NCAAF Bets for Thursday and Friday Games
College Football starts tonight (Thursday) but we have games on Friday too, so this piece will cover plays for both days.
Marshall at. Appalachian State
Appalachian State plays their second straight home game tonight, this time against a strong Marshall team. Last year ,the Mountaineers visited Marshall and it was one of their three losses on the season, losing 17-7. This year, with home-field advantage, we could have a bit of a different story. Grant Wells for Marshall has already amassed over 1,100 passing yards on the year through just three games. Appalachian State has allowed 240 yards per game through the air, but they’ve already faced the talented D'Eriq King and only allowed him 200 yards. I think both teams should move the ball effectively enough, and if Marshall wants to cover, Wells will need to not add to his five-interception total. I really could see the side going either way, so we play this on the total and take over 58.5 at -115.
Liberty at Syracuse
Friday night, we have Liberty coming to take on Syracuse in a battle that should feature a lot of ground game. One of the big differences between the pro game and college game is that the game clock stops when there is a first down. If there was a matchup between two run-first teams in the NFL, you’re likely going to have a lower scoring game or at least a battle against the clock. In college, we can use it to our advantage as we look for this game to go over. I expect both defenses to be pretty worn out by the second half. They both are good at stopping the opponent's ground game, but as much as they rely on the running backs, eventually, both should break through enough to score. Play over 54.5 at -110.
Middle Tennessee at Charlotte
Another Friday game, a battle between two Conference USA teams in Middle Tennessee and Charlotte. Aside from their first game, a 50-15 victory, Middle Tennessee has looked outmatched all season. Charlotte is coming off of their first loss on the season, a road defeat at the hands of Georgia State. A return home, and battle against struggling Middle Tennessee should be just what cures the ailing Charlotte team. Charlotte should be able to control the offense and get whatever they want as they march down the field. Couple that with their strength of stopping the run vs. Middle Tennessee’s run-first offense, and I’ll take Charlotte -2.5 at -124 (I’d play this up to -3.5).