It finally happened. I posted my first losing week (2-3) of the season last week, dropping to 13-7 on the year. That’s hardly a bad mark through 20 games, though, so I’ll pat myself on the back.
I like the board this weekend – not always a good sign – but let’s jump into the college football betting odds and analyze a few possible winners. I’m all over Sun Belt action this weekend, as a few games seem prime for betting.
Georgia State +2.5 vs. Coastal
I love 0-3 Georgia State against 3-0 Coastal Carolina on Thursday night. Strength of schedule has factored plenty into each team’s record, as the Panthers have played a pair of Power Five teams in North Carolina and South Carolina. The Chanticleers narrowly defeated an FCS team in Week 2, and they pulled away late last week against 0-3 Buffalo.
Thursday’s game is Coastal’s first road game of the year, and the public will almost certainly back the Chanticleers. I’ll side with the Panthers, who are due to break through for win No. 1.
JMU +7 at App State
Through two weeks, JMU has been extremely efficient, albeit against inferior competition. While Appalachian State represents a significant step up in competition, all three of the Mountaineers’ games have been decided by four points or fewer. After two incredible emotional highs – beating Texas A&M and winning on a Hail Mary with “College GameDay” in town – Appalachian State is due for an emotional letdown.
JMU hangs close (and maybe wins) coming off a bye week.
Southern Miss +13 at Tulane
I wouldn’t rule Southern Miss out as a possible Sun Belt West contender. I like the team’s rushing attack, and believe the Golden Eagles will make a bowl game this year despite their 1-2 start. They played Miami respectably, and a four-overtime loss to Liberty easily could’ve gone the other way. While Tulane just beat Kansas State, this feels like too many points.
SMU +2 vs. TCU
I like SMU’s chances of being the Group of Five representative in a New Year’s Six Bowl, and while last week’s loss to Maryland was disappointing, the Mustangs are still very, very good. TCU is a perfect 2-0 and could be a tough out in Big 12 play, but I like SMU to bounce back at home with a quality win against a Power Five opponent.
This game has a chance to be a must-watch contest, and I’ll gladly take the small underdog.
BYU -22.5 at Wyoming
BYU followed up an impressive win over Baylor with a blowout loss to Oregon. Saturday should be a bounce-back spot for the Cougars, who get to face an inferior team this week. Wyoming is actually 3-1 on the season, but the program’s one Power Five game was a 38-6 loss at Illinois. BYU is a P5 caliber team, and I expect them to look the part Saturday at home.
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.
