I must confess, the Shorthorns were impressive in their 38-18 victory over then-ranked Louisiana. Against a team that brought back just about everyone from a 10-win season, Texas' young core of quarterback Hudson Card, running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Jordan Whittington looked sharp. The defense wasn't too shabby, either, which is where the Longhorns have struggled in recent years.
Now they take that show on the road with hopes of stifling another dual-threat quarterback. Arkansas' KJ Jefferson didn't throw it well against Rice, but he did rush for 89 yards and a pair of touchdowns. I didn't watch much of the Arkansas game but did watch the Texas game, and making this pick on how good Texas looked last week.
VT' win over No. 10 North Carolina was one of the biggest upsets of the opening weekend, but based on VT's history we simply cannot rule out the possibility of an embarrassing performance against MTSU.
But the Blue Raiders allowed 11 tackles for loss in their opener against Monmouth, and it was Virginia Tech's relentless backfield pressure (six sacks, nine tackles for loss) that caused major problems for the Tar Heels offense. I am far from convinced that the Hokies have the offense to vie for an ACC championship, but they should at least have the defense to take care of this Conference USA foe.
Prediction: Virginia Tech should be able to dominate this game and I think Middle Tennessee's offense will struggle against the Hokies today. Virginia Tech does just enough and wins a 30 - 7 type of game.
The Ragin’ Cajuns are fresh off of a 10-1 season and return nearly all of their starters, while Texas will be operating under a new coaching staff and inexperienced quarterback under center in Hudson Card. Although Texas is the more talented team overall, Louisiana will be catching them at their most vulnerable time. Growing pains should be expected in any season opener, but even more so under these circumstances. Sure Texas is choked full of blue chips, but Louisiana is a damn good football team and until Texas proves me other wise, I'm not drinking any tea just yet. Give me the 8.5 points with the veteran team of ULL to shock and let's put $25 on the Cajuns ML!!
The Clippers were punched squarely in the mouth twice at home, but they're still the more talented team. With a few days to adjust, I expect Ty Lue to throw the kitchen sink at Luka Doncic. I don't like betting against Doncic Magic, but the Clippers are healthy and the better overall team imo. 1/2 Unit on Clippers for interest.
At this point, I don't know what the number would have to be to dissuade me from betting on the Nets. They can come out at about 80 percent effort and still cruise to a double-digit victory. Even with the series shifting to Boston, I expect Game 3 to look a lot like Game 2.
Rutgers getting hammered, now getting +8.5 with Nebraska is tempting. The Cornhuskers are 40th in KenPom adjusted defense and coming off a big win against Minnesota. Rutgers is better but they don't always show up on the road. Fading the public here.
Oregon State is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against a team with a losing record while the under is 5-2 in their last 7 road games. I think this is a game that hangs around the low to mid-120s, so maybe something small on the Under 131.
The Wizards got beat up by the Clippers last time out (but who doesn't) but Washington is 4-1 ATS in their last 5. I'll follow the trends here with Wizards and the points.
The Mavs are playing better basketball, winning six of their last seven games, so it’s not impossible they could keep this game within 5 points but we can't forget that the Mavs own the worst defense in the NBA. It's going to be a close game but I think 76er's do just enough down the stretch.
Maryland ranks 314th in the country in rebounding and Rutgers going to crush them on the boards. Should be a great game but money is coming in on Rutgers for a reason. BOL!
A scenario-based prediction. If Josh Allen plays at least three quarters, Miami can start prepping for its most eagerly anticipated draft since, well, last year’s draft, with the likely third, 18th, 35th (or 36th) and 50th picks to kick it off — a massive bounty for a team coming off a double-digit win season along with free-agent cap space in the top quarter of the NFL. Alas, the Bills sat starters last year with their playoff spot locked in, and while a win against Miami guarantees Buffalo wouldn’t have to travel to an AFC playoff city other than Kansas City, I still believe that the desire to keep NFL MVP candidate Josh Allen healthy with there being no bye week carries more weight. It will be interesting to see how Sean McDermott plays it today, but I see it as "safety first" protocol.
The Bears are facing an old friend in Mike Glennon as the veteran will get the start for Jacksonville today. Chicago needs to come out and dominate this game from start to finish in all three phases. Give your defense a lead early on and let them pin their ears back and get after Glennon. Don't look now but the Bears have been playing MUCH better offensively with Trubisky at the helm. Chicago 27- Jacksonville 17
Browns are without 4 receivers today and have been dealing with uncertainty all week. But the Jets are also dealing with a slew of injuries on both sides of the ball. Leaning taking the points here but with all the injuries to the playmakers for Cleveland, I think this sets up for a low scoring game.
FSU has been a disaster and they are down a number of key players but they QB Jordan Travis is healthy and available today, and he helps FSU avoid the pressure Duke can apply at the line of scrimmage. FSU has had a number of key players opt out over the past month but they still have more blue chips on the field than Duke. Duke's offense is bad (5.03 yards per play, 14th in the ACC) and has averaged fewer than 5 yards per play. Florida State 31 Duke 17
Coastal Carolina is the best team in the Sun Belt by far, but Troy is just good enough to make this interesting.
The problem is a power outage over the last month. The Trojans have been able to get by the mediocre, but the best win was against an Arkansas State team that’s just okay – to be nice.
I predict a little celebration hangover for Coastal in the 1st half but they will get it going in the 2nd half. Coastal Carolina 34, Troy 16
Atlanta has one of the worst pass defenses in football, and they could be short-handed on that side of the ball as well, as Dante Fowler is out. They have some solid players on their defense, like linebacker Deion Jones and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, but as a whole, they won’t be able to stop Carr and this Raiders offense.
No Calvin Ridley, No Julio Jones, No Offense. Overall, this is a game Las Vegas should win and should win easily.
Minnesota, in theory, is a better version of Northwestern’s offense. They want to pound you with the run, pull your safeties into the box, and then hit big plays over the top. If you don’t bring extra help, they are content to run the ball all game. Their defense, however, is an absolute train wreck. I think Minnesota scores some points, but Purdue manages to score a few more against a weak Gophers D.
I want to play Frogs here but I think Iowa State is the right side in this one. I’m going to stick with Iowa State in this one. Granted, the Cyclones’ opening week performance left much to be desired on both sides of the ball, but Louisiana Monroe is a good team this season. Iowa State was right there until the fourth quarter, and the scoreboard would have looked much different if not for a couple of late mistakes. As for TCU, they should be improved this season but on paper Iowa State is probably the play here. Iowa State wins a 27-20 type of game.
The Wildcats dropped their opener to Arkansas State, but that was on the Big 12’s first weekend of action. I predict them to be much sharper in their second contest of the campaign. The Norman faithful no doubt remember what Thompson did to them last season when he rushed for four touchdowns to help lead one of the signature upsets of the 2019 campaign. And while Oklahoma is a top-five team, keep in mind that they have played only Missouri State to this juncture. Let's buy the 1/2 point and get on K. State +28 here.
BYU might have had a down year last season, but the Cougars have 2 of their top 14 tacklers back from last year and Navy is breaking in a new QB and doesn't have the blue chip recruits like BYU. BYU does not have an issue with breaking in a new QB as Zach Wilson returns and he has a solid running game to go along with a very good offensive line. I can see the Cougars using their run game and offensive line to wear down an undersized Navy defensive line. First game of the year but I think BYU makes a statement Monday night.
I cant trust the Cowboys on the road considering the last time they went to New York they got stomped by the Jets.....who just lost to the tanking Dolphins. There is something about this team that they simply lose their edge when they go on the road. If the Giants can score first and throw off the run game for the Cowboys they will cover this spread.
I agree, I don't trust this Cowboys team on the road either. And the outside of Sterling Shepard out tonight, this is reportedly as healthy as the Giants have been all season. This is one of those games where Giants score the first TD and you wish you had the 7 points. I hit NY but treading lightly.
