With Fightin’ Cody Campbell’s Texas Tech not dominating opponents like previous years’ teams did, the Big 12 title race became much more interesting.
And one of the major contenders to knock Tech off the ground is BYU. The Cougars, who lost to Tech in the conference championship game last season, are 4-0 (2-0 Big 12) and ranked No. 8 in the region. But the team still hasn’t played, and opponents have combined to go 8-13 this season. BYU can take another step toward an appearance in the conference title game on Thursday night when it hosts the Iowa State Cougars (3-2, 1-1).
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The game will test BYU’s maturity. Running back LJ Martin, who led the Big 12 in rushing last season, is out four to six weeks with a lower body injury. Also — as no one in Provo should be warned — the Cougars may be tempted to look ahead next week, when No. 3 Notre Dame in one of the biggest games in recent program history.
Meanwhile, the Wild Cyclones are coming off a 45-42 win over Virginia Hesperia. Running back Aiden Flora ran for 212 yards and scored five touchdowns en route to earning AP National Player of the Week honors.
BYU is a 10.5-point favorite over Iowa State in the latest college football betting odds.
While Cougars vs. Cyclones is the marquee attraction on Friday, there are other sports betting options that include part of the college football schedule and four NHL games. Below is a snapshot of what to watch and bet on the best sports betting appson Friday, Oct. 9 All the times of the East.
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College football best bets, where to watch
Florida State to Louisville
Time: 7 p.m Location: Louisville, Ky TV: ESPN | Stream: Fubo (Try it for free)
SportsLine pick — Model: Under 59.5 | Expert: Florida State +6 (Thomas Casale)
What in the world did the Seminoles get up to last week? After a 2-2 start to the Heat in coach Mike Norvell’s chair, Florida State whipped Virginia, 38-7, while rushing to 281 yards and playing well on every face. On Friday, the Seminoles will face a Cardinals rush defense that has been sluggish this season, allowing 156.2 yards per game (92nd in the country). Casale notes that Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz is dealing with an injury that ended him as a runner. “It’s more about the Louisville fad right now,” Casale told SportsLine. SportsLine’s projection model, which simulates every college football game 10,000 times, says there’s a 62.1% chance teams will score 59 points or fewer and puts a strong “A” grade at under 59.5.
No. 20 Iowa at Washington
Time: 9 p.m Location: Seattle | TV: FOX | Stream: Fubo (Try it for free)
SportsLine pick — Model: Iowa +125 | Expert: Washington -137 (Matt Severance)
According to multiple reports on Friday, quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski will start for the Hawkeyes in place of regular starter Hank Brown, who has a sprained throwing shoulder. Hecklinski, a junior, never started a college game. Brown’s absence doesn’t bode well for the Hawkeyes’ offense, which averages just 16.7 points per game against Power 4 opponents. “It should be Iowa’s own game; if the opponent scores 20, it’s over,” Severance told SportsLine. The projection on the Sportsline model differs. He says Iowa has a 52% chance of winning and a strong “A” grade for the Hawkeyes for straight money (+125).
Washington state to Utah
Time: 9 p.m Location: Logan, Utah | TV: CW | Stream: Fubo (Try it for free)
SportsLine pick — Model: Washington State +5.5
The Aggies (1-4) have been challenged offensively this season. Under new coordinator Robert Anae, they are averaging just 14.0 points per game, which ranks 136th out of 138 teams. And a tough schedule that featured three foes (Washington, Utah and Boise State) can’t be entirely blamed for a lack of points; Utah State managed just 17 points at home against Idaho State. The SportsLine Projection model says Washington State has a 60% chance to cover the spread and the Cougars grade “B” +5.5.
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Wyoming at San Jose State
Time: 9 p.m Location: San Jose, Calif TV: CW | Stream: Fubo (Try it for free)
SportsLine pick — Model: Wyoming +4.5
Here’s the Cowboys’ formula to close out this game: Run the ball behind Markell Holman (average 5.7 yards per carry) and Samuel Harris (4.9) to control the clock. Wyoming ranks in the country in pace (30.3 seconds per game), which should slow down the game. The Sportsline Projection Model says the Cowboys have a 64% chance to cover and a “B” grade at Wyoming +4.5.
Iowa State at No. 8 BYU
Time: 10:15 p.m Location: Provo, Utah | TV: ESPN | Stream: Fubo (Try it for free)
SportsLine pick — Model: Over 46.5 | Expert: Iowa St. 10.5 (Mike Tierney)
The Cougars are coming off a 17-10 victory over TCU in which they passed for 200 and 62 yards. This is not the type. Continuing to win seems like it will be hard to sustain, especially with Martin out. Also, Tierney notes that BYU doesn’t favor Notre Dame coverage in the next week. “Couples will be challenged to focus on” [Friday’s] enemy,” said SportsLine. Meanwhile, SportsLine’s projection model says there is a 63.2% chance the teams combined for 47 points or more and assigns an “A” grade to over 46.5.
NHL best bets where to watch
Kraken to Red Wings
Time: 7 p.m Location: Detroit | TV: ESPN+ | Stream: Fubo (Try it for free)
SportsLine pick — Model: Kraken +119 | Expert: Under 6.5 -130 (Matt Severance)
Detroit ran strong this season. Through three games, the Red Wings are averaging 2.33 goals per game; as six teams are generally fewer. In addition, Severance both No. 1 believed goalies — Joey Daccord for Seattle and John Gibson for the Red Wings — will play tonight. But he cautions, “In the NHL, you always have to wait for the confirmation of the goalie,” he told SportsLine. The Sportsline Projection model says the Kraken has a 47% chance of winning and a “C” grade at Seattle’s money line (+119).