Cnotes 2019-2020 College Football Trends-News-Notes-Best Bets & Opinions !

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CFB AUGUST/ SEPT. OPINIONS AND BEST BETS: ALL BASED ON 5 UNITS

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

09/20/2019.........5-1-0.....83.33%......+19.50
09/19/2019.........0-2-0.......0.00%.......-11.00
09/14/2019......28-24-1.....54.00%.......+8.00
09/13/2019.........1-5-0......16.67%.......-22.50
09/07/2019........26-38-2...40.63%........-79.00
09/06/2019.........0-4-0...... 0.00%.........-22.00
09/02/2019.........1-0-1.... 100.00%.......+5.00
09/01/2019........ 1-0-1 ....100.00%...... +5.00
08/31/2019........21-24-0... 46.67%...... -27.00
08/30/2019........ 5-8-0 ......38.46%...... -19.00
08/29/2019........ 6-6-0...... 50.00%....... -3.00

Totals............94-112-4...... 45.63%..... -146.00


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BEST BETS:

DATE........................ATS.............UNITS. ............O/U...............UNITS.............TOTALS

09/20/2019............1 - 1..............-0.50..............2 - 0...............+10.00............+9.50
09/19/2019............0 - 1..............-5.50..............0 - 1................-5.50..............-11.00
09/14/2019...........16 - 7.............+41.50............5 - 6................-8.00.............+33.50
09/13/2019.............0 - 2.............-10.00.............1 - 2................-6.00.............-16.00
09/07/2019.............9 - 15...........-37.50............10 - 12..............-16.00............-53.50
09/06/2019.............0 - 2.............-11.00.............0 - 2................-11.00............-22.00
09/02/2019.............0 - 0.............+0.00..............1 - 0...............+5.00.............+5.00
09/01/2019.............1 - 0.............+5.00..............0 - 0...............+0.00.............+5.00
08/31/2019.............7 - 11...........-25.50..............5 - 9...............-24.50............-50.00
08/30/2019.............2 - 3.............-6.50...............3 - 2...............+4.00.............-2.50
08/29/2019.............1 - 3.............-11.50.............4 - 1...............+14.50...........+3.00

Totals....................37 - 45...........-60.50............31 - 35.............-37.50...........-98.00

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Saturday’s 6-pack

College football trends for Saturday’s games:

— Ball State covered twice in last 11 games as a road dog.

— New Mexico failed to cover last eight tries as a home favorite.

— Texas A&M covered six of last seven tries as a home favorite.

— Illinois is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games as a home dog.

— Colorado State is 6-11 ATS in last 17 non-conference games.

— Washington State covered 10 of last 13 games as a Pac-12 home favorite.

News Item of the Day
Patriots released WR Antonio Brown Friday.

Saturday’s quiz
Which current Division I basketball coach played a point guard for fictional Western U in the great basketball movie Blue Chips?

Friday’s quiz
Since 1970, Walter Payton is the only NFL running back that THREW two TD passes in the same game, in a 1983 game against New Orleans.

Thursday’s quiz
Dan Marino played his college football at Pitt.

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Saturday’s List of 13: Knowledge on some other college football games…..

UL-Lafayette had respectable 38-28 (+19) loss to Miss State in Superdome, then beat Liberty 35-14 (-14) and crushed a I-AA team. Ragin’ Cajuns are 9-6-1 ATS in last 16 games as a road underdog, 4-0 in last four games where spread was 3 or fewer points. Ohio U lost couple road games by 10-2 points (were +4 in both) after beating a I-AA team; Bobcats are 8-3 ATS in last 11 games as a home favorite, 8-0 in last eight where spread was 3 or fewer points. Since 2012, MAC teams are 15-11 ATS when playing a Sun Belt opponent.

Nebraska won five of six Big 14 meetings with Illinois (favorites 4-2 ATS); teams split two meetings here, with Cornhuskers (-5.5) winning last one 28-6 two years ago. Nebraska is 2-6 ATS in its last eight games as a double digit favorites; they covered three of last four games as a road favorite, but lost only road game this year, 34-31 (-4.5) at Colorado, when Buffs threw for 375 yards. Under Smith, Illinois is 4-10 ATS when getting points at home.

First road game for Boston College squad that lost as 19-point favorites to Kansas LW; under Addazio, BC is 6-7 ATS when laying points on the road. Rutgers was outgained 438-125 LW in a 30-0 loss at Iowa; Scarlet Knights are 7-4 in last 11 games as a home underdog. BC won its last eight games (6-2 ATS) with Rutgers, winning their last three visits here, by 10-31-20 points (3-0 ATS). Last 5+ years, Big 14 teams are 19-14-1 ATS when playing an ACC opponent.

New Mexico State won five of last seven games with New Mexico; underdogs covered three of last four. Aggies won three of last five visits to Albuquerque (4-1 ATS). State lost its first three games this year by combined score of 131-27, going -3 in turnovers in all three games; they’re 7-11 ATS in last 18 games as a road dog. Last four years, Lobos are 3-12 ATS as a home favorite, 0-6 last 2+ years- they gave 443 PY in a 39-31 win over a I-AA team.

Georgia State (+24) upset Tennessee, but then eeked past Furman 48-42 (gave up 526 TY) and got pounded 57-10 by Western Michigan LW (allowed 450 YR). Under Elliott, Panthers are 2-6-2 as a road underdog. Texas State is already 0-3, giving up 111 points; SMU ran for 390 yards against them LW. Last 6+ years, Bobcats are 5-10 as home favorites. Road team won four of last six Georgia State-Texas State games; GSU won its last two visits here, 33-30/41-19. Average total in last five series games: 68.2.

Appalachian State beat UNCC 56-41 (-23.5) in its first I-A game, but 49ers had 230 YR, gained 526 TY. ASU is 6-5 ATS in its last 11 games as a road underdog, 1-3-1 in games where spread was 3 or fewer points. North Carolina is 2-1 this year, with all three games decided by 6 or fewer points. Tar Heels are 9-6 ATS in last 15 games as a home favorite; they host Clemson next week, had best not look past this game. Last 4+ years, ACC teams are 9-3 ATS when playing a Sun Belt squad. Mack Brown used to coach App State, long time ago.

Wyoming is 3-0 despite gaining only 216 yards in its 21-16 win over I-AA Idaho LW; Cowboys have been outgained in all three games, have thrown for total of only 245 yards- under Bohl, they’re 12-10 ATS as road underdogs. Tulsa led Okla State 21-20 at the half LW but lost 40-21, giving up 337 YR. Golden Hurricane is 7-3 ATS in last ten games as a home favorite. Last 3+ years, Mountain West teams are 10-1 ATS when playing an AAC team.

First road start for South Carolina’s frosh QB Hilinski, who was 36-57/324 vs Bama LW. Carolina allowed 483-571 TY in losing both its I-A games, to UNC/Alabama; Gamecocks covered their last six tries as a road underdog. Missouri gave up 297 YR in an upset loss at Wyoming, then waxed West Virginia 38-7; under Odom, Tigers are 8-5 ATS as home favorites. Underdogs are 5-3 SU in last eight South Carolina-Missouri games; Gamecocks won two of their last three visits to Mizzou.

Road team covered last five West Virginia-Kansas games, with WVU winning all five, taking 56-34/49-0 decisions in last two visits to Lawrence. Jayhawks (+19.5) pulled shocker LW at BC, winning 48-24, week after they lost to Coastal Carolina; Kansas are 7-11-1 ATS in last 18 games as a home dog. At LSU, Miles was 3-3 as a home dog. WVU lost its first road game 38-7 at Mizzou (outgained 382-171) but spanked NC State at home LW; Mountaineers are 6-7 in last 13 games as a road favorite.

SMU scored 44.3 ppg in its 3-0 start, with Texas transfer Buechele at QB; Mustangs won their only road game, 37-30 (+2.5) at Arkansas State. SMU is 8-5-1 ATS in its last 14 games as a road underdog. TCU won its last seven games with SMU (4-1-1 ATS in last six), but Mustangs are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six visits to Fort Worth. TCU outgained Purdue 421-204 in LW’s 34-13 (-3) road win; Frogs are 3-12-1 ATS in last 16 games as a home favorite. Last 2+ years, Big X teams are 8-4 ATS when playing an AAC opponent.

Stanford gave up 45-45 points in losing its last two games, 45-27 at USC, 45-27 at UCF; Cardinal gave up 724 PY in those two games. Over last decade, Stanford is 5-0 ATS when getting points at home. Oregon beat up on couple stiffs after losing its opener 27-21 to Auburn; since 2011, Ducks are 17-7 ATS as a road favorite, 2-1 under Cristobal. Stanford scored 46.3 ppg in winning its last three games with Oregon; favorites covered four of last five series games. Ducks won three of last five visits to The Farm.

Florida State is 13-15 SU in its last 28 games, 1-2 this year; Seminoles ran ball for less than 100 yards in both its losses, to Boise State/Virginia. FSU is 12-17 ATS in its last 29 games as a home favorite- they’re 2-7-3 ATS in last dozen games laying a single digit spread. Louisville QB Pass is a ?mark here; Cardinals are 2-6 ATS in last eight games as a road underdog. Underdogs covered five of last seven Louisville-Florida State games; teams split last two meetings, which were decided by total of seven points.

UCLA is playing terribly, outscored 95-42 in its 0-3 start; they’re completing only 54% of their passes, have run for only 111.3 ypg. Bruins are 6-9 ATS in last 15 games as a road underdog. Dogs covered last five UCLA-Washington State games; teams last meet three years ago. Teams split last six games played here; dogs covered five of last seven meetings here. Wazzu is 3-0 but allowed 455 YR in its last two games- they got a solid 31-24 win at Houston LW, throwing for 440 yards. Gordon is completing 78.7% of his passes. Coogs are 14-9 in last 23 games as a HF.

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Saturday's Early Essentials
September 20, 2019
By Tony Mejia

Here’s a look at what must be considered before wagering on Saturday's slate in all FBS vs. FBS matchups:

Early Starts

Louisiana-Monroe at Iowa State (-18.5/55), 12 p.m. ET, FS1: The Warhawks were prepared to go into a third OT with FSU last time they were on the field but saw their kicker blow the extra point in a grueling 45-44 loss in Tallahassee. With a week off to heal up, ULM will take another shot at a power-five and catches Iowa State in a vulnerable spot. The Cyclones suffered a disappointing 18-17 home loss to rival Iowa when a muffed punt prevented one last Brock Purdy-led drive. Big 12 play opens next week at Baylor. Matt Campbell faces a difficult task in getting his team focused on handling business against a dangerous team that comes to town with a veteran offensive line and a senior QB in Caleb Evans. RB Josh Johnson played sparingly last season but the former Ole Miss commit ranks fifth in the country in rushing yards.

Connecticut at Indiana (-27.5/56.5), 12 p.m. ET, BTN: The Huskies turned to Jack Zergiotis, a true freshman from Montreal, after senior transfer Mike Beaudry was banged up and have now committed to him as the guy the rest of the way. It makes sense to let the kid grow into the role considering UConn will be an underdog in the majority of their remaining games, and head coach Randy Edsall plans to give him a long leash in airing it out to senior Ardell Brown and freshmen Matt Drayton and Cameron Ross. A young roster will make their first road appearance of the season and got good news as tackle Matt Peart overcame an injury scare and will anchor the line. The Hoosiers come off a 51-10 home loss to Ohio State, missing dual-threat QB Michael Penix due to an upper body injury. His status for this one remains up in the air and it looks increasingly likely that junior backup Peyton Ramsey will start. UConn owns a 2-0 lead in this series.

Michigan State (-9/37) at Northwestern, 12 p.m. ET, ABC: Both teams have already lost to Pac-12 schools entering this conference opener, so the loser faces the season going off the rails before the first month. Mark Dantonio’s seat is suddenly feeling warm on the heels of a 7-6 season and discord could grow louder if his team falls to 22-20 over the past three years with a loss in Evanston. Northwestern has won the last three matchups, last losing to Sparty in ’13. Brian Lewerke has been inconsistent and the team is on yet another left tackle due to injury with Tyler Higby stepping in for Kevin Jarvis. Clayton Thorson never lost to Michigan State, but Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson is just getting comfortable and threw his first touchdown pass against UNLV in a game the Wildcats failed to cover. It’s time to see if Northwestern has any weapons capable of doing damage against a Michigan State unit that ranks third in the country in total defense. Early returns against Stanford weren’t promising. Kyric McGowan and JJ Jefferson must generate plays downfield to keep the Spartan defense from locking down RB Drake Anderson as they look to keep Northwestern from reaching its projected team total of 13.5/14 points.

Boston College (-18/57.5) at Rutgers, 12 p.m ET, BTN: The Scarlet Knights won’t have starting QB McLane Carter, the effective Texas Tech transfer, who hasn’t cleared concussion protocol after being dinged up at Iowa. Sophomore Art Sitkowski will see his first action of the season after throwing 18 interceptions and just four touchdowns as a true freshman. Coming off a 30-0 loss at the Hawkeyes, Rutgers will look to end a 14-game losing streak against fellow Power-5 schools. The Eagles will attempt to bounce back from an embarrassing home loss to Kansas in which they surrendered 567 yards. First-year defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan better get things figured out here since BC’s ACC slate the rest of the way is taxing and there’s a visit to Notre Dame the whole program has been pointing toward. Losing to the Jayhawks can derail a season in terms of finger-pointing, so this trip to Piscataway has acquired increased importance.

Western Michigan at Syracuse (-4.5/65.5), 12 p.m. ET, ACCN: Dino Babers will look to get his season back on track against a familiar foe given his history of success in the MAC at Bowling Green and at ‘Cuse, where he’s 2-0 against teams from his old league since taking over. That includes a 55-42 win in Kalamazoo last season, but Eric Dungey ran for 200 yards and had to come into keep that game from getting away from the Orange. Tommy DeVito has really struggled with miscues in blowout losses to Maryland and Clemson and didn’t look sharp at Liberty so this will be a big spot for him to start generating some momentum against a defense he should be able to move the ball against. Another rough outing could lead to an upset inside the Dome since the Broncos are coming off a 57-10 rout of the same Georgia State team that went into Tennessee and won. Senior QB Jon Wassink has put up nice numbers of late and has a reliable receiving corps and RB LeVante Bellamy leads the MAC’s top stable of backs. If the Broncos offensive line can win their share of battles this game should come down to the final minutes.

Michigan at Wisconsin (-3.5/45), 12 p.m. ET, FOX: Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines enter a game as an underdog for the first time since losing to Ohio State at home in 2017. Nearly losing to Army after failing to hammer Middle Tennessee has shaken confidence in Michigan despite all that talent on their roster. WR Donovan Peoples-Jones may debut and QB Shea Patterson should be able to move around a little better than he has after suffering an early oblique injury, which gives Michigan hope it can win in Camp Randall for the first time since 2001. The Badgers have outscored South Florida and Central Michigan by a combined margin of 110-0 behind a dominant defense and rushing attack. Safety Scott Nelson has been lost for the season and the caliber of competition is about to skyrocket, so we’re going to see what Wisconsin is all about on the heels of a 35-13 loss when these teams met in Ann Arbor last October. QB Jack Coan is off to a strong start and will need to be the x-factor in avoiding mistakes against Michigan’s defense.

California at Ole Miss (-2.5/42.5), 12 p.m. ET, ESPNU: Teams from the Sun Belt, Mountain West and American have joined the Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC in taking down SEC squads already this season. The Pac-12 still hasn’t broken through due to Auburn’s last-second comeback over Oregon but has a decent shot here if the Golden Bears are able to get their body clocks up for work earlier than usual. Cal’s defense is legit, coming through to fuel wins over an FCS power, nationally-ranked Washington in Seattle and last week’s win over North Texas and active NCAA passing leader Mason Fine. None of those teams has managed 20 points against the Bears, so Ole Miss will face a major test after figuring a few things out over the past few weeks against Arkansas and overmatched Southeastern Louisiana. Freshman Matt Corral-to-sophomore Elijah Moore isn’t as imposing as the punch the Rebels have packed in the past, but RB Scottie Phillips has picked up the slack and gives the offense balance. Cal shut down Ole Miss in 2017 as Justin Wilcox and Matt Luke met as first-year head coaches, winning 27-16 in Berkeley.

Tennessee at Florida (-14/49), 12 p.m. ET, ESPN: With QB Feleipe Franks done for the season, the Gators will turn to Kyle Trask, who backed up Houston’s D’Eriq King in high school and is therefore making his first start in six years at any level as he takes the field to face the Vols. Trask helped Florida hold off Kentucky in Lexington and will look to help continue their run of dominance over Tennessee to 14 wins in 15 tries. A sturdy Gators defense may have a number of injury-related obstacles to overcome with DE Jabari Zuniga and corner CJ Henderson nursing ankle injuries. An already thin Florida secondary wouldn’t easily overcome the loss of Henderson, so keep an eye on that as Jarrett Guarantano comes into Gainesville looking to rebound from a brutal, a 7-for-18, 2-pick game in his only game against Todd Grantham’s UF defense. The Vols will welcome back corner Bryce Thompson, a Freshman All-American last season.

Southern Miss at Alabama (-38/61.5), 12 p.m. ET, ESPN2: The Crimson Tide surrendered 324 passing yards as South Carolina’s Ryan Hilinski fired off 57 throws, completing 36 as the Gamecocks tested their freshman against an elite defense all afternoon in Columbia. Alabama will see the most prolific passer it has faced to date in Southern Miss’ senior QB Jack Abraham, who threw for 463 yards and two scores last week in completing his first 17 passes against Troy. The national leader in completion percentage as a junior threw for a modest 215 yards against Auburn and wasn’t helped by Southern Miss rushing for 2.1 yards per carry in a 24-13 loss against the defense most comparable to what they’ll see against the Tide here. Tua Tagovailoa and the ‘Bama offense has averaged over 50 points per game through the season’s first three games and faces a secondary that surrendered over 500 yards through the air against Troy last week. Top linebacker Racheem Boothe left last week’s game but is expected to return despite sporting a walking boot. It wouldn’t be too surprising to see Alabama surpass the 62-point mark .

LSU (-24/62.5) at Vanderbilt, 12 p.m. ET, SECN: Joe Burrow has been the nation’s most efficient quarterback this season and will look for a better showing against the winless Commodores than Georgia’s Jake Fromm and Purdue’s Elijah Sindelar, who each put up good numbers in blowing out Vandy. LSU’s offense is averaging 55 points entering this trip to Nashville and faces a defense that has surrendered over 500 yards per game. LSU should benefit from Vandy injuries on both sides of the ball. Vandy is the most penalized team at FBS level through two games and lists left tackle Devin Cochran as a game-time decision. If he doesn’t go, it’s hard to imagine the offense gaining much traction.

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Notre Dame at Georgia
September 20, 2019
By Brian Edwards

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Georgia Bulldogs
Venue/Location:Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA
Time/TV: Saturday, Sept. 21, 8:00 p.m. ET
Line: Georgia -14.5, Total 58

Notre Dame (2-0 straight up, 1-0 against the spread) hits the road in Week 4 to take on Georgia between the hedges in Athens at Sanford Stadium. It is the first time the Fighting Irish have faced an SEC team ranked in the top five since losing at Tennessee in 1999.

As of Friday afternoon, most books had Georgia (3-0 SU, 2-1 ATS) installed as a 14.5-point home favorite with a total of 57.5. The Fighting Irish have +500 money-line odds.

Kirby Smart’s club has won 15 home games in a row since dropping a 28-27 decision to Ga. Tech in the 2016 regular-season finale. It is the third-longest home winning streak in program history. The Bulldogs are 8-7 ATS in those 15 home victories.

UGA opened the season with a 30-6 win at Vanderbilt as a 22-point road favorite. The 36 combined points dropped ‘under’ the 56.5-point total. The Bulldogs enjoyed a 481-225 advantage in total offense over the Commodores, who went 3-of-14 on third-down opportunities.

D’Andre Swift produced 149 rushing yards on 16 attempts, while junior quarterback Jake Fromm threw for 156 yards and one touchdown without an interception.

In Week 2, Georgia captured a 63-17 win over Murray State, but it failed to cover the number as a 49-point home ‘chalk.’ The 80 combined points elevated ‘over’ the 61.5-point total when Stetson Bennett hit Demetris Robertson on a 15-yard TD pass with 5:22 left in the third quarter.

Fromm had a short day at the office against the Racers. He connected on 10-of-11 throws for 166 yards and one TD without an interception. Zamir White, the redshirt freshman RB who was a five-star recruit in UGA’s 2018 class but missed all of 2019 after tearing his ACL last August, ran for 72 yards and one TD on eight carries. Swift added 67 rushing yards and two TDs on six totes.

UGA crushed Arkansas State 55-0 as a 32.5-point home favorite last week. The 55 combined points dipped ‘under’ the 58.5-point total.

Fromm hit 17-of-22 passes for 279 yards and three TDs without an interception. Swift turned nine carries into 76 rushing yards, in addition to catching two balls for 64 yards and one TD.

For the season, Fromm has completed 75.0 percent of his passes for 601 yards and five TDs without an interception. True freshman WR George Pickens has been his favorite target. Pickens has hauled in nine receptions for 162 yards and one TD. Another true freshman WR, Dominick Blaylock, has seven catches for 160 yards and two TDs.

Swift has 292 rushing yards, two TDs and a 9.4 yards-per-carry average on 31 attempts. White has run for 141 yards and two TDs on 19 carries for a 7.4 YPC average.

UGA is ranked 10th in the nation in total defense, fifth against the run and third in scoring ‘D’ (7.7 PPG).

Georgia is 8-5 ATS in its 13 games as a home favorite during Kirby Smart’s four-year tenure. The Bulldogs are 7-4-1 ATS in their past 12 games as double-digit favorites.

Notre Dame is in its first game as a road underdog since failing to cover the number in a 45-27 loss at Southern Cal as a 17.5-point underdog in the 2017 regular-season finale. The Fighting Irish are 8-6 ATS in 14 games as a road underdog on Brian Kelly’s watch since 2010. Kelly’s team is 3-3 ATS with one outright victory – 2012 at Oklahoma – in six games as a double-digit underdog during his tenure.

Notre Dame opened the season on a Monday at Louisville, winning a 35-17 decision. However, the Cardinals covered the spread as 19-point underdogs, while the 52 combined points went ‘under’ the 55-point tally.

Junior QB Ian Book completed 14-of-23 passes for 193 yards and one TD without an interception. Junior RB Tony Jones rushed for 110 yards and one TD on 15 carries, while Book ran 14 times for 81 yards and one TD. Jahmir Smith had a pair of touchdown runs for the Fighting Irish, who were fortunate to recover three Louisville fumbles.

After an open date in Week 2, Notre Dame smashed New Mexico by a 66-14 count as a 34.5-point favorite in last week’s home opener. Book threw for 360 yards and five TDs without an interception, in addition to rushing for 46 yards and one TD.

Book has connected on 61.7 percent of his passes for 553 yards with a 6/0 TD-INT ratio. He’s also run for a team-best 127 yards and two TDs with a 5.5 YPC average. Jones has 127 rushing yards, one TD and a 6.0 YPC average.

Senior WR Chase Claypool has team-highs in catches (nine) and receiving yards (190) with one TD grab. Junior WR Javon McKinley has three receptions for 96 yards and two TDs.

When these teams met in South Bend two seasons ago, Georgia fans packed Notre Dame Stadium with red and black colors. In Fromm’s first career start, UGA captured a 20-19 win as a 5.5-point road underdog thanks to a nasty, one-handed TD catch by Marquis Godwin in the corner of the end zone.

Sony Michel’s six-yard TD run with 4:34 left in the third quarter put the Bulldogs up 17-16. The Fighting Irish went back in front 19-17 on a short field goal early in the fourth quarter, but UGA answered with Rodrigo Blankenship’s 30-yarder with 3:34 remaining that proved to be the game winner.

Fromm completed 16-of-29 passes for 141 yards with one TD and one interception. Swift had 42 rushing yards on just a pair of carries.

Kickoff for Saturday’s showdown on CBS is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

Note: All spreads mentioned were as of late Friday afternoon.

-- South Carolina, a nine-point underdog at Missouri, has covered the spread in six straight games as a road underdog. The Gamecocks have also beaten Mizzou three straight times since Will Muschamp took over, including a 31-13 road victory two seasons ago. Muschamp’s bunch is an attractive +280 on the money line.

-- Muschamp scored big with the signing of Ryan Hilinski. The dude is the real deal. Look for him to have a big game at Mizzou.

-- Stanford, a 10.5-point home underdog vs. Oregon, has lost by double-digit margins in back-to-back weeks. The Cardinal is a home underdog for just the fifth time during David Shaw’s nine-year tenure. They have won outright in each previous instance as a home ‘dog. To be clear, this is not an endorsement.

-- Northwestern, a nine-point home underdog vs. Michigan State, is 4-0-1 ATS in its last five games as a home ‘dog. During Pat Fitzgerald’s 14-year run at his alma mater, the Wildcats are 31-22-1 ATS with 19 outright wins in 54 games as underdogs of seven points or more.

-- Colorado State QB Collin Hill is out for the rest of the 2019 season after tearing his ACL in last week’s loss at Arkansas. It is the third time Hill has torn the same ACL during his collegiate career. Hill had completed 69-of-102 passes (67.6%) for 840 yards with an 8/2 TD-INT ratio.

-- Illinois is a 13.5-point home underdog vs. Nebraska for an 8:00 p.m. Eastern kick on the Big Ten Network. In 14 games as a home underdog on Lovie Smith’s watch, the Illini is 4-10 versus the number. We’ll nonetheless note that Illinois QB Brandon Peters is playing well. The transfer from Michigan has a 9/2 TD-INT ratio for Illinois, which saw its record fall to 2-1 when it lost at home to Eastern Michigan (34-31) on a walk-off field goal.

-- Florida State, a 6.5-point home ‘chalk’ vs. Louisville, is 2-4 ATS as home favorite since Willie Taggart arrived. Look for Doak Campbell Stadium to have tens of thousands of empty seats for the Cardinals trip to Tallahassee. U of L’s QB Jawon Pass remains ‘questionable,’ but back-up QB Malik Cunningham was sharp in last week’s 38-21 win over Western Kentucky. Cunningham threw a pair of TD passes without an interception. U of L first-year head coach Scott Satterfield compiled a 19-11-1 ATS mark in 31 road games during his time at Appalachian State.

-- I’m a big fan of LSU -7 in the first quarter at Vanderbilt. It’s a noon Eastern kick in Nashville.

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-- Kentucky is 8-4 ATS in 12 games as a road underdog since 2016. The Wildcats are six-point road ‘dogs at Mississippi State. Joe Moorhead has yet to name a starting QB. Tommy Stevens remains ‘questionable’ after leaving last Saturday’s 31-24 home loss to Kansas State with a shoulder injury. Keytaon Thompson reportedly wasn’t available last week due to an upper-body injury, but he might be ready for UK. If not and Stevens can’t go, it’ll probably be true freshman Garrett Shrader in his first career start. Shrader showed a lot of promise and athleticism last week, but he made several freshman mistakes. Both teams are in bounce-back mode after UK dropped a heartbreaker to Florida, which outscored the ‘Cats 19-0 in the fourth quarter of a 29-21 comeback victory.

-- BYU is a 6.5-point home underdog vs. Washington. The Cougars are 1-4-1 ATS as home ‘dogs under Kalani Sitake, getting its first such spread cover in last week’s 30-27 overtime win over Southern Cal in Provo.

-- Troy RB B.J. Smith was lost to a season-ending knee injury in last week’s 47-42 home loss to Southern Miss. Smith ran for 1,186 yards and 13 TDs last year to earn first-team All-Sun-Belt honors. The Trojans are 17.5-point road favorites at Akron. The Zips are 0-3 ATS.

-- Rice QB Wiley Green has been upgraded to ‘probable’ vs. Baylor.

-- Rutgers will host Boston College as an eight-point home underdog. RU starting QB McLane Carter, a transfer from Texas Tech, has been downgraded to ‘doubtful’ due to a concussion. Chris Ash has named true sophomore QB Artur Sitkowski as the starter against the Eagles, who are looking to respond after an embarrassing 48-24 loss to Kansas last Friday as a 20-point home ‘chalk.’ Sitkowski has a 4/19 career TD-INT ratio. Yikes!

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Auburn faces big road test at Texas A&M
September 20, 2019
By The Associated Press

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) After playing their first big game of the season on the road at top-ranked Clemson, the No. 17 Texas A&M Aggies get their next test in front of their home crowd when they host eighth-ranked Auburn on Saturday.

The Aggies try to adhere to coach Jimbo Fisher's mantra of treating every game the same, but some players couldn't help but feel a difference around town as they prepare for the Tigers in their Southeastern Conference opener.

''You try to approach practice the same, approach the week the same,'' receiver Jhamon Ausbon said. ''But it's definitely a shift of energy in College Station in the atmosphere when you get to conference play.''

Texas A&M will get its second shot to topple a top-10 opponent on Saturday after the Aggies lost to Clemson 24-10 on Sept. 7. It will also be a chance to avenge last year's loss to Auburn, a game Texas A&M led by 10 going into the fourth quarter but wound up being a 28-24 victory for the Tigers.

''Obviously that's something that's in our mind but nothing that we've talked about so far,'' quarterback Kellen Mond said. ''We knew we had the game in our hands last year and it slipped away but we can't really think about that. Just prepare for this year and understand what happened last year.''

The Aggies will face an Auburn team led by freshman quarterback Bo Nix, who will be making his first true road start. Auburn's opener against Oregon was at a neutral site in Arlington, Texas. Nix threw a 26-yard touchdown pass with nine seconds left to lead the Tigers to a 27-21 win in that game.

''I told him it's different,'' Auburn receiver Will Hastings said. ''It's not like going to Oregon where we had most of the crowd. I said, it's not like you going from Pinson Valley (high school) and playing a road game. You're going to be in front of 102,000 fans, and they're all going to be screaming, doing a lot of different things. I know Texas A&M is wild. It's loud out there.''

AUBURN INJURIES

Auburn had three key players listed as ''day to day'' ahead of the game. Wide receiver Seth Williams, left tackle Prince Tega Wanogho and defensive tackle Derrick Brown are all nursing injuries. Coach Gus Malzahn said all three practiced Tuesday and were ''out there moving around.'' He said none are fully recovered.

SECONDARY SUCCESS

Texas A&M's secondary was a weak spot last year and the team vowed to turn things around this season. So far, so good: The Aggies are tied for third in the nation with five interceptions in three games after having only seven all last season. Nix was picked off twice by Oregon, but hasn't thrown an interception since then. He hasn't put up big numbers, either, with the Tigers ranking last in the SEC in yards passing.

The Aggies hope they'll be able to rattle the 19-year-old on Saturday playing in front of his first hostile road crowd.

NO SMOKE-ING ZONE

Auburn will be without backup safety Smoke Monday for the first half after he was called for targeting in the Kent State game.

RUNNING WILD

While the focus this week has been on the contrast of Nix's inexperience with Mond's veteran leadership, both teams also have strong running games.

Auburn's JaTarvious Whitlow has been the Tigers' best offensive weapon with injuries to the receivers and he ranks 10th in the nation with 341 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

Texas A&M freshman Isaiah Spiller was great last week in the first game without Jashaun Corbin, who sustained a season-ending hamstring injury against Clemson. He ran for 116 yards and two touchdowns against Lamar to become the first freshman in school history to have two 100-yard rushing games in the first three games of a season.

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UCF eager for chance to make statement
September 20, 2019
By The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH (AP) Josh Heupel calls the growing groundswell of support for 15th-ranked UCF ''outside noise.'' The coach stressed he can't control it and orders his players to tune it out even as the weeks pass, the blowouts pile up and the national profile for the current Group of Five darling ticks upward.

Good luck with that. If UCF (3-0) keeps rolling, the din might become deafening.

The Knights carry a 25-game regular-season winning streak into Saturday's visit to Pittsburgh (1-2) insistent they aren't focused on making another statement victory against a Power Five program. Maybe, but the Panthers also offer UCF one last shot at building its resume before heading into American Athletic Conference play.

''Just speaking for me, we're earning our respect out there on the field,'' defensive back Richie Grant said. ''We just like to go out and dominate.''

Something the Knights have done with ease through the first three weeks of the season, including a 45-27 pummeling of Stanford last Saturday, a game in which UCF used its up-tempo offense to roll up 545 yards while holding the ball for less than 28 minutes.

The Knights play at a fast pace, a style that dares opponents to keep up. Few have over the last three seasons. Only four teams have stayed within 10 points of UCF during the regular season since 2017. The list of those on the lopsided end of the score include the Panthers, who were crushed 45-14 in Orlando last September.

''They're explosive, and there's a reason they've won,'' Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said. ''They're sitting in a hotbed of players down in the state of Florida. For all those voters out there, it's no fluke.''

The Knights aren't just a one-player wonder either. Quarterback McKenzie Milton is sitting out the season while recovering from a right knee injury and Darriel Mack Jr. missed all of training camp with a broken ankle. Yet UCF has kept right on rolling, perhaps landing Milton's eventual long-term successor in true freshman Dillon Gabriel.

Gabriel, like Milton, is a Hawaii native. He has thrown for nine touchdowns without an interception across three games and will likely get the start over Notre Dame transfer Brandon Wimbush. Heupel has declined to name a starter, but Gabriel's performance has likely forced his hand.

''He was a great quarterback Day 1 since he came in,'' wide receiver Gabe Davis said. ''He could always sling the ball. He prepares himself. He's ready.''

The Panthers believe they are too. Pitt is coming off an emotional 17-10 loss to rival Penn State last Saturday. The Panthers had a chance to tie late in the fourth quarter but opted to kick on fourth down at the Penn State 1. The kick missed and the Nittany Lions held on. Narduzzi defended his decision numerous times but allowed it likely will be debated for the next 10 years.

Pitt aims to beat a ranked opponent for the fourth straight season.

GABE'S GRABS

Dillon spread the ball around against Stanford, with his four touchdowns going to four different players. Yet it's Davis that is quickly becoming UCF's best deep threat. He is averaging 22.9 yards per reception, a significant boost from 2018 when he averaged 15.9 yards and scored seven touchdowns. Davis has three scores already but will be tested against an aggressive Pitt secondary that might be among the best in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

CONFIDENCE IN KENNY

Pitt junior quarterback Kenny Pickett's production has ticked up in each of the first three weeks as he's adjusted to offensive coordinator Mark Whipple's pass-centric system. Pickett threw for a career-high 372 yards against Penn State and appeared to get stronger as the game went along. The Panthers have needed Pickett to be solid with the running game stuck in neutral. Pitt is averaging just 87.3 yards per game, dead last in the 14-team ACC.

TASTY TURNOVERS

UCF's defense has given up just 41 points in three games, with all but 13 of those coming in the second half with the outcome long decided. The Knights have created at least one turnover in 32 straight contests. The Panthers have been good at protecting the ball after a mistake-prone opener against Virginia. Pitt hasn't committed a turnover in either of its last two games.

SECOND THEN NONE

Narduzzi believes the Panthers have the stamina to make sure they don't get gassed by UCF's breakneck pace. Maybe, but the Panthers will need to get away from a troubling trend. Pitt hasn't scored a second-half touchdown in any of its last six games dating back to 2018.

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Washington facing BYU in first road game
September 20, 2019
By The Associated Press

PROVO, Utah (AP) After opening the season with three consecutive games at home, Washington's young squad gets its first exposure to a hostile road environment on Saturday at BYU.

Coach Chris Petersen feels optimistic the No. 22 Huskies are up to the challenge.

''You can feel that there's some growth,'' Petersen said. ''You see different things that haven't come up in practice. Different styles, offense, defense, special teams. There's no substitute for that experience.''

Having an experienced quarterback has helped Washington (2-1) accelerate the growth progress.

Jacob Eason, who transferred to Washington from Georgia, threw for 349 yards and four touchdowns in a season-opening win over Eastern Washington and tallied 262 yards and three scores through the air in last week's win over Hawaii. He had no interceptions in either game.

Petersen sees progress in Eason's command of the offense and his ability to discern the best time to throw versus handing the ball off.

''That's probably the No. 1 thing,'' Petersen said. ''Certainly he can throw the ball and get the ball to the receivers in a hurry.''

Washington will be the third Pac-12 opponent BYU has faced over a four-week stretch. The Cougars (2-1) got wildly different results in the previous two such games.

Utah dominated BYU after halftime, scoring three touchdowns and holding on to the ball for nearly 23 minutes in a 30-12 Utes victory on Aug. 29. USC, on the other hand, could get little going on offense in the fourth quarter and allowed the Cougars to rally from a seven-point deficit for a 30-27 overtime victory last Saturday.

BYU earned back-to-back overtime victories, in part, because the Cougars locked down defensively after halftime. They outscored their last two opponents 23-13 over the third and fourth quarters.

''Our players have done an amazing job believing in each other and trusting that their energy and their effort will pay off,'' BYU coach Kalani Sitake said. ''That's been the key for us. The players keep working at it.''

The Cougars are looking to bounce back from last season's 35-7 loss to Washington in Seattle. BYU totaled just 194 yards of offense in that game.

Other things to know when BYU hosts Washington on Saturday:

BRYANT, TIMES TWO: Hunter Bryant and Myles Bryant both played critical roles in Washington's bounce-back win over Hawaii last weekend. Hunter Bryant tallied five catches for 115 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown on the third play of the game.

Myles Bryant snagged two interceptions against the Rainbow Warriors. Those were the first forced turnovers of the season for Washington's defense. Bryant also served as an extra rusher, blitzing from his safety position on multiple occasions against Hawaii.

''I feel like at this point, once the team starts getting turnovers, then it just becomes a downhill thing to where it just keeps happening and happening,'' Myles Bryant said. ''Hopefully from this point on it just keeps going and going.''

SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT: BYU employed a unique short-yardage package twice against USC, inserting Khyiris Tonga at fullback, Dayan Ghanwoloku at tailback, and Austin Kafentzis at quarterback. All three typically play on defense.

The Cougars scored their first touchdown of the game on Ghanwoloku's 1-yard run out of the formation. It didn't produce positive results the second time. The Trojans stopped Ghanwoloku for a 1-yard gain on 4th-and-2 from the USC 9 in the third quarter.

Sitake plans to use the package from time to time throughout the season.

''There's so many things we can do with that formation and that personnel group,'' Sitake said. ''We'll see if it has a role this week or not.''

THIRD-QUARTER TROUBLE: Starting strong after halftime hasn't come easy for Washington. Opponents have outscored the Huskies 27-3 combined during the third quarter over the past two games.

California put together two long touchdown drives, covering 75 and 73 yards, and held the ball for more than half the quarter. Hawaii produced TD drives of 93 and 53 yards. The Rainbow Warriors also had the ball for more than 12 minutes during the quarter.

SPREADING IT AROUND: After completing passes to eight different receivers against Utah and Tennessee, Zach Wilson went a step further against USC. Wilson completed passes to 10 different receivers and caught a 19-yard pass himself, giving BYU 11 players with at least one catch. Gunner Romney led the group with three catches for 54 yards.

''It's awesome just knowing that we have so many different weapons,'' Romney said. ''We can score and we can make plays from tons of different places.''

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

CAL at MISS 12:00 PM
CAL +3.0
U 42.0

CONN at IND 12:00 PM
CONN +27.5

MSU at NW 12:00 PM
NW +7.5

MICH at WIS 12:00 PM
WIS -3.0

LSU at VAN 12:00 PM
LSU -24.0
U 62.5

TENN at FLA 12:00 PM
TENN +13.5
O 48.5

ULM at ISU 12:00 PM
ULM +18.0

BC at RUTG 12:00 PM
BC -7.5
U 57.5

WMU at SYR 12:00 PM
WMU +4.0
O 67.0

SOMIS at ALA 12:00 PM
SOMIS +36.5

CC at MASS 01:00 PM
MASS +16.5
O 62.5

ULL at OHIO 02:00 PM
OHIO -3.0
U 67.5

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TROY at AKR 03:00 PM
U 56.0

TEM at BUFF 03:30 PM
TEM -14.0

WASH at BYU 03:30 PM
BYU +7.0
U 51.0

UCF at PITT 03:30 PM
UCF -10.5
U 60.5

AUB at TAM 03:30 PM
TAM -4.5
O 47.5

APP at UNC 03:30 PM
APP +2.5
O 58.0

WYO at TLSA 03:30 PM
TLSA -4.5

M-OH at OSU 03:30 PM
OSU -38.5

SMU at TCU 03:30 PM
TCU -7.5
U 55.0

USA at UAB 03:30 PM
UAB -12.5

BGSU at KENT 03:30 PM
BGSU +12.0

LOU at FSU 03:30 PM
LOU +7.0

SOCAR at MIZZ 04:00 PM
MIZZ -9.5
O 61.0

CMU at MIA 04:00 PM
O 49.0

UK at MSST 04:00 PM
UK +6.5
U 48.0

WVU at KU 04:30 PM
WVU -4.5

NMSU at UNM 04:30 PM
NMSU +4.0
O 69.0

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EVENING BEST BETS AND OPINIONS.

BALL at NCST 07:00 PM
NCST -19.5
O 58.0

GSU at TXST 07:00 PM
GSU +3.0

BAY at RICE 07:00 PM
BAY -27.0

ODU at UVA 07:00 PM
UVA -27.0
U 47.5

ORE at STAN 07:00 PM
STAN +11.0
U 55.5

UTSA at UNT 07:30 PM
UNT -17.5
O 57.0

SJSU at ARK 07:30 PM
ARK -20.0
O 61.0

OKST at TEX 07:30 PM
OKST +7.0
O 71.5

CHAR at CLEM 07:30 PM
CHAR +41.5

NEV at UTEP 08:00 PM
NEV -14.0
O 51.5

ND at UGA 08:00 PM
ND +15.5

NEB at ILL 08:00 PM
ILL +13.0
O 62.5

COLO at ASU 10:00 PM
ASU -7.5

TOL at CSU 10:15 PM
TOL -7.0

USU at SDSU 10:30 PM
USU -4.0
O 53.0

UCLA at WSU 10:30 PM
UCLA +18.0
O 59.5

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Tagovailoa tosses 5 TDs, Bama blast USM
September 21, 2019
By The Associated Press

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) Trevor Lawrence threw two first-half touchdown passes and No. 1 Clemson won its 19th straight with an overwhelming 52-10 victory against Charlotte on Saturday night.

Lawrence and the Tigers (4-0) put the first matchup between the two teams away in a hurry. Lawrence threw a 58-yard touchdown toss to Tee Higgins and K'Von Wallace scored on a 66-yard interception return to give Clemson a 14-0 lead in the first five minutes Lawrence came out of the game after throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to Cornell Powell on the first play of the second quarter.

Charlotte (2-2), which had been averaging 47 points a game, had no chance to rally against Clemson's defense.

The 49ers were stuffed on a fourth-and-short on their 48 at one point. When they got inside the Clemson 10, the Tigers rallied to hold them to their only first-half points on Jonathan Cruz's 24-yard field goal. Clemson already led 31-0 by that point.

No. 2 ALABAMA 49, SOUTHERN MISS 7

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Tua Tagovailoa passed for 293 yards and five touchdowns in just three quarters and Alabama rolled past Southern Miss.

Tagovailoa had his second straight five-TD game and the Crimson Tide (4-0) raced to a 28-0 lead in the first 19 minutes in yet another lopsided victory. Last season's Heisman Trophy runner-up completed 17 of 21 passes.

The Golden Eagles (2-2) couldn't keep up with speedy Tide receiver Henry Ruggs III early. Ruggs had a career high in receiving yards even before the first quarter ended, with touchdowns of 45 and 74 yards in the opening nine minutes.

He finished with four catches for 148 yards, all in the first half and all on four targets. He sprinted to the end zone on a slant pattern for the 45-yarder, then topped that after slowing down to catch the ball before accelerating to the end zone.

Najee Harris gained 110 yards on 14 carries to become the Tide's first 100-yard rusher since last season's LSU game. Jerry Jeudy caught a pair of TD passes and finished with 96 yards on six catches.

No. 3 GEORGIA 23, No. 7 NOTRE DAME 17

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - Jake Fromm threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Lawrence Cager early in the fourth quarter and Georgia held off Notre Dame, a result that could have ramifications all the way to the College Football Playoff.

The Bulldogs (4-0) trailed 10-7 at halftime but turned the momentum when redshirt freshman Divaad Wilson intercepted a pass by Ian Book deep in Notre Dame territory. The Fromm-to-Cager combination gave Georgia a 23-10 lead, but the Fighting Irish (2-1) had a chance at the end.

Book's 4-yard touchdown pass to Chase Claypool cut the deficit with 3:12 remaining, the Notre Dame defense held, and Book got the ball back at his own 48 after a poor punt with just under 2 minutes to go.

The Irish got as far as the Georgia 38, but no further. It ended with Book zig-zagging on a desperate scramble before hurling up a long pass that fell incomplete, denying Notre Dame the signature win over a top opponent it so desperately needs.

No. 4 LSU 66, VANDERBILT 38

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Joe Burrow tossed four of his school-record six touchdown passes to Ja'Marr Chase and threw for 398 yards to lead LSU.

LSU (4-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) beat Vanderbilt (0-3, 0-2) for the eighth straight time and improved to 12-5 all-time in Nashville in the first game between these SEC charter members since 2010.

The Tigers showed off their new high-powered offense, scoring their most points this season and most ever in regulation against an SEC opponent. They needed 2:11 or less on their first seven scoring drives, and LSU scored 4 seconds after Micah Baskerville returned an onside kick 46 yards to open the third quarter on Burrow's fifth TD pass.

Baskerville later blocked a punt he recovered for a TD.

Burrow became both the first LSU quarterback to throw for 350 yards or more in three straight games, and his 357 yards passing by halftime also was the most in school history. Burrow opened the game hitting 13 of his first 14 for 244 yards before his second incompletion at 9:19 in the second quarter. He finished 25 of 34 before leaving the game early in the fourth quarter.

Chase caught TDs of 64, 25 and 51 yards in the first quarter and added a 16-yarder in the third. He finished with 10 receptions for 229 yards, most by an LSU receiver since Odell Beckham Jr . had 204 against Furman in 2013.

No. 6 OHIO STATE 76, MIAMI (OHIO) 5

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Justin Fields threw for four touchdowns and rushed for two more scores in the second quarter as Ohio State cruised past Miami.

The Buckeyes (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten), stunned by Fields' early end-zone fumble and safety, only led 7-5 after the first quarter. But that changed quickly as Fields hit K.J. Hill with a 53-yard touchdown pass and then ran for a 7-yard score 32 seconds later. It was all Ohio State the rest of the way, with backups mopping up throughout the second half.

After four straight blowouts to start the 2019 season, Ohio State expects to find the going a little more difficult as it gets into the meat of the Big Ten schedule beginning next week at Nebraska, followed by a home game against Michigan State.

Fields was efficient, going 14 for 21 for 223 yards passing. He threw two touchdown passes to Chris Olave and another to Binjimen Victor before taking a seat at halftime.

Miami freshman quarterback Brett Gabbert was 5 for 15 for 48 yards and an interception before being benched in favor of Jackson Williams in the second quarter. The RedHawks were held to 130 total yards.

No. 8 AUBURN 28, No. 17 TEXAS A&M 20

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) - Bo Nix threw a touchdown pass and JaTarvious Whitlow ran for a score as Auburn built a big lead and withstood a late charge from Texas A&M.

Nix didn't put up flashy numbers against the Aggies, but he looked poised and didn't make any big mistakes in his first true road game in front of a rowdy crowd of 101,681. Fellow freshman Joey Gatewood replaced Nix for a few snaps throughout the game and he threw his first career touchdown pass in the first quarter.

The Tigers (4-0, 1-0 SEC) were up 21-3 before A&M (2-2, 0-1) finally got going offensively in the fourth quarter. Mond cut the lead to 21-10 with his first touchdown pass early in the fourth before Auburn added a touchdown rushing. But the Aggies made a field goal before Mond connected with Ainias Smith on a 15-yard TD pass with just over two minutes left to get them to 28-20.

But Auburn recovered the on-side kick and ran out the clock.

Mond had 335 yards passing but Texas A&M previously solid running game was held to just 56 yards.

No. 9 FLORIDA 34, TENNESSEE 3

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Kyle Trask threw for 293 yards and two touchdowns in his first start in nearly seven years and Florida extended its dominance in a series that used to be the most prominent in the Southeastern Conference's Eastern Division.

Trask's first collegiate start was far from perfect, though. The fourth-year junior lost a fumble and threw two interceptions against the Volunteers (1-3, 0-1 SEC)

But he did enough to overcome those miscues and lead Florida (4-0, 2-0) to its 14th win in its last 15 games against Tennessee. Trask completed 20 of 28 passes, none better than the ones that went for touchdowns to Kyle Pitts and Freddie Swain.

Trask connected with Pitts for a 19-yard score on the opening drive of the game and then hooked up with Swain for a 29-yarder to cap Florida's first possession of the second half.

No. 13 WISCONSIN 35, No. 11 MICHIGAN 14

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Jonathan Taylor ran for 203 yards and two touchdowns, Jack Coan added a career-high two rushing touchdowns and Wisconsin made it look easy.

Taylor had 143 yards and both scores in the first quarter, including a 72-yarder. He missed the second quarter due to cramps, but the 2018 Doak Walker Award winner returned in the third to finish with 23 carries to help the Badgers (3-0, 1-0 Big Ten) avenge a 38-13 loss to the Wolverines last season in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Michigan's struggles to hold on to the ball continued as the Wolverines suffered another embarrassing loss under coach Jim Harbaugh. Michigan is 1-6 on the road against ranked opponents under Harbaugh, who took over the program in 2015.

The game was so lopsided that the 80,248 in attendance chanted ''overrated, overrated'' to a Michigan team expected to contend for the Big Ten championship.

No. 12 TEXAS 36, OKLAHOMA STATE 30

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Sam Ehlinger passed for four touchdowns and Texas ended four years of frustration against Oklahoma State.

Ehlinger had his third four-touchdown passing game of the season for the Longhorns (3-1, 1-0), who had lost four in a row to the Cowboys. Texas also had lost its last five home games in this series dating back to 2010.

The Texas defense held Oklahoma State's two big offensive weapons - running back Chuba Hubbard and wide receiver Tylan Wallace - mostly in check.

Hubbard, the nation's leading rusher coming into the night, ran for 121 yards and two touchdowns but averaged just 3.3 yards per carry. Hubbard twice got stuffed short near the goal line on key drives for the Cowboys early and late.

Wallace, who came into the game tied for the national lead with six touchdown receptions, didn't find the end zone against the Longhorns and had just two catches in the second half.

Hubbard's second touchdown got the Cowboys (3-1, 0-1) within a touchdown with 1:37 to play, but Texas recovered the onside kick and killed the clock when Ehlinger ran 29 yards on third down.

PITTSBURGH 35, No. 15 UCF 34

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Wide receiver Aaron Matthews hit quarterback Kenny Pickett on a 3-yard, fourth-down touchdown pass with 56 seconds remaining and Pittsburgh stunned UCF.

The Panthers (2-2) ended UCF's 25-game regular-season winning streak on a play head coach Pat Narduzzi called the ''Pitt Special'' in a nod to the Philadelphia Eagles, who ran a similar play two seasons ago in their Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots.

Pitt trailed by six when Pickett drove the Panthers to the UCF 3. Running back A.J. Davis took a direct snap with Pickett going in motion. Davis handed the ball to Matthews, who rolled to his right and hit Pickett in the end zone. UCF's last-gasp drive went nowhere.

Pickett completed 25 of 47 for 224 yards with a touchdown despite leaving briefly with a right arm injury.

UCF quarterback Gabriel Dillon passed for 338 yards and two touchdowns but also threw his first two interceptions of the season. Gabriel Davis hauled in 10 passe for 151 yards and two scores, but the Knight's high-tempo offense didn't run as efficiently as it had during three blowouts to start the year.

No. 16 OREGON 21, STANFORD 6

STANFORD, Calif. (AP) - Justin Herbert threw two of his three touchdown passes to Jacob Breeland and Oregon won its Pac-12 opener for the first time since 2014.

The Ducks (3-1, 1-0) used an efficient day from Herbert and another smothering defensive performance to end a three-game losing streak to Stanford (1-3, 0-2). The Cardinal have lost three games in a row for the first time since 2008.

Herbert finished 19 for 24 for 259 yards. He connected with Jaylon Redd and Breeland on scoring strikes in the first half and put the game away with a 24-yard pass to Breeland that made it 21-3 five plays after K.J. Costello was intercepted by Jevon Holland.

Oregon has gone three straight games without allowing a touchdown but doing it against Stanford was far more impressive than against Nevada and Montana.

Costello completed 16 of 30 passes for 120 yards with an interception.

No. 21 VIRGINIA 28, OLD DOMINION 17

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - Zane Zandier returned an interception 22 yards for a touchdown, part of a dominant defensive second half, as Virginia rallied past Old Dominion to remain undefeated.

Old Dominion's failed fourth-down try in its own territory set up Virginia's go-ahead score, a 7-yard touchdown run by Wayne Taulapapa with 10:16 to go for a 21-17 edge.

The Cavaliers (4-0) are off to their best start since opening 5-0 in 2004. The Monarchs (1-2) have lost two in a row, both to in-state ACC opponents. They lost to Virginia Tech two weekends ago, a year after stunning the Hokies in Norfolk.

Fueled by Virginia penalties and defensive miscues, Old Dominion jumped out to a 17-0 lead with 10:32 left in the first half. The Monarchs got an 8-yard scoring run from quarterback Stone Smartt, and a 47-yard touchdown pass from Smartt to Matt Geiger against a busted coverage in the secondary by the Cavaliers.

A 57-yard kickoff return by Joe Reed gave Virginia the ball at the Old Dominion 33-yard line, and the Cavaliers finally got going in the second quarter. It took one of quarterback Bryce Perkins' jaw-dropping runs - a 10-yard scramble that saw him dodge a rusher, outrun another defender and sidestep a third - to finally get Virginia on the board, pulling to 17-7 with 6:57 left in the first half.

No. 22 WASHINGTON 45, BYU 19

PROVO, Utah (AP) - Jacob Eason threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns and Washington scored two touchdowns off three BYU turnovers to coast to a victory.

The Huskies (3-1) totaled 470 yards on offense, with Eason completing 24 of 28 pass attempts. Aaron Fuller, his top target, tallied 91 yards on eight catches. Fuller had one touchdown catch and returned a punt 88 yards for another score.

Zach Wilson threw for 277 yards and a touchdown on 26 of 42 passing to lead BYU. It wasn't nearly enough to help the Cougars (2-2) prevent the Huskies from dominating in all three phases of the game.

No. 23 CALIFORNIA 28, MISSISSIPPI 20

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) - Chase Garbers threw for four touchdowns, but California needed a game-saving tackle at the 1-yard line from linebacker Evan Weaver on the game's final play.

Cal (4-0) was in control until the final six minutes, when reserve quarterback John Rhys Plumlee led Ole Miss (2-2) on a late rally to wipe out a 28-13 deficit. Plumlee was stopped by Weaver for no gain on fourth down at the 1-yard line as time expired.

Garbers completed 23 of 35 passes for 357 yards, including TDs of 9 and 60 yards to Jordan Duncan and Jake Tonges on the opening two possessions of the third quarter, setting up the late defensive heroics.

The Rebels got strong performances from quarterbacks Matt Corral and Plumlee, who led the final two possessions. Corral had a 1-yard scoring run and was 22-of-41 passing for 266 yards before leaving with a rib injury. The Rebels had 525 yards of total offense but failed on two scoring opportunities with missed field goals.

Cal finished with 433 yards of total offense, including first-half touchdown passes by Garbers of 6 and 13 yards to Trevon Clark and Christopher Brown Jr. The Golden Bears were efficient offensively, going 6 for 12 in third-down situations and 3 for 3 in the red zone, capped by touchdowns.

COLORADO 34, NO. 24 ARIZONA STATE 31

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - Steven Montez threw for 337 yards and had three touchdown passes to Tony Brown, lifting Colorado past Arizona State.

Arizona State (3-1, 0-1 Pac-12) won its first three games behind its defense, allowing 21 combined points.

Colorado (3-1, 1-0) had 24 points by halftime and racked up 477 total yards against the Sun Devils, despite playing most of the game without star receiver Laviska Shenault due to injury. Brown picked up the slack with nine catches for 150 yards.

Arizona State's Jayden Daniels threw for 345 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Brandon Aiyuk nine times for 122 yards to keep the Sun Devils within reach. Eno Benjamin had two first-half scoring runs.

SMU 41, No. 25 TCU 38

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - Shane Buechele threw for 288 yards with two touchdowns and ran for another score as SMU ended a seven-game losing streak in the rivalry and improved to 4-0 for the first time since 1984.

The Mustangs went ahead to stay after jumping ahead 15-0 in less than 10 minutes. Their last 4-0 start came when TCU and SMU were Southwest Conference rivals, and not long before crippling sanctions led to the NCAA's so-called death penalty when the Mustangs didn't even field a team in 1987 and 1988.

TCU true freshman quarterback Max Duggan's third touchdown pass of the second half came with 3:37 left. The Frogs got the ball back a minute later after a three-and-out by SMU, including a snap that Buechele wasn't ready for that resulted in a 23-yard loss.

But after TCU coach Gary Patterson opted against trying a 51-yard field goal attempt, Duggan's fourth-down pass never had a chance and SMU ran out the clock.

UCLA 67, nO. 19 WASH. ST. 63

[StarDust Bum]

CFB AUGUST/ SEPT. OPINIONS AND BEST BETS: ALL BASED ON 5 UNITS

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

09/21/2019......30-38-1....44.12%.......-59.00
09/20/2019.........5-1-0.....83.33%......+19.50
09/19/2019.........0-2-0.......0.00%.......-11.00
09/14/2019......28-24-1.....54.00%.......+8.00
09/13/2019.........1-5-0......16.67%.......-22.50
09/07/2019........26-38-2...40.63%........-79.00
09/06/2019.........0-4-0...... 0.00%.........-22.00
09/02/2019.........1-0-1.... 100.00%.......+5.00
09/01/2019........ 1-0-1 ....100.00%...... +5.00
08/31/2019........21-24-0... 46.67%...... -27.00
08/30/2019........ 5-8-0 ......38.46%...... -19.00
08/29/2019........ 6-6-0...... 50.00%....... -3.00

Totals...........124-150-4...... 45.25%..... -205.00


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BEST BETS:

DATE........................ATS.............UNITS. ............O/U...............UNITS.............TOTALS

09/21/2019............13 - 20..........-45.00............10 - 6..............+17.00............-28.00
09/20/2019............1 - 1..............-0.50..............2 - 0...............+10.00............+9.50
09/19/2019............0 - 1..............-5.50..............0 - 1................-5.50..............-11.00
09/14/2019...........16 - 7.............+41.50............5 - 6................-8.00.............+33.50
09/13/2019.............0 - 2.............-10.00.............1 - 2................-6.00.............-16.00
09/07/2019.............9 - 15...........-37.50............10 - 12..............-16.00............-53.50
09/06/2019.............0 - 2.............-11.00.............0 - 2................-11.00............-22.00
09/02/2019.............0 - 0.............+0.00..............1 - 0...............+5.00.............+5.00
09/01/2019.............1 - 0.............+5.00..............0 - 0...............+0.00.............+5.00
08/31/2019.............7 - 11...........-25.50..............5 - 9...............-24.50............-50.00
08/30/2019.............2 - 3.............-6.50...............3 - 2...............+4.00.............-2.50
08/29/2019.............1 - 3.............-11.50.............4 - 1...............+14.50...........+3.00

Totals....................50 - 83...........-105.50..........41 - 41.............-20.50.............-126.00

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday’s 6-pack

Top six picks for Week 3 in Westgate Super Contest:

6) Colts -1.5 (674)

5) Ravens +6.5 (794)

4) Steelers +6.5 (934)

3) Lions +6 (937)

2) Seahawks -4 (974)

1) Rams -3 (1,474)

2019 record: 7-5


Quote of the Day
“Life is too short to bet the under.”
ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt

Sunday’s quiz
Who was the football coach at UCLA before Chip Kelly?
(Hint: He used to coach in the NFL)

Saturday’s quiz
Memphis basketball coach Anfernee (Penny) Hardaway played a point guard for fictional Western U in the great basketball movie Blue Chips.

Friday’s quiz
Since 1970, Walter Payton is the only NFL running back that THREW two TD passes in the same game, in a 1983 game against New Orleans.

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Sunday’s List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday……

13) UCLA 67, Washington State 63:
— This amazing game ended at 2:27am here in the east.
— With 4:00 left in third quarter, Wazzu led 49-17; UCLA then scored 29 points in the next 7:24
— Bruins had a 100-yard kick return and a 69-yard punt return for TD’s.
— Both quarterbacks threw for 500+ yards.

— UCLA scored 50 points in the second half; Fifty!!!
— Coogs turned ball over six times (-5).
— Total yardage was 720-657, WSU.
— Wazzu QB Gordon threw nine TD passes, and his team still lost.

12) Toledo 41, Colorado State 35— At 2:34am, Colorado State’s receiver caught a pass on 2-yard line but was stopped on the 1-yard line. Solid late night entertainment this week.

11) LSU 66, Vanderbilt 38— The most important new name in college football this season may wind up being Joe Brady, who is LSU’s passing game coordinator and receivers coach.

Brady came to LSU from the New Orleans Saints, where he worked the last two years; he has brought the Tigers’ offense into the 21st century, and he may wind up making QB Joe Burrow a very wealthy young man when the NFL Draft rolls around next April.

Burrow was 25-34/398 yards passing with six TD’s Saturday in Nashville; at one time a few years ago, he was the 3rd-string QB at Ohio State.

10) Wisconsin 35, Michigan 14:
— Rushing yardage: 359-40, Wisconsin
— Wolverines were minus-4 in turnovers, 0-10 on third down
— Michigan completed only 17 of 42 passes.

Under Jim Harbaugh, Michigan is:
— 1-3 in bowl games.
— 0-4 vs Ohio State (lost 62-39 LY).
— 2-2 vs Wisconsin.
— 2-4 vs spread as an underdog.

I’m guessing the natives are restless in Ann Arbor.

9) California 28, Ole Miss 20— Rebels got hosed by the replay official, who neglected to call for a replay review of a possible touchdown of their 3rd down play that may/may not have been a TD that could’ve tied the game in the last 0:10. Bad officiating.

Last nine Pac-12-SEC games, the SEC teams are 7-2 vs spread, but both the Pac-12’s covers were by Cal over Ole Miss.

8) Appalachian State 34, North Carolina 31— Tar Heels outgained ASU 469-385, but were minus-2 in turnovers— App State scored a defensive TD. UNC is now 2-2, with all four games decided by six or fewer points.

7) Upsets of the Week:
— San Jose State (+20.5) 31, Arkansas 24
— UCLA (+18.5) 67, Washington State 63
— Buffalo (+14) 38, Temple 22
— Pitt (+12.5) 35, UCF 34
— SMU (+9.5) 41, TCU 38

6) I-A teams who almost lost to a I-AA team:
— Eastern Michigan 34, Central Connecticut 29— EMU blocked a punt for a TD with 0:10 left, avoiding a horrendous loss after they upset Illinois last week.

5) Pittsburgh 35, UCF 34— Panthers scored on a “Philly Special” 4th down trick play with 0:56 left to hand the Golden Knights their first loss of the season. UCF had won its previous 27 regular season games; they rallied back from down 21-0 in this game, but couldn’t hang on.

4) Washington 45, BYU 19— BYU needs to get into a league; their schedule is stupid:

First 4 games: Utah, @ Tennessee, USC, Washington.
Next 8 games: @ Toledo, @ USF, Boise St, @ Utah St, Liberty, Idaho St, UMass, @ San Diego St.

Not a very well-balanced schedule. Most schools spread out their more attractive games.

3) USC 30, Utah 23— Trojans’ 3rd-string QB Matt Fink was 21-30/351 passing; USC has really good receivers, but they’re running out of quarterbacks.

2) Nebraska 42, Illinois 38- Illini led 35-21 with 3:00 left in third quarter, but couldn’t hold it.

— Total yardage: 671-299, Nebraska
— Illinois was +3 in turnovers (4-1).
— Illinois completed only 9-24 passes.
— Cornhuskers ran ball for 344 yards.

1) Scott Frost is the football coach at Nebraska; his brother Steve is the PA announcer at Stanford football games.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Top six picks for Week 3 in Westgate Super Contest:

6) Colts -1.5 (674)- W
5) Ravens +6.5 (794)- W
4) Steelers +6.5 (934)- W
3) Lions +6 (937)- W
2) Seahawks -4 (974)- L
1) Rams -3 (1,474)- W

2019 record: 12-6


**********

Armadillo: Monday's Den; Wrapping up an NFL Sunday……

Packers 27, Broncos 16:
— Denver is 0-3 for the first time since 1999.
— Since 2012, Broncos are 6-13 ATS as a road underdog.
— Denver still doesn’t have a sack or a takeaway this year.

— Packers had six sacks, three takeaways (+3).
— Broncos were 8-15 on third down, Green Bay 2-9
— SouthPoint has a prop bet; Packers (8-1) were first team to score a TD Sunday.

Lions 27, Eagles 24:
— Detroit is 2-0-1, its best start since a 4-0 start in 2011.
— Jamal Agnew returned a kickoff 100 yards for a TD.
— Marvin Jones caught six passes for 101 yards.

— Eagles covered only twice in last ten games as a home favorite.
— Philly has trailed all three of its games at halftime, outscored 50-23.
— Eagles dropped seven passes, were called for offensive interference three times.

Chiefs 33, Ravens 28:
— Lamar Jackson was only 22-43 passing, ran for only 46 yards.
— Jackson is 8-2 as a starter, with both losses in Kansas City.
— Ravens tried a drop kick/onside kick that didn’t work but was cool to watch.

— Total yardage was 503-452 Chiefs.
— KC ran 54 plays; only nine of them were on third down.
— Chiefs are 10-6 ATS last 16 games as a home favorite.

Bills 21, Bengals 17:
— Bengals lost first two road games by total of five points.
— Cincy covered eight of last ten games as road underdogs.
— Zac Taylor is 3rd Bengal HC in row to start his Cincy career 0-3.

— Bills led 14-0 at half, needed TD with 1:50 left for the win.
— Josh Allen’s first 12 completions went to nine different receivers.
— Buffalo won five of last six series games, five of which were decided by 4 or fewer points.

Colts 27, Falcons 24:
— Atlanta had four turnovers (-2), has 10 in three games (-5).
— In three games, Falcons have thrown ball 123 times, run it only 54 times.
— Atlanta is now 0-11 ATS in last 11 games vs AFC foes, 1-8 ATS in last nine games as road underdogs

— Brissett threw for 310 yards, averaging 8.1 yards/attempt.
— Indy has converted 19-35 third down plays this season.
— Last 2+ years, Colts are 6-3-1 ATS as a home favorite.

Vikings 34, Raiders 14:
— Oakland is 0-6 ATS in its last six games on artificial turf.
— Raiders were 3-11 on 3rd down, after being 16-28 in first two games.
— Last 2+ years, Oakland is 3-13-1 ATS as road underdog.

— Vikings ran ball for 211 yards, have 581 RY in three games.
— Dalvin Cook is first player in Vikings history to rush for 100+ yards in each of the team’s first three games of a season.
— Minnesota covered 16 of last 21 games vs AFC opponents; they’re 21-5-1 ATS in last 27 games as a HF.

Patriots 30, Jets 14:
— Jets lost last four visits to Foxboro by combined score of 135-26.
— NYJ gained 101 yards on 46 plays, had only six first downs.
— Jets are 0-3 for the first time since 2003.

— NE covered 13 of its last 15 games as a home favorite.
— Patriots won first three games by combined score of 106-17.
— First TD NE allows this year comes on a muffed punt recovered by the Jets in end zone.

Cowboys 31, Dolphins 6:
— Miami lost a fumble in red zone when they trailed only 10-6 near end of 1st half.
— Dolphins have been outscored 68-0 in second half of games.
— 2020 NFL Draft begins April 23rd in Las Vegas.

— Cowboys are 3-0 for first time since 2008.
— Dallas scored 35-31-31 points in their first three games.
— Cowboys converted 18-31 third down plays this season.

Giants 32, Bucs 31:
— Daniel Jones threw for two TD’s, ran for two more in his first NFL start.
— Shepard/Engram both had 100+ receiving yards.
— This was Giants’ first win when trailing by 18+ points at the half since 1949.

— Bucs in first half: 39 plays, 345 yards, 3 TD’s, 3 FG’s, led 28-10 at half.
— Bucs in 2nd half: 39 plays, 178 yards, one FG.
— Tampa Bay missed two PAT’s, and then a 33-yard FG on the last play of the game.

Panthers 38, Cardinals 20:
— Kyle Allen’s 2nd NFL start: 19-26, 261 yards, four TD’s.
— McCaffrey ran for 153 yards, including a 76-yard TD run.
— Carolina had a 14-yard edge in field position.

— Murray was sacked 8 times, averaged just 2.5 yards/pass attempt.
— Cardinals have been outscored 48-16 in first half of their games.
— Arizona is 14-19-1 ATS in their last 34 home games.

49ers 24, Steelers 20:
— Rudolph was 14-27/174 passing, with TD passes of 76-39 yards.
— Steelers were 3-12 on third down, 49ers were 6-11.
— Total yardage was 436-239, SF.

— 49ers won despite turning ball over four of first five times they had ball.
— SF is now 4-12 ATS in last 16 games as a home favorite
— Niners scored 17 points on three drives that started in Pitt territory.

Saints 33, Seahawks 27:
— Saints scored their first two TD’s on a punt return and fumble return.
— NO is 15-8-1 ATS in last 24 games as a road underdog.
— Bridgewater is now 18-11 as a starting QB.

— Seattle’s first 8 drives: 42 plays, 265 yards, 7 points.
— Seattle’s last 4 drives: 34 plays, 244 yards, 20 points.
— Seahawks are 4-9-1 in last 14 games as a home favorite.

Texans 27, Chargers 20:
— Watson threw for 351 yards, averaged 9.4 yards/attempt.
— Houston has converted 19-38 third down plays this year.
— Texans covered five of last six tries as a road underdog, are 12-8-1 ATS in last 21 games where spread was 3 or fewer points.

— Chargers in first half: 34 plays, 204 yards, 17 points.
— Chargers in second half: 37 plays, 162 yards, 3 points.
— Chargers are 5-10 ATS as a home favorite in Carson.

Rams 20, Browns 13:
— LA in 16 first half drives this year: one TD, five FG’s. No bueno.
— Under McVay, LA is 9-5 ATS as a road favorite
— LA had 3 turnovers (-2), missed a FG, still got a road win. Muy bueno.

— Four trips to red zone, Cleveland scored only 13 points.
— Browns are 7-16-1 ATS in last 24 games as a home underdog
— Cleveland is only 11-39 on third down this season.

[StarDust Bum]

Betting Recap - Week 4
Joe Williams

College Football Week 4 Results

WAGER Favorites-Underdogs
Straight Up 47-11
Against the Spread 30-27-1

WAGER Home-Away
Straight Up 37-21
Against the Spread 26-31-1

WAGER Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 29-27-2

YEAR TO DATE Favorites-Underdogs
Straight Up 250-39
Against the Spread 146-136-7

YEAR TO DATE Home-Away
Straight Up 209-76
Against the Spread 132-146-7

YEAR TO DATE Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 138-148-5

The largest underdogs to win straight up
San Jose State (+20, ML +800) at Arkansas, 31-24
UCLA (+18, ML +700) at Washington State, 67-63
Buffalo (+14, ML +450) vs. Temple, 38-22
Pittsburgh (+10, ML +320) vs. UCF, 35-34
Colorado (+7.5, ML +295) vs. Arizona State, 34-31
SMU (+7.5, ML +240) at TCU, 41-38

The largest favorites to cover
Clemson (-41.5) vs. Charlotte, 52-10
Ohio State (-38.5) vs. Miami-Ohio, 76-5
Alabama (-37) vs. Southern Miss, 49-7
Wake Forest (-30) vs. Elon, 49-7
Indiana (-27.5) vs. Connecticut, 38-3
LSU (-24) at Vanderbilt, 66-38

AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (AAC)

-- The big story in the AAC was in the Steel City, as UCF was tripped up by Pittsburgh, 35-34. As such, the Knights saw their 25-game regular-season win streak dating back to Nov. 2016 snapped. Not only was it the first loss for UCF, it was their first non-cover, too. The 'over' has hit in their past two after two 'under' results to start. ... SMU picked up a nice 41-38 road victory against TCU, as the Mustangs moved to 4-0 SU for the first time since 1984, and they also improved to 4-0 ATS with the 'over' 4-0. ... Tulsa didn't cover, but they were able to top Wyoming, 24-21. They're 2-2 SU/ATS, which is rather inconsistent, but the 'under' has connected in each of their four outings to make them a favorite of total bettors. ... Tulane opened the week with a 38-31 victory over Houston, improving to 3-1 SU/ATS. It also started the weekend off with the first bad beat (see below).

ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE (ACC)

-- Appalachian State picked North Carolina up the 34-31 win at Kenan Stadium, blocking a potential game-tying field goal to secure the road win. After opening 2-0 SU/ATS, the Tar Heels are 0-2 SU/ATS across the past two. ... Florida State posted a much-needed 35-24 victory against Louisville. While it still wasn't a complete game, as the Seminoles blew a 21-0 lead after 15 minutes, they were able to come back in the fourth quarter for their first cover of the season after opening 0-2-1 ATS. It was also FSU's first 'under' result after three overs. ... N.C. State held off Ball State, 34-23 in a game which saw the total end as a bit of a bad beat (see below). ... It wasn't quite a bad beat, but Clemson topped Charlotte, 52-10. With just over six minutes to go, leading 45-10, the Tigers scored a touchdown to not only flip the side to Clemson -41.5, but the total of 60.5 also went over. ... Miami-Florida survivied a scare from Central Michigan, winning a low-scoring 17-12 game. As such, the Hurricanes are 2-2 SU/ATS and the total is 2-2 as well. The Canes are the picture of mediocrity.

BIG TEN

-- Ohio State roughed up Miami-Ohio by a 76-5 score after shaking off the Redhawks. It was just 7-5 after 15 minutes, but the Buckeyes scored 42 points in the second quarter to blow it wide open. The Buckeyes have managed at least 42 points in each of their four outings, and they have covered three in a row since failing to cover against FAU in the opener. The 'over' is also 2-0 in the past two, thanks to 127 points of offense. ... After a dismal offensive performance last week Michigan State was able to bounce back, winning at Northwestern, 31-10. The Spartans defense has been stingy, allowing just 11.0 PPG through for outings. ... In the marquee game of the day in the conference it was Wisconsin humbling the so-called great Jim Harbaugh and Michigan, 35-14. The Wolverines fell behind 28-0 at halftime and were never really in the game. The Badgers are 3-0 SU/ATS. On a positive note for the Wolverines, they were the first team to score against the Badgers in 2019 after 10 consecutive scoreless quarters to begin the season.

BIG 12

-- Kansas was back to their losing ways, falling to West Virginia by a 29-24 score. However, the Jayhawks put up a strong fight and proved their no longer going to be an easy out. KU has scored 24 or more points in three of their four outings. ... Oklahoma State picked up a cover at most shops with their 36-30 loss at Texas, but the Longhorns were able to pick up the much-needed marquee win. It won't get any easier for the Longhorns, as they visit Morgantown next week before their annual Red River Rivalry game against Oklahoma. ... Iowa State smashed Louisiana-Monroe by a 72-20 count. The Cyclones were impressive on offense, posting at least 13 points in every quarter, while outscoring the visitors 45-7 in the second half. ... It wasn't impressive, but Baylor topped Rice 21-13 in a low-scoring battle. The Bears might be 3-0 SU, but they're 1-2 ATS so far. It was their first 'under' result after a pair of overs to start. In fact, the Bears entered averaging 59.5 PPG. They're allowing just 14.7 PPG through three games.

CONFERENCE USA

-- Florida Atlantic socked around FCS Wagner at FAU Stadium by a 42-7 count. This game featured a little bit of a bad beat for total bettors (see below). ... UAB went for a 35-3 victory against South Alabama, picking up the eary cover. While it wasn't a bad beat, over bettors (48) were a little unhappy with the result. There were 31 points on the board at halftime, but a total of just seven points in the third quarter and no points in the fourth. ... Old Dominion fired out to a 10-0 lead after 15 minutes at Virginia, and they held a 17-7 victory at the break. It was shades of ODU's win last season against Virginia Tech. However, the Cavaliers outscored the Monarchs 21-0 in the final 30 minutes, covering a 14-point second-half line while the 'under' came in for the game and the second half. ... Louisiana Tech picked up a 43-31 win against Florida International. Perhaps the biggest surprise in this game was the 'over' (51) cashing after a scoreless first quarter. FIU, picked to finish second in C-USA preseason polls, is now 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS. This was also a good ol' fashioned C-USA bad beat (see below).

MID-AMERICAN (MAC)

-- It was a rough week for the MAC, as the league went 3-6 SU in games against non-league opponents. However, Toledo was able to pick up and impressive road win at Colorado State, 41-35. However, the Rockets just missed the cover at both shops by a half-point. ... Kent State hammered Bowling Green in the conference opener for both. The Golden Flashes entered the game with a total of 49 points in their first three outings. Their cover was the first since Aug. 29, their opener. The 'over' has cashed in the past two for Kent State, too. ... Buffalo earned a little bit of respect back for the league with a 38-22 win over Temple as 14-point underdogs. It was their first cover after opening 0-3 ATS.

MOUNTAIN WEST

-- New Mexico outlasted New Mexico State in a crazy 55-52 victory in Albuquerque. When the Lobos and Aggies hook up there are plenty of points sure to follow. The 'over' is a perfect 3-0 for UNM so far, as they have averaged 36.0 PPG on offense while yielding 46.3 PPG on defense. ... San Jose State scored a huge victory for their program, topping Arkansas by a 31-24 count. It was the first win against a Power 5 opponent since 2006 for the Spartans. The 'under' has cashed in all three games for San Jose State so far, ans they're a respectable 2-1 SU. The cover was their first of the season, too. ... Nevada posted a nice 37-21 road win over UTEP, moving to 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS. The 'over' is also 3-1 in four games for the Wolf Pack. ... Utah State earned the 23-17 victory at San Diego State to move to 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS. ... Boise State remained perfect at 4-0 SU/3-1 ATS after topping Air Force on Friday night by a 30-19 score. After UCF's lost to Pitt, the Broncos are now likely the top Group of Five entrant.

PAC-12

-- The game of the day might have been in Pullman. Well, if you like offense, that is. Washington State was comfortably ahead by a 49-17 score midway through the third quarter, and UCLA looked dead in the water. However, the Bruins, who scored 42 total points over their first three games, and exactly 14 points in each, rattled off 50 points in the final 22 minutes to outlast the Cougs 67-63. It was an unbelievable game, and QB Anthony Gordon of Washington State tossed a school record nine touchdown passes and lost. ... California stayed unbeaten with a road victory at Mississippi, 28-20. It was a controversial ending, as it appeared the Rebels scored to cut the lead to 28-26. However, the receiver looked to have two feet down in the end zone and the play wasn't even reviewed. The Rebels were stuffed on the next play and time ran out, handing the Rebels a tough loss on their home field. ... Colorado outlasted Arizona State, 34-31, despite the fact they lost star WR Laviska Shenault to an injury early on, as well as pro prospect DT Mustafa Johnson. The Buffaloes are now 3-1 SU/ATS, bouncing back from their overtime loss against Air Force.

SOUTHEASTERN (SEC)

-- Tennessee was hammered by their rivals in Florida, 34-3. It was rather surprising since the Gators were down to their backup quarterback after losing QB Feleipe Franks last week. The Gators are now 4-0 SU/2-2 ATS, and the 'under' has cashed in three of their four outings. ... One of the more overlooked games, it seems, was Auburn-Texas A&M. The Tigers fired out to a 14-0 lead and held on for the 28-20 win over the Aggies as the total pushed at most shops. The Tigers are now an impressive 4-0 ATS, and their offense still hasn't started to hit on all cylinders. ... Alabama posted the 49-7 win over Southern Miss, earning the late cover. How late? See bad beats below, as the Tide were involved for the second straight week. ... Georgia-Notre Dame was the game everyone was talking about, and the battle actually lived up to the hype. The Irish had their chances late, but they fell 23-17 in between the hedges. The Bulldogs have allowed just 10.0 PPG, and the 'under' is 3-1 in four games for UGA, and 3-0 in their three outings vs. FBS opponents.

SUN BELT

-- Georgia State spiked the ball as time ran out in regulation, and Texas State celebrated on the field. They thought they won 27-24, but after review, it was determined they had :01 left. They booted the field goal to send the game to overtime. With a total of 62.5, OT was the last thing under bettors wanted to see. GSU scored a TD to take a 34-27 lead, and they just needed defense for the cover and under. Neither happened, as the Bobcats scored to tie it 34-34. After a missed field goal by TSU, the Panthers had a chance to win it and missed their field goal, too. In 2 OT, the Panthers again misfired, while the Bobcats sunk them to win 37-34. It was a push at most shops. ... Troy notched a 35-7 road victory against Akron. The Trojans have scored at least 35 points in all three of their games, but this was their first cover and 'under' result. The Trojans have scored at least 35 points in all three of their games, but this was their first cover and 'under' result. The Zips are now 0-4 SU/ATS.

Bad Beats

-- In the Ball State-N.C. State game, there was a total of 59. At 34-16, the Cardinals scored a touchdown at 4:49 to go, making it 34-23. They recovered the onside kick and appeared to be in business. They drove inside the red zone with less than three minutes to go, but their QB forced one into coverage, it was tipped and picked off. Instead of a sure field goal to make it 34-26, and a one-possession game, and more importantly, 'over', the 'under' came through.

-- The Crimson Tide were leading 42-7 with 5:43 to go in the third period, and that score held up for the next 19 minutes. The Crimson Tide, favored by 37, appeared like they were going to win by 35. However, they ended up punching in a touchdown with 1:37 to go to get the late cover. For the second straight week the Tide were involved in a bad beat in the final moments of a blowout.

-- In the Wagner-FAU game, the Owls held a 42-7 lead late. The Seahawks got the ball down inside the FAU 5-yard line. They were stuffed several times and ended up turning the ball over on downs, failing to get it into the end zone. A touchdown would have pushed the total over (55.5), but the game ended up with a total of 49 points on the board.

-- In that Houston-Tulane game, the Green Wave were favored by four points. The game was tied 31-31 with less than 10 seconds left, and appeared headed for overtime. However, Tulane struck for a 53-yard touchdown with :03 remaining to win it 38-31, sinking those holding Cougars tickets.

-- The end of the FIU-Louisiana Tech game was gross if you were a Golden Panthers backer, catching six or seven. FIU scored a touchdown with :51 left to cut the Bulldogs lead to 36-31. It appeared you were in line for a nice backdoor cover, and a bad beat if you were a Louisiana Tech side bettor. However, just five seconds later the Bulldogs scooped up the onside kick and returned it 30 yards for the touchdown. It was like losing twice if you held an FIU ticket.