Year To Date: 9-10-2 (-1.7 units)

Back on the winning side of things finally, although it was through sheer grit and determination. Two pushes in our picks hurts, but they’re better than losses. It was a great week of matchups, and while there are a few to watch this week the slate is significantly dulled down. We’ll still find ways to make money, just follow along.

Iowa -5 vs Michigan State

Let me start this off by saying, this is not the Iowa offense of years past. They’ve been consistently putting up points in the 30’s all year long under new offensive coordinator Tim Lester, and led by one of the best running backs in the country in Kaleb Johnson, they Hawkeyes know exactly how their bread is buttered. New QB Cade McNamara still stinks, but they’re also not asking him to light the world on fire, much to their benefit. The defense is still elite, and while being faced with a mobile quarterback in Aiden Chiles will be a tough ask, they will be up to the task. Michigan State is coming off of a bye, so the extra time to prepare should help them out, I just don’t have much faith that they’ll be able to score at a consistent rate against a strong defense.

UNLV -7 vs Oregon State

My favorite team to watch (and bet on) this year has easily been the UNLV Rebels. The go-go offense under offensive coordinator Brandon Marion has been a revelation, and even with a loss on their record, they are still in a spot to sneak into the College Football Playoffs if they can run the table and win the Mountain West. Fans in Las Vegas have already forgotten about Matthew Sluka because, frankly, Hajj-Malik Williams is a better fit for this offense (and always has been for real ball knowers). The Rebels defense has had an up and down season, but linebacker Jackson Woodard and safety Jalen Catalon have been some of the best defenders in the nation. What concerns me in this matchup is the defensive unit has had to play a ton of snaps the last two weeks (90 plus snaps in last two games) and might be a little run down. Oregon State isn’t going to be a cake walk, running back Anthony Hankerson has shown the ability to move the sticks at a consistent clip (5.o yards per carry, 12 TD’s). At the end of the day, I’ll bet on the talent of the Rebels as they look toward a huge matchup against Boise State next week.

Colorado-Arizona Over 58

The Arizona Wildcats are up there as one of the most disappointing teams in the country this season. Many, including me, thought they could challenge in the Big 12 in their first year in the conference, but things have fallen flat after a incredible run last year. Quarterback Noah Fifita has taken a step back, and even with star wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan still putting up great numbers, the offense just doesn’t look right. For all of their flaws, this is a great spot for the offense if it plans to show any signs of life this year. Colorado plays little defense, and their secondary has been a mess for much of Deion Sanders’ tenure as head coach. The Buffaloes will have no issue putting up points though, as the star combo of Shadeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are sure to make some highlight reel plays. This game could end up being a complete shootout, I will definitely be tuning in.

You can find Nick on Twitter @YNWA9623, Mike @Mike_Sheerin, Tyler @TMon_19 and Sean @SeanMartinNFL. Subscribe to the site by hitting the follow button in the bottom right corner and entering your email address. Check out our Instagram feed @thebroadwaybreakdownsports for special gameday and promotional content. Our fall of podcasts are available on Spotify. Visit the Rangers Ed Shop by clicking the link on our homepage. The store is live, and Little Ed has been in the lab cooking up some can’t miss items for you fans. Check out our mailbag page to join the conversation here on the site and on our partners show, The Rangers Ed Podcast! We’ll be back with more soon!