November’s Final Stand: NCAA Football, NBA, NHL and College Basketball Top Bets

NCAAF: University of Texas - San Antonio (UTSA) at Army

Pick: UTSA +7.5 / Wager: 2%

Analysis:

UTSA has been surging, winning three straight games and four of their last five. Their only recent blemish came in a wild collapse against Tulsa after leading 42-17 in the second half. The Roadrunners boast a dynamic offense and could pose problems for Army’s defense. On the other hand, teams are a dismal 0-9-1 ATS this season following a game against Notre Dame, suggesting Army could be vulnerable in this spot.

Key Factors:

• Post-Notre Dame Trend: Opponents have consistently struggled in the week following a game against the Fighting Irish.

• UTSA Momentum: The Roadrunners have been playing their best football, with wins in three straight games and signs of offensive dominance.

• Potential for Outright Win: UTSA has the firepower to keep this game close and even pull off the upset.

Projected Outcome:

Expect UTSA to use their offensive efficiency to exploit any lingering fatigue or lapses from Army after their game against Notre Dame. The hook above a touchdown provides additional value.

Score Prediction: Army 28, UTSA 24.

NCAAF: South Carolina at Clemson

Pick: Over 49 / Wager: 2%

Analysis:

This rivalry game comes with high stakes, as both teams aim to keep their playoff hopes alive. South Carolina’s offense is on fire, averaging 39+ points per game during a five-game winning streak, while Clemson’s home games have consistently hit high totals this season, with none finishing under 54 points. Both offenses are clicking, and the rivalry atmosphere could lead to an electric, high-scoring affair.

Key Factors:

• Clemson’s Home Scoring Trends: No home game for Clemson this season has finished below 54 total points.

• South Carolina’s Offensive Momentum: Averaging over 39 points per game during their current streak, the Gamecocks are hitting their stride offensively.

• Rivalry Energy: Historically, these matchups bring heightened emotions and scoring opportunities, particularly when both teams are ranked.

Projected Outcome:

Both teams should find the end zone early and often, keeping this game competitive and fun to watch. With offensive firepower on both sides, the over looks like excellent value.

Score Prediction: Clemson 34, South Carolina 28.

NCAAF: Louisville at Kentucky

Pick: Louisville -3.5 / Wager: 2%

Analysis:

Louisville is eager to break its five-game losing streak against rival Kentucky and comes into this matchup with the momentum of a solid season. Kentucky, on the other hand, has endured a tough stretch, losing five of their last six games, including their only win in that span coming against FCS opponent Murray State. Louisville has proven capable of handling road environments and will view this game as an extension of their strong season.

Key Factors:

• Kentucky’s QB Change: Freshman Cutter Boley steps in for the Wildcats, signaling an uncertain offense in a season-ending rivalry game.

• Louisville’s Road Performance: The Cardinals have thrived in away games, securing wins against Clemson, Virginia, and Boston College while narrowly losing to Notre Dame.

• Motivation Gap: Louisville is locked in, while Kentucky, with no bowl prospects, might be looking to close the book on a disappointing year.

Projected Outcome:

Louisville’s balanced offense and solid road play should overcome Kentucky’s struggles, especially with an untested QB leading the Wildcats. The Cardinals cover the modest spread and end their losing streak in this rivalry.

Score Prediction: Louisville 27, Kentucky 17.

NCAAF: UConn at UMass

Pick: Over 49.5 / Wager: 2%

Analysis:

This matchup between struggling Northeast programs should offer plenty of scoring opportunities. UMass’s defense has been porous, allowing at least 34 points in each of their last five games against FBS opponents. Meanwhile, UConn’s games have frequently hit the over this season, depending on the closing line. Both teams should be motivated to showcase their offenses in this regional rivalry.

Key Factors:

• UMass Defensive Woes: The Minutemen have given up 34+ points consistently, creating a strong likelihood of UConn finding the end zone multiple times.

• UConn’s Over Trends: The Huskies’ games are consistently trending toward high-scoring affairs, with records ranging from 6-5 to 9-2 to the over, depending on closing lines.

• UMass Offense: UMass managed 21 points against a stout Georgia defense last week, indicating their ability to contribute to the total even against stronger opposition.

Projected Outcome:

Both teams are likely to find defensive stops elusive, resulting in a high-scoring contest that surpasses the total. Expect a back-and-forth affair with plenty of points on the board.

Score Prediction: UConn 35, UMass 24.

NCAAF: Michigan at Ohio State

Pick: Ohio State -19.5 / Wager: 3%

Analysis:

Ohio State is primed for redemption after three consecutive losses to Michigan in this storied rivalry. Michigan’s struggles on the road (0-3 this season) and their inconsistency both straight-up and against the spread (6-5 overall, 4-7 ATS) highlight their vulnerabilities heading into hostile territory at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes’ elite defense, ranked No. 1 nationally in yards allowed per game (241), should dominate a Michigan offense that lacks explosiveness.

Key Factors:

• Ohio State’s Defense: The Buckeyes allow just 241 total yards per game and excel in limiting big plays, creating a difficult path for Michigan’s offense to stay competitive.

• Michigan’s Road Struggles: The Wolverines are winless on the road this season, and Ohio Stadium’s raucous atmosphere will only amplify their challenges.

• Ohio State’s Offensive Consistency: The Buckeyes have scored 31+ points in nine of their 11 games this season, while Michigan has shown little ability to slow down elite offenses.

• Michigan’s Potential Letdown: Coming off a 50-6 win over Northwestern, Michigan may have exhausted its best effort, leaving little in the tank for this matchup.

Projected Outcome:

Ohio State will look to make a statement, not just for redemption in the rivalry but to solidify their case as the best team in the nation. Expect Ryan Day to dial up the pressure and for the Buckeyes to roll behind a balanced, efficient offense and suffocating defense.

Score Prediction: Ohio State 42, Michigan 13.

NCAAF: Miami at Syracuse

Pick: Miami (FL) -10.5 / Wager: 2%

Analysis:

Miami is fully aware of the stakes in this matchup and has the tools to exploit Syracuse’s weaknesses. The Hurricanes have a significant edge offensively, particularly through the air, against a Syracuse secondary that has struggled in coverage. Playing indoors at the JMA Wireless Dome provides Miami’s offense with perfect conditions to operate at full efficiency and maintain a high tempo.

Key Factors:

• Miami’s Passing Game: The Hurricanes’ offense thrives on attacking through the air, and Syracuse has had trouble defending against explosive passing attacks.

• Controlled Environment: The indoor setting eliminates any weather concerns, allowing Miami to execute its game plan without limitations.

• Syracuse Struggles: The Orange have been inconsistent on both sides of the ball, and Miami’s superior talent and athleticism should overwhelm them over four quarters.

Projected Outcome:

Expect Miami to dominate this game from start to finish, leveraging their offensive firepower and a solid defensive unit to control the game. This is a favorable spot for the Hurricanes to cover a double-digit spread.

Score Prediction: Miami 38, Syracuse 21.

NCAAF: Fresno State at UCLA

Pick: Fresno State +9.5 / Wager: 3%

Analysis:

This line seems inflated considering UCLA’s track record this season. The Bruins haven’t won a game by more than seven points all year, and now they’re giving nearly double digits against a competitive Fresno State squad. The Bulldogs, sitting at 6-5, have proven they can hang with tough teams and avoid significant blowouts, with only two losses by more than eight points—one against Michigan in Week 1 and the other at UNLV.

Key Factors:

• Close Margins: UCLA has consistently played tight games, failing to put away opponents by significant margins.

• Fresno State Resilience: The Bulldogs are a tough, disciplined team capable of keeping games close, even against stronger competition.

• Inflated Line Movement: The line opening at 12.5 before dropping to 9.5 suggests significant sharp action on Fresno State, reinforcing the value on the underdog.

Projected Outcome:

This game could easily come down to the wire, with Fresno State’s balanced offense and steady defense keeping UCLA within reach. While UCLA might scrape out a win, Fresno State has a strong chance to cover and could pull off an outright upset.

Score Prediction: UCLA 27, Fresno State 24.

NCAAF: Kansas State at Iowa State

Pick: Under 51.5 / Wager: 2%

Analysis:

This matchup features two of the Big 12’s most disciplined defenses. Kansas State and Iowa State allow a combined 41 points per game, ranking among the conference’s best defensive units. Both teams emphasize controlling the tempo, and the Wildcats’ run-heavy offense aligns well with exploiting Iowa State’s weaker rush defense. On the other side, Iowa State’s offense has improved, but their pass-heavy approach will be tested against Kansas State’s disciplined secondary.

Key Factors:

• Defensive Dominance: Both teams rank top-four in scoring defense in the Big 12.

• Tempo Control: Kansas State’s run-first game plan will likely keep the clock moving and limit possessions.

• Recent Trends: Iowa State has held opponents to under 25 points in three straight games, while Kansas State has allowed 24 points or fewer in five of their last six.

• Late-Game Drama: Iowa State QB Rocco Becht has shown poise in clutch situations and could keep this game competitive but not high-scoring.

Projected Outcome:

This game should be a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair, with both teams leaning on their defenses and running games to control the pace. Expect a close contest with a late score deciding the winner, but the total stays under.

Score Prediction: Kansas State 24, Iowa State 20.

NCAAF - 2-Team ML Parlay

Pick: University of North Carolina ML (vs NC State) + Kansas State ML (at Iowa State)

Odds: +255 / Wager: 2%

Leg 1: North Carolina ML (Home vs NC State)

Time: 3:30 PM ET

• Motivational Edge: Mack Brown’s firing creates an emotional rallying point for UNC. Players typically respond well in rivalry games when playing for a beloved coach’s legacy.

• NC State’s Struggles: The Wolfpack’s inconsistent offense has prevented them from capitalizing on opportunities all season. Without much to play for, NC State may lack the fire needed for an upset.

• Offensive Firepower: Despite losing Drake Maye, UNC has retained enough offensive talent to challenge an NC State defense that has shown cracks against high-tempo offenses.

Leg 2: Kansas State ML (at Iowa State)

Time: 7:30 PM ET

• Key Matchup Advantage: Kansas State’s dominant rushing attack (15th nationally, 202.7 YPG) directly exploits Iowa State’s poor run defense (100th nationally, 176.6 YPG allowed).

• Efficiency and Consistency: Kansas State boasts a superior net yards per play margin (+0.9 vs. +0.6) and has outgained opponents in 10 of 11 games this season.

• Recent Trends: The Wildcats have been dominant in the trenches, evidenced by their +1.6 sack differential compared to Iowa State’s -0.3.

• Season Context: Kansas State is looking to close the season strong and potentially spoil Iowa State’s conference championship hopes.

Projected Outcome:

Both UNC and Kansas State have clear motivational and statistical edges in their respective matchups. UNC’s emotional boost following Mack Brown’s departure and Kansas State’s strong rushing attack against Iowa State’s weak run defense should carry this parlay to a win.

Projected Scores:

UNC 34, NC State 27

Kansas State 28, Iowa State 24

NCAAB: Notre Dame at Creighton

Pick: Creighton -7 / Wager: 3%

Analysis:

• Creighton Boost: The return of Steven Ashworth provides a significant lift for the Bluejays’ offense. Despite yesterday’s loss to Texas A&M, Ashworth’s presence re-establishes their ability to spread the floor and facilitate efficient ball movement.

• Notre Dame’s Key Absence: The Fighting Irish are without Markus Burton, their top scorer and assister. His absence was glaring in their loss to Houston, leaving Notre Dame vulnerable offensively.

• Paint Control: Ryan Kalkbrenner should dominate inside against Notre Dame’s lack of physicality, creating opportunities for inside-out play and open perimeter looks.

• Perimeter Defense Advantage: Notre Dame relies on three-point shooting, but with Ashworth and Pop Issacs back, Creighton’s defensive guard play can effectively neutralize that strength.

Projected Outcome:

Creighton’s interior dominance and perimeter defense should stifle Notre Dame’s offense, especially without Burton, allowing the Bluejays to cover the spread.

Projected Score: Creighton 78, Notre Dame 66

NHL: Montreal Canadiens at New York Rangers

Pick: Rangers ML / Wager: 2%

Analysis:

• Key Goaltending Advantage: Jonathan Quick is expected to start for the Rangers after sitting out the first game of the back-to-back. Quick has been exceptional this season with a league-leading 1.85 GAA and .943 SV%.

• Motivation to Rebound: The Rangers are currently in a slump, but this game feels like a prime “get-right” spot against a Canadiens team that has been inconsistent on the road.

• Back-to-Back Management: Despite the B2B scenario, the Rangers are managing their lineup well, keeping key players fresh for this matchup.

Projected Outcome:

The Canadiens’ struggles and the Rangers’ goaltending edge should result in a bounce-back win for New York. The ML provides value given the circumstances.

Projected Score: Rangers 3, Canadiens 1