My selection is on Hawaii plus the points over New Mexico at 11 pm ET on Saturday.

Hawaii enters this matchup with little fanfare after suffering a blowout loss to Utah State in its most recent outing. However, the Rainbow Warriors have had an extra week to prepare and should be motivated to deliver a strong effort in their final home game of the season, especially with revenge in mind after a 42-21 loss to New Mexico last year.

New Mexico, on the other hand, is riding high after consecutive upset victories over San Diego State and Washington State, but the timing of the bye week may have disrupted their momentum. The Lobos are in a pressure-packed situation, needing a win to become bowl eligible. That pressure, coupled with Hawaii's potential to exceed expectations in its home finale, could make this a closer game than most anticipate.

Take Hawaii. Projected score: New Mexico 28, Hawaii 27.

My selection is on the 'under' between New Mexico and Hawaii at 11 pm ET on Saturday.

While both teams are coming off high-scoring performances, this matchup sets up for a more conservative outcome. Both New Mexico and Hawaii have had two weeks to prepare since last playing on November 16th, which should allow their defenses to tighten up against familiar offensive schemes.

New Mexico has shown flashes of explosiveness but remains inconsistent. Earlier this season, the Lobos managed only six points against Colorado State. On the other side, Hawaii has struggled to find offensive rhythm, scoring 24 points or fewer in five of its last seven contests. This has contributed to the 'under' hitting in six of the Rainbow Warriors' 10 lined games this season.

Given the extra preparation time and the tendency for these teams to stall offensively, look for a lower-scoring affair than expected in this late-night clash.

Take the under. Projected score: New Mexico 28, Hawaii 27.

Sun Belt Conference Favorite of the Year. My selection is on James Madison minus the points over Marshall at 8 pm ET on Saturday.

Marshall has enjoyed a tremendous season, currently riding a five-game winning streak and boasting an impressive 9-1-1 ATS record. However, this sets up as a challenging spot for the Thundering Herd as they stay on the road following an emotional upset win over Old Dominion last Saturday. Marshall's road performance has been less impressive, going 2-3 away from home.

James Madison, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back after seeing its three-game winning streak snapped in a surprising loss at Appalachian State last week. The Dukes have been dominant at home, where they remain undefeated this season. Additionally, JMU has the added confidence of having won last year’s matchup against Marshall 20-9, a result that saw its defense shine.

The Dukes' strong home form and motivation to finish the regular season on a high note give them the edge in this spot.

Take James Madison. Projected score: James Madison 28, Marshall 17.

My selection is on UTEP plus the points over New Mexico State at 4 pm ET on Saturday.

New Mexico State is coming off a convincing 36-21 win at Middle Tennessee State last week, a result that marked just its third victory of the season. However, a closer look reveals that the Aggies' other two wins came by a combined 10 points, with one of those coming against FCS opponent Southeast Missouri State and the other against struggling Louisiana Tech. Now, as they wrap up their season at home in the Battle of I-10, the Aggies face a UTEP squad that should be eager to put up a fight despite its own challenges.

UTEP is fresh off a lopsided 56-0 loss to Tennessee, but that result was largely expected against a far superior opponent. Prior to that, the Miners had won two of their last four games and have shown resilience in spots this season. With this being their season finale, expect UTEP to come out motivated, especially in a rivalry game.

Take UTEP. Projected score: UTEP 24, New Mexico State 21.

My selection is on Northern Illinois minus the points over Central Michigan at 3:30 pm ET on Saturday.

Central Michigan earned a morale-boosting upset win over Western Michigan in its home finale last week, but it does little to change the trajectory of a disappointing season. Sitting at 3-7, the Chippewas are out of bowl contention and face a challenging matchup against Northern Illinois to close out their campaign.

Northern Illinois has had an up-and-down season but still has plenty to play for, needing a win to secure bowl eligibility. The Huskies delivered one of the season's most surprising upsets with a victory over Notre Dame in South Bend earlier this year, showcasing their potential when playing at their best. While inconsistency has been an issue, Northern Illinois possesses the talent to take control of this game against an overmatched Central Michigan squad.

Look for the Huskies to handle business in their regular-season finale.

Take Northern Illinois. Projected score: Northern Illinois 34, Central Michigan 17.

My selection is on Alabama minus the points over Auburn at 3:30 pm ET on Saturday.

Alabama took a step back last week, suffering a humbling defeat at Oklahoma that snapped their three-game winning streak. Back at home in the Iron Bowl, expect the Crimson Tide to come out with purpose, eager to put last week’s disappointment behind them.

Auburn, meanwhile, has built some momentum with back-to-back wins and covers, including a thrilling 43-41 upset over Texas A&M. However, the Tigers haven’t faced a road test since late October and have only played three road games all season, which could make this environment a daunting challenge.

Alabama’s defense should tighten up against an Auburn offense that relies heavily on big plays, while the Tide’s balanced attack has the tools to exploit Auburn's vulnerabilities.

Look for Alabama to control the pace and pull away in the second half, securing a convincing victory in this rivalry matchup.

Take Alabama. Projected score: Alabama 38, Auburn 21.

My selection is on Coastal Carolina plus the points over Georgia State at 2 pm ET on Saturday.

Coastal Carolina has struggled recently, dropping five of its last six games both SU and ATS. However, this represents a good spot for the Chanticleers to bounce back, as they face a Georgia State team that, despite a shocking upset win over Texas State last week, has endured a challenging season overall.

The Panthers’ victory in San Marcos was impressive, but it’s important to note that it followed a seven-game losing streak. With both teams out of bowl contention, motivation could play a key role here. Georgia State may find it difficult to maintain the intensity that fueled last week's surprise win, while Coastal Carolina will see this game as an opportunity to finish a tough season on a positive note.

The Chanticleers’ recent struggles have created some value, and I believe they can edge out a win in a competitive contest.

Take Coastal Carolina. Projected score: Coastal Carolina 27, Georgia State 24.

My selection is on the 'under' between Utah and Central Florida at 8 pm ET on Friday.

Both teams have struggled through disappointing seasons and have allowed significant points recently, but in this matchup, expect a more controlled and defensive-minded game. Utah, known for its solid defense, has been caught off guard by tough opponents, giving up 49 points to Colorado and 31 to Iowa State in its last two outings. Similarly, Central Florida has faced defensive lapses in recent weeks, allowing 35 points to Arizona State and 31 to West Virginia.

However, with both teams having nothing to lose and trying to finish the season strong, this should be a game where both teams focus on limiting mistakes and stepping up defensively. The result will likely be a lower-scoring affair, with both teams struggling to generate consistent offense.

Take the 'under'. Projected score: Central Florida 20, Utah 17.

My selection is on the 'under' between Memphis and Tulane at 7:30 pm ET on Thursday.

Memphis enters this matchup without a chance to reach the AAC Championship Game, while Tulane has its spot secured to face Army next week. Despite Memphis’ offensive outburst in a 53-point performance against a struggling UAB defense last week, they’ll face a formidable challenge against Tulane. The Green Wave have allowed just nine points combined in their last three games, showcasing one of the nation’s top defenses. Ranked 17th nationally, Tulane has thrived on stifling opponents and controlling the pace of play.

Offensively, Tulane prefers a methodical approach, emphasizing time of possession and consistent, clock-draining drives. This style complements their defensive strategy and keeps games low-scoring. Memphis will find it difficult to replicate their recent offensive success against a much stronger opponent.

Last year’s meeting saw 52 total points, and with similar dynamics, another low-scoring game seems likely. Look for Tulane's defensive dominance and deliberate style to dictate the flow of this matchup.

Take the 'under.' Projected score: Tulane 24, Memphis 17.

MAC Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Kent State and Buffalo at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

Kent State has endured a tough season, sitting winless at 0-11. While the Golden Flashes managed 17 points in last week’s game, they’ve been consistently stymied offensively, failing to score more than 21 points in five consecutive contests. Buffalo, on the other hand, has been riding high with three straight victories, clinching bowl eligibility last week. Despite the Bulls’ recent scoring success, they’re unlikely to need a big offensive output to handle Kent State in this spot.

Historical trends and current conditions further bolster the case for the 'under.' Last year’s matchup between these teams produced just 30 total points. Additionally, the game is set to be played in Buffalo under cold and windy conditions, likely hampering both teams' ability to move the ball effectively. With a struggling Kent State offense and Buffalo’s incentive to manage the game efficiently, a low-scoring affair appears likely.

Take the 'under.' Projected score: Buffalo 27, Kent State 7.

Mountain West Conference Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Wyoming plus the points over Boise State at 7 pm ET on Saturday.

Wyoming enters this game off a 24-10 loss at Colorado State last Saturday and will look to rebound in its home finale. The Cowboys have just two wins this season, so they’re already out of the Bowl picture, but they’ll be highly motivated to close out their home slate with a strong performance. Boise State has been impressive, winning eight straight games and moving up to 12th in the national rankings, but they’ll face a motivated and feisty Wyoming squad that will be eager for revenge after a 32-7 loss to the Broncos last year.

While Boise State is rolling, Wyoming has shown the ability to be competitive at home and could make this a tighter contest than expected. The Broncos have been solid, but this is a tough environment for them to cover such a big spread. Wyoming should be able to keep things close and potentially surprise Boise State with a stronger-than-expected effort.

Take Wyoming. Projected score: Boise State 31, Wyoming 17.

My selection is on New Mexico State plus the points over Middle Tennessee State at 2:30 pm ET on Saturday.

New Mexico State enters this matchup in a slump, having dropped three straight games, including a 38-3 loss at Texas A&M last week. While the Aggies are winless on the road this season, they face a much less imposing opponent here and should find opportunities to get their offense back on track. This is their final road game before returning home for their season finale, which could provide added motivation to put up a strong effort.

Middle Tennessee State has been inconsistent and ineffective offensively, having failed to score more than 21 points in nine straight games. Their most recent outing, a 37-17 loss to Liberty, showed familiar struggles as they fell to 3-7 on the season. Even with extra preparation time coming off a bye week, the Blue Raiders' limited offensive ceiling remains a concern.

Last year's meeting saw New Mexico State come away with a hard-fought 13-7 victory, and while this season has presented challenges for both teams, the Aggies have shown they can compete against MTSU's defense. With the Blue Raiders continuing to struggle to generate points, the Aggies' ability to keep this game close makes them a solid underdog play.

Take New Mexico State. Projected score: Middle Tennessee State 17, New Mexico State 16.

My selection is on the 'over' between Rice and UAB at 2 pm ET on Saturday.

Rice has seen the 'under' cash in four straight games, but this matchup against UAB could break that trend. The Owls’ offense has been inconsistent, but they face a Blazers defense that has struggled all season, allowing 31 points or more in eight of their 10 games. That provides an opportunity for Rice to find more success offensively than they’ve had in recent weeks.

UAB’s defense has been porous, giving up 53 points to Memphis last week and showing an inability to contain opponents throughout the season. On offense, UAB had shown some life prior to last week, scoring 23 or more points in three straight contests. Against a Rice defense that has struggled to contain better offenses, the Blazers should be able to contribute their share of scoring.

With both teams out of Bowl contention, this game could lack defensive intensity, paving the way for a higher-scoring contest. Neither defense has proven reliable, and with favorable conditions for both offenses, this matchup has the potential to exceed the total.

Take the 'over.' Projected score: Rice 35, UAB 27.

My selection is on the 'over' between North Carolina and Boston College at 12 noon ET on Saturday.

North Carolina has been on an offensive roll, winning three straight games and posting impressive point totals of 41, 35, and 31 in their most recent victories. With one more win needed for Bowl eligibility, the Tar Heels will be motivated to keep their high-scoring ways going in this crucial matchup. Boston College, while struggling defensively, has been more effective offensively in recent weeks, scoring 37 and 28 points in their last two games. However, the Eagles have been porous on defense, allowing 42, 31, 31, and 38 points in their last four games.

With both teams showing the potential for solid offensive production and Boston College’s defense struggling to contain opposing attacks, this game sets up for a high-scoring affair. North Carolina is likely to continue putting up points as they chase Bowl eligibility, while Boston College will need to score to keep pace in a potential shootout.

Take the over. Projected score: North Carolina 38, Boston College 28.

Non-Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on Connecticut plus the points over Syracuse at 12 noon ET on Saturday.

Connecticut has been on a strong run, winning three straight games, including a solid 31-23 victory at UAB on November 9th. With six wins against FBS opponents this season, the Huskies are a much-improved team compared to their 2022 meeting with Syracuse, where they lost 48-14. Connecticut enters this matchup rested and will be looking to carry over the momentum from its recent success.

Syracuse, on the other hand, is in a tough spot after a long road trip across the country following a 33-25 win over California last Saturday. The Orange also have six wins against FBS teams and will wrap up their regular season at home next week against Miami. Syracuse may struggle to keep its focus after a grueling travel schedule, and Connecticut’s recent form gives them a good chance to keep the game close.

Take Connecticut. Projected score: Syracuse 27, Connecticut 24.

My selection is on the 'under' between Temple and UTSA at 7 pm ET on Friday.

Temple has been a poor offensive team all season, scoring 20 points or fewer in eight of its 10 games. In fact, the Owls have managed just 24 points combined in their last two contests. Last week’s 18-15 overtime victory over Florida Atlantic highlighted the Owls’ ongoing offensive struggles. They have struggled to generate consistent production, and their methodical style of play tends to grind games to a halt, which works against high-scoring outcomes.

On the other hand, UTSA has been involved in high-scoring affairs recently, with the 'over' cashing in their last five games. However, these contests came against teams known for their shootout tendencies, such as Tulsa, Memphis, and North Texas. The Roadrunners’ offense, while potent, could face some challenges in this matchup, as Temple is likely to limit the pace and control the ball in an effort to keep the score down.

Given Temple’s offensive ineptitude and UTSA’s potential to be slowed down in a lower-scoring contest, this game sets up for fewer points than we’ve seen in UTSA's recent matchups.

Take the 'under.' Projected score: UTSA 34, Temple 13.

MAC Game of the Month. My selection is on Eastern Michigan minus the points over Buffalo at 7 pm ET on Wednesday.

Eastern Michigan enters this game needing to win out to become bowl eligible, making this matchup crucial. Despite a tough 35-10 loss at Ohio last week, the Eagles have been competitive and will be motivated to bounce back at home. Buffalo, on the other hand, has already secured six wins and will be looking ahead to their bowl eligibility, while also facing a winless Kent State next week. The Bulls have played well recently, but their 2-3 road record this season suggests they could struggle away from home against a hungry Eagles team.

Eastern Michigan's defense will look to stifle a Buffalo offense that has been up-and-down on the road. The Eagles have had success at home with a 3-2 record and will draw confidence from last season’s 24-11 victory over the Bulls. With Buffalo potentially distracted by their upcoming bowl scenario and Eastern Michigan playing with urgency, I expect the Eagles to cover the spread in this pivotal matchup.

Take Eastern Michigan. Projected score: Eastern Michigan 28, Buffalo 21.

My selection is on the over between Akron and Kent State at 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday.

Akron comes into this game off a 29-16 loss to Northern Illinois, dropping their record to 2-8 on the season. Akron has allowed at least 20 points in every game this season, including against two-win FCS opponent Colgate, which points to potential for Kent State to score. Kent State, still winless at 0-10, has allowed 127 points over its last three games, showing vulnerability defensively. While Kent State hasn't been consistent offensively, they did manage to score 33 and 35 points in two home games earlier this season, indicating that they can put up points when facing a defense like Akron’s.

The rivalry between these two teams often leads to higher-scoring games, and last year’s meeting produced 58 total points. With both teams struggling defensively and Akron’s inability to shut down opponents, this matchup has the potential to hit the over. Both teams are capable of generating some offense, and the defensive weaknesses on both sides should create opportunities for scoring.

Take the over. Projected score: Akron 34, Kent State 27.

My selection is on the 'under' between Kansas and BYU at 10:15 pm ET on Saturday.

While Kansas has seen high-scoring outcomes recently, including six consecutive 'over' results, this trend may not continue against a BYU team that has proven to be comfortable in lower-scoring, defensively focused games. Kansas’ offensive numbers have been boosted in part by matchups with less disciplined defenses, and BYU's defense presents a significant upgrade in opposition. BYU has allowed 24 or fewer points in three of its last four and seven of its nine games overall this season, showcasing the unit's consistency and ability to control the pace, which is vital against a Kansas team looking to push the tempo.

BYU's offense, though efficient, is typically conservative and likely to employ a slower tempo to limit Kansas' scoring opportunities. In a matchup that pits BYU’s defensive strength against Kansas' recent offensive outputs, a lower total feels like a logical outcome, as the Cougars’ defensive schemes should keep Kansas from establishing a comfortable rhythm.

Take the 'under.' Projected score: BYU 27, Kansas 20.

AAC Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between UAB and Memphis at 8 pm ET on Saturday.

UAB has shown signs of offensive improvement, scoring 107 points over the last three games after a period of struggles. This uptick in scoring, coupled with Memphis' potent offense, suggests that both teams could contribute to a higher-scoring affair. UAB has averaged just over 30 points in its last three games, which is a stark contrast to its earlier season struggles, and Memphis has consistently been a high-scoring team, averaging 30+ points per game and ranking inside the top-30 in total points.

Memphis’ offense, led by an efficient passing attack, should have success against UAB’s defense, which has struggled to stop explosive plays. UAB’s recent offensive resurgence, along with Memphis’ ability to score in bunches, makes this matchup ripe for a higher total, especially when factoring in that last year's meeting ended in a 45-21 blowout in favor of Memphis, which shows these two teams can combine for significant points.

Despite Memphis posting an 'under' in their last game, the Tigers have regularly hit the over this season, and UAB’s offensive improvement gives a strong indication this could be a high-scoring game. Take the over. Projected score: Memphis 41, UAB 28.

Sun Belt Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on Old Dominion plus the points over James Madison at 4 pm ET on Saturday.

James Madison has been strong this season, but their blowout victories over Southern Miss and Georgia State don't fully capture the challenges they've faced against tougher opponents. While the Dukes' win over North Carolina earlier in the season garnered significant attention, they may not be as invincible as their record suggests. Old Dominion, despite their 4-5 record, has shown resilience, particularly during their three-game winning streak before their loss to Appalachian State. The Monarchs' defense and ability to stay competitive in close games make them dangerous underdogs in this matchup.

Old Dominion's ability to stay within reach of tough teams and their balanced offensive attack should allow them to cover the spread, and I see them winning outright in what should be a competitive, hard-fought game.

Take Old Dominion. Projected score: Old Dominion 27, James Madison 24.

C-USA Underdog Game of the Year. My selection is on Louisiana Tech plus the points over Western Kentucky at 12 pm ET on Saturday.

While Western Kentucky has had success at home, including their recent win over New Mexico State, Louisiana Tech has been competitive in several of its losses this season. The Bulldogs may have struggled with consistency, especially on the road, but they’ve been competitive in close games and have the potential to cover the spread here, especially considering Western Kentucky’s vulnerability to letting teams hang around.

Additionally, Louisiana Tech’s offense has the capability to put up points, and with the spread at +9 or more, they may be able to keep it within a one-score game or possibly even pull off a surprise upset. Western Kentucky's defensive struggles in past games could be a concern here, especially if Louisiana Tech can execute offensively.

Look for a hard-fought game with Louisiana Tech staying within the number, potentially leading to a close finish.

Take Louisiana Tech. Projected score: Western Kentucky 31, Louisiana Tech 27.

Big 12 Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Houston and Arizona at 10:15 pm ET on Friday.

Both Houston and Arizona have shown struggles on offense this season, making the 'under' an appealing option in this matchup. Houston has been particularly strong defensively, allowing 20 points or fewer in four of their last five games, including a 24-19 win over Kansas State in their most recent outing. Their defense has been the cornerstone of their success, and they’ll look to slow down Arizona's offense, which has been inconsistent all year. Arizona, on the other hand, has been struggling on both sides of the ball, especially after their humbling 56-12 loss to Central Florida. The Wildcats have lost five straight and are averaging fewer than 20 points per game over their last few contests, a trend that doesn’t inspire confidence in a high-scoring affair.

Both teams are also ranked outside the top-100 in points per game this season, further suggesting that this will be a low-scoring battle. With Houston likely focusing on defense and Arizona struggling to find consistency offensively, it’s reasonable to expect a game where both teams struggle to break 20 points. Given the total is set in the mid-40's, I’m expecting this game to stay well under that number.

Take the 'under'. Projected score: Houston 21, Arizona 14.

My selection is on East Carolina minus the points over Tulsa at 7:30 pm ET on Thursday.

East Carolina, coming off an impressive 49-14 victory over Florida Atlantic, has shown improvement on both sides of the ball. This win showcased the Pirates' ability to execute offensively and clamp down defensively, helping them advance to 5-4 on the season. With the opportunity to inch closer to bowl eligibility, the Pirates will be motivated to perform well against a Tulsa team that has struggled, particularly on defense. East Carolina’s offense, which has recently found rhythm, is well-positioned to exploit Tulsa’s weaknesses.

Tulsa, at 3-6, is reeling after a heavy 59-21 loss to UAB. Defensive lapses have plagued the Golden Hurricane, and facing a surging East Carolina team presents another difficult challenge. The lofty pointspread reflects East Carolina’s current momentum and Tulsa’s struggles to keep up with high-powered offenses. Given the Pirates' recent form, they have a good chance to not only win but to cover this spread comfortably.

Projected score: East Carolina 45, Tulsa 24.

My selection is on the 'under' between Kent State and Miami-Ohio at 7 pm ET on Wednesday.

Kent State’s offensive struggles were evident in last week's 41-0 shutout loss against Ohio, continuing a season-long trend for a team that has yet to find the win column. Kent State has been ineffective in generating scoring opportunities, averaging just 15.1 points per game, and will now face a Miami-Ohio defense that has been particularly reliable this season. Miami-Ohio has held opponents to 21 points or fewer in each of its last five games, including last week’s 27-21 road win over Ball State.

Miami-Ohio's offense has been steady but unspectacular, often relying on its defense to secure wins. Kent State's offensive limitations should allow Miami’s defense to control the pace and keep scoring in check. Given these factors, this game projects as a lower-scoring affair. Take the 'under.' Projected score: Miami-Ohio 27, Kent State 10.

My selection is on the 'under' between Central Michigan and Toledo at 7 pm ET on Tuesday.

While Toledo has a reputation as a high-powered offensive team, recent games have shown a more moderate scoring output. The Rockets are coming off their bye week after a close 29-28 win over Eastern Michigan, and despite their offensive potential, they've scored fewer than 30 points in five of their last six games. Central Michigan, on the other hand, has struggled significantly on offense, managing just 20 points combined over its last two games and extending its losing streak to four.

The Chippewas’ ongoing offensive woes, combined with Toledo's recent trend of lower-scoring results, suggest this matchup could turn into a grind. Central Michigan's offensive limitations and Toledo's tempered scoring pace set this one up well to stay 'under' the total. Take the 'under.' Projected score: Toledo 27, Central Michigan 17.

My selection is on Utah plus the points over BYU at 10:15 pm ET on Saturday.

Utah has struggled this season with a 4-4 record and four straight losses, but the Utes will be highly motivated for this rivalry matchup, the first meeting between the teams since 2021. Despite their recent setbacks, Utah’s defense has the talent to give BYU’s high-powered offense trouble. Containing BYU’s offense will be a challenge, but Utah’s defense, known for its toughness, has the ability to keep this game close, especially in a low-scoring, physical game. The Utes will be up for the challenge and should be able to limit big plays.

BYU, ranked in the top-10, comes in with an 8-0 record and a 37-24 win over Central Florida, but they’ve yet to face a team like Utah that can match up physically. While BYU is the favorite, the Cougars may have trouble pulling away in a low-scoring game, and the break since their last game could affect their rhythm. Utah’s defense, combined with their motivation, should keep this game tight, and it could come down to the wire.

Take Utah plus the points. Prediction: BYU 19, Utah 18.

Mountain West Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Fresno State minus the points over Air Force at 9:45 pm ET on Saturday.

Fresno State, coming off a narrow home loss to Hawaii, will be focused and motivated to bounce back as they continue their push toward bowl eligibility. With four wins against FBS opponents, Fresno State has proven they can compete effectively on both sides of the ball, and they’re well-positioned to avoid a letdown in this spot. Their offense has been generally efficient, while their defense has shown the ability to keep teams in check. Given these factors, Fresno State's balanced approach and execution make them a strong play with several matchup advantages over Air Force.

Air Force, at 1-7 and coming off a decisive loss to Army, has struggled to find consistency on offense, and their defense has been overmatched in many games this season. Fresno State’s solid offensive unit should capitalize on Air Force’s defensive gaps, while their defense is well-equipped to contain Air Force's run-heavy attack. Fresno State has the edge in motivation, preparation, and overall performance, making them a solid pick to cover the spread.

Take Fresno State. Prediction: Fresno State 34, Air Force 20.

C-USA Game of the Year. My selection is on Liberty minus the points over Middle Tennessee State at 1 pm ET on Saturday.

Liberty comes into this game off a disappointing 31-21 loss to Jacksonville State, but this matchup presents a strong opportunity for a bounce-back performance. At 5-2, the Flames have been solid this season, and despite losing two straight games, they still have a much stronger overall team. Their offense, led by quarterback Kaidon Salter, has the potential to put up big numbers, and their defense has been solid enough to control a Middle Tennessee offense that has struggled at times. Despite the game being played in Middle Tennessee, Liberty’s high-powered attack and defense should be too much for a Blue Raiders team that sits at 3-6 and has shown inconsistencies throughout the season.

Middle Tennessee is coming off a 20-13 win over UTEP but has struggled to generate consistent offensive production this season. They have been plagued by turnovers and inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, which will be problematic against a talented Liberty defense. While the Blue Raiders have been competitive, they are outmatched here, even at home. Liberty should control this game and create enough separation to cover the spread, particularly given their offensive depth and strong recent track record in these types of matchups.

Take Liberty. Prediction: Liberty 38, Middle Tennessee State 20.

ACC Total of the Year. My selection is on the under between Miami and Georgia Tech at 12 noon ET on Saturday.

Miami is coming off a 53-31 win over Duke, which was a high-scoring affair, but they’ve been more balanced offensively this season, and their defense has been solid overall, especially against teams that struggle to consistently move the ball. The Hurricanes’ defense has had some slip-ups but should be able to contain Georgia Tech’s offense, which has struggled to generate consistent points since late September. Miami’s ability to control the tempo of the game should slow down Georgia Tech’s attack and keep the game under the total.

Georgia Tech’s offense started the season strong, but it has struggled significantly since late September. Their most recent game was a 21-6 loss to Virginia Tech, and they’ve had difficulty putting together sustained scoring drives in recent weeks. While their defense has been decent, they simply lack the offensive firepower to push the score into a higher range. With both teams emphasizing defense and Georgia Tech’s continued offensive struggles, this matchup should stay under the total.

Take the under. Prediction: Miami 28, Georgia Tech 14.

My selection is on New Mexico plus the points over San Diego State at 10:30 pm ET on Friday.

New Mexico, coming off a high-scoring 49-45 loss to Wyoming, has shown the ability to move the ball offensively, despite their 3-6 record. While their defense has struggled at times, the Lobos’ offense has been productive, particularly in the passing game, and could find success against a San Diego State defense that has been inconsistent this season. New Mexico has the potential to keep the game competitive by exploiting weaknesses in the Aztecs' defense. If the Lobos can continue to put up points, they should be able to stay within striking distance—and possibly pull off an upset.

San Diego State, sitting at 3-5 and coming off a 56-24 loss at Boise State, has been struggling offensively and has been prone to defensive breakdowns. While the Aztecs have historically been strong, their current form suggests they may have trouble handling New Mexico’s offensive attack. The Lobos have a good chance of keeping this one tight or even coming out on top, especially given San Diego State's recent struggles. The high total of 66.5 points suggests a potentially high-scoring affair, which could favor the underdog.

Take New Mexico. Prediction: New Mexico 31, San Diego State 28.

My selection is on Rice plus the points over Memphis at 8 pm ET on Friday.

Rice, coming off a 24-10 upset win over Navy and a solid defensive showing, enters this matchup with momentum. At 3-6, Rice has been inconsistent on offense but is beginning to show signs of improvement on defense, particularly in holding Navy’s run-heavy offense to just 10 points. Their defense, which has been more disciplined in recent games, could help keep this one close if they manage to contain Memphis’s offensive weapons. While Rice’s offense may still struggle at times, a methodical approach could control the tempo and limit Memphis’s opportunities to score.

Memphis, meanwhile, is 7-2 and coming off a high-scoring 44-36 loss to UTSA, which highlighted both their offensive prowess and defensive vulnerabilities. The Tigers have a strong, balanced offense led by quarterback Seth Henigan, who can be explosive but has also shown inconsistency against well-prepared defenses. Defensively, Memphis has allowed opponents to keep pace, and their recent struggles to contain UTSA indicate they could be susceptible to letting Rice stay within reach. With Memphis likely focused on bouncing back, Rice’s improved defense gives them a good chance to keep the game close in what could be a tighter matchup than expected.

Take Rice. Prediction: Memphis 28, Rice 24.

My selection is on UCLA plus the points over Iowa at 9 pm ET on Friday.

UCLA, coming off a 27-20 upset win at Nebraska to snap a five-game losing streak, enters this game with renewed confidence. The Bruins have been inconsistent this season, particularly on defense, but their defense has improved significantly in recent weeks. With quarterback Ethan Garbers leading the offense, UCLA has the ability to sustain drives and capitalize on Iowa’s defensive weaknesses. Garbers' poise and ability to manage the game could be key in keeping the offense balanced, and UCLA will be motivated to build on their recent win in front of a home crowd at the Rose Bowl.

Iowa, at 6-3, comes off a dominant 42-10 win over Wisconsin, and their offense, led by quarterback Brendan Sullivan, has been much better than expected this season. However, Iowa could be in for a letdown as a road favorite after their strong performance against Wisconsin, and their tendency to rely on ball control could be disrupted by UCLA's improved defense. While the Hawkeyes have been solid offensively, their success has often relied on dictating tempo, and UCLA's ability to disrupt that flow could keep this game close. The Bruins will be motivated to prove themselves on their home field and can capitalize if Iowa doesn’t bring the same intensity as they did last week.

Take UCLA. Prediction: Iowa 27, UCLA 24.

AAC Game of the Month. My selection is on Florida Atlantic plus the points over East Carolina at 8:00 PM ET on Thursday.

Florida Atlantic has struggled this season with a 2-6 record, including a disappointing 44-21 home loss to South Florida last week, but they have shown flashes of competitive play and have the potential to keep this game closer than expected. While their defense has had issues, particularly against high-scoring teams, East Carolina has been inconsistent at times, especially against teams that can push them on both sides of the ball. The Pirates are coming off a dominant 56-34 win over Temple, but they've been up and down all year, and their defense is susceptible to giving up points when forced into shootouts. FAU's offense has shown signs of life, and their ability to move the ball through the air and on the ground should keep them within striking distance.

East Carolina is favored at home, but their record of 4-4 reflects their own struggles against teams with solid balance. FAU has the talent to hang around in this game, and with East Carolina’s defensive vulnerabilities, Florida Atlantic should be able to keep it close. With East Carolina coming off a high-scoring win and facing a team that can stretch their defense, I see Florida Atlantic staying within the number. Take Florida Atlantic (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Ohio and Kent State at 7 pm et on Wednesday.

This series has produced some high-scoring games in recent years with all five matchups dating back to 2018 eclipsing the total we're working with on Wednesday. Kent State is obviously down bad this season, having yet to win a game. If it is going to end that losing streak with a stunning upset on Wednesday it will need to get its offense rolling. The good news is, we've seen the Golden Flashes offense thrive at home previously this season, scoring 33 and 35 points in losses to Eastern Michigan and Ball State. The problem here is that Kent State will need to keep Ohio's offense under wraps and that figures to be a tall task with the Bobcats offense seemingly getting better each week with dual-threat QB Parker Navarro taking over at times. Ohio figures to be able to run its offense without much resistance here, also noting that Kent State has drawn as few as 7,322 fans to its home games this season. Expect plenty of offensive fireworks in this contest. Take the over (8*).

My selection is on Kent State plus the points over Ohio at 7 pm et on Wednesday.

We'll grab all the points we can get with underdog Kent State as it hosts Ohio on Wednesday. The Golden Flashes remain winless on the season while the Bobcats check in off consecutive wins. Note that you would have to go all the way back to 2002 to find the last time Ohio defeated Kent State by 20+ points on the road. We've seen the Flashes hang tough at home in narrow losses to Eastern Michigan and Ball State earlier in the campaign. As they look to avenge a 25-point defeat in this matchup in Athens last year, we'll back the underdog Flashes at home. Take Kent State (8*).

My selection is on Ball State plus the points over Miami-Ohio at 8 pm et on Tuesday.

Ball State has strung together a few good games in a row after a rough start to the campaign. The Cardinals check in 2-1 over their last three contests including an upset win over Northern Illinois last time out. They have the benefit of hosting the latest instalment of the 'Red Bird Rivalry' on Tuesday and I look for them to give the favored Redhawks all they can handle. Miami-Ohio checks in off three straight wins with all three victories coming by double-digit margins. That's a big reason why we're looking at a double-digit pointspread in this matchup as well. I think we'll see some regression from the Redhawks offense in this game after they produced 38, 30 and 46 points in their last three contests. That should lent itself to a closer game than most are anticipating on Tuesday night in Muncie. Take Ball State (8*).

My selection is on Central Michigan plus the points over Bowling Green at 7:30 pm et on Tuesday.

We'll grab all the points we can get with the Chippewas as they look to bounce back from three straight losses when they host the Falcons in Mount Pleasant. The Chips were drilled 46-7 in a road game against Miami-Ohio last time out. They had been playing reasonably well prior to that contest, going 2-2 over their previous four games with the two losses coming by a combined six points. Bowling Green is in a clear letdown spot following a big road win over Toledo in the Battle of I-75 on October 26th. The Falcons pushed Penn State and Texas A&M on the road early in the campaign but I think those results are still lingering and leave them overvalued at this point. Remember, this is also a team that only defeated Akron by seven points earlier this season. I believe this line will prove too high. Take Central Michigan (8*).

My selection is on Nevada plus the points over Colorado State at 8 pm et on Saturday.

The wheels have come off for Nevada over the last couple of games, culminating with a blowout loss on the road against Hawaii last Saturday. This was always going to be a difficult season for the rebuilding Wolf Pack but they've actually held up better than expected with three victories to their credit and some close losses in the mix. With a very difficult trip to Boise to face the red hot Broncos on deck, getting a win here is important and I'm confident Nevada will accomplish just that against the Rams. Colorado State checks in off three straight wins. All three victories came in tightly-contested affairs and I can't help but feel a letdown is in order on Saturday. Note that Nevada will have revenge on its mind after dropping a 30-20 decision against Colorado State last November. Take Nevada (8*).

Non-Conference Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Massachusetts and Mississippi State at 4:15 pm et on Saturday.

This is a true 'get right' game for Mississippi State as it enters riding a seven-game losing streak having taken its lumps in SEC play. I do think the Bulldogs defense will thrive in this matchup but I'm not convinced its sputtering offense will follow suit. We have seen Mississippi State's offense put up some points in recent weeks but that was largely game-script related as it was trailing by big margins in those contests and facing defenses that were in let-up mode. We're likely to see the opposite game script unfold here with the Bulldogs installed as big home favorites. Massachusetts is certainly accustomed to being overmatched this season. It has won only twice including a blowout victory over FCS squad Wagner last week. While the end results didn't go in their favor, I did feel the Minutemen at least kept things respectable (relatively speaking) in notable losses to Toledo, Northern Illinois and Missouri (arguably the three most difficult opponents on their schedule to this point). Offensively, UMass has scored more than 23 points on only two occasions this season and both came against FCS opponents. This probably isn't a game you want to sit down and watch on Saturday but we'll look to end up on the right side of the total nonetheless. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on Iowa State minus the points over Texas Tech at 3:30 pm et on Saturday.

Iowa State is off to an 8-0 start to the season and finds itself in another smash spot at home on Saturday as it has had an extra week off to prepare for a vaunted Texas Tech offense. On the flip side, the Cyclones impressive offense figures to feast on a worn out Red Raiders defense that let TCU off the hook in last Saturday's wild 35-34 loss. The wheels have come off for Texas Tech over the last couple of games as they also dropped their Homecoming showdown with Baylor in a game that was no contest two weeks ago. Note that Iowa State is in a 'double-revenge' spot here, most recently dropping a 14-10 decision at home against Texas Tech two years ago. Of course, that was a far more limited Cyclones offense than the one that will take the field on Saturday. I think it's only a matter of time before Iowa State pulls away in this contest. Take Iowa State (8*).

Big Ten Underdog Game of the Year. My selection is on Michigan State plus the points over Indiana at 3:30 pm et on Saturday.

We'll grab the generous helping of points with the Spartans as they host red hot Indiana on Saturday in East Lansing. Michigan State put up a fight but fell a touchdown short against rival Michigan at the Big House last Saturday. A difficult schedule has certainly played a role in the Spartans 4-4 start to the campaign with losses against two of the best teams in the country in Ohio State and Oregon in the mix (they went 1-1 ATS in those contests). I like Michigan State's chances of surprising undefeated Indiana on Saturday. The Hoosiers are coming off a big home win over Washington last Saturday - they hosted ESPN College Gameday ahead of that one. Indiana has drawn a very favorable schedule to this point - it avoids Oregon and faces Ohio State in a couple of weeks. The Hoosiers haven't really been tested in two previous road games against UCLA and Northwestern but I think they will be here. In the grand scheme of things, a tight battle might be just what the doctor ordered for a team that has delivered blowout win after blowout win this season. Take Michigan State (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Duke and Miami at 12 noon et on Saturday.

I think Duke has a shot at making this game competitive and to do that it will have to stay up defensively, just as it has all season. The Blue Devils have quietly been one of the better defensive teams in the country on their way to a 6-2 record. Duke has allowed more than 24 points just once and that came thanks to overtime in last week's 28-27 defeat against SMU (it gave up only 21 points in regulation time). Offensively, the Blue Devils have been fairly limited. They've been held to 26 points or fewer in regulation time in seven of their eight contests and don't figure to suddenly break out on the road against a talented Miami defense. The name of the game for Duke will be taking care of the football and effectively shortening proceedings and that certainly works in our favor with the 'under'. Miami has been a juggernaut offensively and the path to running the table in the regular season is clear. I do expect the Hurricanes to at least face some resistance here, however, after scoring 36 points or more in all eight games this season. Of note, Miami's schedule has been very forgiving to this point with few capable defensive foes. I do think the potential is there for a letdown of sorts here after last week's blowout win under the lights against rival Florida State. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'over' between San Diego State and Boise State at 8 pm et on Friday.

Boise State enters this matchup off consecutive 'under' results against Hawaii and UNLV. Last Friday's showdown with UNLV was projected to be a wild shootout and it looked like it was setting up that way until the Broncos took the air out of the football in the fourth quarter. We know this Boise State team can score with the best of them and I think we see it get pushed a little bit against San Diego State on Friday. The Aztecs are certainly not known for their offense but they have shown improvement in that department over the course of the season. They enter off a 29-26 loss at home against Washington State last Saturday. With just two victories over FBS opponents so far this season, they're certainly facing an uphill battle with five games remaining on the schedule. With that being said, there are winnable contests ahead including home games against New Mexico and Air Force and a road tilt against Utah State. But I digress. Here, I think we see San Diego State open up the playbook as it projects to play from behind for much of the night. Boise State is by no means a defensive powerhouse, ranking 202nd in the country in total yards allowed per game and 208th in points allowed per contest. The most recent meeting between these two teams produced 65 points last September. Take the over (8*).

Conference-USA Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Jacksonville State and Liberty at 7 pm et on Wednesday.

Jacksonville State has been running up the score on its recent opponents, reeling off four straight wins while scoring 42 points or more in all four contests. Keep in mind, those games came against the likes of Southern Miss, Kennesaw State, New Mexico State and Middle Tennessee (combined 6-25 record). It figures to face a much more difficult challenge as it travels to Lynchburg to take on Liberty on Wednesday. The Flames will be in a foul mood after losing to then-winless Kennesaw State last week. Liberty hasn't been the same offensive juggernaut we've been accustomed to seeing in recent years - forced to rely a little more on its defense to come up big and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I do think the Flames match up well against the high-powered Gamecocks offense. Note that last year's meeting between these two teams produced only 44 total points. I believe this total will prove too high. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between New Mexico State and Florida International at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

The perception is that these two teams are very bad and that along with the fact that Florida International was involved in a game that totalled just 17 points last week is weighing heavily on this total. I think there's a good chance we see the Panthers offense bounce back after getting bogged down against a good Sam Houston State defense last week. New Mexico State has allowed 30 points or more in six of seven games so far this season. The Aggies do come off their bye week, giving them extra time to prepare for a very beatable FIU defense. New Mexico State has shown flashes of brilliance offensively this season, most notably in a wild 50-40 loss against in-state rival New Mexico and last time out in a 33-30 double-overtime win over Louisiana Tech. Last year's matchup between these two teams totalled 51 points. Take the over (8*).

My selection is on Texas A&M minus the points over LSU at 7:30 pm et on Saturday.

I don't like the spot for LSU on Saturday as it travels to College Station off last week's rout of the Razorbacks in Fayetteville. While the Tigers have reeled off six straight wins following a season-opening loss to USC, so have the Aggies. Texas A&M won but didn't cover in last week's trip to Mississippi State. Having climbed to a season-high number-14 in the national rankings, I don't expect Texas A&M to relinquish that spot at home. Note that the last time we saw the Aggies play at home they delivered a 41-10 blowout victory over then number-nine ranked Missouri. Take Texas A&M (8*).

Big 12 Underdog Game of the Year. My selection is on Texas Tech plus the points over TCU at 3:30 pm et on Saturday.

Texas Tech is coming off an embarrassing 59-35 home loss against Baylor last week, on Homecoming Weekend no less. That loss snapped the Red Raiders four-game winning streak. I look for them to bounce and hand TCU a Homecoming loss of their own on Saturday but we'll have the added benefit of grabbing a generous helping of points as well. TCU has managed to post consecutive victories just once this season, that coming in Weeks 1 and 2 against Stanford (who has turned out to be awful) and FCS squad LIU-Brooklyn. Since then, the Horned Frogs have gone 2-3 SU including consecutive home defeats at the hands of UCF and Houston. Here, we find TCU in a letdown spot following last week's ugly 13-7 win on the road against Utah. I like the fact that Texas Tech managed to deliver a tough road victory two weeks ago as it outlasted Oregon 28-22 in Tucson. That win was key after it failed to come through in a blowout loss at Washington State in its first road tilt this season. With an explosive, quick-strike offense the Red Raiders rarely find themselves out of a game and I'm confident they can trade blows with TCU all day long on Saturday. Take Texas Tech (10*).

My selection is on East Carolina minus the points over Temple at 2 pm et on Saturday.

I liked the way East Carolina didn't quit and ultimately made things somewhat respectable in a loss at red hot Army last week. The Pirates are clearly the better team in this matchup as they return home to host Temple. The Owls did deliver a 20-10 victory over a reeling Tulsa squad at home last Saturday. They're still just 2-5 on the campaign with their only other win coming against Utah State last month. The Pirates are a far better team than they showed in dropping consecutive road games in Charlotte and West Point. I look for them to take their frustrations out on a Temple squad that doesn't do anything particularly well on Saturday afternoon in Greenville. Take East Carolina (8*).

My selection is on North Carolina plus the points over Virginia at 12 noon et on Saturday.

The wheels have come off for North Carolina as it just wrapped up a winless four-game stretch that included three games played at home. The schedule does ease up from here so there's reason to believe the Tar Heels can still turn things around and I believe they have the talent and coaching to do so. Meanwhile, Virginia has dropped consecutive games and just gave up a season-high 48 points in last Saturday's defeat at the hands of Clemson. The Cavaliers wins this season have come against the likes of Richmond (FCS), Wake Forest, Coastal Carolina and Boston College. I'm not sure they have any business laying points in this matchup, even at home. Take North Carolina (8*).

Big Ten Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Rutgers and USC at 11 pm et on Friday.

Both of these teams enter this Big Ten showdown riding three-game losing streaks. Both teams have to realize that they need to get back to doing what made them successful earlier in the season and that means playing some defense. Rutgers allowed 35 points in last Saturday's wild, high-scoring defeat in Piscataway. That came on the heels of a game in which the Scarlet Knights allowed 42 points in a blowout loss to Wisconsin. Remember, this is a team that had allowed 23 points or less in each of its first five games this season. With a limited offense, the Scarlet Knights know that they can ill afford to continue to get involved in shootouts. It's a similar story for USC, even if it does possess a high-powered offense. The Trojans gave up a grand total of 41 points in their first three victories this season - part of a 3-1 start. Since then they've been trampled for 24, 33 and 29 points in three consecutive tightly-contested defeats. Expect a return to fundamentals from USC in this winnable game at home on Friday. Take the under (10*).

Sun Belt Conference Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Georgia Southern and Old Dominion at 7 pm et on Thursday.

We've been high on the Old Dominion defense all season - remember we cashed with the Monarchs as a big underdog against South Carolina way back in Week 1. While there have been some bumps in the road, ODU has steadied itself to deliver consecutive low-scoring victories in-conference to move to 2-1 in Sun Belt play, setting up this game for first place in the East Division. Colton Joseph has taken over from Grant Wilson at quarterback, effectively settling the Monarchs offense. This is very much a run-first attack at this point with Joseph leading the team in rushing in each of the last two games. Georgia Southern has gotten hot since a slow start, reeling off three straight victories. Surprisingly, it has been the Eagles defense that has paved the way, holding their three Sun Belt opponents to 21, 23 and 14 points (all victories). As much as the Eagles would like to open things up offensively in this matchup, I'm not sure they'll see a ton of open field. This matchup produced a slugfest last year with Old Dominion going on the road and winning 20-17. I believe this total will prove too high. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on Kennesaw State plus the points over Liberty at 7 pm et on Wednesday.

It's a matchup of undefeated against winless as Liberty travels to Georgia to take on Kennesaw State on Wednesday. The Flames are 5-0 but it's not as if they're dominating the opposition. Their largest margin of victory this season was 18 points and that was against an awful UTEP team at home. Coming off its bye week and having played only once since September 21st (due to a cancelled game at Appalachian State), Liberty feels like a team that's still trying to ramp things up. Kennesaw State scored only five points in last week's loss to Middle Tennessee State and that came on the heels of a 63-24 rout at the hands of Jacksonville State. The Owls are taking their lumps in their first season at the FBS level. This is arguably the biggest game left on their schedule, in primetime against a fairly high profile opponent. From here, the Owls will head on the road for consecutive games, not playing back at home again until November 16th. We don't need anything close to an outright upset to cash our ticket on Wednesday so we'll grab the generous helping of points with the underdog Owls at home. Take Kennesaw State (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between UTEP and Louisiana Tech at 8 pm et on Tuesday.

We got the result we wanted from UTEP last week to help keep this total higher than it probably should be. The Miners scored 30 points in a home win over Florida International, thriving offensively in their first game without QB Cade McConnell. I'm not counting on continued success from UTEP here as it makes the difficult trip to Ruston to face Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs were involved in a high-scoring game of their own last week as they fell 33-30 in double-overtime at New Mexico State. I expect the scoring to settle down here, noting that last year's matchup between these two teams reached only 34 total points. Both offenses are limited and I'm not anticipating a ton of offensive fireworks on Tuesday. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between UNLV and Oregon State at 10 pm et on Saturday.

These two teams are coming off a string of wild, high-scoring affairs - a big reason why this total is hovering around the 60-point mark. I don't think Oregon State will have any interest in a track meet on Saturday, however, as it knows that its offense, while productive at times, isn't consistent enough to prevail in that type of environment. UNLV is almost certainly in line for some regression offensively after putting up 59, 41 and 50 points over its last three games. Keep in mind, two of those performances came in the friendly confines of Allegiant Stadium while the other came against one of the worst defenses in the country in Utah State. Remember, earlier this season the Rebels were involved in road games that totalled just 34 and 43 points against Houston and Kansas, respectively. I believe this total will prove too high under the lights in Corvallis. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on Stanford plus the points over SMU at 8 pm et on Saturday.

Stanford is in free-fall right now having lost three straight games following a 2-1 star to the campaign. Not a lot better could have been expected out of the Cardinals during a three-game stretch that included games at Clemson, at home against Virginia Tech and at Notre Dame. Here, I like the Cardinal's chances of rebounding and giving SMU a serious test. The Mustangs are coming off an upset win on the road against Louisville two weeks ago (they had their bye last week). Make no mistake, that was a big win for SMU as a program, taking down a top-25 ranked ACC squad. Now SMU finds itself inside the nation's top-25 and I can't help but feel a letdown is in order, especially with this game sandwiched between the stop in Louisville and another road game against Duke next week. Take Stanford (8*).

My selection is on Kentucky minus the points over Florida at 7:45 pm et on Saturday.

So maybe Vanderbilt is for real. I'll admit, I thought Kentucky would roll past the Commodores, who were in a massive letdown spot following the monumental win over then-number one ranked Alabama the week previous, last Saturday in Lexington. That didn't happen and now the Wildcats need to pick up where they left off in their most recent road game - a hard-fought win over Ole Miss in Oxford - in order to get their season back on track. I like their chances of going into the Swamp and coming away with a win over the rival Gators. Florida has been pretty much as advertised so far this season, going 3-3 through its first six games. I question how much the Gators have in the tank after leaving it all on the field in a 23-17 overtime loss last Saturday in Knoxville. Not only that but the Gators will be looking ahead to next week's showdown with rival Georgia in Jacksonville. I like the fight Kentucky has shown this season, despite the disappointing result last week. Take Kentucky (8*).

MAC Game of the Year. My selection is on Western Michigan minus the points over Buffalo at 3:30 pm et on Saturday.

Western Michigan had a tough schedule out of the gate this season, lining up against Wisconsin and Ohio State in consecutive weeks, on the road no less. Since then, the Broncos have steadied themselves by posting three wins in their last four games. Last week, Buffalo staged an upset win at home against Toledo. The Bulls have been wildly inconsistent so far this season. I think they caught the Rockets in a spot where they figured they could sleepwalk their way to a victory. That's just not how the MAC works. Any team is capable of beating any other team on any given day. Here, I expect Western Michigan to take a more serious approach than Toledo and ultimately prevail. The Broncos know they can't take anything for granted. After all, their two straight wins over Ball State and Akron came by a grand total of just 13 points. These two teams haven't met since the 2021 season, when Western Michigan went on the road and won 24-17. The Broncos would like nothing more than to spoil the Bulls homecoming weekend on Saturday. Look for them to do just that. Take Western Michigan (10*).

AAC Game of the Month. My selection is on East Carolina plus the points over Army at 12 noon et on Saturday.

Army finds itself ranked in the national top-25 following six consecutive blowout wins to open the season. We'll fade the Black Knights on Saturday, however, as they've faced a ridiculously easy schedule so far including games against two of the country's worst FBS teams in Tulsa and UAB over the last two weeks. East Carolina started the season 2-0 but has dropped three of four games since. The Pirates come off their bye week, giving them extra time to prepare for Army's vaunted triple-option attack. East Carolina figures to be in a foul mood entering this contest after it was stunned 55-24 on the road against Charlotte last time out. Prior to that, the Pirates other two setbacks came against tough opponents in Appalachian State and Liberty, by a combined 13 points. We're catching a generous helping of points with East Carolina on Saturday, in a game that I expect to go down to the wire. Take East Carolina (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Oregon and Purdue at 8 pm et on Friday.

This is a tough spot for both of these teams with Oregon just six days removed from its thrilling come-from-behind win over Ohio State and Purdue coming off a wild 50-49 overtime loss against Illinois on the same day. Considering the Boilermakers had been held to 10 points or less in three of their previous five games, an offensive letdown is sure to be in order against an elite Oregon defense on Friday. Meanwhile, the Ducks have been incredibly consistent offensively this season but perhaps not quite as explosive as in previous years, topping out at 37 points in five of their six contests (they scored 49 points in an outlier performance against Oregon State). This game presents an opportunity for Oregon to catch its breath following the massive win over Ohio State. I believe the total will prove too high. Take the under (8*).

ACC Game of the Month. My selection is on Boston College plus the points over Virginia Tech at 7:30 pm et on Thursday.

I'm not a big believer in this Virginia Tech squad. Yes, a night game in Blacksburg is a tough setting for an underdog visitor but I expect Boston College to be up for the challenge in this rivalry matchup. Note that the Hokies have taken the last two meetings in this series and neither game was close. Boston College checks in off a loss on the road against Virginia two weeks ago. Both teams will be coming off their bye weeks. I think the Virginia Tech offense is in line for some regression in this matchup after scoring 34 and 31 points in its last two games. The Hokies nearly upset Miami on the road two games back before taking their frustrations out on a reeling Stanford squad last time out. Wins over Marshall, Old Dominion and Stanford aren't all that impressive. While Boston College has dropped a couple of games, it has been right here in all seven contests. I'm confident head coach Bill O'Brien will have the right gameplan to attack the Hokies defense given the extra week to prepare. The schedule only gets tougher from here, look for the Eagles to put up a fight on Thursday. Take Boston College (10*).

Conference-USA Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Western Kentucky and Sam Houston State at 7 pm et on Wednesday.

Both of these teams are in for some offensive regression on Wednesday as they match up in Huntsville. Sam Houston State has scored 40 and 41 points in its last two games and has generally exceeded expectations from an offensive standpoint this season. The Bearkats figure to face a lot more resistance against Western Kentucky than they did in their most recent contest against a dreadful UTEP team. Note that the Hilltoppers have held the likes of Toledo (at home) and Boston College (on the road) to an identical 21 points. Like Sam Houston State, Western Kentucky figures to get a bit of a wake-up call after annihilating UTEP 44-17 just six days ago. Last year's matchup between these two teams was a close one as WKU prevailed 28-23. That contest reached 'only' 51 points despite a 30-point second quarter. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on Hawaii plus the points over Boise State at 11 pm et on Saturday.

We'll grab the generous helping of points with the Rainbow Warriors as they look to catch the Broncos in a flat spot off that 62-point explosion against Utah State last week. Of course, Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty is a next-level talent and on track for a possible Heisman Trophy this season. I like fading high-profile teams coming off much-discussed victories and that's the case with the Broncos here. The common line of thinking is that Jeanty will run wild once again but Hawaii has actually proven to have a pulse on defense this season. The Warriors dropped the cash last week at San Diego State but they've yet to suffer consecutive ATS defeats this season. Look for them to give the Broncos a fight on Saturday. Take Hawaii (8*).

Big 12 Game of the Month. My selection is on Kansas State minus the points over Colorado at 10:15 pm et on Saturday.

Both of these teams enter this showdown off their bye week and both are looking to follow up on impressive victories as Kansas State rolled Oklahoma State at home while Colorado blitzed Central Florida on the road. We'll fade the Buffaloes as they try for their fourth straight ATS victory. These two teams couldn't be more different. Give us the side that knows how to run the football - the Wildcats have been downright dominant on the ground so far this season, gaining 200+ rushing yards in all five games. Colorado has been virtually mistake-free lately but it will be tested by a Kansas State team that has forced six turnovers in its last four games. Take Kansas State (10*).

My selection is on UCLA plus the points over Minnesota at 9 pm et on Saturday.

Moral victories aren't going to cut it for the Bruins. They've covered the spread in three straight games but enter this contest riding a four-game losing streak overall. The schedule has obviously played a role. I think this is a winnable game for UCLA as it catches Minnesota travelling in a letdown spot off a big upset win over USC last Saturday. The Golden Gophers had dropped two games in a row prior to that stunner. Here, they'll be trying for a third straight ATS win for the first time this season. The last time they tried to accomplish that feat they got rolled by Iowa at home on September 21st. We'll grab all the points we can get with the home underdog here. Take UCLA (8*).

My selection is on Kentucky minus the points over Vanderbilt at 7:45 pm et on Saturday.

It doesn't get much tougher than Vanderbilt trying to get back up and avoid the inevitable letdown following last week's massive upset win over then-number one ranked Alabama. The Commodores won't have the benefit of staying in Nashville as they head to Lexington to take on Kentucky. The Wildcats have gotten off to an uneven start this season but they did take Georgia down to the wire in a one-point defeat and also won outright on the road against Ole Miss just two weeks ago. Note that the Wildcats are rested following their bye week. We'll lay the points with the Wildcats on Saturday as I expect their defense to keep Diego Pavia and the Commodores in check all night long. Take Kentucky (8*).

My selection is on Oregon plus the points over Ohio State at 7:30 pm et on Saturday.

It's not often we get the opportunity to catch points with Oregon at Autzen Stadium. That's the situation on Saturday as the Ducks host mighty (and undefeated) Ohio State. Oregon got off to a slow start this season but has settled in. I don't really see any reason for the Buckeyes to be laying points against an undefeated opponent in a hostile environment. While Ohio State has been blowing out the opposition on a weekly basis, it hasn't truly been tested. Arguably its toughest matchup to date came against Iowa last week but that game was played at a the Horseshoe in Columbus. Much different story here against Oregon. Look for the Ducks to make the Buckeyes uncomfortable all night and stage the minor upset. Take Oregon (8*).

SEC Game of the Month. My selection is on Ole Miss minus the points over LSU at 7:30 pm et on Saturday.

Ole Miss got the wake up call it needed two weeks ago as it was upset at home against Kentucky. The Rebels got off to a strong start in that contest and perhaps thought the down-trodden Wildcats would simply roll over. That wasn't the case. Last Saturday, South Carolina did Ole Miss a big favor by not offering much of a challenge at all. You see the Rebels were going to be at a disadvantage here with LSU coming off its bye week. However, Ole Miss took part in a glorified walk-through against the Gamecocks, rolling to a 27-3 victory. I'm certain Lane Kiffin has his team treating this second straight road tilt as a business trip. LSU checks in off four straight wins but is just 1-4 ATS on the campaign. Take Ole Miss (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between San Jose State and Colorado State at 3:30 pm et on Saturday.

Both of these teams were involved in wild, high-scoring games last week. I expect nothing of the sort this week as San Jose State travels to face Colorado State. The Rams scored 31 points in a double-overtime loss against Oregon State last Saturday. The last time they scored 30+ points in a game they followed it up with a nine-point effort against rival Colorado. San Jose State has displayed a far more explosive offensive than most expected this season but I do think there will be bumps in the road. Keep in mind, this is a team that was held to 17 points in a road game against a struggling Air Force squad earlier this season. I think this is a sneaky-tough road trip off the thrilling win over Nevada last Saturday. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Utah and Arizona State at 10:30 pm et on Friday.

It seems like an eternity since Utah last played. In actuality it was on September 28th as the Utes fell by a 23-10 against Arizona. QB Cam Rising is expected to return from a finger injury suffered in Utah's second game of the season against Baylor. You have to wonder about rust from Rising as he's missed so much time over the last couple of years. Defensively, the Utes have been terrific in the early going this season and match up well against the Sun Devils. Arizona State has been running up some big scores this season but this will be its toughest test in terms of opposing defense. I expect points to come at a premium. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on California plus the points over Miami at 10:30 pm et on Saturday.

The Hurricanes got a scare at home against Virginia Tech last week. I don't think Miami's first loss of the season is far off at this point and Cal might just be the team to do the deed as it looks to rebound from its own first loss of the campaign last week in Tallahassee. Note that the Bears are an incredible 16-5 ATS in their last 21 home games as an underdog of between 7.5 and 14 points. Miami getting involved in so many high-scoring affairs is usually a bad sign moving forward as it has gone 3-12 ATS in its last 15 games following three straight 'over' results, as is the case here. Take California (8*).

Mountain West Conference Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Nevada and San Jose State at 7:30 pm et on Saturday.

Both of these teams are coming off bye weeks, giving them extra time to prepare for what will be a familiar opponent in-conference on Saturday. It's also worth noting that both teams are coming off high-scoring games with Nevada rolling to a 49-16 victory over FCS opponent Eastern Washington and San Jose State falling in a wild 54-52 double-overtime game at Washington State. I'm not convinced that either team wants any part of a shootout here. San Jose State was involved in an incredibly low-scoring game in its Mountain West Conference opener this season as it held on for a 17-7 home win over Air Force. For Nevada, this will be its first MWC game of the campaign. Installed as a considerable favorite, the Spartans will look to grab a lead and take the air out of the football with their ground attack and that's a very reasonable gameplan against a Nevada team that can be bullied up front. The Wolf Pack appeared to be moving in the wrong direction after a hot start to the campaign, scoring a grand total of 17 points in losses to Georgia Southern and Minnesota before busting out against Eastern Washington. This sets up as a game where Nevada look to keep it simple and keep the Spartans within arm's reach and hope to get a couple of breaks late to steal a road win. It all adds up to a relatively low-scoring affair in San Jose. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on Tulsa plus the points over Army at 12 noon et on Saturday.

Army has ripped through its first four opponents including a primetime win over Temple in front of a national audience last Thursday night. We've yet to see many flaws in the Black Knights' game but I do think this is a tricky spot as it stays on the road to face 2-2 Tulsa on Saturday. The Golden Hurricane haven't looked overly impressive but two wins are two wins and given their schedule ahead, they'll have every opportunity to reach a Bowl game this season. A win here would obviously massive, not only in working toward that goal but also for the team's confidence following a 52-20 road loss against North Texas last week. I saw enough in Tulsa's road win over Louisiana Tech two weeks ago to believe it can hang with Army in this spot. Army isn't going to run the table this season and we'll take this opportunity to fade it as it remains undefeated in early October. Take Tulsa (8*).

Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on UMass plus the points over Northern Illinois at 12 noon et on Saturday.

How quickly things can change. Northern Illinois pulled off a stunning upset win over Notre Dame in South Bend three weeks ago, improving to 2-0 on the season. That victory got the Huskies into the top-25 rankings and even into the expanded College Football Playoff conversation. Since then, Northern Illinois lost in overtime against Buffalo and in another close game on the road against N.C. State last week. I think it's going to be awfully tough for the Huskies to get up for an independent opponent in UMass this week (the Minutemen will join the MAC next season). Another rather sparse crowd is expected at Huskie Stadium and I think the door is open for the Minutemen to stay competitive for four quarters. UMass is off to a 1-4 start but has made some progress. Last Saturday, it gave Miami-Ohio all it could handle in a 23-20 overtime loss. Staying on the road to face another MAC opponent might just be a good thing for the Minutemen before the schedule really toughens up with SEC foe Missouri rolling into Hadley next week (they'll also face two additional SEC opponents in Mississippi State and Georgia later in the season, both away from home). This is just too many points for a pop-gun Huskies Northern Illinois to be laying. Take UMass (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Syracuse and UNLV at 9 pm et on Friday.

Credit UNLV for rising to the occasion and delivering a knockout blow against Fresno State last week. You'll probably never see a better game out of QB Hajj-Malik Williams. Things get a little tougher this week as the Runnin' Rebels welcome 3-1 Syracuse to Allegiant Stadium. I think the total has been set too high. The Orange lit up FCS opponent Holy Cross last time out, scoring 42 points in a rout. Here, I look for the Orange to do all they can to control proceedings and not let this one turn into a track meet. Note that the 'under' is 11-3 in Syracuse's last 14 road games following a home win by 28 points or more. The 'under' is also a long-term 49-29 with the Orange playing on the road against an opponent with a winning record. Meanwhile, UNLV has seen the 'under' go 17-8 in its last 25 contests following a home victory by 17 points or more. Take the under (8*).

Conference USA Game of the Month. My selection is on UTEP plus the points over Sam Houston State at 9 pm et on Thursday.

This is an incredibly tough spot for Sam Houston State as it goes on the road following a thrilling come-from-behind win over Texas State last Saturday. The Bearkats are 4-1 SU and ATS on the season but check in just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite. Note that they were upset at home 37-34 by UTEP last October. As we know in college football, revenge is a dish best served at home. Here, I expect the Miners to be the more desperate team as they look to avoid an 0-5 start before heading on the road for a difficult game against Western Kentucky. Note that UTEP is a long-term 18-16 ATS against opponents that win 75% or more of their games including a 10-6 ATS mark at home. Take UTEP (10*).

Big Ten Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Illinois and Penn State at 7:30 pm et on Saturday.

Two top-25 ranked, undefeated Big Ten teams will do battle at Beaver Stadium on Saturday night and I expect points to come at a premium. Keep in mind, last year's meeting between these teams totalled just 43 points.

Illinois has already shown it can keep quality offenses in check this season. In fact, it held both Kansas and Nebraska scoreless when it mattered most, in the fourth quarter (and overtime last week at Nebraska). Penn State's offense poses a considerable challenge but I wouldn't be overly intimidated by last week's 56-point outburst as it came against one of the worst defenses in FBS in Kent State.

The Nittany Lions have played but one bad half of defensive football through three games, that coming against Bowling Green. Note that Penn State did right the ship at halftime in that game, holding the Falcons to just a field goal in the second half with that coming in the final minute of the fourth quarter.

Illinois got rolling offensively against Nebraska last Friday night but this is the same team that could only muster one offensive touchdown against a middle-of-the-road Kansas defense back in Week 2. I think goal number one will be moving the chains and effectively shortening proceedings as a sizable underdog in Happy Valley on Saturday. This isn't really a big play Illini offense, as evidenced by QB Luke Altmyer topping out at 242 passing yards in a game this season. Take the under (10*).

ACC Game of the Month. My selection is on Stanford plus the points over Clemson at 7 pm et on Saturday.

Clemson delivered a high-profile 59-35 win over N.C. State last Saturday in a game that wasn't even as competitive as that final score indicated. The Tigers jumped ahead 28-0 before the end of the first quarter and 52-7 early in the third quarter. The Wolfpack weren't even able to run their offensive competently in that game, clearly struggling in the absence of big-time transfer QB Grayson McCall.

I expect a much different story to unfold this Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Stanford comes into this game brimming with confidence following an upset win over Syracuse, on the road no less, in its ACC opener last week. The Cardinal have looked like a true upstart in the early going this season and I'm confident their methodical offense and capable defense will keep them in this game on Saturday.

The Clemson offense is in line for some regression after scoring a ridiculous 125 points over its last two games. Untested since a season-opening 34-3 drubbing at the hands of mighty Georgia, I look for the Tigers to get involved in a battle against one of the ACC's scrappiest newcomers. Note that the Cardinal defense ranks seventh in the country in yards per rush allowed this season. I'm not convinced the Tigers will be able to salt this game away, keeping in mid they allowed N.C. State to score four touchdowns in the game's final 22 minutes last Saturday. Take Stanford (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between North Carolina and Duke at 4 pm et on Saturday.

We'll call for the Tar Heels defense to bounce back following last week's ridiculous home loss against James Madison (in which they allowed 70 points). Note that the 'under' is 15-7 in North Carolina's last 22 games following a home loss by 14 points or more. That includes a 9-4 mark when their next game came on the road, as is the case here. Duke has seen the 'under' go 17-7 in its last 24 games as a home favorite of seven points or less. The 'over' has cashed in each of the last two meetings in this series. That's notable as we haven't seen three straight 'over' results between these two rivals since the 1990's. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on Ole Miss minus the points over Kentucky at 12 noon et on Saturday.

A couple of strong performances in a losing effort against mighty Georgia and in a blowout victory over Ohio have perhaps given Kentucky bettors a false sense of confidence entering Saturday's difficult road tilt against Ole Miss.

It's easy to forget that the Wildcats were completely outclassed at home against South Carolina on September 7th. I don't think this Kentucky team is nearly as good as the one that only managed to go 7-6 overall and 3-5 in SEC play last year. The Wildcats avoided the Rebels on last year's schedule but won't be so fortune this season.

Ole Miss has yet to be challenged this season, reeling off four straight wins. A road game against Wake Forest was the only significant test and the Rebels passed that with flying colors, winning 40-6. With the schedule about to get a whole lot tougher with consecutive road games against South Carolina and LSU on deck, I look for Lane Kiffin's squad to make the most of the opportunity in front of it on Saturday. Take Ole Miss (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Army and Temple at 7:30 pm et on Thursday.

Temple rose up and stunned Utah State last Saturday, scoring a whopping 45 points in the process. Keep in mind, this is an Owls team that had scored a grand total of 34 points in its first three games - all losses - including just 11 in a defeat against another Service Academy in Navy. Simply put, I don't expect Temple to find much offensive success in this game.

While the Owls got ripped by Navy's option-based attack earlier in the season, I do think that at least gives them a leg up as they prepare to face Army's triple-option on a short week.If nothing else, they won't be caught flat-footed in this matchup.

Army has enjoyed an offensive renaissance so far this season, scoring 103 points through its first three games, going a perfect 3-0 along the way. Hanging 37 points on Rice at West Point is one thing, doing so on the road on a short week is another. I think this game will be all about controlling the football, and the clock, and getting out of Philadelphia with its flawless record intact. Style points mean little to teams like the Black Knights.

Defensively, Army has been outstanding in the early going. Note that last week it didn't allow a score against Rice until the game was already well in hand, ahead 30-0 over midway through the third quarter. Prior to that, against Florida Atlantic, the Black Knights gave up just a single touchdown in a 24-7 victory, that coming in the final minute of the first half. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Tennessee and Oklahoma at 7:30 pm et on Saturday.

Tennessee has been toppling totals all by itself so far this season. I do think the Volunteers will face a little more resistance as they head to Stillwater to face the Sooners on Saturday.

Remember back two weeks ago, the Vols were actually held to just a single offensive touchdown in the first half on the road against N.C. State. It was only after the Wolfpack came completely unglued with mistake after mistake that the Vols offense took off in a 51-10 victory. I don't expect Oklahoma to make the same type of mistakes here.

While the Sooners do have a potent offense, I think their choice will be clear in this matchup as they look to play keep-away and limit Tennessee's possessions. They simply can't afford to have their defense on the field for long stretches against a home run hitting Vols offense.

While we're not likely to see a true defensive slugfest, I do think the total will prove too high. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on Michigan plus the points over USC at 3:30 pm et on Saturday.

I don't like the way this situation sets up at all for USC as it travels across the country for its first true road game, and first Big Ten showdown against a Michigan squad that got flat out embarrassed in its first nationally-televised showcase game against Texas two weeks ago. Look for the Wolverines to put forth a much sharper performance this time around. The total says a lot about how this game is expected to play out as it sits in the low-40's. I'm expecting Michigan to do what it can to take the air out of the football and effectively shorten proceedings by leaning heavily on its ground attack. Alex Orji gets the start at quarterback, also showing the Wolverines hand a little bit. The Trojans have certainly impressed in their first two games but I think they're in for a battle here. Take Michigan (8*).

AAC Game of the Year. My selection is on Navy plus the points over Memphis at 3:30 pm et on Saturday.

Navy has undoubtedly had this in-conference showdown circled on its calendar after giving Memphis all it could handle in an eventual 28-24 defeat in Tennessee last year. Were it not for that loss, the Midshipmen would have gone Bowling.

Consider this a tough spot for the Tigers as they stay on the road for a second straight game after springing an upset win over reeling Florida State in Tallahassee last week. While that victory may not be as big given how the Seminoles have struggled, it's still one that could lead to a letdown this week.

These two programs are certainly familiar with one another having met in each of the last nine seasons. The Tigers have reeled off five straight wins in the series after dropping three of the first four.

Navy enters this game with a different mindset this year, sporting a 2-0 record. I like the experience the Middies return on both sides of the football and believe they can throw a wrench in the Tigers hopes of a potential undefeated regular season (it's on the table following the win at Florida State).

These two teams have split four previous meetings in Annapolis with Memphis winning only one of those games by more than a field goal. Take Navy (10*).

My selection is on N.C. State plus the points over Clemson at 12 noon et on Saturday.

The Wolfpack will get an opportunity for a do-over of sorts as they square off against Clemson in a nationally-televised early kickoff matchup on Saturday. Remember, two weeks ago N.C. State was throttled in a primetime game at home against Tennessee.

While it may seem like it, the sky is not falling at N.C. State. Yes, Grayson McCall - the team's prized QB transfer from Coastal Carolina - was injured in last week's closer-than-expected win over Louisiana Tech. He won't play against Clemson, meaning freshman C.J. Bailey, who got his legs under him in last Saturday's win, will be tasked with running the offense. I don't feel that McCall has been quite as good as advertised through two-plus games so I'm not sure that the move to Bailey should be as big of a deal in the betting marketplace as it has been (this line has risen considerably since opening).

Clemson opened its campaign with an ugly loss to Georgia in Atlanta before returning home to dust Appalachian State 66-20 in Week 2. Last week, the Tigers had a dreaded early season bye week. The runway is clear for Clemson to reel off a number of wins in a row from here (including this one) but not a lot has come easy for the Tigers over the last couple of seasons.

While this matchup was once a walk in the park for Clemson, it has been a battle in recent years. In fact, the last three meetings going back to 2021 have all been decided by 10 points or less with N.C. State winning two of those games.

I think Dave Doeren's Wolfpack will rally around the injury to McCall and we'll see the defense in particular rise up in this their first road test of the season. Take N.C. State (8*).

My selection is on Washington State minus the points over San Jose State at 10 pm et on Friday.

Washington State blew the doors off Texas Tech two weeks ago and then followed that up with an Apple Cup victory over rival Washington last Saturday. Still, the Cougars find themselves on the outside looking in as far as the national top-25 rankings go. That could change after this week's game.

San Jose State enters this contest sporting an identical 3-0 record to that of Washington State. Not all undefeated records are created equally, however. The Spartans have defeated the likes of Sacramento State, Air Force and Kennesaw State. Yes, the win over Air Force, in Colorado Springs no less, was impressive. However, the case can be made that the Falcons just aren't very good this year as they proceeded to get crushed 31-3 against Baylor last week. San Jose State has set itself up well to reach a Bowl game as there are a number of winnable games on its schedule with only three more victories needed (I realize talking about Bowl games is a little ridiculous in the middle of September). I just don't believe this is one of them.

The Spartans haven't had much of a run game to speak of so far this season. It's going to be difficult to stay competitive if they can't effectively shorten proceedings by running the football and eating the clock in this environment.

The Cougars look like they've got a good one in QB John Mateer and I really like the way they involve everyone on offense and take calculated chances on defense. There's a real path for them to have a truly special season given their manageable schedule and I expect them to take full advantage to showcase what they've got in a Friday primetime game in Pullman. Left without a seat in the game of conference realignment musical chairs, this is a team that's playing with a real chip on its shoulder. Take Washington State (8*).

SEC Game of the Year. My selection is on Kentucky plus the points over Georgia at 7:30 pm et on Saturday.

I really like the way this spot sets up for Kentucky. Most are down on the Wildcats after they got drilled in their SEC opener against South Carolina last Saturday, at home no less. The Wildcat faithful were heading for the exits early in the fourth quarter in that contest but I expect a different story to unfold as they host mighty Georgia this week.

The Bulldogs will travel for the first time this season (their season-opener against Clemson was played at a 'neutral site' in Atlanta) after starting a perfect 2-0. While they've owned this series and took last year's matchup by a 51-13 score, recent meetings in Lexington have been competitive. In fact, during Georgia's current 14-game winning streak against Kentucky, it has won by more than 17 points on the road only once (in the last seven matchups in Lexington). In fact, the Dawgs have won by more than 17 in Lexington only once in the last nine matchups here.

This game obviously carries a little extra meaning for Kentucky QB Brock Vandagriff - a former five-star recruit by Georgia. Last week's shortcomings can't all be pinned on the QB - he was only part of the problem. I look for the Wildcats to clean things up this week and ultimately give the mighty Dawgs more of a fight than most expect. Take Kentucky (10*).

Big Ten Game of the Month. My selection is on UCLA plus the points over Indiana at 7:30 pm et on Saturday.

UCLA delivered a ho-hum 16-13 win over Hawaii in its season-opener two weeks ago. A bye week early in the season isn't always welcomed but I think the Bruins - a team in a transition period on offense - were all for it. I'm anticipating a much sharper performance from the UCLA offense this week as the Bruins play their first-ever Big Ten game against Indiana.

The Hoosiers turned heads by putting up a school-record 77 points in last week's win over FCS squad Western Illinois. Indiana's potential defensive warts have been masked by an easy early season schedule that also included a game against Florida International. This will be the Hoosiers first road trip of the season.

While the Hoosiers have gotten off to a hot start offensively, I like the matchup for the Bruins defense here. UCLA stocked up in the right areas in the transfer portal and many of the new faces played key roles in the season-opening win over Hawaii (that was fuelled by the defense). Watch for transfers DL Jacob Busic and DB K.J. Wallace. Wallace had nine tackles and a sack in the opener while Busic contributed a pair of tackles to go along with a sack. Take UCLA (10*).

Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Washington State and Washington at 3:30 pm et on Saturday.

Last year's Apple Cup matchup fizzled with just 45 total points scored. I expect a much different story to unfold as these two rivals do battle as non-conference foes this time around.

Washington State is off to a 2-0 start and has been paced by its offense, scoring a whopping 107 points through two games. Moreso than in recent matchups, this is a favorable spot for the Cougars against a somewhat rebuilt Huskies defense. Washington State has shown that quick-strike ability already this season - last week the Cougars scored three touchdowns in a span of less than eight minutes in the second quarter. QB John Mateer didn't have the best game through the air against Texas Tech but more than made up for it by rushing for 197 yards and a score. This is a Cougars offense that can beat you in a lot of different ways and I think the country will be introduced in Saturday's contest.

Washington's offense hasn't really gotten rolling yet this season but it hasn't needed to having faced Weber State and Eastern Michigan. This is a prime breakout spot against a Cougars defense that has weaknesses to be exploited. Note that the Huskies did show flashes on offense last week - at one point they scored three touchdowns in just over nine minutes in the second quarter. While the receiving corps no longer has the likes of Rome Odunze to embarrass opposing defenses, this is still a deep group that will establish themselves over time. QB Will Rogers is already a proven commodity from his days at Mississippi State and is off to a strong start having thrown four touchdown passes without an interception. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on Buffalo minus the points over Massachusetts at 1 pm et on Saturday.

Buffalo looked like it was simply in it for the payday last Saturday on the road against fast-rising SEC squad Missouri. The Bulls didn't put up much of a fight and barely appeared to break a sweat in a 38-0 loss (they possessed the football for just over 21 minutes and attempted only 20 passes). I expect a much different story to unfold as the Bulls return home to host Massachusetts on Saturday.

I'm still higher on this Buffalo squad than most. I like the pieces the Bulls have in place on both sides of the football and feel this is a matchup they can take full advantage of.

UMass is off to an 0-2 start having already faced a pair of other MAC squads. While the Minutemen did cover the spread on the road against Toledo last week that had more to do with the Rockets looking disinterested than anything else. UMass didn't reach the end zone until just under three minutes remaining in the first half in that contest and not again until less than three minutes were left in the fourth quarter.

UMass QB Taisun Phommachanh has been running for his life for most of the first two games and that should be the case again on Saturday. He's been pretty much the team's entire offense through two games and that's not a good thing. The Minutemen defense has been on the field too much and looked broken down late in last week's contest, allowing three touchdowns in the game's final 20 minutes. Take Buffalo (8*).

My selection is on N.C. State minus the points over Louisiana Tech at 12 noon et on Saturday.

Everything went wrong for N.C. State in last Saturday's drubbing at the hands of Tennessee - in front of a national tv audience no less. The Wolfpack also got a scare from Western Carolina in their season-opener so I don't need to tell you how important a strong performance is here against Louisiana Tech on Saturday.

This is a smash spot for N.C. State. The Wolfpack have all the talent in place, now they need to show it on the field before the schedule toughens up with a trip to Clemson on deck next week.

Louisiana Tech is off to a 1-0 start to the season after posting a 25-17 home win over FCS squad Nicholls State two weeks ago. The Bulldogs have questions at quarterback with Jack Turner exiting the opener with an injury (he wasn't all that effective before leaving the game). This is a Louisiana Tech team that lost a ton of talent from last year's team - particularly on offense. Diminutive burner WR Smoke Harris has been the offense in recent years but he's no longer in the picture. Consider this a 'wrong place at the wrong time' situation for Louisiana Tech. Take N.C. State (8*).

My selection is on the 'over' between UNLV and Kansas at 7 pm et on Friday.

Kansas ran into a revenge-minded Illinois squad on the road last Saturday and paid the price in a much lower-scoring game than expected, 23-17 in favor of the Illini. The Jayhawks will return home to face another opponent seeking revenge on Friday. Remember, the Rebels and Jayhawks met in last December's Guaranteed Rate Bowl. That game went 49-36 in favor of Kansas. While I don't expect the Jayhawks to get tripped up again here, I do think the Rebels will be able to hang some points on them.

UNLV's aerial attack has fizzled a bit with Matthew Sluka taking over at quarterback for last year's standout Jordan Maiava (he transferred to USC). With that being said, you don't put up 72 points by fluke. The Rebels did just that last week, albeit against an FCS opponent in Utah Tech. Note that in Week 1 UNLV scored 27 points in an upset win over Houston. Sluka has certainly made the most of his overall poor numbers, throwing five touchdown passes through two games (on only 14 completions). Forget about Sluka's short-comings for a moment, the Rebels still have one of the most underrated wide receivers in college football in Ricky White and a dare-I-say dominant ground attack that features a ton of options.

As I mentioned, Kansas struggled to put points on the board in Saturday's loss to Illinois. This is still a loaded offense and I'm willing to bet against dual-threat QB Jalon Daniels turning in another stinker (he did manage to throw two touchdown passes against the Illini). There's experience all over the field for the Jayhawks on offense. While they're not likely to approach the 49 points they scored in the Bowl win over UNLV, getting into the 30's is probable. Look for the Rebels to take care of the rest. Take the over (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Arizona State and Texas State at 7:30 pm et on Thursday.

This is a better matchup than most casual college football fans probably realize. Arizona State and Texas State are both off to 2-0 starts. For the Bobcats, this is a massive opportunity to show what their program is about on a national stage. Not only that but with a win here the runway is clear for a truly special season with a very manageable schedule the rest of the way.

I don't think Arizona State will be interested in getting involved in a shootout. Last Saturday, the Sun Devils scored a touchdown just under six minutes into the game but then scored just one additional offensive touchdown the rest of the way (their defense did return a fumble for a touchdown). Even in their season-opener against Wyoming, while they did score 48 points, only four of their six touchdowns were produced by their offense.

Texas State wants to play fast and has proven it can score but we've yet to see it do it against a capable opponent (the Bobcats scored 83 points in their first two games against FCS squad Lamar and UTSA). Noting that Arizona State has already scored three defensive touchdowns this season, Texas State will need to avoid being reckless on offense if it wants to stage the 'upset'.

We've seen this total rise from the opener. Most predictions I've seen indicate we're in for a track meet. I simply feel it's more likely we see the two offenses orchestrate long, clock-churning drives that may or may not result in touchdowns. It's a high-scoring game but perhaps not as high as some are expecting. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on Georgia Southern plus the points over Nevada at 7 pm et on Saturday.

Nevada has been one of the good stories in the early going this season. Little was expected from the Wolf Pack this season but they started off by giving SMU all it could handle and then staged an upset win on the road against Troy last week. I'm not convinced Nevada will keep the positive vibes building on Saturday, however, as it hosts Georgia Southern.

The Eagles nearly pulled off an upset of their own last week but ultimately fell short in a wild 56-45 decision against Boise State. Broncos RB Ashton Jeanty was the story in that contest. Georgia Southern won't have to contend with a future pro runner like that this week.

With the Sun Belt Conference figuring to be extremely competitive this year, the Eagles need to win all the games they should if they're going to go Bowling again. I think they're good enough to do so. While they get a favorable home date against FCS squad South Carolina State next week, they'll have to travel to face Ole Miss the next Saturday. In other words, a loss here and they're staring down a 1-3 record heading into a tough Sun Belt schedule.

This is a game where I expect Georgia Southern's defense to bounce back. Nevada's offense isn't all that difficult to scheme against. The Wolf Pack have a game manager in QB Brendon Lewis running the offense. They'll look to successfully run the football, just as Boise State did against Georgia Southern last week. I'm just not convinced they'll enjoy the same level of success - in fact, I know they won't. The Eagles are far better defensively than they showed - that poor performance had more to do with a talented Broncos offense than anything else.

Offensively, Georgia Southern is still a work-in-progress but I do think there are enough weapons to outlast Nevada on Saturday. Consider this a 'wrong team favored' type of game. Take Georgia Southern (8*).

Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Buffalo plus the points over Missouri at 7 pm et on Saturday.

Talk about a lack of respect. While I understand Missouri is on a rocket ship as a football program and has the potential to shake up the new-look SEC this year, I don't think Buffalo is the down-trodden MAC squad that most believe it is.

Entering the campaign, most had the Bulls pegged to finish third-last in the MAC, ahead of only Ball State and Akron. It's early and that's certainly in the range of possible outcomes but I liked what I saw from Buffalo in its season-opener, even though it came against an FCS opponent in Lafayette last week.

In that contest, the Bulls didn't allow a touchdown (or any points for that matter) until just shy of five minutes into the third quarter. Offensively, QB C.J. Ogbonna showed that he can be more than just a runner, passing for just shy of 200 yards and two touchdowns. WR Nik McMillan has a chance to be a star in this offense and he showed flashes last week, hauling in five catches for 76 yards and a score. Boston College transfer Taji Johnson has the potential to be a load for opposing secondaries as well. His big frame made two catches for 39 yards and a touchdown in the win.

The ground game will be key here as the Bulls have an elite offensive line capable of paving the way for a terrific stable of running backs. I think Buffalo has a good chance of controlling the clock for stretches and ultimately shortening this football game - that's music to the ears of bettors grabbing as many points as we are here.

There's not a lot bad I can say about Missouri's 51-0 romp over Murray State last week. You do wonder whether we'll see the Tigers empty the tank here, however, with the schedule about to toughen up with a game against Boston College next week (followed by the start of SEC play a week later). Note that after scoring four touchdowns (three on offense) in the game's first 12 minutes last week, the Tigers only reached the end zone two more times the rest of the way and one of those scores came with just one second remaining before halftime. I certainly do think Buffalo can give Missouri a bit more of a push than FCS squad Murray State did. This is quite simply too many points. Take Buffalo (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Iowa State and Iowa at 3:30 pm et on Saturday.

Both of these teams are coming off dominant victories in their respective season openers last week. In the case of Iowa, it was a real stunner as the Hawkeyes put up a whopping 40 points. That would have taken them about three games to accomplish last year. With that being said, I'm not anticipating a whole lot of offensive fireworks in the latest instalment in this storied rivalry.

Iowa State WR's Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins went off in last week's win over North Dakota, hauling in 13 catches for 210 yards and a pair of touchdowns...and the Cyclones still scored only 21 points. This is going to be a methodical offense and one that doesn't have a ton of balance right now with RB Abu Sama not a true home run hitter out of the backfield. QB Rocco Becht is solid but he's better suited to being a game manager, especially against a defense as tough as Iowa's.

The Hawkeyes offense got rolling against Illinois State but let's not get too excited. It took them more than a half to find the end zone, recording their first touchdown of the game with just over 11 minutes remaining in the third quarter. They exploded from there but it had more to do with Illinois State not being able to keep its offense on the field than anything else.

While Iowa's defense grabs more headlines, Iowa State is terrific in that department as well. I expect the Cyclones to give Hawkeyes QB Cade McNamara fits all afternoon long on Saturday. Iowa's ground game went off against Illinois State but Iowa State has the athleticism on defense to keep everything in front of it in this matchup.

This game won't be short on entertainment but it might be on points. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati at 12 noon et on Saturday.

When these two teams met almost a year ago to the day, they combined to score just 48 points in a Cincinnati road win. Both of the defenses that played in that game were significantly stronger than the ones we'll see in this rematch, at least in my opinion. Meanwhile, both offenses are upgraded, as evidenced by last week's strong Week 1 showings. I'm anticipating a potential track meet in Cincinnati on Saturday.

Pitt rolled to a 55-24 win over Kent State last Saturday. While the Panthers were boosted by a punt return touchdown, hanging 55 points on an FBS opponent is no joke. QB Eli Holstein looked comfortable running the offense while RB Desmond Reid appeared to take the reins out of the backfield with a 145-yard performance (on just 14 carries). I think the Panthers have plenty of runway this week against a Bearcats defense that is rebuilding in a sense. Cincinnati may get Dontay Corleone back on the field but it's tough to envision him not being on a snap count after dealing with blood clots.

Cincinnati's offense figures to take a leap forward in Scott Satterfield's second year at the helm. The Bearcats wasted no time getting rolling against Towson last week, scoring three offensive touchdowns in a nine-minute stretch in the first quarter. New starting QB Brendan Sorsby has no shortage of weapons at his disposal. Perhaps the biggest news out of Week 1 was the emergence of RB Evan Pryor. He turned four carries into 105 yards and a touchdown in the win. The Bearcats are loaded at the running back position and I believe the Panthers are going to have a difficult time keeping them in front of them all afternoon on Saturday.

Last year's shootout fizzled between these teams. I don't think this year's contest will disappoint, however. We're working with a high total but I believe it could (and should) be even higher. Take the over (8*).

Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between BYU and SMU at 7 pm et on Friday.

The SMU offense didn't come out of the gates on fire this season, although perhaps its struggles in its narrow season-opening win can be forgiven as Nevada has looked better than expected through two games. We saw the Mustangs offense get loose against Houston Baptist last Saturday and while BYU will offer a tougher test, I expect SMU to be up for the challenge.

Even if it was against an FCS opponent, the fact that SMU scored three offensive touchdowns in an eight-minute stretch in the first quarter and then three more in a 21-minute stretch from the third to the fourth quarter - when the game was already well in hand - was impressive to say the least. With all of the returning talent, this has the potential to be one of the country's best offenses as SMU joins the ACC this season.

BYU QB Jake Retzlaff impressed in his debut as the starter, after winning the job over experienced signal-caller Gerry Bohanon in August. I liked the way the Cougars kept pouring it on, much like SMU even against an FCS opponent in Southern Illinois. While Retzlaff stole the headlines with a 348-yard, three-touchdown passing day, the backfield duo of L.J. Martin and Hinckley Ropati have the potential to be special as well. Add in shoe-in WR1 in Chase Roberts (he hauled in seven catches for 108 yards and also ran the ball twice in the win over SIU) and the Cougars offense appears to be in good shape.

SMU's defense wasn't really tested last week but did allow what should be a pedestrian Nevada offense to score touchdowns in each of the first three quarters in its season-opener. Expect plenty of points on the board on Friday night. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between LSU and USC at 7:30 pm et on Sunday.

This game is begging for 'over' money with the total dropping a couple of points. Both of these teams were built for shootouts last year and on a fast track at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, most will be anticipating more of the same in Sunday's season-opener. I'm not so easily convinced.

LSU loses a slew of offensive weapons from last year's team. The cupboard is by no means bare but you don't get better with the likes of QB Jayden Daniels and WR's Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas moving on to the NFL. That's not to mention the fact that offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock left for Notre Dame. As we saw in the ReliaQuest Bowl, the Tigers offense can still thrive with QB Garrett Nussmeier under center. I do think there could be some growing pains early on, however, and the Tigers will be facing what can only be an improved USC defense after making a splash in the transfer portal.

The Trojans are also ushering in a new era at quarterback with Caleb Williams now a Chicago Bear. Miller Moss has been anointed the starter in Week 1 but it likely won't be long until he's replaced by UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava. There are more questions than answers on this USC offense with RB MarShawn Lloyd onto the NFL and unproven talent at the wide receiver position.

There's no question LSU is focuses on improving its defense following a disastrous 2023 campaign. With an almost entirely new defensive coaching staff and just enough difference-makers returning to the field, there's only one way to go and that's up. Take the under (8*).

Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Old Dominion plus the points over South Carolina at 4:15 pm et on Saturday.

Last year, we successfully faded Old Dominion in Week 1 as it was in the wrong place at the wrong time, facing a revenge-minded Virginia Tech squad in Blacksburg, Expectations aren't all that high for Old Dominion this season, even if they've exceeded them time and time again. I like the continuity for the Monarchs with Ricky Rahne having been the head coach since 2020 and finally a carry-over at quarterback in Grant Wilson returning. Wilson is a standout but certainly not a household name. I like his chances of steadying the Monarchs offense and ultimately keeping his team competitive in this game.

South Carolina ushers in a new era at quarterback with LaNorris Sellers taking over. The redshirt freshman is loaded with potential as a dual-threat to ignite the Gamecocks offense. I'm just not sure an offense gets better by losing the likes of WR's Xavier Legette and Antwane Wells and TE Trey Knox. The fact that Sellers will be taking over the offense for the first time with a slew of other new faces is concerning from a pointspread perspective at least.

Much like Grant Wilson is the unquestioned leader on offense, the Monarchs boast a good one on defense as well in LB Jason Henderson. He led the entire country in tackles last season and is back to lead the way in 2024. Of course, there are changes to deal with on the defensive side of the football - par for the course in today's college football world. If there's a weakness or question mark on the Monarchs defense it's in the secondary, but I'm not convinced Sellers will be able to take full advantage right out of the gates.

I mentioned expectations are rather low for Old Dominion. Most have it pegged for sixth place (out of seven teams) in the ultra-competitive Sun Belt East Division. We're talking about a team that made great strides last season and narrowly missed out on a Bowl victory. I'm willing to give the Monarchs the benefit of the doubt, even against an SEC foe on the road in Week 1. Look for a closer game than most are expecting. Take Old Dominion (10*).