College football Week 9 trend plays: Oklahoma State profitable as a 'dog

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Every week, we'll go over some betting trends that apply to the college football slate. Here's what's on tap for Week 9:

Oklahoma State at Iowa State

It feels like a new Big 12 team sprouts up every week in this piece for the same reason. Texas head coach Tom Herman and Baylor's Matt Rhule have already been highlighted as great plays when their squads are underdogs. But what about Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy? His Cowboys are currently on a blistering 9-1 run against the spread (ATS) when getting points and are 7-2 ATS in their last nine as road 'dogs. The Pokes desperately need to right the ship this Saturday after back-to-back losses.

Trend play: Oklahoma State +10.5

Louisiana Tech at UTEP

Louisiana Tech-UTEP features a pair of C-USA teams heading in opposite directions. The Bulldogs picked up a win over Southern Miss last weekend to move to 6-1, while the Miners are entering Saturday at 1-5. UTEP's been pure fade material of late, especially at home, where they're on a 5-16 run ATS.

Trend play: Louisiana Tech -20.5

SMU at Houston

All SMU does is pile on points and cover spreads. Not only are the Mustangs 6-1 against the number this season, but they've also flown over both the total and their team total in all seven games. There's another cupcake matchup on the schedule this week against a Houston side that's in shambles.

Trend plays: Over 67 and SMU team total over ~40

Akron at Northern Illinois

Akron deserves to be in the discussion for the worst team in football. Not only are the Zips entering Week 9 without a win, but they've also gone 0-7 ATS. The program is just looking for a consolation prize in the form of a cover this weekend at Northern Illinois.

Trend play: NIU -23.5

Missouri at Kentucky

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops came into 2019 as a great play when getting points, though he's just 2-2 ATS in that department this season. What we've seen recently in this spot is typically a low-scoring game. Over the last 13 contests with Stoops' Wildcats as underdogs, the under is on a 10-2-1 run.

Trend play: Under 48

Virginia at Louisville

Virginia typically plays up to its opponents' level. You can expect Bronco Mendenhall's team to come out firing against decent competition, as evidenced by the Cavaliers covering 13 of the last 14 first-half spreads against teams with winning records during the last three seasons.

Trend play: Virginia first half -2

New Mexico State at Georgia Southern

While Virginia's been a great first-half play in its spot, the same can't be said about New Mexico State when it's getting points. As underdogs on the first-half spread, the Aggies are on a 2-15 run against the number.

Trend play: Georgia Southern first half -7.5

Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKoIodziej.