The set-up: NC State looks ripe for the picking here after back to back losses to Clemson and Syracuse. The Seminoles will be out to atone for their embarrassing 59-10 setback at home to Clemson last weekend. I’m not calling for an outright upset, but I do believe the stage is set for a competitive battle. 

The teams: The Seminoles looked terrible offensively last week, as QB Deondre Francois was sacked five times and he’d finish with just 180 yards and an INT. The Seminoles though have responded well in this spot for bettors for years though, going 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 after scoring less than 20 points in their previous contest. 

Last week NC State QB Ryan Finley threw for 473 yards, three TD’s and an INT in the shootout loss to Syracuse. The Wolfpack defense has been exposed and I think it’ll have its hands full with this hungry Seminoles’ side.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but NC State is just 1-3-1 ATS in its last five following a SU/ATS loss. Grab the points and expect a “nail biter.”

The set-up: Both teams come in off disappointing records, but I expect the home side to fight until the final whistle. Georgia Tech is 2-3 in conference play, while UNC is 1-6 overall and 1-4 in ACC play. Georgia Tech has won three of its last four and it now has its eye on a bowl game, but the Tar Heels will look to play spoiler. 

The teams: Georgia Tech is averaging 38.9 PPG and it’s allowing 28.3. QB Tobias Oliver had 215 yards and three TD’s in last Thursday’s 49-28 win. TaQuon Marshall returns from injury to retain his starting RB role this week though. 

UNC feel 31-21 at Virginia last weekend. QB Nathan Elliot had 271 yards and two TD’s, but a late fumble proved costly. Overall the Tar Heels are averaging 23 PPG and allowing 34.3. 

The pick: Note though that Georgia Tech is a terrible 1-4 ATS in its last five as a road favorite and 0-3 ATS in its last three when playing with eight days rest, while UNC is 5-3 ATS in its last eight as an underdog in the 3.5 to ten points range and 8-4 ATS in its last 12 off a loss against a conference rival. Grab the points.

The set-up: Ohio State lost to Purdue and star DE Nick Bosa has withdrawn to concentrate on the NFL Draft. The Buckeyes have had a week off to ponder their upcoming fate and I think that “rest” will in fact lead to “rust” in this case. 

The teams: Nebraska started the year 0-6, but it comes in with some momentum off back-to-back victories, including beating Minnesota at home and then a 45-9 smash job of Bethune Cookman last weekend. QB Adrian Martinez had two TD’s and an INT. Overall the Huskers are averaging 29.8 PPG and allowing 33.4. 

The Buckeyes are averaging 43 PPG and allowing 22.9. Note though that they’ve given up 28.8 PPG average over the past four weeks. QB Dwayne Haskins was 49 of 73 for 470 yards two TD’s and an INT in the loss to the Boilermakers.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Nebraska is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after scoring 45 points or more in its previous outing. I’m banking on the Buckeyes “looking past” their opponent today. Grab the points.

The set-up: WKU has just one win on the year (against lowly Ball State) and it comes in having lost four in a row. MTSU will look to take advantage and to build off back-to-back wins over ODU and Charlotte.

The teams: WKU is averaging only 19.8 PPPG and it’s allowing 30. The Hilltoppers are now essentially eliminated from bowl contention and with that fact weighing heavily on the team collectively, I’m expecting a predictable letdown here.

MTSU QB Brent Stockstill will look to build off another efficient game, last week going for 280 yards with two TD’s and one INT. RB Terell West exploded for 120 yards and a major score as well. 

The pick: Note as well that the Blue Raiders are 4-1 ATS in their last five against teams with losing records (the home team is also 4-0 ATS in the last four in this series), while WKU is just 4-11-1 ATS in its last 16 following a SU loss. This one has “blowout” written all over it. Lay the points.

The set-up: UCF puts the nation’s longest winning streak on the line tonight and while I’m not calling for the straight up outright loss, but I think the home side will have its hands full with the division co-leader tonight, who clearly won’t be going down without a fight. 

The teams: Temple is 5-3 overall, but 4-0 in league play. Last time out it knocked off previously unbeaten Cincinnati 24-17. QB Anthony Russo finished three INT’s, but he also had three TD’s. During the Owls three game win streak he’s thrown eight of nine TD passes while posting 791 yards through the air. 

UCF is averaging 44.4 PPG. QB McKenzie Milton was held out of last week’s win over the Pirates, ending a string of 27 consecutive starts. Note that his status for this game is uncertain as well. 

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but UCF has struggled mightily in the month of November, going just 1-5 ATS in its last six during that period, while Temple is 41-18 ATS in its last 59 on the road. I think the Owls have a legitimate shot at winning outright, but in the end I’ll recommend grabbing as may points as you can. Play on Temple.

The set-up: Ohio is 3-1 in conference play, while WMU is 4-1. The MAC West division race is wide open and I smell a small upset in the air on Thursday night.

The teams: WMU lost 51-24 to Toledo last time out, breaking a six-game slide. In that contest star QB Jon Wassink left early in the first quarter with injury. Wassink missed the final four games of 2017 as well and the Broncos would finish 1-3. Overall WMU is averaging 35 PPG and allowing 30.9. 

Ohio though comes in surging, it won its second straight conference game in a 52-14 blowout victory over Ball State. AJ Ouellette had 135 yards and two scores. QB Nathan Rourke had 127 yards passing and a TD as well. Overall the Bobcats are averaging 38.3 PPG while allowing 28.9.

The pick: Ohio though has held its last four opponents to under 27 points. Take it for what you will as well, but Ohio is 5-1 ATS in its last six against teams with winning records, while WMU is only 7-9 ATS in its last 16 at home, including only 1-3 ATS this season. 

The set-up: Toledo broke a two-game slide with a big win over WMU last Thursday and I think it’ll carry that momentum over here. Ball State comes in on the other end of the spectrum, off back-to-back losses to EMU and Ohio. In my opinion, this one has “blowout” written all over it.

The teams: Ball State rushed for just 80 yards and threw for only 162 in last week’s crushing 52-14 loss to Ohio. QB Riley Neal left in the second quarter with injury and he’s out for this one as well.

Toldeo’ QB Mitch Guadagni also suffered an injury in last week’s 51-24 blowout win over WMU last week, meaning Eli Peters is the “main man.” Last week he was 8 of 14 for 107 yards and three TD’s.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Toledo is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 against teams with losing records, while Ball State is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight on the road. Lay the points and expect a blowout.

The set-up: Buffalo has a perfect conference record, but Miami Ohio won’t be going down without a fight tonight. The Redhawks enter off a tough 31-30 double-OT road loss to Army, while Buffalo gutted out a 31-17 road victory over Toledo. Note that when these teams met last year it was Miami Ohio which posted the 24-14 home victory.

The teams: Miami Ohio’ QB Gus Ragland has 1,769 passing yards and a 14/3 TD:INT. The Redhawks offense revolves around their strong run game though, led by Alonzo Smith, who has 342 rushing yards. Overall the Redhawks are averaging 26.2 PPG and allowing 24.9.

Buffalo is averaging 32.9 PPG and it’s allowing 21.1. QB Tyree Jackson was 1,869 passing yards with a 20/8 TD:INT, but note that he’s thrown five INT’s over his last three games.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Buffalo is just 5-13-1 ATS in its last 19 following its bye week, while Miami Ohio is 5-0 ATS in its last five conference games and 4-1 ATS in its last five on the road. The Redhawks’ offense is firing on all cylinders right now and I think the unit keeps the visitors competitive late. Grab the points.

The set-up: If recent history is any precedence, then the Falcons have to be liking their chances tonight, as they took this game on the road last year by a score of 44-16. Kent enters off a 24-23 OT loss to Akron at home, while Bowling Green lost 49-14 at Ohio. Both teams are 0-4 in league play.

The teams: KSU averages 23 PPG, while allowing 35. Last week the Golden Flashes allowed the Zips to convert 10 of 19 third down chances.

Bowling Green is averaging 25.6 PPG, while allowing 47.8. The Falcons have been worse on the defensive side of the ball than their counterpart this year, but better on the offensive side. QB Jarret Doege is the difference maker for me today though, he so far has 2,078 yards passing with a decent 19/8 TD:INT.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Bowling Green is 7-2 ATS in its last nine home games following a three games or more unbeaten streak in conference action and as an underdog in the +1 to +3.5 points range. Play on the Falcons.

The set-up: SDSU comes in on top form having won six straight and I look for it to keep the momentum rolling. Nevada broke a two-game slide against Hawaii in its latest outing, but I have a hard time seeing the Wolf Pack keeping pace with the Aztecs down the stretch.

The pick: Nevada is getting much better play in Jay Norvell’s second year as head coach (4-4 so far this season), but note that the Wolf Pack are just 3-7 ATS in their last ten against teams with winning records and 0-4 ATS in their last four following a SU victory. The Aztecs are still 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games. Also note that SDSU is 5-1 ATS the last six in this series. The Wolf Pack have been a pleasant surprise, but I think they’re completely outclassed here. Lay the points.

The set-up: Washington has a lot of work ahead of it if it hopes to be invited to the College Football Playoff. It’s going to have to sweep the table and I think it’ll get things started with a big victory on the road against Cal. The Golden Bears return home off a 49-7 win over Oregon State. 

The teams: The Huskies come in off a 27-13 win over Colorado last week. QB Jake Browning had 150 yards passing with one TD and one INT. RB Salvon Ahmed had 73 yards and a TD as well. Through six games Washington is averaging 28.6 PPG and allowing only 15.6. 

Cal is averaging 26.7 PPG and it’s allowing 24. RB Chase Garbers had 234 passing yards and three TD’s last week. 

The pick: Take it for what you will though, but Cal is just 5-8 ATS in its last 13 against teams with winning records and only 4-5 ATS in its last nine as an underdog in the 10.5 to 21 points range, while Washington is 3-1 ATS in its last four as as road favorite in the 10.5 to 14 points range. Lay the points.

The set-up: The Terps come in off a 23-0 loss at Iowa, while Illinois fell 49-20 on the road at Wisconsin last weekend.

The teams: Illinois has struggled against the “better” conference competition this season, but it did smash Rutgers 38-17 on the road. The Illini also has a much more favorable schedule moving forward, vs. Maryland this weekend and then Northwestern, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska. The defense hasn’t been terrible either with 15 turnovers created through six games.

Maryland looked decent defensively in last weeks’ loss, holding the Hawkeyes to 310 total yards. But the offense was held to just seven first downs and 115 total yards. QB Kasim Hill has a weak 51.7 percent completion rate.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Maryland is interestingly just 2-12 ATS in its last 14 after allowing less than 170 passing yards in its previous games, while Illinois is 4-1 ATS in its last five following a loss. The Terps offense is broken. No outright, but closer than expected. Grab the points.

The set-up: USC is short-handed and deflated after last week’s 41-28 road loss to Utah. USC is likely down to third-string QB Jack Sears as well. ASU is in last place in the South in the Pac 12 and it most recently comes in off a hard-fought 20-13 setback to Stanford.

The teams: ASU held the Cardinal to 358 total yards last week, but three costly turnovers proved to be the difference. Overall QB Manny Wilkins was competitive though, accounting for 394 yards of total offense.

The uncertainty at QB doesn’t bode well for a Trojans’ offense that’s still reeling from last week’s loss. Additionally note that USC is just 2-10 ATS in its last 12 following an ATS loss.

The pick: On the year Wilkins has 1,799 passing yards with 11 TD’s and only two INT’s. ASU is also 6-1 ATS in its last seven following a SU loss. I think the Trojans’ frustrating trend of “playing down” to the level of its competition continues this weekend. Grab the points.

The set-up: UNC enters hungry off a 40-37 road loss to Syracuse in OT to fall to 1-3 in conference play. Virginia comes in off a 28-14 road victory over Duke to move to 3-1 in league play. Note that this is a revenge game for the Tar Heels after the Cavs took last years contest on the road 20-14.

The teams: In last week’s loss the Tar Heels put up 500 yards of offense, including 321 through the air. QB Nathan Elliot had 321 yards, two TD’s and no INT’s. The defense looked terrible, but the Cavs rank as one of the worst passing teams in the country.

Virginia gets the job done with tough defensive play, ranked 20th in points allowed with just 18.4. But the Tar Heels won’t be rolling over and UNC’s offense comes in on top form. Bryce Perkins has been decent, not great this season (but he hasn’t had to be, simply to manage.)

The pick: Take it for what you will though, but UNC is 7-2 ATS in its last nine road games in which it gave up 40 points or more and lost in OT in its previous outing. No outright, but much closer than expected. Play on North Carolina.

The set-up: These two teams are moving in opposite directions right now and I expect those trends to continues here. Louisiana Tech has won two in a row, most recently 31-24 over UTEP, while FAU has lost three of its last four.

The teams: Louisiana Tech has never had an issue putting points on the board, but it’s now gotten some better defensive play of late as well, especially from DE Jaylon Ferguson in last week’s victory, as he’d posted 3.5 sacks.

The Owls most recently come in off a humbling 31-7 loss to Marshall, which for all intents and purposes has already eliminated them from repeating as Conf-USA Champs. But FAU has been hit hard by the injury bug this year, including to defensive stand out Azeez Al-Shaair. WR Dante Cousar suffered a broken leg in the loss to Mashall.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but FAU is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following a loss by 20 or more points, while the Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last five against teams with losing records. A short week is not what the doctor ordered for FAU and while the outright win isn’t out of the question, I’m going to grab the points in the end.

The set-up: App State is on the AP Top 25 for the first time in its history and suffice it to say, I’m expecting a predictable letdown here. Perhaps not enough of one to completely lose this one outright, but I do expect the hungry home side to go down fighting. In the end, I’ll recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

The teams: App State is 5-1, while Georgia Southern is 6-1. The Mountaineers have won five in a row after an OT loss at Penn State, but the offense which had put up at least 35 points during that run, didn’t last week against the Ragin’ Cajuns. Also note that the defense, which had limited four straight opponents to single digits in scoring, would then give up 17 points to Arkansas State. The Eagles are averaging 276.6 YPG on the ground, which is ranked fifth in the entire country. I believe the home side will have its opportunities to control the pace of this contest.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but App State is just 3-7 ATS in its last ten after four or more SU victories. Grab the points.

The set-up: WVU comes in off a humbling loss to Iowa State and I believe it’ll take out its frustrations on the Bears. While the setback probably is the nail in the coffin for the Mountaineers playoff chances, they’ll still try to run the table from here on out and see where they stand at the end. Baylor is the perfect opponent to get untracked against in my opinion, as it looks poised for a letdown here after almost upsetting Texas two weeks ago and coming out of its bye.

The teams: A letdown here seems imminent to me for Baylor after it’s “oh-so-close” 23-17 setback to No. 9 Texas two weeks ago. The defense was decent, but the offense was once again stagnant, as QB Charlie Brewer had 240 passing yards, one TD and one INT. The run game was basically non-existent though.

Mountaineers’ QB Will Grier had an “off night” last time out, going 11 of 15 for 100 yards, one TD and one INT in the shocking loss to Iowa State. I’m not going to read too much into one crummy showing though and I do definitely expect Grier and WVU’s high-flying offense to get back on track in friendly confines and against Baylor’s suspect secondary.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but WVU is 4-1 ATS in its last five after allowing more than 450 total yards in its previous game, while Baylor is 0-4 ATS in its last four following an ATS victory. Lay the points and expect a rout.

The set-up: Troy head to Ladd-Peebles Stadium off a 22-16 road loss to Liberty, while South Alabama destroyed Alabama State 45-7. Note that this is a revenge game for the Trojans after the Jaguars scored the 19-8 road victory last year.

The teams: Troy is averaging 33.7 PPG and it’s conceding only 24.6. QB Sawyer Smith has taken over pivot duties after an injury to Kaleb Barker. RB BJ Smith was a bright spot last time out with 111 yards on 20 carries.

South Alabama is averaging 25.7 PPG and it’s allowing 39.3. QB Evan Orth has a decent 7/3 TD:INT on the season, while RB Tra Minter had 300 rushing yards.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but South Alabama is just 5-16 ATS in its last 21 following an ATS victory and only 5-17 ATS In its last 22 following a SU win, while Troy is 7-1 ATSin its last eight on the road and 5-0-1 ATS in its last six conference contests. Lay the points.

The set-up: Penn State dropped its second straight in a 21-17 home loss to MSU last Saturday and I think it stumbles again here. The Hoosiers enter off a 42-16 home loss to Iowa this past weekend, their second straight setback. To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement, as the Nittany Lions have take the last four meetings, including a 45-14 home win last September.

The teams: Penn State is averaging 44.2 PPG and it’s allowing 21. QB Trace McSorely has 12,41 passing with with 11 TD’s and two INT’s.

This is an important game for the Hoosiers, who are still bowl hopeful at this point. Indiana is averaging 26.1 PPG and it’s allowing 28.1. QB Peyton Ramsey has 1,624 passing yards with 12 TD’s and seven INT’s.

The pick: Take it for what you will though, but Penn State is 0-4 ATS in its last four off a loss against a conference rival, while Indiana is 6-4 ATS in its last ten against teams with winning records. I’m banking on the Hoosier catching the Nittany Lions “flat footed” in this one, so grab those points!

The set-up: Cincinnati is undefeated at 6-0, most recently dispatching of Tulane two weeks ago. The Bearcats come in hungry for more out of their break and I think they’ll catch a complacent and tired Temple team “flat footed.” The Owls come in off consecutive wins over East Carolina and Navy.

The teams: Cincinnati has put up 63, 34, 49 and 37 points over its last four games. QB Desmon Ridder has 1,062 passing yards with ten TD’s and two INT’s. Overall the Bearcats are allowing only 13.7 PPG.

Temple enters off the 24-17 win over Navy. Prior to the back-to-back wins, QB Anthony Russo had looked pretty horrible, throwing just one TD pass, while being picks off five times over his first four games.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Cincinnati is 4-1 ATS in its last five on the road and 4-1 ATS in its last five following a SU victory. Look for the well rested visitors to pull away down the stretch.

The set-up: These teams last met in 2016 and Arkansas State won 31-16 on the road. Georgia State comes in “rusty” here in my opinion after its bye week, before that it got blown out 37-20 by Troy. Arkansas State looks to take advantage and to get back on track after a 35-9 home loss to App State last Tuesday.

The teams: Georgia State is averaging 22.3 PPG and it’s allowing 34.2. Two weeks ago the Trojans rolled up 554 yards of offense. QB Dan Ellington has 1,224 yards with five TDs and two INTs.

Arkansas State is averaging 23.5 PPG and it’s allowing 30.2. QB Justice Hansen had a horrible game against App State last week, but he still has 1,538 passing with 11 TDs and five INTs.

The pick: Take it for what you will, but Arkansas State is 37-18-1 ATS in its last 56 conference games and 7-3 ATS in its last ten home games against a team with a losing road record, while Georgia State is 1-4-1 ATS in its last six conference games and only 1-4 ATS in its last five after allowing more than 200 rushing yards. Lay the points and expect a rout.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but BC is 5-1 ATS in its last six against teams with losing records, while Louisville is just 3-7 ATS in its last ten following a loss and only 1-4 ATS in its last five on the road. The Eagles are averaging a whopping 223 yards on the ground this year, a number which will increase dramatically after this contest. Lay the points.

The set-up: Georgia Southern has won two in a row and I look for the Eagles to keep the momentum rolling on Thursday night against the lowly Bobcats (just 1-4.)

The teams: Since falling to Clemson, Georgia Southern has beat Arkansas State and South Alabama (48-13 last weekend.) GSU has scored at least 28 points in its four wins, including at least 34 on three occasions. QB Shai Werts had two rushing TD’s against South Alabama. Overall the Eagles are averaging 30.8 PPG, including th seventh most-rushing yards in the natoin with an average of 276.6 per game.

Texas State has given up at least 35 points in three different games this year and it’s given up more than 40 twice. The Bobcats have issues at QB as well (the team is splitting time between Willie Jones III and Tyler Vitt.)

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Georgia Southern is 4-1 ATS in its last five against the conference, while Texas State is just 1-5 ATS in its last six at home. Lay the points and expect a rout.

The set-up: I think the App State has a letdown here after its 52-7 home win over South Alabama. Conversely, it’s going to be “all hands on deck” for the Red Wolves after they fell in a tight 28-21 decision to Georgia Southern in its most recent action.

The teams: I think this does indeed set up as a bit of a “trap” for the Mountaineers after three straight victories. QB Zac Thomas has 896 yards and an 8/3 TD:INT. Overall Appalachian State is averaging 51.8 points per game, while allowing only 17. In my opinion, these numbers are unsustainable and are skewed due to the competition level faced.

Arkansas State is averaging 26.4 PPG and it’s allowing 29.2. QB Justice Hansen was phenomenal in a losing cause last week, going for 376 yards and a TD. Note that he doesn’t have an INT over his last three games and he has 1,329 passing yards and an 11/2 TD:INT.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Arkansas Sate is 5-0 ATS in its last five against teams with winning records, while App Sate is 0-5 ATS in its last five against schools with winning records. I’m not calling the outright, but I do expect a very competitive battle. Grab the points.

The set-up: Chip Kelly and UCLA are 0-4 to open the year, most recently falling 38-16 at Colorado last Friday. Washington comes to town off a 44-23 win over BYU and I think it gets caught looking past its lowly opponent today.

The teams: Washington comes in complacent in my opinion after four straight victories of the “rocking chair” variety. Last week QB Jake Browning had 277 yards and a TD, while the run game produced 187 yards. The Huskies allow just 11.6 PPG.

UCLA starting QB Wilson Speight was injured in the first game and it’s taken the team some time to adjust. Backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson has been decent, last week he was 17 of 35 for 138 yards and for the year he has 660 yards, three TD’s and two picks. One bright spot was the play of RB Joshua Kelley, who had 151 yards last week.

The pick: Washington’s weakness on defense? Against the run, allowing 126 YPG (ranked 40th.) I’m banking on the more desperate team keeping this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points.

The set-up: ODU is coming off a 37-35 road loss to ECU last Saturday and I think it’ll stumble here as well after that disheartening setback. FAU is looking to bounce back after a 25-24 loss to MTSU on the road, its second straight setback.

The teams: The Monarchs enter averaging 27.8 PPG and allowing 36. QB Steven Williams is 41 of 81 for 507 yards with two TD’s and two INT’s, while Blake LaRussa has 928 yards with seven TD’s and one INT.

FAU has lost two straight. Overall the Owls are averaging 31.2 PPG and allowing 39.8. QB Chris Robison has 1,077 passing yards with five TD’s so far this year as swell as six INT’s and another 118 rushing yards and a major score. Devin Singletary leads the ground game 459 yards and 12 TD’s already.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but ODU is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven against teams with losing records, while FAU is 5-1 ATS in its last six after posting less then 170 passing yards in its previous contest. FAU destroyed ODU 58-28 on the road last year and I’m expecting a similar sort of blowout here as well. Lay the points.

The set-up: This is an AAC conference battle from Lincoln Financial Field. ECU comes in off a thrilling 37-35 win over ODU last weekend and I think it’ll have a predictable “letdown” here after moving to .500 with that victory. Temple on the other hand will be looking to take out its frustrations on someone after battling hard and com in yup short in a loss at Boston College last weekend.

The teams: Reid Herring suffered an ankle injury in last week’s win over ODU, but the QB isn’t expected to miss anytime. He’s only competed 54 percent of his passes and he owns a weak 6:5 TD/INT ratio. Overall ECU averages 28.5 PPG.

The Owls are not having any issues scoring points, posting at least 31 in their last three games. Last week they came up short in a 45-35 setback at Boston College though. Ryquell Armstead had 171 yards on 24 carries with four TD’s and I have a hard time seeing this suspect Pirates defensive line slowing down the red hot RB.

The pick: The Owls’ defense catches a break this week. Look for Temple to put the foot on the gas from start to finish and for the Pirates to stumble after its big win last weekend. Lay the points.

The set-up: I absolutely believe that an outright win is possible here, but I’m still going to recommend grabbing the points. BYU has improved dramatically on the defensive side of the ball and it does have the “revenge” factor working in its favor today, but I still don’t think it’ll be enough to keep pace with the high-flying Aggies. Last year Utah State won 40-24 at home in this game.

The teams: Utah State is rested, coming into this one off its bye week. The Aggies have won four straight, most recently a 42-32 home victory over Air Force. Overall Utah State is averaging 51.5 PPG and allowing only 23.8. QB Jordan Love has 1,070 yards and a 5/3 TD:INT (although no INT’s in the last two games.)

Despite being smashed 35-7 last week by the No. 11 Huskies, the Cougars still concede just 20.6 PPG, which ranks them 35th in the country. However, the offense is the weak point, a unit which ranks near the bottom of many offensive categories. QB Tanner Mangum has 772 passing yards and 3:2 TD/INT (the offense does focus mainly on the ground game.)

The pick: Take it for what you will though, but note that BYU is just 7-19 ATS in its last 26 after posting less than 170 passing yards in their previous game and just 2-7 ATS in its last nine at home overall, while Utah State is a sharp 4-1 ATS in its last five away from friendly confines. The Aggies are well balanced on offense and they’re also well rested. The Utah State defense is improved from last year as well. As mentioned off the top, as good as the Cougars have looked on the defensive side of the ball this year, the offense has been a major disappointment. Grab the points, but don’t be surprised by an outright upset!

The set-up: The Louisville Cardinals are in a “free fall” right now, losers of two straight, most recently against Virginia and FSU. Georgia Tech is just 1-3, but it comes in with some momentum after beating Bowling Green this past weekend.

The teams: Georgia Tech is 3-2 in its last five in having to play on a short week. QB TaQuon Marshall has rushed for at least one TD in all five games this year. So far in total he has seven rushing and two passing TD’s. The Yellow Jackets most recently steamrolled Bowling Green 63-17 this past Saturday and I think the team carries that momentum over here. Tobias Oliver was another standout with 115 yards rushing and two TD’s.

Louisville is struggling to find its No. 1 QB still, as head coach Bobby Petrino has been switching between Malik Cunningham and Jawon Pass. Pass would play the entire game last week in the loss to the Seminoles, going 24 of 45 for 306 yards, two TD’s and two INT’s. He also fumbled the ball three times.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but GT is 11-8 ATS in its last 19 when playing with six or less days rest and interestingly 6-2 ATS in its last eight games played in Weeks 5 through 9, while Louisville is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight October games and only 2-4 ATS in its last six as an underdog. Look for the Georgia Tech up-tempo offense to prove be too much for the Cardinals to keep up to. Lay the points.

The set-up: Tulsa enter off a listless 31-17 loss to Temple on the road last time out, so a well rested and high-powered Houston Cougars team will look to take advantage. The home side comes in off its bye, but previous tot that it destroyed Texas Southern 70-14.

The teams: The Golden Hurricane average 24 PPG and they allow 28.8. QB Like Skipper has four TD’s and six INT’s, while RB Shamari Brooks is a bright spot with 375 yards rushing and four TD’s.

Houston is averaging 52.2 PPG and it’s conceding 30.5. Defense is the weak point, but the unit catches a break today facing Tulsa’s impotent offense. QB D’Eriq King so far has 1,197 yards passing with 15 TD’s, one INT, to go along with 107 rushing yards and five more TD’s.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Houston is 4-0 ATS in its last four home games against a team with a losing road record, while Tulsa is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following a SU loss. When these teams played last year it was Houston that pulled away for the simple 45-17 road victory. Now that the Cougars are playing at home, I’m expecting an even bigger rout. Lay the points.

The set-up: The Cardinals enter off a 38-31 OT road win in Oregon and I think it’ll carry that offensive momentum over here. Notre Dame annihilated Wake Forest 56-27 and it’ll be out to push the pace as well. Note that these teams played to a higher-scoring affair last year as well when Stanford won 38-20.

The teams: Cardinal’ QB KJ Costello was 19 of 26 for 327 yards, three TD’s and no INT’s in last week’s win. Stanford is 47th in the country in passing at 264 YPG. RB Bryce Love had 89 yards and a TD last week. The defense has been super, allowing only 13.5 PPG, but clearly that units faces its stiffest test of the season.

Notre Dame is 71st in passing and 66th in total offense with 416.5 YPG. Last week Ian Book threw for 325 yards and two TD’s without an INT in the victory over the Deacons.

The pick: Take it for what you will, but Stanford has seen the total go “over” the number in its last four as an underdog in the 3.5 to ten points range, while Notre Dame has seen the total go “over” the number in three of its last four against the Pac 12. This number is a little low, play the “over.”

analysis soon

The set-up: I think Cincinnati comes in complacent here at 3-0 and facing the lowly Huskies. UConn is just 1-3 following a setback against Syracuse last week but I expect it to keep this one competitive.

The teams: Cincinnati comes in off an emotional come-from-behind win over Ohio last week, with QB Desmond Ridder going 19 of 29 for 274 yards and two TD’s. The Ground game is averaging 235.2 YPG so far.

Connecticut ranks last in the FBS on defense, allowing 54.5 YPG. It’s difficult to say too many positive things about this team, as for the most part it’s struggled. It’s looked decent offensively though and I think it’ll have its opportunities again today against this disinterested Bearcats side.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but note that Cincinnati is still just 2-8 ATS in its last ten as a favorite, while UConn is 6-4 ATS in its last ten against a team with a winning record. No outright, but a tight battle. Grab the points.

The set-up: UCLA is horrible, it’s 0-3 for the first time since 1971 following last week’s 38-14 home loss to Fresno State last Saturday. The team suffered more bad new with backup QB Devon Modster announced this week that he’s transferring. Colorado looks to deliver the knock out blow at home and improve to 4-0.

The teams: UCLA has given up more than 400 yards of offense in every game this year, while averaging just 320. 13 of the team’s 41 Blue Chip recruits have left the team after Jim Mora was replaced by Jim Kelly at coach.

Buffalo QB Steven Montez has 855 passing yards, eight TD’s and two picks so far this season. Last week the Buffs had 311 yards of rushing in a 45-14 destruction of New Hampshire.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Colorado is 6-1 ATS in its last seven following a SU win of mor ethan 20 points, while UCLA is just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 conference game sand just 2-6 ATS in its last eight on the road. I don’t think the Bruins respond here at all. In fact, I as mentioned off the top, I look for the Buffs to kick this team while it’s down. Lay the points.

analysis soon

The set-up: Outright upset? Of course not. But I think Miami Florida comes in distracted enough to let lowly FIU sneak in through the back door down the stretch.

The teams: FIU destroyed UMass 63-24 last weekend, as QB James Morgan had 207 yards and two TD’s. Shawndarrius Phillips had 117 rushing yards. Overall Morgan has six TD’s and three INT’s. Clearly this is a huge step up in competition, but after two straight wins, the Panthers won’t just be rolling over here today.

Miami Florida comes in off a big win too, smashing Toledo 49-24. QB Malik Rosier was 13 of 23 for 205 yards and two TD’s, while also adding 80 yards and three more scores on the ground. Note that the defense took a major hit with an injury to Jaquan Johnson. He he went out Toledo gained huge chunks through the air.

The pick: Take it for what you will, but FIU is 12-8 ATS in its last 20 as an underdog, while Miami Florida is just 5-8 ATS in its last 13 against teams with winning records. I think a confident and “under the radar” FIU team can keep this one competitive against an over-confident and complacent Hurricanes home side. Grab the points.

The set-up: It’s an important early season ACC match-up between Clemson and Georgia Tech. Clemson enters off a 38-7 victory at home over Georgia Southern, while Georgia Tech is off a tough 24-19 road loss to Pittsburgh. Note that when these teams played last year it was Clemson that won 24-10 at home.

The teams: Clemson comes in complacent here, now ranked No. 2 in the country. So far the Tigers are averaging 38 PPG and allowing 13.3. Clemson has a QB battle going on still between Trevor Lawrence and Kelly Bryant.

Georgia Tech comes in hungry after opening the season 1-2. After a win over Alcorn State, the Yellow Jackets have dropped two straight on the road to South Florida and Pittsburgh. Overall the team is ranked 21st in the nation in total offense (510 YPG) and 64th in scoring with 32.7. The defense has also been sharp in allowing only 24.3 PPG.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Clemson is just 4-5 ATS in its last nine as a road favorite, while Georgia Tech is 6-4 ATS in its last ten as an underdog and 5-3 ATS off a loss against a conference rival. The conditions are right for a much tighter than expected affair in my opinion. Grab the points.

The set-up: UCF comes in refreshed because its game last weekend was cancelled because of Hurricane Florence. Central Florida is already 2-0 with victories over UConn and South Carolina State. FAU lost to Oklahoma, before then bouncing back with wins over Air Force and Bethune-Cookman.

The teams: The Owls do indeed come in off the 49-28 win over Bethune-Cookman, but they’ve had just five days off. Clearly the visitors are at a major disadvantage from a fitness and mental stand-point this week already. Devin Singletary was a standout in the latest victory with a school-record five rushing TD’s.

The Knights have 612 yards on the ground through two games and 606 through the air. Seven different players have gained at least 68 yards, led by Adrian Killins Jr., who has 127 yards and three TD’s. QB McKenzie Milton is so far 45 of 71 for 589 yards, six TD’s and three INT’s.

The pick: Take it for what you will, but FAU is just 3-9 ATS in its last 12 as an underdog, while UCF is 12-7 ATS in its last 19 as a favorite. I think the “fresher” home side puts the foot on the gas from start to finish. Lay the points and expect a blowout.

The set-up: Missouri comes in as the more complacent team here as it’s won two straight to open the season, most recently a 40-13 destruction of Wyoming at home last weekend. Conversely, it’s going to be all hands on deck for Purdue which has lost two in a row, most recently a shocking 20-19 setback to EMU last Saturday.

The teams: Missouri is so far averaging 396 yards per game in the early going, but it faces a stiff test today. The offense has put up 45.5 PPG, while the defense has allowed only 13.5. QB Drew Lock had 687 yards, eight TD’s and no INT’s.

Purdue is ranked 89th in the country in passing offense with an average of 202.5 YPG. 24th in rushing offense though with 271.5 YPG. So far the combination of David Blough and Elijah Sindelar has come up short under center, but I think that changes this weekend. The offense is averaging just 23 PPG right now, but the defense is giving up only 25.5.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Missouri is just 4-6 ATS in its last ten on the road and only 2-5 ATS in its last seven games played on a grass field, while Purdue is 3-1 ATS in its last four as an underdog in the 3.5 to ten points range. An outright upset? Possibly. Purdue is without question the “hungrier” team and I think this game will be decided by whichever side has its hands on the ball last. Grab the points, play on Purdue.

The set-up: This is a classic “David vs. Goliath” match-up. However in this version, I believe Goliath will pound David through the field turf! Oregon comes in off back-to-back blowout victories and I fully expect that trend to carry over here for one more game. San Jose State on the other hand was shutout in a loss to Washington State last weekend.

The teams: The Spartans put up 38 points in a loss to FCS UC Davis and then got killed by Washington State. Overall San Jose State has a total of 109 yards of offense over the first two games, with 100 of those coming through the air.

So far Oregon has outscored its opponents by 31 points to open the year, as QB Justin Herbert has completed nearly 64 percent of his passes for 531 yards, nine TD’s and two INT’s. The ground attack has been solid as well and it looks poised for a massive game here against SJSU’s pathetic defense.

The pick: The Spartans though have been particularly horrible against the pass, giving up an average of 433 yards per game through the air to this point. Take it for what you will as well, but Oregon is 35-17-1 ATS in its last 53 after allowing less than 20 points in its previous contest, while San Jose State is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine on the road. I don’t think SJSU will score a point. Lay the points.

The set-up: Of course I’m not calling for an outright upset, but I do think that the stage is set for the Badgers to come in a tiny bit complacent here and I expect them to get caught “looking past” their lowly opponent. Wisconsin has won two in a row, most recently hammering New Mexico 45-14, while BYU comes in off a slim 21-18 home setback to Cal. Not surprisingly this is a “revenge” game after Wisconsin smashed BYU 40-6 on the road last year.

The teams: BYU QB Tanner Mangum was 22 of 41 for 196 yards and two INT’s last week. So far he has a 2:2 TD/INT over two games. Over the first two games the offense is averaging 23 points. The defense though has looked pretty good, last week it gave up 386 total yards. Over the first two games the Cougars are allowing 22 points.

Wisconsin QB Alex Hornibrook has a 3:1 TD/INT after two games, after throwing 25 TD passes last season. RB Jonathan Taylor had 253 rushing yards, but he’ll be up against a decent BYU rush defense this week. The defense was a strength of the team last year and it will be again this season as well. However note that the unit did lose eight starters from last year’s squad.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but BYU is still 7-5 ATS in its last 12 as an underdog and 8-3 ATS in its last 11 on the road, while Wisconsin is just 7-8 ATS in its last 15 at home and only 5-6 ATS in its last 11 non-conference contests. Grab the points, play on BYU.

The set-up: I think Minnesota comes in complacent here after two straight wins, most recently a 21-14 victory at home over Fresno State. Miami Ohio on the other hand is looking to atone after a 21-0 “dud” loss to Cincinnati.

The teams: Redhawks’ QB Gus Ragland had 357 yards passing in Week 1’s loss to Marshall, but he was just 22 of 41 for 139 in last week’s loss. WR James Gardner has been a bright spot early with 142 yards over the first two games. Miami Ohio has looked decent defensively in the early going as well, last week limiting Cincinnati to just 233 total yards. Note that he pass defense was ranked 41st last season.

Last week the Golden Gophers limited Fresno State to 299 total yards. QB Zack Annexstad had 175 yards in the win. But the victory came at a major cost, as note that star RB Rodney Smith was lost for the season with a knee injury. He is arguably the best player on the team and it’s a major blow to the team’s psyche.

The pick: With a game at 2-0 Maryland next week, I think this does indeed set up as a classic “trap” game for the Golden Gophers. No outright, but closer than expected. Grab the points.

The set-up: This is the first time these teams have played since 2012, however they’re separated by just two hours by bus. Temple is 0-2 after losing to FCS Villanova and then Buffalo, while Maryland comes in complacent at 2-0 after upsetting Texas 34-29, before then smashing Bowling Green 45-14. I am not predicting an outright upset, but I do think the Terps “look past” their lowly opponent today.

The teams: Last year the Owls had the top ranked pass defense in the AAC and the unit returned many starters, including Shaun Bradely (85 tackles) and Delvon Randall this season. So far the defense has been a disappointment, but the talent is certainly there to make a bounce back. Last week the offense posted 240 yards, with QB Frank Nutile posting three TD’s and two INT’s. RB Ryquell Armstead had 107 yards on 14 carries.

Maryland was down 14-10 to the Green Falcons at half time last week, but it would outscore Bowling Green 35-0 in the second half. The Terps rushed for 444 yards. QB Kasim Hill was a disappointment though, going 8 of 16 for 121 yards and a TD. The Terps have looked solid defensively in the early going and vs. very weak competition, but don’t forget that they were last or near the bottom of the Big 10 in every defensive statistical category last year.

The pick: Take it for what you will, but Temple is still 10-2 ATS in its last 12 on the road and 8-3 ATS in its last 11 as an underdog, while Maryland is just 5-7 ATS in its last 12 as a favorite and only 5-7 ATS in its last 12 at home. Grab the points, play on the Owls.

The set-up: Two teams hungry for a victory collide on Saturday afternoon and in my opinion, points are going to be at a premium.

The teams: Hawaii is already 3-0 with wins over Rice, Navy and Colorado State. The Warriors have defied the odds to this point, most recently smashing Rice 43-29 as a 17 point favorite this past weekend. QB Cole McDonald was 22 of 33 for 319 yards and four TD’s last week, but I think Hawaii finally stumbles here against the Black Knights opportunistic defense and in this difficult road venue.

Army is 1-1 after losing to Duke its opener, before then bouncing back with a victory over Liberty. The Black Knights rushed for 449 yards last week and they’ll be looking to duplicate that performance here. The last thing Army wants to do is get into a “track meet” with the high-flying Warriors, so expect the home side offense to try and maintain possession for as long as possible, whenever possible.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Hawaii has seen the total go “under” the number in five of its last eight as an underdog in the 3.5 to ten points range, while Army has seen the total go “under” in interestingly seven of its last ten games played in the month of September. This number is a little high, play the “under.”

The set-up: The home side will be eager to return to form here after a tough setback at Navy last weekend, eventually succumbing 22-21. Georgia State will be out to score an upset here and to atone for a lacklustre 41-7 loss to NC State last Saturday. This is the first ever meeting between the schools and I think each is going to be a wide open affair.

The teams: Georgia State scored the first TD of the game last week, but then it was shut down and outscored by 41 points the rest of the way. QB Dan Ellington threw for 194 yards. In his team’s season opening win over Kennesaw State he threw for 187 yards. But the Panthers defense is atrocious in the early going, most recently allowing the Wolfpack to throw for 426 yards. In fact the secondary returns just one starter.

Memphis smashed FCS Mercer 66-14, but it couldn’t hold on to a 21-9 lead over the Black Knights last week. Darrell Henderson had three TD runs, including 78 yard and 59 yard scampers. QB Brady White was 15 of 25 for 145 yards. The defense gave up 264 total yards. Last year the defense was a weak point, ranked 117th in the nation.

The pick: The Tigers were particularly poor against the pass last year as well, ranked 122nd by allowing 282.1 YPG. Memphis didn’t have to worry about Army passing, but it’s going to have its hands full today with a Panthers team looking to air it out early and often. This one just screams “shootout.” Play the “over.”

The set-up: Both teams come in at 2-0. The Golden Eagles though play with revenge and they have a deeper overall team this season. I think that’s going to be more than enough to propel the visitors to a victory tonight.

The teams: BC smashed Holy Cross 62-14 last weekend. QB Anthony Brown only had to play one quarter. In Week 1 he had four TD’s against UMass. Wake Forest’s weakness on defense is against the pass, which clearly doesn’t bode well for the Demon Deacons tonight. RB AJ Dillon had 149 rushing yards last week. The defense limited Holy Cross to just 194 total yards.

Wake Forest cruised to a 51-20 home win over Towson last week. QB Sam Hartman had two TD’s and 242 passing yards las week. He also has three INT’s early in the season though. RB Cade Carney had a big game with 130 rushing yards. The Demon Deacons looked sharp defensively against the lowly Tigers, holding them to just 65 rushing yards.

The pick: Take it for what you will though, but the Demon Deacons are 0-4 ATS in their last four after allowing 280 or more passing yards in their previous game (note that Wake was 124th in the country in defending the pass last year and it just let Towson throw for over 300!), while the Eagles are 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven conference games. I look for BC QB Brown to have a very productive game here. Lay the points.

The set-up: The UTEP Miners come in off a 30-10 home loss to Northern Arizona, while UNLV fell 43-21 to USC last week. No outright upset here, but I think the visitors can keep it interesting late. The teams: Last week the Miners only managed 229 yards. Kai Locksley had 120 yards passing on 26 attempts. Last year UTEP had the nation’s worst offense, but it’s expected to take a few steps forward this season with many starters returning. The defense was solid, allowing 318 total yards, including just three yards per rush average.  UNLV’s Armani Rogers was just 12 of 27 for 97 yards last week, but he did have two TD passes, while also rushing for 82 yards. RB Lexington Thomas was a bright spot with 136 yards on 14 carries. Last year the offense averaged 28.8 points. The UNLV defense fell apart late last week, after allowing 31.8 PPG last year.  The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but UNLV is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following an ATS win. UTEP’s improved and with nothing to lose here, I look for it to indeed put up a bit of a fight. Grab the points.

The set-up: Texas comes in off an inexplicable loss at home to Maryland it’ll be risking life and limb today to get back on track. Thankfully for the ‘Horns, The Golden Hurricane come to town. Everything points to a lop-sided blowout in this one.

The teams: Tulsa nearly fell to FCS school Central Arkansas last Saturday, needing a fourth quarter come from behind effort to beat the Bears 38-27. QB Luke Skipper was 15 of 24 for 196 yards and two TD’s. The last time the Golden Hurricane faced a Big 12 team it didn’t go too well though, falling 59-26 at No. 10 Oklahoma State last season.

Texas’ late rally fell short last week. QB Same Ehlinger had 263 yards and two TD’s. He also had two INT’s. It was an all around uncharacteristically sloppy game for the Longhorns, also suffering ten penalties for 102 yards.

The pick: I think it’s impossible for Texas to play that horribly again though. I’l point out at as well that Texas has not opened 0-2 since 1992. Look for the ‘Horns to settle down at home and to take advantage of this suspect Golden Hurricanes’ defense. Lay the points.

The set-up: Maryland comes in off a big win over No. 23 Texas from Landover last weekend and I think it’ll suffer a predictable letdown here. Well, enough of one anyways for the hungry Bowling Green Falcons to comfortably cover with the healthy spread they’ve been afforded.

The teams: Maryland QB Kasim Hill was 17 of 29 for 222 yards and one TD. RB Jeshaun Jones had a TD, threw a TD pass and also caught a TD pass. Defensively though the Terps were a bit of a disappointment, allowing 405 yards total, including 263 yards through the air.

Bowling Green fell 58-24 at Oregon last week. Last year the Green Falcons were just 2-10 overall and 2-6 in the MAC. QB Jarret Doege was 22 of 38 for 253 yards, three TD’s and two INT’s. The Falcons looked good early, but then they fell apart in the second half. Note that the running game did produce 155 yards.

The pick: The Green Falcons actually return seven starters on the defensive side and now that they’ve gotten the high-flying Ducks out of the way, I think the unit will have an opportunity against the Terps aggressive offense (which I stated off the top will suffer a letdown after last week’s big road upset.) I’m not calling for the outright win, but I’m definitely expecting a “war.” Grab the points.

The set-up: Appalachian State comes in off a heart-breaking 45-38 OT loss at No. 10 Penn State last weekend and I think it’s going to suffer a predictable letdown here. Well, enough of one anyways for Charlotte to comfortably cover with this healthy spread. The 49ers come in off a 34-10 win over Fordham.

The teams: App State had a 451-434 total yardage edge in last week’s loss, as QB Zac Thomas was 25 of 38 for 270 yards, two TD’s and an INT, while also running for 43 yards and another score. Jalin Moore led the ground attack with 88 yards and a score.

Charlotte held a 488-287 yard advantage last week over Fordham, as QB Chris Reynolds went 13 of 20 for 267 yards and a score. Benny LeMay had 25 carries for 135 yards and two TD’s. LeMay also had three catches for 83 yards.

The pick: Appalachian State laid everything it had on the line and it still wasn’t enough against Penn State last week. I think the Mountaineers come in dejected, while the 49ers can only come in encouraged. In a much closer than expected battle, I’m grabbing the points.

The set-up: Georgia has won three straight in this series and I think the Bulldogs are going to once again pull away big on Saturday afternoon.

The teams: Georgia opened the season with a 45-0 win over FCS Austin Peay. QB Jake Fromm was 12 of 16 for 157 yards and two TD’s. Fromm only played half the game before making room for his backups. In all Georgia would post 508 yards of offense and nine different players had at least one carry, while another 11 had at least one caught pass. The defense was a strength last year and while the Week 1 win can’t be considered a true test, the unit still looked sharp in allowing just 152 yards of total offense to the Governors.

The Gamecocks were held to under 20 points in four of their eight SEC games last year. In Week 1 South Carolina looked pretty good though in its 49-15 thrashing of Coastal Carolina. Jake Bentley was 22 of 29 for 250 yards and four TD’s, while RB Rico Dowle had 105 yards on 15 carries.

The pick: Fromm had 196 yards and two TD’s in last year’s 24-10 win over South Carolina, while the defense had two INT’s. Bentley was 21 of 35 for 227 yards, a TD and two INT’s in the loss. the Gamecocks’ only victory in 12 road games against Top 5 teams dating back to the mid 90’s occurred on October 26th, 2013. I think the Bulldogs’ smothering defense proves to be too much for South Carolina in the end. Lay the points.

The set-up: I’m of course not calling for an outright upset, but after Ohio State’s 77-31 throttling of Oregon State in Week 1, I think the Buckeyes come in a bit complacent in this Week 2 “cream puff,” leaving the back door open just wide enough for the Scarlet Knights to sneak in through down the stretch.

The teams: Rutgers comes in off a 35-7 win over Texas State. QB Artur Sitkowski was a bit shaky with three INT’s, but he’d also go 20 of 30 for 205 yards and a TD. The Scarlet Knights will clearly have their hands full defensively today, but the unit looked pretty good in Week 1 anyways.

Ohio State was playing under interim Ryan Day last week and it would still go on to post 721 yards of offense. QB Dwayne Haskins was 22 of 30 for 313 yards and five TD’s, while also running for 24 yards and two more TD’s.

The pick: Clearly Ohio State is on an entirely different level than Rutgers, but the Scarlet Knights are without question improved from last season’s team and they won’t be going down without a fight this afternoon. With an interesting game at TCU next weekend, I think Ohio State gets caught looking past its lowly opponent. Grab the points, play on Rutgers.

The set-up:Liberty is on the road after collecting its first FBS win in a 52-10 blow-out victory over Old Dominion last Saturday. Army though comes in “hungrier” after it fell 34-14 at Duke last Friday.

The teams: The Liberty Flames had a 595-301 yards advantage over ODU, with Stephen Calvert going 25 of 36 for 345 yards and four TD’s. Ketory Matthews had 101 yards on the ground and a TD as well.

Army was only out gained 381-365 in its Week 1 setback. Also note that it had a hefty 36:06 to 23:54 in time possession. QB Kelvin Hopkins Jr. was 10 of 21 for 197 yards and a score, while Calen Holt had 54 yards on seven carries.

The pick: Beating ODU is one thing, but beating a hungry Army team at home is quite another. Last year the Golden Knights had their best season in a decade behind one of the nation’s leading run games. Until Liberty can prove it can hang with some of the more respected schools, you have to love Army to bounce back in friendly confines. And in a big way! Lay the points.

The set-up: It’s an important ACC match-up on Monday night between the No. 20 VT Hokies and the No. 19 FSU Seminoles.

The teams: Virginia Tech was 9-4 last year and 5-3 in in league play, which was then followed by a 30-21 loss to OK State in the Camping World Bowl. Last year the Hokies averaged 28.2 PPG and allowed just 14.8. While duplicating those suffocating defensive numbers will be difficult with many of those key players gone, the pieces are still in place for another productive campaign on that side of the ball. Josh Jackson is the man under center and he finished with a 20/9 TD/INT and had 324 rushing yards as well.

Florida State went 7-6 last year and 3-5 in ACC play, followed by a loss to Southern Mississippi in the Independence Bowl. The Seminoles averaged 27.8 PPG last year and they allowed 21.2. The defense was a strength last season and it will be again this year as well with many of the starters returning. Deondre Francois is the starting QB and he missed most of last season with injury.

The pick: Francois though had a 20/8 TD:INT in 2016 and he comes in with a ton of experience. Take it for what you will as well, but VT is just 2-4 ATS in its last six as an underdog. I think FSU is the more complete team through all three phases, as questions do remain about VT’s defense. Lay the points.

The set-up: This is the lone game on Sunday night and for a number of different reasons, I think that points will be at a premium. Note that this is being played at a neutral field, at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

The teams: Miami Florida was 10-3 last year, including 7-2 in the ACC, followed by a setback to Wisconsin in the Orange Bowl. The Hurricanes return QB Malik Rosier, who had 3,120 passing yards and a 26:14 TD/INT along with 468 rushing yards. Miami averaged 29.1 PPG and it allowed just 21.

LSU was 9-4 last year and 6-2 in SEC play, which was followed by a loss to Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl. The Tigers have a big void to fill this season with QB Danny Etling gone. Myles Brennan and Joe Burrow will be duking it for the No. 1 spot. LSU averaged 27.2 PPG last year, but I think it’ll struggle to match that pace early. The defense was a strength (giving up only 18.9 PPG) and it will be again this year as well.

The pick: These teams both have question marks on offense coming into the season, but each looks ready to build off an impressive defensive campaign with an even better performance this year. This number is a little high, play the “under.”

The set-up: This is a neutral site affair and I think points will be at a premium. Louisville was 8-5 last year and it lost 31-27 to Mississippi State in the TaxSalyer Bowl, while Alabama went 13-1 and won the College Football Championship with a 26-23 OT win over Georgia.

The teams: The Cardinals were 8-5 last year and only 4-4 in the ACC. Heisman QB Lamar Jackson is gone and there’s also a new defensive coordinator in Brian VanGorder. Louisville was 11th in the FBS in scoring last season, but that was with Jackson. The defense was in the middle though by allowing 27.4 PPG and it will be again this year as well. Jawon Pass is now the main man under center, he has 238 yards and two TD’s for his career. The run game focuses around Dae Williams and Trey Smith.

Alabama averaged 37.1 PPG and it allowed just 11.9. Note that seven different time the Tide would hold an opponent to just single digits. Jalen Hurts had 2,081 yards, 17 TD’s, as well as 855 rushing yards and eight more TD’s.

The pick: I think the defending champs control this one on both sides of the ball as the Tide look to roll to another National Championship. This one has “chess match,” written all over it. Play the “under.”

The set-up: While I obviously don’t think the Bowling Green Falcons will win this one outright, I do think that Oregon will come out a bit flat against its lowly opponent.

The teams: The Green Falcons went 2-10 in 2017, but experience at the skill positions should see Bowling Green inch closer to .500 this year. Jarret Doege is back as QB, he had 1,381 yards, 12 TD’s and just three INT’s after taking over half way through. Andrew Clair returns as the top RB, he had a respectable 725 and a 6.8 yards per carry average. The defense was a weak point last year and will be again this season, however it should be a lot better with many starters returning, including Brandon Harris, who had 92 tackles.

The Ducks have a Heisman hopeful in QB Justin Hebert, who had 1,983 yards and 15 TD’s and in eight games last year. Oregon has a ton of depth at RB, but filling the void of 5,600 rusher Royce Freeman obviously won’t be easy. Tony Brooks-James had 498 yard rushing last year. Oregon has question marks in the receiving game. It also has five projected defensive starters as sophomores.

The pick: With nothing to lose, I think an improved Bowling Green team can keep this one interesting. Or at least somewhat competitive until late in the third. Either way, grab all these points, play on the Falcons.

The pick: Take it for what you will, but the Bruins are a terrible 1-8 ATS in their last nine non-conference games as well. Cincinnati has a very real shot at posting an outright upset against the “rudder-less” Bruins, but I will in the end recommend grabbing the points.

The set-up: Jeremy Pruitt is the new head coach of the Tennessee Vols and he’ll have his hands full right out of the gate with WVU up first. Note that this is a neutral site game at Charlotte and this is the first time ever that the programs have battled each other.

The teams: The Mountaineers finished the 2017 season with a 7-5 record. WVU will be led by Will Grier under center, as he returns for his senior season.

The Vols are coming off a 4-8 season. QB Keller Chryst is going to be leaned upon heavily here to bring stability to the offense. Tennessee also picked up RB’s Chance Hall and Trey Smith, who should keep opposing defenses honest. Receiver Jauan Jennings is a difference maker and I think he’ll get his opportunities against WVU. Jennings will be out to prove himself after he broke his wrist in the 2017 season opener.

The pick: This is a very early release. As game time approaches, I plan to update my analysis. However, I do indeed believe that the stage is set for a competitive affair. WVU knows how to put points on the board, but its defense was its achilles heel last year. The Mountaineers may even be caught “looking past” their lowly opponent to its difficult upcoming schedule and in this neutral site affair. While I’ll stop short in calling for the outright upset, I’m banking on a tighter than expected battle. Grab the points, play on the Vols.

The set-up: It’s the Pac-12 and Big Ten on Saturday afternoon. Oregon State was just 1-11 last year, while Ohio State went 12-2. The Buckeyes would go on to beat USC 24-7 in the Cotton Bowl and I believe the tooth-less Beavers will have difficulty moving the sticks this afternoon as well.

The teams: Last year Oregon State put up just 20.7 PPG, while allowing 43. QB Jake Luton had 853 yards, four TD’s and four INT’s. Artavis Pierce was the standout on the ground with 323 yards and a TD.

The Buckeyes beat Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game and then smoked USC in the Cotton Bowl. Seven starters return to an offense which averaged 41.1 points. The defense was ranked 15th overall, allowing only 19 PPG. QB Dwayne Haskins had 565 yards and four TD’s.

The pick: Oregon State hasn’t had a winning season since 2013 and the Beavers are going to have their hands full again in 2018/19. Ohio State will look to control this one while on offense with its devastating ground attack, while also shutting the Beavers down from start to finish. This number is a little high, play the “under.”

The set-up: I’m expecting a blowout here. The Longhorns went just 7-6 last year, but they return 14 players. Maryland has off-season issues to deal with, including the tragic death of right guard Jordan McNair due to heat stroke in June during drills. With the Terps’ minds on “other” things right now, look for Texas to break this one wide open.

The teams: Texas starts QB Sam Ehlinger, who is 6’ 3” 240 LBS. Last year he had 1,915 yards, 11 TD’s and seven picks while also running for 385 yards and two more scores. Overall Texas averaged 29.5 PPG and the defense made massive strides last season by allowing only 21.2 PPG. Overall the ‘Horns ranked second in the Big 12 and eighth in the country in rush defense. Many defensive starters return and the unit will clearly be a strength of the team this year as well.

With the death of McNair, the entire coaching staff had to be let go in the wake of the scandal for the poor Terps. Maryland was 4-8 overall last year and finished near the bottom of every category both offensively and defensively (allowed 37 PPG.)

The pick: Texas will have plenty of fans from Landover and I think the ‘Horns can smell the blood in the water. Lay the points and expect a rout.

The set-up: The Conf. USA is on the road to take on the Big 12, as the FAU Owls are big underdogs against the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday afternoon. Both teams come off big 2018’s, as FAU was 11-3, while Oklahoma went 12-2 and it lost to Georgia 54-48 in the Rose Bowl.

The teams: FAU had a great year in Lane Kiffin’s first year as coach. But even more so than the Sooners today, the Owls have a major transition period upcoming after QB Jason Driskel moved on. That means that De’Andre Johnson, Chris Robinson or Rafe Peavey will all see time under center. The rest of the offense remains loaded in talent.

Baker Mayfield is gone for the Sooners, meaning that Kyler Murray (18 of 21 for 359 yards, three TD’s and 142 rushing yards last year) becomes the “main man.” The defense was a strength last season for Oklahoma, allowing 27.1 points and it should only be better this year with many key pieces returning.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Oklahoma is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 at home and 4-1 ATS in its last five non-conference games, while FAU is a poor 0-8 ATS in its last eight against the Big 12 Conference. No Mayfield, ho problem! Look for the Sooners’ wealth of depth be just too much for the Owls to handle on opening weekend. Lay the points.

The set-up: It’s the Mountain West Conference on the road to East Lansing, Michigan to take on the Spartans. Note that this is the first ever meeting between the schools. Last year Utah State was 6-7, while Michigan State went 10-3.

The teams: Utah State finished with a losing record, but it was enough for a Bowl spot (lost 26-20 to New Mexico State in the Arizona Bowl.) Note though that the Aggies return 52 of 67 lettermen back, including nine starters on each side of the ball. Utah State averaged 30.2 PPG last season with Jordan Love going for 1,631 yards, eight TD’s and six INT’s. The defense was a weak point, but seven of the unit’s top eight tacklers return and their linebacking corp rates as second best in the Conference. In the end the defense allowed 26.9 PPG.

The Spartans averaged 24.5 PPG and allowed 20.0. QB Brian Lewerke is back and he had 2,793 yards with 20 TD’s and seven INT’s. Michigan State also returns its top three receivers. Last season the secondary was ranked 7th in the country and the defense will be a strength this year as well.

The pick: I think this sets up as a bit of a trap for Michigan State though. The Aggies come in under the radar and their high-octane offense, combined with their experienced defensive unit makes the visitors the correct call here. Grab the points.

The set-up: This is the fourth straight season that these teams have met. Duke finished over .500 last year and it’s going to expect an even bigger step this season. Army comes in off one of its best campaigns of all time, which included a victory over Navy in the annual Army/Navy game. Regression does seem imminent though for a unit which has seen a lot of turnover.

The teams: Army also got the better of SDSU in the Armed Forces Bowl and finished 10-3 overall. Offensive leader Ahmad Bradshaw is gone though, meaning that Kelvin Hopkins will be leaned upon. Andy Davidson and Darnell Woolfolk are back and they combined for 1,439 rushing yards and 19 TD’s. Overall the defense ranked 32nd and the unit will once again be the strength of the team this season.

Duke is led by QB Daniel Jones, who had 14 TD’s and 11 picks last year (both worse than when he was a freshman). You’ll also want to keep your eyes on WR TJ Rahming, who had 65 snags for 800 yards last season.

The pick: Both teams have key playmakers on both sides of the ball to replace this year. Opening up the season on the road against a Power Five opponent is tough though and I think Army will stumble in its first test. Lay the points and expect a blowout.

The set-up: This is a match-up of the AAC’s East Division and while I’m clearly not going to call for an outright upset, I do definitely think that the Huskies can keep this one competitive.

The teams: UCF was 13-0 last year, finishing with a 34-27 victory over Auburn in the Peach Bowl. McKenzie Milton is back under center for the Knights this year, he had 4,037 yards and 37 TD’s last season. The ground game is also strong with Adrian Killins Jr. and Dredrick Snelson.

UConn was 3-9 last year, it’s seventh straight losing season. Randy Edsall has taken over as head coach and he’ll be looking for a much better showing in 2018/19 (obviously). David Pindell is now the man under center, last year he had 937 yards, four TD’s, six INT’s and 289 rushing yards with another four rushing TD’s. RB Nate Hopkins had 343 yards and seven TD’s.

The pick: Not surprisingly, this is a revenge game for the Huskies, who have lost two in a row in the series, including a 49-24 road setback last November. UConn though returns several starters on each line and I think that’s going to make a big difference in the early going. UCF has a favorable 2018/19 schedule, with another “cream puff” in Week 2 against South Carolina State. I ultimately believe that UCF comes out a bit complacent, leaving the back door open just wide enough for the hungry Huskies to sneak in through down the stretch. Grab the points.

The set-up: The SEC has been CFB's unquestioned top conference for some time now and it's only fitting that the 2017 SEC champion Georgia Bulldogs will square off in this year's CFP national championship game against their SEC rivals, the Alabama Crimson Tide. The winner will claim the national title for the ninth time in the past 12 seasons for the SEC. That said, the Bulldogs will be looking to win their first national title since the Herschel Walker-led team won the 1980 crown, while the Crimson Tide are striving for their fifth during Nick Saban's amazing 11-season tenure at Alabama. The Georgia Bulldogs are coming off a 54-48 double-overtime victory over the Oklahoma Sooners (arguably the best and most exciting game of the 2017 season, to-date), while Alabama left no doubt that it was fully deserving of being included in this year's 'Final 4' (despite not even winning the SEC West), by completely dominating No. 1 Clemson 24-6.

Georgia: The Bulldogs fell behind Oklahoma 31-14 but then scored the game's next 24 points to take a 38-31 lead. Oklahoma re-took the lead 45-38 but Georgia sent the game to OT tied at 45-all. After exchanging FGs in the first OT, Georgia blocked Oklahoma's FG attempt in the second OT and clinched a spot in the title game on Sony Michel's 27-yard TD run. Michel ran for 181 yards (16.5 YPC and 3 TDs) while Nick Chubb ran for 145 yards (10.4 YPC & 2 TDs). Georgia's freshman QB Jake Fromm has been seen a possible weak link for Georgia but he was 20-29 for 210 yards (2 TDs / 0 INTs) against Oklahoma, after going 16 of 22 for 183 yards (2 TDs & 0 INTs in the SEC title game vs. Auburn. No defense is capable of stopping Oklahoma's offense (Georgia allowed 48 points and over 500 yards) but note that Georgia entered the Rose Bowl matchup allowing just 13.2 PPG on 270.9 YPG.

Alabama: Speaking of defense, how about 'Bama's? The Crimson Tide stepped up last week and looked like the Alabama Crimson Tide of old, playing physical, nasty defense and doing just enough offensively to pull away. Make no mistake about it. Alabama won that game with its defense, giving the offense a short field with an interception and then getting a pick six. Alabama entered its game with Clemson allowing an FBS-low 11.5 PPG on 258.9 YPG and held Clemson to 188 totals yards (64 rushing yards) and six points. BTW, Clemson came in averaging 35.4 PPG and almost 450 YPG , including 244.1 YPG on the ground. Jalen Hurts continues to be under appreciated, but while he threw for just 120 yards he had two TD passes and did not throw an INT in 24 attempts. Hurts has passed for more than 200 yards in only two games this season but the Tide scored 37.9 PPG, and a multi-headed rushing attack ranks 10th nationally led by slashing RB Damien Harris (983 YR & 7.6 YPC / 11 TDs) and slamming 235-lb. Bob Scarbrough 573 YR / 4.8 YPC & 8 TDs). Plus, the elusive Hurts added another 808 YR (5.5 YPC & 8 TDs). Hurts is more feared as a runner but has 17 touchdown passes against just one interception (248 attempts) and enters this contest 27-2 as a starting QB.

The pick: Nick Saban will meet his former DC in Georgia's Kirby Smart, who is adamant that it doesn't give him crucial insights to the methods of the Crimson Tide. "There's not a lot of tendencies that he has that are just going to be ground-breaking to allow us a benefit," Smart said during a press conference. "The bottom line is our players got to go out and we've got to play a really good football game to stay with these guys." Saban also downplayed the situation, saying "I don't think the game is about the coaches. I think it's about the players." Aabama leads the nation in rushing defense at 92.8 YPG and will receive a big test from Georgia's senior duo of Nick Chubb (1,320 yards) and Sony Michel (1,129) bu that's what we thought against Clemson's running game, too. Athens may be in the same state as Atlanta but don't think this venue creates an edge for Georgia. The Crimson Tide are 6-0 in the Georgia capital overall since 2014. "We treat Atlanta like it's our home," Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson said. "We win a lot of games there." Should I close with the fact that Saban is 11-0 SU in his career vs. his former assistant coaches? Maybe, but instead, I expect to see a score closer to the Rose Bowl final than to what we saw in the Sugar Bowl. This total is TOO low. Make the Over a 10* play.

The set-up: I must admit that I was more than a little surprised that there was so much suspense surrounding the CFP Selection Show back on Dec. 3. Clemson, Oklahoma and Georgia were 'locks,' and everyone knew that. The drama revolved around "Who was No. 4?" Was anyone really all that surprised that the committee chose Alabama, which set up a 'rubber match' contest with Clemson? The Tide and Tigers have met in the lat two championship games, Alabama winning the first 45-40 and Clemson winning the rematch, 35-31. As for Ohio State, not only did the Buckeyes have two losses to the Crimson Tide's one but Ohio State's two losses came at home to Oklahoma (31-16) and at Iowa, 55-24. Then there was the fact that Clemson had embarrassed Ohio State in last year's semifinal game, 31-0. Choosing Alabama over Ohio State to set up Clemson/Alabama III, seemed like a "no-brainer" to me.

Alabama:The Tide opened as the nation's No. 1 team in both preseason polls and stayed there until their loss at Auburn in the team's regular season finale. Alabama relies on an outstanding running game (265.3 YPG ranks 9th) and a dual-threat QB Jalen Hurts (2.005 passing yards with a 15-1 ratio plus 768 YR on 5.6 YPC with 8 TDs) to average 39.1 PPG (11th). Combine that with a defense which allows an FBS-low 11.5 PPG on 258.9 YPG (2nd-best) and it should come as no surprise that Alabama has become a "regular" in the CFP's 'Final 4.' However, Hurts' passing issues popped up again when he went 12-of-22 for 112 yards in the loss to Auburn,.

Clemson: The Tigers have great offensive balance, averaging 244.1 YPG through the air (52nd) and 244.1 YPG on the ground (32nd). That adds up to an offense averaging 35.4 PPG (21st). QB Kelly Bryant is no Deshaun Watson (few are) but he was accurate (67.4%) and productive this season, as he threw for 2,678 yards with 13 TDs and six INTs. Bryant added 646 RY with 11 TDs, helping Etienne (744 YR / 7.2 YPC / 13 TDs) and Feaster (659 YR / 6.4 YPC / 7 TDs) give Clemson a strong rushing attack which ranks 32nd (205.1 YPG). Like Alabama, Clemson has a terrific ""stop unit!" Clemson ranks second (to only Alabama) in allowing 12.8 PPG and the Tigers rank fifth in total defense (277.9 YPG ranks 5th).

The pick: This game should be a "classic" bu then again, one never knows.I realize that Clemson's 'excuse' for losing at Syracuse was that Bryant got hurt during that game but c'mon, 4-8 Syracuse lost all five games after shocking the Tigers (as a 24-point home dog!), allowing 43.2 PPG. Think there is ANY way Alabama would/could lose to Syracuse? It's rare that Alabama comes into a game with a "chip on its shoulder" and with "something to prove." However, that is exactly the case here. I'm "all in" on the Tide. Make Alabama a 10* play.

The set-up: The first of two Jan. 1 CFP semifinal games will take place at the Rose Bowl, as the 12-1 and No.2 Oklahoma Sooners (champions of the Big 12) will take on the 12-1 and No.3 Georgia Bulldogs (champs of the SEC). Both schools went 8-1 in their respective conferences with Oklahoma dominating TCU 41-17 in the Big 12 title game (Sooners also beat the Horned Frogs 38-20 during the regular season), while Georgia avenged its lone regular season loss (40-17 at Auburn), with a easier than expected 28-7 victory over Auburn in the SEC title game.This is not a "traditional Rose Bowl (Big Ten vs. Pac 8, 10 or 12) but it is a meeting of two legendary football programs which will be meeting for the very first time!

Georgia: The Bulldogs feature one of CFB's best ground games, averaging 263.5 YPG (10th). Nick Chubb leads the team with 1,175 rushing yards (6.2 YPC) and 13 TDs, while Sony Michel added 948 rushing yards (7.2 YPC) and 13 TDs of his own. Freshman QB Jake Fromm remains a question mark, as Georgia ranks just 110th with its 170.1 YPG through the air. However, Fromm made few mistakes (five INTs in 230 attempts) and was excellent in the SEC title game, completing 16 of 22 for 183 yards with two TDs and zero INTs. Fromm leads an offense good enough to average 34.9 PPG (23rd). That Georgia D has been terrific, holding opponents to 19 points or less in all but two of the team's 13 games. Georgia will take on Oklahoma's explosive offense allowing an average of just 13.2 PPG (3rd) on 270.9 YPG

Oklahoma: Any discussion of Oklahoma begins with its offense, led by Heisman winner Baker Mayfield. He's thrown for 4,340 yards, while completing 71.0% with 41 TDs and just five INTs (in 369 attempts). Not a single receiver has topped 1,000 yards but 13 different players have caught a TD pass. That group is led by WRs Brown and Lamb plus TE Andrews. That trio has accounted for 21 TD catches. The ground game averages 215.9 YPG (27th) and 5.6 YPC. Anderson leads with 960 yards (5.9 YPC & 11 TDs) but Sermon (710 YR / 6.0 YPC) and Adams (542 YR / 9.2 YPC) are also dangerous. All together, Oklahoma enters averaging 583.3 YPG (tops in the nation) and 44.9 PPG (4th). There have been concerns all season about Oklahoma's defense (Sooners allow 25.0 PPG to rank 50th) but over the final four games of the season, Oklahoma has looked significantly better on the defensive side of the ball, allowing 17.8 PPG.

The pick: Both storied programs Both are playing in the “Grandaddy of Them All” for just the second time. Georgia is making its 21st consecutive (15-5 SU & 14-6 ATS), while it’s 19 in a row for Oklahoma (just 9-9 SU & 7-11 ATS). Not sure those stats mean much here. The Sooners have been a "team on a mission" since its 38-31 home upset loss to Iowa State in early October, capturing eight straight games and going 5-1 ATS its last six. Oklahoma has covered four in a row vs. SEC opponents, including bowl wins over Alabama (45-31 in the 2013 Sugar Bowl) and last year's 35-19 victory over Auburn in the Sugar Bowl. Make Oklahoma an 8* play.

The set-up: The Peach Bowl will be played Jan 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the site of the 2017 National Championship Game. It's quite a story that the UCF Knights, a school that went 0-12 in 2015, will take a 12-0 record into this contest with a chance for the school's first-ever undefeated campaign. UCF"s opponent will be SEC stalwart Auburn (10-3), that came within one win of becoming the first two-loss team to make the four-team CFP field. The Tigers ran out of gas against Georgia in the SEC championship game but still have a chance to win at least 11 games for the third time in the last eight.

Central Florida: UCF will try to complete its historiic season with the head coach that led this team to its remarkable two-year turnaround leaving for Nebraska right after the game. Scott Frost took over a UCF team that was winless in 2015 and turned them into a 12-0 team two years later. The pull to "come home" was too great for Frost to ignore but he will coach the Knights before moving on to his new job. "It’s gonna take us being together every step of the way,” UCF senior linebacker Shaquem Griffin told the Orlando Sentinel. “Ups and down, we’re gonna have to be able to stick it out. Auburn is an amazing team, but we’re an amazing team also.” Dual threat QB McKenzie Milton lead an offense averaging an FBS-high 49.4 PPG. Milton is completing 69.2% for 3,795 yards with 35 TDs and just nine INTs. He's the team's second-leading rusher with 497 yards on 5.3 YPC with seven TDs. Killins is the team's best RB (762 yards on 6.7 YPC with 10 TDs) and WR Smith has 54 catches while averaging 20.0 YPC with 13 TDs. With an offense generating 540.9 YPG (4th) and just under 50 PPG, the defense does not need to be great and that pretty much sums ups UCF's stop unit, which is allowing 25.2 ppg (52nd) on 428.5 YPG (94th).

Auburn:The Tgers lost early on 14-6 at Clemson and 27-23 at LSU but then made a great late-season run, including knocking off No. 1 Georgia and No. 1 Alabama in a three-game span. However, both the games were played in Auburn and after its emotional win over the Tide, the Tigers drew Georgia in a re-match but this time the game was played in Atlanta, a distinct advantage for the Bulldogs. Auburn just ran out of gas in the second half and Georgia pulled away for a 28-7 win. Auburn's had some time off to re-group and brings outstanding offensive balance into this game. The Tigers have run for 228.2 YPG (21st) and pass for 225.8 YPG, leading to an average of 34.4 PPG (25th). QB Jarrett Stidham is completing 66.7 percent of his passes for 2,827 yards with 17 TDs and only four interceptions. RB Kerryon Johnson leads the way with 1,320 yards rushing and 17 TDs. Defensively, Auburn is allowing 17.3 PPG (9th) on and 317.3 YPG (13th). Those numbers are even more impressive when one considers Auburn faced five ranked teams this season, including four games against team ranked in the top-six when they met!

The pick: Clearly, there is a huge difference in class in this game, SEC vs. AAC. However, let's note that the last time UCF came into a bowl of this magnitude riding a 'Cinderella-like season," was in 2013. That year , as 16 1/2-point underdogs, the Knights upset then-No. 6 Baylor 52-42 in the Fiesta Bowl.This year's UCF is better than the 2013 edition, so just maybe it's "deja vu all over again." I will note that Auburn is just 1-3 in bowl games underrMalzahn and that the Tigers, like those Baylor Bears in 2013, come as a top-10 team (No. 7). Make UCF an 8* play.

The set-up: The University of Phoenix Stadium is the setting for this year's Fiesta Bowl, featuring the 10-2 Washington Huskies and the 10-2 Penn State Nittany Lions. Each school was 7-2 in their respective conference schedules, the Huskies in the Pac-12 and the Nittany Lions in the Big Ten. Washington opened 6-0 but was then upset, losing to Arizona State on October 14. The Huskies won four of their last five games, including an Apple Cup rout of Washington State. Penn State began 7-0 but coughed up a big lead in losing 39-38 at Columbus to Ohio State, then lost the following week 27-24 at Michigan State. Penn State closed out with three straight wins, averaging 52.3 PPG.

Washington: The Huskies have an excellent QB in Jake Browning and a big-time RB in Myles Gaskin. Browning is completing 68.8% for 2,544 yards with 18 TDs and just five INTs. Gaskin (1,282 yards / 6.2 YPC / 19 TDs) leads a ground game averaging 189.8 YPG (38th). Washington will check in averaging 36.9 PPG (16th). Browning has seen a dip of nearly 900 yards and 25 TDs from his phenomenal 2016 campaign, but he is the school's all-time leader with 77 TD passes and is on the verge of becoming its second 9,000-yard career passer. Washington's defense is top-notch, allowing 14.5 PPG (5th) on 278.3 YPG (6th).

Penn State: RB Saquon Barkley was an early Heisman front-runner but he ended the regular season with 1,134 yards (5.7 YPC) and 16 TDs, while catching 47 passes for another 594 yards with three TDs. QB Trace McSorley led the Big Ten in passing (3,228 yards) and added 431 yards and 11 TDs on the ground to pace the nation's sixth-ranked scoring attack (41.6 PPG). The defense checks in allowing 15.5 PPG (7th) on 329.4 YPG (17th).

The pick: Penn State is 9th in the CFP rankings and returns to the area, if not the exact site, of one of its greatest bowl triumphs, the 14-10 victory over then-No. 1 Miami in the 1986 season. Penn State enjoyed a wonderful history in the Fiesta Bowl, going 6-0. Both teams had designs on a berth in the College Football Playoff (Washington for the second straight season) but both suffered two single-digit losses on the road, which was just enough to keep them on the outside looking in. While both teams owns outstanding defenses, expect the offenses to rule the day. Make the Over a 10* play.

The set-up: 7-5 Iowa State (5-4 in the Big 12) and 10-2 Memphis (7-1 in the AAC) will square off in this year's Liberty Bowl from Memphis, Tn. The Cyclones come in having lost three of their last four games but they own wins at Oklahoma (then-No. 3 in the AP poll) 38-31 and at home '14-7 over TCU (then No.4 in the AP poll). Memphis made it all the way to a second overtime in the most entertaining of all the conference championship games before falling 62-55 at UCF, the lone unbeaten team in FBS. The loss cost the Tigers a chance to go to a New Year's Six bowl.

Iowa State: Senior QB Kyle Kempt had thrown just two passes in his career before taking over for Jacob Park, who went on leave for undisclosed personal medical reasons. His first game was the upset of Oklahoma and he's thrown for 1,473 yards with 13 TDs and just three INTs, since. RB David Montgomery leads the Iowa State rushing attack with 1,094 yards (4.7 YPC) and 11 TDs. Iowa State averages 29.9 PPG (52nd) but has relied more on its defense, which comes in allowing 21.0 PPG (28th) on 368.4 YPG (45th). Iowa State managed to hang onto its head coach, as Matt Campbell (named the Big 12 Coach of the Year) signed a six-year extension worth a reported $3.5 million annually. Campbell's defense limited eight of its last 10 opponents to 20 or fewer points.

Memphis:The Tigers had a great run going with seven straight wins but fell in their last outing to UCF in two overtimes. In that one, Memphis QB Riley Ferguson put up 471 yards and four TDs with one INT but it wasn't enough. Ferguson has 3,971 passing yards with 36 TDs just nine INTs. RB Darrell Henderson is the top Memphis rusher with 1,161 yards (8.9 YPC with 9 TDs) and was supported by Taylor, who ran for 807 yards on 5.8 YPC with 13 TDs. WR Anthony Miller has 92 catches for 1407 yards (15.3 YPC) with 17 TDs. Memphis checks in averaging 47.7 PPG (2nd) on 548.2 YPG (4th).

The pick: Iowa State was "looking good" at 6-2 at the end of October but the Cyclones got off track in their last four games with only a win over Baylor in that time, while scoring 23 points or less three ttmes in that span. Sure, Memphis couldn't best nemesis UCF in two tries but the Tigers come in scoring at least 41 points in seven of their last eight games. Just in case you may not be aware, the Liberty Bowl is Memphis' home stadium. The Tigers enter 22-4 SU at this venue the last three seasons, including 7-0 tn 2017, while outscoring opponents 50.1-to-30.9 PPG. Make Memphis an 8* play.

The set-up: Louisville opened the season ranked No. 16 in the AP's preseason poll and were led by 2016's Heisman Trophy winner, QB Lamar Jackson. However, while Jackson actually improved on his 2016 season (more on that, later), Louisville, was only 4-3 following a 45-42 home upset loss to Boston College on Oct. 14. The Cardinals did finish strong though, winning four of their last five, including their last three. Louisville's opponent in the Taxslayer Bowl (Jacksonville, Fl.) is Mississippi State. The Bulldogs (23rd in the CFP rankings) also come in 8-4 but without two major pieces. QB Nick Fitzgerald was KO'd in the Egg Bowl vs. Ole Miss plus head coach Dan Mullen left to take the Florida job, taking several coaches with him. Running backs and special teams coach Greg Knox will serve as the interim coach, before former Penn State offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead takes over the program in 2018. The Cards are 'bowling' for the 8th straight time (4-3 ATS),  as are the Bulldogs, who are 5-2 SU in the postseason under former HC Dan Mullen.

Louisville: 2016 Heisman winner Lamar Jackson put up even more spectacular numbers this season. He passed for 3,489 yards and 25 touchdowns against just six interceptions in 2017. He ran for 1,443 yards (6.9 YPC) and 17 TDs. His completion percentage is up, his interceptions are down, and he is as dangerous of a threat as any player in college football. Jackson is blessed with a top-tier trio of WRs in Smith (53 catches / 16.5 YPC / 6 TDs) , Fitzpatrick (45 catches / 15.5 YPC / 9 TDs) and Dawkins (39 catches / 15.5 YPC / 4 TDs). With Jackson leading the way, Louisville ranked 13th in passing YPG (310.6) and 14th in rushing YPG (249.9), while heading into this game averaging 39.0 PPG (11th). The defense has had its issues, allowing 27.1 PPG (70th) on 386.8 YPG (61st).

Mississippi State: Fitzgerald was an excellent dual threat at QB, throwing for 1,782 yards with 15 TDs and 11 INTs plus was MSU's second-leading rusher (984 yards / YPC / 14 TDs). RB Aeris Williams became the Bulldogs' first 1,000-yard rusher (1,019 yards) at running back since Josh Robinson in 2014. Miss. State comes in averaging 32.1 PPG (39th) but with Fitzgerald out and most of its coaching staff gone, the Bulldogs' offense capabilities for this game are in question. The Bulldogs are a very good defensive team, allowing 20.4 PPG (25th) on 302.0 YPG (10th).

The pick: The Bulldogs went 69-46 under Mullen and it's always tough to predict how teams react to a coaching change before a bowl game. However, we know that Miss. St. will miss Fitzgerald. He was within striking distance of becoming the first player in SEC history with multiple seasons of 2,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards. Sure, freshman Keytaon Thompson amassed 316 total yards and two TDs in relief against Ole Miss but much of that production came after the Bulldogs fell into an 18-point hole after three quarters. Mississippi State is 4-0 all-time vs. Louisville but considering the most recent meeting came back in 1976, that record seems meaningless.The Bulldog “D” faced only one accomplished dual-threat QB, Alabama's Bama’s Jalen Hurts, and he amassed almost 300 yards. MSU's defense will be facing an even more talented QB in Jackson and one who is likely 'aching' to atone for his poor effort in LY’s 29-9 bowl pasting by LSU, when he was only 15 of 27 for 153 yards and  rushed for just 33 yards on 27 carries. Louisville averaged 46.0 PPG over its three-game winnings treak to end the regular season and I see no way MSU can 'hang' with the Cards in this one. Make Louisville an 8* play.

The set-up: The latest Cotton Bowl will be played on December 29 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, when the 11-2 USC Trojans take on the 11-2 Ohio State Buckeyes. Both schools had designs on making the 2017 CFP's 'Final 4,' as Ohio State opened No. 2 in the AP's preseason and USC began at No. 4..Ohio State and USC each won their respective conference championship games but both also had 'ugly' losses which kept them out a place in this year's Final 4.Ohio State's 55-24 loss Nov. 4 was, in the end, too much for the committee to overlook (Buckeyes ended No. 5 in the final CFP rankings. As for USC., the Trojans were never really considered for a Final 4 spot, as the school's final ranking was No. 8 (USC's 49-14 loss at Notre Dame on Oct. 21 was a deal-breaker). USC and Ohio State have had many memorable Rose Bowl meetings and the hope is that these two powerhouse programs deliver a Cotton Bowl Classic .

USC: After that loss at Notre Dame, the Trojans finished the year on a five-game win streak against Arizona State, Arizona, Colorado, UCLA and Stanford (Pac-12 championship game). QB Sam Darnold threw for 325 yards with two TDs. in the win over Stanford. He struggled early (9TDs and 8 INTs thru five games) but over USC's last eight games, he had 17 TDs and just four INTs. RB Ronald Jones is one of the least appreciated RBs in the nation, rushing for 1,486 yards with 18 TDs. USC's offense is just fine (34.5 PPG ranks 24th) but its defense allows 405.5 YPG (78th) and 26.3 PPG (62nd).

Ohio State: Two of the most successful QBs in the nation meet in thsi one, as Sam Darnold's opposite number is Ohio State's J.T. Barrett. He has thrown for career highs of 2,939 yards and 35 TDs (just INTs), while rushing for yards 732 yards (4.9 YPC with 10 TDs). Last year's star freshman RB Mike Weber struggled early with injury issues but checks in with 608 yards on 6.3 YPC and 10 TDs. This year's star freshman has been J.K. Dobbins, who has run for 1,364 yards on 7.5 YPC with seven TDs. Ohio State's great run/pass balance has led to the team averaging 42.5 PPG (5th). Defensively, despite allowing 31 and 55 points in the school's two losses, the defense is allowing 19.9 PPG on the season (22nd)

The pick: This will be the 24th matchup between the schools with rich football histories with seven of the previous games coming in the Rose Bowl (USC won four of those). If one believes in series history, the Trojans enter this contest having won seven straight meetings, including the last showdown in 2009 when they defeated the Buckeyes 18-15 in Columbus. However, that means these schools haven't met in almost 10 years, so how much do past meetings really mean? USC 'limps' in just 3-9-1 ATS this season (talk about underachieving) and just 1-4 ATS in its last five bowl games. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes are 6-1 ATS in their last seven neutral-site games and 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 versus the Pac-12. Make Ohio State a 10* play.