Although both SEC schools were off last week, bettors shouldn’t forget what we learned about Florida and Georgia in the first two weeks of the season.
Mark Richt’s team has an elite offense with outstanding playmakers like quarterback Aaron Murray, running back Todd Gurley, RB Keith Marshall and WR Justin Scott-Wesley. On the flip side, the defense has issues galore and has given up 34.0 points per game this season.
We’re thinking the Bulldogs are going to be an OVER team all season long. They return to action Saturday vs. North Texas with the total listed at 67.
Florida is the antithesis of Georgia. The Gators are loaded on defense with an excellent defensive line and a secondary full of future NFL players. A total of 30 and 37 points have been scored in their first two games.
As for the offense, UF is scoring only 20.0 points per game, and that has come against Toledo and Miami. The Rockets and Hurricanes gave up an average of 28.4 and 30.5 points per game, respectively, last season.
Will Muschamp’s team takes on Tennessee this weekend with a total of 47.5. Gamblers would be wise to look for more UNDERs in UF games.
An early lean
Michigan State +7 at Notre Dame. Michigan State owns an extremely profitable 11-3 spread record in 14 games as a road underdog during Mark Dantonio’s tenure. The Spartans are No. 1 in the country in total defense, giving up only 177.0 yards per game. This defensive unit has also scored four TDs. Dantonio finally got decent QB play last week when Connor Cook threw four TD passes without being intercepted. I made this game a pick ‘em and will call for Sparty to pull the outright upset.
For Brian's complete column, including more leans and early thoughts on next week's slate, a rundown of Heisman odds and more, visit The Linemakers on Sporting News.