Fresno State Bulldogs vs Mississippi Rebels Point Spread Picks

This is a tough situational spot for Fresno State, traveling from one coast to the other, 3,000 miles to play Ole Miss of the SEC. The Bulldogs are 1-4 ATS against the SEC. Fresno State comes off a sloppy win at home over Abilene Christian 34-13, as the offense turned it over three times. Fresno State used two quarterbacks in sophomore Zack Greenlee, who completed just 14 of 32 attempts, and Chason Virgil, who threw an interception. The Bulldogs have lost 19 straight to ranked opponents since beating Virginia in a 2004 Bowl game, and are on a 3-8 ATS run in non-conference games. #17 Ole Miss dominated last week in a 76-3 victory over UT Martin. The Rebels averaged nearly 10 yards per rushing attempt and had five players run for at least 40 yards. That's a huge plus over last season with 338 yards on the ground. With experienced offensive linemen and running backs returning, the Rebels have hoped for vast improvement in that area and it's already apparent. This is also a dynamite defensive unit and the Rebels are 22-7-1 ATS in their last 30 non-conference games, as well as a 6-2-1 ATS run at home. Give the points on Ole Miss.

Looking at the early part of the NCAA Football season, it is clear that the two most disappointing teams have been Virginia Tech and Ole Miss. The Rebels lost to Jacksonville State at home to a Div-1AA team and struggled on the road vs. Tulane (a bad team), outgaining the Green Wave by just 50 total yards. Then they come home to open up SEC play vs. lowly Vanderbilt and lose as a double-digit favorite by two TDs. The bloom is certainly off the rose at Ole Miss. This line is a reputation line, having nothing at all to do with what is happening this year. The Bulldogs can play. Just ask Cincinnati who they beat handily, and a tough Utah State, a team Fresno beat by 17. Remember that this Bulldogs team went on the road last year and beat Illinois. They also barely lost to a really good Wisconsin team on the road in OT. They also played Cincinnati to an 8-point decision on the road. Pat Hill can coach and recruit, and has 16 back from that team including the QB and 9 of 10 lineman representing both sides of the ball. Wrong team favored, I like Fresno St.