4% CFB GAME OF THE WEEK - WON LAST NIGHT WITH WASHINGTON

THE PLAY: San Diego State +7.5 (-112)

Fresno State is coming off an emotionally draining 38-31 loss to Boise State in a major home game. The Bulldogs gave a strong effort as a sizable underdog, but now shift into the less appealing role of favorite while attempting to bounce back from a high-intensity defeat.

This sets up two negative situational angles for Fresno State. First, teams can struggle to recover immediately after an emotional loss—effectively “losing the same game twice.” Second, the Boise State defeat qualifies as a potential dream-crusher: a win could have kept Fresno State in position to run the table and build a College Football Playoff case, with only a loss to USC on its résumé.

San Diego State’s record does not fully capture the quality of its competition. The Aztecs have faced UCLA, James Madison, Toledo on the road, and Oregon State, one of the Pac-12’s best teams.

Last week’s 66-14 loss to Oregon State has inflated the number, especially given that San Diego State was shorthanded by injuries and a mumps outbreak in the locker room. Several affected players have been upgraded to questionable and will be game time decisions.

The market appears to be overreacting to the Oregon State score, creating value on San Diego State before accounting for Fresno State’s difficult emotional spot. With the line potentially too high and Fresno State facing substantial situational drawbacks, the Aztecs look like a very live underdog.

TAKE SAN DIEGO ST +7.5

THE PLAY: Tennessee +7.5 (-107)

The instinctive reaction may be to back Alabama in bounce-back mode after a major loss, but that situation can also create a letdown. Teams coming off an emotional, high-profile defeat often carry a hangover into the following week and can effectively “lose the same game twice.”

Tennessee is a live home underdog. The Volunteers enter at 5-1 and ranked in the top 15, with a dependable defense and the benefit of receiving points in Knoxville.

The matchup also favors Tennessee’s defensive identity. Alabama’s offense is built around its passing game, while Tennessee’s greatest strength is defending the pass. If the Volunteers can limit Alabama’s efficiency through the air, they can force the Crimson Tide into a more uncomfortable style of game.

Recent history adds to the case for Tennessee. The Volunteers have upset Alabama in each of the Crimson Tide’s last two trips to Knoxville, showing they can handle the moment and the matchup at home.

Expect a competitive game that is likely to be decided by a field goal either way, making Tennessee attractive with the points.

TAKE TENNESSEE +7.5