EagleBank Bowl: UCLA Bruins vs. Temple Owls
The fans at RFK Stadium will be treated to a game between the UCLA Bruins and the Temple Owls when they take their seats for the EagleBank Bowl.
Oddsmakers currently have the Bruins listed as 3½-point favorites versus the Owls, while the game's total is sitting at 45½.
Chane Moline scored the only UCLA touchdown in their 28-7 loss to Southern Cal in Week 13 as a 13.5-point underdog. That game's 35 points went UNDER the posted total of 47.
Temple lost to Ohio 35-17 as a 2-point favorite in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (44).
Chester Stewart passed for 92 yards with an interception for Temple in that game, and Matt Brown rushed for 172 yards and a TD on 25 carries.
Team records:
UCLA: 6-6 SU, 6-6 ATS
Temple: 9-3 SU, 8-3 ATS
UCLA most recently:
When playing in December are 2-8
When playing on grass are 5-5
After being outgained are 4-6
When playing outside the conference are 5-5
Temple most recently:
When playing in December are 0-1
When playing on grass are 8-2
After being outgained are 7-3
When playing outside the conference are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of UCLA's last 6 games
UCLA is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
UCLA is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Temple's last 5 games
Temple is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Temple is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
Champs Sports Bowl: Wisconsin Badgers vs. Miami Hurricanes
The Wisconsin Badgers and the Miami Hurricanes will both be gunning for a victory when they meet at the Florida Citrus Bowl in the Champs Sports Bowl.
Oddsmakers currently have the Hurricanes listed as 3½-point favorites versus the Badgers, while the game's total is sitting at 58.
John Clay ran for 172 yards and three touchdowns as the Wisconsin tore apart Hawaii 51-10 in Week 14. Wisconsin covered the 12.5-point spread, while the 61 points made it OVER the posted total of 59.
Scott Tolzien completed 16-of-20 pass attempts for 253 yards and a TD in that win.
Miami put a close on one of its best seasons in recent years with a 31-10 win over South Florida at Raymond James Stadium in Week 13.
Miami covered as a 3.5-point road favorite, while the final score played UNDER the posted 53.5-point total.
Team records:
Wisconsin: 9-3 SU, 5-6 ATS
Miami: 9-3 SU, 6-5 ATS
Wisconsin most recently:
When playing in December are 4-2
When playing on grass are 4-6
After outgaining opponent are 6-4
When playing outside the conference are 8-2
Miami most recently:
When playing in December are 7-3
When playing on grass are 7-3
After outgaining opponent are 7-3
When playing outside the conference are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wisconsin's last 5 games
Wisconsin is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games
Miami is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
UCLA (6 - 6) vs. TEMPLE (9 - 3)
Top Trends for this game.
UCLA is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in road games after a bye week since 1992.
TEMPLE is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TEMPLE is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
TEMPLE is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
TEMPLE is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
WISCONSIN (9 - 3) vs. MIAMI (9 - 3)
Top Trends for this game.
WISCONSIN is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
UCLA vs. TEMPLE
UCLA is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
UCLA is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Temple is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
Temple is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
WISCONSIN vs. MIAMI
Wisconsin is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wisconsin's last 5 games
Miami is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Two for Tuesday for Bowl games
By Doug Upstone
One of the great aspects of this week leading up to being bombarded by bowl battles, for the next couple of days; you can take them one at a time before the onslaught arrives. This way the sports bettor can sit back and enjoy the games and not have to be consumed with flipping channels, which will come soon enough. Make the time to enjoy the relative serenity of one game at a time, with a pair of contests that offer notable contrasts.
EagleBank Bowl
UCLA (6-6, SU & ATS) found out the true meaning of bowl eligible, having to wait two weeks to find out if they had another game or not. When Army lost to Navy, that set into motion the Bruins plans and they head this far East for the first time since 1998, when they traveled to Miami-Fl, however the nation's capital in late December isn't exactly South or Santa Monica Beach. Temple (9-3, 8-3 ATS) also had to wait just over a week to find out whom they would play, but they didn't mind a bit, since the Owls are going bowling for the first time in 31 years. If any team should be jacked, it should be Temple and having a BCS team as opponent just adds to excitement.
Coach Al Golden has turned in one of the better coaching jobs this season, taking a team with definite limitations and almost making to the MAC title game. True freshman Bernard Pierce was sensational, running for 1,308 yards and 15 TDs, essentially in just eight games. Temple averaged 192 yards per game against teams that allowed 157 YPG and the Owls are 23-11 ATS in all games over the last three seasons. The one dimension missing is a passing game, having not thrown for more than 150 yards since Oct.10. With this time off, coach Golden hopes a semblance of passing the pigskin is possible with Temple 8-21 ATS away from home when they gain 100 to 150 net passing yards.
At least the Owls have something to hoot about offensively, that's more than UCLA can say. The Bruins managed just one more yard of total offense than Temple at 339 yards (albeit vs much tougher competition) and did not run or throw with aplomb. Kevin Prince is presumed to be UCLA's starting signal caller and could use the help of offensive linemen to block somebody. The Bruins are 4-20 ATS when they run for 100 to 150 yards and Temple surrendered just 109 per game this season.
The UCLA run defense had was run over by teams with a solid run game, however with Owls not being able to fly via the air, the Bruins can pack the box and dare Temple to beat them throwing the ball. UCLA is 17-8 ATS after a spread loss like they suffered against rival USC and BetUS.com has them as four-point favorites with total drifting downward to 45.
As mentioned, Temple has to be super excited to play in this game, with better than three decades between bowl appearances and the Owls are 16-6 ATS as underdogs. UCLA didn't show a substantial amount of improvement, other than becoming eligible to play in this contest and frosty environment against a team with a long losing history, doesn't figure to make the Bruins charged-up. Their 28-7 loss to the Trojans has UCLA 2-6 ATS off a loss by 20 or more.
Temple has almost no postseason history, having played in bowls in 1978 and 1934. The Owls only took on three teams playing in bowls and was 1-2 and 2-1 ATS in 2009. The Bruins postseason history is much deeper at 13-15-1 with 11-11 ATS. UCLA has performed much better in the role as underdog compared to favorite like they are in the second EagleBank Bowl. They are 5-10 ATS as chalk, including most recent 2-7 spread mark.
Champs Sports Bowl
Wisconsin still has not-so-distant and not-so-pleasant memories of its last trip to the Champs Sports Bowl. That came last December when the Badgers (9-3, 6-6 ATS) were spanked 42-13 by Florida State. For 2009, Miami-Fl. is the opponent, and though head coach Bret Bielema's team is two games better than it was a year ago, the Hurricanes (9-3, 6-6 ATS) present an imposing challenge. Miami ended up having played one of the country's tougher schedules featuring eight bowl teams (5-3 SU & ATS). The Badgers were matched against seven postseason participants (4-3, 2-5 ATS) and failed to win or cover versus the last three.
This bowl has had more name changes than the emotions Urban Meyer has gone through in the last week (Tangerine, Blockbuster and Micron PC) and annually has been one of the least competitive bowls, as since 1993 only three games have been decided by a touchdown of less. Maybe a cheap tire company should be the sponsor in the Blowout Bowl.
Wisconsin has to have QB Scott Tolzien play well or the Badgers probably can't win just running with John Clay. They need balance and throwing to talented tight ends and underrated WR Nick Toon, prevents Miami from stuffing the box. Off their demolition of Hawaii (51-10), Wisconsin is 21-6-1 ATS next after conceding 20 or fewer points.
Miami must have quarterback Jacory Harris at the top of his game. The Hurricanes undoubtedly have more offensive weapons, speed and athleticism, however if Harris is under pressure in the pocket, the offense tends not function as proficiently. It would make sense for Miami to play to strengths and come out throwing, testing the Badgers with their speed and determine how they react, which leads to running the ball with Graig Copper and their stable of backs. The Canes have covered five of last seven against teams with winning records.
Miami is a 3.5-point favorite, with total of 58 and despite most recent 7-3 ATS bowl mark, the Hurricanes are 10-24-1 ATS as favorites. The Badgers have covered the number just once in last seven encounters against squads with winning records and are 4-9 ATS as underdogs.
Wisconsin has become a bowl regular and is 9-10 with 9-8 ATS mark. This will be the Badgers sixth straight trip to the Sunshine State for bowl activity and the eighth consecutive time they will be an underdog in the postseason (3-4 SU & 4-3 ATS). Miami is 18-14 as a bowler, with above average 14-10 ATS record. The Hurricanes are 11-9 ATS as faves, but 1-3 ATS the last four times. The ACC team in the Champs Bowl has six-game winning streak with 4-2 ATS record.
Tuesday's Bowl Breakdown
By Judd Hall
Established programs and a pair of clubs that haven’t played a 13th game in a while will be on display this Tuesday as the bowl season chugs along. Bettors have two contests on the board to peruse. Let’s take a look at both battles.
UCLA vs. Temple
You wouldn’t think about heading to Washington, D.C. as a reward for your regular season. Yet that’s exactly what we have here with the EagleBank Bowl from RFK Memorial Stadium on ESPN at 4:30 p.m. EST.
This game has been a tough one for the sportsbooks to handicap as they’ve installed UCLA (6-6 straight up, against the spread) as a four-point “chalk” with the total coming in around 45. You can wager on the Owls to get the outright victory for a return of plus-160 (risk $100 to win $160).
It’s strange to see the Bruins favored over anyone since they were listed as faves just four times all season long (4-0 SU, ATS). It’s especially surprising when you consider their attack is averaging only 21.3 points per game to rank 99th in scoring offense.
You can point to Rick Neuheisel using redshirt freshman Kevin Prince as his starting quarterback. Prince has shown flashes of brilliance, like when he nailed 65 percent of his passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns at Oregon State. However, he has connected on 47 percent of his passes for 251 yards and two picks in his last two outings.
There is reason to be optimistic about UCLA’s aerial assault as the Owls giving up 226.8 YPG through the air to place 74th in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Al Golden’s squad is even better against the run, ranking 20th by giving up 108.8 YPG on the ground.
That rush defense will have a solid outing against the Bruins’ ground game. UCLA’s top rusher, Jonathan Franklin, has tallied just 560 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Chane Moline has come on recently as he’s found the end zone five times in B’s last four games.
To say that Temple (9-3 SU, 8-3 ATS) is happy to be here would be an understatement. This is just the third time that the Owls have been to a bowl game in 110 years of organized football. Although some would argue they were organized for much of the 80s and 90s.
The Owls come into this game with one of the better running games in the nation. They are currently 23rd nationally, averaging 192.3 rushing YPG. That might have something to do with an offensive line that averages 318 pounds per man.
When you have an o-line that could only dwarfed by Rosie O’Donnell, you can rack up some big numbers. That’s what freshman runner Bernard Pierce has done to run for 1,308 yards and 15 scores to rank 11th amongst all running backs.
UCLA has done a decent job against the run this year, giving up 144.4 YPG on the ground. However, the Bruins will be heading into this matchup without defensive lineman Brian Price. All he’s done is rank second nationally with 22½ tackles for a loss.
We mentioned earlier that the Bruins have been great as favorites this year. But Temple has gone 2-1 SU and 3-0 in the three matches that they were posted as an underdog this season.
The ‘over’ has gone on a 7-0 run for the Owls to close out the regular season. Meanwhile, UCLA has watched the ‘under’ go 9-3 this season.
Temple has only played against three clubs from the Pac-10 since 1996. They’ve gone 0-3 SU and 1-2 ATS in those meetings.
Wisconsin vs. Miami
Tuesday’s festivities close out with the Badgers making the trip to the Citrus Bowl in Orlando for a battle with Miami (9-3 SU, 6-5 ATS) for the Champs Sports Bowl on ESPN at 8:00 p.m. EST.
The betting shops aren’t too keen on siding with one team big for this battle. You can tell that with the Hurricanes being listed as 3½-point favorites with a total of 58. You can wager on the Badgers to win on Tuesday night for a plus-140 return (risk $100 to win $140).
Wisconsin (9-3 SU, 5-6 ATS) is making its way back to “The City Beautiful” after closing up the regular season with four wins in its last five games to get its second straight trip to this postseason locale.
The Badgers are coming into this game with a little bit of a chip on their shoulder. They came into this same fixture last season with a 7-6 record and were systematically destroyed by Florida State, 42-13.
This edition of Bret Bielema’s team has shown that it has a lot more spirit and talent than the unit of a year ago. But the Badgers still go to their bread and butter plan to have any success, the running game.
In 2008, Wisky averaged 211.2 YPG on the ground with 31 scores to rank 14th in the nation. They’re still 14th in the country with 31 rushing touchdowns, but are a shade off in yardage with 206.7 rushing YPG.
Wisconsin is moving the chains on the ground with the work of Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year John Clay. All Clay has done this season is amass 1,396 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in 2009, with nine of those scores coming in the final five tests.
Clay will be in for his toughest challenge this week since taking on the Buckeyes on Oct. 10. Miami’s rush defense gave up just 118.3 YPG on the ground, which ranks 28th nationally. And the ‘Canes have wins against a pair of teams with quality running attacks like Georgia Tech and Oklahoma.
The knock on the Badgers from last year’s performance in the Champs Sports Bowl is that they couldn’t stop the Seminoles from throwing on them at will for 276 yards and two scores. Wisky was respectable this year in surrendering 219.9 passing YPG.
Wisky isn’t going to be getting any favors from the Hurricanes and Jacory Harris. Miami is 27th in the nation with 268.1 YPG via the skies. Harris has flourished this year under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Mark Whipple for a 60.4 completion percentage for 3,164 yards and 23 touchdowns to just 17 picks. Although, 10 of those interceptions have come in his last six starts of the 2009 campaign.
Miami isn’t focused solely on throwing the ball; they’ve got a proper ground game to use. Graig Cooper and Javarris James have combined to pick up 1,157 yards and nine touchdowns. This duo gives the ‘Canes a much needed change of pace. But what will they be able to do against a defense that is eighth in the nation, giving up just 90.5 YPG on the ground this season?
This is the third time these two teams have met on the field. Miami won both meetings by a combined score of 74-6. I should point out that these meetings took place in 1988 and 1989, which is a time that the Hurricanes’ antics would have almost made Caligula blush. Almost.
Wisconsin hasn’t been much to right home about in its postseason soirees, going 5-5 SU and 4-6 ATS. Miami, on the other hand, is 6-4 SU and 7-3 ATS in its last 10 bowl games.
The Badgers have posted a respectable 3-1 SU mark against the Atlantic Coast Conference. Bettors, however, have been wise to fade them in the postseason as they’re 1-3 ATS versus the ACC.
Randy Shannon’s program has gone just 2-2 SU and ATS against the Big Ten since 1999.
vegasinsider.com
What Bettors Need To Know: Eagle Bank Bowl
By Sean Murphy
Betting the numbers
UCLA opened as a 4.5-point favorite but has since been bet up a half-point.
This line could continue to climb as the latest consensus reports indicate that the money has been pouring in on the Bruins at a 3-to-1 clip.
The total has dropped two points since opening at 47. That’s not a big surprise, as we’re not talking about the flashiest of offenses in this matchup.
Trouble Bruin’
UCLA won its first three games of the season before going 3-6 the rest of the way. The Bruins only three conference wins came against three of the Pac-10’s worst teams in Washington, Washington State and Arizona State. It was that late season three-game winning streak that got them into this Bowl game.
Any success the Bruins are going to have in this game will likely have to come from their defense. They limited opponents to just over 21 points per game on 338 total yards per game over the course of the season. Unfortunately, their offense was held to fewer than 20 points six times. Their backers are hoping they can benefit from taking a step down in class against a MAC opponent.
Note that the Bruins went 4-1 ATS as favorites but 2-5 ATS as underdogs this season.
Owls take flight
Not much was expected of the Temple Owls this season, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. They exceeded expectations by winning nine games, all in succession. It was quite a turnaround after a tumultuous start that saw them lose their home opener against Villanova.
The Owls offense produced over 30 points per game on the strength of an outstanding rushing attack that averaged 192 rush yards per game on 4.5 yards per rush. They own the 23rd ranked rushing attack in the country.
Defensively, the Owls posted numbers on par with those of the Bruins, allowing slightly over 21 points per game on 335 total yards per game. They ranked 19th in the nation against the run, allowing just 108.8 rush yards per game.
Coaching carousel
When the Bruins were searching for a new head coach two years ago, they gave Al Golden, now coaching at Temple, a long look. They liked him enough to give him two interviews, but not enough to choose him over Rick Neuheisel.
While Neuheisel has guided UCLA to a 10-14 record over two seasons, Golden just finished leading his Owls to their first winning season since 1990. That was enough to earn him MAC coach of the year honors.
Injury report
The Bruins are hoping to have the services of QB Kevin Prince after he suffered a shoulder injury in their regular season finale against USC. Ryan Taylor, the team’s starting center is likely to be held out due to a foot injury.
The Owls should have super frosh RB Bernard Pierce back in the fold after he missed the final two regular season games with an injured shoulder. Pierce ran for over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.
Even if Pierce can’t go, the Owls are still in good hands with Matt Brown. He ran for 425 yards and four touchdowns on 6.5 yards per rush in relief of Pierce this season.
What Bettors Need To Know: Champs Sports Bowl
By Ben Burns
Miami (9-3, 7-5 ATS) seems like a prohibitive favorite over Wisconsin (9-3, 6-6 ATS) in Tuesday’s Champs Sports Bowl. But the Hurricanes opened up giving only two points.
To most, that seemed too low for a team perceived to be more talented than the Badgers and certainly with a more impressive resume.
Miami owns high-profile wins over Georgia Tech and Oklahoma and, with a strong core of young playmakers, is poised to be ranked in or near the Top 10 next season.
In contrast, Wisconsin’s best wins came against Michigan State and Fresno State. Plus, who doesn’t remember the Badgers’ performance in last year’s 42-13 Champs Sports Bowl loss to Florida State?
Naturally, early action on the Canes bumped them up to -3, with several -3.5’s available online entering the weekend. With the number already past a field goal, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the line move even higher, although most Las Vegas books refused to budge off 3 as of Saturday afternoon.
But it appears bettors are more likely to get the Badgers at +4 than the Hurricanes at anything less than -3.
Injuries
Miami quarterback Jacory Harris has been hampered by a painful right thumb on his throwing hand.
The injury occurred in a Nov. 14 loss at North Carolina, a game in which Harris threw four interceptions.
He played through the pain in two convincing wins to end the season, 34-16 over Duke and 31-10 over South Florida. But the thumb is still bothering him.
"I thought my finger was just going to heal," Harris told the Miami Herald at the start of bowl practice. "But maybe something else is wrong with it. It's still the same as it was for the North Carolina game. I've gotten used to it"
It won’t keep him out.
The more costly injury for the Canes is the loss of starting left offensive tackle Jason Fox. The team’s MVP and projected first-day draft pick, Fox will miss the bowl game after having knee surgery.
Junior Orlando Franklin will replace Fox on an offensive line that struggled to protect Harris this season. Miami is 91st in the nation in sacks allowed. Wisconsin is 21st in the nation in sacks recorded.
Wisconsin has no notable injuries.
Statistically speaking
Wisconsin: Balanced and more explosive than in recent years, the Badgers owned the Big Ten’s top offense this season.
Wisconsin averaged 32.75 points per game. But those stats are a little misleading. Against the two best defenses they faced, Ohio State and Iowa, the Badgers, managed just 13 and 10 points respectively in back-to-back October losses to the Buckeyes and Hawkeyes.
Defensively, the Badgers are eighth in the nation against the run and didn’t allow a Big Ten foe to rush for more than 100 yards all season.
Miami: The Hurricanes are battle-tested after competing against the 16th toughest schedule, according to the Sagarin Ratings.
Miami does the majority of its damage through the air and has multiple big-play receivers capable of exploiting Wisconsin’s Big Ten speed.
However, how will the loss of their top offensive lineman affect the Canes passing attack? If the Badgers are able to hit Harris often, will his dinged-up thumb be able to hold up?
The Total
The total opened up at 58.5 and has seen very little movement.
Miami averages 31.67 points to go along with Wisconsin’s 32.75 points a game.
The Canes went 6-6 over/under, with an average total of 49.5.
Wisconsin went 8-4, over/under, with an average total of 52. The last four Badger games have gone over the total.
The game’s in Orlando, so weather is not expected to be a factor.
John Clay vs. Miami run defense
The Hurricanes allow only 114 yards on the ground per game.
Wisconsin averaged more than 200. Something has to give.
Clay, the Big Ten Player of the Year, is a horse who got stronger as the season went along. He has rushed for more than 100 yards in five straight games.
UCLA (6-6 SU and ATS) vs. Temple (9-3, 8-3 ATS)
Temple returns to the postseason for the first time in 30 years and faces the Bruins for the first time ever when these surprise bowl entrants clash inside RFK Stadium in the nation’s capital.
The Owls posted just their fourth winning season in the past 30 years and their first since 1990. They rattled off nine straight wins before losing to Ohio 35-17 as a two-point road favorite in the regular-season finale, keeping them from winning the Mid-American Conference’s East Division and a berth in the league championship game.
UCLA won three of four (2-2 ATS) to close the season and earn its first postseason bid since 2007, but the Bruins didn’t secure a spot in this game until Army lost to Navy on Dec. 12. The postseason looked like a pipedream when UCLA dropped five straight games in October (1-4 ATS), and despite the 3-1 surge at the end of the season, the Bruins – under second-year coach Rick Nueheisel – still only finished eighth in the Pac-10 at 3-6 (both SU and ATS). They ended the year with a 28-7 loss to archrival USC as a 13-point road underdog.
Going back to the 1993 season, UCLA has dropped eight of 11 bowl games, including a 17-16 loss to BYU in the 2007 Las Vegas Bowl. However, the Bruins cashed as a six-point underdog in that contest.
Temple scored 24 points or more in each of their nine consecutive wins (7-2 ATS) and held the opposition to 19 points or less six times. The Owls are led by MAC Freshman of the Year Bernard Pierce who rushed for 1,308 yards and 15 touchdowns. Temple has rushed for more than 200 yards in six straight games and it is ranked 23rd in the nation in rushing at 192.3 ypg. Defensively, Temple is 19th in the country against the run, yielding just 108.8 ypg, and sophomore Adrian Robinson was the MAC Defensive Player of the Year.
The Bruins were held below 20 points six times this season and averaged a paltry 21.3 points and 339.3 yards per game. Part of the problem for the offense was inconsistent QB play from freshman Kevin Prince, who threw for just 1,829 yards with six touchdowns and seven interceptions. Three QBs – Prince, Kevin Craft and Richard Brehaut – combined for 11 INTs versus just eight TD passes.
While the offense sputtered, UCLA’s defense carried the team, yielding just 21.2 points and 338.3 yards per outing, including 194 passing ypg. The Bruins have the nation’s best pass thief in safety Rahim Moore, who had nine interceptions this season, and two third-team All-Americans in defensive tackle Brian Price, who had 34½ tackles for losses, and cornerback Alterraun Verner (5 INTs).
Temple is on several positive ATS streaks, including 9-3 overall, 4-1 as an underdog, 5-1-1 after a non-cover and 4-0 in non-conference action. UCLA is just 1-5 ATS in its last five against winning teams, but otherwise is on ATS streaks of 5-1 in December, 6-1 as a favorite, 4-0 in non-conference games and 17-8 following a non-cover.
The Owls are stayed below the posted total in eight of 11 after a non-cover, but they have topped the number in seven straight overall and four of five as underdogs. Meanwhile, the Bruins are on a plethora of “under” streaks, including 34-16-1 overall, 5-2 in bowl games, 7-2 as a favorite, 4-1 in December, 19-6-1 against winning teams and 14-3 after a straight-up loss.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
(24) Wisconsin (9-3, 5-6 ATS) vs. (14) Miami, Fla. (9-3, 6-5 ATS)
The Badgers are making their sixth straight trip to Florida for a bowl game, this time facing streaking Miami in the Citrus Bowl, with this being just the second matchup of ranked teams this bowl season.
Wisconsin won four of five (3-2 ATS) to close the season, but lost its rivalry game at Northwestern on Nov. 21, falling 33-31 as a seven-point road chalk. The Badgers then went to Hawaii two weeks later and scored an easy 51-10 victory as 11½-point favorites. Wisconsin scored 31 points or more in each of its last five games (average of 39 ppg), but in back-to-back SU and ATS losses to Ohio State (road) and Iowa (home) in October, it was held to just 23 total points.
Miami also won four of five (2-3 ATS) to close the regular season, but dominated the final two weeks, crushing Duke 34-16 (pushing as a 19-point home chalk) and then going to South Florida and rolling to a 31-10 victory (cashing as a 3½-point favorite to end the regular season).
These squads haven’t met since a home-and-home series in 1988 and 1989, when Miami was one of college football’s elite squads and outscored Wisconsin 74-6 in the two games. However, the teams split the cash, with the ‘Canes laying 32 points on the road and 40 points at home.
The Badgers are in their eighth straight bowl game, but dropped each of the last two. Last year, Wisconsin played in the Champs Sports Bowl and fell to Florida State 42-13 as a six-point underdog, and in January 2008, the Badgers dropped a 21-17 decision to Tennessee in the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla., coming up just short as 2½-point underdogs.
This is Miami’s ninth postseason trip in 10 years, going 5-3 SU in the first eight. Last year, the ‘Canes traveled across the country to San Francisco for the Emerald Bowl and fell to California 24-17, but cashed as 10-point underdogs.
RB John Clay was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year for the Badgers, rushing for 1,369 yards and 16 TDs this season. Wisconsin’s rushing attack ranks 14th in the nation at 206.7 ypg. Defensively, the Badgers were extremely inconsistent, giving up 28 points or more six times while holding five opponents to 20 points or less. However, they were strong against the run, yielding just 90.5 rushing ypg (2.9 per carry).
Miami is led by sophomore QB Jacory Harris, who ranked 15th in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 3,164 yards and 23 TDs, but he did tie for the most INTs in the nation with 17. The Hurricanes scored at least 27 points in nine of 12 games, and if you take away a seven-point effort against Virginia Tech (31-7 loss) and a 21-20 win over Oklahoma, Miami averaged 39.9 ppg. Defensively, the ‘Canes held the opposition to 20 points or less in six of their final nine contests and yielded just 264 yards per game in their final four games, holding three of those opponents to 17 points or less.
Wisconsin is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven against teams with a winning record and 4-9 ATS in its last 13 as an underdog. Miami is on several positive ATS streaks, including 7-3 in bowl games, 3-0 against non-ACC foes, and 5-2 against teams with a winning record, but the ‘Canes are also on pointspread slides of 10-24-1 as a favorite and 2-5 in December.
The Badgers are on “over” streaks of 4-0 overall, 8-1 after a straight-up win, 4-2 in non-conference play and 6-1 after a spread-cover. On the flip side, the Hurricanes are on a plethora of “under” runs, including 35-15 in non-conference play, 4-1 in bowl games, 4-1 in December contests, 6-1 against winning teams and 14-7 after a spread-cover.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MIAMI, FLA.
Bowling Along
By Bodog
We’re in the middle of one of the craziest bowl seasons in recent memory – and the big college football clashes are still to come. Head coaches are leaving (or not), teams are suspending players (and head coaches), and somewhere in the middle of all that, there are actually some very good games going on. Nothing like a little off-field chaos to make the college football lines that much more vulnerable.
EagleBank Bowl: UCLA vs. Temple from RFK Memorial Stadium at 4:30 p.m. EST
Here’s a typical December bowl matchup between a mediocre BCS conference rep and one of the top independent teams in the country. UCLA plodded their way through the Pac 10 (6-6 SU, 6-6 ATS). while the Temple (9-3 SU, 8-3 ATS). The Bruins had a worse record, but a much tougher strength of schedule, and are therefore laying four points in the Owls' backyard. Temperatures at chilly RFK Memorial are expected to dip below freezing under clear skies. The Bruins have seen the 'under' go 9-3, while the Owls have watched the 'over' go 8-3.
Also typical is the role motivation will play in this game. UCLA is traveling across the country to play in a minor bowl, while the Owls are based in nearby Philadelphia and are thrilled to be playing in any bowl at all.
Champs Sports Bowl: No. 15 Miami, Fl. vs. No. 25 Wisconsin from Florida Citrus Bowl at 8:00 p.m. EST
The Hurricanes and Badgers may have finished with identical 9-3 records, but Miami had the much tougher road to the postseason going through the ACC. The ‘Canes lost to three-ranked teams, while Wisconsin coughed up a 33-31 loss at Northwestern in Week 12. Miami has the faster and more athletic players on both sides of the ball and will lay 3 1/2-points in what many would be a virtual home game at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. Before you run to the counter, realize that the 'Canes don't travel well and Wisconsin will fill the stadium.
One problem for the ‘Canesin this matchup is QB Jacory Harris (23 TDs, 17 INTs) will be playing with a sore thumb on his right hand – his throwing hand. He might not be able to keep up against Wisconsin, who had scored 32.8 points per game and has cashed in the 'over' four times in a row.
Tips and Trends
UCLA Bruins vs. Temple Owls
UCLA (-4.5, O/U 45.5): UCLA was the very last team to make it into a Bowl game this season, with a season record of 6-6 SU. The Bruins have been very streaky this year, featuring two different 3 game winning streaks, along with a 5 game losing streak this season. UCLA is 2-4 SU and 3-3 ATS on the road this year. The Bruins are an impressive 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS this season as the listed favorite. QB Kevin Prince is healthy again, but not sure if that's a good thing for UCLA. Prince has only completed 56% of his passes this year, and has more INTs than TDs (7 to 6) this year. This Bruins offense has been held under 20 PTS in exactly half of their games this season. In games the Bruins are favored in they've played great defense, limiting 4 of their 5 opponents to 14 PTS or fewer. This Bruins defense has forced 11 turnovers in their last 3 games.
UCLA is 6-1 ATS last 7 games as a favorite.
Under is 14-3 last 17 games following a SU loss.
Key Injuries - DB Marlon Pollard (face) is doubtful.
QB Kevin Prince (shoulder) is probable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 27 (OVER - Total of the Day)
Temple: To say Temple is exciting to be playing in a bowl game would be a slight understatement. This is the first bowl game for Temple in 30 years. The Owls had won 9 consecutive games SU before losing to Ohio in their last game. This is only the 4th winning season in the past 30 years of Temple football. The Owls are 4-2 SU and 5-1 ATS away from home this season. Temple is also 3-0 ATS as an underdog during their improbable season, with 2 of those wins being SU. This Owls offense has scored 34 PTS or more in 3 of their past 4 games, mostly due to their running game. The Owls have rushed for more than 200 YDS in 6 straight contests. Freshman RB Bernard Pierce rushed for more than 1,300 YDS with 15 TDs this season. 6 of the Owls 11 opponents scored fewer than 20 PTS this season. The Owls are 19th in the nation at stopping the run, allowing less than 110 YPG.
Temple is 6-1 ATS last 7 games as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points.
Over is 7-0 last 7 games overall.
Key Injuries - RB Bernard Pierce (shoulder) is probable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 24
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Miami Hurricanes
Wisconsin: Wisconsin finished the regular season at 9-3 SU, and are playing in the Champs Sports Bowl for the 2nd season in a row. Wisconsin has won 4 of their past 5 games in getting to the Champs Sports Bowl. The Badgers are 3-2 SU and 2-3 ATS on the road this season. Today will represent only the 3rd game this season Wisconsin is the underdog, having gone both 1-1 SU and ATS this year. Wisconsin has scored at least 31 PTS in 4 of their 5 road games this season, with a season high 51 in their last game in Hawaii. Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year RB John Clay leads a rushing attack that averages over 205 rushing YPG, 14th in the nation. Clay has 1,375 rushing YDS of his own including 16 TDs for the season. The Badgers need to improve their defense away from home, as they've allowed at least 28 PTS in every road contest but one this season.
Badgers are 1-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 9-1 last 10 games following a SU win.
Key Injuries - OL Bill Nagy (foot) is doubtful.
OL Peter Konz (lung) is doubtful.
PROJECTED SCORE: 24
Miami (-3, O/U 58): The 14th ranked Hurricanes will be playing in their home state today attempting to win double digit games for the first time in 6 seasons. Miami was 4-2 SU and 3-3 ATS away from home this season. The Hurricanes were 2-4 ATS this season as a single digit favorite. Miami comes into todays bowl game having lost 4 of their past 6 games ATS, all as the listed favorite. QB Jacory Harris leads a Hurricanes offense that averages 31 PPG for the year. Harris has thrown for more than 3,150 YDS which ranks him 15th in the Country. Harris has also thrown for 23 TDs, but is tied for the most INTs in the nation with 17. RBs Graig Cooper and Damien Berry combined for over 1,200 rushing YDS this year. Defensively, the Hurricanes have held 3 of their past 4 opponents to 17 PTS or fewer. All 3 of the Hurricanes losses this year came when they gave up more than 30 PTS to their opposition.
Miami is 7-3 ATS last 10 bowl games.
Under is 6-1 last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
Key Injuries - QB Jacory Harris (thumb) is probable.
DL Eric Moncur (calf) is questionable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 34 (Side of the Day)