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West Virginia v. Auburn Football Picks & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on October 20, 2008

Prior to the season, this big Thursday night matchup on ESPN between Auburn and West Virginia was circled on the calendar as a big game which could have BCS implications. Rough starts by each team has cost this matchup to lose some of its luster. Because of Auburn’s offensive struggles, West Virginia is favored by 3.5 points at home.

Auburn’s defense has been solid, but it’s been a terrible struggle on offense and that struggle has already shut down the high hopes that this team had coming into the season. Auburn was a preseason top-10 and the favorite to win the SEC West. All of the offensive problems have recently come to a head with coordinator Tony Franklin fired.

Auburn needs to take its first strides toward finding an offensive identity this week and that all starts with finding a QB that can run. Coach Tommy Tuberville says Kodi Burns is the QB of the future and he will likely get the first crack at the action Thursday night.

Despite the offensive deficiencies, the defense continues to play at a high level. The Tigers are third in the SEC in scoring defense at 13.7 points per game and they ranked first in the league in the all-important third-down conversion defense, holding opponents to 22.7 percent. Imagine how good this unit could be if it didn’t have to spend so much time on the field. If you think the Tigers defense can get them another win, bet Auburn at +3.5 at BetUS and receive up to a 50% signup bonus.

West Virginia was also a preseason top 10 and it was expected to be in national title contention after rolling over the Big East. Things have not gone exactly according to plan, but the Mountaineers still bring a 4-2 mark into this contest.

Like Auburn, it’s been the defense of West Virginia which has carried the load thus far. The good news is that QB Pat White will be back in the starting lineup this week after missing a game with a head injury suffered against Rutgers. White has not had the type of season we have seen the past three years, but he is still one of the biggest threats in the country with the football in his hands.

WVU averaged about 40 points per game in 2007 but is only scoring 22.2 this season. The struggles could prompt the Mountaineers to use a little bit more of the I-formation because tailback Noel Devine seems to be more comfortable running out of it.

Watching film will tell Auburn to really pack it in and put eight men in the box because the Mountaineers have shown virtually no willingness to throw the football in recent weeks. In their last game against Syracuse, the Mountaineers threw 20 times but gained only 53 yards. They need to take more chances down the field to stretch the defense and at least make them respect the homerun play. If WVU decides to throw the football and does so successfully, it will win this game.

Devine should give them an opportunity to do so as his 188-yard performance against Syracuse showed the nation just how good he can be. Auburn knows it has to stop the running attack of Devine and White first and foremost to be competitive. If you think the return of White gets the Mountaineers in the winner’s circle and gets backers the cover, bet West Virginia at -3.5 at BetUS.

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