Louisiana looked eager to end its three-game losing skid last week against South Alabama.
The Ragin’ Cajuns outscored the Jaguars by 17 points in the first half and held on for the 31-22 victory to win outright as last week’s Group of Five Underdog of the Week.
BetMGM college football betting odds had Louisiana as a 4.5-point underdog.
This week we go to another team that’s trying to get back on the winning path.
Tulsa (Spread +3.5, Moneyline +150) vs. FAU
The Golden Hurricane (2-6, 0-5) are on a four-game losing streak but didn’t play bad in their last two outings. Three weeks ago, they lost by 14 to East Carolina but trailed by a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Two weeks ago, they lost in overtime to Temple by one.
Now coming off a bye, there are only a few opportunities left to get a conference win, and one of those is this week against an FAU team that hasn’t been impressive this season.
Tulsa’s defense hasn’t been very strong and has been getting torched on the ground. It’s allowing 206 rushing yards per game during its current losing streak. However, FAU has the worst rushing attack in the American, so I expect the Golden Hurricane can drop more defenders back and try to force FAU quarterback Caden Veltkamp into some tough throws. Veltkamp’s 11 interceptions are the most in the FBS.
If the Golden Hurricane can create some turnovers — and take advantage of them — I think they’ll keep this game within one score.
FAU also has the worst turnover margin in the FBS (-1.75) and has yet to get an interception. It is the only team in the country without one.
Tulsa QB Baylor Hayes has been playing well lately and has five TDs and zero interceptions the last two games. I think he can guide the Golden Hurricane to some success against an Owls squad that is surrendering 36.3 points per game.
Both of these teams are 4-4 against the spread this season, and Tulsa is 3-3 as an underdog.
Honorable Mentions
Temple (+6.5, +205) vs. Army
The Owls have played a tough schedule, and it doesn’t get any easier going forward.
Following this week’s matchup, they have a bye but then meet Tulane and North Texas to close out the season. At 5-4, this is the best chance for Temple to secure bowl-eligibility, especially because I don’t anticipate the Owls to upset those two teams.
Army is coming off an emotional win over Air Force after a game-winning field goal from Dawson Jones as time expired, and I expect a let down spot for the Black Knights.
Temple faced Navy’s similar offensive attack a month ago, and while they allowed Navy to score 32 points, the Owls only lost that game by one. I think it will help that they’ve played a similar option-style offense already this season.
The Owls are 6-3 ATS and 3-1 on the road. Army is 0-3 ATS at home.
Air Force (+5.5, +190) vs. San Jose State
For the same reason I’m fading Army is the same reason I expect Air Force to come out with some authority.
The Falcons had three turnovers and a missed field goal against Army but still put themselves in position to win that game late. I imagine they’re ready to get that bad taste out of their mouths and that the defense will want to redeem itself after surrendering a late game-winning drive.
There’s no way around it: The Falcons’ defense in many ways has been bad this season and will be put to the test again this week against Walker Eget and San Jose State’s passing attack, which is leading the Mountain West.
I think Air Force answers the call and its offense has no issues against this SJSU defense.
The Falcons are 3-5 ATS but 2-1 on the road. SJSU is 2-3 ATS as a favorite.
Delaware (+6, +190) vs. Louisiana Tech
I’ve never been a fan of picking against home underdogs in a conference matchup. More often than not, the home underdog keeps things close or wins.
Interestingly enough, there are three home underdogs in Conference USA action this weekend, and I like the Blue Hens in this spot the most.
Delaware got blown out by Liberty last week, so I expect them to bounce back with a better outing for this homecoming contest.
The Blue Hens are 21-4 in the last four seasons under Ryan Carty.
