USF is a fly-in-the-ointment team. They could run the table and make things interesting for playoff committee. But to even think about that, they also need style points. On ESPN chance for USF to make a statement against a Power 5 team.

USF led by QB Quinton Flowers, Heisman long shot, scored 30 points or more in 19 straight games. Teams undefeated after at least two games and road underdogs of 14 or more are 65-86 against the spread (favors USF).

This is an outscourced pick. Previously referred to as a competitor consensus, we changed the name to more accurately reflect that we are riding the knowledge of one of the few opinions we trust as much as ours. Generally, we were leaning in that direction. This one comes from a sharp who has been on all sides of the fence: corner bookie, scorephone handicapper, powerful oddsmaker for a few offshore sportsbook groups.