Vanderbilt at Alabama (Odds: -29) Start Time 7:00 PM EST ESPNU: Alabama HC Saban continues to roll with the Tide. They are now 5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS with a +43 AFP. The long term streaks are 31-15 ATS, 21-10 ATS, including 9-2 ATS as -20+. Their statistical profile is immaculate qualifying them as a member of the “200 Club”, “Steamroller” and “Defensive Dandy”. All agree they should overpower a Vandy attack who could muster just 77 yards in a 21-3 loss at South Carolina in their most recent outing. From the perspective of this bureau, however, it is unlikely that Alabama would bring the same intensity as they did in victories vs. Arkansas and Florida in the previous 2 weeks. Can only see a letdown despite their #2 ranking. It may be just enough to allow Vandy to sleep walk inside this number with their defense which is also just Dandy at 16 PPG and 279 YPG. Free College Football Pick: Play the Big Defensive Dog against the favorite in letdown mode.
Pittsburgh (Odds -6-) at Rutgers Start Time 3:30 PM EST ESPNU: It is yet to be proven whether this 20-11 Pitt team will be better than the 18-8 SU, 14-8-2 ATS Panther teams of the previous 2 seasons under deposed Coach Wannstedt. But in just first year HC Graham’s first season, he has already caught the attention of the national media. In Weeks #3 and #4, it was because of blown leads against Iowa and Notre Dame. Last week, however, on the ESPN Thursday night showcase, the Panthers exploded for a 44-17 victory against a highly respected USF team. Note worthy was the coming out party for RB Graham who blasted the Bulls for 226 overland yards at 8.7 YPG. Two days later, Rutgers slogged to a 19-16 late game victory against Syracuse. They owned the chains and the clock but were outrushed 126-5. In so doing, they quietly extended to 4-0 ATS for the season based mostly on a defense that allows just 17 PPG. That is in no small part because they have forced 18 turnovers for the season and lead the Nation with a +11 TO margin. They also have 14 sacks, 31 tackles for loss, and a special teams unit that has blocked 3 kicks. The line is impacted for Pitts offensive numbers meaning the value is on the home side. Play this momentum dog who despite covering by a combined 27 points is getting a bigger number than they would have opening week.
Minnesota at Purdue (Odds -10-) Start Time 12:00 PM EST ESPN: Each of these teams was badly outplayed in rivalry games last week. Purdue faltered at home in front of a Saturday night national TV audience when they were ripped by rival Notre Dame 38-10, being outgained 551-176. Yet, that was much better than the Gophers had done earlier when they went underground at Michigan in the battle for the Little Brown Jug. The 58-0 whitewash was every bit as bad as the final score as they were outgained 588-177. The Purdue problems seem more fixable. Minny struggles with the lack of continuity behind first year HC Kill who continues to miss time due to medical reasons. In addition, veteran QB Gray may again miss this contest forcing frosh QB Shortill into action for his first road start. Though Purdue has underperformed in this role, 3-8 ATS HF, they are clearly the better option to bounce back at home against a Minnesota team that has yet to show signs of life.
Free Picks: Georgia at Tennessee Betting
What college football bettors need to know about Georgia at Tennessee (Saturday, October 8, 2011) from Pregame.com - Including predictions from Bryan Leonard and analysis from host Marco D'Angelo.