SPORTS ADVISORS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Akron (2-8 SU, 3-6 ATS) at Bowling Green (5-5 SU and ATS)
Bowling Green will try and get itself one step closer to bowl-eligibility when it welcomes Akron to Doyt L. Perry Stadium for a Mid-American Conference East Division matchup.
The Falcons have rallied to win four of their last five (3-2 ATS) after opening the season 1-4 (2-3 ATS). All four wins have come on the highway, including a 35-14 victory at Miami (Ohio) a week ago tonight, and they cashed as four-point road favorites. Bowling Green, which has scored 30 points or more in five of its last six contests, averages 25.4 points per game and has the nation’s fourth-best passing attack (324.7 passing yards per game). QB Tyler Sheehan has thrown for 3,189 yards with 19 TDs and just six INTs, and his top target is All-American candidate WR Freddie Barnes, who leads the nation in receptions (117) and ranks second in receiving yards (1,285, 128.5 ypg) and TDs (12).
Akron has lost seven of its last eight games (2-6 ATS) and is coming off last Friday’s ugly 56-17 loss to Temple as a six-point home underdog. Contrary to Bowling Green, the Zips struggle on offense, managing to top 21 points just twice this season and scoring 17 or less in five of their last six games. Akron has lost all five of its road games (2-3 ATS) by an average of 17.2 ppg (31-13.8) while getting outgained by more than 175 yards per game (405.2-228.4). Additionally, the Zips produce just 52.4 rushing ypg (1.8 per carry) away from home while surrendering 215.6 rushing ypg (4.9 per carry).
The SU winner is 8-1 ATS in Akron’s last nine games (4-0 ATS last four) and 8-2 ATS in Bowling Green’s 10 games this year (4-0 ATS last four).
Bowling Green has taken each of the last two meetings in this rivalry both SU and ATS and it is 4-1-1 ATS in the last five. Last year, the Falcons won 37-33 as a one-point road favorite, and the last time these teams met in Bowling Green, the Falcons delivered a 44-20 beatdown as a 6½-point chalk. The Zips are just 1-4 ATS in the last five trips to Doyt L. Perry Stadium.
Akron is on ATS slides of 2-6 overall, 2-7 in MAC games, 1-4 in November, 2-5 on the road, 2-5 as a ‘dog and 0-4-1 on Friday. The Falcons are 8-1 ATS in their last nine November games and 4-1 ATS in their last five Friday contests, but they are on negative pointspread runs of 4-17 at home, 2-14 as a home favorite, 2-8 at home against teams with losing road records and 2-5 after spread-cover.
The Zips have topped the total in 11 of their last 15 MAC games and six of their last seven November contests, but the under is on runs of 5-1 when Akron goes on the road and 3-1 when it comes off a straight-up loss. It’s been all “unders” for the Falcons lately, including 5-2 in November, 8-2 against teams with losing records and 4-0 after a SU or ATS win. Conversely, the “over” has been the play in each of the last three meetings in this rivarly.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOWLING GREEN
Eastern Michigan (0-10, 3-7 ATS) at Toledo (4-6 SU and ATS)
Eastern Michigan will try once again to get in the win column when it travels to the Glass Bowl for a Mid-American Conference West Division battle with the Rockets.
The Eagles went to Western Michigan on Saturday and suffered yet another double-digit loss, falling to Western Michigan 35-14 as a 13½-pont home underdog. Not only has Eastern Michigan lost eight of its 10 games by double figures, but five of the last six have been by 21 or more. The Eagles have had trouble on both sides of the ball, scoring 14 points or less six times and allowing 27 points or more in nine of the last 10. They’re 1-5 ATS in MAC games this year, all as an underdog.
In addition to losing all 10 games this season, Eastern Michigan has dropped 15 of its last 16, 19 of its last 21 and 25 of its last 29. The Eagles are 2-15 SU (7-10 ATS) on the road during this stretch, including an ongoing nine-game road losing skid (4-5 ATS).
Toledo’s season has unraveled in the last three weeks, losing three straight MAC games (0-3 ATS) to Temple (40-24 as a one-point home favorite), Miami of Ohio (31-24 as a five-point road chalk) and Central Michigan (56-28 as a 17-point road underdog). The Rockets have scored at least 24 points in eight of 10 games this season, but they’ve surrendered 30 points or more in nine of those contests. Toledo is 1-3 SU and ATS in its four home games (0-2 ATS as a home favorite), and its current three-game SU and ATS losing skid slump comes after 3-1 SU and ATS run. The winner has cashed in 12 straight Rockets games dating to last season.
Toledo has dominated this rivalry, winning two in a row and eight of the last nine, going 6-1 ATS in the last seven. The Rockets hosted Eastern Michigan in 2007 and rolled 52-28 as a 7½-point chalk, then visited the Eagles last season and cruised 41-17 as a two-point road underdog, ending a 6-0 ATS run by the favorite in this rivalry.
Eastern Michigan’s ATS skids include 12-23 overall (2-6 last eight), 1-5 in conference, 1-7 on artificial turf, 3-9 versus teams with a losing record and 1-4 as an underdog of more than 10 points. Toledo is in pointspread ruts of 1-4 overall (all in MAC play), 2-5 in November and 0-6 as a favorite of more than 10 points, but the Rockets are 6-2 ATS in their last eight after a non-cover and 5-2 ATS in their last seven after an outright defeat.
The Eagles have topped the total in four straight road games (all as a double-digit underdog) and six of eight in November, and the Rockets are on “over” runs of 5-2 overall, 15-7 at home, 9-2 as a favorite and 8-1 as a home favorite. However, three of the last four Toledo-Eastern Michigan clashes have stayed under the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TOLEDO and OVER
(6) Boise State (10-0 SU, 7-2 ATS) at Utah State (3-7 SU, 6-3 ATS)
The Broncos look to remain undefeated and in the BCS Bowl hunt when they make their final road trip of the season, this one to Logan, Utah, to face Utah State in a Western Athletic Conference showdown.
With three games left in the season, Boise State is a half-game behind Nevada atop the WAC standings and the two are scheduled to clash on the “Smurf Turf” in Idaho a week from tonight. The Broncos stayed perfect with Saturday’s 63-25 destruction of conference and instate rival Idaho, cashing as a 32-point home favorite. Boise has scored 28 points or more in each of their last nine games, and they lead the nation in scoring at 43.6 points a game, scoring 45 or more six times. Sophomore QB Kellen Moore has put himself into Heisman Trophy consideration by completing 67.4 percent of his throws for 2,558 yards with an NCAA-best 32 TDs against just three INTs. Last week, Moore went 22-for-32 for 299 yards with five TDs and no picks.
Utah State is just 2-5 (5-2 ATS) in its last seven games, but it easily beat lowly San Jose State on Saturday, rolling 24-9 as a 12½-point favorite. The Aggies have scored 23 points or more in each of their last five games, but their defense is giving up an average of 30.7 points and a whopping 435 yards per game. Utah State is 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS in WAC home games, with the lone loss being a 35-32 setback to Nevada as an 8½-point home underdog on Oct. 17.
Boise State has won eight straight in this rivalry (6-0-2 ATS) and is averaging 54 ppg in the last six meetings, scoring at least 45 points in all six. Last year, the Broncos rolled 49-14 at home but pushed as a 35-point favorite, but in 2007 they went to Utah State and delivered a 52-0 drubbing as a 24½-point favorite. Boise is 5-0 ATS has cashed in five straight trips to Logan and is 8-1-2 ATS in the last 11 clashes overall.
Boise is on a plethora of positive ATS runs, including 15-4-1 overall, 8-3 on the road, 30-10-2 in November, 11-4 on Friday, 8-3-1 when laying 20 points or more and 34-15-1 following a spread-cover. Meanwhile, the Aggies have also been solid at the betting window, currently on runs of 11-2-1 overall, 8-0 at home, 8-2-1 in WAC games, 6-1-1 in November, 8-0-1 as an underdog, 3-0-1 on Fridays and 5-0-1 against winning teams.
For the Broncos, the over is on streaks of 6-1 in WAC games, 5-1 on the road, 4-0 on Friday and 4-0 in November. Utah State is on “under” runs of 5-1-1 at home, 5-2 in WAC action and 4-1 after a straight-up win. In this series, the “over” is 4-1 in the last five clashes, with five of the last six featuring 59 points or more.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOISE STATE
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Syracuse (3-0 SU and ATS) vs. (6) North Carolina (4-0, 2-2 ATS)
(at New York)
North Carolina shoots for its 11th consecutive victory overall and fifth in a row to begin this season when it battles Syracuse in the 2K Sports Classic championship game at Madison Square Garden.
The Tar Heels built up a huge lead against Ohio State in Thursday’s semifinal contest and withstood a furious Buckeyes rally, holding on for a 77-73 victory as a two-point favorite. Going back to their 89-72 victory over Michigan State in the national championship game back in April, North Carolina has scored 89, 88, 89, 88 and 77 points in its last five games, while allowing 72 or more in four of those contests. Since losing to Florida State in the semifinals of the ACC tournament last March, the Heels have posted 10 straight wins (8-2 ATS), with the first nine being double-digit blowouts prior to last night.
Since the final game of the 2006-2007 regular season, Roy Williams’ squad is 81-8 SU. And despite losing a ton of talent to the NBA, the defending champs are shooting well over 50 percent from the field through their first four games while holding the opposition to less than 40 percent shooting.
The Orange suffered a stunning preseason loss to Division II Le Moyne three weeks, ago but in games that have counted, Jim Boeheim’s club has posted three straight blowout victories. After crushing Albany (75-43 as a 20-point home favorite) and Robert Morris (100-60 as an 18½-point home chalk), the Orange clobbered 13th-ranked Cal 95-73 in a pick-em contest in Thursday’s other semifinal at The Garden.
Syracuse is on ATS runs of 12-2 overall, 6-1 in non-conference action, 6-2 at neutral sites and 5-0 when coming off a victory over more than 20 points. UNC also possesses nothing but positive pointspread streaks, including 8-2 overall, 38-12 in non-conference play, 7-0 at neutral sites (going back to last year’s NCAA Tournament run) and 7-0 against teams with a winning record.
The Orange are on “over” runs of 8-1 overall, 14-3 at neutral sites and 21-7 after a SU win. Conversely, the under is 5-3 in the Tar Heels’ last eight at neutral sites.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
NBA
Houston (7-5 SU, 8-4 ATS) at Atlanta (10-2 SU, 11-1 ATS)
The high-flying Hawks, winners of six in a row SU and ATS, close out a four-game homestand with a visit from the Rockets at Philips Arena.
Atlanta has beaten New Orleans, Portland and Miami to start its current stint in front of the home fans, and crushed the Heat 105-90 as a 7½-point favorite on Wednesday. Joe Johnson had 30 points while Al Horford and Josh Smith had 16 points apiece to pace the Hawks. Atlanta is a perfect 6-0 SU and ATS at home, averaging 111.7 points a game and shooting 47.7 percent from the floor.
Houston has alternated wins and losses in its last nine games (6-3 ATS), but went to Minnesota on Wednesday and beat the Timberwolves 97-84 as a six-point road favorite. Luis Scola led the way with 20 points and 16 rebounds while Trevor Ariza chipped in with 18 points.
The Rockets have won three of the last four in this series (4-0 ATS) and six of the last nine (7-2 ATS). The home team has taken nine of the last 10 meetings, including both games last season. Atlanta won 103-100 at home but failed as a 5½-point chalk while Houston won the rematch in Texas, 92-84 as a five-point favorite.
The SU winner is 11-1 ATS in each team’s 12 games this year.
Houston is just 1-5 ATS in its last six Friday games but it is otherwise on pointspread runs of 8-3 overall, 5-1 after one day off, 22-6 against Southeast Division teams and 5-1 as an underdog. Atlanta is on a plethora of positive ATS streaks, including 20-7-2 at home, 11-1-1 overall, 13-2-1 against Western Conference teams, 21-6-1 as a chalk and 21-7-1 after a spread-cover.
The Rockets have stayed below the posted total in four of their last five overall, but they’ve topped the total in four of five on Friday and five of six as an underdog. The Hawks are on “over” streaks of 7-1 overall, 4-0 at home, 16-5 as a favorite and 4-0 as a home chalk. Finally, in this rivalry, the “under” is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings and 6-2 in the last eight matchups in Atlanta.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ATLANTA
Orlando (9-3 SU, 7-5 ATS) at Boston (9-3 SU, 5-7 ATS)
The Magic head to TD Banknorth Garden in Boston looking for their fourth straight win as they take on the Celtics in a battle of Eastern Conference heavyweights.
The Magic have won three straight (2-1 ATS), all at home, including Wednesday’s 108-94 win over the Thunder, cashing as 12-point favorites. Vince Carter had 18 points while Rashard Lewis finished just shy of a triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
Boston is just 3-3 in its last six games and 1-6 ATS in its last seven overall. The Celtics got double-digit scoring from all five starters on Wednesday, beating Golden State 109-95 but coming up just short as a 16-point home favorite.
These teams had a seven-game war in the Eastern Conference semifinals back in May with Orlando prevailing (4-3 SU and ATS) 101-82 in Game 7 back in Boston, cashing in as a 2 ½-point underdog. The Magic won two of the four games in Boston, taking Games 1 and 7 both SU and ATS, but they’re still just 5-14 ATS in the last 19 visits to Beantown. The home team is 25-12 ATS in the last 37 series clashes (playoffs included).
Orlando is just 1-5 ATS in its last six after a straight-up win, but it is on positive ATS streaks of 38-17-1 as an underdog, 12-5 against Eastern Conference teams, 6-0 against the Atlantic Division and 4-1 on Friday. The Celtics are on ATS slides of 1-6 overall (all as a favorite), 1-4 at home, 1-4 after a non-cover and 2-5 at home against teams with winning road records.
The Magic are on “under” streaks of 6-1 on the road and 6-2 against Atlantic Division squads. Boston is on several “under” streaks, including 8-3 against the Eastern Conference, 11-5 overall, and 6-0 against Southeast Division teams, but the “over” is 28-13-1 in the Celtics’ last 42 road games. Finally, the last four playoff games between these teams back in the spring stayed low, and the under is also 4-1 in the Magic’s last five trips to Beantown.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO
DUNKEL INDEX
Akron at Bowling Green
The Falcons look to build on their 8-1 ATS record in their last 9 November games. Bowling Green is the pick (-10 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Falcons favored by 15. Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (-10 1/2).
Game 309-310: Akron at Bowling Green
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 68.841; Bowling Green 83.763
Dunkel Line: Bowling Green by 15; 52 1/2
Vegas Line: Bowling Green by 10 1/2; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (-10 1/2); Over
Game 311-312: Eastern Michigan at Toledo
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 56.454; Toledo 77.686
Dunkel Line: Toledo by 22; 68
Vegas Line: Toledo by 19; 64
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (-19); Over
Game 313-314: Boise State at Utah State
Dunkel Ratings: Boise State 106.571; Utah State 79.023
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 27 1/2; 58 1/2
Vegas Line: Boise State by 23; 62
Dunkel Pick: Boise State (-23); Under
NBA
Denver at LA Clippers
The Nuggets are coming off a 130-112 win over Toronto and look to build on their 9-2 ATS record in their last 11 games following a SU win by more than 10 points. Denver is the pick (-9) according to Dunkel, which has the Nuggets favored by 12. Dunkel Pick: Denver (-9)
Game 501-502: Miami at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 120.461; Toronto 119.867
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 1; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 3; 200 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3); Under
Game 503-504: Memphis at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 109.453; Philadelphia 114.448
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 5; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 6; 197
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+6); Over
Game 505-506: Cleveland at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 123.761; Indiana 121.313
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 2 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 507-508: Houston at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 120.576; Atlanta 129.760
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 9; 201 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 7; 205 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-7); Under
Game 509-510: Orlando at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 121.116; Boston 127.842
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 6 1/2; 189
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 7; 190
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+7); Under
Game 511-512: Washington at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 116.827; Oklahoma City 119.090
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 2 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 3; 194
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3); Under
Game 513-514: Sacramento at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 111.186; Dallas 126.862
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 15 1/2; 197 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 11; 201 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-11); Under
Game 515-516: Charlotte at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 114.675; Milwaukee 121.963
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 7 1/2; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 5 1/2; 178 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-5 1/2); Over
Game 517-518: Denver at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 124.765; LA Clippers 112.866
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 12; 199 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 9; 208
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-9); Under
Game 519-520: Portland at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 123.548; Golden State 116.662
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 7; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 8 1/2; 206
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+8 1/2)
NCAAB
San Jose State at Washington
The Huskies are coming off a Here are all of today's picks 111-55 win over Portland State and look to build on their 7-0 ATS record in their last 7 games after scoring more than 90 points in the previous game. Washington is the pick (-22) according to Dunkel, which has the Huskies favored by 26 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Washington (-22)
Game 521-522: Toledo at Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 45.895; Michigan State 78.992
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 33
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 30 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-30 1/2)
Game 523-524: San Francisco at Arizona State
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 50.630; Arizona State 65.110
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 15
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+15)
Game 525-526: Colorado State at Indiana State
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 52.555; Indiana State 62.230
Dunkel Line: Indiana State by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Indiana State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana State (-8 1/2)
Game 527-528: Troy at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 56.066; Florida 68.368
Dunkel Line: Florida by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida by 16
Dunkel Pick: Troy (+16)
Game 529-530: Seton Hall at Cornell
Dunkel Ratings: Seton Hall 60.079; Cornell 64.821
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Cornell by 3
Dunkel Pick: Cornell (-3)
Game 531-532: Brown at St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: Brown 46.211; St. John's 62.669
Dunkel Line: St. John's by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: St. John's by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. John's (-15 1/2)
Game 533-534: Drexel at Rutgers
Dunkel Ratings: Drexel 52.613; Rutgers 59.716
Dunkel Line: Rutgers by 7
Vegas Line: Rutgers by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (-5 1/2)
Game 535-536: Providence at Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 62.594; Alabama 68.648
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 6
Vegas Line: Alabama by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (-5 1/2)
Game 537-538: Bowling Green at Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 57.222; Iowa 60.134
Dunkel Line: Iowa by 3
Vegas Line: Iowa by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (+9 1/2)
Game 539-540: Vanderbilt at St. Mary's (CA)
Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 67.733; St. Mary's (CA) 67.559
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 5
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (+5)
Game 541-542: San Jose State at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 50.359; Washington 77.106
Dunkel Line: Washington by 26 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington by 22
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-22)
Game 543-544: BYU at Hawaii
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 67.789; Hawaii 55.478
Dunkel Line: BYU by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: BYU by 10
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-10)
Game 545-546: Niagara vs. Howard
Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 59.949; Howard 38.878
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 21
Vegas Line: Niagara by 20
Dunkel Pick: Niagara (-20)
Game 547-548: Drake vs. Georgia State
Dunkel Ratings: Drake 51.868; Georgia State 52.414
Dunkel Line: Georgia State by 1
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Georgia State
Game 549-550: North Carolina State vs. Akron
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina State 63.223; Akron 58.476
Dunkel Line: North Carolina State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina State
Game 551-552: Central Florida vs. Auburn
Dunkel Ratings: Central Florida 59.894; Auburn 59.407
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Auburn by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (+4 1/2)
Game 553-554: Austin Peay vs. IUPUI
Dunkel Ratings: Austin Peay 53.094; IUPUI 50.769
Dunkel Line: Austin Peay by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: IUPUI by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Austin Peay (+2 1/2)
Game 555-556: Georgia Tech vs. George Mason
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 63.588; George Mason 56.045
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 557-558: Dayton vs. Villanova
Dunkel Ratings: Dayton 63.801; Villanova 70.211
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 559-560: Indiana vs. Boston U
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 55.330; Boston U 49.080
Dunkel Line: Indiana by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 561-562: Mississippi vs. Kansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 62.089; Kansas State 69.282
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 7
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 563-564: Tulane vs. Penn State
Dunkel Ratings: Tulane 53.949; Penn State 61.675
Dunkel Line: Penn State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 565-566: Miami (FL) vs. NC Wilmington
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (FL) 63.883; NC Wilmington 43.000
Dunkel Line: Miami (FL) by 21
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 567-568: LaSalle vs. Davidson
Dunkel Ratings: LaSalle 56.906; Davidson 59.511
Dunkel Line: Davidson by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 5669-570: South Carolina vs. South Florida
Dunkel Ratings: South Carolina 64.925; South Florida 59.463
Dunkel Line: South Carolina by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 571-572: DePaul vs. Northern Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: DePaul 54.005; Northern Iowa 63.184
Dunkel Line: Northern Iowa by 9
Vegas Line: Northern Iowa by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Iowa (-8 1/2)
Game 573-574: East Carolina vs. Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 48.079; Tennessee 75.757
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 27 1/2
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 26
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-26)
Game 575-576: St. Joseph's vs. Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 59.897; Boston College 64.609
Dunkel Line: Boston College by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston College by 8
Dunkel Pick: St. Joseph's (+8)
Game 577-578: South Dakota State vs. Purdue
Dunkel Ratings: South Dakota State 53.736; Purdue 70.090
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Purdue by 19 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Dakota State (+19 1/2)
Game 579-580: James Madison vs. Murray State
Dunkel Ratings: James Madison 51.714; Murray State 57.582
Dunkel Line: Murray State by 6
Vegas Line: Murray State by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: James Madison (+6 1/2)
Game 581-582: NC Central vs. Florida International
Dunkel Ratings: NC Central 31.075; Florida International 50.047
Dunkel Line: Florida International by 19
Vegas Line: Florida International by 15
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (-15)
Game 583-584: Detroit vs. Robert Morris
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 47.360; Robert Morris 51.102
Dunkel Line: Robert Morris by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit by 1
Dunkel Pick: Robert Morris (+1)
Game 585-586: Alcorn State vs. Albany
Dunkel Ratings: Alcorn State 29.536; Albany 46.350
Dunkel Line: Albany by 17
Vegas Line: Albany by 20
Dunkel Pick: Alcorn State (+20)
Game 587-588: California vs. Ohio State
Dunkel Ratings: California 64.968; Ohio State 68.878
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 4
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 589-590: Syracuse vs. North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 74.744; North Carolina 75.362
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 1
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 591-592: Eastern Michigan vs. The Citadel
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 51.103; The Citadel 51.411
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Eastern Michigan by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: The Citadel (+4 1/2)
Game 593-594: MD-Eastern Shore vs. Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: MD-Eastern Shore 30.400; Missouri State 55.924
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 25 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 23
Dunkel Pick: Missouri State (-23)
Game 595-596: Texas Southern vs. Northern Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Southern 39.478; Northern Colorado 54.594
Dunkel Line: Northern Colorado by 15
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 595-596: Dickinson State vs. Air Force
Dunkel Ratings: Dickinson State (No Rating); Air Force 52.534
Dunkel Line: N/A
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 599-600: Louisiana Tech vs. Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 56.473; Miami (OH) 53.802
Dunkel Line: Louisiana Tech by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 1
Dunkel Pick: Louisiana Tech (+1)
Game 601-602: Nicholls State at New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: Nicholls State 52.428; New Mexico 69.029
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 20
Dunkel Pick: Nicholls State (+20)
Game 603-604: Clemson at NC Greensboro
Dunkel Ratings: Clemson 66.487; NC Greensboro 46.814
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 19 1/2
Vegas Line: Clemson by 20
Dunkel Pick: NC Greensboro (+20)
Game 605-606: Samford at Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: Samford 55.582; Texas A&M 65.459
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 10
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Samford (+13 1/2)
Game 607-608: Tennessee Tech at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Tech 47.335; Memphis 78.992
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 31 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 24
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-24)
Game 609-610: Appalachian State at Arkansas
Dunkel Ratings: Appalachian State 49.284; Arkansas 60.920
Dunkel Line: Arkansas by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Arkansas by 7
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (-7)
Game 611-612: Tennessee State at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee State 46.459; Northern Illinois 50.889
Dunkel Line: Northern Illinois by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Northern Illinois by 8
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee State (+8)
NHL
Rob Vinciletti
Eastern Michigan vs. Toledo
Play: Toledo -16.5
The line on this game has been going down all week,starting at 19 and dropping to as low as 16 in some spots. The reason for the drop is another classic reaction the starting Qb listed as doubtful. The reality however is that Toledo like many MAC teams this year are superior in talent compared to an over matched Eastern Michigan team. Toledo will still score an abundance of points against a sub par E.Michigan defense that has allowed nearly 50 points a game over their last three contests. Toledo is 11-2 ats as favorites off a double digit loss and has controlled this series of late cashing six of the last between the two teams. This is the last home game of the season for the Rockets and they would like to erase the memory of last years 38-10 debacle in their last home game. Toledo also fits a solid system here that plays on home favorites of 10 or more points with a win percentage of .800 or less that are off back to back road losses from game 7 on out. This system has cashed at over 70% over the years. Look for this one to get out of hand tonight. Take Toledo.
LT Profits
Akron at Bowling Green
The Akron Zips may be just 2-8 straight up overall including 0-5 on the road, but the Bowling Green Falcons are simply not good enough to be giving double-digits to anyone.
Yes, Bowling Green is averaging 25.4 points per game and they will be able to score on an Akron defense that is surrendering 28.8 point per contest. Our trepidation regarding the Falcons though lies with their defense, as they are actually allowing more points (27.0 per game) than they are scoring, a trait you never want to see in a double-digit favorite.
Furthermore, home field advantage has been a myth for Bowling Green so far as they are just 1-3 here in their own stadium compared to 4-2 on the road. The Falcons have been outscored by an unacceptable -9.8 points per game at home, where they have been simply dreadful against the run, allowing a whopping 202.2 rushing yards per game on a horrific 6.0 yards per rush.
Granted, Akron is offensively challenged, but even they can have success on the ground vs. this Falcons unit. The last time the Zips faced a team with a poor run defense, they accumulated 168 rushing yards vs. Kent State two weeks ago. As long as they do not fall behind too big too early, Akron will continue to pound the ball here, realizing that would give them the most realistic chance of pulling the upset.
While we are not sure the Zips can win outright, we do feel an effective running game will keep them within single-digits here until the final gun.
Pick: Akron +11
BIG AL
Eastern Michigan at Toledo
Prediction: Toledo
The Eagles are 0-10 on the season, and will try to break into the win column with an upset over Toledo, which has lost three straight games. In its last time out, the Rockets were blasted 56-28 by Central Michigan, but most teams these days are. Toledo also dropped games to Miami-Ohio and Temple since its 20-19 upset win over Northern Illinois back on October 17. I really like Toledo in this spot, as it falls into a "rebound" system of mine that plays on large home favorites of -16 or more points, who are off a SU/ATS 21-point (or worse) blowout conference loss the previous week. After such an embarassing loss, these teams tend to take out their frustration when they play at home vs. lesser opponents. Since 1980, teams in this situation cover 67% of the time (64-32 ATS), including 28-10 ATS when off back-to-back losses. The Rockets are a solid 39-23 ATS at home, and are also 6-0 ATS their last six off a loss of 20+ points. Lay the wood with Toledo.
Marc Lawrence
Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers
Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James and his entourage travel to Indiana when they face the Pacers Friday night as they look to rebound from a 17-point loss suffered Wednesday evening at Washington. The Cavs have dominated the Pacers in this series, winning the money 13 of the last 15 contests. They are also 7-1 ATS on the road off a SU road favorite loss of late. Look for the King and his court to get back on the win track here tonight.
MTi Sports
Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics
Prediction: Orlando Magic
Orlando is 4-0 ATS (+12.1 ppg) when their line is at least twelve points higher than last game (a jump in class) and the Celtics are 0-6 ATS (-8.9 ppg) as a home favorite with at least one day of rest after a double digit win in which they shot at least 50% from the field. Also, the Magic are 7-0 ATS (+8.9 ppg) after two wins in which Dwight Howard shot better than 66% from the field in each while the Celtics are 0-4 ATS with at least a day of rest after a win in which Ray Allen had more turnovers than assists. Consider grabbing the points.
Kyle Hunter
Colorado State vs. Indiana State
Play: Indiana State -8½
The Sycamores are a much improved team thanks in large part to major contributions to Iowa transfer Jake Kelly. Kelly is a solid ball handler and he finds ways to score when he is needed. Rashad Reed gives Indiana State a second very good guard as well. Colorado State doesn't have a whole lot to work with this year, and I expect them to have trouble with the tough road environment at Indiana State. The Sycamores cover in this one!
Jim Feist
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Golden State Warriors
Play: Golden State Warriors +9½
Over the last 7 games, this is the sixth road game for Portland, a tough stretch for any team. They are 0-2 ATS the last two games. The Warriors are a bad road team, but 2-2 at home with a run-and-gun offense. They are also undervalued in the eyes of oddsmakers and the public, at 5-1 ATS the last six games. And that included covers against the mighty Cavaliers and Celtics. Against the Celtics, Corey Maggette led Golden State with 23 points, and Monta Ellis had 18. They have more than enough offense, plus home court, to hang within this number. Play the Warriors.
JR TIPS
NUGGETS at CLIPPERS
The Nuggets travel to Los Angeles looking to extend a seven-game winning streak against the struggling Clippers tonight. The Nuggets haved been hot winning seven games beating the Lakers 105-79 and Toronto 130-112 in their last 2 games. Denver has lost three of its last four on the road, averaging 95.0 points which is 6.4 below its season average although the Nuggets have three road wins over the Clippers and seven straight victories in the series and Denver has beaten Los Angeles by an average of 11.4 points since 2007. Carmelo Anthony has scored a combined 66 points in his last two road games versus the Clippers and had a big game against the Raptors despite suffering from a severe migraine, his first in a couple of years. He had 32 points and five assists in 30 minutes against Toronto while he is averaging 29.9 points, topping 30 in seven of 11 games. J.R. Smith has been effective in coming off the bench to help Anthony carry the scoring load scoring 22.3 points a game after being suspended for reckless driving over the summer. Los Angeles may be without second-year guard Eric Gordon, who missed a 106-91 loss to Memphis on Wednesday night due to a strained groin as the Clippers fell to 1-8 when Gordon doesn't play. Gordon is averaging 18.9 points and 1.7 steals a game. Center Chris Kaman is averaging 21.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks a a game for the Clippers but he will go up against one of the toughest front liones in the Western Conference tonight. Denver just has too much offensive fire power for the Clippers and with Jr Smith back, it give them that extra fire power off the bench. THe Nuggets will continue to dominate the Clippers with double digit wins as they have done since 2007 against this team.
TAKE NUGGETS -9
Dominic Fazzini
Boise State -22 at UTAH STATE
I am red hot with my complimentary selections, running my record to 9-2 over the past 11 days as the underdog Jazz got their first win in San Antonio in more than 10 years. I don't know if tonight's play is going to come in as easily, but you better believe it's going to be another winner!
Only three more games left for Boise State to complete a perfect regular season, but the pressure is on for the Broncos to look especially good in doing so if they want to impress the pollsters and keep their hopes alive for a BCS bowl berth.
Unfortunately for Boise State, even a perfect season won't guarantee it a spot in a BCS bowl game with unbeaten TCU above it in the rankings, so all it can do is beat up on opponents and hope for the best.
And with the nation's second-highest scoring offense, I don't think the Broncos should have a tough time scoring against Utah State, which is ranked 106th in the country on defense and gives up an average of 30.7 points per game. Boise State has averaged 48.8 points in its last four games against the Aggies, who have lost eight straight games to their WAC rival.
The Broncos are solid in many ATS trends, including 9-3 as a favorite, 9-3 as a road favorite, 8-3 in road games, 11-4 in Friday games and 6-1 in conference games. Boise State also is 8-1-2 ATS in its last 11 meetings with the Aggies and 5-0 ATS in its last five games at Utah State. Take the Broncos to cover the points tonight.
3♦ BOISE STATE
Jeff Benton
Houston +7 at ATLANTA
For Friday’s free play in the NBA, I’ll take the points with the Rockets at Atlanta.
I know the Hawks are on fire, winning and covering six in a row, going 8-1 SU in their last nine and 9-1 ATS in their last 10. I also know Atlanta is a perfect 6-0 SU and ATS at home, with five of those six home wins being double-digit routs. But I can counter those impressive numbers with these: The Rockets are 4-3 SU on the road this year, cashing in four of the last six as a visitor. That includes outright wins over Minnesota (97-84 as a six-point favorite) and the Lakers (101-91 as a nine-point underdog) in their two most recent road games.
Also, while Houston’s 7-5 SU record looks mediocre at best, that record doesn’t reflect that the fact that the Rockets have lost by more than nine points just once this season. Also, Houston comes into tonight on an 8-3 ATS roll, including 5-1 ATS as an underdog. On top of that, the Rockets have cashed in 22 of their last 26 games against teams from the Southeast Division, and they’ve have covered in four straight games against the Hawks (and seven of the last nine).
Bottom line: Because of the Hawks early-season success, and especially their 6-0 SU and ATS start at home, the oddsmakers have been forced to adjust the pointspread. In this game, they’ve adjusted too much. Throw in the fact Atlanta has a road game tomorrow in New Orleans, and this is a great spot to grab the inflated points with the visiting Rockets, who have been competitive in all but one of their 12 games this year and will at least stay in this one till the final buzzer, if not pull off the outright upset.
3♦ HOUSTON
Bobby Maxwell
Orlando +7 at BOSTON
I'm 10-5 with my last 15 FREE selections and I've got another winner here for you as I grab the points with the Magic as they visit Boston to take on the Celtics.
We all remember these two teams playing a very entertaining Eastern Conference semifinal series back in May and it was Orlando who actually went into Boston and took Game1 and the decisive Game 7. So there’s no intimidation when the Magic walk into TD Banknorth Garden. They know they can win in there.
Tonight, definitely grab the points with Orlando as the Magic have won three straight games, including a 108-94 win over Oklahoma City on Wednesday, cashing as 12-point favorites.
The reason the line is so high is that Orlando is without PG Jameer Nelson, but they have Rashard Lewis back in the lineup and with him, Vince Carter and Dwight Howard, that is enough scoring to take care of business.
Boston is just 3-3 in its last six games and 1-6 ATS in its last seven overall. The Celtics are on slides of 1-4 at home, 1-4 after a non-cover and 2-6 at home against teams with winning road records. This team is not completely clicking yet and look for Orlando to come in there and give them fits.
Orlando is on ATS runs of 38-17-1 as an underdog, 6-0 against the Atlantic Division and 12-5 against the Eastern Conference.
Grab the points and play Orlando!
2♦ ORLANDO
VEGAS EXPERTS
Miami Heat at Toronto Raptors
Good spot for Miami to get back on track tonight against a Toronto team returning home from an unsuccessful four-game road swing as the Heat are 9-1 ATS when coming off a loss by 15 or more points (Atlanta beat them 105-90 on Wednesday). Dwyane Wade scored 82 points on 62.3% shooting in two meetings last year with the Raptors, who are once again not playing defense, allowing 107.8 PPG this season. Look for Toronto to fall to 18-35 ATS when coming off a SU loss.
Play on: Miami
Joseph D'Amico
Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics
Play: Orlando Magic +7
Both Orlando and Boston are tied for the 2nd best record in the Eastern Conference at 9-3. The Celtic's are 5-7 ATS this season, while the Magic are 7-5 ATS. Orlando has won and covered the L2 over Boston, going back to May of last year. In this matchup, I feel the big difference is is the disparity between the each teams Centers. Magic Center Dwight Howard is a monster. He is far superior in scoring and rebounding, not to mention defense over Celtics middle man Kendrick Perkins. The Magic are on a 3 ganme winning streak while the Celtic's have dropped 2 of their L3. Boston has only covered 1 of their L7 outings overall. As a matter of fact, the Celtic's, who were once money at home are just 1-4 ATS their L5 when hosting. This can be due to the fact that they have some injuries on their bench that is taking a toll on their starters. Orlando is 6-0 ATS their last 6 vs. the NBA Atlantic and 38-17-1 ATS their last 56 as a 'dog. Boston is 1-6 ATS their last 7 overall and 0-4 ATS their last 4 as a favorite of 5-10.5 points. There is too many points for Boston to lay. Take Orlando.