NCAAF Trends and Indexes - Week 4 (Thursday, September 24 - Saturday, September 26)

[Udog]

NCAAF

Friday, September 25


Stanford owns Oregon State at the betting window

The Stanford Cardinal visit the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium Friday evening, and it's the Cardinal that have had the edge at the betting window in recent meetings. Stanford has gone 5-0 both straight up and against the spread in the previous five meetings between the two Pac-12 programs.

Keep an eye on Cardinal starting quarterback Kevin Hogan who is listed as a game-time decision due to a sprained left ankle suffered in last week’s victory over USC.

Stanford is currently tabbed as a 16-point road favorite in Corvallis.

[Udog]

NCAAF

Friday, September 25


Chance of rain in Virginia Friday

Weather forecasts predict a 60 percent chance of rain in Charlottesville when the Virginia Cavaliers host the Boise State Broncos Friday evening.

Temperatures in Charlottesville are expected to be in the mid-60s with wind blowing across the field around six miles per hour.

The Cavaliers are presently 2.5-point home underdogs and the total has come down to 49 after opening at 50.

[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, September 26

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Saturday's college football Top 25 betting cheat sheet: Week 4
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LSU has won 49 consecutive regular-season non-conference games heading into its visit to Syracuse Saturday.

(20) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Duke Blue Devils (+7.5, 56)

* The Yellow Jackets totaled 915 yards rushing in the first two games but were limited to 216 in the loss to the Fighting Irish and only a pair of touchdown passes in the final minute made the score respectable. “You put it behind you and move forward and get ready for the next game,” head coach Paul Johnson told reporters. “It is what you do."

* Duke has limited 13 of its last 16 opponents to 25 points or fewer, including a 31-25 win at Georgia Tech last year. The Under is 10-2 in those 13 games (no line for Week 1 versus Elon in 2014).


Southern Jaguars at (6) Georgia Bulldogs (Off, Off)

* The Jaguars have won back-to-back games - scoring 50 points in each victory - and feature senior playmaker Willie Quinn, who has two touchdowns on special teams through three games.

* Georgia quarterback Greyson Lambert completed 24-of-25 passes as the Bulldogs crushed South Carolina 52-20 last week, Lambert setting a NCAA record for highest completion percentage while finishing with 330 yards and three touchdowns.


(9) LSU Tigers at Syracuse Orange (+24, 47)

* LSU, which has yet to trail this season and also has yet to commit a turnover, has won 49 consecutive regular-season non-conference games heading into this matchup. The Tigers are 28-17 ATS in those games (four games with no line).

* The Orange lost starting quarterback Terrel Hunt to an Achilles tear in the season opener and now must take the field without backup Eric Dungey (upper-body injury), who left last week's victory over Central Michigan after taking a vicious hit in the second quarter.


Central Michigan Chippewas at (3) Michigan State Spartans (-26.5, 54)

* Central Michigan is 6-22 all time against Big Ten opponents, including a 38-17 victory over Purdue last season and a 32-31 triumph against Iowa in 2012.

* Spartans LB Riley Bullough, who leads the team with 39 tackles and three sacks, is suspended for the first half due to his ejection for targeting in last week’s game.


Rice Owls at (4) Baylor Bears (-34.5, 74.5)

* The Owls are facing their second Big 12 opponent on the road after losing at Texas 42-28 in Week 2 and feel they are better prepared this week. “We learned some lessons from the Texas game,” head coach David Bailiff told reporters. “You also learn how to work in a loud environment. Procedurally, you didn’t see a lot of problems. I think that helps us moving forward.”

* Baylor’s 17-game home winning streak is the longest current mark in the FBS. The Bears are 14-2 ATS in those home games (one game with no line).


(22) Oklahoma State Cowboys at Texas Longhorns (+3, 58.5)

* The Cowboys are tied for eighth nationally in scoring defense (11.7 points) and forced eight turnovers but their nonconference schedule featured three non-Power 5 squads with a combined 1-7 record. Emmanuel Ogbah and Jimmy Bean lead the defensive front with a combined 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss.

* Opponents have converted on 56.3 percent of third-down plays against Texas, ranking the Longhorns second-to-last nationally.


Western Michigan Broncos at (1) Ohio State Buckeyes (-31.5, 61)

* The Broncos throw the ball a lot and junior receiver Daniel Braverman leads the nation with 40 receptions while totaling 398 yards and three touchdowns. Braverman isn't the only top target junior quarterback Zach Terrell (947 yards, eight touchdowns, five interceptions) has at his disposal as junior receiver Corey Davis ranks fifth in school history with 2,648 receiving yards.

* Ohio State has never previously faced Western Michigan but improved to 31-1 all-time against Mid-American Conference foes when it defeated Northern Illinois 20-13 last Saturday.


UMass Minutemen at (8) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-28.5, 59)

* UMass is 0-10 against Power 5 teams since moving to the FBS level in 2012. The Minutemen are 4-6 ATS in those 10 games, including 0-1 ATS this season (Week 1 at Colorado).

* Predictions for Notre Dame’s season were being reevaluated after Malik Zaire was injured in a tight win over Virginia in Week 2, but DeShone Kinzer proved to be a capable replacement and the defense stepped up to lead the way in a 30-22 win over Georgia Tech last weekend.


UL Monroe Warhawks at (12) Alabama Crimson Tide (-38, 55)

* ULM returns 17 starters from last season, including senior wideout Rashon Ceaser, who caught 10 passes for 97 yards last week, giving him 31 catches for 388 yards in his last three outings. Garrett Smith has thrown for 576 yards and five touchdowns in the first two games and also has the team's longest run of the campaign (28 yards).

* Alabama coach Nick Saban expects Jake Coker to get the start at quarterback, although he hopes the offense can revert to the form it showed in a Week 1 win against Wisconsin. "I thought we had some identity in the first game and were moving in the right direction and then in the last two games, we've been scattered," Saban said this week. "We need to have some certainty in what we're going to do. Jake came into the (Ole Miss) game and played with some passion and showed great leadership and energy when he played."


(2) TCU Horned Frogs at Texas Tech Red Raiders (+6.5, 82.5)

* The Horned Frogs have won 11 consecutive games, the nation's second-longest winning streak behind defending national champion Ohio State (16). The Horned Frogs are 7-4 ATS during that streak (1-2 ATS this season).

* Sophomore quarterback Patrick Mahomes II is playing well and has passed for 1,029 yards and nine touchdowns while being intercepted three times and has Texas Tech is averaging 54.3 points through three games and seeking its fourth 4-0 start in a five-season span.


Vanderbilt Commodores at (5) Ole Miss Rebels (-24, 53.5)

* Vanderbilt has not forced a turnover in its first three games and is minus-7 in turnover margin – last in the SEC and 124th in the nation.

* The Rebels lead the nation in scoring (64 points per game) and rank among the top 10 in total offense (567.3) and passing (352.3), and they have not trailed yet this season. After averaging 74.5 points in their first two games, they proved the explosiveness was no fluke in a 43-37 road win over the Crimson Tide a week ago to vault into the top five.


(15) Texas A&M Aggies vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (+7, 58)

* The Aggies have been sharp on offense to start the season, averaging 46 points per game thanks in part to quarterback Kyle Allen’s nine touchdown passes – four coming last week.

* The Razorbacks ranked 10th nationally in total defense last season, but gave up 486 yards last week and did not force Texas Tech to punt.


Mississippi State Bulldogs at (25) Auburn Tigers (-3, 59)

* The Bulldogs dropped a 21-19 decision at home to LSU in Week 2 and took out their frustrations against Northwestern State with a 62-13 drubbing that allowed Prescott to take most of the afternoon off. “Our effort today was better,” head coach Dan Mullen told reporters after watching his offense set a school record with 647 total yards. “I think we're getting better as a football team.”

* A list of the most disappointing college football teams of the first month has to have Auburn at or near the top, and Jeremy Johnson is paying the price. The Tigers will hand the quarterback job over to Sean White when they host Mississippi State on Saturday.


(23) Missouri Tigers at Kentucky Wildcats (-2.5, 45.5)

* The Tigers are looking to extend two impressive streaks – they’ve won 11 straight road games and six consecutive SEC games – and shake off a sluggish performance a week ago. They are 10-1 ATS during their road streak and 5-1 ATS in the run versus SEC foes.

* The Wildcats are 2-14 under Mark Stoops when their opponent scores first and 1-18 when trailing at halftime.


(11) UCLA Bruins at (16) Arizona Wildcats (+3, 65.5)

* The Bruins are expected to get a key defender and special-teams players back in Ishmael Adams, who was reinstated to the team Tuesday after it was announced he would not face felony charges for an incident involving an Uber driver last month.

* Anu Solomon has been nearly flawless at quarterback for the Wildcats, recording 10 touchdown passes with no interceptions while completing 68.3 percent of his throws this season. He'll be eager to make up for his 18-of-48 performance against UCLA last year.


Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at (21) Wisconsin Badgers (-24.5, 50.5)

* Senior quarterback Max Wittek bounced back from a rough performance versus Ohio State (7-for-24, 67 yards, two interceptions) by throwing a pair of touchdown passes in last week's 47-27 victory over UC Davis.

* Wisconsin senior quarterback Joel Stave has completed 67.4 percent of his passes with six touchdowns and two interceptions - a big improvement from 2014 when he hit on 53.4 percent with nine TDs and 10 picks - while leading an offense which has clicked without injured running back Corey Clement.


(17) Utah Utes at (13) Oregon Ducks (-12.5, 64.5)

* Utah coach Kyle Whittingham indicated quarterback Travis Wilson's status would remain in limbo until late in the week while senior Kendal Thompson was being prepared to make his second straight start.

* The same chorus line was being preached by Oregon coach Mark Helfrich per the status of Adams as junior Jeff Lockie could make his second consecutive start. "He looks very similar to last week, so how's that?" Helfrich said of Adams during a press conference. "It's going to be similar to last week in it will be right up until the end of the week before we make that call."


Ball State Cardinals at (19) Northwestern Wildcats (-19.5, 50.5)

* Ball State leads the MAC in rushing (249 yards per game) and has piled up at least 199 in six straight contests dating to last season.

* Northwestern is 19-2 SU in the month of September since the beginning of the 2010 campaign. The Wildcats are 13-8 ATS in those games.


(18) USC Trojans at Arizona State Sun Devils (+5.5, 62)

* USC quarterback Cody Kessler, who has gone 101 passes without throwing an interception, will be tested by an Arizona State squad that leads the Pac-12 in pass defense and tackles for loss. The Trojans’ quick-strike offense is engineered by Kessler but also features a trio of top running backs in Tre Madden, Justin Davis and Ronald Jones II along with wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who is fifth in the nation with 144.7 receiving yards per game.

* Arizona State is 18-4 at Sun Devil Stadium under head coach Todd Graham, but are just 12-10 ATS in those games.


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[Udog]

NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 4

Saturday's games
Top 13 games
Because BYU is independent, their schedule is front-loaded with hardest games; this is their third tough road game in four weeks- they outgained UCLA 405-402 in 24-23 loss last week. Cougars are 9-3 in last 12 games as road underdog. Since '11, Michigan is 15-12 as home faves; they won first two home games this year 35-7, 28-7, allowing total of 373 yards-- they're facing a rookie QB for third week in row.

East Carolina (+9) won 28-21 at Virginia Tech LY, just second win for Pirates in last nine series games (dogs covered last three). Tech won last four visits here, holding ECU to total of 23 points in last three. Hokies had solid win at Purdue last week, just their second cover in last nine as road favorite. ECU got smoked at Navy last week, giving up 415 yards on ground; since 2008, they are 8-3-1 as home underdogs.

West Virginia won eight of last nine games with Pitt; dogs covered three of last four meetings. WVa passed for 511 yards in LY's 40-37 (+3) win at Maryland- they're 6-12-1 as home favorite under Holgorson. Terps gave up 441 rushing yards in last two games; they're 9-4 as underdogs on road last three years. Maryland lost last seven visits here, but covered three of last five.

Duke (+3) won 31-25 at Georgia Tech LY, just second win in last 16 vs Georgia Tech, which won last five visits here (4-1 vs spread). Jackets are 7-3 vs spread in last ten series games- they ran for 300+ yards in five of last six vs Duke, are coming off loss at Notre Dame. Tech is 10-5-2 as a road favorite under Johnson. Duke is 9-7 as home dog since '10; they got beat at home by Northwestern LW, despite outgaining them 327-271.

Arkansas got upset in its last two games; Bielema lost his last 12 games that were decided by 7 or less points. Hogs lost last three games against Texas A&M, giving up 523+ TY in last four meetings (underdogs 3-1 vs spread). Aggies scored 46 ppg in winning first three games; over last ten years, they're 3-10 vs spread in neutral field games, 13-14 as a favorite under Sumlin, 2-1 this year, with wins by 21-33-17 points.

Florida won its last 10 games with Tennessee, covering six of last eight; underdogs covered last three. Vols lost last five visits here; they lost ugly 10-9 game to Florida LY (TY 233-232). Since '11, Tennessee is 6-12 vs spread on road; line moved in their favor because Gators suspended its backup QB Harris for this game; he started opener. Florida struggled to beat East Carolina/Kentucky last two games, but they are 3-0 this year.

Auburn switches QBs after 45-21 loss at LSU which followed OT win vs I-AA team; Tigers are 11-3 in last 14 games vs Mississippi State- the host won last four series games. MSU lost last three visits here by 4-7-25 points; they're 2-4 vs spread in last six visits here. Bulldogs are 4-1 as road dog last couple years- they lost 21-19 to LSU week before Auburn lost at LSU. Tigers are 7-6 as home favorite under Malzahn.

TCU rang up 785 yards in 82-27 (-23) win over Texas Tech LY; Horned Frogs ran for 305, passed for 480 yards. TCU is 2-3 in last five games vs Tech (favorites 3-2 vs spread); they gave up 330 PY on 17 completions in 56-37 win over SMU LW. Since '11, TCU is 3-9 as road fave. Raiders are 10-4 as home underdogs in last decade; they upset Arkansas 35-24 a week ago, completing 27-31 passes for 315 yards. Interesting game.

Oregon beat Utah 44-21/51-27 last two years; running for 269 yards LY in game where Utes were running for easy TD and 14-0 lead, before RB dropped ball before goal line while taunting and Ducks ran ball back for TD on same play. Oregon QB Adams (finger) sat out easy win last week would expect him to play here. Ducks are 8-7 as HF with Helfrich. Utes are 12-9 as road underdogs since '08.

Favorites covered last six Oklahoma State-Texas games, with home side losing all six games; Cowboys won last three visits here, all by 12+, but had only nine FDs in 28-7 home loss to Texas LY. Longhorns found a QB in Heard, but they've allowed 722 rushing yards in first three games, including 228 to Rice, so they need improvement there. Texas is 2-7 as home dog last 10+ years. OSU is 2-7 in last nine tries as road favorite.

USC gave up 474 yards in home loss to Stanford last week; they're 7-1 SU last two years in game following a loss. Trojans lost three of last four vs Arizona State, losing 62-41/43-22 in last two visits here. USC is 9-21 as road favorite since '08, 2-9 since '12. ASU is 7-5-1 as home underdog last decade, 1-2 under Graham; they're -1 in turnovers thru three games after being +29 last two seasons.

UCLA lost LB Jack for year; their defense is banged-up. Bruins won last three games vs Arizona, but lost four of last five visits here, in series that saw favorites cover five of last seven meetings. UCLA was outgained in LW's 24-23 win over BYU; they're 6-5 as road favorites under Mora Jr. Arizona is 4-0 as home underdog under RichRod; they gained 570 yards in 44-20 win at Nevada, by far toughest team they've played so far.

Washington won last six games vs Cal, with underdogs covering five of the six; Golden Bears lost last four visits here, all by 8+ points. Cal won 45-44 at Texas LW, blowing 3-TD lead in 4th quarter; they're 4-14 as a road favorite since '07, 0-1 since '12. Huskies are 1-3 as home dogs last 2+ years; they outgained a decent Utah State squad 442-254 in 31-17 win LW. Freshman QB Browning is completing 64% of his passes.

Rest of card.........
-- Army is 0-3 this year, with three losses by 2-5-3 points; they're 2-18 vs spread in last 20 road games. Eastern Michigan has allowed 312 ypg in its 1-2 start-- road team won all three games.
-- Long trip east for Nevada, which covered six of last seven road games. Buffalo is 6-4 vs spread in last 10 at home; coach Polian is son of former Bills' GM Bill Polian.
-- Michigan State is 7-12 as non-conference home favorite since '12; they open Big 14 play next week. Central Michigan covered six of last seven as road dog. MAC teams are 8-4 vs spread as non-league road dogs.
-- Since '12, Nebraska is 13-9 as non-league HF's; they lost two of first three games, both last-second losses. Southern Miss won 56-50 at Texas State LW; they're 6-2 in last eight games as road dog.

-- Missouri won last three games with Kentucky, all by 10+, covering all three as faves of 8+ points. Tigers are 11-3 as road underdogs since '12. Kentucky is 12-4 as home favorite since '12.
-- Houston had last week off after winning at Louisville as 13-pt dogs; they're 2-5 in last seven games as home favorite. Texas State scored 50 last week but lost; they're 4-1 in last five games as road dog.
-- Navy ran for 415 yards in win over ECU LW; they play Air Force, Notre Dame next two weeks. UConn lost 9-6 at Missouri last week, a week after 22-17 win over Army- they're 1-4 in last five as home dog.
-- San Diego State lost to I-A newbie South Alabama last week; Aztecs are 3-5 in last eight games as road underdog. Penn State is 12-7 as home favorite since 2012

-- Purdue is home dog to 1-2 Bowling Green squad that scored 119 pts in three games; Boilers are 3-9 in last 12 games as home underdog. Falcons are 12-5 as road favorites since 2007.
-- Rutgers as 14-point favorite over anyone is dicey; coach is suspended, team is a mess. Kansas allowed 96 points in losing first two games, one to I-AA team. Jayhawks are 8-19-1 as road dogs, since 2009.
-- Ohio State allowed total of 355 yards last two games; they struggled to beat No Illinois 23-20 LW, gaining 298 TY. Western Michigan is 8-3 as road underdogs under Fleck.
-- Toledo (-3) beat Arkansas State 63-44 LY in bowl game, running ball for 365 yards, but they lost 4/5 starters on OL; Rockets are 1-4-1 in last six games as HF. Since 2011, ASU is 8-5 as road underdog.

-- Since 2005, Indiana is 2-4-1 as road favorite; Hoosiers are 3-0 despite giving up 34.7 ppg (all at home) this year. Wake Forest is 19-9-1 as a home underdog, over last 10+ years.
-- Vanderbilt is 5-3 in last eight games with Ole Miss, winning last three visits here. Underdogs covered Vandy's last eight visits to Oxford. Ole Miss beat Alabama last week, has Florida next-- a sandwich game!!!
-- Since 2012, Iowa is 6-13 as home favorite, but they're 3-0 SU so far this year, scoring 29 ppg vs I-A teams. North Texas failed to cover last seven tries as road underdog.
-- Illinois is 6-13 in last 19 games as home favorite; they lost 48-14 LW at North Carolina, disappointing game. Hard to tell much about Middle Tennessee; they played Alabama, a I-AA team and I-A newbie- scored 70 points each in latter two games.

-- Wyoming won three of last four games with New Mexico; Lobos lost last three visits here, by 7-21-24 points. Dogs covered four of last five in series played here. Cowboys are 6-12 vs spread in last 18 home games.
-- Louisiana Tech lost in OT at K-State LW; they beat FIU 23-7 (-5) in last meeting in '13. Tech is 5-7 as home fave since 2012. FIU is 5-2 in last seven games as road underdog.
-- Baylor had LW off after hammering couple stiffs, opens Big X play next week; they're 17-4 as home favorite since '11. Third road game in a row for Rice, which outgained Texas 462-277 in 42-28 loss.
-- Minnesota is 9-4 in last 13 games as home favorite; they struggled to beat MAC doormat Kent 10-7 LW, after OT win at Colorado State and 23-17 loss to TCU. Ohio U is 2-10 in last dozen games as road dog.

-- Western Kentucky's three games were decided by total of 8 points; they allowed 38 points in each of last two games. Miami OH lost 39-33 to rival Cincinnati LW; they're 7-13 in last 20 games as road dog.
-- Syracuse is starting walk-on QB after #1-2 QB got hurt; since 2007, Orange is 9-17-1 as home dog. LSU just played SEC rivals Miss State, Auburn back/back; they're 3-6 in last nine games as road favorite.
-- UMass allowed 1,016 TY in losing first two games; they're 7-13 last 20 games as road underdog. Notre Dame won last two games by 8-7, has game at Clemson next week- they're starting their backup QB.
-- NC State is just 2-10 as road favorite last 10+ years; they start ACC play next week, after drilling stiffs this month. South Alabama won LW at San Diego State; Jaguars are 2-5 as home underdogs.

-- Georgia Southern (-24) beat Idaho 47-24 LY, racking up 550 yards; Eagles are 2-2 as road favorites. Since '10, Vandals are 4-10 as home dog.
-- Kent scored total of 10 points in pair of losses vs Big 14 teams; they are 3-4 as home dogs under Haynes. Marshall allowed 229 RY in loss at Ohio U of MAC. MAC non-league home underdogs are 6-1.
-- Alabama lost to Ole Miss LW, has Georgia next; they're 3-11 against spread under Saban in game that followed a loss, 21-17 as home favorite last 5+ years. UL-Monroe is 12-10 in last 22 games as a road dog.
-- Florida Atlantic allowed 41.3 ppg in losing first three games; they are 1-3 as road favorite last 6+ years. Charlotte gave up 73 points last week in loss to Middle Tennessee- they got first I-A win at Georgia State.

-- UL-Lafayette (-6) won 35-30 at Akron in 2013; Cajuns are 9-11-1 as home favorites under Hudspeth. Zips is 8-5 as road dog under Bowden.
-- UTSA allowed 47 ppg in losing first three games; Roadrunners are 3-4 as home underdogs. Colorado State lost last two games by FG each and opens conference play next week- they're 4-1 as road favorites.
-- Central Florida lost to I-AA team LW, South Carolina looked awful in drubbing at Georgia. Gamecocks won all three series games, but did not cover any of them. UCF is 4-2 in last six games as road underdog.
-- Sun Belt teams are 6-12 vs spread out of conference; C-USA dogs are 10-9 vs spread, 2-2 at home. Old Dominion is 1-2 as a home underdog.

-- Northern Illinois lost 20-13 at Ohio State LW; yardage was 290-193. Huskies are 12-4 as road dogs, since 2008. Boston College lost 14-0 at home to Florida State last week; they're 7-2 in last nine as home fave.
-- Northwestern allowed total of 16 points in 3-0 start; they're 1-8 as a home favorite last 2+ years. Big 14 home favorites are 7-12 vs spread. Ball State is 30-11-1 as road underdogs since 2006.
-- Hawai'i is 9-10 as road underdog under Chow. Wisconsin outscored last two foes 86-3 after loss to Alabama. Badgers open Big 14 play vs Iowa next; they're 18-13 in last 31 games as a home favorite.
-- Underdogs are 3-1-1 vs spread in last five Fresno-San Jose games, as average total was 68. Bulldogs won six of last eight visits here. Fresno allowed 118 points in last two games, both vs Power-5 teams.

[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, September 26


Bullough out for first half versus Central Michigan

Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough, who leads the team with 39 tackles and three sacks, is suspended for the first half versus Central Michigan due to his ejection for targeting in last week’s game versus Air Force.

The Spartans have begun the season 3-0 straight up, but have not fared well for their backers as they are 0-3 against the spread. They are currently listed as 26-point home faves after opening -28.


LSU dominating non-conference opponents

The LSU Tigers bring a 49 game winning streak against non-conference opponents into Syracuse when the tangle with the Orange Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers have gone 28-17 against the spread in those games, with four of those games not offering lines (2008 and 2005 vs. Appalachian State, 2003 vs. Western Illinois, 2002 vs. The Citadel).

Books opened the Tigers as 24.5-point road faves versus the Orange, but that is now -24.


Missouri on winning streak away from home

The Missouri Tigers are riding an 11-game road winnings streak into Kentucky Saturday afternoon. Mizzou is 10-1 against the spread in those 11 road games.

The Tigers are currently 3-point road dogs for their visit to Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington and are 3-0 SU and ATS in their previous three meetings with the Wildcats.


TCU riding second-longest winning streak

The TCU Horned Frogs have won 11 consecutive games heading into Saturday's visit to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. That's streak is second only to Ohio State's 16-game winning streak.

In those 11 games, the Horned Frogs have gone 7-4 against the spread, including a 1-2 mark this season.

Books opened the Horned Frogs as 7.5-point road faves but that has since been adjusted to -6.5. TCU easily covered the 24.5-point spread with an 82-27 win last season.


Baylor dominant SU and ATS in home games

There certainly is no place like home for the Baylor Bears, who bring a 17-game home winning streak into Saturday's meeting with the Rice Owls. That mark represents the longest current streak in the FBS.

In those 17 games, the Bears have been productive for their backers with a 14-2 record against the spread. One of those games, Week 2 versus Lamar, had no line.

This time around, the Bears are pegged as 34.5-point home favorites after opening -32.5.

[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, September 26

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Game of the Day: UCLA at Arizona
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Anu Solomon has been nearly flawless at quarterback for the Wildcats, recording 10 touchdown passes with no interceptions this season.

UCLA Bruins at Arizona Wildcats (+3, 66)

Arizona has struggled to get its offense rolling against UCLA in recent seasons, but the 16-ranked Wildcats will try to find holes in the No. 11 Bruins Saturday, when they host the Pac-12 opener for both teams. Arizona showed its offensive capabilities last weekend against Northern Arizona, setting program records for points (77), total yards (792) and rushing yards (499) in the 64-point victory, but UCLA is a major step up in competition.

The Wildcats are hoping to welcome back their best defensive player, while the Bruins lost one of theirs during practice Tuesday. Arizona's Scooby Wright III, the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year last season, returned to practice early in the week and will be a game-time decision to return to his starting linebacker role after missing the last two games with a knee injury suffered in the season opener. Wright had a career-high 19 tackles in the 17-7 loss to the Bruins last season but couldn't do anything to help the offense, which was limited to 255 total yards - less than half its season average. UCLA, meanwhile, lost starting linebacker Myles Jack, the conference's Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year two years ago, to a season-ending knee injury Tuesday, making him the third Bruins starter to go down on the defensive side of the ball.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC.

LINE HISTORY: Books opened UCLA as a 3-point road fave. The total has been bumped from 64 to 66.

WEATHER: Temperatures expected to be in the low-90s under clear skies. Wind will blow across the field at around eight miles per hour.

INJURY REPORT: UCLA - WR Jordan Payton (Probable, ankle), LB Myles Jack (Out for season, knee), DB Fabian Moreau (Out for season, foot), DL Eddie Vanderdoes (Out for season, knee). Arizona - WR Cayleb Jones (Probable, undisclosed), LB Scooby Wright III (Questionable, knee), WR Samajie Grant (Questionable, undisclosed), LB Haden Gregory (Mid October, undisclosed), WR Trey Griffey (Late September, foot).

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The Bruins narrowly escaped with a come from behind win at home over BYU on Saturday. For the second straight week freshman quarterback Josh Rosen struggled, throwing for just 106 yards with a TD and three picks on 11-of-23 passing. The Wildcats are 3-0 with a big home game against UCLA coming up this weekend, and they might get a boost with the return of their star linebacker. Scooby Wright is back at practice after recovering from knee surgery."

ABOUT UCLA (3-0 SU, 1-1-1 ATS, 0-3 O/U): The Bruins also can run the ball, and they'll look to Paul Perkins to continue doing damage out of the backfield. He's averaging 143 yards this season and is coming off a 219-yard effort in last weekend's one-point victory over then-No. 22 BYU. Brett Hundley was the key offensive weapon against Arizona last season - amassing 320 total yards - but he's graduated to the NFL and freshman Josh Rosen is running the offense. Rosen has completed 61 of his 100 attempts this season, throwing five touchdown passes and four interceptions.

ABOUT ARIZONA (3-0 SU, 2-1 ATS, 3-0 O/U): Anu Solomon has been nearly flawless at quarterback for the Wildcats, recording 10 touchdown passes with no interceptions while completing 68.3 percent of his throws this season. He'll be eager to make up for his 18-of-48 performance against UCLA last year. Arizona running back Nick Wilson has nearly matched Perkins step-for-step this season, amassing 434 rushing yards while averaging seven per carry to put him well on his way to a second straight 1,000-yard season. At the receiver spot, Southern California natives David Richards and Johnny Jackson each have three touchdown receptions.

TRENDS:

* Favorite is 7-1 ATS in their last eight meetings.
* Bruins are 1-5 ATS in their last six meetings in Arizona.
* Under is 10-3 in Bruins last 13 road games.
* Under is 5-1 in Wildcats last six conference games.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-two percent of bettors are backing Arizona.


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[Udog]

NCAAF

Saturday, September 26


Rain in store for Georgia Tech-Duke game

According to weather forecasts, there is a 95 percent chance of rain in Durham when the Duke Blue Devils host the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Saturday afternoon.

Temperatures in Durham will be in the high-60s with wind blowing across the field at around 11 miles per hour.

Books opened Duke as a 9-point home dog, but that has since been adjusted to +7.


Gators going for 11th-straight in over Vols

The Florida Gators have had a good start to the season going 3-0 straight up and 2-1 against the spread and will look to extend an impressive streak Saturday afternoon.

The Gators have 10-consecutive meetings with the Volunteers and have gone 6-3-1 ATS in the process.

Florida opened as a 2-point home favorite, but Tennessee is now favored at -1.