Scott Ferrall
Toronto +140 at Boston--Purcey over Wakefield
Peavy -185 and the Padres over the Giants in So.Cal
Cincy +180 at Arizona--Webb gets beat again and the D'Backs slide continues
Dodgers -120 at Colorado--Billingsley get the W in the thin air over Francis--LA's rocking these days
Houston +110 over the Cubs in Minute Maid
Washington +170 at Marlins--UPSET SPECIAL
Wild Bill
South Florida -3½ (5 units)
St Louis Cardinals +110 (5 units)
Brewers +185 (5 units)
Royals +190 (5 units)
Nationals +175 (5 units)
Detroit Tigers+145 (5 units)
Rockies+115 ( 5units)
Giants +160 (5 units)
Rangers +115 (5 units)
Mariners +145 (5 units)
Indians - Royals Over 7 (5 units)
Arizona = Reds Over 8 (5 units)
Phil Steele /Northcoast
Friday Night Marquee GOY
South Florida
Winning Points
*PREFERRED*
Kansas over South Florida* by 4
KANSAS 27-23
Sports Reporter
*SOUTH FLORIDA over KANSAS by 1
SOUTH FLORIDA, 30-29
The Gold Sheet
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
*SOUTH FLORIDA 23 - Kansas 20—Jayhawks have now covered a bankroll-swelling 16 of their last 19 vs. spread! And nifty KU jr. QB Reesing (32 of 38 for 412 yards) was near flawless during last week’s whitewash of La. Tech. USF counterpart Grothe a plenty resourceful field general himself, however, and Bulls are 8-2 against line their last 10 in front of burgeoning crowds at Tampa. Must get at least a FG to support Jayhawks vs. speedy, swarming USF stop unit. (06-KANSAS -4 13-7...SR: Kansas 1-0)
John Fina
Selection: San Francisco/San Diego Under 7
Reason: Put us down on the San Francisco Giants/San Diego Padres Under 7 for our Free MLB Selection on Friday. Today we expect to see a low-scoring game as the San Francisco Giants do battle with the San Diego Padres. One reason why we see a low-scoring game is because both these teams will be sending to the mound solid starting pitchers. This says it all... San Francisco Giants Starting Pitcher (Jonathan Sanchez) has a 3.71 ERA in his last 3 starts, while San Diego Padres Starting Pitcher (Jake Peavy) has a 1.29 ERA in his last 3 starts. As you can see, both these teams will be sending to the mound solid starting pitchers. The Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings between these teams, and we should see a low-scoring game today! Take the San Francisco Giants/San Diego Padres Under 7!
Dave Cokin
LA Dodgers @ COL Rockies
Take LA Dodgers
The Rockies had gotten themselves back into the hunt in the NL West, and this series at Coors against the Dodgers was shaping up as something really big. That was until Colorado fell apart in a wrong way sweep against the Braves. The Rox are now relegated to also-ran status, and there will be no repeat of last fall's miracle. The Dodgers are hot, they're rested heading into Denver and I prefer Billingsley to Francis. LA is the choice.
Jim Feist
SF Giants @ SD Padres
Take Under
This is the toughest park to hit and score runs in in the majors. There are two decent pitchers on the mound facing the two worst offenses in the NL. The Padres have averaged just 3 runs the last four games. In a typical defeat this week, after Brian Giles' leadoff double in the first, Derek Lowe allowed the Padres only two more hits before being driven from the game by a Kevin Kouzmanoff comebacker off his leg in the sixth. 14 Padres have made their major league debut this season, many on a young, erratic offense. The offense will struggle this game against San Fran lefty Jonathan O. Sanchez, who has a 3.71 ERA his last three starts. He's faced the Padres once and fanned 10 in 6 innings (no runs) this season and has a career 1.84 ERA against them. At least San Diego can throw an ace on the hill and Jake Peavy (2.63 ERA), who has a 1.29 ERA his last three starts. He also has a 1.29 ERA against the Giants this season. Don't look for many runs! Play the Giants/Padres under the total.
Bob Harvey
Cleveland Indians -200
I’ve got two words for you tonight. Cliff Lee. He’s worth the high price and then some. Lee is 21-2 with a 2.28 ERA. He’s not only locked up the Cy Young Award, but is well on his way to one of the greatest statistical seasons in recent memory. Lee is also 3-0 with a sparkling 1.13 ERA in his last three starts and has allowed no more than two earned runs in a start just once in his last 10 overall. Lee has also developed that aura of invincibility. He’s a perfect 9-0 in his last ten starts and is 9-0 at home with an ERA of 2.14. He’s obviously been good against the American League, but he’s been especially dominant against the Royals, posting a 4-0 record with a 2.15 ERA in four starts against KC this season. Overall Cleveland is 22-6 in Lee’s last 28 starts. Lee has put up staggering numbers this season and unlike the Royals, Lee and the Indians are still playing as if they were in a pennant race.Take Cleveland and lay the lumber!
Great Lakers Sports
LA Dodgers at Colorado
Play: LA Dodgers
The LA Dodgers is one of the hottest teams in all of baseball going 10-1 in the last 11 games, and the are a solid 8-1 when playing in September this year. The Colorado Rockies are a terrible 0-4 in their last four games, and they are only 22-34 when playing teams with a winning record this year. We look for the LA Dodgers to beat the Colorado Rockies, and grab the road win tonight.
Jorge Gonzalez
Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox
The White Sox will look to hold onto their one game lead in the American League Central when the visiting Detroit Tigers come to town. The White Sox have won five of their last games against their division rivals at home. The White Sox will be happy to see the Toronto Blue Jays hit the road after losing three of their four games this week. Chicago will send John Danks (10-8, 3.44) to face Justin Verlander (10-15, 4.78) of Detroit. The good news is that Chicago is 37-23 against division teams including 9-6 versus Detroit. The Tigers have fared as well against division foes with a record of 27-36. Verlander has a record of 4-10 against those same teams. Verlander has not pitched well as of late with a 2-6 record and an ERA of 7.17 over his last nine starts. The White Sox hold a slim lead over the Twins and need to win the division to make the playoffs. Take the White Sox at home.
Jimmy The Moose
St Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates
Prediction: St Louis Cardinals
St. Louis is 9-3 in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a losing record. In their last 18 games overall vs. a team with a losing road record the Cardinals are 13-5. St. Louis is 7-3 in Pineiros last 10 starts. The Cardinals have won 5 of his last 7 road starts. The Pirates are 16-37 in their last 53 games. In their last 21 home games they are 5-16. The Pirates have lost 10 of their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning record. Pittsburgh has lost Maholm's last 3 starts. The Cardinals are 49-19 in their last 68 trips to Pittsburgh. Play on the St. Louis Cardinals -.
Frank Jordan
San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres
Play: San Diego Padres
San Diego won big at home as they knocked Matt Cain from the game early as it was a long game for the Giants. Look for the Padres to continue their solid play over the Giants as Jake Peavy throws a gem. Play San Diego
Jeff Scott Sports
3 UNIT PLAY
SOUTH FLORIDA -3.5 over Kansas
The Jayhawks are 9-16 SU in their last 25 when both teams are ranked and they are just 3-6 ATS in their last 9 road openers, while the Bulls are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games and 50-11 SU at Raymond James Stadium. Jim Leavitt has built this South Florida Bulls squad into a solid team as they have gone 9-4 in each of the last 2 years and this year's team may be even better. The Bulls put up 35 ppg last year on offense and they bring 10 starters back to this years team. Matt Grothe is the leader of this group and he has hit 60% of his passes for 442 yards thus far, while the team overall has put up 43.5 ppg and 512 ypg in their 1st 2 games. The USF defense has also been solid as they have allowed just 15.5 ppg and only a mere 161.5 ypg through their first 2 games. The defense returns 6 starters, including the entire DL, and they should be able to put pressure on a hot Todd Reesing that can't continue to hit over 70% of his passes. The Kanasa offense has been very tough this year but they also played FIU, who allowed 39 ppg last year and LA Tech, who allowed 31 ppg last year. Last week in sloppy conditions this team put up well over 500 yards of offense, but they only scored 29 points in the game. The defense for Kansas has also been tough, allowing just 5 ppg in the 2 games, but again look at the competition. Last week the pitched a shutout out vs LA Tech, but still allowed 267 yards in the game. This will be the best offense and defense that the Jayhawks will face and with the game at Raymond James Stadium I see them losing this one by 7 points or more.
2 UNIT PLAY
BAYLOR -2.5 over Washington State
The Cougars are a mess right now and should have all sorts of problems scoring vs a much improved Bears defense. Baylor put up 51 points last week and are now facing a State offense that has a loowed 105 points in their 1st 2 games. Baylor by 14 here.
Sports Advisors
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
(13) Kansas (2-0, 1-1 ATS) at (19) South Florida (2-0, 0-1 ATS)
The college football weekend kicks off with a marquee Top 25 matchup in Tampa Bay, as 19th-ranked South Florida hosts the No. 13 Jayhawks at Raymond James Stadium.
The Bulls squandered a 14-point lead late in the fourth quarter and needed to work overtime to topple instate rival Central Florida on Saturday, prevailing 31-24 but failing to cover as a 13½-point road favorite. QB Matt Grothe connected on 23 of 41 passes for 346 yards and three TDs, but he threw two picks. South Florida was strong defensively in the win, holding UCF to 226 total yards, including 76 on the ground.
After crushing Florida International 40-10 in the season opener, Kansas enjoyed another easy victory Saturday, blanking Louisiana Tech 29-0 as a 21-point home favorite. QB Todd Reesing was near-perfect, going 32-for-38 for 412 yards with three TDs and no INTs, and the Jayhawks defense limited La-Tech to 267 total yards.
These teams met in 2006 at Kansas, and the Jayhawks held on for a 13-7 victory as a 3½-point home favorite.
South Florida owns a 10-game non-conference home winning streak, going 3-1 ATS in lined contests during this stretch. Also, the Bulls have won 50 of 61 games at Raymond James Stadium, and under coach Jim Leavitt, the Bulls are 6-2 ATS against ranked teams. Finally, they’re on positive pointspread streaks of 9-2 at home and 4-1 in September, but they have failed to cash in five straight games against winning teams.
Kansas went 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS on the highway in 2007, cashing in all four true road games. Furthermore, the Jayhawks are on ATS streaks of 15-3 overall, 7-2 on the road, 16-5 in September, 6-1 in non-conference play and 6-1 against winning teams.
The under is 7-2 in Kansas’ last nine games, including 5-0 in the last five and 3-1 on the road. Conversely, the over is 4-0 in South Florida’s last four lined games and 8-1-1 in its last 10 (4-0 at home).
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Milwaukee (83-64) at Philadelphia (80-67)
A pair of lefties will be on the mound tonight at Citizens Bank Park, where two playoff hopefuls resume their key four-game series, with the Brewers’ Manny Parra (10-7, 3.97) opposing Phillies ace Cole Hamels (12-9, 3.12).
Philadelphia snapped a modest two-game slide with Thursday’s 6-3 victory, moving within three games of the idle Mets in the N.L. East and three games back of the Brewers in the wild-card race. The Phillies have split their last 10 games overall, but they’re on positive runs of 11-4 at home, 6-2 against winning teams 18-8 on Fridays, 23-10 when Hamels pitches at home and 15-5 when Hamels faces the N.L. Central.
The Brewers continue to sputter having lost four of their last five and eight of their last 11. They’re also 0-5 in their last five against southpaw starters and 1-4 in Parra’s last five starts. However, they do carry positive streaks of 20-8 overall on the highway and 5-1 on Fridays.
Philly is 5-1 in the last five series clashes at Citizens Bank Park.
Parra has completed six innings just once in his last five starts, posting a 4.10 ERA during this stretch, with Milwaukee losing his last three starts in a row. In fact, the Brewers are 2-7 in Parra’s last nine trips to the mound, including three consecutive losses on the road, where Parra is 4-4 with a 4.80 ERA in 2007. Tonight marks the lefty’s first career start against Philadelphia.
Hamels had delivered six straight quality starts, allowing two runs or less in each, before getting roughed up Sunday at the Mets, surrendering five runs (four earned) on nine hits in just five innings, taking a 6-3 loss. The Phillies are just 4-6 in Hamels’ last 10 tips to the bump, and he’s just 6-6 at home despite a solid 3.03 ERA.
Hamels has a 4.76 ERA in four career starts against the Brewers, with Philadelphia losing three of the contests. That includes a 5-4 defeat in Milwaukee on April 23, when Hamels yielded all five runs on eight hits, striking out 11 in seven innings.
Milwaukee’s under streaks include 14-6-2 on the highway, 5-2 on Fridays and 36-16-3 against the N.L. East. For Philadelphia, the under is on runs of 5-0 on Fridays and 17-5-1 against the N.L. Central. Finally, the under is 4-2 in the last six series clashes in Philly.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Toronto (79-67) at Boston (85-60)
The Blue Jays look to keep their faint wild-card hopes alive when they kickoff a weekend series at Fenway Park, with rookie David Purcey (3-5, 5.23) scheduled to battle Red Sox veteran Tim Wakefield (8-10, 4.11).
The Blue Jays, who are in the midst of a seven-game road trip, capped a four-game set at the White Sox with Thursday’s 6-4 victory. Toronto has won 11 of its last 12 overall, including five of six on the road, but Cito Gaston’s club remains 6½ games behind Boston for the wild-card lead. During their hot streak, the Jays are also 8-0 against right-handed starters and 5-0 versus the A.L. East.
Boston took Thursday off after suffering a tough 4-2, 14-inning home loss to Tampa Bay on Wednesday. The Red Sox dropped the final two games of a three-game set to the first-place Rays and now trail the A.L. East leaders by 2½ games. On the bright side, Terry Francona’s squad leads the wild-card race by five games over Minnesota. Also, Boston remains on positive streaks of 11-5 overall, 56-22 at home, 7-0 in series openers, 4-1 on Fridays, 25-12 against southpaw starters and 17-5 when Wakefield pitches at home.
Going back to last September, the Blue Jays have dominated the defending champs, winning 11 of 15 meetings, including three straight at Fenway Park.
Purcey is coming off the most dominating start of his young career, Sunday’s complete-game 1-0 home win over the Rays, as he scattered six hits and three walks in eight innings. The southpaw has four quality starts in his last six trips to the mound, but he surrendered five runs in each of his non-quality outings, both of which occurred at home. On the road, Purcey is 1-3 with a 5.73 ERA in four starts, and he’s yet to face the Red Sox.
Wakefield got destroyed his last time out, lasting just 1 2/3 innings in Texas after yielding seven runs (all earned) on four hits and four walks in a 15-8 loss. Despite that outing, the 42-year-old knuckleballer has given up three earned runs or fewer in 20 of his 26 starts this season.
Wakefield is 5-4 with a 3.42 ERA on the road this season and 15-11 with a 3.87 ERA in his career against Toronto, including 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA in two outings versus the Jays this season. In fact, dating to last September, the Sox are 0-3 when Wakefield works against Toronto.
The over is 4-0 in the last four series meetings between these rivals, but otherwise when these teams square off, the under is on streaks of 4-1 in Boston, 10-1-2 when Wakefield starts and 4-1-1 when Wakefield faces Toronto at Fenway.
The under is also 9-3-1 in Boston’s last 13 games overall, 6-2-1 in its last nine at home, 11-4-3 in its last 18 following an off day and 5-1 in Purcey’s last six starts overall. Conversely, Toronto has topped the total in 10 of its last 12 games overall and five of its last six on the road, and the over is 13-5-1 in Wakefield’s last 19 at Fenway Park.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Max Prophet
Kansas Jayhawks vs South Florida Bulls
I don't know if this offers any perspective, but last season both these programs emerged, and both were at one point rated in the top five. When it came to the post-season, a point where both teams should have been highly motivated, South Florida was destroyed 56-21 by an Oregon team that had a first-time starter in the game, while Kansas beat Virginia Tech straight-up in the Orange Bowl. In other words, Kansas was a little more "for real," or so it seemed. Of course, Kansas got away with a schedule that did not include Oklahoma or Texas last year (that's not the case this season), while South Florida grabbed a major scalp against West Virginia on this field.
But to have life-and-death with a Central Florida club that was playing with a very limited quarterback and without the departed Kevin Smith was disconcerting, to say the least. Yes, defensive end George Selvie is a threatening presence for them. But KU's Todd Reesing, who was 32 of 38 for 412 yards against Louisiana Tech, can get rid of the ball quickly, somewhat mitigating the effect of Selvie. And the USF secondary, which has had to replace NFL draftees Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams at the corners, has yet to be tested.
We like Matt Grothe as a gritty leader, but he needs to develop into a more accurate and dangerous passer. And South Florida needs to have a more efficient running game outside of that which Grothe himself supplies. Much has been made of some of the athletes the Bulls still have on defense, but Kansas, which has covered 11 of its last 13, used its own quickness on the defensive side to score a shutout of Louisiana Tech, who scored an upset over Mississippi State in their opener the week before. And take note that in its last three games combined, South Florida is minus-9 in the turnover category, And as most people who follow college football know, Kansas was tops in the nation in that category last year.
The Jayhawks are obviously more formidable at home than they are as a traveler. But we like the situation where we are getting points with a team that might be one of the nation's best. Grab the 3.5 points with Kansas.