Bryan Power

THE PLAY: 2-Team Parlay: Texas State ML + Arizona ML (-118)

This is a two-team ML parlay where we need both sides to win straight up.

3% ML Parlay - Texas State (10:30 ET) and Arizona (11:00 ET): You'll notice that the spread for Texas State's game at San Diego State has been bet up. This is because San Diego State is dealing with a mumps outbreak (14 confirmed cases). Nearly three dozen players are listed on the injury report, including 17 that are doubtful or confirmed as out. The Aztecs are likely going to be without their two top running backs, one of which was already injured. The QB situation was already unsettled as senior Jayden Denegal was benched in last week's ugly 41-16 loss at Toledo. This is an 0-4 ATS San Diego State whose offense ranks 125th nationally in yards per play (despite playing fast). Consider that Texas State is playing at a similar pace, but ranks 15th nationally in yards per play. Their offense should feast against a SDSU defense that ranks 110th in passing yards allowed. There's no longer any real value in laying the points with Texas State here. But, the Bobcats should certainly win their Pac 12 debut, given all the trials & tribulations their opponent is going through.

For the second leg of this week's ML parlay, we've got an interesting situation where an Arizona team that is 0-4 ATS is laying a TD to a 4-0 SU Cincinnati team. Oddsmakers have basically done the work for you here in identifying this as a classic buy low/sell high spot. Cincinnati remains outside my Top 50 despite the unbeaten SU record. They are coming off a big upset win against Kansas State (at home), 31-26 as 6.5-point underdogs. I don't see B2B upsets for the Bearcats. Especially considering, two weeks ago, they were down 28-7 at the half to Miami (OH). Cincy's offensive line has been a real strength so far, but this is their first road trip of the season and it's all the way out West. The Arizona defense is allowing only 80 rush yards per game on 3.1 YPC. 3% ML Parlay - Texas State and Arizona (Play to -140)

THE PLAY: Pittsburgh +3.5 (-114)

Playing your first road game in a hostile environment like Blacksburg is certainly a challenge. But I believe Pittsburgh will be up for it on Friday night. The Panthers are higher than Va Tech in my power ratings, so taking a field goal (or more) seems like a natural move for me in this battle of ACC unbeatens.

I've noted before that this Pitt team is strong in the trenches, on both sides of the ball. In four games, the defense has allowed an average of just 53.3 rush yards, not to mention only 34 total points. While all 13 of his TD passes have come in two games, QB Mason Heintschel has thrown for 1200 yards.