Jimmy BoydFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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San Francisco Giants -169
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The Giants clearly have the edge Thursday evening. They have won five in a row versus a Houston club that has dropped 47 of its last 55 games. The Giants also bring the better starter to the hill.FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Giants are 15-5 in Vogelsong's last 20 starts, 7-3 in his last 10 road starts and 10-2 in his last 12 starts as a favorite. The Astros are 5-28 in Lyles' last 33 starts, 0-5 in his last 5 home starts and 4-27 in his last 31 starts as an underdog. Take the Giants.
Chuck O'Brien
My free winner for Thursday night is going to be the Seattle Seahawks against the Oakland Raiders, as I think Pete Carroll's surprising bunch is going to be high-flying tonight behind the play of newly named starting quarterback Russell Wilson.
I know starters aren't supposed to be playing much in Game 4 of the preseason, but something tells me Wilson will step on the field tonight, allowing the home crowd to cheer for their new signal-caller, officially.
Seattle has looked good in winning its first three preseason games, increasing their offensive output each week, with a 27-17 win over the Tennessee Titans, a 30-10 win over the Denver Broncos and last week's 44-14 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now, in their first home preseason game since the 10-point win over the Titans, I think Carroll is going to go after the Raiders and make a point in this one. Look at those winning margins guys, we're talking 10 points, then 20, then 30. Can the Seahawks win by 40 tonight? It wouldn't surprise me, though I doubt they will.
I do expect an interesting defensive approach, however, as the Raiders will play Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart, the Raiders’ two Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks, both of whom Carroll coached at Southern Cal. In fact, tight end David Ausbery, receiver Brandon Carswell, and offensive linemen Nick Howell and Alex Parsons all played for Carroll.
And while that was some time ago, you never lose your game-time tendencies, and when you're a veteran coach like Carroll, you know all about weaknesses and what exactly to look for. I think the Seahawks are in a great spot here, to close the preseason out with a fourth double-digit win, to go undefeated and spark an incredible start to the 2012 campaign.
1♦ SEATTLE
Matt Rivers
Let's get down to it and nail another baseball winner.
Now 8 straight free play winners after Oakland doubled-up Cleveland last night in baseball.
Tonight's free play comes in college football as I side with the visiting South Carolina Gamecocks in the season lid-lifter in SEC play.
The Gamecocks take on a Vanderbilt team that finished 6-6 last season and made a very rare appearance in a post-season bowl game under first year head coach James Franklin.
Expectations are high in Nashville, but expectations are also high for Steve Spurrier's South Carolina squad, as this year they hope to have a healthy Marcus Lattimore for all twelve of their games (he missed six last season due to a knee injury).
South Carolina has shutdown the Commodores the past two seasons, beating Vandy by a 21-7 count in 2010, and a 21-3 count last year. Both times the Gamecocks covered as double-digit favorites. That puts the 'Cocks series record at 17-4 straight up in the 21 meetings, and they are also 13-7-1 against the spread in those meetings.
Carolina held Vandy to a season-low 77 total yards in last year's meeting, and even gave the Commodores four turnovers yet still were able to win by 18-points. New season, but I don't see much changing tonight.
South Carolina takes this one by at least 10 points.
4♦ SOUTH CAROLINA
Jeff Benton
Your Thursday freebie is an afternoon winner on the Chicago White Sox over the Baltimore Orioles.
Chicago is looking for the long four game series split this afternoon, and they have the right pitcher on the hill to do just that. Jose Quintana is off a shaky start his last time out, but was a competitive 1-1 with a 2.61 ERA his previous three efforts.
Baltimore counters with the improving Zach Britton who has gone 2-0 his last three trips to the mound, while sporting a 2.89 ERA.
The O's had their four game winning streak snapped last night as they missed a shot at picking up a full game on the slumping Yankees in the division standings. Meanwhile Chicago tacked on another game in their Central lead over the Tigers with their 7th win in their last 9 outings.
Matinee delight today in favor of the Pale Hose to earn the four game split.
1♦ WHITE SOX
Scott Delaney
My comp play winner for Thursday night is the preseason clash between Philadelphia and the New York Jets, as I like my chances with the Eagles at home in this preseason-finale.
At this point it's hard to take New York serious, even though there's a part of me that believes coach Rex Ryan is hiding his offense's true worth until the regular season. The Jets have become the first team since 1977 to be held out of the end zone in its first three preseason games. And even though I think they could've done better, I also know if they didn't push it in with Mark Sanchez or Tim Tebow under center, they're not going to do much under Greg McElroy, who will get a majority of the snaps before giving way to Matt Simms.
Believe it or not, however, there are some who have said McElroy might be the best quarterback on the Jets’ roster. He missed last season thanks a broken right thumb, which he suffered after a decent showing in the preseason. But now he takes on a Philadelphia defense that just stymied the Cleveland Browns last Friday, and that was on three days' rest, after playing the Monday night game in New England.
I don't know if the Eagles exposed a bad Cleveland team, or they simply woke up and finally played to their potential. Tonight I'm betting on them to play just as hard, especially those on the bubble, as they have one last chance to try to make the team while the starters sit this one out. That includes third-string quarterback Trent Edwards, who has 33 career starts to his credit, and who has shown some maturity this preseason. Edwards will play the final three quarters. That alone is reason enough for me to side with the Birds.
2♦ PHILADELPHIA
Chris Jordan
My free winner for Thursday night is going to be the Boston Red Sox over the Angels of Anaheim, as I like the pitching mismatch, with Jon Lester against Zack Greinke. Though the Angels have sprung to life, I don't think Greinke is completely transformed back into an American League pitcher. I know he comes in after a solid showing against the Detroit Tigers, but prior to throwing 7-2/3 innings of one-run ball against, the right-hander allowed four runs or more in four consecutive starts for the first time in his career.
And even though he has a stellar 2.88 ERA in his career against the Red Sox, he's 1-4 against them lifetime, and they're going to be hungry for this win in the series-finale.
I'd much rather be investing in Lester, who arrives on a season-high three-game win streak, with five runs allowed in his last 20 innings. That should help his confidence, since he's got a 5.02 ERA in three career starts at Angel Stadium. Strange as that number is, he's still 4-1 lifetime against the Halos, with a 4.20 ERA.
My money is on the Red Sox, with Lester listed over Greinke.
4♦ BOSTON RED SOX
Dave PriceFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Washington Nationals -108
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I'll back the Nats at this price considering they are have 6 of 8 versus St. Louis and 5 straight at home versus the Cards. The Nationals are an impressive 25-10 in their last 35 home games vs. a left-handed starter. They should find success against St. Louis southpaw Garcia, who is 0-4 on the money line in his last 4 starts while allowing 4 runs or more in 3 of those losses.
Joe GavazziFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Central Florida vs. Akron
Play: Akron +24.5
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No question that UCF is superior in every phase of the game. They are an upwardly mobile team in the 9th year of HC O’Leary. Following a combined 19-8 SU, 20-6 ATS 2 year run, they dipped to 5-7 SU ATS in 2011. They suffered numerous close losses with an inexperienced team. Despite a recent Bowl ban, I expect a solid winning season from UCF. The real story here is Akron. Fromer HC Ianello, was a 2 year disaster recording a record of 2-22 SU, 9-15 ATS. The Zips were outscored 38-14 last season. They tossed the towel at the end going 0-4 SU ATS with combined losses by a score of 189-35 in which they lost to the points spread by a combined 108 pts. For the year they had a -146 net AFP dropping their year over year opening power rating a full 10 points. That drop combined with a coaching change makes Akron a potential value play in the early part of the season. Now at the helm, is former Auburn HC Terry Bowden, who has enlisted his brother Jeff and highly respected DC Chuck Amato from his father’s Florida State staff. Recruiting edges will abound in the future. For this year HC Bowden has enlisted QB Dalton Williams (SFA) a signal caller well versed in the Bowden brothers no-huddle spread offense that may pay immediate dividends.FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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UCLA vs RiceFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Rice +16.5FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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When the fundamentals and situation oppose each other, we must be very wary. Rice has just 10 returning starters and has been wiped out in both their OL and DL. The Bruins will have huge edges at the point of attack and could steamroll this opponent into submission. Unfortunately UCLA has a new coach in Jim Mora, Jr. and a new signal caller, in QB Hundley. They are making their first road start with a totally different offensive scheme. Gone is the "pistol offense" that was favored by former HC Neuheisel. It's replaced by a spread attack which may take a few games to assimilate. With higher profile games on the horizon against Nebraska, Houston (revenge) and Oregon State, look for the Bruins to work out the kinks rather than go for the blowout! Must note the curious pattern of success that Rice has on this field posting a ten year record of 31-16 ATS at Rice stadium.
Tony GeorgeFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Washington State +12
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BYU is not the BYU of old and with Mike Leach calling the plays at Wazzu St, you can expect some fireworks in this one. No holes barred for the visitor. BYU not the juggernaut as in past years and commanding a ton of respect from oddsmakers against a BCS School hell bent on making a statement. One thing about coach Leach, everywhere he goes, HE WINS. BYU returns a veteran team off a 10-3 year and no doubt are a worthy foe here, I do not think with a young team, WSU can win it but I expect the unexpected from Mike Leach and have not been disappointed too many times in his days in the Big 12. He gets alot out of his players.
OC Dooley
Panthers / Steelers Over 38
Even though Pittsburgh has traditionally been viewed as a conservative squad that puts heavy emphasis on a solid running game and a physical defense, the Steelers are 3-0 OVER the total for the preseason due to the fact that they are putting up a whopping per-week average of 29 points per game. Tonight’s total has actually dropped from the opening offshore figure of 40’ points since most of the Pittsburgh regulars including star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger are slated to be watching from the sidelines. On the other side of the ledger Carolina star signal caller Cam Newton will most likely direct only one series before joining first-teams on the sideline. I will admit that the Panthers are coming off a low scoring 17-12 nationally televised Sunday Night contest but it was against a Jets offense that has yet to cross the goal line. The closing total for Carolina’s week-two preseason matchup ironically is the same figure we are looking at this evening (38) and the 23-17 final verdict did manage to slip ABOVE a deflated number. Carolina’s defense began the 2012 exhibition season getting scorched for 26 points and tonight they have to deal with an opponent who is coming off a resounding 38-7 blowout victory. That sets up a 71-PERCENT PRESEASON SYSTEM (36-15 since 1993) which plays home teams like Pittsburgh after beating the spread by 21+ points in a three game stretch OVER the total. Keep an eye out tonight for Pittsburgh reserve quarterback Byron Leftwich who has literally not played in two years due to several major injuries. After playing the entire second-half last weekend, Leftwich led the Steelers to a grand total of 24 points
NFL Betting Picks
Pittsburgh Steelers -3.5
In tonight's game we will see a lot of players battling it out to stay on the NFL roster, which includes Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch who may be cut after tonight's game. Batch is supposed to get a lot of playing time tonight and I am OK with that backing the Steelers as Batch has completed 70% of his passes this preseason for a 95.4 QB Rating. He has also had some real game experience in the past few years when Big Ben has gone down with an injury and he has held his own. Panthers have Derek Anderson and Jimmy Clausen backing up Cam Newton, and neither has been overly impressive this preseason. Anderson has completed 58.8% of his passes throwing 1 TD and 2 INTs for a 69.5 QB Rating, while Clausen has completed 55.6% of his passes for a 66.7 QB Rating. Overall Mike Tomlin is 18-6 in preseason games heading into tonight's game, which shows that he is one of the coaches that takes preseason games somewhat serious and enjoys winning them. Also note that he is a perfect 5-0 in Week 4 preseason games, and has won those games by an average of 12.4 points. On the other hand Ron Rivera is 3-4 in preseason games in his two years as head coach. The Steelers have put up 23, 26, and 38 points in their first three games, while Carolina has put up 13, 23, and 17. I think the depth of the Steelers organization will show tonight as they beat the Panthers at home to close out the preseason and cover the spread doing so.
SPORTS WAGERS
Eastern Michigan +131 over BALL STATE
The Ball State Cardinals are a team in trouble. They return just five defensive starters from a year ago, a season that saw them allow a staggering 35 points and 510 yards per game. The Cardinals defense finished 2011 at or near the bottom in almost every meaningful defensive category.
By contrast, EMU had one of the most improved defensive units in the MAC last season. And now, Coach Ron English has stated that this is the most talented team he’s had in the four years he’s been there and for a no-nonsense guy like English to say that, it’s worth noting. The team has bought into his stellar defensive schemes and as a result, English was awarded the MAC’s Coach of the Year. EMU went just 2-22 in his first two years as a head coach before last season's notable improvement to 6-6. With EMU, you get effort and solid preparation every game out. Clearly, this is a team on the rise. Expect the Eagles offense to be better with nine returning starters and with a running game that ranked 14th in the entire nation a year ago. A strong ground game combined with solid defense is the recipe for success in small conference college football.
The Cardinals offense is a capable unit but it’s the weak defense and erratic play of this host that has us backing the more balanced club. As the favorite, Ball State is 1-10 in its past 11 and just 1-9 ATS in past 10 home games. A similar fate would not surprise here. Eagles outright.