Year to Date: 7-11 (-4.85 units)

From bad to worse, last week was an absolute disaster for me. There’s no way around it, I need to be better for you readers. Saturday is a new day, and all of a sudden I am questioning my own validity. We will get back on the horse and try to find more winners, just stick with me.

TCU Moneyline vs Kansas State -118

This is going to be a battle between one team exceeding expectations in the Big 12 (TCU) and another that’s fallen flat on their face (Kansas State). Kansas State was looking like an early front runner to win the conference in the preseason, but after a rough trip to Ireland, there hasn’t been much to smile about in Manhattan, Kansas. Avery Johnson, while still showing flashes, has regressed, and the rest of the ship has slowly sunken with him. After a heartbreaking loss to Baylor last week, the team is at a crossroads as they are firmly out of the race to make the Conference Championship game and the College Football Playoff. Will they pick themselves up and continue to fight? I have doubts. TCU on the other hand still is looking to make a run in the stacked conference, and their road doesn’t get any easier going forward. I do have a ton of faith in Josh Hoover to keep the ship steady and get the ball to his strong receiver duo in Eric McAlister and Joseph Manjack. Kansas State can put up some points, so don’t expect this one to be a grind it out, ugly game, but I’ll back the team with much higher aspirations.

Tennessee team total OVER 38.5 points vs Arkansas -115

There’s no other way to put it, Arkansas is a complete mess. The Razorbacks turn back to Bobby Petrino as their interim Head Coach after firing Sam Pittman (a year too late) and the roster may already be looking ahead to where they will be playing next season. Three straight losses where the defense has given up 30+ points, there’s a chance it gets even worse as they face arguably the best offense they will see this entire season this week in the Tennessee Volunteers. My whole idea behind this play is that Arkansas can put up some points against a suspect Tennessee defense, and that will allow Tennessee to keep open their entire playbook instead of getting too conservative with a run heavy game script should they get off to a big lead. Joey Aguilar has looked incredible since making the move to the SEC, and his willingness to take big shots throughout the game should put the Razorbacks defense in a blender. Look for the Vols to flex their muscles in this one.

BYU vs Arizona over 46.5 -112

We head back to the Big 12 for another matchup between two teams off to strong starts and high aspirations. BYU was a team in flux to start the year, turning to a true freshman under center in Bear Bachmeier after all of the drama surround Jake Retzaff unfolded. Many expecting big things out of Bachmeier over time, I don’t think anyone expected him to look this good so early in his career. He has shown the ability to make elite level throws, extend plays with his legs, and limit turnovers. In just five career games? That’s the type of play that will make you a household name in the coming years, no matter where you go to school. Mix in a strong run game behind the young quarterback in LJ Martin (6.4 YPC, 3 TD’s), and the Cougars are all of a sudden a frisky pick to make a run towards a Big 12 title game appearance. On the other side the Arizona Wildcats turn to their veteran leader in junior Noah Fifita who has seemingly put all of last years struggles behind him. Unlike Bachmeier who has more ability on the ground, Fifita makes his money in the pocket and has done a much better job taking care of the ball after throwing 12 interceptions last year. The Wildcats don’t have an alpha receiver like they did last year in Tetairoa McMillan, but Fifita has done a nice job of spreading the ball around the field. Five different receivers have at least 140 yards through five games with those players accounting for 10 of Fifita’s 13 passing touchdowns. Both of these teams know how important this game is going to be when looking back at the season as a whole, I’m expecting both offenses to throw haymakers early and often.

On twitter you can find 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 podcasts are available on Spotify. Visit the Rangers Ed Shop by clicking the link on our homepage. 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