Has anyone been in downtown Boone this week?
I’m wondering if there are missing posters up for App State’s secondary. The Mountaineers were shredded last week by Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, who only needed 12 plays to put the Tigers up 21-0 in the first quarter.
There was no coming back from that, and App State failed to cover the spread as last week’s Group of Five Underdog of the Week. College football betting odds had the Mountaineers as an 18-point underdog. At least each of the three honorable mentions covered the spread.
This week we’ll choose another G5 team which is visiting a Power Four program in a hostile environment. Hopefully it plays out differently.
Memphis (+6.5, +200) At Florida State
FSU head coach Mike Norvell faces his former team in what has turned into a must-win for the Seminoles. Things haven’t looked great for FSU and won’t get much easier this week.
Even though FSU sits at 0-2 with losses to Georgia Tech and Boston College, a win here would still be huge for the Tigers’ resume as they seek a College Football Playoff berth.
The Seminoles have looked out of sorts both offensively and defensively through their first two games. In last week’s loss, the defense allowed 263 yards on the ground as its defensive line was dominated by Boston College’s offensive front.
With the way FSU’s defense has played — and especially its D-line — I expect Memphis’ strong offensive line to have its way with the FSU defensive front. This should open up lanes for running back Mario Anderson, who is coming off a 125-yard, two-touchdown outing last week against Troy. Georgia Tech rushed for 190 yards against FSU in Week 1.
Memphis QB Seth Henigan hasn’t had to do too much so far this season, as the Tigers haven’t needed him to. Saturday should be different, though, and he will have the opportunity to take advantage of what has been an unimpressive FSU secondary.
What may be Memphis’ weakest part of its defense is its DL, but there’s nothing that’s been shown to make me think that’ll be a cause for concern. FSU’s rushing attack has pretty much been nonexistent so far (just 21 yards last week) so it’ll be interesting to see if the Seminoles try to establish the run to open some things up for a struggling DJ Uiagalelei.
The Tigers are 3-1-1 against the spread versus their last five Power Four opponents and enter Tallahassee with plenty to prove against a deflated team. FSU is coming off a bye and might be rejuvenated following the rough start, but this still has the feel of a one-possession game.
Honorable Mentions
North Texas (+9.5, +290) At Texas Tech
No doubt UNT will be a popular upset selection this week.
Both teams seem to be moving in different directions as UNT has had a promising start to the season behind its offensive firepower. Texas Tech got rattled by Washington State last week and needed overtime to beat an average FCS team in Abilene Christian.
There should be a decent amount of points scored with a pair of QBs who like to sling it. However, I predict there will be at least four combined interceptions thrown. I like Chandler Morris to outperform Texas Tech QB Behren Morton, though, and do a better job of taking advantage of miscues.
I also like the Mean Green’s defense to play better. UNT was 3-1 as a road underdog last year in Eric Morris’ first season as head coach, and the Red Raiders have struggled the past few seasons against G5 opponents.
FIU (+5.5, +175) At FAU
The Panthers haven’t beaten the Owls since 2016 and haven’t covered the spread in their last six meetings. That might spell trouble for FIU in this week’s Shula Bowl, but the Panthers have to end the losing streak sometime, right?
Well, maybe not. But I still think they’ll be competitive in this game. FAU hasn’t shown that its offense can do much this season, and even though it’ll be going up against a suspect FIU defense, I don’t anticipate there will be much scoring from the Owls.
On the other hand, Keyone Jenkins and the Panthers’ offense exploded last week, scoring six touchdowns against Central Michigan. I like them to keep things going.
Hawaii (+4.5, +165) At Sam Houston
Week 0 saw the Rainbow Warriors get off to a slow start before eventually pulling away against Delaware State. They almost knocked off UCLA in Week 1 before the Bruins scored a late, go-ahead TD. Now off a bye, Hawaii visits a SHSU squad coming off a big loss.
The Bearkats’ defense is decent, but I think Hawaii has enough playmakers to keep things close, as long as QB Brayden Schrager takes care of the ball.
