Lines are out for Week 7 in college football, which means it's the perfect time to get a jump on analyzing how oddsmakers view some critical matchups that could shape the College Football Playoff race. Let's break down the games to keep an eye one, ones to avoid and some other interesting tidbits.
Lines you need to know
Missouri at No. 4 Georgia (-28): The Bulldogs are rolling, and the Tigers are a mess. It'll likely be an easy win with the only question being, "When does Kirby Smart decide how big of a statement to make?"
Purdue at No. 7 Wisconsin (-16.5): No, this doesn't sound like a particularly sexy matchup on paper. But if you want to make money, take the Boilermakers and the points. Under first-year coach Jeff Brohm, keeping it within two touchdowns against the Badgers should be doable.
No. 8 Washington State (-14.5) at California: Can the Cougars stay hot on a short week against an overmatched Bears squad now that coach Mike Leach has led them into the top 10? Oddsmakers seem to think another blowout is in store, but remember two weeks ago when Wazzu stunned USC on a Friday night?
No. 9 Ohio State (-24.5) at Nebraska: Night games in Lincoln are tough, but Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett will look to make a statement after successfully expanding the passing game over the beleaguered Cornhuskers.
No. 10 Auburn (-9) at LSU: Strange things typically happen in this game, which will be featured as the SEC on CBS Game of the Week. Despite the fact that Auburn is rolling, LSU seemed to have found a spark last weekend vs. Florida as it unleashed the real version of coordinator Matt Canada's offense. Will Auburn's stout defense be able to slow it down now that there's tape for everybody to see?
No. 12 Oklahoma (-7.5) vs. Texas (in Dallas): The Sooners will be desperate to get back on track and the Longhorns will want to build off last weekend's win over Kansas State in what feels like a make-or-break game in the Big 12 title game chase.
No. 17 Michigan (-6.5) at Indiana: Was the loss to Michigan State the start of a trend or an aberration for the Wolverines? The relatively small line against the Hoosiers suggests that oddsmakers might be wavering a bit on a coach in Jim Harbaugh who's 5-4 over his last nine games.
Georgia Tech at No. 11 Miami (-6): The Hurricanes finally got over the Florida State hump, just lost star running back Mark Walton and now get challenged by Paul Johnson's triple-option after the Yellow Jackets rested up after a bye week. Get your popcorn ready.
Consider staying away
Arkansas at No. 1 Alabama (-29.5): The Crimson Tide will be angry after getting a little bit of a test last weekend from Texas A&M, but a line hovering around four touchdowns in a dial-a-score conference game is always sketchy when Saban and the Tide can take their foot off the gas at any time.
No. 2 Clemson (-21) at Syracuse: Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant was banged up in the win over Wake Forest, his status is uncertain, and it's a short week on the road. I love Clemson this year, but three touchdowns seems a bit extreme considering the circumstances.
Utah at No. 13 USC (-11.5): Utah didn't exactly look impressive against Stanford last weekend, but it's still a quality opponent that's capable of rattling Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold, which has been easier than expected this year. Still, 11 points seems is that gambling gray area where backdoor covers and late garbage touchdowns could swing your bet one way or the other.
Oregon at No. 23 Stanford (-12): The Ducks offense is a mess, and the Cardinal have things cooking thanks to the Bryce Love show. But don't count out Willie Taggart to make some magic happen as a significant underdog.
Best of the rest
- No. 5 Washington (-17) at Arizona State
- Baylor at No. 14 Oklahoma State (-22)
- Cincinnati at No. 18 South Florida (-24.5)
- Boise State at No. 19 San Diego State (-7.5)
- No. 20 NC State (-12.5) at Pittsburgh
- No. 21 Michigan State (-4) at Minnesota
- East Carolina at No. 22 UCF (-28.5)
- No. 24 Texas Tech at West Virginia (-7)
- No. 25 Navy at Memphis (-4)
- Texas A&M at Florida (-3.5)
- South Carolina at Tennessee (-2)
- Florida State (-8) at Duke
- Virginia (-3.5) at North Carolina