Friday September 21
UCF (-14) over FAU
Special year for the Owls in ‘17, not so much so far in ‘18. Woodshed slap around by the Sooners in week 1 shows just how far away they stand from the big boys. Check the Knights, self declared “National Champs” last year and 15 straight up wins (11-5ATS). Haven’t faced each other since ‘03 and Knights currently on 8-11 ATS streak against in-state squads since ‘05 but went 2-0 last year after finding mojo. Jr. QB Milton on Heisman contending pace and this year’s squad even more experienced than last year’s undefeated bunch. Knights’ game against UNC cancelled last week due to Hurricane Florence so they will be chomping at bit to play. RB Singletary running tough for the Owls but cant do it all alone. Look for Owls to hang tough early but just wont be able to run with the fellas from O-town.
Saturday, September 22
TCU(-2.5) over Texas
Wowsers! TCU 4-0 lately against the ‘Horns by scores of 48-10, 50-7, 31-9, and 24-7. In other words TCU owns Texas as of late. TCU was beating Oh St last week before the Buckeyes got loose with 3 TD s in a 4 minute span of the 3rd quarter. That, coupled with a 3/0 turnover deficit, gigged the ‘frogs. Coaches are key here, Patterson will have his squad turned around and focused after that loss, and you can’t forget that Tom Herman’s squad lost to Maryland in the opener this year. Also, ‘Horns on 0-3 slide ATS at home. Go frogs!
Iowa(+3) over Wisconsin
‘Hawks looking for some revenge of 38-14 road loss to Badgers last year. They return 13 starters including signal caller Stanley. ‘Hawks actually 9-5 against Badgers and have held them to less than 18 points in 7 of the last 11 matchups. Iowa 8-2 as host and dirty and dangerous dog to deal with at home (remember beatdown of the Oh St here last year). Badgers coming in off unlikely fall to BYU last week. ‘Hawks holding opponents to 42 Rushing yards pg and even though Hornibrook under center for Badgers, they will try to lean on run. This one down to the wire, take the points.
Fla. Gators(-5) over Tennessee Volunteers
The Volunteers should volunteer to allow some new recruits onto the field, they have been dismal as of late. These Vols are 4-16 ATS lately (2-10 last 12, 3-9 home, and 2-11 SEC) and get to line up against Georgia, Auburn, and ‘Bama next. I’m serious about volunteer recruits. They just don’t have it lately. Gators don’t look much better but have owned this series, 20-5. Gators HC Mullen 15-6 against SEC East foes while at the helm of Miss. St. , while Vols HC Pruitt is in first year being HC anywhere. Gators were looking ahead to these Vols last week and will be ready to battle at Rocky Top.
Ole Miss Rebels(-28) over Kent State
The Rebels scored first against ‘Bama last weekend and led 7-0, they lost 62-7. ‘Tide obviously in different stratosphere. Rebels have scored 47, 76 , and 7 pts so far this year. Rebels play in a real conference called the SEC and are 7-12 ATS lately but 4-1 last five and are 27-10 against non-conference. They are used to the big boy league and I predict that they will take a bit of frustration out against these ‘Flashes, who are on a 10-22 ATS slide against non-conference foes. These 2 squads just not on same level. Ole Miss should be able to name their score and may be covering by halftime.
Northern Illinois(+10.5) over Florida State
The ‘Noles still getting too much respect because of their name. Have lost their 2 lined games this year by a combined total of 54 points. Got smacked by The Cuse last weekend and have L’Ville on deck for next weekend. The coaching gaffes have also been plentiful for the Tally squad and not about to trust this bunch just because they are in Doak. NIU aint pretty, 1-7 ATS lately and facing ‘Noles squad that is 7-1 ATS non-conference games lately but their pronounced slide this year just too much to ignore. NIU returns 14 starters along with their QB and should be ready for this game. Gonna buck the spear until we get pierced, it seems we are safe for now, go Huskies.