NCAA odds lines against the spread over/under total picks predictions – Page 303

Nebraska at Michigan State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Nebraska Cornhuskers at Michigan State Spartans odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) and No. 21 Michigan State Spartans (3-0, 1-0) kick-off at 7:00 p.m. ET this Saturday at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. Below, we look at the Nebraska at Michigan State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

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

Michigan State has navigated the early part of its schedule with ease, going 3-0 with a marquee win at Miami (38-17) last week. RB Kenneth Walker III has been nearly unstoppable, rushing for 493 yards (8.6 yards per carry) with 5 TDs thus far. The Spartan defense hasn’t allowed more than 21 points in any of its first three games.

Nebraska has recovered from its embarrassing opening-week loss to Illinois, covering comfortably in each of its last three games. The Cornhuskers are coming off a near-upset as a 22.5-point underdog at No. 3 Oklahoma last week. Nebraska’s rushing defense ranks 81st in the nation (156.5 yards per game), which could be a problem against Michigan State’s balanced attack.

Nebraska at Michigan 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 10:12 p.m. ET.

Money line: Nebraska +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Michigan State -205 (bet $205 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nebraska +4.5 (-112) | Michigan State -4.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Nebraska at Michigan State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Michigan State 31, Nebraska 23

Money line

The Spartans have the more impressive resume of these two teams, but at -205, you should target better odds against the spread and PASS on the money line.

Against the spread

While Nebraska has looked better of late, its only two wins this year are to Buffalo and FCS Fordham. Conversely, Michigan State has two Power 5 wins (Northwestern and Miami) and has covered the spread easily in both of those games.

Look for MICHIGAN STATE -4.5 (-108) to keep rolling here as Nebraska deals with a potential hangover effect after the near-win over Oklahoma last week.

Over/Under

Target the OVER 54.5 (-108) here as both offenses have been able to move the ball this year. Nebraska ranks 25th nationally in yards per game (481.3) and Michigan State is 14th (520.0), while both defenses are allowing 345+ yards per game so far.

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

Follow @RyanBHQ 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]

Clemson at NC State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Clemson Tigers at NC State Wolfpack odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 7 Clemson Tigers (2-1, 1-0 ACC) and NC State Wolfpack (2-1, 0-0) square off Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Clemson at NC State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

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

Despite all its talent and lofty preseason ranking, Clemson has failed to cover the spread in any of its first three games, most recently squeaking out a 14-8 win over Georgia Tech as a 27.5-point favorite. The offense is averaging just 22.0 points per game and its 322.7 yards per game ranks 114th in the country.

NC State lost 24-10 on the road at Mississippi State in Week 2, but they’ve sandwiched that dud with two blowout wins against South Florida (45-0) and FCS Furman (45-7). The Wolfpack’s defense has been stout, particularly against the run (72.7 yards per game; 14th nationally).

Clemson at NC 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 10:01 p.m. ET.

Money line: Clemson -420 (bet $420 to win $100) | NC State +320 (bet $100 to win $320)
Against the spread (ATS): Clemson -10.5 (-105) | NC State +10.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 47.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Clemson at NC State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Clemson 27, NC State 20

Money line

Picking NC State to win outright is a longshot—Clemson has won the last eight games in this series—but the Tigers haven’t played well enough to justify a minuscule money line return.

PASS and target the spread instead.

Against the spread

Clemson is certainly the more talented team, but giving 9.5 points on the road in a hostile environment is asking a lot for an offense that hasn’t clicked all year.

The Wolfpack have been great at home recently, covering seven of their last eight games at Carter-Finley Stadium since the start of last season.

Look for NC STATE +10.5 (-120) to keep Clemson out of the end zone just enough to keep this within single digits.

Over/Under

Given Clemson’s struggles on offense with NC State’s stout defense, it’s no surprise to see a pretty low number here. Five of these teams’ six combined games have hit the Under this year, so go to that well again until either offense proves it can score.

Take the UNDER 47.5 (-105).

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

Follow @RyanBHQ 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 vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Georgia Tech Yellow odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 20 North Carolina Tar Heels (2-1, 1-1 ACC) meet the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (1-2, 0-1) Saturday in a neutral-site game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

After a loss at Virginia Tech in its opener, North Carolina has rattled off a pair of wins and covers against Georgia State and Virginia. The offense has found itself, too, going for 59 points in each outing.

Georgia Tech played Clemson tough last week in Death Valley, falling just 14-8 as 27.5-point underdogs for a second consecutive cover. This is Georgia Tech’s first meeting with UNC since a 38-22 loss Oct. 5, 2019, in Atlanta.

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

North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech odds, spread and lines

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

Money line: North Carolina -520 (bet $520 to win $100) | Georgia Tech +370 (bet $100 to win $370)
Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina -13.5 (-120) | Georgia Tech +13.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 65.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 44, Georgia Tech 23

Money line

North Carolina (-520) is going to win this game, but you cannot wager more than five times your potential return.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

NORTH CAROLINA -13.5 (-120) is a great play as just under a two-touchdown favorite. Yes, the Georgia Tech +13.5 (-105) defense was impressive at Clemson, but that Tigers team has some issues on offense. The Heels have no such issues right now, going for 118 combined points in the past two efforts.

I think QB Sam Howell and company roll up big first-half points and cruise to a win in this neutral-site affair.

Over/Under

The OVER 65.5 (-107) is the play, as I could never suggest an Under in a Carolina game. The Heels are just rolling along on offense, ticking off Over results in the past two games nearly on their own. The offense of the Ramblin’ Wreck concerns me a little, but I think even they’ll be able to move the ball against this very giving Heels D, too.

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

Texas Tech at Texas odds, picks and prediction

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

The Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-0) travel to the state capital Saturday for a noon ET kickoff against the Texas Longhorns (2-1) at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Below, we look at the Texas Tech vs. Texas odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Texas Tech bounced back from a lackluster 28-22 Week 2 win over Stephen F. Austin as a 31.5-point favorite to easily handle Florida International 54-21 last week as a 20.5-point favorite.

Texas destroyed Rice 58-0 Saturday as a 26-point home favorite after being upset the week prior by Arkansas 40-21 as a 5.5-point road favorite. The Longhorns prevailed over the Red Raiders in last year’s meeting 63-56 in overtime.

Texas Tech at Texas odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:11 p.m. ET.

Money line: Texas Tech +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Texas -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Texas Tech +9.5 (-110) | Texas -7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 61.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

Texas Tech at Texas odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Texas Tech 34, Texas 28

Money line

I like the Red Raiders plus points so much in this spot that I almost have to SPRINKLE on TEXAS TECH (+260). Texas has played a tougher schedule through three games, but Texas Tech has a much better EPA, success rate, points per play and yards per play differentials.

Furthermore, there’s just too much unconditional love in the market for a Texas football program that’s one of the most high-profile in the nation. Everyone is excited about first-year head coach Steve Sarkisian after what he did as the Alabama Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator in recent seasons.

However, ESPN college football guru ranked Texas 95th in returning production and the Longhorns have fewer returning starters than the Red Raiders. Also, Texas Tech junior transfer QB Tyler Shough has been awesome so far in Lubbock. Shough leads the Big 12 in passing yards and is second in passer efficiency rating.

Against the spread

Definitely BET TEXAS TECH +0.5 (-110) heavier than or instead of the money line. Texas failed to cover last season vs. Texas Tech as a 17.5-point road favorite in a 63-56 overtime victory.

The Longhorns had a former three-year starter in QB Sam Ehlinger under center who was a preseason Heisman Trophy contender and still Texas Tech almost pulled off an outright upset.

There’s flummox in Texas’s quarterback room this time around. Sarkisian benched QB Hudson Card for QB Casey Thompson during the Longhorns’ 40-21 loss to Arkansas. Thompson has better numbers thus far but the point is Texas shouldn’t be laying more than a touchdown when it’s unsettled at quarterback.

We are getting significant “reverse line movement” in the betting market. For instance, nearly 60% of the action is on Texas according to Pregame.com at the time of writing, but the Longhorns have been steamed down from a 10-point favorite on the opener. It’s a red flag whenever sportsbooks make the more popular side cheaper especially when it’s a program as popular as Texas.

Stream college football games on ESPN+ by signing up here.

Over/Under

PASS because my predicted score is nearly aligned with the market’s projection so there isn’t much value in be betting the total.

For what’s it worth, the last three Texas Tech-Texas meetings have gone Over the total with last year’s game soaring Over by nearly seven touchdowns. Additionally, Texas Tech is 1-2 O/U and Texas is 2-1 O/U.

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

Follow Geoff Clark 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]

Kansas State at Oklahoma State odds, picks and prediction

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

The Kansas State Wildcats (3-0) meet the No. 22 Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-0) Saturday in their Big 12 conference opener at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Kansas State vs. Oklahoma State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

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

The Wildcats have already notched wins against Stanford and Nevada by 17 or more points. The closest game for K-State was actually a 31-23 win on Sept. 11 over Southern Illinois, a Top 10 team at the FCS level.

The Cowboys narrowly avoided upsets against FCS Missouri State and Tulsa in the first two weekends, winning those outings by a combined 12 points. Oklahoma State hit the road for Boise State last weekend, and it escaped with a 21-20 win as 3.5-point underdogs. The Under is 2-0-1 for the Cowboys.

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

Kansas 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 Friday at 5:15 p.m. ET.

Money line: Kansas State +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Oklahoma State -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Kansas State +5.5 (-110) | Oklahoma State -5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 47.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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

Prediction

Kansas State 26, Oklahoma State 23

Money line

KANSAS STATE (+180) is a value play in this conference opener, even though the game is in Stillwater.

Yes, Oklahoma State (-230) won at Boise State last week, but K-State is battled tested. They dismantled a very, very good Nevada team last weekend with relative ease, 38-17, shutting down one of the more unheralded quarterbacks in the nation.

The Cowboys have been rather one-dimensional and rush-heavy, while narrowly escaping. Oklahoma State’s three wins have been by a combined 13 points. They’ve been playing with fire and will finally get burned.

Against the spread

I like KANSAS STATE +5.5 (-110) straight up, so of course I like them catching the points.

K-State is 9-3 ATS across the past 12 games on the road, while going 11-4 ATS in the past 15 as an underdog and 12-4 ATS in the previous 16 conference tilts.

Not only that, but the Wildcats have dominated this series, at least against the number, cashing in eight of the past 10 meetings, and five of the previous six trips to Stillwater.

Over/Under

The slight lean is to the OVER 47.5 (-108). While OK State has been rather one-dimensional, running the ball heavily, and that’s a reason to take the Under usually, the Over has dominated in this series in recent years.

The Over is 6-1 in the past seven battles in Stillwater, and 11 of the previous 15 meetings overall.

K-State tossed up 38 points last week for its first Over result, and the offense has improved every week this season. I think the effectiveness of the K-State offense outweighs the run-heavy and moribund Oklahoma State offense for a slight Over.

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

Akron at Ohio State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Akron Zips at Ohio State Buckeyes odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Akron Zips (1-2) meet the No. 12 Ohio State Buckeyes (2-1) on Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Akron vs. Ohio 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.

The Zips are coming off their first victory of the season, a 35-14 over FCS Bryant last week at InfoCision Stadium. It was Akron’s first win and cover after getting dusted in its first two games at Auburn, 60-10, and home to Temple, 45-24.

The Buckeyes bounced back last week against Tulsa with a 41-20 win, although questions remain about Ohio State’s offense and defense. The D has allowed 471.3 total yards per game, and 289.7 passing yards per contest while yielding 28.7 PPG. That simply will not do.

Akron at Ohio State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 4:15 p.m. ET.

Money line: Off the board (OTB)
Against the spread (ATS): Akron +48.5 (-108) | Ohio State -48.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 67.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

Akron at Ohio State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Ohio State 52, Akron 10

Money line

There was no money line at the time of this publishing, but it wouldn’t be worth pursuing anyway.

Against the spread

It’s odd to type this, but AKRON +48.5 (-108) is the play against Ohio State -48.5 (-112). Of course, the Zips aren’t going to win this one outright, or come anywhere close, but the Buckeyes just haven’t been hitting on all cylinders. They’re 0-2-1 ATS to date, and the books are not adjusting yet to their lack of defense. Akron should be able to hit double digits here.

Over/Under

As mentioned above, the Zips should be able to post at least 10 points. But I still think this game goes UNDER 67.5 (-135). Even on its worst day, the Ohio State D isn’t letting this Akron team march up and down the field.

And Ohio State ‘should’ have a big enough lead by the third quarter, calling off the dogs for the second half. It will be a blowout, but the Buckeyes aren’t posting a 60-burger as Auburn did against Akron, either.

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

UCLA at Stanford odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s UCLA Bruins at Stanford Cardinal odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 24 UCLA Bruins (2-1) and Stanford Cardinal (2-1) square off this Saturday at Stanford Stadium at 6 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the UCLA at Stanford odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

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

After an impressive start to the season with wins (and covers) over Hawaii and LSU, the Bruins were upset by Fresno State as an 11-point favorite last week. UCLA gave up 455 yards through the air while its running backs mustered just 50 yards on 16 carries.

Stanford, on the other hand, enters this game with momentum after wins over USC (42-28) and Vanderbilt (41-23). The Cardinal made the switch to QB Tanner McKee during the USC game and the results have been fantastic (50-for-70, 570 yards, 5/0 TD/INT ratio).

UCLA at Stanford odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 4:15 p.m. ET.

Money line: UCLA -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Stanford +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
Against the spread (ATS): UCLA -4.5 (-105) | Stanford +4.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 58.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

UCLA at Stanford odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Stanford 34, UCLA 30

Money line

Stanford has won 12 of the last 13 games between these two dating back to 2009. It has also comfortably covered its last two games against Power 5 competition while UCLA looked vulnerable against the pass last week.

Take STANFORD (+155) to win outright.

Against the spread

PASS on the spread and take Stanford to win outright with a better payout.

Over/Under

The Over has hit in each of these teams’ last four combined games. UCLA is averaging 39.7 points per game this year while Stanford has gone 40+ in both games that McKee has been under center.

Root for the points and take the OVER 58.5 (-112).

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

Follow @RyanBHQ 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]

Rutgers at Michigan odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigian Wolverines odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0) and No. 19 Michigan Wolverines (3-0) meet Saturday in their Big Ten Conference opener at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Rutgers at Michigan odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Scarlet Knights have been impressive in three wins, including a 61-14 win in the opener Sept. 4 vs. Temple, and 45-13 vs. an FCS Delaware last weekend. In its only road test, Rutgers passed, 17-7, at Syracuse as 2.5-point favorites, and they’re 3-0 against the spread (ATS).

The Wolverines, No. 19 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports, are also 3-0 ATS to date, including a 63-10 beatdown against Northern Illinois. Michigan is averaging 514.7 total yards per game while rolling up 350.3 rushing yards per contest.

Rutgers at Michigan odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 4:01 p.m. ET.

Money line: Rutgers +750 (bet $100 to win $750) | Michigan -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Rutgers +20.5 (-112) | Michigan -20.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Rutgers at Michigan odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Michigan 34, Rutgers 20

Money line

Michigan (-1450) will cost you 14.5 times your potential return, and as well as they have played during the non-conference schedule, that’s way too much risk against a fellow unbeaten conference team.

AVOID.

Against the spread

RUTGERS +20.5 (-112) is worth a look catching more than 20 points. The Scarlet Knights have been good enough offensively, but it’s the defensive side of the ball where they have excelled. Rutgers is allowing just 261.7 total yards per game, and they have yielded just 11.3 PPG.

Michigan -20.5 (-108) will certainly score in this one, especially at home, but Rutgers +20.5 (-112) is easily the best team they have seen so far, and yes, that includes Washington.

Over/Under

OVER 49.5 (-112) is the lean, but only make a small-unit wager on this one. Both of these teams have allowed just 11.3 PPG to date. Still, this is the conference opener, and not a game against an FCS foe or a MAC opponent, so you can expect a little more in the way of points 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]

Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin odds, picks and prediction

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

The No. 10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-0) meet the No. 15 Wisconsin Badgers (1-1) at Soldier Field in Chicago Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon ET. Below, we look at the Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

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

Notre Dame eked past its first two opponents with a 41-38 overtime victory at Florida State as a 7-point favorite and then beat Toledo 32-29 as a 16.5-point favorite. The Fighting Irish took care of business in Week 3 against Purdue with a two-touchdown win as 7.5-point road favorites.

Wisconsin picked up a Week 2 victory 34-7 against Eastern Michigan as a 26-point home favorite and is coming off a bye week. The Badgers were upset 16-10 as 5.5-point home favorites in their season opener against then-No. 20 Penn State.

Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:09 p.m. ET.

Money line: Notre Dame +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Wisconsin -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Notre Dame +5.5 (-108) | Wisconsin -5.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Notre Dame at Wisconsin odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Notre Dame 24, Wisconsin 20

Money line

Pretty much all of my analysis for Notre Dame-Wisconsin is located in “narrative-ville”.

I’m a sucker for the “revenge game” angle, especially in football, and man, this is a heck of a “revenge game” spot for Notre Dame’s quarterback.

Fighting Irish super senior QB Jack Coan is using an additional year of eligibility granted due to the COVID-altered 2020 season to play for Notre Dame as a Wisconsin transfer.

Coan was replaced in Wisconsin for current starter QB Graham Mertz prior to the start of last season and rode the bench after starting every game for the Badgers in 2019. You have to figure part of Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly’s pitch to Coan was the Fighting Irish’s Week 4 meeting with the Badgers.

I think Wisconsin’s football program is typically overrated by the market just like its basketball program. I can’t totally figure out why this is the case, but the proof is there.

Since Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst took the reigns in 2015, the Badgers are 10-16 overall with a minus-2.8 margin of victory, and 10-16 ATS with a minus-2.3 spread differential, against ranked opponents. Also, Wisconsin is 5-5 overall and 5-5 ATS in neutral-site games in that span.

On the other hand, Notre Dame has been a low-key national powerhouse in the Kelly era. The Fighting Irish haven’t won any national titles but have appeared in a few College Football Playoffs and are an NFL factory.

Notre Dame has the fourth-most active players in the NFL whereas Wisconsin is 18th. The Fighting Irish are 16-8 overall in neutral-site games and 14-10 ATS since Kelly was hired in 2010.

Maybe Wisconsin is getting a boost in the market because it’s coming off a bye week and has extra time to prep for this national TV showdown. However, Wisconsin is 4-3 overall and 3-4 ATS with a rest advantage since 2015. Since 2010, Notre Dame is 22-6 overall and 16-12 ATS with a rest disadvantage.

“LEAN” to NOTRE DAME (+190) for a half unit because I like the Fighting Irish plus the points in this spot.

Against the spread

Definitely BET NOTRE DAME +5.5 (-108) heavier than or instead of the money line because of the analysis above. If it’s either-or, I’d go with the Fighting Irish getting points instead of outright.

Stream college football games on ESPN+ by signing up here.

Over/Under

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Under 45.5 (-112) because the defense is each teams’ best unit, Wisconsin is 4-0 to the Under in its last four against teams with a winning record and the Under has cashed in Notre Dame’s last four games on a neutral field.

That said, my predicted score aligns with the oddsmakers’ projected total and we are getting to the Under party a little late as the market has steamed this total down from the 47-point opening number.

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

Follow Geoff Clark 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]

Tennessee at Florida odds, expert picks and prediction

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

The Tennessee Volunteers (2-1) visit the Florida Gators (2-1) for an SEC East showdown at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we look at the Tennessee vs. Florida odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Tennessee bounced back from a Week 2 loss to Pittsburgh with a 56-0 rout of FCS foe Tennessee Tech last week. The setback against the Panthers stands out, as the Vols were minus-3 in the turnover column in that contest and they were undone by 134 yards in penalties.

Also see: SEC picks and predictions for Week 4

Florida is No. 11 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports, and is getting a lot of attention for its game against Alabama last week. The Gators outgained the Crimson Tide, 439 yards to 324, and all five of UF’s scoring drives were 75 yards-plus.

The Gators are 15-2 straight up in the head-to-head series since 2004.

Tennessee at Florida odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:15 a.m. ET.

Money line: Tennessee +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | Florida -1000 (bet $1,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Tennessee +19.5 (-108) | Florida -19.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 63.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Tennessee at Florida odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Florida 38, Tennessee 24

Money line

PASS on the juice-drowned prices here.

Against the spread

The Gators are 0-5-1 ATS in their last six games as favorites. Florida had some solid defensive days in wins over FAU and USF but those teams have second-division offenses.

Figure Florida as being banged up and by the end of this game, all too willing to play out a two-score victory. Peg Tennessee as being balanced enough and improved enough to live up to that same score range.

BACK THE VOLUNTEERS +19.5 (-108). It’s a bit of a play on a powerful force in nature and sports betting: gravity.

Over/Under

The Under is 3-1 across the last four meetings in this series dating back to 2017.

Tennessee has logged some solid defensive havoc numbers so far. With enough of a nod to UT and respect for the balance and patience that could well unfold here, BACK THE UNDER 63.5 (-108).

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]