Boy, does this line look fishy.
No. 11 BYU is undefeated and just beat bitter enemy Utah in a massive game, but the Cougars are 2.5-point road underdogs against reeling Iowa State.
The Cyclones started the season in style, winning five in a row, but they’ve dropped two on the spin to Cincinnati and Colorado, and now need to run the table and get help if they want to get to the Big 12 Championship Game.
You can back up this line with some logic. Iowa State is not a world-beater, but the Cyclones are a solid team. Plus, they’re coming off a bye, and BYU is traveling 1,100 miles after winning “The Holy War” last weekend.
It’s a classic letdown spot. But, BYU’s stylistic advantage is wide enough to offset those concerns.
The Cougars boast a rollicking rushing attack led by running back LJ Martin and freshman sensation quarterback Bear Bachmeier. That spells trouble for the Cyclones, who grade out as middling when it comes to stopping the run.
Don’t get cute. Back the Cougars in this one.
Pick: BYU +2.5 (-108, FanDuel)
Baylor (+3.5, -110) over CINCINNATI
There are so many wonderful surprises in college football this season.
Indiana is one of the best teams in the country. Vanderbilt is not too far behind the Hoosiers. And Virginia is making noise in the ACC. Recently, the secret has gotten out about Cincinnati too.
The Bearcats have rhymed off six wins in a row after losing to Nebraska in Week 1, and now find themselves ranked No. 21.
It’s terrific. But it’s also a bit of smoke and mirrors.
The opponents during Cinci’s winning streak: Bowling Green, Northwestern State, Kansas, Iowa State, UCF and Oklahoma State. A couple of impressive wins, but nothing that bowls you over.
Baylor pulls the upset.
Betting on College Football?
Toledo (+1.5, -128) vs. WASHINGTON STATE
We owe quite a bit of gratitude to the Cougars of Washington State, but this is quite the spot.
Wazzu almost upset Ole Miss in Oxford in Week 7 and then went to Charlottesville and came up just short against Cinderella Virginia.
Now, the Cougars travel back across the country to host Toledo. Quite the comedown after trying to play spoiler against two teams that have their sights set on the College Football Playoff.
We’ll never forget the fortnight we got to spend backing the Cougars on their road trip, but we’ll hop off the bandwagon before it gets too late.
LAST WEEK: 3-0. Penn State (W), Georgia (W), Washington State (W).
SEASON: 18-6
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
