Aztecs Hang In College Football Picks Battle with Mizzou

College football continues with our college football picks leading the way at BetOnline Sportsbook. Saturday’s slate features a rare meeting between Missouri and San Diego State who haven’t met on the gridiron since 1980. 

Missouri Tigers vs. San Diego State Aztecs

Game Date/Time: Saturday, September 18, 7:00 ET
Game Location: Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium, Columbia, MO
TV/Radio Broadcast: ESPN Gameplan, Sirius 

NCAA Football Odds

San Diego State Aztecs (+14) -110
Missouri Tigers (-14) –110
Over/Under 58

San Diego State has been impressive in its opening two games as second year head coach Brady Hoke allowed his players to punish a pair of patsies in wins over Nicholls State (47-0) and on the road at New Mexico State (41-21). While the college football picks predict a much tougher go of it this week for San Diego State, the Aztecs still have enough weapons to cover this two touchdown spread.

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San Diego State junior quarterback Ryan Lindley is a polished passer and potential pro, and we should see some big pass plays in this contest with Missouri junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert one of the Big 12’s best passers throwing for nearly 3,600 yards through the air last season. Gabbert’s favorite receiver through two games is sophomore TJ Moe, who is tied for the no. 1 spot in college football with 23 receptions.  Our college football picks predictor points out that San Diego State is averaging 6.5 yards per rush through two games after being among the nations worst rushing teams last season.  Missouri’s run defense is in question after allowing over 200 rushing yards and over 5.3 yards per rush against Illinois in their opening game.

I look for solid offensive balance and solid defensive strength and San Diego State figures to continue improvement with proven defensive coordinator Rocky Long leading the Aztecs strop unit after such strong success at New Mexico. However, Missouri is gaining more local attention for the improvement in the defense’s aggressiveness and effectiveness as the pass defense has six interceptions through two games.  Missouri’s ‘Candy’ package of four defensive ends and no defensive tackles on passing downs is creating a buzz in Columbia.  But San Diego State quarterback Lindley can adjust with short screens and draws to counter the over-aggressive pass rush.

NCAA Insider Tip: San Diego State has not had a winning season since 1998 and is off to their first 2-0 start since 1994. Mizzou has covered only one spot in its L/10 tries against a +.500 opponent, while the Aztecs have reeled in the green in four of their L/5 road games.

These are two experienced teams with each returning at least 16 starters and the potential to surprise in conference play. Our college football picks forecaster believers this San Diego State team is likely to continue to surprise and with limited penalties and turnovers, they can tangle with the Tigers and stay within the large impost.

My NCAA Football Predictions:  San Diego State + 14 (-110)

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