College football has seen a string of upsets with a top-two team losing four weeks in a row, making Week 10 critical with several high-profile matchups. Veteran sportswriter Mike Tierney, who has covered the NFL for decades and reported from seven Super Bowls, has released two three-team money line parlays for the week: one featuring favorites and another with underdogs.
Favorites Parlay
Oklahoma State money line vs. Kansas State: The Cowboys boast the third-best offensive yards per snap in FBS, while the Wildcats' defense ranks 81st per play and last in the Big 12 against the run, setting up a big day for running back Caleb Hawkins. Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker is projected as a top draft pick, while Kansas State starts its fourth quarterback in four games, Blake Barnett, with starter Avery Johnson injured.
LSU money line vs. Alabama: The Tigers are unbeaten at home, winning by an average of 36.2 points, and hold the No. 4 defensive ranking in FBS to complement the No. 6 offense. Alabama's last road game ended in a 16-point loss to Tennessee, and the afternoon kickoff may not diminish LSU's home dominance.
San Jose State money line vs. Northern Illinois: The Huskies remain the only winless FBS team after a seven-point loss at UNLV and must travel back to the Pacific Time Zone. San Jose State has four wins in its first Mountain West season, making the Spartans a play against Northern Illinois until the Huskies find a victory.
Underdogs Parlay
Illinois money line vs. Nebraska: Nebraska has lost its last three games by a combined 13 points, while Illinois has dropped three straight by 15 points total. The Illini's defense has improved and quarterback Katin Houser has returned from injury, making them the hotter side on the plus money line at home.
Boston College money line vs. Florida State: Florida State fired head coach Mike Norvell and lost standout wide receiver Duce Robinson, with running backs also depleted. Boston College had won two straight before a loss at Duke and has dropped only one of four home games.
Air Force money line vs. Army: Army's rush defense allows 5.1 yards per carry, ninth-worst in FBS, while Air Force's option attack ran for a win last week with just three pass attempts. The Black Knights have faced a brutal schedule with three straight opponents coming off open dates and a 27-point loss to Memphis.
Tierney's recent track record includes a 320-271-16 mark in the NFL over four seasons and a 121-103 record in college football over the past two seasons. Lines are sourced from multiple sportsbooks and may have shifted since publication.
