Gross Bombs: NFL Props for Week 16
Josh Gross
Every week, I will provide an update that summarizes our College Football Power Rankings. FTN’s simulation model repeats 10,000 iterations and powers our weekly College Football Power Rankings. The rankings will update at the start of each week as the model collects additional data. If you are looking for weekly picks? Check out our CFB Betting Model which is updated every Monday for the upcoming slate of games.
Let’s take a quick look at the biggest discrepancies from the AP Top 25 to our own FTN Power Rankings.
Iowa Hawkeyes
AP Ranking: NR
FTN Power Ranking: 19
Change: +5
We believe in the Iowa Hawkeyes after a dominant 40-14 home victory over Northwestern. The ground game dominated again with 203 rushing yards for Iowa at an impressive 5.2 YPC. Despite last week’s stumble at Michigan State, the defensively stout Hawkeyes are posting big offensive numbers on a weekly basis. They’ve reached 40 or more points in two of their last three contests and 30 or more points in four of their last six outings. Iowa hosts rival Wisconsin this Saturday in a game with critical bowl-game implications.
Virginia Tech Hokies
AP Ranking: NR
FTN Power Ranking: 24
Change: +9
That noise you hear is the Virginia Tech Hokies coming on strong. They won their third-straight game with a controlled 21-6 victory over Georgia Tech. The Hokies have outscored their last three opponents (at Stanford, Boston College, Georgia Tech) by a combined score of 94-34. Junior quarterback Kyron Drones has accounted for two or more touchdowns in four straight games and will be critical in a tricky road spot at Syracuse this weekend.
Arkansas Razorbacks
AP Ranking: NR
FTN Power Ranking: 26
Change: +5
The Razorbacks are another big mover on the FTN CFB Power Rankings, ascending five spots to No. 26 overall. Arkansas trounced Mississippi State on the road, 58-25, behind five passing touchdowns from quarterback Taylor Green, who has equaled his season-long passing touchdown total from last year at Boise State. The Razorbacks have two huge tests upcoming, with home battles against No .19 Ole Miss and No. 6 Texas.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
AP Ranking: NR
FTN Power Ranking: 36
Change: +14
Minnesota has now rattled off three straight wins after a 48-23 home victory over Maryland. Senior quarterback Max Brosmer posted four touchdowns with a season-high 320 passing yards. The Golden Gophers now face their toughest part of the schedule, with four games at No. 24 Illinois, at Rutgers, home to No. 3 Penn State and at Wisconsin to end the regular season.
