NCAA Football Week 10 Top 25 Preview | Sides and Totals

This college football season is flying by and we are in week 9. This season has been a fun one, and it has offered up some great games, some wild finishes, and some big upsets. Michigan wasn’t that much of an upset over Michigan State; however, we certainly thought this Wolverines team was the real deal, we still do, and we place the blame for that loss squarely on the shoulders of Jim Harbaugh.

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This week features a host of fantastic Top-25 games, find your way in for what could be, the best Saturday of the season. Call the online sportsbook and ask for an NCAA football bonus. There is a pile of money to win. Make sure your bookmaker is offering the best wagering options with the sharpest lines and odds.

Missouri (4-4, 0-8-0 ATS) @ #1 Georgia (8-0, 6-2-0 ATS)

Missouri vs. Georgia Picks

Missouri +38, O/U 59.5

10:00 AM CT: ESPN

Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA

The Missouri Tigers are a weird program, both their football and basketball programs are weird. This school has a weird commitment level to sports, they will go for years trying to build the basketball program (which hasn’t been good for decades), then they will move their focus to the football team, which is exactly where it was around five years ago. Now, the program is so very mediocre, they are not awful, but not good, and a fantastic teem such as #1 Georgia, will destroy them. Georgia has one focus on their minds – stay #1. This mean never taking their foot off the gas. We are laying the points for two reasons – the Bulldogs allow 6.6 points per game, and they will not let up early.

Pick: Georgia 38.5, Over 59.5

#5 Ohio State (7-1, 4-3-1 ATS) @ Nebraska (3-6, 5-4-0 ATS)

Ohio State vs. Nebraska Picks

Ohio State -15, ML -700/+475, O/U 64.5

Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE

10:00 AM CT FOX

The Cornhuskers are not what most folks thought they would be, good. They come into today’s game having lost four of the last five to Purdue, (in Lincoln) Minnesota, Michigan, Michigan State. In fairness, they took MSU to OT, and lost to the Wolverines by 3, and they absolutely drilled Northwestern, 56-7. Every game matters to Ohio State – Michigan has a loss and MSU is undefeated. There will be no letdown. The numbers are stacked against Nebraska, they won’t win, but the defense will keep them hanging around.

Pick: Nebraska +15, Under 64.5

#9 Wake Forest (8-0, 4-4-0 ATS) @ North Carolina (4-4, 3-5-0 ATS)

Wake Forest vs. North Carolina Picks

Wake Forest +2.5, ML +115/-135 O/U 76.5

Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, NC

10:00 AM CT ABC

If this were basketball, we would give both teams equal play. Wake and Carolina hate each other and more than that, it’s the fans that make it a rivalry. Las Vegas has bought into the hype and although this could be a trap game for Wake, we don’t think so. Wake is 8-0, they smoked Duke, the other “Tobacco Road” rival, they smacked Army in the mouth at West Point to the tune of a 70-spot, they put up 40 on Syracuse, in Syracuse, 37 on Louisville, and 37 at Virginia. Carolina has no defense, but tons of offense, and Wake allows 23.9 points per game. This will be high scoring and fast paced but Wake easily turn Vegas on its face with a money line win.

Pick: Wake +2.5, Over 76.5

Liberty (7-2, 6-3-0 ATS) @ #16 Ole Miss (6-2, 4-3-1 ATS)

Liberty vs. Ole Miss Picks

Liberty +9.5 ML +285/-360, O/U 67

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS

10:00 AM CT SECN

It’s a difficult task to show up at Ole Miss and leave with a win, it’s difficult for any team, but Liberty? Can they hang around and keep this respectable? Liberty has come a long ways and they are a legit program and one day, they just might be in the hunt for a national title. Here’s the problem, Liberty hasn’t beat anybody, sure, they have wins against MASS, UNT, MTSU, and UAB… Ole Miss has wins against LSU, TRNN, ARK, and others. The numbers across the board are close between these two but the competition is drastically different. Liberty keeps this respectable but Ole Miss covers.

Pick: Ole Miss -9.5, Over 67

Illinois (3-6, 4-4-1 ATS) @ #20 Minnesota (6-2, 5-2-1 ATS)

Illinois vs. Minnesota Picks

Illinois +14.5, ML +475/-700 O/U 44

Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN

10:00 AM CT ESPN2

Illinois is capable of weird things, and maybe they are not as bad as the 3-6 record indicates, but her is the thing; we would rather believe that Penn State is overrated and has been for the last couple of years. Minnesota has put a very good team together and they put up 100 more yards of offense per game than Illinois. Minnesota will crush Illinois on the ground. This will be a long day for the Illini.

Pick: Minnesota -14.5, Under 44

#25 Pittsburgh (6-2, 6-2-0 ATS) @ Duke (3-5, 4-4-0 ATS)

Pittsburgh vs. Duke Picks

Pitt -21, O/U 64.5

Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, NC

10:00 AM CT ACCN

Can Pitt do anything we ask them to do? It seems these guys let down at all the wrong times, but we still believe in their ability to beat bad teams. Miami jumped up and took us by surprise last week and that’s the wake up call this team needs to dig deep and beat the pants off of a bad team. Duke will run the ball all day because that’s all they have. Pitt will bury Duke with a spread offense that’s unforgiving.

Pick: Pitt -21, Over 64.5

#3 Michigan State (8-0, 6-1-1 ATS) @ Purdue (5-3, 4-4-0 ATS)

Michigan State vs. Purdue Picks

MSU -3, ML -150/+130, O/U 54

Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN

1:30 PM CT ABC

Jim Harbaugh is in a jam with how to root for this one. If Purdue wins then the committee could tend to believe that Michigan is worse than they thought, however, if State wins, and with any kind of authority, then they are the real deal. Ha, we know they are the real deal and Purdue is well, not a fraud, that’s a strong word, let’s just say when they were 14 in the nation that was fraudulent! Michigan State will drill Purdue.

Pick: Michigan State -3, Under 54

NCAAF Betting Lines

Tulsa (3-5, 3-5-0 ATS) @ #6 Cincinnati (8-0, 5-3-0 ATS)

Tulsa vs. Cincinnati Picks

Tulsa +22.5, O/U 54.5

Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

1:30 PM CT ESPN2

The Natty has weapons everywhere but the problem in the last two games was let down in the 4th. If this team wants in on the playoffs, they must learn to be Ohio State, Alabama, or Clemson. Those teams knew how to step on necks and never take the foot off. Ridder has a big game against a team that allows 30.9 ppg, Ford has a bigger game! The Bearcats step up today and let the world know that Vegas is right.

Pick: Cincinnati -22.5, Over 54

Navy (2-6, 5-3-0 ATS) @ #10 Notre Dame (7-1, 5-3-0 ATS)

Navy vs. Notre Dame Picks

Navy +21, O/U 47.5

Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN

1:30 PM CT NBC

Navy has no chance in this game, and we think they get blown out early. They have had some close calls at respectable and held their own against Cincinnati, that was a month ago, Notre Dame is better now, and more disciplined. They will run all over Navy and when they are not running, they will be passing all over the place. Look for the first half, the second half, and the entire game to cover the domers way!

Pick: Notre Dame -21, Over 47.5

#11 Oklahoma State (7-1, 6-2-0 ATS) @ West Virginia (4-4, 5-3-0 ATS)

Oklahoma State vs. West Virginia Picks

OKS -3.5, ML -170/+145, O/U 49

Milan Puskar Stadium

1:30 PM CT ESPN

These two play close on the numbers with one exception, the ground. Oklahoma State puts up 176.9 yard per game on the ground to WVU’s, 127.8. WVU held Oklahoma to 16, in Norman. Where has that team been all season? They have put together two very nice wins over TCU, 29-17, and last week against Iowa state, 38-31. What WVU is doing, is rebuilding, and it’s coming along nicely, however, we don’t buy it just yet. The Cowboys will be saddled up for this one.

Pick: OSU -3.5, Over 49

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#12 Baylor (7-1, 6-2-0 ATS) TCU (3-5, 1-6-1 ATS)

Baylor vs. TCU Picks

Baylor -6.5, ML -260/+210 O/U 58

Amon C. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX

1:30 PM ECT FOX

This is a rival game, we get it, but is it really? Baylor is clearly back, and they are once again a relevant program and a very legit #12. They do all the little things well. TCU’s offense is tuned up and they have a lot to throw at teams, the problem for the Frogs is defense – they can’t play any!

Pick: Baylor -6.5, Under 58

#13 Auburn (6-2, 5-3-0 ATS) @ #14 Texas A&M (6-2, 5-3-0 ATS)

Auburn vs. Texas A&M Picks

Auburn +4.5, ML +170/-200, O/U 49

Kyle Field, College Station, TX

1:30 PM CT CBS

Vegas love these kinds of games. Auburn is currently on a 4-game winning streak at Texas A&M. Who is the better team, and who has the better chance to win today’s game? That’s what we must ask, not about streaks, luck, karma, superstition, or any other nonsense. Who’s better? The game stats are oh so close in this matchup and Auburn is allowing just 16.1 ppg. This will be a back and forth all game long, but we will take the 4.5.

Pick: Auburn +4.5, Under 49

Idaho State (1-7, 3-5-0 ATS) @ #15 BYU (7-2, 4-5-0 ATS)

Idaho State vs. BYU Picks

Idaho State/BYU NO Published Line at Time of Article

LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT

1:30 PM CT ESPN3

As of the time of writing this article, there is not yet a published line, there will be, so be sure to look for it. Idaho State will be blown out by 40 or more. It’s safe to lay 40. Pick: Watch for upcoming line and lay up to -40.

#21 Wisconsin (5-3, 4-4-0 ATS) @ Rutgers (4-4, 5-3-0 ATS)

Wisconsin vs. Rutgers Picks

Wisconsin -13, ML -550/+425, O/U 37.5

SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ

1:300 PM CT BTN

The Badgers lost to Michigan back on Oct 2nd but haven’t looked back since with wins over Illinois, Army, Purdue, and Iowa, 27-7. They have allowed just 52 points over the last 4- games and allow a stingy, 49 points on the ground. The defense is tuned up and it’s always ready to play. Rutgers has had a terrible schedule to contend with in Michigan, OSU, MSU, NU, and ILL. Welcome to the BIG 10! We like what the Badgers have done, and we acknowledge that Rutgers needs to find some offense, but so do the Badgers. Rutgers allows 21.5 points per game and considering the schedule they have allowed that few points against, we must take the points in this one.

Pick: Rutgers +13, Under 37.5

NCAAF Predictions

#17 Mississippi State (5-3, 4-4-0 ATS) @ Arkansas (5-3, 5-3-0 ATS)

Mississippi State vs. Arkansas Picks

MSU +5, ML +175/-210, O/U 55.5

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR

2:00 PM CT SECN

Arkansas can’t find a way to stop the run and as a result, they have been banged up in games where they should have stayed close. State is coming off a BIG win against Kentucky and we think the momentum carries over. The Razorbacks can run the ball and Jefferson can certainly pass it. This one stays close but in the end. MSU wins outright.

Pick: MSU +4.5, Over 55.5

#19 NC State (6-2, 5-3-0 ATS) @ Florida State (3-5, 3-5-0 ATS)

NC State vs. Florida State Picks

NC State -2.5, ML -135/-115 O/U 56

Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL

2:00 PM CT ACCN

No matter how the bread is sliced, NC State is the better football team and we thank Vegas for this one. Look for Leary to have a big game against a defense that allows big plays and 162.1 rushing yards per game. This leaves the door wide open for an explosive offense. NC State has quality wins over Louisville, BC, LT, and Clemson. Florida State has lost to Louisville, and Clemson. Although the Seminoles have a big ground attack, it won’t be enough against a defense that allows 16.3 points per game.

Pick: NC State -2.5, Over 56

LSU (4-4, 3-5-0 ATS) @ #2 Alabama (7-1, 5-3-0 ATS)

LSU vs. Alabama Picks

LSU +28.5, O/U 66.5

Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

5:00 PM CT ESPN

We know that Alabama is the more talented football club, but can they cover 28.5? LSU has seen every bit as tough of a schedule as the Tide. Over the past five games, they have faced Ole Miss, Florida, UK, AUB, and Miss State – all ranked opponents. They have lost three of those, Ole Miss 17-31, UK 21-42, and AUB 19-24. The Tide are blowing the doors off most every category in this matchup. They are scoring 45.9 ppg and allowing 20.6. LSU is scoring 30.5 ppg and allowing 28.8. Look, Burrow has left the building and LSU is rebuilding but we think LSU come with some Tiger pride and they show up to play Alabama.

Pick: LSU +28.5 Over 66.5

Tennessee (4-4, 3-5-0 ATS) @ #18 Kentucky (6-2, 6-2-0 ATS)

Tennessee vs. Kentucky Picks

Tennessee EVEN, O/U 56.5

Kroger Field, Lexington KY

5:00 PM CT ESPN2

If this game was in Tennessee, we would like the Volunteers, if this affair was in Kentucky, we would like Kentucky. It is in Kentucky; therefore, we are going with the Wildcats. Tennessee outscores Kentucky by 10.4 ppg, however, they allow 6.5 more. Both come in having lost two in a row, but Kentucky has stuck the landing and put up a 6-2-0 record against the spread. This game will be close, Hooker will keep Tennessee in the mix and Robinson will pound the ground for the Wildcats. Expect the unexpected, and scoring.

Pick: Kentucky ML Win, Over 56.5

#22 Iowa (6-2, 5-3-0 ATS) @ Northwestern (3-5, 2-6-0 ATS)

Iowa vs. Northwestern Picks

Iowa -12, ML -550/+400 O/U 40.5

Ryan Field, Evanston, IL

5:00 PM CT Local

Iowa plays big defense and pound the rock offense; this plan works well against a team like the Wildcats. The Wildcats are not a bad football team, they have talent, the problem – the BIG 10! You must be amazing to look good in the BIG 10, it’s a blessing and a curse – ask Harbaugh. Iowa allows 16.1 ppg, and NU allows 27.1. Iowa scores 25.4 ppg and most of those come from the ground. NU allows 229.5 ppg on the ground. NU may hang around in the early going but will run out of gas.

Pick: Iowa -12, Under 40.5

Boise State (4-4, 5-3-0 ATS) @ #23 Fresno State (7-2, 6-3-0 ATS)

Boise State vs. Fresno State Picks

BSU +5, ML +175/-210 O/U 59

Bulldog Stadium, Fresno, CA

5:00 PM CT CBSSN

It’s amazing how these two programs have switched places. Boise State was a perennial Top-25 team for a decade, now, they are struggling for any kind of relevance. We underestimated Fresno State, and thought for sure that San Diego State would handle their business last week. It didn’t happen. Haener is the real deal at quarterback and if Boise State engages in a shootout, lookout! BSU allows to many yards in the air and way too many on the ground.

Pick: Fresno State -5, Over 59

#4 Oregon (7-1, 2-6-0 ATS) @ Washington (4-4, 2-6-0 ATS)

Oregon vs. Washington Picks

Oregon -7, ML -270/+220 O/U 51

Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA

5:30 PM CT ABC

This game is always fun, especially if you are from the Northwest. There is simply not a better place to watch a game than in Husky Stadium, and the rivalry adds to the mix. Las Vegas is considering the rival and giving Washington credit. Look, Oregon is a much better, team and they have been for a while now. The Huskies are rebuilding, simply put. Having said that, UW has put together a string of quality wins over Stanford, Arizona, and Cal. The Huskies have a scoring problem and they can’t seem to fix their offensive woes, that bodes bad against Oregon.

Pick: Oregon -7, Under 51

Indiana (2-6, 2-6-0 ATS) @ #7 Michigan (7-1, 6-2-0 ATS)

Indiana vs. Michigan Picks

Indiana +20, O/U 51

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI

5:30 PM CT FOX

The Hoosiers football program should be ashamed of itself. They were on track to turn things around and everything went south, again. This team is not good on any level. Michigan will rebound after losing to Michigan State, Harbaugh will keep his foot on the gas, he has no choice. This thing will get ugly and stay ugly.

Pick: Michigan -20 Over 51

#24 San Diego State (7-1, 5-3-0 ATS) @ Hawaii (4-5, 3-6-0 ATS)

San Diego State vs. Hawaii Picks

SDSU -7.5, ML -300/+240 O/U 46

Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu, HI

9:00 PM CT FS1

With Hawaii, you never know. Teams often go to play football or basketball and party at the beach clubs until 4:00 am. This has killed many sure bets. If any one team knows all about this, it’s SDSU, they are much too smart to let this happen. The Aztecs are the better team on the ground, and certainly the better team defensively. Hawaii allows 33.9 ppg and 152 rushing yards per game. It’s going to be a long day for the home team.

Pick: SDSU -7.5, Under 46

There you have it folks, the Top-25 for week 9. There will no doubt be some surprises along the way. Can Michigan cover -20 over Indiana, what about Washington, will they get blown out against #4 Oregon? The ‘LSU meets Alabama’, oh, this will be a good one and Bama is laying big numbers. We hope you have a profitable Saturday, there are too many great games that offer a host of great value to not win. Call the sportsbook and get that deposit in now. Good luck.

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Kyle Parker
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