There is one other intangible that Cincinnati has to complement its running game: its defense. The Bearcats give up just 19.9 points per match (23rd in the FBS), which is another excellent parry to Memphis' explosive offense. Cincinnati will limit Memphis' opportunities to score, and when the Tigers have the rock, I anticipate there will be fewer touchdowns and more field goals. Make no mistake, this game is going to be a close one throughout, but no one should be taking back more than a touchdown on either side. Cincy can win this one outright, but be that as it may, I like them to come in under the number.

Tennessee is heading in a good direction as of late, Missouri, not so much. And in this case, that's enough for us. So despite the recent trend in the series between these two teams, we like the Vols and the points in this spot.

As stated, it would be no shocker if UTEP won this one outright but be that as it may, seven points is likely too much for either side to be taking back in the Battle of I-10. After all, while both teams have defensive issues (UTEP also gives up a 120th-ranked 35.7 points per game), we are still dealing with two outfits in which points are also hard to come by. UTEP averages 18.4 points per match (121st in the FBS) while New Mexico State averages just .4 points per more game (18.8 ppg – 118th in America). With scoring scarce and neither team boding tremendous defensive acumen, taking back the points is the right move.

A&M's playing its best ball of the year right now, with four straight wins, and probably thinks it's got a shot at pulling an upset here. Meanwhile, Georgia is struggling to make money at home, mainly because it's favored by so much so often. The Aggies might not win this one outright, but they've enough to keep things close. We'll take Texas A&M plus the points.

Make no mistake about it, this contest will likely be a back and forth bout, but the Midshipmen will get the better of this equation. Navy's nation-leading rushing attack that averages 349.7 yards on the ground per game will wear out the Ponies and will be too much for SMU to overcome in the end. Navy will win this game by a touchdown, which brings us to the cashier window laying the points here with the chalk.

At the end of the day, Appalachian State will win this game and earn its tenth victory of the season. However, they will fail to cover while doing so. Texas State will generate enough scoring opportunities to snag the points it needs to come in under the number. I see this game being settled by a four-touchdown margin, which makes Texas State the value play here with the 30 points.

I don’t see overtime being required in this contest to determine a winner, nor do I suspect the Broncos will have trouble getting a win. At first, I thought perhaps Boise is laying this big number because they will be in a position to pummel New Mexico. After all, why would they be priced in this range given how they have performed as of recent? Boise State has been struggling to get by opponents and failing to come in as the chalk while doing so. However, handicapping in many facets is a number's game. The Broncos' had won by more than 28 just once this season on September 14th when it defeated FCS Prairie View A&M 45-10 (the Broncos did not cover priced at -34.5). New Mexico has lost by more than 28 just once this season on that same September weekend when they were torched 66-14 at Notre Dame and failed to come in as a 34.5-point underdog. For these reasons, I have to grab the points.

Oklahoma has not looked good on defense in their last two games, and they may struggle, once again, on defense in this game. However, Baylor has not faced an offense like OU yet, and the Sooners will light up the scoreboard. While the Bears will get their yards and points, the Sooners will get many more and win and cover handing the Bears their first loss of the season.

To ask the Aggies to win this game by a touchdown is not too much to ask at all. No matter how you slice this one, Utah State can win and cover this game on the last possession if it had to. However, I trust it won’t come to that. The Aggies will come out swinging and build up a lead that the Cowboys quite frankly will not be able to overcome. An aerial attack will lead Utah State to a double-digit victory. Swallow the points.

Florida is the better team here, especially considering Missouri's iffy quarterback situation, and should win this game. Plus, playing on the road means the spread is a tad friendlier. So despite what's happened in the last two meetings between these teams, we'll give the points here with the Gators.

UL-Lafayette will win this game, but I don't seem them having an easy time doing so. Though Lafayette has easily been one of this year's surprise teams, we have yet to see this squad in any form of a scare against conference competition. This is the scenario where such an event occurs. The Jaguars will make this a four-quarter game. I can see this contest being settled by two scores at most, but nevertheless, the fact remains that we are working with inflated points in backing the door. Dig in.

This game has all the makings of a shootout written all over it, and in such an event, the wise and prudent move is to take the points. Sure, I respect Hawaii and their home-field advantage, but the Spartans quite frankly could give a hoot. After all, San Jose State has challenged tougher opponents this year, and they have also succeeded in hostile environs. This team will be coming motivated, not just looking to cover but to win outright. Be that as it may, I'll take the converted touchdown which gives us tremendous equity in what could be an outright upset.

Earlier this season, Nevada upset Purdue as an 11-point underdog at home in early September, so this team is no stranger than playing this role and succeeding while doing so. Neither side is known for the offensive acumen. For this reason, I do not suspect San Diego State to be able to build a large enough lead to generate a cover here. The 'Tecs average 21.8 points per game (111th in the FBS) while giving up an impressive 14.1 points per contest (8th in the FBS). If San Diego State has an average day at the office, they will be nowhere close to covering. If offensive production exclusively is at the mean for SDSU, this would require the Aztecs to pitch a shutout to green up. That’s all a tall order to ask of any team regardless of opposition. Take the points.

Both teams took a big hit with losses in their last game with Iowa State dropping out of the top 25 and Oklahoma suffering their first setback of the season. The Cyclones have not beaten a team in Big 12 play that has a winning record, and they lost their only game of the season facing a ranked team. The Sooners will get back on track in this game with a big game from Hurts and the offense. Their defense will not shut down Iowa State, but OU will win handily at home and cover the spread.

Missouri's covered four games in a row against Georgia mainly because the Bulldogs are just favored by too much too often. And that looks like the case here, especially with this game being played in Athens. The Bulldogs are coming off a big, emotional win last week against rival Florida but could be ripe for a letdown, to a degree. Meanwhile, after an embarrassing outing against Kentucky the previous time out, we expect better from Mizzou this week. Georgia's probably going to win this game, but we're taking the Tigers and the points.

Louisiana State and its QB are getting most of the ink heading into this game, while it almost seems like Alabama is playing under the radar. And that might be the best time to jump on the Tide. They're playing at home, and yet the spread is less than a touchdown, and we've still gotta give Saban the edge in the coaching match-up. He's probably playing the "no respect" card at practice this week. Assuming Tags is good to go, we're giving the points here with Alabama.

In this contest, the home-field advantage will be prevalent for UTEP. This could very well be one of their best chances to get another win, which as we have come to known as scarce around this program as of late. For the last two weeks, Charlotte was the hunter. Now, the Niners are the hunted, and I do not suspect they will fare well in this role away from home. The Niners can win this game, but it won't be by more than a possession.

The Mustangs are the real-deal and will use this nationally-televised stage to showcase why they are the frontrunner for a New Year’s Six bowl bid. The line offered in this contest is based on previous results and not an accurate assessment of the two teams that are taking the field. According to ESPN's preseason Football Power Index, the Tigers were one of a few teams that were favored to win every game in the regular season. However, that prognostication was made before a snap was ever played. The wrong side is favored; we trust that SMU will win this one outright.

Ole Miss has lost three games this season by one score or less, and it out-gained and out-rushed two of those opponents. In fact, the Rebels have out-gained five of their last seven opponents and out-rushed six of their previous seven foes. Also, they had last week off. Auburn, meanwhile, is perhaps a bit deflated, coming off a tough loss, and playing at home, where spreads are less amenable. They probably won't win the game, but we like the Rebs here plus the points.

While I would be remiss to point out the back-door potential in junk-time, I do not see it coming to that in this game. Lafayette is all the more in danger of taking the Bobcats likely while Texas State will be bringing their A-Game. I expect Texas State to hang around in this game more than ULL would barter for and at the most, lose this game by three converted touchdowns. I’ll take the points here with Texas State.