Monday, December 29, 2014

NCAAF: Monday's plays

Plays: Texas A&M +1.5 -110 and Texas A&M/West Virginia over 65 -110

Time: 2 p.m. ET


Reasoning: This is a lot of points, but not for a game between these teams. Both squads score an average of more than 33.0 ppg. Aggies road games average 72.2 ppg. Each team ranks in the top 12 nationally in passing, so they can score points in a hurry. Mountaineers QB Skyler Howard has just one start under his belt (he took over for Clint Trickett because of his concussions), but Howard proved his mettle in that debut by throwing for 285 yards and three TDs in the regular-season finale. In relief of Trickett, Howard has completed 57.1% of his passes and has totaled five TDs. He also adds another element that Trickett doesn't possess: an ability to scramble. Howard rushed for 107 yards on 12 carries in three games. Still, I don't think it will be good enough for West Virginia to get by an A&M squad that has won its last three bowl games. The Aggies played the tougher schedule and they knocked off two Top 10 teams on the road. My power rankings say they should be the ones favored by two points. A&M's QB, Kyle Allen, is better than Howard. He hit on 61.3% of his passes since taking over for Kenny Hill. At then-No. 3 Auburn on Nov. 8, Allen led the Aggies to a 41-38 victory when he went 19-for-29 for 277 yards and four TDs vs. one INT. A&M will have to put up big numbers on offense to make up for its defensive inefficiencies. It allowed 449.0 ypg this season, the most in the SEC, and this prompted defensive coordinator Mark Snyder's firing. Linebackers coach Mark Hagan will act as the interim defensive coordinator for this one. 

Record: 234-180-8 (56.5%)
Bankroll: +119.40%

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