Saturday 10-7-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 7, 2017
Where: Ryan Field, Evanston, Illinois


Preview: Penn State at Northwestern

Gracenote
Oct 4, 2017

No. 4 Penn State will try to avoid a letdown before beginning the most difficult portion of its schedule when it visits Northwestern on Saturday for a Big Ten clash. Despite many displays of dominance during their perfect start, the Nittany Lions feel a need to improve in a few areas prior to a three-game gauntlet that includes a home matchup with No. 7 Michigan and visits to No. 9 Ohio State and Michigan State.

"It's the little things," coach James Franklin told reporters. "It's the details. It's the focus. It's the finishing. It's the straining. That's been my argument to the coaches, the trainers, the doctors and the players. If everybody can just get a little bit better, just 1 percent better, then that's going to add up." It would be hard to imagine Heisman Trophy favorite Saquon Barkley getting much better, as the junior leads the Big Ten in rushing (574 yards), ranks third in receiving (386) and is the top kick returner in the league, posting a 98-yard touchdown return in last week's 45-14 win over Indiana. Wildcats coach Pat Fitzgerald called Barkley "maybe the best player I've seen on tape" in a Monday press conference, and his team enters with the 11th-ranked rushing defense (145 yards per game) in the league. Northwestern, which dropped its Big Ten opener at Wisconsin 33-24 last Saturday, has won the last two meetings with Penn State - the most recent one coming at home in 2015.

TV: Noon ET, ABC. LINE: Penn State -14.5

ABOUT PENN STATE (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten): Trace McSorley leads the Big Ten in passing yards (1,352) and is tied for second in TDs with 12 after a 315-yard effort against the Hoosiers. Five different receivers have at least 10 receptions and 100 yards, including tight end Mike Gesicki, who left the Indiana win following a collision but is expected to see action Saturday. Kicker Tyler Davis is under the microscope after missing two more field goals last week to drop to 5-for-11 on the season.
ABOUT NORTHWESTERN (2-2, 0-1): Junior Clayton Thorson nearly led the Wildcats back in Madison last week with a pair of fourth-quarter TD passes, and he finished with a career-high 29 completions. Thorson had loads of support from the ground game last season when Justin Jackson led the Big Ten in rushing (1,524 yards), but the senior running back has been held to 25 yards or fewer in two of the first four games. "I thought we'd be much better running the football," Fitzgerald told reporters, adding that Jackson is feeling better this week after being dogged by a quadriceps injury.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Nittany Lions rank third in the Big Ten in sacks with 13 and Northwestern has allowed a league-high 15.

2. Penn State WR DaeSean Hamilton set a school record for career receptions last week and needs 80 yards to move past Derek Moye (2,395) and into fifth place on the program's all-time list.

3. Jackson ran for 186 yards - a career high at the time - in the 23-21 win over Penn State two years ago.

PREDICTION: Penn State 34, Northwestern 22

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - No. 4 Penn State at Northwestern

Red - Hot trends are trends 80% or higher. Blue - Cold trends are trends 20% or lower.
ATS Trends

Penn State

Nittany Lions are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Nittany Lions are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games in October. Nittany Lions are 9-0-2 ATS in their last 11 games on grass. Nittany Lions are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 conference games. Nittany Lions are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS win. Nittany Lions are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Nittany Lions are 12-2-2 ATS in their last 16 games overall. Nittany Lions are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Nittany Lions are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Nittany Lions are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Nittany Lions are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games. Nittany Lions are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games following a straight up win.

Northwestern

Wildcats are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games in October. Wildcats are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss. Wildcats are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Wildcats are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 conference games. Wildcats are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Wildcats are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win. Wildcats are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall. Wildcats are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

OU Trends

Penn State

Over is 5-1 in Nittany Lions last 6 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Nittany Lions last 5 games overall. Under is 4-1 in Nittany Lions last 5 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Over is 8-3 in Nittany Lions last 11 road games. Under is 5-2 in Nittany Lions last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.

Northwestern

Under is 5-1 in Wildcats last 6 games following a ATS win. Under is 10-3-1 in Wildcats last 14 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Wildcats last 5 games following a straight up loss. Over is 5-2 in Wildcats last 7 games in October. Under is 5-2 in Wildcats last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 5-2-1 in Wildcats last 8 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 36-16-1 in Wildcats last 53 games on grass. Under is 26-12 in Wildcats last 38 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 34-16-1 in Wildcats last 51 home games.

Head to Head

• Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Northwestern.
• Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
• Nittany Lions are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
• Favorite is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
• Home team is 11-5 ATS in their last 16 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 7, 2017
Where: Glass Bowl, Toledo, Ohio

Quick Hits

Overall Team Offense

• The Toledo Rockets are ranked 10 on offense, averaging 526.0 yards per game. The Rockets are averaging 189.0 yards rushing and 337.0 yards passing so far this season.
• The Eastern Michigan Eagles are ranked 99 on offense, averaging 357.2 yards per game. The Eagles are averaging 74.5 yards rushing and 282.8 yards passing so far this season.

Home and Away

• The Toledo Rockets are 2-0 at home this season, 0-0 against conference opponents and 3-1 against non-conference opponents.
• At home the Rockets are averaging 50.5 scoring, and holding teams to 32.0 points scored on defense.
• The Eastern Michigan Eagles are 1-1 while on the road this season, 0-1 against conference opponents and 2-1 against non-conference opponents.
• On the road, the Eagles are averaging 18.0 scoring, and holding teams to 18.5 points scored on defense.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Eastern Michigan at Toledo

ATS Trends

Eastern Michigan

Eagles are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Eagles are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Eagles are 8-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Eagles are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss. Eagles are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in October. Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Eagles are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 road games. Eagles are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games on fieldturf. Eagles are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 conference games. Eagles are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS win. Eagles are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.

Toledo

Rockets are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Rockets are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing 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 on fieldturf. Rockets are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games following a bye week. Rockets are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Rockets are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Rockets are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games. Rockets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Rockets are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.

OU Trends

Eastern Michigan

Under is 5-0 in Eagles last 5 games on fieldturf. Under is 5-0 in Eagles last 5 games following a ATS win. Under is 4-0 in Eagles last 4 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 4-0 in Eagles last 4 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 5-1 in Eagles last 6 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Eagles last 6 games following a straight up loss. Under is 13-3 in Eagles last 16 games overall. Over is 8-2 in Eagles last 10 games following a bye week. Under is 4-1 in Eagles last 5 games in October. Under is 4-1 in Eagles last 5 conference games. Over is 10-3 in Eagles last 13 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 6-2 in Eagles last 8 road games. Over is 10-4 in Eagles last 14 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Toledo

Under is 6-0 in Rockets last 6 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 6-0 in Rockets last 6 games following a straight up loss. Under is 10-2 in Rockets last 12 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Under is 4-1-1 in Rockets last 6 conference games. Under is 6-2 in Rockets last 8 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 11-4 in Rockets last 15 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 8-3 in Rockets last 11 games following a bye week. Under is 8-3 in Rockets last 11 games following a ATS loss.

Head to Head

• Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Toledo.
• Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
• Home team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
• Favorite is 12-3 ATS in their last 15 meetings.
• Eagles are 3-12 ATS in their last 15 meetings.
• Eagles are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 meetings in Toledo.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 7, 2017
Where: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, Kansas


Preview: Texas Tech at Kansas

Gracenote
Oct 4, 2017

Kansas knows what to expect from Texas Tech quarterback Nic Shimonek when the Red Raiders visit Saturday. The Jayhawks got a preview of Shimonek last year when he threw for four touchdowns in less than a half in relief of injured Patrick Mahomes.

Shimonek is now the Texas Tech starter and ranks second nationally with 394.5 passing yards to go with 12 touchdowns. "He's interesting because he escapes, he scrambles, he does some kind of chaotic things, but he always finds a receiver and he can get the ball thrown in some odd positions," Kansas coach David Beaty told the media. "Man, he's a handful." Shimonek's top target Keke Coutee is questionable after a knee injury knocked him out in the third quarter of last week's loss against Oklahoma State. Texas Tech is plus-7 in turnover margin -- ranked seventh nationally -- with 10 takeaways while the Jayhawks are at minus-5.

TV: Noon ET, FS1. LINE: Texas Tech -14.5.

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (3-1, 0-1 Big 12): Shimonek is completing 70.8 percent of his passes for 1,578 yards while Coutee (31 catches for 499 yards, four TDs) is second in the Big 12 in receiving yards per game. Four other receivers have at least 15 catches, including Cameron Batson's 25 receptions for 248 yards and Dylan Cantrell's 20 catches for 296 yards and three scores. Lineman Tony Jones has three of the Texas Tech takeaways - recovering two fumbles and an interception - for a defense allowing 30 points per game.

ABOUT KANSAS (1-3, 0-1): Sophomore Khalil Herbert (438 yards) has four rushing touchdowns in his last two games while moving up to the Big 12's second-leading rusher. Peyton Bender has thrown for 1,227 yards with seven interceptions and seven touchdowns -- including three to Steven Sims (team-high 16 catches for 298 yards). Linebacker Joe Dineen Jr. is second nationally with 13 tackles per game -- including nine tackles for loss -- while the Jayhawks give up 39.8 points and 482 yards.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Kansas is 10-of-12 on fourth-down conversions and 16-of-17 in the red zone.

2. WRs Ja'Deion High (four catches for 51 yards this season) and Antoine Wesley (four catches for 47 yards) filled in for the injured Coutee last week.

3. Texas Tech leads the series 17-1 and has won 10 straight against Kansas by an average of 19.2 points.

PREDICTION: Texas Tech 45, Kansas 27

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Texas Tech at Kansas

ATS Trends

Texas Tech

Red Raiders are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Red Raiders are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Red Raiders are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a bye week. Red Raiders are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Red Raiders are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. Red Raiders are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. Red Raiders are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games. Red Raiders are 21-6-1 ATS in their last 28 games on fieldturf. Red Raiders are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 conference games. Red Raiders are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Red Raiders are 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Red Raiders are 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Red Raiders are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Red Raiders are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

Kansas

Jayhawks are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 conference games. Jayhawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. Jayhawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Jayhawks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Jayhawks are 6-13 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Jayhawks are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Jayhawks are 6-15-1 ATS in their last 22 games following a ATS win. Jayhawks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home. Jayhawks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Jayhawks are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games in October. Jayhawks are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games following a bye week.

OU Trends

Texas Tech

Over is 4-1 in Red Raiders last 5 games following a bye week. Over is 4-1 in Red Raiders last 5 games following a straight up loss. Over is 14-5 in Red Raiders last 19 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Red Raiders last 7 road games. Under is 5-2 in Red Raiders last 7 games following a ATS win. Over is 19-8 in Red Raiders last 27 games in October. Over is 31-15 in Red Raiders last 46 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

Kansas

Over is 5-0 in Jayhawks last 5 games overall. Over is 4-0 in Jayhawks last 4 games following a double-digit loss at home. Over is 4-0 in Jayhawks last 4 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Over is 5-0 in Jayhawks last 5 games on fieldturf. Over is 4-0 in Jayhawks last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Over is 4-0 in Jayhawks last 4 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 6-1 in Jayhawks last 7 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Jayhawks last 6 home games. Over is 4-1 in Jayhawks last 5 games following a straight up loss. Over is 4-1 in Jayhawks last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Jayhawks last 5 conference games. Under is 9-3 in Jayhawks last 12 games in October. Under is 11-4 in Jayhawks last 15 games following a ATS win. Over is 8-3 in Jayhawks last 11 games following a bye week. Under is 5-2 in Jayhawks last 7 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

Head to Head

• Red Raiders are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 meetings.
• Favorite is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 meetings.
• Red Raiders are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings in Kansas.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:20 PM ET, Saturday, October 7, 2017
Where: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, Virginia


Preview: Duke at Virginia

Gracenote
Oct 4, 2017

With three wins in the first month of the season, Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall has been receiving praise from the same Cavaliers fans that suffered through a two-win campaign in his first year at the helm in 2016. Mendenhall and his improving quarterback Kurt Benkert will shoot for their fourth win of the season in five games Saturday when rejuvenated Duke visits after suffering its first defeat of the season last week.

The 2016 campaign was a tough one for Mendenhall and Virginia, losing the opener to FCS Richmond, while beating only Duke and Central Michigan and finishing with seven straight losses. However, the Cavaliers have responded this season with three wins by a combined 57 points sandwiched around a 34-17 loss to Indiana in Week 2. “When I was able to be out in a professional setting as the head coach (I was taken aback) that there's a lot of people that are pulling for us,” Mendenhall said this week. “And that became clear. And that feedback has not been subtle but pretty overwhelming where I think there's a lot of folks that would like to see UVA have a really good football program, have a really good year.” Virginia, which has not played since posting its third win of the season - a 42-23 decision at Boise State on Sept. 22 in which Benkert threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns and wideout Andre Levrone caught five passes for 141 yards and two scores. The Blue Devils, leaving the state of North Carolina for the first time this year, opened the season with four double-digit wins - matching its win total from 2016 - but was demolished by No. 12 Miami 31-6 last week.

TV: 12:20 p.m. ET, ACC Network. LINE: Virginia -2.5.

ABOUT DUKE (4-1, 1-1 ACC): Sophomore quarterback Daniel Jones completed 21-of-41 passes for only 166 yards against the Hurricanes and ran for 68 yards on 12 carries but was sacked six times for 31 yards to net 37 rushing yards for the game. Jones threw five interceptions in last year’s 34-20 loss to the Cavaliers while completing 33-of-54 passes for 324 yards, but he's thrown 15 TDs against four interceptions since that contest. The defense has 18 sacks for the season (tied for fifth in FBS), has recorded at least three in every game - a record during coach David Sutcliffe’s 10-year reign - and ranks second in the nation in third-down conversion defense at an ACC-best 17.7 percent.

ABOUT VIRGINIA (3-1, 0-0): Benkert (1,249 yards passing; 144.2 rating) has 10 touchdowns to one interception this year after posting just under a 2:1 ratio last season, and the senior has improved his completion percentage from 56 to 66 percent. Jordan Ellis leads the team in rushing with 312 yards and has rushed for at least one TD in every game this season (five total), Olamide Zaccheaus is tops with 30 receptions while Levrone has averaged 26.8 yards on 13 catches. Linebacker Micah Kiser leads the team with a conference-high 45 tackles and five sacks while safety Quin Blanding is tied for third in the ACC with 43 stops.

EXTRA POINTS

1. In a series that dates to 1890, Virginia leads 35-33 but Duke has won six of the last nine. Benkert threw for 336 yards and three TDs in last season’s win.

2. Duke senior DT Mike Ramsey has 3.5 sacks and six tackles for loss in the last three games, and his six total quarterback pressures are double his career total entering 2017.

3. Blue Devils WR Johnathan Lloyd set career highs with nine catches for 82 yards against Miami.

PREDICTION: Duke 27, Virginia 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Duke at Virginia

ATS Trends

Duke

Blue Devils are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Blue Devils are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games following a bye week. Blue Devils are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss. Blue Devils are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home. Blue Devils are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Blue Devils are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. Blue Devils are 22-7-1 ATS in their last 30 games in October. Blue Devils are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Blue Devils are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Blue Devils are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 road games.

Virginia

Cavaliers are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Cavaliers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a bye week. Cavaliers are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS win. Cavaliers are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Cavaliers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win. Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games. Cavaliers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Cavaliers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games on grass. Cavaliers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 conference games.

OU Trends

Duke

Under is 7-1 in Blue Devils last 8 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Blue Devils last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 4-1 in Blue Devils last 5 games following a bye week. Over is 19-5-3 in Blue Devils last 27 games following a double-digit loss at home. Over is 8-3 in Blue Devils last 11 road games. Under is 8-3 in Blue Devils last 11 games in October. Under is 7-3 in Blue Devils last 10 conference games. Under is 19-9 in Blue Devils last 28 vs. a team with a winning record.

Virginia

Under is 2-0-2 in Cavaliers last 4 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Cavaliers last 6 games in October. Under is 5-1 in Cavaliers last 6 home games. Under is 18-5 in Cavaliers last 23 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 6-2 in Cavaliers last 8 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 6-2 in Cavaliers last 8 games on grass. Under is 5-2 in Cavaliers last 7 games following a straight up win. Under is 17-7-1 in Cavaliers last 25 conference games. Under is 16-7-2 in Cavaliers last 25 games following a bye week.

Head to Head

• Underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
• Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Virginia.
• Home team is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
• Blue Devils are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:30 PM ET, Saturday, October 7, 2017
Where: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, New York


Preview: Pittsburgh at Syracuse

Gracenote
Oct 4, 2017

Coming off the best game of his college career, Max Browne put to rest any questions of a quarterback controversy in Pittsburgh - for at least one week anyway. Browne, who completed 28-of-32 passes for 410 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions against Rice last week, will likely need a similar performance when the Panthers travel to play high-powered Syracuse on Saturday.

Browne was considered the top quarterback coming out of high school but after an underwhelming run at USC, the grad transfer moved to Pittsburgh where he has been battling Ben DiNucci for snaps throughout the season’s first month. "For a week we did (find a quarterback). And Max has got to continue to play well or Ben will jump back in there, and I trust Max will do that,” Pitt catch Pat Narduzzi said this week. “I love what I saw (last week). To me I saw a different, more calm, composed guy that made quicker decisions, and that's what we've got to keep him (doing).“ Despite being ranked 34th in FBS in total offense (460.2 yards per game), Syracuse lost to Middle Tennessee in Week 2 and is coming off a 35-26 loss two weeks ago at LSU and a 33-25 defeat last week at North Carolina State. The Panthers won a 76-61 shootout against the Panthers in the regular-season finale for both teams last season in the highest-scoring game in FBS history.

TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network. LINE: Syracuse -3.5

ABOUT PITTSBURGH (2-3, 0-1 ACC): The Panthers snapped a three-game losing streak in which they were outscored by 75 points with the 42-10 romp over Rice as Browne, the ACC's Offensive Back of the Week, recorded the ninth 400-yard passing game in school history and the most yards passing since Tom Savage threw for 424 at Duke in 2013. Wide receiver Jester Weah had five receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown against the Owls, but the Panthers' ground attack could only muster 69 net yards on 33 attempts. The much-maligned Pittsburgh defense, which starts just two seniors, held Rice to 277 yards of total offense and 2.4 yards per carry while intercepting three passes.

ABOUT SYRACUSE (2-3, 0-1): Receiver Ervin Philips was named ACC Receiver of the Week after breaking school and conference records with 17 receptions for a career-high 188 yards against the Wolfpack. Quarterback Eric Dungey completed 30-of-47 passes for 385 yards with one TD but despite ranking fifth in FBS in pass completions (135), the junior ranks tied for 51st in TD passes (seven). The Orange defense ranks 50th in FBS in total defense (357.6) but has registered just four sacks.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The schools have played every year since 1955. The Panthers have won 13 of the last 15 and lead all-time 38-31-3.

2. In last year’s thriller, Weah had four catches for 99 yards and two scores while Quadree Henderson added 103 rushing yards and 154 on kick returns to offset 440 yards passing and seven total touchdowns (five TD passes) by current Syracuse backup Zach Mahoney.

3. Henderson is fourth in the country with 465 combined kick return yards. He led the nation in that category as a consensus All-American last year with 1,166.

PREDICTION: Pittsburgh 36, Syracuse 35

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Pittsburgh at Syracuse

ATS Trends

Pittsburgh

Panthers are 36-16-1 ATS in their last 53 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Panthers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Panthers are 1-3-2 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Panthers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Panthers are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Panthers are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 road games. Panthers are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

Syracuse

Orange are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. Orange are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Orange are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games. Orange are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf.

OU Trends

Pittsburgh

Over is 5-0-2 in Panthers last 7 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 6-0 in Panthers last 6 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 5-0-1 in Panthers last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Over is 4-0 in Panthers last 4 games in October. Under is 4-0 in Panthers last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Over is 8-1 in Panthers last 9 conference games. Over is 5-1 in Panthers last 6 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 4-1-1 in Panthers last 6 games overall. Over is 12-3-2 in Panthers last 17 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Panthers last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 7-2 in Panthers last 9 games following a straight up win. Under is 3-1-1 in Panthers last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Over is 15-5-2 in Panthers last 22 games following a ATS win. Over is 5-2-1 in Panthers last 8 games on fieldturf. Under is 5-2-1 in Panthers last 8 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.

Syracuse

Under is 7-0 in Orange last 7 home games. Under is 8-0 in Orange last 8 games on fieldturf. Under is 6-0 in Orange last 6 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 9-1 in Orange last 10 games following a straight up loss. Under is 7-1 in Orange last 8 conference games. Under is 6-1 in Orange last 7 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 10-2 in Orange last 12 games overall. Under is 5-1 in Orange last 6 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Orange last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

Head to Head

• Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Underdog is 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
• Panthers are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 2:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 7, 2017
Where: Peden Stadium, Athens, Ohio

Quick Hits

Overall Team Offense

• The Ohio Bobcats are ranked 57 on offense, averaging 425.0 yards per game. The Bobcats are averaging 217.0 yards rushing and 208.0 yards passing so far this season.
• The Central Michigan Chippewas are ranked 59 on offense, averaging 422.4 yards per game. The Chippewas are averaging 141.4 yards rushing and 281.0 yards passing so far this season.

Home and Away

• The Ohio Bobcats are 2-0 at home this season, 1-0 against conference opponents and 3-1 against non-conference opponents.
• At home the Bobcats are averaging 50.5 scoring, and holding teams to 15.0 points scored on defense.
• The Central Michigan Chippewas are 1-2 while on the road this season, 0-1 against conference opponents and 2-2 against non-conference opponents.
• On the road, the Chippewas are averaging 23.3 scoring, and holding teams to 32.0 points scored on defense.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Central Michigan at Ohio

ATS Trends

Central Michigan

Chippewas are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Chippewas are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Chippewas are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS loss. Chippewas are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Chippewas are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in October. Chippewas are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 conference games. Chippewas are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Chippewas are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games on fieldturf. Chippewas are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Chippewas are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games. Chippewas are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Chippewas are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss.

Ohio

Bobcats are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games on fieldturf. Bobcats are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Bobcats are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Bobcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Bobcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games. Bobcats are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Bobcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Bobcats are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Bobcats are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games following a straight up win. Bobcats are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Bobcats are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 conference games. Bobcats are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win. Bobcats are 36-16 ATS in their last 52 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Bobcats are 8-17 ATS in their last 25 games in October.

OU Trends

Central Michigan

Under is 4-0 in Chippewas last 4 games following a straight up loss. Under is 4-0 in Chippewas last 4 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Under is 9-1 in Chippewas last 10 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 7-1 in Chippewas last 8 games overall. Under is 6-1 in Chippewas last 7 games on fieldturf. Under is 4-1 in Chippewas last 5 road games. Under is 4-1 in Chippewas last 5 games following a ATS loss. Under is 4-1 in Chippewas last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Chippewas last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 13-5 in Chippewas last 18 games in October.

Ohio

Over is 4-0 in Bobcats last 4 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Under is 4-0-1 in Bobcats last 5 games in October. Over is 5-0 in Bobcats last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Under is 6-1 in Bobcats last 7 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Bobcats last 6 games overall. Over is 4-1 in Bobcats last 5 games on fieldturf. Under is 20-5-1 in Bobcats last 26 conference games. Under is 7-2 in Bobcats last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 6-2 in Bobcats last 8 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 6-2 in Bobcats last 8 home games. Under is 19-7 in Bobcats last 26 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 24-9-1 in Bobcats last 34 games following a straight up win. Under is 39-17-1 in Bobcats last 57 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 13-6 in Bobcats last 19 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.

Head to Head

• Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Chippewas are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 meetings.
• Favorite is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 2:30 PM ET, Saturday, October 7, 2017
Where: Fred Yager Stadium, Oxford, Ohio

Quick Hits

Overall Team Offense

• The Miami (Ohio) Redhawks are ranked 100 on offense, averaging 357.2 yards per game. The Redhawks are averaging 128.6 yards rushing and 228.6 yards passing so far this season.
• The Bowling Green Falcons are ranked 103 on offense, averaging 339.2 yards per game. The Falcons are averaging 101.2 yards rushing and 238.0 yards passing so far this season.

Home and Away

• The Miami (Ohio) Redhawks are 1-1 at home this season, 1-0 against conference opponents and 1-3 against non-conference opponents.
• At home the Redhawks are averaging 24.0 scoring, and holding teams to 15.5 points scored on defense.
• The Bowling Green Falcons are 0-3 while on the road this season, 0-1 against conference opponents and 0-4 against non-conference opponents.
• On the road, the Falcons are averaging 10.0 scoring, and holding teams to 36.0 points scored on defense.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Bowling Green at Miami (Ohio)

ATS Trends

Bowling Green

Falcons are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Falcons are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in October. Falcons are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games on fieldturf. Falcons are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home. Falcons are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games. Falcons are 1-6 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. Falcons are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss. Falcons are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss. Falcons are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.

Miami (Ohio)

Redhawks are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 conference games. Redhawks are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Redhawks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Redhawks are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games following a ATS loss. Redhawks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in October. Redhawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Redhawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Redhawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf.

OU Trends

Bowling Green

Under is 4-0-1 in Falcons last 5 road games. Under is 6-0 in Falcons last 6 games on fieldturf. Under is 5-0-1 in Falcons last 6 games following a straight up loss. Under is 4-0 in Falcons last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Under is 11-1 in Falcons last 12 games following a double-digit loss at home. Under is 23-7-1 in Falcons last 31 games following a ATS loss. Under is 16-5-1 in Falcons last 22 games overall. Under is 16-5 in Falcons last 21 games in October. Under is 19-7 in Falcons last 26 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 40-17 in Falcons last 57 conference games.

Miami (Ohio)

Under is 5-0 in Redhawks last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 7-1 in Redhawks last 8 home games. Under is 13-3 in Redhawks last 16 games following a straight up loss. Under is 4-1 in Redhawks last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 6-2 in Redhawks last 8 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 20-7 in Redhawks last 27 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 11-4 in Redhawks last 15 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Under is 5-2 in Redhawks last 7 games overall. Under is 5-2 in Redhawks last 7 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Redhawks last 7 games on fieldturf. Under is 45-19 in Redhawks last 64 games following a ATS loss. Under is 7-3 in Redhawks last 10 conference games. Under is 35-16 in Redhawks last 51 games in October.

Head to Head

• Road team is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
• Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Miami (Ohio).
• Falcons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Miami (Ohio).

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:00 PM ET, Saturday, October 7, 2017
Where: Bobcat Stadium, San Marcos, Texas

Quick Hits

Overall Team Offense

• The Texas State Bobcats are ranked 124 on offense, averaging 283.6 yards per game. The Bobcats are averaging 121.6 yards rushing and 162.0 yards passing so far this season.
• The UL Monroe Warhawks are ranked 58 on offense, averaging 423.0 yards per game. The Warhawks are averaging 214.2 yards rushing and 208.8 yards passing so far this season.

Home and Away

• The Texas State Bobcats are 1-2 at home this season, 0-1 against conference opponents and 1-3 against non-conference opponents.
• At home the Bobcats are averaging 15.7 scoring, and holding teams to 25.0 points scored on defense.
• The UL Monroe Warhawks are 1-1 while on the road this season, 2-0 against conference opponents and 0-2 against non-conference opponents.
• On the road, the Warhawks are averaging 42.5 scoring, and holding teams to 43.5 points scored on defense.