NCAAF Week 12 Totals Tout Analysis: It's the Bowl-Boosting Dog-&-Pony Show

It's that time to show our amazing grasp of the obvious:

• Not all teams have the mojo of an LSU, Ohio State, Georgia, or Clemson,
• There are a kajillion bowl invitations that have to be handed out, and
• Not all bowl swag is created equal.

Those fun-lovin' OGs in the ugly jackets are gonna be out in force this weekend, allegedly scouting the teams that could well be playing in their bowl.

 

Expect every team to put the pedal to the metal in order to boost their bowl game prospects this weekend.

Will that mean more scoring or boost defensive play?

Our task, then, is to sift through this weekend's schedule and suggest what programs fall into which groups.

 

Remember, the lines here are based on early-week postings. Should you decide to agree with any or all of our suggestions, please check the current numbers before making any decisions.

Utah at Arizona: 58½

Arizona has lost 5 in a row. In those 5 losses, the over is 4-1. The Utes have won 6 in a row. In the 6 wins, the under is 4-1-1.

Utah should score at will. The 'Cats won’t contribute to the total in any significant way, though. Back the under.

Result: Utah 35 Arizona 7 ... under covers

 

TCU at Oklahoma: 62

This total doesn’t make sense.

TCU averages 32.3 points. Oklahoma allowed 48 versus Kansas State, 41 versus Iowa State, and 31 versus Baylor. Horned Frogs and Sooners should go over for sure.

Result: Oklahoma 28 TCU 24 ... under covers

Temple at Cincinnati: 46

The last couple of Owls games have gone under. Cincinnati's under record is 3-of-4 in its latest games.

The under is 5-0 in the Bearcats' last 5 home games. Under sure looks solid.

Result: Cincinnati 15 Temple 13 ... under covers

Oregon State at Washington State: 75

Although 75 is a ton of points, lean towards the over. The Cougars average 40.3 points per. Oregon State averages 31.1 points per.

Wazzu has played three straight over games outta necessity. They'll have to outshoot the Beavers, which could take lotsa shooting.

Result: Washington State 54 Oregon State 53 ... over covers

 

Memphis at South Florida: 59½

Memphis should exceed their points average of 41.5. The Tigers can’t get the over by themselves, though.

Contributing should be hard for the Bulls. South Florida hasn’t scored more than 17 points in two straight games. Back the under.

Result: Memphis 49 USF 10 ... under covers

Kansas at Iowa State: 58

The Cyclones prefer to play in calmer games than their 42-41 shootout loss against Oklahoma on Sat 9 Nov.

The Jayhawks have scored a combined 23 points in two straight losses to Kansas State and Oklahoma State. This goes under.

Result: Iowa State 41 Kansas 31 ... over covers

Boston College at Notre Dame: 63½

The over is 5-0 in Boston College’s last 5 games. The under is 5-1 in Notre Dame’s last 6 against the ACC.

The Irish should score over 40 while the Eagles contribute enough for the over.

Result: Notre Dame 40 Boston College 7 ... under covers

 

***

Sportbet Columnist: Josh Bailey ... Today: 4-3

Aspiring to become the Mark Twain of sportswriting, Josh has been labelled as the up-&-coming sportswriter of the year by absolutely nobody and the new heavy hitter in sports handicapping by his mother.