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The Tennessee Volunteers host the Ball State Cardinals in the 2022 season opener for both squads on Thursday evening. The Volunteers look to defend their home turf after going 5-3 at Neyland Stadium in 2021. The Cardinals were a decent road team last season, logging a 3-3 road record last year.
Kickoff from Knoxville, Tenn., is set for 7 p.m. ET. After opening as 28-point favorites, Caesars Sportsbook now lists the Volunteers at -35.5 in the latest Tennessee vs. Ball State odds. The over/under for total points is set at 66.5. Before making any Ball State vs. Tennessee picks or Week 1 college football predictions, you need to see what SportsLine’s advanced computer model has to say.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Over the past six-plus years, the proprietary computer model has generated a stunning profit of almost $3,600 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. It enters Week 1 of the 2022 college football season on a 45-32 run on all top-rated college football spread and money-line picks that dates back to 2021. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Tennessee vs. Ball State and just locked in its picks and CFB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several college football odds and betting lines for Ball State vs. Tennessee:
- Tennessee vs. Ball State spread: Volunteers -35.5
- Tennessee vs. Ball State over/under: 66.5 points
- BSU: The Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last five games on grass
- TENN: The Over is 6-0 in the Volunteers’ last six games overall
- Tennessee vs. Ball State money line: See picks at SportsLine
Why Tennessee can cover
Hendon Hooker is back at quarterback and Tennessee also has a versatile backfield to help him out. They Vols have several ball carriers who bring different elements to the ground attack. This rushing game ranked second in the SEC in yards per contest (217.8). Junior running back Jabari Small is the lead back for Tennessee and he displayed that in 2021. Small led the team in rushing yards (792) along with nine scores.
Sophomore running back Jaylen Wright is another contributor for the Volunteers. Wright has a different pace with solid vision to make the right cut and get upfield. The North Carolina native logged 85 carries for 409 yards and four touchdowns. Hooker is an additional rushing threat who ran for 620 yards and five touchdowns last season.
Why Ball State can cover
The Cardinals trot out a talented duo at wide receiver. This aerial attack is headlined by senior receiver Jayshon Jackson. He is consistently creating separation and getting open against opposing defenders. Jackson has reeled in a catch in 25 straight games heading into this contest. The Illinois native led the team in catches (69) and receiving yards (825) to go with five scores.
Senior receiver Yo’Heinz Tyler is another playmaker for Ball State. Tyler is a nice red zone target who owns the size and quickness needed to find space. During the 2021 season, he led the team in touchdown grabs (6) while ranking third on the squad in catches (49) and receiving yards (487). He’s also entering the 2022 campaign having caught a pass in 26 straight games, which is tied for the eighth-longest streak in the nation.
How to make Ball State vs. Tennessee picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Under on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 62 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in 70% of simulations. You can only see the model’s pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Tennessee vs. Ball State? And which side of the spread hits in 70% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its college football picks, and find out.
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