Category: EVERYTHING

A reminder, as always, these rankings DO NOT reflect a team’s resume, or even whether they have won or lost, they are solely used to measure a team’s strength in the sense Vegas would to set lines. Thus, team talent remains an important variable throughout the season, even if a team continues to lose. Additionally, recent games are weighted more heavily, and if you are lucky or don’t look good in a win, you may fall, while if you look good or are unlucky in a loss, you may rise. Let’s get into it.

Rank	Team	Conf	CHANGE	YTD ChAngE
1	Alabama	SEC	0	0
2	Ohio State	Big Ten	1	0
3	Georgia	SEC	1	1
4	Clemson	ACC	-2	-1
5	Penn State	Big Ten	0	1
6	Wisconsin	Big Ten	0	6
7	Oregon	Pac-12	0	6
8	Michigan	Big Ten	6	10
9	Southern California	Pac-12	-1	6
10	Florida	SEC	-1	-3
11	Texas A&M	SEC	-1	-3
12	Notre Dame	ACC	1	2
13	Oklahoma	Big 12	-1	-8
14	Iowa State	Big 12	7	7
15	North Carolina	ACC	1	2
16	Louisiana State	SEC	1	-7
17	Cincinnati	AAC	5	3
18	Kentucky	SEC	-7	9
19	Auburn	SEC	1	-9
20	Oklahoma State	Big 12	-2	-4
21	Texas	Big 12	-6	-10
22	Washington	Pac-12	2	7
23	Arizona State	Pac-12	2	8
24	South Carolina	SEC	6	20
25	Louisville	ACC	13	0
26	Virginia Tech	ACC	-3	-7
27	Iowa	Big Ten	-1	5
28	Nebraska	Big Ten	1	5
29	Minnesota	Big Ten	-10	-5
30	Missouri	SEC	17	26
31	California	Pac-12	0	5
32	Central Florida	AAC	-5	-9
33	Indiana	Big Ten	-1	4
34	Baylor	Big 12	14	0
35	Miami (FL)	ACC	-7	-5
36	North Carolina State	ACC	3	21
37	Tennessee	SEC	-3	-15
38	Mississippi	SEC	3	-3
39	Purdue	Big Ten	7	6
40	Brigham Young	Ind	3	11
41	Boise State	MWC	3	1
42	West Virginia	Big 12	-7	11
43	Texas Christian	Big 12	-6	-4
44	Kansas State	Big 12	-2	2
45	Utah	Pac-12	0	-2
46	Memphis	AAC	-13	-20
47	Virginia	ACC	10	-6
48	Wake Forest	ACC	4	7
49	Pittsburgh	ACC	-13	-11
50	Arkansas	SEC	-1	28
51	Boston College	ACC	8	13
52	Northwestern	Big Ten	2	0
53	Mississippi State	SEC	-2	-4
54	Florida State	ACC	-14	-26
55	Stanford	Pac-12	-2	-7
56	Texas Tech	Big 12	5	3
57	Southern Methodist	AAC	-7	-10
58	Appalachian State	Sun Belt	-2	-18
59	Illinois	Big Ten	-1	-5
60	Tulsa	AAC	8	32
61	UCLA	Pac-12	1	-1
62	Louisiana	Sun Belt	8	-12
63	Georgia Tech	ACC	-8	4
64	Duke	ACC	2	2
65	Houston	AAC	-2	-7
66	Oregon State	Pac-12	1	-4
67	Marshall	CUSA	-3	10
68	Alabama-Birmingham	CUSA	-3	-7
69	Tulane	AAC	5	4
70	Air Force	MWC	-10	-1
71	Washington State	Pac-12	0	-3
72	Buffalo	MAC	0	-1
73	Temple	AAC	3	2
74	Michigan State	Big Ten	-5	-11
75	Wyoming	MWC	-2	-3
76	Arizona	Pac-12	-1	0
77	Nevada	MWC	0	2
78	San Diego State	MWC	0	3
79	Navy	AAC	3	-14
80	Florida Atlantic	CUSA	4	0
81	Maryland	Big Ten	0	2
82	Toledo	MAC	3	3
83	Miami (OH)	MAC	3	3
84	Central Michigan	MAC	3	3
85	Hawaii	MWC	17	15
86	Coastal Carolina	Sun Belt	-3	27
87	Ohio	MAC	1	1
88	Colorado State	MWC	1	1
89	Charlotte	CUSA	-9	2
90	Syracuse	ACC	2	-16
91	Georgia State	Sun Belt	-12	13
92	Liberty	Ind	-1	27
93	Arkansas State	Sun Belt	2	-3
94	Rutgers	Big Ten	9	7
95	Ball State	MAC	-2	0
96	Vanderbilt	SEC	-2	1
97	East Carolina	AAC	-1	-1
98	Western Kentucky	CUSA	-8	-28
99	Georgia Southern	Sun Belt	2	-5
100	Troy	Sun Belt	6	5
101	Colorado	Pac-12	-3	-2
102	San Jose State	MWC	12	10
103	Army	Ind	-4	4
104	South Florida	AAC	-4	-11
105	North Texas	CUSA	4	13
106	Southern Mississippi	CUSA	6	-24
107	Utah State	MWC	-3	-4
108	Western Michigan	MAC	2	0
109	Kent State	MAC	2	0
110	South Alabama	Sun Belt	-5	5
111	Texas State	Sun Belt	-4	13
112	Fresno State	MWC	-15	-14
113	Texas-San Antonio	CUSA	2	1
114	Kansas	Big 12	2	-4
115	Louisiana Tech	CUSA	-2	-31
116	Rice	CUSA	-8	-10
117	Texas-El Paso	CUSA	3	10
118	Middle Tennessee State	CUSA	6	-16
119	Nevada-Las Vegas	MWC	-1	-3
120	New Mexico	MWC	-1	-3
121	Akron	MAC	0	0
122	Northern Illinois	MAC	0	0
123	Eastern Michigan	MAC	0	0
124	Florida International	CUSA	-7	-13
125	Bowling Green State	MAC	0	0
126	Massachusetts	Ind	0	0
127	Louisiana-Monroe	Sun Belt	0	-7

The Big Ten kicks off their season this week, as #18 Michigan takes on #21 Minnesota, and #8 Penn State and #5 Ohio State look to stave off tests from Indiana and Nebraska ahead of their clash next week. Also on the docket:

• A battle of teams hoping to keep their ACC title hopes alive as #23 NC State faces off with #14 North Carolina
• #2 Alabama and #3 Notre Dame hope to avoid upsets taking on Tennessee and Pitt
• The two highest-ranked teams in the Big 12 will square off as #17 Iowa State takes on #6 Oklahoma State
• South Carolina and LSU both hope to get their seasons on the right track as they face off in a primetime showdown
• A game with New Year’s Six implications will take center stage in primetime as #9 Cincinnati faces #16 SMU

2020 Prediction Stats

Straight Up: 125-43 (74%)
ATS Best Bets: 24-15 (+6.8 units)
ATS Total: 89-71-8 (+10.0 units)

Best Bets

Appalachian State (-10) vs Arkansas State – Thursday, 7:30 PM ET, ESPN
Rice (-2) vs Middle Tennessee – 3:30 PM ET, ESPN3
Navy (+14) vs Houston – 3:30 PM ET, CBSSN
Georgia State (+2.5) @ Troy – 4 PM ET, ESPNU
Western Kentucky (-11.5) vs Chattanooga – 4 PM ET, ESPN3
#9 Cincinnati (+2.5) @ #16 SMU – 9 PM ET, ESPN2
Air Force (-7) @ San Jose State – 10:30 PM ET, FS1

Thursday, October 22nd

Arkansas State (3-2, 1-1 Sun Belt) @ Appalachian State (2-1, 0-0 Sun Belt)
7:30 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: Appalachian State -10

The Arkansas State passing attack has been great under Logan Bonner and Layne Hatcher this year. This defense? Not so much. Expect an App State offense that is the most talented in the conference to run all over the Red Wolves in their Sun Belt opener.

CSD Pick: Appalachian State 41, Arkansas State 27

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Appalachian State -10

Friday, October 23rd

Jacksonville State (2-1) @ FIU (0-2)
7 PM ET, ESPN3
Vegas Line: FIU -10.5

CSD Pick: FIU 37, Jacksonville State 22

Tulsa (1-1, 1-0 American) @ USF (1-4, 0-3 American)
7:30 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: Tulsa -10

CSD Pick: Tulsa 30, USF 20

Illinois (0-0 Big Ten) @ #14 Wisconsin (0-0 Big Ten)
8 PM ET, BTN
Vegas Line: Wisconsin -18

CSD Pick: Wisconsin 35, Illinois 17

Louisiana (3-1) @ UAB (4-1)
8 PM ET, CBSSN
Vegas Line: UAB -1.5

CSD Pick: UAB 29, Louisville 27

Saturday, October 24th

Syracuse (1-4, 1-3 ACC) @ #1 Clemson (5-0, 4-0 ACC)
12 PM ET, ACC Network
Vegas Line: Clemson -44.5

CSD Pick: Clemson 53, Syracuse 12

Nebraska (0-0 Big Ten) @ #5 Ohio State (0-0 Big Ten)

12 PM ET, FOX
Vegas Line: Ohio State -24.5

Ohio State kicks off its season as 24.5 point favorites against Nebraska. I think the Cornhuskers will be good this year, perhaps the best they’ve been in the Scott Frost era, but they run into the buzzsaw that is this Ohio State team. The Buckeyes are talented, they’re motivated, and they’re at home. Expect OSU to dominate this one, although a back-door cover from the Huskers feels likely.

CSD Pick: Ohio State 45, Nebraska 24

#23 NC State (4-1, 4-1 ACC) @ #14 North Carolina (3-1, 3-1 ACC)

12 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: North Carolina -14.5

It will be a ranked vs ranked matchup on Tobacco Road as both of these teams look to stay alive in the ACC title race. UNC didn’t look good against Florida State last week in a 31-28 loss, but anyone watching that game would tell you that despite the scoreboard, the Tar Heels played like the better team for the majority of the contest. At home, coming out angry after the loss, I expect UNC to cruise to a win against an NC State squad that will be missing its starting quarterback.

CSD Pick: North Carolina 38, NC State 25

Kansas (0-4, 0-3 Big 12) @ #20 Kansas State (3-1, 3-0 Big 12)
12 PM ET, FS1
Vegas Line: Kansas State -17.5

CSD Pick: Kansas State 35, Kansas 13

Georgia Southern (3-1, 1-1 Sun Belt) @ #25 Coastal Carolina (4-0, 2-0 Sun Belt)
12 PM ET, ESPNU
Vegas Line: Coastal Carolina -4.5

CSD Pick: Coastal Carolina 31, Georgia Southern 24

Mercer (0-1) @ Army (5-1)
12 PM ET, CBSSN
Vegas Line: Army -29.5

CSD Pick: Army 44, Mercer 8

Auburn (2-2 SEC) @ Ole Miss (1-3 SEC)
12 PM ET, SEC Network
Vegas Line: Auburn -3

CSD Pick: Auburn 35, Ole Miss 31

Oklahoma (2-2, 1-2 Big 12) @ TCU (1-2, 1-2 Big 12)

12 PM ET, ABC
Vegas Line: Oklahoma -5.5

An Oklahoma team that came into the season with College Football Playoff aspirations now needs a win against 1-2 TCU to stay alive in the Big 12 title race. Both of these teams are a lot better than their records indicate, but Oklahoma is a LOT better. Spencer Rattler is a solid QB for Lincoln Riley, and there is no way that a team as talented as this Oklahoma squad is dropping to 2-3. Expect the Sooners to pick up the road victory.

CSD Pick: Oklahoma 33, TCU 26

Temple (1-1, 1-1 American) @ Memphis (2-1, 1-1 American)
12 PM ET, ESPN+
Vegas Line: Memphis -12.5

CSD Pick: Memphis 42, Temple 28

UTEP (3-2, 0-1 C-USA) @ Charlotte (1-2, 1-1 C-USA)
12 PM ET, ESPN+
Vegas Line: Charlotte -14

CSD Pick: Charlotte 33, UTEP 18

Florida State (2-3, 1-3 ACC) @ Louisville (1-4, 0-4 ACC)
12 PM ET, ESPN3
Vegas Line: Louisville -6.5

CSD Pick: Louisville 31, Florida State 27

Rutgers (0-0 Big Ten) @ Michigan State (0-0 Big Ten)
12 PM ET, BTN
Vegas Line: Michigan State -16.5

CSD Pick: Michigan State 27, Rutgers 13

Southern Mississippi (1-3) @ Liberty (5-0)
1 PM ET, ESPN3
Vegas Line: Liberty -10.5

CSD Pick: Liberty 35, Southern Mississippi 26

Tulane (2-3, 0-3 American) @ UCF (2-2, 1-2 American)
2 PM ET, ESPN2
Vegas Line: UCF -17.5

CSD Pick: UCF 45, Tulane 28

Florida Atlantic (1-0, 1-0 C-USA) @ #22 Marshall (4-0, 2-0 C-USA)
2:30 PM ET, FSN/Stadium
Vegas Line: Marshall -16.5

CSD Pick: Marshall 36, Florida Atlantic 22

#2 Alabama (4-0 SEC) @ Tennessee (2-2 SEC)

3:30 PM ET, CBS
Vegas Line: Alabama -20

I mean, Alabama is the best team in the country, it’s as simple as that. The ‘Bama offense will run all over Tennessee’s defense, and I have no faith in Jarrett Guarantano and the Vols offense to keep up. ‘Bama should roll and have their backups in by the fourth quarter.

CSD Pick: Alabama 44, Tennessee 25

#3 Notre Dame (4-0, 3-0 ACC) @ Pittsburgh (3-3, 2-3 ACC)

3:30 PM ET, ABC
Vegas Line: Notre Dame -9

Oh wow. It is very enticing to pick the upset here. A Notre Dame team that is not nearly as good as that #3 next to their name indicates, traveling to face Pitt, a team with a reputation for pulling upsets. I’m too much of a coward to call it, but boy, it wouldn’t surprise me. However, this Notre Dame is still extremely talented, and Pitt has been sliding in recent weeks. Expect the ND offense to recover from a disastrous 12-point performance last week and pick up the win, but don’t be surprised if it is close.

CSD Pick: Notre Dame 30, Pittsburgh 22

#17 Iowa State (3-1, 3-0 Big 12) @ #6 Oklahoma State (3-0, 2-0 Big 12)

3:30 PM ET, FOX
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State -4

A game with serious Big 12 title implications will take center stage at 3:30 as #17 Iowa State takes on #6 Oklahoma State in a battle between two squads undefeated in Big 12 competition. This game will come down to how Iowa State QB Brock Purdy plays against the Oklahoma State defense, and the answer may surprise you. This group is very good by Big 12 standards, perhaps the best of the Mike Gundy era, and against a QB as inconsistent as Purdy, and at home, I expect the ‘Pokes to pick up the W.

CSD Pick: Oklahoma State 29, Iowa State 25

#8 Penn State (0-0 Big Ten) @ Indiana (0-0 Big Ten)

3:30 PM ET, FS1
Vegas Line: Penn State -7.5

Another game with serious upset potential here as #8 Penn State, perhaps looking ahead to their matchup against Ohio State next week, has to travel to face a very solid Indiana team. LB Micah Parsons and RB Journey Brown will not be joining the Nittany Lions, having opted out for the season, but while I like this Indiana team, they just don’t have the talent to compete with Penn State. QB Michael Penix is solid, and this Indiana squad will probably pull an upset at some point this year, I just think Penn State is too good to be caught sleeping. Give me PSU.

CSD Pick: Penn State 35, Indiana 26

#19 Virginia Tech (3-1, 3-1 ACC) @ Wake Forest (2-2, 1-2 ACC)
3:30 PM ET, ESPN3
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech -7

CSD Pick: Virginia Tech 38, Wake Forest 30

Middle Tennessee (1-5, 1-3 C-USA) @ Rice (0-0, 0-0 C-USA)
3:30 PM ET, ESPN3
Vegas Line: Rice -2

Rice hasn’t played a game this year, but we’ve seen Middle Tennessee play six times, and they’ve been one of the five worst teams in the nation. Bet Rice.

CSD Pick: Rice 27, Middle Tennessee 21

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Rice -2

Houston (1-1, 1-0 American) @ Navy (3-2, 3-0 American)
3:30 PM ET, CBSSN
Vegas Line: Houston -14

I’ve faded Navy two weeks in a row and they’ve proven me wrong both times, so I’m jumping on the bandwagon. 14 points is too big of a spread with the Midshipmen at home and the limited number of possessions that we will see. Take Navy.

CSD Pick: Houston 33, Navy 23

Baylor (1-1, 1-1 Big 12) @ Texas (2-2, 1-2 Big 12)
3:30 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: Texas -11.5

CSD Pick: Texas 35, Baylor 25

Iowa (0-0 Big Ten) @ Purdue (0-0 Big Ten)
3:30 PM ET, BTN
Vegas Line: Iowa -4.5

CSD Pick: Iowa 27, Purdue 24

Georgia State (1-2, 0-2 Sun Belt) @ Troy (3-1, 1-0 Sun Belt)
4 PM ET, ESPNU
Vegas Line: Troy -2.5

Troy struggled mightily with Eastern Kentucky last week, meanwhile, despite their record, Georgia State has looked very good through three games, including a game where they took Louisiana to overtime and a weekday shootout loss to Arkansas State where the Panthers looked like the better team. I think they win outright.

CSD Pick: Georgia State 34, Troy 33

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Georgia State +2.5

Georgia Tech (2-3, 2-2 ACC) @ Boston College (3-2, 2-2 ACC)
4 PM ET, ACC Network
Vegas Line: Boston College -4

CSD Pick: Boston College 27, Georgia Tech 25

Chattanooga (0-0) @ Western Kentucky (1-4)
4 PM ET, ESPN3
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky -11.5

Western Kentucky hasn’t looked great this year, but they are not nearly as bad as the 1-4 record indicates, and giving up only 11.5, at home, against an FCS opponent that we haven’t seen play yet, I’ll take the Hilltoppers.

CSD Pick: Western Kentucky 37, Chattanooga 16

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Western Kentucky -11.5

Kentucky (2-2 SEC) @ Missouri (1-2 SEC)
4 PM ET, SEC Network
Vegas Line: Kentucky -4.5

CSD Pick: Kentucky 29, Missouri 22

West Virginia (3-1, 2-1 Big 12) @ Texas Tech (1-3, 0-3 Big 12)
5:30 PM ET, ESPN2
Vegas Line: West Virginia -3

CSD Pick: West Virginia 29, Texas Tech 26

South Carolina (2-2 SEC) @ LSU (1-2 SEC)

7 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: LSU -7.5

Two schools trending in opposite directions will face off in primetime as South Carolina, fresh off of a win against Auburn, travels to Baton Rouge to take on LSU. There is still enough talent on this LSU team that at home I think they get the win here and avoid dropping to 1-3, but with QB Myles Brennan questionable for the contest, the possibility of an upset is out there.

CSD Pick: LSU 34, South Carolina 28

UL Monroe (0-5, 0-2 Sun Belt) @ South Alabama (2-2, 1-0 Sun Belt)
7 PM ET, ESPN+
Vegas Line: South Alabama -13.5

CSD Pick: South Alabama 35, UL Monroe 19

Utah State (0-0, 0-0 MW) @ Boise State (0-0, 0-0 MW)
7 PM ET, FS1
Vegas Line: Boise State -14.5

CSD Pick: Boise State 37, Utah State 18

Wyoming (0-0, 0-0 MW) @ Nevada (0-0, 0-0 MW)
7 PM ET, CBSSN
Vegas Line: Wyoming -3.5

CSD Pick: Wyoming 26, Nevada 24

#18 Michigan (0-0 Big Ten) @ #21 Minnesota (0-0 Big Ten)

7:30 PM ET, ABC
Vegas Line: Michigan -3

Two dark horse playoff contenders will square off in primetime as Michigan takes on Minnesota in a game between two teams with a ton of turnover. I like Minnesota QB Tanner Morgan, and the Gophers are at home, but the new look Michigan offense under OC Josh Gattis is intriguing to me with the new focus on speed and creating space at the WR spot. I like Michigan’s defense to slow down the Gopher attack, and I’ll take the Wolverines to pick up the win on the road against a Minnesota defense that loses almost everyone.

CSD Pick: Michigan 31, Minnesota 29

Hawai’i (0-0, 0-0 MW) @ Fresno State (0-0, 0-0 MW)
7:30 PM ET, KSEE/Spectrum PPV
Vegas Line: Fresno State -6.5

CSD Pick: Fresno State 34, Hawai’i 30

Maryland (0-0 Big Ten) @ Northwestern (0-0 Big Ten)
7:30 PM ET, BTN
Vegas Line: Northwestern -7.5

CSD Pick: Northwestern 28, Maryland 17

Virginia (1-3, 1-3 ACC) @ #11 Miami (4-1, 3-1 ACC)
8 PM ET, ACC Network
Vegas Line: Miami -10.5

CSD Pick: Miami 34, Virginia 24

Louisiana Tech (3-2, 2-1 C-USA) @ UTSA (3-3, 1-1 C-USA)
8 PM ET, ESPNU
Vegas Line: Louisiana Tech -2.5

CSD Pick: Louisiana Tech 27, UTSA 26

#9 Cincinnati (3-0, 1-0 American) @ #16 SMU (5-0, 2-0 American)

9 PM ET, ESPN2
Vegas Line: SMU -2.5

The game of the day, in my view, comes from the American as Cincinnati takes on SMU. I was on the Bearcats to win the conference from day one when many were picking Memphis and UCF, and I’ll stay on them now, despite the road test against an SMU squad that has looked excellent to start off the year. My only concern is COVID, the Bearcats have had some positives in the program recently, but the Cincy defense may be the very best in the G5, and I expect them to hold Shane Buchele and the SMU attack in check, and for Desmond Ridder and the offense to do just enough to keep the Bearcats in the driver’s seat for the G5’s New Year’s Six spot.

CSD Pick: Cincinnati 31, SMU 30

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Cincinnati +2.5

Texas State (1-5) @ #12 BYU (5-0)
10:15 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: BYU -30.5

CSD Pick: BYU 44, Texas State 18

UNLV (0-0, 0-0 MW) @ San Diego State (0-0, 0-0 MW)
10:30 PM ET, CBSSN
Vegas Line: San Diego State -14.5

CSD Pick: San Diego State 31, UNLV 17

Air Force (1-0, 0-0 MW) @ San Jose State (0-0, 0-0 MW)
10:30 PM ET, FS1
Vegas Line: Air Force -7

It feels good to have late games back. Air Force looked great to close out 2019, and while they lost a lot of talent coming into this year, they seem to have not missed a beat, dominating Navy 40-7 in their opener. The Falcons should easily cover seven points against a middling San Jose State program.

CSD Pick: Air Force 38, San Jose State 27

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Air Force -7

PlayStation Fiesta Bowl

TBD, ESPN
Glendale, AZ
At-Large vs. At-Large
Bowl Projection: Oregon vs. Boise State

Capital One Orange Bowl

TBD, ESPN
Miami Gardens, FL
ACC vs. Big Ten or SEC
Bowl Projection: Notre Dame vs. Georgia

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

TBD, ESPN
Atlanta, GA
At-Large vs. At-Large
Bowl Projection: Penn State vs. Texas A&M

GoodYear Cotton Bowl Classic

TBD, ESPN
Arlington, TX
At-Large vs. At-Large
Bowl Projection: Wisconsin vs. Iowa State

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Friday, January 1, 8:45 ET, ESPN
New Orleans, LA
CFP vs. CFP
Projection: Alabama vs. USC
Pick: Alabama

Rose Bowl

Friday, January 1, 5:00 ET, ESPN
Pasadena, CA
CFP vs. CFP
Bowl Projection: Ohio State vs. Clemson
Pick: Clemson

College Football Playoff National Championship

Monday, January 11, 8:00 ET, ESPN
Miami Gardens, FL
Projection: Clemson vs. Alabama
Pick: Alabama

A reminder, as always, these rankings DO NOT reflect a team’s resume, or even whether they have won or lost, they are solely used to measure a team’s strength in the sense Vegas would to set lines. Thus, team talent remains an important variable throughout the season, even if a team continues to lose. Additionally, recent games are weighted more heavily, and if you are lucky or don’t look good in a win, you may fall, while if you look good or are unlucky in a loss, you may rise. Let’s get into it.

Rank	Team	Conf
1	Alabama	SEC
2	Clemson	ACC
3	Ohio State	Big Ten
4	Georgia	SEC
5	Penn State	Big Ten
6	Wisconsin	Big Ten
7	Oregon	Pac-12
8	Southern California	Pac-12
9	Florida	SEC
10	Texas A&M	SEC
11	Kentucky	SEC
12	Oklahoma	Big 12
13	Notre Dame	ACC
14	Michigan	Big Ten
15	Boise State	MWC
16	Texas	Big 12
17	North Carolina	ACC
18	Louisiana State	SEC
19	Oklahoma State	Big 12
20	Minnesota	Big Ten
21	Auburn	SEC
22	Iowa State	Big 12
23	Cincinnati	AAC
24	Virginia Tech	ACC
25	Washington	Pac-12
26	Arizona State	Pac-12
27	Iowa	Big Ten
28	Central Florida	AAC
29	Miami (FL)	ACC
30	Nebraska	Big Ten
31	South Carolina	SEC
32	California	Pac-12
33	Indiana	Big Ten
34	Memphis	AAC
35	Tennessee	SEC
36	West Virginia	Big 12
37	Pittsburgh	ACC
38	Texas Christian	Big 12
39	Louisville	ACC
40	North Carolina State	ACC
41	Florida State	ACC
42	Mississippi	SEC
43	Kansas State	Big 12
44	Brigham Young	Ind
45	Utah	Pac-12
46	Purdue	Big Ten
47	Missouri	SEC
48	Baylor	Big 12
49	Arkansas	SEC
50	Southern Methodist	AAC
51	Mississippi State	SEC
52	Wake Forest	ACC
53	Stanford	Pac-12
54	Northwestern	Big Ten
55	Georgia Tech	ACC
56	Appalachian State	Sun Belt
57	Virginia	ACC
58	Illinois	Big Ten
59	Boston College	ACC
60	Air Force	MWC
61	Texas Tech	Big 12
62	UCLA	Pac-12
63	Houston	AAC
64	Marshall	CUSA
65	Alabama-Birmingham	CUSA
66	Duke	ACC
67	Oregon State	Pac-12
68	Tulsa	AAC
69	Michigan State	Big Ten
70	Louisiana	Sun Belt
71	Washington State	Pac-12
72	Buffalo	MAC
73	Wyoming	MWC
74	Tulane	AAC
75	Arizona	Pac-12
76	Temple	AAC
77	Nevada	MWC
78	San Diego State	MWC
79	Georgia State	Sun Belt
80	Charlotte	CUSA
81	Maryland	Big Ten
82	Navy	AAC
83	Coastal Carolina	Sun Belt
84	Florida Atlantic	CUSA
85	Toledo	MAC
86	Miami (OH)	MAC
87	Central Michigan	MAC
88	Ohio	MAC
89	Colorado State	MWC
90	Western Kentucky	CUSA
91	Liberty	Ind
92	Syracuse	ACC
93	Ball State	MAC
94	Vanderbilt	SEC
95	Arkansas State	Sun Belt
96	East Carolina	AAC
97	Fresno State	MWC
98	Colorado	Pac-12
99	Army	Ind
100	South Florida	AAC
101	Georgia Southern	Sun Belt
102	Hawaii	MWC
103	Rutgers	Big Ten
104	Utah State	MWC
105	South Alabama	Sun Belt
106	Troy	Sun Belt
107	Texas State	Sun Belt
108	Rice	CUSA
109	North Texas	CUSA
110	Western Michigan	MAC
111	Kent State	MAC
112	Southern Mississippi	CUSA
113	Louisiana Tech	CUSA
114	San Jose State	MWC
115	Texas-San Antonio	CUSA
116	Kansas	Big 12
117	Florida International	CUSA
118	Nevada-Las Vegas	MWC
119	New Mexico	MWC
120	Texas-El Paso	CUSA
121	Akron	MAC
122	Northern Illinois	MAC
123	Eastern Michigan	MAC
124	Middle Tennessee State	CUSA
125	Bowling Green State	MAC
126	Massachusetts	Ind
127	Louisiana-Monroe	Sun Belt

Later today a second version of this post will go up including all 126 teams scheduled to play fall football, as well as one that just adds in Big Ten and Mountain West teams (the two conferences returning this week) – so look out later today for that.

A reminder, as always, these rankings DO NOT reflect a team’s resume, or even whether they have won or lost, they are solely used to measure a team’s strength in the sense Vegas would to set lines. Thus, team talent remains an important variable throughout the season, even if a team continues to lose. Additionally, recent games are weighted more heavily, and if you are lucky or don’t look good in a win, you may fall, while if you look good or are unlucky in a loss, you may rise. Let’s get into it.

Rank	Team	Conf.	CHANGE	YTD CHANGE
1	Alabama	SEC	0	0
2	Clemson	ACC	1	0
3	Georgia	SEC	-1	0
4	Florida	SEC	0	1
5	Texas A&M	SEC	1	1
6	Kentucky	SEC	12	14
7	Oklahoma	Big 12	0	-3
8	Notre Dame	ACC	-3	2
9	Texas	Big 12	0	0
10	North Carolina	ACC	-2	2
11	Louisiana State	SEC	-1	-4
12	Oklahoma State	Big 12	0	-1
13	Auburn	SEC	-2	-5
14	Iowa State	Big 12	0	1
15	Cincinnati	AAC	2	-1
16	Virginia Tech	ACC	0	-3
17	Miami (FL)	ACC	-2	5
18	Central Florida	AAC	4	-1
19	South Carolina	SEC	2	11
20	Memphis	AAC	-1	-1
21	Tennessee	SEC	-8	-5
22	West Virginia	Big 12	3	12
23	Pittsburgh	ACC	8	2
24	Texas Christian	Big 12	0	2
25	Louisville	ACC	7	-7
26	Florida State	ACC	3	-5
27	North Carolina State	ACC	-4	11
28	Mississippi	SEC	-8	-4
29	Kansas State	Big 12	-3	0
30	Missouri	SEC	-3	6
31	Baylor	Big 12	-3	-8
32	Brigham Young	Ind	6	8
33	Arkansas	SEC	7	18
34	Southern Methodist	AAC	-1	-3
35	Mississippi State	SEC	-5	-3
36	Wake Forest	ACC	0	-1
37	Virginia	ACC	-3	-9
38	Appalachian State	Sun Belt	-1	-11
39	Georgia Tech	ACC	-4	6
40	Boston College	ACC	4	2
41	Texas Tech	Big 12	1	-2
42	Houston	AAC	-3	-5
43	Duke	ACC	3	1
44	Alabama-Birmingham	CUSA	-3	-3
45	Marshall	CUSA	2	5
46	Tulsa	AAC	-1	11
47	Louisiana	Sun Belt	-4	-14
48	Tulane	AAC	1	-1
49	Temple	AAC	1	0
50	Georgia State	Sun Belt	4	14
51	Charlotte	CUSA	0	5
52	Navy	AAC	4	-9
53	Coastal Carolina	Sun Belt	8	16
54	Florida Atlantic	CUSA	-2	-2
55	Western Kentucky	CUSA	2	-9
56	Liberty	Ind	9	14
57	Syracuse	ACC	-9	-9
58	Vanderbilt	SEC	0	3
59	Arkansas State	Sun Belt	-6	-4
60	East Carolina	AAC	-5	0
61	Army	Ind	-2	1
62	Georgia Southern	Sun Belt	0	-4
63	South Florida	AAC	1	-4
64	South Alabama	Sun Belt	-1	8
65	Troy	Sun Belt	-5	0
66	Texas State	Sun Belt	3	9
67	North Texas	CUSA	8	6
68	Rice	CUSA	-1	-2
69	Southern Mississippi	CUSA	-1	-16
70	Louisiana Tech	CUSA	-4	-16
71	Texas-San Antonio	CUSA	2	0
72	Florida International	CUSA	0	-4
73	Kansas	Big 12	-2	-6
74	Texas-El Paso	CUSA	0	2
75	Middle Tennessee State	CUSA	-5	-12
76	Louisiana-Monroe	Sun Belt	0	-2

1. Clemson (NC)
2. Alabama (NC)
3. Notre Dame (+1)
4. Georgia (-1)
5. Oklahoma State (+1)
6. Texas A&M (+3)
7. Cincinnati (NC)
8. Florida (NC)
9. Miami (+1)
10. BYU (+2)
11. North Carolina (-6)
12. SMU (+1)
13. Iowa State (+2)
14. Virginia Tech (+4)
15. Kansas State (+2)
16. Marshall (+3)
17. NC State (+3)
18. Coastal Carolina (+7)
19. Memphis (NEW)
20. Oklahoma (+1)
21. Tulsa (+1)
22. West Virginia (NEW)
23. Auburn (-12)
24. Louisiana (-8)
25. Liberty (NEW)

Dropped Out: #14 Tennessee, #23 UCF, #24 Boston College

The biggest game of the year to date will take center stage, as #3 Georgia and the best defense in the country takes on #2 Alabama and the best offense in the country. Also on the docket:

• Our first big midweek showdown of the season as ULL takes on Coastal Carolina in a potential Sun Belt title preview… on a Wednesday!?
• Tulsa looks to pull another big upset and jump into the top 25 as they travel to #8 Cincinnati
• Trevor Lawrence and #1 Clemson hope to avoid a letdown effect post-Miami as they take on Georgia Tech
• A sneaky good South Carolina team has the home-field edge hosting #15 Auburn
• Fresh off of a win against Mississippi State, Kentucky looks to make it two in a row @ #18 Tennessee
• Two teams hoping to stay alive in the AAC race – UCF and Memphis – square off
• LSU hopes to save their season after a 1-2 start traveling to face #10 Florida
• #23 Virginia Tech looks to avoid the upset against a very underrated Boston College squad

2020 Prediction Stats

Straight Up: 106-34 (76%)
ATS Best Bets: 22-13 (+7.0 units)
ATS Total: 76-58-6 (+11.2 units)

Best Bets

Houston (+5.5) vs #14 BYU – Friday, 9:30 PM ET, ESPN
East Carolina (+2) vs Navy – 12 PM ET, ESPN2
NC State (-4) vs Duke – 3:30 PM ET, ESPN3
Memphis (+3.5) vs UCF – 3:30 PM ET, ABC
Charlotte (-6.5) vs Florida International – 8 PM ET, ESPNU

Wednesday, October 14th

Coastal Carolina (3-0, 1-0 Sun Belt) @ #21 Louisiana (3-0, 2-0 Sun Belt)

7:30 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: Louisiana -7

This Wednesday night tilt between Louisiana and Coastal Carolina may be a preview of the eventual Sun Belt title game in December. Both squads will head into the matchup unbeaten, and each has a win over a power five foe under their belt from non-conference play. Coastal RB CJ Marable is the player to watch for the Chanticleers, and QB Grayson McCall is a little inconsistent but has played out of his mind so far in 2020. However, Louisiana is at home here. The ULL offensive line is up there with the best in the G5, and the rushing duo of Trey Ragas and Eli Mitchell is lights out good. This will be a fun game to watch, but when all is said and done, the Cajuns will come out on top.

CSD Pick: Louisiana 35, Coastal Carolina 26

Thursday, October 15th

Georgia State (1-1, 0-1 Sun Belt) @ Arkansas State (2-2, 0-1 Sun Belt)
7:30 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: Arkansas State -3.5

CSD Pick: Arkansas State 35, Georgia State 33

Friday, October 16th

#17 SMU (4-0, 1-0 American) @ Tulane (2-2, 0-2 American)
6 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: SMU -8

CSD Pick: SMU 37, Tulane 30

#14 BYU (4-0) @ Houston (1-0)
9:30 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: BYU -5.5

Two unbeaten teams will roll into TDECU Stadium on Friday night, only one will come out with that unbeaten record intact. BYU had been lights out this year, emphasis on had, the Cougars struggled with UTSA mightily last week, and they’ll be taking on a Houston team that is better than any opponent they’ve faced this year, and Kalani Sitake’s group will have to do it on the road. Houston, led by playmaker Marquez Stevenson, looked awesome in their season-opening 49-31 win over Tulane, and the boys from H-Town cruised to that victory despite five turnovers. Clean that up, and at home, I think Houston could pull the upset, so I’m definitely taking the 5.5.

CSD Pick: BYU 33, Houston 32

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Houston +5.5

Saturday, October 17th

#1 Clemson (4-0, 3-0 ACC) @ Georgia Tech (2-2, 2-1 ACC)

12 PM ET, ABC
Vegas Line: Clemson -26.5

This is getting a little boring at this point. I really like this Georgia Tech team, they knocked off Louisville last week, they’re young, the defense has shown signs of excellence, and on paper, they probably should keep this one within 26.5, but against Clemson, I just can’t lock it up, even if I think its the right side. Trevor Lawrence and company are just too good, and they’ll continue to roll ACC foes as we head towards the November 7th showdown against Notre Dame.

CSD Pick: Clemson 42, Georgia Tech 21

#8 Cincinnati (3-0, 1-0 American) @ Tulsa (1-1, 1-0 American) – CANCELLED

12 PM ET, CANCELLED
Vegas Line: Cincinnati -4.5

This has got to be one of my most anticipated games of the week. We’ve only seen Tulsa play twice this year, but they almost knocked off a top ten Oklahoma State team on the road and then did knock off a top 15 UCF team on the road in their two games so far. At home, taking on an excellent foe in Cincinnati, this is the Golden Hurricane’s chance to prove themselves. I just think Cincy is too good. I thought Gerrid Doaks and the Bearcats were the best team in the AAC coming into the year, and I’m firm in that conviction now. Zach Smith has just been too inconsistent for Tulsa to bet on the offense, and the Cincy defense is good. Like really good. The Bearcats forced five turnovers against USF last week. Cincy goes to 4-0, but it will be close.

CSD Pick: Cincinnati 27, Tulsa 22

Pittsburgh (3-2, 2-2 ACC) @ #13 Miami (3-1, 2-1 ACC)
12 PM ET, ACC Network
Vegas Line: Miami -10.5

CSD Pick: Miami 31, Pittsburgh 21

#15 Auburn (2-1 SEC) @ South Carolina (1-2 SEC)

12 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: Auburn -2.5

It is so tempting to pick the upset here. At home, in a year where his job may be on the line, everything in my heart says that Will Muschamp is going to get this done, but my head says the opposite. This Auburn team has had a rough start to the year, but they are too talented to let that continue to be the case. I’ve not been the biggest fan of Bo Nix over the past couple of years, but I think he does just enough, and the Auburn defense secures the Tigers a win, stifling a struggling Gamecocks offense.

CSD Pick: Auburn 25, South Carolina 23

Kentucky (1-2 SEC) @ #18 Tennessee (2-1 SEC)

12 PM ET, SEC Network
Vegas Line: Tennessee -6

This is the presumptive “third-place game” in the SEC East. Tennessee is looking to turn things around after a loss to Georgia last week, and I think they’ll do just that. The Vols are at home here, Jarrett Gurantano will be good, and the Kentucky offense, which has really struggled so far this year, will struggle to put up points against a solid Tennessee D. Vols, but close.

CSD Pick: Tennessee 29, Kentucky 24

Navy (2-2, 2-0 American) @ East Carolina (1-2, 1-1 American)
12 PM ET, ESPN2
Vegas Line: Navy -2

Navy has been one of the worst teams in football all year, there is no way they should be a road favorite over an ECU team that smacked around USF on the road, 44-24, in their last outing. Give me the Pirates to improve to 2-1 in AAC play.

CSD Pick: East Carolina 32, Navy 21

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – East Carolina +2

Texas State (1-4, 1-1 Sun Belt) @ South Alabama (1-2)
12 PM ET, ESPNU
Vegas Line: South Alabama -3

CSD Pick: South Alabama 28, Texas State 25

South Florida (1-3, 0-2 American) @ Temple (0-1, 0-1 American)
12 PM ET, ESPN+
Vegas Line: Temple -10

CSD Pick: Temple 31, South Florida 20

Liberty (4-0) @ Syracuse (1-3)
12 PM ET, ESPN3
Vegas Line: Liberty -3.5

CSD Pick: Syracuse 30, Liberty 26

Kansas (0-3, 0-2 Big 12) @ West Virginia (2-1, 1-1 Big 12)
12 PM ET, FOX
Vegas Line: West Virginia -22.5

CSD Pick: West Virginia 36, Kansas 11

Army (4-1) @ UTSA (3-2)
1:30 PM ET, CBSSN
Vegas Line: Army -7

CSD Pick: Army 30, UTSA 24

Western Kentucky (1-3, 1-1 C-USA) @ UAB (3-1, 1-0 C-USA)
1:30 PM ET, Stadium
Vegas Line: UAB -12.5

CSD Pick: UAB 31, Western Kentucky 17

Louisville (1-3, 0-3 ACC) @ #4 Notre Dame (3-0, 2-0 ACC)
2:30 PM ET, NBC
Vegas Line: Notre Dame -17

CSD Pick: Notre Dame 39, Louisville 23

Duke (1-4, 1-4 ACC) @ NC State (3-1, 3-1 ACC)
3:30 PM ET, ESPN3
Vegas Line: NC State -4

CSD Pick: NC State 29, Duke 21

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – NC State -4

UCF (2-1, 1-1 American) @ Memphis (1-1, 0-1 American)

3:30 PM ET, ABC
Vegas Line: UCF -3.5

This may be the best game of the day. If you like points, this one is for you, because we’ll have a lot of them. Both of these teams were ranked to start the year and favorites in the AAC, but both dropped early season games and are now faced with the task of getting back on track. For UCF, the loss came to Tulsa, for Memphis, to SMU. I think this one is practically a coin flip, but Memphis is at home, and getting points, in a shootout, always take the points. This will be a well-executed game, both teams had a bye week to prepare, and either team could score into the 40s. This will be a fun one.

CSD Pick: Memphis 39, UCF 38

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Memphis +3.5

Ole Miss (1-2 SEC) @ Arkansas (1-2 SEC)
3:30 PM ET, SEC Network
Vegas Line: Ole Miss -4

CSD Pick: Ole Miss 34, Arkansas 31

Eastern Kentucky (1-3) @ Troy (2-1)
3:30 PM ET, ESPN3
Vegas Line: Troy -28

CSD Pick: Troy 40, Eastern Kentucky 13

LSU (1-2 SEC) @ #10 Florida (2-1 SEC) – CANCELLED

CANCELLED
Vegas Line: Florida -11

Both of these teams were upset last week. For Florida, a loss will kill their CFP playoff hopes. LSU’s hopes are already dead, but the Tigers are looking for a win to save their season. LSU is not nearly asbad as their 1-2 record indicates, but they aren’t great either, and they’ll be on the road here, against a UF team hungry to prove themselves on the national stage. The LSU defense won’t be able to stop the Kyle Trask to Kyle Allen connection, and the Gators will roll.

CSD Pick: Florida 42, LSU 33

#11 Texas A&M (2-1 SEC) @ Mississippi State (1-2 SEC)
4 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: Texas A&M -6

CSD Pick: Texas A&M 31, Mississippi State 24

Virginia (1-2, 1-2 ACC) @ Wake Forest (1-2, 0-2 ACC)
4 PM ET, ACC Network
Vegas Line: Virginia -1

CSD Pick: Virginia 31, Wake Forest 30

UMass (0-0) @ Georgia Southern (2-1)
4 PM ET, ESPN2
Vegas Line: Georgia Southern -28.5

CSD Pick: Georgia Southern 43, UMass 13

North Texas (1-3, 0-2 C-USA) @ Middle Tennessee (1-4, 1-2 C-USA)
5 PM ET, Stadium
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee -6.5

CSD Pick: Middle Tennessee 36, North Texas 29

Marshall (3-0, 1-0 C-USA) @ Louisiana Tech (3-1, 2-0 C-USA)
6 PM ET, CBSSN
Vegas Line: Marshall -13

CSD Pick: Marshall 35, Louisiana Tech 21

#5 North Carolina (3-0, 3-0 ACC) @ Florida State (1-3, 0-3 ACC)
7:30 PM ET, ABC
Vegas Line: North Carolina -13

CSD Pick: North Carolina 38, Florida State 27

Southern Mississippi (1-3, 1-1 C-USA) @ UTEP (3-2, 0-1 C-USA)
7:30 PM ET, ESPN2
Vegas Line: Southern Miss -3.5

CSD Pick: Southern Miss 27, UTEP 25

#3 Georgia (3-0 SEC) @ #2 Alabama (3-0 SEC)

8 PM ET, CBS
Vegas Line: Alabama –6.5

The game of the century of the week will emqnate from where else but Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Saturday night as #3 Georgia travels to face #2 Alabama. In my computer’s rankings, this is actually #2 traveling to #1, so an even bigger matchup. This is the best defense in the nation, Georgia, taking on the best offense in the land, Alabama, and it will be a knock-down, drag-em-out type of game.

This game will come down to the QB play. I like Stetson Bennett, he’s good, really good, maybe even better than Jake Fromm was. Bennett will make some throws against a struggling Alabama secondary, but. Bennett is good; he’s not Mac Jones good, Jones has hit 80% of his passes for over 1,100 yards in just three games, and Najee Harris has added ten rushing touchdowns as well. DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddles might be the two best pass-catchers in the entire country.

Georgia’s defense will get a few stops, but it won’t be enough. Alabama’s offense, at home, will power through, and ‘Bama will win round one of this showdown. I won’t be surprised if we a second, or even a third, though.

CSD Pick: Alabama 33, Georgia 27

Boston College (3-1, 2-1 ACC) @ #23 Virginia Tech (2-1, 2-1 ACC)

8 PM ET, ACC Network
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech -11

This is your so-called “flip-to” game during Georgia-Alabama, and it’s a pretty good one. It seems neither of these teams is quite at the level of an ACC title contender, but they are certainly on that next tier, and BC especially intrigues me as they’ve been one of the teams that has overperformed expectations the most for me this year. Tech may still have a few players out to COVID, and even if they didn’t, BC is good enough to pull the upset, but the Hokies are at home and are the more talented team. If they stick with Hendon Hooker at QB here, they’ll roll.

CSD Pick: Virginia Tech 36, Boston College 26

Florida International (0-2, 0-1 C-USA) @ Charlotte (1-2, 1-1 C-USA)
8 PM ET, ESPNU
Vegas Line: Charlotte -6.5

The “bet Charlotte” principle returns again. The 49ers are one of the best teams in Conference USA, and Vegas has not caught on yet. At home, against an FIU team among the worst in the nation, I’ll take Will Healy’s squad to easily cover a touchdown.

CSD Pick: Charlotte 32, Florida International 22

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Charlotte -6.5

1. Clemson (NC)
2. Alabama (NC)
3. Georgia (NC)
4. Notre Dame (+1)
5. North Carolina (+2)
6. Oklahoma State (+2)
7. Cincinnati (+2)
8. Florida (-4)
9. Texas A&M (+7)
10. Miami (-4)
11. Auburn (-1)
12. BYU (NC)
13. SMU (+1)
14. Tennessee (-3)
15. Iowa State (+4)
16. Louisiana (+2)
17. Kansas State (+3)
18. Virginia Tech (-3)
19. Marshall (+5)
20. NC State (NEW)
21. Oklahoma (NEW)
22. Tulsa (+3)
23. UCF (-1)
24. Boston College (NEW)
25. Coastal Carolina (NEW)

The rankings remain strange for one more week – as we will add in Big Ten, Pac-12, Mountain West, and MAC teams next week. Until then, check out this week’s list!

A note, as always, these rankings DO NOT reflect a team’s resume, or even whether they have won or lost, they are solely used to measure a team’s strength in the sense Vegas would to set lines. Thus, team talent remains an important variable throughout the season, even if a team continues to lose. Additionally, recent games are weighted more heavily.

Rank	Team	Conf	CHANGE	YTD CHANGE
1	Alabama	SEC	0	0
2	Georgia	SEC	0	1
3	Clemson	ACC	0	-1
4	Florida	SEC	1	1
5	Notre Dame	ACC	-1	5
6	Texas A&M	SEC	1	0
7	Oklahoma	Big 12	2	-3
8	North Carolina	ACC	3	4
9	Texas	Big 12	4	0
10	Tennessee	SEC	6	6
11	Iowa State	Big 12	1	4
12	Oklahoma State	Big 12	2	-1
13	Miami (FL)	ACC	-3	9
14	Auburn	SEC	-8	-6
15	Louisiana State	SEC	-7	-8
16	Kentucky	SEC	-1	4
17	Cincinnati	AAC	2	-3
18	Virginia Tech	ACC	-1	-5
19	South Carolina	SEC	2	11
20	Mississippi	SEC	-2	4
21	North Carolina State	ACC	8	17
22	Memphis	AAC	0	-3
23	West Virginia	Big 12	1	11
24	Kansas State	Big 12	9	5
25	Missouri	SEC	10	11
26	Central Florida	AAC	1	-9
27	Texas Christian	Big 12	-7	-1
28	Georgia Tech	ACC	15	17
29	Mississippi State	SEC	3	3
30	Baylor	Big 12	0	-7
31	Arkansas	SEC	13	20
32	Southern Methodist	AAC	-1	-1
33	Pittsburgh	ACC	-5	-8
34	Florida State	ACC	2	-13
35	Wake Forest	ACC	-1	0
36	Virginia	ACC	-13	-8
37	Brigham Young	Ind	-11	3
38	Houston	AAC	2	-1
39	Louisville	ACC	-14	-21
40	Boston College	ACC	5	2
41	Tulsa	AAC	-4	16
42	Alabama-Birmingham	CUSA	-4	-1
43	Appalachian State	Sun Belt	-4	-16
44	Texas Tech	Big 12	-3	-5
45	Duke	ACC	3	-1
46	Louisiana	Sun Belt	-4	-13
47	Marshall	CUSA	-1	3
48	Tulane	AAC	1	-1
49	Syracuse	ACC	-2	-1
50	Temple	AAC	0	-1
51	Charlotte	CUSA	1	5
52	Georgia State	Sun Belt	2	12
53	East Carolina	AAC	12	7
54	Arkansas State	Sun Belt	-1	1
55	Troy	Sun Belt	7	10
56	Florida Atlantic	CUSA	0	-4
57	Coastal Carolina	Sun Belt	0	12
58	Vanderbilt	SEC	-3	3
59	Army	Ind	-8	3
60	Navy	AAC	0	-17
61	Western Kentucky	CUSA	-2	-15
62	South Alabama	Sun Belt	1	10
63	Georgia Southern	Sun Belt	1	-5
64	Liberty	Ind	5	6
65	Middle Tennessee State	CUSA	7	-2
66	Rice	CUSA	2	0
67	Texas State	Sun Belt	-6	8
68	South Florida	AAC	-10	-9
69	Southern Mississippi	CUSA	1	-16
70	Kansas	Big 12	1	-3
71	Texas-San Antonio	CUSA	3	0
72	Louisiana Tech	CUSA	-6	-18
73	Florida International	CUSA	-6	-5
74	Texas-El Paso	CUSA	1	2
75	North Texas	CUSA	-2	-2
76	Louisiana-Monroe	Sun Belt	0	-2

After shedding it to the SEC for the past couple weeks, the ACC is back in the spotlight, as Trevor Lawrence and #1 Clemson will host D’Eriq King and the #7 Miami Hurricanes. Also on the schedule:

• #19 Virginia Tech and #8 North Carolina will square off in a battle that could have future ACC Title qualification implications
• #21 Texas A&M looks to rebound from the loss to Alabama hosting #4 Florida
• Red River will be a battle of two teams trying to turn their seasons around, as #22 Texas takes on Oklahoma
• #3 Georgia will host #14 Tennessee in the first big SEC East battle of the season
• Two teams that pulled upsets earlier this year, Kansas State and TCU, will face off in a Big 12 clash
• NC State travels to Virginia in a matchup between two potential sleeper teams in the ACC
• Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss will look to do the impossible hosting #2 Alabama
• An 0-2 Kentucky team that is a lot better than that record indicates will look to get on the board hosting Mississippi State

2020 Prediction Stats

Straight Up: 87-24 (78%)
ATS Best Bets: 16-10 (+ 6 units)
ATS Total: 58-49-4

Best Bets

Missouri (+20.5) vs #17 LSU – 12 PM ET, TBA
Texas State (+7.5) @ Troy – 3:30 PM ET, ESPN3
Ole Miss (+24.5) vs #2 Alabama – 6 PM ET, ESPN
Temple (PK) @ Navy – 6 PM ET, CBSSN
#7 Miami (+15.5) @ #1 Clemson – 7:30 PM ET, ABC
UTEP (+15) @ Louisiana Tech – 7:30 PM ET, ESPN2
Marshall (-4.5) @ WKU – 7:30 PM ET, FSN/Stadium
Kentucky (-2) vs Mississippi State – 7:30 PM ET, SEC Network
Charlotte (-2.5) @ North Texas – 8 PM ET, ESPNU

Note: All projected scores are based on 1,000 simulations of the CSD Prime computer model – with some leeway for tweaks in the event of circumstances the model can’t pick up (e.g. injury)

Thursday, October 8th

Tulane (2-1, 0-1 American) @ Houston
7:30 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: Houston -5

CSD Pick: Houston 32, Tulane 26

Friday, October 9th

Louisville (1-2, 0-2 ACC) @ Georgia Tech (1-2, 1-1 ACC)
7 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: Louisville -6

CSD Pick: Louisville 31, Georgia Tech 26

Saturday, October 10th

#4 Florida (2-0 SEC) @ #21 Texas A&M (1-1 SEC)

12 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: Florida -6

Texas A&M seems to be a team that I whiffed on this year. I had faith in Kellen Mond and this Texas A&M offense, but through two games, they just haven’t been at the level I expected them to reach. Now, this is still a talented team, and the Aggies will have home-field advantage here, but Florida has been firing on all cylinders so far this year. The Kyle Trask to Kyle Pitts connections racked up touchdown after touchdown against Ole Miss and South Carolina, and I don’t expect an Aggie pass defense that is among the worst in the conference to do much to slow it down. I’ll take the Gators to move to 3-0.

CSD Pick: Florida 31, Texas A&M 27

#19 Virginia Tech (2-0, 2-0 ACC) @ #8 North Carolina (2-0, 2-0 ACC)

12 PM ET, ABC
Vegas Line: North Carolina -5.5

The Miami vs Clemson showdown in primetime will get all the headlines, but this is a very intriguing matchup between my #4 and #5 teams in the ACC, and could absolutely have an impact on the conference title race.

Neither of these teams hav3 fully lived up to their potential so far, although both have dealt with complications due to COVID. UNC struggled in a 26-22 win over Boston College last Saturday in what was their first game in three weeks, for Virginia Tech, the Hokies were missing QB Hendon Hooker and almost the entire secondary against Duke. Tech will get Hooker back for this one, as they will much of the secondary, but there are just too many questions swirling around this VT team to pick them here. Expect UNC QB Sam Howell to have a standout game, and for the Tar Heels to move to 3-0.

CSD Pick: North Carolina 36, Virginia Tech 31

#17 LSU (1-1 SEC) @ Missouri (0-2 SEC)
12 PM ET, SEC Network Alternate
Vegas Line: LSU -20.5

This game was originally scheduled to be played in Baton Rouge but was moved to Columbia due to the incoming hurricane in the Southeast. LSU will win, but I think the sudden location change may throw the Tigers off their game, not to mention that the offense has been incredibly inconsistent. I expect Missouri and new starter Connor Bazelak to cover the 20.5.

CSD Pick: LSU 36, Missouri 22

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Missouri +20.5

#22 Texas (2-1, 1-1 Big 12) vs. Oklahoma (1-2, 0-2 Big 12) in Dallas, TX

12 PM ET, FOX
Vegas Line: Oklahoma -2.5

It’s impossible to get excited about Red River this year. Both of these teams, along with really the entire Big 12, have fallen short of expectations this year. Both teams have abysmal secondaries, so at the very least there should be some points on the board here, but I’m going to take Oklahoma to pick up the win, almost for no other reason than that the Sooners losing three in a row would be inconceivable. I also believe that in the scheme of bad defenses, the Texas defense is just a little bit worse. I’ll take OU, close.

CSD Pick: Oklahoma 36, Texas 33

UL Monroe (0-4) @ Liberty (3-0)
12 PM ET, ESPN2
Vegas Line: Liberty -21.5

CSD Pick: Liberty 40, UL Monroe 21

NC State (2-1, 2-1 ACC) @ Virginia (1-1, 1-1 ACC)

12 PM ET, ACC Network
Vegas Line: Virginia -10

This is a game that will fly under the radar, but these are two middle-class teams in the ACC that have potential to sneak into the back half of the top 25 at some point this season, so I’d get some eyes on it if you can.

Virginia has looked really good so far, beating Duke (and forcing seven turnovers in the process!) and also hanging much closer than expected with #1 Clemson. As for NC State, its been up-and-down. The Wolfpack looked excellent in a season-opening win against NC State, then were dominated by a Virginia Tech team that had over a dozen players out with COVID, then rebounded to knock off a ranked Pitt team. I like Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong, though, and I think his play, along with the home edge, will be the difference to a UVa win on Saturday, but this game really could go either way.

CSD Pick: Virginia 32, NC State 25

South Carolina (0-2 SEC) @ Vanderbilt (0-2 SEC)
12 PM ET, SEC Network
Vegas Line: South Carolina -11.5

CSD Pick: South Carolina 27, Vanderbilt 11

Duke (0-4, 0-4 ACC) @ Syracuse (1-2, 1-2 ACC)
12:30 PM ET, ESPN3
Vegas Line: Pick’em

CSD Pick: Syracuse 24, Duke 23

The Citadel (0-3) @ Army (3-1)
1:30 PM ET, CBSSN
Vegas Line: Army -29

CSD Pick: Army 41, The Citadel 8

#14 Tennessee (2-0 SEC) @ #3 Georgia (2-0 SEC)

3:30 PM ET, CBS
Vegas Line: Georgia -14

Alright, time to see if Tennessee is for real. On the road, against a new look Georgia team that is playing like a top-three team in the nation, can they hang in there, or are they getting dominated? That’s the question.

I think the Vols match up well with Georgia; the offensive line of UT is up there with the best in the nation, which should negate some of Georgia’s advantage in the pass rush game. However, this UT team is just too untrustworthy to take straight up on the road against a team of Georgia’s caliber. Stetson Bennett has looked great through two games, and I think he’ll keep the performance up here as the Dawgs move to 3-0 with Alabama coming up.

CSD Pick: Georgia 31, Tennessee 16

UTSA (3-1) @ #15 BYU (3-0)
3:30 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: BYU -35

CSD Pick: BYU 50, UTSA 16

Texas Tech (1-2, 0-2 Big 12) @ #24 Iowa State (2-1, 2-0 Big 12)
3:30 PM ET, ABC
Vegas Line: Iowa State -13

CSD Pick: Iowa State 38, Texas Tech 25

Central Arkansas (2-2) @ Arkansas State (1-2)
3:30 PM ET, ESPN3
Vegas Line: Arkansas State -14.5

CSD Pick: Arkansas State 39, Central Arkansas 21

Texas State (1-3, 1-0 Sun Belt) @ Troy (1-1)
3:30 PM ET, ESPN3
Vegas Line: Troy -7.5

As they’ve played four games, I’ve gotten a lot of eyes on Texas State this year, and while this is a young team, they’ve got a lot of talent, and Jake Spavital’s squad will pull an upset or two in Sun Belt play this year. Will it be this week? I’m not sure, but the Bobcats are certainly good enough to keep it within 7.5.

CSD Pick: Troy 29, Texas State 27

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Texas State +7.5

Arkansas (1-1 SEC) @ #13 Auburn (1-1 SEC)
4 PM ET, SEC Network
Vegas Line: Auburn -16.5

CSD Pick: Auburn 29, Arkansas 16

Pitt (3-1, 2-1 ACC) @ Boston College (2-1, 1-1 ACC)
4 PM ET, ACC Network
Vegas Line: Pitt -5

CSD Pick: Pitt 26, Boston College 22

Kansas State (2-1, 2-0 Big 12) @ TCU (1-1, 1-1 Big 12)

4 PM ET, FOX
Vegas Line: TCU -9.5

Both of these teams pulled upsets against teams thought to be at the top of the Big 12, both seem positioned to crack into the AP Top 25 with a victory, this game could have Big 12 title stakes. And yet, for some reason, it’s flying under the radar.

For TCU, QB Max Duggan has been great, but the defense, unlike many Gary Patterson teams, hasn’t lived up to par. However, I haven’t like Skylar Thompson this year, and I don’t think TCU’s defensive struggles matter against a K-State team that struggles to put up points and lost to Arkansas State earlier this year. Give me the Horned Frogs by a score.

CSD Pick: TCU 30, Kansas State 22

Middle Tennessee (0-4, 0-2 C-USA) @ FIU (0-1)
4 PM ET, ESPNU
Vegas Line: FIU -4.5

CSD Pick: FIU 30, Middle Tennessee 25

#2 Alabama (2-0 SEC) @ Ole Miss (1-1 SEC)

6 PM ET, ESPN
Vegas Line: Alabama -24.5

Ok. I bet against Alabama last week, it didn’t work out. Let’s try it again. Ole Miss may have the best passing offense in the SEC, and while the Rebels’ defense might not get a single stop against Alabama’s first strings, I have a feeling that Lane Kiffin’s boys won’t stop trying to score on their end, even after the backups are in for Bama. Give me Kiffin, Matt Corral, and the Runnin’ Rebels to squeak out a good ol’ backdoor cover.

CSD Pick: Alabama 45, Ole Miss 27

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Ole Miss +24.5

Temple @ Navy (1-2, 1-0 American)
6 PM ET, CBSSN
Vegas Line: Pick’em

We haven’t seen Temple play yet this year, but we have seen Navy play. They’ve been abysmal. Jump on this before the line changes.

CSD Pick: Temple 30, Navy 25

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Temple Pick’em

East Carolina (0-2, 0-1 American) @ USF (1-2, 0-1 American)
7 PM ET, ESPN+
Vegas Line: USF -4

CSD Pick: USF 29, East Carolina 25

#7 Miami (3-0, 2-0 ACC) @ #1 Clemson (3-0, 2-0 ACC)

7:30 PM ET, ABC
Vegas Line: Clemson -15.5

The game of the week might not be a game at all if Vegas is correct, as the #1 Clemson Tigers come into the ABC Primetime showdown as 15.5-point favorites against D’Eriq King and the Miami Hurricane. That line is bogus. The ‘Canes have been firing on all cylinders all year long, and they will come out to play in what will be the program’s biggest game in years. The ‘Canes are off a bye, Clemson looked shaky last week against Virginia, and I think this will be closer than 15.5… but Clemson will still win. The talent gap is just too wide. Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne are the best QB/RB duo in the nation, and they will lead the Tigers to a win, but again, closer than the experts think.

CSD Pick: Clemson 38, Miami 28

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Miami +15.5

Florida State (1-2, 0-2 ACC) @ #5 Notre Dame (2-0, 1-0 ACC)
7:30 PM ET, NBC
Vegas Line: Notre Dame -21.5

CSD Pick: Notre Dame 37, Florida State 17

UTEP (3-1) @ Louisiana Tech (2-1, 1-0 C-USA)
7:30 PM ET, ESPN2
Vegas Line: Louisiana Tech -15

Louisiana Tech has been one of the more overrated teams in the country this year. The Bulldogs were awesome in 2019, but lost almost their entire starting lineup from last year’s team. A UTEP team on the upswing should easily cover 15.

CSD Pick: Louisiana Tech 31, UTEP 22

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – UTEP +15

Marshall (2-0) @ WKU (1-2, 1-0 C-USA)
7:30 PM ET, FSN/Stadium
Vegas Line: Marshall -4.5

Marshall will have a fire lit under them after being dropped from the AP Top 25 despite not losing a game. Expect the Thundering Herd to knock off their C-USA East rivals and continue to win in the leadup to their eventual showdown with UAB.

CSD Pick: Marshall 31, WKU 20

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Marshall -4.5

Mississippi State (1-1 SEC) @ Kentucky (0-2 SEC)

7:30 PM ET, SEC Network
Vegas Line: Kentucky -2

Kentucky is a hell of a lot better than their 0-2 record indicates. The Wildcats are a solid squad that can run the ball among the best in the country, and while the pass defense is a concern, especially against Mississippi State, this UK team is just too good to start 0-3. I’ll take the ‘Cats.

CSD Pick: Kentucky 33, Mississippi State 27

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Kentucky -2

Charlotte (0-2, 0-1 C-USA) @ North Texas (1-2, 0-1 C-USA)
8 PM ET, ESPNU
Vegas Line: Charlotte -2.5

I love the framework of this Charlotte team, and giving just 2.5 points against a North Texas squad that may be the worst in the nation is an opportunity too good to pass up.

CSD Pick: Charlotte 36, North Texas 28

☆Crazy Sports Dude Best Bet Alert☆ – Charlotte -2.5