Liberty University Flames vs Troy Trojans

There wasn't a lot to learn about these teams in their openers last week. They each come in off-blowouts vs. FCS teams. They should both be fresh, and this is a solid meeting of two Groups of 5 hopefuls. The Flames were a cover machine last year, finishing with eight straight ATS. They added another last week and will be going for 10 here. Streaks like that are hard to maintain, and despite the easy win last week, they are going into the deeper end of the pool this week vs. an experienced Troy team that may be on the verge of doing what Liberty did last year. I think the Flames cover excellence is pushing the line here, and this game should be a pick 'em game with Troy at home. I look for the Trojans to prevail on their home field in a close one. Points are big here. Make the play on Troy.

This is a huge total, but Troy is having a strong campaign anchored by a terrific defense. They've allowed 19, 27, 21 and 20 points the last four games, including a 24-19 win at Nebraska as a +10 dog, sailing UNDER the total of 55. On the road, the Trojans are holding opponents to 23 ppg. Troy is on a 12-4-1 run UNDER the total on the road, as well as 10-3-1 UNDER on field-turf. The Trojans are also 11-5 UNDER against a team with a losing record. Liberty has gone UNDER the total in four of five games against winning teams, along with a 7-2 run UNDER playing on field-turf. They are also 7-3 UNDER the total after allowing 450+ total yards in their previous game. Play the UNDER.