This week’s college football slate is loaded with huge matchups that will surely shape conference standings and have some serious playoff implications.
We’ve picked out the best games and we’re providing key picks and prop bets to load up your bet slip with.
Whether you’re betting on the point spread or eyeing some excellent player props, here’s a breakdown of the top NCAAF games in Week 10.
Ohio State: -3 -118
Penn State: o45 -110
The Nittany Lions finally get a chance to take down the Buckeyes in front of a packed Beaver Stadium. It’s a venue where they’ve struggled against Ohio State over the past decade, but they’re looking to change things up.
With the Buckeyes dominating this series over the past few years, Penn State fans are hoping for a shift this year. Both teams come into this game with some of the best defenses in CFB and balanced offenses that can dominate in the air or on the ground.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard leads a high-flying offense that ranks 14th in total yards. That says a lot about Ohio’s passing game. Penn State counters that with a sturdy defense and, of course, home-field advantage.
However, Penn State’s Drew Allar may need to produce under pressure. Ohio State's defense has been relentless against both the run and pass. This doesn’t make it an easy pick, but nonetheless, we see this game going one way. We think Ohio State will rely on Howard’s arm to keep moving the ball against a tough Penn State defense.
Pick: Ohio State -3.5
Prop Bet: Will Howard Over 250 Passing Yards
Pittsburgh: o58 -110
SMU: -7 -110
This unexpected ACC clash has a lot riding on it as both Pitt and SMU control their destinies in the conference. Nobody thought both of these teams would be fighting for a CFB playoff slot, but here we are.
Pitt has recently scraped by with some narrow wins, while SMU comes in after a turnover-heavy game against Duke. This means both teams are a bit scrappy and we might not see either run up the score.
SMU’s offense, led by Kevin Jennings, will look to make the most of Pittsburgh's struggles in the secondary. Seeing how they’ve looked over the past couple of weeks, this is a solid possibility.
SMU’s top-10 defense in success rate and EPA per rush will most likely pose a challenge for Pittsburgh’s run game. Pitt’s defense, however, has shown they can tough it out on early downs, which may keep SMU’s high-powered backfield from breaking free.
Despite both teams’ potential on offense, these defenses should keep the scoring in check.
Pick: SMU -7.5
Prop Bet: Under 58.5 Total Points
Oregon: -14.5 -107
Michigan: u45.5 -110
Oregon has been a machine this season. They boast one of the most efficient offenses in the country.
Meanwhile, Michigan’s offense has struggled to keep up in Big Ten play, but the Wolverines managed a morale-boosting win against Michigan State last week, so they do have that going for them.
However, stopping Oregon's dominant offense led by Dillon Gabriel and star running back Jordan James is no small task. In fact, this will easily be their biggest challenge all season.
Michigan’s defense will undoubtedly be tested by Oregon’s balanced attack. Gabriel is completing an impressive 76.2% of his passes, and Michigan will have to step up in coverage.
Given Oregon’s offensive firepower, Michigan will likely struggle to cover the spread here. We just don’t think they have what it takes to keep up with what Oregon is going to drop on them. Johnson has been a reliable target for Gabriel, and Michigan’s secondary will have a hard time containing him.
Pick: Oregon -14.5
Prop Bet: Tez Johnson Over 75 Receiving Yards
TAMU: -2.5 -110
South Carolina: u44.5 -115
Both Texas A&M and South Carolina are looking for big conference wins.
The Aggies bring a powerful and extremely dominant run game to the table which ranks 16th in the nation. So, it’s easy to see how this game will go as the Gamecocks have struggled defensively against the rush.
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers will do what he can to take advantage of Texas A&M’s pass defense, which hasn’t been as reliable as their run-stopping unit.
We think Texas A&M should be able to control the clock with their rushing attack and they’ll do it with Le’Veon Moss leading the charge. Given that he’s been an absolute TD machine, we think he’ll have no problem finding the end zone at least once, perhaps more. South Carolina’s offense, however, may find some holes in the Aggies' secondary if Sellers can keep his composure.
Pick: Texas A&M -2.5
Prop Bet: Le’Veon Moss Anytime TD
Air Force: u42.5 -115
Army: -21.5 -115
In the battle for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, Army comes in with a surprising undefeated record and an unstoppable triple-option offense — generally what they’re known for; however, it’s just unstoppable this year.
Air Force’s defense ranks near the bottom of the barrel nationally, which doesn’t bode well against Army’s dominant rushing attack. This means quarterback Bryson Daily is going to look to seize the opportunity.
We expect Army to chew up the clock and grind out drives against an Air Force defense that has struggled all season. Air Force’s offense is unlikely to keep up with the high-flying Army team, especially with Army’s efficient ground game wearing them down.
Daily is a dual-threat QB with almost 1,000 rushing yards on the season — he should have no problem racking up yards in this matchup so we recommend taking the over.
Pick: Army -22.5
Prop Bet: Bryson Daily Over 100 Rushing Yards
Each game this week brings its own unique betting angle. From spreads that look ripe for the taking to player props with strong value, we think you’ll get some wins if you load up your bet slip with these picks.