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I gave my thoughts on the Week 7 schedule earlier this week. Here are the games I’m targeting in Week 7.
- Last week’s record: 1-2
- Overall season record: 9-13
Syracuse -3.5 at NC State (-110 via BetMGM)
NC State is giving up 33.7 points per game this season. It just gave up 34 to an average Wake Forest team. It gave up 59 to Clemson a few weeks ago. I think the Wolfpack are going to struggle to get off the field against Syracuse. Quarterback Kyle McCord is fourth among all FBS passers in EPA and has already thrown for 1,814 yards and 17 touchdowns. While he is turning the ball over, and that could ultimately keep NC State closer than it should be, I just don’t think the Wolfpack are going to be able to slow down the Orange.
Cal +3.5 at Pitt (-110 via ESPN Bet)
This might be the week where the bubble pops on Pitt’s perfect start. The Panthers are 5-0, but they’ve walloped the pushovers and struggled against the teams with pulses. There are concerning signs that regression might be on the horizon for the offense and I think Cal is equipped to press those specific issues. The Bears will bring pressure and add to their FBS-leading interception total.
UCLA +5.5 vs. Minnesota (-110 via BetMGM)
Maybe it’ll come as a surprise, but UCLA has covered 3 consecutive spreads against LSU (on the road), Oregon, and Penn State (on the road). The Bruins haven’t won any of those games outright, but after really struggling out of the gates to begin the season, they’re fighting for coach Deshaun Foster. And I like the spot here, Minnesota has played physical, emotional games in back-to-back weeks and now it has to travel across the country. The Bruins have held up against the run, and quarterback Justyn Martin provided some juice in a spot start against Penn State.
Under 53.5 total points for Ohio State at Oregon (-105 via FanDuel)
I previewed this game extensively earlier in the week. It’s the biggest game in college football this weekend and it might be a defensive-minded slugfest. Both of these teams have offenses with question marks and defenses with advantages. Oregon’s defensive line is exceptional and unlike anything Ohio State has seen to this point in the season. Ohio State’s pass defense might cause Oregon’s receivers some issues, and if Dillon Gabriel continues the trend of red zone turnovers, Oregon is going to be in trouble.
Over 60.5 total points for Boise State at Hawaii (-110 via FanDuel)
Boise overs are 5-0 this season. Two of those have narrowly cleared the number — Portland State (1.5 points) and Washington State (3) — while the other 3 have just smashed the number from Vegas. Boise State has scored at least 50 points in 3 of its 5 games this season and this could be No. 4. The Rainbow Warriors are better, relatively, stopping the run than they are the pass, but still not to a level where Heisman Trophy contending tailback Ashton Jeanty should have difficulty getting going. Boise State is going to score on Hawaii. Conversely, Boise hasn’t really stopped anyone from scoring this season. All 4 FBS opponents have put at least 24 on the board. Georgia Southern scored 45, and Utah State 30.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.