NCAA odds lines against the spread over/under total picks predictions – Page 286

Nevada at California odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The Nevada Wolf Pack and California Golden Bears meet Saturday at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nevada at California odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Nevada is considered the favorite in the Mountain West’s West Division, and head coach Jay Norvell’s team is stacked in 2021. It all starts with QB Carson Strong, who tossed 27 TD passes in just eight regular-season games and the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Top WR Romeo Doubs returns too, as does RB Toa Taua.

California managed just one win in four games in a COVID-19 shortened season. QB Chase Garbers had a full offseason to get on the same page with offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, so look for the Golden Bears to be much better in 2021. Four returning starters on the offensive line will give him ample time and keep him upright.

Nevada at California odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:41 a.m. ET.

Money line: Nevada +133 (bet $100 to win $133) | California -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nevada +3.5 (-125) | California -3.5 (+100)
Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Nevada at California odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Nevada 31, California 24

Money line

NEVADA (+133) is a tremendous underdog opportunity for a chance at plus money. Strong and the Pack will have their hands full against a talented Cal defense, although the Bears are a little light in the pass rush. With an experienced O-line in front of him, Strong should be able to pick Cal apart.

Against the spread

NEVADA +3.5 (-125) is an outstanding value while catching three and the hook. The Wolf Pack are on the outside looking in as far as the Top 25 rankings are concerned, but a road win over a Power 5 team would certainly turn some heads.

I like Strong and the Nevada offense much better than Garbers and the Cal offense, and I think that alone is the difference.

Over/Under

OVER 52.5 (-110) is the “lean”, although only a small-unit play is warranted. Strong and the Nevada offense has the potential to get a good chunk of this total all on their own. Cal has a strong defense, though, especially in the back end.

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Kent State at Texas A&M odds, expert picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Kent State at Texas A&M odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Kent State Golden Flashes and Texas A&M Aggies meet Saturday night at the Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Kent State vs. Texas A&M odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Kent State rolled up some mighty impressive offensive totals last season, and there is no reason to believe that production will be curbed in 2021.

QB Dustin Crum is back to lead an offense that averaged an eye-popping 49.8 PPG and 7.4 yards per play. WR Nykeim Johnson transfers over from Syracuse to keep the unit humming, and the Flashes return all five on the O-line.

Texas A&M went to and won the Orange Bowl over North Carolina last season, but they must replace QB Kellen Mond. QB Haynes King takes over, but Zach Calzada could also see time. King will have TE Jalen Wydermyer as a top target to help ease him into the starting role.

Kent State at Texas A&M odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Kent State +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | Texas A&M -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Kent State +28.5 (-110) | Texas A&M -28.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 67.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Kent State at Texas A&M odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Texas A&M 45, Kent State 30

Money line

Needless to say, betting $100 for every $1 won isn’t a good idea, so AVOID a Texas A&M (-10000) wager at all costs.

Against the spread

KENT STATE +28.5 (-110) is a highly attractive play catching more than four touchdowns. Yes, going to Kyle Field in front of the 12th man is intimidating, and Texas A&M -28.5 (-110) will win this football game handily.

However, the Golden Flashes sport an offense with the quality of a Power 5 school, and they’re no joke. Kent State is going to move the ball, they’re going to be quick, and the Aggies are going to be confused. Kent State’s offense is experienced and will give Texas A&M fits all evening long.

Over/Under

OVER 67.5 (-108) is the play here. As mentioned above, Kent State has a powerful offense, but they also have plenty of question marks on the defensive side of the football. This should allow King and the Aggies offense to move the ball at will, too.

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FAU at Florida odds, expert picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s FAU Owls at Florida Gators odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The FAU Owls and Florida Gators meet Saturday night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the FAU vs. Florida odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Florida enters the season at No. 11 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

FAU won five of eight games last season before falling in its bowl game to Memphis. The Owls trail the all-time series against the Gators 3-0, but lost just 20-14 in overtime in the most recent meeting in 2015.

Florida is aiming for bigger things than just a win in the opener. Head coach Dan Mullen must replace QB Kyle Trask, TE Kyle Pitts and WR Kadarius Toney, but QB Emory Jones could make the transition relatively seamless.

FAU at Florida odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.

Money line: FAU +850 (bet $100 to win $850) | Florida -1800 (bet $1,800 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): FAU +23.5 (-112) | Florida -23.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

FAU at Florida odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Florida 34, FAU 20

Money line

Risking 18 times your potential return on Florida (-1800) is not a good long-term betting strategy.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

FAU +23.5 (-112) is the play, although I fully expect Florida to win this game. The problem with the Gators isn’t on offense, even though they’re replacing three big cogs. The issue with Florida is it allowed 30.8 points per game and 6.1 yards per play, and that defense needs to be shored up.

Florida added a number of recruits and transfers through the portal, but we need to see them jell together before they can be trusted.

FAU has former Miami QB N’Kosi Perry starting under center, so he should give the unit a much-needed improvement. The Owls defense ranked second in Conference USA with 17.4 PPG allowed, so they could slow down the Gators and their new skill position guys.

Over/Under

OVER 52.5 (-107) is a bit on the low side, but I’d only go with a small-unit wager here. Again, the Gators defense was putrid by their standards in 2020, and the Owls should be able to find the end zone at least a couple of times.

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Montana at Washington odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The Montana Grizzlies and Washington Huskies meet Saturday at Husky Stadium in Seattle. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Montana at Washington odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Griz played just two games last season, a pair of contests in the spring. They won 59-3 against Central Washington April 10, and 48-7 against Portland State April 17, before shutting it down for the season. Fans in Missoula were left wondering what could have been after the impressive two-game showing.

The Huskies are ranked No. 21 in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll heading into the first full year under head coach Jimmy Lake. QB Dylan Morris is back to lead the offense, and TE Cade Otton is a star and likely to play his football on Sundays very soon.

On defense, Washington had difficulty stopping the run last fall. The D is already behind the 8-ball with DE Zion Tupuola-Fetui suffering a torn Achilles’ tendon during spring practice. They also lost CB Elijah Molden to graduation, so the defense has some holes to fill.

Montana at Washington odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Money line: Montana +1300 (bet $100 to win $1300) | Washington -5000 (bet $5,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Montana +22.5 (-112) | Washington -22.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 53.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Montana at Washington odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Washington 38, Montana 17

Money line

Washington (-5000) will cost you 50 times your potential return, and that’s just not a recommended long-term betting strategy, especially against a solid FCS club capable of making bettors sweat early on.

AVOID.

Against the spread

MONTANA +22.5 (-112) is the recommended play here as it looks to keep it within three touchdowns. The Griz were impressive, albeit in a two-game spring stint against inferior foes. Washington -22.5 (-108) has a lot of big shoes to fill, especially on defense, and it might take them a little bit of time to gel and get on the same page.

Over/Under

OVER 53.5 (-110) is the lean, but it’s only worth a small-unit play. It will likely take a late score to push Over bettors across the finish line. The Griz scored at will in the spring, but it will be a different story against a Top 25 FBS team. The Huskies have a good defense, but the Griz could find some open spaces early on as new players settle in for UW.

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UTSA at Illinois odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The UTSA Roadrunners and Illinois Fighting Illini meet Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the UTSA at Illinois odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Texas-San Antonio will challenge for a West Division title in Conference USA, and a big reason is RB Sincere McCormick. Not only is he one of the best tailbacks in C-USA, he is a top-tier talent in the nation. QB Frank Harris is also a dual-threat signal caller who can help the Roadrunners pile up the points.

The Fighting Illini (1-0) already have a game under their belts, easing past Nebraska 30-22 in Champaign last weekend as 6.5-point underdogs.

Illinois won in Bret Bielema’s debut erasing an early 9-2 deficit for the eight-point win. The Illini offense was balanced, posting 167 rushing yards and 159 yards through the air. Illinois was able to get to the quarterback, recording five sacks, while going even in the turnover department.

UTSA at Illinois odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: UTSA +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Illinois -205 (bet $205 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): UTSA +4.5 (-112) | Illinois -4.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

UTSA at Illinois odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 29, UTSA 26

Money line

Illinois (-205) will cost you over two times your potential return, and that’s risky business against an underrated opponent.

AVOID.

Against the spread

UTSA +4.5 (-112) is a dangerous opponent, and Illinois -4.5 (-108) should not look past the Sun Belt Conference visitors. McCormick is Power 5 quality, and he could gash an Illini defense that yielded 160 yards on the ground last weekend.

I don’t think the Roadrunners have the goods to pull the upset, but it could easily happen in this trap game. After an emotional win over Nebraska, Illinois could easily take its eye off the ball against a non-conference team they feel they might be above.

Over/Under

OVER 50.5 (-112) is the play here. The Illini offense showed a lot of promise last weekend hanging 30 on the visiting Cornhuskers. The Roadrunners of UTSA boast an underrated offensive unit with some big-time stars, and the Roadrunners allowed 25.7 PPG in 2020. We should easily see a total pushing the mid-50’s.

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Missouri State at Oklahoma State odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The Missouri State Bears and Oklahoma State Cowboys meet Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and the game can be viewed on ESPN+. Below, we look at the Missouri State vs. Oklahoma State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Bears lost three games last fall and then played six contests in the spring. Missouri State won its final four regular-season games in March and April, including a 27-24 win over South Dakota; however, the Bears were bounced by North Dakota in the FCS playoffs.

The Cowboys won eight of 11 games in the fall. They have some big shoes to fill with RB Chuba Hubbard and WR Tylan Wallace moving on to the NFL, but at least QB Spencer Sanders is back. True freshmen twins WRs Blaine and Bryson Green are two players to watch. WR Brennan Presley will also work to fill Wallace’s shoes.

Missouri State 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 at 9:35 a.m. ET.

Money line: Missouri State +1700 (bet $100 to win $1,700) | Oklahoma State -100000 (bet $100,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Missouri State +37.5 (-105) | Oklahoma State -37.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Missouri State at Oklahoma State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Oklahoma State 45, Missouri State 13

Money line

PASS on the hefty money line price for the favorite. A $100 bet would return a profit of just 10 cents.

Against the spread

MISSOURI STATE +37.5 (-105) is the lean here, as Oklahoma State is traditionally a slow-starting team. The Cowboys were sluggish in a 16-7 win over Tulsa in last season’s opener, and they won 52-36 at Oregon State to begin the 2019 campaign.

The last time OK State faced Missouri State, it won 58-17 as 45-point favorites in 2018, as the Over connected. This Cowboys team is a little less talented than those Cowboys teams of the past.

Over/Under

OVER 55.5 (-110) is the lean in the opener. Oklahoma State has a good chance of helping Over bettors to a victory, as it will be looking to pass early and often with Sanders, especially since Hubbard is gone and the Cowboys won’t be able to lean on the run game as heavily.

Over bettors love pass-first teams, as the clock doesn’t run as much.

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Baylor at Texas State odds, expert picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Baylor at Texas State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Baylor Bears and Texas State Bobcats meet Saturday at Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and the game can be viewed on ESPN+. Below, we look at the Baylor vs. Texas State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Bears managed just two victories in nine tries during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 campaign. Expect Baylor to bounce back in a big way, as it has a trio of impressive wideouts in Gavin Holmes, R.J. Sneed and Tyquan Thornton. QB Gerry Bohanon has been handed the keys to the car as the Week 1 starter.

Texas State head coach Jake Spavital has managed just five wins in 24 tries over the last two seasons but six of the 10 losses last season were by 10 or fewer points. TSU isn’t that far off from turning it around. The Bobcats were good for 27.7 points per game last season, and they could improve again. QB Brady McBride is serviceable, and WR Marcell Barbee could be a star.

Baylor at Texas State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:05 a.m. ET.

Money line: Baylor -600 (bet $600 to win $100) | Texas State +420 (bet $100 to win $420)
Against the spread (ATS): Baylor -13.5 (-120) | Texas State +13.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Baylor at Texas State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Baylor 31, Texas State 20

Money line

Baylor (-600) will cost you six times your potential return, and that’s risky business with a new quarterback under center and a road game to boot.

AVOID.

Against the spread

TEXAS STATE +13.5 (-105) is a decent play, as it managed to hang around in plenty of games in 2020. The Bobcats didn’t convert many of those chances to wins, but they gained valuable experience as a unit. TSU has the tools to make a game of it in the first half, but expect the Bears to pull away in the final 30 minutes.

Texas State should do well in the Sun Belt Conference slate, but it’s not quite up to snuff against a middle-of-the-road Power 5 side. At least not yet.

Over/Under

UNDER 52.5 (-110) is the lean as Baylor has nine starters back on defense. Yes, the Bears allowed 29.2 PPG last season, but head coach Dave Aranda and defensive coordinator Ron Roberts should be able to whip this group into shape, and DL Siaki Ika is a tremendous injection of talent via the transfer portal.

Texas State also has eight starters back on D, and CB Jarron Morris is a special player who will make a difference.

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Syracuse at Ohio odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The Syracuse Orange and Ohio Bobcats meet Saturday at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Syracuse at Ohio odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Orange are looking to pick themselves up off the mat after a dismal 1-10 campaign. QB Tommy DeVito is listed as the starter ahead of Saturday’s battle, although QB Garrett Shrader could also factor in. WR Taj Harris had 58 receptions last season and is going to be a go-to target for big plays.

The Bobcats begin the Tim Albin era after legendary coach Frank Solich elected to retire this summer. QBs Armani Rogers and Kurtis Rourke are going to be fun to watch and RB De’Montre Tuggle is a handful as one of the better tailbacks in the Mid-American Conference.

Syracuse at Ohio odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:35 a.m. ET.

Money line: Syracuse -117 (bet $117 to win $100) | Ohio -103 (bet $103 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Syracuse -1.5 (-107) | Ohio +1.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 56.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Syracuse at Ohio odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Ohio 31, Syracuse 27

Money line

OHIO (-103) is a short dog at home in the regular-season opener but it has a ton of offensive weapons to easily knock off the Power 5 visitor.

Syracuse won just one game last season and the 2021 campaign isn’t going to get off on the right foot for Dino Babers’ group. I expect Tuggle to hit triple digits against this Orange run defense. Syracuse ranked 14th in the ACC against the run in 2020.

Against the spread

OHIO +1.5 (-115) is my pick to win outright, so I’d rather just take them on the money line rather than risk more for just a point and a half of insurance.

Unless you are tabbing this game to be a one-point win for Syracuse just take the Bobcats straight up.

Over/Under

OVER 56.5 (-110) is worth a small-unit play. The Bobcats will be able to run for plenty of yards, but they also have a couple of quality quarterbacks. If DeVito is healthy, he and Harris could get on the same page for at least 2 scores.

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Northern Iowa at Iowa State odds, expert picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Northern Iowa at Iowa State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Northern Iowa Panthers and Iowa State Cyclones meet Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET and the game can be viewed on ESPN+. Below, we look at the Northern Iowa vs. Iowa State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

UNI played a spring schedule and went 3-4. The offense was limited to 21 or fewer points in six of those seven outings. The Panthers aren’t ranked in the FCS top 25, although they did receive points.

Iowa State is certainly in the rankings. In fact, it’s No. 8 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. The Cyclones finished ninth in 2020 for their highest-ever ranking to close a season.

QB Brock Purdy, RB Breece Hall and TE Charlie Kolar are all back, as is leading WR Xavier Hutchinson. That group was instrumental in helping the Cyclones to 6.3 yards per play, third in the Big 12. On defense, DE Will McDonald IV and LB Mike Rose are bona fide stars.

Northern Iowa at Iowa State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:05 a.m. ET.

Money line: Northern Iowa +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | Iowa State -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Northern Iowa +31.5 (-120) | Iowa State -31.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 49.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Northern Iowa at Iowa State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa State 51, Northern Iowa 6

Money line

There is never a reason to risk $100 to win just $1, so nix Iowa State (-10000) from the money line plans and look to the spread instead.

AVOID.

Against the spread

IOWA STATE -31.5 (-105) is a very good play laying the big number. The Cyclones are stacked on both sides of the ball, and they’re a legitimate College Football Playoff contender from the Big 12.

Northern Iowa +31.5 (-120) has been a powerhouse in the FCS in the past, but it’s a shell of its former self and just completed a mediocre spring season a few months ago. The Panthers are going to get pounded in this money game visit.

Over/Under

OVER 49.5 (-115) is the way to go, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Iowa State takes care of the number without help from UNI. Iowa State was good for 32.9 points per game last season and should find plenty of open spaces against the undermanned Panthers.

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Miami (Ohio) at Cincinnati odds, expert picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Miami (Ohio) at Cincinnati odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

To help kick off the opening weekend of NCAA football, the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks visit the Cincinnati Bearcats. The game is set to start at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be held at Nippert Stadium. Below, we look at the Miami (Ohio) vs. Cincinnati odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Returning many starters including QB Desmond Ridder, the Bearcats will be looking to once against dominant the AAC. They finished last season 9-1 and 6-0 in their conference. Cincinnati is starting the season at No. 10 in the AFCA Coaches Poll power by USA TODAY Sports.

Miami was 2-1 last season but didn’t play an opponent of Cincinnati’s caliber. The RedHawks will be entering the game as massive underdogs on the road.

Miami (Ohio) at Cincinnati odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:40 a.m. ET.

Money line: Miami (Ohio) +850 (bet $100 to win $850) | Cincinnati -1800 (bet $1,800 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Miami (Ohio) +22.5 (-112) | Cincinnati -22.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 49.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Miami (Ohio) at Cincinnati odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Cincinnati 45, Miami (Ohio) 17

Money line

PASS on the money line.

Even though Cincinnati should easily handle business at home and against an easy opponent, there’s no way anyone should drop any type of unit on the Bearcats at -1800. The possible return just isn’t worth the risk.

Against the spread

BET on CINCINNATI -22.5 (-108) as it’s returning its starting quarterback and has a drastically superior coaching staff.

Led by former Ohio State prodigy Luke Fickell, Cincinnati has a unit that’s worked together for the last few seasons and ran through the AAC. The Bearcats were 6-4 against the spread last season.

Miami (Ohio) QB Brett Gabbert found his rhythm during the short season last year, but I expect him to struggle against a side that allowed over 20 points to an unranked school just once in 2020 (and that was to a quality opponent in UCF).

Over/Under

BET on the OVER 49.5 (-110) as even when Cincinnati thrashed opponents last season it didn’t let off the gas.

Cincinnati put up over 30 points six times last year and topped 40 four times, as well. With Ridder returning, the offense should be just as good if not better.

Miami scored 38 points in two of the three games and gave up for 40 in the other. I’d be shocked if this one went under 49 total points.

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