College Football week 5 weekday

We get 3 games on Friday this week, so that gives us 4 total weekday games in week 5.  I’m breaking down all 4 games.  I have a pick for the Temple at Charlotte game.  Didn’t have it until I wrote this.  Check back Friday for this weekends picks.

Thursday

Miami FL (-6.5) at Cincinnati:

This is a very intriguing game, and I’m excited to watch it.  I’m sitting it out action wise, but it should be a good show.  Miami FL comes in off a bye, so they get a few extra days rest.  Cincy played last Thursday, so they have a full week in between games.  This should be an offensive juggernaut, as Cincinnati is averaging 600+ yards per game this year, while Miami is at 472.  The Bearcats have a QB making first road start of career, as Kiel is banged up and been replaced last 2 games.  Moore slung the ball around well last week tossing for 557 yards.  It was against a weak Memphis defense though, so no surprise.  Miami defensive secondary will be the best the Bearcats have faced so far, but Miami hasn’t really faced a team that can throw it around either.  The Hurricanes are good at running the ball averaging 184 yards a game, while Cincinnati is allowing 210 rushing yards a game.  My system is calling for a game around 7 points, so no real value on either side.

Friday

Memphis (-8) at USF:

Another interesting matchup as Memphis has struggled on defense and USF doesn’t have much of an offense.  The Bulls have been able to run the ball, but unfortunately they couldn’t convert into points.  They have a hard time keeping the QB upright as they’ve allowed 10 sacks on the season.  USF is also off a bye and playing at home.  Memphis played last Thursday, so playing on 8^th day.  The situational matchup in my system favors USF, and while I expect them to finally get their passing game going against this leaking defense, I haven’t seen enough from them this season to pull the trigger.  Someone is betting on USF though as this has come down from Memphis (-9.5).  Passing on this game.

Temple (-22) at Charlotte:

I’m conflicted on this game, because it was a fantastic situational play at Charlotte +24, but dropping below the 4 scores to current line at -22 isn’t as enticing.  While Charlotte opened the season well, they got a dose of reality at Middle Tennessee 2 weeks ago.  They then returned home last week to face Florida Atlantic, and they couldn’t get any offense going.  Sure they held Florida Atlantic to 17 points and less than 200 yards of total offense, but that’s Florida Atlantic, and if they can shut down Charlotte’s offense on the road then watch out this week.  Charlotte will be lucky to score against Temple.  Charlotte has give up 17 sacks this season, that’s an average of 4 a game.  Talk about drive killers, and Temple showed they can get after the QB against Penn State.  Charlotte is also -9 in turnovers on the season, so they have a bit of trouble hanging onto the ball.  Temple is coming off a bye, so they are rested and ready to play.  I think I just talked myself into pulling the trigger on Temple.

UConn at BYU (-18.5):

I was a backer of BYU last week against Michigan, but their magic fairy ride was over.  Travelling east is always difficult.  Now they return home to face UConn, who has to travel on short rest after playing last Saturday, in a tough defeat to Navy.  UConn has been strong on defense, but weak on offense.  I’m not sure if that’s a reflection of their ability or the quality of their opponents though.  They did play Missouri, but that offense has it’s own issues going on this year.  UConn has played 2 of the military teams, an FCS school and the aforementioned Missouri.  My system has the difference between these 2 teams right around the current line, so any value would be in how much you value home field for BYU.  While I do believe BYU will win, I’m not sure to lay this many points with them.  Sure I could take UConn, but they have a chance of getting blown out.  This is a coin flip game.