- National defensive touchdown leader Iowa looks to add to their defensive touchdown total, with +215 odds to do so.
- With standard odds for the first penalty, LSU has accrued the second-fewest penalties in the nation while opponent Central Michigan ranks 95.
INDIANAPOLIS - Friday’s matchup between UCF and Louisville features two high-powered offenses, with the two teams scoring a combined 93 points last week.
Odds suggest one team will score 40+ points; however, betting trends aren't leaning toward the over.
In Louisville’s last 10 games, they have reached the 40-point mark just twice. UCF has fared a little better in that department, surpassing 40 points in five of their last 10.
Combined, the two teams have reached 40 points six times in their last 20 matchups. Even further, both teams have allowed opponents to score 40+ points just three times in their last 10 games.
Both sides of the odds are -115, meaning that online gambling sites believe it legitimately can go either way.
Either way it is looked at, UCF and Louisville just do not reach the 40 point mark often enough nor do they allow opponents to do so often enough to justify the even money. At -115 odds, going against the trends just does not make sense - take the outcome that is more likely to happen (no team will score 40+ points).
Iowa Vs. Kent State - Any Team To Score A Defensive Or Special Teams Touchdown (+215)
Heading into Week 3, Iowa leads the NCAA in defensive touchdowns scored with three, including two interceptions returned for a touchdown and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
Even more appealing is that Iowa managed to do this in two wins against ranked opponents (Indiana and Iowa State).
Iowa is favored by 22.5 points with (-2000) moneyline odds in this week’s matchup against Kent State. The points total is set at 55.5 and the first half point spread has Iowa favored by 13 points. This indicates that oddsmakers believe Kent State will be playing catch-up early.
This bodes well for Iowa, as more passes equal more opportunities for defensive touchdowns.
Kent State, on the other hand, has also excelled defensively, with defensive backs Elvis Hines and Montre Miller tied for the NCAA lead in interceptions with three apiece. While none have been returned for a touchdown, the skill of Kent State’s defensive backs helps add to the likelihood of at least a turnover being marked in this matchup.
The more of a shootout this game becomes (and CFB sportsbooks seem to believe it will become one early) the better the chances for this prop to hit at +215 odds.
LSU Vs. Central Michigan - Central Michigan To Get First Penalty (-120)
Through their first two matchups, LSU has accumulated the second-fewest penalties in the NCAA with four, trailing only UL Monroe.
On the flip side, Central Michigan ranks 95 in the nation in total penalties with 15.
LSU is favored by 19 points with -1300 moneyline odds. If LSU takes a lead early, Central Michigan may begin to scramble in their efforts to catch up, leading to common penalties like false starts.
Moreover, when the talent on a defensive line vastly outweighs the talent on an offensive line (like in this matchup), offensive holding penalties become much more common.
While penalties can be somewhat random, the disparity between the two programs’ level of on-field discipline has been apparent through the first two weeks.
Curiously, the odds for both outcomes sit at -120.