Saturday 9-23-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska


Preview: Rutgers at Nebraska

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

While Rutgers is expressing relief after ending an 11-game losing streak, the panic alarm appears to be close to going off in Nebraska following a second straight setback last week. Third-year coach Mike Riley will try to calm the masses beginning Saturday when the Cornhuskers host the Scarlet Knights in the Big Ten opener for both teams.

Nebraska briefly managed to reclaim a late lead after giving up two first-quarter interception returns for touchdowns but ultimately fell 21-17 at home to Northern Illinois, sending the Cornhuskers to their second 1-2 start under Riley, who received a tepid vote of confidence from athletic director Shawn Eichorst afterwards. "I'm angry, I'm frustrated, I'm disappointed … I want to make sure folks understand we've got to get that fixed, and we have to get heading in the right direction, and we have the right coach to do it. But we have to get going," Eichorst told reporters after the game. Rutgers held its own against No. 6 Washington in the season opener before getting upset at home by Eastern Michigan the following week, but it rebounded in a big way by routing FCS foe Morgan State 65-0 last weekend for their largest margin of victory in a shutout since 1978. However, the Scarlet Knights have lost each of their three all-time meetings with Nebraska and dropped 14 consecutive conference games dating back to a 55-52 win at Indiana on Oct. 17, 2015.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Nebraska -13.

ABOUT RUTGERS (1-2): Although Kyle Bolin (52-of-88, 516 yards, four touchdowns, three interceptions) drew his third start in as many games, true freshman Johnathan Lewis stole the show last weekend as his first career pass attempt went for a score, and he later became the first quarterback in program history to rush for four or more touchdowns in a game. Raheem Blackshear amassed 132 total yards and posted his first career 100-yard rushing effort against Morgan State - becoming the first Rutgers true freshman to do so since Josh Hicks and Robert Martin each accomplished the feat in the 2014 Quick Lane Bowl. Senior defensive lineman Darnell Davis recorded a career-high 10 tackles while also picking up his second sack and second forced fumble of the season.

ABOUT NEBRASKA (1-2): Leading rusher Tre Bryant (299 yards) was forced to miss last week with a lingering knee injury, and he remains questionable for this weekend; his presence was missed against Northern Illinois, as the Cornhuskers ran for a season-low 85 yards and averaged a season-worst 2.4 yards per carry. Tanner Lee ranks second in the Big Ten with 263 passing yards per game, but he has yet to complete 60 percent of his throws in a game and has tossed an FBS-high seven interceptions - all in the last two games. Stanley Morgan Jr. leads the conference in receptions (18) and receiving yards (299); no Cornhusker has ever had more catches through three games, while only Irving Fryar (315 in 1983) had more receiving yards.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Nebraska has won 38 of its last 42 conference openers, with three of those losses coming against top-20 opponents.

2. Rutgers blocked a kick for the second time in as many games against Morgan State and leads the nation with 49 total dating back to 2009.

3. Since giving up 42 points in the first half to Oregon, the Cornhuskers' defense has yielded only seven over its last six quarters.

PREDICTION: Nebraska 34, Rutgers 10

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Rutgers at Nebraska

ATS Trends

Rutgers

Scarlet Knights are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in September. Scarlet Knights are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Scarlet Knights are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Scarlet Knights are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win. Scarlet Knights are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 conference games. Scarlet Knights are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Scarlet Knights are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games. Scarlet Knights are 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. Scarlet Knights are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.

Nebraska

Cornhuskers are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Cornhuskers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss. Cornhuskers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Cornhuskers are 5-2-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. Cornhuskers are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games in September. Cornhuskers are 17-35-1 ATS in their last 53 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Cornhuskers are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Cornhuskers are 1-4-2 ATS in their last 7 home games. Cornhuskers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Cornhuskers are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss.

OU Trends

Rutgers

Under is 5-1 in Scarlet Knights last 6 games overall. Under is 5-1 in Scarlet Knights last 6 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Scarlet Knights last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Under is 4-1 in Scarlet Knights last 5 games on fieldturf. Under is 4-1 in Scarlet Knights last 5 games following a ATS win. Under is 17-6 in Scarlet Knights last 23 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Under is 5-2 in Scarlet Knights last 7 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Scarlet Knights last 7 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 7-3 in Scarlet Knights last 10 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.

Nebraska

Under is 5-0 in Cornhuskers last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 6-1 in Cornhuskers last 7 home games. Over is 5-1 in Cornhuskers last 6 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 9-2 in Cornhuskers last 11 conference games. Over is 4-1 in Cornhuskers last 5 games overall. Under is 4-1 in Cornhuskers last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 6-2 in Cornhuskers last 8 games following a straight up loss. Under is 11-5 in Cornhuskers last 16 games on fieldturf.

Head to Head

No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Clemson Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina


Preview: Boston College at Clemson

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

After two straight wins over top-15 opponents, things seemingly get easier for No. 2 Clemson when the Tigers return home to face struggling Boston College on Saturday. The Tigers have won six straight in the series, including a 56-10 rout last season, and Boston College hasn’t won at Clemson since 2007.


Clemson had to win ugly in a 14-6 defensive struggle with Auburn in Week 2, but the Tigers looked like a legitimate contender to repeat as national champions last week. They were dominant in a 47-21 win at Louisville, shutting down reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson until Clemson’s defensive reserves took the field in the fourth quarter. Boston College will have to be much improved on defense to have any hope of an upset, as the Eagles allowed 515 rushing yards in last week’s 49-20 home loss to Notre Dame - the second-highest rushing total allowed in program history, but Clemson coach Dabo Swinney isn’t taking them lightly. “They’re 1-2, but you’ve got to look beyond that,” Swinney told reporters. “They beat a Northern Illinois team that just beat Nebraska, lost to a really good Wake Forest team that is sitting there at 3-0 right now and then played Notre Dame and in the third quarter it was really tight before it got away from them in the fourth quarter.”
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2. LINE: Clemson -34.5


ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (1-2, 0-1 ACC): The Eagles have struggled on defense, allowing 429 total yards and 34.3 points per game, and they’ve been especially bad against the run. The offense is a bit of a work in progress, as freshman quarterback Anthony Brown has thrown six interceptions against five touchdowns, but the offensive line has done a nice job of protecting him by allowing only four sacks. The Eagles have excelled in the kicking game, as Colton Lichtenberg is 6-for-6 on field goals and punter Mike Knoll has pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line 13 times.
ABOUT CLEMSON (3-0, 1-0): The Tigers have been balanced on offense behind junior quarterback Kelly Bryant, who has completed 68.7 percent of his passes for 733 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, and he ranks third on the team with 162 rushing yards and a team-high five TDs. Freshman Travis Etienne (179 yards, two TDs) and sophomore Tavien Feaster (176 yards, one TD) are the team’s top rushers, as starter C.J. Fuller (94 yards, two TDs) has been ineffective the past two weeks. The defense is allowing just 223.3 total yards per game and has racked up 16 sacks and 26 tackles for loss through three games.


EXTRA POINTS
1. Clemson is one of four FBS teams averaging at least 240 yards per game rushing (248.7) and passing (271), and the Tigers are 83-0-1 all-time when gaining at least 200 yards rushing and passing.
2. Clemson has averaged 334 passing yards and a 65 percent completion rate during its six-game winning streak against the Eagles.
3. Boston College is 2-28 all-time against top-five teams, including a 2-16 mark on the road, and 2-7-1 all-time against defending national champions.


PREDICTION: Clemson 41, Boston College 13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Boston College at No. 2 Clemson

ATS Trends

Boston College

Eagles are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Eagles are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games on grass. Eagles are 16-7-1 ATS in their last 24 games following a ATS loss. Eagles are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Eagles are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Eagles are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home. Eagles are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 conference games. Eagles are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games in September.

Clemson

Tigers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games. Tigers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win. Tigers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games in September. Tigers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Tigers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. Tigers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Tigers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Tigers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win. Tigers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 conference games. Tigers are 2-7 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.

OU Trends

Boston College

Under is 5-1 in Eagles last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home. Under is 4-1 in Eagles last 5 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 8-2 in Eagles last 10 games following a ATS loss. Under is 7-2 in Eagles last 9 games in September. Under is 16-5 in Eagles last 21 games following a straight up loss. Under is 22-8 in Eagles last 30 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Under is 36-14-1 in Eagles last 51 road games. Under is 42-18-1 in Eagles last 61 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Under is 34-15-2 in Eagles last 51 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 36-16-1 in Eagles last 53 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 35-16-2 in Eagles last 53 conference games. Under is 36-17-1 in Eagles last 54 games on grass. Under is 63-31-2 in Eagles last 96 games overall.

Clemson

Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 conference games. Over is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Over is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 games following a ATS win. Over is 7-2 in Tigers last 9 games overall. Under is 7-2 in Tigers last 9 games in September. Over is 5-2 in Tigers last 7 games following a straight up win. Under is 17-7 in Tigers last 24 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Over is 7-3 in Tigers last 10 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.

Head to Head

• Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Clemson.
• Road team is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, North Carolina


Preview: Duke at North Carolina

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

The Duke-North Carolina rivalry is more synonymous with basketball - but with the way these two teams have been putting up points so far, don't be surprised to see a March Madness-like point tally as these two football programs do battle Saturday in Chapel Hill. Yet, while the Blue Devils are off to an unbeaten start, the Tar Heels are looking to build off last week's win after dropping their first two games.

The points should be plentiful, as Duke comes in averaging 45 points per game - good for 17th in the nation - while the Tar Heels are also within the top 30 at 39.3 points per game. Quarterback Daniel Jones has accounted for more than 800 yards and seven touchdowns through three games, prompting North Carolina coach Larry Fedora to remark: "I think Daniel Jones has done a really good job of running their offense. This kid can do everything that I think he wants to do offensively. So he’s able to attack you in a multitude of ways." The Tar Heels were tagged for 82 points in losses to California and Louisville to open the season, but rebounded defensively in a 53-23 rout of Old Dominion. The North Carolina ground game has been impressive, accounting for 10 touchdowns so far.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE:Duke -2.5

ABOUT DUKE (3-0, 0-0 ACC): While the offense gets the bulk of the attention, the Blue Devils' run defense has been something to behold. No team in Division I has been stingier on the ground than Duke, which is allowing just 47.7 yards per game while limiting North Carolina Central, Northwestern and Baylor to a combined 1.8 yards per carry on 79 attempts. The Blue Devils' own rush attack has been formidable, with Shaun Wilson (41 carries, 293 yards, four TDs) and Brittain Brown (42 carries, 235 yards, two TDs) forming a potent 1-2 punch in the backfield.

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (1-2, 0-1): The Tar Heels were already throttled by injury heading into last week's matchup with Old Dominion, and lost three more starters - defensive lineman Jalen Dalton, offensive lineman William Sweet and wide receiver Thomas Jackson - in the one-sided victory. The latest spate of maladies prompted Fedora to joke with reporters: “The way this thing’s going right now, we’re going to need every single guy and probably some of you.” Quarterback Chazz Surratt looked solid in his return from injury last week, but isn't guaranteed to be the starter moving forward.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Take away an 81-yard TD run Duke surrendered in its opener, and opposing teams have generated just 62 yards on 78 rush attempts.

2. North Carolina routed Duke 66-31 in 2015, but was upset 28-27 by the Blue Devils as the No. 17-ranked team last season.

3. The Tar Heels have allowed 69 first downs through three games, good for 106th in FBS.

PREDICTION: Duke 38, North Carolina 31

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Duke at North Carolina

ATS Trends

Duke

Blue Devils are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in September. Blue Devils are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win. Blue Devils are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Blue Devils are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Blue Devils are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Blue Devils are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games on grass. Blue Devils are 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Blue Devils are 13-5 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.

North Carolina

Tar Heels are 5-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Tar Heels are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Tar Heels are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Tar Heels are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games in September. Tar Heels are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. Tar Heels are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Tar Heels are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

OU Trends

Duke

Over is 4-1 in Blue Devils last 5 games overall. Over is 8-2 in Blue Devils last 10 road games. Over is 4-1 in Blue Devils last 5 games on grass. Under is 9-3 in Blue Devils last 12 games in September. Under is 6-2 in Blue Devils last 8 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Under is 15-5-1 in Blue Devils last 21 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Blue Devils last 7 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 17-8 in Blue Devils last 25 games following a straight up win.

North Carolina

Over is 6-0 in Tar Heels last 6 games in September. Under is 5-1 in Tar Heels last 6 games following a straight up win. Under is 4-1 in Tar Heels last 5 games following a ATS win. Under is 6-2 in Tar Heels last 8 conference games. Over is 5-2 in Tar Heels last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 12-5 in Tar Heels last 17 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 7-3 in Tar Heels last 10 games on grass. Over is 11-5 in Tar Heels last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.

Head to Head

• Underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
• Home team is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 meetings.
• Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in North Carolina.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida


Preview: Toledo at Miami

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

It's back to football for the Miami Hurricanes, who haven't played since their 41-13 opening win over Bethune-Cookman due to Hurricane Irma. The 14th-ranked Hurricanes, who have been practicing in Orlando, return home on Saturday to face a Toledo team coming off a 54-51 shootout win over Tulsa.

While Miami dealt with the storm and its aftermath the last two weeks, Toledo has been tearing it up offensively en route to the team's 3-0 start. Leading the way is senior quarterback Logan Whiteside, who rallied the Rockets from a 21-point deficit against Tulsa and finished with six touchdown passes. Toledo is averaging 552.7 yards and 46.0 points a game and has scored at least 37 in each of the first three contests. "Obviously, offensively, they're very, very good at what they do," Miami coach Mark Richt told reporters. "They're a very dangerous team. They have our respect for a lot of reasons." Miami's aggressive defense will be more than ready, but a fast Toledo offense that took 88 snaps against Tulsa could eventually exhaust a unit that hasn't played competitive football in three weeks. "(The Hurricanes) play fast on defense," said Toledo coach Jason Candle. "They're running to the football and getting to you with bad intentions when they do get to the ball."

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network. LINE: Miami -13.5

ABOUT TOLEDO (3-0): Woodside was named the MAC West Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 458 yards and a school-record-tying six touchdowns against Tulsa. His top target was senior Cody Thompson, who established career bests in both receptions (nine) and receiving yards (178), while Diontae Johnson had a personal-high 142 yards receiving and two touchdowns on four catches. The defense surrendered 548 yards to Tulsa but safety Josh Teachey had a career-high 14 tackles and returned a blocked extra point 100 yards for two points.

ABOUT MIAMI (1-0): The Hurricanes' front seven managed just one sack in the opener but the talent is there for so much more -- and more will be needed to protect Miami's young secondary and contain the Rockets' explosive passing attack. With star running back Mark Walton (148 yards), the Hurricanes figure to challenge a porous Toledo defense that surrendered 6.2 yards per carry and 423 yards rushing last week. Miami quarterback Malik Rosier, making his third career start, may need to be unleashed after throwing for 217 yards and three touchdowns in a conservative opening win.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Miami defeated Toledo 24-14 in 1987 in the only prior meeting between the schools.

2. Toledo is 3-0 for the third straight season.

3. Due to Hurricane Irma, Miami has had a schedule shakeup, as its Sept. 9 matchup at Arkansas State was canceled, its game at in-state rival Florida State was rescheduled from Sept. 16 to Oct. 7, and its home matchup against Georgia Tech was shifted from Thursday, Oct. 12 to Saturday, Oct. 14.

PREDICTION: Miami 40, Toledo 20

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Toledo at No. 14 Miami

ATS Trends

Toledo

Rockets are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Rockets are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games in September. Rockets are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 road games. Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on grass. Rockets are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Rockets are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Rockets are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 non-conference games. Rockets are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Rockets are 16-7-1 ATS in their last 24 games following a straight up win. Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Rockets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Rockets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Rockets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Rockets are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games following a bye week. Rockets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.

Miami

Hurricanes are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win. Hurricanes are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Hurricanes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Hurricanes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. Hurricanes are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Hurricanes are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games in September. Hurricanes are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Hurricanes are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Hurricanes are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a bye week. Hurricanes are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.

OU Trends

Toledo

Under is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 6-1 in Rockets last 7 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 6-1 in Rockets last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 games in September. Under is 8-2 in Rockets last 10 games following a ATS loss. Under is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 17-5 in Rockets last 22 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 20-6-1 in Rockets last 27 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 22-8 in Rockets last 30 games on grass. Over is 8-3 in Rockets last 11 games following a bye week. Under is 21-8 in Rockets last 29 road games. Over is 5-2 in Rockets last 7 non-conference games. Under is 27-11-1 in Rockets last 39 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Miami

Under is 9-2 in Hurricanes last 11 games following a bye week. Under is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 games overall. Under is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 games following a straight up win. Under is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 5-2 in Hurricanes last 7 home games. Over is 5-2 in Hurricanes last 7 games following a ATS loss. Under is 44-19 in Hurricanes last 63 non-conference games. Under is 34-16-1 in Hurricanes last 51 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

Head to Head

No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, North Carolina


Preview: Wake Forest at Appalachian State

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

Wake Forest will travel some 86 miles to play at Kid Brewer Stadium for the first time when it faces Appalachian State on Saturday in a non-conference game. The Demon Deacons and the Mountaineers have an extensive history having played 22 times between 1975 and 2001, but this will be the first meeting in Boone, N.C.

Behind the passing of John Wolford and Kendall Hinton, and the running of Arkeem Byrd, Wolford and Matt Colburn, Wake Forest is in search of its second straight 4-0 start under coach Dave Clawson. The Demon Deacons, who own a 14-7-1 record against Appalachian State, have looked impressive in dispatching their first three opponents by a combined score of 131-27, but upcoming games against the Mountaineers, No. 11 Florida State and No. 2 Clemson will likely prove much more difficult. The Mountaineers are led by senior dual-threat quarterback Taylor Lamb, who has thrown for 622 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 117 yards and a score. "Appalachian State is a really good football team. Just doing my research, in their last 35 games, they are 29-6," Clawson told the media. "All of their losses have been to really good Power 5 teams or teams at the top of their conference."

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: Wake Forest -4.5

ABOUT WAKE FOREST (3-0): The Demon Deacons should be flying high after their offensive performance in a 46-10 victory over Utah State, a team they lost to while going 3-9 in 2014. Clawson's team produced 588 yards of total offense, the fifth-highest output in school history, led by 242 yards passing from Wolford, who has yet to throw an interception this season against six touchdown passes. Hinton, who opened last season as the starter before getting injured, has been highly effective in limited opportunities, completing 11-of-13 passes for 179 yard and two scores.

ABOUT APPALACHIAN STATE (2-1): Coach Scott Satterfield, who started 27 games at quarterback for the Mountaineers, had led a successful transition to the FBS with back-to-back 10-win seasons as a member of the Sun Belt Conference. The Mountaineers like to spread it around on offense with Lamb, Terrence Upshaw and Jalin Moore acting as the main ball carriers and Thomas Hennigan, Malik Williams and Collin Reed leading the wide receivers. Senior LB Eric Boggs spearheads a defense that has limited opponents to 20 second-half points this season.

TIP-INS

1. Lamb threw 31 touchdown passes two seasons ago as a sophomore before tossing 15 in 2016.

2. The Mountaineers, who joined the FBS in 2014 after winning three FCS national championships, are 82-16 in their last 98 games at Kid Brewer Stadium.

3. Wolford threw more interceptions than touchdowns in each of his first three seasons, entering this year with 30 touchdown passes and 35 interceptions.

PREDICTION: Wake Forest 27, Appalachian State 23

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Wake Forest at Appalachian State

ATS Trends

Wake Forest

Demon Deacons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win. Demon Deacons are 4-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Demon Deacons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall. Demon Deacons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on fieldturf. Demon Deacons are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games. Demon Deacons are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Demon Deacons are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Demon Deacons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win. Demon Deacons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Demon Deacons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games. Demon Deacons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in September. Demon Deacons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Demon Deacons are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Demon Deacons are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

Appalachian State

Mountaineers are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games following a straight up win. Mountaineers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Mountaineers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. Mountaineers are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 home games. Mountaineers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in September. Mountaineers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games on fieldturf. Mountaineers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.

OU Trends

Wake Forest

Over is 4-0 in Demon Deacons last 4 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 6-1-1 in Demon Deacons last 8 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Demon Deacons last 6 non-conference games. Over is 4-1 in Demon Deacons last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Over is 7-2 in Demon Deacons last 9 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 6-2 in Demon Deacons last 8 road games. Under is 6-2 in Demon Deacons last 8 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Demon Deacons last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Under is 5-2 in Demon Deacons last 7 games following a ATS win. Over is 5-2 in Demon Deacons last 7 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Demon Deacons last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Appalachian State

Under is 5-1 in Mountaineers last 6 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Mountaineers last 6 games following a straight up win. Under is 4-1 in Mountaineers last 5 games overall. Under is 9-3 in Mountaineers last 12 games in September. Under is 9-4 in Mountaineers last 13 non-conference games.

Head to Head

No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina


Preview: Louisiana Tech at South Carolina

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

Unable to do so last week, South Carolina will need to find a way to win without its top playmaker in Saturday's non-conference game against visiting Louisiana Tech. Junior wide receiver Deebo Samuel had six touchdowns in three games, including a 68-yard touchdown catch on the first play from scrimmage in last week's loss to Kentucky, but suffered a broken left leg and was lost for the season for the Gamecocks, who are unbeaten in five games against the Bulldogs.

"I think we've got some capable guys," coach Will Muschamp told the media on how he might replace Samuel. "Shi Smith is a freshman we are trying to train up. Bryan Edwards has been a dependable guy. Next man up has to be our mentality." Limiting the mistakes of quarterback Jake Bentley, who threw for 304 yards against the Wildcats but also had a pair of interceptions, will help as would getting more production out of the running game. Ty'Son Williams (5.6 yards per carry) is the only player beside Samuel averaging better than three yards per carry and the unit has produced 257 yards and three touchdowns in three games. In contrast, the Bulldogs of Conference USA have gained nearly 500 yards on the ground, including 248 yards by Jarred Craft.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network. LINE: South Carolina -8.5

ABOUT LOUISIANA TECH (2-1): The Bulldogs and coach Skip Holtz, who spent six seasons as an assistant coach at South Carolina (1999-2004), can create big plays in the passing game but are still in search of consistency. Sophomore quarterback J'Mar Smith had thrown for 722 yards, including three plays of 53 yards or longer, but has completed barely half of his passes. Smith's favorite target has been junior Teddy Veal, who has caught 15 passes for 133 yards, but the Bulldogs' most explosive receiver is sophomore Rhashid Bonnette, who has averaged 37 yards per catch, aided by an 87-yard touchdown.

ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA (2-1): Despite finding success on the ground in the season opener with 78 yards on 14 carries, Williams, a sophomore transfer from North Carolina, did not receive a single carry in the last two games. Bentley and Rico Dowdle, who had 764 yards and six touchdowns last season as a freshman, have combined for the bulk of the rushing attempts for the Gamecocks and neither has had much success. Dowdle has carried 34 times and has averaged 2.9 yards and Bentley has produced only 1.6 yards per carry on 16 attempts.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Gamecocks have proven to be a second half team defensively, allowing fewer than half the points in the second half (19) than it has in the first half (45).

2. Junior WR Kam McKnight has nine career rushing touchdowns on 18 attempts for the Bulldogs, who haven't played the Gamecocks since a 68-21 loss in 1995.

3. At 65 percent, Bentley currently has the second highest completion percentage in South Carolina history behind Connor Shaw (65.5 percent).

PREDICTION: South Carolina 34, Louisiana Tech 20

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Louisiana Tech at South Carolina

ATS Trends

Louisiana Tech

Bulldogs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win. Bulldogs are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win. Bulldogs are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. SEC. Bulldogs are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Bulldogs are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games on grass. Bulldogs are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Bulldogs are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.

South Carolina

Gamecocks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Gamecocks are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Gamecocks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss. Gamecocks are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.

OU Trends

Louisiana Tech

Over is 5-0 in Bulldogs last 5 games on grass. Over is 6-0 in Bulldogs last 6 non-conference games. Over is 9-1 in Bulldogs last 10 games following a straight up win. Over is 5-1 in Bulldogs last 6 games in September. Over is 5-1 in Bulldogs last 6 games following a ATS win. Over is 5-1 in Bulldogs last 6 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Bulldogs last 5 vs. SEC. Over is 7-2 in Bulldogs last 9 road games. Over is 16-5 in Bulldogs last 21 games overall. Over is 36-16-1 in Bulldogs last 53 vs. a team with a winning record.

South Carolina

Over is 5-0 in Gamecocks last 5 non-conference games. Over is 4-0 in Gamecocks last 4 games following a straight up loss. Over is 4-0 in Gamecocks last 4 vs. CUSA. Over is 4-0 in Gamecocks last 4 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Under is 6-1-1 in Gamecocks last 8 games in September. Under is 11-4 in Gamecocks last 15 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Gamecocks last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 9-4 in Gamecocks last 13 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 21-10-1 in Gamecocks last 32 games overall.

Head to Head

No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee


Preview: Alabama at Vanderbilt

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

Top-ranked Alabama looks to post its fourth straight victory when it visits upstart Vanderbilt on Saturday in the SEC opener for both teams. The Crimson Tide are still smoothing out rough spots with this year's group while the Commodores are surprisingly unbeaten after three games for the first time since 2011.

Alabama gave up 23 points in last Saturday's victory over Colorado State but coach Nick Saban downplayed any concern. "Sometimes you lose sight of the fact that we are 3-0," Saban told reporters. "We have improved in a lot of areas of our team and we'll continue to focus on the technical aspects of what we need to do to improve in some other areas to get some mistakes and mental errors corrected." Vanderbilt is soaring high after posting a 14-7 victory over then-No. 18 Kansas State for the school's first victory over a ranked nonconference opponent since 1946 and now takes aim at halting a 21-game losing streak against Alabama. "I don't think we've arrived at all," Commodores junior quarterback Kyle Shurmur said at a press conference. "We've still got a lot of ball left, but I certainly think we've gotten a lot better."

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Alabama -18.5

ABOUT ALABAMA (3-0): Sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts is a more adept runner (312 yards, three touchdowns) than passer (472 yards, four scores) but he is completing 67.9 percent of his passes and hasn't been intercepted in 53 attempts. Junior receiver Calvin Ridley (15 catches, 219 yards) is three receptions shy of former star Julio Jones (179 from 2008-10) for third place on the school's all-time list and is tied for fourth in career touchdowns with legendary Ozzie Newsome (16 from 1974-77). Junior outside linebacker Keith Holcombe has taken advantage of playing time due to injuries at the position to rack up 16 stops over the past two games and his 17 tackles are second on the squad behind junior free safety Ronnie Harrison (18).

ABOUT VANDERBILT (3-0): Shurmur is off to a strong start by completing 71 percent of his passes for 703 yards and eight touchdowns without throwing an interception in 69 attempts. Shurmur and the offense are complemented by a strong defense that leads the nation in scoring defense (4.3) and total defense (198.3 yards per game) while featuring a standout pass rusher in junior outside linebacker Charles Wright (second in the nation with six sacks). "We want to prove to be the best defense on the field this Saturday," said senior inside linebacker Oren Burks of a unit that has racked up 28 tackles for loss and five interceptions through three games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The teams are meeting in Nashville, Tenn., for the initial time since 2007 and the first time anywhere since 2011 -- Alabama holds a 59-19-4 series lead.

2. Crimson Tide senior OLB Rashaan Evans (groin) is expected back after a two-game absence.

3. The Commodores also lead the nation in passing defense at 95.3 yards allowed per game.

PREDICTION: Alabama 23, Vanderbilt 10

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - No. 1 Alabama at Vanderbilt

ATS Trends

Alabama

Crimson Tide are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Crimson Tide are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games. Crimson Tide are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 conference games. Crimson Tide are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on fieldturf. Crimson Tide are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss. Crimson Tide are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Crimson Tide are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Crimson Tide are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win. Crimson Tide are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.

Vanderbilt

Commodores are 6-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Commodores are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 conference games. Commodores are 17-7 ATS in their last 24 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Commodores are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Commodores are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games in September. Commodores are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win. Commodores are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

OU Trends

Alabama

Over is 5-1 in Crimson Tide last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 4-1 in Crimson Tide last 5 games on fieldturf. Under is 6-2 in Crimson Tide last 8 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Crimson Tide last 7 road games. Under is 20-8 in Crimson Tide last 28 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.

Vanderbilt

Under is 10-0-1 in Commodores last 11 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 6-1 in Commodores last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 8-2-2 in Commodores last 12 games in September. Under is 11-3 in Commodores last 14 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Under is 10-3-2 in Commodores last 15 games following a ATS win. Under is 21-7-2 in Commodores last 30 games overall. Under is 14-5-1 in Commodores last 20 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Under is 38-14-1 in Commodores last 53 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 8-3-1 in Commodores last 12 games following a straight up win. Under is 12-5-1 in Commodores last 18 games on fieldturf. Under is 11-5-1 in Commodores last 17 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 55-25-1 in Commodores last 81 conference games.

Head to Head

• Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Vanderbilt.
• Under is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, Oklahoma


Preview: TCU at Oklahoma State

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

By scoring on its first seven possessions at Pittsburgh last week, Oklahoma State and its Heisman Trophy candidate Mason Rudolph made a statement that the No. 7 Cowboys are a serious contender for a Big 12 and even a national title. The next step to accomplish both begins Saturday when equally high-powered and 15th-ranked TCU visits in the conference opener for both teams.

In the first half against the Panthers, Rudolph racked up a school-record 423 yards passing with five touchdowns and the Cowboys set a record for total yards in the first half with 516 in building a 49-14 lead at the break - the most points against a Pitt team in a half since Ohio State put up 52 in 1996. Rudolph is completing 72.3 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns versus one interception while averaging 378.3 yards per game in roughly three quarters per contest as the Cowboys have scored 54 points per contest – fourth in the nation. “The guy's a workaholic,” Cowboys coach Mike Gundy told the Oklahoman. “He's crazy over his footwork, his release, his study, the game plan. … He understands everything like a coach. He's totally committed to being a student of the game.” TCU, which ranks seventh in FBS in scoring at 49 points per game, moved up five spots in the poll after rallying from a 12-point first-half deficit to SMU for a 56-36 victory behind 365 yards and four TD passes by Kenny Hill.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Oklahoma State -11.

ABOUT TCU (3-0): Hill has completed 75 percent of his 84 passes this season – ninth best in FBS – and his QBR rating of 87.6 yards is eighth best. Due to Hill’s passing and a ground attack led by Darius Anderson (262 yards, 6.2 per carry) that averages 5.4 yards per attempt, TCU leads the nation in third-down conversion percentage at 65.8 (25-of-38). The Frogs' defense gave up 463 total yards and some big plays against SMU but ranks second nationally with three defensive touchdowns.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA STATE (3-0): Rudolph, who has been sacked just three times, ranks second in FBS in QBR (92.7) behind Oklahoma signal caller Baker Mayfield and fifth in passer rating (210.3). Justice Hill ran for 91 yards on 11 carries with two touchdowns against Pitt, while receivers Jalen McCleskey (seven receptions for 162 yards and three TDs), James Washington (five, 124, zero), Dillon Stoner (five,100, one) and Marcell Ateman (four, 109, one) became the first FBS foursome since 2005 to surpass 100 yards receiving in one game. Washington is averaging 28.2 yards per reception on 13 grabs this season and 19.9 over his four-year career.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Cowboys beat the Horned Frogs 31-6 last season behind 334 yards rushing and 207 more through the air by Rudolph, as Hill was limited to 166 yards passing and threw two interceptions.

2. Oklahoma State has won five of the last six games in the series and is 15-10-2 all-time.

3. TCU has the third-best road record in FBS since 2009 (34-10) and is 14-9 since joining the Big 12 in 2012.

PREDICTION: Oklahoma State 45, TCU 31