Northcoast Sports
5* Penn St
4* Navy
4* Mississippi
4* Wash St
3* Clemson
3* BYU
3* W Mich
Carolina Sports
5* Western Michigan -7.5
Two weeks ago WMU played Michigan at the big house and played very well. If it were not for a int and fumble return for td’s the score would have been closer. The game was halted by lightning and who knows how it would have finished. Last week WMU went through the motions and beat FCS Nicholls St 38-7. This week they won’t go through the motions and will be motivated at home in this one vs rival Central Michigan. CMU is an improved football team but they are still a couple of years away from contending for the MAC Championship. WMU is ready now and are one of the best teams in the MAC. Look for WMU QB Alex Carder to have a big game as he really hasn’t been unleashed yet. WMU falls into a 42-18 stat indicator of ours based on projected stats. They also fall into another 35-5 system of ours. Our ratings have WMU 13.5 and computer thinks they will win by 14. WMU will win a little bigger based on the rivalry, emotion and overall more talent than CMU. Western Michigan 34-17
4* New Mexico St -3
NMSU comes into this game off a huge upset at Minnesota as they were 20-point dogs winning outright. NMSU got good QB play from last week and with the new offense installed is starting to feel more comfortable. Manley is avg 9.0-yppa and that does not bode well for UTEP who is allowing a 7.0-yppa. UTEP has zero running game as they are avg 1.3-ypr. UTEP offense is dreadful avg 5.3-yppl over their first 2 games and one of those games was against Stony Brook. NMSU will use last week’s big win as positive momentum and are now going back home with some hope. UTEP is 1-8 the last 3 years after covering the spread the previous week. Our ratings have NMSU -7 and we like the positive momentum in this game for NMSU. New Mexico St 27-17.
3* Cincinnati -34
Akron is one of the worst teams in Division I-A and now they have to go into a hostile environment and face a team that was embarrassed last week against Tennessee. Akron has no offense and no defense. Cinci should be able to control every aspect of this game. Zips have lost 15 straight road games (5-10 ATS). They have lost by a combined score of 83-3 and it won’t get any better this week. Our ratings have Cinci -41.5. We will not go against our strong ratings as they situation favored Cinci as they fall into a 30-6 stat system play of ours. Cinci also falls into a 43-5 statistical indicator of ours based on projected stats. Butch Jones responds well after being outgained by 125 or more yards as he is 8-0 ATS as a Head Coach (Central Michigan & Cinci). Cincinnati 56-6.
3* Colorado St +7.5
This is a big rivalry game in the state of Colorado 9game played at Invesco Field) and both teams are looking to make their mark and stamp on the 2011 season. Colorado St is an improved football team on paper but have not showed it in their first 2 games especially on offense. They are avg 5.6-yppl which is better than average but it is against teams that combine to allow 6.3-yppl. HC Steve Fairchild is on the hot seat this year and really needs a win this year over CU to leep the alumni happy even though they are off to a 2-0 start. CU will go through growing pains in the PAC-12 this year but last week played Cal tough in their PAC-12 opener at home as they outgained Cal 7.1-5.5 yppl. Colorado is 0-2 and is desperate for a win. Look for a tough physical game as both teams rate pretty close in terms of talent. CSU has the momentum edge but Colorado is despaerate. Our ratings have Colorado -6 in this one and computer has The Buffs winning by 7. The game will be closer than the oddsmakers think. Colorado 33-30
3* Florida St +3.5
Oklahoma and FSU are extremely talented teams. Oklahoma has a top 5 offense and FSU has a top 10 defense. The key to this game will be can Oklahoma defense come to play and can FSU offense put some points on the board. FSU is a team just waiting to break out and get national attention as a top5 program again like they were for many years under Coach Bowden. FSU is at home in this one and will a big home field edge. Landry Jones is our pick to win the Heisman this year and is off to a good start after his first game. He will be tested this week against a top-notch Seminole secondary. FSU has the ability and talent to beat FSU and the crowd could be just too much for the Sooners this week. Both teams had tune-up games for this one and dominated their opponents. We think FSU defensive line will be the key to this game neutralizing the run game and putting pressure on Jones. This is the ABC Saturday Night Game of the Week and College Gameday will be there. We think FSU defense will be the difference in this game. FSU will make adjustments from last year’s blowout loss as HC Jimbo Fisher is an excellent coach. FSU falls into a 100-50 statistical indicator that we like. As well as Oklahoma falling into a negative 11-50 stat indicator that caught our intention. This game is also backed by 30-8 system of ours for FSU. Our ratings have Oklahoma at -1.5 and computer is calling for a 1-point Florida St win. We like FSU in this one and will be a BCS Title contending team after they beat Oklahoma this week. Florida St 31-27.
Billy Coleman
5* Washington St
3* W Virginia
3* N Illinois
3* Clemson
3* Utah / BYU Under
Al DeMarco
Oklahoma St
Anthony Redd
Oklahoma St
Temple
Wisconsin
Bob Valentino
Central Florida
Chuck O'Brien
Florida
Derek Mancini
Florida
Matt Rivers
Iowa
Steve Budin
Miami of Florida
Trace Adams
Kansas State
Lines2Win
West Virginia +1 (2 Units) - The Mountaineers are 2-0 but haven't looked sharp in the first half of games. The defense is what keeps them in it until their offense can get it going. We like Maryland but we just don't feel they should be laying any points here.
Penn St -7 (3 Units) - Penn is in disarray after the loss to Bama. If you watched the game though you noticed that their defense played quite well early. The offense also did some positive things. Penn St will bring the thunder today and will not lose.
Northwestern -5.5 (3 Units) - We all know Northwestern is a bunch of underacheivers. Every season they play well enough to lose a few games late. This season looks different though, they are playing great and will not lose this game to Army.
Wunderdog
E. Michigan at Michigan
Pick: Michigan -28.5
The Wolverines are once again off a win vs. Notre Dame as the current win streak has reached three. Expecting a letdown? Forget it. Michigan needs every win they can get. Two years ago after knocking off the Irish, they played this same Eastern Michigan team and won handily and got the cover as well. They also faced EMU six years ago, following Notre Dame and beat them 55-0, so no letdown here. The Wolverines are 5-1 ATS following Notre Dame. E. Michigan is 10-30 ATS in their last 40 non-conference games adn 4-14 ATS in their last 18 road games following a home win. They are also 10-22 ATS in their last 32 as a road underdog of more than three touchdowns. Eastern Michigan might be 2-0 vs. the likes of Howard and Alabama State, but those games did little to prepare them for the impressive Michigan attack. The last seven times the Eagles have ventured out to play a team from a BCS Conference, they have been beaten by an average of 35.7 points per game. I don't expect anything less in this one - Michigan rolls.
Must Win Sports
20 Units Maryland
10 Units UCLA
Ben Burns
Annihilator - Pittsburgh
The Hawkeyes have the advantage of playing at home, which is the primary reason that they're favored. I believe the Panthers are currently the stronger team though. Wannestedt had some success here at Pittsburgh. However, he was never particularly well liked and was forced out. Todd Graham comes in from Tulsa, where he had an impressive 36-17 record as a head coach in four years. Last year, he took Tulsa from a 5-7 record to a 10-3 record. Wannestedt certainly didn't leave the cupboard bare, as Graham inherited a talented team with 13 returning starters. With eight defensive starters back, the Panthers have arguably the most talented defense in the Big East. On offense, Graham brings a new more "QB friendly" system, which the players have now had a couple of real games to learn. This will be the Panthers' first true test under Graham as the first two games came against Buffalo and Maine. Naturally, the Panthers won both those first games. However, the fact that they failed to cover in either, is helping us in terms of line value here. Iowa is well coached and is usually tough. That said, this year's team is quite inexperienced. In fact, with only nine returning starters, they're the least experienced team in the Big East. The Hawkeyes' lack of experience caught up with them last week, as they were upset at rival Iowa State, 44-41. The fact that the setback came in the third overtime figures to make it extra "draining," both physically and emotionally. Indeed, it was the first OT game in the 59 game series between Iowa and Iowa State and the highest-scoring to boot. After the loss at Iowa State, coach Kirk Ferentz said this of his team: "Right now, we've got a lot of work to do. It became pretty evident today..." The last meeting between these teams (back in 2008) was decided by a single point, a 21-20 victory for Pittsburgh. I expect the Panthers to score the outright victory here. However, in game that could easily also "go down to the wire," I'll gladly grab the points.
Big Easy - Virginia Tech
At first glance, this line many appear fairly high. However, if Arkansas State wasn't off a big win and a 2-0 ATS start and if Virginia Tech wasn't off an ATS loss, the line could easily be higher. As it is, I don't feel that it will prove to be high enough. The Hokies are certainly capable of delivering a blowout. Their lone home game resulted in a 66-13 victory. Laying -27 points, they won by 53 points. Note that Virginia Tech is a perfect 5-0 SU/ATS the last five times that it was a favorite in the -21.5 to -31 range. During that stretch, Beamer's squad has gone an impressive 18-8 ATS as a favorite overall. The Red Wolves lone road game resulted in an 18-point loss, as a 19-point underdog. Even with that cover, Arkansas State remains a poor 6-9 ATS its last 15 road line games and 6-8 ATS (1-13 SU) its last 14 as underdogs. The Hokies believe that this year's team has a shot at a perfect season. As such, they'd like to make sure that they crush teams like this, to "look good" for the polls. Three meetings in this series have seen the Hokies win by an average score of 49-5. The Hokies had a 422-191 edge in average yards in those games. I expect this one to also be very one-sided.
Top Revenge - Tulsa
Oklahoma State is a dangerous and explosive team, one which is capable of putting up big points. The betting public is well aware of this. Off the big win over Arizona, they'll be quick to want to back the Cowboys here. However, the oddsmakers are also well aware of this and have posted a rather large number. I believe it'll prove too large and that the value lies with the revenge-minded home underdog. Like the betting public and the oddsmakers, Tulsa knows full well how potent the Cowboys are. After all, Oklahoma State crushed the Golden Hurricane by a score of 65-28 last Sept. 18. That was at Stillwater though, while this one's at Tulsa. True, the Cowboys offense is among the best around. The same can't necessarily be said of the team's defense or discipline though. While they have had a couple of extra days of preparation time, the Cowboys are off a big "bowl rematch" (vs Arizona) and have a huge game at Texas A&M on deck. That one ranks among their biggest games of the year. In other words, this game may not mean quite as much to the Cowboys as it does to Tulsa. While the Golden Hurricane do have a new coach this year (Bill Blankenship) they're loaded with experience. In fact, this team brought back 18 starters from last year's team, losing just 13 lettermen. By the end of the year, they could well be the best team in Conference USA. True, the Golden Hurricane did suspend star receiver Damaris Johnson. His loss hurt initially - but Bryan Burnham has helped pick up the slack wtih 10 catches for 162 yards and three touchdowns. The Golden Hurricane have already played a bigtime opponent, getting blown out at Oklahoma in Week 1. That was on the road though, their first game with the new coach. They bounced back with a convincing 31-3 victory at Tulane last week. That gives them some positive momentum and should give them some much needed confidence for Saturday night's big home opener. After the blowout loss at Stillwater last season, the Golden Hurricane closed out the regular season on a 8-1 run (lone loss was on the road and by only 3 points) before crushing Hawaii 62-35 in the Hawaii Bowl. In other words, this is a team which has become accustomed to winning. Its also a team which hasn't forgotten last year's debacle in this series. The Golden Hurricane are 7-1 ATS (6-2 SU) the last eight times that they were off a conference victory. Off their big win over Tulane, I expect them to give the Cowboys all they can handle here.
Revenge - UNLV
I successfully played against the Warriors last week and I feel that this will be a good spot to do so again. While Hawaii has an experienced QB, the rest of the team is relatively in experienced. Now, off their first loss and playing far away from home (in a venue loaded with distractions) the Warriors are playing the second of back to back road games and being asked to lay a very large number, one which has risen from its opening number. Facing a revenge-minded UNLV team which is playing its home opener, I believe it will prove to be too high. The Rebels are 12-8 their last 20 home openers, incl. 11-3 when their opponent wasn't from a BCS Conference. While they got blown out at Hawaii in 2010, the Rebels beat the Warriors here in 2009. The Rebels have had a taste of bigtime competition, having played at Wisconsin. Despite being blown out, they still fought hard enough to cover the big number in that one. The Rebels are 5-1 as home underdogs in the +17.5 to +21 range and I expect them to improve on those stats here
Revenge - Arizona
Stanford has certainly gotten off to an impressive start. Indeed, with Andrew Luck running the offense, this is a very dangerous team. The Wildcats are no slouches though and I believe they're providing us with plenty of value. Off a blowout loss vs. Oklahoma State, one which was nationally televised, the betting public is pretty down on Arizona. Getting blown out at Stillwater could happen to any team though. Not only has that result helped to provide us with excellent line value - but it should be a good motivator for the Wildcats and will have given this year's team a taste of bigtime competition. Stanford, on the hand, has yet to face a "good" team, having faced San Jose State and Duke, thus far. Note that the Cardinal are quite inexperienced (outside of Luck) have a new coach and are playing their second straight road game. While not as well known as Luck, Arizona also has a good QB and a very capable offense. The Wildcats, who beat Stanford here in 2009, are looking to avenge last year's loss at Stanford - when they were ranked #13. Having had a couple of extra days to prepare, I expect the revenge-minded Wildcats to give their guests all they can handle, improving to 9-5 ATS in lined home games the past few seasons.
Joyce Sterling
10* Tulsa
San Diego St
Arizona
KELSO
50 UNITS KANSAS STATE WILDCATS -17.5
25 UNITS MIAMI-OH REDHAWKS +4.5
25 UNITS OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS -13.5
25 UNITS MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS +5
25 UNITS MIAMI-FL HURRICANES -2.5
25 UNITS OKLAHOMA SOONERS -4
25 UNITS TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS +9.5
10 UNITS COLORADO BUFFALOES -7
5 UNITS HOUSTON COUGARS -6.5
5 UNITS TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS -20.5
25 UNITS MILWAUKEE BREWERS -135
15 UNITS TAMPA BAY RAYS +150
10 UNITS MILWAUKEE BREWERS -135
Sean Higgs
10* West Virginia +2
Taking WEST VIRGINIA here. Some perception vs reality here. Yes, Maryland looked good against the Hurricanes back on Labor Day weekend. Miami was missing some suspended players. West Va didn't look very impressive vs Norfolk State as they were down 12-10 at the half. Did anyone catch the 2nd half where the Mountaineers dropped a 45 spot on them? QB Geno Smith is the difference maker here. Maryland still needed 3 TOs to finally put down the undermanned Canes. Will take this explosive West Va offense to get the job done on the road.
Pat Hawkins
Ohio State at Miami
Pick: Miami -1.5
Al Golden has held down the fort for the "U" as stormy weather has been the norm. On the field the 'Canes played well in their opener, but turnovers costed them. Look for Golden and company to limit turnovers, while keeping the ball on the ground. Luke Fickle faces his first road test as the Buckeye's haven't looked especially sharp so far. I don't think Ohio St has the personnel to dominate this contest, I'm going with the home team and better coach.
Triple Threat Sports
2* Virginia Tech (-) over Arkansas State
Nothing fancy here. VT is the much better team, needs to build some confidence after a shaky road showing last week vs a pesky ECU team, and drilled App Sta 66-13 in their previous home game this season. ASU is playing their third straight major conference team before getting a breather next week and then starting the SBC season a week after that. Have to wonder about interest level for this one, especially coming off a satisfying win last week. ASU has dropped 21 straight games against ranked foes, losing by an average of 37 ppg in those contests. Lay it.
Chip Chirimbes
Stanford vs. Arizona
Play: Arizona +10
Don't worry if this doesn't work here you won't see against the Cardinal again this season. How can you not like Stanford? I mean seriously, with Andrew Luck their future first pick quarterback (I saw his up close in last year's Orange Bowl against Virginia Tech and he is the REAL deal) leading the way to win after win as they are 7-0-1 ATS in last eight and 6-2 in their eight meetings. Wildcats are banged up but will be playing on emotion spurred on by the home supporters. Take ARIZONA!
Joe D'Amico
Oklahoma vs Florida State
Pick: Oklahoma
Florida State has been strong but their opponents aren't. Oklahoma decimated FSU last year, 47-17. Seminoles CBs Reid and Rhodes will have to line up against quite possibly the best pass catching tandem in the nation in Broyles and Stills. QB, Landry Jones was 35 for 47, 375 YP, and 1 TD in the 47-14 romp over a good Tulsa squad. Even more impressive was running 100 snaps from scrimmage without a penalty. The Sooners system is just the right fit for Jones. Their OL is outstanding, giving the QB time to get the ball downfield to his receivers. RB Whaley tore up Tulsa for 131 yards and 4 TDs. The team had a week off to rest and prepare for this game. FSU just isn't in the same class as Oklahoma. Traditionally, the 'Noles are 1-5 against Top-ranked teams. The Sooners are 5-1 ATS their L6 overall, and 4-1 ATS their L5 vs. teams with a winning record. The Seminoles are 13-27-1 ATS their L41 games following a SU win and 1-4 ATS their L5 vs. teams with a winning road record. Take Oklahoma.