Betting throughout the week has moved most of the spreads off the opening numbers. Navigate to Maddux Sports college football betting lines page to see the opening numbers, as well as where top sportsbooks are currently listing the games. Here’s a brief sampling of some of the bigger games.
Oklahoma State (-7) at Missouri – The Cowboys opened as 6 ½ point road favorites for their game at Missouri. After moving up to 7 ½, buyback on Mizzou has brought it back to between the opening number and 7 ½. Okie State beat Texas easily enough in Austin last week. They get another tough road test this week with a Mizzou team that’s better than its 3-3 record indicates. The Tigers hammered Iowa State their last time out.
Notre Dame (-9 ½) vs. USC – The Fighting Irish started as 9 point favorites for their traditional tangle with USC; after moving down to 8 or 8 ½ early in the week, most books have now moved that up to 9 ½. Notre Dame has consistently gotten better this season. A win over USC and an otherwise favorable schedule gives Irish fans some hope for a BCS bowl. The Trojans, however, are unable to play in a bowl game again this season.
Stanford (-20 ½) vs. Washington – The Cardinal started as 19 ½ point favorites against an underrated Washington squad but books are currently either 20 or 20 ½. Stanford played poorly in the first half against Washington State, but came out of halftime and throttled Washington State in the second half, easily covering the spread. But the Huskies are a step above the Cougars. They’re a well-coached, physical team that could give the Cardinal some trouble.
LSU (-20 ½) vs. Auburn – LSU opened as 21 point favorites for their game against Auburn, and after sharps bet that up to 22 ½ early in the week, some buyback on Auburn has the line at either 20 ½ or 21. LSU looked good in Knoxville, soundly beating an average Volunteer team. They get a chance for revenge against the defending national champions. Last year Auburn ran all over LSU but this year should be different. Auburn’s offense looked unimpressive against Florida last week, which might be a sign of things to come in this game.
Wisconsin (-7) at Michigan State – The best game of the day will go down in the Big Ten. The Badgers opened as 6 ½ point road favorites but the line is currently hovering between 7 and 8 points, depending upon the book. Wisconsin had no trouble with an overmatched Indiana team. Michigan State had maybe the most impressive win of the week, beating previously undefeated Michigan in a hard fought game. The Badgers lost to Sparty in East Lansing last year so I expect Michigan State has Wisconsin’s full attention.
Boise State (-29) vs. Air Force – Boise State opened as a 30 ½ point favorite against Air Force, and after getting bet up to 31 ½, buyback on the Falcons has brought the line down to 29. The Broncos keep taking care of business, week in and week out. They thrashed Colorado State in Fort Collins this past week. They get another team from Colorado this week, but at least they get to play at home. The Falcons’ triple option will really need to be clicking if they hope to pull off the upset.
Kansas State (-10) at Kansas – The Wildcats and Jayhawks have their rivalry game this week. Kansas State opened as an 11 point road favorite. That was quickly bet up to 12, but during the course of the week it was brought back down to 10 or 10 ½. Bill Snyder’s team won again last week, beating Texas Tech in Lubbock. Turner Gill’s team gave Oklahoma a battle for a half and at least covered the spread. They’ll need another inspired performance this week if they hope to hang with K State.
