Mr A
Utah State at Boise State
Boise State has won the last seven meetings, going 6-0-1 ATS. In the last meeting, the Broncos hammered the Aggies, 52-0 in Utah. Look for Boise State to give Utah State another whipping at Bronco Stadium. They are superior on both sides of the ball. The Broncos have won their last 47 regular-season home games and its last 36 conference games at home. Utah State has lost their last four road games. Mercy on the Aggies!
Boise State Broncos -35
California Golden at U-S-C
The seventh-ranked Trojans look to win their sixth straight game. They have outscored their last five opponents 207-27, shutouts in three of the last four. Take the Trojans at home! The Bears solid offense is scoring an average 36.5 points per game, but it won't be easy against the Trojans' powerful defense. California is 1-6 both straight-up and against the spread in their last 7 games on the road, while Southern Cal is 5-0 both straight-up and against the spread in its last 5 games at home.
U-S-C Trojans -22
Chicago Bulls +1½
Portland Trail Blazers -8½
Tony Mathews
Florida vs. Vanderbilt
Selection: Vanderbilt +24
Letdowns are a big problem for teams, but the Gators victory against Georgia last weekend is arguably the “mother” of all letdowns. The Gators wanted revenge with a fury and that is exactly what they got. But that huge victory will come at a price for this week’s game where the emotional and physical high they had will diminish as they go on the road to face Vanderbilt. The Commodores will be a shock to the Florida system as the Gators prepare for a SEC home game against South Carolina on deck.
Vanderbilt started the season 5-0 but has since lost 3 consecutive games. Those losses didn’t indicate any bad performance on the part of the Commodores however, because they lost by only 16 points combined and two of those defeats came by only a field goal. Two weeks ago, Vanderbilt was defeated by Duke University even though they outgained the Blue Devils by a total of 41 yards. The Commodores have had extra time to prepare for this game as well as the fact that they are currently 3-1 at home.
Vanderbilt’s bye came at the most opportunistic time with not only the added prep, but also the expected return of WR George Smith and CB Darlron Spead. Anticipation is high for the Commodores in their ability to get their 6th victory this season which would make them Bowl eligible for the first time in over 25 years. This victory would fuel championship aspirations in the SEC East because they would be behind Florida by only a half-game. An upset win would be huge leap but it is definitely not an impossibility.
Vanderbilt has a great defense and it is probably more solid than it has been in a long time. The Commodore defense is ranked 37th in the nation for total defense but it is one that can bend but doesn’t break. The Commodores have allowed an average of only 16 ½ points per game which gives them a national rank of 15th. The Gators are a fiery offense that has racked up the points, but this opponent could very well be the one to take that trend down. The truth is that a Florida upset is unlikely but it is not unattainable at all. The Commodores are going to keep the Gators grudgingly on their toes.
Take the Vanderbilt +24!
ROCKBOXSPORTS.COM
3 STARS: USC -22
Cal has a few things going against them here. They're horrible on the road, for one thing. In fact, road struggles are rampant in the Pac-10 this year. Only three Pac-10 teams have won a game on the road in a location outside the state of Wasnington, where both Washington schools are god awful. Cal also comes in with a depleted offensive line, not good news against the relentless SC front seven. To make matters worse they'll likely be playing with backup QB Nate Longshore. Bears should struggle mightily to move the ball at all on offense in this one. The best they can hope for is that their defense will play a good game and keep things relatively close for a while. Even under such a scenario, Trojans should be able to cover the number on defense alone- 28-3, 31-7, something along these lines.
2 STARS: USC/CAL UNDER 48
See above…Cal shouldn't score much if at all here, and their defense should be able to keep USC from going completely wild.
2 STARS: ARIZONA -41
Washington State hasn't covered yet…no reason to stop going against them now.
1 STAR: TENNESSEE -27
It's been a terribly frustrating season for the Vols, so much so that it's cost Phil Fulmer his job. Volunteer players have vowed to finish up strong for coach. They should be able be to take out some frustrations on the Cowboys in this one.
1 STAR: OKLAHOMA STATE/TEXAS TECH UNDER 69.5
No doubt there's plenty of offensive firepower here. However, we think OSU gameplan will set out to shorten the game and eat clock with the running game- and we think they'll have some success doing it, just enough to keep the score in the low 30's. We'll say 34-31 Tech.
OTHER 1 STARS: NEBRASKA -2, FLORIDA ATLANTIC -22, KENTUCKY +12, UNC -3.5, CLEMSON +4, UCLA +8, UCLA UNDER 50
DUNKEL
Minnesota at Portland
The Blazers are coming off a buzzer-beater over Houston and look to build on a three-year 26-19 ATS record after an upset win against a Minnesota team that is 11-21 versus division opponents. Portland is the pick (-8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Blazers favored by 11. Dunkel Pick: Portland (-8 1/2).
Game 701-702: Washington at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 109.707; Orlando 122.963
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 13; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 9; 197 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-9); Under
Game 703-704: New Jersey at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 113.434; Indiana 123.752
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 10 1/2; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 6 1/2; 199
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-6 1/2); Over
Game 705-706: Miami at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 114.668; New Orleans 127.790
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 13; 186
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 9 1/2; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-9 1/2); Under
Game 707-708: Cleveland at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 122.040; Chicago 121.995
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+1 1/2); Under
Game 709-710: Phoenix at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 124.027; Milwaukee 114.736
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 9; 208 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 711-712: Minnesota at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 110.240; Portland 121.343
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 11; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 8 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-8 1/2); Over
NHL
Minnesota at Vancouver
The Wild have won two of their last three on the road and head to Vancouver where they are 5-3-0 over the last three seasons. Minnesota is the underdog pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Wild favored straight up by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+130).
Game 51-52: Calgary at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.445; Columbus 12.580
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+100); Over
Game 53-54: Buffalo at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.035; Boston 11.141
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-130); Over
Game 55-56: Tampa Bay at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 10.720; Philadelphia 12.106
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-160); Over
Game 57-58: Montreal at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.565; Toronto 12.133
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+115); Over
Game 59-60: New Jersey at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 11.223; Detroit 11.130
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-190); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+170); Over
Game 61-62: NY Rangers at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.173; Washington 11.971
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-130); Over
Game 63-64: Pittsburgh at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.699; NY Islanders 10.646
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-170); Over
Game 65-66: Florida at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.160; Phoenix 11.828
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+135); Under
Game 67-68: Nashville at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 9.785; Colorado 11.383
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-140); Under
Game 69-70: Dallas at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 11.761; San Jose 13.306
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-210); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-210); Over
Game 71-72: Minnesota at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 12.514; Vancouver 12.387
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+130); Under
Game 73-74: St. Louis at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 10.513; Los Angeles 11.839
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-145); Under
Bettersworld
* Alabama -160 over LSU - Those of you that have followed us for any length of time know that we look for certain types of games to play. We generally like to eliminate the pointpsread from the equation. In other words, when backing dogs, the spread can only help you, it can't hurt you. When backing favs, you can be 100% correct in your analysis and yet still lose the wager, i.e. a back door cover.
Aside from looking to back good teams getting points, we also love it when we have some extra motivational material to back the play. That's big in college ball. Emotion, revenge, all good stuff that can help a play. When the team in question is also at home, hey, look out. Back up the brinks truck. Which is why this play, backing Alabama over LSU this week, may surprise some long time followers.
Certainly LSU has plenty of motivation and will be playing with plenty of emotion. There's the Saban returning to LSU for the first time since he left angle. With a house full of loud angry fans waiting to greet him and his team. There's the lower ranked team playing the #1 ranked team in the nation angle as well. Not to mention the SEC home dog in a huge game. Probably a half a dozen other angels we can come up with as well that would normally have us looking for a way to back LSU here.
But while all of that is good stuff, stuff that we often look for, it still has to come down to the x's and o's and the overall talent of the two teams. In this case, it's our opinion that Alabama is a much better football team. We have had our eyes on them going back to before Saban got there. We watched Alabama field some teams with some pretty good defenses but teams that were often unable to move the ball. That changed with Saban. We watched Alabama closely last year and pegged them as a team to watch before the season started this year. So far they haven't disappointed.
When you look at the body of work of both of these teams, there's very little to be impressed with when looking at LSU. They were thrown around like rag dolls against Georgia and Florida. They had trouble dealing with an Auburn team still finding itself early in the year. There's just nothing in watching LSU this year that makes you say wow. They are also 95th out of 118 teams in turnover margin. Sloppy comes to mind.
Alabama on the other hand is getting it done. Sure, there are some cupcakes on their dance card but who could forget them going into Georgia and destroying the Bulldogs? The same Bulldogs that ran up and down the field at LSU. Again, that Bama win is particularly impressive because it was on the road at Georgia. Alabama is #1 in the SEC in both rushing, and stopping the run. Think about that for a minute. Most "experts" agree that the running game will be the key to this game. Heck, the key to just about any football game outside the WAC, is the running game. Alabama - #1 against the run. #1 Rushing. That may be a bit much for LSU to overcome this week. There are plenty of holes in the LSU defense. Thank Florida and Georgia for exposing those. There aren't any such holes on the Bama side. Some point to a suspect pass defense, but let's not forget that lots of the passing yards Alabama has given up have come after games were in hand and opponents were left with little choice but to throw on every down.
LSU went into Alabama last year and knocked off the Crimson Tide 41-34. Last year's LSU team was much better than this years. Last years Bama team was not as good as this years. Yet Bama led 34-27 in the 4th quarter with 7 minutes remaining. LSU scored twice in the final 2:49 to win the game. So while LSU has some motivational factors as mentioned above, Bama has some of their own in the form of revenge. Oh, and as far as the Saban angle for LSU, that's more for the fans. Not a single player on the field could care less where Saban used to coach. They weren't around for it.
Alabama has the advantage at QB. LSU starts a freshman. They have the better offensive and defensive lines. The trenches and the QB......that's where games are won and it's all Alabama. We're simply backing the better football team here. We're playing the money line so as not to let the number beat us. If Bama needs a field goal with seconds left to clinch a 2 point win, we don't want to have our tail between our legs with a 1 point loss.
We'll essentially risk 3*'s to win 2*'s here. So a win goes down as a 2* win. A loss will be graded as a 3* loss. i.e. at -160, and at $100 per star, we risk $320 to win 200.
Alabama -160 over LSU - Shop around. There's some -155 out there and we're likely to see this number drop a bit before kick off.
Sportsbettingstats
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech -3
Last week the Cowboys beat Iowa State 59-17 while the Red Raiders won the battle of the Lone Star State beating Texas 39-33. Another huge game in the Big 12 tonight, as the Red Raiders look to beat a top 10 team in the Big 12 for a second straight weak after taking down No.1 Texas last week. The Red Raiders are led by, Heisman front-runner, QB Graham Harrell (3621 yds 30 TD 5 INT) and his main targets are Michael Crabtree (70 rec 921 yds 15 TD) and Detron Lewis (50 rec 637 yds 1 TD). The Red Raiders rushing attack is led by the RB duo of Baron Batch (588 yds 5 TD) and Shannon Woods (552 yds 10 TD). The Cowboys are led by QB Zac Robinson (2082 yds 20 TD 5 INT) and his main targets are Dez Bryant (60 rec 1054 yds 15 TD) and Brandon Pettigrew (21 rec 236 yds). The Cowboys rushing attack is led by Kendall Hunter (1220 yds 11 TD), who may be the best RB in the Big 12.
Staff Pick: This game features the top ranked passing offense of Texas Tech and the 5th ranked rushing offense of Oklahoma State. This game looks to another Big 12 shootout, as the total for the game stands at 69.5 points. The Red Raiders have a slight edge over the Cowboys on defense (TT ranks 54th OSU ranks 62nd) and whatever team can play some D in this game has an advantage. The Cowboys can control the game if they can rush the ball, which is their strength, and picking up rushing yards and taking time off the clock will be key if they want to keep the dynamic offense of the Red Raiders off the field. The Cowboys have a decent passing game, but they only have one legit WR in Dez Bryant and if the Red Raiders can contain him and the Cowboys running game, which is a tough task, they will win this game easily. The Cowboys are playing on the road for the 3rd time in 5 weeks against a team that is ranked in the top 3 in the nation. They have lost 11 straight against Texas Tech at Lubbock and have not won there since way back in 1944. The Red raiders are flying high and their offense will roll tonight, as they will win this game at home and then have a week off before their final big test against Oklahoma.
Red Raiders 44 Cowboys 28
Joe Gavazzi (Private Players of Pittsburgh)
Gorilla of the Week - Boise St.
Special K Sports
Comp - West Virginia
Drew Gordon
Ohio State -10' at NORTHWESTERN
Good spot for the Buckeye's who come into this game looking for redemption after a tough 13-6 home loss to Penn State two weeks ago. With the extra week of rest and preparation, I'm looking for Ohio State to take the Wildcats behind the woodshed in this one and here's why:
First, this Buckeye's team has played well on the conference trail, crushing Michigan State and winning and covering at Wisconsin. That's thanks in large part to their defense travelling well, allowing 19 ppg on 304 total yards offense away this season. They've been especially good over their L3 games, allowing just over a touchdown per game on just 273 yards of total offense! Note, QB C.J. Backer is listed as probable and should play, but either way, Ohio State will be ready.
Second, although he had two costly mistakes against Penn State, look Terrelle Pryor to really step up in this contest. Not only did he look good (besides the turnovers) against a great Nittany Lions stop-unit, but with the extra week to prepare, he should be at his best today. He is the key to this Buckeye's offense, as everyone plays better when he keeps defenses honest. Northwestern's defense is solid, but they've loosened up over the last 3 games, allowing 21 ppg on almost 400 yards of total offense (not a good sign for the Wildcats).
Finally, from a trend standpoint, the Buckeye's have been money on the road, going 13-4 ATS over their last 17 away. Not to mention, they're on a rock-solid 24-10 run ATS in Big Ten contests, and when you couple that with the bounce back factor (after Penn State loss) AND the extra week to prepare... The only way to go here is the Buckeye's, plain and simple.
Take Ohio State comfortably over Northwestern in this college football match up.
3♦ OHIO STATE
NATIONAL SPORTS ADVISORS -
Free Winners for Saturday, November 8, 2008
FREE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS
Colorado St @ Air Force
Time: 6:00 PM EST
Pick: Air Force -9.5
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JrTips!
INDIANA vs. NEW JERSEY FREE PICK
Point guard Devin Harris had a career night last night and the New Jersey Nets finally got their offense on track against a strong defensive team in Detroit. After winning their season opener on the road, the Nets (2-2) shot a combined 38 percent from the field in losing their first two home games against Golden State and Phoenix until they beat Detroit last nigt. Harris scored a career-high 38 points shooting 20-of-24 from the free throw line while Josh Boone added 18 points and 14 rebounds. The Pacers were on the road last night and lost to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers who scored 40 fourth-quarter points to beat Indiana 111-107. Since their 95-79 win over Boston last Saturday, the Pacers (1-3) have allowed a pair of opponents to average 112.0 points and shoot a combined 54 percent from the field. Their 105.4 points allowed per game in 2007-08 was the most in the East. Danny Granger scored 33 points for the second time this season last night as he is averaging 27.3 points on 52 percent shooting through four games. The Nets, who will face Indiana twice in the next five days as the home team won all four games in last season's series in which neither club having much trouble scoring. Each team averaged 111.0 points against the other in 2007-08 and shouldn"t have any problem scoring tonight especially after both teams play back to backs, it will be tough for the defenses to play four quarters.
TAKE OVER 199 Indiana/New Jersey
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FREE COLLEGE FOOTBALL WINNER
11/8/08
Tulane @ Houston
Prediction: Houston -16
Time: 8:00 PM EST
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GAMEDAY SPORTS NETWORK
FREE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS
11/8/2008
Kansas St @ Missouri
Pick: Missouri -27
Time: 7:00 PM EST
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Today's Free Pick - Maddux Sports
Today's Free Pick is Clemson +4
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Yankee Capper
3 Units - NC State +3.5
3 Units - Louisville +6
3 Units - Tampa Bay Lightning +145
INDIANCOWBOY COMP
UNLV +5.5
I typically don't get into football wagering out in the west coast all that much, although I made an exception for Nevada as I quickly came to realize that this Fresno State team was in a crapshoot of trouble considering they can't stop the misdirection run. As per this game, 57% is on the road New Mexico team. I have said countless, countless times, the 5.5 spread is the worst in sports. Usually when you have a team that is either a home favorite or a road favorite by 5.5, it typically means the dog is going to win outright. It means that way in college basketball, college football, the nba and the NFL. It is the one line that signifies, Vegas is setting the trap and more often than not, Vegas succeeds. The 5.5 line is simply the worst line to bet a favorite. Now, having said that, UNLV's Omar Clayton is a baller. He has thrown for 18 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions. The only reason why this team doesn't win is because their defense blows. New Mexico has covered this game back to back years including winning 21-6 at home last year. Thus, UNLV does have revenge. UNLV comes off getting spanked at home by TCU and will look to have a bounce-back. Heck, I think they are capable of an inspired performance here. After all, did they not lose to BYU on the road by just a touchdown as a 23.5 dog and did they not nearly beat Air Force at home losing by just 1 point 28-29? New Mexico comes off back to back losses after they had put up 70 points in 3 quarters against San Diego State. Of course, they scored just 10 points in each of their last 2 games. I think this is a game that UNLV can win outright frankly. In fact, this will be my free pick for today. In fact, this will be my free pick for today as UNLV also has revenge from last year and an ugly home loss to boot to get fired up about. Besides, I think Omar Clayton is a solid player and he will likely have a huge game today.
WUNDERDOG
Nashville at Colorado
Pick: Colorado -138
The Nashville Predators have been able to get nothing done on the road as they have just a shoot-out win to show for seven trips outside of Nashville. It has been so bad for the Predators that they have allowed 33 goals in the seven games, or almost five per game, and have been out-scored 33-18. The Avalanche has had an up-and-down season. They dropped three games then won five, and have now dropped five again. They will finally get an opportunity to face a team that is simply playing far worse than they are and get them on home ice, so I'll back the Avalanche against a struggling Predators' team.