College Football Week 10 Best Bets

**CBS Sports’ Thomas Casale Unveils Top Week 10 College Football Betting Opportunities**

**NEW YORK, NY – November 1, 2023** – As Week 10 of the college football season approaches, CBS Sports’ esteemed betting expert Thomas Casale has identified three high-value opportunities for bettors looking to capitalize on Saturday’s slate of games. Casale, known for his deep statistical analysis and keen understanding of team dynamics, shared his insights exclusively with CBS Sports, pinpointing matchups where he sees a distinct edge.

“Week 10 always brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities,” Casale noted in his analysis. “Teams are either hitting their stride or showing cracks, and understanding those trajectories is key to finding value against the spread.”

Here’s a breakdown of Casale’s top three picks:

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**Miami (-6.5) vs. SMU: Hurricanes’ Dominant Defense Poised for Home Victory**
*Saturday, November 4, 3:30 p.m. ET | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL*

Casale is confidently backing **Miami (-6.5)** as they host SMU in what promises to be a physical contest at Hard Rock Stadium. The Hurricanes, currently 6-2 on the season and receiving votes in both major polls, have established themselves as a formidable force, particularly on defense.

“Miami’s defense is incredibly stout, especially against the run, which happens to be SMU’s bread and butter,” Casale stated. “We saw how SMU struggled earlier in the season against a strong TCU defense, and Miami’s front is arguably even better. This matchup plays directly into the Hurricanes’ strengths.”

Beyond their defensive prowess, Miami boasts a perfect 4-0 record at home this season, enjoying the passionate support of the ‘Canes faithful. Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke has shown marked improvement in recent weeks, demonstrating better decision-making and accuracy, which has injected a crucial boost into the Hurricanes’ offense. Their recent hard-fought battles, including a thrilling overtime victory against Clemson and a narrow loss to NC State, suggest a battle-tested squad ready for conference play.

SMU (5-3), coming off a strong performance against Rice, relies heavily on its ground game. However, Miami ranks among the nation’s elite in run defense, stifling opponents and forcing them into uncomfortable passing situations. This statistical mismatch forms the core of Casale’s rationale, anticipating a tough day for the Mustangs’ offense against a motivated Miami squad aiming to continue its ACC push.

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**UNLV (-7) at Hawaii: Rebels’ Potent Offense to Exploit Rainbow Warriors’ Struggles**
*Saturday, November 4, 11:59 p.m. ET | Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu, HI*

In a late-night Mountain West showdown, Casale is locking in on **UNLV (-7)** as they travel to take on Hawaii. The Rebels, under second-year head coach Barry Odom, have been one of the biggest surprises of the college football season, boasting an impressive 6-2 record.

“UNLV’s offense is legitimately potent, led by the dynamic duo of quarterback Jayden Maiava and wide receiver Ricky White,” Casale explained. “They should be able to exploit Hawaii’s struggling defense, which ranks among the worst nationally in multiple key categories.”

Indeed, the Rainbow Warriors’ defensive statistics paint a grim picture. Hawaii ranks 113th nationally in scoring defense, 107th against the run, and a dismal 126th against the pass. These glaring weaknesses present a prime opportunity for UNLV’s high-flying attack, which averages over 35 points per game.

Adding to Casale’s confidence is UNLV’s strong betting track record, having covered the spread in their last five consecutive games. Conversely, Hawaii has struggled to cover in their last five home contests, indicating a consistent challenge in meeting oddsmakers’ expectations, even in their unique island setting. The stark contrast in records (UNLV’s 6-2 vs. Hawaii’s 2-6) further solidifies the perceived gap in talent and momentum between the two programs.

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**Baylor (-3) vs. Houston: Bears’ Resurgent Offense to Dominate New Big 12 Rival**
*Saturday, November 4, 12:00 p.m. ET | McLane Stadium, Waco, TX*

Finally, Casale is opting for **Baylor (-3)** in their home game against new Big 12 foe Houston. Both teams are looking to gain traction in a competitive conference, but Casale sees Baylor with a distinct advantage.

“Baylor’s offense is really starting to click, especially with quarterback Blake Shapen getting healthier and finding his rhythm,” Casale observed. “This is crucial because Houston’s run defense is quite poor, ranking 120th nationally. Baylor’s ability to run the ball effectively should allow them to control the game and dictate the tempo.”

Baylor (3-5), under head coach Dave Aranda, has shown flashes of their potential in recent weeks, with Shapen’s improved health being a major catalyst. Their offensive line has begun to open up lanes, setting up a strong ground game that Casale believes will exploit Houston’s (3-5) defensive struggles. The Cougars, in their inaugural Big 12 season, have faced challenges on both sides of the ball, particularly against the run.

Casale also highlighted Baylor’s tougher schedule throughout the season as a key preparatory factor. Facing top-tier opponents like Texas, Kansas State, and Utah has, in his view, better prepared the Bears for conference matchups and the intensity of a Big 12 rivalry game. McLane Stadium provides a significant home-field advantage for Baylor as they look to secure a much-needed conference win and push towards bowl eligibility.

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*For Casale’s complete analysis and additional Week 10 betting picks, visit CBS Sports’ college football betting section at [https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/betting/](https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/betting/).*

**Disclaimer:** Sports betting involves risk. Please bet responsibly. This article is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee financial success. Odds are subject to change.