Miami (Ohio) RedHawks vs. Temple Owls
The fans at Lincoln Financial Field will be treated to a game between the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks and the Temple Owls when they take their seats on Thursday.
Oddsmakers currently have the Owls listed as 17-point favorites versus the RedHawks, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Miami (Ohio) won a MAC matchup with Toledo, 31-24, at Yager Stadium in Week 9.
The RedHawks covered as a 5-point home underdog while the final score played under the 57.5-point score.
Temple got a late touchdown to beat Navy 27-24 at Navy Memorial Stadium in Week 9.
Temple was a 6.5-point road underdog while the final score played over the 41-point total.
Current streak:
Temple has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Miami (Ohio): 1-8 SU, 4-5 ATS
Temple: 6-2 SU, 6-1 ATS
Miami (Ohio) most recently:
When playing in November are 3-7
When playing on grass are 4-6
After being outgained are 1-9
When playing within the conference are 1-9
Temple most recently:
When playing in November are 3-7
When playing on grass are 6-4
After outgaining opponent are 7-3
When playing within the conference are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami (Ohio)'s last 5 games
Miami (Ohio) is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Miami (Ohio) is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Miami (Ohio) is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games
Temple is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Temple is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Temple is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Temple's last 6 games
Next up:
Miami (Ohio) home to Bowling Green, Thursday, November 12
Temple at Akron, Friday, November 13
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. East Carolina Pirates
The Virginia Tech Hokies and the East Carolina Pirates will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
Oddsmakers currently have the Hokies listed as 13-point favorites versus the Pirates, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Virginia Tech was upset 20-17 by North Carolina in Week 9 as 15.5-point favorites. That game's 37 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 44.
Tyrod Taylor had two rushing touchdowns in that loss for the Hokies.
Patrick Pinkney went 14-of-26 for 214 yards with a touchdown and an interception as East Carolina handled Memphis 38-19 in Week 9.
East Carolina covered as 4.5-point road favorites, while the teams played OVER the 48.5-point total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Virginia Tech has lost 2 straight games.
East Carolina has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Virginia Tech: 5-3 SU, 3-5 ATS
East Carolina: 5-3 SU, 3-4 ATS
Virginia Tech most recently:
When playing in November are 9-1
When playing on grass are 8-2
After being outgained are 7-3
When playing outside the conference are 7-3
East Carolina most recently:
When playing in November are 7-3
When playing on grass are 7-3
After outgaining opponent are 7-3
When playing outside the conference are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Virginia Tech is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing East Carolina
Virginia Tech is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Virginia Tech's last 6 games
Virginia Tech is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
East Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
East Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
East Carolina is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Virginia Tech
Next up:
Virginia Tech at Maryland, Saturday, November 14
East Carolina at Tulsa, Sunday, November 15
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Northern Illinois Huskies
The Eastern Michigan Eagles and the Northern Illinois Huskies will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Huskie Stadium.
Oddsmakers currently have the Huskies listed as 20½-point favorites versus the Eagles, while the game's total has not yet been posted.
Eastern Michigan was pounded 63-27 by Arkansas in Week 9, as 36.5-point underdogs. That game's 90 points sailed OVER the posted total of 60.
Kyle McMahon completed 9-of-18 for 194 yards and three touchdowns in the loss.
Tailback Chad Spann scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns and rushed for a game-high 125 yards as Northern Illinois came from behind to beat Akron 27-10 in Week 9.
The Huskies did not cover the 12-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the day's posted total of 41.
Current streak:
Eastern Michigan has lost 8 straight games.
Northern Illinois has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Eastern Michigan: 0-8 SU, 2-6 ATS
Northern Illinois: 5-3 SU, 4-3 ATS
Eastern Michigan most recently:
When playing in November are 2-8
When playing on turf are 1-9
After being outgained are 0-10
When playing within the conference are 2-8
Northern Illinois most recently:
When playing in November are 4-6
When playing on turf are 5-5
After outgaining opponent are 5-5
When playing within the conference are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Eastern Michigan's last 5 games when playing Northern Illinois
Eastern Michigan is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Northern Illinois
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Eastern Michigan's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Eastern Michigan's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Northern Illinois's last 5 games when playing Eastern Michigan
Northern Illinois is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Eastern Michigan
Northern Illinois is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Eastern Michigan
Northern Illinois is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
Eastern Michigan home to Western Michigan, Saturday, November 14
Northern Illinois home to Ball State, Thursday, November 12
Thursday Night NCAA Preview: Virginia Tech at East Carolina
by Matt Severance
Virginia Tech’s ACC title and BCS bowl hopes all but vanished last Thursday night when North Carolina’s Casey Barth kicked a field goal with no time left to give the Heels the very surprising upset as 16.5-point dogs in Blacksburg.
So, it’s not abundantly clear how truly motivated the Hokies, now on a two-game losing streak, will be this Thursday at East Carolina, with Virginia Tech currently a 13-point favorite on Bodog -- approximately 59 percent of the public action is on the visitors. The Hokies haven’t dropped three in a row during the regular season since 2002; they are 1-4 ATS in their past five as a favorite overall.
Frank Beamer’s club has had its chances in those two losses, to the Heels and Georgia Tech. Against the Jackets on Oct. 17, Virginia Tech started three drives in Georgia Tech territory and didn’t score a point. Last week, it scored on only one of three drives that started in Tar Heels territory -- and that possession began at the North Carolina 5. Those past two opponents have dominated time of possession, totaling nearly 75:00 minutes with the ball. Virginia Tech had just 24 first downs in the two games.
On defense, the Hokies are allowing too many rushing yards – 154.1 per game, to rank 79th in the country. It has been very susceptible to big gains on the ground. In defensive coordinator Bud Foster's first 14 seasons, Tech has never had a season average higher than 136.
East Carolina, which will be very jacked up for this national TV game (Tech’s first visit to Greenville since 2000), enters off back-to-back routs of Rice and Memphis in consecutive weeks. You probably remember that the Pirates upset Virginia Tech, 27-22, in Charlotte in last season’s opening game.
“There is an awful lot of buildup for this game and a lot of excitement,” ECU coach Skip Holtz said to reporters. “To have the opportunity to play it in this venue, in this arena and this atmosphere; I think Greenville will come alive this Thursday.”
The Pirate defense has been good against the run this year, holding opponents to 108.0 rushing yards per game and 3.4 yards per carry. West Virginia star Noel Devine was held to 80 yards rushing on 19 carries in the Mountaineers’ 35-20 win earlier this year. The Pirates have forced at least one turnover in 24 consecutive games, including seven in their past two contests. But they are lousy against the pass, allowing at least 250 through the air in six of eight games, which could mean a big night for Hokies QB Tyrod Taylor, who struggled against North Carolina. Hokies RB Ryan Williams needs 70 rushing yards to become just the second freshman in Tech history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. He was very shaken mentally after his late fumble cost the Hokies last week.
ECU has two common opponents with the Hokies: The Pirates lost, 31-17, at North Carolina in September and beat Marshall, 21-17, in early October. You know about the Hokies and Heels, while Virginia Tech beat Marshall, 52-10, in the second game of the season.
East Carolina has won six in a row at home and three of its past four against ranked teams overall. It is 4-2 at home against BCS opponents under Holtz. Virginia Tech is 2-4 in non-conference regular-season games away from Lane Stadium since joining the ACC in 2004. The Hokies are 15-5 all-time on ESPN Thursday night games and 6-2 in road contests.
What Bettors Need to Know: Hokies at Pirates
By Matt Fargo
Line movement
The line has moved anywhere from a half point to two full points depending on the book. Early shoppers could have gotten Virginia Tech as -11.5 at a few shops but that number lasted only a few hours.
Weather
It will be a cool night with the temperatures lingering in the high 40s but no chance of rain with light winds from the northwest.
Letdown or revenge?
Three weeks ago, Virginia Tech was No. 4 in the nation and was a contender BCS Championship Game. But two straight losses have quelled that talk and now the Hokies are just trying to stop the bleeding.
Going out of conference in the middle of the season after suffering back-to-back conference losses is a recipe for disaster, but Virginia Tech might not be a bad play here. The Hokies want to get some payback after suffering a loss to the Pirates in Charlotte last season.
Under head coach Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech is 14-2 ATS when coming off a loss and playing against an opponent it lost to in the previous matchup.
BCS vs. the other guys
This is the first time the Hokies have played a true road game against a non-BCS opponent since 2002 when they, then in the Big East, played at Western Michigan. That’s a span of 33 straight road games against BCS opponents.
East Carolina stands seventh nationally among all non-BCS programs with six victories against automatic-qualifying BCS members since 2003. The Pirates have already lost the two games against BCS opponents this season, West Virginia and North Carolina, but both of those games came on the road.
The Pirates have won three of their last four games against ranked opponents. Three of their last four home games against ACC members, so playing and winning against BCS teams is certainly no problem for East Carolina.
Third time’s a charm
East Carolina has limited its last three opponents to a combined 13-for-39 conversion success rate on third down. In third-down conversion attempts of more than two yards, the Pirates have held all eight of their opponents to a combined success rate of 28.1 percent (25-89).
This could be an issue for the Hokies who are 65th in the nation in third down conversions, going 41-105 on the season (39.1 percent). During the last two losses, Virginia Tech is just 8-23 on third down conversions (34.8 percent).
Bottom line
The Pirates have been good in these spots holing a 4-0 ATS mark in their last four home games as an underdog of 10.5 or more points. They are also 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games as a home underdog overall.
Virginia Tech is 7-0 to the under when playing on a Thursday over the last three years, averaging just 32.8 points per game in those contests. The under is also 6-0 under the Beamer-led Hokies when coming off a loss by three points or fewer.
#22 Virginia Tech (5-3, 3-2 ACC) at East Carolina (5-3, 4-1 Conference USA)
Line: Virginia Tech -13, O/U 51.5
After back-to-back weeks of Thursday night football featuring North Carolina, we now get to see the Virginia Tech Hokies in consecutive weeks as they travel to Greenville, NC to face East Carolina.
Last week proved to be a shocker for the Hokies as they dropped a home game to the Tar Heels as 15.5 point favorites. Ultimately Coach Frank Beamer’s program was done in by one of their main offensive weapons as freshman running back Ryan Williams fumbled late in the 4th quarter to set up the winning field goal for North Carolina.
Don’t expect Beamer to be too hard on his freshman tailback, after all Williams has been a workhorse for the Hokies with five 100-yard games and needs just 70 more to reach the 1,000-yard plateau.
It will be hard to predict what to expect from the Hokies this Thursday. With the loss to North Carolina, the team will have a hard time making it back to the ACC championship and so you would expect morale to be low. That said, after back-to-back losses against Georgia Tech and the Tar Heels, Beamer and company figure to be hungry for a win and would like nothing more than to get a little revenge for last year's season-opening loss to the Pirates.
In that game, played in Charlotte, NC, ECU QB Patrick Pinkney was nearly flawless, completing 19-of-23 passes for 211 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 24 yards and another score in a 27-22 upset. Pinkney is back this season and has to like the fact that the Virginia Tech defense hasn’t been as rock solid as in years past. Look for the East Carolina signal caller to lean heavily on WR Dwayne Harris, who has a combined 1,054 all-purpose yards in his last six games while scoring eight touchdowns via the pass and kick returns.
Besides Pinkney’s play, the key for East Carolina will be to limit Virginia Tech’s big plays and if possible, create turnovers. The Hokies and QB Tyrod Taylor have 44 plays of 20 or more yards so far this season while the Pirates are ranked 10th in the nation with 21 takeaways (11 interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries).
Recently, East Carolina has risen to the occasion in a big spot as the Pirates have won three of their last four games against nationally ranked opponents and three of their last four home games against ACC members.
To date, Virginia Tech is 3-5 against the spread while East Carolina is 3-4 ATS.
Eastern Michigan (0-8, 0-4 Mid American) at Northern Illinois (5-3, 3-1 Mid American)
Line: Northern Illinois -20.5, O/U 48
Ordinarily, trying to prepare for a Thursday night game after just playing the previous Saturday is less than ideal. However, when your team is coming off a 63-27 woodshed beating and is 0-8, any change in routine is welcome.
That certainly has to be the mindset right now for Eastern Michigan and rookie head coach Ron English. Coaches love to say they take no consolation from moral victories but right now that is all the Eagles have in the tank – that, and a memory or two.
English will no doubt roll out the tape from 2007 when Eastern Michigan beat Northern Illinois, its opponent this Thursday night. Overall however, this series has been pretty lopsided as the Huskies have won seven of the last eight including a 37-0 beat down last year.
The story for Northern Illinois is on the injury front as this squad is pretty battered and bruised. Most notably, starting quarterback Chandler Harnish is questionable for this game as he continues to deal with a knee injury suffered in the loss to Toledo on Oct. 17. If the sophomore can’t go then DeMarcus Grady will get the call. Other Huskies dealing with injuries include OL Jason Onyebuagu (ankle), FB Connor Flahive (knee) and S David Bryant (knee).
To have a chance, Eastern Michigan will have to show more offensive punch than they have this season. The Eagles are averaging just 16.9 points per game, which ranks 112th in the nation and have only scored 16 touchdowns in its eight games this season.
To date, Eastern Michigan is 2-5 against the spread while Northern Illinois is 4-3 ATS.
Miami (Ohio) (1-8, 1-4 Mid American) at Temple (6-2, 4-0 Mid American)
Line: Temple -17.5, O/U 42
Flying under the national radar, the Temple Owls might just be the feel good story of 2009. Consider that the seniors on this team started their college careers by going 1-16 including a 0-11 season and getting booted out of the Big East.
Now that same bunch of players is 8-2 over their last ten games, including a 6-2 record this year and a perfect 4-0 inside the Mid American conference. The national audience is slowly starting to take notice of the job that coach Al Golden has done as the Owls recently received votes in both polls.
Temple must keep its focus this week against a dangerous Miami (Ohio) team. After enduring a school-record 13-game losing streak - the longest in the 122-year history of the program - the RedHawks got a win last week against Toledo and with it a jolt of confidence.
To stay close to Temple this Thursday, Miami will have to ride the hot hand of QB Zac Dysert who is slowly maturing into a playmaker. The freshman has nearly 700 yards passing over the last two weeks but will face a huge test against the Temple defense, ranked 22nd in the nation in total defense.
Speaking of hot hands – or in this case, feet – Golden will no doubt continue to feed RB Bernard Pierce. The freshman has been incredible for Temple, gashing Navy last week for 267 yards and now stands at over 1,000 yards on the season, the first Owl to eclipse that mark since Tanardo Sharps in 2002. Pierce could potentially make it three consecutive games with over 200 yards rushing as the Miami defense is just 98th in the country against the run.
To date, Temple has been a huge moneymaker with a 6-1 record against the spread while Miami (Ohio) is 4-5 ATS.
Pirates to Steal Victory from Virginia Tech
By Doug Upstone
East Carolina is in the driver's seat in the C-USA East Division and takes a brief pause to try for second straight upset of Virginia Tech on their home turf. The Pirates have been off since Oct. 27, after mauling Memphis 38-19 and likes the direction the offense has gone in being more productive. In East Carolina's last two games, they have averaged 478 yards per outing, be it against far weaker competition than Virginia Tech.
Quarterback Patrick Pinkney is at his best when the Pirates (5-3, 3-4 ATS) have a lead or are within one score when trailing. Pinkney is a dissonant thrower of the football and a far better game manager than playing the role of Captain Comeback. East Carolina is 7-3 in last 10 games at Dody-Ficklen Stadium.
Virginia Tech (5-3, 3-5 ATS) is in unfamiliar territory. It's the first week of November and they have nothing to really play for other than improving overall record to save face and avoid 2003 campaign that finished with 8-5 record and Insight Bowl loss to California. Sportbet.com has Hokies as 13-point favorites with total of 52, which is a dangerous number for a potentially unmotivated road fave. This is the first of two road games for Virginia Tech and they are 10-4 ATS as visiting favorites the last five seasons.
Virginia Tech assistant coaches are coming under fire in Blacksburg. Offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring has been in hot water for some time and has in own website. Hokies' fans haven't liked his conservative game plans and vent their frustration towards him. Even Bud Foster's defensive prowess is being attacked in Hokies' blogs, with defense being abused for 180 or more yards on the ground in half of Virginia Tech's games. They are hard to comprehend 79th in the country against the rush and 3-8-1 ATS in non-conference encounters.
East Carolina's best chance is to bottle Hokies running game (allowing 108 YPG) and make them throwing team. QB Tyrod Taylor has made great strides as a passer and Pirates secondary is not going to discourage any team from throwing against them (103rd), however as witnessed last Thursday, the junior signal caller is not polished when slinging from the pocket. Since knocking of Virginia Tech and West Virginia to start the 2008 season, East Carolina is 0-5 SU and ATS in most recent non-league matches.
Even with last week's upset, Frank Beamer's club is still 14-4 ATS on Thursday's and 8-2 ATS in November.
Though the bigger goal is winning another C-USA title, it will be festive atmosphere in Greenville, with ECU looking to take down a vulnerable Hokies bunch. The Pirates are 8-1 ATS when catching 10.5 or more points and coach Skip Holtz will have them in a frenzy. East Carolina is 5-9 SU all-time against Virginia Tech and has covered only twice in last six meetings.
ESPN will provide the coverage at 7:45 Eastern, with the Hokies on 11-0 UNDER run on Thursday nights.
Miami (Ohio) RedHawks vs. Temple Owls
The fans at Lincoln Financial Field will be treated to a game between the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks and the Temple Owls when they take their seats on Thursday.
Oddsmakers currently have the Owls listed as 17½-point favorites versus the RedHawks, while the game's total is sitting at 42½.
Miami (Ohio) won a MAC matchup with Toledo, 31-24, at Yager Stadium in Week 9.
The RedHawks covered as a 5-point home underdog while the final score played under the 57.5-point score.
Temple got a late touchdown to beat Navy 27-24 at Navy Memorial Stadium in Week 9.
Temple was a 6.5-point road underdog while the final score played over the 41-point total.
Current streak:
Temple has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Miami (Ohio): 1-8 SU, 4-5 ATS
Temple: 6-2 SU, 6-1 ATS
Miami (Ohio) most recently:
When playing in November are 3-7
When playing on grass are 4-6
After being outgained are 1-9
When playing within the conference are 1-9
Temple most recently:
When playing in November are 3-7
When playing on grass are 6-4
After outgaining opponent are 7-3
When playing within the conference are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami (Ohio)'s last 5 games
Miami (Ohio) is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Miami (Ohio) is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Miami (Ohio) is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games
Temple is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Temple is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Temple is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Temple's last 6 games
Next up:
Miami (Ohio) home to Bowling Green, Thursday, November 12
Temple at Akron, Friday, November 13
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. East Carolina Pirates
The Virginia Tech Hokies and the East Carolina Pirates will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
Oddsmakers currently have the Hokies listed as 13-point favorites versus the Pirates, while the game's total is sitting at 51.
Virginia Tech was upset 20-17 by North Carolina in Week 9 as 15.5-point favorites. That game's 37 points went UNDER the night's posted total of 44.
Tyrod Taylor had two rushing touchdowns in that loss for the Hokies.
Patrick Pinkney went 14-of-26 for 214 yards with a touchdown and an interception as East Carolina handled Memphis 38-19 in Week 9.
East Carolina covered as 4.5-point road favorites, while the teams played OVER the 48.5-point total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Virginia Tech has lost 2 straight games.
East Carolina has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Virginia Tech: 5-3 SU, 3-5 ATS
East Carolina: 5-3 SU, 3-4 ATS
Virginia Tech most recently:
When playing in November are 9-1
When playing on grass are 8-2
After being outgained are 7-3
When playing outside the conference are 7-3
East Carolina most recently:
When playing in November are 7-3
When playing on grass are 7-3
After outgaining opponent are 7-3
When playing outside the conference are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Virginia Tech is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing East Carolina
Virginia Tech is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Virginia Tech's last 6 games
Virginia Tech is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
East Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
East Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
East Carolina is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Virginia Tech
Next up:
Virginia Tech at Maryland, Saturday, November 14
East Carolina at Tulsa, Sunday, November 15
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Northern Illinois Huskies
The Eastern Michigan Eagles and the Northern Illinois Huskies will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Huskie Stadium.
Oddsmakers currently have the Huskies listed as 21-point favorites versus the Eagles, while the game's total is sitting at 49.
Eastern Michigan was pounded 63-27 by Arkansas in Week 9, as 36.5-point underdogs. That game's 90 points sailed OVER the posted total of 60.
Kyle McMahon completed 9-of-18 for 194 yards and three touchdowns in the loss.
Tailback Chad Spann scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns and rushed for a game-high 125 yards as Northern Illinois came from behind to beat Akron 27-10 in Week 9.
The Huskies did not cover the 12-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the day's posted total of 41.
Current streak:
Eastern Michigan has lost 8 straight games.
Northern Illinois has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Eastern Michigan: 0-8 SU, 2-6 ATS
Northern Illinois: 5-3 SU, 4-3 ATS
Eastern Michigan most recently:
When playing in November are 2-8
When playing on turf are 1-9
After being outgained are 0-10
When playing within the conference are 2-8
Northern Illinois most recently:
When playing in November are 4-6
When playing on turf are 5-5
After outgaining opponent are 5-5
When playing within the conference are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Eastern Michigan's last 5 games when playing Northern Illinois
Eastern Michigan is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Northern Illinois
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Eastern Michigan's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Eastern Michigan's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Northern Illinois's last 5 games when playing Eastern Michigan
Northern Illinois is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Eastern Michigan
Northern Illinois is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Eastern Michigan
Northern Illinois is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
Eastern Michigan home to Western Michigan, Saturday, November 14
Northern Illinois home to Ball State, Thursday, November 12
E MICHIGAN (0 - 8) at N ILLINOIS (5 - 3)
Top Trends for this game.
E MICHIGAN is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
N ILLINOIS is 1-1 against the spread versus E MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
N ILLINOIS is 1-1 straight up against E MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI OHIO (1 - 8) at TEMPLE (6 - 2)
Top Trends for this game.
TEMPLE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
TEMPLE is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
TEMPLE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TEMPLE is 2-0 against the spread versus MIAMI OHIO over the last 3 seasons
TEMPLE is 2-0 straight up against MIAMI OHIO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
VIRGINIA TECH (5 - 3) at E CAROLINA (5 - 3)
Top Trends for this game.
VIRGINIA TECH is 74-51 ATS (+17.9 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1992.
VIRGINIA TECH is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) in road games in games played on a grass field since 1992.
VIRGINIA TECH is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) as a road favorite since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
E CAROLINA is 2-0 against the spread versus VIRGINIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
E CAROLINA is 1-1 straight up against VIRGINIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
E MICHIGAN at N ILLINOIS
E MICHIGAN: 2-9 ATS on turf
N ILLINOIS: 10-2 Under in home games
MIAMI OHIO at TEMPLE
MIAMI OHIO: 1-5 ATS in November
TEMPLE: 6-1 ATS this season
VIRGINIA TECH at E CAROLINA
VIRGINIA TECH: 7-0 Under on Thursday
E CAROLINA: 2-8 ATS off BB SU wins
VIRGINIA TECH vs. EAST CAROLINA
Virginia Tech is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing East Carolina
Virginia Tech is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
East Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
East Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
MIAMI (OHIO) vs. TEMPLE
Miami (Ohio) is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games
Miami (Ohio) is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Temple is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Temple is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
EASTERN MICHIGAN vs. NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Eastern Michigan is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Northern Illinois
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Eastern Michigan's last 5 games when playing Northern Illinois
Northern Illinois is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
Northern Illinois is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Eastern Michigan (0-8, 3-5 ATS) at Northern Illinois (5-3 SU and ATS)
Eastern Michigan looks for that elusive first win of the season when it visits Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Ill., for a Mid-American Conference West Division matchup with Northern Illinois.
The Eagles got drilled at Arkansas on Saturday, falling 63-27 but cashing as a 37-point underdog. Eastern Michigan has lost by 12 points or more in six of its eight games this season with the closest contest coming at home on Oct. 24 when it fell 29-27 as a 2½-point home underdog against then-winless Ball State. Eastern Michigan, which has lost 23 of its last 27 games against Division I-A opponents, averages just 16.9 points and 275.6 total yards per game and its defense gives up a 37.4 points and 423.1 yards per game, including a staggering 277.1 rushing yards per outing (6.4 yards per carry).
While Eastern Michigan struggles to stop the run, Northern Illinois has one of the nation’s better rushing attacks, averaging 206 ypg on the ground (4.8 ypc). In Saturday’s 27-10 win over Akron as an 11-point home favorite, Northern Illinois RB Chad Spann had 21 carries for 125 yards and two TDs and QB DeMarcus Grady rushed 20 times for 109 yards.
Northern Illinois went to Eastern Michigan and pitched a shutout a season ago, winning 37-0 as a five-point favorite as the visitor improved to 8-0 ATS in this series since 2001. The Huskies have won seven of the last eight in this annual rivalry game (4-4 ATS), but the one loss came at home in 2007 when the Eagles prevailed 21-19 as a 13-point underdog. In fact, Eastern Michigan has cashed in each of its last four trips to Northern Illinois.
Eastern Michigan is on ATS slides of 2-7 after a spread-cover and 1-5 on turf. Northern Illinois is 9-4-1 ATS in its last 15 November games and 7-3 ATS in its last 10 against teams with a losing record, but the Huskies are on ATS slides of 4-11 as a home favorite, 2-5 after a spread-cover and 2-5 after a straight-up win.
The Eagles are on “over” runs of 4-1 on the road, 5-1 in November games and 5-2 following a spread-cover. Meanwhile, Northern Illinois is on a plethora of “under” streaks that include 33-16-2 overall, 12-3-1 at home, 11-5-1 as a favorite, 18-7-1 in Mid-American contests and 8-3-1 in November games. In this rivalry, the under has been the play in each of the last five clashes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Miami, Ohio (1-8, 4-5 ATS) at Temple (6-2, 6-1 ATS)
Miami snapped a 13-game losing streak on Saturday and now looks to snap Temple’s six-game winning streak when the Redhawks travel to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia for this Mid-American Conference East Division showdown.
Miami stunned Toledo 31-24 as a five-point home underdog on Saturday, its fourth spread-cover in the last five contests. The Redhawks average just 13.8 points a game – third-fewest in all of Division I-A – and 329.3 total yards per game, including just 73.7 rushing ypg. Defensively, Miami yields 33.2 points on 379.2 total yards per contest (182.2 rushing ypg). Miami’s offense has come a long way lately, though, putting up 53 points in the last two contests after scoring a total of 71 points in the first seven games, including opening the season with back-to-back shutout losses to Kentucky (42-0) and Boise State (48-0).
Temple has rattled off six-straight wins (5-1 ATS), including a 27-24 victory at Navy on Saturday, upsetting the Middies as a 6½-point favorite. The Owls have been dominant since a 31-6 loss at Penn State on Sept. 19, allowing 24 points or fewer in every game during their win streak.
Temple has already become bowl-eligible and leads the MAC East Division by one-half game over Kent State and Ohio. Meanwhile Miami sits just a game out of the cellar, currently occupied by Akron (1-7).
The Owls have upset Miami the last two years, winning 28-10 as a seven-point road pup last year and 24-17 as a 6½-point road underdog in 2007.
Miami has cashed in four of its last five overall, but otherwise the Redhawks are on ATS slides of 1-5 on the road, 1-6 in November, 0-5 after a straight-up win and 1-5 as a road ‘dog. Temple is on ATS slides of 1-4-1 at home against losing teams and 0-3-1 ATS when playing on Thursday, but the Owls are 4-1 ATS in their last five overall and 17-8 ATS in their last 25 against a winning teams.
The Redhawks have gone “over” the total in 10 of 14 November games and five of seven conference contests, but their “under” streaks consist of 4-1 overall, 7-0 against winning teams and 4-1 as an underdog. Temple is on “under” runs that include 13-5 in MAC games, 9-3 at home and 9-3 against losing teams. In this series, the “under” has cashed in each of their three meetings since 2005.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEMPLE and UNDER
(22) Virginia Tech (5-3, 3-5 ATS) at East Carolina (5-3, 3-4 ATS)
The Hokies look to snap a rare two-game losing streak when they travel to Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, N.C., for a non-conference showdown with East Carolina.
Virginia Tech opened the season with a 10-point loss to Alabama at a neutral site in Georgia, then ripped off five straight wins (3-2 ATS), including a huge 48-14 rout of Boston College on Oct. 10, to get back into the national title discussion. Then the Hokies proceeded to lose 28-23 at Georgia Tech as a 3½-point favorites, followed by last Thursday’s 20-17 home loss to North Carolina as a 14½-point home chalk.
East Carolina has jumped to the top of the Conference USA East Division standings by winning four of its last five contests (3-2 ATS), including back-to-back wins over Rice (49-13 as an 18½-point home favorite on Oct. 17) and Memphis (38-19 as a six-point road chalk on Oct. 27). During their 4-1 SU run, the Pirates have been doing it with defense, yielding less than 20 points in all four wins (15.8 ppg in those four contests).
The Pirates rushed for a season-high 275 yards in their victory over Memphis last Tuesday, boosting its per-game rushing average to 149.4 yards.
The Hokies, who haven’t dropped three straight games since the end of the 2003 season, have got QB Tyrod Taylor completing 56 percent of his throws for 1,315 yards, nine TDs and three INTs. Last week against North Carolina, he was sacked three times and had his six-game streak of tossing at least one TD pass snapped. Freshman RB Ryan Williams has rushed for 930 yards and 10 TDs, but his late fumble led to North Carolina’s game-winning field goal a week ago.
Last season, the Pirates ran over Virginia Tech, rushing for 158 yards in a stunning 27-22 opening-weekend upset of the Hokies in Greenville as a nine-point home underdog, snapping Virginia Tech’s six-game winning streak in this rivalry. East Carolina has cashed in each of the last two meetings after the Hokies had covered in four straight from 1994-2007.
The Hokies are on ATS slides of 3-10 in non-conference action and 2-5 on the road, but they are on positive ATS streaks of 11-5 as a road favorite, 15-5 on Thursdays, 8-2 in November and 4-1 following a non-cover. Virginia Tech had alternated spread-covers in eight straight games prior to last week’s ATS setback versus North Carolina. East Carolina is on pointspread slides of 6-13 overall, 1-5 against ACC teams and 0-5 in non-conference games, but it is on ATS runs of 7-3 at home, 7-3 as an underdog and 8-1 as a ‘dog of more than 10 points.
Virginia Tech is on “under” streaks of 11-0 on Thursday, 4-0 in November, 4-1 against winning teams and 5-2 after a SU loss. The Pirates have stayed below the total in six of seven November games, but they’ve topped the number in five of six against the ACC, five straight non-conference games and seven of 10 as an underdog.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Motivation-Plus
By SportsPic
After losing 28-23 at Georgia Tech, being upset 20-17 at home by North Carolina last Thursday, the memory of last season's 27-22 upset loss to East Carolina the Hokies are not short of motivation heading into Greenville for a clash with Pirates. Virginia Tech is scoring 30.6 PPG this season on 174.4 passing, 190.1 rushing yards per game. Virginia Tech's QB Tyrod Taylor and receiver Jarrett Boykin could be in for huge numbers vs Pirates pass 'D' which allows 249.8 PYG. However, Ryan Williams who handles rushing duties will be tested as Pirates have held opponent to 108.0 RYG overall and have surrendered just 63.3 RYG the past three on the field. Hokies looking to avoid a third consecutive loss for the first time since the 2003 campaign should get the job done vs a Pirate squad they've handle in 4-of-5 meetings. Covering the expected 13 point spot could be a chore as Hokies enter 2-5 ATS their last seven on the highway, 2-4 ATS last six laying double digits.
VT vs ECU Betting Preview
By Vernon Croy
The Virginia Tech Hokies travel to East Carolina this week for a Thursday night football showdown. The Hokies are still ranked #22 despite suffering their third loss of the season last week at the hands of North Carolina. The Hokies come in at 5-3 while the Pirates come in with the same record. Although the Hokies come in as 13 point favorites, the Pirates should provide some good competition for them.
Fresh off a disappointing loss like the Hokies suffered the last two weeks, you can be assured that they will be looking to bounce back. As if the two recent losses weren't enough motivation, they are also still upset about last season. Last year, the Pirates upset them and helped to ruin their season. The loss will be fresh on their minds this Thursday night. The Hokies are led by quarterback Tyrod Taylor. His unique skill set allows him to scramble and pass the ball effectively. They are also hoping that running back Ryan Williams bounces back after fumbling during a critical possession last week.
For the ECU Pirates, coach Skip Holtz feels good about the way his team play in big games. They beat the Virginia Tech Hokies last season and there is no reason to believe that they can't do it again. After their storybook season last year, they have struggled a little bit this year, with three losses already under their belt. With that being said, they are still a tough team and they will provide a tough game for the Hokies this week. Expect this one to be a close game that comes down to the final quarter to be decided.
Tips and Trends
Virginia Tech at East Carolina
Virginia Tech (-13, O/U 51): Virginia Tech will be trying to avoid its first three game losing streak since 2003. The Hokies have lost ACC games to Georgia Tech 28-23 and North Carolina 20-17 last Thursday. Virginia Tech is 0-3 against the spread on the road this season, allowing an average of 417.3 total yards in their away contests. The Hokies are 2-5 against the number in their past seven road matchups. They’ve also failed to cover 10 of the last 13 times versus non-league opponents. Virginia Tech had defeated East Carolina six consecutive times until last season when the Pirates upset the Hokies, 27-22, in Charlotte, N.C. East Carolina returned a blocked punt 27 yards for a touchdown with 1:52 to stun the then 17th-ranked Hokies. Virginia Tech is 7-1 against the number in revenge spots under Frank Beamer. The Hokies are averaging 30.6 points, their highest scoring average in four years.
Virginia Tech is 15-5 ATS on Thursday.
The Under is 11-0 in Virginia Tech’s last 11 Thursday games.
Key Injuries - Defensive tackle John Graves (ankle) is questionable.
Guard Sergio Render (pectoral) is questionable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 32
East Carolina: This is the Pirates’ biggest home game of the season and they come in hot, winning four of their last five games. East Carolina has held four of its last five foes to under 100 yards rushing. Running back Dominique Lindsay has rushed for 570 yards, averaging 5.8 yards per run. Dwayne Harris leads the Pirates in receptions with 47 for 521 yards and three scores. Pirates quarterback Patrick Pinkney has thrown nine interceptions and eight touchdowns. He ranks 98th in the country in passing efficiency. East Carolina had won three in a row versus ranked opponents until losing at then-No. 24 North Carolina on Sept. 19. Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been sacked nine times in his last three games. The Pirates’ defense has come on forcing nine fumbles in their last three games, allowing an average of 20 points and 344 total yards during this span.
East Carolina is 8-1 ATS the past nine times it has been an underdog of 10 ½ or more points.
The Pirates have covered 7 of their last 10 home contests.
Key Injuries - Wide receiver Jamar Bryant (shoulder) is questionable.
Defensive lineman C.J. Wilson (leg) is questionable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 19 (Side of the Day)