The last weekend of October has the college football scene really heating up as conference races have taken shape. A number of teams are fighting to stay in contention while others have faltered and look to set sail on a new course. It promises to be quite a wagering day with vast number of options. Bookmaker.com supplies the numbers.

Mississippi at Auburn (+5, 49) 12:21E  SEC Network

Ole Miss is on the road for the first time in four weeks at Auburn. The Rebels defense has been the mainstay all season, currently ranked 21st, but how the offense plays the rest of the year will determine what kind of bowl bid they receive. Scoring keys the cash on Ole Miss, with 10-0 ATS record when they total 28 or more points over the last two years. After flying start, Auburn has gone backwards the last three weeks. Quarterback Chris Todd has seen confidence erode and the offense is sputtering, scoring 15.7 points per game in last three outings. The Tigers are 7-0 ATS in home games vs. defensive teams who give up 14 or less points a game. The Rebels are on 7-0 ATS run over Auburn.

Duke at Virginia (-7, 47.5) 3:30E  ESPN360

It’s usually a basketball game that matters when these two ACC squads get together. After 0-3 start, Virginia is in Coastal Division race and Duke is scoring points in unprecedented fashion, over 35 a game the last four outings. Since their bye, Virginia has really done nice work keeping opposing teams out of end zone, with Georgia Tech last week the only exception and is 13-7 ATS as ACC home favorite. No more taking the Blue Devils lightly with Thaddeus Lewis’ passing numbers, the best in the ACC (322.6 YPG). With the ACC very competitive, Duke could finish .500 or better for the first time since 1994. The Blue Devils are 3-12 SU, but 10-5 against the spread versus the Cavaliers.

Louisiana Tech at Idaho (-3, 57.5) 5:00 ESPN Plus/GP

The assumption is the WAC champion is a foregone conclusion and it probably is, nonetheless this season there is more a dreamy state about the league with improved teams. Louisiana Tech seeks a second straight bowl berth and win at Idaho takes them a step closer. The Bulldogs haven’t travelled well with 0-4 record and are allowing 32.3 points per game this season. This supports 33-54 ATS road record. Idaho’s dream season has them at 6-2 and 7-1 ATS and they can make real statement playing three of last four in Moscow. A balanced attack and staunch defense has the Vandals favored for only the third time in last 39 lined contests.

Washington State vs Notre Dame (-27.5, 60.5) 7:30E  NBC

The Fighting Irish look to do Texas recruiting and pick up win in San Antonio against the Cougars. Jimmy Clausen continues to shine as the Notre Dame field general and should have banner day against Washington State, who has one of the worst pass defenses in the country (118th compared to Notre Dame’s 117th). The Irish are 19-5 ATS away from home in October tilts. It’s a good thing Washington State beat SMU earlier, since finding a win the rest of the season could be a task for coach Paul Wulff’s club. The Cougars are 8-20 ATS vs. passing teams averaging 275 or more passing yards a game and are 1-7 ATS vs non-conference BCS schools.

Southern Miss. at Houston (-6.5, 63) 1:00E   CSS/GP

There is no way to know at the moment, but this could be the first of two encounters between these C-USA contenders. Southern Miss is oozing with offensive play-makers and they will need every one against Houston. However, the defense will play most important role with the Golden Eagles 13-41 ATS when they allow 28 or more points. This week and next will probably determine if high-scoring Houston wins the C-USA West and it’s fairly amazing they have gotten this far considering eight starters have been in and out of the lineup the last three weeks. The Cougars are 2-10 ATS after two or more SU wins.

Kansas at Texas Tech (-6.5, 66)  3:30E  ABC/GP

Quarterback Todd Reesing has done everything he could, but Kansas lack of defense has them in reverse with consecutive defeats. Having to play at Lubbock doesn’t figure to make things better for a squad that has giving up 35 points per game the last three weeks. The Jayhawks are 1-10 ATS on the road after SU and spread losses. Texas Tech insiders said before the season, the 2009 version was a more talented group than last year’s 11-2 club. That notion was shot down with humbling 52-30 home upset against Texas A&M. The defense has to rebound and Texas Tech is 21-7 ATS when they score 35 to 41 points.

UL-Monroe at Troy (-14, 56) 7:00E

A pair of conference unbeatens collide in Sun Belt action. UL-Monroe was believed to be middle of the pack, however first year quarterback Trey Revell stepped right in and the Warhawks are 3-0 in league play. UL-Monroe is astonishing 22-6 ATS on the Sun Belt road the last nine years. Troy’s tough early start (0-2) is long forgotten with five consecutive victories and 5-0 ATS mark. The offense is averaging 36 points per game in this streak, led by quarterback Levi Brown. The Trojans are 19-7 ATS off a SU win the last four seasons. Troy leads this series with 7-3-1 record, but is 2-4 ATS vs. ULM.