College Football Betting Previews: Oklahoma vs. Auburn, UNC vs. Duke, Stanford vs. Clemson

We have your betting previews for a couple of top college football games on Saturday.

Oklahoma vs. Auburn

Both teams are seeking answers at quarterback and their first Southeastern Conference win. Auburn is trying to keep its season from continuing to spiral while the Sooners are nursing hopes of league and playoff contention despite a 25-15 loss to No. 5 Tennessee. The Sooners are turning to quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. for his first career start and their first road game as an SEC member.

The Sooners are tied for the national lead with 12 forced turnovers, including an FBS-best eight fumble recoveries. Turnovers have been Auburn’s nemesis in both losses and the Tigers’ minus-10 turnover margin is tied for 131st among 133 FBS teams.

The line on this one has moved from Sooners -2.5 to a PICK'EM.  Sagarin gives us a number of 2.29, indicating the line was accurate before and now we have an underlay. Underlays in this range do tend to provide an edge for the favorite based on our model data while the wrong team favored is big for the dog.  That hadn't quite happened yet but keep an eye out here as the Sooners could be a good play. 

UNC vs. Duke

Duke has a chance to start 5-0 in a season for the first time since winning the first seven games of the 1994 season.  They've only accomplished this feat on five separate occasions.  UNC is reeling after giving up 70 points in a stunning home loss to James Madison after a 3-0 start. Both teams are looking to start league play with a win.

Blue Devils Jordan Moore is the top target for Maalik Murphy with three touchdowns and two 100-yard outings in four games.

History is not on Duke's side though as UNC has won five straight meetings in the series and 13 straight meetings under coach Mack Brown, including an eight-year run (1990-97) during his first stint with the Tar Heels.

Duke has been a steady -2.5 favorite and Sagarin gives us a number within a point at 3.32.  Accurate lines in this range do not provide an edge when it comes to our own model.

Stanford vs. Clemson

The line on this one is Tigers -21.5.

Both teams are looking to open 2-0 in the ACC.

It’s the second straight week the Cardinal have crossed the country for a league game after winning at Syracuse last week. Clemson has been one of the hottest offenses in the country, scoring 125 points in its past two victories over Appalachian State and N.C. State.

Players to Watch

Stanford: LB David Bailey had two sacks, four tackles and forced a fumble in the win at Syracuse. Bailey was named ACC linebacker of the week for his performance.

Clemson: RB Phil Mafah had his second straight game with 100 or more yards and third in past four games. Mafah has had long runs for touchdowns in the Tigers’ past two victories.