Louisville Cardinals vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack

Betting Odds
Point Spread: Wolfpack -3
Total: 44.5

Louisville won five of their last six games to finish the year 7-5. NC State won five of their last seven games to also finish 7-5. Louisville leads the all-time series 3-0, including a 29-10 win in 2007.

The Cardinals’ offense started to pick up once freshman QB Teddy Bridgewater was inserted into the lineup. He has a 12-9 TD/INT ratio and must make sure he takes care of the ball in this matchup. The Wolfpack led all FBS teams with 24 interceptions and Bridgewater can’t force the issue. RBs Victor Anderson and Dominique Brown combined for 960 yards and seven scores with Anderson averaging 4.8 yards-per-rush. Bridgewater also counts on two freshman WRs (Michaelee Harris and Eli Rogers) and they have improved throughout the season. NC State has allowed 25 points-per-game and look for Louisville (who averaged almost 30 points-per-game over their last five games) to move the ball on the ground and through the air.

QB Mike Glennon leads the Wolfpack offense after he stepped in for the departed QB Russell Wilson (Wisconsin). While he didn’t post the numbers of Wilson, he had a good year with a 29-11 TD/INT ratio and 2,790 yards. He was effective spreading the ball around as six players had 25+ receptions. WR T.J. Graham led the way with 39-641-5. RB James Washington leads the team with 852 yards on the ground (7 TDs) and also contributed 39 receptions for 300 yards. LB Dexter Heyman leads the Cardinals defense (21 points-per-game allowed) in tackles, tackles for loss and interceptions. He also added four sacks.

ATS Pick

Both of these teams infused a lot of youth into their line-ups this season with positive results. Louisville has played better defense but the Wolfpack forces TOs. We feel that Louisville will be able to sustain drives against this defense and eventually tire them out. NC State scored only 23 points over a three-game period before beating Clemson and Maryland to become bowl eligible. They also won only one game away from home in 2011.
Take the Cardinals

TCU Horned Frogs vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Point Spread: Horned Frogs -10

TCU won their last seven games to finish 10-2, their 4th-straight season with double-digit wins. Louisiana Tech also won their last seven games after blowing 4th-quarter leads in three early losses. They finished 8-4.

Despite their reputation as a high-powered passing offense, the Frogs make their living on offense on the ground. RBs Waymon James, Matthew Tucker and Ed Wesley combined to rush for 2,157 yards and 22 TDs. The Bulldogs allow an average of 122 yards-per-game on the ground and this will be the key matchup of the game. QB Casey Paschal had a solid season (24-6 TD/INT ratio, 2,715 yards) but faces a defense that is allowing only 15 points-per-game during their winning streak. WR Josh Boyce leads the team with 56 catches for 932 yards and nine scores. Louisiana Tech ranked 3rd in the country with 20 interceptions and Paschal will have to be careful with the ball. WAC Def. POY LB Adrien Cole leads the Bulldogs with 121 tackles (13 for loss) and we be a central figure for a defense looking to stop the potent Frogs offense (41.7 points-per-game, 9th in NCAA).

The Bulldogs offense really took off once QB Colby Cameron was inserted into the starting lineup. He led the team to five-straight wins and had an 11-2 TD/INT ratio. Another late-season contributor was RB Hunter Lee (582 rushing yards last seven games). RB Lennon Creer led the team with 838 yards rushing and nine scores but has been banged up most of the year. All-WAC WR Quinton Patton has had a productive year (74-1,135-10) and will be a focus for the TCU defense. The Horned Frogs led the nation in yardage and points allowed last season and while not as stout this year (32nd in yardage, 30th in points), they remain a top unit.

ATS Pick

This game features two teams on extended winning streaks. TCU is very disappointed to not be playing in a BCS Bowl (even though they deserve it) and that could work against them. Louisiana Tech is averaging 35 points and 445 yards-per-game with Cameron under center and we think they can hang with the Horned Frogs. 10 points is a lot to give to the Bulldogs and we like them to get the cover.
Take the Bulldogs

Michigan State Spartans vs. Wisconsin Badgers

At Indianapolis, Indiana

Point Spread: Badgers -9.5
Total: 55

Michigan State won the Oct. 22nd meeting 37-31 on a Hail Mary at the end of the game.

The Spartans were led by QB Kirk Cousins in the first meeting (290 yards, 3 TD passes) and look for the senior to lead them again. During MSU’s current four-game winning streak, the offense has produced 38.5 points-per-game and 423.8 yards of offense. They will need to continue that pace against a defense that wants to atone for their poor showing in the first encounter. However, Cousins (10-1 TD/INT ratio during last four games) is a streaky QB and is on one of his hot streaks now. WR B.J. Cunningham was productive in the first meeting (6-102-1) and has been Cousins’ top target all year (67-1,125-9). Look for him to be the first option target again this week. RB LeVeon Bell leads MSU with 794 yards rushing and 10 TDs despite being second on the team in carries.

Wisconsin has had a record-setting performance on offense on several fronts this year. Also on a four-game winning streak, they are led by QB Russell Wilson who has produced a jaw-dropping 28-3 TD/INT ratio. He leads the NCAA with a 192.9 QB rating and has tied the all-time mark with a TD pass in 36-straight games (tying former Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell’s mark). Two of his picks did come against the Spartans and he has to take better care of the ball in the rematch. WR Nick Toon has been his favorite target (52-788-9) and that shouldn’t change this week. Where this game will be decided is how the Badgers run the ball. Despite ranking 11th in rushing yards allowed and 7th in yards-per-carry allowed, MSU allowed 223 yards on the ground for a robust 5.6 yards-per-carry in the first matchup. The Spartans have to contain RB Montee Ball (248-1,622-29) whose 34 total TDs is second all time to Barry Sanders’ 39 in 1988. Ball has been an elusive back and MSU must contain him to have a chance to win the game.

Michigan State was coming off emotional games vs. Michigan and Ohio State before the first encounter and it showed in their run defense. Now they are a 10-point underdog despite coming back to win in that October game. This is the first Big Ten Championship Game and we feel the Spartans can do enough on offense and defense to keep this game close.
Take the Spartans

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Bearcats -3
Total: 47

Cincinnati will not have QB Zach Collaros under center this week as sophomore Munchie Legaux gets his first career start. As a backup this season, Legaux has completed 53.6% of his passes and thrown a pick with no TDs. He will have to face a defense that leads the Big East in most defensive categories and ranks 11th in scoring defense, 5th in TOs forced (2.8 per game), 4th in INTs with 16 and are tied for 12th in sacks with 31, all nationally. Look for the Scarlet Knights to pressure Legaux into quick throws. RB Isaiah Pead is having a great year with 934 yards on the ground and 10 TDs. Cincy loses Collaros’ ability to run as he had totalled eight TDs on the ground himself.

Rutgers has had trouble running the ball as year as freshman RB Jawan Jamison leads the team with 547 yards and a paltry 3.3 yards-per-carry average. However, QB Chas Dodd has looked solid since his return, completing 63% of his passes. They are 5-1 with Dodd under center. Overall he has completed 56.7% of his passes and has a 9-6 TD/INT ratio. He also has a great weapon in WR Mohamed Sanu (94-973-7). Cincinnati ranks 114th nationally in pass defense and despite their poor running game, the Scarlet Knights should be able to move the chains via the air.

ATS Pick

Rutgers is at home and is a much better team with Dodd under center. Cincinnati can run the ball and stop the run but starting a new QB and an inability to stop the pass outweigh those positives. We like a home cover here for a live dog.
Take the Scarlet Knights +3

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Bulldogs -2
Total: 50.5

Louisiana Tech is 5-4 (4-1 in the WAC) while Ole Miss is 2-7 (0-6 in the SEC).

Louisiana Tech is on a roll as QB Colby Cameron has been a big improvement over injured QB Nick Isham. Cameron has led the team to three-straight victories while completing 60% of his passes and has a 6-0 TD/INT ratio. The Rebels are young on defense and also have to contend with the running of RB Lennon Creer (191-815-9). Cameron has been helped by the presence of WR Quinton Patton (61-886-9), whose 61 catches are more than double anyone else on the team. He gives Cameron a go-to threat.

Mississippi’s offense hasn’t been good but it has been especially awful at home. They rank 117th in rushing at home and 113th in passing at home, both near the bottom of the FBS. Mediocre QB play has hurt them and they don’t have a receiver with more than 23 catches on the year. The lone bright spot is tiny RB Jeff Scott (109-503-6) but at only 5’7”, 175 lbs, he can’t take a lot of punishment. Conversely, the Bulldogs rank 14th in run defense and 20th in yards-per-rush allowed in the nation.

ATS Pick

Mississippi HC Houston Nutt is leaving at the end of the season and not a moment too soon. The Rebels are a young, undisciplined team that also lacks direction. Louisiana Tech has been very competitive in two narrow losses to Houston and Southern Mississippi (total of three points), two teams in the Top 25. They also lost in OT to Mississippi State. The Bulldogs aren’t used to going into the SEC and being a road favorite but we like them to get a big win in this contest.
Take the Bulldogs -2

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Cardinal -8
Total: 60

Stanford rushed for a team-record 446 yards last week in a 65-21 thrashing of Washington. USC earned a tough 31-17 road win at rival Notre Dame last Saturday.

The fact Stanford set a rushing record last week isn’t a total shock as they are averaging 219.4 yards per game on the ground. RB Stepfan Taylor (111-697-6) is the leading rusher but the Cardinal can trot out four backs that can get the job done. USC has the athletes to compete and look for them to pack it in inside and force the action to the outside. QB Andrew Luck (20-3 TD/INT) gets all the pub and it is well deserved. Stanford is 100% in the Red Zone and Luck has been sacked twice on the year. The Trojans are very familiar with their conference rival and look for them to bring extra pressure on Luck and try to force quick throws.

While he doesn’t get the same notoriety, USC Matt Barkley (19-4 TD/INT) is a great QB also and some think, better than Luck. He has All-NCAA WR Robert Woods to throw to (2nd in receptions and yards-per-game in the NCAA) and Woods had a monster game in this matchup last season (12-224-3). RB Marc Tyler is the starter but backup RB Curtis McNeal has been more effective (6.3 to 4.5 yards-per-carry). Look for both players to get their touches. Stanford’s defense has played well this season but they will have their hands full with this offense. USC can run the ball and Woods has shown he can handle this secondary.

ATS Pick

Stanford has the nation’s longest winning streak (15 games) and has 10-straight wins by 25+ points. That’s the longest streak in 75 years! However, this is the Trojans they are facing. USC isn’t used to being an underdog at home and they are getting more than a TD to boot. Stanford is the better team but we feel Barkley and Woods will have a big game and the Trojans ability to run the ball will sustain drives.
Take the Trojans

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Tigers -10.5
Total: 58

North Carolina got behind early and couldn’t recover in a 30-24 loss to Miami last week. Clemson also trailed big before rallying for a 56-45 victory over Maryland. The Tar Heels won this matchup 21-16 last year.

NC will look to ride of the arm of sophomore QB Bryn Renner (14-6 TD/INT) as the youngster leads the ACC in completion pct. (75.3%) and passer rating (174.1). The Tigers’ defense was susceptible to the pass last week and Renner’s accuracy should be hard for them to handle. WR Dwight Jones (46-687-8) is his favorite target and will be a handful for the Clemson secondary. Freshman RB Giovani Bernard has rushed for 100+ yards in five-straight games and gives the offense balance. The Tar Heels offense got off to a slow start last week and can’t afford a repeat against the undefeated 7th-ranked Tigers.

Clemson’s offense continues to roll (38 points-per-game) as QB Tajh Boyd is having a banner season (19-3 TD/INT). North Carolina must get pressure on Boyd or he will pick their secondary apart. Freshman WR Sammy Watkins (46-728-8) had two TD receptions and added an 89-yard kickoff return for an insurance score last week. His 345 all-purpose yards set a school record and look for NC to focus their coverage his way. RB Andre Ellington (212 yards rushing last week) is also a threat and gives the Tar Heels another weapon to be concerned about.

Both of these teams can score but North Carolina’s defense is better. They stopped this offense last season and would become bowl eligible with a win. We feel this number is too high and that the Tar Heels can stay with this high-powered offense.
Take the Tar Heels

Michigan is 0-3 ATS in their last three encounters with Michigan State and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 visits.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Spartans -2.5
Total: 47.5

The Wolverines offense is centred on QB Denard Robinson but he’s facing a rival this week that has had his number. Spartans’ Def. Co. Pat Narduzzi had his DEs rush upfield last season and force Robinson to hand off on his zone-read runs. This lead to an average 21-86-1 for Robinson in last year’s 34-17 loss. DT Jerel Worthy is a force inside and we feel Michigan’s running game will have a tough time breaking long runs. Robinson isn’t nearly the passer he is as a runner and that will aid a State secondary that isn’t as good as their D-line. The Spartans have allowed only three red zone TDs this season and have really toughened with their back to the wall.

Michigan State ran all over the Wolverines last season, finishing with 249 yards on 42 carries. New Michigan Def. Co. Greg Mattison has his D-line maintaining better gap control but this is the biggest test for this defense in 2011 so far. QB Kirk Cousins has performed well when he has maintained his composure but he is still prone to lapses when pressured. We expect the O-line to give him time to make downfield throws. This will be a key part of the offense as the State wideouts have a decided size advantage against the Michigan secondary. MSU uses several backs and they will attack the middle of the defense.

Spread Pick

Michigan State has owned this matchup in recent years and is at home. They are one of the few teams that have had success defending the dynamic Robinson and we like them to do it again. They are also more balanced offensively and this is a very low number for a home favorite that has owned their opponent.
Take the Spartans -2.5 at Pinnacle Sportsbook

The Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Texas Longhorns square-off this Saturday in a key Big 12 showdown as the Cowboys continue to try and climb their way to the top of the polls. Oklahoma State has been opened as 7.5-point road favorites at Pinnacle Sportsbook against the Longhorns.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Oklahoma State -7.5
Total Line: Off

The Oklahoma State Cowboys will look to remain perfect on the year when they invade Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to face-off against the Texas Longhorns this upcoming Saturday afternoon. Game time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. (ET) and it will be broadcast nationally on ABC.

Oklahoma State ran its record to a perfect 5-0 straight-up (4-1 against the spread) with a 70-28 pasting of Kansas as a 31-point home favorite this past Saturday. This followed a thrilling 30-29 victory over Texas A&M two weeks ago as a 4.5-point road underdog. The total has gone ‘over’ in three of the five games this season.

The Cowboys face one of their stiffest tests left on the schedule before a huge Dec. 3 showdown with No. 3 Oklahoma. If they are to avoid a slip-up against the Longhorns, it will be behind a passing game that is ranked second in the nation with an average of 415.5 yards a game. Brandon Weeden has already thrown for 1,592 yards while completing an impressive 74.3 percent of his throws. He has 10 touchdown passes on the year, but has also been picked-off six times.

Texas comes into this matchup still licking its wounds from a 55-17 spanking as the hands of the Sooners last Saturday as an 11-point home underdog. It was its first loss of the season after four previous wins and its second loss ATS after failing to cover against BYU earlier in the season as a 7.5-point home favorite. The total has gone ‘over’ in its last three games.
The Longhorns will counter this Saturday with a rushing attack that is ranked 25th in the nation and averaging 206 yards per game. has led the way with 67 carries for 327 yards and Foswhitt Whittaker has added 141 yards on 28 carries to help Texas average 4.6 yards an attempt on the ground.

Oklahoma State is 6-1 ATS in its last seven conference games and 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games overall. The total has stayed ‘under’ in eight of its last 11 games as a road favorite.
Texas is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games in the Big 12 and 1-4 ATS in its last five games as a home underdog. The total has stayed ‘under’ in six of its last eight games at home.
Head-to-head in this series, the road team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings and the favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five. The Longhorns have won nine of the last 10 games SU, but lost last year 33-16 as four-point home underdogs. The total has stayed ‘under’ in three of the last five games between the two.

Spread Pick

The last two matchups have not been close with the road team scoring impressive wins, but stick with Texas and the 7.5 points at home to keep this game tight enough to cover in a close loss.
Take Texas +7.5 at 5Dimes

Betting Line

Point spread: Clemson -20.5
Over/Under: 55.5

The Boston College Eagles face a daunting task this upcoming Saturday afternoon when they try and take-down the undefeated Clemson Tigers on the road at Memorial Stadium in this ACC-Atlantic Division contest. Game time is set for 3 p.m. (ET) and the game will be available on ESPN3.com.

Boston College has stumbled out of the gate to a 1-4 start straight-up (1-4 against the spread) with its latest setback coming at the hands of Wake Forest in a 27-19 loss as a one-point home favorite. The Eagles only victory of the year was a 45-17 romp over D-IAA Massachusetts as 12-point home favorites on Sept. 24. With the exception of that game, the total has stayed ‘under’ in the rest of their games this year.

The primary problem with BC this season has been its inability to consistently move the ball on offense. It is ranked 77th in passing with an average of 213.3 yards a game and 94th in rushing, with an average of just 116.6 yards on the ground through its first five outings. The defense is holding teams to 23.6 points a game, but spending way too much time on the field.
Clemson continued its roll to a perfect 5-0 SU start (4-1 ATS) with a huge 23-3 thrashing of Virginia Tech this past Saturday as a seven-point road underdog. This followed an impressive 35-30 victory over Florida State as a 2.5-point home favorite the week before. The total stayed well ‘under’ the 51.5-point line against the Hokies, but has gone ‘over’ in its other four games. With victories over the top two teams in the ACC, the Tigers have put themselves in the driver seat for this season’s conference title.

Tajh Boyd has thrown for 1,459 yards while completing 61.3 percent of his passes. He has 14 touchdown throws, while serving up just two interceptions. Andre Ellington has been a force on the ground with 411 yards rushing on 93 carries and Sammy Watkins remains the main receiving threat in the passing game with 31 receptions for 471 yards and six TD’s. Clemson’s defense has also done its part by holding opponents to just 20.6 points a game.
The Eagles are 3-5 ATS in their last eight games overall, but 5-1 ATS in their last six games on the road. The total has stayed ‘under’ in their last six conference games.
The Tigers are 6-3 ATS in their last nine games and 4-0 ATS in their last four games against the ACC. The total has stayed ‘under’ in eight of their last nine conference games.
Head-to- head, Boston College is 4-2 both SU and ATS in the last six games and the total has stayed ‘under’ in four of the six games.

ATS Pick

While the clear advantage talent-wise is heavily in Clemson’s favor, this game sets-up as a bit of a letdown after two huge conference victories. The Tigers get the outright win, but the Eagles play well enough to cover with the 20.5 points.
Take Boston College +20.5 at Bodog