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I’ll take Jacksonville State to cover the spread against Georgia Southern on Saturday, particularly if you can find the Gamecocks at -3.5.

The Gamecocks dropped a 29-27 decision at Ohio last weekend but played much better than the final score indicated. Jacksonville State gained more yards than Ohio (447-262), threw for 286 yards, rushed for 161 yards and converted 9 of 15 third downs. JSU led for most of regulation before falling on a two-point conversion try in the fourth overtime period.

Georgia Southern had some serious issues moving the ball offensively in its 22-7 loss at Clemson this past weekend. The Eagles gained only 266 yards total and 22 yards on the ground. Georgia Southern averaged 1.2 yards per carry and converted just 4 of 17 third downs.

Jacksonville State also hosts this contest, which will allow its physical run game and balanced offense to control the pace of the game. JSU scored 34 points on Georgia Southern last season and actually came back from behind after trailing 31-17 to take a 34-31 lead before losing 41-34.

That makes this game a revenge spot too. I like Jax state in this spot tonight on their home turf.

Jim’s Play: 176. Jacksonville State

There isn't much love for Texas State a home favorite against North Texas on Saturday. But for me, I’ll lay the short price with the home club in this one.

Texas State is 0-2 but their record is somewhat misleading considering their opener was at Texas, and their second game was a close 31-26 loss at UTSA. The Bobcats outgained UTSA 481-398 and ran for 289 yards on the Roadrunners.

Torrance Burgess Jr. ran for 149 yards against UTSA, and Brad Jackson is a rushing threat at the quarterback position for Texas State. If they are able to keep this game in the dirt, they can keep North Texas' offense off the field and force manageable third-down situations.

North Texas rolled 44-6 last week against UNLV, but will face a much tougher challenge traveling to Texas State. The Mean Green also lost 52-16 to Indiana in week 1, but were still able to give up 7.9 yards per play.

Texas State has proven they can move the ball on solid teams, getting 349 yards at Texas and nearly 500 yards against UTSA. If they eliminate turnovers and poor play-calling in the red zone like we've seen in their first two games, this offense should be able to keep up enough pressure on North Texas to develop some breathing room late.

Jim’s Play: 130. Texas State

I'll take Ole Miss +2.5 vs LSU this Saturday. The Rebels should have a good chance to win this game in the Magnolia Bowl.

One factor that comes into play is LSU QB Sam Leavitt being injured. He was listed doubtful at practice earlier this week with an upper body injury and was bumped to questionable. He has completed for 574 yards this season, but has also thrown 4 INTs. Any type of ailment that affects his arm/ability to move around will be key against a hostile crowd. They also have their leading tackler LB TJ Dottery listed as questionable.

Ole Miss has played very well at home. Last week's win over Charlotte brought their home winning streak to 13 games, which is the 3rd longest in the FBS. They have won their first two games this season, beating Louisville by 3 in their first game of the year.

Trinidad Chambliss is also another veteran at the position for Ole Miss. Chambliss led Ole Miss to a win over LSU in Oxford last season. Ole Miss can run the ball and spread the ball around, not allowing LSU to focus on one aspect of the game.

It's also an emotional game with former Ole Miss head coach, Lane Kiffin, coming back to Oxford. Ole Miss should have a strong advantage at home, especially early.

With Ole Miss being a +2.5 at home, LSU questionable at QB, and a home win streak going, I think this game will go into the 4th quarter.

Jim’s Play: 198. Mississippi  (SEC Game of the Month)

I think the Wolfpack can cover this game and come out with a one score victory. One thing that NC State can take from their first game is how they responded to their loss against Virginia. They went out and crushed Richmond 73-0 and CJ Bailey was much better than he was against Virginia. Bailey has accumulated 365 passing yards in his first two games and Duke Scott has been their top rusher. If Bailey continues to play how he did against Richmond they will have no problem keeping this game close in Nashville.

Vanderbilt has won its first two games but they weren't as dominant as people may think. They were able to beat Delaware 35-26 but they were behind in the game for most of the first half. They had to rely on some huge plays to take the lead, one being a blocked punt that they scored on. Vanderbilt will also be playing with their freshman QB Jared Curtis this Saturday. He has shown some great talent but will have to face NC State who has done very well on 3rd down.

NC State’s only downfall is Vanderbilt’s pass rush. They average 5.5 sacks a game and are 2nd in the country in that category. If NC State can keep CJ Bailey alive they will have a good chance of covering. Which is why I like them to cover by more than a field goal. Vanderbilt may be able to get some negative plays on NC State but I don't think they can sustain a drive.

I think NC State will try to run the ball and keep this game short. If they can protect CJ Bailey and force Vanderbilt’s QB to make some long drives they can cover this game.

Jim’s Play: 133. NC State

I have North Carolina covering at Clemson on Saturday, especially if you can get them at +3.5 or more. The number has shifted quite a bit towards UNC, I've seen some books as high as UNC +3.

The main reason why I like UNC is Clemson's offense. They've been putting up 246 yards and 16 points a game over their last two games. They are one of the worst offenses in the FBS. Clemson has been unable to gain much on the ground and have had trouble protecting their QB. This will test North Carolina's defense who has allowed only 13 points over their 2-0 stretch.

With Clemson breaking in a freshman QB this gives North Carolina an edge as well. Tait Reynolds will be making his first start of his college career. He showed some good things when he came in against Georgia Southern. Hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in college yet. Making a freshman QB start against a defensive line that will be coming after him is bound to cause some sacks and 3 and outs for Clemson.

North Carolina does not have to put up many points to cover this game. Billy Edwards Jr has done a pretty good job at not making any big mistakes and the offense has shown they can play a more run heavy game. Which will be needed against a Clemson team that has their best unit on defense. If UNC can run the ball and not fall into 3rd and long, protect Edwards and not give Clemson a short field they should be competitive late in the 4th quarter.

Another edge that North Carolina has is their pass rush. Clemson has had trouble with negative plays this year and UNC has been able to generate a good amount of pressure on their opponent. So North Carolina should be able to make Reynolds uncomfortable and put Clemson in 3rd and long situations.

I think we will see a close ACC game that will not be too high scoring. With Clemson struggling on offense and breaking in a freshman QB I think we can get more than a field goal with North Carolina.

Jim’s Play: 119. North Carolina

I like the spot that Texas El Paso is in Saturday and I look for them to cover on the road at Michigan. Michigan should be able to win this game quite easily, but can they cover 35.5? Currently Michigan is favored by 35/35.5. Which is saying that a Michigan blowout is expected.

UTEP will come into this game with some good offensive numbers as well. They put up 491 yards of offense against Texas Southern last week and won the game 51-10. EJ Colson Jr went 14/21 for 239 yards and 4 TDs. He also had 49 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD. Michigan defense will be a step up but if UTEP can utilize their QB that can run and make plays outside of the pocket. It can help them gain more first downs and maybe sneak away with a couple touchdowns.

Michigan offense should be your selling point for this game. Michigan is 2-0 and averaging only 15 points a game. They were only able to beat Oklahoma 17-10. As you can see Michigan defense has been elite, but their running game and OL have not been the best. Penalties have also played a factor. You don't want to give 35 points on a team that has those issues.

Also if Michigan goes into a lead they will start to pull their starters and get young players in. Michigan will have a few players out with injuries. TE Hogan Hansen is out and there have been some reports RB Jordan Marshall may have a small injury as well. Michigan will not want to keep there starters out to try to cover 35 points.

UTEP just has to keep out of trouble and play the game short. If they can get about 10-14 points on the board and Michigan plays their defense. There are plenty of points to hit in the 4th quarter to back door cover this spread.

Jim’s Play: 145. UTEP