Spooky Saturday Preview
Welcome to Division 1-A College Football James Madison University, it’s about damn time! Yesterday, JMU’s Board of Visitors approved the move from the Colonial Athletic Association to the Sun Belt Conference to join the ranks of in-state rival ODU, Coastal Carolina, Appalachian State, Marshall and others. Looking forward to seeing them compete with the big dogs and growing the program at the next level.
We’ve got a great slate of games today - let’s get into it:
UNC @ #11 Notre Dame(-3.5) - 7:30pm
Another night game at South Bend, another light show before the 4th quarter, another W. Yes, Sam Howell is really good and UNC can put up points, while Notre Dame is still flip flopping between Coan & Buchner. But there’s no stopping Kyren Williams right now so I don’t see it going any other way as long as Notre Dame’s defense can hold Howell to a reasonable game. Something to keep in mind is Safety Kyle Hamilton is going to be out for this game against a high powered pass attack which is a cause for concern. After the Irish O-Line stepped up, I can see a similar run heavy, eat-the-clock game to slow the Heels down that the Packers had on Thursday Night. That being said given that the both teams average for a combined 67 points per game, I’m staying away from the over/under because Notre Dame has not had a game go over 54 points in their last five games. I’m going to go with 31-27 Notre Dame just barely squeaking in the cover and the under, but play these at your own risk I’m very biased.
#6 Michigan(-4) @ #8 Michigan State - Noon
This one is going to be a slugfest with both defenses allowing under 20 points per game on the season, and the Wolverines currently at #2 for total team defense behind #1 Georgia. The First Half total sits at 24.5 and I like the under there, both teams are run heavy and will be eating the clock in the first half. I don’t think either defense has seen a worthy offense, so I’m interested to see how Michigan State Running Back Kenneth Walker III does, averaging 6.6 yards per carry and about 142 yards a game on the ground so far this season. With the game being in East Lansing, give me the points and the Spartans to cover(+4) and maybe even win if you like the Money Line.
#10 Ole Miss @ #18 Auburn (-3) - 7pm
Matt Corral and Lane Kiffin take care of business at Auburn in a shootout but expect it to be close throughout, give me Ole Miss +3 to push on a late FG just in case.
#12 Kentucky @ Mississippi State(-1.5) - 7pm
Put some respect on Kentucky’s name! 4-1 in the SEC so far this year and going up against Crazy Mike Leach and the Bulldogs. Give me Kentucky Money Line in Starkville, 31-27.
#19 SMU @ Houston (EVEN) - 7pm OVER 61.5
Both teams are averaging over 35 points per game right now and although they are both pretty good defensively, I’ve got to hit that over and not think anymore about it. I could see 62 total before the 4th quarter.
