Well 5 Bets is coming back after a 2-3 week and returning to its strength. Our college football guru is writing about the Breeders Cup and is taking the week off from the gridiron guide. I have been pressed into service and I’m making this an all college football 5 Bets.
5 Bets to Make this Week
Nebraska -3 over Michigan State
Arkansas +6 to cover against Florida
Utah -11 over Arizona State
Army-Air Force total Over 31.5 points
Alabama-LSU Over 60.5 points
That’s fine with me. I think out of all the sports bets I recommend, college football is my most successful. My hope is that this week proves that belief. I have a nice mix including games in the SEC, Big Ten, and Pac 12.
Last week: 2-3, overall 15-13-1
Michigan State Spiral Continues
After winning its first two games, the Michigan State Spartans fired their head coach for an alleged misconduct incident. The program has been in a freefall since. They have lost six consecutive games. They’re also 1-4-1 against the spread in those losses.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have won five of their last six. Their only defeat was expected, losing, 45-7, to Michigan.
The Cornhuskers are going to try and run the ball against MSU. They rank 26th in the country in rushing yard average at 190.1. MSU should put up a decent front against the run. They’re 42nd in the country, allowing an average of 126.1 a game.
Still, Nebraska should be able to have success on the ground. That should open up the pass for them. That might be where they score on the Spartans. MSU is 74th in pass defense.
Either way, Nebraska should be able to move the ball. At only laying three points I’m going to go with the road team.
Prediction: Nebraska -3 over Michigan State (-110 at Bet Rivers)
Watch: Saturday, Noon ET, FOX Sports 1 or fuboTV
Arkansas Slops it Up in Swamp
The Arkansas Razorbacks are not as bad a football team as their 2-6 record would lead you to believe. They get the chance to prove it on Saturday when they visit the Florida Gators.
Five of Arkansas’ six losses were by one score and included defeats at Alabama and at LSU.
Head coach Sam Pitman decided to let offensive coordinator Dan Enos go. With two weeks off to implement a new offense that is reportedly more up tempo, the Razorbacks should score more. The team also will get running back Raheim Sanders back from injury and that will help make the offense a little more diverse.
I’m not crazy about only getting six points and might hold out to see if the number goes up. I still think the Razorbacks could pull off the upset.
Prediction: Nebraska -3 over Michigan State (-110 at Caesars)
Watch: Saturday, Noon ET, ESPN 2 or fuboTV
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Utah Gets Healthy Against Sun Devils
The Utah Utes are coming off a crushing loss to Oregon where they looked anemic offensively. That had more to do with the Ducks’ defense than it did Utah’s offense.
That should be proven on Saturday when the Utes host the Arizona State Sun Devils. ASU is one of the worst teams in the Pac 12, with just one conference win.
Utah is a far more competent football team than last week showed. They are laying 11 points and I think they will win by two touchdowns.
Prediction: Utah -11 over Arizona State (-105 at BetMGM)
Watch: Saturday, 1 p.m. ET, Pac 12 Network or fuboTV
Army, Air Force Demolish Over
Ok, it’s contrarian time again. The Under has always hit when the Army Black Knights and Air Force Falcons play, so naturally I’m taking the Over.
I have good reason for this, though. Air Force averages 33.6 points per game. Army averages 20.1. The total for this game is 31.5. If each team comes close to their average the total will easily go Over.
But, what about defensive points allowed you ask? Well I’m glad you did. Air Force has held its opponents to 13.4 points per game. Army averages 25.5. Again, if they both stick to their averages, this game goes Over.
Then take Air Force points per game (33.6) and Army’s points allowed average (25.5). It blows the total away. If Army’s points per game (20.1) and Air Force’s points allowed (13.4) still gets the total to the Over.
I know service academy games usually go Under, but this one will buck that trend.
Prediction: Army-Air Force Over 31.5 points (-110 at BetMGM)
Watch: Saturday, 1:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network or fuboTV
Points Plentiful for Alabama-LSU
The LSU Tigers have the top-ranked offense in the country. The Alabama Crimson Tide will face a secondary that’s depleted. Points should come pretty easily in this game in Tuscaloosa.
The total is at 60.5 or 61 depending on what sportsbook you go to. BetRivers has it at 60.5 so that’s where I went.
I like the Over because both offenses are productive and have quality quarterbacks. LSU’s Jayden Daniels is the better QB, but Jalen Milore has turned it on as of late. Also, with several starters missing from the Tigers’ secondary, Milore should be able to pick apart the defense.
Prediction: Alabama-LSU Over 60.5 points (-110 at BetRivers)
Watch: Saturday, 7:45 p.m. ET, CBS or fuboTV
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