Idaho Vandals vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Point Spread Picks

If you put an SEC team name on the home jerseys in this one, with the same stats for both of these teams, you'd be looking at a 5+ TD spread. But instead, the name reads Lousiana Tech. Many thought that the unbeaten Bulldogs were somewhat of an illusion at 5-0 before last week's game vs. Texas A&M. When they trailed in the game 39-13, it certainly looked as if those sentiments were on the money. They then came roaring back and were a 2-point conversion away from sending the game into overtime. This is a legitimate offensive powerhouse, and a team that has reached 52 points in five of their six games, and 44 points in their other game. They put up 57 points and 615 yards on a legit defense. Geno Smith is not the only perfect QB this season, as Tech's Colby Cameron has passed for 1,897 yards for 18 TDs and 0 INTs. If that hasn't been good enough, the Bulldogs have run for 22 more TDs. The Vandals are in big trouble here, as they have allowed 167 points in their last three road games, scoring just 21 points. To put things in perspective, the Vandals’ 21 points in their last three road games is going against an LA tech team that has scored 21 or more in a single quarter in all but one game - in that one they scored 20. Enough said. Take the Bulldogs!

The Idaho Vandals came out of nowhere to win eight games a year ago, culminating with a come-from-behind win 43-42 in their Bowl game against Bowling Green. Lost in the apparent success was the fact that the Vandals started 6-1, but have since been a mediocre 5-7. Louisiana Tech went to The Kibbie Dome last year and, if not for a missed extra point on the apparent game tying touchdown, were headed to overtime vs. the Vandals. Tech piled-up over 500 yards and outgained the Vandals on the road. I'm sure there is some redemption in the minds of the Bulldogs for this one and that kind of motivation can make the difference in a close game. The Vandals are still having road woes, having gone 3-9 ATS in their last 12 when posted as a road favorite. That includes an 0-4-1 ATS mark if the line is -3 or less. Under head coach Robb Akey, this team is just 7-16 ATS in conference games. The Bulldogs are cash cows against teams with a .500 record or better, entering this one at 9-1 ATS in their last 10. They are also 10-2 ATS the past three seasons at home. I like the live home dog here.