NCAAF Selections: Any lingering doubts following the Auburn Tigers into 2014 about their ability to repeat as Southeastern Conference champions were largely erased after a dominating win over Arkansas in the season opener last week. The San Jose State Spartans were bypassed for a bowl invitation last year despite having the necessary six wins as their defense that ranked 103rd in the nation was a turnoff to the bowl selection guys in the funny sport coats.
The Auburn Tigers will host the San Jose State Spartans at Jordan Hare Stadium on Saturday night with coverage on ESPN2 at 7 PM ET. BetDSI will have Auburn as a big chalk for this one.
No Fales for Spartans
The San Jose State Spartans began life without record setting QB David Fales with a 42-10 home win over North Dakota as Blake Jurich passed for 22/25 good for 250 yards and three TD’s in his debut as Fales’ replacement. Fales threw for over 4,000 yards in each of his final two seasons and was the catalyst for their 11-2 season in 2012.
War Eagle!
Auburn got the money last week in a 45-21 home payout over Arkansas as 17 point favorites as the game soared over the total of 56. The game was tied 21-21 at the half before the Tigers wore down the Hogs as Auburn outgained Arkansas 595-328 in total yards. Backup QB Jeremy Johnson threw for 243 yards and two TD’s while starting QB Nick Marshall came off the bench after serving a half game suspension to spark the strong second half. Running back Cameron Artis Payne had 178 yards on 26 carries and a TD.
Matchup and Pick!
It would stun more than a few handicappers to discover that the San Jose State Spartans have been one of the best bets on the board in any sport when playing on the road as they have covered the spread in 15 out of their last 18 away games as just four out of their last 11 away games have gone under the total. Auburn has been a solid home value at Jordan Hare Stadium as they have come away with the money in 10 out of their last 15 home games with seven out of their last 12 home games have gone over the total. The San Jose State Defense will likely be shredded apart by Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn’s read option attack that now has a game under its belt. Auburn gets the call.
