South Carolina at GEORGIA…In this important early SEC East showdown, visitor is 4-1-1 vs. spread last 6 meetings (11 of last 12 in series have gone “under” the total).
Virginia at INDIANA…New coaching staff at Indiana, but Hoosiers eager for delayed payback after embarrassing 47-7 road debacle in 2009 (worst loss that year).
Iowa at IOWA STATE…After going just 1-8 vs. spread in previous 9 in this intense instate rivalry, Iowa has walloped ISU in last two (aided by 9 Cyclone TOs) for the Cy-Hawk Trophy, which is undergoing more change after criticized corn-themed prototype was recently trashed. Last six in hard-fought series have gone “under.”
Notre Dame at MICHIGAN…Underdog is 13-2 vs. spread last 15 in series, with 7 outright wins in past 9 meetings. UM’s jet-quick QB Denard Robinson was one-man highlight reel in 28-24 upset at South Bend LY, amassing 502 yards (258 YR, 244 YP), including go-ahead 2-yd. TD run with :37 left. Wolverines sky high for first-ever true night game at “The Big House.”
Florida Atlantic at MICHIGAN STATE…MSU is 1-10 vs. spread last 11 prior to big Notre Dame clash, including uninspiring 30-17 win vs. FAU at Detroit’s Ford Field LY.
New Mexico State at MINNESOTA…NMS has been strong go-against early in season, compiling 1-12 spread mark in first three posted games since 2007.
Fresno State at NEBRASKA…FSU’s intense HC Pat Hill (his mantra “anyone, anytime, anywhere”) is 9-6 as an away dog since 2007. New Big Ten rep Nebraska hasn’t been much of a bully in Lincoln, going just 22-25 as DD chalk there since 2000 (10-15 L3Ys).
Utah at SOUTHERN CAL…USC just 2-10 as home chalk since 2009, while Utes 22-8 as away dog since 2000. Utah’s new o.c. Norm Chow (former Trojan o.c. 2001-04) gameplanning for USC for third straight season after serving same position at UCLA L2Ys before negotiating buyout and returning to Salt Lake City, where he played back in the ’60s.
Utep at SMU…SMU in ornery mood following 28-14 upset in El Paso LY, which was Mustangs’ lowest scoring output in reg.-season. SMU outgained UTEP 359-319, but had several potential scoring drives thwarted by penalties (10 for 118 yds.).
Tulsa at TULANE…Tulsa has toyed with Tulane since joining C-USA in 2005, covering all 6 tilts, by avg. 44-15 score. Golden Hurricane had season-high 332 YR in 52-24 home romp LY.
North Carolina State at WAKE FOREST…WF had covered 6 of previous 7 in this “Tobacco Road” series until 38-3 stomping in Raleigh LY. Deacons were trailing only 10-3 at halftime before melting down following intermission, getting outgained 258-36.