Border War Rivalry Matchup: NCAA Football Expert Picks for 9/11

We are on to Week 2 of the CFB season and I always find it such a fascinating week. The big question heading into this week is how much do you over react or under react to a team playing one game?

We have two matchups tonight. One featuring two teams who should finish towards the bottom of their leagues in Rutgers and Boston College. The other is a rivalry matchup known as the "Border War" between Kansas and Missouri.

 

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Rutgers vs Boston College NCAA Football Picks

Best Bet: Boston College -3 (-120) BetOnline

Both of these teams are 0-1 to start the season, but not all losses are created equal. Rutgers lost as a 30-pt favorite to UMASS, 37-21 in their season opener. It might be the biggest upset we see all year. Not only did they lose, but they were dominated. Rutgers was out rushed 200 yards to 27 and lost the turnover battle 0-4. It was as bad a season opening loss as I think any of us have seen in a while.

Then you have Boston College who lost to Cincinnati 34-15 as a 7.5 point underdog. However, Boston College did have 7 more first downs than Cincinnati (24-17). They out gained the Bearcats (388-339) and they had more time of possession (31:19 – 28:41). Boston College was way more competitive as a touchdown underdog in their game then Rutgers was as a four touchdown favorite in their matchup.

I think Boston College is the better team and I think getting them at -3 is a good bet. It's worth noting that this is also the "Red Bandanna game" for Boston College. Every year they honor Welles Crowther, a former BC lacrosse player who saved the lives of multiple people on 9/11. This game is always an emotional one for the Boston College faithful and I always back the Eagles in this game. Tonight is no different.

Missouri vs. Kansas NCAA Football Picks

Best Bet: Kansas +5 & Under 51.5 (-108) BetOnline

This game should be a fun one tonight. A rivalry game where the universities, players, and fans don't like each other. Former BIG 12 rivals will meet tonight as BIG 12 and SEC in a return game after Mizzou beat Kansas in Columbia last season.

If you like to watch a game with a lot of running this is probably the game for you. Both teams want to establish the ground game early and often. Star running back Ahmad Hardy is still out for Mizzou so they will lean on Jamal Roberts. As for Kansas, they will do it by committee. Quarterback, running back, even wide receiver, everyone will get involved as their offense is predicated on misdirection.

Last year, Missouri had a crazy schedule where they didn't play their first road game until October 18th. This season, they hit the road in Week 2 and those early season road trips for teams are never easy. Last year this game was a shootout with the Tigers coming out on top 42-31. I expect this year to be different. More of a slugfest and the first to 24 kind of game. Mizzou lost a lot off a really good defense last year and facing this offense, on the road, early in the season I think is a really tough matchup for the Jayhawks.

Also excited for the QB matchup. Austin Simmons comes over from Ole Miss to be the Mizzou signal caller vs Isaiah Marshall for Kansas who is a really good athlete. I think at the end of the day though with both of these teams being run first and Mizzou's offense going on the road I think it's a low scoring, ugly game and Kansas keeps it close. I'll take the Jayhawks plus the points and the under.

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