Alex Smart
Bowling Green: -10.5 / 3 units
If there's a team that's in store for a beat down during the midweek games in college football, it's the Akron Zips as they travel to take on the Bowling Green Falcons on Friday night.
The Zips are sitting at 2-8 and 1-5 in the MAC and really have little to nothing to play for as they close out the '09 campaign. They are an absolutely putrid offensive squad, as they average just 18.3 points per game and rank 114th in the nation in total offense (287.1 yards per game). They had their chance to build off of the momentum of a 28-20 victory over Kent State two weeks ago, but they blew it in a big way against Temple, losing 56-17.
Meanwhile, there's everything left to play for at Bowling Green. The Falcons are 5-5 and still within potential striking distance in the MAC East if the chips fall properly, and they're a 'W' away from bowl eligibility. They're riding high, having won four of their L/5 games (with the lone loss coming against 8-2 Central Michigan). BGSU has tallied at least 30 points in all four victories, and should have no problems picking apart a disinterested Akron 'D'.
The Falcons have dominated this series of late, going 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS over the L/3 seasons. They're also 4-1 ATS in the L/5 games against Akron at home. That should continue tonight with another easy victory! Book it!!!
Smart $$$ 3* CFB Crusher: Bowling Green Falcons
Scott Spreitzer
BLOCKBUSTER BLOWOUT GAME OF THE YEAR! *90% Winners!
AKRON / BOWLING GREEN
TAKE: BOWLING GREEN -10
The Falcons are back from the dead. Bowling Green began the season with a 31-14 win over a Troy team that's 6-0 in SBC play and 7-3, overall. But the winning streak ended at one. BGSU followed that win with a tough four game losing streak against solid opposition. The Falcons lost roadies at Missouri and Marshall, then lost at home to powerful Boise State and to a very good Ohio Bobcat squad. Three of the four losses came by exactly seven points each. The only bad loss came against Boise State...no shame there. But staying one step in front of public perception, you could see that BGSU was much better than their 1-4 record would indicate. Tonight, they're looking for their fifth win in six games. Making the run even more impressive is that each of their last four wins have come away from home. And after hosting Troy, Boise, Ohio, and Central Michigan (combined record of 33-8) the Falcons take a big step down in compeition against Akron (1-5; 2-8). The Zips are allowing over 175 yards rushing per game this season, and they have a grand total of just seven sacks...less than one sack generated per game. They're allowing 29 ppg and now have to face a red-hot passing game. The Zips have no matchup for BGSU star receiver Freddie Barnes. And QB Tyler Sheehan has completed 64% of his passes this season, averaging 319 yards passing per game on 7 yards per attempt. Sheehan has thrown 19 TD passes with just six "picks." The Falcon defense, which has admittedly been up-and-down, catches a real break this week. They're facing an Akron offense that scores just over 18 ppg, while averaging just 287 yards per game. And let's not forget, the Falcon defense has faced the offensive units of the teams I mentioned earlier. They haven't exactly faced a "creampuff" schedule. Here's their chance to roll to a big win and cover against an Akron team that has struggled since camp. Bowling Green has been a terrific money-maker during the stretch run over the last three seasons, going 9-1, 90% in November, while averaging over 36 ppg. They have a chance to go "bowling" in new HC Dave Clawson's first season. The last time these two teams hooked-up at Perry Field, BGSU walked away with a 44-20 victory. I wouldn't be surprised to see a similar score on Friday. I'm laying the points with Bowling Green, my Friday Blockbuster GOY.
Savannah Sports
2* Akron +10.5
Eric Degarde
4* Oklahoma City Under 196
ATS Lock Club
4 Units Utah St
3 Units Bowling Green Under
DESTROY THE BOOK SPORTS
7* Mon/Wash Over 6
5* Wild -140
5* SJ -145
Playbook
Portland Trailblazers at Golden State Warriors
Play: Golden State Warriors +8
Notes: Edges - Warriors: 11-4 ATS vs. Trailblazers, including 8-0 SU and 7-1 ATS at home. Trailblazers: 3-18 SU and 6-15 ATS away with home game tomorrow.
Jim Feist
Friday Night NBA TV Tripleheader!
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS INDIANA PACERS
Take: 1-Star over the total.
Reason: Without Shaquille O'Neal and Anderson Varejao, the Cavs were burned on the interior all night in a loss at Washington. That's nothing new, as Cleveland is not playing any defense, allowing 104, 103, 108 and 108 points the last four games. They are on a 5-0 run over the total. At least the offense has plenty of weapons to call on in Mo Williams, J.J. Hickson and LeBron James. The Cavs were hammered on the boards, losing by a 14-rebound margin as Washington piled up 19 second-chance points. The Wizards, taking advantage of the situation, got to the foul line 35 times. They face another team that likes an uptempo pace, with Indiana averaging 100 ppg. They've scored 108, 113 and 110 points in three of their last four games, and the 113 points was against the Celtics. They feed off the inside energy of workhorse Danny Granger. Have to look for an offensive show in this one, play the Cavaliers/Pacers Over the total.
ORLANDO MAGIC VS BOSTON CELTICS
Take: 2-Star ORLANDO MAGIC
Reason: A marquee game, a pair of powerhouses that met in the playoffs in May. Stan Van Gundy said this week that his negativity was "draining the enthusiasm" from his team. He vowed to change his tactics, showing what a good communicator he is. Players appreciate when coaches adjust or ask for feedback and it can pay dividends on the court. They are 9-3 SU, 7-5 ATS. They are one of the few teams that have big men that can match up with Boston. The Celtics have been inconsistent, preferring to outscore teams rather than focus on defense too often. That cost them in back to back losses to Atlanta and Indiana. The talent is there, but not always the focus. The Celtics are on a 2-7 ATS run, as well. "It's a big game for us," Orlando's Rashard Lewis said. "We're playing against one of the best teams in the NBA. I think it's a statement game, just like the Cleveland Cavaliers game was a statement game. They came in and beat us. It's going to be tough going into Boston, but at the same time, I think we're going to see where we're at." Look for a fierce game from both sides and a close one, and the visitors have enough talent and offensive firepower to keep this close. Play the Magic!
DENVER NUGGETS VS LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Take: 3-Star DENVER NUGGETS
Reason: Denver is 8-3 with a sizzling offense, averaging 108 ppg. They got added depth this week when veteran Anthony Carter returned to the Nuggets' lineup. Carmelo Anthony scored 32 points in 30 minutes and reserve J.R. Smith had 29, leading the Nuggets past the Raptors 130-112 on Tuesday. Denver coach George Karl said this was the best passing game his team has had so far, and it showed in the paint, where the Nuggets outscored the Raptors 68-36. They also just whipped another team from LA, the Lakers, 105-79! Now they take on a depleted Clipper team going nowhere, a dysfunctional, unhappy group. They dropped to 4-8 with a defeat against Hornets and, even worse, absorbed another major injury, as Kareem Rush suffered a torn knee ligament. It was a subdued Clippers locker room. They were out-hustled and out-rebounded by the Hornets by a substantial margin (51-36), and often appeared clueless on defense. That's not a team you want to back, one on a 1-5 SU/ATS run. Play the Nuggets.
MR EAST
NCAAB FRIDAY SCORCHER
SETON HALL PIRATES @ CORNELL BIG RED
PLAY CORNELL BIG RED -3 FOR 4 UNITS
The Ivy League used to be all about Penn and Princeton, but things have changed in the last few year's as the Cornell Big Red, is just that big. The Big Red appear to be the likely winner of the Ivy for the 3rd straight year, and actually do some damage in the NCAA Tournament. Cornell not only brings back all 5 starters, they have the luxary of 2 Div-1 transfers on the roster as well. The wealth of talent is so great they have the top 3 contenders for Ivy Player of the Year honors. The transfers are from Kentucky and Umass, and all it will do is add great depth to an already stacked team. The Big Red has already knocked off Umass, and Alabama, and Setan Hall will not stand in their way to a 3-0 start. Cornell with the win and cover.
Sammy Jankus
Reverse Barometer
3* SOUTH DAKOTA STATE +20
Seriously, South Dakota State has a basketball team? Since when? I know all about Purdue: unanimous preseason Top 10 national ranking and the odds-on favorite to win the Big 10 title. The Boilermakers have had a week off after smashing CS Northridge by 25 points and should barely break a sweat trouncing tonight’s sacrificial opponent in this year’s Paradise Jam. I think Purdue will serve up some ROAST JACKRABBIT in a 40-point win here– so your play (and I feel guilty doing this to you) is on SOUTH DAKOTA STATE.
Mike Lineback
4* Charlotte Bobcats +3.5
4* Denver Nuggets/LA Clippers OVER 206.5
Executive
250 St Marys
250 Bama
No Football
MR EAST
5 units Bowling Green Under
5 units over Boise
4 units Bowling Green
Dave Malinsky
Top of the Ticket - Side
4* CHARLOTTE over MILWAUKEE
There is not a more meaningless W/L record in the NBA than the 6-3 opening of the Bucks, particularly in light of the team that will take the court tonight. But in installing them as this level of favorite the markets are trying to say that there is some merit to the record, and that gives us an excellent opportunity to step in. First, note that it has been one of the best season-opening schedules ever for Scott Skiles and his team. There have been wins against bottom feeders like the Timberwolves, Knicks, Warriors and Nets, and while there was an upset of Denver on this court, note that the Nuggets were simply gassed, playing the last leg of a six game/nine day road trip. And making things even easier for the Bucks is the fact that the last five games have all been at home. But the team that takes the court tonight is extremely limited. Michael Redd will not return until early next week; Andrew Bogut is out for as long as a month, after getting off to the best start of his career (16.1 points and 9.2 rebounds in 33.6 minutes per game); and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute has not practiced since Monday?s loss to Dallas, and is wearing a walking boot. The remaining pieces lack talent and chemistry, with no offensive post presence from Kurt Thomas or Dan Gadzuric, and with Larry Brown slowing this to a half-court affair, it takes away the chances for Brandon Jennings to shift to a higher gear. A favorite with this little talent and this little chemistry will be extremely vulnerable against a savvy and well-coached underdog. After getting a practice in with his new teammates on Tuesday, Stephen Jackson responded with 26 points, five assists and three steals on Wednesday at Philadelphia, but the rest of the team misfired in that loss to the 76ers in the closing seconds. Now they have had multiple practices with the new faces on hand, and there is little in the way of them grinding out a methodical outright win in this setting.
4* Akron Pk
6* BCollege -8
4* Syracuse/Carolina Under 161
4* EMU/Toledo Under 65.5
NORTHCOAST
Marquee - Boise
Opinions
Akron
Toledo
Unlocked Sports
2* Washington Capitals -1.5 +155