NCAAF Trends and Indexes - Week 7 (Thursday, October 10 - Saturday, October 12)

[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, October 12

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Saturday's NCAAF Top 25 betting cheat sheet: Evening action
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Michigan Wolverines at Penn State Nittany Lions (+2.5, 51)

The Wolverines received good news this week when linebacker Jake Ryan was medically cleared to resume play, prompting coach Brady Hoke to say he could "potentially" make an appearance against Penn State. The Wolverines had high hopes for senior running back Fitzgerald Toussaint after he rushed for 100 yards or more in four of the last six games two years ago, but he has surpassed that mark just once in his last 15 contests.

The Nittany Lions welcomed back an important part of their defense last weekend. Mike Hull, a senior linebacker, suffered a right knee injury in the season opener against Syracuse but returned to make 10 tackles versus Indiana. Allen Robinson, a 6-3, 210-pound junior wide receiver who had 12 catches for 173 yards and two scores in a 44-24 loss to Indiana last Saturday.

LINE: Michigan opened -3 and moved to -2.5 Total steady at 51.
WEATHER: Temperatures in low 60s, 31% chance of rain, winds ENE 2 mph.
TRENDS:

* Over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Penn State.
* Wolverines are 2-5 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Wolverines are 12-28 ATS in their last 40 conference games.


Akron Zips at Northern Illinois Huskies (-23.5, 62)

NIU junior Cameron Stingily, who rushed for 266 yards and two touchdowns against Kent State, will play despite a recent arrest stemming from a failure to appear in court. Jordan Lynch has gone over 1,000 yards passing and 500 yards rushing through five games, and the senior has 12 touchdowns against only four interceptions for Northern Illinois.

The Zips have lost four straight, including a near upset of then-ranked No. 11 Michigan. Sophomore quarterback Kyle Pohl has thrown an interception in all but one game this season and has been sacked 11 times. The Zips' defense has six interceptions and is tied for second-best in the MAC with 16 sacks.

LINE: NIU opened -21.5 and moved to -23.5. Total moved from 62.5 to 62.
WEATHER: Temperatures in high 60s, 27% chance of early thundershowers, winds WSW 8 mph.
TRENDS:

* Favorite is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Zips are 2-5 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Under is 9-0 in Zips' last nine conference games.


Stanford Cardinal at Utah Utes (+8, 55)

The Cardinal's success begins with quarterback Kevin Hogan, who is 10-0 in his career as a starter and has thrown 11 touchdowns against four interceptions this season. Stanford has a balanced offensive attack led by running back Tyler Gaffney, who has a team-leading 462 yards and six TDs.

The Utes must get more consistent play from sophomore quarterback Travis Wilson, who threw six interceptions against UCLA.Wilson's top target is Dres Anderson, who leads the team with 24 catches, 510 yards and four receiving touchdowns. Sophomore James Poole has a team-leading 330 yards on the ground while Wilson has rushed for 248 and a team-high five TDs.

LINE: Stanford opened -10 and moved to -8. Total moved from 54.5 to 55.
WEATHER: Temperatures in high 50s, 6% chance of rain, winds SSW 9 mph.
TRENDS:

* Cardinal are 19-6-1 ATS in their last 26 road games.
* Utes are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
* Over is 7-3 in Utes' last 10 games overall.


Alabama Crimson Tide at Kentucky Wildcats (+27, 51.5)

Quarterback A.J. McCarron has never been more accurate than in his last four games, connecting on 77.7 percent of his throws for 938 yards and nine touchdowns with two interceptions. The Tide have won 16 straight road games and nine straight overall. Alabama has held four of five opponents this season under 10 points.

The Wildcats rank third in the SEC and 24th nationally in pass defense, while their Air Raid offense is averaging 388.8 yards per game and rushing for 5.1 yards per carry. Kentucky showed its big-play ability by scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter at South Carolina, and the team already has six plays of at least 40 yards.

LINE: Alabama moved from -26.5 to -27. Total moved from 52 to 51.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, clear skies, winds SSW 1 mph.
TRENDS:

* Crimson Tide are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 road games.
* Wildcats are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games overall.
* Over is 3-0-1 in Crimson Tide's last four road games.


Texas A&M Aggies at Mississippi Rebels (+6, 76)

Texas A&M’s beleaguered defense turned in an encouraging outing against Arkansas, but the unit figures to be tested by an Ole Miss offense that averaged 38 points in its first three wins. Texas A&M has scored first in 17 of 18 games under coach Kevin Sumlin. The Aggies have used a balanced offense to score at least 40 points in each of their first five games for the first time in school history.

Junior quarterback Bo Wallace threw for a season-high 336 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions last week against Auburn, but the Rebels will need a more balanced attack in order to keep Manziel off the field. Ole Miss boasts the SEC’s No. 2 pass defense, but the Rebels’ defensive line has been hit by a wave of injuries in recent weeks.

LINE: Texas A&M opened -5.5 and move to -6. Total opened 75 and moved to 76.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, 13% chance of rain, winds SW 1 mph.
TRENDS:

* Aggies are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
* Over is 4-1 in Aggies' last five games overall.
* Over is 4-1 in Rebels last five home games.


California Golden Bears at UCLA Bruins (-25, 73.5)

Injuries have decimated the Golden Bears' defense, with seven projected starters missing last week’s loss. California could use a quick start after allowing a touchdown on the opposing team’s first drive in each of its first five games, forcing Goff (364.2 yards passing per game) into catch-up mode soon after the opening kickoff.

he Bruins were fairly healthy until the Utah game, when tackle Torian White suffered a season-ending right leg injury and running back Jordon James exited with an ankle injury that could force him to miss Saturday's contest. James’ absence would create more opportunities for Steven Manfro, Malcolm Jones and Paul Perkins, who rushed for 92 yards against the Utes.

LINE: UCLA opened -24 and moved to -25. Total opened 73 and moved to 73.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 60s, clear skies, winds SSW 8 mph.
TRENDS:

* Golden Bears are 3-15 ATS in their last 18 games overall.
* Bruins are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Underdog is 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 meetings.


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[Udog]

NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 7

Saturday's games
Notes on rest of the games......

-- Virginia Tech covered once in its last seven games as a home favorite; only twice in their last eight ACC home games have Hokies won by more than a FG.
-- Miami OH (-23) beat UMass 27-16 LY. This year, MAC favorites are 11-1 against spread, 4-1 at home.
-- Clemson covered six of last seven tries as an ACC home favorite. BC is 0-5 vs spread in last five games as an ACC road underdog. Eagles lost 36-14/35-7 in last two visits to Death Valley.
-- Western Michigan is 0-6, allowed average of 308.8 rushing yards per game over last four weeks. Over last decade, Buffalo is 1-0-1 as favorite on the road.

-- Central Michigan won four of last five games with Ohio; underdogs are 3-1 vs spread in last four meetings. Chippewas are already 0-3 as a road underdog this season.
-- MAC road underdogs are 11-14 vs spread out of conference. Army is 3-6 as a home favorite under Ellerson.
-- Underdogs covered six of last eight USF-UConn games, 4-0 vs spread at UConn. Last six series games were decided by 7 or less points.
-- Average total in last three Navy-Duke games: 75.3. ACC home faves are 9-6 vs spread out of conference. Duke covered its last five games as a home favorite.

-- Kent State lost 45-43/33-14 in last two visits to Ball State. Home side won last four series games; underdogs covered four of last six meetings.
-- Bowling Green lost 42-10 at Indiana in only game this year vs a BCS opponent. Falcon coach Clawson is familiar with SEC from his days as an assistant at Tennessee. SEC non-conference home favorites are 9-8.
-- Akron lost its last three visits to Northern Illinois by 42-14 average; Huskies covered five of last seven series games. Zips lost 43-3 at home last week, are 1-2 as road underdogs this season.
-- Favorites covered seven of last nine Iowa State-Texas Tech contests; State won last visit here, lost previous three by 25-31-12 points. Tech is 3-6 in last nine games as a home favorite.

-- Rice (-2.5) beat UTSA 34-14 LY, running ball for 301 yards, C-USA home teams are 3-9 vs spread in league play, 2-4 if a home underdog.
-- New Mexico won five of last seven visits to Wyoming, which is 3-6 as a series favorite since 1999. Home teams are 3-8 vs spread in MW tilts, 2-3 when a home favorite.
-- ACC non-conference underdogs are 6-5 vs spread, 4-2 on road. BYU (+2) held Georgia Tech to 157 TY in easy 41-17 win in Atlanta LY.
-- First road game for Nebraska, which allowed 25.4 ppg in its first five games. Cornhuskers are 9-7-1 as road favorites under Pelini. Favorites covered six of first eight Big Dozen games.

-- Colorado gave up 101 points in losing last two games, by 44-17/57-16 scores. Pac-12 conference favorites are 9-3 vs spread, 5-3 at home.
-- Cal is 6-2-1 vs spread last nine times they were an underdog to UCLA team that won its first four games, with three wins by 20+ points. P-12 home favorites are 5-3 against the spread.
-- Third straight road game for East Carolina squad that won five in row, nine of last ten games vs Tulane- ECU won last two visits to Superdome by 28-23/28-24 scores. This is fifth year in row Pirates are double digit favorite against Tulane.
-- Alabama won last four games with Kentucky by average score: 32-17, but teams haven't met since '09. Wildcats are 1-4, but haven't lost game this season by more than 17 points.

-- Mountain West home teams are 3-8 vs spread, 2-3 if favored. San Jose State beat Colorado State last two years, 38-31/40-20. Spartans won at Hawai'i last week, are 2-1 on foreign soil this season.
-- Idaho is 1-5 this season with four losses by 32+ points. Sun Belt teams are 0-4 as non-conference favorites this season.
-- Since '08, NC State is 19-6-1 vs spread in game following a loss. ACC conference home teams are 11-4 vs spread, 7-1 if favored.
-- FIU won 24-23 at winless Southern Miss last week for first win after losing first four games by comnbined score of 187-23. UAB allowed an average of 47.3 ppg in losing its road games by 3-39-28 points.

[Udog]

College football betting weather report: Saturday's forecasts

Find out how weather will impact your college football bets for Saturday's matchups:

South Florida Bulls at UCONN Huskies (-3.5, 41)
Wind will blow across the field at 10 mph.


Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns (+13.5, 57.5)
Site: Cotton Bowl, Dallas, Texas
There is a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms.


Pittsburgh Panthers at Virginia Tech Hokies (-8.5, 42.5)
There is a 20 percent chance of rain in the forecast.


Nebraska Cornhuskers at Purdue Boilermakers (+14.5, 57)
There is a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast.


Kansas Jayhawks at TCU Horned Frogs (-24.5, 45)
Forecasts are calling for a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms.


Memphis Tigers at Houston Cougars (-9.5, 52.5)
Forecasts are calling for a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms.


South Carolina Gamecocks at Arkansas Razorbacks (+5, 51)
Forecasts are calling for a 56 percent chance of thunderstorms.


Navy Midshipmen at Duke Blue Devils (-3, 57)
There is a 30 percent chance of rain in the forecast.


Buffalo Bulls at Western Michigan Broncos (+10.5, 51.5)
Forecasts are calling for a 45 percent chance of thunderstorms.


Virginia Cavaliers at Maryland Terrapins (-7, 43.5)
Wind will blow across the field at 8 mph and forecasts call for a 61 percent chance of rain.


Syracuse Orange at North Carolina State Wolfpack (-7, 54)
There is a 30 percent chance of rain in the forecast.


New Mexico Lobos at Wyoming Cowboys (-14, 69.5)
Wind will blow toward the north end zone at 11 mph.


Northwestern Wildcats at Wisconsin Badgers (-10, 58)
Wind will blow across the field at 8 mph and there is a 30 percent chance of rain.


Oregon Ducks at Washington Huskies (+13, 75)
The Forecast is calling for a 52 percent chance of rain.


Akron Zips at Northern Illinois Huskies (-23.5, 62)
Forecasts are calling for a 39 percent chance of rain with wind blowing across the field at 7 mph.


Idaho Vandals at Arkansas State Red Wolves (-24.5, 61)
There is a 39 percent of rain in the early stages of this game.


Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at North Texas Mean Green (-6.5, 53.5)
There is a 30 percent chance of rain in the forecast.


UL Monroe Warhawks at Texas State Bobcats (-6.5, 45)
Forecasts are calling for a 50 percent chance of rain.


UAB Blazers at FIU Golden Panthers (+7.5, 55)
Wind will blow toward the west endzone at 10 mph.


Texas A&M Aggies at Ole Miss Rebels (+6, 76)
There is a 32 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast.

[Udog]

Where the action is: Saturday's NCAAF line moves

Week 7 of the college football schedule has plenty of marquee matchups on the board, and bettors have had their say about those games. We talk to sportsbooks about the biggest adjustments to the Week 7 odds and where those line will end up come kickoff Saturday:

Missouri Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs – Open: -9.5, Move: -7

Some markets have trimmed this SEC spread as many as 2.5 points heading into the weekend. Georgia has a long list of injuries to deal with and sharp bettors are buying up the Tigers, however, with the spread dropping to a touchdown, money is showing up on UGA.

“On Tuesday, we got sharp bet on the dog, so moved to 9. Then another wiseguy played Missouri, so moved to 8,” says Mike Perry of Sportsbook.com. “So far 55 percent of the money is on Missouri.”

South Carolina Gamecocks at Arkansas Razorbacks – Open: +6, Move: +5

There’s a dark cloud hanging over South Carolina, with star defensive stopper Jadaveon Clowney at odds with head coach Steve Spurrier after missing last week with an “injury”. The Razorbacks haven’t been at their best but welcome a huge crowd for homecoming Saturday.

“Not the biggest of movers but an interesting matchup,” Aron Black of Bet365.com tells Covers. “Action is pretty split on this one. On paper and stats wise, it looks like an easy play on South Carolina. But this is a tough game to call.”

Baylor Bears at Kansas State Wildcats – Open: -17, Move -19

Baylor has been the popular choice with the public the past few weeks and has once again swayed one-sided money on its weekend game, with 93 percent of the handle on the Bears. This one could keep going up once the public has its say on Saturday.

“The Bears have been one of the top five wagered-on teams each week they have played this season and it makes sense,” says Perry. “After all, dating back to 2012, the Bears have covered 10 straight games.”

Texas A&M Aggies at Mississippi Rebels – Open: +5, Move: +6

The Aggies are always a popular play among bettors each Saturday and are coming off a bye week. Texas A&M’s defense is the biggest question mark, but the early money is banking on an improvement in Oxford.

“Should be a very entertaining game, lots of scoring expected with the weeks highest number 76 on the board,” says Black. “The action is all over the Aggies, by a fair margin, so an Ole Miss cover is what we’re looking for. Even with the 76 total, we see mainly Overs.”

Virginia Cavaliers at Maryland Terrapins – Open: -6, Move: -7.5

According to Perry, this game opened too low with oddsmakers downgrading the Terrapins following their loss to Florida State. That attracted early wiseguy action on Maryland.

“Wiseguys think the line was too low, as just a few hours after we went live, we got sharp action on the Terps,” says Perry. “About 91 percent of the money is on Maryland.”

[Udog]

Essential betting tidbits for Week 7 of college football

We dug up these vital betting tidbits for some of Saturday's college football action that will help you make the right call before kickoff.

- The UConn Huskies will have a new coach patrolling the sidelines. T.J. Weist takes over as interim head coach following the dismissal of Paul Pasqualoni after a 41-12 loss to Buffalo. The Huskies are 4.5-point home faves against USF Saturday.

- The Missouri Tigers make their first trip to Athens, Georgia to face the Bulldogs. The two programs faced off last season at Missouri with Georgia prevailing 41-20. The Bulldogs are 7.5-point home faves.

- The Michigan State Spartans get a home game versus Big Ten rival Indiana, but the Spartans are just 2-9 ATS in their last 11 home games overall. Michigan State is a 9.5-point home fave Saturday.

- The Red River Rivalry has been a shootout of late. The Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns are 4-1 O/U in their last five meetings and have combined to average 62.6 points per game in that stretch. Saturday's total is currently 57.5.

- The Virginia Tech Hokies boast the fifth-best defense in the country, allowing just 263.7 yards per game.

- The Pitt Panthers are at Virginia Tech to test that stingy defense. Pitt features the ACC's best WR tandem in Devin Street (111.3 ypg) and Tyler Boyd (106.3 ypg). The Hokies are 8.5-point home faves.

- Nebraska travels to face the Purdue Boilermakers and their porous defense. Purdue ranks 110th in the country allowing 36.6 points per game and is a 16.5-point home dog.

- The TCU Horned Frogs are 60-11 overall under head coach Gary Patterson at Amon G. Carter Stadium. TCU is favored by 24.5 at home versus Kansas Saturday.

- The Houston Cougars are one of three schools (Baylor, UCLA) with perfect 4-0 ATS records. Only Oregon at 5-0 ATS is better.

- Army is second last in the country with 429 passing yards on the season. Only New Mexico (380 yards) has fewer. The Black Knights are 7.5-point home faves against Eastern Michigan.

- Iowa State is one of four schools in the country (along with Ohio State, Oregon and Alabama) with a road win against a ranked opponent in each of the past three seasons. The Cyclones are 14-point dogs at No. 21 Texas Tech.

- The Arkansas Razorbacks have defeated South Carolina the previous three meetings at Razorback Stadium. They are also 3-0 ATS in those three home games. The Razorbacks are 5-point home dogs Saturday.

- The Duke Blue Devils are 3-0 ATS in their past three meetings with Navy. Duke is favored by a field goal at home Saturday.

- The favorite is 6-1 ATS in the previous seven meetings between the Central Michigan Chippewas and the Ohio Bobcats. The Bobcats are 18.5-point home faves.

- Things haven't well for Western Michigan and its backers against fellow MAC opponents. The Broncos are 0-4 ATS in their last four conference games.

- Massachusetts! Miami (Ohio)! It's the two lowest scoring teams in the country! The Red Hawks rank second-last in the country averaging 8.8 ppg. The Minutemen are last with 7.0 ppg. Saturday's total is 44.5.

- Home team is 4-0 in the previous four meetings between Ball State and Kent State. Ball State is a 14.5-point home fave Saturday.

- LSU and Troy lead the over/under standings with 6-0 O/U records. Troy visits Georgia State Saturday with a total of 63.5.

- Baylor leads the nation in scoring averaging 70.5 ppg. The Bears are 17-point road faves at Kansas State and the total is 73.5.

- The Florida Gators have cashed in for backers when they play at LSU. The Gators are 6-1 ATS in the previous seven meetings in Baton Rouge. Florida is a 7-point dog Saturday.

- Maryland was throttled 63-0 by Florida State one week ago - matching its largest margin of defeat in 20 years. The Terps are favored by a TD at home with Virginia in town.

- Dating back to last season, Boston College is 0-7 ATS in its last seven road games. The Eagles are 24-point road dogs at No. 4 Clemson Saturday.

- If anything, give Syracuse credit for holding onto the ball. The Orange are tied with 16 programs which have just one fumble lost this season.

- New Mexico ranks 100 in the country by allowing 35.6 points per game. The Lobos face a Wyoming programs which averages 37.6 ppg. Saturday's total is currently 69.5.

- The bye week isn't kind to San Jose State. The Spartans are 3-15-1 ATS in their previous 19 games following the week off. They are 3.5-point road dogs at Colorado State.

- The home team is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings between Wisconsin and Northwestern. The Badgers are 10-point home faves.

- Dating back to 2003, the Under is 5-1 in the previous six meetings between East Carolina and Tulane. Saturday's total is currently 53.

- The high-flying Oregon Ducks are 8-0-1 ATS in the last nine meetings with the Washington Huskies. Oregon is a 13-point fave at Washington Saturday afternoon.

- The Rice Owls seem to travel well. They are 4-0 ATS in the previous four road games and are 1.5-point road dogs at UTSA.

- The Over is 8-2 in Marshall's last 10 conference games. The Herd are at Florida Atlantic with a total of 56 Saturday.

- The Michigan Wolverines are one of the top consensus picks at 73 percent despite being just 2-5 ATS in their previous seven meetings with Penn State. The Wolverines are 2.5-point road faves.

- The top Covers consensus pick of the weekend? Well that would be Northern Illinois (78 percent), who is a 23.5-point home fave with Akron in town.

- Stanford QB Kevin Hogan is 10-0 in his career as a starter. He'll lead the Cardinal offense into Utah against the Utes as 7.5-point road faves.

- The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have rushed for 324 yards or more in four of their five games. They'll be tested against BYU and the No. 12-ranked rushing defense in the country, allowing just 132.6 ypg.

- The Arkansas State Red Wolves are 0-3-1 ATS in their last four games overall and are big 24.5-point home faves against Idaho Saturday.

- Middle Tennessee is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings with North Texas. The Blue Raiders are 6.5-point road dogs Saturday.

- The Kentucky Wildcats are just 2-8 ATS in their last 10 SEC games. The Cats are 27-point home dogs against No. 1 Alabama.

- The Texas State Bobcats are 6-1 ATS in their last seven home games. They are 6.5-point home faves against UL Monroe Saturday.

- Bowling Green hasn’t beaten an SEC school since defeating Kentucky in 1985. It will try to end that drought at Mississippi State as 9.5-point road dogs.

- The Under is 4-0 in Hawaii's last four road games. The Rainbow Warriors are at UNLV with a total of 55 Saturday.

- The Over is 8-1 in UTEP's last nine games overall. The Miners host Tulsa with a total of 64.

- Boise State is 6-0 ATS in their last six meetings in Utah State. The Broncos are 6.5-point road faves.

- The Texas A&M run defense allows 214.8 ypg - 109th in the nation. In last season's matchup, Ole Miss RB Jeff Scott ran 21 times for 108 yards and a TD.

- The Colorado Buffaloes have lost 10-straight conference games. The Buffs are at Arizona State as 25.5-point road underdogs.

- The UCLA Bruins are last out of 123 FBS teams in penalties with an average of 10.75 per game.

- The road team is 4-0 in the last four meetings between Oregon State and Washington State. The Beavers are 2-point road underdogs.

[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, October 12

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Oklahoma vs. Texas: What bettors need to know
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Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns (+13.5, 57.5)

Texas not only has lost three straight games to No. 10 Oklahoma, but the Longhorns haven’t even been competitive in the last two meetings heading into Saturday’s Red River Rivalry game at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The Sooners won the last two games by a combined 80 points – 55-17 in 2011 and 63-21 last season – and Saturday’s winner will at least share the Big 12 lead. Case McCoy starts at quarterback for the Longhorns in place of the injured David Ash.

McCoy is starting for the third time this season as Ash is missing his second consecutive game due to a concussion. Oklahoma also is without a key figure in defensive standout Corey Nelson after the senior outside linebacker suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in last Saturday’s victory over Texas Christian. Despite an up-and-down season and the recent struggles against the Sooners, Longhorns coach Mack Brown is expecting a tight game. “It’s really more about us right now and getting things fixed than it is about Oklahoma’s team for us this weekend,” Brown said. “We’ve got to play better. They’ve proven they’re going to play well in this ballgame.”

TV: Noon ET, ABC.

LINE: Oklahoma opened at -13 and has moved to -14. The total has moved up from 56.5 to 57.

WEATHER: Temperatures in the mid 80s with a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms and winds blowing south at 6 mph.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA (5-0, 2-0 Big 12, 3-2 ATS): Freshman Dominique Alexander steps into Nelson’s starting position and he has large shoes to fill on a unit ranked sixth nationally in scoring defense (13.0) and ninth in total defense (281.6). “He’s a big leader for us and he’s had a spectacular year,” defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said of Nelson. “His big-play ability and ability to find the football – those are things we’ll miss but other guys will have to pick up the slack and this will be a good opportunity for Dominique.” Oklahoma ranks 17th in rushing offense (246 per game) and both senior running back Brennan Clay (450 yards) and junior quarterback Blake Bell (175 yards) could rack up the yards against a Texas defense that allows 248.4 per outing – 117th out of 123 FBS teams.

ABOUT TEXAS (3-2, 2-0 Big 12, 2-3 ATS): The Longhorns have been abysmal on defense and are still reeling from the September loss of linebacker Jordan Hicks to a torn Achilles’ tendon. The poor rushing defense has been the biggest issue despite recent strong play by sophomore defensive tackle Malcom Brown (career-best 10 tackles in a win over Iowa State on Oct. 3) as Texas is giving up 28.4 points and 465.4 yards. Junior receiver Jaxon Shipley has 27 receptions – 16 of them going for first downs – and sophomore running back Johnathan Gray has rushed for 439 yards and four touchdowns.

TRENDS:

* Sooners are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Favorite is 3-0-1 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Longhorns are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 conference games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Texas leads the series 59-43-5 but Oklahoma has won nine of the 14 meetings since Bob Stoops became head coach.

2. Bell has completed 69.2 percent of his passes for 835 yards and six touchdowns and hasn’t been intercepted.

3. McCoy hasn’t been picked off in 102 attempts this season and has a 60.8 completion percentage and two touchdowns.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, October 12

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Florida at LSU: What bettors need to know
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Florida Gators at LSU Tigers (-7, 48)

Florida's dominant defense looks to slow down No. 11 LSU's high-powered offense when the 17th-ranked Gators travel to Baton Rouge for an SEC showdown Saturday. The Tigers bounced back from a crushing loss to Georgia to rout Mississippi State 59-26 last week, as their newfound explosive offense continued to produce. The Gators are still in the thick of the SEC East race thanks to a unit that ranks second in the nation in total defense (217 yards per game) and fourth in scoring defense (12.2 points per game).

Florida is coming off a 30-10 victory over Arkansas and has won three straight to open SEC play. The Tigers have won five straight and 27 of 28 at home, winning their three home games this year by an average of 28.3 points. The Gators have won only once in their last four trips to Baton Rouge but they spoiled the Tigers' title hopes with a 14-6 home win last year.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.

LINE: LSU opened at -6.5 and moved as high as -8.5 in Las Vegas. Total opened 47.5 and has moved to 48.5.

WEATHER: Temperatures in low 80s with partly cloudy skies and 11 percent chance of rain with winds blowing SSE at 5 mph.

ABOUT FLORIDA (4-1, 3-0 SEC East, 2-3 ATS): The Gators' offense has flourished since Tyler Murphy took over under center, as the junior's 209.4 quarterback rating against Arkansas was the highest for a Florida quarterback in an SEC game since Rex Grossman in 2001. The return of running back Matt Jones also has bolstered the offense with Jones (322 yards, 2 TDs) and Mack Brown (284 yards, 3 TDs) leading a strong ground game. Florida's strength still lies with its defense, which hasn't allowed more than 275 total yards this season and ranks second in the nation against the run, allowing 65 yards per game.

ABOUT LSU (5-1, 2-1 SEC West, 3-2-1 ATS): Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has revived the Tigers' offense, which has topped 400 total yards and 30 points in each game this season. Quarterback Zach Mettenberger has blossomed - leading the SEC in passer efficiency with a 190.1 rating while passing for 1,738 yards and 15 touchdowns with two interceptions - and receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry have combined for 77 receptions for 1,302 yards and 13 scores. LSU's defense has taken a step back from recent years, allowing 367 yards and 24.7 points per game.

TRENDS:

* Gators are 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings in Louisiana State.
* Gators are 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings.
* Under is 12-5 in the last 17 meetings.
* Gators are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 conference games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. LSU has won 35 of its last 36 games when scoring at least 30 points and is 63-5 under coach Les Miles when reaching that plateau.

2. Florida has held 12 consecutive SEC opponents under 20 points, and the Gators have forced a turnover in 16 straight contests.

3. Mettenberger is only the fifth LSU quarterback to throw for 300 yards in consecutive games and looks to match Rohan Davey's school record of three straight set in 2001.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, October 12

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Texas A&M at Ole Miss: What bettors need to know
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Texas A&M Aggies at Ole Miss Rebels (+6, 76)

After losing back-to-back games at Alabama and Auburn, Mississippi returns home to face a well-rested Texas A&M squad. The ninth-ranked Aggies have won all five meetings against the Rebels, including last season’s 30-27 comeback victory in Oxford. The game features the SEC’s top two passing attacks, but Ole Miss' recent struggles continued in a 30-22 loss to Auburn last week, when it was held to three field goals before scoring two second-half touchdowns.

The Rebels could return to form against a Texas A&M defense that ranks last in the SEC and lost starting defensive tackle Kirby Ennis to a season-ending knee injury in a 45-33 victory over Arkansas on Sept. 28. Ennis’ injury is a major blow to the Aggies’ run defense, which is allowing 214.8 yards per game - 109th in the country. Texas A&M’s beleaguered defense turned in an encouraging outing against Arkansas, but the unit figures to be tested by an Ole Miss offense that averaged 38 points in its first three wins.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: The Aggies opened -6.5 and are currently -6. The total opened 74.5 and is now 76.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with a 32 percent chance of thunderstorms.

ABOUT TEXAS A&M (4-1, 1-1 SEC West): The Aggies have used a balanced offense to score at least 40 points in each of their first five games for the first time in school history. Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel leads the SEC in total offense with 361 yards per game, and sophomore Mike Evans ranks third in the country in receiving yards at 138 yards per game. Defensive back Deshazor Everett has scored a touchdown in each of the last two games and is second on the team with 31 tackles.

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI (3-2, 1-2): The Rebels begin a stretch of six straight home games against a Texas A&M team that is seeking its 10th straight road win. Junior quarterback Bo Wallace threw for a season-high 336 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions last week against Auburn, but the Rebels will need a more balanced attack in order to keep Manziel off the field. Ole Miss boasts the SEC’s No. 2 pass defense, but the Rebels’ defensive line has been hit by a wave of injuries in recent weeks.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-1 in Rebels last five home games.
* Aggies are 5-1 ATS in their last six conference games.
* Rebels are 5-11 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
* Over is 8-3 in Aggies last 11 games in October.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Texas A&M has scored first in 17 of 18 games under coach Kevin Sumlin.

2. Ole Miss RB Jeff Scott rushed 21 times for 108 yards and a score in last year’s loss to the Aggies.

3. Manziel has surpassed 300 yards in total offense in 15 of 18 career games.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, October 12

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Oregon at Washington: What bettors need to know
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Oregon Ducks at Washington Huskies (+14, 76.5)

Oregon has long supplanted No. 19 Washington as the top program in the Pacific Northwest, and the No. 2 Ducks look for their 10th consecutive victory over the host Huskies in Saturday’s Pac-12 showdown. Powerful Oregon has won its first five games by an average of 47.4 points and is attempting to notch its 18th straight road victory - tops in the nation. Washington has emerged as a potent offensive squad this season and is looking to rebound from a 31-28 loss to Stanford.

The rise of the Huskies – particularly on the offensive side – has increased the anticipation for a renewal of the rivalry that recently has been dominated by the Ducks. Washington is averaging 37.4 points and 557 yards (fifth nationally) as it aims to match the prolific production of Oregon, which ranks second in both scoring offense (59.2) and total offense (630.4). The Ducks have scored at least 55 points in each game, and sophomore quarterback Marcus Mariota is a leading Heisman Trophy candidate who has accounted for 21 touchdowns (14 passing, seven rushing).

TV: 4 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1.

LINE: Oregon opened at -12 and has moved as high as -14. Total opened 75.5 and moved to 76.5.

WEATHER: Temperatures in the mid 50s with a 41 percent of rain and winds blowing north at 5 mph.

ABOUT OREGON (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12 North, 5-0 ATS): The status of junior running back De’Anthony Thomas (ankle) remains unknown, and Thomas stated Wednesday that he needs to be 100 percent to play. “I haven’t practiced this week, but I’ve been in drills and stuff like that,” he said. Sophomore Byron Marshall (team-leading 448 rushing yards) will receive a heavy workload regardless after rushing for 122 yards against Colorado last Saturday. The defense ranks second nationally in scoring (11.8), with junior linebacker Derrick Malone (team-high 42 tackles), junior cornerback Terrance Mitchell (team-leading three interceptions) and junior defensive end Tony Washington (team-best four sacks and three forced fumbles) all playing well.

ABOUT WASHINGTON (4-1, 1-1, 4-1 ATS): The one-two punch of senior quarterback Keith Price (1,394 yards, 11 touchdowns) and junior tailback Bishop Sankey (732 yards, seven scores) has been superb. Price passed for a season-high 350 yards against Stanford while Sankey ran for 104 - his eighth 100-yard performance in his last 10 games. The Huskies’ defense also is much improved from past editions – ranking 10th nationally in total defense (287.8) and 11th in scoring defense (14.8) – with junior middle linebacker John Timu (31 tackles) setting the tone and senior safety Sean Parker (team-leading three interceptions) and junior defensive end Hau’oli Kakaha (team-best 3.5 sacks) making standout contributions.

TRENDS:

* Ducks are 8-0-1 ATS in their last nine meetings.
* Favorite is 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 meetings.
* Ducks are 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings in Washington.
* Over is 35-16 in Ducks last 51 games overall.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. The Huskies lead the series 58-42-5, but the Ducks’ current winning streak is the longest in the history of the rivalry.

2. Oregon’s last road loss was at Stanford in 2009.

3. The Huskies have a 58.3 percent success rate on third-down conversions, tied for third-best nationally.


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