College Football Betting Saturday Previews

College Football Betting Saturday Previews

Here is a look at the top college football games of the weekend which have football bettors interest piqued.

(117) LOUISVILLE at (118) KENTUCKY

Though Louisville is growing as a favorite in the wagering public’s eye, this will be their toughest road game until the season ending matchup at Cincinnati. The Cardinals Teddy Bridgewater is appearing to be a top candidate for the Heisman Trophy and his team is giving the appearance it might be better than last year’s which won the Sugar Bowl over Florida. This used to be a big game for Louisville, but with their improved stature in the national polls, the overall significance is lessened and they are only 4-8 ATS since 2009 handing out 10 or more points

In this Bluegrass State showdown, Kentucky is a decided underdog and can start rebuilding a reputation under new coach Mark Stoops. With the return of sophomore QB Mark Smith, Kentucky gave its first evidence of its  “Air Raid” attack. The Wildcats whipped Miami-Ohio 41-7 and could make this a far more interesting encounter than many are anticipating with a rabid home crowd which hates it state neighbor.

While the offense will receive most of the pub, it will be how each defense plays which will determine the outcome.

(139) UCLA at (140) NEBRASKA

After almost giving away the Wyoming contest, Nebraska started and closed out Southern Miss 56-13, compared to the Wyoming opener (37-34) and should have chip on their shoulder preparing UCLA. The Cornhuskers allowed 653 yards at the Coliseum last year, losing 36-30. The Nebraska defense is still full of uncertainty and might have to produce turnovers to contain UCLA. The Huskers come into this battle 21-39 ATS off a home blowout win by 28 points or more.

UCLA has the kind of diverse offense to give the Huskers issues, led by dangerous Brett Hundley.  Maybe it has been the opposition, but most teams are ready to play off a bye week. Not UCLA, who is 4-17 ATS away with a week between contests. If the Bruins offense remains balanced and the defensive front seven is not overwhelmed, UCLA will have a chance for the upset.

If either Hundley or Taylor Martinez has an exceptional game, they will likely lead their team to a win and cover.

(143) TENNESSEE at (144) OREGON

With Western Kentucky in a giving mood, Tennessee took full advantage of the seven Hilltoppers turnovers and whipped them 52-20. Coach Butch Jones was satisfied with his team’s effort but knows playing in Eugene will bring a whole different set of circumstances. While the SEC is known for its speed, and strength in the trenches, Oregon has the players to take it to next level, especially playing at Autzen Stadium. While the Vols have enjoyed moderate success as road underdogs vs. Top 10 clubs (8-5 ATS) they are 0-6 ATS after scoring 31 points or more in consecutive games the last two years.

Oregon is home after their longest road trip since 1973 and vaporizing Virginia 59-10. The Ducks were expected to have a superior offense, yet the defense has been just as impressive. Oregon’s Derrick Malone is one of the nation’s leading tacklers with 23 and Tony Washington has been a menace behind the line of scrimmage, making tackles on the opponent’s side of the field. Oregon has suffered a few times against the elite teams of the SEC the past few years, but nobody is going to accuse the Volunteers of being one of those clubs. The Ducks are 16-4 ATS after two consecutive games with a turnover margin of +2 or better.

Oregon has blown up six points to -27.5 point home favorites, which might make this a difficult wager if one prefers the better squad.

 (151) ALABAMA at (152) TEXAS A&M

You know this matchup is out of control when CBS proudly announced it will have a “Johnny Cam” to follow Johnny Manziel’s every move. It might only be September, yet this is the game of the week if not the month for interest level. Texas A&M will score, but it’s defense has been shredded for 546 yards on the ground in two games against so-so competition. The Aggies are 9-6-1 ATS as a home underdog the last nine years.

Alabama players have been saying all the right things this week, not talking about revenge, rather, this is a new season with different teams, yadda, yadda, yadda. Don’t kid yourself, Nick Saban has been pushing these players hard and they not only want revenge, they want to bury the Aggies before their home fans as 7.5-point favorites.

The Alabama offensive line was criticized after the running backs averaged only 2.5 yards per carry against Virginia Tech and they will be looking for somebody to lean on. The Crimson Tide is 9-1 ATS in September road affairs under Saban.

Certainly Texas A&M is an attractive dog, but can you really bet against Alabama in a big game?

(193) WISCONSIN at (194) ARIZONA STATE

Wisconsin has been favored in the 40’s in its first two games and though they outscored their weak foes by a  combined 93-0, they are five-point underdogs heading to the desert. Obviously, oddsmakers are not impressed and they wonder if the Badgers are ready for a road game in a hostile environment against quality competition.

Arizona State has only taken the field once and that was against Sacramento State, thus it’s not exactly like the Sun Devils are battle-tested. Taylor Kelly is an unheralded quarterback, who regularly produces in ASU’s fast-paced attack. The Devils are 8-1 ATS as favorites under Todd Graham.

We are curious to watch how Wisconsin handles the heat against Arizona State’s up-tempo offense, with a game time temperature around 95 degrees.