Unbeaten season Army in trouble? – Carswellfamilyfoundation

As we get closer to the College Football Playoff, some teams are trending up and down.

While some teams peak at the end of the season, others face unmet expectations. Elsewhere, undefeated CFP contenders are looking to bolster their position, but tough road games including Army and BYU stand in their way.

Which teams are on high alert in Week 11?

Find out below!

Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook.

Rice vs. Memphis: Prediction and Picks

Memphis is still not a favorite this season, going 2-5 against the spread against FBS opponents this season.

Rice, meanwhile, is entering its second game under interim head coach Pete Alamar, but the team has been on a roll for quite some time. The Owls have played four games in a row (depending on the number you bet) in the bye week and will be looking to score big again.

The Owls’ defense has been solid all season, but the offense has lagged. The team ranks in the top 10 in tackles for loss this season and is in the top 20 in yards allowed per game, which could make for a tighter game than the point spread would suggest.

Rice’s offense is still average right now, but the team has been formidable on the ground, ranking in the top 30 in explosive rushing speed when playing at a slow pace (105th in seconds per game). That’s notable against Memphis, which ranks outside the top 100 in rushing rate allowed and has given up 40 or more points in three straight games, failing to rebound in all three.

Rice can slow this game down and continue its upward trajectory, look to Memphis.

PICK: Rice (+220)

North Texas vs Army. Forecast and choice

Army hasn’t faced an offense ranked in the top 80 in EPA/Play this season, meaning the team will have a rude awakening on Saturday against North Texas, which ranks 17th in EPA/Play.

Not to mention, Bryson Daley’s status is in question after he showed up late for the Black Knights’ game against BBC last week. If Daley can’t go, the offense will take a significant step back and will be desperately needed against the high-octane O’s from North Texas.

There are a ton of differences on this issue, which forces me to side with the big home underdog.

PICK: North Texas (+172)

Utah vs BYU Prediction and Picks

As has become a tradition in the Big 12 this season, the difference between the top and bottom of the league is negligible, and we have another opportunity to bet on the idea on Saturday night.

Even though Utah’s offense has faltered without Cam Rising on the field, the team still has a more than capable running back in Micah Bernard and an elite defense.

BYU’s defense remains vulnerable against the run, ranking 96th in EPA/Rush and 103rd in explosive rush defense while not ranking in the top 100 in tackles for loss. If Utah can lean on a well-rested Bernard and put players like Rose (or Wilson) at advantageous range and distance, Utah’s offense could be set up for success.

In a low-overs matchup, look for Utah’s defense to set the tone against BYU.

As has become a tradition in the Big 12 this season, the difference between the top and bottom of the league is negligible, and we have another opportunity to bet on the idea on Saturday night.

Even though Utah’s offense has faltered without Cam Rising on the field, the team still has a more than capable running back in Micah Bernard and an elite defense.

In a low-overs matchup, look for Utah’s defense to set the tone against BYU.

The division is ranked 10th in the EPA/Play rankings and number one in the nation for success rate.

It’s worth noting that BYU has played two top-70 EPA/Play defenses this season: at home against Kansas State and at SMU. Although the Cougars won both of those games, the offense averaged 5.15 yards per play in both games, which did not rank in the top 100 nationally.

PICK: Utah (+150)

Game odds are updated periodically and are subject to change.

Follow Reed on Twitter @ReedWallach for all of his college football bets. betstamp @rw33

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