Illinois Fighting Illini at Nebraska Cornhuskers (-9.5/43.5)
Illinois propelled themselves into the Top 25 after defeating Central Michigan 30-9 as 21-point favorites last week. Quarterback Luke Altmyer and receiver Pat Bryant led the offense in the win with Altmyer throwing a pair of TDs to Bryant. Illinois has been a solid road bet at 7-2 ATS in their last nine games.
Nebraska remains undefeated SU and ATS following last week’s 34-3 drubbing of Northern Iowa as 30.5-point favorites. Nebraska is a mediocre 5-5 ATS in their last 10 at home. Last season the Cornhuskers upset the Fighting Illini 20-7 as 3-point road underdogs. Look for Illinois to return the favor on Friday night.
Pick: Illinois +9.5
Utah Utes at Oklahoma State Cowboys (+2.5/52)
Utah won their interstate rivalry with Utah State last week, but it wasn’t a victory for bettors as the Utes failed to cover the 19.5-point spread in a 38-21 win. That’s been the norm for Utah lately, who are 1-5 ATS in their last six. As road favorites they’ve won four straight but they’re still 1-2-1 ATS.
Oklahoma State beat up on Tulsa 45-10 as 17.5-point favorites last week to improve to 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS. At home the Cowboys have won seven straight with a solid 5-2 ATS record, and as home underdog they’ve been an upset special at 9-1 SU and ATS in their last 10, which include five straight wins.
Pick: Oklahoma State +2.5
Tennessee Volunteers at Oklahoma Sooners (+7.5/57.5)
The Tennessee offense continued to roll last week in a 71-0 blowout of Kent State as 49.5-point favorites. The Volunteers’ ground game was unstoppable as DeSean Bishop and Dylan Sampson combined for 221 yards and six touchdowns. Tennessee will look to improve on a disappointing recent road record this week, as they’re 2-5 SU and ATS in their last seven.
Oklahoma took care of Tulane 34-19 last week, and it was just enough to cover as 12.5-point favorites. The Sooners are tough at home where they’ve won 10 straight with an 8-2 ATS record. They’re also 4-1 ATS in their last five as home underdogs.
Pick: Tennessee -7.5