Saturday 11-4-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 4, 2017
Where: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, Kansas

Preview: Baylor at Kansas
Gracenote
Nov 2, 2017

Either winless Baylor or host Kansas will pick up its first Big 12 Conference victory on Saturday. "This is a big game for both of us," Kansas coach David Beaty said Tuesday. "Somebody's going to come out of here with the first Big 12 win and move yourself into position to be able to attack the rest of the season. It's a huge game for us."

Freshman quarterback Charlie Brewer will make his first start for Baylor as injuries continue to pile up for the Bears. Pooh Stricklin (23 catches, 299 yards) joins injured receivers Chris Platt (16 catches, 401 yards, five touchdowns in four games) and R.J. Sneed (five catches, 53 yards in seven games) on the sideline while several more offensive players - including leading rusher John Lovett - are questionable for Saturday's game. Sophomore Carter Stanley has taken over the starting job for Kansas, leading the Jayhawks 482 yards of offense last week against Kansas State after they gained 21 yards the week before. Baylor has won seven straight against Kansas by an average 38.3 points.

TV: Noon ET, Fox Sports Net. LINE: Baylor -7.5

ABOUT BAYLOR (0-8, 0-5 Big 12): Brewer (28-of-47 for 331 yards, two touchdowns, one interception) has come off the bench the past two weeks to replace sophomore Zach Smith (1,458 yards, eight touchdowns, seven interceptions), who hurt his shoulder last week. Lovett leads the Bears in rushing with 405 yards and five touchdowns while Denzel Mims has a team-high 38 catches for 727 yards and seven touchdowns. A foot injury will keep leading tackler Clay Johnston (54 tackles, nine tackles for loss) out Saturday and possibly for the year.

ABOUT KANSAS (1-7, 0-5): Stanley went 23-of-48 for 418 yards, an interception and a touchdown to leading receiver Steven Sims (32 catches, 637 yards, four touchdowns) in his first start of the year. Khalil Herbert leads Kansas on the ground with 544 yards and four touchdowns, but the Jayhawks have been held to 101 total rushing yards in their past three games. Defensive end Dorance Armstrong (44 tackles, seven tackles for loss) has been cleared to play after leaving the Kansas State game in the second quarter with an ankle injury.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Baylor hasn't won a regular-season game since a 49-7 home win against Kansas on Oct. 15, 2016.

2. Baylor CB Blake Lynch (18 tackles, six pass breakups) moved to receiver last week (two catches, 51 yards) and his position for Saturday will be determined by where the Bears need him most.

3. Kansas will wear military-themed uniforms Saturday inspired by the state's history as a free state during the Civil War and the "Jay-Hawkers" volunteer cavalry.

PREDICTION: Baylor 31, Kansas 30

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Baylor at Kansas

ATS Trends
Baylor

Bears are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Bears are 9-19 ATS in their last 28 games overall.
Bears are 8-17 ATS in their last 25 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Bears are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Bears are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games.
Bears are 1-8 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
Bears are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games in November.

Kansas

Jayhawks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in November.
Jayhawks are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Jayhawks are 9-19 ATS in their last 28 games following a straight up loss.
Jayhawks are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games following a ATS win.
Jayhawks are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Jayhawks are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Jayhawks are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Jayhawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Jayhawks are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.

OU Trends
Baylor

Over is 4-0 in Bears last 4 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Under is 4-0 in Bears last 4 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 7-1-1 in Bears last 9 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 8-2 in Bears last 10 vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 4-1 in Bears last 5 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Bears last 7 road games.
Over is 5-2 in Bears last 7 games in November.
Under is 5-2 in Bears last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Over is 34-16-2 in Bears last 52 games on fieldturf.

Kansas

Over is 5-0 in Jayhawks last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 6-1 in Jayhawks last 7 games on fieldturf.
Over is 4-1 in Jayhawks last 5 games in November.
Over is 4-1 in Jayhawks last 5 home games.
Under is 13-4 in Jayhawks last 17 vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 5-2 in Jayhawks last 7 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 11-5 in Jayhawks last 16 games following a ATS win.

Head to Head

Bears are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Favorite is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Home team is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 4, 2017
Where: TDECU Stadium, Houston, Texas

Preview: East Carolina at Houston
Gracenote
Nov 2, 2017

Houston will use its third starting quarterback of the season when the Cougars host East Carolina on Saturday afternoon. Sophomore D'Eriq King was named the starter Monday after leading the Cougars to an upset of South Florida last week.

"I'm grateful that we have three guys that can go out and win games as starters," first-year coach Major Applewhite told the media Monday. "That's something that's very difficult to have in college football. I just want to see consistency from that position for our overall offensive success." The Pirates will stick with Duke graduate transfer Thomas Sirk, who left their Oct. 21 win against BYU with a shoulder injury. Backup Gardner Minshew threw two fourth-quarter touchdowns in relief, but Sirk is healthy and will start Saturday. East Carolina's defense - ranked last nationally in scoring and yards allowed - will have its hands full against a Houston team that can score in bunches.

TV: Noon ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: Houston -24.5

ABOUT EAST CAROLINA (2-6, 1-3 AAC): Sirk has thrown for 1,650 yards, nine touchdowns and eight interceptions while Minshew has 654 passing yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. Davon Grayson leads the Pirates with 47 catches for 795 yards and six touchdowns and has recorded three 100-yard performances in the past five games. Kiante Anderson has 3.5 of the 10 sacks by a Pirate defense allowing 45.9 points and 577.6 yards.

ABOUT HOUSTON (5-3, 3-2): King went 12-of-20 for 137 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 83 yards and two scores against South Florida after previously recording 46 rushing yards and 29 catches for 264 yards and two scores in five games as a receiver. Mulbah Car (264 rushing yards, two touchdowns) is coming off his second career 100-yard game after playing in relief of Duke Catalon (519 yards, seven touchdowns), who injured an ankle last week and is questionable. Sophomore Ed Oliver - a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award - ranks sixth nationally among defensive linemen with 49 tackles to go with 2.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss.

EXTRA POINTS

1. East Carolina averages 108.2 rushing yards and has been held below 100 yards only three times.

2. Houston QBs Kyle Allen (771 yards, four TDs, four INTs) and Kyle Postma (1,125 yards, five TDs, six INTs) have combined for 15 of the Cougars' 17 turnovers.

3. Houston LT Josh Jones (knee) and KR John Leday (concussion) will miss Saturday's game after getting injured against South Florida.

PREDICTION: Houston 45, East Carolina 20

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - East Carolina at Houston

ATS Trends
East Carolina

Pirates are 8-19 ATS in their last 27 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Pirates are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Pirates are 9-24 ATS in their last 33 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Pirates are 6-20 ATS in their last 26 games overall.
Pirates are 8-29 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Pirates are 5-23 ATS in their last 28 conference games.
Pirates are 5-23 ATS in their last 28 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Pirates are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.
Pirates are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
Pirates are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 road games.
Pirates are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games in November.
Pirates are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games on turf.

Houston

Cougars are 22-8-1 ATS in their last 31 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Cougars are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
Cougars are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games in November.
Cougars are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Cougars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Cougars are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 conference games.
Cougars are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Cougars are 0-4 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.

OU Trends
East Carolina

Over is 5-1 in Pirates last 6 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Pirates last 5 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Pirates last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 5-2 in Pirates last 7 games overall.
Under is 5-2 in Pirates last 7 games in November.
Over is 5-2 in Pirates last 7 conference games.
Over is 7-3 in Pirates last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Houston

Under is 5-0 in Cougars last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 4-0 in Cougars last 4 games following a straight up win.
Under is 7-0 in Cougars last 7 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Cougars last 7 home games.
Under is 6-1 in Cougars last 7 games on turf.
Under is 4-1 in Cougars last 5 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Cougars last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 4-1 in Cougars last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Cougars last 5 conference games.
Under is 12-4 in Cougars last 16 games in November.
Under is 20-8 in Cougars last 28 games overall.

Head to Head

Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Underdog is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
Pirates are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Houston.
Pirates are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 4, 2017
Where: Kyle Field, College Station, Texas

Preview: Auburn at Texas A&M
Gracenote
Nov 1, 2017

Auburn has the distinction of being the highest-ranked two-loss team in the country - but it can ill afford another defeat as it visits Texas A&M on Saturday afternoon in a pivotal SEC showdown. The No. 14 Tigers improved their chances of a spot in the New Year's Six bowl series with a 52-20 win over Arkansas two weeks ago, and will look to dispatch the Aggies in preparation for a showdown at home with No. 1 Georgia the following week.

Auburn is a perfect 6-0 coming off open weeks under coach Gus Malzahn. "The thing that I like right now is we're healthier and we had an off week to get a little fresher," Malzahn told reporters Tuesday. "(During an open date you) look at your team and either break tendencies or build around strengths. The bottom line is the players and the players respond and do what they're asked to do." The Aggies are reeling after getting stomped 35-14 last week by Mississippi State - a game that brought back memories of that 45-44 season-opening loss to UCLA in which Texas A&M squandered a 34-point lead. "I think (our players have) shown a resiliency before," coach Kevin Sumlin said following the loss to the Bulldogs. "I think they've shown toughness before. I think they've shown the ability to finish before. Nobody in that locker room Saturday night was happy."

TV: Noon ET, ESPN. LINE: Auburn -15.

ABOUT AUBURN (6-2, 4-1 SEC): A difficult season has become even more so for Tigers running back Kamryn Pettway, who is expected to be out for an extended period with a fractured scapula suffered in the victory over the Razorbacks. Pettway was looking to build on last season's 1,224-yard, seven-touchdown breakout campaign but has appeared in just five games so far this season - and had five or fewer carries in two of them. Kerryon Johnson has carried the load in Pettway's absence, racking up 723 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in six games as the lead back.

ABOUT TEXAS A&M (5-3, 3-2): Aggies quarterback Nick Starkel made his first appearance since suffering a fractured ankle in the season opener, going 8-of-15 for 133 yards with a touchdown and an interception in relief of an ineffective Kellen Mond. However, Sumlin wouldn't commit to a depth chart change against Auburn. "We're not opening up the (quarterback) competition right now. Nick Starkel made some plays, but there were some issues, as well. He made a couple mistakes and a couple really nice throws. There's some rust on him right now. The situation will remain the same," Sumlin told reporters Tuesday.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The road team has won all five meetings since Texas A&M joined the SEC in 2012.

2. Auburn is one of three FBS teams averaging more than 220 passing and 220 rushing yards per game.

3. The Aggies' 52.4-percent completion rate ranks 112th in the nation.

PREDICTION: Auburn 38, Texas A&M 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - No. 15 Auburn at Texas A&M

ATS Trends
Auburn

Tigers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Tigers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 conference games.
Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Tigers are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS win.
Tigers are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Tigers are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Tigers are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Tigers are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games in November.
Tigers are 1-3-2 ATS in their last 6 games on grass.

Texas A&M

Aggies are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Aggies are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
Aggies are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Aggies are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.
Aggies are 16-35-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Aggies are 16-36 ATS in their last 52 games following a ATS loss.
Aggies are 6-16-1 ATS in their last 23 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Aggies are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Aggies are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Aggies are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Aggies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Aggies are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games in November.
Aggies are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Aggies are 2-15 ATS in their last 17 games following a straight up loss.

OU Trends
Auburn

Over is 5-0 in Tigers last 5 games overall.
Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 games following a straight up win.
Under is 5-0 in Tigers last 5 games in November.
Over is 5-0 in Tigers last 5 conference games.
Under is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 5-1-1 in Tigers last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 15-5-2 in Tigers last 22 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 5-2 in Tigers last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Under is 5-2-2 in Tigers last 9 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 17-7-1 in Tigers last 25 games on grass.

Texas A&M

Under is 4-0 in Aggies last 4 games overall.
Under is 5-0 in Aggies last 5 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Aggies last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Under is 5-0 in Aggies last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 4-0 in Aggies last 4 conference games.
Under is 7-1 in Aggies last 8 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 10-2 in Aggies last 12 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Aggies last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Under is 8-2 in Aggies last 10 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Aggies last 5 home games.
Under is 7-2 in Aggies last 9 games in November.
Under is 16-5-1 in Aggies last 22 games on grass.
Under is 9-3-1 in Aggies last 13 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

Head to Head

Underdog is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.
Road team is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 4, 2017
Where: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan

Preview: Penn State at Michigan State
Gracenote
Nov 1, 2017

No. 7 Penn State will try to rebound from a painful loss and keep its hopes alive in both the Big Ten and College Football Playoff races when it visits Michigan State on Saturday. A late collapse led to the Nittany Lions' 39-38 setback at Ohio State last Saturday, dropping James Franklin's squad to the seventh spot in the initial CFP rankings released this week.

The Spartans also suffered a difficult defeat, falling in three overtimes at Northwestern, and they enter Saturday's tilt tied with Penn State in the Big Ten East Division, a game behind the first-place Buckeyes. "Both us and Michigan State have to come off really tough games and be ready to play," Franklin told reporters. "That's the reality of this time of year in college football. You embrace it, make the best of it, and you work through it. That's what we will do." Michigan State can still pave a road to the Big Ten title game in Indianapolis with a win over the Lions and then another at Ohio State on Nov. 11, an incredibly challenging stretch that could help lift the program back to the heights it has seen in recent years. "I think it's important that we all play our best game when our best game is demanded of us. We get ourselves ready for that," Spartans coach Mark Dantonio told reporters. "I'm constantly asking our players if they're ready to play. 'Have you done everything that you can possibly throughout the week to get yourself ready to play?' Emotionally, physically, mentally as well."

TV: Noon ET, FOX. LINE: Penn State -8.5

ABOUT PENN STATE (7-1, 4-1 Big Ten): Star running back Saquon Barkley was held to a season-low 44 rushing yards and senior quarterback Trace McSorley was hurried repeatedly in the loss to Ohio State, as the offensive line struggled to contain the Buckeyes' attack. "Our issue is the negative-yardage plays," Franklin told the media. "Whether they make a good call and catch us in a look that we're not expecting or whether it's (a run-pass option), we should have pulled it and threw the ball rather than handed it off, or whether it's not trying to turn every run into an 80-yard run. We have to get better in that area." The Nittany Lions had the top scoring defense in the country prior to allowing 529 yards, and it has permitted its last two opponents to convert on a total of 8-of-8 red zone trips.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (6-2, 4-1): Sophomore quarterback Brian Lewerke set school records for passing yards (445) and completions (39) in the loss to Northwestern, and his 57 passing attempts tied for the second-highest total in program history. He also was the leading rusher with just 30 yards, as team season leader LJ Scott (511 yards) was held to 16 and committed his fifth fumble, continuing a season-long issue for the Spartans. "I assure you, it's being stressed and it's a point of emphasis and a point of frustration," Dantonio said of his team's conference-leading 10 lost fumbles. "But the ball's going to come out. Penn State is the best in the conference at takeaways right now. That traditionally has been our job or our role when we've won championships."

EXTRA POINTS

1. McSorley threw for 376 yards and four TDs in last year's 45-12 win over the Spartans as Penn State knotted the all-time series at 15-15-1.

2. Spartans WR Cody White has 15 catches for 264 yards over the last two games after producing a total of five grabs and 50 yards through the first six contests of his career.

3. Michigan State LB Joe Bachie ranks fourth in the Big Ten in tackles (71) and has 21 over the last two weeks.

PREDICTION: Penn State 28, Michigan State 21

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - No. 7 Penn State at Michigan State

ATS Trends
Penn State

Nittany Lions are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Nittany Lions are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in November.
Nittany Lions are 11-1-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS win.
Nittany Lions are 9-1-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Nittany Lions are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Nittany Lions are 16-3-2 ATS in their last 21 games overall.
Nittany Lions are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Nittany Lions are 13-3-1 ATS in their last 17 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Nittany Lions are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 conference games.
Nittany Lions are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Nittany Lions are 33-16-2 ATS in their last 51 games on grass.
Nittany Lions are 1-8-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss.

Michigan State

Spartans are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Spartans are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.
Spartans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Spartans are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games in November.
Spartans are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Spartans are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games on grass.
Spartans are 18-38 ATS in their last 56 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Spartans are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.

OU Trends
Penn State

Over is 7-1 in Nittany Lions last 8 games in November.
Over is 5-1 in Nittany Lions last 6 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 4-1 in Nittany Lions last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 6-2 in Nittany Lions last 8 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 17-6 in Nittany Lions last 23 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Nittany Lions last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 9-4 in Nittany Lions last 13 road games.

Michigan State

Under is 7-0 in Spartans last 7 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Spartans last 4 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Spartans last 7 home games.
Under is 5-1 in Spartans last 6 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Spartans last 5 games following a ATS loss.

Head to Head

Favorite is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
Over is 6-1-1 in the last 8 meetings in Michigan State.
Over is 14-3-1 in the last 18 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 4, 2017
Where: Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, Mississippi

Preview: Massachusetts at Mississippi State
Gracenote
Nov 1, 2017

No. 22 Mississippi State will try to avoid looking too far ahead when it puts a three-game winning streak on the line against visiting Massachusetts on Saturday. The Bulldogs have crawled out of an early 1-2 hole in SEC play and climbed above .500 in the conference with last Saturday's 35-14 win at Texas A&M.

That victory allowed Mississippi State to become bowl eligible for the eighth straight season and it can improve its resume greatly when it hosts top-ranked Alabama on Nov. 11, but coach Dan Mullen wants to keep his team focused on the task at hand. "I think this week offers, to me, for us in our growth, the biggest challenge of the season so far," Mullen told reporters. "We're playing against a team in UMass that, despite being 2-6, has been outscored on the season by a total of five points. ... It's a great challenge for our guys this week. If we want to have a great season, we need to continue to take these steps to mature and continue to improve in every facet." Mullen can point to a win at UMass a season ago in which the Minutemen led midway through the third quarter before Mississippi State turned it on to triumph 47-35. The current UMass squad has won two in a row since its 0-6 start and turned heads with an overtime victory against a solid Appalachian State squad last week.

TV: Noon ET, SEC Network. LINE: Mississippi State -28

ABOUT MASSACHUSETTS (2-6): Quarterback Andrew Ford left last week's win on a stretcher after a big hit and fellow junior Ross Comis stepped in to help get the Minutemen to the finish line and an eventual game-winning field goal. "I'm coming off getting the start at Georgia Southern and playing pretty well," Comis told the Daily Hampshire Gazette. "Being able to get my team down the field into field goal range and putting ourselves in position to win the App State game in overtime, I feel good about myself. The offense feels good as a whole. We're excited." Coach Mark Whipple has yet to name a starter, but either Ford or Comis will lean heavily on leading rusher Marquis Young (590 yards, seven touchdowns) and a trio of receivers with at least 400 yards, led by senior tight end Adam Breneman (605, three TDs).

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE (6-2): Nick Fitzgerald has five TD passes and five TD runs during the Bulldogs' winning streak while averaging 107.7 yards on the ground for the SEC's third-ranked rushing attack (260 yards per game). "The thing I'm most excited about is his maturity of understanding of the game at this point," Mullen said of his junior quarterback. "When he comes off the sideline after a series, you're having a much more higher-level discussion about the game of football than in the past, which is what you want to see from your quarterbacks." Fitzgerald and junior running back Aeris Williams have combined for 1,328 rushing yards and freshman quarterback Keytaon Thompson has chipped in 177 yards on just 21 carries with a pair of scores.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Breneman ranks second among tight ends in FBS play with 6.7 catches per game.

2. Fitzgerald threw for 305 yards and ran for 110 in last year's win over UMass, while Young ran 18 times for 125 yards.

3. Bulldogs K Jace Christmann is 6-for-6 on field goals and has made all 25 of his extra point tries.

PREDICTION: Mississippi State 48, Massachusetts 21

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Massachusetts at No. 22 Mississippi State

ATS Trends
Massachusetts

Minutemen are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 vs. SEC.
Minutemen are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Minutemen are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
Minutemen are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Minutemen are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games.
Minutemen are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

Mississippi State

Bulldogs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games.
Bulldogs are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Bulldogs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Bulldogs are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Bulldogs are 5-2 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
Bulldogs are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on grass.

OU Trends
Massachusetts

Over is 4-0 in Minutemen last 4 games in November.
Over is 4-1 in Minutemen last 5 games following a straight up win.
Over is 4-1 in Minutemen last 5 games following a ATS win.
Over is 8-3 in Minutemen last 11 games overall.
Over is 5-2 in Minutemen last 7 road games.
Over is 5-2 in Minutemen last 7 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 7-3 in Minutemen last 10 non-conference games.
Over is 11-5 in Minutemen last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.

Mississippi State

Under is 4-0 in Bulldogs last 4 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Over is 4-0 in Bulldogs last 4 games in November.
Under is 5-0 in Bulldogs last 5 home games.
Under is 4-0 in Bulldogs last 4 games following a ATS win.
Under is 4-0 in Bulldogs last 4 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Bulldogs last 7 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Bulldogs last 7 games on grass.
Under is 5-1 in Bulldogs last 6 games overall.
Under is 5-1 in Bulldogs last 6 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Bulldogs last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 4-1 in Bulldogs last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 19-7 in Bulldogs last 26 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 35-17-1 in Bulldogs last 53 games following a straight up win.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 4, 2017
Where: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas

Preview: Kansas State at Texas Tech
Gracenote
Oct 31, 2017

Teams that generate offense in much different ways tangle Saturday when the potent running game of Kansas State visits the high-octane passing attack of Texas Tech in a Big 12 matchup. The Wildcats have rushed for 470 yards and six touchdowns over the last two weeks against Oklahoma and Kansas, while the Red Raiders rank sixth in FBS in passing offense (348.1 yards per game) and 10th in total offense (504.4).

Kansas State is coming off a 30-20 victory at Kansas sparked by 128 yards rushing and two touchdowns by sophomore Alex Barnes and a 99-yard kick return for a score by D.J. Reed. The Wildcats are second in the Big 12 in rushing at 199.5 yards per game, second in yards per carry (5.1) and third in rushing touchdowns (18). Texas Tech quarterback Nic Shimonek completed his first eight passes for 149 yards as the Red Raiders scored 20 points in the first quarter last week against No. 9 Oklahoma. The Red Raiders struggled to generate offense thereafter and lost 49-27 to the Sooners while surrendering 617 yards in dropping their third straight game after starting the season 4-1.

TV: Noon ET, Fox Sports 1. LINE: Texas Tech -3.5.

ABOUT KANSAS STATE (4-4, 2-3 Big 12): Sophomore quarterback Alex Delton (52.7 completion percentage on 55 passes this year for 418 yards), who replaced injured starter Jesse Ertz in September, left last week's win in the first half with an injury but is expected to start against the Red Raiders. With 108 yards against the Sooners, Barnes (542 yards, 5.9 yards per carry, five TDs) has topped 100 yards in consecutive weeks for the second time in his career. The defense is led by a pair of linebackers in Trent Tanking (65 tackles) and Jayd Kirby (60 tackles) - both of whom rank in the top 10 in the Big 12 in tackles - but opposing defenses have thrown for at least 380 yards in three of the last four games.

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (4-4, 1-4): Shimonek, who finished with 322 yards and four TDs against Oklahoma, is completing 70 percent of his passes for 2,663 yards with 22 touchdowns versus six interceptions; his passer efficiency rating of 161.2 ranks fourth in the conference and 10th in FBS. Tre King complemented the passing game with 113 yards on 24 carries against the Sooners, while T.J. Vasher and Keke Coutee combined for 191 yards on nine receptions. The Red Raiders allow 160 yards per game rushing but were gashed for 336 yards and a 7.2 per-carry average last week by the Sooners.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Texas Tech leads the all-time series 9-8 but the Wildcats have won five of the last six meetings.

2. Coutee leads the team with 57 catches and 837 yards - both second in the Big 12 - and also has a team-best seven TDs.

3. Ertz is one of four Kansas State signal-callers in school history to throw for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a career, joining Michael Bishop (1997-98), Ell Roberson (2000-03) and Collin Klein (2009-12).

PREDICTION: Texas Tech 36, Kansas State 27

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Kansas State at Texas Tech

ATS Trends
Kansas State

Wildcats are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Wildcats are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Wildcats are 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Wildcats are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
Wildcats are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Wildcats are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games on fieldturf.
Wildcats are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

Texas Tech

Red Raiders are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Red Raiders are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Red Raiders are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games in November.
Red Raiders are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
Red Raiders are 20-7-1 ATS in their last 28 games on fieldturf.
Red Raiders are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Red Raiders are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Red Raiders are 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Red Raiders are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Red Raiders are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.

OU Trends
Kansas State

Over is 6-2 in Wildcats last 8 games following a straight up win.
Over is 40-15 in Wildcats last 55 games in November.
Over is 7-3 in Wildcats last 10 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.

Texas Tech

Over is 5-1 in Red Raiders last 6 games in November.
Under is 5-1 in Red Raiders last 6 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Under is 4-1 in Red Raiders last 5 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 8-3 in Red Raiders last 11 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 5-2 in Red Raiders last 7 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.

Head to Head

Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Texas Tech.
Over is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:20 PM ET, Saturday, November 4, 2017
Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida

Preview: Syracuse at Florida State
Gracenote
Nov 1, 2017

Florida State's season has been a disaster, but a bowl game is still a possibility -- for now. The Seminoles aim to avoid their third straight loss Saturday when they host Syracuse in ACC action.

Last week's 35-3 loss to Boston College had to be one of the all-time low points for Florida State, not only because of the lopsided score against a mediocre opponent but because they now must win out to secure a bowl berth. Winning out would require a victory at defending champion Clemson next weekend, but first Florida State must take care of business against Syracuse. The Orange have been tough in recent weeks, defeating Pittsburgh and upsetting then-No. 2 Clemson before falling at Miami (Fla.) two weeks ago. Syracuse would be in good shape to make a bowl game if it can escape Tallahassee with a win.

TV: 12:20 p.m. ET, ACC Network. LINE: Florida State -5

ABOUT SYRACUSE (4-4, 2-2 ACC): The Orange nearly pulled the upset at Miami despite a horrible effort from Eric Dungey, who was 13-of-41 for 137 yards and four interceptions. Dungey did run for 100 yards, and Dontae Strickland added 105 more yartds on the ground, but the turnovers -- and the defense allowing 480 total yards -- were too much to overcome. Senior standout wide receiver Steve Ishmael has been relatively quiet in the last four games, catching 21 passes in that stretch after racking up 45 catches in the first four contests.

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (2-5, 2-4): The Seminoles enter November without a home win (0-3) and have posted both of their victories this season by a touchdown against Duke and Wake Forest, who are not two of the stronger teams in the league. Freshman James Blackman struggled to the tune of 11-of-26 for 102 yards and an interception against B.C. while the Seminoles' ground attack totaled 64 yards on 29 attempts. Florida State averages only 17.4 points -- 123rd out of 128 teams -- and has hit 26 points just once this season, most of which has been played without quarterback Deondre Francois (knee).

EXTRA POINTS

1. In its last three games, Florida State has allowed a total of three fourth-quarter points.

2. The Seminoles have won nine straight meetings in the series.

3. Syracuse WR Ervin Philips is six catches away from tying Alec Lemon (2009-12) for the all-time school record of 201 grabs.

PREDICTION: Syracuse 33, Florida State 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Syracuse at Florida State

ATS Trends
Syracuse

Orange are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss.
Orange are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
Orange are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win.
Orange are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Orange are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
Orange are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Orange are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on grass.
Orange are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Orange are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Orange are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Orange are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Orange are 0-3-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.

Florida State

Seminoles are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games in November.
Seminoles are 13-5-1 ATS in their last 19 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Seminoles are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Seminoles are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Seminoles are 0-3-2 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Seminoles are 0-2-2 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Seminoles are 0-4-2 ATS in their last 6 conference games.
Seminoles are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games.
Seminoles are 0-5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Seminoles are 0-5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Seminoles are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.

OU Trends
Syracuse

Under is 10-1 in Orange last 11 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 10-1 in Orange last 11 conference games.
Under is 7-1 in Orange last 8 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Orange last 6 games following a ATS win.
Under is 17-4 in Orange last 21 games overall.
Under is 4-1 in Orange last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 4-1 in Orange last 5 games in November.
Under is 4-1 in Orange last 5 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Orange last 7 road games.
Under is 11-5 in Orange last 16 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Over is 21-10-1 in Orange last 32 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

Florida State

Under is 5-0 in Seminoles last 5 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 6-0 in Seminoles last 6 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 4-0 in Seminoles last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 6-1 in Seminoles last 7 games overall.
Under is 6-1 in Seminoles last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Under is 11-2 in Seminoles last 13 games in November.
Under is 5-1 in Seminoles last 6 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Seminoles last 5 games on grass.
Over is 7-2 in Seminoles last 9 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 19-7 in Seminoles last 26 conference games.

Head to Head

Home team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Orange are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Appalachian State at UL Monroe

When: 3:00 PM ET, Saturday, November 4, 2017
Where: Malone Stadium, Monroe, Louisiana
Quick Hits

Overall Team Offense

The UL Monroe Warhawks are ranked 25 on offense, averaging 464.1 yards per game. The Warhawks are averaging 192.1 yards rushing and 272.0 yards passing so far this season.
The Appalachian State Mountaineers are ranked 55 on offense, averaging 412.1 yards per game. The Mountaineers are averaging 184.4 yards rushing and 227.8 yards passing so far this season.

Home and Away

The UL Monroe Warhawks are 1-2 at home this season, 3-3 against conference opponents and 0-2 against non-conference opponents.
At home the Warhawks are averaging 35.0 scoring, and holding teams to 39.3 points scored on defense.
The Appalachian State Mountaineers are 2-2 while on the road this season, 4-0 against conference opponents and 1-3 against non-conference opponents.
On the road, the Mountaineers are averaging 20.0 scoring, and holding teams to 23.5 points scored on defense.