Jeff Scott SportsFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
5 UNIT PLAYFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
GEORGIA TECH -10 over Virginia: (Added) Last week the Cavaliers took on a weak offensive team in Penn State and they really didn't play all that well in the game. The Cavs were outgained in the game by 35 yards, were outrushed by 89 yards and committed 4 TO's to Penn State's none. If it wasn't for 4 missed FG's by Penn State, then Virgina would have clearly taken the loss in the game. Prior to last weeks game Virginia struggled for much of the first half vs Richmond before getting their act together. They are really not playing at that well right now and must take on a Georgia Tech squad that has revenge on their minds. Last year the Jackets came into Virginia as 7.5 favorites, sitting at 6-0 on the year, but Virginia knocked them off and Tech went 1-5 down the stretch after that game. The option offense is tough to defense and prior to last year's game Virginia had an extra week to prepare. Well they don't this week and that gives Tech a big edge. The Yellow Jackets started off the year with an OT loss to Virginia Tech, but they did outgain the Hokies in the game and outrushed them by 96 yards. This is a very good offense and while Virginia's defense is solid I just don't expect them to score enough points to keep this one close. Tech is revenge minded, they are at home and should be fully focused here as they don't want to fall to 0-2 in the conference. Tech by at least 17 points in this one. KEY TRENDS--- Tech HC Paul Johnson is 24-12-1 ATS with revenge, including 8-1-1 ATS as a favorite of more than 3 points, while Virginia is just 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 ACC openers.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
4 UNIT PLAYFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
POWER ANGLE PLAY
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FLORIDA STATE -27 over Wake Forest: Florida State is in a big revenge spot here as they lost to the Deacons 35-30 last year. That 35 points they put up was the most they ever scored vs the Noles. Well this year the Deacon may just be taking on the best defense in the nation. Last year down the stretch, Florida State allowed a mere 11.6 ppg in their final 8 games and this year they bring back 9 starters from that Unit. Yes they have played 2 FCS opponents this year, but they have still allowed just 3 total points and last week in a little over a half vs Savannah State they allowed a mere 28 total yards. Now that’s playing some defense. Wake did put up 28 points vs North Carolina last week, but just 20 points the week before vs Liberty. The Deacons bring back just 4 starters on offense and have the worst OL in the league and that is not good news when you’re about to face perhaps the best DL in the nation. I really don’t see how Wake will put up more than 7 points in this one. Last year the Noles put up 30.6 ppg and with 8 starters back they should easily exceed that this year. Wake’s defense allowed 27.8 ppg last year and with 7 starters back it doesn’t look as they have improved much after allowing North Carolina 27 points and 428 yards last week and FSU’s offense is far better than that of the Heels. Last week the Deacons were in a dogfight with the Heels, while FSU has spent their last 2 weeks playing FCS foes and last week’s game last just a little over a half, so they are clearly the fresher team. This is their conference opener and with revenge from last year I look for them to be totally focused and blow the Deacons out. POWER ANGLE FOR THIS PLAY--- Play On Home favorites of 21.5 to 31 pts if they average 6.2 or more yards per play and are off 2 games in a row averaging 6.25+ yards per play vs a team that allows 4.8 to 5.6 yards per play. Teams in this spot are an incredible 36-6 ATS since 1992.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
3 UNIT PLAYSFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
OHIO STATE -17 over California: Cal’s current starting QB, Zach Maynard, transferred from Buffalo where his efficiency rating as a starter placed him 71st in the national rankings. He ranked higher last year against Pac-12 opposition, “vaulting” two spots to #69. He does have talent and will develop into a good QB. It just won’t happen this week. The Buckeyes have struggled in pass defense this year, but this group will get back on track this week. They are a very talented unit and are one of the best in the Big 10. Urban Meyer hasn’t been happy about the pass defense and you can bet that he will come up with a plan to rattle the young Maynard in to some costly mistake. On offense the Buckeyes are a very talented group led by QB Braxton Miller. After their game vs Nevada, a beat reporter wrote “the Cal defense was simply overmatched by the speed and agility of Nevada QB Cody Fajardo.” Well Braxton is faster and more agile than Fajardo and he should have a field day vs this very weak Cal defense that has allowed 410 ypg and 31 ppg on the young season so far. Urban Meyer is a “make a statement” kind of guy and he will look to do so here. He has big edges at the QB spot, on defense and special teams, plus in his career Urban is 21-4 ATS at home vs non-conference opponents. OSU didn’t play that great last week, but they will make up for it with a blowout win over the Cal Bears in this one.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Penn State/ Navy Under 46.5: In their opening game vs Notre Dame, Navy had problems getting their triple option going and that was due to the fact that the Irish had the whole summer to prepare for it and that forced Navy to throw a bit more than they wanted to. That is not their game and they should get back to running allot more here, as the Lions have had just a week to get ready for this offense. All that running should eat some clock. Navy should have more success vs the Lions than they did vs the Irish, but I still think this Lions defense can slow them down enough to keep their scoring to a minimum. So Far through two games the Lions have allowed 103.5 ypg on the ground on a mere 2.9 ypc. I feel that when Navy scores they will have to work their way down on time consuming drives. The Navy defense wasn’t good at all vs Notre Dame, but they do have the extra week to fix it and are going up against a weak PSU offense that has yet to put up more than 16 points in a game. Penn State will struggle on offense all year and will have to rely on their defense tow win games and that will be their formula in this one. There will be a lot of running by Navy and good defense and weak offense by PSU and that should have this game hit at most 40 points. KEY TREND--- The Under is 10-1 in PSU's last 11 games on grass.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
BYU/ Utah Under 46: With Jordan Wynn lost for the year the Utes will now have to rely on their run game like last year. The Utes were missing Wynn from most of game 4 through the end of the year and were able to generate just 311 ypg of total offense. They did put up 25 ppg, but a lot of that was due to being +10 in turnovers for the year. Well the Cougars aren’t really a team that will turn the ball over so that should take away a scoring chance or two for the Utes. I really expect the Utes to have a lot of problems generating much offense in this one vs a BYU defense that has been tough in the early going. Last year BYU allowed just 20.3 ppg and 313 ypg and with 7 starters back this year they have started out in fine fashion on that side of the ball, allowing just 239 ypg and 9.5 ppg in the early going. One game was vs Weber State, but the other one was vs offensive minded Mike Leach and the Washington State Cougars. BYU should bring the defense again vs a Utah team that will now be one dimensional without Wynn. BYU did put up 30.3 ppg last year and they have averaged 37.5 ppg this year, but they are not an explosive group. They are a team that needs to work the ball down the field and take time off the clock. They also are facing their toughest defense of the year so far and will not be able to score easily on the Utes. I expect this to be a field position game with more defense and less taking chances on offense and that should be more than enough to keep the score down in this one.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Wisconsin/ Utah Under 51: Wisconsin's offense has not been that good in the early going. They are having a hard time getting Montee Ball going, behind an OL that has surprisingly struggled this year. The Badgers have put up just 297 ypg overall and 103 ypg on the ground, while averaging just 2.9 yards per rush attempt. Now by contrast they put up 236 ypg on 5.4 ypc last year. They did lose 3 starters on the OL from last years group and they seem to be having a hrd time gelling in the early going. Still running the ball is their game and they will not give up on it and allot of running will eat a blot of clock. Last year the Aggies were decent against the run, allowing just 136 ypg and 3.5 ypc and that has carried over to this year as they have allowed just 76 ypg and 2.2 ypc in the early going. Wicsy will score but they will do it on long time consuming drives. The Aggie offense has been very good in the early going, averaging 480.5 ypg and 30.5 ppg, but they will be taking on one of the best defenses in the big 10 and will not put up numbers close to their season averages. The Badgers will not get out of their gameplan, which is running the ball and defense, while Utah State is also plays the running game first. Look for allot of running and defense in this one as this game falls somewhere in the low 40's
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
2 UNIT PLAYFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Houston/ UCLA Over 72.5: I thought this was going to be a Top Play, but after more work and thought I decided to go with it as a lesser play. Very close to a top play. If a had a 2.5 unit play this would be it.
Stan LisowskiFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Navy vs Penn StateFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Play: NavyFOR FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Midshipmen should have had enough time to recover from their shellacking in Ireland coming into this with rest and facing a Penn State squad off back to back losses. Navy is an outstanding underdog going 24-8 their last 32 on the road in that role.
Rob VincilettiFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Virginia Tech vs. Pittsburgh
Play: Under 45FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
This game applies to a nice game 3 system that plays against teams that are 2-0 vs an opponent that is 0-2. Provided both teams went to a bowl game last season. The Panthers are off a pair of disappointing losses but should play much better here a home taking 10 points from a Virginia Tech team that has failed to cover 12 of the last 15 times as a favorite vs the Big East Conference. Tech is 0-4 to the spread in games at Pittsburgh. When favored from 10.5 to -21 they are a mediocre 1-5 ats. Look for Pittsburgh to keep this one close and cover the spread today.
Ray MonohanFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Alabama vs. Arkansas
Play: Arkansas +21FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Led by head coach Nick Saban, the defending national champions Alabama has expectedly gone 2-0 to start the year. On Saturday, they take on what we think should be a dangerous Arkansas team, which is coming off a shocking 34-31 loss to unranked University of Louisiana-Monroe. Last year’s title run saw Alabama go 12-1 SU and 9-4 ATS. Arkansas however, is 5-4 ATS in their last 9 games against the Crimson Tide.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
This matchup was supposed to be the game of the year, it won't be, but it will still be exciting, and I think the Razorbacks make it closer than the oddsmakers think. Here's some reasons they cover the 21. They are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. loss, are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game, are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 home games and are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 conference games. Now way Bama wins by 3 TD's. No Way!
Dave CokinFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
USC vs Stanford
Pick: USCFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
USC has kept some of their stuff under wraps against two soft opponents, but everything gets unleashed here. Bears noting that with school not yet in session, Stanford's home field edge not as strong. Lots of Trojan faithful in attendance to watch USC roll!
Johnny DetroitFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Utah +3.5FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
We are glad Utah State stunned Utah last week in OT giving us better line value this week. 3rd down conversions (2 of 17) and penalties did Utah in more than Utah State did. BYU has played two straight games as big favorites and has yet to be tested. Look for Utah to be the team expected last week as they win outright over BYU.
Joe GavazziFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Florida State -27½FOR THE FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FSU Wake comes off a home dog upset of rival North Carolina in which they were outrushed 157-64. Combined with recent history, Florida State will not take them lightly. You see, Wake stands 4-2 SU, 6-2 ATS in this recent series that includes a 35-30 upset as 10 point home dog last year. A pair of Florida State scrimmages have resulted in 124-3 wipeouts of Murray and Savannah. Now it's time for the Florida State defense to live up to their billing against a real passing attack that led by QB Price has averaged 279 PYPG.
John RyanFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Navy at Penn State
Prediction: Navy
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
5* graded play on Navy as they take on Penn State set to start at 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 15, 2012. Penn State is off to an 0-2 start and simply failed to connect on four field goal opportunities that would have more than likely led them to an inspirational road win at Virginia. However, the loss of their starting place kicker, and several other key and elite personnel, has left this team directionless for now.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Navy has had time to recover from their 50-10 humiliation of Notre Dame in Ireland September 1. Having nearly two weeks to recover from the vacation trip and be able to prepare for Penn State is a significant advantage for them entering Happy Valley.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
I am not a cold person by any stretch of the imagination and of course I want Penn State to play well and have a successful season. I always refer to the great quote said by many coaches that i have had in the past and that it goes like this. It is not what you accomplish, it is what you overcome that matters most in life on and off the field. I do believe that PSU will overcome the hideousness of 2012, but it will take years to rebuild what others have destroyed. Those ?others; have nothing to do with these young men playing their hearts out for PSU and a game they love to play at a high level.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
You can't feel more sad for PSU place kicker, Sam Fricken, who has a strong leg, but missed on four field goal attempts against UVA last week. He will steady himself adn become a solid place kicker for this team and may even boot a 50-yarder in front of the home fans, but the real problem for PSU is the defensive backfield.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Navy runs the triple option, which is the same offensive scheme used by Georgia Tech. Although, the PSU secondary will not attacked as they were in the first two games, they will have to step up and defend the option. With just a week to prepare, it will be very difficult for this young team to execute well enough to stop Navy. Moreover, I full expect to see Navy quarterback, Trey Miller, to move horizontally along the line of scrimmage and then take three quick steps back and exploit the the middle of the field with a tight end or running back that has slipped out on the reverse of the field.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Miller was 14-for-19 for 74% passing and 165.4 passer rating against Notre Dame. So, this Navy team is not all run and option. They are fully capable of running pro set on occasion and this is where Navy will have great play making opportunities downfield.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Adding to PSU woes is that they will now be forced to use a rotation of running backs for this game. Running backs Bill Benton and Derek Day are not likely to be able to play and if they do will not be anywhere close to 90% healthy. Belton has a very sore and swollen ankle and Day has a severely bruised shoulder. The rotation would include Zack Zwinak and Michael Zordich. PSU does have an elite running back in Akeel Lynch, but are trying their best to keep him redshirt status to build for the future.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Take Navy plus the points
John RyanFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
California at Ohio StateFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Prediction: CaliforniaFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
5* graded play on California as they take on Ohio State set to start at Noon ET. The simulator shows a high probability that Cal will lose this game by 16 or fewer points and I fully expect this game to be a single digit affair with Cal possibly pulling off the improbable upset. If you can get a MONEY LINE for this game consider making a 4* bet with Cal getting the points and a 2* play on the Money Line. Ohio State is an imperfect 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) off a home win over the last 2 seasons. What I like most for this game is the fact that Cal will score more than 28 points in this game. The sim shows a 92% probability that Cal will score more than 28 points in this game and in past games where they have achieved this measure of offensive success they are 9-3 ATS the past three seasons and 68-30 ATS since 1992. The sim further shows that they will gain 5.5 to 6.0 yards per play and OSU is just 9-25 ATS since 1992 in this situation. Take the Bears!!!
Steve MerrilFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Colorado Rockies vs. San Diego Padres
Play: San Diego PadresFOR THE FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
San Diego lost for only the second time since September 4th on Friday. They'll turn to Casey Kelly to get them back on the winning track. Kelly has allowed 13 runs and 19 hits in 14 innings of work for San Diego, but he has shown promise for the Padres. Kelly returns home to face a Rockies team that is 27-42 on the road where they are hitting right around .238 as a unit. Kelly is backed by a stellar San Diego bullpen that has converted 20 of their 26 save chances at home while sporting an ERA right around 2.50. Drew Pomeranz is 1-8 with a 4.80 ERA in 18 starts for Colorado. He has allowed 7 runs and 15 hits in his last three starts spanning only 11 innings. The southpaw has lost all three starts to the Padres this season including two in San Diego where he has allowed a combined 10 runs and 14 hits in six innings. Pomeranz is on a pitch count so that means the bullpen will continue to get work. They are 33-24 with an ERA over 4.00 on the year converting just 32 of their 53 save chances. San Diego is hitting .252 against left-handed pitchers and over .275 in their last eight games. They have won four of their seven meetings with the Rockies at home, and we expect another solid home win in this game on Saturday night.
Ball St +2.5
The Cardinals are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU loss of more than 20 points and the Hoosiers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. The play is on Ball St here.
Texas A&M -10.5
Aggies are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 vs. CUSA and are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. The Mustangs are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Play is on Texas A&M.
Western Michigan +3
Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in September while the Golden Gophers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Play is on Western Michigan.
SPORTS WAGERSFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
OHIO ST -16½ -110 over California
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Buckeyes are 2-0 with a 56-10 win over Miami (Ohio) and a 31-16 win over UCF. Not a big deal, as they were supposed to win those two games. Thing is, California wouldn’t be able to beat either one of those teams. The Buckeyes open up their nationally televised schedule today on ABC and when you combine that with the energy in the stadium and the talent this host possesses, the Golden Bears may wish they never boarded the plane.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
California is 1-1. They lost to Nevada in week 1, followed by a 50-31 home win over Southern Utah. The defense has been carved up. They look lost out there. The Cal program has no direction. It had 19 penalties in opening week loss to Nevada and allowed a disturbing 31 points to a Big Sky conference bottom dweller in week 2.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Buckeyes should score at will here. 40 points should come without breaking a sweat but something closer to 50+ is more likely. They’re ranked a well-deserved 12th in the nation. In most cases, when you play ranked vs. unranked, you’re usually going to pay a premium to do so, which is something we have always preached to beware of. However, the Golden Bears were once a very promising program with a strong 10 year résumé. They’re no longer good but the number doesn’t reflect just how badly they’ve regressed. After today’s game, this program will be exposed as such so this is likely the last opportunity to fade them in this range against a far superior opponent.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
TENNESSEE -106 over Florida
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Tennessee was off the map for a few years but they’re back now and with good reason. This is likely going to be the most jacked-up crowd in the nation today and this host will certainly feed off of it. The Vols catch the Gators playing back-to-back road games and back-to-back “featured” ESPN game-day games. That’s tough and it sure doesn’t make it any easier with a banged up lineup.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Florida has lost two key defenders in linebacker Jelani Jenkins and corner Cody Riggs, with several other starters nursing injuries. Their top running back was in and out of the lineup last week and this week he’s been practicing with a strained groin. The Gators intense 20-17 nail-biting win last week at Texas A&M took a toll.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Vols will be ready. They’ve lost seven straight to this rival but were the dog in all seven. This time around things are different. Tennessee is ranked for the first time in a while. They haven’t hosted ESPN’s College Game-Day since ‘04. New Vols coordinator Sal Sunseri has a seasoned defense and he was a part of the Alabama teams that shut down the Gators the past two years. Tennessee can strike as quickly as any team in the nation. This is their biggest game in years, it’s also their best team in years and if they weren’t being taken seriously up to now, they will be when this one is done.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Ball State +120 over INDIANA
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Indiana has won its first two games by a combined score of 69-23. Despite that, they are less than a field-goal favorite over a MAC team that is 1-1 and that has allowed 78 points against in two games. Backing the chalk looks appealing but we’re not taking the bait.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Hoosiers beat Indiana State and UMass while the Cardinals played two wickedly strong offenses in Eastern Michigan and Clemson. Ball State QB Keith Wenning is in his third year and while he’s not classified as NFL quality, he did throw for close to 3000 yards a year ago with 19 TD’s. The strength of the Cardinals offense is a deep backfield with the most experienced offensive line in the nation. They should plow through a weak Hoosiers rush defense that ranked 118th in the land a year ago and has not been tested this year.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Hoosiers star quarterback Tre Roberson is out with a broken leg. The Hoosiers went 1-11 a year ago and scheduled two cupcake games to open this season. There is a price to pay for not being battle tested and that debt will likely be paid off here. Indiana is better than last year’s squad but they still have much ground to make up to compete against quality clubs like the one they’ll see on this day. Cardinals outright.
Chip ChirimbesFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Alabama vs. ArkansasFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Arkansas +20½FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
This one would set up as a 'classic' look ahead rebound game for the Razorbacks as they blew a second half lead to UL Monroe last week as they got caught looking ahead to this encounter with #1 Alabama except for one thing. Arkansas lost quarterback Tyler Wilson and now will use a red-shirt freshman against that fast and powerful Tide defense. Still, the spot is too strong to turn my back on. Take the points with Arkansas!
Bob Balfe
ECU/Southern Miss Over 55.5
Southern Miss should roll in this game, but I like the Over a little bit better. Tracy Lampley is the best player on the field and this guy would be a standout heisman type player if he was playing in a big conference. This guy is a threat every time he touches the ball and with a weak ECU Defensive Line and two very young cornerbacks I don’t think scoring will be a problem today for Southern Miss with a very solid offensive line. The only reason I don’t just take Southern Miss is because I think ECU will put up their fair share of points going against a Golden Eagles Defense that has seven new starters on the defense. This team has no skilled linebackers and I think ECU just has too many play makers that someone will always be open. Look for both team to score a ton. Take the Over.
Real Animal
Georgia Tech -10
This is really a perfect scenario for Georgia Tech. The Jackets do not want to start out league play 0-2 and played very well, especially on defense, in their overtime loss at Virginia Tech. Last week they had a free game against Presbyterian as a tune-up for this revenge match w/ Virginia. The Cavaliers are coming off a 1-point home win against Penn State in a game they should have certainly lost. The Lions dominated for the most part but special teams was a nightmare missing four field goals. Virginia is 2-0 but big deal beating Richmond and Penn State. The bottom line is this team ended last year losing 38-0 to Virginia Tech and 43-24 to Auburn in the bowl game. Virginia falls into an incredible system that has many parameters but the bottom line is teams like the Cavs in this spot are 0-13 ATS. 2-0 teams in game #3 playing their first away game and off a single-digit win are 0-13 ATS the last 13 tries when facing an opponent that won eight or more games the previous season. Georgia Tech lost in Charlottesville 24-21 last year and Coach Johnson is 8-1-1 ATS with revenge when giving up three points or more. But you really have to dig deeper to find out why Georgia Tech lost that game. Lead running backs David Simms and Orwin Smith were both injured and between them only attempted one carry. That hurt the Tech depth at RB considering Simms and Smith would eventually combine for over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2011. The Jackets were 6-0 at the time they met Virginia and that defeat send them tail-spinning to an 8-5 season. Last week Virginia only had 36 yards rushing against Penn State. I have to believe the Jackets really want this game and will be extremely focused at Bobby Dodd stadium, where they beat Clemson last year by 14 points. Lay it w/ GA Tech.