The Weekend’s Best Bets

BRIAN BLESSING THE LINEMAKERS SPORTINGNEWS.COM (8-5)

Louisiana Tech-MARSHALL (Over 69)

How is this total only in the high 60s? Marshall must be deflated after its first loss, 67-66 to Western Kentucky in overtime. The Thundering Herd surrendered 738 total yards. Louisiana Tech advanced to the Conference USA title game by lighting up Rice for 76 points and piling up 677 yards. Either of these teams can threaten the total on their own. Rain is in the forecast, which means these porous defenses could be slipping all over the field.

STEVE COFIELD ESPN1100.COM (6-6-1)

Ohio State (+4) over Wisconsin

The Buckeyes are hurt by the loss of quarterback J.T. Barrett, but their offense is not crippled. The Ohio State defense led by Joey Bosa controlled the Badgers in their meeting last year, when Wisconsin rushed for only 104 yards. It won’t be that low this time around in the Big Ten title game, but low enough to force the Badgers’ substandard quarterbacks to throw too much for coach Gary Andersen’s liking.

ED GRANEY LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL (6-7)

TENNESSEE-CHATTANOOGA (-4) over Indiana State

I look at the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs each year as a Grand Slam women’s tennis tournament, meaning the higher seeds almost always comfortably advance in the early rounds. Mike Sanford has led Indiana State to its first playoff berth in 30 years, and while there is no truth to the rumor the former UNLV coach is a candidate to replace Tony Sanchez at Bishop Gorman due to yet again seeking an upgrade in facilities, Sanford should be commended for his work in Terre Haute. Chattanooga has outscored opponents 37-20 on average at home.

MATT YOUMANS LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL (8-5)

Georgia Tech (+4) over Florida State

The Yellow Jackets’ triple-option offense is boring, but it’s also difficult to defend. In an upset of Georgia last week, Zach Laskey rushed for 140 yards and three touchdowns. Georgia Tech has won and covered five consecutive games, three times in the underdog role. Florida State (3-9 ATS) continues to escape but was exposed as a fraud long ago. Jameis Winston passed for only 125 yards and was intercepted four times as the Seminoles edged Florida in their latest lucky victory.