Take the home underdog getting more than a touchdown on Thursday night. Oregon has just one road game and thy must travel south to play at ASU. My guess is we see a high score in the 60's.

Oregon 34
ASU 30

Take ASU + points

Take Miss State as they are home with the better defense. UT is off a 51-44 game at Georgia. MSU is 5-0 and played a weak schedule but their fans should help motivate the Bulldogs tonight. UT's Tyler Bray is a solid QB but the Vols struggle to run and that should be the difference.

Tenn 21
Miss St 28

Miss State -3

UNC at Miami
2:30pm eastern (Oct. 13, 2012)
over 68.5

There is a 50% chance of rain so the total may go down as it did in the Wake Forest/Duke game a few weeks ago. This is a high total and we will need both teams to score points on Saturday. Miami is off a 41-3 loss at Notre Dame so they should be happy to return home and face an average UNC defense. Miami did beat NC State 44-37 (81 points) at home as Stephen Morris had 566 passing yards. He also had 436 against Ga Tech is a 42-36 OT game. They also had a 41-32 (73) game vs. Boston College.

UNC plays fast paced under Larry Fedora. Bryn Renner is a solid QB and Giovani Bernard is a good runner who has missed action this year due to injury. UNC has two shutouts at home vs. Idaho and Elon. They played last week vs. Va Tech and won 48-34 (82 points). The UNC game at Louisville was 39-34 (73) and the Tar Heels had a chance to score late from inside the 5.

I think we can get to 70+ on Saturday and hope the rain stays away. GL!

over 68.5

Troy is a good home team but it is hard to go against how well Western Ky has played the last two years ATS. They went into Alabama and stayed within the large number and I think they can win by 3 to 7 points in this weekday game.

Take the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers!

FSU wnet to USF last week and did not cover. They now head to NC State and play the Wolfpack in Raleigh. NCSU is 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings. They used to play well under Chuck Amato but Coach O'Brien has been steady against the Noles and they have QB Glennon who can keep the chains moving. The crowd will be pro-NC State.

EJ Manuel has played well and should be able to produce points but getting 17 on the road is my play.

NC State +17

ECU is 3-2 and won at Southern Miss and beat UTEP at home is Conference play. CFU is lead by George O'Leary and the Knights have a decent defense but are a little weak on offense.

My guess is we see a game in the 24-20 range.

Take ECU plus the points

Both teams can score points. Arkansas State opened the year at Oregon where they covered and score in the 30's as both reached 100 together. They have a solid QB and passing game.

WKY is a covering machine with 12 covers in a ro and good offense as well. Look for a game with both near 30 and over.

over 57.5

Duke at Wake Forest
12:30pm EDT Saturday
over 59

These two have played overs in 4 of the last 5 meetings. The last time they played at WF the score was 54-48 (102 points!). Last year's game stayed under 60 as it ended 24-23. The last 5 meetings have reached 47, 102, 79, 63 and 77 points. Last week, Wake played Army, a team that is known for running the ball and they only threw 6 times. Now they face a passing team. Wake did beat Army 49-37 and had Josh Harris and Martin both run for 100+ yards.

In Duke games so far in 2012, the winner has reached 38, 54, 50 and 46 points. WF has just 2 turnovers while the Blue Devils have 10, including several interceptions for TD's (pick 6). Both teams have experienced QB's (Tanner Price/Sean Renfree). Wake's receiver Michael Campanaro had 12 catches for 153 yards last week and he had similar numbers vs. UNC at home. Wake's nose tackle/guard Nakita Whitlock missed the last two games and is ??? for Saturday.

Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe comments on the game:

On Duke's offense and defense...
"I think we're going to have to score a lot of points. These guys are really good offensively, but the thing that's got my attention is how much they dominated Memphis from the defensive side of the ball. I don't think Memphis had close to 200 yards offense last week. This is not a one-dimensional football team. Coach Cutcliffe and his offense have been known to put up points and lots of yards on everybody, but this is a much-improved Duke defense. We've got to play well on both sides of the football."


On redshirt junior Nikita Whitlock's status for Saturday...
"Nikita's biggest problem is he's been out for a while. It's going to be hard for him to come back (this week). (With) those high ankle sprains, you get to where you feel good walking to class but you get to pushing against people, especially in his position going against guys who are 300-plus pounds, (and it) makes it a little bit tougher. Quite frankly, I have my doubts about him playing, or playing well, or playing a lot this Saturday. But we'll see, you never know."

Hopefully, we have good weather and both teams can produce points. I won't be shocked by a 31-24 score but think we see both get close to 30 and over 60 points.

Duke/Wake Forest
over 59.5

Florida Atlantic at Alabama
5pm EDT (Saturday)
FAU +50

Alabama is #1 in the country and just won at Arkansas. They have shut out the last two opponents. FAU played several good teams (like Michigan State) last year and played at Georgia two weeks ago and lost 51-20. FAU was tied 14-14 against Georgia and won the TOP (time of possession) by several minutes, meaning that they were able to run the ball.

FAU does have a senior QB named Wilbert and some decent runners. Hopefully, FAU can score an early TD or maybe get one late in the 4th quarter against Nick Saban's great defense.

It is possible we can win +49.5 with the Crimson Tide winning by 48-0 or maybe a score of 51-7. I won't be shocked by a 54-0 score but think we have a decent chance for the visitor to cover the +49.5.

FAU +50

Virginia +18 (12 noon SATURDAY)
Virginia is a big underdog at TCU. They just played Georgia Tech and lost badly so they should be motivated to bounce back. They did beat Penn State at home two weeks ago so they are used to playing good teams. TCU has played Grambling and Kansas. They are 2-0 but haven't faced solid teams. TCU plays SMU next week and they lost to them recently so they may look ahead to facing them. Virginia did play well last year on the road at Miami, UNC and Florida State.

Take Virginia +18.

Baylor will be playing their first road game after playing two fairly weak teams at home. They are without Robert Griffin III, who is with the Redskins now.

ULM won vs. Arkansas two weeks ago and lost to Auburn in OT last week.
Their QB Kolton Browning has a strong left arm as well as solid running ability. RB Jyruss Adams can run to daylight and they are well coached too.

This should be a high scoring game and my guess is 34-31.

Take ULM +7.5.

Take BYU as a touchdown underdog on Thursday night. The Cougars lost last week after falling behind at Utah. QB Riley was outplayed by the young signal caller for the Utes. I expect a more motivated team this week.

Boise State lost QB Kellen Moore last year and they already have a loss at Michigan State. I expect them to stay within a touchdown with their solid defense. Their defensive line, linebackers and secondary are very good.

My guess is a 24-21 final score.

Ohio at Marshall
6:30pm
Under 68.5

These two played a 44-7 game last year and the total was set at 47.5. Ohio has played at PSU and won 24-14 (38) and a blowout at home vs. a weak team. They are led by QB Tyler Tettleton and rb Blankenship. Only 2 of their 14 games went over this 68.5 last year. They did get to 71 and 75.

Marshall is a good home team with a nice following. They have scored plenty of points with WV at Morgantown giving up 69 but WV put up over 70 on Clemson last year. They just played weak Western Carolina at home and smashed them. Now they play a team that is favored by 6 so there shouldn't be a team to run away and hide.

Cato is a good QB and leads in completions since they were behind at WV. The last few years have seen 51, 47, 38, 29, 28 and 45 points scored in this matchup. 68.5 is a lot of points. I think we see low 60's and under.

Take Wake Forest +24.5

WF beat FSU 35-30 last year at home. They still have key players in QB Tanner Price, running back Josh Harris and back/receiver Michael Cabanero, who had 14 catches for over 150 yards.

FSU has just played some weak teams and now get into ACC play after beating teams badly like Savannah State.

FSU did win 31-0 in 2010 with Ponder and EJ Manuel at QB.

I think Wake stays within 21 points. My guess is 38-17.

Take Wake Forest +24.5

Western Kentucky at Alabama
Saturday (Sept. 8, 2012)
pick: WKY +40

Western Kentucky just won at home as a 30-point favorite and now they go play Alabama on Saturday and they are 40-point underdogs. WKY went the whole game without punting in their blowout over Austin Peay. The Hilltoppers did play at LSU last year and lost 42-9 but covered the +41.5.

Last year, they had a good running back Bobby Rainey, but he has graduated. They now use Leon Allen and he played well on Saturday. QB Kuwuan Jakes played last year and was on the field when they lost in Baton Rogue to the LSU Tigers. He should be better prepared to face a similar SEC team this week. WKY also has Antonio Andrews as a wide receiver who returns kicks. He did score a long touchdown on Saturday.

Alabama just played Michigan and won 41-14 on a neutral field in Dallas. They won the national title last year under coach Nick Saban and they may look ahead to playing conference foe Arkansas next week. They may rest players after jumping ahead early and allow a backdoor cover.

The Crimson Tide did win games last year by 48-7 (Kent), 41-0 (North Texas), 34-0 (Vanderbilt) and 45-21 (Ga Southern).

Western Kentucky should be able to score a few points with their offense. I won't be shocked by a 45-0 loss but my guess is 42-10.

Western Kentucky +40

The USC QB will probably not play and won't be 100%. This game will be at Columbia, SC and be close to 90 at game time. ECU's defense is much better than previous years under Ruffin McNeal. Steve Spurrier coaches the Gamecocks and should be able to run so they will spend time on the ground.

ECU's Rio Johnson will play his first road game and struggle passing and not try to throw interceptions.

I think we see under 51.5 on Saturday. My guess is 31-17 for 48 points.

10* Take under 51.5

Ga Tech at Va Tech
8pm
10* Ga Tech +7.5

The line is +7.5. These two have been separated by 11, 7 and 4 points in the last 3 years. It was a high scoring game in the 60's last year (37-26). The total is set for 48 so they are expecting a 27-20 type of game.

VT is at home and will have a sell out crowd there at Lane Stadium but Paul Johnson's team has had all summer to plan special running plays and passes to surprise Frank Beamer's team.

It seems that Virginia Tech has had a history of slow starts. All it takes is a missed tackle and the Yellow Jackets have a touchdown.

I do expect to see Virginia Tech win but I like the points if you can get +7.5.

My guess is 27-24.

10* Georgia Tech +7.5

This is a rivalry game within the Bluegrass State. The last 3 meetings have been within a touchdown and it is an SEC team facing a Big East team. This is expected to be a low scoring game and I think we see a 27-17 type of score.

LVille 27
Ky 17

Take Ky + 13

Arkansas St. at Oregon
Saturday Sept. 1, 2012
over 67.5 (Olympic)
4/10

Chip Kelly's Oregon team will be playing their home opener against Arkansas State, who is coached by former Auburn whiz Gus Malzahn. He was at Auburn with Cam Newton. The Red Wolves were able to score 53, 45, 45 and 39 points in games last year and had the #22 ranked offense (under last year's coach Hugh Freeze who left for Ole Miss.)

Oregon's opener last year was a 40-27 loss to LSU. Their home opener with Nevada ended 69-20 (89 points). Some other scores:

56-31 Arizona
43-28 Wash State
53-30 Stanford
38-35 USC

Others were 49-21, 49-31 and 45-38. Their home opener in 2011 was 72-0 over NMSU.

This total opened at 66 and have moved to 67.5 at Olympic (and 68 at others). The long range weather forecast is for just a 10% chance of rain. Surely, this total would drop quickly if the weather was really bad. It does concern me that this is the opener and it may take some time for the teams to warm up. Also, it is possible that Arkansas State will stumble badly vs. a big name team but they should put up some points. Oregon could pass this total by themselves on a good night.

Oregon has played 22 overs, 5 unders and 1 push in the last 28 home games and 24 overs, 8 unders, 2 pushes in the last 34 September games.

I expect this over/under to get to 70+ by game time. Hopefully, we see a score in the 60-17 range for 77 points. GL!

Arkansas State vs. Oregon
over 67.5

Michigan State is a tough defensive team in the Big Ten. They won at home last year by 22, 44, 38, 14, 6 and 7 points. They face a great program in Boise State but the Broncos have to replace several starters including QB Kellen Moore.

BSU has defeated some solid teams like Va Tech in openers in recent years but this should be a nice win for the home team.

MSU wins by 10-14 points and covers.

Look for the West to prevail in this game by 3 to 7 points.

My pick:

West 27
East 20

Take the West and GL!

I thinkAlabama bounces bak and wins on Monday. Les Miles is a good coach but I think Nick Saban is better. I like Richardson to run for over 100 yards and for the Tide to win by 4.

AL 21
LSU 17

Arkansas is from the SEC which is the best college football conference and has been for almost 5 years. KSU lost to Texas A&M badly on this field. The Razorbacks are used to playing LSU, Auburn and Alabama in their conference and their QB makes smart decisions and helped us win our regular season GOY easily over Miss State back in November.

Take Arkansas

Look for Frank Beamer's team to play well being an underdog. The Hokies have not played well in bowl games in the past but Michigan depends so much on Dennard Robinson that Va Tech will focus on him and use their skills on special teams to cover.

Go with the team from the better conference. Mike London did a nice job with UVA but the Tigers have more depth and should win this by 7 to 10 points and cover the small spread.

Auburn 27
UVA 17

Look for Iowa under coach Kirk Ferentz to saty within two touchdowns of OU. They play smart and good defense. Their QB makes few mistakes and they should control it so Landry Jones doens't go wild on offense.

Take Iowa +14.

Going against the Heisman in this pick as the team with the award winner seems to lose their bowl game. Washington is a 10 point underdog and I like the dogs before January 1 bowls. Take the Huskies.

NCSU QB Gleenon has played well lately. The NCSU Wolfpack will have more fans at this game and it should help motivate them as they are 3-1 ATS in the last 4 bowl games.

NCSU wins by 10 and covers easily.

Go with the underdog as they will be more interested in this game than TCU who has battled Boise State lately in their bolw games. TCU is more talented but take the points.

I like Ohio to win this game with their coaching, defense, running game and special teams. It should be close but the Bobcats look to win it late. My guess is Ohio by 5 points.

Take the underdog plus +1.5

Army just lost to Temple, Rutgers and Air Force by more than 10 points and they are wearing down. Navy is not as good as previous years but has handled Army by 14, 14, 34, 35, 12 and 19 points in the last 6 meetings. It has been one sided but they might not mention this when they promote the two service academies.

Navy 30
Army 14

I like the home team to win and cover. Oklahoma does have a nice team led by QB Landry Jones. They have the horses to go to OKLA STate and win but they do have some injuries to Broyles and Whaley. I expect the Cowboy offense will put up plenty of points at home in their great offensive scheme.

Okla 27
Ok St. 37

ODU has both Thomas Demarco and Tyler Heineke to play QB. One can run and one can pass well. Both have experience in the toughest FCS conference (CAA). Ga Southern is off a bye and well rested but the Monarchs are well coached by Bobby Wilder and play good defense even though they have allowed too many points.

Look for Ga Southern to win but ODU to stay within the number on Saturday!

USC is playing well under Lane Kiffin and their QB, Matt Karkley is throwing the ball smoothly! Oregon is tough but I don't think they will win by more than 2 TD's/. I like the dog +15 on Saturday.

USC + points!

Va Tech has a better defense. Their 6'6" QB Thomas has gotten better and the Hokies have better special teams. I like Va Tech to win by 3 to 7 and cover.

I think Alabama can win at home behind Nick Saban and their defense and the running of Trent Richardson. I think we see a good game with the Tide winning by 7+. Take the home team.

Look for NW to stay within 17 as they have underrated QB Dan Persa to lead the way as Nebraska is 0-4 as double digit favs this year. Take the road dog!

Army vs. Air Force
under 57.5

Last year's meeting went over the total as 64 points were scored but the previous meetings saw 42, 23, 40, 50, 51, 53 and 34 points scored.

The Army QB (Steelman) is not expected to play much today and won't be 100%. The Cadets rely on the ground game and that should keep the clock running. AF QB Tim Jefferson was injured last week but is probable. If he has a great game this total will end up going over.

AF has won the last 5 meetings easily and has already played Navy. The Navy game went into OT but there were 56 points scored in regulation.

Hopefully, the AF Falcons will jump ahead and have a comfortable lead and run the ball safely in the 4th quarter and we end with a game in the low 50's.

under 57.5