Three of the most notable Group of Five college football programs take the field on Friday night.
UTSA is new to the scene at the top of the G5, but it has been a force over the last two seasons and it sits in a great spot to earn a big win.
Middle Tennessee resides in the prototypical college football let down spot after it beat Miami last week in south Florida. The Blue Raiders can be knocked off their emotional high quickly by Frank Harris and the visiting Roadrunners.
Houston and Boise State reside in two different spots for the over to hit in their respective games. Houston has been involved in a handful of high-scoring games already, while a new-look Boise offense could be poised to hit a low total in a bounce-back spot.
Friday CFB Picks
Overall Record: 19-29-2
Tulane at Houston (7 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Over 55
Houston has been one of the most underwhelming Group of Five teams this season, but the Cougars are at least reliable for over bettors.
The Cougars are 4-0 to the over this season and 8-2 to the over in their last 10 games dating back to October 2021.
Houston reached the 30-point mark in each of its four games, but its defense has not been as impressive. The Cougars allowed at least 27 points to all of their opponents.
Tulane enters with an offense that averages 33.8 points and 428.5 yards per game. The Green Wave defense held their first three opponents to 10 points or fewer, but then they gave up 27 points to Southern Miss last week.
A concerning part about Tulane's defense is the 22 plays over 20 yards that it conceded. That could help Houston break open a few drives in a contest it should win at home.
UTSA (-4.5) at Middle Tennessee (7:30 p.m. ET, CBSSN)
You may not find a better let down spot to take advantage of this season.
Middle Tennessee is coming off a surprising road win over Miami and now it has to host one of the best Group of Five teams in UTSA.
UTSA averages 478.5 total yards per game and it was competitive with Houston and Texas in its nonconference losses.
Frank Harris and the UTSA offense produced 52 points in a rebound performance against Texas Southern last week and he has had four 250+ pass-yard performance on the road in the last two seasons.
The key for UTSA will be getting pressure on MTSU quarterback Chase Cunningham, who has suffered 10 sacks and thrown three interceptions this season.
San Diego State at Boise State (8 p.m. ET, FS1)
Over 38.5
Boise State is coming off one of its most embarrassing losses in recent memory, a 27-10 road defeat to UTEP.
The Broncos fired their offensive coordinator and quarterback Hank Bachmeier entered the transfer portal, leaving the starting spot to Taylen Green.
Green is a dual-threat quarterback that is built like a tank and he could breathe some fresh air into the Boise offense that managed 27 points in its two losses.
Being back at home could help Boise's offense explode as well. The Broncos played three of their first four games away from Idaho.
San Diego State gave up over 160 rushing yards in losses to Utah and Arizona. Boise State has three players, including Green, that have over 100 rushing yards this season.
We may not see 60 or 70 points on the blue turf, but we can see a reinvigorated Boise offense lead the way to 40 points over four quarters.