NCAAF: CONFERENCE TITLES ON THE LINE
The Pac 10 Championship is up for grabs and so are spots in the ACC and Conference USA title games.
We had the Statfox Forecaster predict the outcomes for three key games on Saturday.
Here’s a look at the three games, along with some key betting tips to consider.
Maryland Terrapins @ Boston College Eagles (12 PM ET)
Last year, Maryland upset Boston College at home 42-35 as six-point underdogs and will go for two in a row at Chestnut Hill. The Terrapins are only 2-9 against the spread (ATS) after playing a game at home and they figure to run into chilly weather in the New England area.
Maryland has had issues playing on artificial turf, with a 2-7 ATS record in their last nine attempts. The Eagles have been solid down the stretch, winning all three games and are 9-5 ATS in home finales.
A victory would propel Boston College back into the ACC championship game for a second straight year. The Eagles are 18-9 ATS as a conference home favorite.
Free Selection: Boston College 25, Maryland 23
Houston Cougars @ Rice Owls (3 PM ET)
This can’t possibly be true, can it; Rice is playing for share of Conference USA West Division crown?
It certainly is true, as assuredly the best QB not on anyone’s radar is Chase Clement. The Owls average over 40 points a game and are in the Top 5 in passing offense. This is last home game for Rice who is 7-3 ATS in this spot.
Houston is trying to make second appearance in C-USA title game in three years. The Cougars have the #2 passing offense in the country so expect a lot of points in this one.
With both schools in the same city, it’s an engaging matchup in which the favorite is just 2-6 ATS and the Owls are 16-5 ATS as home dogs.
Free Selection: HOUSTON 42, RICE 35
Oregon Ducks @ Oregon State Beavers (7 PM, Versus)
After winning at Arizona, the table is set for Oregon State. Their game with Oregon is known in the Northwest as the “Civil War” but there is nothing civil about it.
Oregon State coach Mike Riley deserves credit for being able to piece the puzzle back together after an 0-2 start. These busy Beavers are 30-12-1 ATS at home the last 11 years.
Oregon will be after a ninth win and more importantly, out to end a two-game losing streak to their rival.
The Ducks are averaging 45 points per game in their eight victories. Oregon State is 14-6 ATS versus their arch rival, with the home team 8-3 ATS since 1997.
Free Selection: Oregon 35, Oregon State 31