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October 7th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Connecticut Huskies @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Date: Friday, October 8th, 7:30 ET
Location: Rutgers Stadium, Piscataway, NJ
Game Line: Connecticut -5.5
Over/Under 41.5

The 3-2 UConn Huskies and the 2-2 Rutgers Scarlet Knights both kick off their conference schedule Friday night in this battle between Big East opponents. Connecticut has had some major problems away from Storrs this year, getting trounced by 20 in the Big House against Michigan and falling to lowly Temple by two touchdowns in front of a sparse Philadelphia crowd. To stave off more road woes, they will need a big game from RB Jordan Todman. Todman is currently the fourth leading rusher in the nation with almost 160 yards per game on the ground and the Scarlet Knights will see a big dose of him on Friday night. Last week against Vanderbilt, Todman carried the ball on almost half the team’s plays, rushing for 190 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries. Rutgers comes into this game struggling mightily with their two wins being against FCS Norfolk State and Sun Belt bottom-dweller Florida International. Last week was perhaps the biggest indicator of HC Greg Schiano’s current struggles with the team, as they suffered a humiliating 17-14 defeat at home against Tulane despite being a 17 point favorite per the college football betting line. In the game, QB Tom Savage got hurt during the second quarter and was replaced by Chas Dodd at halftime. Schiano has been vague regarding the specifics of Savage’s injury and it remains a game-time decision whether Savage or Dodd will start against the Huskies. No matter who starts, the Scarlet Knights must get some productivity from their quarterback position rather than the benign play they have been getting for the first four games.

Free College Football Picks: Rutgers +5.5
Prediction: Connecticut 21 Rutgers 20


Matchup: #21 Oklahoma St Cowboys @ Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns
Date: Friday, October 8th, 9:00 ET
Location: Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA
Game Line: Oklahoma St -24
Over/Under 61.5

#21 Oklahoma St puts their undefeated record on the line Friday night when they travel to Cajun Country to take on 2-2 UL-Lafayette. Last Thursday night, the Cowboys played in one of the most exciting games of the young NCAA football betting season against Big XII South rival Texas A&M. Oklahoma St went from down 14 to up 14 to needing a last second FG off a Jerrod Johnson interception to beat the Aggies 38-35 and propel the Cowboys into the Top 25. The Cowboys struggled mightily on offense in the first half, but QB Brandon Weeden and RB Kendall Hunter both came out strong in the second half and finished the game with respectable numbers. Oklahoma St must improve on the defensive side of the ball though. The Aggies put up pinball numbers against the Cowboys’ defense, amassing 535 total yards on the night, and would have put up even better numbers if they didn’t turn the ball over five times. The Ragin’ Cajuns are currently 2-1 in conference play, with their only game against a BCS opponent so far this year being a 55-7 trouncing at the hands of 1-4 Georgia. Last week against North Texas, UL Lafayette got a magnificent stroke of luck when the Mean Green kicker missed a game-tying extra point with less than a minute to go to give the Ragin’ Cajuns a 28-27 victory. QB Chris Masson had a very good game last week, completing 18 of 32 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns while not turning the ball over in the victory. UL-Lafayette must get better at running the ball though, after carrying the ball 25 times for only 41 yards as a team against the Mean Green last Saturday.

Free College Football Picks: UL Lafayette +24
Prediction: Oklahoma State 45 UL Lafayette 27

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October 7th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor
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Here at Cappers Info, we are taking a weekly look at the teams that could be ones ripe to pull off some major upsets! Check out the potentially ugly dogs that could come up and bite you in the butt in you aren't careful for the Week 6 of college football betting action!

Underdog Pick #1: Florida State Seminoles (OTB at Diamond Sportsbook) @ Miami Hurricanes, Saturday, 8:00 ET: When this game opened up earlier in the week, Florida State was a 6.5 point underdog. There are still some outlets that have this game on the board, but right now, QB Jacory Harris is up in the air with a shoulder injury, and if he can't play, this line will move dramatically. We're sort of opening that Harris does play, giving us a more favorable line. The Seminoles are absolutely legit this year, and they have proved it in ACC play by blowing away both Virginia and Wake Forest. This would be the biggest win in the Jimbo Fisher era, one that badly needs to get off the ground in a hurry to live up to expectations. The Canes have been very, very impressive during this rough stretch of games, and though they aren't usually candidates to end up losing their second home game of the season, Florida State provides a significantly different challenge. The garnet and gold remember that loss suffered last year at Doak Campbell Stadium. Payback could be a you know what on Saturday night.

Underdog Pick #2: Colorado Buffaloes (+400 at Diamond Sportsbook) @ Missouri Tigers, Saturday 7:00 ET: Now we'll get the chance to see whether the Buffs are real or not. HC Dan Hawkins knows that he needs to string together at least four wins in conference play this year, and this very much so a winnable fixture that could make the Big XII North race very, very interesting. Though we know that the Tigers are still undefeated and ranked, we aren't so sure that they belong there. The schedule hasn't been particularly difficult, and though there have been a few stingy teams show up, none are probably as strong as Colorado really is. If the Buffaloes hold onto the football, this is a very, very winnable game, and we'll take our chances that it will happen at least one out of five times for us to break even. Here's to QB Blaine Gabbert not choosing now to go off on one of his patented 450+ yard passing tirades.

Underdog Pick #3: Pittsburgh Panthers (+200 at Diamond Sportsbook) @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Saturday, 3:30 ET: If the Panthers are legitimate contenders in the Big East this year, they certainly are underrated in this game by the oddsmakers. The more we watch Notre Dame, the more we aren't so sure of their abilities. Yes, they notched another cover last week by beating Boston College, but who doesn't beat the Eagles nowadays? U-Pitt is still feeling the effects of that beat down suffered at the hands of the Hurricanes, but in "The U" is that good, losses to Miami and Utah shouldn't cause you to shy away. QB Tino Sunseri has to be getting better just by experience, and if RB Dion Lewis comes back into the lineup, it will make the offense just that much better. Don't be overly shocked to see the Panthers come out and take care of the Golden Domers with ease, especially if that front four can really put pressure on QB Dayne Crist in the pocket.

Underdog Pick #4: USC Trojans (+300 at Diamond Sportsbook) @ Stanford Cardinal, Saturday, 8:00 ET: Losing last week to the Washington Huskies will clearly do one of two things for the Trojans. They'll either wake up and remember that they still have over half of a season to play, or they'll fold up shop remembering that they don't have a bowl game to go chase after. We know that this team is good enough to win this game, just as Stanford was good enough to win back in LA last year. However, that victory could be a cause for concern for HC Jim Harbaugh's crew. The Men of Troy aren't usually ones to forget about defeats easily, though things are clearly different this year. We have to remember the psyche of the Cardinal as well. Just how well will they bounce back after they not only blew a 21-3 lead against the Oregon Ducks last week, but were ultimately obliterated? We'll take our chances that the upset very well could be in the cards, knowing that the Trojans could legitimately get their doors blown off as well.

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October 6th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: #6 Nebraska Cornhuskers @ Kansas State Wildcats
Date: Thursday, October 7th, 7:45 ET
Location: Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS
Game Line: Nebraska -11.5
Over/Under 51

The 4-0 Nebraska Cornhuskers will put their #6 ranking on the line Thursday night when they travel to Manhattan to take on the 4-0 Kansas State Wildcats. After the disastrous years of Bill Callahan, order has been restored to Lincoln under HC Bo Pelini. Pelini’s defense was quite possibly the best in the nation last year and has looked very good so far in 2010. The Black Shirts defense has allowed just under 13 PPG after the Cornhuskers’ first four games, including completely shutting down top quarterback prospect Jake Locker two games ago. Locker completed just 20% of his passes for 71 yards and threw two interceptions in Nebraska’s 56-21 rout of the Huskies. The Cornhuskers have been pretty impressive on the offensive side of the ball as well under dual-threat freshman QB Taylor Martinez. Although Martinez struggled in the Cornhuskers’ 17-3 win against South Dakota St, his versatility gives the Cornhuskers’ offense something that was lacking last year. Kansas State has gone relatively unnoticed during their undefeated start to the season. Venerable HC Bill Snyder has shown he still has what it takes to coach and has the Wildcats poised to make their first bowl appearance since 2006. They are led on offense by sensational RB Daniel Thomas, who already has carried the ball for 628 yards and six touchdowns in 2010. Two weeks ago however, Thomas was kept in check by a UCF defense, being held to just 76 yards on 22 carries. If Kansas State hopes to knock off the Cornhuskers, Thomas will have to have a big game against the stout Nebraska defense.

Free College Football Picks: Nebraska -11.5
Prediction: Nebraska 27 Kansas St 10

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October 5th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: UAB Blazers @ UCF Knights
Date: Wednesday, October 6th, 8:00 ET
Location: Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando, FL
Game Line: UCF -13
Over/Under 49

The University of Central Florida Knights kick off their conference schedule Wednesday night when they play host to the University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers. UCF is 2-2 and very well could be 4-0 with a little bit of luck. The Knights outgained NC State by 70 yards in their second game, but five turnovers killed their chances of beating the Wolfpack and led to a seven point defeat. Two Saturdays ago, the Knights had two fourth quarter leads in Manhattan against Kansas State, but allowed a touchdown with less than a minute to go and lost 17-13. Still, the Knights have looked a lot better after true freshman Jeff Godfrey supplanted Ryan Calabrese at quarterback. The mobile Godfrey gives the Knights a dual threat and although he isn’t much of a quarterback at this point, he gives the Knights the best chance to win. As for the Blazers, they could be legitimately 3-1, but a one point loss to Florida Atlantic and a double overtime loss at Tennessee leave UAB at 1-3. The loss to Tennessee was particularly brutal as the Blazers routed the Vols in every area but the scoreboard. UAB put up 544 yards of offense against Tennessee while only allowing 287 but still found a way to lose the game. QB Bryan Ellis will need to put up a big game for the Blazers if they hope to beat the Knights on their home turf.

Free College Football Picks: UCF -13
Final Score Prediction: UCF 34 UAB 17

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October 4th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Troy Trojans @ Middle Tennessee St Blue Raiders
Date: Tuesday, October 5th, 8:00 ET
Location: Johnny Floyd Stadium, Murfreesboro, TN
Game Line: Middle Tennessee St -3
Over/Under OTB

Much was expected of the Middle Tennessee St Blue Raiders at the start of the season, but All-Sun Belt QB Dwight Dasher’s suspension and a 2-2 start have dampened expectations for a team that quite a few experts thought could run the table. However, the Blue Raiders are currently 1-0 in conference and with Dasher returning to take over the starting job from Logan Kilgore, MTSU is in good shape coming into the game that will probably decide the winner of the Sun Belt conference. Middle Tennessee St got off to a strong start in conference play last Saturday, coasting to a 34-14 road win against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns. Running backs Phillip Tanner and D.D. Kyles dominated the game for MTSU on the ground, with the two combining to carry the ball 22 times for 188 yards and three touchdowns, while Kilgore was efficient enough through the air for the Blue Raiders to secure the win. Meanwhile, Troy comes into this key match-up 1-0 in conference as well after last week’s 35-28 victory against Arkansas St. In the victory, Troy put up over 500 yards of offense led by QB Corey Robinson who threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Troy will need to shore up a defense though that is allowing 32.5 PPG despite facing only one BCS opponent in their first four games. Another interesting note for bettors to consider is that all four of Troy’s games have been decided by seven points or less. Thus, gamblers should expect a close high scoring game with Middle Tennessee St eventually pulling away and the Blue Raiders putting themselves in the driver’s seat for the Sun Belt title.

Free College Football Picks: Middle Tennessee St -3
Prediction: Middle Tennessee St 41 Troy 31

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October 1st, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Florida Gators @ Alabama Crimson Tide
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 8:00 ET
Location: Bryant Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
Game Line: Alabama -8.5
Over/Under 48

This is the game that everyone has been waiting for this year. The winner of the Alabama/Florida battle has played for the BCS Championship in each of the last two seasons, and this year very well might not be an exception either. The Gators enter this one with a defense that is probably significantly underrated. There aren't many teams in the land that can say that they have held four teams, all of FBS quality to 17 points or less. RB Jeff Demps has been knocked up just a tad, but that is probably because he has been called upon too many times this year. Still, this is a man with lightning quick speed that can bust a game open in a heartbeat. Watch out for QB/WR/RB Trey Burton, who comes in on the goal line to run the old QB Tim Tebow playbook. QB John Brantley might not be capable, but Burton already has seven scores on the year on the ground and one through the air. As for Brantley, he is improving as his center Mike Pouncey is improving. He has thrown for 700 yards with six scores and a pick this year. However, stopping the Tide is going to be a totally different challenge. RB Mark Ingram is averaging over 150 yards per game on the ground since coming back to the lineup, while QB Greg McElroy still hasn't lost a game at this level. He came up big last week, throwing for 194 yards in the comeback win against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Still, when push comes to shove, we think that we've seen every trick in HC Nick Saban's book. We certainly haven't seen it all out of HC Urban Meyer as of yet. This could be a mighty interesting game, and we want as many points as we can in this NCAA football showdown.

Free College Football Picks: Florida +8.5
Prediction: Florida 24 – Alabama 23

Matchup: Stanford Cardinal @ Oregon Ducks
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 8:00 ET
Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
Game Line: Oregon -6.5
Over/Under 66

These two Top 10 teams could both be in the running both for the Rose Bowl and for the National Championship, and both are clearly at the top of their game right now. The Quack Attack might have the best offense in the land, and RB LaMichael James might be reintroducing himself to the world on Saturday night. James has rushed for 475 yards this year, which is saying something considering the fact that he was suspended for the first game of the year. This is an offense which has put at least 42 points on the board in all four meetings. Of course, save that 31 points against Arizona State last week, the 'D' had only allowed 13 total points as well. It's not like Stanford has slacked, though. In two home games, the Cardinal have a combined margin of victory of 120-41. On the road, it is 72-14. QB Andrew Luck might be making himself a Heisman Trophy contender. He'll get over the 1,000 yard mark for the year on Saturday, and he'll hopefully add to his 11 TDs on the season. The problem that Luck has is that no one will be watching this game, since they'll all be watching Alabama play Florida. The good news for Luck, though? He'll be leading a tremendous upset at Autzen Stadium.

Free College Football Picks: Stanford +6.5
Prediction: Stanford 38 – Oregon 34

Matchup: Washington Huskies @ USC Trojans
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 8:00 ET
Location: Los Angeles Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
Game Line: USC -10
Over/Under 60.5

If there is one game that the Trojans should be getting up for this year, this is it. The Huskies embarrassed USC last year, and considering the fact that there isn't a bowl game to look forward to, an immense heaping of payback would be the sweetest recourse. U-Dub has a lot of troubles right now. The Huskies need to get a much better game out of QB Jake Locker, and Locker needs to have the big game as well, not just for his team, but for his NFL Draft stock as well. It feels like centuries ago, but two weeks ago when Locker ran up against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, he only went 4-for-20 through the air. QB Matt Barkley has already thrown for 12 TDs and 941 yards this year, and he is clearly showing that he wants to lead this team. The last time that Washington came to LA, the Men of Troy won 56-0. It might not be that bad in the end, but when push comes to shove, even a victory by 11 points is as good as one by 50. Back the Trojans on Saturday night.

Free College Football Picks: USC -10
Prediction: USC 34 – Washington 17

Matchup: Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Boston College Eagles
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 8:00 ET
Location: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA
Game Line: Boston College +2.5
Over/Under 46

The two Catholic schools that are bitter rivals in on the collegiate gridiron will duke it out on Saturday night. The Eagles and Fighting Irish really don't like each other, and that really takes away the fact that neither of these teams are heading anywhere in particular this year. Notre Dame badly needs a win to get going, or HC Brian Kelly might be finding himself out on the streets very, very soon in his first year. QB Dayne Crist has thrown for 1,155 yards and eight scores this year, which is a far cry from what anyone on Boston College has been capable of doing this year. The Eagles are coming off of a pathetic offensive performance that they have had in quite some time in the form of a 19-0 loss to the Virginia Tech Hokies. This is an interesting battle between teams that could blow up and could fizzle out. BC has covered three of the L/4 in this series, but this seems to be too important of a game for the Fighting Irish to lose. We've been losing with the Golden Domers quite a bit, but we still think this is a team that is underrated and is worthy of backing.

Free College Football Picks: Notre Dame -2.5
Prediction: Notre Dame 27 – Boston College 20

Matchup: Penn State Nittany Lions @ Iowa Hawkeyes
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 8:05 ET
Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
Game Line: Iowa -7
Over/Under 40.5

This is a very interesting tussle between two teams that don't like each other, and no one is really talking about it. The Hawkeyes just seem to have Penn State's number, and HC Joe Paterno knows that this is going to be a very, very difficult task. His freshman QB Robert Bolden is trying his best this year, but he is only completing 60.2 percent of his passes for 823 yards with three scores and five picks. Last week was the resurgence of RB Evan Royster, who finally had his first 100 yard rushing game against the Temple Owls. However, Iowa is still upset about that loss to the Arizona Wildcats two weeks ago. The Hawkeyes still have to have the ability to win the BCS Championship, but they have a lot of work to do and need to get quite a bit of help in doing so. QB Ricky Stanzi has thrown for 999 yards and has nine scores and a pick, but the Hawkeyes' 'D' has been the key. Save allowing 34 to Arizona, the defense has only allowed a total of 14 points in three games. Go with the Hawkeyes and lay the tuddy.

Free College Football Picks: Iowa -7
Prediction: Iowa 21 – Iowa State 7

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October 1st, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Matchup: Ohio State Buckeyes @ Illinois Fighting Illini
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00 ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
Game Line: Illinois +17
Over/Under 50.5

This game has the makings to be a very interesting one. The 2010 Buckeyes have never seen what it's like to play on the road, while the 2010 Illini have never felt what it is like to go up against a defense on this caliber. Here's what we do know. QB Terrelle Pryor is going to get his yards and his points, and there's nothing that Illinois can do about it. Pryor is just that good. There's a reason that he leads this team in rushing and is starting to put up passing numbers that can rival anyone in the nation. Pryor is completing 66.4 percent of his passes, is averaging right around 235 passing yards per game, and a 10/2 TD/INT ratio. Here's what else we know. The Buckeyes have an amazing defense. The 'D' did look relatively mortal last week, allowing three TDs to the Eastern Michigan Eagles, the lowliest team on the schedule, but prior to that, the unit had only allowed three TDs all season. The other three scores came via special teams blunders. For Illinois, RB Mikel LeShoure is going to have to take the pressure off of freshman QB Nathan Scheelhaase. If Scheelhaase is forced into trying to make things happen, he is going to be in for an incredibly long day. The frosh is only completing 54.4 percent of his passes, and he is just barely over 120 yards per game on average. However, the Fighting Illini had two weeks to prepare for this game, and the Buckeyes might be caught napping just a tad. This could be closer than the experts think.

Free College Football Picks: Illinois +17
Prediction: Ohio State 31 – Illinois 20

Matchup: Louisiana Monroe Warhawks @ Auburn Tigers
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00 ET
Location: Jordan Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL
Game Line: Auburn -35
Over/Under 54

The Warhawks might be coming into this battle at 1-2, but they are clearly going to be outmatched by a very strong Auburn team. Perception on the Tigers is awfully high right now after they took out both the South Carolina teams, the South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers in close calls at home in the L/2 weeks. QB Cam Newton is still in the discussion for the Heisman Trophy, and for good reason. It's not what Newton is doing with his arm that is so dangerous. It's what his legs are accomplishing. Newton has rushed for 485 yards and five TDs, and he has directly accounted for all but three scores for Auburn all season long. Newton parlayed with RBs Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb creates a backfield that cannot be stopped by a team from the Sun Belt. The three are the majority of the Tigers' seventh ranked rushing attack in the land. The defense has been shoddy at times, but when push comes to shove, Auburn knows how to buckle down and get three and outs and turnovers when need be. The same just can't be said about ULM. The Warhawks are averaging just 16.0 points per game offensively and are conceding 413.0 yards per game in total, a number that is significantly higher against FBS foes. This will be a blowout from the start.

Free College Football Picks: Auburn -35
Prediction: Auburn 41 – Louisiana Monroe 3

Matchup: Miami Hurricanes @ Clemson Tigers
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00 ET
Location: Clemson Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC
Game Line: Clemson +3
Over/Under 50.5

These two ACC foes have only locked horns three times in their existence, and all three games have been classics won by the road team in overtime. Clemson is already 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS against Miami all-time. However, the Tigers have some real problems right now. QB Kyle Parker was supposed to be the savior this year, but that just hasn't been the case since he decided to come back and play another year at quarterback for Clemson instead of pursuing a baseball career. Though Parker's 6:1 TD/INT ratio is rock solid, he is only completing 58.3 percent of his passes and has just 504 yards through the air in three games. The defense has been even more questionable, allowing 388.3 yards per game and 19.3 points per game. Those numbers might not all seem that bad, but the game against the Auburn Tigers was the only game of substance on the schedule. For the Canes, they took care of the Pitt Panthers last week in resounding fashion with a 31-3 victory on primetime football on Thursday night. The victory more than atoned for the 36-24 defeat at the Horseshoe back on September 11th. QB Jacory Harris has an outside shot at winning the Heisman Trophy this year, but the defense is going to have to carry this team. This unit has only allowed 131.7 passing yards per game, a number that Parker had better test for the Tigers to have a shot at victory in this one. Don't be shocked if Miami jumps out to another quick start in this one and runs away with it in the second half.

Free College Football Picks: Miami -3
Prediction: Miami 27 – Clemson 13

Matchup: Northwestern Wildcats @ Minnesota Golden Gophers
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00 ET
Location: Mall of America Field, Minneapolis, MN
Game Line: Minnesota +5.5
Over/Under 53.5

There's something fishy that's bothering us about this game. The Wildcats are 4-0 this year, and even though they haven't looked all that great in doing so, there's a great chance for them to crack into the Top 25 with wins in these next few weeks. QB Dan Persa has been one of the most efficient signal callers in the entire land, as he has accounted for 1,221 yards of offense and ten total scores against just one pick on the year. His 80.2 completion percentage is also the tops that the country has to offer for QBs with at least 100 attempts. The Northwestern defense also ranks 22nd in the nation in scoring defense at 15.5 points per game and hasn't allowed more than 25 all season long to a foe. Meanwhile, Minnesota is a mess. The Gophers have lost three straight, all at home, and they haven't covered any of the three games. The offense has totally lost its identity after rumbling all over the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders on opening night on the ground. As for the defense, is it ever a good thing to give up 41 points to South Dakota? 32 to USC was remotely acceptable, but 34 to Northern Illinois really wasn't either. So why on earth are the Wildcats only short favorites? Logic tells you that at some point, the Golden Gophers are winning a game at home, and with the only home dates left after this one coming against Penn State, Ohio State, and Iowa, there is certainly a desperation to avoid a winless season at home. Don't be shocked if this one ends with the mild upset.

Free College Football Picks: Minnesota +5.5
Prediction: Minnesota 37 – Northwestern 31

Matchup: Navy Midshipmen @ Air Force Falcons
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 2:30 ET
Location: Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, CO
Game Line: Air Force -10
Over/Under 49.5

If you like the triple option, this is the game for you! The Middies and Falcons clearly do it as well as anyone in the country, and they'll do it down after down after down regardless of what the situation is. The bottom line here is that these offenses are both stellar and both know exactly what the other defense is up to. For Navy, it's QB Ricky Dobbs that is going to be leading the way one year after he led the nation in rushing TDs. For Air Force, QB Tim Jefferson has the ability to throw some as well as running the option to a high level of success. The question that is going to separate these two teams is whether either can really stop the other or not. So far this year, no team is holding foes to fewer passing yards per game than the Naval Academy at 99.3, while the defense ranks in the Top 25 in both total 'D' (262.0 YPG, 12th) and scoring 'D' (15.7 PPG, 24th). For Air Force, the unit has been a little bit more modest at 306.8 yards per game and 19.0 points per game. The difference that we must consider though, is strength of schedule. The Falcons have already taken on BYU, Oklahoma, and Wyoming this year, a far cry from Louisiana Tech and Maryland Terrapins for Navy. This is a lot of points, but we are going to trust the hosts to sink the Middies in what could be a big statement game towards the Commander in Chief Trophy.

Free College Football Picks: Air Force -10
Prediction: Air Force 45 – Navy 28

Matchup: Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 ET
Location: Cotton Bowl, Dallas, TX
Game Line: Oklahoma -3
Over/Under 45

Speaking of games that look a little fishy… Ok, we'll be the first to admit that the two combatants in the Red River Rivalry this year haven't played up to par, especially last week when the 'Horns were trashed at home by the UCLA Bruins 34-12. Oklahoma hasn't played well either, except when good competition comes calling. The Florida State Seminoles were dumped 47-17. Aside from that, the Sooners haven't beaten anyone by more than a TD this year. Still, we tend to think that DC Will Muschamp is going to be the difference maker in this game. We aren't quite sure how he does it game in and game out, but Muschamp always finds a way to frustrate opposing quarterbacks and come up with great game plans. He got a great look at QB Landry Jones last year and knows what the sophomore is up to. Now, it will be up to the likes of DE Sam Acho to get to Jones and pressure the OU offense into some dumb decisions. The season is on the line for the Longhorns, who absolutely will not be able to recover from defeat. We tend to believe that Texas got its wake up call last weekend and will be able to shake it off. Oklahoma has had some close calls, but has yet to be defeated. If the Sooners just try to coast by in this one, they'll get beaten and potentially beaten bad. We love the Longhorns on Saturday afternoon.

Free College Football Picks: Texas +3
Prediction: Texas 27 – Oklahoma 16

Matchup: Wisconsin Badgers @ Michigan State Spartans
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 ET
Location: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
Game Line: Michigan State +2
Over/Under 50.5

Will the real Wisconsin Badgers please stand up? The Badgers have had three very questionable games and one totally dominating one this year, but that doesn't instill a lot of confidence in us that this is a squad that is really ready for Big Ten play this year. We know what we're getting out of Michigan State, a team that we are convinced is incredibly overrated. Without that "Little Giants" play, the Spartans are 3-1 right now and are probably 5-6 point underdogs against the Badgers, particularly off of their 70-3 romp over Austin Peay last week. We tend to believe that we've seen as good as it gets out of HC Mark Dantonio's men. We know that we haven't seen the best from Wisconsin yet. There's a reason that this is a Top 10 team in the nation. The combination of a massive, veteran offensive line, a second year quarterback that many think is a pro prospect (QB Scott Tolzein), a Heisman Trophy caliber running back (RB John Clay), and a defense that is historically stifling should be too tough to tame. If the Badgers can give this one everything that they have, they'll pick up a monstrous win in Big Ten play to start off their march towards the Rose Bowl this year.

Free College Football Picks: Wisconsin -2
Prediction: Wisconsin 34 – Michigan State 16

Matchup: Tennessee Volunteers @ LSU Tigers
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 ET
Location: Tigers Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA
Game Line: LSU -16.5
Over/Under 42.5

Perception is certainly down right now on HC Derek Dooley's team, especially after needing OT to just narrowly knock off a bad UAB Blazers squad last week. However, this is a team that finds ways to scrap and claw in games and just stick around to be a thorn in the opposition's side, something that the Bayou Bengals will be finding out on Saturday afternoon. We still have absolutely zero confidence in QB Jordon Jefferson's abilities to run this offense. The Tigers rank 116th in the nation in passing 'O' at 110.0 yards per game and just 102nd overall at 299.8 yards per game. The toughest part of this schedule hasn't even gotten started yet. In order to cover 16.5 points in NCAA football betting action, you have to find a way to score at least 17 points. Though this is a team that has scored at least 20 in all four of its games, it is also one that has not scored more than 30 against anyone either. Meanwhile in Rocky Top, QB Matt Simms is starting to round into his own, and it could get scary for the opposition as this season wears on. Simms has a 6/3 TD/INT ratio and has thrown for 836 yards in four games. No, he's not better than his departed brethren QB Jonathan Crompton, but he is doing the little things to make this work. The Vols were victorious here in 2005, so they know that beating the Bayou is possible. We might be a little adventurous to be calling for the outright upset, but this is certain a ton of points that we are catching regardless.

Free College Football Picks: Tennessee +16.5
Prediction: Tennessee 17 – LSU 14

Matchup: Michigan Wolverines @ Indiana Hoosiers
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 ET
Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
Game Line: Indiana +10.5
Over/Under 65

Last year, it was a 36-33 win by the Michigan Wolverines in this series that really started the downward spiral for Big Blue, as things never really got better from there. The Hoosiers have to be beaming with confidence right now from the standpoint that they are 3-0, albeit against lousy competition, but that they have a legitimate chance to go bowling, especially if they can pull off this upset. QB Ben Chappell, again, against bad competition, has been stellar this year and is really learning how to take care of the football. He is completing 72.4 percent of his passes for 890 yards and nine scores without an INT. Meanwhile, all eyes are going to be fixated on Heisman Trophy favorite QB Denard Robinson. All of a sudden, Robinson went from being the second best signal caller on his team to one of the best in the country. He still leads the nation in rushing with 688 yards, and his six rushing scores leads the team. Michigan ranks second in the country in rushing offense at 331.2 yards per game and is tops overall at 562.8 yards per game. An experienced Indiana offense which returns the majority of the players from last year's team that also went into Ann Arbor at 3-0 should be able to move the ball against the offense. The key last year was keeping QB Tate Forcier, and eventually Robinson in the pocket. The two quarterbacks only combined for 21 carries, 39 yards, and a TD. If that's all that Robinson comes up with on Saturday on the road, the Wolverines are in a boatload of trouble. There could be an upset brewing in the Big Ten, but we tend to believe that Big Blue will find a way to narrow survive, just like last year.

Free College Football Picks: Indiana +10.5
Prediction: Michigan 42 – Indiana 38

Matchup: Virginia Tech Hokies @ NC State Wolfpack
Date: Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30 ET
Location: Carter Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC
Game Line: NC State +3.5
Over/Under 53

When are the oddsmakers going to learn that the Wolfpack are for real? HC Tom O'Brien has a winning team that gained all sorts of momentum from last year's narrow escape at home against the North Carolina Tar Heels to end the year. Since that point, the Wolfpack are 5-0 SU and ATS. QB Russell Wilson is largely to thank for that. The third year starter has thrown for 1,112 yards and 11 TDs against just one INT this year. Many probably don't realize it, but NC State is averaging 434.2 yards per game against a respectable schedule that includes games against C-USA favorites, the UCF Knights, a team that went undefeated last year in the regular season, the Cincinnati Bearcats, and last year's ACC champs, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Though it is fairly clear that this Virginia Tech team is significantly better than your average unranked 2-2 team, we still don't quite buy in yet. RB Ryan Williams is out once again from this game, which really leaves some big question marks at running back. QB Tyrod Taylor is the only man averaging more than 45 rushing yards per game on the season. If NCSU can lock down Taylor in the pocket and keep him from finding deep threats WR Jarrett Boykin and WR Danny Coale, this game will be relatively easy. Time for some R-E-S-P-E-C-T for the Wolfpack in a game in which the wrong team is favored by the oddsmakers.

Free College Football Picks: NC State +3.5
Prediction: NC State 31 – Virginia Tech 20

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September 30th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor
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Here at Cappers Info, we are taking a weekly look at the teams that could be ones ripe to pull off some major upsets! Check out the potentially ugly dogs that could come up and bite you in the butt in you aren't careful for the Week 5 of college football betting action!

Eastern Michigan Eagles (+650 at Diamond Sportsbook) vs. Ohio Bobcats, Saturday, 12:00 ET: The Eagles haven't won a game in 16 tries, so what makes us think that today is the day that all of a sudden that losing streak will be broken? This an Ohio team that has played incredibly poorly this year. Against FBS foes, they have been outscored by the aggregate score of 87-43, and they are just 1-2 ATS to show for three losses. The defense has been acceptable, at least against modest opponents not named Ohio State, but the offense has been putrid, averaging just over 250 yards per game. Yes, you can say that EMU was beaten 73-20 by those same Buckeyes last week, but we are far more focused on the 20 than the 73. The Eagles didn't score any garbage points, and they were the first team to really do some legitimate damage to this OSU 'D'. The play of QB Alex Gillett this year has been good enough for Eastern Michigan to get into the win column at some point, and this seems like the perfect day for that job to get done.

Colorado Buffaloes (+160 at Diamond Sportsbook) vs. Georgia Bulldogs, Saturday, 7:00 ET: Are the oddsmakers putting too much stock in the fact that the Bulldogs are in the SEC as opposed to Colorado being in the Big XII, or do they really believe that WR AJ Green is going to make that much of a difference to the UGA offense? Neither of these teams are all that good, and yes, we understand that the Bulldogs are in dire need of a win to help take HC Mark Richt off of the hot seat, but there's something about the way the Buffs are playing right now that encourages us. Also, save for a stretch of about ten minutes against the Arkansas Razorbacks, Georgia has had absolutely no luck trying to find the end zone. Granted, we know that that may change with Green suiting once again, but perhaps QB Aaron Murray and his offense just aren't that good. QB Tyler Hansen looks at least remotely competent for the first time in his career, completing 63.5 percent of his passes for 558 yards with four scores and four picks, and if he can put together a remotely reasonable games, the Buffs might be on their way to some big things this weekend.

Texas Longhorns (+160 at Diamond Sportsbook) vs. Oklahoma Sooners, Saturday, 3:30 ET: Perception is everything. The perception is as bad as it can get right now on a Texas team that put forth perhaps its worst game in years last week against the UCLA Bruins. That being said, we tend to believe that the Longhorns were overrated coming into the season, but they are clearly being undervalued right now. Oklahoma seems to be getting a bit of a pass in spite of the fact that it could just as easily be 1-3 right now as it is 4-0. If that were the case, the Sooners would be dogs by at least a TD in this game. They're still the same two teams on the field. Whereas Oklahoma has yet to really get its firm wakeup call this year, the 'Horns just had theirs. Don't be shocked if the burnt orange come out and give good ol' OU a beat down that will serve as a good lesson to the Sooners for the rest of the season.

Tennessee Volunteers (+700 at Diamond Sportsbook) @ LSU Tigers, Saturday, 3:30 ET: Don't kid yourself… This is a game that is winnable for the Vols. Last week, we picked against LSU and nearly turned up roses at a huge price with the West Virginia Mountaineers, and we tend to believe that it's only a matter of time before someone picks off HC Les Miles' club. The UT defense might be the best that the Tigers have seen all season long to date, which is saying something considering the fact that WVU was in town last weekend. If this holds true, this could be a game that is changed by one game breaking moment. QB Matt Simms has proven to be competent this year, and if he can just find a way to be reasonable and not turn the ball over a lot, the Volunteers could escape the Tigers' lair with a much needed 'W' for the coaching well being of HC Derek Dooley.

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September 24th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Oklahoma Sooners (-13.5) @ Cincinnati Bearcats
Saturday, September 25th
6:00 ET, Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

The Sooners are simply the better team in this game, but that doesn't always mean a cover against the college football spreads. The Bearcats have been brutal this season and they have been incredibly unlucky as well. Losing WR Vidal Hazelton to injury is something that just won't be overcome easily. QB Zach Collaros can put points on the board in bunches when he has the help, but he just doesn't have that help anymore. Oklahoma has been playing at the level of its opponents all season long, as demonstrated by the close calls against Air Force and Utah State and the domination of Florida State. Will this defense be able to pick up the intensity in the team's first road game of the year? HC Bob Stoops had better hope so. We look for good things from QB Landry Jones, WR Ryan Broyles, and RB DeMarco Murray on Saturday night, which should lead to an NCAA football betting victory by a comfortable margin.

Prediction: Oklahoma 38 – Cincinnati 13
Nevada Wolfpack (-4.5) @ BYU Cougars
Saturday, September 25th
6:00 ET, Lavell Edwards Family Stadium, Provo, UT

If BYU is legitimately one of the best mid-major programs in the country, this game should be a snap at home against one of the other best mid-major programs in the country. However, we're not so sold on the Cougs yet. True freshman QB Jake Heaps might be phenomenal in the future, but he isn't now. He is only completing 50.0 percent of his passes and really has yet to have a truly good game. There's a reason that BYU is only averaging 15.7 points per game this year. As for Nevada, it is averaging somewhere around 15.7 points per QUARTER. There is no stopping this team right now, as the Pistol attack is putting together well over 500 yards per game of offense and has averaged over 50 points per game. QB Colin Kaepernick showed the whole world last week that he was a stud in a nationally televised duel against Cal at home. Now, he'll prove that he's that much better than the Cougs are in a romp in Provo.

Prediction: Nevada 48 – BYU 20
Kentucky Wildcats @ Florida Gators (-14)
Saturday, September 25th
7:00 ET, Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL

The Gators have never really had any trouble disposing of the Wildcats, so we're trying to figure out why the oddsmakers are wondering whether they're going to have some issues at home on Saturday night. Kentucky might be a 3-0 team, but playing teams like Western Kentucky and Akron aren't going to win over many votes in the polls. This is the big leagues now that the Wildcats are about to enter into. UF fought off a stingy Tennessee team last weekend in a win that was a lot better than we probably give it credit for. The Gators might not look their best yet, but they are only going to get better and have surprisingly covered back to back games. QB Jeff Brantley is familiar with this UK squad, as this was the team he ran up against last year when QB Tim Tebow was injured. That was on the road and he did just fine. At Florida Field, this won't be an issue.

Prediction: Florida 41 – Kentucky 14
South Carolina Gamecocks (+3) @ Auburn Tigers
Saturday, September 25th
7:45 ET, Jordan Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL

The Gamecocks badly need to prove that they are legitimate contenders in the SEC East, and this game could be the absolutely perfect way to do just that. They are going to be going on the road to try to take out an Auburn team that is red hot as well and looking to make a statement of its own. However, we tend to like the Ol' Ball Coach in this one, as HC Steve Spurrier knows exactly how the game of QB Cam Newton works; after all, he coached up his brother, Syvelle for four years in Columbia. This was the recruit that South Carolina missed out on, and the Gamecocks would love nothing more than to punish Newton and wreck his Heisman Trophy campaign in one swoop. The oddsmakers know that this game is going to be a close call, which is why SC is only a pup by three points. We don't think the Cocks need it. They'll take this one outright against a bunch of Tigers that are due to be tamed after playing a very weak schedule to start the year.

Prediction: South Carolina 24 – Auburn 21
Oregon State Beavers @ Boise State Broncos (-18)
Saturday, September 25th
8:00 ET, Bronco Stadium, Boise, ID

The Broncos have simply demolished opponents that dare step foot on the Smurf Turf. Oregon State has done in three times, and three times, it has left with its tails between its legs .This version of the Broncos is better than any other that that OSU team has ever seen, and at least so far this year, we aren't certain that this is the best bunch of Beavers we've ever laid eyes upon. The Rodgers brothers, Jacquizz and James, just haven't produced enough offense this year, and a lot of that is probably due to the fact that QB Andy Katz just hasn't really produced at the same level of QB Sean Canfield from years past. This isn't a good time to be asking questions, now is it? The Broncos know exactly what they are doing, and they're coming off of a big time beat down on the road of a Wyoming Cowboys team that is still probably going to be good enough to go bowling this year. It just means more to Boise to win this game and win it with a statement than it does for Oregon State, and the end result is going to be exactly what we expect. It's going to be any blue field beat down.

Prediction: Boise State 52 – Oregon State 27
West Virginia Mountaineers (+10) @ LSU Tigers
Saturday, September 25th
9:00 ET, Tigers Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA

We must be out of our minds to think that the Mountaineers can play their first major road game of the year in the Bayou at night and tame the Tigers, right? We just don't believe in LSU this year. QB Jordon Jefferson should be a backup at a middle of the road FBS conference school, not a starter here in big boy college football, and the rest of this offense, save RB Steven Ridley, is questionable at best. The defense is strong for HC Les Miles, but games against a depleted North Carolina Tar Heels squad and two of the worst teams in the SEC (Mississippi State Bulldogs and Vanderbilt Commodores) just doesn't say anything to us. What does speak to us is the fact that the 'Neers have shown some grit this year. The Maryland Terrapins were at the top of their game when they came to Morgantown last week, and WVU sent them packing. The Marshall Thundering Herd gave everything to the blue and gold they had, but that ultimately wasn't enough either. This is a team that just finds ways to win games. QB Geno Smith could surprise everyone in the nation, and maybe some of his teammates as well, by proving that he is good enough to go out and win this game outright. This is going to be the most unlikely upset of the day in the NCAA football betting world.

Prediction: West Virginia 26 – LSU Tigers 20
California Golden Bears (+6.5) @ Arizona Wildcats
Saturday, September 25th
10:00 ET, Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ

It's all about perception, my friends. If the Wildcats don't get that last touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes last week, they probably lose that game and are favored by just 3-4 points instead of 6.5 in this one. If the California Golden Bears go into Reno and take out a very underrated Nevada Wolfpack team last week, there is probably also a 2-3 point swing in the NCAA football lines. However, nothing has really changed with these squads. Arizona is still very good, while Cal is still a legitimate contender for the Pac-10 title as well. This is a winnable fixture for the Golden Bears. QB Kevin Riley has played well this year and has thrown for 732 yards. He's going to be able to bring over some magic to the desert on Saturday night and help lead Cal to what maybe should be a relatively predictable upset over an Arizona team that has to be full of itself after last week's triumph. The Cats get caught napping and get nipped for the first time on Saturday.

Prediction: California 34 – Arizona 28
Oregon Ducks (-11.5) @ Arizona State Sun Devils
Saturday, September 25th
10:30 ET, Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, AZ

There is some more perception here that could be implied incorrectly. Arizona State is getting a lot of respect after nearly going into Camp Randall and upsetting the Wisconsin Badgers last week. Wisky hasn't looked that great this year though, and we still can't base what ASU has accomplished off of a pair of FCS wins and one close call against an opponent that very well could be overrated. What we do know in this game is that the Ducks are as good as it gets in the country. Sure, there are going to be games where the U of O could get challenged and perhaps even picked off. However, this isn't one of those games. This is the first time that HC Chip Kelly gets to bring the Quack Attack on the road this year, and with the running of RB LaMichael James, QB Steven Threet and company just won't be able to keep up. It might be interesting for a little while, but when push comes to shove, these two teams don't belong on the same field.

Prediction: Oregon 44 – Arizona State 20

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September 24th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Bowling Green Falcons (+25.5) @ Michigan Wolverines
Saturday, September 25th
12:00 ET, Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI

A week after the Wolverines really struggled with the Massachusetts Minutemen, they have to get right back at it against a relatively potent Bowling Green offense. We all know how good QB Denard Robinson is, and we aren't doubting that he is going to go off for 400+ yards of total offense and five scores in this one, as Bowling Green's defense is flat out terrible. However, the Falcons are a 3-0 ATS team this year for a reason. The oddsmakers still aren't giving them nearly enough respect. Yes, QB Tyler Sheehan and WR Freddie Barnes are both gone, but the combination of QB Aaron Pankratz and WR Kamar Jorden should be enough to beat this number. QB Matt Schilz is out of action in this one, but are we really going to miss a guy who has thrown for just two scores and four picks on the year? We think not. The Falcons will stick around in this game and improve to 8-0-1 ATS in their L/9 overall.

Prediction: Michigan 41 – Bowling Green 24
NC State Wolfpack (+8) @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Saturday, September 25th
12:00 ET, Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA

The Techsters need to be awfully careful in this game. The team with the best rush defense right now in the ACC has been NC State, and this is a team that really can do some damage this year. QB Russell Wilson just doesn't throw interceptions, and this year has been no exception to the rule that he started in his freshman season three years ago. If HC Tom O'Brien's defense can force just a couple turnovers and ground the triple option of Georgia Tech for just a few drives, Wilson and the offense have the skill to do some real damage here. Don't be so sure that the Ramblin' Wreck are rolling to 2-0 in conference play. This NC State team reminds us a lot of the team that O'Brien left a few years ago, as his first season away from Boston College was when the Eagles moved up as high as No. 2 in the land. A college football upset might be in the cards on Saturday.

Prediction: NC State 30 – Georgia Tech 27
Alabama Crimson Tide @ Arkansas Razorbacks (+7)
Saturday, September 25th
3:30 ET, Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR

Yesterday, we called for QB Ryan Mallett to lead the Hogs to an upset of the Crimson Tide, and for good reason. He is the only 1,000 yard passer in the nation coming into this week, and he is going to test the newly constructed Alabama defense for the first time all season. This isn't a freshman quarterback coming to Tuscaloosa under the lights like it was a few weeks ago for the Tide against the Penn State Nittany Lions, and though QB Sean Renfree is solid for the Duke Blue Devils, the Razorbacks are certainly several steps up from the ACC cellar dwellers. Alabama is the best team in the nation and we aren't taking anything away from it. However, HC Nick Saban knows that his team has one get out of jail free card under its belt this year, as even an 11-1 (or as the case may have it, 12-1) Crimson Tide team is probably heading to the BCS Championship. The duel with Florida next week might still be first and foremost in the Tide's minds, which could lead for the shocking upset that will shake the nation.

Prediction: Arkansas 35 – Alabama 31
Eastern Michigan Eagles (+44.5) @ Ohio State Buckeyes
Saturday, September 25th
3:30 ET, Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH

We aren't exactly calling for an outright upset here, but we have plenty of reason to believe that the Eagles can stick around and at least make this final score look somewhat respectable on Saturday afternoon. First of all, the Buckeyes clearly have bigger fish to fry, as there are plenty of upcoming games against Big Ten foes that are going to be significantly more challenging than this. But the play of Eastern Michigan is improving week by week, and we think that it's only a matter of time until this dreaded losing streak that dates back to 2008 will go by the boards. QB Alex Gillett and RB Dwayne Priest are capable of putting a TD on the board against this defense in garbage time, and if that happens, it's going to take quite the effort from the standpoint of the Buckeyes to beat this hefty spread. We tend to think that OSU is going to leave EMU with a shred of confidence to back to Ypsilanti with.

Prediction: Ohio State 41 – Eastern Michigan 7
UCLA Bruins @ Texas Longhorns (-15.5)
Saturday, September 25th
3:30 ET, Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX

Many are going to be on the bandwagon of HC Rick Neuheisel and company this weekend due to the fact that the Bruins are coming off of a big 31-13 upset of the Houston Cougars from last week. However, we know that without the services of QB Case Keenum (let alone his backup), Houston is nothing more than a mediocre team from a mediocre (at best) conference. This is a totally new challenge. Laying this many points with a Texas offense that has looked shaky in all three of its games is dangerous, but how on earth is UCLA scoring in this one? The Bruins have RB Johnathan Franklin, but the 'Horns have the top rushing 'D' in the land now two years running. Is QB Kevin Prince going to put points on the board? We don't think so. It's going to take a lot more than 45 percent completions to score on the men in burnt orange, and the end result here should be a whitewashing. If the Longhorns find even some sort of an offense, this NCAA football spread will never be in doubt.

Prediction: Texas 31 – UCLA 3
Stanford Cardinal @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+4.5)
Saturday, September 25th
3:30 ET, Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN

Bottom line: The wrong team is favored in this game. Without WR Ryan Whalen in the lineup, the Cardinal are going to be missing a key component in the passing game, and this is going to be the first time their defense is going to run up against a formidable opponent all season long. Irish eyes haven't been smiling on Notre Dame yet this year, but that could all change on Saturday. The Irish are a miserable team in front of their hometown crowd, going just 4-10 ATS in their L/14 overall there, but all of that is going to change on Saturday. The Golden Domers have covered three straight and seven out of nine in this series. Make it four straight and eight out of ten on Saturday with an easy outright upset that makes the oddsmakers cry about the line they set. This one might never be that close either and certainly doesn't qualify as a huge upset in our eyes.

Prediction: Notre Dame 37 – Stanford 20
Temple Owls (+14) @ Penn State Nittany Lions
Saturday, September 25th
3:30 ET, Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA

Last week, the Kent State Golden Flashes were three TD underdogs to the Nittany Lions and came up just short of the cover. Is Temple really only seven points better than Kent State? We tend to believe not. These two teams have a history against each other, and it isn't a good one for the Owls. PSU has absolutely owned them over the last two decades, and don't think for one second that this isn't going to be used as motivation in that Temple locker room. The Owls are solid this year and could legitimately be a Top 25 team by season's end. RB Bernard Pierce and QB Chester Stewart are as good as anything that the Nittany Lions are trotting out there right now. If the running game with RB Evan Royster can't get going, Penn State is going to be on major upset alert. We tend to think that the Nittany Lions are going to escape Happy Valley with another 'W', but this is going to be significantly closer than recent history suggests.

Prediction: Penn State 27 – Temple 21
Wake Forest Demon Deacons @ Florida State Seminoles (-19)
Saturday, September 25th
3:30 ET, Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL

Welcome to our beat down of the week! The Seminoles absolutely have the Demon Deacons outmatched this week, and it should show on the field. QB Christian Ponder has really yet to have a rock solid game this season, and that could change against a Wake Forest defense that has been absolutely mauled all season long. Is Florida State as good as Stanford was last week in a 68-24 win? Nah. But we don't need a 44 point beating. We just need a three TD beating. The Noles are coming off of their best defensive game in years, a 34-10 victory over the BYU Cougars. Keep in mind that the last two trips to Tallahassee for the Deacs have resulted in upset wins of 12-3 and 30-0. That's going to be all that HC Jimbo Fisher is talking about all week and all day leading up to that 3:30 kickoff. The heat will be too much for Wake Forest to take this time around, and as long as the garnet and gold show up with at least a few stops, the offense is going to be able to slam this defense time and time again. The cover won't be in doubt in the fourth quarter at any point.

Prediction: Florida State 51 – Wake Forest 20

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