Tag: NCAA odds lines against the spread over/under total picks predictions

Boise State at UCF odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Boise State at UCF odds, picks and prediction odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Boise State Broncos meet the UCF Knights Thursday in the season opener for both teams at the Bounce House. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Below, we look at the Boise State vs. UCF odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Broncos and Knights each enter 2021 on the outside of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports Top 25. However, this is a marquee matchup.

Boise State went 5-1 in the regular season last year before getting tripped up 34-20 in the Mountain West Championship Game by San Jose.

The Broncos are the team to beat in the MWC’s West Division. They are led by a combo of QBs in Hank Bachmeier and Jack Sears with RB George Holani in the backfield and a stellar triumvirate of WRs Octavius Evans, Khalil Shakir and CT Thomas.

As for UCF, former Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn takes over and the cupboard is definitely not bare. QB Dillon Gabriel is a star, and WR Jaylon Robinson is his big-play partner.

Boise State at UCF odds, spread and lines

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

  • Money line: Boise State +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | UCF -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Boise State +5.5 (-107) | UCF -5.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 67.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

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Boise State at UCF odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Boise State 41, UCF 38

Money line

BOISE STATE (+175) is loaded on offense and it has the weapons on the outside to play with anybody in the nation. The biggest question is if BSU can get stops on defense, and how it will handle the heat and humidity of Central Florida in early September.

Against the spread

If you’re not feeling the visitors straight up, BOISE STATE +5.5 (-107) is a strong play in this cross-country, mid-major marquee battle. Holani can be a beast in the backfield if he is back to his pre-injury level and the trio of receivers will be a handle for the Knights secondary.

Over/Under

The OVER 67.5 (-120) is the lean in this game. The Broncos scored 40 or more points in four of seven outings last season, while the Knights averaged 44.3 points per game last season to rank fifth in the nation. The scoreboard operator at the Bounce House better be ready.

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UAB vs. Jacksonville State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s UAB vs. Jacksonville State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The UAB Blazers meet the Jacksonville State Gamecocks Wednesday in a neutral-site game at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery Ala. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Below, we look at the UAB vs. Jacksonville State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Blazers managed an impressive 6-3 record last season en route to its second Conference USA championship in the past three seasons. That was the good news. The bad news was they didn’t get to play in a bowl game as their Gasparilla Bowl opponent South Carolina pulled out due to COVID-19 taking a toll on the program, leading to the bowl being canceled.

Jacksonville State went 3-1 last fall, including a 19-10 win over FIU of C-USA. The Gamecocks also played a spring schedule, going an impressive 6-1. Their season concluded with an FCS playoff loss to Delaware 20-14.

UAB vs. Jacksonville State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:34 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: UAB -850 (bet $850 to win $100) | Jacksonville State +550 (bet $100 to win $550)
  • Against the spread (ATS): UAB -16.5 (-112) | Jacksonville +16.5 (-108)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 51.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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UAB vs. Jacksonville State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

UAB 38, Jacksonville State 16

Money line

Playing UAB (-850) will cost you eight and a half times your potential return in this mid-week opener, and that’s not a recommended play. Over the long term, those type of costly chalky bets will come back to bite you and wash away any gains you have made. It’s a poor long-term strategy.

AVOID and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

This is a solid mid-tier FBS team in UAB -16.5 (-112) playing an FCS team in Jacksonville State. That alone isn’t the reason to back the defending C-USA champs, however. One has to wonder if the Gamecocks will simply be tired after playing nine games in the spring. There hasn’t been a refractory period, and it will be interesting to see.

Over/Under

The UNDER 51.5 (-112) is worth a small-unit play. UAB is a solid offensive unit, but again, you have to wonder about the conditioning of Jacksonville State. It could start this neutral-site battle a bit on the sluggish side. UAB allowed 16 or fewer points in five of its final seven games last season, and its defense should be sturdy again in 2021, too.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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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.

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UTEP at New Mexico State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s UTEP at New Mexico State Week 0 matchup, with college football odds, lines, picks, predictions and best bets.

The UTEP Miners visit the New Mexico State Aggies for a season-opening battle Saturday night. The contest at Aggie Memorial Stadium is slated for a 9:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we look at the UTEP vs. New Mexico State odds and lines, and make our best college football picks, predictions and bets.

UTEP went 3-5 last season. The Miners ended their season with four straight losses, but they outgained foes in three of those four setbacks. The 2021 roster returns 19 starters, including 11 for an offense that has incrementally upped its points and yards per game each of the last three seasons.

New Mexico State did not play last fall. The Aggies had a two-game spring season (against two FCS opponents) and head coach Doug Martin treated those contests like exhibition games, working in players up and down the roster. To make the Aggies even more inexperienced heading into this contest, six defensive players transferred after the 2019 season.

The 2020 COVID-19 autumn snapped a streak of 18 straight years with these two programs meeting on the gridiron. UTEP leads the all-time series, 57-38-2, but NMSU has a three-game straight-up and against-the-spread winning streak (2017-19).

UTEP at New Mexico 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 10:55 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: UTEP -400 (bet $400 to win $100) | New Mexico State +300 (bet $100 to win $300)
  • Against the spread/ATS: UTEP -9.5 (-120) | New Mexico State +9.5 (-105)
  • Total (Over/Under): 58.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

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UTEP at New Mexico State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

UTEP 38, New Mexico State 24

Money line

Strong-armed UTEP QB Gavin Hardison returns after an up-and-down sophomore season that saw him complete 54.3% of his passes while compiling 5 touchdowns against 5 interceptions. Hardison’s top two targets — WR Justin Garrett and WR Jacob Cowing — also return as does the entire offensive line.

Look for that group to continue to progress against a green Aggies defense. But PASS on the expensive money line.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Miners woould return a profit of just $2.50.

Against the spread

The Miners are set up in a revenge spot; the Aggies are in the unenviable position of playing real FBS football for the first time in nearly two years.

UTEP -9.5 (-120) is a good play for a win by 10 or more points.

Over/Under

Look for UTEP to control this game and get its offense in gear early. BACK THE OVER 58.5 (-120).

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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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.

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Nebraska at Illinois odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Nebraska Cornhuskers at Illinois Fighting Illini matchup, with college football odds, lines, picks, predictions and best bets.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Illinois Fighting Illini kick off the Big Ten season with a Week 0 matchup at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill., Saturday. Kick off is set for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nebraska vs. Illinois odds and lines, and make our best college football picks, predictions and bets.

Nebraska enters year four under head coach Scott Frost, whose results both on the field (12-20 since 2018) and off (under NCAA investigation for “improper use of analysts and consultants”) have Cornhuskers faithful feeling uneasy.

Bret Bielema makes his return to the Big Ten as Illinois’ head coach, replacing Lovie Smith. Bielema had plenty of success at Wisconsin from 2006-2012, but this is a multi-year rebuild given the Fighting Illini went 17-39 during Smith’s five-year tenure, and 2-6 last season.

Illinois beat Nebraska handily last year, 41-23, though Nebraska won the previous two matchups in 2018 and 2019 under Frost.

Nebraska at Illinois odds, spread and lines

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

  • Money line: Nebraska -280 (bet $280 to win $100) | Illinois +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Nebraska -7.5 (+100) | Illinois +7.5 (-125)
  • Total (Over/Under): 54.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Nebraska at Illinois odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Nebraska 31, Illinois 20

Money line

We can’t totally ignore Illinois’ upset of Nebraska in 2020, but QB Taylor Martinez didn’t start for Nebraska and these teams went in opposite directions after that game. Nebraska covered the spread in three of its last four games and won two, while Illinois lost its final three games by an average of over 20 points.

PASS on the money line and go for better odds on Nebraska against the spread.

Against the spread

Offseason transitions matter this early in the season. Bielema should be a solid long-term hire for Illinois, but molding an Illini team that finished 111th in scoring offense (20.1 points per game) and tied for 94th in scoring defense (34.9 PPG) into a contender won’t happen overnight.

Meanwhile, Nebraska’s offense shouldn’t skip a beat with Martinez back for his fourth season with a ton of returning production on defense. Take NEBRASKA -7.5 (+100) to avenge last year’s loss with relative ease.

Over/Under

Illinois might be able to run the ball effectively—it returns a number of pieces from last year’s top-35 rushing offense—as the Illini implement Bielema’s power-run, ball-control philosophy that should eat up some clock. Nebraska hit the Under in each of its last four games in 2020.

Take the UNDER 54.5 (-110) in what should be a slower-paced game as both teams work out the early kinks.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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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.

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Southern Utah at San Jose State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Southern Utah at San Jose State matchup, with college football odds, lines, picks, predictions and best bets.

The Southern Utah Thunderbirds and San Jose State Spartans begin the 2021 season Saturday at CEFCU Stadium in San Jose, Calif. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Southern Utah vs. San Jose State odds and lines, and make our best college football picks, predictions and bets.

Southern Utah, an FCS school, played a spring schedule from Feb. 27-April 10, going 1-5 SU. The Thunderbirds play the first of two games in a six-day span against a pair of FBS teams, also traveling to Arizona State on Thursday.

San Jose State is expected to challenge Nevada for the top spot in the MWC’s West Division. QB Nick Starkel is back under center, and the Spartans have a tremendous one-two punch with RBs Tyler Nevens and Kairee Robinson leading the charge. WR Isaiah Hamilton and TE Derrick Deese Jr. are big targets for Starkel, too.

Southern Utah at San Jose State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 1:00 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Southern Utah +900 (bet $100 to win $900) | San Jose State -2000 (bet $2,000 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Southern Utah +24.5 (-112) | San Jose State -24.5 (-108)
  • Total (Over/Under): 56.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Southern Utah at San Jose State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

San Jose State 51, Southern Utah 16

Money line

San Jose State (-2000) are huge favorites against Southern Utah (+900), who didn’t fare very well in the spring season. It is going to get a lot worse as SUU will have a difficult time trying to corral Starkel and friends.

Still, you cannot risk 20 times your potential return, or a $5 return on a bet of $100.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

Look to SAN JOSE STATE -24.5 (-108) for the cover. The Spartans should be able to roll up some huge numbers against their FCS opponent in this tune-up game. The Spartans led the Mountain West last season with 6.58 yards per play, and the Thunderbirds aren’t likely to offer up much in the way of resistance in this potential laugher.

It’s actually a bit surprising this number isn’t a lot higher. Take advantage.

Over/Under

The OVER 56.5 (-108) is a good bet, and San Jose State has the potential to take care of it all on their own. SUU did some good things on offense in the spring season, albeit against lesser competition. They scored 26 or more points in five of their six games, but they also allowed 24 or more points in each of the past four.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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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.

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Hawaii at UCLA odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Hawaii at UCLA matchup, with college football odds, lines, picks, predictions and best bets.

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and UCLA Bruins begin the 2021 season Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Hawaii vs. UCLA odds and lines, and make our best college football picks, predictions and bets.

Hawaii heads to the mainland to kick off its 2021 season. The Warriors won just one of three regular-season trips to the mainland last season. Although, they did cap off their season with a win in the New Mexico Bowl against Houston.

UCLA has dropped nine consecutive non-conference games dating back to Sept. 9, 2017, going 1-8 ATS during the span. That last non-conference victory was against Hawaii, 56-23, at the Rose Bowl.

Hawaii at UCLA odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 12:45 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Hawaii +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | UCLA -1000 (bet $1,000 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Hawaii +17.5 (-108) | UCLA -17.5 (-112)
  • Total (Over/Under): 68.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Hawaii at UCLA odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

UCLA 48, Hawaii 27

Money line

UCLA (-1000) hasn’t had a lot of success outside of the conference in recent years, but hope springs eternal in 2021. The Bruins are expected to take a big step forward this season under head coach Chip Kelly. Still, you can’t risk 10 times your potential return.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

The way to go is playing UCLA -17.5 (-112), despite its 1-8 ATS mark across the past nine non-conference outings. The Bruins have a tremendous one-two punch in RBs Brittain Brown and Zach Charbonnet, and QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson should be able to roll up some big numbers against a Hawaii +17.5 (-108) defense that will be just so-so.

The Warriors should hang with the Bruins for the first half, but look for UCLA to pull away in the final 30 minutes.

Over/Under

The OVER 68.5 (-108) is the lean, although you likely will be sweating it out until the fourth quarter. UCLA’s DTR and Hawaii QB Chevan Cordeiro should put up big passing numbers to help Over bettors cash.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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.

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Connecticut at Fresno State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Connecticut at Fresno State matchup, with college football odds, lines, picks, predictions and best bets.

The Connecticut Huskies and Fresno State Bulldogs begin the 2021 season Saturday at Bulldog Stadium in Fresno, Calif. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Connecticut vs. Fresno State odds and lines, and make our best college football picks, predictions and bets.

UConn didn’t participate in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, last playing Nov. 30, 2019 at Temple, a 49-17 loss. This will be the first non-conference game for the Huskies since Oct. 26, 2019, when they won at Massachusetts.

Fresno State registered a 3-3 SU/ATS mark in six games last season. While its three losses were by 10 or more points, there is a lot of optimism heading into 2021. They’ll lean heavily upon RB Ronnie Rivera, who is one of the top tailbacks in the nation. QB Jake Haener is back, too, and he helped the offense to a tremendous average of 32.8 PPG.

Connecticut at Fresno 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 12:30 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Connecticut +1300 (bet $100 to win $1,300) | Fresno State -5000 (bet $5,000 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Connecticut +27.5 (-110) | Fresno State -27.5 (-110)
  • Total (Over/Under): 62.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Connecticut at Fresno State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Fresno State 45, Connecticut 14

Money line

Fresno State (-5000) will cost you way too much, as a $100 bet returns a profit of just $2. There is never a reason to justify risking that kind of money for such a small return.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

The play is FRESNO STATE -27.5 (-110) as they should lean upon the experienced Haener and Rivera for a nice, balanced offensive attack. UConn +27.5 (-110) will be awfully rusty after such a long layoff, and a cross-country trip will not be helpful to getting them off on the right foot.

Over/Under

The UNDER 62.5 (-110) is the play in this East-West matchup. The Huskies are going to have difficulty scoring on the Bulldogs, a team with bowl aspirations in the Mountain West. Fresno has the offensive tools to rack up a good deal of points, especially against a UConn defense that won’t be very good. However, after building a big lead, especially the Bulldogs to let their foot off the gas late.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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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.

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