DOG FIGHTS
Michigan at Notre Dame (-4): Both fan bases are energized after week 1 victories and the hope of returning to glory. The Wolverines looked a bit healthier on offense than the Irish. Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson poses more problems for the Irish than Purdue’s Robert Marve did last week. Michigan had an easy 30-10 win over Connecticut. “I don’t know that you ever can prepare for Denard Robinson at the same speed that he plays,” Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said in a report. Both defenses played well at times, so getting the four points always looks attractive.
Miami, Fla., at Ohio State (-8): The Buckeyes were not tested at all in their opener against Marshall, but will be facing an athletic Hurricanes squad. The test here will be the Buckeyes’ defense if they can contain the Hurricanes’ no-huddle offense. Miami wants to turn this game into a track meet.
Brigham Young at Air Force (-1): This game does not have the cache of the first two listed here, but this is an interesting clash of styles as the run-oriented Falcons will try to contain the pass-happy Cougars. After a big win over Washington, the bettors have sided with BYU as the line has come down from 2 ½ points.
Penn State at Alabama (-11): This is a big spread, but this is a battle of heavyweights and it would be no surprise if Penn State made this a dog fight. The Tide is the betting favorite, but there is some value with the Nittany Lions and the points.
Florida State at Oklahoma (-7): Oklahoma was not impressive in its 31-24 win over Utah State. Oklahoma allowed over 300 yards passing. Florida State was not tested in its 59-6 win over Samford. Quarterback Chris Ponder has to be eager to test the Sooners’ defensive backs.
ALPHA DOGS
South Florida at Florida (-16): The Gators struggled in the opener, but the pesky Bulls were not impressive in their 34-12 victory over Miami, Ohio. At home, and after working out the kinks in the openers, the Gators have more athletes to outlast the Bulls. South Florida had a big win, 59-14, over Stony Brook. It’s impossible to judge how well that will translate when stepping up against the big dogs like Florida.
HOT DOGS
Virginia at Southern Cal (-19): Southern Cal’s defense was a joke last week against Hawaii, winning 49-36. It’s incredible that a team with such offensive firepower can be equally as bad on the other side of the ball. “As you can see, we’ve got some depth concerns and issues. We’ve got a lot of work to do,” USC coach Lane Kiffin said in a report. Virginia beat Richmond, 34-13. It’s hard to give nearly three touchdowns. The total (49) looks attractive.
SICK PUPPIES
UNLV at Utah (-22): Magician Lance Burton quit is gig at the Monte Carlo and must have become the offensive coordinator at UNLV. The Rebels got the back-door cover against Wisconsin last week is slight-of-hand trick worthy of a Vegas headliner. This week, there will be no smoke and mirrors for the Rebels. The Utes have more speed and should cause more problems for the Rebels. UNLV showed little on offense and will have a tough time keeping up with Utah.
Texas Tech (-24) at New Mexico: The Lobos could be the worst team in college football. Oregon, if they didn’t call of the dogs, could have posted 100 points. The Red Raiders have a prolific offense and covering 24 points shouldn’t be a problem, as long as their defense does not get too lax in the second half.
You can make sure you are getting the best line on any underdogs you are playing via our college football betting lines page of the website.
