I put together a winning record last week, going 3-2 on my best bets. I’m 9-9 on the season, a mediocre record.
But we won’t give up hope just yet. The season is young, and there’s plenty of Group of Five football ahead of us. I’ve jumped into the college football betting odds again this week, finding five bets I like this weekend.
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Memphis-Missouri Prediction: Memphis +6
While technically a neutral-site game, I’m listing Memphis as the road team with the game in St. Louis.
I have Memphis as my No. 1 overall team in my Group of Five top 25, so I better back up that ranking with this pick.
I like the Tigers this season. They have a talented roster, and for the most part they’ve played efficient football this season. I love the team’s offense, which is led by reliable quarterback Seth Henigan and Old Dominion running back transfer Blake Watson, who is averaging 7.4 yards per carry.
Missouri enters this game off an emotional, last-second win over a ranked Kansas State team. I’m expecting a letdown.
Middle Tennessee-Colorado State Prediction: MTSU -3
Colorado State nearly defeated Colorado last week, but I’m guessing that game emotionally drained the Rams. Middle Tennessee sits at just 1-2 overall this season, but the Blue Raiders gave Missouri a battle in Week 2.
I trust Middle Tennessee at home against a Colorado State team that could be running on fumes after nearly taking down Coach Prime and Colorado in overtime last week.
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JMU-Utah State Prediction: JMU -6.5
I’m a bit skeptical of this spot for JMU, as it’s the Dukes’ third consecutive road game. I’m more skeptical of Utah State, though. The Aggies quickly trailed 22-0 to Air Force last week, ultimately losing 39-21. They looked subpar in the trenches, and the defense has major question marks stopping the run and pass.
Utah State is making a switch at quarterback this week, which could prove beneficial for the offense’s consistency, but the new quarterback is a true freshman. I’m not sure I see Utah State as a bowl team, and I view JMU as a team capable of producing eight or more wins this fall.
Wyoming-App State Prediction: Wyoming -3
Wyoming defeated Texas Tech at home earlier this year, and the Cowboys gave Texas a tough game in Austin last week. I love App State’s offensive attack, led by running back Nate Noel. The defense, however, gives up 30.7 points per game.
Wyoming looks the part of a complete team, and this is a challenging road trip for the Mountaineers. I like Wyoming to outlast App State and win by more than a field goal.
Marshall-Virginia Tech: Marshall -5
It’s not often that a Group of Five team is favored over a Power Five team, but Marshall boasts a quality roster and Virginia Tech is dealing with significant injury issues. Marshall loves to lean on its defense and running game, while Virginia Tech’s offense looks disjointed and the run defense has been abysmal.
The game is at Marshall, too, giving me another reason to like the Thundering Herd to win by a touchdown or more.
Bennett Conlin is a college football contributor for HERO Sports, and he works full-time covering sports betting industry news and legislation for Sports Handle and US Bets.