Western Kentucky at Jacksonville State (-4, Total: 58)
These teams met in Week 14 with Western Kentucky narrowly getting by with a 19-17 win. Despite the loss the Gamecocks are still the top seed in CUSA and have home field advantage. That looms large as Jacksonville Stats hasn’t lost at home since opening night against Coastal Carolina. The Gamecocks also have a big edge when it comes to the ground game having one of the highest rush rates in the country averaging 257.4 YPG, third best in the nation. Last week against Western Kentucky they gained 229 yards on 43 carries and averaged nearly 5 and half yards a carry. Being at home, having the revenge factor and the Hilltoppers having an inferior run stop defense all points to the Gamecocks in this one.
THE PICK: Jacksonville State -4
Tulane (-5.5, Total: 47.5) vs Army
The American Athletic Conference championship game features two teams with different types of offense. Army was No. 1 in the country running the ball rushing for 312.5 yards a game with quarterback Bryson Daily leading the way with 1,354 yards and 25 touchdowns. Tulane’s offense, well-balanced as they average 213 yards on the ground and 216 through the air per game. The Green Wave were upset 34-24 by Memphis last week dashing any hopes of hosting this game. Makhi Hughes was ineffective against Memphis but should be able to find holes against the Black Knights. The running back averaged more than 5 yards a carry and had 115 yards or more in five of eight games.
THE PICK: Tulane -4
No. 19 UNLV at No. 10 Boise State (-4, Total: 58.5)
This game likely determines who wins the Group of 5 playoff berth and is for the Mountain West Conference championship. Boise State beat the Rebels back in late October. The Broncos had to rally in the fourth as they trailed in this one. Ashton Jeanty had 33 carries for 128 yards and a TD in that game. Jeanty has 30-plus carries in six of the last seven games and should carry much of the workload. Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen has been good at home this season throwing 15 TDs and has a passing rating of 165.4. If he continues that stellar play, Boise State will be headed to the College Football Playoff.
THE PICK: Boise State -4
