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[CNOTES]

Saturday’s Den: Some college football QB’s who transferred this year……​

This is a listing of QB’s who transferred this season; it is NOT a ranking; players are listed alphabetically by their new school’s name.

— Dequan Finn, Baylor- A 3-year starter at Toledo, was MAC Player of the Year LY, throwing for 2,657 yards, 22 TD’s. Also ran for 563 yards, 7 TD’s.

— Maalik Murphy, Duke- A former 5-star recruit, Murphy started twice for Texas LY, but threw only 71 passes all season. Former starter Riley Leonard bolted to Notre Dame.

— DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State- Threw for 2,638 yards and 21 TD’s for Oregon State LY, after starting for two years at Clemson before that. FSU has only 10 starters back, but they added 14 transfers. Uiagalelei needs to be a more accurate passer.

— Cade McNamara, Iowa- Hawkeyes ranked 129th in scoring last year, 127th in passing yardage; fair to say they had the worst offense in the country, but they went 10-4, despite losing their last two games, 26-0/35-0. McNamara was QB for a 12-2 Michigan team in 2021; he had a torn ACL last year. Iowa brought in a new offensive coordinator to try to score some points.

— Tyler Shough, Louisville- Texas Tech transfer threw for 177 yards in Louisville’s spring game; Cardinals coach Brohm is an excellent offensive coach, but Louisville has only two starters back on the offensive line.

— Cam Ward, Miami- Started out at I-AA Incarnate Word, then bolted to Washington State; he threw for 6,963 yards, 48 TD’s in two years at Wazzu. Miami was 1-4 last year in games decided by 7 or fewer points last year. Ward was brought in to reverse that trend.

— Max Johnson, North Carolina- Started 22 games at LSU/Texas A&M; his dad is former NFL QB Brad Johnson, his uncle is Mark Richt, the former Miami coach. Tar Heels started last year 6-0, but then the defense imploded and they finished 8-5.

Famous birthdays, June 1st:
Morgan Freeman, 87
Brian Cox, 78
Tony Bennett, 55
Teri Polo, 55
Paula Malcomson, 54
Alanis Morrissette, 50
Brandi Carlile, 43
Nick Young, 39
Andrew Abbott, 25

— Grayson McCall, NC State- 3-time Sun Belt Player of the Year at Coastal Carolina, where he threw for over 10,000 yards. Wolfpack has September games against Tennessee/Clemson, so McCall better mesh with his new teammates fairly quickly.

— Riley Leonard, Notre Dame- This is what Notre Dame does now, they just poach QB’s; last year it was Wake Forest’s Sam Hartman (they went 10-3), now it is Leonard, who led Duke to 9-4/8-5 records the last two years. Notre Dame added three transfer WR’s, figures to have a more wide-open offense this season,

— Will Howard, Ohio State- Was a 4-year starter at Kansas State (Wildcats were 31-19 during that time); he is more of a run/pass guy than a deep passer, will be interesting to see how he does under Buckeyes’ new OC, former Oregon/UCLA/Eagles coach Chip Kelly.
Ohio State lost to Michigan the last three years; there is heat on the head coach.

— Alex Bowman, Oklahoma State- Is going into his 7th college season (even I got out of college faster than that); he threw for 3,460 yards LY, with only 15 TD’s, 14 INT’s (RB Gordon ran for 21 TD’s). Cowboys’ entire offensive line returns, so their offense should be stellar.

— Dillon Gabriel, Oregon- Started for two years at UCF, two more years at Oklahoma, now plays for an Oregon team that scored 44.2 points/game LY, with Bo Nix at QB.
Ducks are in the Big 18 now (there are 18 freakin’ teams in this league); November visits to Michigan, Wisconsin will test Gabriel’s skill in cold weather.

— EJ Warner, Rice- Son of Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner, EJ threw for 3,076 yards last year for a 3-9 Temple squad; he is still an Owl, but a Rice Owl now. Warner led the AAC in passing yards the last two years; he figures to help Rice improve on last year’s minus-14 turnover ratio.
Rice went bowling the last two years, which hasn’t happened a lot for them; they’ve got an experienced team, actually have some expectations this year.

— Will Rogers, Washington- Rogers started for four years at Mississippi State, where he played for the late Mike Leach, but things imploded in Starkville LY, after Leach’s untimely death. He ranks #2 in passing yards in the history of the SEC.
Huskies lost all 11 starters on offense after their head coach bolted to Alabama; they’ve got only one starter back on defense, but new coach Jedd Fisch rebuilt Arizona’s program fairly quickly
This is what college sports are becoming; the rich poaching from the not-so-rich. Not an ideal situation, but it is what it is……..

 

[CNOTES]

Thursday’s Den: Random college football knowledge​

— Replacing Nick Saban at Alabama is going to be really difficult; the fanbase is spoiled, the SEC is a really tough league. Very little chance this ends well.
Remember Gene Bartow coaching basketball at UCLA? The guy replaced John Wooden, he went 52-9 in two years, then beat feet to start the program at UAB, because back then, 52-9 at UCLA wasn’t good enough. Kind of like Alabama now.
Kalen DeBoer went 25-3 in two years at Washington, 12-6 in two years at Fresno State and before that, he was 67-3 at an NAIA school. Very good coach.
But Alabama has only 8 of 22 starters back from last year; good luck.

— Georgia scored 40.1 ppg last year; they’ve got nine starters back on offense, but lost four assistant coaches, two of whom became head coaches (Georgia State/Syracuse).
Last time Georgia didn’t play in a bowl: 1996.

— USC is in the Big 18 now; they got a break with their schedule- their three eastern road trips are in September/October. Trojans’ over/under win total is only 7.5, not very high; they’ve got only nine starters back. Who will play QB; last year’s backup, Miller Moss or UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava?

— Oklahoma/Texas are both in the SEC now; Sooners figure to struggle some.
Oklahoma has a new:
Offensive coordinator
Quarterback
5 new offensive linemen
Sooners open with four straight home games, but Houston/Tennessee are two of those.

— As for Texas, they’ve got 5 starters back on offense, 7 on defense; their QB is back, and so are 4 of their starters on the offensive line, which is good. They’ve got a tough road game September 7 at Michigan.
Last year, Longhorns were #70 in country in 3rd down conversions (38.4%), 120th in country in TD %age in the red zone (50.8%). Those numbers need to improve.

— Florida’s November schedule is kind of hard:
November 2- vs Georgia
November 9- @ Texas
November 16- LSU
November 23- Ole Miss
November 30- @ Florida State
No bye weeks in there; not ideal.
— Coordinators who changed jobs since last year:
Ohio State OC Chip Kelly was head coach at UCLA last year.
Alabama DC Kane Wommack was the head coach at South Alabama last year.
Arkansas OC Bobby Petrino was head coach at Missouri State last year.
UCLA OC Eric Bieniemy was OC for the Commanders last year.
Boise State OC Dirk Koetter comes out of semi-retirement to revive the Broncos’ offense.
Michigan DC Wink Martindale was the Giants’ DC last year.

— Famous birthdays for June 6th:
Max Venable, 67
Cam Neely, 59
Paul Giamatti, 57
Mark Ellis, 47
Anthony Rendon, 34
DeAndre Hopkins, 32
Joey Lucchesi, 31
Kenny Pickett, 26

— 12-team college football playoff starts with two games each December 20-21.
Quarterfinals will have two games each December 31-January 1st.
Semi-finals are January 9-10.
National championship game is January 20th.

— Last year, I-A teams went 113-4 vs I-AA teams; it is stupid that these games are played, it is stealing money from fans to watch non-competitive games. This year, there are 121 of these games. Awesome.
I-A teams that lost to a I-AA team last year:
Buffalo, Nevada, Northern Illinois, Stanford.

— Michigan QB Jack Tuttle was the 7th-rated QB in the 2018 freshman class; he is still a Wolverine. Here are some other QB’s who were also in that class:
#1- Trevor Lawrence- Was #1 pick in the 2021 draft
#11- Justin Fields- #11 pick in ‘21 draft just got traded to the Steelers.
#25- Zach Wilson- #2 pick in ’21 draft just moved to the Broncos.
#36- Michael Penix- #8 pick in 2024 draft by Atlanta.
#50- Brock Purdy- #262 pick in ’22 draft starts for the 49ers.
Tuttle isn’t the only QB in his 7th year of college football.
Oklahoma State’s Alan Bowman used to play at Texas Tech.
Utah QB Cam Rising used to play at Texas.

— Clemson won its last five games LY, after starting the season 4-4; six true freshmen started 3+ games last year, and none of them transferred. This year, Tigers play Georgia, Florida State, NC State in their first five games.
Last year was first time in 12 years Clemson didn’t win 10+ games; they’ve only got three starters back on defense, but the offense figures to be improved.

— Coaches on the hot seat, alphabetically by school:
(In reality, every coach who lost his last game is on the hot seat, but still…….)
Arkansas- Sam Pittman- Hired Bobby Petrino to save his offense.
Baylor- Dave Aranda- Bears are 3-10 in last 13 games, with a home loss to Texas State.
BYU- Kalani Sitake- Were 118th in country running ball LY, now they’re in the Big X.
Florida- Billy Napier- He is 11-14 in two years, but has 13 starters back this season.
Pittsburgh- Pat Narduzzi- Pitt was 3-9 LY, then fired the offensive coordinator.

— Top QB’s who transferred this year:
Dillon Gabriel (Oklahoma to Oregon)
Cam Ward (Washington State to Miami)
Riley Leonard (Duke to Notre Dame)
DJ Uiagalelei (Clemson to Oregon State to Florida State)
Cam Howard (Kansas State to Ohio State)

— With all the conference shuffling going on, Oregon State/Washington State got screwed over, left behind to fend for themselves, all of which makes Oregon State-Oregon, Washington-Wazzu must watch TV this fall.
Beavers/Coogs are basically playing a Mountain West schedule for now; Oregon State’s coach bolted to Michigan State, and he’s an OSU alum. Not a good sign for the future.

 

[CNOTES]

Saturday’s Den: Notes on SEC football………​

— Favorites won/covered the last five national championship games.

— Best teams last year, in turnover margin:
+19- Michigan
+16- Penn State
+13- Northwestern

Worst teams last year, in turnover margin:
minus-20- Temple
minus-17- Nebraska
Minus-14- Rice

Some quick notes on SEC teams:
— Last four years, Alabama is 18-7-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Of course, a new era begins this year in Tuscaloosa, with Nick Saban leaving.

— Arkansas coach Sam Pittman is 16-7 ATS as an underdog, 6-11-1 as a favorite.

— In his career, Auburn coach Hugh Freeze is 6-2 SU in bowl games, 28-13 ATS as am underdog.

— Last three years, Florida Gators are 17-21 SU; they lost their last three bowl games by an average score of 38-13.

— Georgia coach Kirby Smart is 18-27-1 ATS as a home favorite, 20-11 as a road favorite.

— Famous birthdays, June 22nd:
Kris Kristofferson, 88
Bobby Douglass, 77
Meryl Streep, 75
Clyde Drexler, 62
Amy Brenneman, 60
Kurt Warner, 53
Champ Bailey, 46
Josh Naylor, 27
Cam Akers, 25

— In his career. LSU coach Brian Kelly is 35-17-2 ATS as an underdog.

— Ole Miss Rebels are 2-3 SU/3-2 ATS in their last five bowls, giving up 37.6 ppg in the five games.

— Last two years, Missouri Tigers are 11-5 ATS against SEC opponents.

— South Carolina coach Shane Beamer is 11-4 ATS as a favorite.

— In his career, Tennessee coach Josh Heupel is 21-13 ATS as a home favorite, 3-8 ATS as an underdog.
Last two seasons, Vols were +17 in turnovers.

— Since 2014, Texas A&M is 15-26-2 ATS in games coming off a loss.

— Since 2019, Vanderbilt is 7-24 against the spread; they’re 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games coming off a win.

 

[CNOTES]

Wednesday’s Den: Notes on each of the 18 teams in the Big Ten​

There are now 18 teams in the Big 10, so from now on, we’re calling it the Big 18. Here are some quick notes for each team:
— In his coach, Illinois coach Bret Bielema 28-16-1 ATS as a road dog.
At Illinois, Bielema is 4-10 ATS as a home favorite.

— Indiana lost its last six bowls, but covered the last three, losing by 2-1-6.
Hoosiers’ last win in a bowl game was the 1991 Copper Bowl.

— Since 2018, Iowa is 10-4 ATS as a road favorite.
Hawkeyes were minus-9 in turnovers LY; the previous six years, they were +52.

— In his career, Maryland coach Mike Locksley is 22-34 ATS as an underdog.
Since 2018, Maryland is 3-14 ATS as a road underdog.

— Michigan has only 7 starters back this year; 2 on offense, 5 on defense, plus a new coach.
Since 2014, Michigan is 16-22 ATS in non-conference games.

— Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith was 2-8 ATS as a road favorite, 13-7 as a road underdog, during his time at Oregon State (his alma mater).
Under Smith, Beavers were 15-3 ATS as a home favorite.

— In his career, Minnesota coach PJ Fleck is 37-22-2 ATS in road games.
Minnesota won its last seven bowl games.

— In his college career, Nebraska coach Rhule is 33-17 ATS as an underdog.
Nebraska hasn’t played in a bowl game since 2016.

— Famous birthdays, June 26th:
Shannon Sharpe, 56
Chris O’Donnell, 54
Derek Jeter, 50
Chad Pennington, 48
Michael Vick, 44
Deron Williams, 40
Iman Shumpert, 34
Rudy Gobert, 32
Ariana Grande, 31

— Northwestern won its last five bowls; they were underdog in 3 of the 5 games.
Since 2015, Wildcats are 49-31 ATS in conference games.

— Ohio State lost three games in a row vs Michigan, giving up 39 ppg.
Under Ryan Day, Buckeyes are 21-12 ATS as a home favorite.

— Last two years, Penn State is 21-5 SU, with a +27 turnover margin.
Last two years, Nittany Lions are 15-3-1 ATS as a favorite.

— Since 2018, Purdue is 4-15 ATS as a home favorite.
Since 2014, Boilermakers are 23-49 ATS in all home games.

— Since 2018, Rutgers is 10-2 ATS as a home favorite.
Since 2014, Rutgers is 21-11 ATS in non-conference games.

— Since 2018, UCLA is 8-16 ATS as a home favorite.
Since 2014, Bruins are 10-21-1 ATS in non-conference games.

— Washington is 25-3 SU the last two years, but their coach bolted to Alabama, and they only have 6 starters back, 2 on offense, 4 on defense.
While at Arizona, new Washington coach Jedd Fisch was 16-9 ATS as an underdog.

— In his career, Wisconsin coach Fickell is 15-8 ATS as an underdog.
Badgers are 10-5 ATS in last 15 games coming off a loss.

 

[CNOTES]

Tuesday’s Den: Trends for ACC football teams…….​

There are 17 teams in the ACC now, including Cal/Stanford, who are very far away from the ATLANTIC Ocean. SMU is in the ACC now too; Dallas isn’t near any oceans. Go figure.
Some quick notes on ACC football teams……..

— Boston College
Bill O’Brien is the new HC; he was 52-48 SU in six years with Texans in the NFL.
In two years at Penn State, O’Brien was 8-4 ATS as a home favorite.
Since 2014, Eagles are 22-14-1 ATS as a road underdog.

— California
Under Wilcox, Golden Bears are 29-14 ATS as an underdog, 12-19-1 as a favorite.
Last three years, Cal is 15-22 SU, despite a +16 turnover ratio.
This year, four of Cal’s five road games are in the Eastern time zone.

— Clemson
Last four years, Clemson is 19-22 ATS as a favorite.
Since 2014, Tigers are 16-7 ATS on neutral fields.

— Duke
Duke went 17-9 SU last two years (9-2 ATS as a home favorite)
However, Texas A&M poached their coach; Notre Dame poached their QB.
Duke won its last five bowl games; they were underdog in 3 of the 5 games.

— Florida State
Last two years, Seminoles were 11-6 ATS in conference games.
In his career, Norvell is 16-8 as a road favorite, 5-9-2 as a road dog.
FSU lost its bowl game last year 63-3; how do they bounce back from that?

— Georgia Tech
Under coach Key, Yellow Jackets are 10-3 ATS as an underdog.
Since 2015, Tech is 2-10 ATS as a road favorite.

— Louisville
In his career, Brohm is 26-16-1 ATS as an underdog.
Since 2019, Cardinals are 16-7 ATS as a home favorite.

— Miami
Hurricanes are 0-5 SU/ATS in their last five bowl games.
In his career, Cristobal is 15-29-2 ATS as a home favorite.

— Famous birthdays, July 2nd
Larry David, 77
Joe Pisarcik, 72
Tony Armas, 71
Purvis Short, 67
Clark Kellogg, 63
Jose Canseco, 60
Sean Casey, 50
Derrick White, 30
Daulton Varsho, 28

— North Carolina
Since 2018, Tar Heels are 4-11-1 ATS as a road favorite.
UNC lost its last four bowl games, giving up 39.3 ppg.

— NC State
Under Doeren, State is 10-15-2 ATS as a road underdog.
Wolfpack covered 7 of last 8 tries as a home underdog.
State lost its last four bowl games, scoring 13.8 ppg.

— Pittsburgh
Narduzzi is 15-23-3 ATS as a home favorite, 14-4 as a road favorite.
Since 2014, Panthers are 16-26-2 ATS in non-conference games.

— SMU
Under Lashlee, Mustangs are 11-6 ATS as a favorite, 2-6 as an underdog.
SMU lost its last four bowl games; they were favored in all four games.

— Stanford
Last three years, Stanford is 9-27 SU, with a minus-24 turnover ratio.
Cardinal is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 home games.
Stanford haas’t played in a bowl game since 2018.

— Syracuse
Last three years, Syracuse was 8-3-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Since 2018, Orange are 16-7-1 ATS in non-conference games.

— Virginia
Last three years, Virginia is 12-22 SU, with a minus-19 turnover ratio.
Despite that, Cavaliers are 21-11 ATS in their last 32 ACC games.
Virginia’s last bowl game was 2019 (’21 bowl game was cancelled)

— Virginia Tech
Since 2016, Hokies are 7-14 ATS as a home favorite.
Tech lost four of its last five bowl games, giving up 35.2 ppg.

— Wake Forest
Since 2017, Demon Deacons are 19-11 ATS as a home favorite.
Wake has a senior QB this year, who started 29 games at Boise State.

 

[CNOTES]

Saturday’s Den: Mountain West football preview…….​

Mountain West football preview

— Air Force
Air Force lost 4 of last 5 games LY, after an 8-0 start.
Falcons are 29-10 last three years, 3-0 in bowl games.
Air Force has 2 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Falcons have no returning starts on the offensive line; they had that in 2021, but led the country in rushing.
Last three years, Air Force is 8-3 ATS as a road favorite.
Last ten years, Falcons are 15-23-1 ATS coming off a loss.
Under Calhoun, Air Force is 12-8 ATS as a home underdog.
Falcons won their last five bowls, scoring 37.6 ppg.

— Boise State
Broncos fired their coach LY after a 5-5 start, won 4 of last 5 games.
Boise has 6 starters back on offense, all 11 on defense.
Broncos have 66 starts returning on the offensive line.
Soph QB Madsen (132 pass attempts LY) or USC transfer Nelson will start at QB
Last two years, Broncos are 8-4 ATS as a home favorite.
Boise is 11-2-1 ATS in last 14 games coming off a loss.
Broncos are 4-3 SU in their last seven bowls.
Boise is 2-7-1 ATS in last eight non-conference games.

— Colorado State
CSU was 4-1 LY when they scored 30+ points, 1-6 when they didn’t.
Rams have 7 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
CSU has 94 starts returning on the offensive line.
Rams’ soph QB has 11 starts; he threw 22 TD’s, 16 INT’s last year.
Rams have had six consecutive losing seasons.
Since 2017, CSU is 5-14 ATS as a home favorite.
In his career, Norvell is 26-18 ATS as an underdog.
CSU lost their last four bowls; their last bowl win was in 2013.

— Fresno State
Bulldogs lost three of last four games LY, after an 8-1 start.
Fresno has 8 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Bulldogs have 106 starts returning on OL (8 of 10 starters).
Soph QB started 11 games LY, threw 24 TD’s, 10 INTs.
Fresno is 29-11 last three years, 3-0 in bowl games, scoring 32.3 ppg.
Since 2019, Bulldogs are 9-14 ATS as a home favorite.
Since 2016, Fresno is 7-0-1 ATS as a home underdog.
Bulldogs won their last five bowls, scoring 32.2 ppg.

— Hawai’i
Rainbows were 0-7 LY when they allowed 35+ points, 5-0 when they allowed less than 35.
Hawai’i has 8 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Bulldogs have 47 starts returning on offensive line.
Senior QB Schrager started 26 games the last two years.
Hawai’i has two winning seasons (2018-19) over the last decade.
Over last decade, Rainbows are 11-27-2 ATS as a favorite, 8-22-2 at home.
Over last decade, Hawai’i is 26-42-3 ATS coming off a loss.
Last three years, Rainbows are 14-9-1 ATS in Mountain West games.

— Nevada
Nevada went 2-10/2-10 last two years; the coach got fired.
Wolf Pack has 6 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Nevada has 70 starts returning on offensive line.
New HC was a defensive assistant at Texas the last three years.
Junior QB Lewis started ten games last season.
Last two years, Wolf Pack was 1-9 ATS at home.
Last three years, Nevada is 10-4 ATS as a road underdog.
Wolf Pack is 3-2 SU/ATS in last five bowls; last bowl was 2021.

— Famous birthdays for July 6th:
Fred Dryer, 78
Sylvester Stallone, 78
Willie Randolph, 70
Kelly Stouffer, 60
Pau Gasol, 44
Jae Crowder, 34
Manny Machado, 32
Andrew Benintendi, 30
Zion Williamson, 24

— UNLV
Rebels lost last three games LY, after a 9-2 start.
UNLV has 5 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Rebels have 79 starts returning on offensive line.
Their QB bolted to USC; they brought in two I-AA QB’s, also have Friel, who started eight games for UNLV in 2021.
Last year was UNLV’s first bowl since 2013.
In his career, Odom is 17-11 ATS as a home favorite.
Over last ten years, UNLV is 11-19 ATS as a home underdog.
Last three years, Rebels are 11-3 ATS as a road underdog.

— New Mexico
Lobos were 19-60 last 7 years; their last winning season was 2016.
New Mexico has 3 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Lobos’ whole offensive line graduated; they brought in 8 transfers.
Soph QB started once LY; he is a pass/run threat.
Since 2015, Lobos are 5-18 ATS as a home favorite.
Since 2017, Lobos are 9-15-1 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2018, New Mexico is 17-32-1 ATS as an underdog.
New Mexico hasn’t played in a bowl game since 2016.

— San Diego State
Aztecs were 4-8 last year, their worst season since 2009.
San Diego State has 6 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Aztecs have 67 starts returning on offensive line.
Soph QB is a transfer from Florida State.
New coach Lewis was 24-31 at Kent State (2018-22), making two bowls.
Last three years, Aztecs were 3-9 ATS as a home favorite.
Since 2017, San Diego State is 11-5-1 ATS as a road underdog.
Aztecs are 2-3 SU in last five bowls (were favored in 4 of 5 games).

— San Jose State
Spartans are 26-19 last 4 years; coach bolted to Arizona
New coach Niumatalolo was 109-83 in 15 years at Navy,
San Jose has 3 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Spartans have only 20 starts returning on offensive line.
San Jose won 6 of its last 7 games LY, after a 1-5 start.
San Jose was 7-5/7-6 last two years, thanks to +11/+11 turnover ratios.
Since 2018, Spartans are 29-18 ATS in conference games.
Spartans lost last three bowls; their last bowl win was in 2015.

— Utah State
Utah State just fired their coach last week; they’ll have an interim coach.
Aggies have 8 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Aggies have 69 starts returning on offensive line.
Senior QB started 31 games at Iowa.
Aggies were 6-7 LY, 5-1 when they allowed less than 35 points.
Since 2016, Utah State is 6-13 ATS as a home underdog.
Last four years, Aggies are 7-12 ATS in games coming off a loss.
Utah State lost three of its last four bowl games.

— Wyoming
Wyoming went 9-4 last year, but their coach retired.
Cowboys have 6 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Wyoming has 68 starts returning on offensive line.
Junior QB started one game last year, was 23-38 passing for season.
Wyoming is 14-9-2 ATS in its last 25 games as a home favorite.
Since 2016, Cowboys are 16-6 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2016, Wyoming is 37-26 ATS in Mountain West games.
Cowboys won four of their last five bowl games.

 

[CNOTES]

Wednesday’s Den: MAC football preview……​

Mid-American Conference football preview:
— Akron
Akron hasn’t had a winning season since 2015.
Zips have 3 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Zips have 68 returning starts on the offensive line;
Junior QB Finley started 4 games, at NC State/Cal.
Last ten years, Akron is 16-35-2 ATS at home.
Under Moorhead, Zips are 12-8 ATS as an underdog.
Last two years, Zips are 4-20 SU, minus-23 in turnovers.
All-time, Akron is 1-2 SU/ATS in bowl games (last one in 2017).

— Ball State
Last three years, Ball State went 6-7/5-7/4-8.
Cardinals have 8 starters back on offense, only 1 on defense.
Cardinals have 81 returning starts on the offensive line.
Redshirt freshman QB Semonza started three games LY.
Last 10 years, Ball State is 11-20 ATS as a home favorite.
Last 10 years, Ball State is 9-15 ATS as a home underdog.
Last two years, Cardinals are 11-5 ATS in MAC games.
Cardinals are 1-4 SU/ATS in last five bowl games.

— Bowling Green
Falcons were 7-6 LY, their first winning season since 2015.
Bowling Green has 8 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Falcons have 90 returning starts on the offensive line;
Senior QB Bazelak has 29 career starts, at BG/Missouri.
Falcons were +9 in turnovers LY (minus-24 previous six years)
Since 2016, Bowling Green is 4-11 ATS as a home favorite.
Last three years, Bowling Green is 12-7 ATS coming off a loss.
Falcons are 1-4 SU/ATS in last five bowl games.

— Buffalo
Buffalo was 14-23 last 3 years; they’ve got a new coach now.
Bulls have 3 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Bulls have 69 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB started two games at Old Dominion.
Last three years, Buffalo was 2-8 ATS as a home favorite.
Last three years, Buffalo was 6-15 ATS going off a loss.
In his time at Ball State, new coach Lembo was 19-12 ATS in road tilts.
Buffalo won/covered its last three bowl games.

— Central Michigan
Last two years, Chippewas went 4-8/5-7 SU.
CMU has 7 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Chippewas have no returning starts on the offensive line;\.
New QB is junior who started one game at Iowa.
Last two years, CMU is 2-7 ATS as a home favorite.
In his career, McElwain is 25-18-1 ATS as an underdog.
Last 10 years, Chippewas are 25-12 ATS as a road dog.
Chippewas are 1-4 SU/ATS in their last five bowls.

— Eastern Michigan
Eastern Michigan has gone to six bowls the last eight years.
EMU has 5 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Eagles have 47 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Snyder has started 25 games, at Rutgers/Buffalo.
Last three years, Eagles are 3-9 ATS as a home favorite.
EMU is 28-9-1 ATS in its last 38 games as a road underdog.
Eagles are 1-4 SU/3-2 ATS in last five bowl games.
Average total in EMU’s last four bowls: 64.3.

— Famous birthdays, July 10:
Lawrence Pressman, 85
Hal McRae, 79
Allie McGuire, 73
Andre Dawson, 70
Bob Thornton, 62
Sofia Vergara, 52
Jared Dudley, 39
Antonio Brown, 36
Lawrence Butler, 24

— Kent State
Kent was 1-11 LY, first year since Sean Lewis bolted.
Kent has 9 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Flashes have 87 returning starts on the offensive line.
Soph QB Ulatowski started 3 games LY, before he got hurt.
Last 10 years, Flashes are 20-31-1 ATS as a road underdog.
Last two years, Kent is 3-12-1 ATS in MAC games.
Last 10 years, Flashes are 4-8 ATS coming off a win.
Kent State is 1-3 all-time in bowls (last one in 2021).

— Miami, OH
Miami was 11-3 LY, winning MAC title, after going 40-40 from 2016-22.
RedHawks have 6 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Miami has 100 returning starts (4 starters back) on offensive line.
Senior QB Gabbert has 29 career starts.
Since 2018, Miami is 5-2 ATS as a home underdog.
Over last decade, RedHawks are 47-29-1 ATS in MAC games.
Miami is 7-3 ATS in last ten non-conference games.
RedHawks are 1-4 SU/5-0 ATS in last five bowl games.

— Northern Illinois
In five years under coach Hammock, NIU is 24-33 SU.
Huskies have 8 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Huskies have 113 returning starts on the offensive line.
NIU has new starting QB this year; LY’s backup was 0-4 as starter.
Under Hammock, NIU is 6-18 ATS as a favorite.
Under Hammock, NIU is 14-5 ATS as a road underdog.
Huskies are 4-16 ATS in their last 20 home games.
Huskies are 1-4 SU/2-3 ATS in last five bowl games.

— Ohio U
Ohio U went 20-7 last two years, winning both bowl games.
Bobcats have 2 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Bobcats have 57 returning starts on the offensive line.
Both of LY’s QB’s bolted to big $$ teams; junior QB Navarro has one start.
Since 2015, Bobcats are 8-3 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2017, Ohio U is 31-21-1 ATS vs MAC opponents.
Since 2019, Bobcats are 7-12 ATS in non-conference games.
Ohio U is 5-0 SU/ATS in its last five bowl games.

— Toledo
Last 2 years, Toledo is 20-8, splitting pair of MAC title games.
Rockets have 4 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Rockets have no returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Gleason has 2 career starts under center.
Since 2019, Toledo is 10-15 ATS as a home favorite.
Last two years, Rockets are 9-13 ATS as a favorite.
Last four years, Rockets are 9-5 ATS coming off a loss.
Toledo lost 4 of last 5 bowl games (underdogs 5-0 ATS)

— Western Michigan
WMU was 4-8 LY, 0-8 when they scored less than 35 points.
Broncos have 9 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Broncos have 92 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Wolff has 34 career starts, at WMU/Old Dominion.
In 87 years of NFL Draft, no WMU quarterback has been drafted.

Last two years, Broncos are 6-1 ATS as a favorite.
Last 10 years, WMU is 24-18 ATS in non-league games.
Favorites are 4-1 ATS in Broncos’ last five bowls.

 

[CNOTES]

Tuesday’s Den: Part 1 of our SEC football preview……..​

SEC has 16 teams now; I’m going to divide the preview into two days, then I’ll do the same thing with the Big X later this week……..

— Vanderbilt
Vandy is 9-27 under Clark Lea; their last winning season was 2013.
Commodores have 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Commodores have 121 returning starts on the offensive line;
Senior QB Pavia started 4 games at New Mexico State; his offensive coordinator there works at Vanderbilt now.
Since 2019, Vandy is 1-7 ATS as a home favorite.
Under Lea, Commodores are 4-10 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2020, Vandy is 16-25 ATS in SEC games.
Vandy’s last bowl game was in 2018; their last bowl win, 2013.

— Mississippi State
Jeff Lebby is Miss State’s 5th head coach the last eight seasons.
Lebby was offensive coordinator at Oklahoma the last 2 years.
Bulldogs have 5 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Bulldogs have 67 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Shapen started 23 games at Baylor.
Since 2019, MSU is 1-10-1 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2019, MSU is 15-26-1 ATS in SEC games.
Since 2017, Bulldogs are 8-12 ATS as a road underdog.
Bulldogs are 2-3 SU/ATS in last five bowls (1-3 ATS as a favorite).

— Arkansas
Arkansas was 4-8 LY, their fifth losing season in seven years.
Razorbacks have 9 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Razorbacks have 67 returning starts on the offensive line;
Junior QB Green started 22 games at Boise State.
Under Pittman, Arkansas is 16-7 ATS as an underdog.
Under Pittman, Arkansas is 6-11-1 ATS as a favorite.
Under Pittman, Arkansas is 19-13-2 ATS in SEC games.
Arkansas won three of last four bowl games (favorites 3-1 ATS).

— Auburn
Auburn has had three straight losing years (6-7/5-7/5-7).
Tigers have 9 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Tigers have 87 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Thorne has 37 starts (25 at Michigan State)
In his career, Freeze is 28-13 ATS as an underdog.
In his career, Freeze is 43-28-1 ATS in home games.
Last four years, Auburn is 4-11 ATS in non-SEC games.
Auburn lost its last four bowl games, by average of 11 ppg.

— Famous birthdays, July 16:
Ron Yary, 78
Ron Brewer, 69
Terry Pendleton, 64
Phoebe Cates, 61
Will Ferrell, 57
Barry Sanders, 56
Aaron Glenn, 52
Zach Randolph, 43
Jarred Kelenic, 25

— Kentucky
Kentucky had winning seasons the last 3 years, and 7 of last 8 years.
Wildcats have 8 starters back on offense, 10 on defense.
Wildcats have 156 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Wimsatt started 13 games at Rutgers; junior QB Vandagriff was a backup at Georgia.
Last five years, Kentucky is 21-12 ATS in home games.
Last five years, Kentucky is 15-6 ATS in non-SEC games.
Under Stoops, Wildcats are 22-34-2 ATS coming off a loss.
Underdogs are 4-1 ATS in Kentucky’s last five bowl games.

— South Carolina
Under Beamer, Gamecocks are 11-4 ATS as a favorite.
Carolina has 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Gamecocks have 118 returning starts on the offensive line.
Freshman QB Sellers threw four passes in three games LY.
Under Beamer, Gamecocks are 10-6 ATS coming off a loss.
Last four years, Carolina is 15-19 ATS in SEC games.
Under Beamer, Gamecocks are 9-5 ATS in non-SEC games.
Underdogs are 4-1 ATS in South Carolina’s last five bowls.

— Florida
Last three years, Gators were 6-7/6-7/5-7.
Six years before that, Gators were 52-24; the natives are restless.
Florida has 8 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Gators have 80 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Mertz has 43 career starts, 32 at Wisconsin.
Last two years, Florida is 3-7 ATS as a home favorite.
In his career, Napier is 18-7-1 ATS as an underdog.
Florida is 5-14-1 ATS in its last 20 non-conference games.
Gators lost their last three bowl games, by a combined 114-40.

— Texas A&M
A&M went 5-7/7-6 last two years; they told the coach to take a hike.
Aggies have 9 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
A&M has 112 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Weigman has 8 career starts.
Since 2018, A&M is 19-13 ATS as a home favorite.
In his 2 years at Duke, new HC Elko was 7-4 ATS as an underdog.
Last 10 years, Aggies are 15-26-2 ATS coming off a loss.
A&M is 3-1 SU/2-2 ATS in last four bowl games.

 

[CNOTES]

Wednesday’s Den: Part 2 of our SEC football preview…….​

Part 2 of our SEC football preview……..
— Tennessee
Last two years, Vols are 20-6 SU/17-9 ATS
Tennessee has 6 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Vols have 112 returning starts on the offensive line;
Frosh QB Iamaleava had one start, was MVP of Citrus Bowl.
Under Heupel, Tennessee is 12-5 ATS as a home favorite.
In his career, Heupel is 3-8 ATS as an underdog.
Since 2020, Tennessee is 15-19 ATS in SEC games.
Vols are 4-1 SU/ATS in their last five bowl games.

— Oklahoma
Since 2015, Sooners are 94-24 SU (16-10 under Venables)
Oklahoma has 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Sooners have 114 returning starts on the offensive line.
QB Gabriel bolted to Oregon; Oklahoma is very inexperienced under center.
Last 10 years, Oklahoma is 4-1 ATS as an underdog.
They’ve been favored in 126 of their last 131 games.
Last three years, Sooners are 3-9-1 ATS as a road favorite.
Since 2020, Oklahoma is 15-9 ATS as a home favorite.
Sooners are 2-3 SU/3-2 ATS in last five bowls.

— Missouri
Mizzou was 11-2 last year, their best season since 2014.
Tigers have 9 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Tigers have 107 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Green has started 26 games.
Under Drinkwitz, Mizzou is 4-10-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Under Drinkwitz, Mizzou is 14-9 ATS as an underdog.
Last two years, Mizzou is 11-5 ATS in SEC games.
Tigers lost three of their last four bowl games.

— LSU
In two years under Kelly, LSU is 20-7 SU/15-11-1 ATS
Tigers have 6 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Tigers have 111 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Nussmeier was MVP of LSU’s 35-31 bowl win, but he threw only 78 passes LY. 1st-round draft pick Daniels leaves big shoes to fill.
In his career, Kelly is 35-17-2 ATS as an underdog.
Under Kelly, LSU is 9-2-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Last ten years, Tigers are 23-11-1 ATS coming off a loss.
LSU won five of its last six bowls, scoring 43.8 ppg.

— Famous birthdays, July 17th:
David Hasselhoff, 72
Bryan Trottier, 68
Scott Norwood, 64
Bobby Thigpen, 61
Kevin Pritchard, 57
Calbert Cheaney, 53
Donny Marshall, 52
Mason Rudolph, 29
OG Anunoby, 27

— Ole Miss
Last three years, Ole Miss is 29-10 SU/20-17-2 ATS.
Rebels have 10 starters back on offense, 10 on defense.
Rebels have 222 returning starts on offensive line (VERY experienced).
Junior QB Dart has started 25 games.
Under Kiffin, Ole Miss is 7-3-1 ATS as a road favorite.
Last four years, Ole Miss is 11-5 ATS in non-conference games.
Last three years, Rebels are 15-11-2 ATS coming off a win.
Rebels are 3-2 in last five bowl games (underdogs covered last four).

— Alabama
Hard to replace a legendary coach; last 10 years, Alabama was 127-14.
New coach DeBoer was 37-9 SU at Fresno State/Washington.
Alabama has 7 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Crimson Tide has 60 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Milroe has started 14 games.
Last four years, Alabama is 18-7-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Last three years, Alabama is 5-9 ATS as a road favorite.
Last five years, Crimson Tide is 0-2 ATS as an underdog (both in bowls)
Alabama is 5-2 SU/ATS in its last seven bowls.

— Texas
Texas was 12-2 LY, after going 13-12 previous two years.
Longhorns have 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Longhorns have 123 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Ewers has 22 career starts (22 TDs, 6 INTs LY).
Under Sarkisian, Texas is 11-7 ATS as a home favorite.
In his career, Sarkisian is 10-5 ATS as home dog, 10-18 as road dog.
Since 2015, Longhorns are 6-1-1 ATS as a home underdog.
Texas is 3-2 SU in last five bowls (underdogs 4-1 ATS)

— Georgia
Last seven years, Georgia is 86-11 SU, 54-42-1 ATS.
Dawgs have 7 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Georgia has 87 returning starts on offensive line.
Junior QB Beck started 14 games LY.
Under Smart, Georgia is 18-27-1 ATS as home favorite, 20-11 as road favorite.
Since 2018, Dawgs are 0-1 ATS as an underdog.
Last 10 years, Dawgs are 13-7 ATS coming off a loss.
Georgia won its last seven bowl games, last two by 65-7/63-3 scores.

 

[CNOTES]

Friday’s Den: Part 1 of our Big X football preview…….​

Part 1 of our Big X football preview……..
— Houston
Willie Fritz is the new coach after LY’s 4-8 season.
Houston has 5 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Cougars have 118 returning starts on OL, only 30 of them at Houston.
Senior QB Smith has 20 career starts.
Last three years, Houston is 3-9 ATS as a home favorite.
Last eight years, Houston was 26-36-2 ATS in conference games.
In his career, Fritz is 14-7 ATS as a road favorite.
Cougars are 3-2 SU/2-2-1 ATS in their last five bowl games.

— Arizona State
Last two years, Sun Devils went 3-9/3-9 SU, 5-7/6-6 ATS
ASU has 6 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Sun Devils have 57 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Bourguet started 6 games; they added a transfer QB from Michigan State and another QB who started 25 games at Georgia Tech/Nebraska.
Since 2017, ASU is 8-15 ATS as an home favorite.
Since 2015. ASU is 3-10 ATS as a road favorite.
Since 2017, Sun Devils are 5-16-1 ATS in non-league games.
ASU is 1-4 SU in last five bowls; favorites covered the last four.

— BYU
BYU was 5-7 last year, their worst season since 2017.
Cougars have 8 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Cougars have 88 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Bohanon started 19 games, at Baylor/South Florida.
Under Sitake, BYU is 23-32 ATS as a favorite.
Under Sitake, BYU is 21-14-1 ATS as an underdog.
Last four years, Cougars are 3-6 ATS as a road underdog.
BYU is 3-2 SU/ATS in its last five bowl games.

— Colorado
Last three years, Colorado is 9-27 SU/15-21 ATS
Tigers have 8 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Tigers have 100 returning starts on offensive line, and a new OL coach.
QB Sanders started 11 games LY, after playing multiple years at I-AA Jackson State.
Colorado was 4-8 SU last year, despite a +9 turnover ratio.
Since 2017, Buffs are 10-20-1 ATS as a road underdog.
LY, Colorado was 6-3 ATS as an underdog, 1-3 as a favorite.
Buffs lost their last four bowls; their last bowl win was in 2004.

— Famous birthdays, July 19th:
George Dzundza, 79
Alvan Adams, 70
Anthony Edwards, 62
LeRoy Butler, 56
Rick Ankiel, 45
Adam Morrison, 40
LaMarcus Aldridge, 39
Patrick Corbin, 35
Mauricio Dubon, 30

— Cincinnati
Cincinnati was 3-9 LY, their first losing season since 2017.
Bearcats have 8 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Bearcats have 91 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Dorsby started 7 games at Indiana last year.
Last two years, Cincinnati was 4-10 ATS as a favorite.
Last two years, Cincinnati was 3-13-1 ATS in conference games.
In his career, Satterfield is 16-9 ATS as a road favorite.
Bearcats lost their last three bowl games, scoring 11.3 ppg.

— Baylor
Last two years, Bears were 6-7/3-9, after a 12-2 year in 2021.
Baylor has 10 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Bears have 97 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Finn started 32 games at Toledo.
Under Aranda, Baylor is 8-6 ATS as home favorite, 1-4 as road faves.
Since 2018, Bears are 8-6 ATS as a home underdog.
Last 2 years, Baylor was +3 in turnovers (+31 from 2019-21)
Baylor is 3-2 SU in last five bowls (underdogs 4-1 ATS).

— Texas Tech
Last three years, Texas Tech was 7-6/8-5/7-6.
Red Raiders have 8 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Red Raiders have 125 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Morton started 12 games LY (15 TDs/8 INTs)
Under McGuire, Texas Tech is 8-5 ATS in home games.
Last 10 years, Red Raiders are 4-9 ATS as a road favorite.
Last four years, Tech had a minus-28 turnover ratio, still went 26-23 SU.
Texas Tech won its last three bowls, scoring 36.7 ppg.

— Central Florida
UCF was 6-7 last year, their first losing season since 2016.
Knights have 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
UCF has 58 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Jefferson started 38 games at Arkansas.
Last five years, UCF is 7-14 ATS as a road favorite.
In his career, Malzahn is 10-5 ATS as home underdog, 11-15 as road underdog.
Last five years, Knights are 5-14-1 ATS coming off a loss.
UCF lost three of its last four bowl games.

 

[CNOTES]

Part 2 of our Big X football preview……..

— Kansas
Kansas was 9-4 LY, their first winning season since 2008.
Jayhawks have 7 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Kansas has 130 returning starts on offensive line.
Junior QB Daniels has 20 career starts.

In his career, Leipold is 19-8-1 ATS as home favorite, 6-2 at Kansas.
In his career, Leipold is 16-7-1 ATS as home dog, 11-19-1 as road dog.
Last two years, Kansas was 7-1 ATS in non-league games.
Jayhawks are 4-1 SU/5-0 ATS in their last five bowl games.

— TCU
TCU was 5-7 last year, their fourth losing season in five years.
The one winning year was 2022; they lost national title game 65-7 to Georgia.
TCU has 7 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Horned Frogs have 77 returning starts on the offensive line.
Soph QB Hoover started six games last year.

Under Dykes, TCU is 11-6-1 ATS as a favorite.
In his career, Dykes is 28-21 ATS as home favorite, 13-17-1 as road favorite.
Horned Frogs are 7-2-1 ATS in last ten games as a road favorite.
TCU won three of last four bowls, 2-1 ATS as a bowl underdog.

— West Virginia
WVU was 9-4 last year, their best season since 2016.
Mountaineers have 8 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Mountaineers have 113 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Greene has 14 career starts.

Since 2017, WVU is 18-8 ATS as a home favorite.
Since 2018, WVU is 3-7 ATS as a road favorite.
Since 2018, WVU is 22-30 ATS coming off a win.
Mountaineers are 2-3 SU/1-4 ATS in last five bowl games.

— Arizona
Arizona was 10-3 LY; their coach jumped ship, to Washington.
New coach Brennan rebuilt San Jose’s program, did real good job there.
Wildcats have 8 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Wildcats have 86 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Fifita started nine games LY, threw 25 TD’s, 6 INTs.

Arizona had +5 turnover ratio LY; from 2020-22, they were minus-32.
Last three years, Wildcats are 16-9 ATS as an underdog.
In his career, Brennan is 25-20-1 ATS as an underdog.
Arizona is 3-2 in its last five bowls; average total, 69.2.

— Iowa State
ISU was 7-6 LY, their sixth winning season in seven years.
Cyclones have 10 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Cyclones have 90 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Becht started 13 games last season.

Under Campbell, ISU is 24-14-2 ATS as an underdog.
Under Campbell, Cyclones are 58-44-3 ATS in conference games.
Last three years, ISU is 5-13 ATS coming off a win.
Cyclones are 1-4 SU/2-3 ATS in last five bowls.

— Oklahoma State
OSU was 10-4 last year, their 18th consecutive winning year.
Cowboys have 10 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Cowboys have 214 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Bowman is in his 7th college season (13 starts LY)

Under Gundy, OSU is 32-21-2 ATS as a road favorite.
Since 2016, Cowboys are 8-1 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2018, Cowboys are 19-9-1 ATS coming off a loss.
Oklahoma State won three of its last four bowl games.

— Kansas State
Last three years, K-State was 8-5/10-4/9-4 SU.
Wildcats have 4 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Wildcats have 73 returning starts on OL, only 36 at I-A level.
LY’s QB bolted to Ohio State; soph QB started one game LY.

Last two years, K-State is 11-2 ATS as a home favorite.
Under Klieman, Wildcats are 16-9 ATS as an underdog.
Since 2018, K-State is 18-9 ATS in non-league games.
K-State is 3-2 SU in last five bowls (favorites 5-0 ATS)

— Utah
Utah was 8-5 last year, their 10th consecutive winning year.
Utes have 6 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Utah has 60 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Rising (knee) DNP LY; he’s got 23 career starts.

Under Whittingham, Utah is 52-41-2 ATS as a home favorite.
Under Whittingham, Utah is 27-17 ATS as road underdog.
Since 2018, Utes are 6-13-1 ATS in non-conference games.
Utah lost its last five bowls; they were favored in three of them.