Marc LawrenceFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
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Virginia Tech at East CarolinaFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Prediction: East CarolinaFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
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Apparently, this line is based purely on name and reputation. The truth is these two teams are heading in opposite directions and the oddsmaker can do little about it. The Pirates have won 7 of their last 8 regular season contests while the Hokies have dropped 6 of their last 10. In addition, the Techsters were favored on the road four times last season, going 0-4 ATS while losing three of those games straight-up. Yes, we realize the Hokies are 13-1 SU in the state of North Carolina during the regular season since 2004, but this game is hardly a ‘must-win situation’ and these aren’t the same Beamer Boys we’ve come to love in the past. On the flip side, we’ve been predicting a breakout season for Ruffin McNeill’s squad and a victory here would be a huge step in that direction. However, Bud Foster’s defense made Alabama’s young offensive line look silly at times in the season opener, so an outright win is a difficult proposition. Still, keep in mind that the Pirates are 3-1-1 ATS in the last five games of this series, and that home underdogs of 7 points or less in Game Three coming off back-to-back home wins are 11-3 ATS since 1993. Finally, Mike Leach disciple McNeill is 13-0 SU and 8-2-1 ATS at home against opponents with a record of .500 or worse. In this case, it’s better to receive than to give. We recommend a 1-unit play on East Carolina.
Sean MurphyFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
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Youngstown St vs. Michigan StFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Youngstown StFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
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Youngstown State isn't just going into this game hoping not to embarrass itself. The Penguins believe they can hang with the Spartans for 60 minutes and possibly even pull off the massive upset. Although, to be honest, I'm not sure it would be quite the monumental upset that some would make it out to be.
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Note that Youngstown State walked into East Lansing and hung tough against a much stronger Spartans squad two years ago, ultimately losing by a 28-6 score as a 34-point underdog. That was a 14-6 game at halftime, and it wasn't until midway through the fourth quarter that Michigan State was able to put the game away for good. Keep in mind, that Spartans squad was loaded with talent from top-to-bottom, with guys like Kirk Cousins and Le'Veon Bell starring on offense.
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This year, Michigan State is off to a 2-0 start, but certainly hasn't impressed in either victory. The Spartans have faced a pair of truly punchless opponents in Western Michigan and South Florida, and although they'll be taking on an FCS squad on Saturday, the Penguins are by no means pushover.
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Youngstown State is 2-0 to start the season, defeating Dayton and Morehead State by a combined 95-23 score. This is an experienced and talented team, and one that returns some of its core from the squad that battled the Spartans two years ago.
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Make no mistake, the Spartans aren't coming into this game thinking it will be a cakewalk. Sure, their defense has been stout in the early going, but their quarterback situation is an absolute mess, and no one has appeared ready to truly take over the reins in the ground game. It sounds like freshman QB Damion Terry will finally see some game action this week, but Mark Dantonio and the coaching staff have been tepid in their optimism surrounding the rookie who they perhaps would have preferred to keep the redshirt on for this season. Note that Terry will see action, but Connor Cook will get the start. By the time Terry comes in, it may already be too little, too late in terms of a pointspread cover.
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The Spartans simply want to pick up a win and move to 3-0 heading into their showdown with Notre Dame next week. While their supporters would love to see them pick up some style points, I don't see it happening against a determined and fundamentally-sound Penguins squad on Saturday afternoon.
Jack JonesFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
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Iowa -2½FOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
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The Iowa Hawkeyes clearly want revenge from the last two losses to the Cyclones in this instate rivalry over the past two seasons. Both losses have come by a combined six points, so you can bet that Iowa State has their attention. I believe Iowa comes into the 2013 season underrated after a 4-8 campaign last year. This team was much better than its record would indicate as it lost five games by 6 points or less in 2012. Those five losses came by a combined 16 points.
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While Iowa lost another close one to Northern Illinois by a final of 27-30 in its 2013 opener, you have to remember that NIU played in a BCS Bowl game last season and is a legit squad. The Hawkeyes bounced back with a 28-14 victory over Missouri State last week, outgaining the Bears by 292 total yards in a game that was a much bigger blowout than the final score would indicate. There’s no question that the offense is much-improved this season, which is a great sign going forward after scoring just 19.3 points per game last year.
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Iowa is averaging 473.5 total yards per game while giving up just 317.5 total yards per game in its first two contests. New quarterback Jake Rudock has shown some great signs, completing 61.5 percent of his passes for 449 yards, while also rushing for 53 yards and three scores. Mark Weisman is one of the most underrated backs in the country, rushing for 280 yards and two touchdowns through two games. The speedy Damon Bullock (116 yards) compliments him well.
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Iowa State is clearly in rebuilding mode with just nine starters back from last year’s bowl team. That couldn’t have been more evident in a 20-28 home loss to Northern Iowa in Week 1. The Cyclones gave up 457 total yards to the Panthers in a very poor showing. They have just four starters back on defense, and lose arguably the two best linebackers in the history of the program. Both AJ Klein and Jake Knott are now in the NFL after monster careers at Iowa State. These two are simply irreplaceable, and I look for Weisman to have a monster game in their absence.
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While the offense for Iowa has been explosive, it's the defense that returns the most talent. Seven starters are back on this side of the ball, including each of the top three tacklers. They are senior linebackers Anthony Hitchens (124 tackles, 5.5 for loss), James Morris (113 tackles, 9 for loss) and Christian Kirksy (95 tackles, 2 INT). I expect Iowa to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball as it has five of seven starters back along the front seven defensively, as well as three starters back along the offensive line. Iowa State loses five of seven starters along the front seven defensively.
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Iowa State is 1-5-1 against the spread in its last seven home games. The Cyclones are 1-5 against the number in their last six games overall. Iowa State is 1-5 ATS in its last six games after allowing more than 450 total yards in its previous game. The Cyclones are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games off a bye week. Bet Iowa Saturday.
Vegas ConnectionFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
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Tennessee at OregonFFREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: OregonFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
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Vols visit Autzen Stadium long trip and Tenn will have hands full. Yes Tenn is a SEC team but they do have a huge game with Florida next week. U0 has ultra weapons and will use all of them. Ducks roll easy here.
Brad Diamond
Ole Miss +3 over Texas
We have been touting Freezeee for some time at Brad Diamond Sports. That's HC Huge Freeze of Mississippi who is coming off a solid campaign at 7-6 with a MAJOR bowl victory of 38-17 against Pittsburgh. Yes, Ole Mass was crushed 66-31 LY by these same Longhorns. So, if you can equate what revenge means on a general level in college sports, think what a 35-point loss means to Freeze and his Rebels. And, if you have not been aboard for the last few college seasons, you can find easy reading noting units coming off losses of 21+ points have responded with a noteworthy rebound the following set against the former. We believe this is a slight edge for Ole Miss although playing in the state of Texas. The Rebels started the season with a key SEC road win at Vandy then discarded Southeast Missouri for lunch last weekend. Texas comes into Saturday after being CRUSHED by BYU 40-21. They return 19 starters from last year, but were hurt on the DL (505 yards) last week. With the change at quarterback to McCoy, I will take a ticket with Freezeee who is 22-7 ATS Ole Miss!
Scott SpreitzerFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
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Cal Poly at Colorado StFREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Prediction: Cal PolyFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
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The Mustangs are a solid FCS playoff team from last season and will move the ball and score points against the Rams' defense, in my opinion. Poly put 25 points on the board last week against Fresno State, while gaining over 400 yards of offense and never quit playing hard despite falling behind early. The Rams are hurting, allowing 71 points in their first two games against Colorado & Tulsa, coming up short in their game against their in-state rivals and a late game loss last weekend in Tulsa. I expect the Rams to be off kilter emotionally and I expect them to be shocked by the efficiency of the Cal Poly attack. I'm recommending a play on Cal Poly plus the points.
Tony KarpinskiFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
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Alabama vs. Texas A&MFREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Alabama -8FOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
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Now first and foremost Bama’s offense is not the same as it was last year, visibly. A&M has an electrifying offense that will definitely score points. This is the ideal example of who outplays who, as straightforward as it sounds. It’s going to be a test for Alabama to do this. Bama looked out of form, in their only game this season, starting slow and mediocre, vs Virginia Tech, which they still won 35-10 and VTECH has a tough defense to boot. And the fact that Alabama is reloading up its offensive line, makes one question if they can handle the D-line from A&M. Of course, Johnny football will be the giant X-factor here but he cant do it all. Texas A&M has a sloppy run defense, which will struggle still with Sophomore, T.J. Yeldon, the 6-2 RB from Alabama, which will be the drudging pound of the Tide, in their “revenge game.” All in all, the word as well is that the Tide, don’t forget that game either, and they play with revenge and will work the Aggies.
Jimmy Boyd
Maryland -6
The Maryland Terrapins have been undervalued by the oddsmakers in their first two games of the seasons and they are still not getting the respect they deserve coming into this game. The defense has been remarkable holding opponents to ten points per game. Maryland's offense has looked unstoppable averaging 45 points per game.
The Connecticut Huskies embarrassed themselves in their season opener. They were 16.5 point favorites against Towson and ended up losing that game with an 18-33 final score. With just five returning starters on defense, it should be a very long season for the Huskies. UConn was overvalued last week, and Maryland should roll in this game.
John Martin
Northern Illinois -28.5
Plays on favorites of 21.5 to 31.5 points when playing on two or more week's rest have gone a combined 41-10 ATS over the last 10 seasons for a ridiculous 80.4% winners. Idaho is arguably the worst team in the FBS this season with blowout losses to North Texas (6-40) and Wyoming (10-42) already. Northern Illinois was a BCS Bowl team last year and has a ton of talent back from that squad. The Huskies won at Iowa in their opener to prove that they are the real deal once again. They should have no problem winning this one by 29-plus Saturday.
Bill Biles
Maryland -6
Maryland is off to a great start 2-0 and will go on the road for the first time. UCONN lost to Towson and they did not look good at all. Maryland has the number 1 offense in the ACC and the number 4 ranked defense. Look for them to win this one easily.
Rob Vinciletti
Colorado +7½
Colorado fits a solid game 3 system that has cashed 16 of the last 17 times and plays on game 3 non Conference home dogs with revenge that are taking on an opponent that allows 24 or more points and did not lose to the spread by 25 or more in their last game and did not cover in game 1. Colorado has already exceeded last years win total and will look for pay back for last seasons 69-14 loss at Fresno. The Bulldogs have struggled on defense allowing 51 at home to Rutgers and 25 here last week to Cal Poly. This seems like too many points here with a Colorado team that has finally started to improve after years of mediocrity. We will back the Buffaloes. Take Colorado.
Jack Jones
Iowa -2.5
The Iowa Hawkeyes clearly want revenge from the last two losses to the Cyclones in this instate rivalry over the past two seasons. Both losses have come by a combined six points, so you can bet that Iowa State has their attention. I believe Iowa comes into the 2013 season underrated after a 4-8 campaign last year. This team was much better than its record would indicate as it lost five games by 6 points or less in 2012. Those five losses came by a combined 16 points.
While Iowa lost another close one to Northern Illinois by a final of 27-30 in its 2013 opener, you have to remember that NIU played in a BCS Bowl game last season and is a legit squad. The Hawkeyes bounced back with a 28-14 victory over Missouri State last week, outgaining the Bears by 292 total yards in a game that was a much bigger blowout than the final score would indicate. There’s no question that the offense is much-improved this season, which is a great sign going forward after scoring just 19.3 points per game last year.
Iowa is averaging 473.5 total yards per game while giving up just 317.5 total yards per game in its first two contests. New quarterback Jake Rudock has shown some great signs, completing 61.5 percent of his passes for 449 yards, while also rushing for 53 yards and three scores. Mark Weisman is one of the most underrated backs in the country, rushing for 280 yards and two touchdowns through two games. The speedy Damon Bullock (116 yards) compliments him well.
Iowa State is clearly in rebuilding mode with just nine starters back from last year’s bowl team. That couldn’t have been more evident in a 20-28 home loss to Northern Iowa in Week 1. The Cyclones gave up 457 total yards to the Panthers in a very poor showing. They have just four starters back on defense, and lose arguably the two best linebackers in the history of the program. Both AJ Klein and Jake Knott are now in the NFL after monster careers at Iowa State. These two are simply irreplaceable, and I look for Weisman to have a monster game in their absence.
While the offense for Iowa has been explosive, it's the defense that returns the most talent. Seven starters are back on this side of the ball, including each of the top three tacklers. They are senior linebackers Anthony Hitchens (124 tackles, 5.5 for loss), James Morris (113 tackles, 9 for loss) and Christian Kirksy (95 tackles, 2 INT). I expect Iowa to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball as it has five of seven starters back along the front seven defensively, as well as three starters back along the offensive line. Iowa State loses five of seven starters along the front seven defensively.
Iowa State is 1-5-1 against the spread in its last seven home games. The Cyclones are 1-5 against the number in their last six games overall. Iowa State is 1-5 ATS in its last six games after allowing more than 450 total yards in its previous game. The Cyclones are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games off a bye week. Bet Iowa Saturday.
Red Dog Sports
Georgia Tech -8
Take Georgia Tech. They should be able to run the ball easily and control the ball. GT QB Vad Lee is from the Durham, NC area. The crowd should not make a difference as most of the students will be sleeping in tents trying to get basketball tickets. Duke was outscored by an average of 24 ppg in their last 5 games in 2012. They lost QB Anthony Boone to an injury and the Blue Devils should struggle to run the ball. I like GT to win by 10 to 14 points.
Steve Janus
Rice Owls -6
There's a reason this game opened at Rice -2 and has been bet up to close to a touchdown. The Owls are the better team and should win here by double-digits against Kansas. Rice defeated the Jayhawks 25-24 in Lawrence last year. The Owls have 19 returning starters, while Kansas welcomes back just 9 starters from last year.
The Owls lost their only game this season on the road against Texas A&M, which shouldn't come as much of a surprise. The Owls hung in there and covered the 28-point spread. The key thing from that game is that the Owls put up 28-points and racked up 486 yards of total offense against an SEC defense. Last year they finished with 403 yards against Kansas and the Jayhawks have a mere four starters back on that side of the ball.
Kansas has been one of the worst road teams in the country for quite some time. The Jayhawks are a mere 9-38 away from home over the last 10 years. They are just 15-23 ATS as a road underdog during this stretch and are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 road games following a home game. Rice on the other hand is 14-4 ATS in home games after playing a game where 70 total points were score and 12-3 ATS in home games after gaining 475 or more yards of total offense in their most recent matchup.
Doug Upstone
Northwestern -30
For Saturday, PLAY ON home favorites of 21.5 to 31 points like Northwestern, an excellent offensive team averaging 6.2 yards per play, against a team with an average defense (4.8 to 5.6 YPP), after gaining 6.75 or more yards a play in two consecutive games. This incredible college football system is 22-3 ATS, 88 percent the last 20 years, with the average margin of victory 34.8 points.