College Football Best Bets: 3 best small-school picks for Week 6
Heading into Week 6 we're knee-deep in conference games as the regular season heads into the fall. Leaves are starting to change and there is a chill in the air, but we'll try and get hot and build that bankroll. Below, we look at the best bets for three small-school college football winners in Week 6, with expert college football picks and predictions.
Every week we target three smaller schools that are good bets to cover the spread and win big money - it doesn't really matter the size of the school, it's winners that matter.
This week we'll look to some evening affairs in Conference USA and the Sun Belt for some winning tickets.
Small-school college football best bets of Week 6
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports' betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:20 a.m. ET.
South Alabama -3.5 (-110) at Texas State (Saturday at 7 p.m. ET)
South Alabama (3-1, 0-1 Sun Belt) suffered a home loss against Louisiana last week, but they were able to hang on for the cover as 12-point underdogs in a 20-18 setback.
The Jaguars failed to cover as 14.5-point favorites in a 22-19 victory at Bowling Green Sept. 11 in their only other road game.
Texas State (1-3, 0-0) was dusted 59-21 last time out at Eastern Michigan and has allowed 101 total points in its last two games. That includes a 42-34 loss at home Sept. 18 against FCS Incarnate Word.
USA will bounce back in a big way after a near-miss against conference favorite Louisiana, taking its frustrations out on the Bobcats in San Marcos.
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UTEP -2.5 (-108) at Southern Miss (Saturday at 7 p.m. ET)
UTEP (4-1, 1-0 Conference USA) is just two wins away from bowl eligibility. In a lot of places that might not seem like a big deal, but in El Paso, it's huge. Head coach Dana Dimel helped us cash a winner last week against Old Dominion, so let's run it back with the Miners again this weekend.
The Miners have been getting great play from QB Gavin Hardison as he tossed 2 more touchdowns against ODU. While he didn't hook up with WR Jacob Cowing for a score, the big-play receiver did go over the 100-yard mark for the third consecutive game. He has scored in four of the first five games.
Stopping the pass has been a problem for Southern Miss (1-4, 0-1) as it has allowed 243.2 passing yards per game, and it's been really awful offensively with just 17.2 PPG to rank 122nd out of 130 teams in the FBS. The Golden Eagles are 1-4 ATS overall, and 0-3 ATS across their last three.
UTSA +3.5 (-110) at Western Kentucky (Saturday at 7 p.m. ET)
UTSA (5-0, 1-0 Conference USA) has been consistent offensively with 161.4 rushing yards per game and 270.0 passing yards per outing. RB Sincere McCormick is one of the best running backs that casual fans haven't heard about, rolling up 541 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Roadrunners QB Frank Harris can also be classified as underrated with 1,126 passing yards and 6 touchdowns while adding 113 rushing yards and a score.
Western Kentucky has scored at least 31 points in each of its outings, but the Hilltoppers have been horrific defensively, and that's not good news heading into a game against the high-flying Roadrunners.
WKU has allowed 216.5 rushing yards per game, which has to have McCormick licking his chops. They're also 117th in the nation with 35.0 PPG allowed.
Last week's recap
Bowling Green and old friend UTEP came through for covers last week at home, but Army was unable to get it done on the road against Ball State. Not only did the Black Knights fail to cover the seven and a hook, but they also lost outright.
Last Week: 2-1
Season Total: 8-7
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