Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, MLB/CFB Picks, MLB/CFB Free Picks, MLB/CFB Predictions 10/8/24

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, MLB/CFB Picks, MLB/CFB Free Picks, MLB/CFB Predictions 10/8/24

FIU @ LIBERTY (LIB -17, 54.5)

FIU (1H) +10.5

It's Fun Belt action tonight! Liberty will try and stay alive in the race for the Group of 5 College Football Playoff berth. The Flames haven't played since Sept. 21. They had a game with Appalachian State cancelled because of Hurricane Helene. Tonight, Liberty gets 2-3 FIU, which is fresh off an upset win over Louisiana Tech.

I would expect both teams to be a little sluggish early in this game. Liberty has had the long layoff and it is the first Tuesday night game of the season. Liberty typically doesn't start fast anyway. In their last game against East Carolina, they actually trailed 17-7 at the half. The Flames only average 10 first-half points per game.

There is no question that Liberty wins this game. However, I think FIU can hang around early and keep it within 10 points in the first half. The first half number is just right.

PHILADELPHIA @ NY METS (PHI -110, 7)

PHILLIES F5 ML

Aaron Nola goes up against Sean Manaea in this one. Manaea had a strong second half of the season, but his performance in his last three starts has me leaning toward Philadelphia tonight. Manaea has given up a lot of hard contact recently. He's allowed 4 home runs in his last 3 starts and 13 base hits in his last two. In 104 plate appearances against the current Phillies lineup, Manaea has allowed Philadelphia hitters to bat .309. Those current Phillies have a .680 slugging percentage against Manaea.

Nola, on the other hand, has pitched well against the Mets throughout his MLB career. He's also pitched well at Citi Field, home of tonight's game. In his only start there this season, Nola pitched a complete game shutout. The Phillies won 4-0. I trust Nola more than Manaea, but with the Mets at home, anything can happen after the F5.

LA DODGERS @ SAN DIEGO (SD -155, 7.5)

F5 UNDER 4.5

Michael King gets the start for San Diego. Any time he pitches, the F5 Under is in play. King has allowed 2 earned runs or fewer in each of his last 8 starts. He's given up more than 2 ER only 8 times all season across his 33 starts. Since the beginning of September, King has allowed just 4 ER in 30 innings. That's an ERA of 1.20.

On the other side, it's Walker Buehler for the Dodgers. His 2024 season has not been great and didn't go as planned. However, his last start was his best of the year. He pitched 5 innings, allowed 5 hits, and gave up just 1 earned run. That start just so happened to be against the San Diego Padres on Sept. 26. I think Buehlers can fight his way through the F5 and help keep this total Under 4.5.

Ylose expert Coach Rick Bowe delivers his daily Quick Picks. The Coach continues to roll up big wins in MLB, college football, the NFL, and much more. Coach Rick offers a unique perspective to handicapping. Check out his daily free picks right here and jump on his daily Best Bets, which you can find right here at Ylose.com/coach.