Memphis vs. Boise State (Saturday – 6pm ET)
This very well could wind up being the biggest game of the season when it comes to which team will represent the Group of Six in the College Football Playoff. Charles Huff has Memphis off to an impressive 2-0 start, and a road upset over the Broncos would propel his team into the driver’s seat to reach the CFP.
Spencer Danielson has turned Boise into the model non-power program in college football. His team has CFP experience, and expects to get there once again. Of course, the Broncos are 0-1 on the season, but it was about as strong of a loss as you could ask for.
Boise opened the season in Eugene, easily covering +24.5 against an Oregon team that many believe can win it all. The Broncos took a lead early, and threatened to beat the Ducks outright. Danielson has a veteran team that’s played in a lot of big games, and that one was just a reminder that Boise can hang with the big boys.
Huff will have his team motivated in this one. I do like what I’ve seen from Memphis on the young season, but I trust Boise in this spot. Maddux Madsen was a tremendous decision maker as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the country in one of the most difficult atmospheres in the country. The veteran offensive line did a great job of both protecting Madsen, and generating big plays for the running game.
The Tigers will have their hands full on the road here. With the spread growing to nearly double digits, I like Boise as a moneyline parlay piece on Saturday. I think there’s a couple of good night games to pair the Broncos with. UCLA looked tremendous in Bob Chesney’s debut, and should light up a poor San Diego State defense. Speaking of poor defense, I don’t trust Arkansas to get stops late night in Salt Lake City, and also added Utah to roll the Hogs. Those three big favorites get us a reasonable price tied together.
CFB Pick: Boise State/UCLA/Utah ML Parlay (-120)
