Thursday's Picks and Predictions

CFB PLAY FOR THURSDAY
WIN OR DON'T PAY - IT'S THAT SIMPLE!
It's opening night and I have a big play on tap! $15 gets you ALL TOP-RATED selections including my Play of the Day. And I am so confident I win my Play of the Day that if I don't I will give you a 100% refund immediately - no questions - no strings! Let's kick off the season with a bang!!

All other CFB picks will be posted here throughout the day!!

CFB
OHIO +4/ML +145 (Saturday)

BOISE STATE VS. OREGON

FRANCO TOP PLAY

NC STATE VS. SOUTH CAROLINA

SMOOTH44 PLAY OF THE DAY

BALL STATE VS. NORTH TEXAS

North Texas won just one game last year and was flat out horrible. However, they return 16 starters from that team including QB Riley Dodge who happens to be the coach’s son and grew up running his system. The offensive unit started to build chemistry towards the end of last year, not that it equated to wins, but should provide a solid foundation for this year. They face a Ball State team who not only has a first year head coach but a new QB at the helm. If that isn’t challenging enough try filling the holes created by the loss of 4 starting linemen – not an easy task for any coach or team! One has to wonder why Ball State head coach Hoke ran for the exit to coach San Diego State – I will tell you why – he knew the fairy tale story at Ball State was over! Ball State will come crashing back to earth and the difference in these two conferences does not warrant the huge spread!

PREDICTION: BALL STATE 34 NORTH TEXAS 23

(NORTH TEXAS +17)

BOWLING GREEN VS. TROY

Troy travels to Bowling Green tonight with one of the stronger teams they have possessed in a few years. Offensively, they return 8 starters and should only be better more dangerous than last year. Defensively, they return 5 starters but they are the nucleus of this unit. Meanwhile, Bowling Green starts the season with a new head coach and while it is almost certain that Bowling Green will stay focused on their experienced offense it is their defense that causes major concern as they only return 3 starters. Bottom line, I don’t see the Falcons stopping Troy tonight and I will take the top team in the Sun Belt laying a TD anyday over a mediocre MAC school. It is worth noting that Bowling Green is only 2-14 ATS in their L16 home games!

PREDICTION: TROY 38 BOWLING GREEN 17

(TROY -7)

UTAH VS. UTAH STATE

Utah puts their 14 game win streak on the line tonight when they host in-state rival Utah State. Utah is replacing 7 starters on the offensive side of the ball, including 3 linemen, so it will be interesting to see if this once potent unit sputters out of the gate. Defensively, the Utes will rely on this unit to carry the team early and it should be ready for the challenge with 8 starters returning from last year’s team. It’s only the 3^rd time in history a 1^st year head coach opens the season against his former team. Anderson served as Utah’s defensive coordinator for 5 years before taking over for the Aggies. Junior QB Diondre Borel will lead a no-huddle defense and has the skill players to keep the chains moving! Borel also has good feet so he poses as a threat if chased out of the pocket. The only concern for this unit in my opinion is their offensive line, a unit that ranked almost dead last in the nation in sacks aloud last year. With most starters returning the Aggies are hoping to improve now they are more experienced. Defensively, the Aggies return 7 starters with the strength of their unit at middle linebacker and DBs, amongst the most important areas for any unit. This experience leads to early optimism that they will be much improved from a year ago. With all of the new faces on the Ute’s offense, including 3 new WRs, and still some uncertainty at the QB position it makes the Aggies a very attractive dog, especially with Coach Anderson returning home against his former team! Utah’s defense should be the difference here but if the Aggies can catch a break or two on special teams or defense I will not rule out a possible upset. It is worth noting that the road team is 4-0-1 ATS L5 and 7-1-1 ATS L9 in this rivalry. Also, Utah is just 1-2 ATS in their L3 as double digit faves!

PREDICTION: UTAH 28 UTAH STATE 17

(UTAH STATE +21)

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