Paul Prattles On

Welcome Back! Last week was my worst week yet (and worst in a few years), as I was 32-21 (60.4%), making me 450-134 overall with a winning percentage of 77.1% (down 1.6% from last week).  This week we are back down to 52 games, one less than last week, but there are some big games. I'm 4-0 so far after the early games, which is so much better than my starts to the last 2 weeks (1-3, then 1-4). Let's see if I can stay above 75% for the year. So... on with the picks! Thursday, October 30 Marshall @ Coastal Carolina - The Chanticleers hold a slight 2-1 lead, but the Thundering Herd won 31-19 last year. Both teams are 4-3 overall, but Marshall is 2-1 in the SBC with wins over ODU (by 24) and TSU in their last 2 games, and a loss to Louisiana. CCU is 3-1 in the SBC with wins over South Alabama on the road, ULM, and at App State, and a loss at ODU (by 40!). Both teams were on a bye last week. Marshall wins. Tulane @ UTSA - Each team has 1 win in the series, with the Roadrunners winni...

Welcome Back! We are more than1/2 of the way through the season for most teams, and there is a lot more interesting info as we approach the end of the season. However, OOC games are just about done, so that goes on the back burner until the end of the year. We do have some Wednesday games this week, so I'll start with those. Wednesday, October 29 Jacksonville State @ Middle Tennessee - The Blue Raiders have dominated this series, leading 17-4-2, but the Gamecocks have won the last 3. Twenty-one of the 23 contests were held from 1900 to 1998 with JSU winning in 1960 and '98. This year, JSU is 4-3/3-0 while MTSU is 1-6/0-3 with their only win at Nevada, meaning they've lost their last 5, and 7 of their last 8, home games. The Blue Raiders have also lost their last 6 CUSA matchups. Gamecocks win. FIU @ Missouri State - The Panthers and Bears will be playing for the 1st time. FIU is 3-4/1-2, with a win at WKU and losses to Delaware and KSU at home. Mo State is 4-3/2-1 with a lo...

Welcome Back! Before I begin, there are 2 games today. Last week I was 0-3 on the Tuesday games. Let's see if I can do a bit better. The good news is, I can't do worse... Tuesday, October 28 UTEP @ Kennesaw State - The Miners won 43-35 in 2 OTs last year in KSU's 1st year in CUSA and at the FBS level. UTEP is 2-5/1-2, winning their most recent game. The Owls are 5-2/3-0 and on a 5-game winning streak. KSU is certainly playing like the best team in CUSA, but I've been slow in buying in. For one, I'm afraid that as soon as I pick them to win, they'll lose. But I'm going to bite the bullet. Hooty Hoo! Owls win! James Madison @ Texas State - The Dukes own a 40-13 win over the Bobcats in the only prior meeting, but that was way back in 2022. TSU is 3-4/0-3, but their 3 losses were by a combined 11 points, with 1 in OT and another in 2 OTs. Their best win is over 3-4 UTSA. JMU is 6-1/4-0, winning 5 in a row, and appear to be the Sun Belt's best chance to make ...