College Football Free Picks
Memphis (-7) at TULANE
By Rick Torino, Featured Handicapper
$10 bettors up $13,830 since New Year's Eve
The line tonight in the Big Easy reflects just how easy things have become for the visiting Tigers of Memphis.
Head coach Charles Huff, and the Tigers have an excellent opportunity to keep their momentum going Friday night.
Memphis hits NOLA winners of three straight and they have also covered in their last pair of wins. The Tigers last pair of wins both come in AAC play, as they rolled Charlotte 59-8, and last week it was another double-digit victory over UAB, 38-13.
The Tigers have been productive on both sides of the ball, averaging 516.7 yards per game and displaying the kind of offensive balance that makes them difficult to defend. Quarterback Marcus Stokes has delivered 16 touchdown passes, with just three interceptions, while running back Jaylin Carter provides a dangerous ground threat after rushing for 132 yards and two scores against UAB.
Memphis has reached at least 38 points in four of its six games, and that explosive potential gives the visitors a significant advantage against a Tulane team that has struggled to consistently stop opposing offenses.
Tulane, meanwhile, is coming off a disappointing 20-17 road loss at Army and has yet to establish the consistency needed to compete with the conference’s better teams. Quarterback Kadin Semonza has completed just 53.8% of his passes, throwing four touchdowns against two interceptions, and the Green Wave have struggled to sustain drives when their running game fails to generate momentum.
Their defensive issues are also troubling, particularly on third down, where opponents have converted 49.4% of their opportunities. That is a dangerous weakness against a Memphis offense capable of extending possessions and turning routine drives into scoring opportunities.
The Tigers have also demonstrated their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, recording six sacks against UNLV before adding eight tackles for loss against UAB. If Memphis can consistently win up front, Tulane could find itself spending too much time defending and struggling to keep pace on the scoreboard.
Although Tulane defeated Memphis 38-32 last season and has enjoyed success in this series, the Tigers enter this matchup with the stronger offensive profile and considerably more momentum.
Memphis has the weapons to attack through the air and on the ground, while its defensive front should be able to create problems for Semonza and the Green Wave offense.
It is revenge time for the Tigers. Lay it with Memphis.
Appalachian St (-1') at COASTAL CAROLINA
By Craig Richman, Featured Handicapper
Appalachian State is in a good position to halt its two-game skid and get its Sun Belt season back on track Friday night in Conway.
The Mountaineers’ 10-3 loss to Old Dominion last weekend came in torrential rain and strong winds associated with Hurricane Isaias, conditions that severely limited an offense that had been producing explosive plays throughout the opening weeks.
Before that setback, quarterback Malachi Singleton was completing 72.7% of his passes and averaging 301.5 passing yards per game. App State also had been generating big plays consistently, ranking among the national leaders in explosive offensive gains. The key concern is Singleton’s availability after he injured his ankle against Old Dominion and was listed as questionable in the midweek report.
If he can play effectively, the Mountaineers have a substantial advantage in offensive rhythm and playmaking; if not, Henry Hasselbeck will need to provide stability. Either way, last week’s weather-affected performance should not erase what this offense showed earlier in the season.
Coastal Carolina’s 27-21 victory at Marshall looks less convincing when the six turnovers committed by the Thundering Herd are taken into account. The Chanticleers were outgained by 197 yards, yet managed to escape with the win after building a 27-0 lead.
Quarterback Deuce Bailey has shown promise, throwing 13 touchdown passes against three interceptions, and running back Dominic Lee-Knicely broke loose for 169 rushing yards against Marshall. However, Coastal’s defense has allowed 189.7 rushing yards per game, giving App State an opportunity to establish its ground attack and open up the passing game.
The Mountaineers also have a dangerous defense of their own, ranking sixth nationally with eight interceptions.
Coastal has won the last four meetings, including last season’s 45-37 shootout, so the series trend is a legitimate obstacle, but the Mountaineers appear poised to end the four game series slide tonight on the road.
Coastal’s home-field advantage and recent dominance in this rivalry deserve respect, but the Chanticleers have yet to demonstrate consistent defensive resistance, and their victory at Marshall depended heavily on takeaways.
App State has the more encouraging offensive profile when conditions are normal, while its defense has shown an ability to create turnovers and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
The quarterback injury remains the biggest variable, but if Singleton is available - or Hasselbeck can provide competent play - the Mountaineers should be able to move the ball more effectively than they did in last week’s storm.
Take Appalachian State to win and cover the short road number.
Appalachian State at COASTAL CAROLINA (48')
By Sean Michaels, Featured Handicapper
I am looking for points Friday night in Conway, where Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina have the offensive potential to turn this Sun Belt matchup into a high-scoring affair.
The Mountaineers were held to just three points in last week’s weather-affected loss to Old Dominion, but that performance came in heavy rain and strong winds that severely limited their passing attack.
Before that setback, quarterback Malachi Singleton was completing 72.7% of his passes and averaging more than 300 passing yards per game.
Coastal’s defense has been vulnerable, allowing 34 points to Liberty and 31 to Georgia Southern, and App State should have a much better opportunity to move the ball in normal conditions.
Coastal Carolina also brings an offense capable of contributing to the total. The Chanticleers scored 27 points in their win at Marshall last week, with quarterback Deuce Bailey throwing effectively and Dominic Lee-Knicely producing 169 rushing yards, including a 70-yard touchdown.
Coastal’s defense allowed 189.7 rushing yards per game
entering this matchup, which gives the Mountaineers a potential path to success
on the ground even if Singleton cannot play. The biggest concern is whether App
State’s quarterback situation limits its offensive ceiling, but Coastal’s
defensive weaknesses and the potential for explosive plays on both sides make
the Over appealing.
The betting total has been listed at 51.5 points, although
some books have shown lower numbers, so shop around before placing a wager.
With App State looking to rebound from its weather-disrupted offensive showing and Coastal coming off a game in which it built a 27-0 lead, we expect both teams to find scoring opportunities.
Appalachian State at COASTAL CAROLINA (+1')
By Chris Jordan, Featured Handicapper
Coastal Carolina has a chance to extend its recent dominance over Appalachian State when the Mountaineers visit Conway on Friday night. The Chanticleers have won the last four meetings outright, including last season’s 45-37 shootout in Boone as a 10.5-point underdog.
Ryan Beard’s team enters this matchup with some momentum after its 27-21 upset at Marshall, where Coastal built a 27-0 lead before surviving a late rally. Although Marshall’s six turnovers helped determine the outcome, the Chanticleers showed they can capitalize on mistakes and produce points in bunches.
Quarterback Deuce Bailey has thrown 13 touchdown passes against three interceptions, while running back Dominic Lee-Knicely rushed for 169 yards and broke off a 70-yard touchdown against Marshall. With home-field advantage and a favorable recent history against the Mountaineers, Coastal has a legitimate opportunity to extend their series winning streak.
Appalachian State’s two consecutive defeats make the Mountaineers a less convincing road favorite, particularly with quarterback Malachi Singleton listed as questionable after suffering an ankle injury against Old Dominion.
App State’s 10-3 loss last weekend came in miserable weather, so the offensive struggles deserve some context. However, Singleton’s potential absence is significant for a team that had been averaging more than 300 passing yards per game. Backup Henry Hasselbeck has limited experience, and the uncertainty under center could make it difficult for the Mountaineers to regain their offensive rhythm.
Coastal’s defense has struggled against productive offenses, allowing 34 points to Liberty and 31 to Georgia Southern, but it has playmakers capable of creating pressure and forcing mistakes. If the Chanticleers can disrupt App State’s timing and make the visitors rely on an inexperienced quarterback, they have a path to controlling the game.
The Mountaineers have the better overall statistical profile, particularly defensively, but Coastal’s four-game winning streak in this series and Singleton’s uncertain status make the home underdog attractive.
Take Coastal Carolina on their Teal turf tonight in Conway.