SPORTS ADVISORS
PAPAJOHN’S.COM BOWL
N.C. State (6-6, 9-2 ATS) vs. Rutgers (7-5, 7-4 ATS) (at Birmingham, Ala.)
Two teams that finished the regular season on fire will square off at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala., when the Wolfpack meet Rutgers for the first time.
N.C. State went on a 4-0 SU and ATS run to end the season and become bowl-eligible, this after losing four in a row (3-1 ATS) in late September/October. The Wolfpack wrapped up the regular season with a 38-28 upset win over Miami, cashing as a two-point home ‘dog. They have cashed in seven straight contests and they’re on a 13-3 ATS roll as an underdog.
The play of QB Russell Wilson was the key reason for N.C. State’s late-season turnaround, as he’s thrown 226 straight passes without an INT. He finished with 1,769 yards, 16 TDs and just one pick, and helped the Wolfpack average almost 32 points per game during the four-game winning streak.
Rutgers started out 1-5 before closing the season on a six-game winning streak (5-1 ATS), averaging 46.2 points per game in its final five wins (5-0 ATS). Senior QB Mike Teel was magnificent over his final five games, throwing for 1,737 yards and 20 TDs against just five INTs. Teel passed for a school-record 447 yards and seven TDs (no INTs) in the finale, a 63-14 blowout of Louisville as a 12-point home favorite.
N.C. State is in its first bowl game since beating South Florida 14-0 as a 3½-point favorite in the 2005 Meineke Bowl. However, second-year Wolfpack coach Tom O’Brien went 6-1 SU and ATS in bowl games with Boston College. Meanwhile, Rutgers has qualified for its fourth straight bowl game under coach Greg Schiano, going 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS in the last three, including last year’s 52-30 rout of Ball State in the International Bowl.
Rutgers, which put up just 19.5 ppg during its 1-5 start, finished the season averaging 29 points and 395.1 yards per contest. The Scarlet Knights scored 30-plus points six times. Meanwhile, N.C. State averages 23.5 points and 327.2 yards each start, scoring 30 or more five times.
Defensively, the Scarlet Knights allow just 18.5 ppg and 323.9 ypg, while the Wolfpack give up 26.1 points and 387.1 yards per outing. However, after giving up 24 or more in its first eight games, N.C. State allowed 17 or less in three of its last four.
In addition to their 7-1 ATS flourish to end the regular season, the Scarlet Knights are on pointspread runs of 11-4-1 in non-conference play, 4-0 in December and 7-0 on artificial turf. However, they’ve failed to cash in four straight games as a favorite of 3½ to 10 points.
N.C. State, in addition to its current ATS surges of 7-0 overall and 13-3 as an underdog, is 4-1 ATS in its last five bowl games and 6-0 against winning teams. However, the Wolfpack are 2-7 ATS in their last nine non-conference games and 1-5 ATS in their last six versus the Big East.
The under is 7-3-2 in N.C. State’s last 12 non-conference games, but the over is on runs of 4-1 for the Wolfpack in December games, 7-2 against teams with a winning record and 7-3 after a spread-cover. Rutgers is on “over” streaks of 4-1 overall, 4-0 in December and 4-1 after a straight-up win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
ALAMO BOWL
(22) Northwestern (9-3, 6-5 ATS) vs. (25) Missouri (9-4, 5-7 ATS) (at San Antonio, Texas)
Northwestern’s defense figures to face its most difficult test of the season when it tries to stop Missouri’s high-powered offense inside the Alamodome.
Missouri opened the year 5-0 (3-1 ATS) and climbed to No. 3 in the rankings, but split its final eight games (2-6 ATS), including two losses at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City to end the season. First, the Tigers fell to Kansas 40-37 as a 16-point favorite in a last-second defeat, then returned to Arrowhead and got rocked by Oklahoma 62-21 as a 16-point ‘dog in the Big 12 title game.
Northwestern’s defense dominated its final two games, as the Wildcats won at Michigan 21-14 as a three-point underdog and downed Illinois 27-10 at home, also as a three-point pup. The Wildcats went 4-3 SU and ATS to end the year after starting out 5-0 (2-2 ATS in lined action).
Missouri crushed Arkansas 38-7 as a three-point favorite in last year’s Cotton Bowl, and the Tigers are 2-2 SU and 3-1 ATS in the postseason since coach Gary Pinkel arrived. Northwestern, in its first bowl game in coach Pat Fitzgerald’s tenure, has lost five straight bowl games since 1948 (1-4 ATS), most recently falling to UCLA in the 2005 Sun Bowl, 50-38 as a three-point underdog.
The Tigers’ high-octane offense is ignited by the combo of QB Chase Daniel (4,135 yards, 37 TDs, 15 INTs) and WR Jeremy Maclin (95 catches, 1,221 receiving yards, 252 rushing yards, 15 total TDs). As a team, Missouri averaged 43.2 points and 497.5 total yards per contest, including 340.4 yards per outing through the air. However, the Tigers’ defense struggled in the offensively potent Big 12, allowing 27.5 points and 415 total yards per game, the latter figure ranking 99th in the nation.
Northwestern mustered 24.5 points and 357.5 total yards per game (147.2 rushing ypg). However, the defense was the strong point, as it had a Big Ten-leading 33 sacks and gave up just 19.3 points and 343 yards per contest.
These two squads haven’t met since 1987, when Missouri scored a 28-3 home win as a 6½-point chalk.
Missouri is just 1-4 ATS on the road this season, 1-4 ATS in its last five overall, 2-6 in its last eight December games and 1-4 ATS in its last five against teams with a winning record. Northwestern is on pointspread slides of 1-7 following a spread-cover, 3-9 in non-conference games and 20-41-1 after a straight-up win.
For the Wildcats, the under is 4-1 in their last five overall and 4-1 in their last five non-conference games, but the over is 7-3 in their last 10 after a spread-cover. Missouri is on a plethora of “over” streaks, including 14-6 after a non-cover, 7-3 in neutral-site games, 6-2 in non-conference contests and 4-1 against Big Ten foes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
(12) Georgetown (9-1, 4-2 ATS) at (2) UConn (11-0, 4-3 ATS)
The Big East Conference season tips off with a matchup of Top 15 heavyweights, as Georgetown visits the XL Center in Hartford for a matchup with the second-ranked Huskies.
Since their only defeat of the season – a 90-78 neutral-site setback to Tennessee as a 3½-point underdog on Nov. 28 – the Hoyas have ripped off six straight victories, all at home, with five coming by double digits. On Tuesday, Georgetown rolled over Florida International 76-38 as a 29-point favorite. The Hoyas have cashed in all three lined contests during their six-game winning streak.
UConn survived a scare against Gonzaga in Seattle nine days ago, needing overtime to pull out an 88-83 victory as a three-point underdog. The Huskies then kept their perfect season intact with Friday’s 75-55 victory over Fairfield, coming up just short as a 22½-point home chalk. Eight of UConn’s 11 wins have been double-digit blowouts, including seven by 19 points or more.
These teams met just once in the Big East season last year, with the Hoyas eking out a 72-69 victory, but failing to cover as a 9½-point home favorite. It was Georgetown’s second win in a row over the Huskies after losing the previous 11 series clashes. The home team is on a 5-0 SU roll in this rivalry, but just 2-3 ATS. Going back to 2000, the Huskies are 7-3 ATS against Georgetown, and the underdog is 3-1 ATS in the last four battles.
Georgetown split its only two non-conference games against Top 25 opponents (losing to Tennessee, beating Memphis at home), while UConn went 3-0 SU and ATS against Top 25 teams in non-conference play.
UConn ranks 14th in the nation in scoring (82.7 points per game) and eighth in field-goal offense (50.2 percent). Defensively, the Huskies give up 61.6 ppg on 37.8 percent shooting. Meanwhile, Georgetown puts up 76 ppg (49.2 percent), but it’s the defense that has carried the Hoyas, as they give up just 55.6 ppg on 33.4 percent shooting, figures that rank 11th and first in the nation.
Georgetown is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games on Monday, 2-6 ATS in its last eight following a victory of more than 20 points and 3-13 ATS in its last 16 after a non-cover. Conversely, the Huskies are on ATS streaks of 10-4-1 against teams with a winning record, 8-2-1 on Mondays and 7-3 after a non-cover, but Jim Calhoun’s squad is 2-5 ATS in its last seven home games.
For the Hoyas, the under is on runs of 12-4 on the road, 36-17 in Big East play, 4-0 on Mondays and 11-5 after a spread-cover. The under is also 4-1 in UConn’s last five on Monday, but otherwise the Huskies are on “over” stretches of 9-3 overall in lined games and 5-0 in Big East play. Finally, the total has alternated in the last seven series meetings, with last year’s game going over the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UCONN
Temple (5-5, 5-4 ATS) at (18) Villanova (11-1, 4-4 ATS)
Villanova, winners of three in a row, wraps up its non-conference schedule with its annual Big Five city rivalry matchup with Temple, which enters The Pavilion on a two-game slide.
Since falling to Texas 67-58 as a two-point underdog in New York, the Wildcats have knocked off Big Five rivals St. Joe’s (59-56) and La Salle (70-59), as well as Navy (78-68). Villanova, which also beat city rival Penn 69-47 as a 14-point road favorite, is trying to sweep the Big Five rivalry for the third time in the last four years.
Temple is just 3-5 in its last eight games (2-4 ATS in lined action). The Owls followed up consecutive upset victories over Penn State (88-72 as a 5½-point underdog) and then-No. 8 Tennessee (89-72 as a eight-point underdog) with consecutive road losses at Kansas (71-59 as a 10½-point underdog) and Long Beach State (76-71 as a six-point chalk).
The Wildcats have won and covered three in a row against Temple, including last year’s 101-93 victory as a two-point road chalk. Villanova is 7-2 SU in the last nine meetings and 8-2 ATS in the last 10 (5-1 ATS last six), and the SU winner has cashed in each of the last nine clashes.
Villanova, which splits its home games between The Pavilion (its campus arena) and the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, has won 22 in a row on campus and can match a school record for wins in that venue tonight.
The Owls have scored at least 70 points in seven of 10 games this year and is shooting 45.1 percent from the field. Villanova has scored at least 70 in eight of its 11 contests, and is shooting 44.9 percent. Defensively, Temple gives up 69 ppg (43.7 percent), and the Wildcats yield 58.8 ppg (38.2 percent).
Temple is on ATS streaks of 21-9 overall, 9-3 after a non-cover and 9-2 after a SU defeat, but the Owls are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games against Big East foes. Villanova is 1-4 ATS in its last five at home, but 11-4-1 ATS in its last 16 versus Atlantic 10 competition.
For the Wildcats, the under is on runs of 23-7-1 overall, 16-5 at home, 13-3-1 in non-conference play, 5-1 versus the A-10 and 6-0 after a SU win. For Temple, the under is on stretches of 14-6-1 on the road, 4-1 on Monday and 9-2 after a SU loss, but the over is 6-1 in the Owls’ last seven against the Big East.
However, the over is 3-0 in the last four Temple-Villanova matchups.
ATS ADVANTAGE: VILLANOVA
Cincinnati (10-2, 3-3 ATS) at Memphis (7-3, 5-5 ATS)
Memphis will try to claw its way back into the Top 25, while Cincinnati will attempt to make its case for a national ranking when these teams clash at the FedEx Forum.
The Tigers have alternated wins and losses in their last four games (1-3 ATS), including last Monday’s 87-49 rout of Drexel as a 22½-point home favorite. However, prior to that blowout, John Calipari’s squad suffered losses to Syracuse (72-65 at home) and Georgetown (79-70 on the road in overtime) that were sandwiched around an uninspiring 59-51 home win over Arkansas-Little Rock.
Cincinnati has rebounded from a 10-point home loss to city rival Xavier with four straight victories, most recently pounding Arkansas-Pine Bluff 79-49 in a non-lined home game a week ago. Seven of the Bearcats’ 10 wins have been double-digit blowouts, and in their lone true road game, they knocked off UNLV 67-65 as a 5½-point underdog.
These teams were once members of the same conference, but since splitting they’ve continued their rivalry with an annual meeting. Last year, Memphis won 79-69 but came up short as a 12½-point favorite. The Tigers have won the last three clashes by margins of 10, 33 and 10 points, and despite last year’s non-cover, they’re 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven head-to-head tussles.
Both squads can score the ball, as Cincinnati averages 74.4 points on 44 percent shooting while Memphis nets 77.6 ppg on 41.8 percent shooting. Defensively, the Bearcats give up 61.5 ppg (37.3 percent) while the Tigers yield 63.7 ppg (37.8 percent).
The Bearcats are on ATS runs of 4-1 on the road, 9-3 in non-conference play and 5-2 on Mondays, but they’re 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine against Conference USA. Memphis is on a slew of ATS slides, including 3-8 on Mondays, 0-4 versus winning teams, 1-4 after a non-cover, 1-4 after a SU win and 1-7 when coming off a victory of more than 20 points.
The over is 6-1 in the last seven Cincinnati-Memphis battles. Also, the over is on runs of 5-0 for the Bearcats overall, 6-1 for the Bearcats on the road, 5-2 for the Bearcats versus Conference USA, 8-1 for Memphis against the Big East and 5-1 for Memphis against winning teams. However, the under is 5-2 in Memphis’ last seven home games.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
NBA
Denver (20-11, 17-13-1 ATS) at Atlanta (19-10, 17-12 ATS)
The Nuggets continue their four-game road swing Monday with a stop in Atlanta to face the red-hot Hawks.
Denver won the opening leg of their road trip with a 117-110 victory in New York, beating the Knicks as a 4 ½-point favorite on Sunday. The win snapped a three-game road losing streak (0-3 ATS) for the Nuggets but it was their second straight win overall after beating Philadelphia 105-101 as a 6 ½-point chalk on Friday.
The Hawks are flying high, winning seven of eight (6-2 ATS) and four in a row (3-1 ATS). Their offense soared on Saturday, dominating the Bulls 129-117 as nine-point favorites in Atlanta. Defensively, it was the first time in 16 games the Hawks gave up more than 100 points and they are giving up just 93.1 per game this season.
The home team took both series meetings last season (2-0 ATS) as Atlanta got a 104-93 win as a three-point favorite only to have the Nuggets return the favor eight days later with a 107-100 win as 5 ½-point favorites. The Hawks have gotten the cash in seven of the last 10 meetings and four of the last five in Atlanta, but Denver is 5-2 SU in the last seven.
Denver is on ATS slides of 2-5 overall, 1-4 on the second night of a back-to-back and 1-4 after a spread-cover, but the Nuggets are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 against the Eastern Conference. The Hawks are on ATS runs of 7-3 against the Western Conference, 4-1 overall, 4-1 at home and 7-0 against teams with a winning road record.
For Denver, the over is on streaks of 5-1 against the Eastern Conference, 8-3 after a straight-up win and 6-2 after a spread-cover. Conversely, Atlanta is on “under” runs of 10-2 overall, 5-1 at home, 5-0 against the Western Conference and 9-0 when playing on a day of rest.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ATLANTA
Orlando (24-6, 20-9-1 ATS) at Detroit (17-11, 12-16 ATS)
The streaking Magic will try to make it eight in a row when they travel to the Palace of Auburn Hills to take on the Pistons.
Orlando rolled to its seventh straight victory on Saturday, hammering the Timberwolves 118-94 as 9½-point favorites, running its ATS streaks to 14-2 in the last 16 and 10-0 in the last 10. The Magic have allowed more than 100 points just once during their seven-game win streak, and they’re giving up just 84.8 ppg and 37 percent shooting in the last five contests.
Detroit has rattled off three straight wins (1-2 ATS), including Saturday’s 87-76 triumph in Milwaukee as a six-point ‘dog. However, The Pistons are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 contests and 4-10 ATS at home this season.
These two haven’t met since the Pistons knocked the Magic out of the playoffs last May, going 4-1 in the series (3-2 ATS). Including the postseason, Detroit has won seven of the last 10 meetings against Orlando (5-5 ATS) and four of the last five played in Motown (3-2 ATS).
Orlando is 10-3-1 ATS in its 14 road games this season and 43-20-3 ATS in its last 66 on the highway. The Magic is on further ATS runs of 20-7-1 overall, 16-5-1 after a straight-up win, 9-0 after a spread-cover and 4-0 after a day of rest. Detroit has been a disaster at the betting window lately, recording ATS slumps of 1-4 overall, 1-6 at home, 0-5 after a day of rest and 2-5 after a spread-cover.
The under is on a host of streaks for Orlando, including 18-8 on the road, 21-15 after a straight-up win, 10-4 against the Eastern Conference, 10-4 against the Central Division and 5-2 overall. Detroit also is on “under” runs of 14-5 overall, 11-5 against Southeast Division squads. 6-1 after a straight-up win and 6-0 against teams with a winning road record. However, the over is 10-3 in the last 13 Pistons-Magic meetings in the Motor City.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO and UNDER
DUNKEL
Chicago at New Jersey
The Nets look to take advantage of a Chicago team that is just 4-9 ATS in December. New Jersey is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Nets favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-5 1/2).
Game 701-702: Denver at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 118.906; Atlanta 125.943
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 7; 202 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 703-704: Chicago at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 111.642; New Jersey 119.097
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 7 1/2; 203 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey by 5 1/2; 209 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-5 1/2); Under
Game 705-706: Orlando at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 125.150; Detroit 120.577
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 4 1/2; 210 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 707-708: Phoenix at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 119.395; Oklahoma City 114.079
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 5 1/2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 709-710: Memphis at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 112.095; Minnesota 112.965
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1; 191 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 2 1/2; 196
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+2 1/2); Under
Game 711-712: Washington at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 109.048; Houston 125.082
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 16; 193 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 713-714: Philadelphia at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.038; Utah 122.669
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 6 1/2; 194 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 715-716: Toronto at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 115.536; Golden State 115.437
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 209 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NCAAB
Georgetown at Connecticut
The Hoyas face a UConn team that is 11-3 ATS since 1997 as a home favorite between 3 1/2 and 6 points. The Huskies are the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has Connecticut favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-6).
Game 717-718: Fordham at Florida International
Dunkel Ratings: Fordham 45.182; Florida International 49.133
Dunkel Line: Florida International by 4
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 719-720: Temple at Villanova
Dunkel Ratings: Temple 63.479; Villanova 68.776
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 5
Vegas Line: Villanova by 9
Dunkel Pick: Temple (+9)
Game 721-722: Georgetown at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Georgetown 70.694; Connecticut 78.824
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 8
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 6
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-6)
Game 723-724: Central Michigan at Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 51.309; Kentucky 70.798
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 19 1/2
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 21
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+21)
Game 725-726: Pennsylvania at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Pennsylvania 49.034; Central Florida 56.878
Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 8
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pennsylvania (+10 1/2)
Game 727-728: San Francisco at Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 51.673; Boston College 63.650
Dunkel Line: Boston College by 12
Vegas Line: Boston College by 15
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+15)
Game 729-730: UL Lafayette at Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: UL Lafayette 44.573; Tennessee 73.891
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 29
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 27 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-27 1/2)
Game 731-732: Arkansas State at Oklahoma State
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 52.816; Oklahoma State 67.551
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 15
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 733-734: Cincinnati at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 62.905; Memphis 73.124
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 10
Vegas Line: Memphis by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+13 1/2)
Game 735-736: Ball State at UC Santa Barbara
Dunkel Ratings: Ball State 50.346; UC Santa Barbara 56.980
Dunkel Line: UC Santa Barbara by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: UC Santa Barbara by 12
Dunkel Pick: Ball State (+12)
Game 737-738: CS Northridge at CS Fullerton
Dunkel Ratings: CS Northridge 53.393; CS Fullerton 59.112
Dunkel Line: CS Fullerton by 6
Vegas Line: CS Fullerton by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: CS Northridge (+10 1/2)
Game 739-740: Fresno State at Cal Poly
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 47.942; Cal Poly 53.909
Dunkel Line: Cal Poly by 6
Vegas Line: Cal Poly by 4
Dunkel Pick: Cal Poly (-4)
Game 741-742: Long Beach State at Oregon
Dunkel Ratings: Long Beach State 49.573; Oregon 65.182
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Oregon by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (-9 1/2)
Game 751-752: Belmont at Santa Clara
Dunkel Ratings: Belmont 59.368; Santa Clara 57.631
Dunkel Line: Belmont by 2
Vegas Line: Santa Clara by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Belmont (+1 1/2)
Game 753-754: James Madison vs. UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: James Madison 51.177; UTEP 55.981
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 5
Vegas Line: UTEP by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: James Madison (+6 1/2)
Game 755-756: Niagara at Murray State
Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 62.104; Murray State 55.970
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 6
Vegas Line: Niagara by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Niagara (-4 1/2)
Game 757-758: Loyola-MD at NC State
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-MD 51.961; NC State 65.810
Dunkel Line: NC State by 14
Vegas Line: NC State by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-MD (+15 1/2)
Game 759-760: Tennessee Tech at UL Monroe
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Tech 49.210; UL Monroe 49.584
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Tennessee Tech by 2
Dunkel Pick: UL Monroe (+2)
Game 761-762: Portland State at Baylor
Dunkel Ratings: Portland State 56.914; Baylor 72.891
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 16
Vegas Line: Baylor by 13
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-13)
Game 763-764: Weber State at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Weber State 50.684; Arizona 72.304
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 22
Vegas Line: Arizona by 19 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-19 1/2)
Game 765-766: Northern Arizona at Northern Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Arizona 50.406; Northern Colorado 56.219
Dunkel Line: Northern Colorado by 6
Vegas Line: Northern Colorado by 4
Dunkel Pick: Northern Colorado (-4)
Game 767-768: Idaho at Idaho State
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 48.033; Idaho State 54.431
Dunkel Line: Idaho State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Idaho State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Idaho State (-5)
Game 769-770: Davidson at College of Charleston
Dunkel Ratings: Davidson 62.515; College of Charleston 60.463
Dunkel Line: Davidson by 2
Vegas Line: Davidson by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: College of Charleston (+4 1/2)
Game 771-772: Eastern Washington at Boise State
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Washington 51.875; Boise State 56.148
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Boise State by 7
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Washington (+7)
NCAAF
Game 225-226: NC State vs. Rutgers
Dunkel Ratings: NC State 90.546; Rutgers 101.597
Dunkel Line: Rutgers by 11; 58
Vegas Line: Rutgers by 7; 53
Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (-7); Over
Game 227-228: Northwestern vs. Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: Northwestern 89.722; Missouri 104.888
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 15; 58
Vegas Line: Missouri by 13; 66
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-13); Under
Jeff Benton
The only thing going right for me these days is my success with free plays, and I nailed another one Sunday as the Cardinals got the job done against the Seahawks in NFL action. I’ve now hit six of my last seven freebies – including four in a row – and I’m 31-12 over the last 43 days with comp plays. For Monday, we’ll shift to the NBA, where I’ve nailed four straight freebies, and back the Nuggets plus the points at Atlanta.
Yes, Denver’s in a tough back-to-back spot here, traveling to Atlanta after beating the Knicks 117-110 in New York last night in the opener of a four-game road trip. But the Nuggets have their All-Star forward back in Carmelo Anthony, who showed no ill effects from an elbow injury that sidelined him for three games, as he scored 32 points in 35 minutes against New York, going 13-for-19 from the field. With ‘Melo on the floor, Denver is 19-9 on the season, including a respectable 9-6 on the road.
The Nuggets have also had a lot of success against the Eastern Conference lately, cashing at an 8-3-1 clip in their last 12 against the East.
As for the Hawks, they’ve won seven of their last eight; they’re 7-2 ATS in their last nine; and they’ve enjoyed a tremendous 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS homestand to this point. However, that homestand ends tonight, and one trend handicappers often follow in the NBA is going against a team that’s favored on the final game after a long stretch at home. So Atlanta, which kicks off a two-game trip at Indiana tomorrow night, could be ripe for the picking here.
Lastly, despite their recent ATS surge, Atlanta is still a sub-.500 team as a favorite (6-9 ATS), including 4-6 ATS when laying less than nine points. Got a feeling that the Nuggets, who have won five of the last seven vs. Atlanta, will catch the Hawks napping here. Take the points.
3♦ DENVER NUGGETS
Matt Rivers
For Monday take Rutgers in the PapaJohn's.com Bowl.
We are looking at a couple of teams here who really played well down the stretch. Both Rutgers and NC State struggled mightily early in the season but came into their own after the mid-way point.
The Scarlet Knights finished up at 7-5 and the Wolfpack were one game back at an even 6-6. I definitely give State a ton of credit for winning their last four games including against Miami, Wake Forest and North Carolina thanks very much in part to the athletic Quarterback Russel Wilson. The signal caller though is a red shirt freshman unlike the Knights main man in Mike Teel who comes into this thing loaded with experience being the fifth year senior that he is. Teel is also playing in his third Bowl game and led Greg Schiano's team to a second in the nation ranking a few seasons back when Ray Rice and company were really helping to blow up the program in a positive way.
'Gers has won six straight games and the last five were in emphatic fashion with scores that were 54-34, 35-17, 49-16, 30-3 and 63-14. Plus it's not like these games were against bottomfeeders either as South Florida, Louisville and Pittsburgh were the fodder in three of these.
I like what Tom O'Brien has done in his second year with the NC State program but all in all Rutgers is the far superior defense and the team that should play big brother in this matchup. Wilson will make a few plays as he is extremely athletic but after 60 minutes of football Schiano's bunch will chop their wood and take care of business.
Dave Cokin
Tennessee Tech @ UL Monroe
Play: Tennessee Tech -2
Tennessee Tech already owns a win over UL-Monroe, having demolished them by 38 earlier this season. The Warhawks figure to make it closer in the rematch as they get to play hosts this time, but I don't see them being able to completely reverse that first result enough to win the game. With the number where it is, that's pretty much what they'll have to do, and I have the Golden Eagles grading out as the substantially better team. I'll go with Tennessee Tech minus the small spot to complete the sweep.
Tom Freese Blue
Phoenix at Oklahoma City
Phoenix is in a 104-60 ATS System that says to Play On any team off a home loss if they are playing 5 or less games in 14 days. The Suns are 11-5-1 ATS their last 17 games as road favorites. Oklahoma City is 2-7 ATS their last 9 games as home dogs of 5 to 10.5 points and they are 2-6 ATS their last 8 games vs. Pacific Division teams. PLAY ON PHOENIX -
Jimmy The Moose
Montreal Canadiens at Florida Panthers
Prediction: Under
Montreal has played under the total in 7 of their last 9 games. In their last 8 games vs. Eastern Conference opponents the under is 6-2. The Canadiens last 7 road games have played under the total. The under is 7-3 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The under is 8-2-1 in Florida's last 11 home games. The under is 6-2 in their last 8 games vs. a team from the Norteast Division. The under is a profitable 36-17-1 in Florida's last 54 games overall. The under is 5-1-1 in Montreal's last 7 trips to Florida. The under is 9-1-1 in the last 11 meetings between the clubs. Play the under.
Brian Hansen
Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings
Prediction: Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are coming off a 4-0 destruction of the Coyotes on the road and I look for them to be sharp once again at home against the Blue Jackets! In fact LA is an awesome 6-4 its last 10 contests after playing a division game while the Blue Jackets are a horrible 1-7 after a win by 2 goals or more; play on the KINGS!
Cajun Sports
Temple vs. Villanova
Play: Villanova -9.5
The Villanova Wildcats play host to the Temple Owls at the Pavilion on Monday night and this game will be carried by ESPNU. The Wildcats can tie their longest winning streak at the Pavilion with a win tonight; they are currently on a twenty-two game win streak.
Villanova’s conference opener is on Thursday as they face Marquette on the road but they must finish their annual series which is called the Big Five where they face their city rivals. The Cats are looking to go 4-0 in Big Five games for the third time in four seasons.
Both the Owls and Wildcats went 3-1 last season in Big Five games but Villanova won on the road over Temple 101 to 93 in their only meeting.
Temple is the road team this season and that has been a struggle for them as they already split six road games, and are trying to avoid a third straight loss. The Owls dropped both games on their last road trip, losing 71 to 59 at Kansas on Dec. 20 and losing 76 to 71 Monday at Long Beach State.
In their last meeting Villanova was able to keep Temple star Dionte Christmas in check with only 5 for 15 from the field and 20 points. That is not good news for Temple as Christmas shot the ball poorly on their recent road trip, connecting on 36.4% of his attempts for a total of 40 points. He was stifled in the first half of those two games, managing only a total of three points including a scoreless effort in the first 20 minutes against Long Beach State. He will certainly have to play better for his Owls to have any chance against this Wildcats team tonight.
Guard Scottie Reynolds was Villanova’s main offensive weapon last season shooting 38% on 3’s and 78% from the free throw line which he was able to visit quite often. He also put 27 points on Temple in last season’s meeting but has started this season slow.
Villanova defeated Navy 78 to 68 last Monday and this season’s leading scorer for the Wildcats Dante Cunningham had 24 points and 10 rebounds while Reynolds added 23 points. Cunningham bounced back from his worst effort of the season, a nine-point performance in a 70-59 win at Big Five rival La Salle on Dec. 14.
A check of the data base gives us a College Basketball System that is active for tonight’s matchup. It tells us to Play ON CBB favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points with a team from a major division 1-A conference against a team from a second tier conference, off a home win by 10 points or more, 72-35 ATS the last five seasons.
With strong fundamental and technical support we will lay the chalk with the host as the Wildcats get winner number 23 at the Pavilion and we cash the ticket as well.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: 2* Villanova Wildcats 77 Temple Owls 64
SportsInsights
N.C. State vs Rutgers
North Carolina State comes into the Papajohns.com Bowl having won four straight, including two against nationally-ranked opponents. The Wolfpack surged behind the strong late-season play of quarterback Russell Wilson, who was named ACC rookie of the year and a first-team conference selection. After winning a deep quarterback battle, Wilson finished the season having thrown for 1,769 yards and 16 touchdowns with only one interception in 252 attempts. He also rushed for 342 yards and four scores. Wilson enjoys throwing deep to wide receiver Owen Spencer and short to tight end Anthony Hill. NCSU's defense improved during the four-game winning streak, as they allowed more than 20 points only once during that stretch. The month between the Wolfpack's season finale and bowl game should be a huge help as they will be able to heal some key injuries.
NCSU may be the ACC's hottest team heading into Bowl Season, but Rutgers was even hotter coming out of the Big East. The Scarlet Knights won their final six behind a streaking offense led by its passing attack. Quarterback Mike Teel closed his senior season on a high note throwing to the talented trio of wide receivers Kenny Britt, Tiquan Underwood, and Tim Brown. Rutgers running attack utilizes another trio of players, but coach Greg Schiano tends to play the hot hand instead of a rotation. The Scarlet Knights defense has played well all season with the exception of a 44-12 loss against another ACC foe, North Carolina.
Rutgers opened as 6.5-point favorites at Pinnacle, and they have been as heavy as 9.5-point favorites during the time leading up to the game. The public was backing Rutgers earlier in the week, but the percentages have evened out as each team is currently receiving 50% of the public spread bets. The Scarlet Knights are receiving slightly stronger backing in the parlay category with 60% of the public's bets. Despite the line fluctuation there haven't been many Betting System plays triggered for either team. In this battle of two surging teams, we like the one receiving a touchdown in the spread.
N.C. State +7
Norm Hitzges
NCST +7
Double Play on NCST
Scott Spreitzer
Game: Temple at Villanova
Prediction: Villanova
The Wildcats have a chance to go to 4-0 in Big-Five contests for the third straight season with a win tonight. They beat Temple by eight last season. Tonight, they welcome the Owls to the Pavilion, where the Cats have won 22 in a row. Temple (5-5 SU) have dropped two in a row and four of their last six. They're just 1-3 SU in their last four away from home, including a loss to mediocre Long Beach State just one week ago. The Owls returned four of five starters this season, including Dionte Christmas. But the bench, a strength a season ago, leaves a lot to be desired this year. The reserves were hit hard by graduation and this year's bench is filled with underclassmen. Coach Fran Dunphy has only been able to rely on six or seven players for significant key minutes. This means the Owls are going to wear down on the road and in step-up games, for the most part. I already mentioned those road woes earlier. Meanwhile, the Wildcats come off a nice break with a healthy 11-1 record and a top-20 (18th) ranking. The Cats actually struggled a bit against Navy following their last significant break, and coach Jay Wright has said they're going to make sure that doesn't happen again. While Villanova has solid offensive talent, it's their defense that's so hard to prepare for. The Cats are always in an opponents' face, and rarely drop off the opposing player. They're allowing just 64 ppg, contesting every shot. And, they are forcing the opposition into 15.42 turnovers per game, with 185 giveaways in 12 tilts, compared to only 142 assists allowed, or 11.83 per game. I believe Villanova will wear down the depth-shy Owls in this one, picking up a win and cover, while capturing their fourth straight Big-Five victory. I'm laying the points with Villanova.
Big Al Mcmordie
Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder
Prediction: Phoenix Suns
On Christmas day, the Suns dropped a 1-point home decision to San Antonio, 91-90, on Roger Mason's 3-pointer with no time left on the clock. But after three days' off, the Suns should be over that heartbreaking loss, and rarin' to go tonight vs. the Thunder. The Spurs won that game by slowing down the pace, and taking Phoenix out of its up-tempo offense. In the fourth quarter, Phoenix scored a mere 14 points. But the Thunder don't play that kind of defense, and will be unable to contain the Suns' offense, which had scored over 100 points in the seven games previous to Thursday. Look for Steve Nash to engineer a Phoenix blowout on Monday. Lay the points.
Karl Garrett
Chicago at NEW JERSEY -5'
Payback time in the NBA tonight, as New Jersey takes on Chicago.
The Bulls won this season's first meeting 113-104 as the 4-point favorite 16 days ago, but that game was in the Windy City. On the road, Chicago has had a hard time keeping things tight, as the Bulls have dropped all 3 on this current road swing, and they have dropped their last pair of roadies against the spread.
For the season, the Bulls are just 3-14 straight up on the highway, and 6-11 against the spread on the road.
New Jersey continues to struggle at home, as they are a puzzling 5-11 straight up in their own building, while going 10-4 on the road!??!?!
Look for the law of averages to start to even out, and for the Nets to start winning some home games pronto.
Take the Nets minus the points tonight.
1♦ NEW JERSEY
Bobby Maxwell
Georgetown at UCONN -5'
Today we've got another one for you as we go with UConn on the college hardwood to get the best of Georgetown.
Georgetown has never been a team to take many chances on the road in the preseason. They usually play a bunch of cupcakes at home and bulk up their record. Well, tonight they are going on the highway against a legitimate heavyweight.
Tuesday, the Hoyas beat Florida International 76-38 as a 29-point favorite. They just can't simulate what a big, high-energy game is like playing these lightweights. We'll play Connecticut at home in this one to show Georgetown they need to step up their scheduling.
The Huskies just went to Gonzaga and beat the Zags in Seattle 88-83 in a thriller, cashing as a three-point 'dog. Then they returned home and dominated Fairfield 75-55. Eight of their 11 wins have been double-digit blowouts and seven of those wins have been by 19 points or more.
This is the Big East opener for both schools and the Huskies know they have to protect their home court in conference action. The home team has won the last five games in this rivalry and the Huskies are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 battles with the Hoyas.
UConn is 3-0 SU and ATS against Top-25 teams this season while the Hoyas are 0-1 with its loss to Tennessee. We'll take the home-team Huskies in this one. Play UConn.
3♦ UCONN