Friday 8/31/18 thread for free handicapping service plays and expert predictions for NCAAFB, NFL & MLB games. 10
al Michaels
Aug 31 '18, 9:00 PM in 11h
NCAA-F | San Diego State vs Stanford
Play on: UNDER 49½ -110
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Bobby Conn
Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 9h
NCAA-F | Utah State vs Michigan State
Play on: Utah State +23½ -105
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Jimmy Boyd
Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 9h
NCAA-F | Army vs Duke
Play on: Army +14 -110 at BMaker
1* Free Pick on Army Black Knights +14
The Blue Devils are getting way too much respect in their home opener against Army. These two teams played last year late in the season and the Black Knights won 21-16 as a 3-point home dog. They also faced off in 2016 at Duke and the Blue Devils only won that contest by a final score of 13-6.
There's no question that Duke should be favored, but no way should they be laying two touchdowns in a game it's no sure thing they win outright. That's right. Army has a legit shot at winning this game.
A lot of people are going to look at the fact that Army only has 3 starters back on offense, but we have seen over the years that these military schools can excel without a ton of talent coming back. Don't be surprised if the Black Knights are able to move the ball against this Duke defense.
The other big key here with the spread and it being too high, is it's unlikely the Blue Devils will put up a big number. Aside from the fact that they have scored a total of just 29 points in the previous two meetings combined, Army has 8 starters back on the defensive side of the ball and should resemble their 2016 defense, which only gave up 19.8 ppg and 291 ypg. Take Army!
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Info Plays
Aug 31 '18, 9:00 PM in 11h
NCAA-F | Western Kentucky vs Wisconsin
Play on: OVER 51 -110
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Kenny Walker
Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 9h
NCAA-F | Army vs Duke
Play on: Duke -13½ -110
Matt Josephs
Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 9h
NCAA-F | Utah State vs Michigan State
Play on: UNDER 51½ -120
Two of the more experienced teams in the country play as Michigan State hosts Utah State. Sparty has 19 starters back including 10 from an offense that is led by Brian Lewerke. He's got LJ Scott at running back and several wide receivers to go with a stout offensive line. They return 86% of their tackles from 2017 so the defense figures to be just as strong. They held eight opponents to 20 points or less last year. Utah State was up 10-0 on Wisconsin at Camp Randall before things got out of control. The Aggies have 18 starters back including signal caller Jordan Love. They hope to use an uptempo style to try and slow down Sparty's momentum. The defense has 84.2% of their tackles back, but may miss cornerback Jalen Davis. They held four opponents to 20 points or less. Sparty has gone under in 14 of their last 25 games including 10 of their last 14 at home. Michigan State has actually had some troubles in their openers the past few years. They beat a bad Bowling Green team 35-10 to open up 2017 while only knocking off Furman 28-13 at home in 2016. The opening game struggles go back to 2015 when they didn't cover as 17 point favorites at Western Michigan.
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Ross Benjamin
Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 9h
NCAA-F | Utah State vs Michigan State
Play on: Utah State +24 -110 at MyBookie
Utah State @ Michigan State 7:00 PM ET
Game# 141-142
Play On: Utah State +24.0
Michigan State will be a serious contender for the 2018 Big Ten title and I obviously feel they’re a very good football team. However, they’ll be facing one of the favorites in the Mountain West Conference in Utah State and are laying a very hefty number. Additionally, the Spartans have been notorious slow starters in season openers under Mark Dantonio. They’ve won 9 straight openers but are usually less than overly impressive while doing so, and that’s especially been the case when facing FBS opponents.
The Aggies return 9 starters on each side of the ball from a team that played in a bowl game a season ago. The experienced Utah State defense was very good at creating turnovers in 2018, and I look for that to be a factor in keeping the Aggies closer than comfort for Michigan State fans. I like Utah State to keep this game competitive for at least 3 quarters, and then manage to ultimately stay inside the large number. Bet on Utah State plus the points for my Friday 8/31 college football free pick.
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Sean Murphy
Aug 31 '18, 8:15 PM in 10h
MLB | BAL vs KC
Play on: UNDER 9½ -105
Friday MLB Free play. My selection is on the 'under' between Baltimore and Kansas City at 8:15 pm et on Friday.
I'll back the 'under' at Kauffman Stadium on Friday night.
Both of these clubs are coming off high-scoring series' earlier this week but I look for a different story to unfold in Friday's series-opener.
Andrew Cashner will take the ball for the Orioles. His overall numbers aren't pretty by any means but he does bring solid form to the table, having worked at least six innings in each of his last four starts and at least into the sixth inning in 12 of his last 14 trips to the hill. Note that the 'under' has cashed in each of his last three outings and his last start that didn't stay under the total reached just nine runs.
Brad Keller will counter for Kansas City. He has lasted only five innings in each of his last two starts but did allow just three earned runs in those two outings. Prior to that he had worked at least into the sixth inning in five straight starts. The 'under' has gone 3-0-1 in his last four starts overall. Keller has posted a 3.23 ERA and 1.26 WHIP at home this season.
The 'under' has gone 6-3 in nine matchups between these two teams since the start of last season. Take the under (8*).
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Mark Wilson
Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 9h
NCAA-F | Army vs Duke
Play on: UNDER 49 -110
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Dustin Hawkins
Aug 31 '18, 9:30 PM in 11h
NCAA-F | Colorado State vs Colorado
Play on: OVER 61½ -110
Steve Janus
Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 9h
NCAA-F | Utah State vs Michigan State
Play on: Utah State +24 -110
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Mike Wynn
Free Play: Free Colorado w/Senzatela -140 Over San Diego
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Razor Sharp
YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR FRIDAY: Take ARMY/DUKE UNDER the total of 45
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Totals4U
Friday's Free Selection: Minnesota Twins/Texas Rangers over 11
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Atlantic Sports
Friday's Free Selection from Atlantic Sports: LA Angels + 200
Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Friday, August 31, 2018
08/31 04:05 PM PT / 7:05 PM ET
MLB (903) CHICAGO CUBS VS (904) PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Take: (903) CHICAGO CUBS
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Jeff Allen Sports
Friday's Free Selection is on the NY Mets
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#1 Sports
Friday's Free Selection: Los Angeles Angels + 185
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Platinum Plays
Free Pick the Chicago Wsox w/Kopech +140 over Boston
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Easy Money Sports
Lee's Friday Free Selection Is
New York Mets w/Wheeler +111
Golden Dragon Sports
FREE WINNER for FRIDAY: W Kentucky +36'
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Huddle Up Sports
Free Play: Colorado Senzatela -134
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Hawkeye Sports
Friday's Free Pick: Boston Red Sox - 165
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Arthur Ralph Sports
FREE play FRI: RedSox w/ Eovaldi-155
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The Vegas Steam Line
Your free winner for Friday: Take SAN DIEGO ST/STANFORD OVER the total of 49
High Stakes Syndicate
Free Selection for Friday: Los Angeles Dodgers - 120
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Kenny Towers
FREE PLAY FOR FRIDAY - ARMY/DUKE (CFB) OVER 45
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John Anthony Sports
Friday's Free Selection: Kansas City Royals - 130
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Nevada Sharpshooter
Your free winner for Friday: Take UTAH ST/MICHIGAN ST OVER the total of 50½
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Sharp Bettor
SharpBettor FREE Play for Friday, August 31, 2018
8/31 06:30 PM CF (147) COLORADO STATE VS (148) COLORADO
Take : UNDER
Roz Wins
Roz's Friday, August 31, 2018, Free Pick
8/31 05:10 PM MLB (921) BOSTON RED SOX (N EOVALDI - R) VS (922) CHICAGO WHITE SOX (M KOPECH - R)
Take : White Sox
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Cole Faxon
Aug 31 '18, 7:00 PM in 6h
NCAA-F | Army vs Duke
Play on: OVER 45 -115
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Jack Jones
Aug 31 '18, 10:15 PM in 9h
MLB | NYM vs SFO
Play on: UNDER 7½ -124
Jack’s Free Pick Friday: Mets/Giants UNDER 7.5
Expect a pitcher’s duel tonight in San Francisco between the Mets and Giants. These are two of the worst offensive teams in baseball, and two of the more underrated starters in the league will be taking the mound Friday.
Zack Wheeler has been on an absolute tear. He has the second-best ERA (1.17) in the National League in seven starts for the Giants since the All-Star Break. In his last two starts against the Giants, he has allowed just 2 earned runs in 13 innings for a 1.38 ERA.
Andrew Suarez has been solid at home this season at 3-4 with a 3.39 ERA and 1.070 WHIP in 11 starts. He is also 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA in his last three starts coming in. So both starters are really on their games right now.
The UNDER is 4-1 in Mets last five games vs. a left-handed starer. The UNDER is 5-0 in Giants last five games overall. The UNDER is 13-5-1 in Giants last 19 vs. a team with a losing record. Bet the UNDER in this game Friday.
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John Martin
Aug 31 '18, 10:10 PM in 9h
MLB | Diamondbacks vs Dodgers
Play on: Dodgers -120 at MyBookie
1 Unit FREE PLAY on Los Angeles Dodgers -120
The Dodgers are chasing the Diamondbacks in the NL West. Their loss yesterday hurts, and I can’t foresee the Diamondbacks winning the first two games in Los Angeles in this series. I certainly like backing Hyun-Jun Ryu here. He is 4-1 with a 2.38 ERA in nine starts this season, including 3-1 with a 1.57 ERA in five home tarts. He is a respectable 3-3 with a. 3.90 ERA in 12 previous starts against the Diamondbacks. Zack Greinke isn’t as good on the road as he is at home, and it’s been that way throughout his career. He has a 3.76 ERA in 13 road starts this season. He is 6-5 with a 3.93 ERA in 14 previous starts against the Dodgers. The Dodgers are 5-0 in Ryu’s last five starts on four days of rest. Los Angeles is 5-1 in its last six games overall. Give me the Dodgers.
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Dave Price
Aug 31 '18, 8:15 PM in 7h
MLB | Reds vs Cardinals
Play on: Cardinals -1½ +100 at 5Dimes
Dave’s Friday Free Play:
1* on St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (+100)
The Key: The St. Louis Cardinals have been one of the best teams in baseball over the past month. They are 21-6 in their last 27 games overall. They are 6-0 in Austin Gomber’s 6 starts this season, in which he has gone 3-0 with a 2.51 ERA. The Cards should have no problem winning by at least 2 runs tonight thanks to their edge on the mound. Homer Bailey is 1-12 with a 6.17 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in 18 starts for the Reds this season. Bailey is 6-14 with a 5.57 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 26 lifetime starts against St. Louis. The Reds are 1-17 in Bailey’s 18 starts this year and losing by 3.0 RPG on average. Take St. Louis on the Run Line.
Scott Rickenbach
Aug 31 '18, 7:05 PM in 6h
MLB | Cubs vs Phillies
Play on: Phillies -110 at MyBookie
Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach MLB Game #904 Friday Free Pick Philadelphia Phillies Money Line (-) vs Chicago Cubs @ 7:05 ET - The Cubs are in an unusual scheduling situation here as they are playing in a different city for the 3rd time in 3 days. This was because of a rescheduled game that they had to play last night (won against Braves). So the Cubs were in Chicago Wednesday, at Atlanta Thursday, and now in Philadelphia on Friday. Not a grueling stretch by any means but still an unusual stretch and I like the match-up here with one of the majors best strikeout pitchers, Nick Pivetta, on the hill for the Phillies. The Cubs counter with Jose Quintana. The Chicago southpaw had a good start in his last road outing but this was preceded by back to back poor road outings where he allowed at least 5 earned runs in each start. The Cubs are 0-3 in his last 3 road starts. As for the Phillies Pivetta, he will be making his first true home start since he dominated a potent Red Sox lineup a little over two weeks ago. Since then he had the unusual venue start in Williamsport, PA because of the Little League World Series and then he pitched at the Rogers Centre in Canada in his next outing. Back home in Philly, Pivetta shines and takes advantage of facing a Cubs team in an unusual scheduling situation. Free Pick PHILADELPHIA money line
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Brandon Lee
Aug 31 '18, 7:05 PM in 6h
MLB | Cubs vs Phillies
Play on: Cubs +105 at BMaker
10* FREE MLB PICK (Cubs +105)
I'll gladly take my chances here with Chicago as a small road dog against the Phillies in Friday's series opener. The Cubs are as hot as anyone right now. Chicago has won 8 of their last 9 and the hot streak has coincided with the acquisition of Daniel Murphy. The Cubs as a team are averaging 5.6 runs/game with a .272 batting average in their last 7. I look for them to stay hot and put up a big number here against the Phillies' Nick Pivetta, who has allowed 11 runs on 15 hits and 4 walks over his last 2 starts. Pivetta also has an ugly 5.40 ERA and 1.700 WHIP in 2 career starts against the Cubs, both of which have come over the last 2 seasons. Chicago will counter with Jose Quintana, who hasn't had the season many were expecting, but continues to grind it out and is coming off back-to-back strong outings, where he's allowed just 3 runs in 10 innings of work. Give me the Cubs +105!
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Mike Lundin
Aug 31 '18, 10:15 PM in 9h
MLB | NYM vs SFO
Play on: UNDER 7½ -124
#MLB FREE PICK FROM MIKE LUNDIN
I think runs will come at a premium for both the San Francisco Giants and the visiting New York Mets in the opener of a three-game series at AT&T Park Friday night.
Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler is coming off seven innings in a 3-0 win over Washington, his third shutout appearance in his last seven starts. He has posted a 1.17 ERA during that seven-game stretch and struck out 10 through seven innings of one-run ball against the Giants on Aug 20.
The Giants counter with left-hander Andrew Suarez (5-9, 4.42 ERA) who is coming off seven shutout innings in a 5-3 win over Texas last Saturday. He has posted a 3.39 ERA in 11 home starts on the season and note that under is 4-1 in Mets last five games vs. a left-handed starter.
Free pick on UNDER.
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Ray Chadwick
Going to look for this Orange-Broncos battle from Kalamazoo to see plenty of points on the scoreboard as Syracuse and Western Michigan land Over the total for Friday.
Syrcause has not established a defensive identity under third year coach Dino Babers, as the Orange have allowed points-a-plenty to be scored on them, and yards a-many to be gained on them under Babers' watch. That fact plays right into the hands of a Western Michigan team that has a capable ground game with a pair of 'backs - Bellamy and Bogan -who can "take it to the house" if they find a hole.
Western Michigan also welcomes back quarterback Jon Wassink who missed time last season with a broken collarbone. He has something to prove this season, and with coach Tim Lester now in his second year at the helm, expect the team to be firmly under his reigns.
Eric Dungey is back for the 'Cuse, and he is a very dangerous passer who should be able to keep pace on the scoreboard against the Broncos secondary.
Western Michigan has played Over the total in 6 of their last 7 home games at Waldo Stadium, and it sure looks like 7 of 8 Over after this game in Kalamazoo.
Orange-Broncos Over on Friday night.
2* SYRACUSE-WESTERN MICHIGAN OVER
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Tommy Brunson
Love me some Bryce Love, and respect his decision to come back for his senior year in Palo Alto where his Cardinal will seek revenge on an Aztecs team that upset Stanford 20-17 last year with RB - Rashaad Penny coming close to matching Love's ground output in that meeting.
This time around the game is at Stanford Stadium, and the oddsmakers have not been kind to the Cardinal when they are listed as the home favorite, as they went just 2-2 in that role last season, and are 3-7 overall their last 10 when laying points at home. Compare that to Rocky Long's Aztecs who have punched the ticket both times in the past 2 seasons when listed as the road underdog.
San Diego State has a game against Sacramento State on their schedule next, while Stanford wades right into the deep end of the pool with a home date versus USC up next. Can you say "look ahead" for David Shaw's team?
Penny is gone from the 'Tecs, but they have Juwan Washington all set to step in and carry the pigskin behind an "O"-line that returns all 5 starters, and the State defense does have plenty of players back from last year's team (7 of them). The defense only allowed 132 rushing yards per game last year, and aside from a pair of long runs by Love last season, San Diego State did a credible job keeping Love in check.
Stanford survives this battle, but this one stays closer than most expect. Play is on San Diego State plus the points.
3* SAN DIEGO STATE
Chris Jordan
My free play for Friday night is on the streaking San Diego Padres, who have won three in a row and are in a good spot with this weekend set with the visiting Colorado Rockies.
San Diego got a strong showing by Eric Lauer and six relievers last night, as they delivered a combined three-hitter against Colorado in a 3-2 win.
Colorado has a strong power-hitting lineup, which is slugging .427 as a unit, was silenced brilliantly, and I won't even bother listing pitchers in this one because I don't think it will matter.
I mean, Robert Stock got the win for San Diego, his first on the season.
Who?
Exactly.
Instead, count on the offense to help lead the way, as Eric Hosmer leads the Padres with 131 hits on the season. He’s batting .251 on the year. And, Hunter Renfroe has four home runs and 11 RBIs while slugging .667 over his past 10 games for San Diego.
Take the home team in this one as the Padres continue to win.
2* PADRES
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Eric Schroeder
I'm headed to Houston for tonight's free winner, as I like the Angels to take care of the Astros. And in this one I want you listing Jaime Barria over Framber Valdez.
Tonight marks the second career start for Valdez, who threw 4 1/3 innings in relief in his Major League debut on Aug. 21. But in his first start, last Sunday against these same Angels, he allowed one run and two hits in five innings for his second win.
One thing I say about a pitcher in his first start, there is no true scouting report. But this is his second start, and it's against the same team. That means the Halos will be plenty prepared for his offerings, and should do fine. I actually think they'll chase him early, led by Shohei Ohtani, who has three home runs and eight RBIs while slugging .950 over his past 10 games.
Meanwhile, Barria was charged with the loss in his last start, against the Astros on Saturday, when he allowed four runs over three innings in his second-shortest outing of the year. In two starts against Houston this season, he is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA, so there is revenge on the brain for the right-hander.
Take the Angels and list both.
2* ANGELS (Barria over Valdez)
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Jack Brayman
Let's play some Interleague baseball tonight, as my free play is on the Miami Marlins over the slumping Toronto Blue Jays.
The Jays are mired in a four-game slide and have split their last 10 games, during which they've been outscored by 14 runs. They also struggle on the road, as they're 26-40 on the highway this season.
Look for Brian Anderson to pace Miami's offense, as he is hitting .276 with 141 hits and 10 home runs in 133 games this year for the Marlins. J.T. Realmuto has nine hits, eight RBIs and two home runs over his past 10 games for Miami.
Don't bother listing pitchers, as it won't matter who throws for Toronto. All Miami.
5* MARLINS
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Mikey Sports
NCAA Football
SYRACUSE ORANGE ‑4.5
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Picks 2 Play
MLB
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS ‑120
Pure Lock
NCAA Football
MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS ‑23.5 ‑105
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Lasvegasmoneymachine
NCAA Football
WISCONSIN BADGERS/WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS o52.5
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Monster Sports Picks
NCAA Football
WISCONSIN BADGERS/WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS o52.5
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Power Play Wins
MLB
ATLANTA BRAVES ‑125
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Total Winner Sports
MLB
CLEVELAND INDIANS ‑1.5 ‑105
Tommy King Wins
NCAA Football
SYRACUSE ORANGE ‑4.5
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