Wyoming, Maryland look good vs. spread
Top wagering picks for college football Week 4 based on lines from BetMGM Sportsbook:
Texas Tech (1-2) at West Virginia (2-1)
The Red Raiders dropped the first two games of the regular season, both against FBS opponents, before taking care of Tarleton State of the FCS last week. The offense has been fine, averaging 34.7 points per game. The problem has been on the defensive side of the ball, allowing 36.5 ppg in two games against FBS teams Oregon and Wyoming. West Virginia comes in on a high, winning the “Backyard Brawl” 17-6 against Pitt. The offense hasn’t been terribly prolific, but the defense has been sharp in the past two games, yielding just 23 total points. West Virginia is the better defensive team, and it is the better play as a short underdog at home.
Pick:
West Virginia (+6)
Maryland (3-0) at Michigan State (2-1)
The Mel Tucker off-the-field situation and distraction for the team loomed large last weekend for Michigan State in a 41-7 loss to Washington. It was likely part Washington being very strong and part Michigan State being in disarray. Maryland heads into the conference opener on a roll, posting 38 or more points in every game this season, while allowing just 13.3 ppg. QB Taulia Tagovailoa is making like his NFL big brother, Tua, completing 66.7% of his passes for 889 yards with five passing touchdowns and one rushing score. The Terps do not have any distractions, and Sparty doesn’t have the horses to hang with Maryland in a potential shootout. That unbeaten Maryland is favored by so little is a shocker. Take advantage.
Pick: Maryland (-7.5)
Appalachian State (2-1) at Wyoming (2-1)
The Mountaineers have one loss, a
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40-34 heartbreaker in overtime at North Carolina. Appalachian State has managed 34 or more points in three games. Wyoming racked Texas Tech and Portland State in the first two games, both at home. The Cowboys then lost at No. 6 Texas after playing the Longhorns to a 10-10 tie through three quarters.
Pick: Wyoming (-2.5)
No. 17 North Carolina (3-0) at Pitt (1-2)
Two of the Tar Heels’ three victories are also covers against Power Five conference teams, South Carolina and Minnesota. The Tar Heels shut down the Golden Gophers at home last weekend, winning 31-13 as a 7-point favorite. North Carolina also allowed just 15.0 ppg against South Carolina and Minnesota, cashing the Under. The Panthers managed just six points in a loss on the road to West Virginia. QB Phil Jurkovec has struggled, completing 46.7% of his passes for 474 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. The Heels will shut down the Panthers, and UNC’s offense will power past an overwhelmed Pittsburgh defense, pulling away in the second half.
Pick: North Carolina (-7.5)