Tennessee basically laid an egg last week against an inferior opponent. We expect a bounce-back performance from the Volunteers this week. Meanwhile, Florida just isn’t a contender in the SEC these days, and the Ol’ Ball Coach isn’t coming back. We like the Vols, minus the points, for Saturday.

Given the data at hand so early in the season, it seems like Northwestern has a fighting chance to cover the spread, courtesy of their robust defensive stats and encouraging head-to-head data against Duke. Taking Northwestern plus the points could be a wise move for bettors looking for value in this matchup.

To begin, UTSA QB Harris is listed as questionable for Friday with a bad toe, but we are assuming he will play. And he is a talent. Also, the Road Runners own the better defense. Meanwhile, Army is going through some growing pains on offense, implementing a new zone-read system. Finally, the line on this game moved in a good direction. We're like UTSA for Friday night, minus the points.

Navy is not a good team right now. You'd think a team with 17 returning starters might play through the learning curve with the new coach somewhat quickly, but so far, not so good. Memphis, meanwhile, is nicely balanced on offense and playing good defense. Also, the Tigers victories over the Midshipmen the last two seasons came by scores of 37-13 and 35-18. We expect something similar on Thursday night. We like Memphis, minus the points.

The recent performances suggest a play on the total. 

Texas played Alabama really close last year. One year later the Longhorns are better than they were that day and ‘Bama doesn’t have Young. We’ll take Texas plus the points.  

While Iowa comes into this game with a reputation for a strong defense, their offensive efficiency leaves something to be desired. Iowa State, despite not having a defense as strong as Iowa's, seems to be more efficient in converting yards to points.

Given the key stats and recent trends, the under seems to be a good bet as both teams have been leaning in that direction. As for the spread, the game could be closer than the 4-point line suggests, especially given Iowa State's efficiency in converting yards to points and their home-field advantage.

Nebraska should be 1-0; it just blew that game against Minnesota last week. Meanwhile, Colorado played its balls off last week at TCU; but that’s an effort that will be tough to repeat so soon. The Cornhuskers own the better running game in this match-up, and the better defense, and that’s usually enough for us. We like Nebraska to bounce back and win this game outright.

Given the stats and trends, Vanderbilt could potentially cover the spread, especially with their efficient offense. The total could go either way, but Wake Forest's strong defensive stats in yards per pass suggest a lower-scoring game.

Louisville won its last three games vs. FCS foes by an average score of 34-3 while Murray State lost its last four games vs. FBS opponents by an average score of 41-7. Also, playing at home means the spread on the Cardinals is probably inflated. And if Louisville gets the chance it might like to rest starters and give back-ups some playing time. We’re certainly not calling for the outright upset here but we’re playing the Racers plus the points.

These two teams are darn close in talent and experience, as the spread on this game indicates. But from what we can tell, Florida State probably owns the better running game and the better defense. Also, the Seminoles out-played LSU in that meeting last year before the Tigers rallied late, and both teams are probably better right now than they were that day. We think the wrong team is favored here; we like FSU for the win on the money line.
 

1. PSU -21: With Penn State's statistical and trend advantages, this looks like a solid bet.
2. UNDER 48.5: Recent trends and defensive stats suggest a lower-scoring affair.
3. Penn State Moneyline: Given PSU's strong ATS and SU records, this is a safer bet.

1. USC to Win but Nevada to Cover: USC has a statistical edge, but their tendency for penalties and Nevada's decent turnover margin suggest Nevada could cover the spread.
2. Over 63.5 Total Points: Given USC's potent offense and Nevada's defensive vulnerabilities, a high-scoring game is likely.

To begin, Utah QB Rising is listed as questionable for Thursday night as he continues to rehab from a torn knee suffered in last year's Rose Bowl. Our guess is he'll play, but bettors may want to consult later injury reports before getting down on this game. Last year's meeting between these teams played very close; at the moment, we believe the Utes are a better team than they were that day, while Florida probably isn't. Utah also owns the better defense. And the line moved in our favor. We're giving the points with the Utes on Thursday night.
 

Notre Dame is just the better team in this match-up, striving to do more in its second season under Coach Freeman, with an experienced rental quarterback and a great defense. Navy, meanwhile, is playing its first game under Coach Newberry, and while he’s keeping most of the same systems in place the team is still likely to go through a learning curve. Also, the Irish led Navy by three touchdowns last year, then pissed the cover away. That shouldn’t happen this time around. We’re giving the points here with Notre Dame.
 

  These teams put up similar numbers during the regular season, but Georgia played the tougher schedule. Also, the Bulldogs have been here before. Also, UGA runs the ball a little better and plays better against the run. Also, we can’t get all those big plays Ohio State gave up against Michigan out of our minds. We’re giving the points with Georgia for our free Peach Bowl pick.

Texas Christian is like a lot of good Big 12 teams of recent seasons, explosive offensively, a bit iffy on defense, and playing and winning lots of high-scoring, crazy games. It’s exciting football, but a bit dangerous. Michigan, meanwhile, is like those great Big 10 teams of old, running the ball down opponents’ throats and playing great defense. We prefer the Wolverines’ ways. And the line in this game moved in a good direction. We like Michigan, minus the points, for our Fiesta Bowl bet.  

Wake Forest gets the check-mark on offense, especially at the QB spot, and while Missouri owns the better defense, that unit will be short-handed Friday, with several opt-outs. However, our guess is the Tigers can plug some guys into those holes and still have success on that side of the ball. Also, Mizzou played the tougher schedule and finished better than the Deacons. And finally, the SEC beat the ACC heads-up this season. We’re taking the Tigers Friday.

UTSA wins games with that high-powered offense, led by 6th-year QB Frank Harris, while Troy wins with defense, anchored by senior All-SBC LB Carlton Martial. And in match-ups like this we love betting on the better defense. We’re betting the Trojans Friday.  

Army owns the better offense in this match-up, but Navy owns the better defense, especially against the run. Also, while the Midshipmen lost their starting QB a while back to injury, the backups are doing a nice job. Also, Navy beat Central Florida and gave Notre Dame and Cincinnati good games; Army, against its toughest foe, got blown out by Wake Forest. We don't like going along with the betting flow, but we're going with the Midshipmen Saturday.