Saturday
AUBURN (-31) over San Jose State: This might be the first time I have used a team that is more than a four-touchdown favorite, but the Gus Malzahn Tigers are worth it. Auburn is off an SEC win and has a bye week on deck. Auburn has covered the Las Vegas spread in 12 straight games and also has covered 19 of its last 21 games (90.5 percent). The heat and humidity will be a big factor for San Jose State, and as I always say, “You can win on a streak many times, but you can lose only once.”
UTAH (-11) over Fresno State: Last year’s Fresno State squad allowed more than 30 points per game, and last week it gave up 52 points while lining up for 105 plays on defense. There is no rest for the Fresno State defense as it travels for a second straight game and has to play in the altitude of Salt Lake City. Utah, meanwhile, is off an easy 56-14 Thursday night win while also being home for a second straight week. Fresno State’s 11 wins last season were in most part thanks to Derek Carr, now the Raiders’ starting quarterback. The Utes also have a bye week on deck, and after losing three of their final five home games last season, expect them to win soundly.
Last week (NCAA): 1-1
Season: 1-1