Week 7 gave us a concrete example of why Alabama is the best college football team today. The Crimson Tide’s absolute crushing of Tennessee definitely silences some of their critics. They have another big challenge next week in the form of Texas A&M, but we’re not too confident the Aggies would be the one to beat Nick Saban’s boys. We’re not sure Texas A&M would beat the spread in that game, either. Speaking of covering the spread, let’s look at three teams from the mid-majors which we think can do just that this week.
College Football News and Previews
- Ohio State vs. Rutgers NCAA Football Preview - September 30, 2017
- Clemson vs. Virginia Tech NCAA Football Preview - September 30, 2017
- Arizona State vs. Stanford NCAA Football Preview - September 30, 2017
2016 NCAA Football Week Eight Sleepers Predictions
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Western Michigan Broncos
Where: Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo
Date and Time: Saturday, October 22, 3:30 PM ET
Line: Eastern Michigan Eagles (+23) vs. Western Michigan Broncos (-23) – view all NCAA Football odds and lines
No team has beaten Western Michigan thus far this season but that doesn’t mean the Broncos can’t lose—at least against the spread—this Saturday in Kalamazoo against Eastern Michigan. For one, the Eagles boast of one of the best passing attacks in the MAC with quarterback Brogan Roback leading the way. Roback was sensational in the Eagles’ 27-20 win over Ohio last Saturday, treading the air for 347 passing yards to go with three touchdowns and without an interception.
Roback would have a harder time dealing against the Broncos, who are now No. 20 in the nation, but the Eagles appear to be capable of pouncing on every misstep by Western Michigan. Also, EMU is on a covering streak, going 5-0 ATS in its last five games overall.
Prediction: Western Michigan (-23) wins, 38-25.
South Florida Bulls vs. Temple Owls
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Date and Time: Friday, October 21, 7:00 PM ET
Line: South Florida Bulls (-6.5) vs. Temple Owls (+6.5) – view all NCAA Football odds and lines
Temple is coming off an exhilarating 26-25 victory against UCF that wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for quarterback Phillip Walker’s last-gasp touchdown pass to Keith Kirkwood.
Temple’s defense hasn’t been as sturdy as it was last season but it’s no joke either, as the Owls allow 23.0 points per game, 317.1 yards total per game, and 166.7 passing yards each contest.
Moreover, the Owls have been consistently covering the spread of late. In fact, they’re also 5-0 ATS in the last five games, a stretch that includes a 34-27 loss to Memphis as 10-point underdogs.
Prediction: USF (-6.5) wins, 34-28.
Tulane Green Wave vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Where: Chapman Stadium, Tulsa
Date and Time: Saturday, October 22, 3:45 PM ET
Line: Tulane Green Wave (+11.5) vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (-11.5) – view all NCAA Football odds and lines
The Green Waves were a sloppy bunch in their previous game, a 24-14 home loss to Memphis. They committed three turnovers and got destroyed in the yards battle, 399-313. That being said, the Green Waves still managed to find a way to beat the 11.5-point spread as underdogs. Tulane has shown it can keep in step against formidable opponents this season, having lost in small margins to the likes of Wake Forest and Navy.
Tulane’s meal ticket has been its rushing game that ranks 22nd nationally with 233.7 yards per game. That gives them the chance for an upset this Saturday, as Tulsa is just ninth in the conference against the pass, allowing opponents to run the ball for 174.17 yards per outing. Another reason to bet on Tulane is its 4-1 ATS record in its last five games as the underdog.
Prediction: Tulsa (-11.5) wins, 28-19.
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