NHL Best Bets for Tuesday (11/19)
Kenneth Le
Week 2 of the college football season saw a couple of FCS victories over the FBS as well as several close games that could have been wins for the lower level. There are a lot less contests on the extra board this week, but situations still arise as several schools have conference play next week or a bigger game that will draw more of their attention. Let’s take a look at FCS teams or totals that may be live this weekend.
Bethune Cookman @ Miami
7:30 p.m. ET Thursday
The Hurricanes are feeling good after a huge win over Texas A&M and now they have a short week to prepare for the FCS school. Miami is ruthless against FCS opponents beating these same Wildcats 70-13 last year. They also have a 69-0 victory over CCSU in 2021 and a 63-0 win over Bethune Cookman in 2019. BCU is 1-1 with a 56-14 loss to Memphis in week 1 to go along with a 31-6 victory over Savannah State last week. The Wildcats only have five starters back on offense, but I’ve got to think that Miami won’t be focused or ready for this one. Give me the over though as I can see them scoring without even trying. Here’s hoping we get a low-60s number and a clean weather forecast.
North Dakota @ Boise State
Noon ET Saturday
Boise State is 0-2 on the season, so they’ll be fired up to try and get their first victory. The Broncos lost 18-16 in heartbreaking fashion last week to Central Florida at home. They did win their lone FCS game last season knocking off UT-Martin 30-7. North Dakota will not be an easy opponent though as they are already 2-0 with two solid victories over Drake (55-7) and Northern Arizona (37-22). This team has 15 starters back and only lost 38-17 at Nebraska last year. Depending on the number, I could be interested in the over or the underdog. It is a very early kickoff for the Broncos so maybe a lackluster start?
Weber State @ Utah
2 p.m. ET Saturday
Utah is coming off an emotional win at Baylor and has UCLA up next week, so it’s your classic sandwich spot. I can’t imagine Cam Rising will suit up so that may make it a slightly lower-scoring game. The Wildcats are 2-0 so far and are coming off a 34-17 win at Northern Iowa. The Utes did beat Southern Utah 73-7 last year, but I definitely don’t think that score is happening here. Last year’s Weber State team would have made this real interesting. As it is, there may be some value with them here if the number is way too high, and I’m taking over 28 points.
Idaho @ California
4 p.m. ET Saturday
There are several things to consider with this matchup. Idaho is coming off a 33-6 victory over Nevada and has been very impressive in their two wins overall. The Vandals have eight starters back, but how beat up are they after one FBS game. Cal has a fascinating sandwich spot here coming off the 14-10 loss at home to Auburn with Washington up next in PAC-12 play. They beat their FCS opponent 34-13 last year, but Idaho is better than UC Davis. We aren’t going to get a great number here, but put Idaho on your radar if we do.
Villanova @ UCF
6:30 p.m. ET Saturday
UCF has looked good in two games this season and is coming off an 18-16 win at Boise State. They have a road trip to Manhattan to play Kansas State next week so focus could be a factor here. Last year, Gus Malzahn’s bunch beat South Carolina State 56-10, but Villanova is a lot better. The Wildcats are 2-0 so far with wins over Lehigh (38-10) and Colgate (42-19). They have 15 starters back including most of last year’s offense. Nova did lose 49-10 to Army last year, but that’s a special kind of preparation. To me, an over comes into play here because I think UCF scores, but I think their defense will struggle. Low 50s would be great if we could get that, but I don’t think we will.
Tarleton State @ Texas Tech
7 p.m. ET Saturday
This one could see a ton of points Saturday. Texas Tech is coming off a very tough loss at home to Oregon and they’ve got conference play up next. I fully expect the Red Raiders to score here on Tarleton State, who gave up 34 to McNeese and 31 to North Alabama. The Texans put up 52 points themselves in both games and they lost to TCU 59-17 last year. This total is going to be in the 60s, but I still may take the over. The Red Raiders beat Murray State 63-10 last year.
