Before the Big Ten started their 2020 college football season this past weekend, Penn State and Ohio State were touted as the top two teams in the conference. Ohio State held their end of the bargain, rolling over Nebraska by 35 points in their opener, but Penn State fell in overtime to unranked Indiana, losing on a controversial two-point conversion. Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin now has to face questions as to whether his skills as a program builder are matched by his skills as an in-game tactician. Penn State faces Ohio State in Week 2, and two Big Ten losses could keep the Nittany Lions out of the Big Ten Championship — and out of the top ten.
Let’s look at your best NFL betting picks for the coming weekend.
NCAA News: Odds, Overview & Top Picks for Week 9
Arkansas (+11) at Texas A&M
In 2018, Texas A&M beat the Razorbacks by seven points. Last year, when Arkansas was dreadful, they only lost to the Aggies by four. They have a new head coach this year, and they come into this game off the bye. The departure of former head coach Chad Morris has meant that the team has a new focus on defense, and this team permits just 5.6 yards per passing attempt. The Razorbacks were hosed by the officials against Auburn; otherwise, they would be 3-1. The Razorbacks have the scheme and, most importantly, the culture to make this game close, even playing in College Station. Razorbacks to cover.
Oklahoma (-15.5) at Texas Tech
This will be surprising to read for people who have paid attention to the Big 12, but Texas Tech now has a run-first offense. For years, the Red Raiders have had coaches that insist on pass, pass, pass, leading to some wild wins, especially in Lubbock. Now, though, they’re taking on a more conventional personality, trying to shorten the game clock. The problem for Texas Tech here is that Oklahoma has a solid running defense this year, permitting just 3.3 yards per attempt. Can Oklahoma beat the Red Raiders by more than two touchdowns, though? Or will the Red Raiders drain the clock? Red Raiders to cover.
North Carolina (-6.5) at Virginia
Brennan Armstrong has returned at quarterback for Virginia, and the Cavaliers played Miami (FL) close a week ago. However, Miami should have cashed in on more of its long drives. The Tar Heels have a terrific offense, and they no doubt will be looking for redemption after losing three in a row to the Cavaliers. Tar Heels to win and cover.
Michigan State (+25) at Michigan
Michigan State coughed the ball up seven times in a home loss to Rutgers, ending a lengthy string of futility for the Scarlet Knights. It’s true that the Wolverines are better than the Spartans, but this is a rivalry that tends to play close. In 18 of the last 20 matchups, the margin of victory has not been more than 25 points. Spartans to cover.
Texas (+3) at Oklahoma State
Mike Gundy has won two of the three meetings between his Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Texas Longhorns since Tom Herman came to lead UT in Austin. Texas comes in at 3-2, having lost to TCU and Oklahoma. Oklahoma State actually has a terrific defense for once and is the lone unbeaten team in the Big 12. The key for the Cowboys’ defense is an outstanding secondary, and the Longhorn wide receivers have not done well getting separation this year. Texas has quarterback Sam Ehlinger, one of the wiliest in college football, but the Cowboys have the personnel to get this done. Cowboys to win and cover.
LSU (-1) at Auburn
Two of the SEC West’s top pretenders to the throne that Alabama still holds take the field as enigmas. LSU has the #96 defense out of 101 FBS teams. However, they can score in bunches, as they showed most recently against South Carolina. Auburn has picked up wins over Ole Miss and Arkansas thanks to mistakes by the officials. Gus Malzahn has shown that he has preternatural luck at Auburn, but this week that luck will take a blow. LSU to win and cover.
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