NCAA odds lines against the spread over/under total picks predictions – Page 289

UL Monroe at Kentucky odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s UL Monroe at Kentucky odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The UL Monroe Warhawks and Kentucky Wildcats meet Saturday in their season openers at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET. Below, we look at the UL Monroe at Kentucky odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Warhawks were horrific in 2020, losing all 10 games while covering just three times. ULM lost each of its final six outings, and nine of the 10, by at least 18 points. This will be ULM’s first game against an SEC foe since Oct. 6, 2018, a 70-21 loss at Ole Miss.

Each of ULM’s past six games against SEC foes dating back to the start of the 2015 season have been losses by 28 or more points. The last time it faced Kentucky, it lost 48-14 Oct. 11, 2014.

UL Monroe at Kentucky odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:55 a.m. ET.

Money line: UL Monroe +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | Kentucky -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): UL Monroe +30.5 (+100) | Kentucky -30.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 53.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

UL Monroe at Kentucky odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Kentucky 55, UL Monroe 10

Money line

It goes without saying, Kentucky (-10000) is a poor bet. Yes, it should roll ULM, but you cannot risk $100 for every $1 won.

PASS.

Against the spread

KENTUCKY -30.5 (-120) is expected to challenge for a New Year’s Day bowl game. That’s how good this offense has a chance to be. ULM lost every game it played last season, it has dropped six straight vs. SEC by 28 or more points, and it is going to struggle mightily in this road game against a good Wildcats offense.

Over/Under

The best play on the board is the OVER 53.5 (-115) with Kentucky having the opportunity to take care of the Over all on its own. The Warhawks should be a little better under new coach Terry Bowden, but this is a team which was outscored 420-163, and it is going to take a while for the defense to show signs of a turnaround.

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

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / 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 audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Central Michigan at Missouri odds, picks and prediction

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

In each team’s first game of the season, the Central Michigan Chippewas take on the Missouri Tigers Saturday. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Below, we look at Central Michigan at Missouri odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Central Michigan is starting the season following a 3-3 campaign last year in which it only played Mid-American Conference games. QB Daniel Richardson had an unimpressive 2020, throwing for just 714 yards in five games, accruing a mere four touchdowns as well.

As for Missouri, it is not quite an SEC powerhouse, but it did manage a 5-5 record last season, including 4-2 at home. Missouri’s Class of 2021 has 22 three-star commits. It will be a deep group, an experienced one as well.

Central Michigan at Missouri odds, spread and lines

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

Money line: Central Michigan +440 (bet $100 to win $440) | Missouri -650 (bet $650 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Central Michigan +14.5 (-117) | Missouri -14.5 (-103)
Over/Under (O/U): 60.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Central Michigan at Missouri odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Missouri 38, Central Michigan 20

Money line

PASS. While Missouri should come out on top, at -650, it’s far too risky. Betting six and a half units to profit just one doesn’t make much sense. Equally as risky is betting Central Michigan at +440.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to MISSOURI -14.5 (-103) as this isn’t a low-tier SEC program. Missouri finished third in the East last season, and it absolutely dominated a few SEC teams along the way.

Mizzou received eight votes in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports, failing to make the cut for the Top 25.

While Central Michigan only had one loss by more than two touchdowns last season, Missouri could easily be the best team the Chippewas will play in the last year and a half. Expect a one-sided performance in this one.

Over/Under

BET the UNDER 60.5 (-108) as partial seasons and limited Covid-19 restrictions may be hurting the continuity of offenses. Not a single game before Thursday went for over 60 points despite many high-scoring sides taking the field.

Four of Missouri’s 10 games last season hit 60 points or more. Those were highly competitive SEC matchups. Two of Central Michigan’s six games hit 60 or more points in 2020.

This should be a reasonably easy victory for Missouri, and I would be shocked if either side-notched 40.

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

Old Dominion at Wake Forest odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Old Dominion at Wake Forest odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Old Dominion Monarchs and Wake Forest Demon Deacons meet Friday in the season opener at Truist Field in Winston-Salem, N.C. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Old Dominion vs. Wake Forest odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Monarchs are back in action after electing not to play during the 2020 season due to COVID-19. Head coach Ricky Rahne officially takes the reins for the Monarchs, who are expected to be a bit rusty. They were 1-11 in 2019, and just seven starters return.

The Demon Deacons have one of the top offensive units in the ACC, returning QB Sam Hartman. WR Jaquarii Roberson also heads up a top-notch receiving corps, and all five members of the offensive line are back, too. The weak spot for this team is on defense, although eight starters are back and it should be improved.

Old Dominion at Wake Forest odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:58 a.m. ET.

Money line: Old Dominion +1300 (bet $100 to win $1,300) | Wake Forest -5000 (bet $5,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Old Dominion +31.5 (-117) | Wake Forest -31.5 (-103)
Over/Under (O/U): 62.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Old Dominion at Wake Forest odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wake Forest 51, Old Dominion 10

Money line

Wake Forest (-5000) will cost you $100 for every $2 won, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that I’m steering you to the spread instead. While Wake is fully expected to win this game, over the long haul, betting huge favorites on the money line is a losing proposition. Eventually, you’ll get smacked hard. It’s just not worth the risk.

AVOID.

Against the spread

Play WAKE FOREST -31.5 (-103) laying the big points. Old Dominion last played Nov. 30, 2019. The Demon Deacons haven’t won a game since Aug. 31, 2019, more than two calendar years. This is going to be an ugly game with the home team routing the Conference USA visitors.

Over/Under

The play is the UNDER 62.5 (-108) even though Wake Forest is likely to march the ball up and down the field. The Deacs will do the heavy lifting, but the Monarchs are likely to have a hard time cobbling together much in the way of offense, especially on the road against a solid team.

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

Follow Joe Williams 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]

Southern Utah at Arizona State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Southern Utah at Arizona State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Arizona State Sun Devils (0-0) begin their 2021 college football schedule with a non-conference game against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (0-1) Thursday. Kickoff from Sun Devil Stadium is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Arizona State vs. Southern Utah odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Southern Utah opened its season in Week Zero with a 45-14 defeat at San Jose State. The Thunderbirds fell behind 21-0 in the first quarter and never recovered as they allowed 543 total yards – including 410 through the air. They are led by redshirt sophomore QB Justin Miller.

Arizona State makes its 2021 debut with junior quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the way. The Sun Devils were 2-2 last season with multiple games canceled due to COVID-19 protocols. They hope to emerge in a wide-open Pac-12 South.

Southern Utah at Arizona State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:07 a.m. ET.

Money line: Off the board
Against the spread (ATS): Southern Utah +44.5 (+100) | Arizona State -44.5 (-125)
Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -105 | U: -120)

Southern Utah at Arizona State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Arizona State 51, Southern Utah 10

Money line

There was no money line available at the time of publishing. Due to the large spread, it wouldn’t be worth pursuing anyway.

Against the spread

Southern Utah lost by 31 points in its opener and is 0-5 ATS in its last five games.

Arizona State is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games as favorites. The Sun Devils have won every non-conference home opener since 2002, but have not defeated a non-conference team by more than 45 points since 2013.

ASU will likely get off to a fast start against Southern Utah and then coast over the last quarter. Even 10 points from SUU would make it nearly impossible for ASU to cover.

Take SOUTHERN UTAH +44.5 (+100).

Over/Under

SUU’s opener had a 59-point total last week. The Thunderbirds’ last five games have hit the Over.

The Sun Devils’ last six non-conference home openers have had totals of more than 55 points and the one before that was a 55-0 win over Sacramento State in 2013.

Take OVER 55.5 (-105).

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

Follow Jess Root 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]

Duke Blue Devils at Charlotte 49ers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Duke Blue Devils at Charlotte 49ers odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Duke Blue Devils and Charlotte 49ers will meet Friday in the season opener at Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Duke vs. Charlotte odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Blue Devils had a rather forgettable COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, winning just two of its 11 games, while failing to cover the final four outings. One of those wins, and its most recent cover, came against Charlotte, a 53-19 treat on Halloween.

The 49ers actually have a pretty experienced roster, and things are looking up. QB Chris Reynolds is pretty special, and WR Victor Tucker leads an experienced and deep corps. The biggest issue is the run game, where there isn’t much experience. The D allowed 32.5 PPG and 6.6 yards per play, so that needs tremendous improvement.

Duke at Charlotte odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:55 a.m. ET.

Money line: Duke -240 (bet $240 to win $100) | Charlotte +190 (bet $100 to win $190)
Against the spread (ATS): Duke -6.5 (-110) | Charlotte +6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 60.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Duke at Charlotte odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Charlotte 34, Duke 30

Money line

CHARLOTTE (+190) kicks off its 2021 season with a lot of hope of getting back to the postseason after a down year in the COVID-shortened campaign last season. If the 49ers want to turn some heads early, they’ll need to get by a Power 5 team like Duke (-240), albeit one of the lower-echelon teams from the ACC.

It isn’t a shot in the dark, however. The 49ers have a legit offense, especially in the pass game. With a chance to double up, Charlotte is the value play.

Against the spread

The best play is CHARLOTTE +6.5 (-110) with the points, and I’d feel even better if it was a flat seven or seven and a hook.

The 49ers have the offensive weapons to hang with Duke -6.5 (-110), who failed to cover its final four last season while allowing 48 or more points in each of the outings. Charlotte should be able to move the ball well on its home field.

Over/Under

The lean is to the OVER 60.5 (-108) as the 49ers should be able to score their fair share, even though the Blue Devils offense is in disarray. The Duke defense is worse, as they lost five of its best players from a unit that coughed up 38.1 PPG. This game is not going to end well for Duke or Under bettors.

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

Follow Joe Williams 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]

North Carolina Tar Heels at Virginia Tech Hokies odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s North Carolina Tar Heels at Virginia Tech Hokies odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The North Carolina Tar Heels and Virginia Tech Hokies will meet Friday in the season opener at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Tar Heels hit the road for a difficult road game, as Heisman-hopeful QB Sam Howell looks to hit the ground running. UNC won 10 games last season en route to a New Year’s Day bowl game, and they’re considered the favorites in the Coastal Division.

The Hokies will be looking for revenge after an entertaining, but disappointing 56-45 loss at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill against the Heels last season. QB Braxton Burmeister takes over as the full-time starter under center for the Gobblers.

North Carolina at Virginia Tech odds, spread and lines

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

Money line: North Carolina -230 (bet $230 to win $100) | Virginia Tech +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina -6.5 (-105) | Virginia Tech +6.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 63.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

North Carolina at Virginia Tech odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 40, Virginia Tech 31

Money line

North Carolina (-230) will cost you over two times your potential return, and that’s risky business in the season opener, especially for a road team. Over the long haul that’s not a good betting strategy.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

Play NORTH CAROLINA -6.5 (-105) as Howell is the difference is under center. Howell is a legitimate star, while Burmeister might take some time to get his sea legs in his first season as the full-time starter.

Playing in front of a hostile and loud crowd is a difficult assignment for the Heels, and they could start this game a little slow, but after a while, UNC will get comfortable, and they’ll find plenty of open spaces against a Virginia Tech +6.5 (-115) defense that is still a work in progress and its biggest Achilles’ heel.

Over/Under

As far as the total, OVER 63.5 (-108) is the play. These teams combined for 101 points last fall at Kenan. That’s not going to happen here, but Howell and the Tar Heels offense was good for 40 or more points in six of the final seven regular-season outings. And the Hokies defense yielded 32.1 PPG in 2020, so the scoreboard operator at Lane is going to be busy.

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

Follow Joe Williams 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]

The Citadel at Coastal Carolina odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s The Citadel at Coastal Carolina odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

In Thursday’s college football action, The Citadel Bulldogs and Coastal Carolina Chanticleers will meet in a season opener at Brooks Stadium in Conway, S.C. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. The game can be viewed on ESPN+. Below, we look at the The Citadel at Coastal Carolina odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Coastal Carolina is ranked No. 24 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

The Bulldogs make the short jaunt up US 17 from the “low country” to the Grand Strand to take on the Chanticleers. The Citadel went 0-4 in last fall and 2-6 in spring ball.

The Chanticleers are one of two Sun Belt Conference teams ranked in the Top 25. Louisiana is No. 23. It’s the first time the Sun Belt has two teams in the preseason rankings.

QB Grayson McCall is a star, who has the luxury of being behind an offensive line that returns all five starters. McCall also has his top targets in WR Jaivon Heiligh and TE Isaiah Likely back in the mix.

The Citadel at Coastal Carolina odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:19 a.m. ET.

Money line: The Citadel +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | Coastal Carolina -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): The Citadel +35.5 (-120) | Coastal Carolina -35.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

The Citadel at Coastal Carolina odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Coastal Carolina 48, The Citadel 10

Money line

Needless to say, you can’t play Coastal Carolina (-10000), risking $100 for every $1 won. There’s just no value there.

AVOID.

Against the spread

COASTAL CAROLINA -35.5 (-105) is going to get off to a quick start, as McCall and the Chants pick apart the undermanned Bulldogs. The Citadel last played April 17 and didn’t have a full offseason to rest. That will play a factor, especially against one of the best Group of 5 teams in the nation.

In addition, The Citadel employs the triple-option and doesn’t have the means to pass its way back into games once it falls behind. That’s exactly what it will do here, fall behind early.

Over/Under

OVER 57.5 (-108) is the lean, ever so slightly. This is worth a small-unit bet, as the Chanticleers will certainly do their part to put points on the board. If The Citadel is able to get to double digits, this game has a great shot of hitting the number.

Watch this matchup with ESPN+ by signing up here.

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

Follow Joe Williams 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]

College Football Triple Play: 3 best small-school bets for Week 1

Looking at the 3 best small-school bets for Week 1, based on the college football odds and lines at Tipico Sportsbook.

It’s time to officially kick off the college football season with the first full weekend of action after a little taste in Week 0. Below, we look at the best bets for three small-school winners in Week 1, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

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

This week we’ll tap two FCS teams to keep a pair of Power 5 members within their sights, and we’ll look to a late-night winner from the MAC.

Three small-school best bets of Week 1

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

South Dakota (+13.5, -108) at Kansas (Friday at 8 p.m. ET)

The Coyotes of USD head down to Lawrence looking to score an FCS vs. FBS upset. Can South Dakota add to the misery of Kansas and win outright? That’s doubtful; however, the Jayhawks laying two touchdowns against anyone is a bit of a stretch.

The Jayhawks turn to head coach Lance Leipold to lead the team. While he was seemingly a strong hire, this is a team with just nine total wins since 2015, and this job is a major undertaking.

Leipold won’t be able to turn things around overnight. KU was 0-9 straight up and 1-7-1 against the spread last season and it barely scraped by FCS Indiana State in its 2019 opener, winning by 7 as a double-digit favorite. Expect a similar, sluggish result Friday.

East Tennessee State (+21.5, -112) at Vanderbilt (Saturday at 8 p.m. ET)

East Tennessee State heads into the season 24th in the FCS Coaches Poll. Vanderbilt, on the flip side, struggled with an 0-9 SU record last season, including an 0-5 SU mark at home.

While Vandy’s last victory was Nov. 23, 2019 against these very same Buccaneers, the Commodores offense is rough. Vandy managed just 14.8 points per game last season to rank 126th in FBS, and the Bucs defense will not allow 38 like the last time these teams met.

Vandy has no business being favored by three touchdowns over anybody, let alone a ranked FCS side.

Kent State (+28.5, -110) at Texas A&M (Saturday at 8 p.m. ET)

The Golden Flashes were limited to just four games last season, and Kent State alumni and fans have to be wondering what could have been. The Flashes ranked No. 1 in the nation with 49.8 PPG and 606.5 total yards per game.

While Kent State was impressive in 2020, it will have its hands full with Texas A&M and the 12th man in College Station. The reason to like Kent State to keep A&M at least within hailing distance is under center.

The Aggies have to replace QB Kellen Mond, and it might take them a while to get their sea legs. New QB Haynes King will be operating behind a new offensive line replacing four starters. Take the underdog.

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

Follow Joe Williams 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]

Ohio State at Minnesota odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Ohio State at Minnesota odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Ohio State Buckeyes visit the Minnesota Golden Gophers for a Thursday night Big Ten game. The TCF Bank Stadium contest in Minneapolis is slated for 8 p.m., ET. Below, we look at the Ohio State vs. Minnesota odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Buckeyes are ranked No. 4 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Ohio State is coming off a National Championship Game loss to Alabama last season. The Buckeyes have a shot at winning a fifth consecutive Big Ten title. They’ll be counting on new starting QB C.J. Stroud to step in and lead the way.

The sophomore signal caller will be surrounded by much of the same talent – especially on the offensive line and in the receiving corps – that helped the Bucks crank out 41.0 points per game last season.

Minnesota coughed up 34.8 PPG over their first five contests last fall, finishing ninth in Big Ten defense with 30.1 PPG allowed. However, the 2021 Gophers are loaded with experience.

Minnesota returns more players than any other Big Ten team. Twenty starters return, including RB Mohamed Ibrahim, the 2020 Big Ten Running Back of the Year. Ibrahim rushed for 1,076 yards and 15 touchdowns in seven games.

Ohio State at Minnesota odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:31 p.m. ET.

Money line: Minnesota +420 (bet $100 to win $420) | Ohio State -600 (bet $600 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Minnesota +13.5 (-105) | Ohio State -13.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 62.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Ohio State at Minnesota odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Ohio State 42, Minnesota 31

Money line

PASS. Minnesota would be a lean in the +525 neighborhood. Peg the true odds as being bracketed by the favorite and underdog prices here.

Against the spread

The Buckeyes are looking for their first ATS cover in four games against the Gophers, dating back to 2010. Minnesota is 7-1 ATS over its last eight games when lined as a home underdog of 7.5 points or more.

The 2020 college football season was COVID-riddled everywhere, but Minnesota was on the extreme end of things for teams that did play a representative number of games. So, what to make of a shaky start and an impressive finish becomes quite a task.

The Gophers’ finish to the 2020 regular season saw them go toe-to-toe with preseason No. 15 Wisconsin in a 20-17 overtime loss. Their 2020 autumn was a stutter start to an offensive scheme being installed by first-year offensive coordinator Mike Sanford, Jr., and improved recent-year recruiting classes just weren’t able to get consistent work together.

With a lot of talent returning and with the influx of some transfer-portal starters at key positions, look for the Gophers to keep things interesting in this Thursday nighter. TAKE MINNESOTA +13.5 (-105).

Over/Under

Minnesota QB Tanner Morgan may be able to take the top off the OSU defense for one or two key explosive plays. The game could well turn into a 40-something-20-something tussle where the Gophers stay within two scores and push the Buckeyes into fast-tempo mode even in the fourth quarter.

TAKE OVER 62.5 (-115).

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

Bowling Green at Tennessee odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Bowling Green at Tennessee odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Bowling Green Falcons meet the Tennessee Volunteers Thursday in the season opener for both teams at Neyland Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Bowling Green at Tennessee odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Falcons lost all five games last season in a COVID-shortened season, and each of the losses were by at least 25 points. The last time the Falcons faced a Power 5 team was Oct. 5, 2019, a 52-0 loss at Notre Dame. Prior to that, they lost 52-0 at Kansas State Sept. 7, 2019.

Finishing 3-7 last season and dealing with an in-house investigation into alleged recruiting improprieties, a change was needed at Tennessee. In the offseason, the Vols tapped Josh Heupel as the new head coach, replacing Jeremy Pruitt.

Bowling Green at Tennessee odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:48 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bowling Green +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | Tennessee -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Bowling Green +35.5 (-120) | Tennessee -35.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 60.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Bowling Green at Tennessee odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Tennessee 45, Bowling Green 13

Money line

Tennessee (-10000) will net you a profit of $1 for every $100 spent if it wins. If you have those kind of guts to wager so much for so little on a team which was 3-7 last season, you’re a lot tougher than me.

AVOID and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

BOWLING GREEN +35.5 (-120) is worth a small play. I’m just a bit concerned about backing a team that lost all five of its games by 25 or more points a season ago. However, it’s also difficult to back Tennessee, which has a history of sluggish starts in recent seasons. Getting seven-plus touchdowns (35.5 points) is just a lot points.

Over/Under

The UNDER 60.5 (-108) is the lean in this opener. Bowling Green’s offense really struggled in 2020. Things aren’t expected to be much better for the Falcons in 2021. While the Vols have new faces under center in starting QB Joe Milton and backup QB Hendon Hooker, it might take a while for the new quarterbacks to get going in their new system.

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

Follow Joe Williams 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]