Preview: Louisville at Clemson
Gracenote
Nov 1, 2018
After checking in at No. 2 in the initial College Football Playoff Rankings, second-ranked Clemson looks to preserve its lofty spot when it hosts struggling Louisville in an ACC matchup on Saturday. The Tigers have won all four meetings in the series, including a 47-21 blowout last season.
Since surviving a scare in a 27-23 win over Syracuse on Sept. 29, the Tigers have trounced their last three opponents by an average of 47.7 points, but coach Dabo Swinney was reticent to acknowledge his team has distanced itself from the pack in the ACC. “These last three ballgames, our team has really played well, and I think it's more a reflection of that than it is us measuring ourselves against everybody else in the league and all that stuff,” Swinney told reporters. “I don’t know. I haven’t seen everybody in the league.” Up next is a Louisville team that has struggled to an 0-5 start in ACC play, with four of the losses coming in lopsided fashion. The Cardinals have allowed 160 points in their last three contests and gave up 591 total yards in last week’s 56-35 home loss to Wake Forest.
TV: Noon ET, ABC. LINE: Clemson -38.5
ABOUT LOUISVILLE (2-6, 0-5 ACC): The good news for the Cardinals is that their offense piled up a season-high 532 total yards - including 358 through the air - last week, but the bad news is that it happened because they were playing catch-up. Louisville’s defensive woes continued, as it has allowed 43 points and 469.2 total yards per contest during its five-game skid. One-time Louisville commit Matt Colburn rushed for 243 yards and three touchdowns as the Demon Deacons rolled up 368 yards on the ground last week.
ABOUT CLEMSON (8-0, 5-0): After struggling a bit prior to leaving with an injury against Syracuse, freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence has hit his stride over the last three games and has surpassed 300 passing yards in two straight. Running back Travis Etienne was quiet in the last two contests but has an opportunity to put up big numbers against Louisville's porous run defense. The Tigers’ defense has allowed more than 300 total yards only twice and has registered 80 tackles for loss and 26 sacks behind a dominant line led by Clelin Ferrell (11.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks).
EXTRA POINTS
1. Saturday will mark the 400th time Clemson has participated in its “running down the hill” pregame tradition.
2. Louisville is trying to avoid its first six-game conference losing streak since a slide that bridged the 1997 and 1998 seasons.
3. Clemson is looking to win four consecutive games by 30 or more points for the first time in program history.
PREDICTION: Clemson 45, Louisville 17
Gracenote
Nov 1, 2018
After checking in at No. 2 in the initial College Football Playoff Rankings, second-ranked Clemson looks to preserve its lofty spot when it hosts struggling Louisville in an ACC matchup on Saturday. The Tigers have won all four meetings in the series, including a 47-21 blowout last season.
Since surviving a scare in a 27-23 win over Syracuse on Sept. 29, the Tigers have trounced their last three opponents by an average of 47.7 points, but coach Dabo Swinney was reticent to acknowledge his team has distanced itself from the pack in the ACC. “These last three ballgames, our team has really played well, and I think it's more a reflection of that than it is us measuring ourselves against everybody else in the league and all that stuff,” Swinney told reporters. “I don’t know. I haven’t seen everybody in the league.” Up next is a Louisville team that has struggled to an 0-5 start in ACC play, with four of the losses coming in lopsided fashion. The Cardinals have allowed 160 points in their last three contests and gave up 591 total yards in last week’s 56-35 home loss to Wake Forest.
TV: Noon ET, ABC. LINE: Clemson -38.5
ABOUT LOUISVILLE (2-6, 0-5 ACC): The good news for the Cardinals is that their offense piled up a season-high 532 total yards - including 358 through the air - last week, but the bad news is that it happened because they were playing catch-up. Louisville’s defensive woes continued, as it has allowed 43 points and 469.2 total yards per contest during its five-game skid. One-time Louisville commit Matt Colburn rushed for 243 yards and three touchdowns as the Demon Deacons rolled up 368 yards on the ground last week.
ABOUT CLEMSON (8-0, 5-0): After struggling a bit prior to leaving with an injury against Syracuse, freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence has hit his stride over the last three games and has surpassed 300 passing yards in two straight. Running back Travis Etienne was quiet in the last two contests but has an opportunity to put up big numbers against Louisville's porous run defense. The Tigers’ defense has allowed more than 300 total yards only twice and has registered 80 tackles for loss and 26 sacks behind a dominant line led by Clelin Ferrell (11.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks).
EXTRA POINTS
1. Saturday will mark the 400th time Clemson has participated in its “running down the hill” pregame tradition.
2. Louisville is trying to avoid its first six-game conference losing streak since a slide that bridged the 1997 and 1998 seasons.
3. Clemson is looking to win four consecutive games by 30 or more points for the first time in program history.
PREDICTION: Clemson 45, Louisville 17
ATS Trends
Louisville
Cardinals are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Cardinals are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
Cardinals are 7-20 ATS in their last 27 games overall.
Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
Cardinals are 3-14 ATS in their last 17 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Cardinals are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
Cardinals are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Cardinals are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Cardinals are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Cardinals are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Cardinals are 0-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Cardinals are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games.
Clemson
Tigers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 conference games.
Tigers are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in November.
Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Tigers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Tigers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
Tigers are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
OU Trends
Louisville
Over is 4-0 in Cardinals last 4 games overall.
Over is 4-0 in Cardinals last 4 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 4-0 in Cardinals last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Over is 4-0 in Cardinals last 4 conference games.
Under is 5-1 in Cardinals last 6 games in November.
Under is 5-1 in Cardinals last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 4-1 in Cardinals last 5 games on grass.
Over is 4-1 in Cardinals last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Cardinals last 7 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Cardinals last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Clemson
Over is 5-1-1 in Tigers last 7 games in November.
Under is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 games following a ATS win.
Under is 3-1-1 in Tigers last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Tigers last 8 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Tigers last 8 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 8-3 in Tigers last 11 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Under is 26-10-1 in Tigers last 37 home games.
Under is 5-2 in Tigers last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 11-5-1 in Tigers last 17 games on grass.
Under is 15-7 in Tigers last 22 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Head to Head
No trends available.
Louisville
Cardinals are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Cardinals are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
Cardinals are 7-20 ATS in their last 27 games overall.
Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 conference games.
Cardinals are 3-14 ATS in their last 17 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Cardinals are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
Cardinals are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Cardinals are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Cardinals are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Cardinals are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Cardinals are 0-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Cardinals are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games.
Clemson
Tigers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 conference games.
Tigers are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in November.
Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Tigers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Tigers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
Tigers are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
OU Trends
Louisville
Over is 4-0 in Cardinals last 4 games overall.
Over is 4-0 in Cardinals last 4 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 4-0 in Cardinals last 4 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points.
Over is 4-0 in Cardinals last 4 conference games.
Under is 5-1 in Cardinals last 6 games in November.
Under is 5-1 in Cardinals last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 4-1 in Cardinals last 5 games on grass.
Over is 4-1 in Cardinals last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Cardinals last 7 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Cardinals last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Clemson
Over is 5-1-1 in Tigers last 7 games in November.
Under is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 games following a ATS win.
Under is 3-1-1 in Tigers last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Tigers last 8 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Tigers last 8 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 8-3 in Tigers last 11 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Under is 26-10-1 in Tigers last 37 home games.
Under is 5-2 in Tigers last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 11-5-1 in Tigers last 17 games on grass.
Under is 15-7 in Tigers last 22 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Head to Head
No trends available.
Preview: Michigan State at Maryland
Gracenote
Oct 31, 2018
Maryland hosts Michigan State on Saturday in a Big Ten Conference game, capping a week of turmoil for the Terrapins after coach DJ Durkin was reinstated Tuesday and fired Wednesday. Durkin was suspended following the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair during a summer practice because of heatstroke but his return was met by protests ranging from players to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan.
The Spartans come into the contest feeling pretty good after freshman Rocky Lombardi took over for injured starter Brian Lewerke at quarterback and threw for 318 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Purdue. The Michigan State defense continues to be difficult to run against, ranking No. 1 in the country in allowing 77.4 yards per game after holding the Boilermakers to a season-low 62 yards. Maryland comes off a rousing 63-33 victory over Illinois that included 712 yards of total offense led by running back Javon Leake, who tallied four touchdowns (three rushing, one kickoff return). The Terrapins have 14 interceptions, tied for the most in the country, and have at least one in every game this season, which could make things difficult for Lombardi in his second collegiate start.
TV: Noon ET, ESPN2. LINE: Michigan State -2.5
ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten): The Spartans have been dealing with a number of injuries to the receiving corps, but things may be getting better at just the right time. Sophomore Cody White (20 catches, 300 yards) has been out for more than a month with a broken hand but there's optimism he could be back against Maryland, and he'll join a number of players coming off big games against Purdue. Freshman Jalen Nailor led the club with 94 yards from scrimmage (70 receiving) and receivers Brandon Sowards (six catches) and Cam Chambers (five) and tight end Matt Dotson (four) all tied or set career highs in catches against the Boilermakers.
ABOUT MARYLAND (5-3, 3-2): Lost in the Durkin story is the bounce-back of the Maryland offense, which had been shut out by Iowa two weeks ago before erupting for the program's most points against an FBS team since 1954, under interim coach Matt Canada. Freshman quarterback Kasim Hill threw for a season-best 265 yards and tied his season high with three touchdowns despite leaving the game late in the third quarter with a 30-point lead. Hill will need to be at his best against the Spartans, who are known for their run defense but also had three interceptions in snapping Purdue's four-game winning streak.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Michigan State CB Justin Layne played offense and defense against Purdue, catching his first career pass and registering a career-high four passes defended to go with seven tackles.
2. Leake became the first player in Big Ten history to win the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week and Special Teams Player of the Week in the same week after recording 274 all-purpose yards against the Illini.
3. In the four matchups since Maryland joined the Big Ten, the winning margin between the Terrapins and Spartans has been at least 10 points each time.
PREDICTION: Michigan State 28, Maryland 24
Gracenote
Oct 31, 2018
Maryland hosts Michigan State on Saturday in a Big Ten Conference game, capping a week of turmoil for the Terrapins after coach DJ Durkin was reinstated Tuesday and fired Wednesday. Durkin was suspended following the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair during a summer practice because of heatstroke but his return was met by protests ranging from players to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan.
The Spartans come into the contest feeling pretty good after freshman Rocky Lombardi took over for injured starter Brian Lewerke at quarterback and threw for 318 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Purdue. The Michigan State defense continues to be difficult to run against, ranking No. 1 in the country in allowing 77.4 yards per game after holding the Boilermakers to a season-low 62 yards. Maryland comes off a rousing 63-33 victory over Illinois that included 712 yards of total offense led by running back Javon Leake, who tallied four touchdowns (three rushing, one kickoff return). The Terrapins have 14 interceptions, tied for the most in the country, and have at least one in every game this season, which could make things difficult for Lombardi in his second collegiate start.
TV: Noon ET, ESPN2. LINE: Michigan State -2.5
ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten): The Spartans have been dealing with a number of injuries to the receiving corps, but things may be getting better at just the right time. Sophomore Cody White (20 catches, 300 yards) has been out for more than a month with a broken hand but there's optimism he could be back against Maryland, and he'll join a number of players coming off big games against Purdue. Freshman Jalen Nailor led the club with 94 yards from scrimmage (70 receiving) and receivers Brandon Sowards (six catches) and Cam Chambers (five) and tight end Matt Dotson (four) all tied or set career highs in catches against the Boilermakers.
ABOUT MARYLAND (5-3, 3-2): Lost in the Durkin story is the bounce-back of the Maryland offense, which had been shut out by Iowa two weeks ago before erupting for the program's most points against an FBS team since 1954, under interim coach Matt Canada. Freshman quarterback Kasim Hill threw for a season-best 265 yards and tied his season high with three touchdowns despite leaving the game late in the third quarter with a 30-point lead. Hill will need to be at his best against the Spartans, who are known for their run defense but also had three interceptions in snapping Purdue's four-game winning streak.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Michigan State CB Justin Layne played offense and defense against Purdue, catching his first career pass and registering a career-high four passes defended to go with seven tackles.
2. Leake became the first player in Big Ten history to win the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week and Special Teams Player of the Week in the same week after recording 274 all-purpose yards against the Illini.
3. In the four matchups since Maryland joined the Big Ten, the winning margin between the Terrapins and Spartans has been at least 10 points each time.
PREDICTION: Michigan State 28, Maryland 24
ATS Trends
Michigan State
Spartans are 19-9-2 ATS in their last 30 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Spartans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
Spartans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win.
Maryland
Terrapins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Terrapins are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Terrapins are 20-41 ATS in their last 61 games following a straight up win.
Terrapins are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Terrapins are 4-12 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Terrapins are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games in November.
Terrapins are 6-23 ATS in their last 29 games following a ATS win.
Terrapins are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Terrapins are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Terrapins are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
Terrapins are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
OU Trends
Michigan State
Over is 6-1 in Spartans last 7 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Under is 8-2 in Spartans last 10 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Spartans last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 6-2 in Spartans last 8 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Maryland
Over is 7-1 in Terrapins last 8 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Terrapins last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Over is 6-2 in Terrapins last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 13-5 in Terrapins last 18 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 10-4 in Terrapins last 14 conference games.
Under is 23-10-1 in Terrapins last 34 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
Over is 13-6 in Terrapins last 19 games on fieldturf.
Head to Head
Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
Michigan State
Spartans are 19-9-2 ATS in their last 30 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Spartans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
Spartans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win.
Maryland
Terrapins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Terrapins are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Terrapins are 20-41 ATS in their last 61 games following a straight up win.
Terrapins are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Terrapins are 4-12 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Terrapins are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games in November.
Terrapins are 6-23 ATS in their last 29 games following a ATS win.
Terrapins are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Terrapins are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Terrapins are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
Terrapins are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
OU Trends
Michigan State
Over is 6-1 in Spartans last 7 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Under is 8-2 in Spartans last 10 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Spartans last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 6-2 in Spartans last 8 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Maryland
Over is 7-1 in Terrapins last 8 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Terrapins last 7 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.
Over is 6-2 in Terrapins last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 13-5 in Terrapins last 18 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Over is 10-4 in Terrapins last 14 conference games.
Under is 23-10-1 in Terrapins last 34 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.
Over is 13-6 in Terrapins last 19 games on fieldturf.
Head to Head
Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
Preview: Texas A&M at Auburn
Gracenote
Oct 31, 2018
Texas A&M was a dark horse contender for a spot in the College Football Playoff until a disappointing loss at Mississippi State last week and is looking for solutions on offense. The Aggies will try to solve their red zone execution issues and avoid back-to-back losses when they wrap up a stretch of three straight road games by visiting Auburn on Saturday.
Texas A&M has yet to score more than 26 points in SEC play and managed only a field goal in the second half of last week's 28-13 loss at Mississippi State. "I'm disappointed we're not reaching our capabilities," Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher told reporters. "I think when you go on the road you've really got to lock into that. ... We don't have issues moving the football. We've just got to have details to finish." The Tigers can point to similar struggles for their lackluster record but seemed to solve some of their problems on the ground in a 31-16 win at Ole Miss that preceded their bye week. Freshman running back JaTarvious Whitlow broke out for a season-high 170 yards on 19 carries as part of an Auburn effort that churned out 269 rushing yards and averaged 5.8 yards per carry in the victory.
TV: Noon, ET, ESPN. LINE: Auburn -5
ABOUT TEXAS A&M (5-3, 3-2 SEC): Aggies running back Trayveon Williams helped drag the team to wins over Arkansas, Kentucky and South Carolina but suffered through his worst game of the season last week, when he was held to 26 yards on 10 carries. Williams, who ran for 103 yards against Auburn last season, is averaging 30 yards in the team's three losses and 147.2 yards in the five victories. "It was tough to run the ball," Williams told reporters after falling last week. "Mississippi State has a great defensive front and they know how to stop the run. ... In order to win, you've got to get the run game going. I definitely feel that's something we struggled with. We got out-executed in some moments."
ABOUT AUBURN (5-3, 2-3): Whitlow seems to be the answer to the Tigers' problems in the run game and is the unquestioned starter at the position coming off the bye week, pushing junior Kam Martin into a backup role. Martin began the season as the starter after averaging 7.3 yards per carry as a freshman and 6.1 as a sophomore, but he is down to 3.7 as a junior and did not carry the ball more than four times in any of the last three contests. "Kam is one of our leaders," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn told reporters. "He sets the tone for a lot of guys on offense. He is a team guy and he is ready when called upon whenever his name is called."
EXTRA POINTS
1. Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond has thrown at least one INT in four of the last five games.
2. The Auburn defense is tied for first in FBS with three rushing TDs allowed.
3. The visiting team has taken each of the last six meetings in the series, with the Tigers earning a 42-27 win at the Aggies last season.
PREDICTION: Auburn 27, Texas A&M 20
Gracenote
Oct 31, 2018
Texas A&M was a dark horse contender for a spot in the College Football Playoff until a disappointing loss at Mississippi State last week and is looking for solutions on offense. The Aggies will try to solve their red zone execution issues and avoid back-to-back losses when they wrap up a stretch of three straight road games by visiting Auburn on Saturday.
Texas A&M has yet to score more than 26 points in SEC play and managed only a field goal in the second half of last week's 28-13 loss at Mississippi State. "I'm disappointed we're not reaching our capabilities," Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher told reporters. "I think when you go on the road you've really got to lock into that. ... We don't have issues moving the football. We've just got to have details to finish." The Tigers can point to similar struggles for their lackluster record but seemed to solve some of their problems on the ground in a 31-16 win at Ole Miss that preceded their bye week. Freshman running back JaTarvious Whitlow broke out for a season-high 170 yards on 19 carries as part of an Auburn effort that churned out 269 rushing yards and averaged 5.8 yards per carry in the victory.
TV: Noon, ET, ESPN. LINE: Auburn -5
ABOUT TEXAS A&M (5-3, 3-2 SEC): Aggies running back Trayveon Williams helped drag the team to wins over Arkansas, Kentucky and South Carolina but suffered through his worst game of the season last week, when he was held to 26 yards on 10 carries. Williams, who ran for 103 yards against Auburn last season, is averaging 30 yards in the team's three losses and 147.2 yards in the five victories. "It was tough to run the ball," Williams told reporters after falling last week. "Mississippi State has a great defensive front and they know how to stop the run. ... In order to win, you've got to get the run game going. I definitely feel that's something we struggled with. We got out-executed in some moments."
ABOUT AUBURN (5-3, 2-3): Whitlow seems to be the answer to the Tigers' problems in the run game and is the unquestioned starter at the position coming off the bye week, pushing junior Kam Martin into a backup role. Martin began the season as the starter after averaging 7.3 yards per carry as a freshman and 6.1 as a sophomore, but he is down to 3.7 as a junior and did not carry the ball more than four times in any of the last three contests. "Kam is one of our leaders," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn told reporters. "He sets the tone for a lot of guys on offense. He is a team guy and he is ready when called upon whenever his name is called."
EXTRA POINTS
1. Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond has thrown at least one INT in four of the last five games.
2. The Auburn defense is tied for first in FBS with three rushing TDs allowed.
3. The visiting team has taken each of the last six meetings in the series, with the Tigers earning a 42-27 win at the Aggies last season.
PREDICTION: Auburn 27, Texas A&M 20
ATS Trends
Texas A&M
Aggies are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games on grass.
Aggies are 6-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Aggies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Aggies are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
Aggies are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games.
Aggies are 22-48-1 ATS in their last 71 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Aggies are 5-17 ATS in their last 22 games following a straight up loss.
Aggies are 4-15 ATS in their last 19 games in November.
Aggies are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Auburn
Tigers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in November.
Tigers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a bye week.
Tigers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Tigers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on grass.
Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Tigers are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Tigers are 1-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Tigers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Tigers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win.
Tigers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
OU Trends
Texas A&M
Under is 4-0 in Aggies last 4 games overall.
Under is 4-0 in Aggies last 4 conference games.
Over is 6-1 in Aggies last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 5-1 in Aggies last 6 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Aggies last 5 games in November.
Under is 4-1 in Aggies last 5 games on grass.
Under is 4-1 in Aggies last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 10-3 in Aggies last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 12-4 in Aggies last 16 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 14-6 in Aggies last 20 games following a straight up loss.
Auburn
Over is 3-0-1 in Tigers last 4 games following a bye week.
Under is 7-1 in Tigers last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 6-1 in Tigers last 7 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Tigers last 7 games following a straight up win.
Under is 6-1 in Tigers last 7 conference games.
Under is 10-2 in Tigers last 12 games overall.
Under is 8-2 in Tigers last 10 home games.
Under is 7-2 in Tigers last 9 games in November.
Under is 19-6-1 in Tigers last 26 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 6-2 in Tigers last 8 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 20-8-1 in Tigers last 29 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 27-11-1 in Tigers last 39 games on grass.
Head to Head
Road team is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Texas A&M
Aggies are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games on grass.
Aggies are 6-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Aggies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Aggies are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
Aggies are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games.
Aggies are 22-48-1 ATS in their last 71 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Aggies are 5-17 ATS in their last 22 games following a straight up loss.
Aggies are 4-15 ATS in their last 19 games in November.
Aggies are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Auburn
Tigers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in November.
Tigers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a bye week.
Tigers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Tigers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on grass.
Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Tigers are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Tigers are 1-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Tigers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Tigers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win.
Tigers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
OU Trends
Texas A&M
Under is 4-0 in Aggies last 4 games overall.
Under is 4-0 in Aggies last 4 conference games.
Over is 6-1 in Aggies last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 5-1 in Aggies last 6 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Aggies last 5 games in November.
Under is 4-1 in Aggies last 5 games on grass.
Under is 4-1 in Aggies last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 10-3 in Aggies last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 12-4 in Aggies last 16 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 14-6 in Aggies last 20 games following a straight up loss.
Auburn
Over is 3-0-1 in Tigers last 4 games following a bye week.
Under is 7-1 in Tigers last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 6-1 in Tigers last 7 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Tigers last 7 games following a straight up win.
Under is 6-1 in Tigers last 7 conference games.
Under is 10-2 in Tigers last 12 games overall.
Under is 8-2 in Tigers last 10 home games.
Under is 7-2 in Tigers last 9 games in November.
Under is 19-6-1 in Tigers last 26 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 6-2 in Tigers last 8 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.
Under is 20-8-1 in Tigers last 29 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 27-11-1 in Tigers last 39 games on grass.
Head to Head
Road team is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Stephen Nover free pick:
Saturday, Nov. 3
Memphis minus 11 at East Carolina
East Carolina has lost by 43, 22 and 27 points during its last three games. Those demoralizing losses have dropped the Pirates to 2-5. Memphis has bowl aspirations. East Carolina doesn't.
The Pirates aren't going to be able to slow down Memphis' balanced offense that features a good quarterback in Brady White and a star running back in Darrell Henderson, who is the second-leading rusher in the nation and leads everyone with a 10.0 average per run. The Pirates are last in the country in turnover margin. So they are going to need to get stops, which isn't likely to happen.
The Pirates are also going to have to keep up with the Tigers by matching their scoring. I don't see them staying within two touchdowns. Memphis will be keying on East Carolina's freshman quarterback Holton Ahlers. East Carolina is averaging only 12 points per game during its past three games.
The Tigers enter this matchup with the confidence of having buried the Pirates, 70-13, last season.
Saturday, Nov. 3
Memphis minus 11 at East Carolina
East Carolina has lost by 43, 22 and 27 points during its last three games. Those demoralizing losses have dropped the Pirates to 2-5. Memphis has bowl aspirations. East Carolina doesn't.
The Pirates aren't going to be able to slow down Memphis' balanced offense that features a good quarterback in Brady White and a star running back in Darrell Henderson, who is the second-leading rusher in the nation and leads everyone with a 10.0 average per run. The Pirates are last in the country in turnover margin. So they are going to need to get stops, which isn't likely to happen.
The Pirates are also going to have to keep up with the Tigers by matching their scoring. I don't see them staying within two touchdowns. Memphis will be keying on East Carolina's freshman quarterback Holton Ahlers. East Carolina is averaging only 12 points per game during its past three games.
The Tigers enter this matchup with the confidence of having buried the Pirates, 70-13, last season.
