North Texas +8 (have parlay +11 grabbed at beginning)
First numbers Yards per play:
Offense
North Texas 18th @ 6.1
Utah State 9th @ 6.7
Defense:
Tied 33rd with 5.0
I am not sure why this spread is so high. Both have had a successful season, but Utah State was ranked most of it so perceived value from public perception?
Utah State had the opportunity to play for the MW champ game, but came up short against Boise St. No shame in losing @ Boise, but that was their super bowl.
Now, Utah State will go to their bowl game without their head coach. In the mean time, NT head coach, Littrell was rumored at K-State, but turned it down. I would give NT another bump for the confidence the players have in their coach.They have lost the last two bowl games under Littrell so extra motivation to win one for the coach that is staying put.
i could easily see North Texas winning this game, so getting over two touchdowns appears to be a steal.
Fresno State -4 (parlay -3)
First, the numbers:
These offenses are tied in yards per play at 6.1
Defense yards per play:
Fresno ST 17th 4.6
AZ ST 56th 5.5
I love Fresno in this spot. Fresno has been a really good team all season, winning the MW Championship after getting revenge on Boise.
Fresno has a PAC 12 level QB with a really stout defense. Tedford’s boys have played very consistent football these last couple years.Also, of note, Tedford coached for Cal. No doubt he and his team will be ready to play a PAC 12 opponent.
AZ st on the other hand has been very inconsistent under Coach Edwards. The defense has been better overall, but still have had their issues as of late.
Everyone was on AZ St when they beat Mich ST, and I was on SDSU when they beat AZ St the very next week.
I try not to put too much stock into players sitting out, but Harry has over double the yards receiving that the next WR has and the next three after him have 413, 421, 432 yards respectfully. Yes, guys can step up, but this Fresno team is not a defense I see AZ st gashing big plays on without their superstar WR.
AZ St does have a stud RB to lean on, but Fresno ranks:
26th nationally in rush ypg
20th nationally yards per attempt
Also look at the last two wins for AZ ST:
Utah when their starting QB went down
AZ when they had to come back down 19. I watched that game. AZ did everything possible to lose that game. Conservative offense as if they were just going to bleed 12 minutes off the clock. Neither spot impressed me enough to feel comfortable about their bowl game chances to win or cover.
BOL to everyone as we enter a successful bowl season.