Posted:
#1
RUTGERS AT #8 LOUISVILLE: PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Louisville is undefeated, and they will be looking to keep it that way when hosting Rutgers on Thursday night. I won’t over dramatize the match-up, because the question isn't will Louisville win, it’s how much will they win by? Crazy things tend to happen on Thursday nights under the lights. However, the Scarlet Knights will have to give a herculean effort just to keep things close.
Looking at the tale of the tape, the Louisville’s passing attack might have this spread covered by halftime. They are 13th in the nation is passing, averaging 333 yards per game, and Rutgers 119th ranked passing defense will do little to stop them. Teddy Bridgewater will look to have his ‘Heisman moment’ as the cameras will be firmly on him.
Rutgers does have a capable offense of their own, as they average 40 points per game, but there are two reasons why they will struggle Thursday. First and foremost, Louisville has the #1 scoring defense as they give up less than 7 points per game. The second is Rutgers is coming off a big overtime win on a short week. Look for them come out flat, and pack it in when Louisville gets up by a couple of touchdowns.
Our Lean: Louisville -19
ARIZONA AT USC: THEY GOT 99 PROBLEMS BUT KIFFIN AINT ONE
Statistically, Arizona has an edge in this game. USC is ranked 88th in scoring, and Arizona is ranked 9th in points against. If USC has a hard time scoring then they could be in for a long day. Ultimately this game is going to come down to what Arizona’s offense can do. The key to this game will be The Wildcat’s 9th ranked rushing attack against the Trojan’s 13th ranked rushing defense, and who can impose their will.
Our lean is based off intangibles, and to be honest this game is tough to call. If the spread was a point higher we may lean the other way. Both teams should be motivated. Each is coming off a loss with a bye week to prepare. We are going to give the edge to the home team. The last time USC took the football field they gave up 61 points and their coach was fired before he could get off the buss. Look for USC to bounce back in a big way. They have all kinds of talent just waiting to be realized. Lane Kiffin’s absence may be the spark they needed.
Our Lean: USC -6
TEMPLE AT CINCINNATI: THIS IS GONNA BE A HOOT
The last couple of weeks there hasn't been any Legaux go in the Cincinnati offense, and it’s shown. They have struggled to put up points beating Miami OH by a measly 14-0, and the suffering an embarrassing loss to South Florida 26-20. The good news for Bearcat Nation is they are facing a Temple squad that is limping into this game winless at 0-5.
Temple has yet to win a game all year but there was a bright spot in the blowout loss to Louisville last week. They put in their freshman QB, P.J. Walker, at halftime and it brought a much needed spark to the Owls offense. It was too little too late to help against the far superior Cardinals, but look for them to build on that momentum.
Cincinnati is 2-0 ATS at home this year but that was before Munchie Legaux suffered that gruesome injury. Temple is 1-1 ATS this year on the road.
Cincinnati will get the win here, but look for Temple to pick up a moral victory and keep things close for 3 quarters.
Our Lean: Temple +21
0
Hot Forum Topics
