10* UNC -3

UNC was off last week. They lost a tough one point game at home to Clemson before that. QB Sam Howell has been solid and coach Mack Brown has been leading the team and motivating the Tar Heels in all phases of the game.

Va Tech has struggled lately and lost by 5 touchdowns at home to Duke.

I think we see UNC win by 6 points or more on Saturday.

10* Navy -1

I think Navy is the better team. Their QB has played well recently.

Navy wins by 6.

10* Texas +11

The game is played in Dallas, Texas at the Cotton Bowl. Texas is 6-0 ats in the last 6 meetings and their coach (Hermann) has been solid as an underdog. Take the points.

10* under 47.5

Games between the service academy have gone under the total in over 75% of meetings in the past 10 years. I like our chances for an under on Saturday.

10* Temple -11 

Temple scored over 40 last year. They were able to upset Md recently as well. ECU is off a nice upset win at ODU thanks to some long TD passes and a blocked punt. Ahlers only completed 8 passes and RB Pinnock was out.

10* ODU -3

Hopefully you can find -2.5 as the game gets closer.

ECU is 2-2 but has home wins vs. William and Mary and NC A&T. They lost badly at NC State and Navy and have been outscored 263-89 in their last 6 road games. Their new coach (Houston) may need this season to adjust.

ODU picked up ECU's defensive coordinator and that should help them adjust. ECU QB Holton Ahlers should improve but has been inconsistent and injury prone.

ODU should have a nice crowd and the team should bounce back after jumping ahead 17-0 at Virginia and then losing 28-17.

10* ODU +31

I think UVA may be looking ahead to a showdown with Notre Dame coming up after playing ODU. Virginia just played a tough game vs. Florida State. ODU has been off and will be motivated to face an ACC school. They only lost to Va Tech by 14.

Take the points.

10* Syracuse +26

The Orange are off a poor game at Maryland. They head back home to play Clemson, a team they have played well against in recent years. Syracuse does have a new QB who made some nice plays in the Terp loss. Clemson has played two home games and now heads to the road to play an ACC conference game. Look for the Orange to stay within 20.

10* Navy -7

ECU is off a home win vs. Gardner Webb but goes on the road to face the NAVY in conference action. Navy is off next week so they can focus on an improved Pirate team that still needs more time under new coach Mike Houston. ECU will win next week at home vs. William and Mary but I think they struggle and lose by 10 or more.

10* Texas A&M

A&M only lost by 2 last year and they return Kellen Mond at QB. Jimbo Fisher used to face Clemson when he coached FSU and A&M played at Alabama last year. The Aggies play in a tough conference. Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence struggled some last week with 2 ints.

Take the points!

10* Rice +19

Rice lost to WF on the road last year. Rice is off a close loss at home to Army. I think we see WF win but the Rice Owls cover. Take the points.

10* NSU +27

These two schools are located about 3 miles apart so NSU will be motivated. ODU has been under .500 the past two years and will have a new QB playing as well as new wide receivers. The game will be played at ODU's renovated stadium.

I think we see Norfolk State stay within 20.

Thanks and good luck.

10* ECU +17.5

ECU fired Scotty Montgomery and brought in Mike Houston, who was at JMU. QB Holton Ahlers is back for his sophomore season after struggling with some injuries. ECU played NCSU is their last game of 2018 and lost badly so they will be motivated vs. an in-state team from the ACC.

NCSU lost their QB and other key players. I think we see ECU stay within 14 on Saturday.

Take the points.

10* Clemson +6

Clemson and Alabama should have a close game. It may depend on Trevor Lawrence making nice passes to open up the running game for Etienne. Clemson lost 24-6 last year to the Crimson Tide as their former QB (Kelly Bryant) struggled to make passes and Bama could focus on the run.

Oklahoma fell behind 28-0 and never really threatened afterwards even though they covered the +14.

I think Clemson can win with their defense but take the points which we see is +6.

10* Texas +13.5

Texas has been tough as an underdog lately with Tom Hermann as coach. We saw them play well vs. Oklahoma twice. Look for Texas to stay within 2 touchdowns.

10* CFU +7.5

I like Central Florida to play well vs. an SEC team. They were able to beat Auburn last year. The motivation of being a big underdog should inspire them.

10* NW +7

I like the underdog in this bowl game that takes place tonight.

10* under 72.5

This is one of the highest totals. All it takes is for one team to struggle or some turnovers and we see 65 to 70 points.

10* UVA +6

I like the underdog in this game. I expect Virginia's qb to make some nice plays running and passing the ball. UVA lost last year in bowl action so I expect Bronco Mendenhall's squad to step up this year.

10* Army -5

The service academies always do well in bowls. They are prepared for it. I like Army by 7 or more.

10* ECU +24

ECU will be motivated playing an ACC team as they are 8-1 ATS in the past 9 games vs. the conference and beat UNC as double digit dogs earlier in September. NCSU is off an OT win at home vs. UNC and will play in a bowl game.

Take the points in this added game set for early Saturday.

10* UNC +7

I think UNC plays well to end the season at home vs. NCSU, which is located just 30 minutes away.

Coach Fedora is fighting for his job. UNC may end up winning but take the points.

10* OSU +5

Take the home underdog.

10* over 60

The ESPN Game Day crew will be there and CFU will want to put on a show. Last year's meeting with Cincy had over 70 points. Games with SMU, FAU, UConn and Temple all had over 60 points. Take the over on Saturday.

10* UNC +10.5

These two are located 8 miles apart. Duke is having a solid year so UNC should be motivated to stay close to their rival. I like getting 10.5 points.

10* Ohio -2

I like Ohio to win by 3 or more on Thursday night.

10* Houston -7

USF has played some close games. Houston is a solid team playing at home. They can run and pass and have big receivers. I think we see the Cougars win by double digits.

Take Houston -7

10* UNC +9.5

The Tar Heels just lost in OT  at Syracuse and should have beaten Va Tech the previous week. Nathan Elliott is a decent QB and UNC won 35-14 at UVA two years ago and only lost by 6 last year.

10* Navy +12.5

Houston travels again this week. They played at ECU and won big vs. a passing team and now travel east again to face a running team that has been solid at home over the years. I think we see Navy say within 10 and hope they don't look ahead to Notre Dame up next.

10* UVA +8

I think we see Virginia stay within 7 at Duke. The Cavaliers have beaten Duke the last few years.

10* ECU +16.5

I think ECU bounces back at home after a poor effort at Temple last week. They have won at home vs. ODU and UNC and should stay within 14.

10* FSU +13

Take the points in this rivalry game. We are getting +13 in this state rivalry in the ACC.

10* Texas +8.5

I like Texas on the neutral field. Tom Hermann has the Longhorns playing well. I think we see a close game. Take the points.

10* Va Tech +5.5

I think VT bounces back from a loss at ODU after allowing 49 points. Duke is using a backup QB after Daniel Jones was injured. The backup has played well but VT should have a fair amount of fans at the game. 

Take the points!

10* ODU +7

ODU is off a nice win at home vs. Va Tech and should have confidence. They put up 49 points with QB Larussa replacing Steve Williams. Jeremy Cox should be able to run for some yards and the Monarchs have tall experienced receivers.

Take ODU getting about a TD on Saturday.

10* UVA -4

The UVA QB has shown he can pass and run under coach Mendenhall. Louisville is trying to get used to being without Lamar Jackson. I think we see Virginia win by 7.

10* Purdue +6.5

Missouri is playing their first road game. Purdue has been erratic but I expect them to step up on Saturday and keep it close. Take the points!

10* under 57

The last 8 meetings have gone under. The early start may slow down things as well. Hopefully, we see a 30-24 game that stays under.

10* ODU (pick'em)

ODU lost badly at Liberty last week. They were able to win at FIU 36-30 last year and get to play their home opener on Saturday. Soph QB Steve Williams should play better and the running game (maybe Jeremy Cox) should add yards and the ground. Coach Bobby Wilder should have the Monarchs ready.

10* Vandy -2.5

Vanderbilt plays in the SEC and has beaten MTSU badly the last two times they have met. Vandy wins by 7.

10* Army +14

I think we see Army stay within 14 on Friday night.

10* under 73

I think we see a game with 65 to 70 points. It is being played at UConn and they are familiar with the style of CFU.

10* Alabama -3.5

Alabama is healthy and didn't have to play such a tough game as Georgia did, having to withstand 81 offensive plays vs. Oklahoma and 2 OT's.

Nick Saban should have an advantage vs. his assistant and the Bama team has experience from playing for the title in recent years. QB Jalen Hurts played against Clemson for the title last year while Jake Fromm is a freshman.

Alabama wins and covers on Monday.

10* CF +11

Most books have this at +10. Central Florida has played well this year. Auburn is a tough SEC team that should be able to win but I think CFU stays within 10 points on Monday.

10* Arizona State +7.5

I think the venue helps Arizona State. They should have more fans there. They were 7-5 and coach Todd Graham will ne in his last game and I think the team will play hard for him. NCSU was a decent team this year but I think they may win by less than 7.

10* Southern Miss +16.5

FSU has struggled to cover games that they won this year. Coach Jimbo Fisher left for Texas A&M and their star defender will sit out. The Noles had some key injuries and can't be excited to play in a small bowl vs. Southern Miss. Take the points.

10* USF -3

USF was 9-2 and led by QB Quentin Flowers. They did lose to Central Florida but should be excited to play the Big 12's Texas Tech in a bowl. The Red Raiders were just 6-6 on the year. I think we see South Fla win by 7 or more.

10* UAB +8

Ohio is favored by 8 and is well coached by Frank Solich, who was at Nebraska earlier. However, UAB is the school that dropped football and brought it back and should be well motivated for this bowl game enough to stay within 8 points. Take the underdog!

10* FIU +7.5

 Taking the underdog on Thursday.

10* LA Tech 

I like La Tech in their bowl game as these teams are fairly even. LT has three games decided by one point. Skip Holtz is the La Tech coach, he is the son of Lou Holtz.

Army vs. Navy

Saturday 3pm

#103/104

10* under 51

These two have played 10 unders in a row. They run the ball on most plays so the clock stays moving. They are familiar with each others plays. The last 5 meetings have seen 38, 38, 17, 41 and 30 points. Navy has 4 overs/7 unders this year. Both Army and Navy have 13 unders in their last 16 games played in the month of December. Take the under.

10* Wisconsin +6

Ohio State bet them 59-0 a few years ago so there is some motivation for the Badgers on a neutral field. Wisky has a solid run game and defense to slow down Ohio State whether JB Barrett plays or not. Take the underdog.

10* under 83

These two had a total set at 69 in their earlier game, which ended 40-13 (53). They did combine for 14 overs and 7 unders this year and saw some high scoring games. However, this game should have some pressure for the conference title and the early 12 noon start may slow things down.

Take the under, which is at 83.

10* Alabama -4

I think Alabama finds a way to win by a touchdown or more. They have a solid defense and QB Jalen Hurts can run and pass. Alabama wins by 7 to 10 points.

10* UNC +17

The Tar Heels have struggled with injuries this year but backup QB Nathan Elliott has played in wins at Pittsburgh and home vs. Western Carolina. They did lose to Miami at home before that but it was only by 7.

UNC has won the past two visits to Raleigh. NCSU is just 1-3 in their last 4 games and already qualified for a bowl game. 

UNC has Brown and Carter to run it and Austin Proehl is healthy to catch passes. UNC may lose but I think they stay within 14.

ODU at MTSU

3pm Saturday

10* (#191) ODU +12

Both teams are 5-6 and hoping to win to get to 6-6 and be eligible for a bowl game. MTSU is at home and there last two at home have seen less that 13,000 fans. They are 2-3 in their last 5 games. They do have a solid junior QB in Brent Stockstill.

ODU has won 3 in a row and the two losses before that were by just 7 and 4 points. The Monarchs are 9-3-1 ats in the past 13 November games, 5-2 ats in the last 7 road games and 9-1-2 ats last 12 on field turf.

ODU's QB Steve Williams has played better lately and is surrounded by upperclassmen at skill positions. Senior RB Ray Lawry has 110, 168, 98, 19 and 166 yards in the past five games. Harper has returned three kicks for touchdowns. 

Middle Tennessee may end up winning by 7 to 10 points so take the points in what seems to be a close game to see who goes bowling.

10* under 51

The game is at night and the weather is expected to be cold with some wind and rain. BC QB is out so they will use a backup. BC has 3 overs and 7 unders this year and the last 3 meetings ended in the 30's. UConn's defense does concern me but I think it ends with 50 points or less.

10* UVA +19.5

Miami is off a big win against Notre Dame and has jumped up in the polls. I expect a letdown against Virginia. UVA did win at Boise State earlier. They just faced Ga Tech and Louisville so they will be prepared a a strong running game.

UVA's QB Kirk Bentkirk has backdoor potential. I like Miami to win but Virginia to stay within 18 points in this early 12 noon start on Saturday.

10* under 59.5

I like the under here. Miami did play a high scoring game with Toledo but others have been under 59 points. Notre Dame is off a high scoring game at home with Wake Forest but goes on the road to face a decent defense that will be fired up. The Irish are better at running it that throwing it.

10* ODU +10

ODU is off a 6-0 win after several close losses. They are 3-6 and need wins to get to 6-6 for a bowl consideration. FIU has  a nice record but they have been close. ODU has a solid running game with Cox and Lawry. FIU wins but ODU stays within 7.

10* Virginia +10.5

Most have UVA +10. They are 5-3 and off two bad losses but trying to get one more win to be bowl eligible. Bronco Mendenhall has done well in the past in late season games. QB Kirk Benkirk has shown he can be a solid QB. Ga Tech is 6-0-1 ats but is off a two TD loss to Clemson. 

UVA led time of possession last year 37 minutes to 23 and is used to Paul Johnson's schemes. It hurt that UVA had 3 turnovers to 0 for Ga Tech. Virginia may not win but I see them within 10 at home on Saturday.

10* FAU -9.5

FAU has been red hot lately. Marshall has played better but they have to go on the road and face the solid running and passing game of the Owls. I like FAU by 14.

10* Navy -8

I like Navy to bounce back from their loss to Temple last year and get revenge. Navy is near the top in running the ball while the Owls have struggled to stop the run. Navy wins by 10 or more.

10* PSU +7

I think we see Penn State stay within 7 at Ohio State as they should be motivated after the Buckeyes were taken in the playoff last year. Barkley should play well. Ohio State did lose at home to Oklahmoa. 

10* FSU -3

I think FSU finds a way to win at BC on Friday night even with all the injuries. They should be motivated by recent wins by the Eagles.

10* Navy +7.5

Navy is off a loss and has proven to be tough as a home underdog. CFU has been a tough team so far this year but Navy is off 5 turnovers and should bounce back and stay within 7.

10* Texas +7

Texas is at home and has played well since their opening loss to Maryland. Coach Tom Hermann moved over from Houston. OK State is a solid team and will probably win but I like the Longhorns to cover.

10* over 48

The weather should be nice in Norfolk for this game on Friday. Ray Lawry may play some for ODU. These two have produced some high scores in the past. ODU does have a young team especially at QB but I think we see a game with 50 points tonight.

10* Navy +3.5

I like the Navy getting +3.5 on Saturday. There should be plenty of points scored in this game led by the running attack of the Midshipmen. 

10* Michigan State +10.5

The Spartans are 9-0 ATS in the last 9 meetings. Coach Dantonio is a solid coach on defense. They face a good Jim Harbaugh coached Michigan team that has struggled a little at quarterback. I think Michigan ends up winning but the underdog will be motivated playing the top 10 Wolverines. 

Take the points.

10* Navy -6

Tulsa is allowing over 8 yards per play on defense. Navy has a great running game. This should be a high scoring game that I think is won by Navy by 10 points.

Navy 41

Tulsa 31

10* ECU +26

ECU should have some confidence after winning at UConn on Sunday. Thomas Sirk used to play QB at Duke and left for ECU. He was 30-39 with 3 TD's and 0 int's in the previous win. USF is a solid team but QB Quentin Flowers is around 53% passingbut their running game has been solid. ECU only lost by 16 at South Florida last year.

I think USF wins by 20 to 24 so take ECU plus the points, which opened at 26.

10* Iowa State +6.5

Iowa State is a solid team at home. They have a decent QB and running game and lost to Iowa earlier in OT and scored 38 points in regulation.

Texas lost at USC in OT. They are coached by former Houston coach Tom Herrmann. Texas won at home last year but lost badly at ISU two years ago. I think there is nice value on the home underdog. Most books have this +6 but there are some +6.5's.

Thanks and good luck.....

10* Florida -1.5 (-125)

Florida is 30-0 straight up against Ky and 20-10 ats. The Florida defense should be able to slow down the running game of the Wildcats. I think Florida wins by 7.

10* over 55.5

VT put up 60+ at ECU. UNC was able to put up over 50 at ODU and only scored 14 in the second half. I think we see 60+ points scored on Saturday. ODU's back up QB Steve Williams is athletic as he can run and pass and make plays. Take the over.

10* UNC -7.5

ODU is 2-0 but has played Albany and UMass. They now step up to face UNC at home but the Tar Heels should have motivation after losing by double digits at home to Cal and Louisville. ODU has a new QB (LaRussa, Hoy) but does have a solid running game.

UNC did beat ODU 80-20 in their last meeting so the Monarchs will be motivated by the loss but I think we see the ACC team (Tar Heels) win by 14.

10* Air Force +23.5

Air Force has a nice running attack and their experienced QB can throw it as well. Michigan does have a solid defense and is well coached but I think we see the discipline Falcon team stay within 21 on Saturday.

10* ODU -3.5

ODU is well coached and off an easy home win in the rain. They may be looking ahead to UNC the following week but they have a solid running game, led by Ray Lawry. Coach Bobby Wilder is a former QB and should help progress the signal caller Blake LaRussa. UMass is home and is off a win vs. a weak team. I like ODU by 10.

10* Purdue +24.5

Louisville started HOT last year but struggled badly to end the season. Their QB won the Heisman Trophy and returns but Purdue should be prepared for the Cardinal attack. They are coached by Louisville native Jeff Broehm and others with ties to their opponent, which should be motivating. I think Purdue stays within 23.

10* South Carolina +6

This game is played in Charlotte on a neutral field. South Carolina and defeated UNC and East Carolina (with Shane Carden at QB) at this location. The Gamecocks play in a better conference and should stay within 6 points. Take USC +6.

10* Clemson +7 (-130)

Clemson has a junior QB who played in the title game last year in which the Tigers lost 45-40. Bama has a freshman QB who is solid but is young. Lane Kiffin has moved on and up to Steve Sarkasian to call plays on offense.

The underdog is 13-1 ATS in the last 14 bowls.

I think Alabama wins but Clemson covers on Monday.

10* Washington +14

Alabama is tough and gets to play close to home but Washington is well coached by Chris Peterson. I think Bama wins by 7 to 10 but think Washington stays close.

FSU +7.5

Take FSU getting +7.5 points on Friday. Michigan is a nice team led by Jim Harbaugh but their QB is not very athletic. I expect FSU to be motivated after losing badly to Houston last year in their bowl.

10* Arkansas +7.5

I like Arkansas +7.5 against Va Tech. The Hokies are a solid team but Arkansas played in the tough SEC and has a nice running game.

Baylor vs.Boise State

10* Baylor +8.5

The Baylor Bears have had some problems to deal with, including the firing of coach Art Briles. They were able to put up some huge offensive numbers this year in the Big 12 which is much better than BSU's conference. 

Baylor was able to beat UNC last year in their bowl by using a wide receiver at QB and set a record for rushing yards in a bowl. I expect them to be motivated and put up nice numbers and stay within a TD vs. a Boise State team that did lose a few games after a hot start.

10* ODU -3.5

These two meet in the Bahamas Bowl. They have played before and know each other. ODU seemed to be in control even with a bad defense but now the Monarchs have improved on that side of the ball.

The ODU offense is led by QB David Washington, running backs Ray Lawry and Jeremy Cox and solid receivers like Zack Pascal. Bobby Wilder is a good coach who is 66-30 at ODU. It does concern me that Wilder is being courted by Temple and may be a distraction.

I think ODU wins by 7 to 10 points.

10* over 80

Sometimes a break before a bowl can slow a team down or one team fails to score their share of a high total but I think we see both teams approach 40 and get the over.

10* Houston -4.5

Houston is great vs. the run and should contain the SD State star runner. Houston beat Louisville and Oklahoma this year but did lose their coach but Applewhite has been with the team for awhile. QB Greg Ward can run and pass. I like the Cougars by 7 or more.

Army vs. Navy

10* under 47

The last 10 meetings have gone under. Both teams know each other well and Navy has several key injuries (QB Will Worth). The last four meetings have reached 38, 27, 41 and 30 points.

10* Va Tech +10.5

This game is played on a neutral field. Clemson's latest games have been at home. They lost to an average Pitt team and barely won at FSU. The Tigers went into OT to beat NC State.

Va Tech has improved under Coach Fuente as QB Jontel Evans can run and pass. Receivers like Bucky Hodges are solid veterans.

I like the Hokies getting +10.5 points on Saturday night.

South Carolina at Clemson

10* USC +24

This game ended 37-33 last year. The Gamecocks play in the best league (SEC) and have a decent defense under coach Will Muschamp. Their offense has run and passed the ball better in recent weeks. I think Clemson wins by 14 to 21 points so take +24.

10* Virginia +18.5

Va Tech is off a nice comeback on the road at Notre Dame and faces their state rival on Saturday afternoon. Here are the last 4 meetings:

23-20

24-20 (at VT)

16-6

17-14 (at VT)

All four have been close but won by Virginia Tech. Both have new coaches. UVA is off a 14 point loss at Georgie Tech but led 10-7 at half. Their other road games were a 7 point loss at Wake Forest, a 14 point win at Duke and a 13-10 loss at UConn.

UVA is using Matt Johns at QB after Kurt Benkirk struggled lately. The running game is led by Mizzell (827 yards and 5 TD's) while Albert Reid has 480 yards and 6 TD's.

Virginia Tech should win but I like the Cavaliers chances to stay within 17.

10* NC State +12

NCSU is aiming for a bowl with a win. NCSU has a  decent defense and running game and should be able to stay close in the state rivalry as Raleigh is just 30 minutes from Chapel Hill, NC.

UNC does have a great offense but I like the Wolfpack to cover.

10* ODU -8

I like ODU to win by 10 to 14 points as RB's Lawry and Jeremy Cox are solid runners with combined 14 touchdowns and QB David Washington has 21 TD's to go with 3 int's. FAU kept ODU out of a bowl last year.

ODU wins by 33-21.

Navy at ECU

4pm Saturday

10* Navy -7

This line is -7 or -7.5. Navy has played well vs. ECU and the Pirates are 3-7 and off some bad losses. They lost at home to SMU 55-31 and at Tulsa by 45-24. Other losses include 31-19 to Cincy, 38-22 to USF and home loss by 18 to Central Florida. Navy has won the last two meetings 56-28 and 45-21 and even scored 76 against the Pirates about 6 years ago.

ECU may be able to put up points but how can they stop the efficient rushing attack of Navy, which has added some passes that added to their arsenal.

LSU at Arkansas

7pm

10* (#170) Arkansas +7

LSU is off a home loss to Alabama 10-0. This is their first road game since September 24, where they lost at Auburn. Arkansas won at LSU 31-14 last year. The Razorbacks are off a home win over Florida as they held the Gators to just 12 yards on the ground.

Take the +7.

So Miss at ODU

3:30pm

10* (#176) ODU -2.5

I like ODU at home as they are 5-1 in the last 6 and only lost to Western Ky on the road. So Miss has recent losses to UTSA by 55-32 and Charlotte 38-27. QB David Washington can run and pass while ODU has two solid runners in Jeremy Cox and Ray Lawry.

10* UNC 

The Tar Heels won by 24 last year. Duke has a decent team and has some close losses but they may struggle to score. QB Mitch Trubiski is solid.

UNC wins by 14.

10* under 72

I think we see a game in the 60's on Wednesday night.

College Football (MAC)

Western Michigan at Kent

7:30pm Tuesday

10* WMU -20

Western Michigan is 9-0 and ranked in the top 20. They have won their last two road games 41-0 and 52-20. They are led by QB Terrell and WR Corey Davis. They have scored 49, 49, 45, 41, 45 and 52 in recent games. Kent is at home and is 3-6. Will they be able to slow down the visitors and score enough to stay within 3 TD's? I think WMU wins by 21 or more on Tuesday night.