SuperBook Sports previews the weekend ahead

CFB: No. 7 Penn State @ No. 3 Ohio State

While Penn State is a nifty 6-0 this season, a trip into an Ohio Stadium that will be buzzing at a fever pitch represents the Nittany Lions first “real” test of the year. Yes, Penn State blanked No. 24 Iowa four weeks ago, but that was at home. A No. 7 national ranking is a reflection of just how good the Nittany Lions defense has been; it’s a unit that’s never allowed more than 15 points and has held its opponent to just 8 points per game.

Ohio State enters the matchup at No. 3, a ranking – quite frankly – that still feels a bit inflated. Remember, the only ranked team the Buckeyes have beat this season was Notre Dame – and the Irish quite literally snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in that one. But, like Penn State, Ohio State is a team with a stacked defense. They haven’t allowed more than 17 in a game this year.

Perhaps both teams are slightly overrated. Regardless, this is the Buckeyes game to lose (as the oddsmakers have indicated). At home and behind a stout defense, it’s hard to imagine Penn State and its mediocre offense stealing one on the road. It’s unquestionably one of the marquee matchups on the weekend, but at an uninspiring moneyline price of -190, and a point spread of 4.5, there’s just enough reason to bet this one cautiously. Take the Buckeyes and lay the points if you must, but there’s a better option at play.

Bud Parmalee’s Pick: UNDER 45.5

Rarely does a college football game with a point total of 45.5 scream UNDER, but this one does. Loudly. There are two things that can be said about both Ohio State and Penn State: First, both teams are built on exceptional defenses. Second, both teams employ an offense that’s more methodical than explosive. Last week, both teams were involved in blowout wins, but the points scored by the Buckeyes (41) and Nittany Lions (63) aren’t nearly as important as their defensive efforts – 7 and 0 respectively. Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord has been serviceable, but definitely short of great, while Penn State’s Drew Allar is a first-year starter who’s never played in a game of this magnitude. Feel free to get up for snacks or a bathroom break, as the points will be few and far between. Take the under all the way on this one.

CFB: No. 17 Tennessee @ No. 11 Alabama

Just a year removed from Tennessee’s win over the Tide, there’s not a soul in Tuscaloosa that’s forgotten. There’s zero chance the Volunteers sneak up on Alabama, which will be anxious to settle the score.

That doesn’t mean it will be easy, though. Like Ohio State-Penn State (just up the rankings), both Alabama and Tennessee are defensive juggernauts. The Tide defense gives up 16.0 points (13th) and 292.4 total yards (15th) per game, while the Tennessee defense is nearly identical, allowing 17.0 points (18th) and 303.0 total yards (17th) per game. Two teams that rank in the top-20 in the two defensive stats that matter most? This should be a slugfest.

Alabama is a perplexing squad this weekend. The Tide are still excellent, but it feels as if the swagger is missing just a bit. Then again, it doesn’t sit well with anyone in Tuscaloosa when the Tide is on the outside looking in (of the top-5, that is). This is a game that represents an opportunity for Alabama to re-enter the national conversation. But again, it won’t be easy – not much about an SEC matchup like this one ever is.

Bud Parmalee’s Pick: Tennessee +8.5  

Don’t be mistaken; Alabama is going to win this game. Mark that down. But there are better ways to spend your almighty buck than on a moneyline price of -350. The Tide enter the game as a whopping 8.5-point favorite, and therein lies the opportunity. In fact, that’s nearly an insult to the Vols, who have a defense that will provide a true test for Alabama. The UNDER 48.5 is tempting considering the quality of defense that will be on display, but the better play is to count on a close, exciting game. Look for Tennessee to cover, something the Vols have done in four out of their six games this season. 

NFL: Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens

The city of Detroit has waited a long time for this. For the first time in what feels like forever, the Lions are legit.

They are 5-1 for the first time since 2011. But this year’s team feels different. Dan Campbell has created a culture in Detroit unlike anything that we’ve ever seen.

He’s currently the favorite for NFL Coach of the Year and has his team playing like the best in the league, something they very well might be. But not everyone is buying it just yet.

This week, the Lions come in as a 3.0-point underdog as they face the Baltimore Ravens on the road. The Ravens are 4-2 and are led by one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in recent history.

Lamar Jackson has thrown for over 1,200 passing yards and has nine total touchdowns this season. The Ravens already have half as many wins through six weeks of this season as they had all last year.

Despite being an underdog, the Lions seemingly have the edge. Quarterback Jared Goff is playing like a top-five QB and his numbers reflect it. Goff has thrown for more than 1,600 yards and 11 touchdowns with just three interceptions. He’s run for two touchdowns, as well.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Lions defense has looked outstanding, too. Last Sunday, they held the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to just six points. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson currently has the fourth-best odds to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.

The only thing up in the air right now for the Lions is the situation at the running back position. David Montgomery went down with a rib injury last week and is expected to be out on Sunday. With him likely out of the lineup, the Lions will turn to rookie Jahmry Gibbs who is also dealing with an injury. If he can go, the Lions rushing attack should still be strong enough to compete with the Ravens, who also have one of the best running games in the league.

Steve Quinne’s Pick: Detroit ML (+130)

This game is worth the watch. It’s a “prove it” game for both teams and a defining moment for the rest of their respective seasons. The Lions come in as the underdog, but they certainly don’t look the part. It’ll be a close game but take the Lions to get it done.

lNFL: Miami Dolphins at Philadelphia Eagles

This one has “Game of the Year” written all over it. The 5-1 Miami Dolphins will head to Philadelphia to play the 5-1 Eagles.

It’s Tua Tagovailoa vs. Jalen Hurts for an Alabama reunion and it’s a primetime matchup on Sunday night. It just doesn’t get better than that.

The Dolphins have, without a doubt, the best offense in the league. They lead the NFL in rushing yards and passing yards per game, something no team has done through six games since the Buffalo Bills in 1964. What they’re doing is almost unprecedented.

Tagovailoa leads the league in passing yards. De’Von Achane, who has only played three full games this year, has the third-most rushing yards. Tyreek Hill leads the league in receiving yards and has 142 more than the guy in second. And to top it all off, Raheem Mostert leads the league in points scored. He has 11 total touchdowns to put his total at 66 points. The next six guys on that leaderboard are kickers.

Needless to say, the Dolphins’ offense has been spectacular. But can their defense keep up with Philadelphia?

Philly’s offense may not be as dominant as Miami’s, but it’s pretty darn close. D’Andre Swift is top five in rushing yards. A.J. Brown has the second-most receiving yards and Hurts has the eighth-most passing yards.

Philadelphia’s defense is what could give them the edge over the Dolphins. The Eagles have one of the best defensive lines in the league, led by Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox. However, they haven’t seen an offense even remotely similar to Miami’s this season.

Steve Quinne’s Pick: Miami ML (+125)

The Eagles are currently 2.5-point favorites, but that line is simply a reflection of home-field advantage. This game will be close. It will come down to the wire and the stars will be shining on “Sunday Night Football.” In that sort of scenario, the hottest team is who you bet on. The Eagles lost to Zach Wilson and the Jets last week. The Dolphins have won two in a row. Take the Dolphins.