Boston College at Virginia Tech – Line: Virginia Tech (-3) O/U – 41 – BC quarterback Tyler Murphy has single-handedly carried his team to a 5-3 record. Literally, he’s carried them, rushing for 843 yards to go with his 1,034 through the air. Is this guy playing the wrong position? Well, probably. Virginia Tech ranks 62nd nationally in rushing defense. Both teams have pretty good defenses, but Boston College has the edge in nearly every facet of this one. Pick: Boston College (+3) OVER 41
Duke at Pittsburgh – Line: Pittsburgh (-3.5) O/U – 49.5 – Duke is on a collision course with Florida State in the ACC title game, and Pittsburgh is not going to stop them. The Panthers already have trouble scoring, so expect Duke to hold them to around their season-allowing total, which is a very rigid 15.1 per game. The Blue Devils take this one easily in a low-scoring affair. Pick: Duke (+3.5) UNDER 49.5
Air Force at Army – Line: Air Force (-2.5) O/U – 54.5 – Air Force looks to go for the service academy sweep in this one. Army’s defense is downright abysmal, but their potent running attack allows for the Black Knights to keep their weak link off the field as much as possible. Both teams have terrible passing offenses as usual, but the Falcons actually have a clue on how to get stops. Air Force is 0-5 ATS in their last five on the road, but expect that to change here, with only a touchdown needed to beat the spread. Pick: Air Force (-2.5) UNDER 54.5
Western Kentucky at Louisiana Tech – Line: Louisiana Tech (-7) O/U – 69.5 – Did you know that there is some team in the FBS named the Hilltoppers? And would you believe that they rank 2nd nationally in passing yards? How about 4th in points per game? But wouldn’t you know, they rank 124th nationally in defense. So it goes. Louisiana Tech hasn’t fared too well against competitive teams, losing by a combined 93-23 to Oklahoma and Auburn. Lucky for them, they play in Conference-USA. Expect plenty of offense and points in this B-list thriller, resulting in another Bulldogs win as they march to the conference title game where a Marshall team will be waiting do to them what Auburn and OU did. Pick: Louisiana Tech (-7) OVER 69.5
BYU at Middle Tennessee State – Line: BYU (-3) O/U – 62.5 – BYU began the season 4-0, which included victories over Texas, Houston, and Virginia. They’ve dropped four straight since. The reason for the losing streak might have something to do with losing starting quarterback Taysom Hill for the season. Christian Stewart simply hasn’t been an adequate replacement. Don’t except the free fall to stop against a decent Middle Tennessee State squad playing at home and coming off of a win against a tough UAB team. Pick: Middle Tennessee State (-3) OVER 62.5
Indiana at Michigan – Line: Michigan (-7) O/U – 52.5 – Things just haven’t seemed right in the college football world since Michigan took an extended nose-dive. Among their many problems is the fact that they have no offense. Fortunately for them, the Hoosiers have no defense. The question one should be asking though is if the Wolverines even care anymore this season. Since they are on their home field, expect some extra effort from a once-proud and elite program that will be making some major changes come season’s end. Pick: Michigan (-7) UNDER 52.5
Washington at Colorado – Line: Washington (-4) O/U – 58 – Somehow, in spite of an AWOL defense, the Buffaloes have hung tough with nearly every team they’ve played, especially in the friendly confines of Folsom Field. That credit falls squarely on quarterback Sefo Liufau and wide receiver Nelson Spruce, who has broken his own school record for receptions in a game more than once this season. Spruce has been slowed as of late, but still possesses the ability to dominate a secondary. Colorado will finally get over the hump and beat a superior team at home, relying on the duo once again. Pick: Colorado (+4) OVER 58
