensive passing down PPA and 16th in opponent’s 3rd-down conversion rate.

The bottom line is this will be the difference-maker in a game that’s priced at a coin-flip. I’ll take the “chalk” road favorite in ARKANSAS (-135).

Against the spread

PASS since the Razorbacks’ money line is just 25 cents on the dollar more expensive than Arkansas -2.5 (-110).

Also, Tiger Stadium is a tough environment to play in and I don’t want to fuss with the points with a road favorite in a conference game. It’s “square” enough paying extra for Arkansas in this spot and I’d hate to lose if the Razorbacks only win by one or two points.

Over/Under

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Under 59.5 (-115) because a vast majority of the market is betting the Over (according to Pregame.com) and my sports betting instinct is to fade lopsided markets. Plus I just kind of have a hunch that Arkansas-LSU is a tight, low-scoring game.

But, my handicap on this contest’s total is fairly shallow so I’ll just stick with Arkansas straight up in this one.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Minnesota at Iowa odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Minnesota Golden Gophers at Iowa Hawkeyes odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 14 Iowa Hawkeyes (7-2, 4-2 in Big Ten) host the Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-3, 4-2) Saturday for a Big Ten West battle at Kinnick Stadium. The kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Minnesota vs. Iowa 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.

This is a meeting between the two (of four) teams tied atop in the Big Ten West standings.

Minnesota had its four-game winning streak snapped last weekend after losing 14-6 to the Illinois Fighting Illini as 14.5-point home favorites. The Golden Gophers are 5-3-1 ATS and 4-5 O/U with the 59th-toughest schedule, according to USA TODAY’s Jeff Sagarin.

Iowa broke out of its two-game slump by beating the Northwestern Wildcats 17-12 but failed to cover as 12-point home favorites and haven’t covered the spread in the last three outings. The Hawkeyes are 5-4 ATS and 2-7 O/U with the 20th-toughest schedule (according to Sagarin).

The Hawkeyes have beaten the Golden Gophers in five straight games (4-0-1 ATS) and all four since Minnesota hired head coach P.J. Fleck in 2017.

Minnesota at Iowa odds, spread and lines

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

Money line: Minnesota +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Iowa -205 (bet $205 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Minnesota +4.5 (-112) | Iowa -4.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 37.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

Minnesota at Iowa odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Minnesota 20, Iowa 16

Money line

Slight “LEAN” to MINNESOTA (+165) because I “like” Golden Gophers getting points in this spot and think there’s value in the underdog’s money line.

Furthermore, most college football minds are realizing that Iowa isn’t as good as its record indicates and the advanced college football gurus back that up.

For instance, Iowa may rank No. 14 in USA TODAY’s poll, but Football Outsiders ranks the Hawkeyes 42nd in net drive efficiency, 40th in net points per drive and 46th in net points per play.

Granted, “sprinkling” the underdog’s money line in this spot is more of a long-term strategy to maximize profits. So, Minnesota plus the points is the much wiser wager.

Against the spread

Iowa’s best arguments for covering this game are “the Hawkeyes are at home” and “Iowa has played a tougher schedule”. But, I’m seeing more value in MINNESOTA +4.5 (-112) at the moment.

For example, the Golden Gophers have better differentials in predicted points added (PPA), yards per play, Havoc rates, 3rd-down conversion rate, and red zone scoring rate.

Additionally, this is a better spot for Minnesota who is 9-6 ATS as a road underdog and 21-17-2 ATS in Big Ten games since hiring Fleck.

Also, there’s been a “sharp line move” towards Minnesota as this game opened with Iowa -7 but has been steamed all the way down to the current price.

You could make a case we are getting to the party a little late on the Golden Gophers so that’s another reason to maybe just bet Minnesota’s spread.

But, definitely BET MINNESOTA +4.5 (-112) instead of or heavier than the Golden Gophers on the money line.

Over/Under

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Under 37.5 (-115) as a fade of a market that’s betting the Over at a 75-plus percent clip at the time of publishing, according to Pregame.com.

The bottom line is both defenses are better than the offenses, but, other than that, I don’t have much for the total.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

TCU at Oklahoma State odds, picks and prediction

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

The TCU Horned Frogs (4-5, 2-4 in Big XII) visit the No. 10 Oklahoma State Cowboys (8-1, 5-1) for a Big XII game at Boone Pickens Stadium Saturday. The kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the TCU vs. Oklahoma 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.

TCU broke its three-game losing skid by upsetting the No. 18 Baylor Bears 30-28 as 7.5-point home underdogs in what was TCU’s first game in the former head coach post-Gary Patterson era.

The Horned Frogs moved to 2-6-1 ATS and 5-4 O/U with the victory and have played the 24th-toughest strength of schedule, according to USA TODAY’s Jeff Sagarin.

Oklahoma State clobbered its second straight opponent after beating the West Virginia Mountaineers 24-3 in Week 10. The Cowboys have by far the best defense in the Big XII. Oklahoma State is 7-2 ATS and 2-6-1 O/U with the 23rd-hardest schedule, according to Sagarin.

TCU upset Oklahoma State in last year’s meeting 29-22 as 2.5-point home underdogs. Also, these teams have split the last six meetings, both outright and ATS.

TCU at Oklahoma State odds, spread and lines

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

Money line: TCU +360 (bet $100 to win $360) | Oklahoma State -500 (bet $500 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): TCU +11.5 (-108) | Oklahoma State -11.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

TCU at Oklahoma State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Oklahoma State 34, TCU 14

Money line

PASS because even though the Cowboys should win handily, Oklahoma State (-500) is too far out of my price range for any favorite in a conference game.

Also, Oklahoma State is too expensive to add in a money line parlay or as a teaser leg.

Against the spread

Despite this being a double-digit spread, there’s more value in OKLAHOMA STATE -11.5 (-112) than the underdog in this spot.

The reason is TCU hasn’t faced a defense in the same neighborhood as Oklahoma State’s. For instance, the Cowboys are ranked sixth in the nation in defensive predicted points added (PPA).

On the other hand, the best defense TCU has played this season was West Virginia who rank 64th in defensive PPA. Well, TCU scored 17 points in that game so the Horned Frogs will get shut down Saturday.

Furthermore, TCU started freshman QB Chandler Morris over junior QB Max Duggan and Morris was awesome.

However, facing this world-beating Oklahoma State defense is another story. I think Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy will make Morris’s life difficult this week. In fact, a derivative you can play in this contest would be UNDER 20.5 TCU TEAM TOTAL (-110).

As for the game, GIMME OKLAHOMA STATE -11.5 (-112).

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the UNDER 54.5 (-110) for a tiny wager if at all because I much prefer Oklahoma State laying the points than the total in this game.

That said, TCU’s offense won’t do much vs. Oklahoma State’s defense and the Cowboys have only gone Over the total twice this season for a reason. That reason is Oklahoma State is also not very efficient on offense.

But, a vast majority of the market is on the Under in TCU-Oklahoma State (according to Pregame.com) and I hate following a crowd of people in sports betting.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Villanova at UCLA odds, picks and prediction

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

The No. 4 Villanova Wildcats (1-0) and No. 2 UCLA Bruins (1-0) meet Friday night at Pauley Pavilion. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Villanova vs. UCLA odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Wildcats blasted Mount St. Mary’s in the tune-up opener, 91-51. Four starters went for 13 or more points, and Big East Player of the Year candidate Collin Gillespie dropped in three triples with 13 points, 5 assists and 2 steals.

The Bruins also had a lay-up against Cal State-Bakersfield in the opener, winning 95-58. Like ‘Nova, UCLA had four starters in double digits, including 19 points apiece from Jules Bernard and Johnny Juzang.

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

Villanova at UCLA odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Money line: Villanova +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | UCLA -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Villanova +2.5 (-102) | UCLA -2.5 (-122)
Over/Under (O/U): 140.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Villanova at UCLA odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

UCLA 77, Villanova 73

Money line

You can bet UCLA (-160) and not have to worry about the points. That’s fine. It’s a little cheaper to take the home side laying the two and a half, but this is going to be a close game.

Just playing the ML might be the way to go.

Against the spread

UCLA -2.5 (-122) is worth playing, although I could see this game ending on a buzzer-beater. That’s how evenly matched these teams are. This will be a star-studded affair and a fun one to watch.

Bernard and Juzang are going to put on a show.

Over/Under

OVER 140.5 (-108) is the play. Each of these teams flexed their offensive muscle against cupcakes in the opener but will face much more resistance here.

Still, both of these teams are too talented not to get into at least the 70’s. That will make for a rather easy opener, as long as the pace is fast right out of the gate.

I think the Over is the best bet on the board.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Notre Dame at Virginia odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Notre Dame at Virginia odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-1) visit Scott Stadium Saturday to take on the Virginia Cavaliers (6-3). Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Notre Dame vs. Virginia 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.

Notre Dame has just one loss on the season, a home defeat at the hands of the Cincinnati Bearcats, and still has CFP aspirations.

The Fighting Irish have continued their success behind the play of graduate transfer QB Jack Coan. All three of their remaining games are against unranked opponents, and they’ll be looking for style points in this one.

Virginia is coming in having given up 66 points to BYU and has scored more than 40 in three straight games.

The Cavaliers have been thriving behind star QB Brennan Armstrong, who faces a tough test against the quality Notre Dame defense.

Notre Dame at Virginia odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: Notre Dame -220 (bet $220 to win $100) | Virginia +175 (bet $100 to win $175)
Against the spread (ATS): Notre Dame -5.5 (-115) | Virginia +5.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 64.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Notre Dame at Virginia odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Notre Dame 38, Virginia 31

Money line

PASS on the money line.

While Virginia has shown that it can stay in games, it hasn’t been able to come out on top when it matters most. The Cavaliers lost to two teams ranked in the top 15 and were downed by UNC as well.

Considering they’ve yet to take down Notre Dame in three previous meetings, I’m not betting they figure it out now. At the same time, Notre Dame is a bit too pricey. The -220 could help boost a parlay, but the risk is certainly there.

Against the spread

BET on NOTRE DAME -5.5 (-115) as a solid bet in this game.

Both teams are coming in 6-3 against the spread. However, Virginia has yet to cover against a quality opponent, having lost by 20 twice and 17 once against top teams. Virginia just doesn’t show much quite as much against elite opponents.

On the other hand, Notre Dame has just one loss and it was to a top-five team. Its beaten Wisconsin by 28, UNC by 10, and USC by 15.

The better side is Notre Dame when considering the trends here.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 64.5 (-108) as there’s absolutely zero way I’m betting against the nation’s second-leading passer.

Armstrong has been dynamic this season as he and star prospect Bailey Zappe from Western Kentucky are the only players to throw for over 3,500 yards. The Cavaliers are tied with North Carolina for 11th nationally with 38.9 points per game.

Virginia has topped 40 points in 6 of 9 games, including two weeks ago against BYU, and it’s given up 40 or more in two straight games which is concerning.

At 32.8 points per game, Notre Dame is competent behind Coan as well. Combine the two offenses and the pitiful Virginia defense, and the Under stands no chance.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Kentucky at Vanderbilt odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Kentucky Wildcats at Vanderbilt Commodores odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Kentucky Wildcats (6-3, 4-3 SEC) travel south to Vanderbilt Stadium for a tilt with the Vanderbilt Commodores (2-7, 0-5) Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets

Once with CFP aspirations, Kentucky has lost three straight games starting with the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs. The Wildcats followed that up with a 14-point defeat at Mississippi State and a 3-point loss to Tennessee.

Penn State transfer QB Will Levis and the Wildcats will look to get back on track in what should be an easy win.

Vanderbilt has won just two games this season, most recently five weeks ago when they picked up a 30-28 victory against Connecticut. The Commodores were throttled 45-6 by Mississippi State two weeks ago and enter this one as heavy underdogs.

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

Kentucky at Vanderbilt odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11 a.m. ET.

Money line: Kentucky -1400 (bet $1400 to win $100) | Vanderbilt +750 (bet $100 to win $750)
Against the spread (ATS): Kentucky -21.5 (-105) | Vanderbilt +21.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Kentucky at Vanderbilt odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Kentucky 38, Vanderbilt 10

Money line

PASS on the money line. Vanderbilt doesn’t have a good win this season, and Kentucky doesn’t provide enough value.

Kentucky started 6-0 with wins over Florida and LSU, but there’s no reason to think they won’t come out on top despite its recent struggles. However, the value isn’t there on either side of this line.

Against the spread

BET to KENTUCKY -21.5 (-105) as Vanderbilt just hasn’t shown consistency against quality SEC opponents. The Commodores were destroyed by Mississippi State just two weeks ago and lost 62-0 to Georgia earlier in the season.

Kentucky is one of just three teams that have ended within three scores of Georgia. The Wildcats have a dynamic run game that averages over 180 yards per game and should be able to run all over the Commodores.

Combine the success of Kentucky this season and the weaknesses Vanderbilt has shown, and you should get a game that’s not within three scores.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 52.5 (-108) as Kentucky’s offense just hasn’t been as consistent as I’d like to see. The Wildcats haven’t topped 20 points per game in four of their last six.

Levis and WR Wan’Dale Robinson are a productive duo and should score, but at what level is the question. Vanderbilt is also inconsistent — at 14.9 points per game, it’s the only team in the SEC averaging under 20 points per game.

With Kentucky having to carry the load of the scoring for this Over to hit, this is a bet against their offense going parabolic.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Georgia State at Coastal Carolina odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Georgia State at Coastal Carolina odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Georgia State Panthers (4-5, 3-2 Sun Belt) visit the No. 21 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (8-1, 4-1) Saturday at Brooks Stadium in Conway, S.C. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Georgia State at Coastal Carolina odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Panthers played Louisiana tough on the road last week as they fell 21-17 and covered a 13.5-point number. Georgia State is 3-1 SU/4-0 ATS across its last four, getting themselves right back in the hunt for a bowl bid.

The Chanticleers pecked out a 28-8 win in the rain at Georgia Southern last week, beginning life after QB Grayson McCall, who may be done for the season due to a shoulder injury. The offense had a different look behind the play of QB Bryce Carpenter as they rushed for 220 yards and had just 85 yards through the air.

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

Georgia State at Coastal Carolina odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:08 a.m. ET.

Money line: Georgia State +320 (bet $100 to win $320) | Coastal Carolina -420 (bet $420 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Georgia State +10.5 (-112) | Coastal Carolina -10.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 51.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Georgia State at Coastal Carolina odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Coastal Carolina 27, Georgia State 24

Money line

Coastal Carolina still has some impressive offense pieces, but the loss of McCall is a huge one as it changes the complexion of the team. The weather conditions in Statesboro last week might have created a need for a more ground-based attack, but I don’t like what I saw from the Chants one bit.

Georgia State is 0-11 SU all-time against ranked teams, so an outright win is not likely.

PASS and look to the spread.

Against the spread

GEORGIA STATE +10.5 (-112) has been on a roll lately, and I wouldn’t be shocked in the least to see the Panthers win this one outright. That’s how well they’ve been playing lately, and QB Darren Grainger is from Conway, S.C., so this will be a homecoming and he’ll look to show the Chanticleers what they missed by not recruiting him. The chip on the shoulder aspect is always nice.

The Panthers have covered four straight overall, four straight on the road, and five of their last six against winning teams. The road team is also a perfect 4-0 ATS in the last four in this series.

Over/Under

The UNDER 51.5 (-105) is the lean, but only with a small-unit play.

I’d like to see Carpenter under center a little more as a starter this season, and a home game with ideal weather conditions will give us a better understanding of what he brings to the table. We’ve seen him plenty in the past, before the rise of McCall. CCU ran a lot last week, perhaps due to the rain, and the pass game wasn’t sharp at all.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Wyoming at Boise State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Wyoming at Boise State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Wyoming Cowboys (5-4, 1-4 MWC) and Boise State Broncos (5-4, 3-2) meet for a Saturday 9 p.m. ET game at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Below, we look at the Wyoming vs. Boise State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Wyoming snapped a four-game losing skid with a 31-17 win over Colorado State last week. The Cowboys’ 31 points marked the team’s most since Sept. 18 as Wyoming scored a total of just 38 points during its losing skid. The Cowboys now travel to a venue where they have never won in seven visits.

The Broncos lost their last two home games but are 3-1 over their last four games overall. Boise State is coming off a 40-14 win at Fresno State where it was a four-point underdog but leveraged three Bulldogs turnovers and 91 penalty yards in the road conquest.

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

Wyoming at Boise State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9:03 a.m. ET.

Money line: Wyoming +420 (bet $100 to win $420) | Boise State -600 (bet $600 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Wyoming +13.5 (-107) | Boise State -13.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: -105 | U: -120)

Wyoming at Boise State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Boise State 27, Wyoming 14

Money line

There is some lean toward the visiting Cowboys here, and the Smurf Turf magic of years gone by seems to have dissipated, but focus on the ATS play for the best value: PASS.

Against the spread

Last week Boise State managed a second straight ATS win for the first time in seven tries (1-5 in the previous six games following ATS victory).

The Cowboys are 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings in Boise.

Negative turnover margins greased the skids of Wyoming’s recent four-game slide. The Cowboys were a combined minus-9 over games Oct. 16, Oct. 23, and Oct. 30.

Peg some lean toward UW’s offense and some fade on BSU’s when it comes to finishing drives — with analytics showing some discrepancies with how these teams move the ball in their own end, between the 30s, and beyond.

TAKE THE COWBOYS +13.5 (-107).

Over/Under

The Under is 5-1 in the last six meeting between these sides, and is 6-1 in the Broncos’ last seven MWC tilts.

The Broncos want to pass to leverage their 27th-ranked aerial attack (276.3 yards per game), but the Cowboys rank fourth in FBS in defending the pass (155.7 yards allowed per game). When Wyoming has the ball, it figures to utilize the ground game.

BACK THE UNDER 48.5 (-120).

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

College Football Best Bets: 3 best small-school picks for Week 11

Looking at the 3 best small-school picks and predictions for Week 11 of the college football season, based on the odds and lines at Tipico Sportsbook.

We’re heading down the final stretch of the college football regular season, and it’s a fun time of the year with MAC action in the middle of the week. It leaves us with fewer small-school games to pick, but there are still plenty of values. Below, we look at the best bets for three small-school college football winners in Week 11, 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 weekend we’ll focus on a trio games from Conference USA and the Sun Belt Conference.

Small-school college football best bets of Week 11

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Georgia Southern at Texas State -2.5 (-105) (Saturday at 3 p.m. ET)

Georgia Southern (2-7, 1-5 Sun Belt) heads down to San Marcos, Texas, for a Sun Belt showdown with Texas State (3-6, 2-3), a team that is playing much better under head coach Jake Spavital this season. In fact, the Bobcats have been a tough out each week lately.

The Bobcats are all alone in second place in the Sun Belt’s West Division behind ranked Louisiana. While Texas State was no match for the Ragin’ Cajuns in Lafayette, La., Oct. 30, it has a respectable 3-2 ATS mark across the past five games, with three of those outings one-score games.

Meanwhile, the Eagles are on a four-game losing streak, and 0-3 ATS mark, showing no signs of life. Last season you could rely on GASO to be competitive with QB Shai Werts, but once he hit the transfer portal, he seemed to take a lot of talent and cohesiveness with him.

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

FAU -6.5 (-117) at Old Dominion (Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET)

FAU (5-4, 3-2) lost a key game last week at home against Marshall, falling out of first place in the C-USA East Division. They’ll be looking for a bounce-back game on the road against a poor Old Dominion (3-6, 2-3) side.

While the Monarchs have shown some improvement lately, putting one on FIU last week by a 47-24 score in Miami, while going 3-1 ATS across the past four, the Owls are a tough matchup.

QB N’Kosi Perry have had a rather balanced offensive attack, and it will look to take advantage of an ODU D allowing 29.3 PPG. The Owls are also 11-5 ATS in the past 16 road games, and the favorite is 4-0 ATS in the past four in this series.

Arkansas State at UL Monroe -2.5 (-120) (Saturday at 5 p.m. ET)

Arkansas State (1-8, 0-5 Sun Belt) travels to meet UL Monroe (4-5, 2-4), a team that was expected to struggle. Now, the Warhawks are in position to at least qualify for bowl eligibility, while it’s the Red Wolves who are in the basement and the only winless team in the Belt.

When head coach Blake Anderson left for Utah State, and QB Logan Bonner followed him, the Red Wolves weren’t left with much talent in the cupboard. It has shown, as not only is Ark State 1-8 SU, but it is 1-4 ATS across the past five games, losing by 18 or more points in four of those five outings.

Monroe was tripped up at aforementioned Texas State last week but has two straight wins at home against a decent South Alabama team and a good Liberty side. The Warhawks are 3-1-1 ATS in five home dates and will improve upon that number on Senior Day at Malone Stadium.

Last week’s recap

Things started off well with a no-doubt winner from North Texas on the road against a bad, bad Southern Miss team. It’s the worst Golden Eagles team in years, so take advantage of their futility. Things went south with ULM at Texas State, two teams actually featured above. And I had a feeling UNLV wasn’t going to go winless, and it picked up its first win at New Mexico last week, a team that has struggled defensively. I should’ve known better, but backed the boys from ABQ anyway.

Let’s build that bankroll back up this week! We have just this week, and next week, and then I must bid you adieu for the season.

Last Week: 1-2
Season Total: 16-14

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

UCF at SMU odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s UCF Knights at SMU Mustangs odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The UCF Knights (6-3, 4-2 AAC) visit the SMU Mustangs (7-2, 3-2) Saturday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET. Below, we look at the UCF vs. SMU odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Knights struggled in a 14-10 win over Tulane at home last Saturday, not coming close to covering as 13.5-point favorites with the Under cashing. UCF has won three straight, and the defense has been a huge reason. The Knights allowed just 8.0 points per game across the past three outings.

The Mustangs were dropped 28-25 at Memphis last Saturday, falling out of the Top 25 rankings as a result. SMU has lost and failed to cover two in a row, also losing in Houston 44-37 Oct. 30.

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

UCF at SMU odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 4:54 p.m. ET.

Money line: UCF +230 (bet $100 win $230) | SMU -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): UCF +7.5 (-120) | SMU -7.5 (+100)
Over/Under (O/U): 60.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

UCF at SMU odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

SMU 32, UCF 29

Money line

SMU (-300) will cost you three times your potential return. That’s a little steep considering the Mustangs have dropped two in a row, and the Knights enter on a three-game win streak.

PASS and focus on the spread.

Against the spread

UCF +7.5 (-120) is just 3-6 ATS this season, but two of those covers are within the past three games. The offense has been a little inconsistent, but the defense is banging lately. That’s good news for the Knights, but their defense will have to continue the solid play as the Mustangs feature an offense that can score quickly.

If this game were at the Bounce House, I’d feel better about UCF. As it stands, the Knights should be a sound play catching seven and the hook in Dallas.

Over/Under

The lean is to the OVER 60.5 (-115) as I think SMU will still be able to move the ball despite UCF’s recent run of strong defense. But I’d play this really, really lightly.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]