Sean Murphy Sports Picks

My selection is on the 'over' between Stephen F. Austin and SMU at 7 pm et on Saturday.

This game has shootout written all over it as SMU looks to continue its hot start against FCS squad Stephen F. Austin. Mustangs QB Shane Buechele has picked up right where he left off last season, throwing for over 700 yards and five touchdowns through two games this season. There's little reason to expect him to ease up against the Lumberjacks on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the SMU backfield has been absolutely rolling and faces another favorable matchup here. On the flip side, SFA QB Trae Self showed some progression in last week's loss, passing for 285 yards and a touchdown after struggling in the season-opener. Keep in mind, the Mustangs have already given up 59 points in two games this season and it's not as if they've faced top level competition. SMU has posted victories against Texas State and North Texas. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on Baylor minus the points over Kansas at 7:30 pm et on Saturday.

I think the only reason we're dealing with a somewhat reasonable pointspread here is due to the fact that Baylor hasn't played a game yet. The Bears are obviously eager to get going and get a cupcake matchup to open things up with Kansas coming off a lopsided loss to Coastal Carolina in its season opener two weeks ago. Baylor's defense shouldn't have much trouble gameplanning for a Kansas offense that can run the football but do little else. It should only be a matter of time before this one gets away from the Jayhawks. Take Baylor (10*).

My selection is on Dallas over Tampa Bay at 8:05 pm et on Saturday.

I'll back the Stars to stave off elimination at the hands of the Lightning on Saturday. Dallas certainly showed plenty of fight last night but ultimately fell in overtime. The Stars have proven to be a tough out throughout these playoffs and there's little reason to expect them to roll over in this one. Behind a much sharper defensive effort look for Dallas to push this series to a sixth game. Take Dallas (10*).

CFB Blowout Game of the Month. My selection is on Cincinnati minus the points over Army at 3:30 pm et on Saturday.

I really like the way this one sets up for the Bearcats as they host an Army squad that has come roaring out of the gates, but against inferior opposition. Let's keep things in perspective. The Black Knights are a perfect 2-0 and have blown out each of their first two opponents but their schedule has afforded them very winnable matchups against Middle Tennessee State and Louisiana-Monroe. Things get an awful lot tougher this week as they hit the road for the first time to face an underrated Cincinnati squad that might be the second-best team in the AAC (behind UCF). Army has a national top-25 ranking entering this contest which may lead some bettors to back it with the generous helping of points but I expect this one to get away from the Black Knights. Their offense has been humming but there will be some bumps in the road and this is a tough matchup against an experienced and talented Cincinnati defense. The real key in this contest should be the Bearcats offense which has the tools to dominate a good but not great Army defense. Behind a big performance from QB Desmond Ridder as well as a loaded backfield, look for the Bearcats to roll. Take Cincinnati (10*).