10 Unit Play. Take #283 Notre Dame Fighting Irish over Penn State Nittany Lions (7:30p.m., Thursday, January 9 ESPN) Just do not trust Penn State and their coach to win this type of game. They have had a cakewalk to reach the CFP Semifinals beating SMU in Happy Valley and Boise State in Glendale. The Irish took down a very physical team in Georgia last Thursday and they are the more battle tested team in this matchup. The Irish have a great offensive line that should be able to negate much of the pressure from Penn State. They also have a dual threat quarterback that is due for a strong game after struggling against Georgia last Thursday. Norte Dame is on a 33-11 ATS run (1 push) in their last 45 games. They have found the next big young coach in Marcus Freeman and I see them marching onto the Championship Game in Atlanta in 11 days. James Franklin gets tight in big games and that will show its face again on Thursday.

4 Unit Play. Take #271 Ohio State Buckeyes over Oregon Ducks (5p.m., Wednesday, January 1 ESPN) Everyone has stated this is a brutal draw for Oregon, having to play Ohio State again this season but this time at a neutral site. Coach Day is 3-0 ATS in his last 3 games against teams with a better winning percentage than his Buckeyes. Ohio State played outstanding in their last game against Tennessee, and I just feel that they are the much better defensive team in this matchup. Penn State proved you can score points against this Oregon defense, and I expect Ohio State to have a big day as well in the passing department. Ohio State will win this game in the trenches, and they are 9-2 lifetime against Oregon. Coach Day is 13-7 in his career when facing an undefeated team.

4 Unit Play. Take #268 Boise State Broncos over Penn State Nittany Lions (7:30p.m., Tuesday, December 31 ESPN) FIESTA BOWL Just do not see a blowout in this game on a neutral field where Boise State has had great success in this bowl game. This is not a home game for Penn State and the game against SMU would have been much closer had the SMU QB not shit the bed. Penn State does not have an explosive offense and they will need help from Boise State in order to 30+ points. Boise State has the best player on the field and a great offensive coordinator in Dirk Koetter. The Nittany Lions struggled to put away Illinois, UCLA, USC, and Minnesota this season and Boise State is on par or slightly better than those teams. All 4 favorites dominated the first round and expect the public to hammer them in this round as well. I just do not see all blowouts this week and Boise State is more than capable of hanging in this game especially on defense.

10 Unit Play. Take #265 Baylor Bears over LSU Tigers (3:30p.m., Tuesday, December 31 ESPN) TEXAS BOWL. COLLEGE BOWL GAME OF THE YEAR The line movement in this game has been telling, as LSU opened as the favorite, but the sharps were having none of that. Brian Kelly is a good coach, but he was not hired to play in the Texas Bowl. He was hired to make the playoffs, and his teams have not come close to achieving that for 3 years. Despite having better talent in most of his bowl games, he is just 6-9 ATS, including an ATS loss last season to Wisconsin. Baylor has a former LSU assistant as their head coach in Dave Aranda, and he was on the hot seat this season before a remarkable run to close out the regular season, winning 6 straight games (6-0 ATS). Their best performance during this streak came in their last game, beating Kansas 45-17 and preventing them from becoming bowl eligible. Baylor has won 4 of their last 6 bowl games (4-2 ATS). Baylor has the momentum in this matchup, and they will win this game by double digits, putting Coach Kelly squarely on the hot seat for next season.

4 Unit Play. Take #258 Missouri Tigers over Iowa Hawkeyes (2:30p.m., Monday, December 30 ESPN) MUSIC CITY BOWL Iowa always seems to struggle in bowl games against SEC teams and I do not see them winning this game in Nashville. Missouri won 9 games this season but received little respect since they were blown out by Texas A&M and Alabama this season. The Tigers have a veteran quarterback, and I see him having a big game today in Music City. Missouri kept most of their roster in tact for this game and they should be able to score close to 30 points. That should be enough to win and cover this game.

4 Unit Play. Take #248 Miami Hurricanes over Iowa State Cyclones (3:30p.m., Saturday, December 28 ABC) POP TARTS BOWL Miami should have Cam Ward for this game and expect him to make a statement that he should be a top 5 pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Iowa State got blown out in their last games against Arizona State and that knocked them out of the College Football Playoff. Instead they get to play in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando, FL. Miami has not won a bowl games since 2016 and they have won just one bowl game since 2006. You can bet Coach Cristobal wants to start a bowl winning streak, and they should win this game by double-digits.

4 Unit Play. Take #221 Northern Illinois Huskies over Fresno State Bulldogs (2:30p.m., Monday, December 23 ESPN) IDADO POTATO BOWL Just feel that the Huskies will be the more motivated team in this matchup. They want to join the MWC and Fresno State is leaving the MWC and will have a new coach come next season. Northern Illinois put up great stats this season and they should have been better than their 7-5 record according to those numbers. Both quarterbacks will be out for this game, but we will follow the line movement and take the Huskies.

10 Unit Play. Take #217 Tennessee Volunteers over Ohio State Buckeyes (8p.m., Saturday, December 21 ABC) Just feel the mode at Ohio State has not recovered from their embarrassing home loss last time out to Michigan. I am still not certain Ryan Day will return next season and I expect the Vols to make the Buckeyes one dimensional in this game. The Volunteers are not known for a strong defense under Coach Heupel, but that is what they have become this season. This total is the lowest of the four first round games and laying over a touchdown would be a tough ask if the total points is only expected to be in the mid-forties. Take the points with the hungier team that wants to make a statement that they are back.

10 Unit Play. Take #120 Oregon Ducks over Penn State Nittany Lions (8p.m., Saturday, December CBS) BIG 10 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME Penn State must be shocked that they made it to Indianapolis, but I see them losing this game by double-digits. Both teams are likely in the playoffs and are playing for a top seed and bye. Coach Franklin has struggled in games against top teams and Oregon is the No. 1 team in the country. Oregon has scored 30 points in 23 of their last 24 games and I just do not believe Penn State can keep up with them. Oregon got over a big hurdle last week beating Washington and I see them winning the Big Ten in their first season.

7 Unit Play. Take #308928 Montana State -17 over UT Martin (3p.m., Saturday, December 7 ESPN+) UT-Martin is coming off of perhaps the most dominating performance, defeating New Hampshire 41-10 last week in the opening round. Their reward, however, isn't much of a prize as they now must travel to Bozeman, Montana, to take on the number one seed, Montana State. The Skyhawks from UT-Martin have been impressive offensively, scoring 32.5 ppg (23rd in the country) and almost the same on the road, with 32.3 ppg. Their defense, however, is a different story, surrendering 22.3 ppg overall and 23 ppg as visitors. Perhaps an even more glaring statistic is their 2-4 SU record against teams above a .500 winning percentage, a stat Montana State (12-0) must be salivating at. The Bobcats have the highest-scoring offense in FCS, putting up 40.7 ppg and tied with Dayton for 6th at 17.0 ppg. Bobcat Stadium has been even more difficult for opposing teams to score in, as MSU's home points allowed per game is a stingy 13.2 ppg. UT-Martin has had difficulty all season against elite defenses, putting up a mere 9 points against Tennessee Tech and 6 against Kansas State. The Bobcats are somewhere in the middle of those respective teams. Another key factor to consider is travel and altitude. The Skyhawks have certainly earned their wings, traveling 1,266 miles last week to Durham, New Hampshire, and an even further 1,600 miles to Bozeman, Montana this week. Bobcat Stadium isn't quite a mile high, at an elevation of 4,940 feet, but the altitude is significant enough that visiting teams often struggle in the second half against MSU. We expect the weary travelers from UT-Martin to hang around in the first 30 minutes and melt under the blistering pressure of Montana State in the second half. Take MONTANA STATE GOOD LUCK!

5 Unit Play. Take #111 Ohio Bobcats +2 over Miami Ohio Redhawks (12p.m., Saturday, December 5 ESPN) The stats favor Ohio in this game and getting them as an underdog is too good to pass up. The underdog is 16-6 ATS (3 pushes) in the last 25 MAC Championship Games. These two teams met earlier this season and I just do not believe the Redhawks are good enough to beat the Bobcats twice in one season. The MAC is always full of upsets and revenge will be served on the field.

4 Unit Play. Take #108 Boise State Broncos over UNLV Rebels (8p.m., Friday, December 6 FOX) MOUNTAIN WEST CHAMPIONSHIP GAME UNLV may be the better all-around team, but Boise State is playing at home with the best player on the field. The winner of this game will likely reach the playoffs, and I just cannot envision UNLV being that team. Boise State is a brand name, and the conference and playoff committee want them to win this game. UNLV lost to Boise State, 44-20 at home last year in the Mountain West Championship and that is how is see this game going as well.

4 Unit Play. Take #414 Texas A&M Aggies over Texas Longhorns (7:30p.m., Saturday, November 30 ABC) Texas A&M is coming off a bad loss to Auburn last week but they still control their own destiny to reach the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoffs. Texas has not been a world beater this season, they just have played a very easy schedule, and I do not see them blowing out the Aggies at College Station. These two teams have not met in quite some time and the 12th man will be alive and well for this game.

4 Unit Play. Take #390 Arizona Wildcats over Arizona State Sun Devils (3:30p.m., Saturday, November 30 FOX) The Sun Devils have a lot to play for in the Territorial Cup, but I see this game going down to the wire as rivalry games often do. Arizona State is coming off a big win over BYU and they now control their own destiny to reach the Big 12 Championship Game. ASU got sloppy in the second half against BYU including bad coaching decisions and I feel that might carryover into this game. Arizona is not making a bowl game and thus this will be their last game of the season. Look for them to go all out to win this game on Senior Day and spoil the magical season of ASU.

4 Unit Play. Take #322 Wisconsin Badgers over Minnesota Golden Gophers (12p.m., Friday, November 29 CBS) The Badgers face a must win game to become bowl eligible and keep their winning record streak alive. This is the battle for the axe, and I see Wisconsin winning this game for a second straight season. Minnesota is coming off a tough loss to Penn State and I think that will take its toll on this game. Sometimes it is easier to come back from a blowout and look for Wisconsin to show some pride and win this game at Camp Randall.

4 Unit Play. Take #163 Over in Northwestern Wildcats @ Michigan Wolverines (3:30p.m., Saturday, November 23 FS1) You do not find a total this low in college football very often and we will bite with the over. I think one of the teams will score in the high twenties and that should allow us to cash this ticket with the over. Michigan has gone over this posted number is 2 of their last 3 games and they are averaging 22 points per game. Both teams still have a chance to make a bowl game, but in order to achieve that they must be better on offense. It starts today as we expect both teams to reach the twenties in points.

4 Unit Play. Take #331 James Madison Dukes over Old Dominion Monarchs (4p.m., Saturday, November 16 ESPNU) The Dukes lost their coach who has gone on to have great early success at Indiana, but this is still a solid team. This is a game that they need to win to keep their slim hopes of winning the Sun Belt East alive. ODU has had similar results in the Sun Belt, but the difference in this game will come down to JMU having the better quarterback. Alonza Barnett is have a great season with 21 touchdowns compared to just 2 interceptions. He will come up big for his again on Saturday.

4 Unit Play. Take #398 Illinois Fighting Illini over Michigan State Spartans (2:30p.m., Saturday, November 16 FS1) I have not given up on Illinois this season. They are still 6-3 on the season and 3-3 in Big 10 Play. Both teams are off of a bye and a just do not see Illinois losing two straight home games against middle of the pack teams in the conference. Michigan State started off hot against Indiana on 11/2 leading 10-0, but lost 47-10. They have played a very difficult conference schedule, but I think they are worn down, not battle tested. The Illini beat Michigan at home by 14 points, a team that beat Michigan State. Lay the small change with the better all-around team playing at home.

4 Unit Play. Take #160 Missouri Tigers over Oklahoma Sooners (7:45p.m., Saturday, November 9 SEC Network) Just not a fan of Oklahoma anymore and feel Coach Venables is in over his head. They have lost 3 straight SEC games by 31, 26, and 12 points. Missouri is a solid 6-2 this season but their two losses have been clunkers, getting blown out by Alabama and Texas A&M. Oklahoma is not in either class of those two teams and thus I expect Missou to take care of business at home.

7 Unit Play. Take 308901 Dartmouth Big Green -6 over Princeton Tigers (Fri., Nov 8th 6:00 p.m. EST ESPNU) Another edition of the Friday Night Lights, Ivy League style when the 6-1 Dartmouth Big Green travel to New Jersey to take on the 2-5 Princeton Tigers. The Big Green suffered their first loss of the season last week, dropping a heartbreaker to Harvard 31-27. Dartmouth is an all-around solid team, ranking 42nd in scoring offense with 28.0 ppg and 37th in defensive total yards at 341 ypg. The Big Green are powered by a strong ground game  which averages 4.6 ypc and 177.6 ypg. The most impressive Dartmouth stat is their offense is 2nd in the FCS in turnovers lost, with just 4 through seven games. Princeton has struggled this season, averaging just 21.6 while surrendering 32.4 ppg. Their offense produces 272.6 ypg and their defense gives up 401.1. The two teams have two common opponents: Columbia and Harvard. Princeton lost to both, 34-17 to Columbia and 45-13 to Harvard. Dartmouth defeated Columbia, on the road, 24-21 and as mentioned before, lost last week to Harvard 31-27. Our model loves Dartmouth in this spot.

5 Unit Play. Take #108 Western Michigan Broncos +2 over Norther Illinois Huskies (7p.m., Wednesday, November 6 ESPN2) Oddsmakers cannot forgot that Northern Illinois beat Notre Dame earlier this season and thus are giving them too much respect. This is not the same team, as they are just 1-3 in the MAC. Western Michigan is at home, and they are 4-0 in the MAC and on their way to playing in Detroit for the MAC Championship. The Broncos have a solid QB & RB combination and the trends for Northern Illinois say to fade them. The Huskies are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games against teams that won their previous game.

10 Unit Play. Take #378 Washington Huskies over Southern Cal Trojans (7:30p.m., Saturday, November 2 BTN) BIG 10 GAME OF THE YEAR Not sure Doc ever envisioned his Big 10 Game of the Year featuring Washington and USC, but conference realignment has made the Big 10 a coast-to-coast conference. Both teams play much better at home. And if this game is close, I just feel USC will find a way to lose it. That is something they have done a lot of lately, and this is a game that the folks in Seattle want in a big way. The host team has covered the spread in all 8 games for USC this season. USC is playing on the road for the second time in three weeks. Washington has a strong rush defense and played much better than the final score indicated last week at Indiana. But this game basically comes down to Coach Lincoln Reily and how soft his teams have been, especially at USC. Coach Riely is 8-20 ATS in his last 28 road games when he is favored (lost all 3 in 2024). He is 2-8 as a road favorite in his last 10 conference games. Washington beat Michigan this season in Seattle, and they have not lost at Husky Stadium in 2024. USC is allowing a ton of yards over their last 3 games, and Will Rogers is capable of putting up big numbers in this game (needs to convert in the redzone). Washington has had success against USC, winning 5 of the last 8 meetings, and they will win this one by close to double digits. USC has been stuck in neutral for most of this season and will go another week without a road victory. The Husky’s need this game to become bowl eligible later in the season and they will get it.

4 Unit Play. Take #350 Michigan State Spartans over Indiana Hoosiers (3:30p.m., Saturday, November 3 Peacock) The Hoosiers are not going to run the table with 11 straight covers during the regular season. They have had a remarkable season, and I am a big fan of their Coach Curt Cignetti, but they have played an incredibly weak schedule this season. They also have quarterback issues, and I will not speculate whether or not Kurtis Rourke will play in this game. Their 14-point victory last week against Washington was misleading, as they got a pick six to open the game and Washington outplayed them for much of those 60 minutes. Michigan State is improving under Jonathan Smith and this still have a great chance to earn 6 wins and reach a bowl game. They have a competent quarterback in Aidan Chiles and should be able to take this game down to the wire. This is also a lookahead spot for Indiana, with Michigan and Ohio State on deck. The law of averages will come into play, as the ATS run that Indiana is on will end.

4 Unit Play. Take #148 Kentucky Wildcats over Auburn Tigers (7:45p.m., Saturday, October 26 SEC Network) This is a straight fade against Auburn, as this team has been terrible this season. They are turnover prone on offense and do not have an established quarterback. They will enter this game having lost 4 straight SEC games and just find ways to lose, as they could have beaten Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. If they hit any adversity in this game they will fold. Kentucky has struggled this season as well, but they still have an identity and did beat Ole Miss this season. Mark Stoops is on safer ground compared to Hugh Freeze and I just feel Kentucky will find a way to win this game by 7-10 points.

4 Unit Play. Take #122 Under in Florida State Seminoles @ Miami Hurricanes (7p.m., Saturday, October 26 ESPN) This was a marquee game in the early nineties and it is hard to believe that the Seminoles have fallen this far. Much of these issues this year have come on offense, as they have yet to find the quarterback to replace Jordan Travis. To have any chance in this game they will need to run the football and play mistake free. This is a rivalry game, and I just do not feel that Miami will be able to go up and down the field and score points at well. Coach Cristobal likes to play ball control and run the football as well. Miami dominates this game, but it comes in a low scoring game that will go under the posted total.

4 Unit Play. Take #414 Oregon State Beavers over UNLV Rebels (10p.m., Saturday, October 19 CW Network) Just not sold on UNLV being this big of a favorite on the road in a tough environment. UNLV has wins over power 4 teams, but Kansas and Houston are not any good this season. They also have a home loss to Syracuse. Oregon State will be able to move the football in this game and should be able to take it down to the wire. The Beavers have some injuries, but they are playing at home at night with a strong fan base.

10 Unit Play. Take 309002 North Dakota State Bison +1.5 over South Dakota State Jackrabbits (8p.m., Saturday, October 19 ESPN2) FCS GAME OF THE YEAR The FCS's version of Alabama-Georgia goes off tonight when the S. Dakota State Jackrabbits travel to the FargoDome to take on the N. Dakota State Bison. S. Dakota St. is #1 in the country and the hosting N. Dakota St. is #2. The Jackrabbits are 6th in the FCS averaging 39.0 ppg off of 439.8 yards per game of total offense. They lead the FCS in yards per carry with an impressive 7.3 average and 15 TDs. N. Dakota State is 5th in the FCS with 3,109 total yards of offense and 13th in scoring offense with 35.3 ppg and 9th in scoring defense, allowing 17.6 ppg. They are lead by the 4-year starter Cam Miller, who is poised to become the NDSU all-time leader in passing yards as he currently has 7,974 and trails the leader Easton Stick by 719 yards. Miller's impending achievement becomes even more impressive when you realize that caliber of talent the Bison have produced at QB (Carson Wentz and Trey Lance most recently). Miller has the accuracy of a sniper, completing 121-158 76.6% for 1,504 yards, with 12 TDs and 0 INTs through 7 games. SDSU has won the Dakota Marker (the annual trophy) for the last four regular season meetings, as well as in the 2022 FCS Championship game. This game feels like Miller gets to exorcise his Jackrabbit demons. While SDSU's defense is still quite good, they're giving up 200.7 ypg through the air, 32 more yards than last season, while their passing output has decreased from 222 to 194.7 ypg in 2024. NDSU's offense is more potent than Incarnate Word, who put up 351 passing yards and 419 total yards, along with 24 points. The Bison have been a scoring machine when they get into the redzone, converting 72.9% of those trips into touchdowns. Cam Miller has a dangerous go-to man in WR Bryce Lance, who has hauled in 35 catches for 418 yards and 5 TDs. That connection is part of the reason that the Bison have a 58% conversion rate on 3rd-down, 2nd-best in the FCS and when they need to, 8-12 (75%) on 4th-down conversions as well. While they don't do this often, NDSU averages 47.4 per punt. With the emotions of this massive rivalry game running rampant, I like taking a seasoned veteran leader like the Bison's QB Cam Miller who will be able to keep their cool. Take the home dog North Dakota State and good luck!

4 Unit Play. Take #356 Cincinnati Bearcats over Arizona State Sun Devils (12p.m., Saturday, October 19 ESPN+) Arizona State has had a remarkable turnaround under second year Coach Kenny Dillingham, but I still believe that they are playing over their heads. Some of their wins against Mississippi State, Kansas, and Utah appear like great wins at the start of the season, but those teams have fallen off a cliff. The Bearcats have regrouped after a rough 2023 season and are just a few plays away from being undefeated this season at 6-0 (4-2 record). The Bearcats have a strong passing game with close to 300 yards per game and they should be able to light up the scoreboard in this game through the air. We will lay the points with the home team.

8 Unit Play. Take #188 LSU Tigers +3.5 over Ole Miss Rebels (7:30p.m., Saturday, October 13 ABC) COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME OF THE YEAR Ole Miss won this game last year in a shootout (55-49), but I just do not believe they are that much better than a 4-1 LSU team. Playing a night game in Baton Rouge is always a challenge for the visiting team and we will take the points on Saturday night. LSU is 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games when they have single SEC revenge (lost to this team in the previous game). The loser of this game will likely not be able to make the SEC Championship Game and since this game is at home it is more important to LSU. The stats may favor Ole Miss on defense, but keep it mind LSU has played a much more difficult schedule and does not have a bad home loss to Kentucky on their schedule. Both teams will have their moments on offense, but I just trust Brian Kelly more as a head coach, especially when adversity hits. The home team has won 10 of the last 12 games in this matchup, including the last 4. Finally, LSU has won 6 straight home conference openers.  

4 Unit Play. Take #178 BYU Cougars over Arizona Wildcats (4p.m., Saturday, October 12 FOX) BYU is not a darling of the odds makers or total rankings, but they have a great home field advantage and should be able to take care of a rebuilding Arizona team at home. BYU is 5-0 on the season and they have been more impressive of late, pounding Kansas State and winning last time at in Waco. Arizona has a great win on their resume at Utah, but they also got blown out by Kansas State and lost at home last week to Texas Tech. The Cats returned a ton of talent from last season, but they just do not have the same magic under Coach Brennan that they did under Coach Fisch. Arizona has lost 7 of the last 10 games against BYU. The Cougars just find ways to win games, and we will lay the points with them today, as they have the better total defense.

4 Unit Play. Take #168 Illinois Fighting Illini over Purdue Boilermakers (3:30p.m., Saturday, October 12 FS1) Not much is needed to justify this play, Purdue is terrible and is having players and coaches leave the team. They got pounded by Wisconsin and I see them struggling to score any points at all in this game. Illinois is coming off a bye and a truly believe Coach Bielema should be able to name the score of this game. The only is negative is that Purdue has former Bielema coaches on staff (head coach) and surprisingly Purdue has won 6 straight games in Champaign. I still see Illinois winning this game by 20+ points, as Purdue has given up on the season.

4 Unit Play. Take #353 Indiana Hoosiers over Northwestern Wildcats (3:30p.m., Saturday, October 5 BTN) At this point you can pretty much play Indiana blind, as the oddsmakers have not caught up with how good they are on either side of the ball. The Wildcats struggle to score points and Indiana has been scoring them at will this season. Until proven otherwise, just take Indians with whatever the number is.

4 Unit Play. Take #364 Stanford Cardinal over Virginia Tech Hokies (3:30p.m., Saturday, October 5 ACC Network) This is a long trip to Palo Alto (Stanford, CA) for the Hokies after a devastating loss to Miami last time out. Just not sure why Virginia Tech is this big of a favorite since they are 2-3 on the season with losses to Vanderbilt and Rutgers. Stanford returned a bunch of experience and they have been competitive most of the season. Their score against Clemson last week is a little misleading, as the Tigers pulled away late in that game. Just feel Virginia Tech is due for a letdown and they will just go through the motions and this one should go down to the wire. We will grab the points, as Virginia Tech is traveling +2,200 miles.

4 Unit Play. Take #402 Wisconsin Badgers over Purdue Boilermakers (12p.m., Saturday, October 5 BTN) Wisconsin has yet to cover a spread this season, yet are around a two touchdown favorite? Purdue is an historically bad team through 4 games this season and they have not been competitive in any of their 3 FBS games this season. They have lost by 59 points, 17 points and 18 points and Wisconsin should be able to get right in this game. The Badgers have a ton of bad vibes but have dominated Purdue in the past and should be able to win this game by 20+ points.

4 Unit Play. Take #180 Auburn Tigers over Oklahoma Sooners (3:30p.m., Saturday, September 29 ABC) Just do not think Oklahoma is that good this season and now they are making a change at quarterback. Coach Venables appears to be in over his head as a head coach and their home loss to Tennessee was not as close as the final score would indicate (Tennessee called off the dogs in the second half). Auburn has talent on both sides of the football, they have just been done in by turnovers. The Tigers had five of them last week against the Razorbacks and if they can take care of the football in this game, they should come out victorious. Turnovers are sometimes fluky, and I just do not feel they can play as badly as they did last Saturday. Auburn will preach about hanging onto the football all week during practice and will reap the benefits of that on Saturday.

4 Unit Play. Take #197 Wisconsin Badgers over USC Trojans (3:30p.m., Saturday, September 28 CBS) Just do not see Wisconsin getting run out of the Coliseum. The Badgers will have a ton of fans in attendance and USC is not explosive on either side of the football. Wisconsin will be playing their backups quarterback, Braedyn Locke does have experience playing some last year. USC had Michigan on the ropes but could not stop the running attack and they eventually wore down on the final drive of the game. If Wisconsin cannot run in this game, they never will be able to and their long tradition is all but out the window. USC is the better team, but if Wisconsin can take care of the football, they will be able to keep this game around 10 points.

4 Unit Play. Take #196 Michigan Wolverines over Minnesota Golden Gophers (12p.m., Saturday, September 28 FOX) Minnesota is a poor man’s version of Michigan and the PJ Fleck style has run its course. This will be the first true road game for Minnesota this season and I do not see them staying within double digits in this game. Michigan is coming off a big win against USC last Saturday and I just feel they will be able to overpower Minnesota in this game. The Gophers are just 2-14 and 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games against Michigan.

4 Unit Play. Take #388 Michigan Wolverines over USC Trojans (3:30p.m., Saturday, September 21 CBS) This line has come down and I do not see Michigan getting run out of their home stadium for the second time in four weeks. Michigan made a quarterback change and that should bring some life into this offense. USC was fortunate to beat LSU in the season opener, but we have seen that LSU is not that good this season. I still expect Michigan to control the trenches in this game and that will allow them to take this one right down to the wire. Michigan needs this game more and that is the deciding factor for this selection.

4 Unit Play. Take #312 Cincinnati Bearcats over Houston Cougars (12p.m., Saturday, September 21 FS1) Just not a fan of this Houston team, who has a new coach and already some bad losses on the year. Cincinnati has beaten Houston in the last 4 meetings (4-0 ATS as well) and are just a year ahead of Houston, who struggles to score points. Both teams want to start off conference play with a victory, but playing at home will allow the Bearcats to win by more than a touchdown.

6 Unit Play. Take #193 Indiana Hoosiers -3 over UCLA Bruins (7:30p.m., Saturday, September 14 NBC) TOP COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAY Both teams have new coaches, but Indiana hired a former head coach that has experience running a successful program and is a Nick Saben disciple. UCLA hired a former player with no head coaching experience and no coordinator coaching experience. Indiana returned a ton of game experience from last season and UCLA was lucky to win at Hawaii in Week 1. Indiana has not played anyone through two games, but I feel the way they are playing will build confidence for this program. UCLA has a brutal schedule and may go over a month without winning a game. Coaching will be the difference in this game.

3 Unit Play. Take #116 Wisconsin Badgers over Alabama Crimson Tide (12p.m., Saturday, September 14 FOX) Just feel this is too many points for a true road game in Big 10 Country. Alabama is just not the same team without Nick Saben, and they have not traveled to Big 10 Country to play a true road game since Joe Pa was still coaching. Wisconsin has not looked that good through two games thus far in 2024, but Alabama struggled to put away USF until very late in that game last week as well. The Badgers hung with Ohio State last year and I see them doing the same on Saturday morning. Wisconsin has a healthy quarterback, and they will make Jalen Milroe beat them through the air and I see them hanging around for 60 minutes.

3 Unit Play. Take #382 Nebraska Cornhuskers over Colorado Buffaloes (7:30p.m., Saturday, September NBC) This is a now or never game for Nebraska to prove they can at least be a competent bowl team. They have been living in their past for most of this century and have gone through coach after coach with not much success after Frank Solich. They are the better team playing at home against a former rival that has numerous holes on both sides of the football. Colorado has a good quarterback and a great dual threat player in Travis Hunter. But they also have a terrible defense, and a terrible offensive line and Nebraska should feast on that. This is a game Nebraska needs to win by double digits, and they should in a primetime game.

3 Unit Play. Take #342 Iowa Hawkeyes over Iowa State Cyclones (3:30p.m., Saturday, September 7 CBS) We all know about the issues Iowa has had on offense over the years. Despite those, they have had great success against Iowa State in recent years winning 7 of the last 8 years. Iowa State had the more talented team in at least half of those games, but Iowa just has the mental edge over them. For what its worth, Iowa did put up 40 points last week against Illinois State in a shutout victory. Iowa returns a ton of talent from last year and people just continue to underestimate them, especially on defense. Iowa State is 2-5 ATS (1 push) in the last 8 games against Iowa.

2 Unit Play. Take #164 Syracuse Orange over Ohio Bobcats (3:30p.m., Saturday, August 31 ACCN) Syracuse has hope this season with a new coach and a quarterback that started at Ohio State last season. The Orange has won their opening game three straight years including beating Ohio in a road game in 2021. The Bobcats return trip should be another 20+ point setback, as they are nothing like their MAC Championship team last season. They return hardily any starters on either side of the ball and are facing a team that is desperate to get some publicity. Cuse comes out in the home opener and dominates this game.

10 Unit Play. Take #186 Florida Gators over Miami Hurricanes (3:30p.m., Saturday, August 31 ABC) TOP PLAY OF THE WEEKEND. This might be a make-or-break year for Coach Billy Napier but I am not a big fan of Mario Cristobal either. Florida did win a similar game in 2022 as a slight underdog against Utah in their home opener. QB Graham Mertz had a bounce back season in 2023 but this team fell apart when he was injured later in the year. He is back and should give them a stable offense. Miami has a solid QB in Cam Ward and returns a ton of talent, but that talent just finished 7-6 last season including losing 4 of their last 5 games. The Gators have been a great play as an underdog covering the spread in 19 of their last 27 games. Florida has won 2 of the last 3 games against Miami including a 23-point victory the last time these two teams met. Florida has a brutal schedule this season and this is a game they must get. We expect them to win straight-up with the home crowd playing a major part in their success.

3 Unit Play. Take #147 TCU Horned Frogs over Stanford Cardinal (10:30p.m., Friday, August 30 ESPN) Stanford is a mess and playing in the ACC will likely be more trouble than the benefits provided. TCU is 3-0 lifetime against Stanford and the Frogs remember their opening game last season and will not want a repeat of that performance. Stanford is 1-14 straight-up against FBS teams in their last 15 home games. The Cardinal do not have any homefield advantage whatsoever and TCU returns a ton of starters from last season. TCU had too much to overcome last season after making the Championship Game, but they will be back this season and win this game by double digits.

2 Unit Play. Take #308 Nevada Wolf Pack over SMU Mustangs (8p.m., Saturday, August 24 CBSSN) SMU is a fringe top 25 team and Nevada is coming off back to back 2-10 seasons. The Pack made an upgrade at coaching, and I feel they will be able to keep this game under 20 points. This line has come down all week long and I concur that Nevada is the side to take in this game. A terrible Nevada team took Kansas to the wire last season. Coach Choate has brought some energy back into Reno and at the start the players and fan base have bought in (I live in Reno). Their starting quarterback played some last season and that should help them get just enough first downs and points. SMU would have covered this number in only 4 of their 14 games last season.

6 Unit Play. Take 308905 Over 61.5 in McNeese State Cowboys @ Tarleton State Texans (3:30p.m., Saturday, August 24 ESPN2) McNeese State went a dreadful 0-10 last season but looks to turn things around with 15 starters returning. They also received a massive upgrade at quarterback, as former Montana quarterback Clifton McDowell, fresh off a National Championship appearance last year with the Grizzlies, went south this year to play with the Cowboys. Meanwhile, the Cowboys return 10 starters, including all 5 offensive linemen, from an offense that racked up 428 yards on offense and 33.3 ppg en route to an 8-3 finish last season. The defense was shaky, though, allowing 364 yards of offense and 24.5 ppg. Therefore, we're backing an over that could be hit midway through the 3rd quarter. We start our college football season with fireworks in the Tarleton St vs. McNeese St game. TAKE THE OVER AND GOOD LUCK!

10 Unit Play. Take #308925 Over 48.5 in Montana Grizzles vs South Dakota State Jackrabbits (2p.m., Sunday, January 7 ABC) We have cleaned up with the over all through the FCS Playoffs and will look to cash in one more time. We hit the over in the Grey Cup as well and feel this will also be a high scoring game. Montana is facing a juggernaut that has won 28 straight games and they know that they must score in the high twenties to have any chance in this game. Both coaches have had three weeks to prepare for this game and that will benefit the offensive minded coaches. Weather will not be a factor in this game with sunny skies expected. Both teams average in the thirties and SDSU has numerous playmakers on offense, and I expect them to hit their seasonal average today. We will not worry if South Dakota State can cover this big number and instead just collect with the over.

Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports

4 Unit Play. Take #269 Georgia Bulldogs over Florida State Seminoles (4p.m., Saturday, December 30 ESPN) ORANGE BOWL Motivation will be on display for both teams, as the Bulldogs do not get a chance to go for a 3-peet. The Seminoles did not even make the 4 team playoff despite going undefeated from a power conference and they have been hearing for a month how they got robbed. The Seminoles are missing a ton of skill players for this game on offense, and I just do not see them being able to move the football against the Dawgs in this game. Georgia has the most talented team in the country, and they have a coach that knows the importance of playing well in this exhibition game. Georgia has won the Orange Bowl in 3 of their 4 trips to South Florida. I see a 35-10 type of score with the Bulldogs dominating this game from start to finish.

10 Unit Play. Take #258 Kentucky Wildcats over Clemson Tigers (12p.m., Friday, December 29 ESPN) GATOR BOWL, COLLEGE BOWL GAME OF THE YEAR SEC is better than the ACC and Kentucky is the more battle tested team in this game. The Wildcats appear to have more players available for this game with the Tigers having a bunch of players sitting out for this game. Kentucky should have their quarterback and running back for this game and will be able to move the football against the Tigers. Kentucky is 3-1 ATS in 2023 when they are an underdog. The long layoff will help them in this game.

Clemson’s streak of double digit wins already ended this season and I just do not see them being that motivated to play in this game. Their offense is just not as strong as it has been in year’s past. The Tigers defense was outstanding this season, but it came against weak competition and some of their talent will not be playing in this game. Motivation is the deciding factor, as Kentucky is happy to be here and travels well to their bowl games in the Southeast. With a total in the mid 40’s getting this many points with the underdog is too good to pass up.

4 Unit Play. Take #210 Boise State Broncos over UCLA Bruins (7:30p.m., Saturday, December 16 ABC) Boise State has hired their interim head coach and I expect them to rally and play well for him in this game. The Broncos have won 4 straight games, and they always seem to get up when playing power 5 schools from the west coast. Chip Kelly beat USC to keep his job for another year, but their offense did not do much this season and I expect them to struggle in this game as well against a strong Boise front. The Bruins will be missing some key people on defense and the Broncos will be the more motivated team in this game.

10 Unit Play. Take #308921 Over in Albany Great Danes @ South Dakota State Jackrabbits (7p.m., Friday, December 15 ESPN2) I refuse to call them UAlbany and feel that gets annoying on the broadcast. SDSU has won 27 games in a row, and this is too big of number to try and cover. Thus, we will side with the over for a couple of factors. First, weather could be a factor in this game with rain early then possible snow late. I feel that benefits the offense since they know where they are going. Both teams are strong against the run and I do not expect either team, especially Albany, to have any success running the football. That means the ball will be in the air a lot tonight and that also stops the clock much more than it would if both teams were running the football successfully. Both teams have strong quarterbacks and Reese Poffenbarger hit numerous big plays last week against Idaho. Finally, this will be Albany’s ninth road game this season and I expect them to struggle containing South Dakota State on offense. The Jackrabbits should be able to score close to 40 points in this game and I see the total points in the mid-fifties.

10 Unit Play. #308909 Take Over 51.5 Albany at Idaho (10:00p.m., Saturday December 9 ESPN+) FCS Game of the Year. Yes, I know Albany defense is no joke but the fire power on the offensive side of Idaho will give us the total victory. Idaho needed overtime against Southern Illinois to advance in this game and I just don't see them scoring only 20 points Saturday night. The Albany Great Danes have won 6-Straight, and their team defense is the reason why they are still playing football in December. Albany put up 41 points last week against Richmond and I'm a bit shocked that this total has dropped 3-points. Should be a tight game from the start and I see both offenses moving the ball and wouldn't shock me to see the winner score 30 plus points or more.

4 Unit Play. Take #318 Alabama Crimson Tide over Georgia Bulldogs (4p.m., Saturday, December 2 CBS) SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME This likely will be a winner take all game, as Alabama looks to unseat Georgia for the second time in the last 3 SEC Championship games. Alabama was fortunate to survive last week against Auburn, but I believe they will take that momentum into this game. I believe Alabama has the better quarterback in this game, as Jalen Milroe can beat you with his arm or his legs. Alabama’s offense live has been playing much better of late and I just believe Georgia lost too much talent from last year to run the table in 2023 without suffering a loss. Georgia has played an easy schedule this season without having to face Oklahoma in the nonconference portion of the season and they will hit adversity in this game. Alabama has won 7 of the last 8 games in this matchup and they will win and march onto the College Football Playoff.

4 Unit Play. Take #313 Boise State Broncos over UNLV Rebels (3p.m., Saturday, December 2 FOX) MOUNTAIN WEST CHAMPIONSHIP GAME Who would have believed at the start of that UNLV would be hosting the Mountain West Championship Game! Now they get to face the best team in the league since they joined the Mountain West and look for Boise State to finish the season with 4 straight wins. The Broncos have seen much improvement since making a coaching change and UNLV is coming off a bad home loss to San Jose State last time out. UNLV has overachieved much of the season but look for them to come back to reality on Saturday.

6 Unit Play. Take #308962 Montana St -2.5 over North Dakota St (3:00p.m., Saturday December 2 ESPN+) FCS Playoffs. Completely shocked on why this game dropped to 2.5 and as I type one book moved to -2 so maybe wait to throw down on some FCS Playoff game. Both teams can score and score quickly but in the second half is when I see the Bobcats control the game and again, I'm laying this low number. As long as the Bobcats can control the Bison QB Cam Miller I see them advancing in the FCS Playoffs.

4 Unit Play. Take #306 Washington Huskies over Oregon Ducks (8p.m., Friday, December 1 ABC) PAC 12 CHAMPIONSHP GAME All the value is now with Washington, as this line skyrocketed over the weekend with the performance Washington had in the Apple Cup. People are lining up to bet Oregon and this line is just too high in my opinion. Washington already beat Oregon once this season and they have a fully capable quarterback that can match Bo Nix stat for stat. The Huskies have the motivation to play well since they will be hearing all week that they do not have any chance to win this game. Washington has a long winning streak and many of their games stay under the posted total allowing a strong play with a live underdog. Oregon does not have many quality wins this season, they just pass the eye test. That will not be enough to blow out Washington.

4 Unit Play. Take #195 Arizona Wildcats over Arizona State Sun Devils (3:30p.m., Saturday, November 25 ESPN) The territorial cup features the Wildcats as clearly the best team in this matchup for the first time in quite some time. Arizona has won 5 straight games and will know by kickoff if they have a chance to play in the PAC-12 Championship Game next Friday in Las Vegas. ASU played Oregon last week and expect there to be a lingering effect from that game into this game. It is a rivalry and ASU will be up for this game, but Arizona is just too talented on both sides of the football for that to matter. The Wildcats showed last week they are not afraid to run up the score and they will win this game by double-digits.

10 Unit Play. Take #142 Michigan Wolverines over Ohio State Buckeyes (12p.m., Saturday, November 25 FOX) This game is for all the marbles with the winner winning the Big 10 Championship Game next week and a ticket to the playoffs. Ohio State has been one dimensional on offense and whoever runs the football better wins this game (happened over 20 years in a row). Ohio State is 8th in the Big 10 in rushing this season. I feel Michigan is better in all 3 phases of the game especially on special teams. Ohio State has Marvin Harrison, but their quarterback is subpar and I just do not believe he can beat them with his arm. Michigan against the world continues, as the Wolverines advance to the playoff with a double-digit victory at the Big House.

4 Unit Play. Take #136 Oregon Ducks over Oregon State Beavers (8:30p.m., Friday, November 24 FOX) The Civil War has both teams strong this season, but Oregon is just better. The Beavers faltered to move the football last week against a weak Washington defense. Now they must have their rival and a team that may be the best in the country. Oregon is 12-3 straight-up in their last 15 games against Oregon State. Bo Nix is looking to win the Heisman and expect him to light up the scoreboard and make a statement in this game. Sooner or later Oregon will get hot on offense and win this game by 20+ points. The Ducks need to run up the scoreboard in order to impress the selection committee.

2 Unit Play. Take #103 Bowling Green Falcons over Western Michigan Broncos (7p.m., Tuesday, November 21 ESPNU) The Falcons are going bowling and took Toledo to the wire last week. They will enter this game having won 4 of their last 5 games. Western Michigan cannot become bowl eligible even if they win this game on senior night and thus, I do not expect them to come out strong in this game. The Broncos have not beaten many of the top teams in the league in 2023 and tonight should be no different. The Falcons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.

10 Unit Play. Take #367 Utah Utes over Arizona Wildcats (2:30p.m., Saturday, November 18 PAC12N) TOP NCAA FOOTBALL PLAY OF THE WEEK. Arizona has been on a roll and will enter this game having won 4 straight games. This will be the toughest team they faced in their last 5 games, as Utah will not self-destruct like UCLA, Oregon State and Washington State did. The Utes are extremely well coached and I feel the Wildcats are playing a little over their heads at the moment. They have had a great season, but this is a team that lost to Mississippi State earlier this season (just fired their coach). The spread tells me that the Wildcats are not as good as their record would indicate, and reality will hit them in this game. Jedd Fisch is a hot coaching commodity and should win Pac 12 Coach of the Year, but the overachievers take a step back on Saturday. Utah has beaten Arizona six straight times (5-1 ATS). Utah is 15-3 in their last 18 road games when they are an opening line underdog. 

4 Unit Play. Take #322 Army Black Knights over Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (12p.m., Saturday, November 18 CBSSN) This line is begging you to take Coastal Carolina, but we will not bite and instead side with the home underdog. Playing Army with only one week to prepare is always a difficult task, as team just do not see the triple option much anymore. Coastal Carolina has won 5 straight games, but only one of those wins came by over 10 points. They struggled to put away App State, Arkansas State, Old Dominion and Texas State. Army has won their last home game of the season 7 straight years. The Black Knights lost by just 10 points to Coastal Carolina last season and that was a better squad than what they will face on Saturday.

4 Unit Play. Take #144 Georgia Bulldogs over Ole Miss Rebels (7p.m., Saturday, November 11 ESPN) Ole Miss has an offensive mindset and some good playmakers, but they struggled against Alabama scoring just 10 points. I see a similar situation today, as the Bulldogs are getting better and should win this game by double digits. Ole Miss just cannot keep up in the trenches and that will be the difference in this game. The Rebels are just 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games against ranked teams. It might not be pretty, but Georgia just do not lose games to inferior competition and Saturday between the hedges will be another victory.

10 Unit Play. Take #149 Michigan Wolverines over Penn State Nittany Lions (12p.m., Saturday, November 11 FOX) We are fading the Penn State offense in this game. Michigan has not been tested and this will be the best defense that they have faced all season long. But Penn State looked terrible against Ohio State, and I believe Michigan has a better defense than the Buckeyes. The Wolverines have won the last two games and are 6-3 straight-up and 7-2 ATS stretching that out to 9 games. Michigan has an us against the world mentality with all the outside noise going on around the program. JJ McCarthy is a much better player than Drew Allar and the offensive weapons are much better for the Wolverines. Penn State got a raw deal with this being a 12 p.m. game instead of a white out game at night. That edge allows Michigan to dominate this game and win it by double digits.

6 Unit Play. Take #111 Over in Akron Zips @ Miami (oh) RedHawks (7p.m., Wednesday, November 8 ESPNU) Akron got their offense together late in the game last week against Kent State scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter to win and cover the spread. Look for that to carryover into this game against a much better team in Miami (OH). The RedHawks should be able to move the football via the ground or air against this weak Zips defense and I expect them to be in the mid-thirties in points. Akron is a pass happy team and that leads to the clock stopping a bunch and allows for many more plays in their games. This is a low total and expect it to hit with Akron scoring some points in this game despite being a big underdog.

10 Unit Play. Take #328 Indian Hoosiers over Wisconsin Badgers (12p.m., Saturday, November 4 BTN) This line is coming down, as Wisconsin has been decimated by injuries and should not be favored by this many points against any team in the Big 10. The Badgers played decent against Ohio State but expect a letdown to occur as RB Allen and WR Diketo to injuries in that game. No team can sustain that many injuries and thus it would not surprise me if Indiana wins this game straight-up. Expect this game to go down to the wire and we will cash this ticket with whoever comes out on top.

5 Unit Play. Take #308 Akron Zips -3.5 over Kent State Golden Flashes (7:30p.m., Wednesday, November 1 ESPNU) How the Golden Flashes have fallen. This used to be a perennial top team in the MAC, but they cannot get out of their own way this season going 1-7 with their only win coming against an FCS team. Akron has the same stats, but the difference tonight will be the quarterback play of Akron (taking care of the football). Jeff Undercuffler will be smart with the football and that will allow the Zips to move the football and win this game by double digits. Neither team will be making a bowl game, so the time is now for Akron to end this long losing streak to Kent State and earn some pride heading into next season.

4 Unit Play. Take #176 Arizona Wildcats over Oregon State Beavers (10:30p.m., Saturday, October 28 ESPN) Arizona has been playing well of late covering three straight games including a shocking 44-6 victory over Washington State last time out. That Wazzou team is the only team to beat the Beavers this season. Both teams are coming off of a bye but Oregon State is just a different team when playing on the road. Arizona is 5-1 ATS in lined games this season. Oregon State is 2-5 in their last 7 conference road games when they are favored. They are also 1-7 ATS (1 push) in this same situation when they are favored by less than a touchdown. It is hard to beat anyone on the road in the PAC-12 besides Cal, ASU, and Stanford and this game should go down to the wire with the Wildcats coming out on top.

4 Unit Play. Take #162 Colorado State Rams over Air Force Falcons (7p.m., Saturday, October 28 CBSSN) This is an in-state battle and Colorado State already took Colorado to the wire. I do not see them getting blown out at home, as this is a sandwich game for Air Force. The Force played Navy last week and have Army on deck. Colorado State only lost by two to UNLV and beat Boise State in their last home game. Jay Novell will keep this game close and be ready to contain the triple option. All the pressure is on Air Force, as the look to win the MWC and receive a major bowl win.

4 Unit Play. Take #134 Louisville Cardinals over Duke Blue Devils (3:30p.m., Saturday, October 28 ESPN) Duke has quarterback issues with Riley Leonard not able to finish last game. Playing Florida State last week took its toll on Duke, and I do not expect them to have much left for this game even if QB Leonard plays. Florida State dominated the second half against Duke outscoring them 21-0 and now they must face a sleeper team in the ACC that got pretty good, pretty quick. The Cardinals are coming off a bye and should be fresh for this game after suffering their only loss of the season last time out. All of their home game victories this season have come over today’s posted number. Louisville is also 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games. The Cardinals take this one by double digits.

5 Unit Play. Take #107 UTEP Miners over Sam Houston State Bearkats (8p.m., Wednesday, October 24 ESPN2) Just feel the wrong team is favored in this game and we will take the points with the team that has actually won games this season. UTEP won both of the previous meetings with Sam Houston State and is the must better offensive team. The Bearkats cannot run the football whatsoever and losing all these close games will eventually take its toll on them. Whoever runs the football better should win this game and look for that to be the Miners. 

4 Unit Play. Take #342 Florida State Seminoles over Duke Blue Devils (7:30p.m., Saturday, October 21 ABC) Duke winning last week was fools gold, as the stats were terrible. Now they face a team that they have never beaten in Florida State, as they are 0-21 straight-up against them and have not covered the spread against them since 2004. QB Leonard may be back for this game, but it will not matter, as he will not be 100% and the Seminoles will win this game by over 20 points.

4 Unit Play. Take #323 Pittsburgh Panthers over Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3:30p.m., Saturday, October 21 ACCN) Wake Forest is a sinking ship and will enter this game having lost 3 straight conference games. Pittsburgh picked up their best win of the season last week against Louisville and expect them to follow that up with another victory on Saturday. The Demon Deacons benched their quarterback last week and were outgained by 200 yards last week against Virginia Tech. Pittsburgh has the coaching advantage and will get back closer to bowl eligibility with another victory on Saturday.

10 Unit Play. Take #326 Ohio State Buckeyes over Penn State Nittany Lions (12p.m., Saturday, October 21 FOX) Big 10 Game of the Year. Getting Ohio State playing at the Horseshoe at this line does not happen very often. Penn State has looked impressive this season, but they have not played anyone of significance and will not be battle tested for this game. Many people have been critical of Ohio State QB McCord, but he has an 11-1 touchdown to interception ratio and Penn State does not have a veteran quarterback either. Penn State has lost 10 of their last 11 games to Ohio State including 6 games in a row. The Lions have not gotten many explosive plays this season and they will need a bunch in order to beat Ohio State. Coach Franklin does not win many road games against elite teams and Saturday should be no different. DC Manny Diaz never seems to live up to the hype and I always like fading him in big spots. Ohio State has great wide receivers and many of their running backs should be back for this game. The Buckeyes have improved greatly on defense and Penn State has not seen a unit this strong yet this season. Ohio State is accustomed to winning these type of games and Penn State once again in not in that class to knock off big teams in true road games. Penn State is on a monster ATS run but I look for that to end on Saturday, as Ohio State wins this game by double-digits.  

10 Unit Play. Take #190 Oregon State Beavers over UCLA Bruins (8p.m., Saturday, October 14 FOX) We went against UCLA at the Rose Bowl last week and were a tough luck loser, as Wazzou offense played terribly in the second half. Now that makes this play at Oregon State much stronger in favor of the Beavers. Oregon State is 14-1 ATS in their last 15 home games. They have already beaten Utah at home, and they have a similar quarterback situation that UCLA does (freshman on the road). The Beavers are on a rampage and want to knock off all the teams leaving the conference next season. The fan base is that much more motivated, especially when playing UCLA, a team that started the dominos falling. UCLA has a strong defense, but they will not be able to win that game on defense alone. Oregon State is the best team that have played thus far, and they will not be up to the challenge.

4 Unit Play. Take #136 Kentucky Wildcats over Missouri Tigers (7:30p.m., Saturday, October 14 SECN) Both teams are coming off their first loss of the season. Kentucky was blown out by Georgia and thus I think it will be easier for them to bounce back in this game. The Wildcats have dominated this series, winning 7 of the 8 games (6-2 ATS). Missouri had a brutal loss and cover last week against LSU and I see losing two straight, as this game is a night game in Lexington. Missouri has not played in a hostile environment this season and look for that to have an effect. Lay the points with the home team.

4 Unit Play. Take #186 Nevada Wolf Pack over UNLV Rebels (5p.m., Saturday, October 14 NSN) The Wolf Pack carry the nations longest losing streak, but this rivalry has seen many upsets of late. Nevada has covered the spread in 3 straight games in this series. UNLV is 5-0 ATS this season and that usually evens out over 12 games. Nevada has been playing better football of late and will enter this game on a 3-0 ATS run. Getting this many points with a home underdog is too good to pass up.

4 Unit Play. Take #356 Ohio Bobcats over Kent State Golden Flashes (3:30p.m., Saturday, October 7 ESPN+) The Bobcats have been a covering machine the last two years going 13-2 ATS in their last 15 games. The Golden Flashes are 1-4 on the season and their only win came against FCS Central Connecticut. Their other four games have been losses by 50, 22, 43, and 20 points. Ohio has revenge in this game having lost their last two games against Kent State. Ohio is coming off a bye and will be healthy and rested to blow out Kent State. We will lay the wood with the home team.

4 Unit Play. Take #394 Texas A&M Aggies over Alabama Crimson Tide (3:30p.m., Saturday, October 7 CBS) Never like to fade Nick Saben especially with Jimbo Fisher on the other side, but this is more about Alabama really struggling on offense this season. Coach Fisher gets up for this game, and a victory today can get some of the fan base off of his back. A&M has not been as talented as Alabama the last few years, yet this game played them well. Look for the Aggies to shutdown the running quarterback and make them beat them through the air with long sustained drives. A&M has a wizard as offensive coordinator, and they will have some wrinkles that Alabama has yet to see. Grab the points with the more talented offensive team at home.

4 Unit Play. Take #379 Washington State Cougars over UCLA Bruins (3p.m., Saturday, October 7 P12N) Just feel the wrong team is favored in this game. Washington State has the better resume and they are on an us against the world type of run that we will back on Saturday. Their future is still unclear but the talent level in this game, especially on offense sides with the visitor. UCLA got exposed by Utah and they hardily get a home field advantage playing at the Rose Bowl. UCLA is starting a freshman quarterback and Wazzou has a major edge with Cam Ward behind center. The Cougars continues to make noise and getting them as a dog in this game is too good to pass up.

4 Unit Play. Take #201 LSU Tigers over Ole Miss Rebels (6p.m., Saturday, September 30 ESPN) We went against Ole Miss last week and won by a touchdown over the posted number. We will do that again, as I just do not believe they are great on either side of the football. LSU has a much better offense compared to Alabama and they cannot afford another loss with a brutal schedule awaiting them. The Bayou Bengals were in a battle last week with Arkansas, but I never felt they were going to lose that game in the second half. They put up 34 points with ease and expect them to do the same this week against Ole Miss. The Rebels finally played a decent team and failed that test with flying colors last week. Look for Lane Kiffin and company to fall to 3-2 overall Saturday night. 

4 Unit Play. Take #164 Nebraska Cornhuskers over Michigan Wolverines (3:30p.m., Saturday, September 30 FOX) Michigan continues to play an embarrassing nonconference schedule with cupcakes at home. This is the first road game of the season and I look for Nebraska to keep this one somewhat close. Michigan is not as strong as they have been the last two years and Nebraska should get better as the season progresses. Nebraska has been running the football of late and if they can do that on Saturday, they will be able to control the clock and keep the scoring low. Michigan has struggled to cover the spread this season and playing on the road should keep that streak going.

7 Unit Play. Take #181 Illinois Fighting Illini over Purdue Boilermakers (3:30p.m., Saturday, September 28 Peacock) TOP NCAA PLAY OF THE WEEK The Illini has been bad this season and they are 0-4 ATS, but I refuse to believe they are as bad as they have looked. They were a strong team in 2022 with an identity of a strong running game and great defense, and they should be able to find that form in this game. Purdue is in a complete rebuild under a new coaching staff and they have already lost three home games this season. The Boilermakers opened as a favorite, but that line is moving towards the Illini -- with good reason. Illinois has revenge on their minds after losing to Purdue last year, and I like to back Bret Bielema in grind out games like this one likely will be. Purdue is 3-13 in their last 16 games when opening as a home favorite. Turnovers have killed Illinois this season, but if they take care of the football, they should win this game by double digits.

4 Unit Play. Take #420 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders over Colorado State Rams (7p.m., Saturday, September 23 ESPN+) This is a tough ask for the Rams, as they will be playing their second straight road game and should have beaten Colorado last night out. That game in Boulder did not end until after midnight and I just believe that they are gassed and will not have anything left for this game. The Blue Raiders won 8 games last year and one of those wins came in Fort Collins by 15 points. They opened the season with two paycheck games against SEC teams and took Missouri to the wire, a team that just beat Kansas State. If MSTU plays well on offense, they will win this game by double digits. Look for that to happen, especially since the Rams are in a prime letdown spot.

10 Unit Play. Take #394 Alabama Crimson Tide over Ole Miss Rebels (3:30p.m., Saturday, September 23 CBS) TOP NCAA PLAY OF THE WEEK Many pundits and fans are throwing dirt on the grave of Alabama and Nick Saban, but I am not one of them. They have major issues at quarterback, but I feel they will right the ship on Saturday and win this game by double digits. Nick Saban is not a fan of Lane Kiffin, and he is 28-3 lifetime when facing his former assistants. Ole Miss never has a strong defense and tries to win most of their games by outscoring their opponents. They have beaten Alabama once in the past 16 meetings, and they just do not have the depth of a Nick Saban team. This is the game that Alabama will right the ship, and getting them at home with less than a touchdown is too good to pass up. 

4 Unit Play. Take #407 Over in Auburn Tigers @ Texas A&M Aggies (12p.m., Saturday, September 23 ESPN) These are two offensive minded teams with Hugh Freeze and Bobby Petrino calling plays for each team. The Aggies have put up points in all 3 of their games and are 14th in the country at 44 pointe per game. They could be 3-0 but turnovers did them in against Miami in Week 2. Auburn is not as polished with a first year coach but they are still averaging 39 points per game despite scoring just 14 point in Berkeley. Texas A&M playing at home should dictate the flow of this game and Jimo Fisher is all in on lighting up the scoreboard this season (to keep the boosters from buying him out). 

7 Unit Play. Take #176 Florida Gators over Tennessee Volunteers (7p.m., Saturday, September 16 ESPN) The SEC appears to be way down this season and giving this many points on the road is not a recipe for success. Florida has dominated this series, winning 16 of the last 18 matchups. Tennessee has not won in Gainesville since 2003. Tennessee was loaded last year and still only beat Florida by 5 points in 2022 and that game was in Knoxville. The underdog has dominated Florida games going 14-3 ATS in their last 17 lined games. This is a rivalry game and Florida should be motivated to put on a good show and get their coach and quarterback off the hot seat.

4 Unit Play. Take #156 Oregon State Beavers over San Diego State Aztecs (3:30p.m., Saturday, September 16 FS1) The Beavers and Cougars are wrecking havoc in the nonconference season, especially when play a conference they may be forced to join next season. Oregon State has pounded opponents in two straight games giving up only 24 combined points in those affairs. The Aztecs played a home game last week against UCLA and gave up 550 totals yards of offense. This Beavers team is better on both sides of the play than UCLA and they are at home for this game. Oregon State is on an 8-0 ATS run, and San Diego State is never a strong team on offense under Brady Hoke. Lay the wood in this game.

Free Play from Doc’s Sports. Take #110 Maryland Terrapins over Virginia Cavilers (Friday, September 15 FS1) Maryland came out flat last week against before turning it on in the second half. Look for that to carryover into this game against a deflated team that is a power 5 team in name only. Virginia should have beaten James Madison last week but fell apart in the fourth quarterback being outscored 12-0 to lose by a point. Now they travel north to play an old rival and expect Maryland to win this game by 20+ points. Do not miss out on Doc’s Sports weekend card featuring plays in MLB, NFL, NCAAF, WNBA, and more. We nailed 3 top plays over the weekend and now is the time to jump on board with a veteran handicapper that has been in business since 1971!

4 Unit Play. Take Maryland Terrapins over Charlotte 49ers (7:30p.m., Saturday, September 9 NBC) Maryland usually beats up on teams in nonconference play and tonight should be no different. Chalotte is an inexperienced team in 2023 with a ton of transfer but that does not mean they are talented transfers that were sought out by other teams. The 49ers were terrible on defense last year and look for Taulia Tagovailoa to pick apart this team for 60 minutes.

4 Unit Play. Take #384 Alabama Crimson Tide over Texas Longhorns (7p.m., Saturday, September 9 ESPN) Alabama has been hearing all summer long how they are not the same dominating team as they were in the past and Georgia has clearly surpassed them. Texas did not look good on offense early and I believe Alabama will dominate the line of scrimmage in this game. The Crimson Tide are 13-2 ATS (1 push) in their last 16 nonconference games against Power 5 teams. This is a coaching mismatch and Coach Sark is 0-3 ATS when he is a road underdog while at Texas. The Longhorns played well last season against Alabama and still lost and I see them losing by double digits tonight in Tuscaloosa.

3 Unit Play. Take #223 Over in West Virginia Mountaineers @ Penn State Nittany Lions (7:30p.m., Saturday, September 2 NBC) Hopefully we will not have to hear that annoying promo anymore, as the Big 10 now plays games on NBC. West Virginia has a coach on the hot seat, and it is important that Neal Brown make progress this season, especially on the offensive side of the football. West Virginia did average 31 points per game and if they come close to that mark in Happy Valley we should easily collect on this ticket. Penn State returns 8 starters on offense and should be able to move up and down the field in this game. This total has been dropping all week and now the value squarely lies with the over.

3 Unit Play. Take #194 Colorado State Rams over Washington State Cougars (7p.m., Saturday, September 2 CBBSN) The Rams need/should be better in 2023 under Jay Norvell in his second season. Washington State has been told all summer that they are not wanted and eventually that will take its toll on this team. They also host Wisconsin on deck, so there could be a look ahead factor in this game. Coach Norvell is 9-3 ATS as a home underdog in his coaching career. They return starters on both sides of the football and they should be much better on offense in year two of this system. Look for both team to feel each other out early in this game and if it is lower scoring, that should benefit the double-digit underdog.

Free Play from Doc’s Sports. Take #182 Under in Buffalo Bulls @ Wisconsin Badgers (3:30p.m., Saturday, September 2 FS1) The Luke Fickell era gets underway on Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI. The Badgers have a lot of excitement around them, but I am not sure they will be able to fix all of their offensive woes in one offseason. Wisconsin has gone under the posted total in 4 of their last 5 games. The Badger defense should overpower this Buffalo team and expect a combined score in the high forties. Do not miss out on Doc’s Sports weekend card featuring top plays in WNBA, CFL, KBO and football. Get in on the action now and let 52 years of handicapping experience work for you. 

3 Unit Play. Take #156 Under in Stanford Cardinal @ Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (11p.m., Friday, September 1 CBBSN) Stanford is set to open up the season at a high school stadium in Honolulu, HI. The Warriors backdoored their way to a cover against Vanderbilt last Saturday and now must travel across the mainland back to Hawaii for a Friday night home game. The point spread has come down, as people are starting to realize Stanford does not have much talent left on the roster. Feel that both teams will struggle to reach 30 points and thus this is a strong play with the under. We will not worry about won wins this game and just focus on the total.

2 Unit Play. Take #304 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs over FIU Golden Panthers (9p.m., Saturday, August 26 CBSSN) Generally the public does well with early season games in college football and we will follow the line movement and back the home favorite. The Golden Panthers got blown out in 4 of their 5 road games last year losing them by 29, 73, 38, and 34 points (they did beat NMSU). Sonny Cumbie is an offensive coach that should be able to pick apart this FIU team and light up the scoreboard. The Bulldogs have covered the spread in 5 straight home games.

10 Unit Play. Take #277 Mississippi State Bulldogs over Illinois Fighting Illini (11a.m., Monday, January 2 ESPN2) ReliaQuest Bowl. Bowl Game of the Year. Just feel Mississippi State wants to send out the pirate with a win. The Bulldogs have most of their key players and have promoted from within to take over for Mike Leach next season. Mississippi State is making their 13th straight bowl appearance and I feel that Illinois got exposed during the second half of the season. They lost 3 of their last 4 games including two home games against so-so teams in Michigan State and Purdue. The Illini have a strong defense, but their competition was not of SEC caliber offenses, and they will be without CB Witherspoon for this game. The Bulldogs are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS win in their previous game. The Fighting Illini are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Expect a low scoring game that the Bulldogs win straight-up and end the Mike Leach era on a positive note.

4 Unit Play. Take #276 TCU Horned Frogs over Michigan Wolverines (4p.m., Saturday, December 31 ESPN) Not many people are giving TCU a chance in this game after they lost to Kansas State in the Big 12 Championship Game. I feel they have the talent on both sides of the football to make this a competitive game for 60 minutes. TCU is a very veteran team with a ton of talent returning from last season and I really like their quarterback, Max Duggan. Coach Harbaugh does not have a great record in bowls at Michigan and if TCU can stabilize this game early expect panic for the favored Michigan to set in. Michigan is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 bowl games. That includes going 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games played in December. TCU is 9-3 ATS (1 push) in their last 13 games.