The Great Divide
There are lots of great college football games today, but one stands out: Oregon at Penn State (7:30 ET, NBC).
So let’s see what VSiN’s college football experts have to say about this one.
Spoiler alert: They don’t agree.
On the Penn State -3.5 side . . .
Steve Makinen: I think of all four of the ranked vs. ranked games on the schedule this week, backing Oregon would probably be the “easiest” play to make as a bettor. The jury is out on Penn State after three failed cover victories to start the season. Meanwhile, the Ducks have rolled to a 4-0 start behind QB Dante Moore and 50+ PPG. Is it the right play, however? I don’t think so, and my major concerns are with Moore and what will be an electric atmosphere in State College. Has he ever faced anything like he will see on Saturday night? No way. I’ll get behind Penn State -3.5. >>More Best Bets from Steve.
Wes Reynolds: If Penn State gets a lead, they can run the ball with the nation’s best backfield of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Oregon can be had defensively against the run with essentially a new DL against Penn State’s experienced OL. >>More plays from Wes.
On the Oregon +3.5 side . . .
Matt Youmans: I don’t love this play, but I do like the Ducks’ Dan Lanning in the coaching matchup. This could be a defensive battle decided by a field goal. Oregon +3.5 and Under 52.5 (half-unit each). >>More picks from Matt.
Dave Tuley: In the final analysis, I can’t get past the sarcastic nickname for Penn State’s coach, “Big Game” James Franklin. We’ve seen him fall short in these types of games. Until he can prove he can win a game like this, I’ll take the live dog here. Oregon +3.5. >>More Best Bets from Dave.
One more: Zach Cohen‘s game preview.
Let’s check in with the contestants in the Circa Friday Football Invitational:
- Chris Piper: Oregon (+3.5)
- Drew Bridges: Oregon (+3.5)
- Brett McMurphy: Penn ST (-3.5)
- Chris Piper: OVER (52.5)
- Tony Gordon: OVER (52.5)
>>See all 175 picks from 25 handicappers.
If you are in the EdgeBoost Average Joe Contest, the deadline to submit picks is 10 a.m. ET today. Shortly thereafter, everyone’s selections are posted here.
More college football coverage
Betting previews of the other top games from Zach Cohen:
>USC (-6.5) vs. Illinois (Noon ET, Fox)
>LSU (+1.5) vs. Ole Miss (3:30 ET, ABC)
>Alabama (+3) vs. Georgia (7:30 ET, ABC)
>Auburn (+7) vs. Texas A&M (3:30 ET, ESPN)
>>Plus Zach’s other top plays.
More Best Bets columns:
Josh Appelbaum’s CFB Sharp Report will be posted later this morning.
>CFB Week 5 Hub with stories and resources.
VSiN Pro subscribers have access to all the plays from hosts and guests on the CFB Picks page.
Ryder Cup Day 2 predictions
Day 2 of the Ryder Cup starts bright and early at 7:10 a.m. ET with the U.S. trailing Europe by 3 points. Kelley Bydlon, Wes Reynolds and Matt Brown share their thoughts heading into today’s foursomes. Writes Matt: “It’s not over . . . but it sure feels over.” >>More from the Long Shots crew.
NFL injury report
There were several QB status updates on Friday:
- Brock Purdy (toe) will start.
- Jayden Daniels (knee) is out.
- J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is out.
- Baker Mayfield (right biceps) is questionable.
Everything we do on Week 4 will be posted here, including Best Bets columns.
If you are doing prop research today, don’t forget to check out the Opta AI projections.
MLB playoff race
The playoff situation heading into today via MLB.com:
AL East: The Blue Jays and Yankees are tied, but the Blue Jays have clinched the head-to-head tiebreaker.
AL Central: The Guardians and Tigers are tied, but the Guardians have clinched the head-to-head tiebreaker.
NL Wild Card: The Mets and Reds are tied, but the Reds have clinched the head-to-head tiebreaker.
AL Wild Card: The Tigers lead the Astros by 1 game for the final berth.
Greg Peterson has seven plays for today’s penultimate regular-season menu. Steve Makinen will post his Analytics Report this morning.
Quick Hits
Horse Racing: Mike Somich and Aaron Halterman celebrate the opening of Santa Anita on the VSiN At The Track podcast. >Watch. >Listen.
Mike and “Mr. Ed” Sehon will have picks later this morning.
Horse racing coverage is sponsored by 1/ST BET. Get your $250 sign-up bonus (plus a VSiN Pro subscription).
Soccer: Nigel Seeley has his top plays for this weekend’s EPL menu.
UFC: Lou Finocchiaro has picks for today’s card in Australia. Britton Hess will post his plays later this morning.
NHL: VSiN hockey analyst Jonathan Davis has posted 32 team previews on our NHL page.
