Week 14 (YTD 43-37-1)
All stats ATS unless denoted w/ “s-u”
THURSDAY
West Virginia @ South Florida (under 55). Simply too many pts for what should be a defensive tussle and a gm that sees USF having to go w/o dual-threat QB Daniels. Back-up QB has been terrible and is completely immobile, so the Bulls O playbook shrinks considerably and should lead to more true rushing plays to grind the clock. #34 and #25 ttl D, respectively, so should expect some stinginess. Both Ks are sub-par (USF just 17/24 FGs; WV missed 4 of L5 att), so pts should be left on the field. USF has a disruptive D (#2 sks and TFLs) and allows just 44% RZ TDs. 3 of L4 USF ttls un 55. Six series mtgs ttl 26, 49, 20, 34, 43 and 41, respectively. USF scored </= 24 in 5 of L7 gm and held foes to </= 24 in 8 of 11G TY. WV L2G ttl 45 and 41, respectively, and would look for something in that range again. WV must win to stay in Big East title hunt, and I believe that will lead them to play tight. USF has nothing to lose and everything to gain by winning and becoming bowl-eligible. Given the Bulls losses on O, look for them to pin their dire hopes on a D onslaught that will hold Mountaineers in relative check. Close game w/ both tms under 25.
FRIDAY
Oregon (-31’) v. UCLA. Playing the trends that UCLA is 3-13 L16 as rd dog and Ducks are 25-11-2 L38 as hm fave. Bruins already have conceded defeat by petitioning NCAA for bowl bid when they end up 6-7 and are playing with fired lame duck coach Neuheisel at controls . . . that doesn’t portend a solid effort, esp. with what should be a deep early deficit. OR won at Autzen 60-13 LY and would expect about the same tonight.
SATURDAY
Virginia Tech (-7) v. Clemson (at Charlotte). VT has too much D edge to blow this one and will dominate as it has in 3 of L4 ACC title tilts. CLEM D allowed 36 ppg L6G while VT D allowed 15 ppg over same stretch.
Boise State (-48’) v. New Mexico. Honestly, nothing about this gm should keep BSU from amassing 70 pts. There are 120 tms in DI-A, and NM ranks as follows:
|
Rushing Offense |
98 |
|
Passing Offense |
92 |
|
Total Offense |
111 |
|
Scoring Offense |
120 |
|
Rushing Defense |
119 |
|
Pass Efficiency Defense |
118 |
|
Total Defense |
117 |
|
Scoring Defense |
119 |
|
Net Punting |
109 |
|
Punt Returns |
118 |
|
Turnover Margin |
111 |
|
Passing Efficiency |
105 |
|
Sacks |
119 |
|
Tackles For Loss |
117 |
|
Sacks Allowed |
95 |
|
3rd Down % O |
111 |
|
3rd Down % D |
120 |
|
RZ Score D |
116 |
|
RZ TD Score D |
120 |
|
RZ Score O |
120 |
|
PR Yd D |
106 |
|
KOR Yd D |
111 |
NM also has scored just 4 ppg in 2H v, DI-A foes TY (SHO for 2H 6x), so back door not a threat.
TCU v. UNLV (over 57). TCU should be good for 49+ on its own v. porous Reb D (#106 ttl D & #117 score D). TCU will run all over UNLV w/ #20 rush O facing #100 rush D.
Southern Mississippi @ Houston (over 72). Two potent O tee it up and score at will . . .
Southern Missisissippi (+14) @ Houston. . . . resulting in a gm that is won on the final poss.
Michigan State (+9’) v. Wisconsin (@ Indianapolis). Better D should keep this one close. I have stated all ssn that MSU is the cream of the Big 10 crop and it gets to prove it tomorrow.
Florida Atlantic (+7’) v. UL-Monroe. ULM not good enough to lay 7+ to anyone on rd. Owls send Schnellenberger into blissful retirement w/ a sweet parting victory.




