Saturday NCAAF Gameday News and Notes

SEC Notes

The SEC Championship Game is all set with Alabama and Florida poised to collide in perhaps the most anticipated matchup in the annals of league history. When I spoke with Kenny White, the Chief Operating Officer at Las Vegas Sports Consultants, earlier this week, he told me that if there are no major injuries between now and Dec. 6, “we’re thinking Florida minus seven.”

At Sportsbook.com in its “Game of the Year” section, ‘Bama is currently listed as a 14-point home ‘chalk’ for next week’s Iron Bowl against Auburn. Likewise, the Gators are 14-point road favorites at FSU.

Let’s take a look at this week’s SEC contests.

**Tennessee at Vanderbilt**

--Vanderbilt (6-4 straight up, 7-3 against the spread) clinched its first trip to a bowl game since 1982 with last week’s 31-24 win at Kentucky as a 3 ½-point favorite. D.J. Moore had a monster night for the Commodores, who hooked up money-line backers with a plus-140 payout (risk $100 to win $140). Moore caught two touchdown passes from Chris Nickson and also intercepted two passes playing on both sides of the ball.

--Nickson was sensational at UK, completing 15-of-27 passes for 155 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also rushed for 118 yards, while Jared Hawkins also produced 84 yards and one touchdown on the ground. Nickson now has an 8/2 touchdown-interception ratio for the season. He also has a 16-15 record in 31 career starts at Vandy.

--Tennessee (3-7 SU, 3-7 ATS) is coming off one of the most embarrassing losses in school history, a 13-7 home loss to Wyoming as a 27-point home favorite. Jonathan Crompton and Nick Stephens were horrible at the quarterback position, combining to complete just 14-of-36 throws for 118 yards, one TD and two interceptions, including a pick-six.

--With Crompton and Stephens playing like scrubs all season long, lame-duck coach Phillip Fulmer will turn to redshirt freshman B.J. Coleman as this week’s starter. Coleman has never taken a meaningful snap in a UT uniform – until Saturday, that is.

--Dating back to 1975, Vandy has only been favored over Tennessee twice. In 1982, the ‘Dores beat UT 28-21 as three-point home favorites. However, in 1984, the Vols won 29-13 as 2 ½-point road underdogs.

--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Vandy as a 3 ½-point favorite this week. As of late Wednesday afternoon, most spots had the Commodores favored by three with a total of 37 1/2. Bettors can back UT to win outright for a plus-135 return (risk $100 to win $135).

--The Vols have won 24 of the last 25 games in this series, but Vandy is 3-1 ATS in the last four head-to-head meetings. UT captured a 25-24 win last season as a 12-point home favorite, but the Vols needed the ‘Dores to miss a last-second field goal to preserve the outright win and go on to eventually win the SEC East.

--The ‘under’ has cashed in nine straight games for Tennessee. In fact, the Vols have only seen one ‘over’ this season and that’s only because their loss to UCLA went to overtime.

--The ‘under’ is 9-3-1 in Vandy’s last 13 home games.

--Raycom Sports will provide television coverage at 12:30 p.m. Eastern.

**Arkansas at Mississippi State**

--LVSC opened this game as a pick ‘em with a total of 42 ½. As of late Wednesday afternoon, most spots had the Razorbacks marked as one-point favorites.

--Arkansas (4-6 SU, 4-5 ATS) had an open date this past weekend after dropping a 34-21 decision at South Carolina as a 12 ½-point underdog. Despite the non-cover by just one-half point, Bobby Petrino’s team has covered the number in four of its last five games.

--Mississippi State (3-7 SU, 3-6 ATS) has lost three of its last four games and four in a row ATS. The Bulldogs are off a 32-7 loss at Alabama as 21-point underdogs. They also lost one of their best defensive players, senior DT Jessie Bowman, to a quad injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season. All-SEC safety Derek Pegues suffered a concussion against the Crimson Tide, but he is expected to play this week.

--Sylvester Croom’s team is 2-2 SU and 2-3 ATS at home, while Arkansas is 1-3 SU and 2-2 ATS on the road.

--Arkansas can still go to a bowl game if it wins this week and against LSU next Friday in Little Rock.

--The ‘under’ has cashed in four of MSU’s last five games.

--The ‘over’ is 3-1 in the Hogs’ four road outings, while the ‘under’ is 3-1 for the Bulldogs at home.

**Ole Miss at LSU**

--LVSC opened LSU (7-3 SU, 2-7 ATS) as a seven-point favorite, but the Tigers were just four-point ‘chalk’ at most spots Wednesday. The Rebels are plus-145 on the money line. LVSC sent the total out at 54.

--Ole Miss (6-4 SU, 6-3 ATS) is headed to a bowl game for the first time since 2003 in Houston Nutt’s first year in Oxford. The Rebels got bowl eligible by virtue of last week’s 59-0 clubbing of ULM. They easily took the money as 24-point home favorites.

--Jevan Snead threw for three touchdowns without an interception last week. Cordera Eason ran for 106 yards and one TD against the Warhawks.

--As this space suggested last week in Bonus Nuggets, LSU got all it wanted from Troy last week. In fact, the Tigers avoided a colossal disaster only by rallying for the biggest comeback in school history. They trailed the Trojans 31-3 midway through the third quarter before scoring 37 unanswered points to capture a 40-31 triumph. Nevertheless, Troy backers still cashed tickets catching 16 points.

--LSU’s Charles Scott rushed for 90 yards and a TD against the Trojans, while Brandon LaFell had a career night with 12 receptions for 126 yards and one TD.

--As a home favorite during Les Miles’ four-year tenure, LSU has been atrocious for our purposes. The Tigers are 8-16 ATS in such spots. They are 0-6 ATS at home this season.

--Ole Miss owns a 3-0 spread record as a road underdog this year.

--The ‘over’ is 6-3 overall for LSU, 6-2 in its last eight games. Meanwhile, the ‘over’ is 5-4 overall for the Rebels, 2-2 in their road games.

--Kick-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Eastern on CBS.

vegasinsider.com.

College bettors power poll Week 13
By ALEX SMART

1: Florida Gators (8-2 ATS (against the spread, 10-1 SU (straight up) (LW: 4) There isn’t a hotter team in America than the Gators, who crushed South Carolina 56-6 last weekend. The Gators have now covered six straight games. In their L/5 (last five), they have outscored their opponents 261-56 and have averaged covering the five spreads by an astounding 24.2 points per game.

Next Up: Home vs. The Citadel (No Line)

2: Oklahoma Sooners (7-2 ATS, 9-1 SU) (LW: 2) The Sooners were off last weekend in preparation for their shootout with the Red Raiders. They’re just 3-2 ATS at home this season, but have covered their last three spreads by scoring an average of 62 points per game.

Next Up: Home vs. Texas Tech (-7)

3: Oklahoma State Cowboys (8-2 ATS, 9-2 SU) (LW: 1) Oklahoma State bettors opened up the year 8-0 ATS, but have now dropped two straight after coming up short of covering their spread in their 30-17 victory in Boulder. They’ve got a week to prepare for Bedlam and still could find themselves in the mix for an at-large spot in the BCS.

Next Up: Bye

4: Ball State Cardinals (7-2 ATS, 10-0 SU) (LW: 2) The quest for perfection continued for Ball State last week when it beat the Redhawks 31-16. It wasn’t enough to cover the 17.5-point spread, though. The Cards will get their toughest test of the season when they travel to Central Michigan to do battle with the Chippewas.

Next Up: at Central Michigan (-6)

5: Florida International Golden Panthers (7-2 ATS, 4-5 SU) (LW: 6) Without a doubt, this has been the best season in the history of Florida International’s football program. The Golden Panthers are 3-0 ATS at home and hope to continue that trend this week against Louisiana-Monroe.

Next Up: Home vs. Louisiana-Monroe (-6)

6: North Carolina State Wolfpack (7-2 ATS, 4-6 SU) (LW: 12) Head coach Tom O’Brien may still feel like a fool for leaving Boston College for NCSU, but his Wolfpack have been frisky for football bettors this year. For the second straight week, they were 3.5-point underdogs, and for the second straight week, they notched an outright victory. They’re dogs for the 10th time this season, but have covered five straight.

Next Up: at North Carolina (+11.5)

7: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-2-1 ATS, 7-3 SU) (LW: 10) The Ramblin’ Wreck watched the carnage unfold in the ACC in their bye week and now find themselves in a position to force a massive dog pile at three losses in the Coastal Division this week if they can find a way to cover and beat Miami for the fourth straight season.

Next Up: Home vs. Miami (FL) (-4)

8: Texas Longhorns (8-3 ATS, 10-1 SU) (LW: 14) The three-game losing streak against the football betting line is over for Texas bettors, who picked up an easy win with the Longhorns’ 35-7 victory in Lawrence. With just one game left on the schedule, there’s not much more they can do than just sit there and hope that enough teams lose in front of them so they can play in the National Championship game.

Next Up: Bye

9: Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-2-1 ATS, 10-0 SU) (LW: 11) Judgment Day is here for the No. 2 team in the country. The Red Raiders have had all sorts of success in Lubbock, but are getting no respect in Norman for their game with the Sooners. This is the highest hurdle left for head coach Mike Leach and T-Tech, which is three wins away from a chance to play for the National Championship.

Next Up: at Oklahoma (+7)

10: Alabama Crimson Tide (8-3 ATS, 11-0 SU) (LW: 15) Alabama might be the No. 1 team in the nation, but they’re not even the favorite to the win the national title from its own conference. Many expect to see the SEC title game with Florida to be a No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown for the right to play in Miami for the all the marbles. They rolled over the Bulldogs 32-7 last weekend, easily covering the spread in spite of some 1st quarter troubles.

Next Up: Bye

11: Penn State Nittany Lions (6-3-1 ATS, 10-1 SU) (LW: 5) All of the betting trends last week suggested that Penn State would get back in the win column for its sports bettors, but it wasn’t to be in spite of its 34-7 win against Indiana. Even though the National Championship is probably out of reach, they’ll be the first team to book their reservations to the BCS with a win next week against Michigan State.

Next Up: Home vs. Michigan State (-14.5)

12: Oregon State Beavers (7-3 ATS, 7-3 SU) (LW: 19) The Beavers were flying under the radar until a couple weeks ago and they’re now two victories from shocking the world and going to the Rose Bowl. They’re 8-1 SU and ATS against Arizona, which is the last road test on the schedule for OSU.

Next Up: at Arizona (+3)

13: Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (7-3 ATS, 5-5 SU) (LW: 8) The bad news for the Ragin’ Cajuns is that they lost to FAU 40-29 over the weekend for their second straight loss ATS and SU. The good news is that they can still win the Sun Belt with victories in their final two games of the season, starting with a trip to Troy next week.

Next Up: Away @ Troy (+7.5)

14: Texas Christian Horned Frogs (7-3 ATS, 9-2 SU) (LW: 16) TCU won’t crack the BCS or win the Mountain West this year, but there’s nothing to hang heads about in Fort Worth. The Horned Frogs still have the top ranked defense in the country and will wrap up the regular season next week against Air Force.

Next Up: Home vs. Air Force (-19)

15: Air Force Falcons (7-3 ATS, 8-3 SU) (LW: 9) It’s hard to fault Air Force for losing 38-24 to BYU last weekend to wrap up their home schedule. The Falcons are quietly the forgotten team in the MWC and very well could sneak up on someone from a power conference given the right matchup in a bowl game. They’re 1-4 SU and ATS against TCU since 1989.

Next Up: Away @ Texas Christian (+19)

16: Tulsa Golden Hurricane (6-3 ATS, 8-2 SU) (LW: 7) In a span of three weeks, Tulsa went from a potential BCS buster to a team with little chance of winning its own conference. The Golden Hurricane got spanked 70-30 by Houston and now needs help to represent the West in the C-USA title game for the second straight year. A trip up against Tulane or Marshall would be devastating.

Next Up: Home vs. Tulane (-28.5)

17: Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-3 ATS, 7-4 SU) (LW: 20) The Gophers will be kicking themselves for failing to win either the Little Brown Jug or Paul Bunyan’s Axe, but their football bettors won’t mind the latter after they stuck within the 13-point spread by losing 35-32 to Wisconsin. Bowl positioning will be on the minds of a lot of Big Ten teams this week, including in Minnesota’s game with the Hawkeyes.

Next Up: Home vs. Iowa (+6)

18: California Golden Bears (7-3 ATS, 6-4 SU) (LW: 13) Cal took its best shot at helping out USC and a bunch of BCS at-large hopefuls, but couldn’t beat Oregon State over the weekend. The Golden Bears lost 34-21 and will look to avenge last year’s 20-13 loss to their rivals from Stanford this weekend.

Next Up: Home vs. Stanford (-9)

19: Vanderbilt Commodores (7-3 ATS, 6-4 SU) (LW: 22) They did it! For just the fourth time in school history, the Commodores are going bowling following their 31-24 victory in Lexington last weekend. They can improve their positioning next week against a pathetic Tennessee team, which narrowly kept them from bowling in Jay Cutler’s senior season.

Next Up: Home vs. Tennessee (-3.5)

20: Baylor Bears (7-3 ATS, 4-7 SU) (LW: 25) Bears bettors love it when Baylor is favored. It moved to 3-0 SU and ATS by crushing the Aggies 41-21. Barring catastrophic injuries to everyone on Texas Tech this weekend, they won’t be favorites again until 2009.

Next Up: Bye

21: Central Michigan Chippewas (6-3 ATS, 8-2 SU) (LW: NR) The Chippewas haven’t been at home since Oct. 18 and they wrapped up their three-game road trip with a huge 33-30 overtime victory over Northern Illinois as short underdogs. All of the marbles in the MAC West are on the line this week when they host undefeated Ball State.

Next Up: Home vs. Ball State (+6)

22: Temple Owls (6-3-1 ATS, 3-7 SU) (LW: 17) Temple fell short in its final road game of the season, losing to Kent State 41-38. The Owls have now only covered the spread once since Oct. 4, but will have a decent chance to bump their record against an Eastern Michigan team that is just 2-7 ATS in its L/9 overall.

Next Up: Home vs. Eastern Michigan (-10.5)

23: Utah Utes (6-3-1 ATS, 11-0 SU) (LW: NR) Are the Utes one step away from the BCS? If it can knock off BYU in its regular season finale, it sure appears that Utah will be headed to its second BCS game in school history. Last week, the Utes racked up the style points, pounding San Diego State 63-14, but the task gets much tougher this weekend against a 10-1 BYU team which beat them 17-10 last year in Provo.

Next Up: Home vs. Brigham Young (-6)

24: Buffalo Bulls (7-3 ATS, 6-4 SU) (LW: NR) No one has circled the wagons of late like the Buffalo Bulls. Buffalo covered its third straight game against Akron last weekend by winning 43-40 in overtime as short underdogs and assured that the team would be bowl eligible for the first time in school history. The Bulls have their eye on a greater prize though, as two more wins will send them to the MAC title game.

Next Up: Away @ Bowling Green (+3.5)

25: Stanford Cardinal (7-4 ATS, 5-6 SU) (LW: NR) Stanford has had a fantastic season, and could still reasonably reach a bowl game with a win in its final game. The Cardinal stuck within the 24-points against USC with a meaningless touchdown as time expired in its 45-23 loss. Nothing would be sweeter for Stanford than to knock off its rivals from Cal for the second straight season.

Next Up: Away @ California (+9)

Dropped Out: Boise State (18), Iowa (21), Florida State (23), Northern Illinois (24)

Games to Watch - Week 13

Michigan State at Penn State

Penn State (10-1 SU, 7-3 ATS) blew its chances of earning a likely spot in the BCS championship game after losing to Iowa (24-23) on Nov. 8 but the school can win the Big Ten with a victory against Michigan State (9-2 SU, 6-5 ATS) on Saturday. A win for the Nittany Lions would help the school make a return trip to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1994. If the Spartans win, then Ohio State would capture the conference if its beat Michigan at home. Otherwise, Mark Dantonio and MSU would be heading to Pasadena. Michigan State has fared well on the road this year, going 3-1 both SU and ATS with the lone loss coming on Aug. 30 at California (38-31). The Spartans will pin their hopes on running back Javon Ringer (1,548 yards, 20 TDs) but he could have trouble against a PSU defense that his holding opponents to 101.5 YPG on the ground. QB Daryll Clark and the Nittany Lions' offense are averaging 45.4 PPG but lately it's been stagnant. Last week, the unit was held to 10 points to Indiana in the first half before adding 24 in the final 30 minutes for a 34-7 victory. Michigan State rallied past Penn State 35-31 last year as a 2 ½-point home underdog. The Spartans outscored the Lions 28-7 after trailing 24-7 midway through the third quarter. PSU started the year 7-1 ATS but has failed to cover its last two games. Oddsmakers tabbed the Lions as 14 ½-point home favorites for this matchup, while the total is hovering at 48. The 'over' has gone 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings.

BYU at Utah

The "Holy War" between Utah (11-0 SU, 6-4 ATS) and BYU (10-1 SU, 3-7 ATS) is always considered a must-see game in the Beehive State but this matchup has conference championship implications and a possible BCS berth as well. If the unbeaten Utes defeat the Cougars at Salt Lake City on Saturday, then the school would capture the Mountain West and a likely BCS at-large berth. BYU can earn a share of the MWC crown with a victory, which would be the third straight year that the team wins a portion of the conference. This year's matchup will pit BYU's explosive offense (447 YPG, 36 PPG) against Utah's stellar defense (284 YPG, 16.6 PPG). Ten of the last 11 meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less and most would expect another barnburner. The game could come down to quarterback play and both BYU's Max Hall (71.5%, 34 TDs) and Utah's Brian Johnson (20 TDs) are legit. The Cougars have burned gamblers this year with a 3-7 ATS ledger, while Utah has padded bankrolls with a 6-4 mark against the number. BYU has won the past two meetings against Utah, including a 17-10 win last season in Provo. The combined 27 points fell 'under' the total of 48, snapping a three-game 'over' run in the series. The last two games played in Salt Lake saw some fireworks with a combined 64 and 73 points posted on the scoreboard. Utah has been tabbed a six-point 'chalk', and the total is listed at 53 ½.

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

It's obvious that the Big East is down this year but gamblers better keep an eye on this Cincinnati (8-2 SU, 5-4 ATS) team. Head coach Brian Kelly and the Bearcats have quietly ripped off three straight wins and have put themselves in a position to win the Big East and a BCS berth on Saturday with a victory versus Pittsburgh (7-2 SU, 4-5 ATS). The Panthers would certainly get the inside track on the conference and BCS berth if it wins on the road, but would still need victories against WVU and UConn to close the year. Something will have to give at Nippert Stadium in this year's battle, with Cincy owning a 4-0 record at home and Pitt remaining undefeated (4-0) on the road. The Panthers have won all seven meetings against the Bearcats, including three (3-0 ATS) since Cincy joined the Big East. Cincy had a shot to end the drought against Pitt last year but the team was outscored 11-0 in the fourth quarter en route to a 24-17 road setback. LeSean McCoy (137 yards) led a Pitt ground game that ripped up 260 yards against Cincy. McCoy and Pitt will enter this game rested but they still have to face a stout Bearcats' defense that has given up 112 YPG on the ground. The Panthers are 2-0 both SU and ATS as road underdogs this year, earning outright wins over South Florida (26-21) and Notre Dame (36-33). Pittsburgh has been listed as a six-point road puppy in this battle.

Texas Tech at Oklahoma

The Big 12 took a one-week hiatus last weekend but returns this Saturday with a huge showdown in Norman between Texas Tech (10-0 SU, 5-3 ATS) and Oklahoma (9-1 SU, 7-2 ATS). The Red Raiders are two wins away from winning the Big 12 South and a chance to play in the conference title game. The problem for T-Tech will be going to Norman, where Oklahoma has won 23 straight contests including five this season by double digits. The books are expecting a shootout for this primetime tilt and deservingly so too, listing the 'over/under' at 77 points. Oklahoma (51.4 PPG) and Texas Tech (47.9 PPG) are ranked first and third nationally in scoring offense, plus each unit has had two weeks to tweak any inadequacies in their attacks for Saturday. The Big 12 isn't known for its defense this year, largely due to the high-profile attacks in the conference. If there is one unpredictable factor in football, it's turnovers and that's where Oklahoma has the edge. Bob Stoops and company own a plus-16 turnover ratio, which is the best margin in the country. The home team has won four straight in this series, including Texas Tech's 34-27 victory in Lubbock last season. The dangerous duo of QB Graham Harrell and WR Michael Crabtree helped the Red Raiders build a 27-10 halftime lead and hold on for the victory. What should be noted is that Sooners lost starting QB Sam Bradford in the first quarter to a concussion. Bradford has been nothing short of brilliant this year, tossing for 3,046 yards and 38 TDs while completing 68% of his passes. Those numbers are sick, but still a little short of Harrell (4,077 yards, 71.7%, 36 TDs). The Sooners have been listed as seven-point favorites on Saturday. The Red Raiders have been listed as underdogs once this season, upsetting then top-ranked Texas 39-33 on Oct. 1 as 3 ½-point pups.

vegasinsider.com

College four-play: Week 13 predictions
By JON CAMPBELL

As I watched Darius McClure’s college football career tumble to the turf in a heap of celebratory gloom on Saturday, I couldn’t help but thinking:

“I feel ya, dawg.”

Not the blown up knee part. Not the Grammatica-esque humiliation McClure suffered from mangling his leg on a botched chest-bump following his first career interception.

OK, maybe a touch of that.

But I’m talking more about the symbolic agony I’m feeling after going 1-3 for the third straight week. I’m now 23-19-2 for the year and running out of real estate on this college season.

You know we’re getting close to the end of things when Michigan-Ohio State week rolls around. And for the first time in Four-play history, I won’t be making a play on this game. It doesn’t deserve it. Not with a 20.5-point spread.

The closest I’ll get to this game is wearing a sweater vest to work today, a la Jim Tressel, for which I have suffered multiple verbal thrashings from co-workers. I honestly don’t know how Tressel goes through life like this.

Let’s get on with the picks and start things off with the real best Big Ten game on the board this week.

Michigan State vs. Penn State (-15.5, 48)

This line seems high for what’s essentially a Big Ten title game.

The problem for Sparty is Penn happens to be pretty good at stopping the run, which means Brian Hoyer is going to have to generate some offense with his arm at some point. He is capable, but he also has a gruesome 49.5 completion percentage.

State’s defense has been tough the last three games though, so that should help him out and be enough to at least cover this number.

Pick: Michigan State

West Virginia vs. Louisville (+7, 46)

I’ve been waiting for Louisville to get good this year, but it just isn’t happening. Oddsmakers just aren’t adjusting enough, either.

West Virginia still has a decent shot at the Big East title with Cincy facing Pitt this week, so I can see a big win here.

Pick: West Virginia

BYU vs. Utah (+7.5, 54)

OMG! It’s the Holy War. The day we find out which school Jesus loves more.

If we’re sticking to biblical reasoning here, I’m going with BYU. Utes supporters have a little too much pride for my liking, the most deadly of the seven sins.

The Salt Lake City council issued a challenge this week to the Provo council that the loser of this game has to sing its opponent’s fight song in front of the winning side’s council.

"The BCS is written all over this thing for Utah," Salt Lake City councilman Eric Jergensen pronounced earlier this week.

According to a report in the Salt Lake Tribune, Provo responded with this:

"The Provo City Council accepts your challenge. Please wear blue."

Mormans and their gambling.

Pick: BYU

Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma (-7, 75)

This is kind of a big game, you might have heard. Something about BCS national championship implications.

It's so tempting to take Oklahoma. It can’t be humanly possible to beat Texas, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma all in a row, can it?

But if you look at the Sooners’ defensive numbers lately, it’s hard to come up with reasons why they’ll be able to keep Tech below 100 points on Saturday. Oklahoma has allowed at least 28 points in its last five games against some average competition and only held one of those (shoddy A&M) to fewer than 400 yards.

Sacks are what the Sooners do best on defense, where they rank second in the nation, but that’s a wash because TT is No. 2 in sacks allowed.

Tech’s defense, on the other hand, isn’t getting the credit it deserves. The Raiders have allowed a respectable 24.7 points per game and 352.4 yards over their last three against some of the best offenses in the nation.

Points will be scored in this one, but defense will ultimately decide things.

Pick: Texas Tech

What bettors need to know: Texas Tech at Oklahoma
By CHRIS MARAKOVITZ

Line moves

The Oklahoma Sooners opened as 6-point favorites and were quickly bet up to -7. After dropping down to -6.5 it has now returned to a touchdown.

The total has climbed steadily to 75 after opening at 68 points.

Against the spread

Oklahoma is 7-2 ATS this season, 3-2 ATS at home. Over the last three years they are 11-5-1 ATS in Norman.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders are 5-2-1 ATS in 2008, 3-1 ATS on the road. They hold an 8-8 spread mark on the road over the last three seasons.

Head-to-head

The home team is 8-2 in the last ten games in the series. Tech’s only win in Norman came in 1996.

Last year, the Red Raiders torched Oklahoma’s national title hopes by knocking off the Sooners 34-27 in Lubbock. It should be noted, though, that OU quarterback Sam Bradford went down early in that game with a concussion after the team’s second drive.

Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach and Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops are no strangers. Leach served as offensive coordinator under Stoops in 1999-2000.

Stoops to conquer

For those who may be wondering why Oklahoma is a 7-point favorite, consider this: In 10 years with the program, Stoops is 54-2 SU at home. Conversely, Leach is 20-24 SU on the road at Texas Tech (40-10 at home).

Oklahoma holds the nation’s longest home-winning streak at 23 games. Its last loss in Norman came in the 2005 season opener, 17-10 to Texas Christian.

Stoops is also 16-7 off a bye while Leach is 7-6.

The situation

Barring a loss in the regular season finale against Baylor, Tech can clinch a shot at the national title via the Big 12 Championship game with a win over Oklahoma.

If Oklahoma wins, it would set up a three-way tie in the Big 12 South between itself, Texas Tech, and Texas. If all three finish up 7-1 in the league, then the highest ranked team in the BCS will play for the Big 12 championship.

In all likelihood, Oklahoma would be that top-ranked BCS team with a win over Tech and Oklahoma State next week.

QB duel

It doesn’t get any better than this in terms of quarterback play.

Most people know that Red Raiders QB Graham Harrell is having a ridiculous season. He boasts a 71.7 completion percentage, 407 yards per game, 36 touchdown passes and just five picks.

In fact, since throwing three interceptions in the first two games of the season, Harrell has been picked off just twice for a 33-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the last eight games.

Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford might be just as good. He sports a 67.9 completion percentage, 340 yards per game, a 38-6 TD-INT ratio and the No. 2 passing efficiency rating in the nation.

Best in the biz

There’s no question who the best wide receiver in this game is.

Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree, according to some, is the best college receiver since Larry Fitzgerald. The reigning Biletnikoff Award winner scorched the Sooners with 12 receptions for 152 yards and one TD last year.

Crabtree has gone 13 consecutive games with at least five receptions and one score. He is one shy of the all-time record held by the aforementioned Mr. Fitzgerald.

Un-Stoops-like D'

Oklahoma is in the middle of the pack nationally in yardage and points allowed per game. Statistically it may be the worst defensive unit of the Stoops era.

Injuries have been a part of the problem. The Sooners lost key linebacker Ryan Reynolds for the season against Texas. They will also be without two members of their four-man defensive end rotation, including preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Auston English.

If there is one bright spot, it may be that the defense has a penchant for big plays. They are first in the nation in turnover ratio, 21st in turnovers generated, third in sacks and ninth in tackles for a loss.

OU special teams struggling

If the Oklahoma defense is average at best, the special teams are downright awful. The team is ranked 108th in kickoff coverage, allowing 25.6 yards per return.

Texas A&M’s Cyrus Gray set an Aggie team record with 261 return yards against the Sooners, including a 98 yard TD return. Oklahoma also allowed TD returns of 97 and 96 yards against Cincinnati and Texas respectively.

The kicking game isn't much better. Punter Mike Knall averages just 35.8 per kick and the team is ranked 93rd in net punting. Not to be outdone, kicker Jimmy Stevens has missed four extra points and three-of-five field goal attempts from beyond 30 yards.

Stoops is relentlessly working his special teams in practice. He claims they are looking better but it remains to be seen whether it will carry over to game day.

College football appetizers: Betting Week 13's tasty morsels
By JASON LOGAN

If Week 13 of the college football season was a meal, Texas Tech at Oklahoma would be the main course. Everyone wants a bite of this tasty matchup that is just dripping with national championship implications.

But maybe you want to start with something smaller Saturday or don't really have the stomach for heavy-bet, media-saturated goodness. There are plenty of alternatives and appetizers on the college football board, so loosen the belt and don't forget to tip your waiter.

Michigan Wolverines at Ohio State Buckeyes (-20.5, 44.5)

What used to be prime rib has some how morphed into a two-dollar steak. The Game has lost its luster with the Wolverines struggling to stay out of the Big Ten basement. They will miss bowl season for the first time since the mid 70s and are already looking ahead to next year.

“We've hardly taken any action at all (on this game),” says Jeff Stoneback, sportsbook manager for the MGM Mirage in Las Vegas. “It's just not the key matchup with Michigan playing so poorly.

“It is just another game now here in Las Vegas. Unless you're a Michigan or OSU fan, no one really cares.”

It's rare this classic rivalry is out done by any other game on the sked, let alone one in the same conference. But the Wolverines and Buckeyes are second fiddle to the Michigan State at Penn State game kicking off three hours later.

But then again, it's Michigan vs. Ohio State.

Washington Huskies at Washington State Cougars (+6.5, 49)

Apple Cup? More like Craple Cup. (Pause for laughter)

Two of football's most God-awful teams collide in this once mighty rivalry gone rotten. Both programs have just one win between them and that victory came against Div-II foe Portland State. Washington State has already broken the Pac-10 record for points allowed in a season and Washington hasn't faired much better.

“There was early wise action on Washington State at +8 this week which dropped the line down to Washington -6.5,” says Randy Scott, sportsbook manager for betED.com, “but since then it has moved back up onto the key number -7.”

Scott says some of that early action could have something to do with Cougars quarterback Kevin Lopina. The junior pivot is coming off a concussion suffered against Arizona State last weekend. He returned to practice Wednesday and is expected to start in a 101st meeting between these state rivals.

Brigham Young Cougars at Utah Utes (-7, 53.5)

Brigham Young has a chance to snuff out its rivals’ BCS dreams with an upset win in Salt Lake City Saturday. The Utes remain undefeated in the Mountain West and the Cougars are the only ones standing between them and a truck load of money.

Books are seeing a bit of money come in on Utah, but the lack of action on this game isn't surprising.

“When you put two teams from Utah in the mix, there aren't a lot of fans coming out and placing wagers,” says Stoneback. “If you're a BYU fan, you're definitely not a better.”

The Holy War may come down to who takes better care of the football. The Utes, especially quarterback Brian Johnson, struggled with turnovers earlier in the year but seem to have gotten a handle on the reigns in the second half of the season.

The Cougars have coughed the ball up six times in their last three games including a fumble and interception against Air Force last Saturday.

Pittsburgh Panthers at Cincinnati Bearcats (-6, 48.5)

A shot at the Big East title is on the line when Pitt and Cincy meet for the River City Rivalry. Each team has just one loss in conference play and with a win Saturday, could wrap up the league championship in their final game of the season.

“There was early wise action placed on Cincinnati -5 this week which raised the line to -5.5,” says Scott. “We agree with the wise guys in this one and will be looking to move this line up. The public action on this game has been light with no significant decision yet.”

The Bearcats follow this game with a walk through against Cuse and then a trip to Hawaii, where teams seem to focus on surf and sand and not the Warriors. The Panthers still have the Backyard Brawl with WVU and a tricky trip to UConn left after this weekend.

Junior quarterback Tony Pike has them living through the air in Cincinnati (WKRP joke) since taking over the starting job due to multiple injuries to the QB corps. He left last week's game versus Louisville with a bruised sternum but is expected to start against Pitt. If Pike goes down again, Cincy still has senior Dustin Grutza, who made his return Friday after missing two months with a fractured fibula.

First aid kit: NCF line-shifting injuries
By EDDIE FRANKS

MICHIGAN (+20.5) at OHIO STATE

INJURY: Michigan QB Steven Threet suffered a concussion late in the game against Purdue three weeks ago.

STATUS: Doubtful

ANALYSIS: This line opened at Ohio State -19 when there was no information on Threet’s status for this weekend. It was believed he would return for the Ohio State game after missing games the last two weekends against Northwestern and Minnesota, but it appears Threet’s condition hasn’t improved. Since it was announced that Threet would likely not play against the Buckeyes, the line has moved to -20.5. Sophomore Nick Sheridan will start in Threet’s place. He has played in seven games scoring two touchdowns versus five interceptions. Neither quarterback has had much success in Rich Rodriguez’s system and there is some question if there’s much difference for Michigan with either quarterback under center. Still, it’s something bettors should monitor.

PITTSBURGH (+6) at CINCINNATI

INJURY: Cincinnati QB Tony Pike suffered a broken arm on September 27th vs. Akron, but has played the last four weeks.

STATUS: Probable

ANALYSIS: This line opened at Cincinnati -4 after rumors early in the week suggested that Pike suffered a setback. Sharps saw no serious concern and pounded the home favorite early, moving the line to -6. If there is any truth to the rumors, it would have a large impact. Pike has clearly been the Bearcats’ MVP when he’s been on the field. There have been no further reports of problems and Pike should be good to go.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE (+11) at NORTH CAROLINA

INJURY: North Carolina QB T.J. Yates broke his ankle September 20th vs. Virginia Tech.

STATUS: Unknown

ANALYSIS: Cameron Sexton has struggled as the starting QB after replacing T.J. Yates over the past six weeks and now that Yates is healthy there may be a change taking place. Butch Davis announced that the quarterback competition was open this week, but the coach hasn’t been giving much detail about the on-going battle for the starting job. This line opened with UNC as 11.5-point favorites but the uncertainty at the QB position has led to a lack of North Carolina money. We’ve dropped the line to 11. This line would have been much higher if Yates had been announced as the starter. A UNC win this weekend and against Duke next week could put the Heels in the ACC title game. But with Sexton’s troubles behind center, many of our bettors are waiting for the announcement. Keep an eye on this game as the Tar Heels currently offer great value if T.J. Yates is suddenly announced as the starter.

Texas Tech at Oklahoma
By Judd Hall

At the end of October, it was the Longhorns that were running the demon gauntlet known as the Big 12 South. They had vanquished the likes of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State in successive weeks. Yet Texas’ unbeaten season was ruined in its first true road test of the year against the Red Raiders.

That loss by the ‘Horns was sort of like a passing of the guard to Texas Tech. Mike Leach’s club has had to negotiate its own tough road. The Raiders beat UT with just second left in regulation on Nov. 1. Oklahoma State though it could catch them off guard after such an emotionally exhausting game, but they lost 56-20. A trip to the national title game is now well within reach of the Red Raiders.

As impressive those two wins were in the eyes of the pollsters and computers. Yet the sportsbooks were content to install the Sooners as seven-point home favorites with the total in the 76 to 76½. Bettors can take advantage of a plus-210 (risk $100 to win $210) money line on the Red Raiders to pull off the upset on the road in one of the toughest venues in all of college football, Oklahoma’s Memorial Stadium.

If you met that line earlier this week with some surprise, you weren’t the only one. Ken White, head oddsmaker for Las Vegas Sports Consultants, is right there with you.

“Personally, I made the line Oklahoma by three,” says White. “I think the home field advantage that the Sooners enjoy in Norman has a lot to do with this over-inflated line.” It’s hard to argue with that logic since Bob Stoops has amassed a 57-2 record straight up at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium when he became head coach in 1999.

White continued, “Texas Tech has the stronger offensive line, linebackers and secondary…while the running and passing games are very equal.”

Brobury Sports’ head oddsmaker, Eddie Franks, has taken notice of what the public is doing at his betting shop. “That victory over Texas is still the only win over a Top 5 opponent that the Red Raiders have ever had.” Franks concludes, “Yet that hasn’t stopped the public to account for 74 percent of the early action on Texas Tech as a road pup.”

The Red Raiders have always been known for their passing offense under Leach. The 2008 edition is no exception as Texas Tech leads the nation with 433.7 yards per game through air. Graham Harrell is the maestro of this offensive opera, compiling 407.2 YPG by himself in 10 games.

Texas Tech’s signal caller wouldn’t be able to have stats like that if it weren’t for one of the most complete offensive lines in the country. The Red Raiders’ o-line brought back all five starters from the 2007 season, two of which are still juniors. And the fearsome five weigh around 331 pounds per man. This wall has allowed Harrell to be sacked just five times all year long.

Harrell’s favorite target is future first round draft pick, Michael Crabtree. The sophomore from Dallas, Texas averages 7.8 receptions per game with 101.0 YPG and 18 touchdowns. But don’t forget about five-foot eight-inch Eric Morris. The dimuntive receiver has snared just over five passes a game for 59.5 YPG and six scores. Morris plays a very similar style to what Wes Welker did while with the Red Raiders in that he runs quick slant patterns with the occasional run mixed in for good measure.

Offense isn’t the only thing the Red Raiders have this season, they also have a stout defense. They returned their entire defensive line along with two starters from last year’s linebacking corps. What that type of veteran leadership has given defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill is a rush defense that is ranked 20th in the nation, allowing just 107.4 YPG on the ground. A big difference from 2007, when they surrendered 177.0 rushing YPG.

As good as they are against the run this year, Texas Tech is still susceptible through the air. We can easily deduce that when they allow 244.0 YPG passing this season. But there is a silver lining to that news when you consider that defensive backs Darcel McBath and Daniel Charbonnet have combined to pick off opposing quarterbacks 11 times.

That defense will get a workout when it faces the Sooners this weekend.

Oklahoma hasn’t scored fewer than 58 points in its last three games of the year. One of the reasons for that kind of output is a balance between the ground and air attacks.

Sam Bradford is second in the nation when it comes to passing efficiency with a 188.9 rating for the season. It’s easy to see how he is ranked so high after completing 58.7 percent of his passes for 886 yards and 12 touchdowns in his past three games.

Should accuracy come into play for Bradford, he’ll have one of the more potent ground attacks in the country right behind him. Phenom DeMarco Murray is gaining 80.4 YPG on the ground in 2008, while Chris Brown is averaging 80.4 rushing YPG.

The Sooners also have a defense that would make any offensive coordinator age by five years on the sideline. They allow just 23.6 points per game, while picking off more passes (13) than touchdowns via the sky (11). Numbers like that mean the secondary is marking their men well downfield, giving the defensive line a chance to pounce on the QB…which they’ve done to the tune of 3.4 sacks per match, third best in the country.

As if talent and home field wasn’t enough to motivate Bob Stoops’ program this weekend, revenge will certainly play its part. Oklahoma had its national title hopes dashed last season in Lubbock when Bradford left the game early with a concussion. The Sooners were already without Murray was out of the lineup with a dislocated kneecap. Those two setbacks were more than enough to give Texas Tech a 34-27 win as a 7 ½-point home ‘dog.

If the Red Raiders are to pull of this upset, it will be the first time they’ve been able to Texas and Oklahoma in the same season in school history. It’s going to be a tough task considering that Texas Tech hasn’t won in Norman since 1996, when John Blake ran the OU program.

The Sooners are 11-2 SU, but 6-7 ATS when playing after a week off during the regular season since Stoops took over in 1999.

You can catch this game on ABC at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Outside of the latest “game of the season,” it is a pretty quiet night in the league. Only one other game to look over, but it still gives us something to bet on.

Iowa State at Kansas State: The Cyclones can’t wait for the season to end after enduring their ninth straight defeat of 2008. And they’re not helping bettors right now with a 2-7 mark ATS during this skid. Kansas State will be closing the book on Ron Prince’s tenure as head coach. The Wildcats have lost their past five matches, staying within seven points in just one of those tilts. Iowa State has gone 3-1 SU and ATS in its last four meetings with the ‘Cats.

vegasinsider.com

News and Notes - Week 12
By Phil Steele

Week 12

Temple WR Jason Harper had 209 yds receiving, the 2nd most in TU history and it was the most vs Kent St since Randy Moss had 216 in 1997. Over the last 2 years KSU has blown numerous games which they should have won and it looked like they would do it again as they led 21-3 but allowed TU a 3rd & 30, 32 yd TD pass with :13 left in the half and then a 92 yd KR TD to open the 2H and actually trailed 24-21. KSt had a pair of 1st & goals inside the 5 and settled for FG's keeping TU in the game but still managed a 41-38 win with KSt having a 551-354 yd edge...

Kansas was a trendy upset pick but we had Texas as a 3H Key Selection and they rolled to a 35-7 win. They led 14-0 at the half and 21-0 early 3Q. KU's only TD was kept alive by an amazing catch by WR Briscoe who one-handed the reception that was behind him, pinned it to his helmet and went down with the FD to the 6. KU gained 67 of their yds on the final drive which got them to the UT2...

Michigan has been playing football for 129 years but their upset loss at home on Senior Day to Northwestern gave them their most losses in a season ever and 5 home losses for the first time ever. It was the first time they failed to win consecutive games in a season since 1962. UM appeared in good shape at the half leading 14-7 with a 162-81 yd edge but NU scored TD's on their first two 2H poss and the D did the rest as NU moved to 8-3 on the year...

New Mexico hadn't lost 4 in a row since 1998 but with the losing season wrapped up went out in a whimper in their season finale vs Colorado St, which kept alive CSU's post season chances with their 5th win of the year and one game left to play. Gartrell Johnson rushed for 127 yds and topped 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. At the half CSU only had a 219-199 yd edge and finished with only a 389-359 yd edge but won 20-6...

It was windy and 30? in the Ohio St/Illinois game and the Buckeyes opted to keep it on the ground. They ran the ball 52 times for 305 yds with just 10 pass attempts. UI did have a 292-182 yd edge at the half but trailed 23-7 before going on 2 long drives for a pair of short FG's and trailed 23-13. It was 30-13 OSU when the Buckeyes punted with 2:06 left and the Illini went 76/7pl for a garbage TD with :42 left...

Georgia on their 4th consecutive SEC road game got their 2nd consecutive close win and it didn't come easy. UGA got a TD with 8:24 left to lead 17-13 and then Aub was SOD on 4th & 3 at the UGA21 with 4:07 left and on 4th & 1 at the UGA14 with :01 left...

Maryland beat their 4th ranked team on the year and moved to 6-0 at home. There was a couple of keys plays in the tight game. N Carolina, late 3Q, had a 28 yd FG hit the upright. Had they made it, they would have been up by 4. MD took over with 10:25 left trailing by 1 and went on a 73/19pl drive that ate up almost 9:00. They got a 26 yd FG with 1:42 left for the lead and while NC got to midfield their 3rd & 22 pass was int'd at the MD39 with :49 left. UNC remains winless at Maryland since 1997...

Nebraska dominated K-St with a 610-247 yd edge and while they only led 42-28 early 4Q, they got two 4Q TD's for the 28 pt win...

While Southern Miss had a 384-255 yd edge vs E Carolina, it was closer than the final as EC missed 35 and 41 yd FG's in the 1H and trailed 7-3 despite a 147-123 yd edge. EC missed a 39 yd FG in the 3Q and SM went up 14-3 with a TD with 14:06 left then after EC was int'd at the SM3, SM got a 97 yd TD pass on the next play to ice it...

Wisconsin kept the Paul Bunyon Axe but it was closer than expected. UW led 7-0 but the Gophers scored 3 TD's on drives of 11 (after fmbl), 58 and 39 (after 31 yd PR) to lead 21-7 at the half. UW fmbl'd at the Minnesota 29 and 21. The Badgers stormed back to tie it at 24 then almost rec'd a fmbl in the EZ for a TD that was a safety. After another safety, UW led 35-24 but the Gophers got a 4th & 18, 26 yd pass to keep a drive alive and went 60/11pl for a TD with 4:15 left. UM's last drive was int'd at their own 29 and UW took a knee at the UM15...

Penn St had a 23-6 FD edge vs Indiana for the game but only led 10-7 at the half before pulling away in the 2H...

Purdue had a 24-14 FD edge vs Iowa but on one 2Q drive had 2 TD's called back by penalty and settled for a FG and they trailed 12-10 at the half. PU was int'd at the Iowa 5 with 7:11 left, scored a TD with 3:40 left and then got to the Iowa 27 at the end where their Hail Mary pass was knocked down...

Nevada had dominating 23-11 FD and 525-278 yd edges vs SJSt...

There were a couple key plays in the Florida St/Boston College game. There were 3 questionable pass interference calls on 3rd down which kept alive BC drives. BC also got an 87 yd IR TD late 1Q and instead of a tie game, BC led 14-0. Later, with BC clinging to a 7 pt lead, they were stopped on 3rd down, a half yd short but a late hit on Nicholson gave them a FD. Four plays prior to that FSU had been int'd in the EZ on FD from the BC28...

Vanderbilt had an amazing 317-39 yd edge vs Kentucky at the half with UK scoring a TD on a blk'd FG and UK's only FD in the 1H came on a fake punt with 2:00 left in the half. Amazingly the Cats clawed their way back to trail 31-24 and were at the VU23 at the end when they were int'd at the 17 by DJ Moore. Moore got 2 TD rec's in the 1Q, his first 2 career rec's...

Only 59,738 showed up for Rick Neuheisel return to Huskie Stadium. The Huskie fans were upset that Neuheisel left the program but the Huskies would lose their 12th straight game. UCLA scored a TD on the first drive and while it was 7-7 after 1Q, it was 17-7 at the half and UCLA had a 20-10 FD edge with UW managing just 135 total yards offense...

Troy led LSU 31-3 midway through the 3Q but LSU rallied and pulled out the win 40-31...

When Utah had a big game vs TCU on deck they barely got past New Mexico. This time, vs SDSt, even with a big game vs BYU on deck, they piled up 520 yds offense and did not punt the entire evening. Brian Johnson threw 5 TD passes in the 1H in their 63-14 win.

MISLEADING FINALS, BACKDOOR AND FRONTDOOR COVERS

Notre Dame had a 5-1 TO deficit vs Navy but was in complete control of the game. They led 27-7 and had a 2nd & gl at the Navy 4 with just 5:19 left but fmbl'd. They forced a Navy punt with 4:33 left and were playing the backups on both offense and defense. ND went for it on 4th & 3 at the Navy 43 with just 2:30 left and was stopped. Shockingly, Navy went 57/4pl for a TD with 1:39 left, rec'd the onside kick, got a 40 yd pass to the 1 and a TD 2pl later, 27-21 (1:21). ND's ridiculous KR unit allowed Navy to rec the onside kick again and Navy got as close as the ND31 but their 4th & 13 pass fell incomplete with :22 left. On Navy's first 11 drives, just once did they have more than 1 FD!...

Texas A&M had a 5-0 TO deficit vs Baylor. They also trailed 41-7 after 3Q's scoring TD's with 8:49 and 3:45 left in the game for the 41-21 final. BU had a 510-308 yd edge...

Oregon St had a 20-11 FD edge vs Cal but Cal had a 138-120 yd edge at the half. The game was just 27-21 when with :31 left OSU had a 26 yd IR TD for a bit of a misleading final...

UCF/Marshall put up 44 points but 4 of the 5 TD's occurred without an offensive drive. Marshall's P fmbl'd a snap in the EZ and tried to fall on it for a safety but UCF rec'd for a TD. The game's 2nd TD happened when UCF fmbl'd a punt at their own 1 and MU got a TD on the next play on a "1 yd drive". MU then fmbl'd a punt at their own 1 and UCF got a TD 2pl later on a "1 yd drive", 20-7. The game still appeared to be going Under when Marshall was SOD midfield with 2:57 left. MU burned their last time-out but on 3rd & 11 Harvey broke through the line and raced 50 yds for a TD with 2:40 left to put the game Over. Before that 50 yd run, UCF had 198 yds offense...

Arizona St almost got the frontdoor cover vs Washington St as despite leading just 10-0 at the half they opened it up to 31-0 on the first play of the 4Q. They pulled QB Carpenter but backup Sullivan led them to the WSU15 where they were SOD with just 1:04 left. ASU had a 398-130 yd edge...

It was 33?, windy with some snow but Chase Daniel hit his first 12 passes. While Missouri led 31-7 at the half, Iowa St was SOD at the Missouri 20, gave up a 17 yd IR TD and was SOD with :21 left in the half setting up a MO30 yd FG. It was just 38-20 in the 4Q when MO drove for a TD with 13:03 left but ISt went 56/12pl and had a 1st & gl at the 2. They were int'd in the EZ with 7:43 left and MO went 73/8pl for a TD with 3:23 left for the frontdoor cover. ISt got to the MO24 but was SOD...

This blurb could be put under 'A Tale of Two Halves' or 'Feuds' but was an actual backdoor cover. Stanford dominated the 1H vs USC with a 210-91 yd edge. In fact, USC did not get their first FD until early 2Q and SU led 17-10 before USC got a 93 yd KR TD. It appeared it would be a tight ball game until the end with USC getting a TD late 3Q to go up by 7, then going 70/6pl for a TD, then on 3rd & 13 got a 43 yd run foll'd by a 50 yd TD pass to lead 38-17 with 7:35 left. On 4th & 10 SU was int'd at the USC36 and the Trojans drove 64/10pl for a TD with 1:23 left for the apparent frontdoor cover. SU went 56/6pl then Harbaugh trotted out the FG unit at the USC20 and Carroll called time-out. Harbaugh brought back the offense and Loukas hit a 20 yd TD pass with no time left and SU got the backdoor cover in a game that was closer than the final...

Alabama trailed Miss St 7-5 in the 2Q but then their special teams took over. They blk'd a punt for a safety earlier in the game the got an 80 yd PR by Arenas who had 153 yds on 6 returns. He got a 46 yd PR to the 2 to set up another TD and Bama got a TD with 7:58 left in the 4Q to actually get the cover, 32-7...

Oregon led Arizona 45-17 at the half but AU pulled back to 48-45 and the Ducks got a TD with 3:38 left to get the frontdoor cover. The TD came after AZ was SOD at their own 43 and Blount got a 40 yd TD run.

TURNOVERS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

USF amazingly has been favored 16 straight times but lost SU in 8 of them. Against Rutgers they had a 213-126 yd edge at the half but trailed 21-10 and for the game could not overcome a 6-2 TO deficit. Despite having a 25-20 FD edge in the game, USF was wiped 49-16 with USF also missing a 42 yd FG and having a 54 yd'r blk'd. RU opened the season 1-5 but has now won their last 4 completely turning their season around...

The Tulane/UAB game was closer than the 41-24 final. It was 31-24 with 9:24 left when TU faked a punt at the UAB44 and was SOD. Seven plays later UAB got a FG for some breathing room, 34-24 (5:28). UAB got a 36 yd IR TD with 3:34 left to win by 17 and did benefit from a 4-1 TO deficit...

With 2 explosive offenses, you need to score almost every time you have the ball so it's no surprise that Tulsa, which had 5 TO's vs Houston, ended up getting whipped 70-30. UH did have a 641-501 yd edge.

INJURIES OF NOTE

The key play in the Duke/Clemson game happened on Duke's 2nd series. Each team punted on their first 2 poss but Duke lost their star QB Lewis to inj and would generate just 8 FD's and 85 yds passing the rest of the game. CU led 17-0 at the half with a 268-41 yd edge...

Texas was using a 3rd string C after their starter, who had taken 98% of the snaps was out. They did have a fmbl'd snap in KU terr early but still rolled to an easy win...

Tyler Lorenzen ret'd at QB for Connecticut and started for the first time since Sept and hit 7 of 15 for 70 yds. The game was just 25-14 when UC got a 69 yd PR TD and then a 37 yd IR for a TD as UC had a just a 16-8 FD and 329-157 yd edge. Randy Edsell, a Syracuse alum, may have been auditioning for the soon-to-be-open HC spot at Syracuse...

SMU susp'd their top 2 WR's for the rest of the season and it showed vs UTEP as the Miners piled up a 544-201 yd edge.

Brigham Young at Utah
By Brad Young

There will be plenty at stake when Brigham Young and Utah collide in their annual rivalry game. Not only is the Mountain West Conference title up for grabs, but Utah still is in the running for a coveted Bowl Championship Series berth for the second time in school history.

This marks the regular season finale for both schools, with Brigham Young winning 22 of its last 23 conference games. The Cougars have won the last two matchups with the Utes, but stumbled earlier this season when they lost to Texas Christian. A BYU victory could create a three-way tie atop the conference with Utah and TCU.

Utah is enjoying its best season since 2004 when the school went undefeated and won the Fiesta Bowl The Utes are 19-1 their last 20 games overall. A Utah victory doesn’t necessarily guarantee a BCS slot considering Boise State is also unbeaten and in the top-10, while power conferences like the Big XII and SEC figure to get multiple berths.

The Las Vegas Hilton installed Utah as a 7½-point home ‘chalk’ over Brigham Young, with the total set at 53½. The Utes opened as a 5 ½-point favorite before getting public backing. The Mountain will provide coverage of Saturday’s contest from Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET.

BYU (10-1 straight up, 3-7 against the spread) continued its winning ways by upending Air Force last weekend as a four-point road ‘chalk,’ 38-24. The combined 62 points eclipsed the 51-point closing total, enabling the ‘over’ to cash the third consecutive contest with a total attached.

The Cougars broke open a close contest by outscoring the Falcons in the third quarter, 21-3. BYU finished the contest with advantages in first downs (32-21), passing yards (354-98) and time of possession (31:57-28:03).

Signal caller Max Hall completed 28-of-37 passes for 354 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, while wideout Austin Collie caught seven passes for 130 yards and a pair of scores. Running back Harvey Unga paced the ground game with 19 carries for 88 yards and two touchdowns.

Utah (11-0 SU, 6-4 ATS) remained undefeated by routing San Diego State last weekend as a 29-point road ‘chalk,’ 63-14. There was no total on that matchup.

The Utes controlled the contest from start to finish, entering halftime with a comfortable 35-7 advantage. The game ended with Utah leading the Aztecs in first downs (30-19), rushing yards (198-73), passing yards (322-247), turnovers forced (3-1) and time of possession (33:17-26:43).

Quarterback Brian Johnson was 27-of-38 passing for 283 yards with five touchdowns and an interception. Wide receiver Freddie Brown accounted for 11 receptions for 110 yards and two scores, while running back Matt Asiata had 14 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown.

BYU has won the last two games in this series SU (1-1 ATS) after prevailing last season as a 4 ½-point home favorite, 17-10. The combined 27 points never seriously threatened the 47-point closing total. Eleven of the past 12 meetings in this series have been decided by a touchdown or less.

BYU linebacker Daniel Sorensen (ankle), linebacker Shawn Doman (appendix), defensive back Andrew Rich (head) and tight end Dennis Pitta (MCL) are ‘probable’ versus the Utes, while tight end Ray Feinga (back), defensive tackle Terrance Hooks (knee) and defensive back Scott Johnson (groin) are ‘questionable.’

Utah is reporting no players as ‘probable,’ ‘questionable’ or ‘doubtful.’

Saturday’s forecast for Salt Lake City calls for mostly sunny skies with just a 10 percent chance of rain. The projected high is 52 degrees, with a low of 30.

vegasinsider.com.

Trends Favor Rebels
By Marc Lawrence

Sayonara

From a handicapping perspective, this especially holds true when our squad that is about to check out meets these 'value laden' criteria:

a) they must have won 2 or fewer games last season
b) they are on the road, without rest, in their season finale
c) they own a win percentage of .200 > this season
d) their opponent's win percentage is .444 PPG, and making sure we allow < 34 PPG, we improve our numbers to 19-7-1 ATS. And by making sure our opponent did not win two games ago by 10 or more points, we ratchet our record up to 19-4-1 ATS.

UNLV qualifies this week.

While neither the Rebels nor the Blazers will be bowling this season, this year’s teams certainly improved leaps and bounds over last year’s editions. A season-ending pointspread win would be the Saki-making statement to that effect!

Football Cheat Sheet
by: Marc Lawrence

Thanksgiving day is a time for family and friends to gather around the dinner table and share meaningful thoughts. The week before Thanksgiving finds a bountiful schedule filled with meaningful games, especially on the fast-closing college card.

Here is this week’s take on some of the big game on taps on the College and NFL cards this weekend. Remember, Series History reflects results in head-to-head battles between the two teams. All results are ATS (Against The Spread) unless noted otherwise.

Michigan State at Penn State

Series History: Spartans beat the Lions, 35-31, as 2.5-point home dogs last season. Host is 4-2 last 6 games.

Michigan State Key Stat: Head coach Mark Dantonio is 10-2-1 as a dog of 7 or less points but only 6-10 as a dog of more than 7 points.

Penn State Key Stat: Lions are 5-1 versus rested opponents.

You Need To Know: The loss to MSU last year relegated PSU to the Alamo Bowl. A win this year sends them to the Rose Bowl.

Byu at Utah

Series History: The Cougars have beat the Utes each of the last two years in dramatic fashion late in the game. While the visiting team is 0-4 in the series of late the visitor was 11-0 prior to the previous four meetings.

Byu Key Stat: Cougars are 14-7 as conference road dogs, including 5-0 off a SU and ATS win.

Utah Key Stat: Utes are 4-0 versus .333 or less opposition and 2-4 versus greater than .333 opposition this season.

You Need To Know: Undefeated teams playing their final game of the season are 7-6 SU and 1-11-1 ATS when facing a .600 or greater opponent.

Texas Tech at Oklahoma

Series History: The Red Raiders defeated Oklahoma, 34-27, as 7.5-point home dogs last season. Tech is 0-4 SU and ATS in this series when playing off back-to-back losses with every loss by more than 10 points.

Texas Tech Key Stat: Head coach Mike Leach is 4-10 on the road when his team is unbeaten.

Oklahoma Key Stat: Head coach Bob Stoops is 6-1 at home with conference revenge.

You Need To Know: 5-0 or greater road teams are 37-28 SU and 20-40 ATS.

College & News & Notes

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati- Who is the true Beast of the Big East?…Bearcats 4-0 at home, Panthers 4-0 on road…Cincy off back to back road wins at West Va & L’ville…LeSean McCoy 1000+ yards, 16 TD

Michigan @ Ohio State- Wolverines have scored 21 pts or less in 7 of 11 games…while allowing 45 or more 3 times…Buckeyes have allowed only USC past the 21 point mark…OSU has won last 4 by 16, 4, 3 and 11 points

Air Force @ TCU- Falcons won last year 20-17…Oklahoma only team to score more than 14 pts against Horned Frogs this season…teams have combined 17-5 record, and are part of top-tier of Mtn West Conference along with…

BYU @ Utah- Whittingham 35-10 SU in 4th year with Utah…Utes have 5 wins by 7 pts or less, incl identical 13-10 scores over New Mexico & TCU…Utah has held last 4 opponents to 16 pts or fewer…Cougars have scored at elast 38 in 4 straight…Max Hall 34 TD, 8 INT…BYU last team to defeat Utah (17-10 in Provo last year)…

Michigan State @ Penn State- Spartans coming off only bye week of season…Ringer averaging 32 carries per game…Hoyer less that 50% completions with just 9 TD passes…Penn State has held 9 opponents to 17 pts or less…Nittany Lions lost 35-31 at East Lansing last year after leading 24-7 in 3rd qtr.

Big Ten Notes
By Judd Hall

It has been tradition for as long as I can remember that the Big Ten championship would be decided the Saturday before Thanksgiving. That won’t change this season, but the location of where the will be decided has from Columbus to State College.

Penn State is in the driver seat this weekend as they can win and clinch Joe Paterno’s second trip to the Rose Bowl since joining the league in 1993.

The Nittany Lions rode its top ranked offense in beating up on Indiana as 35 ½-point home favorites last week, 34-7. JoePa’s defense is also top notch, ranking fourth in the nation by giving up 258.6 yards per game during the 2008 campaign.

PSU is tough to stop on offense because of all the ways they can beat you. Quarterback Darryl Clark can beat you with both his arm (59.9 completion percentage, 1,978 yards, 13 TDs) and his legs (261 rushing yards, eight scores). Evan Royster is a force to be reckoned with as well, gaining 1,123 yards on the ground and 12 touchdowns. Clark also has three wide receivers at his disposal that are capable of making big plays in Jordan Norwood (33 catches), Deon Butler (40 catches) and Derrick Williams (36 catches).

Michigan State bounced back from its embarrassing 45-7 home defeat to the Buckeyes on Oct. 18 by winning three straight matches.

Mark Dantonio’s program has been able to keep itself in the mix for the Big Ten title thanks to a defense that ranks third in the league against the pass (191.4 YPG) and fourth in scoring defense (19.5 points per game).

The Spartans rely heavily on Javon Ringer to run the ball. So far, he’s done his job by gaining 140.7 YPG on the ground this year with 20 touchdowns. Ringer has had issues when playing against top shelf teams, being held to a combined 147 yards and two score in MSU’s two losses against the Golden Bears and Buckeyes.

Las Vegas Sports Consultants have installed the Nittany Lions as 15 ½-point home favorites with a total of 48. Bettors can take the Spartans to perform the upset for a hefty return at plus-550 (risk $100 to win $500).

Home teams have held serve in this head-to-head matchup, going 8-2 straight up the last 10 games. The hosts have accommodated bettors…especially when they’re favored as evidenced by their 6-4 mark against the spread. Totals players should note that the ‘over’ has gone on a 4-1 run when these programs face off at Beaver Stadium. Michigan State is 3-1 SU and ATS on the road this year.

Aside from the Badgers, who are bringing Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo into town for a breather, there are four matches Big Ten squads against one another:

Michigan at Ohio State: Things haven’t gone well for Rich Rodriguez in his first year at Michigan, posting just three wins and guaranteeing the worst record in the program’s storied history. And they failed to win back-to-back games for the first time since the 1960s. It doesn’t appear it will get much better in Columbus, where the Buckeyes are 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS versus the Wolverines under Jim Tressel. Ohio State must overcome some history in this spot as it has never beaten Maize and Blue five years in a row.

Indiana at Purdue: The Hoosiers were able to take home the Old Oaken Bucket last year after beating Purdue, 27-24, in Bloomington. But this game is purely for the degenerates out there in gambling land. Indiana hasn’t seen much go right recently as it is 1-8 SU and 2-6 ATS. The Boilermakers aren’t making Joe Tiller’s final season a memorable one by dropping seven of their last eight fixtures, covering the spread in three of them. They should make Tiller’s final game on the sidelines a positive time since Purdue is 9-2 SU and 6-5 ATS versus its in-state rivals.

Illinois at Northwestern: The Fighting Illini are a long way from their Rose Bowl appearance of a season ago. Now they must win this weekend to even get a sniff of an invite to the Motor City Bowl at best. The Wildcats come into this contest with a nice 21-14 win at Michigan last Saturday in inclement weather. Home teams are 6-4 SU, but just 5-5 ATS in the last 10 battles for the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk. Also, the past nine years has seen the program with the better record walk away with the hardware in this season ending rivalry.

Iowa at Minnesota: The Golden Gophers were without wide receiver Eric Decker last week in Wisconsin and it showed. Minnesota only converted three of its 12 third downs in a 35-32 road loss to the Badgers. Luckily for Tim Brewster’s team, Decker is expected to be back in the lineup this Saturday as they fight Iowa for the Floyd of Rosedale. The Hawkeyes avoided the letdown last weekend in downing Purdue, 22-17. The Gophers are seven-point home favorites for this matchup. Home field advantage has been paid off as the home team is 7-3 SU and 6-4 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head matchups.

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