Episodios
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No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers (+12.5) at No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, Noon ET, FOX
I’m doing a 180 on Indiana. I’ve doubted them before, but their perfect season has me more nervous about how they’ll perform as favorites rather than underdogs. Still, they have enough fight to stay within a dozen points.
Pick: Indiana +12.5
No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels (-10.5) at Florida Gators, Noon ET, ABC
The Gators capitalized on LSU mistakes last week, but DJ Lagway’s health and decision-making remain questionable. Ole Miss, with their consistent execution, should handle Florida comfortably.
Pick: Ole Miss -10.5
No. 13 SMU Mustangs (-9.5) at Virginia Cavaliers, Noon ET, ESPN2
Virginia’s push for bowl eligibility adds intrigue, but SMU has consistently won by multiple scores this season. They’re a playoff dark horse and should continue their dominance here.
Pick: SMU -9.5
No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions (-12.5) at Minnesota Golden Gophers, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS
Penn State is solid but not spectacular, and this matchup feels low-scoring. Minnesota’s defense should help them cover this sizable spread.
Pick: Minnesota +12.5
No. 14 BYU Cougars (+3.5) at No. 21 Arizona State Sun Devils, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
BYU’s luck ran out last week, while Arizona State controls its Big 12 fate. With home-field advantage and a rising trajectory, the Sun Devils should prevail.
Pick: Arizona State -3.5
No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes (-3.5) at Kansas Jayhawks, 3:30 p.m. ET, FOX
Kansas delivered last week, and with a healthy Jalon Daniels, they can score with anyone. Expect another upset bid against Colorado.
Pick: Kansas +3.5
No. 19 Army Black Knights (+14.5) vs. No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Yankee Stadium), 7:00 p.m. ET, NBC
Notre Dame has been dominant, but Army’s top-ranked scoring defense should make this a low-scoring, closer-than-expected contest.
Pick: Army +14.5
No. 12 Boise State Broncos (-23.5) at Wyoming Cowboys, 7:00 p.m. ET, CBSSN
Boise State is rolling, led by Jeanty’s dominance. Wyoming isn’t built to keep up with a top-tier team like this.
Pick: Boise State -23.5
No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide (-14.5) at Oklahoma Sooners, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Oklahoma’s postseason hopes depend on an upset. However, Alabama and Jalen Milroe present too much firepower for the Sooners to handle this week.
Pick: Alabama -14.5
No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies (-2.5) at Auburn Tigers, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
This line is puzzling, but Auburn at home in a potential lookahead spot for Texas A&M makes them worth the pick.
Pick: Auburn +2.5
DK Saturday Main Slate DFS Picks
Record Year to Date: 19 Wins 25 Ties 21 Losses
Quarterback
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame ($9,500) – Leonard is a dual-threat QB with a high floor and ceiling against Virginia’s porous pass defense. He’s a great anchor for lineups with rushing TD upside.
Cade Klubnik, Clemson ($8,600) – Klubnik has rebounded nicely, with three TDs against Virginia Tech. Facing Pitt’s struggling secondary, he’s a safe pick with rushing upside.
Running Back
Isaac Brown, Louisville ($6,700) – Brown is mispriced for his role, averaging 24+ fantasy points. He thrives in Louisville’s run-heavy scheme and is a must-play against Stanford’s poor run defense.
Kaytron Allen, Penn State ($4,900) – If Nick Singleton sits, Allen becomes a lock for volume against Purdue. If Singleton plays, Allen still offers value but with limited exposure.
Wide Receiver
Will Sheppard, Colorado ($3,600) – Sheppard benefits from Colorado’s pass-heavy attack and has emerged as a value option with consistent targets and scoring potential.
TJ Moore, Clemson ($3,200) – Moore’s consistency and low price make him an ideal salary saver. He’s shown increased involvement and could be due for a breakout game.
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No. 3 Texas Longhorns (-12.5) at Arkansas Razorbacks, Noon ET, ABC
Texas hasn’t had a dominant win yet, though their schedule hasn’t challenged them much. Arkansas, coming off a bye, has been struggling but won’t roll over at home. They could keep it close or even pull off an upset.
Pick: Arkansas +12.5
No. 20 Clemson Tigers (-11.5) at Pitt Panthers, Noon ET, ESPN
Pitt has struggled recently, but Clemson hasn’t been flawless either. While logic points to Clemson, Pitt’s home advantage and potential to rebound make them worth the points.
Pick: Pitt +11.5
Utah Utes (+11.5) at No. 17 Colorado Buffaloes, Noon ET, FOX
Colorado has improved on both sides of the ball, but Utah’s gritty, close-game style could challenge them. Kyle Whittingham may have something up his sleeve for this one.
Pick: Utah +11.5
Virginia Cavaliers (+23.5) at No. 8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 3:30 p.m. ET, NBC
Notre Dame has been dominant recently and is one of the best ATS teams under Marcus Freeman. Still, taking Virginia feels like a gamble worth trying.
Pick: Virginia +23.5
Boston College Eagles (+19.5) at No. 14 SMU Mustangs, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
SMU’s path to an ACC title has opened up, and with Thomas Castellanos out for Boston College, SMU should roll.
Pick: SMU -19.5
No. 23 Missouri Tigers (+14.5) at No. 21 South Carolina Gamecocks, 4:15 p.m. ET, SEC Network
South Carolina’s defense at home should handle a Missouri team that has struggled to replicate last year’s success.
Pick: South Carolina -14.5
No. 1 Oregon Ducks (-13.5) at Wisconsin Badgers, 7:00 p.m. ET, NBC
Oregon faces a tough road test in Madison. The Badgers, fresh off a blowout loss to Iowa, could make this closer than expected. November challenges like this can define champions.
Pick: Wisconsin +13.5
No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers (+9.5) at No. 12 Georgia Bulldogs, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Georgia has the edge, but Tennessee’s uncertainty, especially with Nico’s post-concussion play, makes this a tricky pick. Still, Georgia seems better positioned to cover.
Pick: Georgia -9.5
UAB Blazers (+15.5) at Memphis Tigers, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Memphis has been inconsistent, while UAB can score. This could be closer than expected and is a more entertaining watch than the Georgia game.
Pick: UAB +15.5
Kansas Jayhawks (+2.5) at No. 6 BYU Cougars, 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN
BYU has lived on the edge this season, but Kansas feels primed for an upset. The line suggests this could be their week.
Pick: Kansas +2.5
DK Saturday Main Slate DFS Picks
Record Year to Date: 19 Wins 25 Ties 21 Losses
Quarterback
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame ($9,500) – Leonard checks every box this week: mobile QB, home favorite, and facing a weak Virginia pass defense. With 13 rushing touchdowns this season and a 35+ point team total, Leonard has slate-breaking potential.
Cade Klubnik, Clemson ($8,600) – Klubnik has been consistent, with three or more TDs in six of nine games. Facing Pitt’s struggling secondary, he’s a reliable play, bolstered by Clemson’s emerging young receivers.
Running Back
Isaac Brown, Louisville ($6,700) – Brown is a lock, averaging 24+ fantasy points per game since taking over six weeks ago. Louisville’s run-heavy offense and a favorable matchup make him a must-play.
Kaytron Allen, Penn State ($4,900) – With Nick Singleton possibly limited or out, Allen becomes a high-volume play. If Singleton sits, Allen is a lock for 20+ carries at a great value.
Wide Receiver
Will Sheppard, Colorado ($3,600) – Sheppard has stepped up in Colorado’s pass-heavy offense, especially after Jimmy Horn’s injury. With touchdowns in four of five games, he’s the best value option.
TJ Moore, Clemson ($3,200) – Moore has emerged as a consistent target in Clemson’s offense, with two touchdowns and strong yardage in recent games. His low price and upside make him an excellent salary saver.
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No. 4 Miami Hurricanes (-10.5) at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Noon ET, ESPN
Miami often starts slow, then flips a switch to dominate. Georgia Tech, coming off a bye, hopes to be the team to finally take down Miami. They bring physicality and home-field advantage, but Miami’s offensive firepower is hard to overlook.
Pick: Miami -10.5
Florida Gators (+21.5) at No. 5 Texas Longhorns, Noon ET, ABC
The Gators surprised against Georgia, even after losing freshman QB DJ Lagway. With Texas on the rise, it’s hard to see Florida staying within three scores.
Pick: Texas -21.5
Purdue Boilermakers (+38.5) at No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, Noon ET, FOX
The Spoilermakers get another shot against a top team. They’re struggling, but Ohio State hasn’t looked like a definitive No. 2. I’ll take Purdue to keep it within 35.
Pick: Purdue +38.5
No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs (-2.5) at No. 16 Ole Miss Rebels, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Georgia still wins big but not as dominantly as in past seasons. Ole Miss could upset, but history favors Georgia in big games.
Pick: Georgia -2.5
Michigan Wolverines (+14.5) at No. 8 Indiana Hoosiers, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS
Michigan’s defense holds opponents to the mid-20s, but this high-powered Indiana offense will be a challenge. I’ll take Michigan to cover the 14.5.
Pick: Michigan +14.5
No. 23 Clemson Tigers (-6.5) at Virginia Tech Hokies, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Clemson’s bubble burst recently, and with uncertainties about VT’s key players, this one depends on health.
Pick: Virginia Tech +6.5
No. 20 Colorado Buffaloes (-3.5) at Texas Tech Red Raiders, 4:00 p.m. ET, FOX
Texas Tech delivered last week, and I’ll stick with them in what promises to be a high-scoring “Fantasy Carnival.”
Pick: Texas Tech +3.5
Florida State Seminoles (+26.5) at No. 10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC
No need to overthink this one.
Pick: Notre Dame +26.5
No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide (-2.5) at No. 15 LSU Tigers, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
As an LSU grad, I’ve been torn. Jalen Milroe’s playmaking favors Alabama, but LSU’s night home-field magic pulls me the other way. I’ll hedge emotionally.
Pick: LSU +2.5
No. 9 BYU Cougars (-4.5) at Utah Utes, 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN
Utah’s season hasn’t gone well, but this rivalry game in Salt Lake City gives them the edge.
Pick: Utah +4.5
DK Saturday Main Slate DFS Picks
Record Year to Date: 19 Wins 22 Ties 18 Losses
Quarterback
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado ($8,900) – Texas Tech’s porous pass defense (280+ yards allowed per game) offers a great setup for Sanders, who should easily hit 300 yards and 3 TDs. Stack him with his pass catchers for high upside.
Thomas Castellanos, Boston College ($6,600) – With his rushing attempts increasing, Castellanos brings upside. Syracuse’s defense struggles, making Castellanos a solid dual-threat pick.
Running Back
Quintrevion Wisner, Texas ($5,000) – Wisner’s workload in Texas’s high-scoring offense is undervalued. Florida’s banged-up defense should give him opportunities to score.
Kanye Udoh, Army ($5,900) – Udoh’s performance hinges on QB Daily’s status. If Daily sits, Udoh becomes a must-play against North Texas’s weak run defense.
Wide Receiver
LaJohntay Wester, Colorado ($5,200) – Wester is consistently undervalued and has a strong role in Colorado’s offense. His red-zone presence makes him a high-floor play.
Tony Johnson, Cincinnati ($3,600) – Johnson’s recent performances make him a value option against a pass-funnel West Virginia defense, with consistent targets from Sorsby.
4o
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No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes (-3.5) at No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions, Noon ET, FOXOhio State being favored here is surprising; I expected it closer to a pick-em. Both teams are contenders but feel one step from disappointment. In a close matchup like this, taking the home team with points seems smart.Pick: Penn State +3.5Duke Blue Devils (+20.5) at No. 5 Miami Hurricanes, Noon ET, ABCA big spread, but Duke is still Duke. Coach Manny Diaz is motivated to win, but Miami’s talent gap is clear. I’ll take Duke plus 20 points.Pick: Duke +20.5No. 1 Oregon Ducks (-15.5) at Michigan Wolverines, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBSMichigan’s struggles are evident, and Oregon looks title-bound. While Michigan’s defense is solid, Oregon’s firepower on both sides likely proves too much.Pick: Oregon -15.5Florida Gators (+16.5) vs. No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABCFlorida has turned things around after a rough start and could still reach bowl eligibility. Freshman QB DJ Lagway offers high potential, but Georgia’s strength will likely overpower them.Pick: Georgia -16.5Texas Tech Red Raiders (+14.5) at No. 11 Iowa State Cyclones, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPNCould this be the year Matt Campbell makes a CFP push? Despite Iowa State’s Big 12 co-favorite status, I’m skeptical of their Cinderella story and will take Texas Tech with the points.Pick: Texas Tech +14.5No. 13 Indiana Hoosiers (-7.5) at Michigan State Spartans, 3:30 p.m. ET, PeacockIndiana is optimistic about QB Kurtis Rourke’s return and will try to keep their momentum going. I think they’ll pull off a win over Michigan State.Pick: Michigan State +7.5North Carolina Tar Heels (-2.5) at Florida State Seminoles, 3:30 p.m. ET, ACCNHere’s the game for those still following.Pick: Florida State +2.5No. 10 Texas A&M Aggies (-2.5) at South Carolina Gamecocks, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABCTexas A&M’s playoff path looks clear, but South Carolina’s unpredictability could pose a challenge. After a rough start, A&M rallied, but South Carolina’s home advantage may keep it close.Pick: South Carolina +2.5Louisville Cardinals (+10.5) at No. 11 Clemson Tigers, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPNClemson feels vulnerable, and while Louisville may not hand them a loss, they could expose some weaknesses.Pick: Louisville +10.5No. 18 Pitt Panthers (+7.5) at SMU Mustangs, 8:00 p.m. ET, ACCNSticking with Pitt, even without recent game experience.Pick: Pitt +7.5DK Saturday Main Slate DFS PicksRecord Year to Date: 18 Wins 20 Ties 16 LossesQuarterbackRocco Becht, Iowa State ($6,500) – Becht is an under-the-radar play, leading Iowa State to a top-10 rank. Though they focus on the run, Becht’s rushing and passing skills make him a strong pick against Texas Tech’s weak defense, which allows almost 34 points per game.Bryson Daily, Army ($9,200) – Service academy QBs like Daily have high ceilings. Facing Air Force, who struggles against the run, Daily is set for a big game with potential help from Kanye Udoh.Running BackTrevor Etienne, Georgia ($6,500) – Etienne’s recent performance makes him a top pick in Georgia’s depleted backfield. With Florida’s weak run defense, Etienne should see increased carries as Georgia likely pulls away.Mario Anderson, Memphis ($7,800) – Anderson thrives in Memphis’s high-paced offense and faces a UTSA defense that’s struggled against competent run teams. There’s some risk of Memphis relying on the pass, but Anderson’s volume makes him valuable.Wide ReceiverTez Johnson, Oregon ($7,700) – Johnson’s high target count and Oregon’s offensive strength make him a strong play. Michigan’s secondary struggles, and Johnson’s consistent performances offer a solid floor and ceiling.Chris Carpenter, UTSA ($3,700) – With WR1 McCuin out, Carpenter has been heavily targeted and is a great value in this high-scoring game.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Welcome to a special DFS-only episode of Sharpen the Point with your host, Chris Tyndall. flying solo today. No betting insights this time—Chris is focusing on what he knows best: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) strategy and player picks.
We've been scoring big tournament wins. Over the last two weeks, he's been 20-maxing tournaments on DK, with 15 and 14 entries cashing—a high yield right now. Player pools have been tight and crisp. We’re going to break down every game on the Week 9 college football main slate and highlight the best plays.
Record Year to Date: 15 Wins, 18 Ties, 15 Losses
Record is based on a player's value using points per dollar. A win is more than 4 times, a tie is 3-4 times, and a loss below 3 times. Example: Oronde Gadsden costs $3,500 and scores 26.8 points for a 7.66 value rating and a win.
Quarterback
Josh Hoover, TCU ($8,500) – With two high-scoring games in Tulane/North Texas and Texas Tech/TCU, focusing on these matchups is crucial. Each team is expected to score over thirty, setting the stage for Hoover, who leads a TCU offense struggling on the ground and therefore passing more than 60% of the time—a top-ten rate nationally. Texas Tech's pass defense remains vulnerable, giving up nearly 270 yards per game, as evidenced by last week’s 274/5 performance against Sawyer Robertson. Hoover, combined with Savion Williams and Tahj Brooks, offers a great lineup core.
Will Howard, Ohio State ($7,900) – Howard's last outing, a close road game against Oregon, showcased his playmaking. While Ohio State’s title hopes are still alive, the team’s path forward has narrowed. After the bye, an explosive performance is expected against a Nebraska team coming off a rough outing against Indiana. Ohio State may emphasize the pass here, especially if they want to minimize carries for Quinshon Judkins, who recently underwent hand surgery, and increase Trey’Veon Henderson's workload.
Running Back
Makhi Hughes, Tulane ($7,400) – Hughes was a no-brainer pick due to his role and the ideal matchup. Tulane’s run-heavy offense (about two-thirds of plays) features Hughes as the main back, a trend head coach Jon Sumrall brought over from Troy. With North Texas’s strong offense, Tulane’s best strategy is ball control, leaning on Hughes to exploit a defense that gives up 175 rushing yards per game. Hughes has hit multiple touchdowns in three straight games, and he’s a strong pick to repeat that with 100+ yards and touchdowns.
Quintrevion Wisner, Texas ($4,800) – The Texas backfield has seen turnover, with CJ Baxter initially leading before injury, followed by Jaydon Blue, who fumbled his way down the depth chart. Wisner has now taken the lead, outperforming Blue in touches by 14 over the last two games. Vanderbilt’s run defense has allowed backs to reach big numbers, with Nate Noel nearly hitting 200 yards. Texas should deliver scoring opportunities for Wisner, making him a great value in a Sarkisian-led offense.
Wide Receiver
Daniel Jackson, Minnesota ($4,500) – Wide receivers abound in this slate, making the right combo crucial for payouts. Jackson, a star last season for Minnesota with four 100+ yard games and eight touchdowns, continues to see nearly nine targets per game. Facing a Maryland defense ranked near last in passing yards allowed (288 per game), Jackson has a prime opportunity to break out and deliver a high-impact performance.
DT Sheffield, North Texas ($7,000) – Sheffield caps the slate as a consistent performer in a North Texas offense that’s among the fastest in the country, passing 60% of the time. Averaging 7 catches, 94 yards, and 1.5 touchdowns per game, Sheffield is priced attractively for his role. In cash games, Sheffield feels essential, but for tournaments, Tulane’s ability to control the clock could keep Sheffield off the field, opening leverage options like Josh Kelly, Tez Johnson, or Ohio State's playmakers.
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Each year, there are two games circled on the Florida State football schedule, both intrastate rivalries that have established themselves as important parts of college football’s tapestry.
While FSU-UF had its heyday during its fierce battles between Bobby Bowden and Steve Spurrier, the series between Florida State and the Miami Hurricanes has maintained its edge and prestige even when one team falters and the national stakes of the matchup fall to the wayside. Seven of the last ten matchups (18 of the last 25!) have been decided by one score, with the series sitting at 35-33 in Miami’s favor.
The history and importance of this game isn’t lost on either side, especially as the memory of Florida State’s 2022 win in Hard Rock Stadium is still fresh in Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal’s mind. In his first year leading the program, he saw FSU put together a 45-3 win, the largest road victory in the history of the two schools. After pushing the Seminoles to the edge last year in an upset bid, making a statement is going to be on the forefront of his and Miami’s mind.
With No. 6 Miami boasting a 7-0 (3-0 ACC) record and a Heisman Trophy candidate in quarterback Cam Ward, it would be a tall task for Florida State in a normal year — in 2024, with FSU fielding one of the country’s worst offenses as the defense still tries to acclimate, it’ll be a major challenge avoiding a repeat of 2020’s matchup, when Miami scored the most points in series history en route to a 42-point win of its own (52-10).
What does Miami bring to the table outside of quarterback? On this week’s Line of Scrimmage, we’re joined by our friend Adam Lichtenstein of the Sun Sentinel to talk about the Hurricanes run this year, what they’re fielding on each side of the ball and how he thinks the game will go on Saturday night.
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The Florida State Seminoles are just weeks away from tipping off their 2024-25 basketball season, looking to continue an upward trajectory after a major year-to-year jump from 2022-2023 (205th to 79th in KenPom).
Roster turnover and a tough ACC schedule will make that even more of a challenge heading into the 22nd year of head coach Leonard Hamilton’s tenure — the final of his current contract. We’ve already broken down the roster in full article form (available here, in case you missed it) but for those of you finding for a new episode of the Gospel of Ham Florida State basketball podcast, we’ve got a fresh one on deck breaking down the players on this year’s squad, the schedule that awaits them and more:
1:45 - Opening discussion on Tony Bennett retiring and the NIL/Portal landscape
I feel like if you’ve been paying attention to the world of college basketball for the last two, three, four years, it wasn’t like this is coming out of nowhere. And quite honestly, basketball is often at the forefront of some of this before football. I wouldn’t be shocked if some of this starts to happen in football too. He didn’t love the system. I can’t blame him. I am in favor of players getting paid, I’m in favor of players having the ability to move around, but there’s gotta be some rules to it that kind of make sense.It makes me wonder if sometimes, not we, you and me, but we, the general public, underestimate Leonard Hamilton’s pure competitive fire and passion for the game of basketball, because the entire landscape is so different from when he first started coaching.
15:00 - 2024-25 Roster
For the first time since the year before the Scottie Barnes year, I think the coaching staff finally decided, okay, if we’re going to run this defense and stuff, the system that we want to run, we need to have some players. that just 1 through 12 fit the system.The high-end talent of, of multiple lottery picks — FSU doesn’t have that. They might have four G League players on this roster. But what they do have is, I really don’t know that there’s a big difference between the fourth-best player and the ninth-best player.And they’re all about 6-foot-7. They’re all fairly, at least on film laterally quick. And if you think to yourself that, well, if Jamir gets you 20 a game, I really don’t care if anyone else averages more than 10 or 11, because you’re gonna create a lot of steals. You’re going to have a lot of lobs and you’re going to create a lot of just like kind of chaos out there with a bunch of 6-7 guys.And maybe, maybe that can work
19:10 - The Jamir Watkins Offense
I would love to see this just be like Jamir’s team. Just give him the ball, get out of the way. Watkins had 28.2% usage rate last year — that means that the possession either ended with Jameer shooting, rebounding, or turning it over.Toney Douglas, in 2009, was 27.6. So actually, last year, Jamir was already At the same usage rate as Toney Douglas. I mean, how, how high can you ratchet it up?
31:00 - So about the defense...
What is Ham gonna do with the defense? 10 new faces out there — you know this defense that takes two or three years to really understand.
42:00 - The Schedule
If they’re not 3-0 heading into the Florida game, we’re already going to have some red flags raised.... get through Florida, say three and one, then who knows? The rest of the rest of the out of conference schedule is not that tough.20 ACC games — is it a top three league this year? Who’s gonna win it?
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In 2024, Duke has defied most expectations after losing head coach Mike Elko to the Texas A&M Aggies, off to a strong 5-1 start under new head coach Manny Diaz — a familiar face to the Seminoles who has managed to keep the Blue Devils rolling up until suffering their first loss of the season to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
While Duke wasn’t given much credit for its 5-0 start, failing to crack the Top 25, the team still has a chance to snap the program’s always-beaten streak against Florida State. Diaz has brought his signature defensive aggressiveness, with Duke’s defense recording 18 sacks, 13 of which come from a deep defensive line led by Vincent Anthony Jr. and defensive tackles Aaron Hall and Kendy Charles. At quarterback, Texas transfer Maalik Murphy has logged thrown for multiple touchdowns in five of six games, while Star Thomas, a transfer from New Mexico State, has emerged as the lead back in a room capable of putting up yards against an FSU defense still trying to find consistency.
This week on the Line of Scrimmage podcast, we connected with Donald Wine from the Duke Basketball Roundup to get the inside scoop on the Blue Devils, including:
How Manny Diaz has kept things rolling so far in his first year at Duke
An inside look at Murphy’s game
How Thomas rose up as the Blue Devil’s lead back
What to expect from Duke’s offensive line against Florida State’s defensive front
The impact of Duke’s three-headed linebacker attack featuring Alex Howard, Tre Freeman, and Ozzie Nicholas
...and more.
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October is here, and for the fifth time in the last seven years, Florida State’s season is basically over.
What does that mean for us? It’s time to hate, hate, hate and roll in some schadenfreude as the rest of the year unfolds.
We’ve got plenty of opportunities on deck this week, mainly UCF-Florida. It’s a battle of the smarmy vs. the insecure, with either the Gators about to have to endure the latest painful point in Billy Napier’s tenure or the Knights getting the “you’re not quite a Power program” treatment. I mentioned on this week’s podcast that it’s like watching two cousins fight in embarrassing fashion at Thanksgiving while you’re sloshed due to the fact you’re in crippling debt and everybody knows it, and I stand by that.
As for Miami, the Hurricanes managed to avoid a collapse at home against Virginia Tech last week, getting lucky that the non-catch that was called a catch on the field was reversed to being a non-catch even though rules dictate that it should have been a catch (which again, it was not). Cal has lost a bit of faith on my end in its ability to pull off the upset given the fact the Golden Bears have done something nobody else has done this season (lose to Florida State) but Berkley is about to be bopping for the program’s first-ever College Gameday matchup. Are we going to see Cam Ward do another sorta-Jekyll-mainly-Hyde performance that has Miami on the ropes in a late-night matchup? That’s what Cal (and of course, the haters) will be hoping for.
There aren’t too many stakes-heavy matchups on this week’s slate, but boy howdy, are they appealing on paper. We’ve got 10 pinpointed for you this week — and yes, a confirmed 10 for you faithful degen since somebody who is unable to count and only had nine games last week.
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To say the least, the first month of the 2024 season was rough for the Florida State Seminoles (1-4, 1-3 ACC).
And now, to start off October, FSU will face off against its first ranked opponent of the season — the No. 15 Clemson Tigers (4-1, 2-0 ACC). After a disappointing showing vs. the Georgia Bulldogs to open the year, Clemson has bounced back to put its season on track and enters into the matchup vs. the Seminoles as 14.5-point favorites (per FanDuel).
The offense is anchored by junior quarterback Cade Klubnik, who has shown significant growth this season, and is supported by a powerful rushing attack led by Phil Mafah, averaging 8 yards per carry.
On defense, Clemson’s front seven is as dangerous as ever, led by defensive end TJ Parker, who already has three sacks this season. The linebacker duo of Wade Woodaz and Barrett Carter brings experience and athleticism, while the secondary, led by safety RJ Mickens, has only allowed five touchdowns all season.
What will the Tigers be bringing to the table when they make the trek to Tallahassee? On this episode of the Line of Scrimmage podcast, we’re joined by Matt Goldin of our SB Nation sister site Shakin’ the Southland to get the breakdown on Clemson, including:
Clemson’s transfer portal approach
Klubnik’s growth this season
Tigers rushing attack
Clemson’s receiver group
Why the Tigers’ linebackers have excelled
How the secondary has fared
Game prediction
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As we enter week five of the 2024 college football season, we’re finally into “multiple games with plenty of storylines” territory, and boy does it feel good to live in the era of the four-box YouTube TV setup.
First, the game of the week: Georgia, shunted from its perch atop the AP rankings, has finally gotten the “they don’t believe in us!!!” motivation that Kirby Smart has previously had to pull out of thin air in an effort to keep them invested. Alabama has had the Bulldogs number in year’s past, but Nick Saban ain’t walking through that door — Jalen Milroe, however, is. The Crimson Tide haven’t looked anywhere near what people perceive Alabama to be (though, last year, that didn’t stop the committee from....I’m sorry, I’m sorry), and Georgia is much more capable of taking advantage of opportunities than Wisconsin and USF.
Then, we’ve got FSU, with an albatross of an offense dangling around its neck as the defense tries to claw its way from the depths. There’s a chance that they can shake things off and find some production for the first time this season, but combine the lack of evidence this offense is capable with the soft factor angle of SMU coming to the table eager to prove it deserves its spot in a power conference after being specifically targeted in lawsuits showing why the ACC can’t be taken seriously, and it’s hard to see things going pretty there.
In Louisville and Notre Dame, it’s a chance for Marcus Freeman to shake off the perception that Notre Dame isn’t built to contend under his leadership while Jeff Brohm is looking to build off an impressive win against Georgia Tech and elevate Louisville to actual threat from potential. The same goes for Penn State, who has a chance to prove itself a legitimate contender in the Big 10 while facing off against an Illinois team riding the high of last week’s Nebraska win.
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Florida State (1-3, 1-2 ACC) will once again serve as an opponent’s first-ever ACC matchup, this time doing so on the road vs. the SMU Mustangs.
SMU (3-1) heads into the game having bounced back from a close loss to No. 22 BYU with a dominant 66-42 win over the TCU Horned Frogs. The Mustangs, who ponied up plenty of cash to be able to prove themselves as worthy of power conference status, will be looking to make a statement in a primetime matchup (8 p.m. ET, ACC Network).
In this week’s episode of the Line of Scrimmage, we speak with Dean Ralsky of On the Pony Express, an On3 SMU site. to get all the details on what SMU brings to the table, including:
How Lashlee’s offensive system has evolved in his third year as head coach
The confidence level in quarterback Kevin Jennings after his breakout game against TCU
Brashard Smith’s impact as a converted running back and his explosive start to the season
The strengths and potential weaknesses of SMU’s revamped offensive line
A veteran-laden defensive line and how Elijah Roberts has led the charge
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No. 24 Illinois Fighting Illini (+8.5) at No. 22 Nebraska Cornhuskers — Friday, 8 p.m., FOX
Illinois has a nice upset over Kansas and plays great defense. Nebraska’s big win was a blowout of Colorado, but freshman QB Dylan Raiola has had it too easy so far. I expect a grind-it-out Big Ten game. I’ll take Illinois and the points.
Brian’s Pick: Illinois +8.5
Florida Gators (-6.5) at Mississippi State Bulldogs — Noon, ESPN
This has to be Billy Napier’s first win of the season, or he’s in real trouble. Mississippi State is dreadful, and they were quickly dominated by Toledo last week. If Florida doesn’t win this, it’s over for Napier.
Brian’s Pick: Florida -6.5
NC State Wolf Pack (+20.5) at No. 21 Clemson Tigers — Noon, ABC
With Grayson McCall out for NC State and true freshman CJ Bailey starting at Clemson, it’s a tough spot for the Wolf Pack. I don’t want to bet on a true freshman in this environment.
Brian’s Pick: Clemson -20.5
No. 11 USC Trojans (-5.5) at No. 18 Michigan Wolverines — 3:30 p.m., CBS
Michigan being a 5.5-point underdog at home shows the lack of confidence in the defending champs. I’ve been down on Michigan, but this line feels bigger than expected. I think Michigan could pull off a surprise win.
Brian’s Pick: Michigan +5.5
UCLA Bruins (+24.5) at No. 16 LSU Tigers — 3:30 p.m., ABC
UCLA has struggled to score, even against Hawaii. LSU has shown some vulnerabilities, but at home, in the Louisiana heat, they’ll be too much for UCLA to handle.
Brian’s Pick: LSU -24.5
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+10.5) at No. 19 Louisville Cardinals — 3:30 p.m., ESPN2
Louisville has had an easy schedule so far, but I’m not sold on them. Georgia Tech’s physical run game should keep this one close.
Brian’s Pick: Georgia Tech +10.5
No. 12 Utah Utes (+1.5) at No. 14 Oklahoma State Cowboys — 4:00 p.m., FOX
The big question is Cam Rising’s health. If he’s not 100%, I’ll take Oklahoma State and their ground game at home.
Brian’s Pick: Oklahoma State -1.5
No. 8 Miami Hurricanes (-16.5) at USF Bulls — 7:00 p.m., ESPN
USF nearly upset Alabama a couple of weeks ago, and while they might make this interesting, their passing attack isn’t enough to overcome Miami.
Brian’s Pick: Miami -16.5
Cal Golden Bears (+2.5) at Florida State Seminoles — 7:00 p.m., ESPN2
Cal’s defense, especially the linebackers, has been tough. Florida State continues to struggle to find offensive rhythm, and I’ll take Cal as the more consistent team.
Brian’s Pick: Cal +2.5
No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers (-7.5) at No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners — 7:30 p.m., ABC
This is the game of the day. Tennessee’s offense has been unstoppable with Nico at QB, but the key will be how their defense can get the ball back in good positions. If they do that, Tennessee wins.
Brian’s Pick: Tennessee -7.5
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As Florida State continues to navigate its early-season struggles, Cal (3-0) comes to Tallahassee, riding its best start since 2019 under head coach Justin Wilcox.
For Florida State, this game represents a critical opportunity to find momentum after an underwhelming start, while Cal will look to prove itself as a legitimate contender in its new conference home.
What should FSU fans expect from Cal when the Golden Bears make their first trip to Tallahassee? As part of our Line of Scrimmage series, we connected with Nick Kranz from Write for California to get the inside scoop on the Bears, including:
How has Justin Wilcox utilized the transfer portal to build Cal's most complete team yet?
What’s been the key to quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s growth in Year 2?
Can Cal’s trio of running backs, led by Jaydn Ott, continue to carry the offense?
Will Cal’s offensive line hold up against a hungry Florida State defensive front?
How has Teddy Buchanan emerged as the leader of a stout Cal linebacker corps?
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Memphis Tigers (+6.5) at Florida State Seminoles — Noon, ESPN
Brian: I’ve had this one marked as a potential upset since the preseason. Memphis has been a contender for the Group of 5 playoff spot, and Florida State hasn’t impressed me enough to change my mind. I need to see more from FSU to believe in them.
Brian’s Pick: Memphis +6.5
Jordan’s Pick: Memphis +6.5
No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (-15.5) at Wisconsin Badgers — Noon, FOX
Brian: This spread is bigger than I expected. Last week’s close call with USF might scare some off Alabama, but USF troubled them last year, too. I think Alabama dominates because Wisconsin won’t contain Jalen Milroe.
Brian’s Pick: Alabama -15.5
Jordan’s Pick: Alabama -15.5
No. 16 LSU Tigers (-7.5) at South Carolina Gamecocks — Noon, ABC
Brian: I’m surprised this game is hosting College Gameday. South Carolina shocked Kentucky, but I wasn’t high on the Wildcats to begin with. South Carolina has a strong pass rush, but LSU is more talented, and I like betting on talent.
Brian’s Pick: LSU -7.5
Jordan’s Pick: LSU -7.5
No. 24 Boston College Eagles (+17.5) at No. 6 Missouri Tigers — Noon, SEC Network
Brian: I didn’t expect BC to be ranked this season, but here we are. Missouri can score, but BC showed they can hang with top teams, and Bill O’Brien has proven he can coach. BC keeps this close.
Brian’s Pick: Boston College +17.5
Jordan’s Pick: Boston College +17.5
No. 9 Oregon Ducks (-16.5) at Oregon State Beavers — 3:30 p.m., FOX
Jordan: I trusted Dan Lanning to figure things out last week, but I’m doubling down on Oregon here. The talent gap will show in this rivalry game.
Jordan’s Pick: Oregon -16.5
Brian’s Pick: Oregon -16.5
Tulane Green Wave (+13.5) at No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners — 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Jordan: OU looked shaky, and Tulane performed well last week. With Tennessee coming up next for Oklahoma, this could be a trap game, but I’m taking the Sooners.
Jordan’s Pick: Oklahoma -13.5
Brian: Tulane impressed me last week, and Oklahoma struggled with Houston. I think Tulane keeps it close.
Brian’s Pick: Tulane +13.5
Texas A&M Aggies (-4.5) at Florida Gators — 3:30 p.m., ABC
Jordan: Florida’s QB situation could cause confusion, while Texas A&M is better on both lines. I’m taking the Aggies.
Jordan’s Pick: Texas A&M -4.5
Brian’s Pick: Texas A&M -4.5
West Virginia Mountaineers (-3.5) at Pitt Panthers — 3:30 p.m., ESPN2
Brian: Dez Reid has transformed Pitt’s offense, and I expect them to keep rising.
Brian’s Pick: Pitt +3.5
Jordan’s Pick: Pitt +3.5
Washington State Cougars (+5.5) at Washington Huskies — 3:30 p.m., Peacock
Jordan: WSU’s offense is clicking, and UW hasn’t been tested. The Cougars could pull off an upset.
Jordan’s Pick: Washington State +5.5
Brian’s Pick: Washington State +5.5
Colorado Buffaloes (-7.5) at Colorado State Rams — 7:30 p.m., CBS
Jordan: Colorado is a mess, and losing Shilo hurts. I’m taking CSU with Fort Collins fired up.
Jordan’s Pick: Colorado State +7.5
Brian’s Pick: Colorado State +7.5
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2024 hasn’t shaken out the way most anticipated it would for Florida State football, with the Seminoles still searching for their first win of the year after an 0-2 start.
After a bye week, the team that stands in the Seminoles’ way of turning their season around is head coach Mike Norvell’s former squad — the Memphis Tigers (2-0).
For Florida State, this game is about salvaging momentum before the season slips away, while Memphis will look to continue its strong start, earn a program-defining win and further establish itself as a contender in the AAC this season.
What will Memphis bring to the table when it makes the trip to Tallahassee? As part of our Line of Scrimmage series, we connected with Steve Helwick of Underdog Dynasty to get the inside scoop on the Tigers, including:
How has Ryan Silverfield shaped Memphis in his own way?
What makes Seth Henigan a dangerous quarterback?
Why FSU shouldn’t overlook Memphis’s WR/TE group
Memphis’s experienced O-line’s outlook in trenches against FSU
Who has emerged as the leader in Memphis’s secondary?
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So... a bye week is cool, right?
Feels like we could all kinda use one and luckily this one comes with some pretty great nonconference games. I mean an SEC sleeper in Tennessee travels to Charlotte to take on NC State. We’ve got a couple Group of 5 playoff hopefuls heading to some serious power five schools — Clemson and Oregon — looking to get a gold star on their resume. We’ve got another in Tulane hosting a Power Four conference title contender in Kansas State. Deion and Colorado face freshman phenom Dylan Raiola and Nebraska. It’s a doozy.
And let’s not forget the big one in the Big House. One of the SEC’s newest and brightest teams Texas faces defending national champion Michigan.
It’s a menu with bangers in each window that I think will allow a bit of a pallet cleanser before returning to the home team next weekend.
Without further delay, let’s get to the business.
If you’re new to the program, I provide 10 games for us to watch this weekend that I think are the most impactful. You can join in the fun by picking those same 10 games in the comment section against me. Unfortunately, the only prize is me adding you to our Comment Section Hall of Fame in my next edition. No cash prizes awarded.
I had an excellent Week 1 — though it was at the risk of my own emotional wellbeing with the LSU and FSU losses. A 7-3 start against the spread gets our season rolling on a very positive note. Hoping to keep that rolling this week.
But I wasn’t alone. Two people matched my 7 win start. Yapo.SD and Jason Kuruvilla each missed three games and to make it fun, they acutally missed none of the same games. One other fun nugget is Yapo.SD was one of our Week 1 winners a year ago. Congratulations and welcome back to the Comment Section Hall of Fame! Let’s keep this hot streak going this week.
Comment Section Hall of Fame
Week One: Yapo.SD and Jason Kuruvilla (7-3)
Could you be the next Comment Section Champion of the season? Leave your picks to the 10 games below in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You have to pick the 10 games I provided to be eligible for the Hall as those are the only ones I grab. Most correct is our winner.
My co-host Chris Tyndall and I also talk Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) for the weekend ahead, which gives us a chance to look at the matchups and players that matter in those games. It’ll get you more familiar with the names making big impacts each weekend as well.
If you want to get in on those picks, listen to the Sharpen the Point podcast, where we talk in-depth on those game picks as well as the Daily Fantasy Sports contests on DraftKings each weekend. New to DFS? We can help you through the thought process of building a team.
AS ALWAYS, we are just two guys with keyboards and microphones, not gambling professionals, so follow at your own risk and play responsibly.
All lines and DFS pricing from our friends at DraftKings.
Brian’s Against The Spread Game Picks
No. 3 Texas Longhorns (-7.5) at No. 10 Michigan Wolverines — Noon, FOX
Brian’s Pick: Texas -7.5
Arkansas Razorbacks (+7.5) at No. 16 Oklahoma State Cowboys — Noon, ABC
Brian’s Pick: Oklahoma State -7.5
No. 17 Kansas State Wildcats (-9.5) at Tulane Green Wave — Noon, ESPN
Brian’s Pick: Kansas State -9.5
Baylor Bears (+14.5) at No. 11 Utah Utes — 3:30 p.m., FOX
Brian’s Pick: Utah -14.5
Iowa State Cyclones (+2.5) at No. 21 Iowa Hawkeyes, — 3:30 p.m., CBS
Brian’s Pick: Iowa -2.5
California Golden Bears (+13.5) at Auburn Tigers — 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Brian’s Pick: Auburn -13.5
No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers (-7.5) vs. No. 24 NC State Wolfpack (Charlotte) — 7:30 p.m., ABC
Brian’s Pick: NC State +7.5
Colorado Buffaloes (+7.5) at Nebraska Cornhuskers, 7:30 p.m., NBC
Brian’s Pick: Colorado +7.5
App State Mountaineers (+17.5) at No. 25 Clemson Tigers — 7:30 p.m., ACC Network
Brian’s Pick: Clemson -17.5
Boise State Broncos (+18.5) at No. 7 Oregon Ducks — 10:30 p.m. Peacock
Brian’s Pick: Oregon -18.5
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Did you miss it?
I’m sure last weekend’s result may skew your answer to that. But I know deep down in that Guiness-filled, jet-lagged gut of yours, the answer to that question is still yes.
I know I sure did. Seven months of trying to connect the dots of where people are playing, who’s coaching where and what conference all these teams are in. We did preview pods on Sharpen the Point for each of them — and there’s still time for you to check them all out on the podcast feed! But the reality is none of it matters when the games are played.
If you’re new to the program, I provide 10 games for us to watch this weekend that I think are the most impactful.
It’s pageantry and passion you don’t see anywhere else in sports in this country. And win or fly across the pond to lose, we all share it this time of year... no matter how much everything has changed.
Saturday
No. 14 Clemson Tigers (+13.5) vs. No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs (Atlanta) — Noon, ABC
Brian’s Pick: Georgia -13.5
No. 8 Penn State Nittany Lions (-8.5) at West Virginia Mountaineers — Noon, FOX
Brian’s Pick: West Virginia +8.5
Virginia Tech Hokies (-13.5) at Vanderbilt Commodores — Noon, ESPN
Brian’s Pick: Virginia Tech -13.5
No. 19 Miami Hurricanes (-2.5) at Florida Gators — 3:30 p.m., ABC
Brian’s Pick: Miami -2.5
Colorado State Rams (+32.5) at No. 4 Texas Longhorns, — 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Brian’s Pick: Texas -32.5
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (+31.5) at No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide — 7:00 p.m., ESPN
Brian’s Pick: Alabama -31.5
No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+3.5) at No. 20 Texas A&M Aggies — 7:30 p.m., ABC
Brian’s Pick: Notre Dame +3.5
Fresno State Bulldogs (+21.5) at No. 9 Michigan Wolverines, 7:30 p.m., NBC
Brian’s Pick: Fresno State +21.5
Sunday
No. 23 USC Trojans (+4.5) vs. No. 13 LSU Tigers (Las Vegas) — 7:30 p.m., ABC
Brian’s Pick: LSU -4.5
Monday
Boston College Eagles (+17.5) at No. 10 Florida State Seminoles — 7:30 p.m. ESPN
Brian’s Pick: Boston College +17.5
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A historic trip to Ireland to play Florida State’s first-ever international game ended in embarrassing fashion, with the Seminoles having been upset on a last-second field goal with plenty of televisions around the country tuned in.
It’s safe to assume a good bulk of the homes in Massachusetts were also set to ESPN last Saturday, with the Boston College Eagles now looking to join the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets as early-season spoilers.
What will the Seminoles be facing when Boston College makes the trek down to Tallahassee?
For the third year in a row, we’re lucky to be joined by Curtis Flannery of BCInterruption, who gives us an inside look at the Eagles, touching on Boston College’s:
New start under Bill O’Brien
Capabilites with quarterback Thomas Castellanos
Running back room
Potential pass game threats
Defensive questions
...and more.
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Welcome to another season of the Line of Scrimmage podcast, where we dive into Florida State’s matchup with their upcoming opponent. Each week, we’ll preview what fans can expect to see from the team that lines up against the Seminoles.
Up first, it’s a season opening showdown across the pond. Florida State starts the 2024 season in Dublin, Ireland against the George Tech Yellow Jackets. To help our fans get to know the Yellow Jackets better, we sat down with Jack Purdy of our SBNation sister site, From the Rumble Seat.
The Jackets finished their 2023 season with a 7-6 record and a win in the Gasparilla Bowl. Georgia Tech’s program appears to be headed in a new direction under the leadership of head coach Brent Key. The Ramblin’ Wreck was able to hold onto several key players in the offseason and returns much of their offense. The defense is not as assured with several key spots being filled by new faces in Atlanta.
In this episode, we discuss Key’s success and what sets him apart from his predecessors. Is the excitement and hype coming out of Georgia Tech legit or will the Jackets stumble against their tough schedule? Some of the questions discussed:
What to expect from year two of Haynes King?
Which receiver stands out among the rest?
What offensive unit will drive the success of Georgia Tech?
Did the Yellow Jackets address their defensive line woes from last season?
Which player is the defensive leader for Tech?
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