Let's Play Two on the Thursday Gridiron

Coach Dan Hawkins was able to keep the wolves at bay, at least for one game after 24-0 shutout of Wyoming in last contest. Colorado (1-2 SU & ATS) made changes and played the right opponent in convincing victory. The Buffalos went back to basics, running the ball effectively and altering the defensive schemes that caused less confusion, which was frequently seen, especially in the secondary in losses to Colorado State and Toledo. The challenge becomes much steeper starting with West Virginia, who runs multiple attack, which flustered Colorado defenses to begin with. The Buffs are 5-13 ATS in non-conference matchups against BCS teams.

A familiar pattern is developing with West Virginia (2-1, 1-1 ATS) football under coach Bill Stewart. Except for East Carolina contest last season, the Mountaineers have been in position for victory, in the other four losses since Stewart has taken over in Morgantown. In the recent defeat at Auburn, West Virginia had over 500 total yards of offense and out-gained the Tigers by more than 100 yards, yet committed six turnovers and failed to win or cover in 41-30 defeat. The weaponry is in place with RB Noel Devine and WR Jock Sanders, it’s just quarterback Jarrett Brown who has to make smarter decisions and not throw into traffic. The Mountaineers are a mere 6-10-1 ATS as home favorites of late.

Bookmaker.com has West Virginia as 17-point favorites with a total of 54.5. This doesn’t necessarily place the Mountaineers in perfect position, since they are 4-9 ATS against teams with losing records. However, Colorado should be trusted like Bernie Madoff, with a 2-11 ATS mark as a road underdog.

Colorado won last year in Boulder 17-14 in overtime as three-point favorites and is 9-2 ATS on the road against teams off a SU and ATS loss with a winning percentage of .600 or higher. If the ‘Teers don’t turn the ball over, they should corral the Buffalos, being eminently more talented. Over the last four seasons, West Virginia is 7-1 ATS on home turf facing non-conference foes.

ESPN has the Big 12-Big East battle at 7:45 Eastern.

Not the only game in town

Southern Mississippi (3-1, 1-2 ATS) gave Kansas all they could handle at home before falling 35-28 as 11.5-point road underdogs. The Golden Eagles could well be without running back Damion Fletcher in this Conference USA contest, who is questionable with a groin injury he suffered against the Jayhawks. Quarterback Austin Davis picked up the slack last week, as the offense total 331 yards passing. Southern Miss runs a diversified passing attack, with five different receivers have caught at least 10 passes this season. The Golden Eagles are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games.

After routing Rice 44-24 in season opener, UAB (1-3, SU & ATS) has gone backwards swiftly. Losses to SMU, Troy and Texas A&M have the Blazers trying to regroup. It’s been a collective effort according to coach Neil Callaway, with the offense not in sync and the defense a sieve. UAB surrendered 544 yards to the Aggies, including 236 yards on the ground and they are 5-11 ATS after allowing more than 200 yards rushing.

Southern Miss is a 10-point favorite with a total of 59 and they have outscored UAB 107-21 the last two years. The Blazers should be motivated after the Golden Eagles hung 70 points on them last season and they are 11-4-2 ATS as C-USA home underdogs.

Southern Miss is 6-1 ATS vs. UAB and is 3-0 ATS in Birmingham. This game will likely be decided on the ground. UAB has the No. 1 rushing offense in C-USA with 230.5 yards per game and the Golden Eagles are No. 1 against the run, surrendering just 64.2 yards per contest. CBS College Sports has the broadcast at 8 Eastern.