College football betting picks: UConn will cover at Ball State

October is a good time to bet on college football. This week's favorite is Connecticut, which is catching 9½ points at Ball State. The Huskies have won two straight games after getting beaten by Power Five schools Syracuse, Michigan and North Carolina State and are improving under first-year coach Jim Mora. Ball St. is without its top three rushers and will likely lean on a true freshman to carry the load.

College football betting picks: UConn will cover at Ball State.

N.C. State has won three straight games in the series. The Wolfpack have a more battle-tested team thanks to their back-to-back games against Clemson and Florida State. Syracuse had an extra week to prepare, but the Orange haven't seen a defense as good as N. c. state's this season.

Illinois is one win away from bowl eligibility. Minnesota is expected to get back leading rusher Mohamed Ibrahim.

Oklahoma State is favored by 4 points over Texas Christian. The Cowboys have covered in 15 of their last 20 games.

Georgia Southern is the favorite at home against James Madison. The Eagles are coming off two road losses. James Dukes broke into the Top 25 in their first season in the Football Bowl Subdivision.