College football is back baby and that means it is time to get your bankroll ready and dive into all the good stuff that our good friends at Tipico have to offer. Last week was not kind as Nebraska was miserable and Utah State looks like one of the worst football teams in America. However, we did snag two wins with Illinois and Vanderbilt. My record may be even at 2-2, but the juice will get you!
This week I wanted to start out by introducing some games that are intriguing on the Thursday night slate. I sprinkled some cash on each contest below, but this was not the strongest slate and I definitely do not expect to go 4-0. Let’s dive in!
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Penn State Nittany Lions at Purdue (+3.5)
Purdue is underrated. Aidan O’Connell is a legit quarterback who is coming back for his sixth and final season, and the Boilermakers’ passing defense was actually good last season and could be even better in 2022. This is a defense that ranked No. 36 in the country and was 23rd in success rate against pass plays. Purdue does lose George Karlaftis, but return seven starters on this unit.
On the other side of the spectrum, Penn State has a miserable rushing attack averaging 108 yards per game and lost four starters on defense who were all NFL draft picks. My money is on the home underdog with the better quarterback and more seasoned defense.
Central Michigan Chippewas at Oklahoma State Cowboys (-21.5)
The Central Michigan Chippewas lost a lot of important parts to their team from last season and the Oklahoma State Cowboys are desperate to bounce back after losing in the Big 12 Championship last season. Spencer Sanders is an All-Big 12 performer who will be looking to feast on this MAC opponent. I’m laying the points with the Cowboys.
Ball State Cardinals at Tennessee Volunteers (-35.5)
Welcome to year two of the Josh Heupel experience and he gets the help of one of the best players in the country with Hendon Hooker at quarterback. The Tennessee offense was ranked No. 7 in the country last season and averaged a whopping 39.3 points per game. Look for the Vols to have a field day against a lower MAC opponent.
West Virginia Mountaineers at Pittsburgh Panthers (-7.5)
It has been 11 years since the last Backyard Brawl and Pittsburgh gets the advantage of being at home. The Panthers have ACC title aspirations and with head coach Pat Narduzzi and quarterback Kedon Slovis in charge of the Pittsburgh offense, it feels like a good spot to take the Panthers.
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
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