Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix. Christopher Creveling-USA TODAY Sports

Best bets for NCAAF Week 11

The Michigan Wolverines seem to be sucking the life out of this season. There is all that cheating stuff and they have yet to play anyone good so we are not sure just how good they really are. We will get at least a little more insight into the latter on Saturday afternoon when they visit Penn State (I am not hopeful for PSU). That game headlines the day but most windows have a pretty good reason to tune in.

Last week we gave a little back with a 2-3 record. The good was the easy over on the total with USC/Washington, the bad, assuming Iowa could score more than 10 points (they were-5). We are running out of full weeks of action.

Results to date: Last week: 2-3: Season to Date: 26-23-1  


Week 11 Best Bets

Texas Tech @ Kansas
Saturday, noon ET
Kansas -4


Kansas has shown it was more than just a one-game wonder. At Iowa State last week, it could have definitely been a letdown spot but they got the win and are lingering in the Big 12 standings behind the top two teams — Texas and Oklahoma State. They close with a couple of home games and I expect they will finish strong.

Obviously, a -3 would be better so feel free to tease but I like the Jayhawks with their diverse offense to win by a touchdown. 


Oklahoma State @ UCF
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET

Knights +2.5


The Pokes have been a very nice story this season, unexpectedly winning Bedlam and being in the conference race despite a sluggish start. In this one, I worry about their ability to put teams away. This is not a strong defensive team and I think they might struggle in a letdown spot against a team that has good offensive leadership from Gus Malzahn. 

I might even just back UCF on the Moneyline here, depending on if there is line movement. 


USC @ Oregon
Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET
USC +16


The Ducks have been looking great. They throttled Utah and the Utes had a lot of success against the Trojans, but I think USC will fight in this one and they have the offense to keep coming back even once separation has been established by the Ducks. The USC defense can only get better, right?

Unlike above, I do not see an upset here, though you never know. The USC coach and quarterback are very good. Most likely a 10-point win by Oregon that we don't sweat too much. 

Air Force @ Hawaii
Saturday, 11 p.m. ET
Falcons -19.5


I don't know what happened in that Army game for Air Force. It feels like a one-off though and I am not worried about the long trip to Hawaii. The Warriors are not good against the run and that is the Falcons' bread and butter. Plus they will be a little extra hungry. All of their Mountain West goals are still ahead of them as long as they are focused. 

The number is less than ideal but AF is 2-1 ATS when favored by 10 or more against league competition this season. 


Cincinnati @ Houston
Saturday, 7 p.m. ET
Cougars -2.5


Cincinnati is still seeking its first B-12 win. They are hoping Houston, a former AAC brother will be kind to them, but this season is already lost and they have no home games left. It is going to be hard to find the energy to fight once they get down. The only good thing about the Bearcats is that they are balanced on offense. That is not enough with a turnover prone QB. 

Houston only really needs to win the game to cover in this spot. This is their best spot to get bowl eligible and they know it. 

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