UTSA Roadrunners betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

UTSA at Tennessee odds, picks and predictions

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

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The No. 20 Tennessee Volunteers (2-1) welcome the UTSA Roadrunners (1-2) to Neyland Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET (SEC Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UTSA vs. Tenneessee odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Tennessee lost 29-16 at Florida last Saturday, losing outright as a 4.5-point favorite. The Vols are led by QB Joe Milton III, who has 716 passing yards with 6 touchdowns and 1 interception through 3 games. Tennessee is No. 20 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports and is 1-2 against the spread (ATS) and 1-2 Over/Under this season. The Volunteers’ lone cover was a 49-13 blowout over Virginia as 27.5-point favorites on Sept. 2.

UTSA is 0-3 ATS on the season and 1-2 O/U, losing 37-29 to Army last Friday as a 7-point home favorite. The Roadrunners are just 1-2 overall despite being favorites in all 3 games this season. Starting QB Frank Harris is a game-time decision against Tennessee after missing last week with a toe injury. He leads the team with 423 passing yards with 2 touchdowns against 3 interceptions through 2 games.

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UTSA at Tennessee odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:05 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): UTSA +800 (bet $100 to win $800) | Tennessee -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): UTSA +21.5 (-110) | Tennessee -21.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 59.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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UTSA at Tennessee picks and predictions

Prediction

Tennessee 41, UTSA 17

Moneyline

PASS.

Keep it rollin’. There’s no value on the moneyline either way.

Against the spread

LEAN TENNESSEE -21.5 (-110).

UTSA sits 102nd of 133 FBS programs in the nation in opponents passing yards per completion according to TeamRankings.com. It hasn’t performed well in the aerial defense game, and Milton III should be able to eat them alive. He is averaging over 225 yards per game.

Couple that with the Vols’ defense, which has allowed fewer than 15 points in 2 of 3 games, and Tennessee should be able to drive the ball well and halt the UTSA offense — particularly if Harris isn’t able to play or isn’t at 100%.

UTSA hasn’t hit its preseason expectations, and it may continue to struggle against an SEC powerhouse on the road. Take TENNESSEE -21.5 (-110).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 59.5 (-110).

Both teams are 1-2 O/U this season, and Tennessee’s lone Over was when it blasted Virginia for 49 points. It has scored 30 or fewer in both of its other games.

UTSA has yet to score 30 points in any game and has allowed fewer than 20 in 2 of 3 games as well. It may be able to get a few stops and keep Tennessee under 40. The Roadrunners have allowed just 22.3 points per game.

They may get blown out, but as their season-long numbers will suggest, it may be their offense that struggles the most. Take UNDER 59.5 (-110).

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Army at UTSA odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Army Black Knights (1-1) and the UTSA Roadrunners (1-1) meet Friday at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Army vs. UTSA odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Black Knights were tripped up 17-13 in the season opener at UL Monroe, losing outright as an 8.5-point favorite as the Under (46.5) cashed. Army bounced back by drubbing Delaware State of the FCS 57-0, cashing as a 38.5-point favorite as the Over (44.5) connected. However, the loss at ULM carries a lot more weight than a win over a poor FCS team.

The Roadrunners played Houston tough in the opener Sept. 2, falling 17-14 as a 2-point favorite as the Under (59) cashed. UTSA came home and topped Texas State, who was brimming with confidence after a win at Baylor in Week 1. The Roadrunners won 20-13 over the Bobcats, although TSU covered the 14-point number as the Under (65.5) cashed a 2nd straight game.

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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Army at UTSA odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 7:52 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Army +275 (bet $100 to win $275) | UTSA -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Army +8.5 (-110) | UTSA -8.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Army at UTSA picks and predictions

Prediction

UTSA 23, Army 16

Moneyline

UTSA (-350) will cost you 3 1/2 times your potential return. That’s just too much for a singular bet, or as part of a multi-team parlay. While the Roadrunners have played better football, that’s still too much risk for not enough reward.

PASS.

Against the spread

ARMY +8.5 (-110) has a strong rushing attack, and that will keep it in the game. But the Black Knights have started to come into the 21st century a little, passing the ball a bit more. It is averaging 172.5 passing yards per game, which isn’t a lot, but it isn’t your dad’s Army football, either.

UTSA -8.5 (-110) has done a good job shutting down the run early on, so Army will have to continue to go to the air to stay in this game. The good news is that both sides play pretty good defense, and it’s unlikely UTSA wins by more than single digits.

Over/Under

UNDER 44.5 (-110) is a rather low number in this day and age of college football, but defense will win the day in the Alamodome on Friday.

In Army’s only game against an FBS foe so far, it mustered just 13 points against a mediocre ULM team. Meanwhile, UTSA has yielded just 15.0 PPG, while averaging 17.0 PPG on offense.

When these teams met last Sept. 10 in Michie Stadium in West Point, UTSA won a 41-38 game in OT. We won’t come anywhere close to seeing that kind of offense in this one.

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FAU at UTSA odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s FAU at UTSA odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The FAU Owls (17-1, 7-0 Conference USA) and UTSA Roadrunners (7-12, 1-7) meet Thursday at UTSA Convocation Center in San Antonio. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the FAU vs. UTSA odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Owls aren’t ranked in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, but they did crack The AP Top 25 for the first time in school history this week. FAU kicked off the week with a 76-62 win at Western Kentucky Monday to cover as 4.5-point favorites, moving to 12-2-1 against the spread (ATS) across the past lined 15 games.

The Roadrunners have dropped 4 games in a row, going 0-3-1 ATS during the skid. The push came as a 7-point underdog last time out at home on Monday in an 88-81 loss in overtime against Rice. The Over also snapped a 3-0 Under run for the Roadrunners.

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FAU at UTSA odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:42 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Off the board (OTB)
Against the spread (ATS): FAU -15.5 (-115) | UTSA +15.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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FAU at UTSA picks and predictions

Prediction

FAU 81, UTSA 63

Moneyline

This line was off the board at the time of publishing, but even if there was a line, it would be too high and wouldn’t be worth pursuing anyway.

PASS.

Against the spread

FAU -15.5 (-115) is the lean on the road, although this is quite a large number for the Owls. FAU is still getting used to going from also-ran to contender, and feeling things out. The Owls are a solid 12-2-1 ATS in the past 15 games overall.

UTSA is just 1-5-2 ATS across its last 8 games and it is 1-4-1 ATS in the past 6 outings as a double-digit underdog.

Over/Under

UNDER 144.5 (-115) is the lean, but play it lightly.

While the Over is 4-1 in the past 5 games overall for FAU, the Under is 4-1 in its last 5 outings after a cover. The Under is 4-1 in the past 5 home games against teams with a winning road mark for UTSA.

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Cure Bowl: Troy vs. UTSA odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Troy vs. UTSA odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 22 UTSA Roadrunners (11-2) battle the No. 24 Troy Trojans (11-2) in the Cure Bowl on Friday. Kickoff from Exploria Stadium in Orlando is set for 3 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UTSA vs. Troy odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

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

The Trojans crushed Coastal Carolina 45-26 in their final game of the season, taking a 31-7 lead into the half and easily covering as 6.5-point favorites. Troy finished No. 1 in the Sun Belt and ended the season 10-3 against the spread (ATS), covering its last 3 in a row. Troy’s strength is its defense, ranking top 40 in opponents’ total yards (324.9), passing yards (207.4), and rushing yards (117.5).

UTSA dismantled North Texas 48-27, covering as 8-point home favorites, and ended its season atop Conference USA. It was just 7-6 ATS though. UTSA was 5-1 straight up on the road. Its strength is in its attack, ranking top 15 in total yards (486.2) and passing yards (308.6).

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Troy vs. UTSA odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 1:46 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Troy -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | UTSA +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Troy -1 (-112) | UTSA +1 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 56 (O: -109 | U: -111)

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Troy vs. UTSA picks and predictions

Prediction

UTSA 34, Troy 28

Moneyline

BET UTSA (+100).

Troy’s defense is what sets them apart, but starting QB Gunner Watson has been far too turnover prone to back the Trojans. He has 13 TDs and 10 INTs thise season.

Also, the weaker part of the Trojans’ defense is their pass game, and that’s where UTSA will look to exploit. QB Frank Harris has 31 TDs and 7 INTs. He has been intercepted just once in his last 5 games.

Couple that with UTSA being 5-1 on the road to Troy’s 4-2 road mark and I would back the team less likely to turn the ball over here.

Against the spread

PASS.

I’d back UTSA outright here. Only 1 game between both teams, a 10-9 win for Troy over Army, finished within a single point. Take the favorite on the moneyline.

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 56 (-109).

UTSA is 8-5 O/U this season. Its offense has scored at least 30 points in every game this season aside from a 41-20 loss to Texas on Sept. 17. It has scored 40 or more in 4 of its last 5. The total is 3-2 O/U in its last 5 games as well.

The Troy offense is clicking as well. Despite being just 6-7 O/U this season, it has gone Over in its last 3 in a row. Troy has scored 46.5 points per game over its last 2 games and has scored 30 or more in 3 in a row.

Both offenses are clicking, and in a bowl game in warm weather, back the OVER 56 (-109).

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Conference USA Championship: North Texas at UTSA odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s North Texas at UTSA odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The North Texas Mean Green (7-5, 6-2 C-USA) meet the No. 24 UTSA Roadrunners (10-2, 8-0) Friday for the Conference USA Championship. Kickoff from Alamodome in San Antonio is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the North Texas vs. UTSA odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

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

The Mean Green rebounded from a 41-21 loss at UAB on Nov. 12 to top Rice 21-17 Saturday. With the conference win in the regular-season finale, UNT clinched the 2nd spot in C-USA and a spot in the title game.

The Roadrunners topped the Mean Green 31-27 back on Oct. 22 at this very same venue, but UNT covered the 10-point number as the Under cashed.

UTSA picked up a wild 34-31 win against UTEP Saturday, but it failed to cover the 16.5-point number. UTSA has won 9 in a row dating back to a loss at Texas on Sept. 17, and that was its only loss in regulation for the season. The other setback was a 37-35 OT loss against Houston in the opener.

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North Texas at UTSA odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:50 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): North Texas +270 (bet $100 to win $270) | UTSA -330 (bet $330 to win $100)
Against the spread: North Texas +9 (-110) | UTSA -9 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 69.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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North Texas at UTSA picks and predictions

Prediction

UTSA 35, North Texas 31

Moneyline

UTSA (-330) will cost you over 3 times your potential return, and that’s very expensive, even on its home field.

North Texas gave the Roadrunners all they could handle in their late October meeting in San Antonio, and the offense has the depth and talent to hang around.

PASS.

Against the spread

NORTH TEXAS +9 (-110) is the lean in this conference title game.

While UNT is 0-4 ATS in the past 4 neutral-site games, it has covered 6 of the past 8 games overall and is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 inside Conference USA. The Mean Green has also covered 6 in a row against teams with a winning overall record.

UTSA is 12-5 ATS in the past 17 against teams with a winning record, and the home team is 8-1 ATS in the past 9 meetings. However, that lone non-cover was in late October. Look for the Mean Green to make this a one-score game again.

Over/Under

An UNDER 69.5 (-110) play is worth a roll of the dice, but it’s a half-unit play only.

The Under has cashed in 7 of the past 8 meetings between these sides, including the regular-season meeting. The Under is 4-0 in the past 4 meetings in San Antonio, too.

UTSA has cashed the Under in 5 of the past 7 games overall, and 5 of the past 7 inside C-USA, too.

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UTSA at FIU odds, picks and predictions

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

The UTSA Roadrunnners (4-2, 2-0 C-USA) and the FIU Panthers (2-3, 0-1) meet in a conference game Friday at Riccardo Silva Stadium in Miami. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UTSA vs. FIU odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Roadrunners hit the road looking to add to the woes of the Panthers. UTSA picked up a 2nd straight conference win last week against Western Kentucky, and it is averaging 38.0 PPG in 2 games inside Conference USA. The Over is 5-1 in 6 games overall for UTSA.

The Panthers surprised with a 21-7 road win at New Mexico State on Oct. 1, but returned home last week and suffered a 33-12 setback against UConn. FIU is now 1-4 ATS overall this season.

Check out: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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UTSA at FIU odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:31 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): UTSA -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100) | FIU +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500)
Against the spread (ATS): UTSA -33.5 (-108) | FIU +33.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 62.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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UTSA at FIU picks and predictions

Prediction

UTSA 49, FIU 12

Moneyline

UTSA (-10000) should be able to pound FIU in this Conference USA battle, but it goes without saying you shouldn’t play giant money lines like this. There is just no money to be made, and it isn’t worth the risk.

PASS.

Against the spread

UTSA -33.5 (-108) is a decent play on the road laying the points, as QB Frank Harris and the offense is rolling along. It has finally figured out how to transition from a run-heavy offense last season to a more pass-happy attack.

The Roadrunners are 14-5 ATS in the last 19 games on the road, while posting a 4-1 ATS record in the last 5 appearances on a Friday. Meanwhile, the Panthers are 7-22 ATS in the last 29 games overall, while going 7-19 ATS in the last 26 C-USA outings.

Over/Under

UNDER 62.5 (-105) is worth playing here.

The thinking is that UTSA will score plenty, but FIU will have difficulty getting very far into double digits, if they reach the figure at all.

You’ll be playing against UTSA’s Over trends, as it is 9-1 in the last 10 games overall, and 8-0 in the last 8 on the road. FIU also allows plenty of points, but it won’t be able to do much offensively.

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Houston at UTSA odds, picks and predictions

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

The Houston Cougars and UTSA Roadrunners open their seasons Saturday at the Alamodome. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (CBSSN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Houston vs. UTSA odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Cougars posted 12 victories last season, including a win in the Birmingham Bowl over Auburn of the SEC. Houston welcomes QB Clayton Tune back, and the Cougars are among the favorites to win the AAC in 2022.

The Roadrunners attained their 1st-ever ranking last season, but struggled in the final 3 games with just 1 victory. UTSA lost the Frisco Bowl against San Diego State, and stud RB Sincere McCormick rested to get ready for the NFL Draft. UTSA will have difficulty matching last season’s double-digit win total.

This is the 3rd-ever meeting between these Lone Star State schools, with Houston winning 59-28 in San Antonio Sept. 28, 2013, and UTSA winning 27-7 in Houston Aug. 29, 2014.

Houston is ranked No. 25 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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Houston at UTSA odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:46 a.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Houston -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | UTSA +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
Against the spread (ATS): Houston -4.5 (-112) | UTSA +4.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 61.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Houston at UTSA picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 34, UTSA 20

Money line

Houston (-200) hits the road in the opener trying to carry over momentum from last season’s 12-win performance. Tune and company should be able to make sweet music in the Alamodome as the Roadrunners are likely to struggle a little out of the gate.

UTSA has QB Frank Harris back, but the loss of McCormick will make this more of a one-dimensional team.

Still, you can’t risk 2 times your potential return on the road favorite.

AVOID.

Against the spread

HOUSTON -4.5 (-112) is a better play laying the points on the road. Tune and the Cougars should be able to move the ball well.

UTSA is home, but that’s about all that is going for it. Harris and the Roadrunners are likely to be a lot more predictable without the game-breaker McCormick in the huddle. In addition, the Roadrunners had plenty of losses on defense, including key players at each level of the D.

Over/Under

UNDER 61.5 (-105) is the play in this Texas tussle.

The Under is 6-2-1 in the past 9 games for UTSA at home, while going 6-2-1 in the previous 9 non-conference tilts, too.

The Under is a dangerous play when Houston is involved, but its defense should do enough to keep UTSA in check.

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Frisco Bowl: UTSA vs. San Diego State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s UTSA vs. San Diego State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 25 UTSA Roadrunners (7-6) meet the San Diego State Aztecs (6-6) at the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl Tuesday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the UTSA vs. San Diego State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

UTSA had its undefeated season spoiled by North Texas in the regular-season finale in Denton Nov. 27, falling 45-23. The Roadrunners rebounded with a 49-41 win over Western Kentucky in the Conference USA championship game at the Alamodome Dec. 3.

The Aztecs were destroyed, 46-13, by Utah State in the Mountain West championship game Dec. 4 as 6.5-point favorites as the Over cashed. While San Diego State has won four of the past five games, it is still just 1-4-1 ATS across the past six outings overall.

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

UTSA vs. San Diego State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:40 a.m. ET.

Money line: UTSA +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | San Diego State -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): UTSA +2.5 (+100) | San Diego State -2.5 (-125)
Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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UTSA vs. San Diego State odds, lines, picks and predictions

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Prediction

San Diego State 26, UTSA 20

Money line

SAN DIEGO STATE (-155) is the play in this one. UTSA (+125) was just one game away from an undefeated season, and they had a top-tier offense during the regular season.

However, star RB Sincere McCormick, who rolled up 1,479 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, has declared for the NFL Draft and opted out. That’s a huge loss for the Roadrunners.

Against the spread

Take SAN DIEGO STATE -2.5 (-125) laying two-and-a-half. While the Aztecs were horrific in the MWC title game, they’ll bounce back nicely, using its defense to top the Roadrunners here. I am concerned about UTSA’s offense, as I think they’ll have a hard time adjusting without its top player.

Over/Under

The play is the UNDER 48.5 (-107). UTSA was going to have trouble moving the ball even with McCormick, as San Diego State ranks 14th in the country with 319.6 total yards allowed per game. It’s second in the nation with just 77.6 rushing yards per game allowed, so QB Frank Harris will have difficulty trying to solve SDSU, too.

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Western Kentucky at UTSA odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Western Kentucky at UTSA odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (8-4, 7-1 C-USA) and UTSA Roadrunners (11-1,7-1) are lined up for Friday’s Conference USA Championship Game. Kickoff from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, is slated for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Western Kentucky vs. UTSA odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Western Kentucky went 1-4 over its first five games and has won seven consecutive games since. One of those four losses was a 52-46 setback against this UTSA squad Oct. 9. The Hilltoppers have averaged a robust 48.0 points per game over their last five wins. The WKU offense averages 43.3 PPG and 525.1 yards per contest; both figures rank second in the nation.

The Roadrunners were tripped up by North Texas last week. Texas-San Antonio toted an unblemished record into that game but was undone but costly turnovers, solid UNT defense, and a big run game that saw the Mean Green pile up 340 yards on the ground. That performance was against a UTSA defense that ranks 19th nationally against the run (121.3 yards per game allowed).

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

Western Kentucky at UTSA odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: Western Kentucky -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | UTSA +130 (bet $100 to win $130)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky -3.5 (-102) | UTSA +3.5 (-122)
Over/Under (O/U): 72.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Western Kentucky at UTSA odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Western Kentucky 38, UTSA 31

Money line

The Hilltoppers are a lean here, but PASS unless you can get price of -155 or better.

Against the spread

Western Kentucky is 5-0 ATS across its last five games.

The Hilltoppers have made some defensive adjustments and have played better football over the last couple months. Some of that was WKU getting thru the Army-Indiana-Michigan State-UTSA portion of its schedule. However, in yards-per-play and available-yards comparisons, the ‘Toppers have made some incremental improvements.

Five-thousand-yard man QB Bailey Zappe — okay, the Western Kentucky quarterback has only thrown for 4,968 yards — directs a pass-first (and nearly pass-only) offense that has been clicking of late. Zappe has thrown 52 touchdown passes.

UTSA’s defense does well to create havoc but more so on running plays, and the Roadrunners have given up more than their share of explosive plays through the air. The UTSA offense is also a tad more likely to get stifled between the 40s.

TAKE WESTERN KENTUCKY -3.5 (-102) on a tight lean. A straight 3 points would be nice, but the discounted juice softens the protest.

Over/Under

The Oct. 9 meeting between these two produced 98 points and over 1,200 total yards. Figure this game being managed a bit differently and that the improvements made by the Western Kentucky defense since that first matchup help keep this one dialed back.

TAKE THE UNDER 72.5 (-108).

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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)

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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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