25* College Football DOG OF THE YEAR on Connecticut +22.5

The betting public wants nothing to do with 0-6 Connecticut. As a result, oddsmakers are going to be forced to inflate its numbers in the coming weeks, which is certainly the case here against Central Florida. Four of its six losses this season have come by 15 points or less, including setbacks against Michigan (21-24) and South Florida (10-13).

The Huskies made a coaching change in that game against USF and should have won. They outgained the Bulls by 128 yards in that contest but simply gave the game away. While they lost 16-41 at Cincinnati last week, the offense looked much sharper. Tim Boyle threw for 310 yards against a very good Bearcat defense, but he was picked off three times, which proved to be costly. The defense has actually played well for most of the season, giving up 377.7 yards per game to rank a respectable 48th in total defense.

This is a huge letdown spot for Central Florida. It is coming off a big win over AAC favorite Louisville last week in which it erased a 21-point deficit in the second half to win 38-35. It

20* Big 12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Oklahoma State -12.5

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are still very much alive for the Big 12 Title in this wide open conference. They did lose to West Virginia in their conference opener, but they bounced back nicely with two straight wins over Kansas State and TCU. Now they get to go up against an Iowa State team that is just 1-5 on the season and clearly down this year. The Cyclones are lacking confidence after a 7-71 loss at Baylor last weekend, and things won

20* American Athletic GAME OF THE WEEK on Louisville -20

The Louisville Cardinals aren

25* Boise/BYU ESPN Friday TOTAL OF THE YEAR on UNDER 61.5

The books have set the bar way too high in this game between Boise State and BYU Friday night. I look for a defensive battle similar to the 7-6 game these two teams played last year. Boise State gained 261 yards in the win, while BYU was held to 200 yards in the loss. These defenses are much better than they are getting credit for. Meanwhile, I believe this line is inflated due to BYU's 47-46 win at Houston last weekend.

Boise State is giving up 22.9 points and 392.1 yards per game to rank 59th in the country in total defense. Even with allowing 46 points to Houston last week, BYU is only giving up 21.4 points and 366.0 yards per game on the season to rank 36th in the country in total defense. It has held some great offenses down this year like Texas (21 points), Utah (20), Utah State (14) and Georgia Tech (20).

Both teams prefer the run in this one, which is huge considering both defenses are stout against the run. BYU ranks 14th in the country in rushing offense at 263.0 yards per game, while Boise State is 21st in rushing offense at 224.0 yards per game.

The seven opponents that BYU has faced average 201 rushing yards per game and 4.7 per carry. Well, BYU has held those seven opponents to an average of 135.4 yards per game and 3.5 per carry to rank 32nd against the run.

The seven opponents that Boise State has faced average 181 rushing yards per game and 4.2 per carry. Well, the Broncos have allowed those seven opponents to gain just 152.1 rushing yards per game and 3.5 per carry to rank 53rd in the country against the run.

Boise State just lost its starting quarterback in Joe Southwick to a broken ankle. That's a huge loss considering Southwick was completing 72.3 percent of his passes for 1,589 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions this season.

Junior Grant Hedrick made his first start of the season against Nevada last week. It's clear that the Broncos are going to be conservative with Hedrick under center considering he threw for just 150 yards with an interception on only 21 attempts in a 34-17 win over Nevada. They ran the ball 46 times in that contest.

Plays on the UNDER on any team against the total (BOISE ST) - in a game involving two good teams (outgaining opponents by 0.6 to 1.2 YPP) after 7+ games, after gaining 475 or more total yards in their previous game are 36-11 (76.6%) over the last 10 seasons.

Boise State is 32-13 UNDER versus good rushing teams that average 200 or more rushing yards per game since 1992. The Broncos are 24-7 UNDER versus good rushing teams that average 4.75 yards per carry or more since 1992. BYU is 16-4 UNDER in home games vs. good teams - outscoring opponents by 10+ PPG on the season since 1992. BYU is 27-13 UNDER versus good offensive teams that average at least 425 yards per game since 1992. The Cougars are 16-5 UNDER after allowing 42 points or more last game since 1992. Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.

20* Marshall/MTSU Conference USA GAME OF THE WEEK on Marshall -8

The Marshall Thundering Herd are one of the best non-BCS teams in the country in 2013. Their only losses came on the road against Virginia Tech in overtime, as well as a 31-34 loss at Ohio despite outgaining the Bobcats by 147 total yards in that contest. Middle Tennessee is very fortunate to be 3-4 on the season considering it has been outgained in each of its last six games.

Middle Tennessee

20* LA-Lafayette/Arkansas State No-Doubt Rout on LA-Lafayette -2.5

After losing two tough road games at Arkansas and Kansas State to open the season, the Louisiana-Lafayette Rajin' Cajuns have been rolling since. They have won four in a row, including back-to-back blowout victories over Texas State (48-24) and Western Kentucky (37-20) to take over first place in the Sun Belt. They will certainly be out for revenge against the two-time defending conference champion Red Wolves.

Last year, the Rajin' Cajuns simply gave the game away to Arkansas State, losing by a final of 27-50. They committed a whopping five turnovers, finishing -5 in turnover differential in that contest. Terrance Broadway threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns in that game, but he also threw three costly interceptions. Look for Broadway and company to take much better care of the football in this one, and to get back to their running game.

The Rajin' Cajuns rushed for 254 yards against a very good Western Kentucky defense last week. They rank 21st in the country in rushing offense at 223.3 yards per game. Arkansas State ranks 93rd in rushing defense, allowing 196.7 yards per game and a whopping 5.1 per carry. The Red Wolves allowed 301 yards in a 9-38 loss to Auburn, 329 yards in a 7-31 loss to Memphis, and 239 yards in a 19-41 setback at Missouri. Their three wins have been unimpressive with victories over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Troy and Idaho. They even gave up 614 yards in their 41-34 win over Troy and only won due to being +4 in turnover differential.

Lafayette is 7-0 against the spread vs. good passing teams that average at least 250 passing yards per game over the last three seasons. The Rajin' Cajuns are 12-2 against the number in their last 14 road games versus good offensive teams that average at least 425 yards per game. Arkansas State is 6-20 against the number in its last 26 versus good rushing teams that average at least 4.75 yards per carry. Louisiana-Lafayette is 6-1 against the spread in its last seven games following a S.U. win. The Rajin' Cajuns are 21-8 against the number in their last 29 road games.

20* Pac-12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Washington State +39.5

The Cougars are certainly improved in the second year under head coach Mike Leach. They have opened 4-3 despite playing a very tough schedule with their only losses coming to Auburn, Stanford and Oregon State. They have an impressive 10-7 road win at USC on their resume, as well as a 44-22 victory at California. They have certainly played their best football on the road as they also lost to Auburn 24-31 as a 14-point underdog despite outgaining the Tigers 464-396 for the game.

Leach has implemented his Air Raid offense from Texas Tech to Washington State with perfection. The Cougars are putting up 29.9 points and 413.3 yards per game to rank 66th in the country in total offense. Quarterback Connor Halliday is completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 2,241 yards with 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions on the season. Gabe Marks is a freak at receiver, catching 46 balls for 512 yards and four scores.

The defense has been improved this season as well, limiting opponents to an average of 25.2 points per game. The strength is a run defense that ranks 40th in allowing 144 yards per game and 3.8 per carry, which will be huge against Oregon. The Ducks will likely be without top running back De'Anthony Thomas once again Saturday as he is listed as doubtful.

Few teams have played Oregon as tough as Washington State over the past three years. In fact, The Ducks have only been able to beat the Cougars by 25, 15 and 20 points in the last three meetings, respectively. The last two meetings were scarily close in the box scores. In 2011, Washington State outgained Oregon 462-454 in a 28-43 road loss. In 2012, the Cougars were only outgained 402-469 in a 26-51 home loss that was much closer than the final score would indicate.

Washington State is coming off a bad loss to Oregon State, but it simply gave that game away by committing six turnovers and giving up 35 unanswered points in the final 17 minutes. That 22-point loss actually plays in our favor here considering Mike Leach is a perfect 8-0 against the spread in road games off a loss of 21 or more points to a conference opponent in all games he has coached.

This could be a big letdown and look ahead spot for Oregon. It is coming off its best win of the season with a 45-24 triumph at Washington. Now, it has No. 9 UCLA on deck and Stanford after that. The Ducks could easily be overlooking the Cougars, which is something they have done each of the last three years.

It

15* UCLA/Stanford Pac-12 No-Brainer on UCLA +6

The UCLA Bruins have been one of the most underrated teams in all of college football in 2013. They have opened 5-0 straight up and 5-0 against the spread with impressive road wins over Nebraska (41-21) and Utah (34-27). That

20* ACC GAME OF THE WEEK on Virginia -2

The Virginia Cavaliers have played an absolutely brutal schedule in 2013, which is the biggest reason for their 2-4 start. Their four losses have come against the likes of Oregon, Pittsburgh, Ball State and Maryland. They even have a home win over a very good BYU team on their resume as well. They played well last week at Maryland, falling 26-27 as a 6-point underdog despite gaining 505 yards of total offense. This is clearly a team that is much better than its record would indicate.

Duke is a bit of a fraud at 4-2 on the season. Its four victories have come against NC Central, Memphis, Troy and Navy. Virginia is an excellent running team that is averaging 188.8 yards per game to rank 47th in the country in rushing offense. Duke has given up an average of 224.5 yards per game on the ground in the last four weeks. The Blue Devils rank 81st in the country against the run, giving up 179.7 yards per game on the season.

Virginia boasts a very solid defense that is giving up just 361.8 yards per game to rank 37th in the country in total defense. That

15* SEC PLAY OF THE DAY on Missouri +3.5

The Missouri Tigers continue to get no respect from oddsmakers despite their impressive 6-0 start. They have gone 5-1 against the spread in the process, with their only non-cover coming in a 22-point victory over Arkansas State as a 23-point favorite. They are not only winning, they are dominating the opposition with all six victories coming by 15 points or more. That

15* Big Ten PLAY OF THE DAY on Purdue +28

The Michigan State Spartans are getting way too much respect from the books Saturday. This line is an over-inflation due to Michigan State's 42-28 win over Indiana last week, coupled with Purdue's 7-44 loss to Nebraska. I believe there is a ton of value with the Boilermakers in this one, and I'll back them because of it.

The Spartans need to win by more than four touchdowns to beat us, and I don't believe they are capable of it. Aside from their 55-17 victory over Youngstown State, the Spartans' biggest win this season came by a final of 21-6 at home over South Florida as a 21-point favorite. They also failed to cover as a 27.5-point favorite in their opener with a 26-13 victory against lowly Western Michigan.

Michigan State simply doesn't have the offensive firepower to cover big spreads like this. It has been held to 30.5 points and 374.7 total yards per game this season to rank 87th in the country in total offense. There's no question that the Spartans have one of the best defenses in the country, but their offense isn't going to put up enough points to cover this inflated number.

Purdue has failed to cover the spread in three consecutive games, so the betting public is obviously not willing to back this team. It was only a 21.5-point underdog at Wisconsin on September 21, and now it is a 28-point dog to Michigan State. Comparing these two spreads alone show that this line is inflated when you consider that Wisconsin is a better team than Michigan State.

The Boilermakers have shown some promise offensively in recent weeks. They put up 524 total yards in a loss to Northern Illinois on September 28 in a game that was much closer than the final score would indicate. The defense has been better than average too, giving up 417 total yards per game against six offenses that are combining to average 444 yards per game on the season.

The biggest reason for Purdue's slow start is a brutal schedule that has been much tougher than that of Michigan State. It has already played the likes of Cincinnati, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Northern Illinois and Nebraska. Those five teams all have winning records and have combined for a 23-7 record on the season. Only two of Michigan State's six opponents thus far have winning records in Notre Dame and Iowa.

This has been a very closely-contested series. Purdue only lost 31-35 at Michigan State as a 20.5-point underdog in their most recent meeting. Each of the last 12 meetings since 1997 have been decided by 24 points or less with eight of those contests behind decided by 10 points or fewer. That makes for a perfect 12-0 system backing the Boilermakers pertaining to today's spread of 28.

The Boilermakers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a double-digit loss at home. Michigan State is 2-9 against the spread as a home favorite over the last two seasons. It is only winning 23.9 to 17.4 on average in this spot, or by 6.5 points per game. Roll with Purdue Saturday.

15* CFB Saturday Big Chalk BLOWOUT on Cincinnati -13

The Cincinnati Bearcats have one of the best home-field advantages in the entire country. After opening 3-0 at home this season, they are now 50-14 at home over the past 11 years. The have already rolled Purdue (42-7), Northwestern State (66-9) and Temple (38-20) at home this season. They are outscoring their opponents at home by an average of 36.7 points per game in 2013.

Cincinnati will be up against a Connecticut team that is one of the worst in all of college football. The Huskies have opened 0-5 straight up and 1-4 against the spread in 2013 with three of those losses coming by double-digits. They lost 10-13 at home to South Florida last week as a 3.5-point favorite.

The Huskies are in shambles right now with the firing of head coach Paul Pasqualoni after four games. Their worst loss came on the road on September 28 in a 12-41 setback at Buffalo. It was their lone road game of the season, which makes their 0-5 start even worse when you consider they have played four home games compared to just one on the road. I expect a similar beat down at the hands of Cincinnati in this one.

The Huskies are averaging 16.4 points and 290.4 yards per game to rank a woeful 117th in the country in total offense. They are going to have a very hard time moving the ball on one of the best defenses in the land. Cincinnati is giving up just 17.8 points and 271.8 yards per game to rank 6th in total defense. The offense hasn

15* Big 12 PLAY OF THE DAY on Oklahoma State -7

The Cowboys are 4-1 and still have a ton to play for in the wide open Big 12 despite an early loss to West Virginia. With two Big 12 losses already, TCU really is behind the eight ball in terms of competing for a conference championship in 2013.

Oklahoma State will come into this game on two weeks

20* CFB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Memphis -3

The Tigers may be the best 1-4 team in college football. Their four losses have come against Duke (14-28), Middle Tennessee State (15-17), UCF (17-24) and Houston (15-25.). In their best performance of the season, they beat a very good Arkansas State team 31-7 at home on September 21. Memphis outgained Houston by 102 yards, UCF by 123 yards and Middle Tennessee by 66 yards, but found a way to lose those three games when they really should have won given the numbers.

Memphis has a massive edge on defense in this one. It is giving up just 20.2 points and 305.2 yards per game to rank 11th in the entire country in total defense. It is giving up just 91.0 yards on the ground and 214.2 through the air. SMU, meanwhile, is allowing 43.2 points and 445.8 yards per game to rank 98th in total defense. The Mustangs are 1-4 on the season with their only win coming against Montana State by a final of 31-30 at home. They have allowed 41 or more points in their four losses.

Plays on any team (MEMPHIS)

20* UCF/Louisville AAC GAME OF THE WEEK on Central Florida +13

There

15* Miami/UNC ESPN Thursday ANNIHILATOR on North Carolina +9.5

There

20* LA-Lafayette/WKU Sun Belt GAME OF THE MONTH on Western Kentucky -4

After opening the season with an impressive 35-26 win over Kentucky, the Hilltoppers dropped their next two road contests at Tennessee and South Alabama. They have been a completely different team since, reeling off three straight blowout victories over Morgan State (58-17), Navy (19-7) and Louisiana-Monroe (31-10). This team is hitting its stride under first-year head coach, Bobby Petrino.

Western Kentucky is scoring 31.2 points and averaging a whopping 473.7 yards per game to rank 30th in the country in total offense. Quarterback Brandon Doughty has thrived in Petrino

20* Cal/UCLA Pac-12 GAME OF THE WEEK on California +25.5

The California Bears are simply catching too many points against UCLA Saturday. You won't find many teams that have played a tougher schedule than Cal to this point, which is the biggest reason for its 1-4 start. It has actually handled itself well, losing 30-44 to Northwestern, 34-52 to Ohio State, 16-55 to Oregon and 22-44 to Washington State.

Many of those final scores were very misleading. Cal actually outgained Northwestern 548-508 and Washington State 585-570. It was only outgained by Ohio State 503-608 and by Oregon 325-383. As you can see, only one of those losses came by more than 22 points. I simply believe that UCLA is overvalued as a 25-point favorite here considering it has faced such an easy schedule to this point.

Cal is certainly battle-tested and we'll always have a chance for a cover in this game due to its electric offense. The Bears rank 18th in the country in total offense at 515.4 yards per game, including 4th in passing offense at 402.6 yards per game. Freshman quarterback Jared Goff has already thrown for 1,801 yards and nine touchdowns against five interceptions. Chris Harper (37 receptions, 558 yards, 4 TD) and Bryce Treggs (36, 418, 1 TD) are absolute studs at receiver.

My biggest reason for betting against UCLA and on Cal in this one is the fact that the Bruins are in a huge letdown spot. They have Stanford on deck next week, whom they lost two twice last season, including a setback in the Pac-12 Title Game. They also have Oregon the week after. There's no question that UCLA will be looking ahead to those two games, and overlooking 1-4 Cal.

The Golden Bears absolutely dominated UCLA last season by a final of 43-17. They put up 481 total yards, while limiting the Bruins to just 381 total yards. UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley threw four interceptions in the loss. Zach Maynard threw for 295 yards and four touchdowns in the win for Cal, and I look for Goff to have a big day as well against this suspect UCLA defense.

UCLA is 3-13 against the spread off two consecutive covers as a favorite since 1992. It is coming back to lose 27.2 to 29.2 in this spot. The Bruins are 16-35-1 against the number in their last 52 games vs. a team with a losing record. The underdog is 12-4-1 against the spread in the last 17 meetings in this series.

You have to go all the way back to 2001 to find the last time that UCLA beat Cal by more than 17 points, which was a 56-17 victory. In fact, that was the only time in the last 21 meetings that UCLA beat Cal by more than 18 points. That makes for a 20-1 system backing the Golden Bears when you factor in the spread for this game. Bet California Saturday.

20* Texas A&M/Ole Miss SEC GAME OF THE WEEK on Ole Miss +6

Few teams in the country have faced a schedule as tough as the one that Ole Miss has been up against in the early going. In all reality, it has done an excellent job of opening 3-2 considering it has already faced four road games against the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Texas and Vanderbilt. This is still one of the better teams in the country that returned 19 starters from last year. Now, the Rebels get to start a stretch in which they play six straight home games.

Ole Miss clearly wants revenge from last year

15* Oregon/Washington Pac-12 No-Brainer on Washington +14

This isn

15* Florida/LSU CBS Saturday No-Brainer on Florida +7

Florida has been a completely different team since inserting Tyler Murphy in as their starting quarterback. He led them to a comeback win over Tennessee by a final of 31-17 after replacing the injured Jeff Driskel on September 21. Since then, he led the Gators to a 24-7 victory at Kentucky as an 11-point favorite, and a 30-10 home victory over Arkansas as a 12.5-point favorite.

Murphy is making plays and not turning the ball over like Driskel did. Murphy is completing 72.2 percent of his passes for 530 yards and five touchdowns against one interception, while also rushing for 135 yards and two scores. Matt Jones has recently returned at running back to give the offense a boost as well. He has rushed for 322 yards and two scores. Solomon Patton (19 receptions, 348 yards, 4 TD), Trey Burton (23, 282, 1 TD) and Quinton Dunbar (18, 274) are all solid targets outside for Murphy.

LSU hasn

25* ACC GAME OF THE YEAR on Boston College +24.5

The Boston College Eagles are clearly an improved team in 2013. They brought back 18 starters and have gotten off to an impressive 3-2 start this year. They have improved as the season has gone on with their last two performances being their best two heading into this one. Boston College only lost by a final of 34-48 at Florida State as a 24-point underdog on September 28. It put up 407 total yards on a very good FSU defense, which shut out Maryland 63-0 last week.

Boston College amassed 523 total yards in a 48-27 beat down of Army as a 12.5-point favorite last weekend. Quarterback Chase Rettig is gaining confidence with each start, completing 64.2 percent of his passes for 896 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions on the season. However, the biggest playmaker on the Eagles is running back Andre Williams. He has already rushed for 768 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Receiver Alex Amidon is a beast as well, catching 32 balls for 431 yards and two touchdowns.

This is a huge letdown spot for Clemson. It has a meeting lined up with No. 6 Florida State next week on October 19. The Tigers will clearly be overlooking Boston College and looking ahead to that showdown with the Seminoles. That

15* Missouri/Georgia ESPN Early ANNIHILATOR on Missouri +7.5

The Missouri Tigers are the real deal in 2013. While they haven

15* Big Ten Saturday PLAY OF THE DAY on Purdue +14.5

Purdue

20* Temple/Cincinnati ESPN Friday Total DOMINATOR on UNDER 51.5

I fully expect a defensive battle Friday night between Temple and Cincinnati in American Athletic Conference action. While Cincinnati may get to 30 points by game's end, I don't see Temple being able to surpass 10-14 points in this one. I expect somewhere in the neighborhood of a 31-10 final.

Cincinnati has been atrocious offensively in games outside of Purdue and Northwestern. I managed just 17 points against Illinois, scored 14 points against Miami Ohio with both touchdowns coming in the fourth quarter, and managed just 20 points against winless South Florida.

What has been the saving grace for the Bearcats is a defense that is one of the best in the entire country. They are giving up just 17.4 points and 251.0 total yards per game to rank 4th in the FBS in total defense.

The Bearcats have not allowed an offensive touchdown since the second quarter of the Northwestern State game on September 14, a span of 10 quarters. In the lost to South Florida last time out, they gave up a fumble recovery for a score, and a 75-yard return for at touchdown on a blocked field goal. This defense is the real deal.

I look for this fierce Cincinnati defense to completely shut down a very suspect Temple offense. In fact, the Owls are scoring just 15.8 points per game while averaging 342.4 yards per game to rank 102nd in the FBS in total offense.

Four out of five of Temple's games this season have seen 50 or less combined points. Those four were losses to Notre Dame (6-28), Houston (13-22), Idaho (24-26) and Louisville (7-30). Three of Cincinnati's five games have seen 49 or less combined points. They were wins over Purdue (42-7) and Miami Ohio (14-0), as well as a loss to South Florida (20-26).

Last year, Cincinnati beat Temple 34-10 on the road as an 8-point favorite with a total set of 55 points. Cincinnati outgained Temple 472-267 in the win. I look for the Bearcats to get a big lead early into the 3rd quarter, and to run out the clock with their solid rushing attack that is averaging 200 yards per game.

The UNDER is 35-20 in Cincinnati's last 55 home games. The UNDER is 24-9 in Cincinnati's last 33 October games. The UNDER is 12-5 in Temple's last 17 road games. The UNDER is 5-1 in Bearcats last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. The UNDER is 4-1-1 in Owls last 6 games overall. Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.

15* Arizona/USC Pac-12 BAILOUT on Arizona +6.5

This has been an extremely competitive series in recent years. Each of the last seven meetings between USC and Arizona have been decided by 7 points or less, including last year

15* Rutgers/Louisville ESPN Total DOMINATOR on UNDER 56

The books have set the bar too high in this contest between Louisville and Rutgers. I look for a low-scoring, defensive battle, which has been the theme in this rivalry in recent years.

Each of the last four meetings between Rutgers and Louisville have seen 53 or less combined points scored. In fact, the last two years, they have combined for 37 and 30 points, respectively. Louisville beat Rutgers 20-17 on the road last season as both offenses were held in check for a second straight year.

Both Louisville and Rutgers have a key loss on offense heading into this one. Rutgers is expected to be without leading rusher Paul James, who has ran for 573 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 7.3 yards per carry. Louisville is expected to be without leading receiver DaVante Parker, who has caught 21 balls for 375 yards and six scores.

Louisville boasts one of the best defenses in the entire country. It is giving up just 6.8 points and 228.0 total yards per game to rank 3rd in the FBS in total defense. It has held Rutgers to 17, 14 and 13 points in the last three meetings in this series.

Plays on the UNDER on all teams where the total is between 49.5 and 56 (RUTGERS) - average defensive team (330 to 390 YPG) against an excellent defensive team (<=280 YPG) are 77-38 (67%) over the last 10 seasons.

The UNDER is 19-8 in Rutgers' last 27 games overall. The UNDER is 8-1 in Scarlet Knights last 9 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The UNDER is 13-5 in Louisville's last 18 home games. Take the UNDER in this game Thursday.

20* Washington/Stanford ESPN Saturday Night BAILOUT on Washington +7.5

The Huskies are one of the most improved teams in the country in 2013. They returned 18 starters and 58 lettermen, and this is clearly Steve Sarkisian

15* Pac-12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Colorado +39.5

The Colorado Buffaloes are certainly improved under first-year head coach Mike MacIntyre. After winning just one game all of last season, MacIntyre has already doubled that win total while leading his team to a 2-1 start. He has great credentials from his time at San Jose State. He took a team that had only one winning season in nine years to 16 wins over his final 22 games there. MacIntyre brought six assistants and both of his coordinators over with him from San Jose State to Colorado.

The improvements have been dramatic, especially offensively as the Buffaloes are averaging 32.0 points and 412.7 total yards per game. MacIntyre had high-octane offenses at San Jose State in his final two seasons there as well. Connor Wood has been solid at the quarterback position. The former Texas transfer is completing 60.3 percent of his passes for 887 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. He loves having wide receiver Paul Richardson back after the junior missed all of last season with an injury. Richardson already has 26 receptions for 487 yards and five touchdowns through three games.

Oregon is already starting to just go through the motions after a start in which it has blown out its first four opponents. After taking a 55-3 lead against California last week, it nearly allowed the Bears to come from behind to cover the 38.5-point spread. In fact, the Bears scored 13 points in garbage time late to lose by a final of 16-55 and miss covering the spread by a half-point due to a missed PAT. Oregon has been playing its reserves late in games, and that could very well happen again Saturday against Colorado, which could allow the Buffaloes to get a back-door cover if need be.

Big news has come out of Eugene in that starting running back De

25* American Athletic GAME OF THE YEAR on Memphis +10

There

15* ACC GAME OF THE WEEK on Wake Forest +7.5

While the Demon Deacons are off to just a 2-3 start in 2013, they did go into Army and beat the Black Knights 25-11 as a 1.5-point favorite. This is a team that returned 15 starters from last year and should continue to improve as the season goes on. I do like what I

20* Clemson/Syracuse ACC ANNIHILATOR on Syracuse +14

The Syracuse Orange have done just fine under first-year head coach Scott Shafer, who was the defensive coordinator here over the last four years before getting the promotion in 2013. This is a team that won eight games last year and is much better than they had gotten credit for coming into the season. Sure, they are just 2-2, but both of their losses came on the road against superior Big Ten opponents in Penn State and Northwestern. They hung tough against the Nittany Lions in a 17-23 loss, and their game against the Wildcats was much closer than the score would indicate as they racked up 434 total yards in the loss.

Syracuse has opened 2-0 at home this season with blowout victories over Wagner (54-0) and Tulane (52-17). It has one of the most underrated home-field advantages in the country inside the Dome. In fact, it is 6-1 at home over the past two seasons with its only loss coming to Northwestern (41-42) by a single point. It even beat then-No. 11 Louisville at home 45-26 last season. All Louisville did was go on to win a BCS Bowl over Florida and open 4-0 in 2013 as well.

Clemson struggled in its only road game this season, winning 26-14 at NC State as a 12-point favorite. It only outgained the Wolfpack 415-378 in the win. Syracuse has been very strong on both sides of the ball in 2013. It is scoring 37.5 points per game while ranking 55th in the country in total offense (423.5 yards/game). It is allowing just 22.0 points per game while ranking 32nd in total defense (337.7 yards/game).

The offense has exploded with the insertion of Terrel Hunt into the starting lineup against Wagner in Week 3. The sophomore is completing 76.7 percent of his passes for 462 yards with seven touchdowns without an interception this season. "We have a little more chemistry with [Hunt] because he was here in the springtime when we were going through the new offense," tailback Jerome Smith said. "Between extending plays and our chemistry being better, that's the difference."

Syracuse has had two full weeks to prepare for Clemson having last played on September 21. The Orange are an impressive 6-1 against the spread in their last seven games following a bye week. Syracuse is 6-0-1 against the number in its last seven home games. The Orange are 14-2 against the spread in their last 16 home games off a home win by 17 points or more. Take Syracuse Saturday.

15* CFB Saturday Upset Special Akron +5

The Akron Zips are one of the most underrated teams in the entire country due to their 1-4 start this season. That start can be attributed to a schedule that has seen the likes of UCF, Michigan and Bowling Green on the road, as well as LA Lafayette and FCS power James Madison at home. Remember, the Zips were just one play away from beating Michigan in the Big House, falling by a final of 24-28 as a 35-point underdog.

This Zips had their chances against Bowling Green and Louisiana Lafayette, too. They led Bowling Green 14-10 at halftime before eventually falling 14-31 on the road. They fell 30-35 at home to a very good Louisiana team as a 7.5-point underdog. They were only outgained 455-460 in that defeat. They have certainly played some great football this season and are hungry for that first conference victory Saturday when the Ohio Bobcats come into town.

Conversely, the Bobcats are way overrated due to their 3-1 start. All three of their victories came at home, and they easily could have lost two of them as they squeaked by both North Texas (27-21) and Marshall (34-31). In that win over the Thundering Herd, the Bobcats were thoroughly ouplayed, getting outgained by 147 total yards for the game. However, that win over Marshall is earning them a lot more respect than they deserve, because ultimately they should have lost. In its lone road game this season, Ohio was throttled 7-49 at Louisville.

Ohio has some huge injury problems heading into this game with Akron. While the betting public pays attention to injuries to skill players, they rarely factor in injuries along the offensive and defensive lines, even though those players can be just as important to a team. Well, Ohio is going to be without FOUR, count it, FOUR starting offensive linemen Saturday against Akron. The Bobcats will be a mess offensively because of it, and I look for Akron's improved defense to take advantage.

Akron only lost 28-34 at Ohio last year as an 18.5-point underdog. It actually outgained the Bobcats 456-441 for the game. Jawaan Chisolm rushed for 177 yards in the loss. I look for Chisolm and Kyle Pohl, who is completing 60.5 percent of his passes for 1,072 yards and eight touchdowns to six interceptions this year, to have huge games against this Ohio defense. The Bobcats are giving up 423.5 total yards per game against a much softer schedule than Akron has faced.

Ohio is 1-9 against the spread after scoring 37 or more points in its last game over the last three seasons. The Bobcats are 1-7 against the spread in their last eight conference games. Ohio is 1-6 against the number in its last seven road games. The Bobcats are 0-5 against the spread in their last five games following a SU win of more than 20 points. These four trends combine for a 27-3 system backing the Zips. Bet Akron Saturday.

15* Big 12 GAME OF THE WEEK on Kansas +17

The Kansas Jayhawks are an improved team in 2013 under second-year head coach Charlie Weis. He did an excellent job of going out and nabbing numerous talented recruits from the JUCO level. It is paying off thus far as Kansas has doubled its win total from last season already. This is a team that lost five games last year by a touchdown or less, including a 34-41 road loss to Texas Tech in double-overtime as a 24-point underdog.

Texas Tech is overrated due to its 4-0 start that has featured wins over the likes of SMU, Stephen F Austin and Texas State. Even its 20-10 win over TCU doesn

25* BYU/Utah State Instate Rivalry GAME OF THE YEAR on BYU +6.5

The Utah State Aggies are finally getting the respect they deserve from oddsmakers. Now, the books have over-adjusted in listing Utah State as a 6.5-point favorite in this instate rivalry. There is a ton of value with this line on the underdog BYU Cougars, who could easily be 4-0 right now as their two losses to Virginia (16-19) and Utah (13-20) came by a combined 10 points. In fact, the Cougars outgained both opponents despite losing those games and simply gave them away.

BYU has played a very tough schedule thus far as it has had no gimmes in games against Middle Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia. It took care of business against Middle Tennessee (37-10) and Texas (40-21), outgaining those opponents by 274 and 234 total yards, respectively. Statistically, this is one of the best teams in the country. BYU ranks 22nd in the FBS in total offense at 492.5 yards per game, and 24th in total defense at 320.5 yards per game. Once again, you have to factor in the difficulty of their schedule thus far to appreciate how impressive those numbers really are.

A closer look at the numbers really shows how good they have performed. The four opponents that they have played have allowed an average of 404 yards per game on the season, and the Cougars have bested that by 88 yards (492). The four opponents that they have faced have averaged 418 yards of offense on the season, and they have bested that by 98 yards (320). Taysom Hill has thrown for 741 yards on the season, while also rushing for a team-high 565 yards and six touchdowns. He is going to be very difficult to stop Friday night.

Bronco Mendenhall is 8-0 against the spread in road games vesus good rushing teams that average at least 4.75 rushing yards/carry as the coach of BYU. BYU is 8-0 against the number in its last eight games as an underdog. The Cougars are 10-1 against the spread in their last 11 vs. Mountain West Conference opponents. The Cougars are 7-0 against the number in their last seven games after committing three or more turnovers in their previous game. These four trends combine for a 33-1 system backing the Cougars. Also, BYU has gone 22-2 straight up in its last 24 meetings with Utah State. Bet BYU Friday.

20* CFB Thursday Total ANNIHILATOR on Western Kentucky/LA-Monroe OVER 48

The books have set the bar too low in this Sun Belt showdown between Western Kentucky and Louisiana-Monroe. Both teams are coming off low scoring games over the weekend which has kept this total way lower than it should be. WKU beat Navy 19-7, and LA-Monroe lost 14-31 to Tulane. This has created some very nice line value on the OVER in what has been a very high-scoring series between these teams of late.

Under the guidance of offensive mastermind Bobby Petrino, Western Kentucky has been putting up big numbers on the offensive side of the football all season. It is scoring 31.2 points and averaging 462.4 total yards per game to rank 44th in the country in total offense. Quarterback Brandon Doughty is completing 67.3 percent of his passes for 1,028 yards and five touchdowns. Antonio Andrews, arguably the most underrated player in the entire country, has rushed for 727 yards and eight scores already.

Look for Andrews to have a monster day on the ground against a Louisiana-Monroe defense that has allowed 305 rushing yards to Oklahoma, 311 rushing yards to Baylor, and 253 rushing yards to Tulane. I look for Western Kentucky to score at will because of its ability to move the ball on the ground with ease, and behind an underrated passing attack. LA-Monroe also gave up 470 yards passing to Baylor and 310 passing yards to Wake Forest, so it hasn't been good in any phase of the defense.

What may concern most is a Louisiana-Monroe offense that hasn't put up great numbers this year. However, it has played some very good defenses with the likes of Oklahoma and Baylor. It's not like Western Kentucky is shutting down everyone. It gave up 52 points to Tennessee, 31 to South Alabama and 26 to Kentucky. ULM, which returned eight starters on offense this season from a unit that put up 33.8 points and 433 total yards per game last year, will get untracked against Western Kentucky.

What I really like about the OVER is the high-scoring nature of this series. The last three meetings have seen 85, 59 and 65 combined points. That's an average of 69.7 points per game, which is 21.7 more than tonight's posted total of 48. Kolton Browning threw for 308 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for 69 yards and two scores in last year's 43-42 victory at Western Kentucky. Andrews rushed for 104 yards and a score, while quarterback Kawaun Jakes threw for 308 yards and four touchdowns in the loss for the Hilltoppers.

Bobby Petrino is 27-12 to the OVER in road games in all games he has coached. Petrino is 13-2 to the OVER off a two-game home stand in all games he has coached. Todd Berry is 6-0 to the OVER vs. excellent ball control teams that average 32 or more possession minutes per game as the coach of Louisiana-Monroe. The OVER is 23-7-1 in Warhawks last 31 vs. a team with a winning record. Take the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* Wisconsin/Ohio State ABC ANNIHILATOR on Wisconsin +7

The Wisconsin Badgers haven

25* Pac-12 GAME OF THE YEAR on Washington -10

The Washington Huskies are clearly one of the most improved teams in the country in 2013. That should come as no surprise considering they returned 18 starters and 58 lettermen in Steve Sarkisian

20* SEC GAME OF THE WEEK on Florida -12

The Gators have no margin for error if they want to contend for a BCS Title in 2013. They already lost at Miami despite thoroughly dominating that game, outgaining the Hurricanes by 201 total yards. This team really should be 3-0 right now with the way it has been owning its competition in the yardage battle. It outgained Toledo by 210 total yards and Tennessee by 162 total yards.

The injury to quarterback Jeff Driskel is a blessing in disguise. Backup Tyler Murphy replaced Driskel and looked very good against Tennessee. Murphy completed 8 of 14 passes for 134 yards with one touchdowns and no interceptions, while also rushing for 84 yards and a score. Driskel had already thrown an interception that was returned for a touchdown before leaving the game to put the Gators in the hole 7-0. Murphy did a great job of digging them out of it as Florida would outscore Tennessee 31-10 the rest of the way.

Kentucky is a team in rebuilding mode with a 1-2 start and its only victory coming against lowly Miami Ohio. It lost to Western Kentucky 26-35 on a neutral field while giving up 487 total yards. It also lost at home to Louisville 13-27 while allowing 492 total yards. It

15* Ole Miss/Alabama ESPN No-Brainer on Ole Miss +15

There

15* CFB Saturday Big Ten Line Mistake on Iowa -1

The Iowa Hawkeyes have looked very sharp to start 2013 en route to a 3-1 start. Their only loss came against Northern Illinois on a last-second field goal, which is the same NIU team that played in a BCS Bowl last year. This team came into 2013 underrated off a 4-8 season last year in which the Hawkeyes lost five games by a combined 16 points.

Iowa is coming off its best game of the season in a 59-3 romp of Western Michigan, which is the same team that played Michigan State to a 13-26 game on the road. It held the Broncos to 209 total yards, forced four turnovers, and scored on special teams and defense. It was the kind of effort the Hawkeyes really needed as they head into Big Ten play this week.

Minnesota has yet to be really tested in the early going. Its four opponents have been UNLV, New Mexico State, Western Illinois and San Jose State. It was favored in all four games, and a double-digit favorite in three of them. Minnesota relies heavily on its running game as it is gaining 282 yards per game on the ground, and only 105 per game through the air. Iowa has the perfect antidote as it ranks 12th in the country against the run, allowing just 91.5 rushing yards per game and 3.7 per carry.

They Golden Gophers really don

15* Oklahoma/Notre Dame NBC No-Brainer on Notre Dame +3.5

The Fighting Irish have already played a much tougher schedule than Oklahoma. They have faced the likes of both Michigan and Purdue on the road as well as Michigan State at home. Oklahoma

20* ACC GAME OF THE WEEK on Florida State -21.5

The Seminoles came into the 2013 season underrated due to losing several starters to the NFL draft. The fact of the matter is that Jimbo Fisher doesn

15* CFB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Ball State -2

Ball State is a much-improved team in 2013 and a legitimate contender to win the MAC this season. It returned 13 starters, including seven on an offense that put up 33.6 points and 457 total yards per game a year ago en route to a 9-4 campaign. Quarterback Keith Wenning is back after completing 65.4 percent of his passes for 3,094 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions a year ago.

Wenning has all of his top skill players back. Leading rusher Jahwan Edwards (1,410 yards, 14 TD) returns, as do each of the top five receivers from a year ago, including Willie Snead (89 receptions, 1,148 yards, 9 TD) and Jamill Smith (69, 706, 6 TD). Wenning and company have averaged 42.2 points and 474.7 total yards per game en route to a 3-1 start in 2013.

Wenning is completing 62.3 percent of his passes for 1,315 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions, while also rushing for two scores. Edwards has been held to 130 yards and four touchdowns, but Horactio Banks has picked up the slack, rushing for 300 yards and five touchdowns. Snead has 28 receptions for 480 yards and four touchdowns, while Smith has added 17 grabs for 298 yards and one touchdowns.

I like Ball State's chances of moving the ball and scoring points at will against a Toledo defense that returned just four starters from last year while losing four of its top five tacklers, including Dan Molls (166 tackles, and Robert Bell (100 tackles). I also don't believe Toledo's offense, which is averaging just 25.0 points and 385.0 total yards per game, has the firepower to keep up with the Cardinals in this one.

Both quarterbacks return from last year's 34-27 Ball State victory at Toledo. Wenning went 29 of 42 passing for 280 yards and three touchdowns in the win, while Terrance Owens was held to 14 of 27 passing for 215 yards and one touchdown in the loss. Ball State's only loss this season came at North Texas by a final of 27-34. Despite gaining 496 total yards, the Cardinals committed five turnovers, which did them in. Look for Wenning and company to take much better care of the football in a key game Saturday that could determine the West MAC Title.

The Cardinals are 6-1 at home over the last two seasons with their only loss coming last year to Northern Illinois (23-35), which went on to win the MAC and play in a BCS Bowl game. Ball State is 17-6 ATS in its last 23 games overall. The Cardinals are 21-7 ATS in their last 28 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Ball State is 5-1 ATS in its last six conference games. The Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games. Ball State is 6-2 ATS in its last eight meetings with Toledo. Roll with Ball State Saturday.

15* CFB Saturday Early ANNIHILATOR on Oklahoma State -18

This is an Oklahoma State Cowboys team that returned 15 starters from last season

20* CFB Friday Night Total DOMINATOR on Middle Tennessee/BYU UNDER 59.5

I'm siding with the UNDER Friday night in this game between the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and BYU Cougars. I look for this to be a blowout as well, but mainly because BYU's defense shuts down Middle Tennessee, not because the Cougars pile on a ton of points. They have opened 1-2 this season and will be playing with a chip on their shoulder because of it.

BYU's defense has held its own against three very good offenses in Utah, Texas and Virginia. It is only allowing 20.0 points and 356.7 total yards per game against those teams, who combined to average 33.6 points and 452 total yards per game. That means they have held those three opponents to 13.6 points and nearly 100 total yards per game less than their season averages. This is a top-notch BYU defense that will shut down a Middle Tennessee team that hasn't faced a defense nearly as fierce as this one.

Another aspect that benefits the under is that BYU is primarily a running team and it will eat up clock as it puts together long, extended drives on the ground. The Cougars are rushing for 307 yards per game and only completing 34.8 percent of their passes on the season. You can bet they will be keeping it on the ground all game long in this one. Middle Tennessee also likes to run the football, averaging 196 rushing yards per game.

With both teams relying heavily on the run, it's imperative that each squad be good against the run. That has been the case for both teams in this season. In fact, Middle Tennessee is only yielding 3.7 yards per carry, while BYU is giving up just 3.2 yards per carry. This is strength versus strength ladies and gents, which clearly favors the UNDER.

BYU is 10-1 UNDER in home games when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 75%) since 1992. The Cougars are 22-5 UNDER vesus good rushing teams - averaging >=4.75 rushing yards/carry since 1992. BYU is 34-17 UNDER when the total is between 56.5 and 63 since 1992. Bronco Mendenhall is a perfect 8-0 UNDER in home games vs. good offensive teams - scoring 31 or more points/game as the coach of BYU. The UNDER is 10-1 in Cougars last 11 Friday games. The UNDER is 13-3 in Cougars last 16 vs. a team with a winning record. Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.

20* VA Tech/GA Tech ACC on ESPN ANNIHILATOR on Virginia Tech +7

Rarely will you find Virginia Tech catching a touchdown or more against anyone. The fact of the matter is that this team has overcome some adversity to open 3-1 this season. It has played a much tougher schedule than Georgia Tech as Alabama, East Carolina and Marshall are all quality opponents. The best team Georgia Tech has faced is North Carolina, and it needed to erase a 20-7 deficit in that contest to win at home last week. Its other two opponents have been Elon and Duke.

Virginia Tech is coming into this game way undervalued due to the nature of its close victories the past two weeks against ECU and Marshall teams that are better than they get credit for. The Hokies are winning games with their defense, allowing just 17.2 points and 233.2 total yards per game. From what I

15* Auburn/LSU ESPN Saturday Night BAILOUT on Auburn +17

This is a completely different Auburn team with the arrival of first-year head coach Gus Malzahn. The former offensive coordinator at Auburn for three years, including the 2010 season in which the Tigers went 14-0 and won the BCS Championship, Malzahn has brought a different mentality to this team. Remember, he took Arkansas State to a Sun Belt Title last season in his first year there, and he is making his mark on Auburn already.

The good news for Malzahn is that many of the players on this team were recruited to run his system before he bolted for Arkansas State. The offensive mastermind has this Auburn offense scoring 31.0 points and averaging 441.0 total yards per game en route to a 3-0 start. Those three victories came against the underrated trio of Washington State, Arkansas State and Mississippi State. I would certainly argue that Auburn has played a tougher schedule than LSU to this point.

This has been a very closely-contested series in recent years. In fact, seven of the last nine meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less. That includes a 12-10 road victory for LSU last season despite being an 18-point favorite in that contest. Now, as a 17.5-point favorite in the rematch in 2013, LSU is overvalued once again. This is an improved Auburn defense that has eight starters back from last season and is only allowing 17.7 points per game thus far, which is less than what LSU (19.0) is giving up.

Auburn is 4-0 against the spread in its last four games following an ATS loss. LSU is 5-17 against the number in its last 22 games as a home favorite of 14.5 to 21 points. LSU is 30-52 against the spread in home games against SEC opponents since 1992. Auburn is 6-0 against the number after a game where it forced no turnovers over the last three seasons. LSU is 14-28 against the spread in its last 28 home games vs. good team that is outscoring its opponents by 10 or more points per game. Roll with Auburn Saturday.

15* CFB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on SMU +29.5

This is a huge letdown spot for Texas A&M. The Aggies just lost on ESPN

20* ASU/Stanford Pac-12 GAME OF THE MONTH on Arizona State +6.5

I believe that the Sun Devils are a legitimate Pac-12 Title contender. They are certainly the best team in the South and should play in the Title game come season

15* CFB Saturday Under the Radar BLOWOUT on Louisiana-Lafayette -5.5

Akron nearly upset Michigan last week in Ann Arbor. As a result, it is getting way too much respect from oddsmakers against a superior Louisiana-Lafayette team Saturday. I look for the Zips to suffer a hangover from that defeat to the Wolverines. They were stopped at the 1-yard line in the closing seconds, which is how close they came to pulling off the upset. Akron's players won't be able to recover in time to face the Rajin' Cajuns Saturday.

Louisiana-Lafayette is underrated right now due to opener the season 0-2 with road losses to Arkansas and Kansas State. It would rebound with a 70-7 victory over Nicholls State last week, and now I look for it to roll the rest of the season after getting its two toughest games of the year out of the way. Remember, this team went 9-4 last season and returned 13 starters and 56 lettermen from that squad. This is arguably the best team in the Sun Belt.

Akron, meanwhile, is just 2-13 over the past two seasons. Its only two wins have come against FCS opponents in Morgan State and James Madison. It barely beat James Madison (35-33) at home in Week 2 while getting outgained 498-356 for the game. It was blown out 7-38 in the opener by UCF, which is much more indicative of the talent on this team. Michigan simply just went through the motions last week off a big win over Notre Dame the previous week, and it nearly cost the Wolverines. They committed four turnovers against the Zips.

Lafayette is 6-0 against the spread vs. poor passing defenses - allowing 250 or more passing yards/game over the last 3 seasons. The Rajin' Cajuns are 8-0 against the number after a playing a game where 70 total points or more were scored over the last 3 seasons. The Zips are 0-5 against the spread in their last five home games. Akron is 0-6 against the number in its last six home games off one or more consecutive overs. These four trends combine for a 25-0 system backing Louisiana-Lafayette. Plus, the Rajin' Cajuns are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 road games. Roll with Louisiana-Lafayette Saturday.

15* Tennessee/Florida CBS Saturday No-Brainer on Tennessee +16.5

The Volunteers are clearly on the rise under new head coach Butch Jones, who spent three years at Central Michigan and three years at Cincinnati before coming here. Jones is a proven winner, leading the Chippewas and Bearcats to at least a share of the conference championship four out of those six years. He inherited a Tennessee team with a lot of talent and 13 returning starters.

Tennessee opened the season 2-0 with blowout victories over Austin Peay (45-0) and Western Kentucky (52-20). I

20* MSU/Notre Dame Rivalry GAME OF THE MONTH on Michigan State +4.5

Admittedly, the Spartans did not look sharp offensively in beating Western Michigan by 13 and South Florida by 15 in their first two games to open the season. It was no secret that this offense was going to struggle in the early going after last year. However, it was also no secret that Michigan State was going to possess one of the best defenses in the entire country. That has proven to be the case thus far due to seven starters and seven of the top nine tacklers back on that side of the ball.

Michigan State is only allowing 12.0 points and 177.0 total yards per game en route to a 3-0 start. It has also forced eight turnovers to this point. There

20* CFB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Maryland -4.5

The Maryland Terrapins are one of the most improved teams in the country this season. They went just 4-8 last year due to injuries at the quarterback position. They were down to their 6th-string QB due to a fluke of injuries, including the starter out of the spring in C.J. Brown. Now, in 2013, they have opened 3-0 with double-digit victories over Florida International (43-10), Old Dominion (47-10) and Connecticut (32-21).

A big reason for that start has been Brown's play. The senior is completing 67.1 percent of his passes for 833 yards with six touchdowns and one interception, while also rushing for 257 yards and five scores. Stefon Diggs, arguably the most underrated receiver in the entire country, has 16 receptions for 387 yards and three touchdowns already. Maryland is one of only three teams in the nation that has compiled 500 or more yards of total offense in each of their first three games this season.

West Virginia went just 7-6 last season despite having a plethora of talent on offense in QB Geno Smith and WR's Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey. All three players were taken within the first three rounds of the NFL draft. Now, with only 10 starters back, including three on offense, the Mountaineers are clearly in rebuilding mode. They are off to an ugly start to 2013 as well.

The Mountaineers opened with a 24-17 victory over William & Mary despite being a 31.5-point favorite. They managed just one touchdown in a loss to Oklahoma the next week in a game that was a bigger blowout than the final score would indicate. They also failed to cover against Georgia State last week, which is a team that has lost to Samford (21-31) and Chattanooga (14-42) at home. The score was only 20-7 WVU before the Mountaineers scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to make the game appear to be a bigger blowout than it really was.

Maryland actually had a pretty strong defense last year in allowing just 337 total yards per game despite being on the field a ton due to inept quarterback play. It has been even stronger in 2013, allowing just 13.7 points and 296.3 total yards per game. In their 31-21 loss at West Virginia last season, the Terrapins were playing with their fourth-string quarterback. They easily covered as a 26-point underdog and were only outgained 363-351 for the game. There's no question that the Terrapins are the superior team in 2013, and they'll get revenge in blowout fashion Saturday.

West Virginia is 5-15 against the spread in its last 20 road games vs. ACC opponents. The Mountaineers are 0-5 against the spread in their last five non-conference games. The Terrapins are 5-0 against the number in their last five games overall. West Virginia is 5-16 against the spread in its last 21 road games versus good defensive teams that allow 4.5 yards per play or less. Take Maryland Saturday.

15* CFB Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on North Texas +34

The North Texas Mean Green are a much improved team in 2013. Dan McCarney has done a fine job at this program in exceeding expectations in his first two years on the job. Now, in his third season here, McCarney easily has his best team yet. North Texas returned a whopping 17 starters this season, and that experience has led the program to a solid 2-1 start.

North Texas has beaten Idaho (40-6) and Ball State (34-27) at home for its two wins. Its only loss came at Ohio (21-27) against a very underrated Bobcats

15* CFB Saturday Upset Special on San Jose State +4

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are way overrated right now due to playing a very easy schedule to this point. UNLV and New Mexico State are two of the worst teams in the FBS. Also, Western Illinois is an FCS opponent, and the Gophers did not look sharp against them despite being a 24-point favorite and winning 29-12. In fact, Minnesota is only outgaining those three opponents by an average of 40.3 yards per game thus far.

San Jose State continues to be a covering machine, opening 2-0 against the number with a win over Sacramento State (24-0) as a 20-point favorite, and a loss at Stanford (13-34) as a 24-point underdog. This team does have plenty of talent back from last year

20* Boise/Fresno MWC GAME OF THE MONTH on Fresno State -3

The Fresno State Bulldogs got their first conference title since 1989 last season under first-year head coach Tim DeRuyter. Many believe this is a sleeper team to crash the BCS due to returning 16 starters, including quarterback Derek Carr. They were +171.5 yards per game in Mountain West play last year which was 52 yards per game better than Boise State.

Carr is coming off a season in which he completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 4,104 yards with 37 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has guided the Bulldogs to a 2-0 start this season while completing 71.2 percent of his passes for 661 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception thus far. The offense has averaged 46.5 points and 460.5 total yards per game in wins over Rutgers and Cal Poly.

Boise State is in rebuilding mode this season and is nowhere near as strong as it has been over the past decade. It returns only nine starters and was embarrassed 6-38 at Washington in its opener. It followed that up with unimpressive victories over cupcakes in Tennessee-Martin and Air Force at home. The Broncos gave up a ridiculous 592 total yards in the loss to Washington, so Carr and company could certainly have their way with this suspect defense as they look to get revenge and put a halt to a 7-game losing streak in the series.

The Broncos are just 3-11 against the spread after scoring 37 or more points in their last game over the past three seasons. Boise State is 3-12 against the number in its last 15 conference games. The Bulldogs are 5-0 against the number in their last five conference games. Fresno State is 12-4 against the spread in its last 16 games overall. The favorite is a perfect 11-0 against the spread in the last 11 meetings in this series. Bet Fresno State Friday.

Note: I recommend buying Fresno State to -3 if you have to.

15* Clemson/NC State ACC ANNIHILATOR on Clemson -13.5

The Tigers are a legitimate national title contender in 2013. They opened the season with an impressive 38-35 victory over Georgia after closing out their 2012 campaign with a win against LSU. After beating two of the top teams in the SEC, there

20* Wisconsin/ASU ESPN Saturday Night BAILOUT on Arizona State -5

I fully expect the Sun Devils to compete for a Pac-12 Title in 2013. That

15* Ole Miss/Texas SEC vs. Big 12 No-Brainer on Ole Miss +3

Hugh Freeze has the Ole Miss football program on the rise. After guiding Arkansas State to 10 wins and a Sun Belt Title in his first year there in 2011, Freeze came to Ole Miss and got the Rebels to their first bowl game since 2009 last season. Now, with 19 returning starters and 59 lettermen, this team is clearly a sleeper in the SEC West Division.

The defense is loaded with 10 returning starters. The offense welcomes back QB Bo Wallace, who completed 63.9 percent of his passes for 2,994 yards with 22 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, while also rushing for 390 yards and eight scores last year. Also back is leading rusher Jeff Scott as well as the top three receivers from 2012. Ole Miss is off to a solid 2-0 start, which included an impressive 39-35 victory at Vanderbilt in its opener.

Texas is in a world of hurt right now. It just gave up 679 total yards, including a ridiculous 550 rushing in a 21-40 loss at BYU last week. It will be changing defensive coordinators, but Greg Robinson cannot go out and play the game for his team. The fact of the matter is that Texas simply lacks good players on the defensive side of the football. Also, QB David Ash suffered a head injury in the loss and is expected to sit this week. Texas will have a hard time stopping an Ole Miss offense that is averaging 35.0 points and 510.5 total yards per game through its first two contests.

Don't underestimate the power of revenge. Sure, Texas will be motivated off its loss to BYU, but the Rebels want this one more after suffering their worst loss of the season to the Longhorns last year by a final of 66-31. Ole Miss is 15-5 in its last 20 non-conference games. The Rebels are 5-1 against the number in their last six road games. The Longhorns are 2-8 against the spread in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Freeze is 21-6 against the spread in all games he has coached. Freeze is 10-2 against the number in road games as a head coach. Take Ole Miss Saturday.

15* CFB Saturday Night Line Mistake on Connecticut +7

This line is an overreaction from the results in the early going. Maryland has had two blowout wins, while Connecticut has had an ugly home loss to an FCS opponent. That provides some nice line value here with the home underdog, especially when you consider the Huskies have had two weeks to steam over their loss to Towson, and to prepare for Maryland. They last played on Thursday, August 29, so it has actually been over two weeks since they last played.

I

15* CFB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Kent State +37

With their SEC opener on deck against Auburn, this could be a big look-ahead spot for the LSU Tigers. They are getting a ton of love after covering the spread in their first two games against TCU and UAB. Asking them to win by more than 37 points against Kent State is asking a little too much in this one. I could easily see them just going through the motions here.

Remember, Kent State went 11-3 last season and was an overtime loss to Northern Illinois away from likely playing in a BCS game. The cupboard isn

15* CFB Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Memphis/Middle Tennessee OVER 52

I fully expect a shootout Saturday between Memphis and Middle Tennessee State. This has been a high-scoring series of late is one of the reasons I'm backing the OVER. Another is that both defenses are atrocious, so the offenses should have their ways in this one.

Memphis gave up 30.3 points per game last season. The defense is off to a poor start after allowing 470 total yards to Duke in the opener. Middle Tennessee gave up 28.0 points per game last year. It is off to a poor start as well, giving up averages of 32.0 points and 441.0 total yards per game while opening 1-1 against Western Carolina and North Carolina.

Both offenses should be improved this season. Memphis returned eight starters from an offense that put up 28, 37, 46 and 42 points over its final four games last season. Middle Tennessee has nine starters back from an offense that put up 31-plus points in six different games last year. The Blue Raiders are off to a hot start offensively, averaging 32.5 points and 438.0 total yards per game through two contests.

The last two meetings in this series have been shootouts. Middle Tennessee beat Memphis 38-31 at home in 2011 for 69 combined points. The Blue Raiders were also victorious on the road in 2012 by a final of 48-30 for 78 combined points. Given those recent meetings, plus the poor defenses and improved offenses, these two teams should have no problem combining for more than 52 points in this one.

The OVER is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 games following a S.U. loss. The OVER is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 vs. CUSA opponents. The OVER 13-4-2 in Blue Raiders last 19 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. The OVER is 8-3-1 in Blue Raiders last 12 games following a S.U. loss. The OVER is 9-4-1 in Middle Tennessee's last 14 games vs. a team with a losing record. Roll with the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* CFB Saturday Upset Special on Florida Atlantic +13

Despite being a covering machine, Florida Atlantic continues getting disrespected from oddsmakers. I'm 2-0 backing FAU this season with covers against Miami and East Carolina on the road. I'll back them again in Week 3 as they should not be a 13-point underdog to the lowly South Florida Bulls. I actually believe the Owls will win this game outright, but I'll take the points for some insurance.

FAU returned 15 starters from a team that was much better than its 3-9 record would indicate last season. It played a brutal schedule that included Alabama and Georgia, and the schedule hasn't been any easier in the early going with road games at ECU and Miami. It has handled itself well, and now it is battle-tested heading into this showdown with South Florida, which is by far its easiest game yet.

Carl Pelini's Owls returned 15 starters and 54 lettermen from last year's team, so this is a very experienced bunch. Meanwhile, South Florida is in rebuilding mode with just 13 starters and 43 lettermen back, and a new head coach in Willie Taggart. He takes over a USF program that has gone 8-16 over the past two seasons, including a 3-9 campaign last year.

South Florida has looked terrible in its 0-2 start. In fact, it lost to McNeese State 21-53 in its opener despite being a 20.5-point home favorite. While it did keep last week's game against Michigan State close, it still lost 6-21 and managed a mere 155 total yards. The offense has been atrocious for the Bulls, averaging just 13.5 points and 248.5 total yards per game. USF quarterbacks are completing just 37.9 percent of their passes on the season.

Florida Atlantic is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games overall. The Owls are 6-0 ATS off a road loss over the last two seasons. USF is 0-6 ATS as a favorite over the last two years. South Florida is 0-7 ATS in its last 7 games after scoring less than 20 points in its previous game. FAU is 8-0 ATS in its last 8 road games. The Bulls are 0-6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. USF is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games following an ATS win. These last six trends combine for a perfect 38-0 system backing the Owls. Take Florida Atlantic Saturday.

15* CFB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Washington -9.5

The Huskies have put together identical 7-6 seasons in each of Steve Sarkisians last three years on the job. Now, Sarkisian finally has his best team yet with 18 starters and 58 lettermen returning in 2013. Washington is a real sleeper to win the Pac-12 this season, and it showed what it is capable of with a 38-6 season-opening victory over Boise State in Week 1.

Washington thoroughly dominated Boise State, outgaining it 592-346 for the game. To no surprise, this offense that returned 10 starters from last season was extremely explosive. Quarterback Keith Price completed 23 of 31 passes for 324 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Bishop Sankey, who rushed for 1,439 yards and 16 touchdowns a year ago, picked up right where he left off. Sankey ran for 161 yards and two scores against Boise State.

The Huskies' offense put up those gaudy numbers against Boise State even without tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. He was suspended due to an offseason DUI, but is expected to return this week against Illinois. That's a huge bonus considering Seferian-Jenkins caught 69 balls for 850 yards and seven touchdowns last year. He'll be a match-up nightmare for the Fighting Illini.

Illinois is coming off a 2-10 season in head coach Tim Bekman

15* UCLA/Nebraska ABC Early ANNIHILATOR on UCLA +4.5

First and foremost, the Bruins are coming off a bye week following their 58-20 drubbing of Nevada in their opener. Getting two weeks to prepare for Nebraska is certainly a huge advantage heading into this one. UCLA pretty much dominated the Huskers in last year

20* Air Force/Boise State ESPN Friday No-Brainer on OVER 57

From what I've seen from both defenses thus far, I have no doubt this is going to be a shootout tonight between Air Force and Boise State. These teams combined for 63 total points in a 37-26 Boise State victory in their most recent meeting in 2011, and I look for 63-plus in this one as well.

Air Force lost 20-52 at home to Utah State last week. It gave up 577 total yards in the defeat. I look for Boise State to approach 50 points against this soft Falcons' defense. The Broncos put up 63 points on Tennessee-Martin last week.

Boise State's opener showed how vulnerable its defense really is this year. The Broncos gave up 38 points and a ridiculous 592 total yards to Washington in Week 1. Boise State even allowed 357 total yards to Tennessee-Martin last week.

With the lack of experience each team has back on defense from last year, it's easy to see why both stop units are struggling in the early going. Boise State only returned four starters on defense and lost 10 of its top 16 tacklers from a year ago. Air Force only has six starters back on defense and loses each of its top three tacklers who had 128, 101 and 92 tackles, respectively.

Air Force is a running team that is averaging 285 rushing yards on 5.1/carry thus far. Boise State has been horrible against the run, giving up 207 rushing yards per game and 4.1 per carry. The Broncos gave up 268 rushing yards on 5.0/carry against Washington in Week 1.

The OVER is 6-1 in Falcons last 7 games in September. The OVER is 4-1 in Broncos last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* Troy/Arkansas State Sun Belt ANNIHILATOR on Troy +7.5

The Trojans appear to have turned the corner in 2013. Remember, this is a team that has won or shared five straight Sun Belt Titles from 2006-

20* Tulane/LA Tech Conference USA No-Brainer on Tulane +7.5

Louisiana Tech is clearly in rebuilding mode in head coach Skip Holtz

15* Texas/BYU ESPN 2 No-Brainer on BYU +7

The BYU Cougars have been one of the most underrated teams in the country for years. They have won 10 or more games in five of the past seven seasons under current head coach, Bronco Mendenhall. That includes a 10-3 campaign back in 2011 in which one of those wins came at Texas by a final of 17-16 as a 7-point underdog. The last time the Cougars hosted the Longhorns, they won 47-6.

With eight returning starters on offense, the Cougars are in good shape heading into 2013. They will be highly motivated for a victory after giving their Week 1 game away to Virginia in a 16-19 road loss. In fact, BYU outgained Virginia 362-223 for the game. Quarterback Taisom Hill threw for 175 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 42 yards and a score. Jamaal Williams, the top returning rusher, ran for 144 yards on 33 carries in the loss.

Many expected Texas to be improved defensively, but that may not be the case after a poor performance against New Mexico State, which went 1-11 last season. The Longhorns allowed 346 total yards to the Aggies, which is certainly a bad showing. NMSU quarterback Andrew McDonald had a very good game, completing 32 of 46 passes for 242 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Texas will not be able to get enough stops against BYU to win by more than a touchdown Saturday.

Plays on home underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points (BYU)

15* Notre Dame/Michigan ESPN Saturday Night BAILOUT on Michigan -3.5

Many believe that the Wolverines will make a run at a Big Ten Title in 2013. Brady Hoke finally has his system in place and doesn

15* CFB Saturday Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on UAB +35

Despite the 34-31 Week 1 loss to Troy as a 4.5-point underdog, I have no doubt that the Blazers are going to be much more competitive than they were a year ago. That

15* CFB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Navy +13

This will be the season opener for Navy as it comes off a solid 8-5 season. With 13 starters back, there is reason to believe that the Midshipmen are going to have another big year. That's especially the case with the return of sophomore quarterback, Keenan Reynolds.

He became the first freshman since 1991 to start for Navy after taking over the job five games into the 2012 seasons. Reynolds flourished, completing 56.5 percent of his passes for 898 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions, while also rushing for 649 yards and 10 scores. Not once did Navy lose the turnover battle with Reynolds as the starter, so he's smart beyond his years and knows how to take care of the football.

I believe this line is an overreaction from Indiana winning 73-35 against Indiana State last week. Sure, the Hoosiers have an explosive offense, but giving up 35 points to the Sycamores shows that their defense has a long ways to go. I look for Reynolds and company to control the tempo of this game with their tremendous running game and to score at will on this Indiana defense all game long.

Navy beat Indiana 31-30 last season, and I look for a similar, hard-fought game in the rematch that comes right down to the wire. The Midshipmen rushed for 257 yards as a team in the win. Reynolds went 8 of 13 passing for 96 yards and a score, while also rushing for 66 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown. The defense held Indiana QB Cameron Coffman to 25 of 37 passing for 244 yards with two interceptions.

The Midshipmen are a perfect 7-0 against the spread as a road underdog of 10.5 to 14 points since 1992. The Hoosiers are 5-25 ATS after outgaining opp by 125 or more total yards in their previous game since 1992. Bet Navy Saturday.

15* CFB Saturday Afternoon Line Mistake on Southern Miss +28

The books have missed their mark badly on this game Saturday. I look for this contest to come right down to the wire, just as Nebraska's opener against Wyoming did. The Huskers only beat Wyoming 37-34 in their opener and they are one of the most overrated teams in the country in my opinion.

Nebraska will have a solid offense this year behind Taylor Martinez, but the defense is in shambles. Nebraska gave up 70 points to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship and 45 points to Georgia in the Capital One Bowl for a combined 115 points allowed in its final two games. The Huskers now part ways with each of their top five tacklers, and eight of their top ten tacklers overall from last year.

That inexperience and lack of talent showed in their 37-34 win over Wyoming last weekend. In fact, the Huskers allowed a ridiculous 602 total yards to the Cowboys last week and were outgained by 72 total yards for the game. Brett Smith threw for 383 yards and four touchdowns, and the Cowboys rushed for 219 yards while averaging 7.3 yards per carry.

Off an 0-12 season, Southern Miss comes into 2013 way underrated. This is a team that has a lot more talent than it gets credit for. They returned 13 starters this year, including nine on defense. This is a team that lost five games last year by 10 points or less and was much better than its record would indicate.

The Golden Eagles actually outgained Texas State 400-207 last week and obviously should have won, but gave the game away by committing six turnovers on a 15-22 defeat. Because of that loss, this line has been set much higher than it should be. Southern Miss lost four fumbles and won't be nearly as careless with the football this week against Nebraska. QB Allen Bridgford threw for 377 yards and a touchdown in the loss, and he's in line for a huge game against this Nebraska defense.

Plays on underdogs of 21.5 to 31 points (SOUTHERN MISS) - after allowing 225 or less total yards in their previous game are 28-7 (80%) ATS over the last 10 seasons. This defense is much improved, and the offense will put up points at will against this soft Nebraska defense. Don't be surprised if this one goes right down to the wire. Take Southern Miss Saturday.

15* CFB Saturday Upset Special on Memphis +4.5

Justin Fuente actually did a very good job of getting Memphis to four wins last year in his first season on the job. It was their most wins since 2008. After a 1-8 start, the Tigers would reel off three straight blowout victories over Tulane (37-23), UAB (46-9) and Southern Miss (42-24) to give them a ton of confidence heading into 2013. Now, they have had all offseason to prepare for Duke knowing that this would be their season opener in Week 2.

I really like this team considering it returns 16 starters and 46 lettermen. Eight starters return on offense, including quarterback Jacob Karam, who completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 1,895 yards with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions a year ago. Also back is leading rusher Brandon Hayes (576 yards, 6 TD), who made the final seven starts at running back last season and played very well down the stretch. The defense returns eight starters, including senior FS Lonnie Ballentine (66 tackles, 3 INT) and junior DE Martin Ifedi (46 tackles, 7.5 sacks).

Plays on home underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points (MEMPHIS)

15* CFB Saturday Public Overreaction Play on Idaho +28

This line is clearly an overreaction from the final scores of the games that both of these teams played last week. The public is all over Wyoming after a 37-34 loss at Nebraska. It is quick to fade Idaho after a 6-40 loss at North Texas. I'll take these extra points that public perception has created for us and back Idaho for an easy cash Saturday.

Wyoming's 37-34 loss at Nebraska says more about how overrated the Huskers are than how good the Cowboys are. Idaho's 6-40 loss at North Texas was more about how improved the Mean Green are than how bad the Vandals will be this season. This 28-point spread has clearly been inflated due to public perception.

Wyoming is in for a letdown here after coming so close to beating a ranked team last week. I look for the Cowboys to come out flat, which will allow the Vandals to keep the game close in the first half. That will lead to an easy cover as the Cowboys won't have enough firepower to win by four touchdowns in the second half.

Idaho showed some good signs offensively even in that loss to North Texas. It managed 369 total yards in the loss, which would usually equal anywhere in the neighborhood of 20-30 points. However, three lost fumbles really hurt the Vandals and put them behind the eight ball. Freshman quarterback Chad Chalich impressed in his debut, completing 19 of 27 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown. The ground game was effective as well, rushing for 139 yards on 36 carries.

Remember, Wyoming was just a 4-8 team last season with two of those victories coming in overtime. Its four wins came by 3, 5, 7 and 14 points. That 3-point win was a 40-37 (OT) triumph at Idaho. The Vandals actually outplayed the Cowboys in that contest, outgaining them 509-455 for the game. Once again, they gave the game away by losing three fumbles, just as they did against North Texas. So, Idaho will be out for revenge from that loss, too.

The Cowboys are 16-33 ATS in their last 49 games following a S.U. loss. Wyoming is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 home games. While the Cowboys have won three straight over Idaho, those three contests were decided by a combined 20 points. Roll with Idaho Saturday.

15* CFB Saturday ATS ANNIHILATOR on Buffalo +27.5

The Buffalo Bulls were one of the most underrated teams in the country entering the 2013 season. I was on them last week as a 33.5-point underdog at Ohio State, and they covered with ease in a 20-40 loss. Just as they were undervalued last week, I believe they are once against lacking respect from oddsmakers as a 27.5-point dog at Baylor.

Jeff Quinn has led the Bulls to three progressively better seasons over the last three years with a 2-10 finish in 2010, a 3-9 mark in 2011, and a 4-8 campaign in 2012. Now, with 16 starters and 54 lettermen returning in 2013, this is clearly Quinn's best team yet. I believe Buffalo will be bowl eligible by season's end, and it will compete with a middle-of-the-pack Big 12 team Saturday in Baylor.

The Bears are simply getting too much respect from oddsmakers due to their 69-3 victory over Wofford last week. This is a Baylor team that only returned 12 starters this year, losing three starters along the offensive line, quarterback Nick Florence (4,309 yards, 33 TD) and leading receiver Terrance Williams (97 receptions, 1,832 yards, 12 TD). After playing a cupcake in Wofford, the Bears won't be ready for the fight they are going to get from this underrated Buffalo squad.

BUffalo's offense returns nine starters and really played pretty well in scoring 20 points against a very good Ohio State team. Joe Licata was efficient, completing 19 of 32 passes for 185 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Branden Oliver, who rushed for 1,395 yards back in 2011, is back and healthy which is huge for this offense. Oliver managed 73 yards on the ground against Ohio State. Alex Neutz, who had 1,015 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns last year, finished with nine receptions for 98 yards against the Buckeyes.

Defensively, the Bulls have a ton of talent returning among their seven starters that are back. In fact, they return eight of their top 10 tacklers. Leading the way is LB Khalil Mack (94 tackles, 21 for loss), DE COlby Way (58 tackles, 7 sacks), CB Najja Johnson (43 tackles, 5 INT) and CB COrtney Lester (39 tackles, 4 INT). This is a team that won three of its final four games last season and heads into 2013 with a lot of confidence because of it. The Bulls will not be afraid of Baylor. Bet Buffalo Saturday.

25* CFB Non-Conference GAME OF THE YEAR on Ball State -7.5

The Ball State Cardinals went 9-4 last season in head coach Pete Lembo

20* Florida/Miami ESPN Early ANNIHILATOR on Miami +3

In terms of returning talent, the Hurricanes blow the Gators out of the water. Miami has 18 returning starters from a team that went 7-5 last season despite being banned from the postseason. This is clearly Golden

15* UCF/FIU CFB Friday Total DOMINATOR on UNDER 53.5

I'm backing the UNDER in this contest between the UCF Knights and the Florida International Panthers this Friday. I just don't believe Florida International is going to be able to score after what we've seen in the opener for both teams.

Central Florida played a great game defensively in a 38-7 win over Akron. This was a Zips team that has a very underrated offense, and the Knights managed to hold them to just 7 points and 250 total yards. It would be hard seeing the Panthers putting up more than a touchdown in this one after their performance against Maryland.

Florida International was held to just 10 points and 171 total yards in its 10-43 loss to the Terrapins last weekend. This is an FIU offense that returns a mere four starters, and its one that replaced all five starters along the offensive line. Look for UCF defenders to be in the FIU backfield and disrupting things all game long.

Sure, UCF is going to get its points, but it won't be enough to surpass this 53-point total. These teams have squared off each of the last two years with UCF winning 33-20 for 53 combined points last season, and FIU winning 17-10 in 2011 in a game that only saw 27 combined points. I look for something in between in this one in the neighborhood of a 35-7 victory for UCF and 42 combined points.

UCF is 22-7 to the UNDER in its last 29 September games. The Knights are 26-11 to the UNDER In their last 37 non-conference games. FIU is 7-0 to the UNDER as an underdog of 21.5 to 31 points since 1992. FIU is 11-1 UNDER in home games off a loss by 21 or more points since 1992. The Panthers are 7-0 UNDER in home games after being outgained by 225 or more total yds in their previous game since 1992. These last three trends combine for a 25-1 system backing the UNDER. Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.

20* FAU/East Carolina CFB Thursday No-Brainer on Florida Atlantic +20.5

The Florida Atlantic Owls have clearly been one of the most underrated teams in the country dating back to last season. After their cover as a 31-point underdog at Miami on Friday, the Owls are now 9-2 (82%) against the spread in their last 11 games overall. Carl Pelini

20* FSU/Pitt ESPN Monday ANNIHILATOR on Florida State -10

The Seminoles were actually very close to playing for a national title en route to a 12-2 campaign in 2012. In their two losses to NC State and Florida, they actually led in the second half of both of those contests. Jimbo Fisher has done an excellent job in his first three seasons here, getting FSU to an ACC Title and likely in contention for a national title for years to come. He can simply recruit with the best head coaches in the country.

Florida State only returns 11 starters, but this is still one of the most talented teams in the FBS. Redshirt freshman Jameis Winston could be the next Johnny Manziel at quarterback. He completed 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the spring game. He

20* Ohio/Louisville ESPN Sunday No-Brainer on Ohio +21

The Ohio Bobcats enter the 2013 season way undervalued. They quietly went 9-4 last year despite having huge injury problems down the stretch. They even had 10 starters out in a 6-28 closing loss to Kent State. Now healthy, and with 12 starters back, the Bobcats will be an improved team in 2013.

I love the offense with seven returning starters from a unit that put up 31.7 points and 445 total yards per game last year. Remember, this is the same Ohio team that went into Penn State and won 24-14 in its opener as a 6-point dog. QB Tyler Tettleton, who is already the school's career passing leader (6,274 yards), returns. Also back is running back Beu Blankenship, who rushed for 1,604 yards and 15 touchdowns last year. Tettleton has his top target back in receiver Donte Foster (59 receptions, 659 yards, 8 TD) as well.

Louisville enters 2013 way overvalued due to its 11-2 record last season that concluded with a 33-23 victory in the Sugar Bowl against an overrated Florida team. I was even on the Cardinals at +14 in that contest, but I'm fading them to start 2013. Louisville was a very lucky team last year as it won won a whopping eight games by 10 points or less, including six by 7 points or fewer. There's no question this is a quality team with 16 returning starters, but it is not 21 points better than Ohio at home.

The Bobcats have played a BCS team on the road each of the last five years, including the AP #2 and #3 teams at the time. While they are 0-5, they have only been outgained 373-332 and outscored 31-19 on average in those contests. Ohio is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 non-conference games. Louisville is 7-15 ATS in its last 22 home games. Bet Ohio Sunday.

15* Boise State/Washington Bowl Rematch BAILOUT on Washington -3.5

Off three straight seven-win seasons, Steve Sarkisian and company are ready to take that next step forward in 2013. This will easily be his best team yet as 18 starters and 58 lettermen return from a year ago. Folks in Seattle have to be very optimistic about this season despite drawing a brutal schedule overall, including Boise State in the opener.

All of these returning starters will be highly motivated to avenge their 26-28 Las Vegas Bowl loss to the Broncos. The offense is loaded with 10 returning starters. Senior QB Keith Price threw for 2,726 yards with 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions last year. Leading rusher Bishop Sankey (1,439 yards, 16 TD) is back. All of Price

15* LSU/TCU ESPN ANNIHILATOR on TCU +4.5

The TCU Horned Frogs had several things go wrong that contributed to to a poor first season (7-6) in the Big 12 last year. First, they were returning just nine starters last year and were an inexperienced team. Then, quarterback Casey Pachall got suspended and was out for the season after making just four starts. Despite their 4-5 record in the Big 12 last year, they still managed to outgain conference opponents by an average of 33.1 yards per game.

Now, with 16 returning starters, TCU has a great chance to get back to winning 10-plus games in 2013 like it has become accustomed to doing. Pachall will split time with Trevone Boykin, who gained valuable experience last year at quarterback. The defense returns nine starters from the best stop unit in the Big 12 a year ago. TCU only allowed 22.6 points and 324 total yards per game last season despite having just four returning starters. With nine back, this will be one of the best stop units in the country.

TCU has won nine of its last 13 against ranked opponents, and it is a solid 13-4 since 2005 against non-conference BCS schools. Gary Patterson is one of the most underrated head coaches in the entire country. He has past wins over the likes of Wisconsin, Boise State, Oregon State, Clemson, Stanford, BYU and Utah on his list of big victories in recent years.

I look for LSU to take a step back in 2013. That

15* Alabama/VA Tech ESPN No-Brainer on Virginia Tech +21.5

Off a down 7-6 season in 2012, the Virginia Tech Hokies enter the 2013 campaign undervalued. Remember, the Hokies had won at least 10 games for eight consecutive seasons from 2004 to 2011. You can

20* CFB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Iowa -3

The Iowa Hawkeyes are coming off a season in which they would like to forget. They failed to win six games for the first time since 2000, finishing 4-8. However, this team was much better than its record would indicate, losing a ridiculous six games by 6 points or less. In fact, five of its eight losses came by 3 points or fewer. It's safe to say that these players will be highly motivated heading into 2013.

Iowa returns 13 starters from last year's squad. While it will be breaking in a new quarterback, it's impossible to get much worse play than what it received from James Vandernberg, who threw just seven touchdown passes last year. Mark Weisman (815 yards, 8 TD, 5.1/carry) is back to carry the load offensively. Also back are three starters along the offensive line, as well as leading receiver Kevonte Martin-Manley and TE CJ Fiedorowicz, who is one of the top tight ends in the country.

Northern Illinois is coming off a 12-2 season last year, which clearly has it overvalued. It has lost head coach Dave Doeren, who has bolted for NC State this offseason. That's a huge blow to the program as Doeren led the Huskies to back-to-back MAC Titles. New head coach Rod Carey will be working with only 12 returning starters, though talented QB Jordan Lynch is back. I look for the Huskies to take a huge step back defensively with only four starters back on that side of the ball. They lose seven of their top 10 tacklers, including Tyrone Clark (86 tackles, 10 for loss, 7 passes defended), Alan Baxter (60 tackles, 9.5 sacks), Rashaan Melvin (55 tackles, 18 passes defended) and Sean Progar (59 tackles, 8.5 sacks).

Iowa will have one of the most improved defenses in the country with seven starters back from a unit that gave up 22.9 points per game. To stop Lynch, a defense must have good linebackers who can pursue the quarterback and make tackles. The Hawkeyes have just that as each of their top three tacklers from last season are back in senior WLB Anthony Hitchens (124 tackles, 5.5 for loss), senior MLB James Morris (113 tackles, 9 for loss) and senior OLB Christian Kirksey (95 tackles, 2 INT).

Iowa is 8-0 all-time versus Northern Illinois with an average margin of victory of 27 points per game. The Hawkeyes have won 12 straight season openers. This play falls into a system that is 34-9 (79.1%) ATS over the last 10 seasons. It tells us to bet against all teams where the line is +3 to -3 (N ILLINOIS) - team that had a winning record last season playing a team that had a losing season, in non-conference games. Take Iowa Saturday.

15* CFB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Rice +27

The Rice Owls will be one of the most improved teams in the country in 2013 after a 7-6 campaign a year ago. I believe they are the best team in Conference USA with 19 starters and 54 lettermen coming back. David Bailiff will have his best team yet, and one that is capable of giving Texas A&M a run for its money. This is a Rice team that has pulled off two upsets (Purdue, Kansas) against BCS opponents over the past two years.

The offense is loaded with nine starters back from a unit that put up 31.8 points and 427 total yards per game. Leading the way will be senior QB Taylor McHargue, who threw for 2,209 yards with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions last year, while also rushing for 667 yards and 11 scores. The defense welcomes back a whopping 10 starters from a unit that will be much-improved after yielding 30.0 points per game last year. In fact, each of the top eight tacklers are back on the stop unit.

Texas A&M starting QB Johnny Manziel, starting CB Deshazor Everett, and starting FS Floyd Raven will all be suspended for the first half of Saturday

15* CFB Saturday Upset Special on Purdue +10.5

The Purdue Boilermakers have new life heading into 2013 with a new head coach. Despite making a bowl game the past two seasons, Danny Hope has been fired. I really like the hiring of Darrell Hazell, who led Kent State to a school-record 11 wins last season. This guy is one of the best up and coming head coaches in the country.

There is still plenty of talent left in the cupboard for Hazell considering 13 starters and 48 lettermen return. While the offense only has five starters back, it does have the experienced Rob Henry starting at quarterback. The defense can carry the load early as eight starters and six of the top seven tacklers are back on this side of the ball. That includes junior SS Landon Feichter (80 tackles, 4 INT), senior LB Will Lucas (66 tackles, 6.5 for loss), sophomore CB Frankie Williams (45 tackles, 11 passes defended) and junior DE Ryan Russell (37 tackles, 8.5 for loss).

The Cincinnati Bearcats also suffer some huge losses offensively, so it

25* College Football Season Opening GAME OF THE YEAR on Buffalo +35

I fully expect the Buffalo Bulls to be one of the most improved teams in the country under fourth-year head coach, Jeff Quinn. They went just 4-8 last season, but only one of their eight losses came by more than 22 points. That 22-point setback came in their opener at then-No. 6 Georgia as a 38-point underdog. Just as they hung tough against the Bulldogs, they will do so in their opener against Ohio State in 2013.

That's especially likely considering that Buffalo returns 16 starters and 54 lettermen from last year's squad. This is clearly Quinn's best team in his four years here. The offense boasts nine returning starters, including senior RB Branden Oliver, who rushed for 1,395 yards in 2011 before being held to 821 yards in 2012 while playing in only seven games due to injury. Also back is senior receiver Alex Neutz, who caught 65 balls for 1,015 yards and 11 touchdowns last year.

The defense held its own last season, allowing 28.5 points and 364 total yards per game. With seven starters back, including eight of the top 10 tacklers, this stop unit is going to be even better in 2013. Leading the way is two-time, first-team All-MAC LB Khalil Mack (94 tackles, 21 for loss), senior LB Lee Skinner (89 tackles, 8.5 for loss), second-team All-MAC DE Colby Way (58 tackles, 7 sacks) and second-team All-MAC CB Najja Johnson (43 tackles, 5 INT). This is one of the most underrated stop units in the country.

Ohio State enters 2013 as one of the most overrated teams in the FBS. It is getting way too much respect for its perfect 12-0 regular season last year. There was a ton of luck involved to get to those 12 wins. In fact, the Buckeyes won a ridiculous six games by 7 points or less, including two overtime triumphs. The offense will be solid with nine returning starters, but the defense is in a world of hurt with only four starters coming back. Ohio State loses eight of its top 12 tacklers. Plus, it will be without RB Carlos Hyde (suspension) for the opener, who rushed for 970 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. The Bulls will hang tough and get us an easy cover in this one. Bet Buffalo Saturday.

15* WMU/Michigan State Non-Conference KNOCKOUT on Western Michigan +28

The Spartans simply lack the explosiveness to cover such a big number. This is an offense that put up just 20.0 points per game last season. Now, Michigan State loses its most productive player in running back Le

20* FAU/Miami ESPNU ANNIHILATOR on Florida Atlantic +32

Carl Pelini did a tremendous job in his first year at Florida Atlantic in 2012. This team was much more competitive than its 3-9 record would indicate. Seven of Florida Atlantic

20* Ole Miss/Vanderbilt ESPN Thursday No-Brainer on Ole Miss -3

The Rebels are the most experienced team in the SEC with 19 returning starters from last year

15* CFB Thursday Night Line Mistake on UNLV +14

Sure, the Rebels have only won six games over the past three years, but there

15* CFB Thursday Undervalued Underdog on Akron +22.5

Terry Bowden had very little to work in his first season at Akron last year as the Zips returned only 10 starters. This team was much better than its 1-11 record would indicate, only getting outscored by an average of 9.6 points per game on the year. Now, with 14 starters and 45 lettermen returning, I look for this team to be much-improved in 2013.

The offense welcomes back seven starters, including leading rusher Jawon Chisholm (953 yards, 5 TD). Every receiver returns other than Marquelo Powell, and Kyle Pohl is ready to step in at quarterback after completing 65.5 percent of his passes for 366 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions a year ago. The defense has seven starters and five of its top seven tacklers back.

Only two of Akron

15* UNC/South Carolina ESPN Season Opener on North Carolina +13

Larry Fedora did a tremendous job last season in keeping his team focused and getting the Tar Heels to eight wins despite being ineligible for the postseason. Now, eligible for postseason play, UNC is going to be very hungry heading into 2013. It returns 13 starters in all from a team that outscored opponents by a whopping 14.9 points per game on average a year ago.

While the offense loses all-purpose back Giovani Bernard to the NFL, it still possesses one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Bryn Renner, who completed 65.4 percent of his passes for 3,356 yards with 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions last year. Renner is back to lead an offense that put up 40.6 points and 486 total yards per game last season.

UNC also possesses first-team All-ACC LT James Hurst, a senior who will be charged with handling South Carolina DE Jadeveon Clowney for most of the game. I believe the Tar Heels will be able to move the ball and score points against an overrated South Carolina defense in this one. While the Gamecocks bring back Clowney, the fact of the matter is that they lose defensive six starters, including each of their top four tacklers from a year ago. South Carolina will be breaking in three new linebackers, two new starters along the defensive line, and must replace FS DJ Swearinger, who was taken in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans.

With their biggest game of the season on deck against SEC East rival Georgia, the Gamecocks could be overlooking North Carolina enough to fail to cover this double-digit spread. It

20* Alabama/Notre Dame BCS Championship BEST BET on Notre Dame +10

The Fighting Irish have been getting disrespected all season. Many people don

15* Arkansas State/Kent State GoDaddy Bowl No-Brainer on Arkansas State -3.5

The Arkansas State Red Wolves won the Sun Belt conference for a second straight year thanks to a finish that leaves them as one of the hottest teams in the country heading into their bowl game. They have gone 7-0 straight up and 6-1 against the spread in their last seven games overall. All seven victories came by a touchdown or more.

Kent State comes in deflated following its loss to Northern Illinois in the MAC title game. There

20* Pitt/Ole Miss Compass Bowl No-Doubt Rout on Ole Miss -3

The Ole Miss Rebels were one of the most improved teams in the country this season. First-year head coach Hugh Freeze did an excellent job with this program by returning it to relevance. They even had three losses all by 6 points or less to Texas A&M, Vanderbilt and LSU, which are three of the better teams in the conference.

Ole Miss comes in with momentum after beating Mississippi State 41-24 in its finale just to become bowl eligible. It was their most dominant performance of the season as the Rebels outgained the Bulldogs 527-333 for the game. Now, they face a Pittsburgh team that doesn

20* Texas A&M/Oklahoma Cotton Bowl ANNIHILATOR on Texas A&M -3

The Texas A&M Aggies were very close to winning the SEC West with a chance to play for the national title in Kevin Sumlin