Each week Maddux Sports will try to point out the lines with the biggest movement in college football, especially for highly regarded games, so you can see which teams have increased value. Don’t forget to check out the always-updating lines at our college football betting lines page. It’s important to stay current with the numbers, and helpful to locate a top-notch sportsbook that’s offering a better line for your liking.
Here’s a quick glance at some of the biggest movers:
Illinois (-10) vs. Northwestern – The Illini opened as 7 ½ point favorites against the Wildcats but that’s been steamed up to 10 points. Illinois has shown that it’s a tough, physical team, but the health of Dan Persa and Northwestern’s porous rush defense probably have more to do with the line surge. Bragging rights for the state of Illinois are on the line.
Texas Tech (-6 ½) at Kansas – The wiseguys nailed this line early in the week. Texas Tech opened at -9 ½ but that was quickly dropped to 6 or 6 ½ despite Tech getting the vast majority of public action. With two below average defenses, this has all the makings for a shootout. Kansas is coming off the bye after getting rolled over by Georgia Tech, giving up an NCAA record 604 rushing yards. Last week Tech gave up over 300 yards rushing and 200 passing to a rebuilding Nevada team at home.
Penn State (-15) at Indiana – Penn State opened at -18 but that’s come down to -15. The Nittany Lions have a solid defense that should give the Hoosiers a tough time, but the unsettled quarterback situation, along with playing on the road, might have something to do with the line drop. Indiana is coming off a humiliating loss to North Texas.
Utah (-10) vs. Washington – The Utes line has been steamed from -7 ½ to -10. The Huskies managed to hold off California at home last week, but this week they’re traveling away from Husky Stadium. Utah is coming off its bye after stomping BYU on September 17.
Wisconsin (-10) vs. Nebraska – The Badgers and Huskers hook up in the weekend’s marquee matchup. Wisconsin opened at -8 but that was quickly bet up to 10 or 10 ½. Russell Wilson has been the perfect compliment for the Badgers’ offense. He’ll be going up against a big, fast defense that has underperformed so far this season. Nebraska’s option offense with Taylor Martinez’s speed will seriously test the Wisconsin defense.
Boston College (-1) vs. Wake Forest – Wake Forest opened as a 1 point road favorite but over the course of the week the line has swung around to Boston College favored by a point. Neither team is expected to do much this season. So far, the Demon Deacons have outperformed BC with a win over NC State and an overtime loss at Duke. The Eagles lost three in a row (including a 1 point home loss to Duke) before beating UMass last week.
Temple (-8) vs. Toledo – Perhaps the best two teams in the MAC will take the field in Philadelphia this Saturday. Temple opened at -6 and that has gradually moved up to -8. Temple throttled Maryland on the road last week, while Toledo lost a controversial game to Syracuse.
Cincinnati (-15) at Miami (OH) – The Bearcats opened as 13 point road favorites against the Red Hawks but that has come up to 15. Cincy’s offense can be potent, but Miami has a veteran defense. Cincy crushed NC State the previous Thursday, so they’ve had a long week to prepare. Miami is still looking for its first win, with losses to Missouri, Minnesota, and Bowling Green at home last week.
