Bankrupt the Bookie: Week 5 College Football Winners
It’s a new week, the accounts back to zero (or up some after the Philadelphia Eagles went into Lambeau field with an injury depleted roster on a short week and beat the undefeated Packers. Go Birds). After going 3-8 last week I’m feeling nothing but winners today. All picks are 1 unit plays unless otherwise noted. Lets cash some tickets today.
UAB @ Western Kentucky 7:00 (Western Kentucky +3, O/U 47.5)
The Pick: UAB -3 (2 units)
UAB has a very strong defense allowing only 281 yards per game and 14 points per game, which ranks 22nd and 14th in the nation respectively. UAB QB Tyler Johnson has looked good thus far and has taken strides this season at commanding the offense. Western Kentucky’s defense is nothing special and I see Johnson being able to pick apart them. Western Kentucky’s QB Steven Duncan has been shaky to start the year. I think WK is going to attempt to establish the run and not put the game on Duncan’s shoulders, which will be a tough task against a UAB defense that has allowed an average of 95.3 yards on the ground. UAB is the more talented team in almost every aspect and even though Western Kentucky is coming off a bye, UAB should still win this game by more than 3. Take UAB -3.
Clemson @ UNC 3:30 (UNC +27, O/U 60)
The Pick: Clemson -16.5 1H (2 units)
Clemson has been absolutely dominating in the first half this year, outscoring opponents 90-12. The Tigers have yet to give up a touchdown in the first half. Clemson likes to get a big lead by halftime and then go on cruise control the rest of the game. On the other hand, UNC has been awful in the first half, trailing in 3 of its 4 games. Clemson should have no issue scoring 4 touchdowns by halftime and I don’t see the Tar Heels being able to put up much more than 1 score. UNC has been great in the 4th quarter this year, outscoring opponents 45-9, look for a live line going into the 4th or a 4th quarter line and tail UNC late. For the first half take Clemson -16.5.
SMU @ USF 4:00 (USF +7, O/U 62)
The Pick: SMU -7 (1.5 units)
SMU’s offense has looked very impressive to start the year, averaging 514 yards per game and 43.5 points per game, which ranks 16th and 15th nationally. The Mustangs are off an impressive 41-38 win over rival TCU. QB Shane Buechele has been very good for SMU thus far and has been one of the main reasons the Mustangs are off to a 4-0 start. USF’s offense was nowhere to be found in its first two games, scoring 0 against Wisconsin and 10 against Georgia Tech before exploding for 55 against FCS opponent South Carolina State. USF’s defense has been one of the better units at forcing turnovers, already forcing 11. This is a cause for concern for SMU as Buechele has already thrown 4 interceptions so far. I have faith in SMUs offense in this game and I believe USF’s defense is overrated as its two best performances were against Georgia Tech and South Carolina State. Georgia Tech is running a new offensive scheme and probably was rusty in its 2nd game of the year and South Carolina State is an FCS school. Against the best offense USF has faced they allowed 49 points to Wisconsin. USF has won the last 3 meetings in this matchup. This is the best team SMU has had in awhile and I think they come out strong in a revenge match up. I don’t see USF being able to put up too many points and don’t see SMU being stopped too much offensively. Take SMU -7.
Other picks:
Baylor +3
Kansas State +5.5
Appalachian State -15.5
Washington State +7
UVA +11
Cincy -4