NCAAF Trends and Indexes - Week 4 (Thursday, September 18 - Saturday, September 20)

[Udog]

NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 4

Saturday's games
Top games of week
Pitt rushed for 300+ yards in all three wins this year; they outrushed BC 302-142, inpressive after Eagles whacked USC in next game. Panthers are 5-2 in last seven games as home favorite. Iowa ran ball for just 131 ypg in 2-1 start, scoring 17 in each of its last two games, loss to Iowa State, fortunate win over Ball State. Hawkeyes are 3-6 in last nine games as a road dog. ACC home favorites are 2-6 vs spread in non-league games; Big 14 road underdogs are 3-4.

Third straight tough game for East Carolina squad that waxed Tar Heels 55-31 in Chapel Hill LY, gaining 603 TY as they ended four-game series skid. Pirates won at Va Tech last week, lost 33-23 at South Carolina, but they outgained Gamecocks 453-441. ECU is 9-6 as home favorite under Ruffin; they've got senior QB with 26 starts. UNC is 0-4 as a road dog under Fedora; they were outgained 509-394 by San Diego State at home in last game, but picked off last-minute pass in end zone.

Hard to tell much about Utah squad that hammered pair of cupcakes to open season; they're 3-8 vs spread in last 11 road games, 7-9 as road dog since '09. Michigan is already -7 in turnovers; they were only up 17-10 at half vs Miami O last week, but pulled away late, running ball for 276 yards- Wolverines should be concerned with passing game averaging only 194.3 ypg. they're 11-7 as home favorites under Hoke. Pac-12 teams are 2-8 vs spread on road, but covered only time they were underdog.

Middle Tennessee won five of last six games with Memphis, winning the last three meetings by 2-18-7 points. Blue Raiders gave up 718 yards in wild OT win over Western Kentucky last week, after losing 35-24 week before at Minnesota, despite outgaining Gophers 445-351. Memphis is 8-12 as home favorite since '05; they lost 42-35 at UCLA in last game, as Bruins threw for 396 yards. AAC home teams are 2-8 vs spread in their non-league games. C-USA road underdogs are 11-5 vs spread.

Rutgers won four of last five games vs Navy, but last meeting was in '11; Scarlet Knights had bitter 13-10 loss to Penn State in Big 14 debut last week, throwing five INTs (-4 TOs) in game they led 10-0 at half. Navy scored 66 points in winning last two games, after giving Buckeyes good battle in opener. Middies are 10-14 as home favorites under Niumatalolo. Rutgers is 18-8 in last 26 games as road dog, 6-2 under Flood; both their I-A games this season were decided by a FG.

Alabama won last three games with Florida by average score of 34-10, as Gators lost 31-6/31-3 in last two visits here. Florida was fortunate last week to beat Kentucky in OT, tying game on last-second play to force OT. Gators covered four of last five games as road dog, are 8-5 over last decade in that role. Bama is 3-0 but hasn't covered yet this year; they're 16-14 in last 30 games as home favorite, but 17-9 in last 26 SEC games. First road game for Gators (7-6 vs spread on road under Muschamp).

Virginia Tech won eight of last ten games with Georgia Tech, winning last four (dogs 3-1 vs spread); only one of Hokies' last five series wins was by more than 7 points. GT lost last three visits here by 3-7-3; they were held under 200 yards rushing in last two series games. Hokies were upset by ECU last week after Tech had upset Ohio State week before-- they're 5-12-1 in last 18 games as a home favorite. GT is 2-6 in its last eight games as a road underdog.

Florida State QB Winston is out for this game now, which you'd think means FSU will try to run ball, shorten game for backup QB Maguire, who threw 21 passes LY and is over his head here. Seminoles are 10-2-1 in last 13 games as home favorite; they've won three of last four vs Clemson, winning 49-37/51-14 last two years. Tigers are 1-7 in their last seven visits here, losing last three by 12-3-14; they've covered three of last four visits here- they lost 45-21 at Georgia in first road game.

Oregon State (-8) won 34-30 at San Diego State LY, passing ball for 367 yards; Beavers are 7-12 as home favorites since '09, 6-11 out of Pac-12- they have big league game next week at USC. Aztecs lost tight game at North Carolina despite outgaining UNC 509-394; they're 6-3 as a road dog under Long. Pac-12 home favorites are 6-4 vs spread outsude league play. Mountain West road underdogs are 6-8 as underdogs, 3-5 when on foreign soil. OSU has senior QB with 33 career starts.

LSU won its last 14 games with Mississippi State, covering last four by average score of 36-14; Bulldogs covered twice in last eight visits here-- five of their last six losses in Death Valley were by 18+ points. MSU is 5-10 as road dog under Mullen, but he has 8 starters back on both sides of ball and mobile QB with 10 career starts. LSU is 11-15-1 as favorite at home since '10; they shut out pair of cupcakes in last two games, after the comeback win on neutral field over Wisconsin to start season.

Miami is playing frosh QB who completed 60% of his passes with four INTs in first three games, including 31-13 loss at Louisville; Hurricanes are 1-4-1 in last six games as a road dog. Nebraska has four new starters on OL; they're 12-5 in last 17 games as home favorites. ACC underdogs are 4-1 vs spread out of conference, 2-1 on road, Big 14 home favorites are 5-8 vs spread. Cornhuskers have conference opener with Illinois on deck, but primetime on ABC makes this the bigger game.

Oklahoma won but didn't cover last two games with West Virginia; they gave up 778 yards in wild 50-49 win here two years ago, then ran ball for 316 yards in 16-7 home win LY. Sooners are 13-10 in last 23 games as a road favorite. Mountaineers gained 694 yards in 40-37 wn vs Maryland last week; senior QB Trickett is completing 75.4% of his passes- he was 29-45/365 in 33-23 loss to Alabama. over last decade, WVU is 3-4 when a home underdog- they're 9-7 overall as a dog under Holgorsen.

Cal lost last three visits to Tucson by 1-15-4 points; underdogs are 4-1 vs spread in last five series games played here. Arizona won three of last four games vs Cal- last two series games were won by total of six points; Wildcats are 6-7 as home favorites under RichRod- Nevada threw ball for 321 yards against them last week. Unusual amount of rain in Tucson this week; wonder if it disrupted their preparation? Bears are 3-7 in last ten games as a road dog, but they've already won at Northwestern this year.

Notes on rest of card
-- Missouri ran ball for 280 yards, outgained Indiana 623-475 in 45-28 win at Indiana LY. Tigers are 13-8 in last 21 games as home favorite.
-- Since 2012, Penn State is 9-4 as a home favorite.
-- Marshall is 1-9-1 as a road favorite under Holliday. Akron is 2-6 as a home underdog under Terry Bowden.
-- Favorites covered five of last seven Ball State-Toledo games; average total in last five series games is 62.2. Ball won 31-24/34-27 in last two series meetings.

-- Syracuse is 13-8 in its last 21 games as a home favorite ACC favorites are 2-6 vs spread at home, in non-league games.
-- Idaho is 4-11 in its last 15 games as a road underdog. Ohio Bobcats are 8-11 in last 19 games as a home favorite.
-- Kansas is 0-4 as home favorite under Weis. Jayhawks lost 41-3 last week at Duke. Central Michigan lost 40-3 at home to Syracuse.
-- Georgia lost 38-35 at South Carolina, plays Tennessee next week; this is sandwich game for them. Troy lost 38-35 to a I-AA team last week.

-- Wildcat in NY Post used Wisconsin (-27) as a selection this week; he is a pretty good 'capper. Bowling Green allowed 702-582 yards in its two games vs I-A teams this season.
-- Tulane is 12-10-1 in last 23 games as a road dog- they lost first road game this year in OT at Tulsa. Duke covered nine of last ten games as a home favorite.
-- Over last decade, Army is 0-6 as a road favorite. Wake Forest is young team, 3rd-youngest in country- they're playing a true freshman QB.
-- San Jose State is 9-4 in last thirteen games as a road dog. Minnesota is 5-2 in last seven game as home fave- they start league play next week.

-- Michigan State covered four of last five games with Eastern Michigan.
-- South Carolina won last five games with Vanderbilt (2-3 vs spread)-- they've won six of last seven here (one win by more than 18 points).
-- Wyoming scored 45 points in first three games, playing a I-AA team and service academy. FAU is 0-2 as road dog this year, 11-4 in their last 15 tries as a road dog.
-- Since '06, Hawai'i is 16-13 as a road underdog. Colorado is 4-2 in last six games as a home favorite.

-- Georgia State is 1-2, despite scoring 38-31-38 points in in three games. Washington beat I-AA Eastern Washington 59-52 earlier this month.
-- Southern Miss lost two games vs I-AA teams by combined 102-12; in between, they beat I-AA Alcorn State 26-20 in between.
-- Georgia Southern lost two games to ACC teams by combined total of five points. South Alabama is 1-4 as a home dog since moving to I-A.
-- SMU changed head coaches since its last game- they lost last two tilts with Texas A&M by combined score of 90-15.

-- Houston is 20-10 in last 30 games as home favorite, 6-5 under Levine. Mountain West dogs are 6-8 vs spread in non-league games, 3-5 on road.
-- Oregon won its last seven games with Washington State, but Coogs are 4-0 vs spread in last four; Ducks won last three visits here, by 25-20-49.
-- BYU (+2) lost 19-16 at Virginia LY, despite outgaining Cavs 362-223 on a rainy day. ACC non-conference underdogs are 4-1 vs spread.
-- Illinois is 6-9 in last fifteen games as home favorite, 4-4 with Beckman as coach. Texas State is 5-7 as a road underdog under Franchione.

-- Rice is 11-4 vs spread in last fifteen games as home favorite. C-USA teams are 18-7 vs spread out of conference, 8-1 at home.
-- Louisville beat FIU 72-0 LY. Panthers gave up 321 rushing yards in 42-25 home loss to Pitt last week; they lost at home to I-AA Bethune-Cookman 14-12 in season opener.
-- Cincinnati won last eight games (6-2 vs spread) vs Miami O, which is 0-5 vs spread in series games here. Miami was down only 17-10 at half in Ann Arbor last week but got buried in second half, 34-10.
-- Since 2008, Northern Illinois is 10-3 as a road underdog; they've won at Northwestern, UNLV last two weeks, Arkansas ran for 438 yards in 49-28 win at Texas Tech last week.

-- Since 2006, Arkansas State is 2-6 as a home underdog. Utah State covered five of last seven games as a road favorite.
-- New Mexico (-11) beat New Mexico State 66-17 LY, just second win for Lobos in last five series games. Aggies are 3-6 in last nine games as a home underdog.
-- UL-Lafayette was outscored 104-35 in losing its two I-A games so far this season. Sun Belt underdogs are 8-5 out of conference, 4-2 on road.

[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, September 20

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Game of the Day: Clemson at Florida State
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Clemson Tigers at Florida State Seminoles (-14.5, 57.5)

Already facing one of the biggest potential hurdles in its national title defense, Florida State will have to take on visiting Clemson with its Heisman Trophy quarterback on the bench. The top-ranked Seminoles will play without Jameis Winston, who was benched for disciplinary reasons after shouting a vulgar phrase on campus Tuesday. Winston's absence, which was originally to be only for the first half but was extended to the full game late Friday following a "continued investigation," opens the door for the No. 24 Tigers to claim their first victory over a top-ranked team.

The Seminoles are riding an 18-game winning streak and have won 15 straight against ACC foes, but Winston's latest off-field transgression has put them in a tough spot against a capable conference opponent. "I did something, so I've got to accept my consequences," Winston said in a press conference Wednesday. "We're going to think about moving forward and winning the game." Sophomore Sean Maguire is expected to make his first career start in place of Winston, who rolled up 444 passing yards in last year's 51-14 win at Clemson.

TV: 8:18 p.m. ET, ABC.

LINE HISTORY: At the Westgate LV Superbook, the Noles opened as 20-point faves, but dropped to -12.5 after Winston's full suspension was announced. The total opened at 61.5 but is now 56.5

INJURY REPORT: Clemson - S Travis Blanks (Questionable, knee). Florida State - LB Ukeme Eligwe (Probably, foot).

ABOUT CLEMSON (1-1, 0-0 ACC): The Tigers were shut out in the second half of a season-opening 45-21 loss to Georgia, but they took out their offensive frustrations on South Carolina State two weeks ago, racking up 735 total yards in a 73-7 victory. Quarterback Cole Stoudt has passed for 446 yards and just one touchdown while no running back has more than 82 yards for the Tigers, who need some playmakers to emerge to upset the Seminoles. Clemson will look for star defensive end Vic Beasley to harass Maguire and Winston and add to his 23 career sacks, the most among active FBS players.

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (2-0, 0-0): The Seminoles have scored 30 or more points in 17 consecutive games, but that could be put to the test without their star quarterback. Winston's absence also has an impact on receiver Rashad Greene, whose 283 receiving yards are the most in school history through two games. Luckily for the Seminoles, they can lean on a stout defense that has been especially strong against the pass, allowing 137.5 yards per game through the air.

TRENDS:

* Over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Florida State.
* Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Seminoles are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games.
* Home team is 12-4 ATS in their last 16 meetings.

CONSENSUS: According to Consensus, 62 percent of bettors are backing the visiting Tigers.


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[Udog]

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

Week 4 of the college football season is a mix of intriguing non-conference clashes and huge league battles that could shape how the college football playoff tickles out.

And with all that excitement comes a lot of line moves. We talk to Aaron Kessler, sportsbook supervisor at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, about the biggest odds adjustments on the board and the reasons behind these moves.

Bowling Green Falcons at Wisconsin Badgers – Open: -21, Move: -27

Bowling Green is coming off a shootout win against Indiana last weekend but will face a much stingier defense in Wisconsin Saturday. Some books have tacked on six points to this spread, with nothing but Badgers money coming in.

“We always get a lot of Wisconsin fans in here,” Kessler tells Covers. “We moved with the market. There isn’t a lot of action on this game but they're (Wisconsin fans) are coming. Not so much for Bowling Green. They don’t have that big a fan base.”

Utah Utes at Michigan Wolverines – Open: -6.5, Move: -3.5

Kessler says this is one of the most popular plays with sharp bettors in Week 4, with wiseguys trimming as much as a field goal off the opening number.

“A lot of wiseguys are on Utah,” he says. “And the public is going to be on them too, seeing how bad Michigan has played.”

Indiana Hoosiers at Missouri Tigers – Open: -17, Move: -14

The Hoosiers and Tigers are primed for a shootout in Week 4, with the total up as high as 72 points for this non-conference contest. Kessler predicts this line will move back up with action coming in on Missouri before kickoff.

“Indiana looks like it can score but the defense just isn’t there,” he says. “It’s tough to beat Missouri in this one. They’re a cover machine and the public comes back to play them every week. We always end up needing the other side in their games, and the other side just can’t get there for us.”

Ball State Cardinals at Toledo Rockets – Open: -9.5, Move: -14

This spread and total are one of big movers of Week 4, with the spread jumping 4.5 points and total dropping from 65.5 to 59 points as of Friday afternoon. Kessler says it’s all sharp money on the Rockets and Under, with Ball State struggling on offense and Toledo failing to slow down opponents on defense.

“All that MAC action early in the week, that’s all wiseguys,” he says. “This is ‘the stoppable force meets the moveable object’.”

Oklahoma Sooners at West Virginia Mountaineers – Open: +11.5, Move: +7.5

This Big 12 battle has moved as many as four points, depending on where you play, staying just above a touchdown with a half-point hook. Kessler says bettors are sold on West Virginia after its strong showing against Alabama and with Oklahoma star RB Keith Ford out with a fractured ankle.

“Oklahoma is blowing everyone away but hasn’t really played anyone yet,” Kessler says. “And I don’t think Alabama was prepared for West Virginia. No one is really talking about that.”

California Golden Bears at Arizona Wildcats – Open: -12.5, Move: -7.5

This Pac-12 war has taken early action on the road underdog, cutting the spread to just above a touchdown. Cal has impressed in the first few weeks, but that isn’t too hard after such a poor season in 2013.

“Arizona is a bit of a question mark,” says Kessler. “They haven’t played anyone of note and Cal is looking a lot better than that awful team from last year. But the public dog is never a strong play.”

Other notable moves

Old Dominion at Rice - Open: -10, Move: -6.5
Iowa at Pittsburgh - Open: -5.5, Move: -7
Tulane at Duke - Open: Open: 54.5, Move: 58
Army at Wake Forest - Open: Pick, Move: +2.5
UMass at Penn State - Open: -29.5, Move: -26.5
San Jose State at Minnesota - Open: -6.5, Move: 9.5
Georgia State at Washington - Open: -36.5, Move: -34.5
Middle Tennessee at Memphis - Open: -7.5, Move: -12
Miami at Nebraska - Open: 58.5, Move: 55.5

[Udog]

Essential Week 4 college football betting tidbits

There is plenty of Top 25 action in Week 4 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:

(24) Clemson Tigers at (1) Florida State Seminoles (-14.5, 60)

* Clemson hasn't forgotten about its embarrassing loss to the 'Noles last season. "We've tried to remind these guys that we did get embarrassed out here, make no mistake about it," Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris said. "Yes, we've definitely talked about it."

* According to a tweet from @JeffGrantSports, the Florida State Seminoles have won their last five games when College GameDay visits campus. They've won by an average margin of 17 points. They'll have do it without Heisman winner Jameis Winston, who originally received a first-half suspension for making lewd comments, but the team has suspended him for the entire game.

Florida Gators at (2) Alabama Crimson Tide (-14, 51)

* According to Yahoo! Sports, Gators coach Will Muschamp is on the hot seat in Gainesville after scraping out a victory against Kentucky last week. "They're all important. They all count for one, so we understand the importance of the game. It's an SEC game," Muschamp said.

* Alabama could get a starter returning on each side of the ball Saturday. Wide receiver DeAndrew White and cornerback Jarrick Williams could return according to head coach Nick Saban.

(3) Oregon Ducks at Washington State Cougars (+23, 75)

* Ducks QB Marcus Mariota graces this week's cover of Sports Illustrated. The last time he appeared on the cover (Nov. 4, 2013), the Ducks suffered their first loss of the season to Stanford as 10-point faves.

* The Washington State Cougars lead the Nation in passing yards per game with 517. Senior Connor Halliday is tops in the country 1,465 yards passing and 12 touchdown passes (tied with two others).

(4) Oklahoma Sooners at West Virginia Mountaineers (+7.5, 64.5)

* This will be the first game that Oklahoma's leading rusher Keith Ford will miss since he was ruled out 2-3 weeks earlier this week.

* West Virginia has suspended their top cornerback, Daryl Worley, earlier in the week. Worley had 17 tackles and intercepted two passes after the first three games of the season.

(7) Texas A&M Aggies at Southern Methodist Mustangs (+33.5, 58.5)

* Kenny Hill has thrown for 1,094 yards and 11 TDs in his first three games, that's 376 yards and three TDs more than Jameis Winston totaled in his first three games last year. Hill is currently 7/1 at Sportsbook.ag to win the Heisman Trophy.

* Redshirt-freshman QB Kolney Cassel makes his first career start for the Mustangs after Neal Burcham went down versus North Texas.

Mississippi State Bulldogs at (8) LSU Tigers (-9, 50)

* Dan Mullen certainly does not forget last year's game against LSU. "Last year late in the third quarter we were driving and missed a field goal, and then they responded with a touchdown," the Bulldogs coach said to media Monday. "They scored 14 points in a minute and a half, and things never go well for you when that happens."

* Nobody can question the toughness of WR Travin Dural. Even though the receiver was in a car accident Sunday morning, requiring a reported 15 stitches, and missing three practices, he will be available for LSU Saturday. Dural has 370 yards and four touchdowns for the Tigers.

Eastern Michigan Eagles at (11) Michigan State Spartans (-45, 52)

*At the very least, first year Eagles coach Chris Creighton has been keeping on the sunny side. ""I really felt as though (the defense) kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win," the coach told the media after surrendering a season-low 367 total yards against the Monarchs.

* Saturday could be a big day for Spartans QB Connor Cook. Through two games this season he is 41-of-60 for 628 yards with five touchdowns.

Troy Trojans at (14) Georgia Bulldogs (-41, 64.5)

* Even though Troy has gotten off to an 0-3 (SU) start for the first time since 1982, it does not seem like there will be shakeups. "Larry [Blakeney] didn't all of a sudden forget how to coach overnight," Troy AD John Hartwell told the media. Hartwell also said that he has "full confidence" in Blakeney.

* The Bulldogs red-zone offense has been a big focus in practice this week. "When we get down there, we’re just kind of stalling out," QB Hutson Mason said this week. "A lot of that is me. I’ve got to read coverage better." Against the Gamecocks, Georgia made six trips to the red zone and managed to score six points.

(16) South Carolina Gamecocks at Vanderbilt Commodores (+21.5, 53.5)

* Steve Spurrier is not letting his guys get caught in the possible trap game against Vandy. "They'll play us tough. At times we look like we know what we're doing, at other times we look pretty average. I'm hoping we can really put together our best game of the year against Vanderbilt."

* Quarterback play has been the bane of Vanderbilt's season so far. Through three games, the revolving door at QB has completed 46.3 percent of their passes with five interceptions.

Bowling Green Falcons at (17) Wisconsin Badgers (-27, 63.5)

* "The definitely like to go fast," is how Wisconsin coach Derek Landisch described Bowling Green. The Falcons ran 113 offensive plays for 571 yards against Indiana last week. That includes 73 pass attempts by James Knapke.

* The bye week came at a good time for the Badgers after an up-and-down performance for the team. "But there's probably 15 to 18 missed tackles in the last game," coach Gary Anderson said to the media. "I'm not going to say we can't have any missed tackles, but we have to tackle well, and if we can do that, this defense can move forward."

Indiana Hoosiers at (19) Missouri Tigers (-13, 71)

* If the Hoosiers have one area they need to improve, it's special teams. Indiana ranks last in the country in both field goals (0-2) and punting (29.20 average).

* Mizzou has finally given up on a piece of their future offense. Coach Gary Pinkel opened his press conference Monday by announcing that redshirt sophomore WR Levi Copelin has been dismissed from the program.

Miami Hurricanes at (22) Nebraska Cornhuskers (-7.5, 57)

* The Miami Hurricanes will need to start looking for a QB of the future. Only a day after being arrested for DUI and possession of a fake or stolen driver's license, Kevin Olsen dropped out of school.

* Cornhuskers defensive cooridinator John Papuchis has his concerns about the U. "They have great speed at wideout, so I am concerned with balls being thrown over our head, but our guys are aware of it and we have to tackle well to limit explosive plays.”

Virginia Cavaliers at (23) BYU Cougars (-14.5, 47.5)

* The Cavaliers don't open so well on the road. Since 2001, Virginia is 3-10 straight up in its first road game of the season.

* There are a few programs that have a 100 percent scoring rate in the red zone. The Cougars have foiled just one opportunity but are still a good bet to score in the red.The Cougars have scored 13 times (10 touchdowns) in 14 trips inside the red zone so far this season.

(25) North Carolina Tar Heels at East Carolina Pirates (-3, 67)

* UNC will be missing a key piece of their offensive line when they take on the Pirates. RG Landon Turner will miss the game with an undisclosed injury. Last year when the Tar Heels played ECU, the Pirates racked up over 600 yards of offense.

* East Carolina has no use for looking in the past. "Each team's personality is different. We don't have to bring it up because of what we keep preaching," head coach Ruffin McNeill told the media Monday. "I'm anxious to dive into the film a little more because they got onto a great streak at the end of last year."

[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, September 20


Winston now suspended for entire Clemson game

Late Friday night Florida State announced that Jameis Winston would not be suspended the first half of their game against Clemson, but rather the entire game. The news comes less than 24 hours before Seminoles back-up Sean Maguire makes his first ever collegiate start.

Florida State opened the game as 20-point home favorites and then dropped to -17 after the Heisman winners first half suspension. With the news that Winston will sit the entire game the line has dropped to -12.5 according to the Westgate LV Superbook.

"For the full game, Winston has to be worth four points against most teams," a spokesman for GTBets.eu told Covers earlier this week.

After the initial line drop Michael Stewart of Carbonsports.ag told Covers, "the action Florida State is all on the moneyline at 82 percent while the the spread is seeing all Tigers action as Clemson is getting 94 percent to cover."

The total for the Seminoles-Tigers clash has been dropping drastically after opening at 63.5, the line now sits at 56.5 per the Westgate LV Superbook.


Bowling Green coming off prolific offensive game

Maybe they are not the media darlings of the MAC, but Bowling Green put on an offensive performance in their last game.

The Falcons ran 113 offensive plays for 571 yards against Indiana in Week 3. That includes a large day from QB James Knapke who went 46-for-73 with 395 yards and three touchdowns.

Bowling Green (+27) travels to Wisconsin to take on the Badgers Saturday.


Badgers still not playing up to potential

Wisconsin has been on a roller coaster this season between a four-point loss to LSU and a 37-3 drubbing of Western Illinois. However, the team has yet to really focus on defense.

"There's probably 15 to 18 missed tackles in the last game," coach Gary Anderson said to the media. "I'm not going to say we can't have any missed tackles, but we have to tackle well, and if we can do that, this defense can move forward."

The Badgers will get their chance to tackle as 27-point home favorites against Bowling Green Saturday.


Poor QB play has been downfall for Vanderbilt

Though Vanderbilt has several areas they need to work on, the quarterback position has been the worst for the team. Three different passers have amassed a 46.3 completion percentage with 5-to-1 INT-to-TD ratio.

The Commordores are currently 21.5-point home dogs against South Carolina Saturday.


Georgia's practice focused on red zone offense

The Georgia Bulldogs may have just barely lost to South Carolina last week, but their red zone offense did nothing to keep them in the game. In six trips to the red zone, the Bulldogs managed a total of six points against the Gamecocks.

"When we get down there, we’re just kind of stalling out," QB Hutson Mason said this week. "A lot of that is me. I’ve got to read coverage better."

Georgia hosts Troy this week as 41-point faves.


Despite car accident, Dural will be avaliable

It will be less than one week after a nasty car accident, but WR Travin Dural will be available for LSU Saturday.

Early this past Sunday, Dural was in a car accident that reportedly caused the sophomore to receive 15 stitches and miss three of the teams practices this week.

Dural has 370 yards and four touchdowns for the Tigers this season.


Freshman to start for SMU versus Aggies

With starting QB Neal Burcham out for the Mustangs, SMU will be turning to redshirt-freshaman Kolney Cassel against Texas A&M.

Cassel was a three-star rated recruit coming out of high school where he posted a 58.5 completion percentage for 2697 yards with 27 touchdowns and six interceptions in his senior season.

Cassel has tallied 154 yards and one touchdown in spot duty this season.


Alabama could see two starters return to lineup

It seems that the dominant Alabama Crimson Tide could be getting even stronger this week. Both WR DeAndrew White and CB Jarrick Williams could be returning to the lineup according to Nick Saban.

Both players started in the season opener against WVU, with White tallying six receptions and 73 yards.

The Crimson Tide are currently 14-point home faves against Florida Saturday.


Clemson keeps loss to Seminoles in mind

Less than a year ago, Clemson got embarrassed by Florida State 51-14. That is not a memory easily forgotten in the Tigers locker room.

"We've tried to remind these guys that we did get embarrassed out here, make no mistake about it," Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris said. "Yes, we've definitely talked about it."

Clemson gets a break as Jameis Winston will be suspended for the game Saturday. Winston torched the Tigers for 444 yards and three touchdowns in last seasons beat-down.


Sooners to be without leading rusher

The Oklahoma Sooners will be without leading rusher Keith Ford this week. It was announced earlier this week that the RB would be out 2-3 weeks.

The No.4 ranked team in the nation has used a committee approach to their backfield with three back over 100 yards rushing, but Ford leads the teams in touchdowns with five.

The Sooners travel to West Virginia as 7.5 faves.


Mullen does not forget how close Bulldogs were

Even though the last meeting between Mississippi State and LSU looked like a beatdown on paper, a 59-26 Tigers victory, it was a surprisingly close game. Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen does not forget how close that game was.

"Last year late in the third quarter we were driving and missed a field goal, and then they responded with a touchdown," the Bulldogs coach said to media Monday. "They scored 14 points in a minute and a half, and things never go well for you when that happens."

Mississippi State are 9-point road dogs Saturday.


Troy confident despite worst start in 32 years

A 0-3 record straight-up (1-2 against the spread) does not have Troy panicking. Despite the teams worst start since 1982, there does not appear to be shakeups on the horizon.

"Larry [Blakeney] didn't all of a sudden forget how to coach overnight," Troy athletic director John Hartwell told the media. Hartwell went on to say that he has "full confidence" in Blakeney.

The Trojans have an uphill battle as 41-point road dogs versus Georgia Saturday.


Spurrier: "We look pretty average"

Despite South Carolina topping Georgia last week, Steve Spurrier is not letting his team rest on their laurels.

"[Vanderbilt will] play us tough. At times we look like we know what we're doing, at other times we look pretty average," Spurrier said this week. " I'm hoping we can really put together our best game of the year against Vanderbilt."

The Gamecocks are currently 21.5-point road faves.

[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, September 20


Iowa-Pitt to be playing against high winds

The Iowa Hawkeyes will travel to Heinz Field to play Pitt Saturday, but the winds may be the biggest enemy of all. Winds are expected to be constantly blowing above 12 miles per hour and as high as 15 mph.

Iowa and Pitt's total is currently set at 47.


Cornhuskers kicker crashes motorcycle, breaks collarbone

Nebraska kicker Mauro Bondi broke his collarbone Thursday night when he crashed his motorcycle in Lincoln.

Bondi failed to navigate a turn in the northwest part of the city around 6:30 p.m., according to the Journal Star. Bondi hit a curb and ran off the road. A passer-by assisted him to his apartment where a roommate took him to a hospital.

Police cited the 21-year-old with negligent driving and riding without a motorcycle license. Police said alcohol was not a factor in the crash. Bondi was wearing a helmet.

His status for Saturday's game is uncertain. The Cornhuskers host the Miami Hurricanes

[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, September 20


Spartan Stadium to be wet and windy

The in-state rivalry game between Eastern Michigan and Michigan State is expected to be a messy one. The forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of thundershowers with winds gusting upwards of 13 miles per hour.

The total for the Eagles and Spartans is currently 52.5.

[Udog]

Mid-Major Money: Big profits from NCAAF small conferences

Team to watch: Wyoming Cowboys

This week: -4 vs. Florida Atlantic

Wyoming is coming off a 48-14 loss at Oregon last Saturday (it covered the spread as a 42-point underdog), but the bottom line is that the Cowboys tested themselves against the toughest competition. Head coach Craig Bohl called the 34-point setback “not acceptable,” but he emphasized that facing the Ducks’ high-powered spread offense will only help down the road. Going up against Marcus Mariota should also have been a beneficial lesson in advance of running into Florida Atlanticl dual-threat quarterback Jaquez Johnson.

Florida Atlantic has endured a difficult non-conference schedule, as well (it has losses to Nebraska and Alabama). The 1-2 Owls, though, have been outscored 117-57 through three contests. That’s a lot. And speaking of a lot, check out their travel route: they are making a trek of more than 2,100 miles from Boca Raton, Fla. to Laramie, Wyo.

Team to beware: Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns

This week: +16 at Boise State

Louisiana-Lafayette has given up 104 points in its last two games and in neither contest did the team come within single digits of covering the spread. On the other side of the ball, head coach Mark Hudspeth says quarterback Terrance Broadway has been pressing. The 2013 Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year is averaging two interceptions per game (six in three) after averaging just one last season (12 in 12).

Boise State, which has run 118 passing plays and 118 running plays through two games, is beating defenses however necessary. Jay Ajayi had 459 rushing yards after two outings before Connecticut stuffed the box, at which point the Broncos torched the Huskies for three touchdowns through the air in a 38-21 victory. Boise State has never faced ULL before, but head coach Bryan Harsin will know what to expect after facing the Ragin’ Cajuns last year while he was at Arkansas State.

Total team: Idaho Vandals

This week: 54 at Ohio

Idaho’s defense has been horrendous this season, with 83 points surrendered in its first two outings—losses to Louisiana-Monroe and Western Michigan. ULM racked up 534 yards and WMU gained 486. The over is 8-1 in Idaho’s last nine overall, 5-1 in its last six non-conference games, and 4-1 in its last five road games.

Ohio receiver Chase Cochran hauled in a 53-yard pass on his team’s first play from scrimmage last weekend against Marshall. The senior now has 13 receptions of 40 yards or more during his career. As for the running game, head coach Frank Solich said earlier this week that the Bobcats have more depth there than ever before and he plans to continue using a rotation of at least four backs. Solich indicated that A.J. Ouellette (11 carries, 69 yards this season) would be most likely to see an increased workload.

[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, September 20


Over trending at Sanford Stadium

One stadium that has enjoyed some high offensive output is Sanford Stadium. In Georgia's last 10 games at home, the over has paid out eight times.

During that span, the Bulldogs have averaged 43 points per game, with a combined average of 64 ppg.

Georgia hosts Troy with a total of 64 Saturday.