BIG AL
4* Cincinnati -7
The Bearcats and Wolfpack both come into this contest with 2-1 records. Each has lost its only competitive game thus far (NC State fell 34-27 at Wake Forest, while Cincy lost at Tennessee 45-23), but has won its two games vs. cupcakes. But the difference between their performances is that the Bearcats easily covered the spread in their two wins, while NC State failed to cover in both of its victories. Indeed, in its season-opening win over Liberty (43-21), the Wolfpack was actually outyarded 406 to 318! And in its game last week vs. South Alabama, NC State only outgained the Jaguars by 392 to 286, even though NC State was favored by 26 points in the game. In contrast, Cincy defeated Austin Peay 72-10 (as 41-point faves) and outgained the Governors 561 to 277. And last week, the Bearcats rolled up 59 points on Akron, in a 45-point win as 34-point favorites. Based on that blowout win last week, Cincy falls into 129-74, 213-123, 124-68, 84-31, 160-82 and 29-4 ATS 'momentum' systems of mine. Additionally, single-digit non-conference underdogs are an awful 28% ATS since 1980 off three straight pointspread losses to start the season. Finally, the Bearcats have revenge from a 30-19 defeat in Raleigh last season, and Cincy is a powerful 16-1 ATS at home since 1989 when playing with revenge vs. a non-conference foe, provided the Bearcats aren't in off a loss by more than three touchdowns. Take the Bearcats.
Fantasy Sports Gametime
Play Philadelphia (-190) over Washington (Top Play of the Day)
Roy Oswalt has won 9 of the last 13 games when pitching in the month of September and he has also won 6 of the last 7 home games as a favorite of -175 to -200. Roy Oswalt has an ERA of 3.00 over the last three starts and he is 7-4 vs. Washington over his career with an ERA of 2.90.
Play Texas (-145) over Oakland (Bonus)
Play St. Louis (-180) over New York Mets (Bonus)
Al DeMarco
15 Dime Cincinnati -7
Paul Leiner
100* A's/Rangers Over 8.5
50* Indians -125
Jimmy Boyd
3* TB Rays
Joe Gavazzi
Baltimore Orioles +140
Detroit's huge 24-6 run in August and September helped to clinch the Division for them. Inevitably, they have gone 3-3 since that surge. Starting Turner, however, makes one question how serious they are in beating Texas with whom they are currently tied for the home field advantage in the upcoming Playoffs. In 9 2/3 IP, Turner has a 7.45 ERA. His last start was September 1st in which he allowed 6 runs, 7 hits in 4 1/3 IP. Baltimore has played the spoiler, most recently taking 3/4 from Boston. They enter on a 7-2 uptick. Britton has pitched well coming down the stretch going 4-1 with a 3.69 ERA in his last 6 starts.
Wayne Root
Millionaire - NC State +7.5
Bob Balfe
Philadelphia Phillies -1.5
The Phillies are ending the year with not much to play for as they know they are in the postseason and will be the top team. However, this 5 game losing streak has to end because it is not good for a team to end the year ice cold. Oswalt is a much better pitcher and they should win this game with ease. The money line is a little too high to play so lets take the run line. Take the Phillies -1.5 runs.
Info Plays
7* Orioles +132
Jason Johnson
NC State at Cincinnati
Pick: Cincinnati-7
I like Cincinnati QB Zach Collaros alot. The senior is in his second full year as a starter as has seven TD's this year and has yet to throw an interception. Last season against NC State, Collaros tossed for 310 yards and three TD's and I expect he'll have a field day against an NC State secondary that has allowed an average of 271 yards per game through the air in the first three games. Did I mention that D-II Liberty tossed for 313 yards last week against the Wolfpack? It's a Thursday night contest which means less practice and preparation, especially for the road team. NC State is also a little dinged up on defense.
Brandon Lang
20 Dime Cincinnati -7
10 Dime SF Giants -105
Jeff Benton
30 Dime Cincinnati
Dom Chambers
60 Dime North Carolina St
Jimmy Boyd
3* TB Rays
4* Cincinnati
Maddux Sports
Cincinnati -7
Tampa Bay