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 (-3 ½) at Purdue – The Fighting Illini opened as 6 ½ point road favorites at Purdue but that’s been pulled all the way down to 3 ½ or 4 points, depending upon the book. Illinois is coming off a home loss to Ohio State, the Illini’s first loss of the season. Purdue has been playing better as of late. They throttled lowly Minnesota two weeks ago and lost a close game to Penn State last week, covering the spread in both games. This one seems to have upset written all over it.
Oregon (-31) at Colorado – The Ducks started as 32 ½ point road favorites but that was bought down to 30 ½. There’s been some recent buyback on Oregon that has moved some books up to 31; here again, it depends on the book. Both teams have significant injury issues. Interestingly, this will be Oregon’s second true road game of the season.
Washington State (-3) vs. Oregon State – The Cougars opened at -5 but that has been taken down to 3 points. Jeff Tuel finally returned from injury last week against Stanford and should be better this week. Oregon State started the season slowly but, like Purdue, has been playing better in recent weeks.
Nevada (-11) vs. Fresno State – Nevada opened at -8 ½ but that’s been steamed up to 11 points. The Wolf Pack and their pistol offense have been clicking the past two weeks. But that has come against UNLV and New Mexico; Fresno State should present a few more challenges, at least on offense. Might be a shootout in Reno.
Toledo (-17 ½) vs. Miami (Ohio) – The Rockets started as 15 point favorites against Miami but that’s been steamed up to 17 ½ at most books. Toledo has showed a lot of promise this season, while Miami has been disappointing. But they are riding a two game winning streak. Toledo has won three in a row.
TCU (-43 ½) vs. New Mexico – The Horned Frogs get maybe the worst team in all of college football this Saturday afternoon. TCU opened at -40 ½ but that’s been pushed up to 43. TCU is coming off a nice road win against San Diego State. Their only two losses have come against Baylor by 2 and SMU in OT. New Mexico is 0-6, but they lost by just three points three weeks ago. Of course, that was against Sam Houston State at home.
Vanderbilt (-11) vs. Army – The Commodores have moved from a 9 point favorite at opening to an 11 point favorite currently. Jordan Rodgers, brother of Aaron Rodgers, will get his first start for Vandy. Army has a decent team and could use a win to get closer to being bowl eligible.
Alabama (-29 ½) vs. Tennessee – The Crimson Tide, who haven’t lost against the spread for what seems like forever, have moved from -27 ½ to -29 ½. Everyone knew the defense was going to be awesome, but the offense has been surprisingly effective. Tennessee can usually put up some points, but they might be in for a long day in Tuscaloosa.
Houston (-23 ½) vs. Marshall – Houston has been steamed up from a 20 ½ point favorite to 23 ½. The Cougars are still undefeated this season. They’ve won their last two home games by a combined score of 112-3. Marshall has been tough to read. They beat Southern Miss at home and Louisville on the road, but got murdered at Ohio, 44-7. They’ll need to show up this week or get blown out.
