The Cougars will have one of the best guard duo's in the WCC and they should travel well also. TJ Haws is a preseason all-conference selection and Yoeli Childs is a second-team choice. Though BYU frontcourt is a bit raw, they do have height and ability.

Princeton is the defending Ivy League champion, but suffered important graduation losses and will probably slip a couple notches. Junior guard Myles Stephens was an all-Ivy choice a year ago and was also won the Defensive Player of the Year and he could negate part of what BYU does best.

Sportsbooks have the Cougars listed as 4.5-point road underdogs and with the Tigers coming off a  85-75 loss at Butler, Princeton is 4-13 ATS in home games off a road setback by 10 points or more.

Coyotes are 2-17 SU, enough said.

Penguins are 12-0 in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season the last two years. 

The Central Michigan offense is averaging 44 PPG in their last three games and their winning by 22 PPG. Kent State has no way to compete because they don’t have a passing game. The Golden Flashes will play hard early, but they don’t have the offense to keep up any sort of pace. Take CMU with Kent State  2-11 ATS after playing three straight conference games. 

Elon and Furman are both experienced teams. Because Furman has the best player in the game by a pretty significant margin, surprised to them as this short a favorite. However, Elon is 19-9 ATS on the road and 17-3 ATS away if they allowed 55 or fewer points in last game. My numbers have Elon as Pick or +1 and will take the points.

At 4-4 and 2-6 ATS, Atlanta is not close to the same club as a year ago. Everyone understands the play-caller deal is a "thing", yet that person has not committed a fumble, dropped a pass or thrown an interception yet. The Falcons have played like in a mental fog all year and with upcoming slate, unless they shake lethargy, they will be home this postseason. Atlanta is 1-8 ATS after a loss by six or less points. Dallas arrives in Atlanta playing up to their potential and on an even keel. The Cowboys have turned off the exterior noise and are just playing their game and should be rather confident coming in even without Zeke (for a game). Dallas is 8-1 ATS after two or more covers. 

Houston QB Tom Savage was savagely bad in loss to Indianapolis. Heading west to take on the Rams is not going to make the situation better, especially since the Texans could not contain Jacoby Brissett passing for Indianapolis and what Jared Goff and L.A. has to offer is far more lethal. How dynamic have the Rams been, they are the 11th team in the Super Bowl era to post at least three wins with a margin of victory of 30-plus points in the team's first eight games. If you are not mentally ready to play or quit against this L.A. North crew, you will be punished. The spread on this matchup might be large, but how does Houston play with the Rams in the contest? L.A. by 14 or more.

Jacksonville shed their inconsistent ways last week in victory over Cincinnati. The Jaguars have found ways to lose for years, but thanks to coach Doug Marrone and several coaching hires, Jacksonville is playing with increased maturity and is not thrown off by events they cannot control. I was super impressed the Jags did not waver after learning Leonard Fournette was not going to play last Sunday because of discipline and they still rushed for 148 yards and put up over 400 yards of offense on what had been a reliable Bengals defense. Part of Jacksonville's newfound confidence is they have one of the best defense's in the NFL, which has given up one or fewer touchdowns in five of eight outings this season. Though the Chargers are playing much better recently, they still are 0-6 ATS after two or more UNDER's and I will give the -4.5 with the Jaguars. 

Whether the stunning upset of Seattle saves Washington's season, that will be determined in time, nonetheless, it was a team win with a bruised and battered squad that is trying to hang in. As if the Seahawks defense was not tough enough, next is Minnesota for the Redskins, who is fourth in total defense and rested. The Vikings at 6-2 (5-3 ATS) are in a good position and with QB Case Keenum wisely managing games and improved offensive line, Minnesota is built to stay in games and close them out with a lead. Minny is 28-13 ATS and 11-2 ATS after two or more consecutive wins the past three years. 

Colorado State had second half leads against the Air Force and Wyoming in past two games and could not hold either and lost outright. That makes the Rams 0-4 ATS in past four games and their season is on a definite slide. Juxtapose that scenario against Boise State. After dreadful home loss to Virginia, the Broncos have gotten settled on offense and defense and have definitive identities. Boise State on the season is holding opponents almost 70 yards below season average and during five-game winning streak (4-1 ATS) has held opposing teams to a mere 12.6 PPG. On offense, the passing game has finally gotten back in gear and the Broncos are nicely positioned to run roughshod over Colorado State and wins by 14 or more. 

Wyoming still has chance to win division and is on 5-1 (6-0 ATS) roll, despite how the season started. If you subtract the 49 points Oregon scored on the Cowboys, Wyoming has given up only 14.7 PPG against everyone else.  For QB Josh Allen personally, it has not been the season he expected, however, pass protection and the lack of difference-makers at receiver have made matters worse, yet his team has been winning. The Falcons are off humbling 21-0 shutdown to Army, with only 95 rushing yards and the Black Knights never needed to pass once. Because these team meet annually, Wyoming knows how to defense Air Force option and has held them 83 yards a game below their season average the last three games. With the Cowboys 9-3 ATS at Air Force in previous visits, it's Wyoming outright!

Arizona is a 21-point home favorite against Oregon State and the Beavers will be less than eager to take on Wildcats running game that could go the distance on any play. The Wildcats were expected to finish last in the Pac-12 South, but quarterback Khalil Tate literally changed the fortunes of the entire Arizona program and they are already bowl eligible. Arizona comes in 4th in country in rushing yards per game at 327 and Oregon State has allowed 184 or more rushing yards in seven of nine tries. Watch for Tate to break the Beavers will and the 'Cats win by 30.

The Big 12 has been a rugged all season for the top tier teams. Based on remaining schedule, this is the last monster matchup with winner having clear advantage to win conference and the loser hoping for rematch. At quarterback, Baker Mayfield has decisive edge over Kenny Hill in a big game, as time and again he has not let Oklahoma falter when they could have. In terms of who has better team, TCU gets the edge dramatically on defense, ranked 6th nationally and the Sooners at 86th. In breaking this conflict down, if game turns into about the stars, Oklahoma wins, but if it turns into a team game, the Horned Frogs will prevail. I will back TCU who is 14-5-1 ATS as road underdogs and make sure to find a +7 like I did. 

After a month of barely completing 50 percent of pass attempts and having 611 passing yards, Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke has gotten so hot he could light a charcoal grill with throwing hand with 845 passing yards the last two weeks. With only Maryland and Rutgers ahead, a Spartans victory at Columbus sets them up to play for Big Ten title. As far as Ohio State, they have surrendered 93 points in last two outings and posted a -6 turnover ratio and even if you include Penn State miracle comeback (which they could have easily lost), the Buckeyes are only 7-3 SU in last 10 contests. With Sparty catching +17.5 point, really like the fact Michigan State is 12-3 ATS after gaining 450+ yards in consecutive games and makes this a touchdown game. 

This is the Crimson Tide's best team talent-wise under Avery Johnson, while Memphis is having to reload. My numbers have Bama by 8. 

The Blues have set a franchise record with 12 wins in their first 16 games. Meanwhile, the Coyotes (2- 15 SU) are still looking for their first regulation victory, with their only wins coming in overtime and in a shootout. The results of their head-to-head games in recent years also have been one-sided. The Blues have won their past 11 meetings, with Arizona's most recent win coming Nov. 12, 2013, when they were still the Phoenix Coyotes. Enough said.

This ACC contest is a yawner unless you have cash on line and we do tonight. North Carolina's season is over at 1-8, they have used four different QB's in the last few games and are averaging 16.5 PPG in conference play. Also, the Tar Heels are averaging THREE turnovers a game in past five outings. Pittsburgh is not great, but at 4-5they survived murderous early schedule and another step down in class should get the running game going and help them reach a 3-0 SU and ATS stretch. Look for the Pitt ground game to take over in the second half and check out this Awesome system: Play On home favorites of 3.5 to 10 points (PITTSBURGH) in conference games, off an upset win by 10 points or more as a home underdog. (28-7 ATS 80%, L20Y)

It has been reported the Al Horford will not play tonight with concussion, but I still like Boston. The Celtics have won nine in a row (8-1 ATS) and their foundation is in being 1st in points allowed and 3rd in defensive shooting percentage. The Lakers are young team playing only 4th road game and have allowed 47.5 shooting percentage to their opponents outside L.A. With the Lakers 5-20 ATS after playing two consecutive home games, it's the C's by 10 or more. 

Posted this pick on Monday and now see it is up to =7 on Akron which even better for you. 

The Akron offense isn’t anything special, but it’s terrific at keeping the chains moving. Miami doesn’t have a pass rush and it’s not nearly disruptive enough in key moments. While the RedHawks are able to control the clock, they’re not going to control the game. In addition, the Zips are  6-0 ATS after gaining 100 or less rushing yards in two straight games. 

New York has played much better all season and is 4-2 SU and ATS at home and is 15-5 ATS having won three of their last four games. With Charlotte laboring at 1-4 SU and ATS on the road, I will nab the points.

Is New Jersey finally coming back to earth? I think so and St. Louis the last three seasons is 11-1 in road games after scoring five goals or more in their previous game. 

Though I don't expect Washington to be fired up, I do believe they have more than enough talent to handle Arizona who is 2-13. 

It is really too bad what has happened to Washington. The Redskins began the year with a much improved defense and still had one of the top offensive lines in the NFL. After beating Oakland, game by game the injuries really began mounting and what the Redskins had going, was pulling apart at the seams. Moving ahead to Week 9, Washington has all kinds of issues stopping the run, finding a consistent pass rush and protecting Kirk Cousins. Having just lost home games to Philadelphia and Dallas, a trip to Seattle against Seahawks defense that permitted 38 points at home is hardly a good situation. With Seattle 11-3 ATS at home after scoring 30 or more points and having matching spread record as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points, the Seahawks soar to 14-point victory. 

Is this the week for the 49ers to scratch in the win column? Given Arizona like themselves seldom plays a complete game, if San Francisco could jump on the Cardinals and get a confidence-boosting lead, they might seize the moment. With a decimated O-Line and rookie quarterback, the window of opportunity is small. Arizona is in a similar situation to the Niners, with a mediocre offensive line and at best below average quarterback with Carson Palmer out. With the Cards 7-16 ATS since last season and San Fran 9-2 ATS in division, they win for the first time in 2017. 

With how New Orleans is playing, neither the Falcons or Panthers can afford to fall any further behind the Saints in this meaningful NFC South showdown. Atlanta ended their three-game losing streak and is not gaining bettors support at only 2-5 ATS, with four spread losers in a row. The Falcons realize they will have to prepare for physical battle, since this is Carolina's style. The Panthers defensively are playing more aggressively and on the season are blitzing 17 percent more often with new coordinator. The Carolina offense remains spotty but I like this situation with Atlanta now favored. Play Against same conference teams when the line is +3 to -3 like the Falcons, after going under the total by 35 or more points total in their last five games. (37-12 ATS)

In the Pac-12, this confrontation has two similar teams that are rather average. Colorado tends to rely more on its offense to win games while Arizona State is at its best when the defensive shines and offense plays at their pace. Because the Buffaloes do not rush the passer well, this helps the Sun Devils. While revenge is not the end all to be all, ASU was blasted at Boulder 40-10 last year and coming off stinging defeat to USC, expect ASU to be ready to play and move to 9-1 and 7-2 ATS against the Buffs and remain perfect at Tempe, where they are 4-0 SU and ATS. 

Michigan is just 3-5 ATS and has not impressed many all season long with mediocre quarterback play. That is less of an issue against Minnesota, who ranks 116th in passing offense. We know how good the Wolverines defense has been all season, ranked fourth in total defense and more than capable of grounding the Golden Gophers. Minnesota's run defense is pretty good (36th nationally), but if you have seen them play, stronger teams can overpower them or those with speed on the edges can out run them on the corners. Michigan's running game can do both and wins this by 20 or more. 

With South Florida losing, Central Florida is the lone team outside the Power 5 with shot at Super Six bowl. Coach Scott Frost is already the hottest coaching candidate for bigger job and he will have his hands full with rugged assignment at SMU. The Knights are the top scoring team in FBS at 51 PPG, nonetheless, the Mustangs come in at No.9 at 41.5 PPG and have big play offense. UFC does have large edge defensively, however, underdogs of 10.5 to 21 points like SMU, who have won four out of their last five games, with a win percentage of 60% to 80%,  playing opponent with a winning record, are a sterling 30-5 ATS.

In college football, everything can change because of one game, ask TCU after losing at Iowa State. Not only does that upset loss at Ames have football bettors viewing them differently, they face a treacherous Texas crew this week and are at Oklahoma the week after. The Horned Frogs will have to be much sharper for Longhorns, who have more ability than Iowa State, if not lacking in overall execution. Can QB Kenny Hill bounce back after reverting to past tendencies? TCU is on 1-9 ATS downer as home favorite. Since Maryland misstep, Texas is 7-0 ATS and in every game. The Horns defense continues to play well and if they can eliminate coverage busts, they might well win this Big 12 battle.  

In the first college football Playoff Poll, Georgia was ranked No.1 and there is no reason to think South Carolina will not get blown out by the Bulldogs and the sportsbooks odds reflect this. But it's November and in college football this where the unforeseen occurs, like episodes of American Horror stories. The Gamecocks are not outstanding on offense or defense, yet they have made plays to be 6-2 and are 4-0 ATS away. The Bulldogs by any measurable are one of the best two teams in the country and just flushed Florida and is at Auburn next, making one to wonder if they have A-game this week. Georgia has no real weaknesses, but if South Carolina can contain their running game, forcing QB Jake Fromm to be pocket passer, the visitor can cover. Also keep in mind the Dawgs are only 12-25 ATS at home after three or more consecutive straight up wins.

Marshall turnovers and inability to make plays against FIU dug them a 35-7 hole at home from which they could not recover. The Thundering Herd have to regroup quickly against the lone undefeated team in C-USA, Florida Atlantic. Marshall's run defense had been strong all year, but they allowed a season-high 224 yards to FIU and next have to face the best rushing team in the conference in the Owls, who is also No.8 in country. However, I see the Thundering Herd in a bounce back spot after a brutal loss and this is a three-point game either way. 

The New York Rangers have started slowly at 4-9 SU and have only played on the road three times and lost each of them. Tampa Bay has flown out of the gate at 10-3 SU and has sparkling 6-1 record on home ice. With the Lightning 7-0 having won three out of four and sharp 12-3 when playing with two days rest, they get the call.

Toronto is 3-1 ATS on this road trip and only loss was by one point at San Antonio. Denver is 2-6 ATS on the season and is off 2-2 and 1-3 ATS road trip. First home game after being away for extended period with one or less days off is never easy and the Raptors win outright. 

They got the win they needed last night, this is what they traded Darvish for and the L.A. bullpen is stronger.

Maybe Dallas just needed time off. The Cowboys played with great energy in smashing San Francisco. The offense was finally balanced and they will face a weakened Washington defense, with the Redskins on a short week. Over time, the Cowboys have been a weak wager after a 21 or more point blowout, however, recently, they are 9-2 ATS after gaining 400 or more total yards in their previous game. With Washington essentially three games back in the NFC East after being swept by Philadelphia, they need to turn their attention to the wild card. The Redskins are in a tough spot like many teams, saddled with injuries and no real solutions to overcome them. Dallas by 6. 

Outside of six quarters of football, the Cincinnati offense has not done much. NFL analysts have regularly vilipend the Bengals offensive line, who is not passing blocking to give Andy Dalton time to throw nor created many running lane for backs. Cincy did score 31 points against Cleveland and being able to do battle with Indianapolis should raise the Bengals scoring average with the Colts conceding a league-worst 31.7 points a contest. With the listed total at 42, all we need from Indy is their season average 17 PPG. For good measure, the Colts are 9-1 OVER as a road underdog the last two seasons, with average total score 54.6. 

With both these NFC South squads on losing streaks, this contest could very well set the tone for the rest of the season, good or bad. Carolina is slowing but surely returning to lethargic bunch from a year ago, which was unable to overcome barely any tough times. After 4-1 start, the Panthers look discombobulated and have 10 turnovers in past five games. Tampa Bay keeps digging holes they cannot crawl out of later in games and unless they start fast at home against Carolina, their playoffs hopes are close to dashed. The Bucs need urgency from the start, not when down 14-0. Tampa Bay also has issues with the 'Cats at home with 6-10 SU and 5-11 ATS records. 

As bad as it's been in Cleveland it seems to be getting worse. Coach Hue Jackson wants to win so desperately he keeps changing quarterbacks like he's Steve Spurrier. NFL players know what is going on and it would seem the ship is sinking in Cleveland again and not having much talent is a completely different discussion. For Minnesota, coach Mike Zimmer will tell his team about how great it would be to have a 6-2 record at the bye week. The Vikings have figured out to lean on defense and running game and let Case Keenum throw enough to make plays and let the opposing team makes mistakes. It is a rather simple formula and one that would seem a perfect match to defeat the Browns by 13 or more points.

I completely understand why some believe Arizona can win this game. The Wildcats are one the surprise teams in the Pac-12 and they have moved up to the No.3 rushing team in country at better than 342 yards a contest. No question this will be terrific atmosphere in Tucson, but here is why I do not mind giving the two points on Washington State. The Cougars defense is not getting enough credit, as they are holding opponents an astonishing 88 yards below their season average and to just 18.4 PPG. Arizona will rack up some yards, but finding the end zone will be another matter. Two angles I cannot ignore, Wazzu is 9-0 ATS versus teams averaging 230 or more rushing yards a game and the Wildcats are 0-8 ATS after gaining 275 or more rushing yards in two straight contests.  

Though not an meaningful game nationally, Mississippi State and Texas A&M realize it's importance. Each club is 5-2 and looking ahead, both are positioned to win three of their last four games. That would mean a 9-3 record and likely a New Year's Day bowl assignment and chance for a 10-win campaign. Mississippi State is a smallish road favorite and it's only two losses were on the road to Georgia and Auburn. Texas A&M was mildly competitive with Alabama and probably in quiet moments  still cannot figure how they lost to UCLA. The home team have won the last four meetings (3-1 ATS) and this Aggies group has shown mental toughness where they usually collapse and find a W. 

Wanted this number to come off -7 and it has and  the Owls fit two in-season systems this week that are 73% and 77% in FAU's favor. 

I am of the opinion Houston will be shaken by home loss to Memphis, after building 24-7 lead in the third quarter and giving up five touchdowns in less than 20 minutes to the Tigers in 43-38 loss. In watching the game, Houston players were completely gassed by the fourth quarter and had nothing left. Granted, it was on short week and they have extra rest for this Saturday showdown. Nonetheless, South Florida style is even more demoralizing, because they can run the ball down your throat, on the edges and just when you think you have something figured out, they pass down the field. The Bulls defense is dramatically better than Memphis and they will attack the Cougars offense which has made 14 turnovers in their last five games. With that the case let's call for the Bulls to trample Houston by 20.

It has not been an easy campaign for Pittsburgh, with a front-loaded arduous schedule and having quarterback and secondary problems to deal with. Last week the Panthers put it all together and upset Duke on the road with season-best running yardage and stellar play from defensive line. After going in 4-0 SU and ATS binge, Virginia was a tire fire last Saturday and was blown out by Boston College at home 41-10. Though the Cavaliers are probably not as good or bad as they have been playing, coach Bronco Mendenhall's teams are 10-4-1 ATS off a SU setback as a favorite.  Virginia in a small upset. 

The so-called “hook” in the Oklahoma State-West Virginia contest is probably driving most recreational bettors away, as they can’t fathom taking the Cowboys as better than a TD favorite at what is supposed to be one of the toughest environments in the Big 12. However, when I dug into the stats deeper this week, I was quite alarmed to see that OSU is actually the TOP TEAM IN THE COUTNRY in a stat that I judge to be a good indicator of team strength, Effective Yards Per Play Differential. In other words, HC Mike Gundy’s team is beating opponents on every scrimmage play better than any other team. Only the loss to a pretty good TCU team has most experts forgetting about them. West Virginia meanwhile is 54th in the country in that stat, just a bit better than your average college team.  The Mountaineers problem for Saturday is that they’ve allowed 30+ points in four straight games, a fact that OSU figures to exploit, as evidenced by this system: Play Against Any good team outscoring opponents by 7+ PPG after allowing 31 points or more in 3 straight games. The system is 34-8 over the last 5 seasons for  81%. Don’t fear this game just because it’s in Morgantown. The Cowboys are the better team.

Memphis losses by nine as road favorites and their coach says the effort was not there. A couple Grizz players disagree and which to me makes them revenge-minded in quick turnaround and angry to prove coach wrong. Add in home favorites like Memphis  who were marginal winning team from last season. who won between 51% and 60% of their games and are facing division opponents are 26-6 ATS, it's the Grizzlies by 12.

Tampa Bay off to 8-2 SU start, while Detroit has lost three in a row. The Lightning have also won eight straight over the Red Wings and Detroit is 0-9 off a  road loss by one goal the last two seasons. 

Toronto has picked up right where they left off last season at 8-2 SU and faces a Carolina crew that is 1-12 in road games against teams scoring three or more goals a game. 

In MAC attack matchup that starts feeding our weekday football feeding frenzy, the total in this game has surged from 42 to 48. Both these teams have been excellent defensively, with Eastern Mich. permitting 19.9 PPG and Northern Illinois even better at 16.7 PPG. Both offenses have scored fewer points than what opponents they have faced have allowed. Each team has shown UNDER tendencies in MAC play, thus, I will grab the UNDER with EMU 15-5 UNDER of late and NIU 12-3 UNDER after a game with a turnover margin of +3 or better.

Portland has won 16 straight home openers (NBA record) and has gotten off to a great offensive start at 116 PPG. Sure, New Orleans gave up 128 points to Golden State, however, they are allowing 48 percent shooting, thus, some real defensive issues. Plus, the Pelicans are averaging 17.3 turnovers a game and they are 2-15 ATS in road games after two or more consecutive Over's. Let's make it the Blazers by 9. 

After fast start, Colorado has lost three straight and beginning to be who they really are. Dallas has won four in a row  and faced Avalanche squad that is 0-7 at home when playing with three or more days rest. 

Pittsburgh has gotten thrashed a few times this season like at Tampa Bay in last game, a 7-1 loser. However, they are 34-12 off a loss by two or more goals and 10-0 home when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since last year.

The Giants flabbergasting win at Denver perfectly sums up what a wild ride this NFL season has been. New York had no dependable wide receivers, an at best unstable running game and aging Eli Manning and THEN coach Ben McAdoo gives up calling plays. The G-Men out of nowhere have 300 yards rushing in last two contests. Go figure. Seattle will not be bothered by travel off a bye and should lock down what few weapons New York have. The Giants defense simply is not the same and Seattle wins by 12.

Baltimore's loss to Chicago pointed to the absurd. The Ravens had two special teams touchdowns and still was beaten at home by the Bears. Baltimore offense managed only 291 yards in four-plus quarters and committed three turnovers. Joe Flacco is not helping matters, but neither are all the dropped passes. The Ravens are 1-8 ATS after a loss by six or less points the last three years. Case Keenum has been a savior for Minnesota with Sam Bradford injured again. The Vikings are positioned to win the NFC North with Aaron Rodgers expected to miss the rest of the season. We know what the Minnesota defense is capable of and if they can sustain running game watch out. With the Vikes 16-5 ATS at home the past three seasons, Minny by 13. 

Among the rules of handicapping is sticking to your principles and the Jets having 16-5 ATS record who fit something I normally believe in. Another rule of modern handicapping is don't stick to one mode of looking at games. Some handicappers only look for underdogs to cover and some years that works great and other times you will lose your shirt and much more. I am looking at Miami squad coming off of huge win at Atlanta on the road which takes them over .500 and gives them two consecutive victories. After tumultuous start of the season and losing Ryan Tannehill, the Dolphins are settling into normal routine and was a playoff club a year ago and they have better defense. The Jets are giving great effort, but Miami wins by 10.

While it is only the third Saturday in October, everyone agrees one of these teams will be eliminated from playoff contention no matter how they conclude season, barring unforeseen circumstances. USC is 6-1, but by any measure they have been mildly disappointing as 1-6 ATS mark shows. QB Sam Darnold has saved the Trojans, who continue to make mistakes at alarming rate, with 16 turnovers and never having less than two in any contest.  With Notre Dame forcing more than two turnovers a contest and having the No. 5 rush offense, which has quick scoring capabilities like a passing game, this will be test for USC. Coach Brian Kelly is in need of a marquee win and the Fighting Irish deliver with a 10-point win. 

The college football odds have LSU as a touchdown favorite at The Grove in Mississippi. Since losing to Troy, the Tigers have shown grit and toughness in defeating Florida and Auburn. But both games were decided by 1 and 4 points and when you look into the history of this series, LSU is just 6-14 ATS of late. Ole Miss is 3-3 and each loss was on road and two were to Alabama and Auburn. Shea Patterson is a talented quarterback and the Rebels still have big receivers who can catch the ball on slant routes or on jump balls down the field. Just not convinced the Bengal Tigers are that strong and believe this is a field goal game either way. 

After starting 3-0 under new coach P.J. Fleck, Minnesota has been exposed and has lost first three Big Ten tilts. The largest issue has been defense, where their defensive linemen cannot get off blocks and they lack speed in the back seven and allow too many big plays. Fortunately for the Golden Gophers, Illinois presents no such challenge and speed-wise on their entire roster. In the battle for the worse team in the conference, the Illini showed no fight and lost at home to Rutgers 35-24 last Saturday. Good step down in class for Minnesota and they take on Illinois club that is 4-13 ATS after one or more straight up losses the last three seasons. 

Indiana is playing hard in every game, but has not learned how to take contests that could go either way in second half and turn them into Hoosiers wins. The Hoosiers gave their all in OT loss to Michigan team that was beatable and will face a Michigan State squad that has regained its swagger and is 5-1 (4-2 ATS). Indiana has to protect the ball better, because -9 turnover margin will doom them again, since they are 1-10 and 3-8 ATS at East Lansing since 1992. The Spartans hung on for victory at Minnesota and are growing in confidence weekly  and are No.5 in total defense, which will not help the Hoosiers. While not expecting a blowout, look for Sparty to take recent home record in the second half of the season to 7-0 ATS against Indiana. 

Neither the Lakers nor the Suns played well in their season openers, but if you ask me, there were varied circumstances for both teams. For Los Angeles, it seemed like the bigger story in the game was the ushering in of the Lonzo Ball era. There was a ton pf pressure on him in the game. With that pressure somewhat relieved for tonight, I see a much better performance coming. Also, looking closely at the numbers, the Lakers actually played solid defense last night against the Clippers. The same cannot be said for Phoenix, who allowed 49% shooting and 124 points in a 48-point loss to the Trailblazers, who were missing CJ McCollum. In general when bad teams play each other early in the season, I like to avoid laying points, as evidenced by this system: Play Against, favorites like the Suns, a bad team from last season, who won only 25% to 40% of their games. Record of the system is 40-15 ATS over the L5 seasons.

After a poor season, Marshall is back and road teams like them after going under the total by 42 or more points total in their last five games, against opponent after going under the total by 49 or more points total in their last seven games, are 30-7 ATS.

For this prime time ACC encounter, forget the shootouts of the last two years, Houston is not close to the same offensively and is averaging just 25.5 PPG against opponents allowing 31.6. Memphis can score and give up a lot of points, however, the Cougars bend but don't break defense has only been burned by Tulsa last week (45 points). Let's think about lower score as October home teams, when the total is between 56.5 and 63, after being beaten by the spread by 35 or more points total in their last five games, are 46-17 UNDER the last decade. 

I like this New Orleans team and after a complete offseason and camp to work together, I think they might be better than what most think the point spread is telling us the Pelicans have chance to win this one against Memphis. 

Chicago just beat Nashville and travels to St. Louis, who just dropped the last two of their four games road trip. In this case we are looking to play against teams like the Blackhawks off a  win by one goal over a division rival, against opponent off two or more consecutive road losses. In the last two decades clubs like Chicago are 24-72 in this spot.

Doug Upstone's 3* NBA Outright Upset

The Chicago Cubs are relying on their experiences of last year to help them, even down 2-0 in the series. Most thought the Cubs were done in playing Game 5 in Washington last week and in all the euphoria of winning last year's World Series, it is easy to forget they trailed 3-to-1 to Cleveland. Being down 3-0 is an entirely different matter and Chicago will have the best starting pitcher, Kyle Hendricks (8-5, 3.05) taking the ball in crucial game. Depending on the sportsbook, the Cubs are -111 to -114 favorites and I will surmise their intense desire to get back in series and rabid fans will help, along with L.A. being 4-11 in road games after a 5-game span with an OBP of .375 or better will be the difference.

Plus, add in this: Play on home favorites with a money line of -110 or higher (CHICAGO CUBS) batting .215 or worse over their last 10 games, against opponent with a starting pitcher whose ERA is less than 2.50 over his last five starts. (35-6, 85.4%, L5Y)

Vancouver comes into this game 0-12 off two or more consecutive home losses.  

It has been a brutal week Pittsburgh with a great deal of talk about Ben Roethlisberger maybe being washed up, prima donna running backs and receivers saying they need the ball more and the run defense either very good or very bad. This does not seem like ideal week to face 5-0 Kansas City. However, this could be a 'circle the wagons' game for the Steelers, who are 6-0 ATS in road games  versus rushing defenses allowing 4.5 or more rushing yards a carry. Kansas City has the better offensive numbers to this point, but Pittsburgh is +90 in defensive yards. The Chiefs are 5-0 ATS and have not committed a turnover is four games, those streaks just don't keep happening. Steelers by 1.

Matthew Stafford and Drew Brees a shootout right? I am thinking the opposite and here is why. Both defenses are playing better and while Detroit had coverage issues with Can Newton, that has not been the norm this season. I wish I could explain New Orleans defense. Had contact tell Saints defense was vastly improved in August and after two games I called and mocked his information. He called me after Miami shutout and asked what I thought. They have ironed out what was wrong and I like the Lions pass run and improved run defense. With Detroit 12-3 UNDER on the road in conference clashes the past three seasons and 9-1 UNDER away off a home game, I will back the UNDER big time. 

The Detroit offense is best described as sporadic, ranked 29th in total yards and always seemingly scrambling in the fourth quarter when trailing. Matthew Stafford has been a bit less accurate to this juncture and had he's faced more pressure in the pocket to go along with below average running game and enters this game banged up. The New Orleans defense have done one the quickest turnarounds, surrendering 65 points in initial two games, to 13 points in previous two outings. Reasons vary, but Saints coaches are saying "focus and having right players on the field" has flipped the switch. This is third straight meeting in New Orleans and fourth overall and the Lions are 3-0 ATS. However, teams coming back from London and having a week off are 8-0-1 ATS.

This is Georgia State's fourth straight road game and while they won and covered the last two, UL-Monroe has won and covered three straight. Different in game, the Warhawks average better the 37 PPG, Georgia State is bit over 16 PPG. Lay it! 

Not exactly sure what happened to Michigan against Michigan State besides the weather, but watching you never got the feeling they were totally engaged. I look for the Wolverines to be much more focused off a loss and have a different level of urgency to their game. No question coach Jim Harbaugh and the offensive coaches will challenge the offensive line to block better and more cohesively and expect the running backs to hit the hole with more purpose. Quarterback John O'Korn is "the guy" for the Wolverines for the time being and he will get a healthy dose of protecting the ball better. Michigan's defense is strong enough to stymie a good Indiana offense. Though Michigan's role as favorite seems a little low, not going to argue with it and have MEECHIGAN by 13.

You could have asked a thousand people making college football picks back in August what Florida State's record would going into game with Duke and not one would have said 1-3. Nobody expected the Seminoles to lose their starting quarterback and it was presumed the offensive line would play better, neither of those ended up being true. Florida State started to find a running game last week against Miami and look for that to continue against what has been actually a good Blue Devils defense that does have problems getting off the field from time to time. The Noles just have more talent, a very good defense and are 7-0 and 6-1 ATS in Durham. 

Let's start with the key fundamental aspect between these SEC squads. South Carolina has six total turnovers halfway through their season, Tennessee has more that in their past three outings (8). The Gamecocks are skilled in taking the ball away with 13 generated turnovers, with multiple miscues forced in four of the six contests. Though South Carolina's offense can be choppy to watch, it is better than Tennessee, who has trouble sustaining drives and is only the field offensively for just a smidge over 26 minutes a game. The Vols will come out fired up off a bye and 41-0 shellacking to Georgia, but once the game settles in, the Gamecocks will not self-destruct and Tennessee will find a way to beat itself. 

Though this AAC affair will not attract a lot of people's attention, a good chunk of those betting football have been following it. Temple has slid from -12.5 to -9.5. I see value in the Owls, as road underdogs like Connecticut  that are outscored by opponents by 10 or more points a game, after two straight tilts where 70 total points or more were scored, are 5-24 ATS.

CBS get an unexpected surprise by having two division leaders from the NFC for their Thursday night telecast. Coach Doug Pederson has his detractors and rightly so, yet he's also collected a nice contingent of talent and QB Cason Wentz has accelerated Philadelphia's improvement. Now approaching 100 percent, Cam Newton is playing back to Super Bowl level of two years ago, while taking fewer hits. Ed Dickson stepping up at TE is a massive, plus and the Carolina defense is playing to ability level. Pending the results of Green Bay and Atlanta games Sunday, the winner certainly can make a claim as the best team in the NFC. The Panthers are 18-6 ATS at home versus teams averaging 375 or more yards per game and win by 7!

The Maple Leafs have started the season on fire at 3-0 and are in spectacular situation tonight, as home favorites of -200 or higher like Toronto off two or more consecutive home wins, with a winning record in the first half of the season are fantastic 27-1 since 2014.

The search for a quality starting quarterback in Houston is over. Deshaun Watson was special at Clemson and after two starts he might take the Lone Star state by storm. You could see the trust in the faces of Texans' players as Watson made play after play and had command of still somewhat limited knowledge of Houston offense. Kansas City coach Andy Reid will have new wrinkles for new pup, but Watson has been a quick study. The Chiefs are the lone unbeaten team and they are the most efficient team both on offense and defense in football. However, Houston has the run defense to slow Kansas City and good as the K.C. has been particularly on offense, they are 0-7 ATS after gaining six or more yards a play in four consecutive games. Texans by 4.

Green Bay will be at Jerry's World this week, the same place they knocked Dallas out of the postseason back in January. The Packers pulled off a 34-31 upset and both teams blew by the total of 53.This time sportsbooks sent out a total of 53.5 and it has been lowered to 52.5 or 52.I think the public has this wrong. Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott are both capable of big games and are surrounded by players that can make that happen. Since the season opener for both clubs, the defenses have not been close to dominating and when to realize these two are 10-1 OVER playing each other in the Lone Star State, you can now understand what I have bet on. 

The Rams are on a 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS when hosting Seattle and are playing their best football in several years. Naturally one would think they are in prime position to knock the Seahawks off once again, right? I say wrong, and it comes down to a simple level of motivation for the Seahawks. In all five of those past games, Seattle was the team expected to win, playing as a road favorite all five times. Naturally, HC Pete Carroll’s team was all too familiar with being the “hunted” team. Now, they are the hunter, and I think you’ll find a highly motivated Seahawks’ team take the field on Sunday because of it. Seattle is also coming off its best game of the year this past Sunday, so it’s almost ideal timing for a game with this level of divisional magnitude. Of course, they have been in big games like this for most of the past five or six seasons. It is Los Angeles that is new to the big game scene, and while they might have the confidence and are playing well, the Rams’ lack of big game experience as well as a likely empty stadium won’t be enough to put them over the top. Seattle wins a hotly contested affair.

Buffalo is off to stunning start seeing the front office seemed to right off 2017 by trading a couple of their best players in the preseason. But give the Bills and new coaching staff credit for taking the approach of rebuilding is for another Buffalo team, not this one and they are playing fantastic defense and mistake-free offense. Cincinnati finally got first victory last week and the new offensive coordinator is playing to Andy Dalton's strengths, with the deeper passes coming. The Bengals were obviously better than 0-3 and should have knocked off Green Bay. In this AFC matchup, I am just not convinced Buffalo can win two straight on the road and or cover the spread in this situation. Cincy by 6 or 7 over the Bills. 

Benchmark battle for both Pac-12 clubs this week. Stanford has rebounded from two setbacks and if they want have shot at winning at North Division, they cannot afford any more losses before facing both Washington schools. The Cardinal defense is not the same as year's prior as ranking 96th nationally against the run proves. Utah is 4-0 SU and ATS and might not have dynamic QB Tyler Huntley for either after he was hurt at Arizona. Senior backup Troy Williams has plenty of starts for the Utes. Check this out, Utah is solid 36-19 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points and 31-14 ATS when playing with two weeks or more of rest. The Utes outright!

While the Spartans being 9-0 ATS against Michigan of late might scares some people, Michigan State is 17-2 as underdogs against teams off a win and cover. 

The LSU situation is already unraveling with Ed Orgeron as head coach, just in its first year. The Tigers have played three straight poor games and when inspecting the numbers closer, there strength's under Les Miles have all but disappeared. LSU beat opposing teams with big offensive lines and overpowered the other team's O-Line with at least NFL-sized defensive linemen. Now the Tigers do not have the drive blockers and are changing offensive philosophy and they are undersized in the defensive front and are getting pushed around. Not having a dependable quarterback only exacerbates the situation. Florida is not a lot better than LSU, but what coach Jim McElwain has done is develop players that win in the four quarter of close contests and they are now down to -2.5 point favorites. Let's add in the hatred for LSU from Florida athletic department from last season and you have motivated Gators who win by at least 10 points. 

Last week Minnesota came into game against Maryland 3-0, with a stout defense and punishing ground attack, already shaped in the image of new head coach P.J. Fleck. In the first drive it was clear that the Golden Gophers did not have the foot speed to keep up with more athletic Terrapins squad and with an injured offense line, Minnesota ended up being upset 31-24 as 13-point home favorites. Now the Gophers travel to Purdue and face a different offense that spreads them out by passing and the Boilermakers program has been energized by their first-year coach Jeff Brohm. With Minnesota 2-9 SU and 3-8 ATS in previous visits to West Lafayette, take the Purdue.

Navy is 11-3 and 10-4 ATS against the Air Force and Falcons are 0-6 ATS in this game if coming off a loss. 

This rivalry battle was rescheduled because of hurricane and carries a great deal of importance for the Miami. Duke is much improved and Miami handled them, especially in the second half with superior speed on both sides of the ball. Coach Mark Richt inherited quality talent and has organized it a better fashion, while adding his new recruits. While the Miami defense will allow some yards, they are only permitting 16.3 PPG and are 11-3 ATS as favorites under Richt.  With or without Deondre Francois, Florida State was overrated, particularly on offense, where the offense live does not get a push and the Seminoles average 3.1 YPC. Good game but make it the Canes' by 7.

Last week, beleaguered Mississippi was flattened by Alabama 66-3. The Rebels return to the state of Alabama this Saturday and head to the plains to take on Auburn and this could get ugly also. Ole Miss could not move the ball against the Crimson Tide's sixth-ranked defense, thus it stands to reason they will have similar problems against the Tigers, who are rated 9th in total defense. After scuffling early, the Auburn offense has found rhythm with over 470 yards in two SEC games, averaging 50 PPG. This is why for college football picks I have no problem handing out the 22.5 points to Mississippi.  

Dallas handled expansion team.

Best Team in Baseball wins again.

In the NHL, I like to bet on really good teams or against really bad ones, that is mostly what I wager on. Colorado was 22-60 last season and is in complete rebuild mode. I understand a touch risky to start season, but this line will be -260 in two months, thus I like the value.

The Red Wolves are 1-2 SU and ATS and enter SBC play among the favorites, having won or shared a piece of the title in four of the past six years. Arkansas State has big and physical offensive line (by SBC standards) and talented quarterback in Justice Hansen, who directs the No. 9 passing offense in the country at 351.7 yards a game. Hansen hurt his back against SMU, but is now expected to play. Though he might not be 100 percent and the Red Wolves running game has not been imposing  121 YPG, Georgia Southern has surrendered 5.9 YPC and is 124th nationally, which should allow Arkansas State to run or pass depending on the flow of the game. I fully expect Georgia Southern to be fired up for conference opener. However, the talent and skill are not there to hold up over four quarters and Arkansas State is 12-4 ATS against league foes and is 10-2 ATS versus rushing defenses allowing 4.75 or more rushing yards per carry. 

It was not a good first month for the state of Ohio football. The Buckeyes were upset at home by Oklahoma and Cincinnati and Cleveland have yet to get in the win column. It is not a total surprise the Browns are winless coming of 1-15 campaign, but seeing the Bengals at 0-3 is head scratcher. Cincy enters this Battle of Ohio as field goal favorite and finally showed they are capable of winning, taking Green Bay to OT at Lambeau Field, but unable to put them away. The Browns will be motivated to pick their first win of the year, but are 2-10 ATS as home underdogs since 2015. 

Last week, Tennessee essentially dominated Seattle at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball for three quarters, until what seemingly always occurs in the NFL, the team trailing has a comeback to make those on the other team squirm when watching. Houston did not dominate New England, but they certainly went toe to toe with them. The Texans defense, like many before them could not stop Tom Brady as crunch time and lost. Look for Houston to be super motivated at home, not wanting to fall two games behind the Titans after just a quarter of the season and remember, Tennessee is 2-9 ATS playing against a team with a losing record. Houston Outright!

There were warning signs Miami might struggle even against the Jets and they all proved to be true in 20-6 loss that was not that close. This is terrible time for Miami to have London game, having not played at home yet and Dolphins fans are wondering was the setback a wake-up call or a sign of things to come for Miami? The Fins are ugly 15-34 ATS off two road games. We won't know for weeks if New Orleans really saved their season with upset at Carolina, however, they saved themselves from 0-3 start. Given this will not be a home game for Miami, that has to be advantageous for the Saints, who are 8-1 ATS off a division clash. 

Texas A&M opened as -8 point favorite, flew to -10 and have come back past that point at -7. There is a fair amount of sharp bettors that do not trust Kevin Sumlin as coach of the Aggies and I cannot disagree since he is 12-23 ATS at Kyle Field. Nevertheless, Will Muschamp has not come across as America's next Nick Saban and South Carolina offense has been brutal the last couple games. I see too much offensive speed with the Aggies and they will end winning 34-23, covering the number. 

I know, Charlotte at Florida International sounds like somebody betting games under a witness protection program, but I have my reasons. If you discard Charlotte scoring 31 points against some college named North Carolina A&T (and still losing), they have tallied seven total points in three other encounters. We are not talking about a who's who in college football either, as two of those losses were to Eastern Michigan (24-7) and Georgia State (28-0). If you pulled out your preseason college football magazines, neither of those teams are expected to win the MAC or Sun Belt conferences. Like the 49ers, FIU is not going to win Conference USA, however, I have quality system that is 35-10 ATS that says the Panthers cover the spread and off upset of Rice, they are 5-0 ATS off SU dog win and facing team off consecutive SU losses. 

Last week I cashed a winner on UL-Monroe in a fantastic situation and I am coming right back on them tonight. I am the first to admit the Warhawks might be a little flat to start off after OT victory against main rival Louisiana U., nonetheless, there is nothing to indicate that Coastal Carolina in its first year of FBS football can crawl inside of a spread of +7.5. Just last week the Chanticleers were a +3.5 point home underdog to a very good Western Illinois squad and they were waxed 52-10. Monroe has too much offense and pulls away in the second half. 

Having seen Georgia and Tennessee multiple times, this outcome appears lopsided. The game being in Knoxville will help the Vols, still where does the offense come from against Bulldogs defense that is surrendering 11.5 PPG to opponents averaging better 28 a game? Georgia also has a running game that can pound away or take one to the house from 50 yards and Tennessee is conceding 5.1 yards a carry. One would surmise the Vols might need additional volunteers to slow the Dawgs down. I will polish off this choice with this system: Road favorites of 3.5 to 10 points, off three or more consecutive Under's, allowing 17 or less points per game, are sensational 22-3 ATS the last decade. Georgia by 13 or more.

With all the turmoil of the season to date, the Seminoles their season is on the brink and while Wake Forest is 4-0, the best team they have faced is Boston College. Florida State by 14 or more. 

The Orange have good offensive club and N.C. State is off big upset of Florida State and I expect them to be a little flat. Besides the Wolfpack are known for up and down performances. 

The University of Minnesota saved itself after clumsy firing of Tracy Claeys by hiring P.J. Fleck. This highly driven coach completely changed Western Michigan's fortunes, taking them from 1-11 to 13-0 and Cotton Bowl bid in four years, where they lost to Wisconsin. Fleck is a stickler for details and he already has the Golden Gophers playing strong run defense (59 YPG) and running the ball controlling the clock. Maryland was ultra impressive in upset of Texas in opener, but has lost regular starting quarterback Tyrell Pigrome and last week his backup Kasim Hill in ugly 38-10 home loss to Central Florida. With a third-string quarterback going against stingy run defense, Minnesota get the call against the Terrapins and wins by 20 or more.