NCAAF Trends and Indexes - Week 3 (Thursday, September 11 - Saturday, September 13)

[Udog]

NCAAF

Thursday, September 11

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Games of the Day: College football Doubleheader
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Toledo Rockets at Cincinnati Bearcats (-9.5, 58)

Cincinnati finally get its season going Friday night when it hosts in-state foe Toledo in a non-conference game. While the rest of the nation has been playing for a week or two, the Bearcats have been forced to grind through extra practice, a task that has been difficult for the coaching staff. "We've had to be very imaginative the last few weeks trying to keep our guys focused on what they are doing, trying to get better," coach Tommy Tuberville told reporters Tuesday.

Tuberville - in his first season with Cincinnati last year - guided the Bearcats to a third-place finish in their inaugural American Athletic Conference campaign and a berth in the Belk Bowl. Toledo has already played a pair of games, first topping New Hampshire before a rough first half led to a 49-24 loss at home to No. 22 Missouri last Saturday in a game that saw quarterback Phillip Ely suffering a season-ending ACL tear. Cincinnati leads the series 4-3 but the Rockets have won the last three meetings, including a 29-23 triumph in 2012.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU.

LINE HISTORY: Cincinnati opened as 11-point favorites, but have been bet down to -9.5. The total opened at 59.5 had has moved down a point to sit at 58.5.

INJURY REPORT: Toledo - QB Phillip Ely (out for season, knee), OL Nate Jeppesen (out indefinitely, leg). Cincinnati - QB Munchie Legaux (questionable Friday, knee).

WEATHER REPORT: There is an eight percent chance of rain with temperatures in the low 70s at gametime. There will also be a six mil per hour wind blowing towards the southwest endzone.

ABOUT TOLEDO (1-1, 1-1 ATS, 2-0 O/U): Ely will be replaced by Logan Woodside, who took over against Missouri following the injury and was 6-for-10 for 52 yards. Woodside, a sophomore, saw sporadic action last season, going 21-for-41 for 240 yards and a touchdown. His inexperience should allow the Bearcats to give their attention to running back Kareem Hunt, who ran for 148 yards and three touchdowns last weekend and is averaging 8.1 yards per carry through his first two games.

ABOUT CINCINNATI (2013: 9-4, 6-7 ATS, 7-6 O/U): The Bearcats are also breaking in an inexperienced, albeit highly touted, quarterback in sophomore transfer Gunner Kiel, who was the nation's top quarterback prospect coming out of high school before redshirting at Notre Dame. Tuberville said that while Kiel is the No. 1 guy and has impressed in preseason practice, others could see action against Toledo under center. One of those options is senior Munchie Legaux, who is coming back from a knee injury that ended his 2013 campaign after two games.

TRENDS:

* Rockets are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a SU loss of more than 20 points.
* Bearcats are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 non-conference games.
* Under is 8-1 in the Rockets last 9 road games.
* Over is 4-1 in the Bearcats last 5 home games.

CONSENSUS: Almost 60 percent of wagers are backing the Bearcats at -9.5.


Baylor Bears at Buffalo Bulls (+34.5, 69.5)

Quarterback Bryce Petty returns to the lineup when No. 7 Baylor and its high-flying offense travel to Buffalo on Friday. "He's healthy. He's in good shape,'' Bears coach Art Briles told reporters before Tuesday's practice about Petty, who missed last week's 70-6 victory over FCS member Northwestern State with a back injury. Briles, though, said it is unlikely that wide receivers Corey Coleman (hamstring) and Antwan Goodwin will play.

Baylor didn't seem to miss its Heisman Trophy-hopeful quarterback or its top four receivers last week as backup Seth Russell and a host of freshmen playmakers racked up 720 yards. The Baylor defense has been equally dominant, allowing a total of six points and 269 yards to Northwestern State and Southern Methodist. The Bulls scored in bunches - getting five second-half touchdown passes from Joe Licata - as a late rally fell short in a 47-39 loss to Army.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: The line opened with Baylor as huge 34-point favorites and it now sits at Bears -34.5. The total has been bet up two points after opening at 67.5 and now sits at 69.5.

INJURY REPORT: Baylor - QB Bryce Petty (probable Friday, spine), WR Antwan Goodley (doubtful Friday, leg), WR Corey Coleman (doubtful Friday, hamstring), RB Devin Chafin (out Friday, ankle). Buffalo - DB Marqus Baker (doubtful Friday, illness).

WEATHER REPORT: It will be partly cloudy with temperatures in the mid 50s and an eight percent chance of rain. There will also be a five mile per hour wind blowing the southwest corner of the south endzone.

ABOUT BAYLOR (2-0, 2-0 ATS, 1-1 O/U): Freshman speedster KD Cannon is sixth nationally with 141 receiving yards per game and has four touchdowns after scoring on 50-, 81- and 42-yard plays last week. Freshman Davion Hall has 11 catches for 164 yards and a touchdown this season and freshman Johnny Jefferson is one of three Bears - joining Shock Linwood and Silas Nacita - with more than 120 rushing yards through two games. The Baylor defense, which has not allowed a touchdown, is ranked third nationally in scoring (three points allowed per game), first in rushing defense (27 yards per game), second in total defense (134.5 yards) and tied for first with six sacks per game.

ABOUT BUFFALO (1-1, 0-2 ATS, 2-0 O/U): Licata is 60-of-86 for 699 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Ron Willoughby (187 receiving yards), Marcus McGill (168 receiving yards) and Devin Campbell (67 receiving, 78 rushing) each have two touchdown catches. The Bulls, who lost at Baylor 70-13 last year, are tied for 110th among the 124 FBS teams in points allowed (37.5) and 90th in yards allowed (419.5).

TRENDS:

* Bears are 6-1 ATS in their last seven non-conference games.
* Bulls are 1-5 ATS in their last six non-conference games.
* Over is 10-2 in the Bears in their last 12 non-conference games.
* Over is 7-0 in the Bulls last seven non-conference games.

CONSENSUS: Just over 72 percent of wagers are on Baylor at -34.5.


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[Udog]

Six best bets in college football you didn't know about

There are 31 college football teams that are 2-0 ATS in the first two weeks, but just six of those programs have covered as an underdog in both games. Let's take a look at those underrated sides and grade their possible value on ATS heat meter:

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (1-1 SU, 2-0 ATS)

The Bulldogs backdoored bettors by outscoring Oklahoma 13-7 in the fourth quarter after the game was long over in Week 1’s loss to the Sooners. They were big underdogs in Week 2 against Louisiana-Lafayette but won out right by 28 points.

Next Game: at North Texas (-3.5) Thursday

The Bulldogs are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 road games but just 6-13 in their last 19 games overall. North Texas is 8-1 ATS in its last nine home games. The Mean Green got rocked by 31 points at Texas and then turned around and destroyed SMU by 37. Neither of these teams has shown any sort of consistency through two weeks.

ATS heat meter: Mild


Hawaii Warriors (0-2 SU, 2-0 ATS)

Hawaii has two close losses to Pac-12 opponents. The Warriors played Washington close throughout and scored the only points of the second half in Week 1. They rallied furiously in the fourth quarter and covered the spread with just 1:35 left in the game versus Oregon State in Week 2.

Next game: vs. Northern Iowa (-5) Saturday

Northern Iowa’s only game was a close loss to in-state rival Iowa. Travel will factor into the game as the Panthers have a 15-hour trip and the game also kicks off at 6 p.m. local time/midnight ET (which would be 11 p.m. in Iowa).

ATS heat meter: Hot


Texas-San Antonio Road Runners (1-1 SU, 2-0 ATS)

The Roadrunners beat Houston outright and then hung with Arizona throughout their game and scored in the middle of the fourth quarter to cover the spread.

Next Game: at Oklahoma State (+15) Saturday

The Roadrunners are 4-0 ATS in their last four overall games, 9-1 in their last 10 non-conference games and 8-1 in their last nine road games. The last time they suffered a double-digit loss was to Marshall last season but that same UTSA team also lost to Arizona by 25.

ATS heat meter: Sriracha


UAB Blazers (1-1 SU, 2-0 ATS)

The Blazers beat Troy big in week one and then hung around Mississippi State for the majority of their game. Alabama-Birmingham can put up points, ranked 31st in the nation (41 ppg), which always gives a team chances to covering.

Next game: vs. Alabama A&M (-36) Saturday

This is quite a large spread for a team like UAB but they did beat their only 2013 FCS opponent by 24 and appear to be quite a bit better this season under first-year head coach Bill Clark.

ATS heat meter: Jalapeno


New Mexico State Aggies/UTEP Miners (2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS/1-1 SU, 2-0 ATS)

These two 2-0 ATS programs meet on Saturday. New Mexico State beat Cal-Poly with a solid performance in Week 1 and then scored with 15 seconds left to beat (and cover) against Georgia State the following game. UTEP jumped on New Mexico early and held on late and then they went wire-to-wire with Texas Tech.

Next game: UTEP -11 Saturday

UTEP has been the more dependable team so far and they also have playmakers in Aaron Jones and Jameill Showers.

ATS heat meter: Five-alarm

[Udog]

Where the action is: Saturday's biggest college football line moves

Just because Week 3 of the college football season lacks some of the marquee magic of recent weeks – save Georgia at South Carolina – doesn’t mean the betting action is any less exciting.

There are a lot of lines on the move before Saturday’s games kickoff. We chat with Steve Mikkelson, sportsbook manager at the Atlantis Casino and Spa in Reno, Nevada about the most notable adjustments on the Week 3 board:

West Virginia Mountaineers at Maryland Terrapins – Open: 57.5, Move: 60.5

This total has jumped as many as three points at some books – and not just because the Terps will be rolling out in their new Under Armor “Triumph” unis this Saturday. Bettors are expecting a high-scoring contest between these two rivals.

“That’s a game, on paper, that looks like it could have the making of a shootout,” Mikkelson tells Covers. “We were later getting our totals out and skipped the move and went right to 60.”


Georgia Bulldogs at South Carolina Gamecocks – Open: +4.5, Move: +6.5

Early money is fading the Gamecocks but Mikkelson is surprised it has climbed so high heading into the weekend. The Bulldogs were blown out the last time they stepped foot inside Williams-Brice Stadium, losing 35-7 in 2012.

“Part of me says South Carolina is too good a program to be this big an underdog at home,” he says. “The spread seems high. Should be in the -4 or -4.5 range. Maybe at the end of the game, we look at it and say, ‘Yeah, Georgia is that good’.”


Miami (Ohio) Redhawks at Michigan Wolverines – Open: -30.5, Move: -33.5

A week after getting rolled by Notre Dame, Michigan is a massive favorite at home to a MAC opponent and the betting public is playing the Wolverines with both fists, tacking an extra field goal on the original spread.

Mikkelson, a die-hard Michigan fan, is a little apprehensive about a spread this big after what he saw from his Wolverines in Week 2.

“For the first couple weeks, the public loves to play these big schools versus smaller schools and they’re never afraid to lay those big points,” he says. “The part that scares me is that after a loss like the Notre Dame one, pretty much the season is over except for the Ohio State game. They could sleepwalk through the rest of the season. What kind of effect does it have on Michigan?”


Kansas Jayhawks at Duke Blue Devils – Open: -17, Open: -14

This non-conference clash between basketball – not so much football powers – has come down an entire field goal at some markets. Mikkelson says there hasn’t been a lot bet on this game, but what action has come in has come from the wiseguys.

“These early moves on these types of games are always from sharp action,” he says. “Anything we have on Kansas if sharp, but I could see this going back up once the public comes in (on Duke). This Kansas program is just so very, very bad.”


Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCU Horned Frogs – Open: -10, Move: -16, Move: -15.5

Early money faded Minnesota with quarterback Mitch Leidner expected to miss this week’s game against TCU with a knee injury. That pumped up the Horn Frogs as much as six points on the original spread. But, as of Friday, it looks like Leidner is ready to play and money has started to trickle back in on the Gophers.

“Normally people like to jump on these injuries early, expecting guys to be out before the official announcement,” says Mikkelson. “People were speculating but the line should come back now that he’s probable. Games like this, it seems more (wagers are) based on speculation on what is going to happen than when it actually happens.”


USC Trojans at Boston College Eagles – Open: +19.5, Move: +17

Unlike books online and even in Las Vegas, Reno casinos see added action on teams from California in all sports due to its proximity to the Golden State. And Southern Cal is no exception. However, with this cross-country trip setting up a huge letdown spot after last week’s win over Stanford, Mikkelson isn’t padding the USC spread like normal.

“We always see USC money. I doesn’t stop,” he tells Covers. “That travel from coast to coast is difficult to overcome, but we’ll still see money on USC. In a situation like this, I think BC is the right side and will stay on the money and hope BC is the right side at +17. We usually make the USC spreads about a half point higher, knowing that there is going to be nothing but money on the Trojans.”


Nevada Wolf Pack at Arizona Wildcats – Open: -14.5, Move: -18

While the University of Nevada calls Reno home, football bettors give their Wolf Pack the cold shoulder when it comes to the ticket window. According to Mikkelson, there is never much action on Nevada games and so far it’s all been Arizona money heading into Saturday.

“It’s surprising but we never have a Nevada backing,” he says, dealing Arizona -17.5 after opening at -15.5. “Last week against Washington State, people came in and bet WSU then went to the game and cheered for Nevada. I guess they figured they’d win one way or the other.”

Other notable moves:

Syracuse at Central Michigan – Open: +7.5, Move: +6.5
Indiana at Bowling Green – Open: +6, Move +8
Georgia Southern at Georgia Tech – Open: -22, Move: -17
Kent State at Ohio State – Open: -29.5, Move: -32.5
Arkansas at Texas Tech – Open: -3, Move: -1
Iowa State at Iowa – Open: -13.5, Move: -11.5
North Carolina State at South Florida – Open: +3, Move: +1.5
Navy at Texas State – Open: +12.5, Move: +9.5

[Udog]

Essential Week 3 college football betting tidbits

There is plenty of Top 25 action in Week 3 of the college football schedule. If you're having trouble keeping track of it all, here are some essential betting tidbits for all of those ranked matchups:

Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles at (2) Alabama Crimson Tide (-48)

* The Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles have proved to be a solid fade to begin the season. They've started the season 0-2 against the spread, including a failure to cover last week as 14.5-point faves against Alcorn State

* The Crimson Tide have a battle brewing at the RG position between Leon Brown and Alphonse Taylor, but coach Nick Saban is not tipping his hand. "Hopefully someone is going to give us the kind of performance at that position that we need to be able to play well in the offensive line with the rest of the group, and I think that’s improving.”


Tennessee Volunteers at (3) Oklahoma Sooners (-20.5)

* Vol's coach Butch Jones is entering the matchup with the Sooners with realistic expectations. "There's a difference between believing you're going to win, earning the right to win and hoping to win. We've hoped to win too much around here in the past."

* If Sooners co-offensive coordinator Jay Norvell gets his way, the Vols may be seeing a lot of Sterling Shepard. “I said, ‘Ryan (Broyles) never came out. Ryan was in there every snap.’ So there’s an added bit of conditioning he’s got to take on..."


Wyoming Cowboys at (4) Oregon Ducks (-43)

* The Cowboys have offered almost no underdog value by going an abysmal 1-7 against the spread against teams with a winning record.

* The Ducks have been battling injuries on their offensive line this season. With Tyler Johnson already gone for the season, freshman RT Andre Yruretagoyena sustained an injury that kept him out of the second half against Michigan State.


(6) Georgia Bulldogs at (23) South Carolina Gamecocks (+6.5)

* The Bulldogs are taking a unique approach to prepare for the crown noise Saturday. Instead of the more conventional playing loud music over stadium speakers, the coaching staff are using smaller speakers and having Huston Mason whisper his play calls in hopes to have players focus more on the QB.

* Injured WR Pharoh Cooper practiced for the Gamecocks Thursday after missing Wednesday and is currently expected to play.


(7) Baylor Bears at Buffalo Bulls (+34.5)

* It seems as though Baylor will have Bryce Petty back in the lineup after taking first team reps all week long. However, receivers Antwan Goodwin and Corey Coleman are unlikely to play.

* To prepare for the hig tempo offense of Baylor, the Bulls had their scout team run plays every 15 seconds against their defense.


Rice Owls at (8) Texas A&M Aggies (-31.5)

* Rice has not packed their defense when they go traveling. In their last 51 road games the over has hit 72 percent of the time.

* Kenny Hill could write his name in the Aggies record books Saturday. With 206 passing yards, Hill will become the first Aggie to amass 1,000 passing yards in three games.


UL Monroe Warhawks at (9) LSU Tigers (-31)

* The Warhawks have been surprisingly profitable on the road going 11-4 ATS in their last 15 road games.

* LSU has been having a rough time with their offensive line. Through the first two games the boys in the trenches have allowed four sacks and 12 tackles of a loss.


(10) USC Trojans at Boston College Eagles (+17)

* The coin flip will see some different faces for the Trojans Saturday. Josh Shaw and Hayes Pullard, team captains, are both not going to be around to start the game. Shaw is still serving a suspension after lying about rescuing his drowning nephew and Pullard was ejected in last weeks game and will miss the first half.

* Boston College coach Steve Addazio is planning on fielding a youthful team. “They’re our future and because we have voids, we have to do that. We have talented freshmen," Addazio said.


Purdue Boilermakers at (11) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-27.5)

* Though Danny Etling is officially listed as the starter, Purdue has two sophomore QB's that could make an impact. Etling and backup Austin Appleby have combined for a 93.4 QB rating.

* Everett Golson has 521 passing yards with five touchdowns and no turnovers through his first two games for Notre Dame.


(12) UCLA Bruins at Texas Longhorns (+7)

* Defensively the Bruins are struggling ranking 100th in passing yards allowed while giving up 70 more yards per game that they did last year at this time.

* Texas is tied for fourth among FBS schools with 10 sacks. Hundley has been sacked 97 times since the start of the 2012 season.


(14) Arizona State Sun Devils at Colorado Buffaloes (+14.5)

* The Sun Devils have had little problem dispatching their opponent this week, taking the last five against the spread.

* The Buffaloes run game has been spotty, but it has allowed Shay Fields to tally more receptions (14) through two games than anyone in program history.


UL Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns at (15) Ole Miss Rebels (-27.5)

* Though the team has been disappointed in his play, Ole Miss will be sticking with Fahn Cooper at RT. The junior college transfer committed one holding penalty and two false starts against Vanderbilt.

* If the Ragin' Cajuns expect to win they will need to reverse history. UL Lafayette is 0-37 against SEC opponents all-time.


Army Black Knights at (16) Stanford Cardinals (-28)

* Army has not been able to put a consistent effort up for bettors, going a lowly 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games following an ATS win

* The Cardinals have been abysmal in the red zone this season. Stanford ranks 125th in red-zone scoring efficiency going five for 11 with only three TDs.


Kent State Golden Flashes at (18) Ohio State Buckeyes (-32)

* The Big Ten and Kent State have not meshed well for the Golden Flashes. Kent State has failed to cover the spread in their last six against the conference.

* Urban Meyer seems to be losing his patience with the defense. "Enough with getting close," the coach said on a weekly call-in show. "It's time to be a great defense."


East Carolina Pirates at (19) Virginia Tech Hokies (-10)

* Looking for an under the radar play? The Pirates are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 following a S.U. loss.

* Virginia Tech has won the last four contests against the Pirates, allowing 10 or fewer points three times over that stretch.


(21) Nebraska Cornhuskers at Fresno State Bulldogs (+10.5)

* The Bulldogs trailed by two in the fourth quarter of that last encounter before Ameer Abdullah's 100-yard kick return swayed the momentum for the Cornhuskers in a 42-29 victory.

* If you're looking for a longshot, you might want to look elsewhere. Fresno State has lost 17 straight games against Top 25 opponents.


Central Florida Knights at (22) Missouri Tigers (-10)

* The Knights have certainly developed a reputation for begin a giant-killer. The Knights are aiming for their third straight win against a ranked opponent.

* Mizzou has kept the offensive ball rolling for bettors going 8-0 ATS in their last eight after accumulating more than 450 yards off offense in their previous game.

[Udog]

NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 3

Saturday's games
Top games of week
Central Florida (-2) lost 21-16 at home to Missouri in '12- total yardage in game was 395-346 UCF. Knights were outgained 511-245 two weeks ago by Penn State in Ireland, with PSU winning 26-24 on FG at gun after Knights had stormed from behind to take lead. Knights are 13-8 as road underdogs under O'Leary. AAC road dogs are 3-2 this season. Missouri thrashed Toledo 49-24 on road last week; they're 12-8 as a home favorite the last four years.

Virginia Tech won seven of last eight games with East Carolina, winning last three here, by 22-10-35 points, but dogs are 4-1-1 vs spread last six series games. Hokies had huge win at Ohio State last week; they're just 5-11-1 in last 17 games as home favorite and have ACC opener on deck vs Ga Tech. East Carolina (+16) lost 33-23 at South Carolina last week, improving to 6-10 as road underdogs under Ruffin. ECU has only nine starters back from LY, but they outgained Gamecocks 453-441.

Iowa needed two TDs in last 2:53 last week to nip stubborn Ball State 17-13 at home; Hawkeyes are 4-10 in last 14 games as home favorites- they won four of last six games vs rival Iowa State, winning four of last five played here, but Cyclones won 9-6 in last meeting here in '12. State lost Big X opener 32-28 at home last week to K-State, giving up winning TD in last 2:00- they're 13-10 as road dogs under Rhoads and have 10 of LY's starters back on offense this season.

Maryland (-3.5) drilled West Virginia 37-0 LY, ending 7-game series skid vs WVU; Terps lost last four visits here, last three by 10+ points- over last decade, they're 11-22 as home favorites, 5-7 under Edsall. Maryland won 24-17 at USF last week, holding Bulls scoreless in 2nd half. WVU is 9-5 as road underdog since '09, 5-4 under Holgorsen; they've got a senior QB with 13 career starts. Terps have 17 starters back, senior QB with 18 career starts.

First road start for Louisville's soph QB Gardner, who was 20-28/206 in his ACC opener in 31-13 win over Miami, converting 7-15 on 3rd down. Cardinals were 5-5-1 as road favorites under Strong; they have only four starters back on defense. Virginia lost 28-20 (+22) to UCLA in opener at home; Cavaliers are 6-11-1 in last 18 games as home dogs, but have 17 starters back this year- their soph QB has two starts. Virginia is 11-18-3 vs spread in ACC games under London.

South Carolina won three of last four games vs Georgia; they've scored 20+ points in four of last five series games, with Dawgs losing last two visits here 35-7/16-7, but Gamecock defense has been sub-par so far in '14, allowing 75 points, 1,133 yards and 66 first downs in splitting first two games. Carolina covered last four tries as a home dog, but this is its first game as home dog in four years. Georgia hung 328 rushing yards on Clemson in 45-21 win, they had last week off, which helps here.

Bielema is a bully coach; he whacked a I-AA team 73-3 last week, hut is only 3-7 as an underdog since coming to Arkansas. Hogs gave up 595 yards in 45-21 loss at Auburn in their opener- their junior QB has made 14 starts. These teams used to be rivals in the old SWC, but haven't met in roughly two decades. Tech struggled to beat UTEP 30-26 last week in El Paso; Red Raiders are 9-16 as home favorites since '08- they've got all five starters back on OL, but soph QB has only eight starts.

Washington (-10.5) outgained Illinois 615-327 in 34-24 win LY; Huskies gave up 52 points to I-AA team last week (won 59-52) after struggling at Hawai'i week before, as Petersen takes over team that is 8-4 as favorite at home the last three years. Illinois (-5.5) gutted out 42-34 home win over decent WKU squad last week, passing for 456 yards after trailing by FG at half, in game where both teams have three turnovers. Illinois is just 1-7 as a road underdog under Beckman.

Florida hasn't lost to Kentucky since late 80's, covering last seven series games; Wildcats were outscored by combined 149-18 in last three visits here- they're 3-4 vs spread in last seven visits here. Kentucky is 4-12 as road underdogs last four years, but have 15 starters back this year, with four back on OL. Gators has date at Alabama next week, could be taking look ahead; they're 12-18 in last 30 games as home favorites, 6-10 under Muschamp. Florida has junior QB with 13 starts.

UCLA was unimpressive in opening non-covering wins over Virginia and Memphis; Tigers gained 469 yards in Rose Bowl, 305 in air during 42-35 loss last week. Bruins have 17 starters back but their OL has struggled to protect junior QB Hundley, who has 29 career starts. Texas was drilled 41-7 by BYU last week for second year in row; gane was only 6-0 at half, but Cougars ran ball for 248 yards. Longhorns are depleted, missing QB and center- they were just 3-15 on 3rd down in Swoopes' 1st start.

Penn State is 22-2 all-time vs Rutgers, 9-0 in Garden State, but Lions are 1-4 in last five Big 14 road games, with only win as 24.5-point dogs last November at Wisconsin. PSU covered 11 of last 15 as road favorite; they outgained first two opponents by combined 413 yards but needed a late FG to nip UCF in Ireland, they smothered Akron 21-3 last week. Hard to believe this is a Big 14 game, first one for Rutgers, which has an upset win at Washington State already- they're 6-2 as dogs under Flood.

Major trap game for USC, flying cross-country after emotional win last week at Stanford, facing Boston College squad they drilled 35-7 (-14) in LY's meeting, outgaining Eagles 521-184. Trojans covered once in their last eight tries as road favorites, are 4-12 vs spread in last 16 non-league games. BC gave up 303 rushing yards in 30-20 home loss to Pitt Friday; Eagles completed only 10-28 passes, were outgained 414-276- they are 9-6 as home underdogs since '06, 2-1 under Addazio.

Arizona (-8.5) nipped Nevada 49-48 in bowl game two years ago, in last series meeting, with both teams having 30+ first downs. Wildcats are 6-6 as home favorites under RichRod; they've got Pac-12 opener next week vs Cal. Arizona has freshman QB- they gutted out 26-23 win at UTSA last week in his first road start. Nevada upset Washington State at home last week; Wolf Pack has senior QB with 32 starts- they were 2-4 LY as road dogs in Polian's first season in Reno.

Notes on rest of card
-- Indiana beat Bowling Green 42-10 at home LY; over the last decade, Hoosiers are 2-3-1 as a road favorite.
-- Marshall won eight of last 11 games with Ohio U; underdogs are 7-2 vs spread in last nine series games, 3-0 in last three played here.
-- Over the last decade, NC State is 0-11 as a road favorite.
-- Michigan is 7-3-2 vs spread under Hoke in game following a loss.

-- Since 2007, Kent State is 8-18 vs spread in non-MAC games.
-- Eastern Michigan covered three of last 14 games as a road dog.
-- Central Michigan is 1-7 as a home underdog under Enos.
-- Pitt is 7-4 vs spread in non-league games under Chryst.

-- Boise State covered 22 of last 31 games as a road favorite.
-- Georgia Tech is 11-5-1 vs spread in last 17 games as a home fave.
-- Vanderbilt lost its first two games by combined score of 78-10.
-- Oregon is 5-3 as home favorite under Helfrich; they covered 10 of last 14 non-conference games.

-- Air Force threw 32 passes last week; they threw 166 passes all of last year- they're 3-6 in last nine games as a road favorite.
-- Middle Tennessee won four of last five games vs Western Kentucky, with underdogs covering last three.
-- Since 2009, Kansas is 7-15 vs spread as a road underdog.
-- Arkansas State covered eight of last eleven games as a road dog.

-- Mississippi State is 7-3 as road favorite under Mullen, but they could be looking ahead to next week's visit to LSU.
-- UL-Lafayette covered 17 of last 22 games as a road underdog.
-- TCU is 4-9-1 vs spread in last 14 games as a home favorite.
-- Since 2007, Idaho is 4-10 vs spread as a home favorite.

-- Stanford covered four of last 13 games as a home favorite.
-- Southern Miss is 3-11 as a road dog since Fedora left USM.
-- Wake Forest is playing a strue freshman at QB. Utah State is 9-2 in its last 11 games as a home favorite.
-- Tulsa is 15-10 vs spread on the road the last four years.

-- Oklahoma State (-16) won 56-35 at UTSA LY, going 35-43/518 thru air- they outgained Roadrunners 605-504.
-- UL-Monroe is 27-19 as a road dog since 2005. LSU has a conference game with Mississippi State next week.
-- Notre Dame won its last six games with Purdue, but Boilers covered three of last five.
-- Navy ran ball for 407 yards in 21-10 (-13) home win over Texas State LY; Middies are 4-8 in last 12 games as a road favorite.

-- Tennessee is 3-8 vs spread in its last 11 games as a road dog.
-- Over last nine years, UTEP is 10-20-1 vs spread as home favorites.
-- SEC home favorites are 6-4 in non-league games. Texas A&M is 6-6 as home favorites under Sumlin.

-- UNLV beat I-AA Northern Colorado 13-12 last week; not good- they are 12-5-1 as home underdogs under Hauck.
-- Arizona State won/covered its last five games with Colorado.
-- Nebraska needed last-minute TD to beat I-AA McNeese State last week; Cornhuskers are 1-4 in last five games as a road favorite.

[Udog]

NCAAF

Week 3


Wyoming not producing as dogs ATS for bettors

The Wyoming Cowboys have traditionally been a poor bet as dogs against the spread versus good teams, going 1-7 ATS in their last eight games versus schools with winning records.

Wyoming takes on the Oregon Ducks (1-0) at Autzen Stadium Saturday. The No. 4 ranked Ducks are currently -43 faves for the game.


Oklahoma struggling to cover versus SEC

The Oklahoma Sooners have had their fare share of troubles covering against the SEC. The Sooners are a measly 1-5 against the spread in their last six games against the conference.

Oklahoma takes on the Tennessee Volunteers Saturday. The No. 3-ranked Sooners are currently -20.5 faves for the matchup.


Bama putting up ugly numbers ATS

The Alabama Crimson Tide have been dominant on the field, but they've been a different story at the window. Alabama is 0-5-1 against the spread in their last six games.

The Crimson Tide host Southern Mississippi Saturday. Alabama, the second ranked team in the country, is currently -47 faves for the matchup.


History not in UL Lafayette's favor

The UL Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns will need to conjure up some magic if they want to top Ole Miss Saturday. In the Cajuns' have an 0-37 record against SEC opponnents all-time straight-up.

Lafayette will be spotted 27.5-points as road dogs.


Stanford's red-zone offense has been atrocious

The Stanford Cardinals have been terrible in the red-zone through their first two games. The Cardinals rank 125 of 127 schools in red-zone scoring efficiency.

Stanford has scored in five of 11 trips into the opponents 20 yard line, with only three touchdowns to speak of.

The Cardinals host Army as 28-point favorites Saturday.


Hokies have kept the Pirates at bay

Virginia Tech has dominated East Carolina defensively. The Hokies have allowed fewer than 10 points in three of the past four against the Pirates.

The Hokies are 10-point home favorites against the Pirates Saturday.

[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, September 13

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Game of the Day: Georgia at South Carolina
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Georgia Bulldogs at South Carolina Gamecocks (+6.5, 59.5)

Georgia hasn't scored more than 20 points at Williams-Brice Stadium in 20 years, but the Bulldogs haven't always had Todd Gurley running the ball. The Heisman Trophy candidate leads the sixth-ranked Bulldogs into a key SEC East road contest against No. 23 South Carolina on Saturday. The Gamecocks have won the past two meetings at Williams-Brice — and three of the past four matchups overall — but have never won three straight at home against the Bulldogs.

It's the SEC opener for Georgia, which opened the season with an impressive 45-21 home win over Clemson and has emerged as the favorite to win the SEC East. "Everybody feels like this could be what decides the division," Georgia coach Mark Richt told reporters. "The reality is we've lost twice to them and won the league. Missouri lost to them (in 2013) and won the league. It's not a guarantee that you're out, but … everyone wants to control their own destiny in this race to get to Atlanta." The Gamecocks already are playing catchup after a season-opening 52-28 loss to Texas A&M on Aug. 28.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Georgia -5.5.

LINE HISTORY: Since opening at South Carolina +6, the line has shifted to +6.5. The total has seen a small decrease from 60.0 to 59.5.

INJURY REPORT: Georgia: SE Malcom Mitchell (Ques-Knee), SE Justin Scott-Wesley (Ques-Knee), SE Jonathon Rumph (Doubt-Hamstring) South Carolina: WR Pharoh Cooper (Ques-Foot), G Brock Stadnik (Ques-Knee)

WEATHER REPORT: There is a of thunderstorms throughout the game with a 65 percent chance of rainfall. At kickoff, wind will be blowing south at around five mph and dying down throughout the remainder of the contest.

ABOUT GEORGIA (1-0, 0-0 SEC): The Bulldogs' streak of nine straight games being held to 20 points or fewer at South Carolina seemingly is in jeopardy thanks to Gurley, who racked up conference and national honors after compiling a school-record 293 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns against Clemson. Gurley is capable of being the workhorse and taking pressure off quarterback Hutson Mason, who was an efficient 18-for-26 for 131 yards against Clemson. The defense's debut under new coordinator Jeremy Pruitt was strong, as the Bulldogs held the Tigers scoreless after halftime and allowed only 15 total yards on 22 plays after the break.

ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA (1-1, 0-1): The Gamecocks got star running back Mike Davis going in last week's 33-23 win over East Carolina, as he rushed for 101 yards for his eighth career 100-yard game. That balance is critical to helping quarterback Dylan Thompson settle into his starting role, which he has done nicely thus far, passing for 632 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions. The defense is still adjusting to life without No. 1 draft pick Jadeveon Clowney and has struggled against the pass and had a tough time getting off the field on third down.

TRENDS:

*Over is 7-1 in Bulldogs last 8 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
*Gamecocks are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games following a ATS loss.
*Under is 14-3 in the last 17 meetings.
*Bulldogs are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings.

CONSENSUS: 65.8 percent of users are taking Georgia -6.5 with 55 percent totals bettors taking the over.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Week 3


Rain expected for Virginia Tech-East Carolina

Rain could be a major factor when the Virginia Tech Hokies host the East Carolina Pirates Saturday. There is a 95 percent chance of rain with thunderstorms expected in the first half of play.

Though the rain is not expected to amount to a lot, the wet weather and winds gusting to eight miles per hour could hamper play.

The Hokies and Pirates currently have a total of 54.


West Virginia trending Over

The West Virginia Mountaineers have been a boon for Over bettors as of late, evidenced by five out of their last six games going above the total.

The Mountaineers travel to Maryland Saturday afternoon. Maryland is currently -3 faves with a total of 60.


Pitt having no problems covering on the road

The Pittsburgh Panthers have been covering the spread with ease on the road recently, going 4-0 ATS in their last four games away from home.

Pitt takes on Florida International in the Sunshine State Saturday afternoon. The Panthers are presently -25 faves with an O/U of 46.

[Udog]

NCAAF

Week 3


Orange has fans seeing green against MAC

Syracuse has been a spread powerhouse against the Mid-Atlantic Conference. The Orange are 13-2-1 against the spread in their last 16 facing MAC opponents.

The Orange are 4.5-point road favorites against Central Michigan Saturday.


Coming off a loss, Vanderbilt a hot total play

Vanderbilt is coming off a a demolishing at the hands of Ole Miss, which doesn't bode well for the Commodores. However, bettors can take solace in the fact that Vandy has gone under in eight of their last nine follow a loss.

The Commodores and Massachusetts currently have a total of 46.5.


Georgia Southern has been a boon ATS

If you're looking for a little heralded spread play, the Georgia Southern Eagles may be worth a look. The Eagles have gone 6-0 against the spread in their last six and 5-0 ATS on their last five games on the road.

The Eagles are 17-point road dogs against Georgia Tech Saturday.


Home field not an advantage for this team

South Florida has become a team to avoid at home for spread bettors. The Bulls are 5-20-1 against the spread in their past 26 home games.

USF are 1.5-home dogs against North Carolina State Saturday.


Trends show Virginia cashing Over tickets

Recent history shows the Virginia Cavaliers have been going over the total in previous games. The Over is 8-2 in the Cavaliers' last 10 matchups.

Virginia hosts Louisville Saturday afternoon in Week 3 college football action. Louisville is currently -6.5 road faves with a total of 48.5.


Air Force red-hot on the Under out of conference

The Under is a blazing-hot 9-1 in Air Force's last nine non-conference games, which means bettors need to pay attention when the Falcons visit the Georgia State Panthers of the Sun Belt Conference Saturday.

Air Force is presently -11.5 road faves with a total of 63.

[Udog]

NCAAF

Week 3


O-line has been an issue for LSU

Though LSU is undefeated, but that is not thanks to their offensive line. Through two games, LSU quarterbacks have been sacked four times and hit another 12.

LSU hosts UL Monroe as 31-point faves.


Defense not doing UCLA any favors

The No.12 UCLA Bruins could be facing a tough task against the Texas Longhorns Saturday. Defensively, the Bruins have been a mess ranking 100 in passing yards allowed while giving up 70 more yards per game than last season.

The Longhorns quarterbacks have not been throwing for large sums of yards, but have been completing 60 percent of their passes.

UCLA is 7-point road faves.


Under bettors profiting with Kansas on the road

If you're been backing the Under in recent Kansas road games, you've been collecting some nice profits.

The Under is a perfect 6-0 in the Jayhawks' last six games away from home. Kansas travels to Duke Saturday.

The Blue Devils are currently -14 faves with a total of 56 for the matchup.


Oregon's offensive line could be an issue

The Oregon Ducks have managed remain undefeated early in the season, but their offensive line has been getting rocked by injuries.

The Ducks have already lost Tyler Johnson for the season, but it appears that the RT situation may be banged up as well. Starting RT Andre Yruretagoyena did not play in the second half of last weeks matchup after sustaining an injury.

Oregon's line depth has been solid, but many more injuries and this team could start seeing a lot more pressure.