NCAAF Friday picks: Marshall at Boise State, Wake Forest at Rice
Rice kicks off Week 2 of the college football season when it hosts Wake Forest tonight in Houston. Over in Idaho No. 24 Boise State will defend its blue turf against Marshall. We have odds and picks for both of these anticipated games.
Marshall at Boise State (-12), 9 p.m. ET, ESPN2
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|
Marshall | +12 (-110) | +345 | O 56 (-110) |
Boise State | -12 (-110) | -465 | U 56 (-110) |
Boise State once again gained national attention when it defeated Florida State in Week 1. A rousing second-half comeback, sparked by an air raid offense, was too much for the Seminoles to overcome. One would think Boise State is riding high and the easy bet, but let’s go behind the final scores before we jump to conclusions.
Is beating Florida State worth as much as beating the Seminoles in 2009? I don’t believe it is.
In 2019 Florida State might be the third- or fourth-best team in its own state. There was a time when the Seminoles were the third- or fourth-best team in the country. Much has changed since.
Is beating Florida State worth as much as beating the Seminoles in 2009? I don’t believe it is.
In 2019 Florida State might be the third- or fourth-best team in its own state. There was a time when the Seminoles were the third- or fourth-best team in the country. Much has changed since.
Marshall comes in with a gritty defense and athletes on offense that can move the chains. The Thundering Herd can go into hostile Idaho, shut down the air raid and have its playmakers run all over the blue turf.
Marshall quarterback Isiah Green is a dual threat and running back Tyler King is poised for a breakout third season. It will be up to them to keep the pressure on the Boise State defense and eat up some clock. That will keep dangerous Boise quarterback Hank Bachmeier, who torched FSU for more than 400 yards, off the field. Marshall not only can cover this number but win the game outright.
Marshall quarterback Isiah Green is a dual threat and running back Tyler King is poised for a breakout third season. It will be up to them to keep the pressure on the Boise State defense and eat up some clock. That will keep dangerous Boise quarterback Hank Bachmeier, who torched FSU for more than 400 yards, off the field. Marshall not only can cover this number but win the game outright.
Pick: Marshall +12
Wake Forest (-19) at Rice, 8 p.m. ET, CBSSN
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|
Marshall | +12 (-110) | +345 | O 56 (-110) |
Boise State | -12 (-110) | -465 | U 56 (-110) |
We went after both these teams last week and got burned. But remember, we talked about learning lessons and gathering data.
Wake Forest was lucky to beat us and Rice played incredibly well against a tough Army team. If the Owls can recover from all those cut blocks, I think they can keep this one close.
Wake Forest was lucky to beat us and Rice played incredibly well against a tough Army team. If the Owls can recover from all those cut blocks, I think they can keep this one close.
Wake Forest wins in a THRILLER over Utah State 38-35!
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) August 31, 2019
The Deacs are 1-0!#GoDeacs | @WakeFB pic.twitter.com/mB64zOSiv3
I was very impressed with the Rice defense, which leads me to believe that they can keep this one close. Wake Forest’s defense was subpar against Utah State, and I think we can put some points on the board against this weak front. If Rice can muster 17 points, I think covering 19 is easy.
Pick: Rice +19
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