Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on Stanford/Oklahoma UNDER 55
Oklahoma is 9-2 Under in all games this season, which came as no surprise since odds makers usually inflate their lines after a high-scoring season like the Sooners had last year. Then, they still didn't come down with Oklahoma totals enough after Sam Bradford was injured. It looks to me like the books have overvalued the Sooners again here. Oklahoma is also on a 9-1 Unders run on a neutral field where the total is between 52.5 and 56. And while Oklahoma's offense isn't even close to what it was a season ago, its defense is better. The Sooners are only allowing 13.5 ppg and holding their opponents to just 89 yards per game on the ground on 2.7 yards per carry. This is significant as the Sooners should be able to slow down Toby Gerhart, especially since QB Andrew Luck is listed as doubtful. Without Luck, Stanford's offense becomes even more one dimensional and even more predictable. We'll take the Under for 1 Unit.
Dominic Fazzini
Air Force +5 vs. Houston at Fort Worth, Texas
I had to really sweat Wednesday's complimentary selection out, but Idaho came through in thrilling fashion against Bowling Green, giving me another winner. That makes me 50-31 over the past 81 days, and 33-18 over the last 51!
You can't find many handicappers that can match those numbers, but I'm not your average handicapper. In fact, I've got another college football winner for you today with Air Force.
The Falcons are deadly on the ground, ironically, ranking fourth in the nation with 273.6 yards rushing per game. When you combine that with the fact that Houston is 112th in the nation against the run, allowing 213.1 ypg, things could get ugly for the Cougars' defense today.
And while Houston has the nation's top offense with 43.9 ppg and 581.2 ypg, including 460.5 yards through the air, which also ranks first, Air Force is stellar in pass defense.
The Falcons are first in the nation against the pass, giving up just 148.7 ypg, and it's not like they don't play against many passing teams. Being in the Mountain West Conference, Air Force has faced strong passing teams such as TCU, BYU, Utah and UNLV, so it should be well prepared for anything the Cougars can (literally) throw at them. And Mountain West teams are unbeaten in bowl games this year, with Wyoming, BYU and Utah already securing victories.
Air Force faced Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl last year, losing 34-28 after beating the Cougars 31-28 during the regular season, so both teams are evenly matched and well-acquainted with another.
The Falcons are 4-1 ATS in their last five games, while Houston is 1-5 ATS at neutral sites and 2-5 ATS as a favorite of 3 1/2 to 10 points. Take Air Force to cover the points today.
3♦ AIR FORCE
Chris Jordan
Iowa State vs. Minnesota -2, at Tempe
The Golden Gophers are my choice to win my fifth-straight complimenary release.
While these two teams might be linked by geography and mediocrity, and they both scraped by to become bowl-eligible, I need to side with the team that might be feeling a little more of a need to prove something.
Minnesota lost the 2006 Insight Bowl to Texas Tech 44-41 in overtime. Two years later the Gophers returned to the Insight and spotted Kansas a two-touchdown halftime lead; they ended up losing, 42-21.
On paper, you have to ask yourself why the Cyclones are getting points in this one, with a better offense and hailing from, arguably, the better conference.
Perhaps this game is a trap?
Iowa State did lose three of its last four games on the season, so there isn't a lot of momentum coming into the postseason.
Of course Minnesota dropped four of six to close the campaign, but three of those losses were on the road at the three toughest places to play this season - Penn State, Ohio State and Iowa.
I'm laying the points with the better-tested Minnesota team.
1♦ MINNESOTA
Scott Delaney
Stanford vs. Oklahoma
You're giving me double digits with the Heisman Trophy runner-up?
One that likely has a chip on his shoulder too?
Star running back Toby Gerhart, who finished second in the Heisman voting, led the Cardinal offensive attack by rushing for 1,722 yards and a staggering 26 touchdowns for a squad that averaged 36.2 points per game - which ranks 10th in the nation.
I know Oklahoma's defense is a stalwart unit that ranks near the top of every category, but this is a Stanford team that made a furious run at the Pac-10 title and Rose Bowl berth during a campaign that included that 55-21 road shellacking of USC.
The Cardinal is much better than a 10-point underdog in a bowl game, I don't care who it is playing.
There are good lines and bad lines, and believe me when I tell you this is a terrible line on this game.
Stanford is on ATS runs of 4-1 in December and 5-2 after an ATS-setback.
On the flipside, Oklahoma is on ATS slides of 1-5 as a bowl chalk, 1-5 at neutral sites and 0-5 after a straight-up win.
Give me the points on this one.
5♦ STANFORD CARDINAL
LARRY NESS
Miami Heat @ San Antonio Spurs
PICK: San Antonio Spurs -7.5
Let's hear it for the Spurs. It's Dec 31, 2009, the final day of the decade and no NBA team has won more games the SA Spurs. The Spurs own 573 regular-season victories since Jan 1, 2000, while also winning three championships. San Antonio got off to a slow start this season but have won NINE of their last 11 games, although they are a more modest 7-4 ATS. The Heat are 16-13 on the season after losing last night in New Orleans. Miami rallied from a 15-point fourth quarter deficit to take an 88-87 with 59 seconds to go but the Hornets scored the next six points to put the game away and win 95-91. It was just the Heat's second loss in seven games but they've lost 12 of their last 15 overall games against the Spurs and have won just TWO of 22 all-meetings in San Antonio. The Spurs are averaging 105.9 PPG while shooting 51.4 percent from the floor over their last 11 games plus are outrebounding opponents by an average of 5.7 per game in that span. Despite injuries to Bonner and Finley, the Spurs are as deep as they've been at any time this decade, one in which they've won three titles. The Spurs have 573 regular-season victories this decade (as mentioned earlier) and look for them to close the decade with win No. 574 vs a team (Miami) they've dominated here in San Antonio and which has the unenviable schedule off playing back-to-back road games on Dec 30 and 31 (no team wants that!). Lay it with the Spurs.
SPORTS WAGERS
Air Force +4½ over HOUSTON
Cougar backers beware. This is the first game of the day in what is surely to be an exciting day for backers. This game is going to be on the front end of a ton of parlays and the books are always especially sharp in this situation. So, what we have here is the high flying Cougars, playing in Texas as a 4½-point choice. No doubt the Cougars are the popular pick, as they’re a team loaded with offe3nsive weapons starting with a QB that has put up monster numbers. Houston also went an impressive 10-3 overall and 6-2 in the conference. They also had a big win over then #5 Oklahoma St, 45-35. However, they also had some disturbing losses against UTEP and UCF, not to mention dropping the C-USA championship game against East Carolina. So, yeah, they’re a decent team with a great offense. However, they’re defense leaves plenty to be desired and these Falcons are no pushovers. They had a chance to beat the Cougars last season in this very same Bowl game but just fell short by six. Air Force had some notable games in its schedule, including three losses to ranked teams. They lost to #10 TCU by just three points, to #18 Utah by just a TD and although they lost by 17 to BYU, they still played well, especially in the second half. They also took Navy to OT in Annapolis early in the year before losing 16-13 and its other loss came in Minnesota 20-13. That’s five “good losses” for this squad and they’re a lot more battle tested than this Cougar team, who played a ton a very easy schedule. Anyway, this is the classic battle between the tortoise and the hare and we all know who wins that test. The Falcons are disciplined, methodical, play great D, while the Cougars are reckless, fast and will put up close to 55 passes in this one. Even more than that however, is the “trap” line set by the books that has everyone on the Cougars and that’s the biggest red flag of them all. Play: Air Force +4½ (Risking 2.08 units to win 2).
Iowa St +1.13 over Minnesota
Both these teams just got in by winning six games but the Cyclones losses were a lot more impressive. Iowa St. also played in the offensive oriented Big-12 and held its opponents to an average of just 21 points per game. That’s significant because after playing the likes of Oklahoma St., Kansas, K-State, Texas A&M and Missouri to name a few, playing these Gophers should appear in slow motion for them. The Gophers have virtually no running game and would have trouble moving the ball against the marching band. They were walloped by just about every good team they played and had some narrow wins against some bad teams. The Cyclones didn’t do a whole lot better, however, they do possess a very decent running game and should be able to put up some points against this very mediocre defense. Play: Iowa St +1.13 (Risking 2 units).
Oklahoma –9 over Stanford
Wow, speaking of “odd” lines, this one seems a little strange indeed. Here we have the 19th ranked Cardinal a 9½-point pup against the unranked Sooners and that alone is an oddity for sure. It even makes less sense when you consider that the Sooners are without its leader Sam Bradford and although he missed most of the year anyway, most believe that’s why the Sooners finished a very disappointing 7-5 on the year when they were supposed to be National Title contenders. So, the next question is why are the Sooners such a high favorite? I can’t answer that but I do know that the oddsmakers do not make bad lines in these highly bet and watched games. The inclination would be to take the points but the line is too appealing and that alone makes the Sooners a play. Despite the average year in terms of wins, Oklahoma still has a tremendous defense, especially against the run and that’s Stanford’s strong suit. If the Cardinal can’t run they could run into big trouble here and that’s something to keep an eye on. The Sooners allowed the opposition an average of just 13½ points per game and that’s incredible when you consider the offensive minded teams they played. They also beat Oklahoma St. 27-0 in the final game of the year and that’s a score and a significant win. Most will be taking the points here, that’s a gimme and anytime you’re on the opposite side of the public, it usually works out well. Again, the points here are TOO appealing and that’s a big red flag. Play: Oklahoma -9½ (Risking 2.2 units to win 2).
Andrew Bucciarelli
3* Nashville Predators over Columbus Blue Jackets
Nashville has had some major problems in the third period during this road trip. Their biggest problem has not been the Blue Jackets though. Nashville goalie Rinne is 5-1-1 on this past road trip and looks to add another. This rivalry has been very one sided going to the Predators, as they are 21-2-2 against the Jackets since 2006-07. Nashville has beaten Columbus twice in shootouts at home and ended a three game skid at Nationwide Arena. The Jackets can’t contain Martin Erat and will have a bigger problem if they decide to follow their past 8 games as they have only had 10 goals during that span. Look for a big offensive night for Nashville.
2* Dallas Stars over Anaheim Ducks
The Dallas Stars will be looking for a big win against a low ranked Ducks teams. The Stars have scored at least three in each of their three matchups with the Ducks this season. Dallas won the first two meeting but the Ducks took the last one in OT. Despite great talent on the Ducks team, they have showed inconsistency in their offense. They’ve split their last six games while scoring a combined three goals in three losses and netting four in each of the three wins. Anaheim has also dropped three of four on the road and is facing this Stars team who is 7-1-2 at home since November 21. Good luck to the Ducks.
2* Vancouver Canucks over St. Louis Blues
The Blues are having big trouble trying to find wins at home. They are in last place showing a 6-13-2 home record. Goaltender Roberto Luongo of the Canucks has started each game in their latest 7-2-1 run and stopped 93.2% of shots with a 1.90 GAA. Since joining the Canucks in 2006, Luongo is 12-4-0 with 2.15 GAA against the St. Louis Blues. Look for a big showing from Roberto and the offensive help to show St. Louis the reason why they are in last place with home records.
1* Chicago Blackhawks over New Jersey Devils
A great matchup between the Devils and Hawks as it marks the first meeting between the two this season. The Devils are coming off a home game versus Pittsburgh, which they won. They are 6-0-0 this season playing back-to-back games; however, the Hawks may have some magic up their sleeve with Patrick Kane playing great hockey. This game has no effect really for standings, but it will show a possible future playoff matchup. The Hawks have the advantage with more offensive power and zero injuries. Look for a good game tonight!
DUNKEL INDEX
Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech
The Hokies look to take advantage of a Tennessee team that is 4-16-2 ATS in its last 22 games as an underdog between 3 1/2 and 10 points. Virginia Tech is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Hokies favored by 7. Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-5 1/2)
Game 229-230: Navy vs. Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: Navy 90.031; Missouri 94.564
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 4 1/2; 49
Vegas Line: Missouri by 6 1/2; 52 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Navy (+6 1/2); Under
Game 233-234: Air Force vs. Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 88.675; Houston 95.043
Dunkel Line: Houston by 6 1/2; 68
Vegas Line: Houston by 4 1/2; 63
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-4 1/2); Over
Game 235-236: Stanford vs. Oklahoma
Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 95.406; Oklahoma 107.533
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 12; 61
Vegas Line: Oklahoma by 8; 55 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (-8); Over
Game 237-238: Iowa State vs. Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa State 85.208; Minnesota 88.352
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 3; 37
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 2 1/2; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-2 1/2); Under
Game 239-240: Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 96.109; Virginia Tech 103.224
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 7; 54
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 5 1/2; 49
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-5 1/2); Over
NBA
Utah at Oklahoma City
The Thunder look to build on their 6-0 ATS record in their last 6 games as a favorite. Oklahoma City is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 6. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-3)
Game 501-502: Chicago at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 112.294; Detroit 117.257
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 5; 176
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 4; 184 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-4); Under
Game 503-504: Miami at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 117.621; San Antonio 127.154
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 9 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 8; 195
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-8); Over
Game 505-506: Dallas at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 119.182; Houston 121.911
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 2 1/2; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 197
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+1); Under
Game 507-508: Utah at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 118.075; Oklahoma City 123.927
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 6; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 3; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-3); Over
Game 509-510: Philadelphia at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.636; LA Clippers 116.088
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 187
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 2 1/2; 196 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+2 1/2); Under
NCBBA
Arizona at USC
The Trojans look to take advantage of an Arizona team that is 0-4 ATS in its last 4 games as an underdog. USC is the pick (-8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Trojans favored by 12. Dunkel Pick: USC (-8 1/2).
Game 511-512: Michigan at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan 62.476; Indiana 59.042
Dunkel Line: Michigan by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Michigan by 5
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+5)
Game 513-514: South Alabama at Florida International
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 52.738; Florida International 49.064
Dunkel Line: South Alabama by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: South Alabama by 4
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+4)
Game 515-516: Detroit at Illinois-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 54.327; Illinois-Chicago 54.219
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Detroit by 2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois-Chicago (+2)
Game 517-518: Ohio State at Wisconsin
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio State 70.855; Wisconsin 77.150
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (-5 1/2)
Game 519-520: Yale at Colorado State
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 46.790; Colorado State 55.983
Dunkel Line: Colorado State by 9
Vegas Line: Colorado State by 11
Dunkel Pick: Yale (+11)
Game 521-522: Troy at UL-Monroe
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 51.536; UL-Monroe 47.310
Dunkel Line: Troy by 4
Vegas Line: Troy by 3
Dunkel Pick: Troy (-3)
Game 523-524: Wright State at Loyola-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 65.999; Loyola-Chicago 56.795
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 9
Vegas Line: Wright State by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wright State (-7 1/2)
Game 525-526: Tennessee at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 72.802; Memphis 70.822
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (+1 1/2)
Game 527-528: Arizona State at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 65.385; UCLA 66.242
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 1
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (+1)
Game 529-530: Middle Tennessee State at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Middle Tennessee State 51.316; New Orleans 47.664
Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 5
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+5)
Game 531-532: North Texas at AR-Little Rock
Dunkel Ratings: North Texas 54.598; AR-Little Rock 53.293
Dunkel Line: North Texas by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: North Texas
Game 533-534: UL-Lafayette at Western Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Lafayette 50.372; Western Kentucky 58.983
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 10
Dunkel Pick: UL-Lafayette (+10)
Game 535-536: Arkansas State at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 48.867; Denver 58.084
Dunkel Line: Denver by 9
Vegas Line: Denver by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-8 1/2)
Game 537-538: Pennsylvania at Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Pennsylvania 39.579; Duke 83.062
Dunkel Line: Duke by 43 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 36 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-36 1/2)
Game 539-540: WI-Green Bay at Butler
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Green Bay 62.106; Butler 70.770
Dunkel Line: Butler by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Butler by 13
Dunkel Pick: WI-Green Bay (+13)
Game 541-542: Richmond at Wake Forest
Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 60.720; Wake Forest 71.636
Dunkel Line: Wake Forest by 11
Vegas Line: Wake Forest by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wake Forest (-7 1/2)
Game 543-544: Mississippi State at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi State 71.173; San Diego 58.037
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 13
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State (-7 1/2)
Game 545-546: Oregon at Washington State
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon 58.477; Washington State 69.351
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 11
Vegas Line: Washington State by 7
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-7)
Game 547-548: Arizona at USC
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 58.394; USC 70.588
Dunkel Line: USC by 12
Vegas Line: USC by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: USC (-8 1/2)
Game 549-550: WI-Milwaukee at Valparaiso
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Milwaukee 53.580; Valparaiso 56.404
Dunkel Line: Valparaiso by 3
Vegas Line: Valparaiso by 1
Dunkel Pick: Valparaiso (-1)
Game 551-552: St. John's at Georgetown
Dunkel Ratings: St. John's 61.772; Georgetown 74.965
Dunkel Line: Georgetown by 13
Vegas Line: Georgetown by 10
Dunkel Pick: Georgetown (-10)
Game 553-554: Oklahoma at Gonzaga
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 62.591; Gonzaga 72.320
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 7
Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-7)
Game 555-556: Oregon State at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon State 57.008; Washington 67.659
Dunkel Line: Washington by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+12 1/2)
Game 557-558: St. Peter's at Siena
Dunkel Ratings: St. Peter's 49.555; Siena 65.263
Dunkel Line: Siena by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Siena by 17
Dunkel Pick: St. Peter's (+17)
Game 559-560: Montana State at Weber State
Dunkel Ratings: Montana State 52.234; Weber State 60.088
Dunkel Line: Weber State by 8
Vegas Line: Weber State by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Weber State (-6 1/2)
Game 561-562: Montana at Idaho State
Dunkel Ratings: Montana 55.618; Idaho State 50.716
Dunkel Line: Montana by 5
Vegas Line: Montana by 1
Dunkel Pick: Montana (-1)
Game 563-564: Sacramento State at Eastern Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento State 41.331; Eastern Washington 44.853
Dunkel Line: Eastern Washington by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Eastern Washington by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento State (+5 1/2)
Game 565-566: North Carolina State at NC Greensboro
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina State 62.053; NC Greensboro 49.141
Dunkel Line: North Carolina State by 13
Vegas Line: North Carolina State by 10
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina State (-10)
Game 567-568: Western Illinois at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Western Illinois 44.472; Oakland 58.487
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 14
Vegas Line: Oakland by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Illinois (+15 1/2)
Game 569-570: IUPUI at IPFW
Dunkel Ratings: IUPUI 57.326; IPFW 49.835
Dunkel Line: IUPUI by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: IUPUI by 5
Dunkel Pick: IUPUI (-5)
Game 571-572: Centenary at North Dakota State
Dunkel Ratings: Centenary 45.024; North Dakota State 53.215
Dunkel Line: North Dakota State by 8
Vegas Line: North Dakota State by 6
Dunkel Pick: North Dakota State (-6)
Game 573-574: Oral Roberts at South Dakota State
Dunkel Ratings: Oral Roberts 56.446; South Dakota State 51.016
Dunkel Line: Oral Roberts by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Oral Roberts by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oral Roberts (-2 1/2)
NHL
San Jose at Phoenix
The Coyotes look to build on their 6-0 record in their last 6 games as a home favorite. Phoenix is the pick (-115) according to Dunkel, which has the Coyotes favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-115)
Game 51-52: Montreal at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.109; Florida 12.022
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Florida (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-130); Over
Game 53-54: NY Islanders at Ottawa
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 11.191; Ottawa 10.530
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+125); Under
Game 55-56: Nashville at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 10.657; Columbus 10.984
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (-115); Under
Game 57-58: San Jose at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 12.110; Phoenix 12.776
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-115); Over
Game 59-60: Colorado at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.728; Detroit 10.598
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-180); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+160); Over
Game 61-62: Vancouver at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 11.098; St. Louis 11.880
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+110); Under
Game 63-64: Los Angeles at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.315; Minnesota 11.889
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 65-66: Anaheim at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.105; Dallas 11.297
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 67-68: NY Rangers at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 10.072; Carolina 11.714
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 69-70: New Jersey at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 11.886; Chicago 12.719
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 71-72: Edmonton at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 10.437; Calgary 11.004
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-210); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-210); Under
MTi Sports
Utah Jazz at Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are 5-0 ATS (+17.4 ppg) in franchise history after two away games in which Kevin Durant had more turnovers than assists in each. 0-5 ATS (-8.4 ppg) on the road when facing a team they lost to as a home favorite in their previous same-season match-up and 0-7 ATS (-12.0 ppg) after a win on the road in which Paul Millsap scored fewer than 10 points.
Play on: Oklahoma City
VEGAS EXPERTS
Stanford at Oklahoma
This is a bad matchup for Stanford as Cardinal Heisman Trophy finalist RB Toby Gerhart will face the seventh best defense in the country at stopping the run. The Sooners allow an average of just 88.6 YPG and held Oklahoma State to only 62 yards overland in the finale. Stanford will likely be playing without starting QB Luck. The one bowl game Oklahoma has covered over the last six years was the lone non-BCS bowl appearance during that stretch.
Play on: Oklahoma
LT Profits
Middle Tenn. St. @ New Orleans
The Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders and New Orleans Privateers are both offensively challenged, and we look for scoring to be at a premium when these schools square off today.
The home standing Privateers are averaging 60.0 points per game of a terrible 38.6 percent shooting from the floor, and that does not even tell the whole story. According to the Pomeroy Ratings, New Orleans is averaging a woeful .850 points per possession after adjusting for their schedule, ranking them a disgusting 329 out of 347 Division I teams in adjusted offensive efficiency.
Now Middle Tennessee State does not have terrible raw numbers, averaging 66.6 points on 42.7 percent shooting vs. Division I opponents. However, they have not exactly accumulated those numbers vs. powerhouse opponents, as their strength of schedule ranks 195 in the country. This, they do not grade out well in offensive efficiency either at just .994 points per possession, ranking them 189 in the land.
The bottom line here is that we see the Blue Raiders topping out in the mid 60s, while New Orleans should have a difficult time getting out of the 50s, resulting in a handy Under at this posted total.
Pick: Middle Tennessee State/New Orleans Under 125
Tom Freese
Oregon at Washington St.
Prediction: Washington St.
Washington St is 5-0 ATS their last 5 games with Oregon and they are 4-1-1 ATS their last 6 Conference games. The Cougars are 5-1 ATS their last 6 home games as favorites of 7.0 to 12.5 points and they are 4-1 ATS off a loss. Oregon is 19-40-1 ATS their last 60 games vs. a team with a winning home record and they are 7-19 ATS their last 26 games overall. The Ducks are 5-22 ATS their last 27 games as underdogs and they are 2-8 ATS their last 10 Conference games. PLAY ON WASHINGTON ST -
Jeff Alexander
1 Unit on Philadelphia 76ers +2
Bottom Line: Philly has it going with back-to-back quality wins and I'll ride the 76ers here while they're hot. In fact, Philly is a perfect 8-0 ATS in road games after scoring 100 points or more 2 straight games over the last 2 seasons, winning in these spots by an average score of 103.6 to 100. Both of these teams just played last night, but the edge has to go to the 76ers when you consider that they are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest while the Clippers are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest. The 76ers are also 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games as a road underdog while the Clippers are 5-16-1 ATS in their last 22 games as a home favorite of 4.5 or fewer points. Take Philly.
EZWINNERS
Houston Cougars -5
This is a rematch of last years Armed Forces Bowl which saw the Cougars pull off a 34-28 win over the Falcons. This year's Houston team is even better than last, while Air Force is not quite as good as they were last season in my opinion. Houston's offense has been virtually unstoppable as the Cougars average 44 points and almost 600 yards of offense. Air Force will not be able to keep up. Lay the points.
John Ryan
Oregon vs. Washington State
Play: Oregon +6.5
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Oregon as they take on Washington State set to start at 6:30 EST. AiS shows a 72% probability that Oregon will lose this game by 7 or fewer points and has a 42% probability of winning the game. WSU is just 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons; 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons; 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games versus very good teams that are outscoring their opponents by 8+ points/game over the last 3 seasons; 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games after playing a game as favorite over the last 3 seasons. I like the matchups that Oregon has in this game and this is an opportunity to add a 1.5* amount to the money line.