Game Time Sports Advisors
Indiana State vs. Louisville
Play:Louisville -26
East Carolina vs. Tulsa
Play:Tulsa -11.5
Cajun-Sports "Gator Report"
2 STAR SELECTION
CALIFORNIA -35½ over Washington
The Tyrone Willingham era at Washington comes to an end this weekend as he and his Huskies make one final trip to take on the Golden Bears. Washington is winless on the season and have actually lost 13 straight games dating back to last season.
California managed to pick up their seventh win of 2008 and snap a two-game slide at the same time back on November 22nd with a 37-16 rout of Stanford.
Washington's troubles this season were made worse with unproven quarterbacks after Jake Locker went down with an injury. The Huskies have had to turn to youngster Ronnie Fouch to try and shake them out of their funk but it just hasn't happened. Fouch has completed a mere 45% of his attempts for 4 TDS and 12 INTs.
With an offense that is second-to-last in the conference and 117th in the nation in scoring with less than 14 ppg, the Huskies needed the defense to step up and play big this season and that never happened, either. Except for the meeting with Washington State when it allowed a mere 16 points in two overtimes, the unit allowed no less than 27 points in any one contest and averaged nearly 38 ppg permitted, which is 115th in the country. The run defense has really been beaten down, allowing more than 220 ypg, while the pass defense has basically given up the same. The “push” up front has been missing almost all season with the team checking in last in the conference in both sacks and tackles for loss.
Cal head coach Jeff Tedford is gunning for his third undefeated season at home during his tenure with the Golden Bears and will be calling upon Kevin Riley. The QB has completed 51% of his pass attempts for 134 ypg and 14 TDs and, along with Nate Longshore, has been able to spread the ball to several different players down the field. Jahvid Best is easily the most productive performer with his 1,083 rushing yards and 9 TDs. His average of 108 ypg in his 10 appearances ranks him second in the conference and 19th nationally entering play this week.
The Golden Bears aerial defense for the season has been pretty solid. In fact, Cal's pass efficiency defense ranks second in the Pac-10 and 10th in the nation overall with a rating of 99.57 through 11 games. A big part of that number comes from the fact that the secondary has come up with an average of nearly two interceptions per game, which is bad news for the Huskies.
We’ve played against Washington on numerous occasions this season, while never backing them, and we’re not about to start here. We’ve been fading the Huskies knowing Willingham was on the hot seat, and the team has let him down game after game, so there’s no reason to believe that they will suddenly play a competitive game against a quality opponent.
One of our handicapping rules is to play AGAINST or at least not on a weak team that is on a spread-losing streak. A bad team that apparently is not even capable of a decent performance once in a while should be faded whenever possible, and Washington is 0-9 ATS (-11.5 ppg) in its last 9 games. Their last win came 14 games ago when they upset California in Seattle last season. The last thing Washington needs now is to face a team with a bit of a chip on their shoulder, as the Huskies are 0-4 SU & ATS the last 2 years vs. opponents playing with revenge. The Bears are 5-0 SU & ATS as a home favorite with revenge for a SU loss the previous season since 2007.
Cal is also active for an NCAA Football POWER SYSTEM, as very large home favorites at the right price have been strong in the final game of the season. Specifically:
In its Final Game, play ON a conference home favorite of 30½-36½ points vs. an opponent not off a conference home underdog SU loss and ATS win.
These hosts are perfect since at least 1980, which is as far back as the SportsDataBase goes, so they may actually be better than our numbers, which have the teams at a sparkling 12-0 SU (+45.9 ppg) & 12-0 ATS (+13 ppg).
Once they fall behind, there’s little reason to believe the Huskies will put up much of a fight, as they resign themselves to a winless season. Meanwhile, the Bears can improve their bowl destination with an impressive showing here, which is what we expect.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: CALIFORNIA 49 WASHINGTON 7
BIG EASY GOW
TROY -11 over Arkansas State
Arkansas State is:
0-5 SU (-28.8 ppg) & 0-5 ATS (-22.6 ppg) vs. opponents off SU wins of more than 28 points and not getting 23+ points;
0-8 SU (-25.1 ppg) & 0-8 ATS (-19.1 ppg) vs. opponents off allowing less than 14 points since 2005
Troy is:
5-0 SU (+25.8 ppg) & 5-0 ATS (+18.3 ppg) at home the past 2 seasons when not favored by 15+ points, including an easy 41-23 over a very good Oklahoma State team last year as a 10-point home underdog;
6-0 SU (+16 ppg) & 6-0 ATS (+15.3 ppg) at home and not favored by 15+ points vs. opponents off a SU win.
UNDERDOG GOW:
HAWAII +7½ over Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 0-9 ATS (-11.9 ppg) off a SU win & ATS loss and not an underdog of 7+ points.
Playing their final game of the regular season in games involving Hawaii, favorites with less than 7 days rest are 0-10 ATS (-12.9 ppg) since 1998.
Hawaii is 9-0 ATS (+13.6 ppg) as a non-conference underdog vs. an opponent with less than 12 days rest since 1998.
CONFERENCE (C-USA) GOW:
CONFERENCE USA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
East Carolina +12½ over TULSA
East Carolina is:
7-0 ATS (+7.9 ppg) on the road off a SU win of 7+ points and playing with revenge;
5-0 SU (+9 ppg) & 5-0 ATS (+17.8 ppg) as an underdog of 3+ points since last year;
4-0 ATS the last 4 seasons as an underdog of more than 9 points with 7+ days rest;
9-0 ATS (+11.1 ppg) as an underdog of more than 3 points off an ATS win;
12-0 ATS (+10.3 ppg) as an underdog off a SU win and ATS of 5+ points.
Conference Championship Home Favorites of more than 10 points are 0-2 ATS (-10.8 ppg) all-time.
Conference Championship home teams with 0 season home SU losses and off a SU win (not an ATS win of 7+ points) are 0-5 ATS (-10.8 ppg).
Teams that averaged better than 40 points at home on the season and hosted a Conference Championship Game went 0-2 ATS (-15.5 ppg) with less than 13 days rest vs. opponents not seeking revenge for a road underdog SU & ATS loss earlier in the season.
SEC GOW:
SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Alabama +10 over Florida
Alabama is:
5-0-2 ATS in the last 7 matchups with Florida;
8-0 ATS (+11.6 ppg) since at least 1980 as a neutral site underdog vs. opponents off 2+ SU wins;
13-0-2 ATS (+11.2 ppg) as an underdog of 2+ points vs. .900+ opponents with more than 2 games played.
Florida has not even faced a team off 3+ SU & ATS wins since 2002.
Conference teams off SU wins of 28+ points in its last 5 games and not a conference home favorite SU loss before that are 0-11 ATS (-16.1 ppg) since at least 1980
Steve Merril
Arkansas St. @ Troy
PICK: Under
Both offenses have inflated statistics due to their easy schedules and this has now created value with the Under tonight. Both defensive units hold the matchup edges in this game and my power ratings predict just 47½ total points.
Arkansas State has averaged 28.6 points per game and 6.2 yards per play, but they have faced an extremely weak schedule of opponents which allow 34.5 ppg and 6.3 yppl on average. Troy is a strong defensive team that permits just 21.6 points per game and only 4.4 yards per play (versus opponents that average 24.8 ppg and 5.3 yppl) and the Trojans should be able to limit Arkansas State tonight. Troy has been equally strong versus both the run and the pass, allowing just 3.5 yards per carry and only 5.6 yards per pass (versus opponents that average 4.2 ypr and 6.6 ypp).
Troy averages 33.1 points per game and 5.6 yards per play, but they have faced a weak schedule that allows 31.4 ppg and 5.9 yppl on average. The Trojans will now be facing a solid Arkansas State defense that permits just 22.7 points per game and only 5.1 yards per play this season (versus opponents that average 25.0 ppg and 5.3 yppl). Arkansas State has been strong versus the run this season, but they have struggled against the pass, however this is unlikely to be a problem tonight as Troy has a weak passing game that averages just 6.1 yards per pass (versus opponents that allow 7.1 ypp).
Jeff Alexander Sports
1 Unit on Pitt +3
Pitt has been paying back teams all season long and they'll add UConn to the list today after going down to the Huskies each of the past two seasons. Pitt beat and held a WVU team to 15 points last week that crushed UConn 35-13. It's the Pitt defense and its strong running game that gives it the edge today. The Panthers are 4-1 on the road this season and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Huskies are only 2-8 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Take the points for some insurance but I like Pitt outright.
DUNKEL
Duke at Michigan
The Blue Devils hit the road against a Michigan team that is just 1-5 ATS versus the ACC over the past three seasons. Duke is the pick (-10) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Devils favored by 13 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Duke (-10).
Game 721-722: Northeastern at James Madison
Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 52.611; James Madison 56.632
Dunkel Line: James Madison by 4
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 1
Dunkel Pick: James Madison (+1)
Game 723-724: Georgia at Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 60.599; Illinois 67.332
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 7
Vegas Line: Illinois by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia (+8 1/2)
Game 725-726: Gonzaga at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Gonzaga 73.279; Indiana 55.044
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 18
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 21
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+21)
Game 727-728: Vanderbilt at Georgia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 65.626; Georgia Tech 68.532
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 3
Vegas Line: Georgia Tech by 6
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (+6)
Game 729-730: Oregon State at Iowa State
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon State 48.320; Iowa State 54.631
Dunkel Line: Iowa State by 6
Vegas Line: Iowa State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+10 1/2)
Game 731-732: UL Monroe at Auburn
Dunkel Ratings: UL Monroe 44.431; Auburn 60.994
Dunkel Line: Auburn by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Auburn by 21
Dunkel Pick: UL Monroe (+21)
Game 733-734: Cornell at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Cornell 54.384; Minnesota 67.826
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 11
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-11)
Game 735-736: NC Charlotte at Southern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: NC Charlotte 56.291; Southern Illinois 68.057
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois by 12
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (-6 1/2)
Game 737-738: Rhode Island at Providence
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 61.902; Providence 60.938
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 1
Vegas Line: Providence by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (+4 1/2)
Game 739-740: Wright State at WI-Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 52.418; WI-Milwaukee 54.845
Dunkel Line: WI-Milwaukee by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: WI-Milwaukee by 6
Dunkel Pick: Wright State (+6)
Game 741-742: Mississippi at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 66.594; New Orleans 48.424
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 18
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (-11 1/2)
Game 743-744: Florida International at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 47.387; Buffalo 58.495
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 11
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 13
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+13)
Game 745-746: Western Kentucky at Tulane
Dunkel Ratings: Western Kentucky 57.860; Tulane 57.392
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 5
Dunkel Pick: Tulane (+5)
Game 747-748: Duke at Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Duke 75.477; Michigan 61.852
Dunkel Line: Duke by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 10
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-10)
Game 749-750: DePaul at Northwestern
Dunkel Ratings: DePaul 60.674; Northwestern 63.714
Dunkel Line: Northwestern by 3
Vegas Line: Northwestern by 6
Dunkel Pick: DePaul (+6)
Game 751-752: Ohio State at Notre Dame
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio State 68.641; Notre Dame 74.972
Dunkel Line: Notre Dame by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Notre Dame by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Notre Dame (-3 1/2)
Game 753-754: Delaware at Old Dominion
Dunkel Ratings: Delaware 50.952; Old Dominion 57.462
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 9
Dunkel Pick: Delaware (+9)
Game 755-756: George Mason at Drexel
Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 60.437; Drexel 51.220
Dunkel Line: George Mason by 9
Vegas Line: George Mason by 5
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (-5)
Game 757-758: Idaho at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 45.653; Portland 57.166
Dunkel Line: Portland by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Portland by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-8 1/2)
Game 759-760: Miami (FL) at Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (FL) 69.705; Kentucky 65.450
Dunkel Line: Miami (FL) by 4
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (FL) (+2 1/2)
Game 761-762: Utah State at BYU
Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 59.118; BYU 71.198
Dunkel Line: BYU by 12
Vegas Line: BYU by 7
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-7)
Game 763-764: Southern Mississippi at New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 58.215; New Mexico 68.244
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 10
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 7
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-7)
Game 765-766: Temple at Penn State
Dunkel Ratings: Temple 64.683; Penn State 64.431
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Penn State by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Temple (+6 1/2)
Game 767-768: South Florida at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: South Florida 60.978; Central Florida 55.131
Dunkel Line: South Florida by 6
Vegas Line: South Florida by 1
Dunkel Pick: South Florida (-1)
Game 769-770: Dayton at Akron
Dunkel Ratings: Dayton 63.050; Akron 64.963
Dunkel Line: Akron by 2
Vegas Line: Dayton by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Akron (+1 1/2)
Game 771-772: VA Commonwealth at William & Mary
Dunkel Ratings: VA Commonwealth 61.330; William & Mary 50.772
Dunkel Line: VA Commonwealth by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: VA Commonwealth by 6
Dunkel Pick: VA Commonwealth (-6)
Game 773-774: Hofstra at Towson
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 52.071; Towson 50.393
Dunkel Line: Hofstra by 2
Vegas Line: Towson by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (+3 1/2)
Game 775-776: Butler at Youngstown State
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 69.032; Youngstown State 50.828
Dunkel Line: Butler by 18
Vegas Line: Butler by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Butler (-10 1/2)
Game 777-778: Cleveland State at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland State 60.854; West Virginia 74.005
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 13
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland State (+14 1/2)
Game 779-780: Princeton at St. Bonaventure
Dunkel Ratings: Princeton 48.657; St. Bonaventure 57.513
Dunkel Line: St. Bonaventure by 9
Vegas Line: St. Bonaventure by 11
Dunkel Pick: Princeton (+11)
Game 781-782: Georgia State at NC Wilmington
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia State 48.951; NC Wilmington 47.562
Dunkel Line: Georgia State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Georgia State
Game 783-784: UL Lafayette at Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: UL Lafayette 45.994; Alabama 64.280
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 785-786: Creighton at St. Joseph's
Dunkel Ratings: Creighton 64.061; St. Joseph's 64.248
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Creighton (+2 1/2)
Game 787-788: Ball State at Evansville
Dunkel Ratings: Ball State 53.442; Evansville 54.888
Dunkel Line: Evansville by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Evansville by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ball State (+6 1/2)
Game 789-790: Arkansas State at Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 49.634; Missouri State 64.079
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Missouri State (-6 1/2)
Game 791-792: Bowling Green at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 49.251; Illinois State 65.702
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 11
Dunkel Pick: Illinois State (-11)
Game 793-794: New Mexico State at North Texas
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 62.089; North Texas 57.667
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: North Texas by 2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (+2)
Game 795-796: UC Irvine at Pepperdine
Dunkel Ratings: UC Irvine 46.457; Pepperdine 47.352
Dunkel Line: Pepperdine by 1
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 797-798: Detroit at WI-Green Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 50.092; WI-Green Bay 63.018
Dunkel Line: WI-Green Bay by 13
Vegas Line: WI-Green Bay by 11
Dunkel Pick: WI-Green Bay (-11)
Game 799-800: Loyola-Chicago at Illinois-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Chicago 51.482; Illinois-Chicago 67.463
Dunkel Line: Illinois-Chicago by 16
Vegas Line: Illinois-Chicago by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois-Chicago (-10 1/2)
Game 801-802: UAB at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: UAB 63.614; Cincinnati 62.887
Dunkel Line: UAB by 1
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 3
Dunkel Pick: UAB (+3)
Game 803-804: Boston College at Massachusetts
Dunkel Ratings: Boston College 61.544; Massachusetts 60.859
Dunkel Line: Boston College by 1
Vegas Line: Boston College by 5
Dunkel Pick: Massachusetts (+5)
Game 805-806: Central Michigan at CS-Fullerton
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 50.169; CS-Fullerton 56.919
Dunkel Line: CS-Fullerton by 7
Vegas Line: CS-Fullerton by 9
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+9)
Game 807-808: Colorado State at Boise State
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 53.624; Boise State 60.282
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Boise State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boise State (-1 1/2)
Game 809-810: Wisconsin at Marquette
Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 69.807; Marquette 70.139
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Marquette by 5
Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (+5)
Game 811-812: Wyoming at Loyola-Marymount
Dunkel Ratings: Wyoming 53.619; Loyola-Marymount 46.722
Dunkel Line: Wyoming by 7
Vegas Line: Wyoming by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Marymount (+9 1/2)
Game 813-814: Long Beach State at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Long Beach State 52.290; San Francisco 50.309
Dunkel Line: Long Beach State by 2
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Long Beach State (+1 1/2)
Game 815-816: San Diego at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 62.388; San Diego State 63.949
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+4 1/2)
Game 817-818: Fresno State at Pacific
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 47.866; Pacific 62.338
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Pacific by 10
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (-10)
Game 819-820: UNLV at Nevada
Dunkel Ratings: UNLV 66.779; Nevada 59.501
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 7
Vegas Line: UNLV by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-1 1/2)
Game 821-822: Baylor at Washington State
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 67.859; Washington State 74.691
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 7
Vegas Line: Washington State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-2)
Game 823-824: Indiana State at Louisville
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 51.440; Louisville 81.589
Dunkel Line: Louisville by 30
Vegas Line: Louisville by 25 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Louisville (-25 1/2)
Game 825-826: Lamar vs. Ohio
Dunkel Ratings: Lamar 52.187; Ohio 59.601
Dunkel Line: Ohio by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio by 10
Dunkel Pick: Lamar (+10)
Game 827-828: NC State at Davidson
Dunkel Ratings: NC State 62.120; Davidson 78.619
Dunkel Line: Davidson by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Davidson by 10
Dunkel Pick: Davidson (-10)
Game 829-830: College of Charleston at NC Greensboro
Dunkel Ratings: College of Charleston 55.568; NC Greensboro 53.817
Dunkel Line: College of Charleston by 2
Vegas Line: College of Charleston by 8
Dunkel Pick: NC Greensboro (+8)
Game 831-832: Murray State at Morehead State
Dunkel Ratings: Murray State 56.514; Morehead State 44.260
Dunkel Line: Murray State by 12
Vegas Line: Murray State by 6
Dunkel Pick: Murray State (-6)
Game 833-834: Tennessee Martin at Eastern Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Martin 44.357; Eastern Kentucky 55.312
Dunkel Line: Eastern Kentucky by 11
Vegas Line: Eastern Kentucky by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Kentucky (-5 1/2)
Game 835-836: Appalachian State at Wofford
Dunkel Ratings: Appalachian State 52.998; Wofford 49.795
Dunkel Line: Appalachian State by 3
Vegas Line: Wofford by 1
Dunkel Pick: Appalachian State (+1)
Game 837-838: Western Carolina at Kent State
Dunkel Ratings: Western Carolina 48.828; Kent State 67.098
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 18
Vegas Line: Kent State by 11
Dunkel Pick: Kent State (-11)
Game 839-840: The Citadel at Elon
Dunkel Ratings: The Citadel 39.369; Elon 52.302
Dunkel Line: Elon by 13
Vegas Line: Elon by 7
Dunkel Pick: Elon (-7)
Game 841-842: Samford at Georgia Southern
Dunkel Ratings: Samford 44.348; Georgia Southern 55.816
Dunkel Line: Georgia Southern by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgia Southern by 9
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Southern (-9)
Game 843-844: Austin Peay at Eastern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Austin Peay 55.792; Eastern Illinois 49.531
Dunkel Line: Austin Peay by 6
Vegas Line: Austin Peay by 2
Dunkel Pick: Austin Peay (-2)
Game 845-846: Jacksonville State at Tennessee Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville State 54.876; Tennessee Tech 51.447
Dunkel Line: Jacksonville State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Tennessee Tech by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville State (+3 1/2)
Game 847-848: Tennessee State at SE Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee State 50.224; SE Missouri State 41.276
Dunkel Line: Tennessee State by 9
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee State
Game 849-850: Utah at Idaho State
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 67.421; Idaho State 50.225
Dunkel Line: Utah by 17
Vegas Line: Utah by 12
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-12)
Game 851-852: Air Force at Northern Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 53.489; Northern Colorado 54.309
Dunkel Line: Northern Colorado by 1
Vegas Line: Northern Colorado by 3
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (+3)
Game 853-854: Sacramento State at Santa Clara
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento State 42.323; Santa Clara 57.108
Dunkel Line: Santa Clara by 15
Vegas Line: Santa Clara by 19
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento State (+19)
Game 855-856: Montana State at Eastern Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Montana State 44.548; Eastern Washington 57.026
Dunkel Line: Eastern Washington by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Eastern Washington by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Washington (-7 1/2)
IndianCowboy
Boston College Eagles @ Virginia Tech Hokies
Pick: 1 unit Boston College Eagles -1
Everybody seems to have an opinion on this game. Here are the basics first: BC is 9-3 coming in while Va Tech is 8-4, but Va Tech is a stellar 6-0 at home - but this game is on the road in Tampa, Florida. These teams are familiar with each other as they have met several times including the ACC Championship recently with Ryan with Ryan leading his team on the miracles that followed. I'm thankful to BC for their grooming of the kid as my Falcons are far better with him than Vick - heck, I've always said that I'd be glad to trade Vick and keeping Matt Schaub. But, Ryan is even better, younger and healthier. Chris Crane has had his ups and downs and has thrown for 10td's and 13 picks. BC beat this team 28-23 earlier at home and covered the -3 spread. BC comes off a nice win over a tough Maryland team victorious by a TD, won at Wake and at FSU. You want to know who I think was their most impressive win? Against NC State - Heck, I think NC State can beat any team in the ACC with the way they are playing right now.. Normally, I bet against Va Tech in particular when they are on the road, but they have always managed to screw me over one way or another. VT does have revenge, but Va Tech is 2-4 away from home while BC has clearly shown they can get the job done on the road victorious at the likes of FSU, NC State and Wake. Eagles are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings between these two teams.
Scott's Sports Picks
Notre Dame (-3.5) vs Ohio St ~ 3 Units
Gotta hang with #7 ranked Notre Dame at a tiny -3.5. Ohio St may be 4-0 but they're only averaged 63 PPG @ home so far. Its going to take more than that to deal with Notre Dame's 87 PPG. Granted, Notre Dame has 200th ranked defense giving up 68 PPG, they've also played the likes of North Carolina, Texas and Indiana. The Fighting Irish are a lot better than their stats tell us. Only giving up 3.5 points @ home vs an overrated Buckeye team is money in the bank. Ohio State leaves Indiana tonight no longer undefeated.
This is where I'd normally list some favorable trends but because Notre Dame recent gauntlet of good opponents, there really isn't any good ones...yet
Yankee Capper
3 Units - USF/WVU Under 47
3 Units - New Jersey Devils +145
3 Units - South Florida -1
WUNDERDOG
Cleveland State at West Virginia
Pick: Cleveland State +14.5
West Virginia won 26 games last season, and they were carried on the shoulders of do-everything Joe Alexander. He is now gone and they will be hard pressed to find their way even in the top half of the 16-team Big East, which is loaded this season. The Mountaineers have a couple of holdover perimeter players in Butler and Ruoff, but the big void is under the basket. Even with Alexander doing the dirty work underneath last year, the Mountaineers barely outrebounded opponents and that will be a problem this year as well. The Vikings could present some problems with interior bully J"Nathan Bullock. Bullock is an NBA-caliber player, and W. Virginia does not have anyone that is a favorable matchup against him. A longtime doormat in the Horizon Conference, the Vikings won 21 games a year ago. They are an even better team this season and are poised to make a run at the Horizon title. The Vikings have enough to stay in this one, and I'll grab the points here.
Utah at Phoenix
Pick: Utah +8
When will people catch on? The Suns just aren't very good this year. Yes, they were one of the most feared offenses in the league for years. But their coach has changed, the personnel have changed, and this is an entirely different team. This team has lost four straight, two as good-sized favorites. They lost at home to Miami by 15, at home to the Nets by eight. On the season they are just 4-5 SU and 3-6 ATS at home! They simply should not be laying this many points, especially considering that the Jazz have their number. Utah has won seven of the last nine times these teams have met. The last time they played in Phoenix, Utah won 126-118. Deron Williams is getting back to full-strength and that's a bad sign for the rest of the league. The Jazz are 32-19 ATS since last season vs. winning teams and I like them to get this ATS win here.
PRICELESS PICKS
1 Unit on Hawaii +8
Hawaii enjoys one of the best home field advantages in college football and is 5-1 on its home turf this season. The Warriors take plenty of momentum into this game with 3 straight wins and they'll be jacked up to take on the Big East's elite. Both of Cincy's losses have come on the road this season and they've has several wins that they were just able to squeak out. The Bearcats are actually giving up more points in road games than they are scoring. Hawaii's defense has been its strong suit all season and the Warriors are very stingy at home, allowing only 18.2 ppg. The Warriors are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall and 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. We'll take the points.
Tom Freese
Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls
Prediction: Chicago Bulls
Chicago is 8-2 ATS their last 10 games off an ATS loss and they are 17-8 ATS vs. an opponent that scored 100 or more points in their last game. The Bulls are 26-12 ATS off a straight up loss and they are 7-3 ATS vs. team with a winning percentage of under 40%. Washington is 2-7 ATS of an ATS win and they are 3-8 ATS their last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Wizards are 2-6 ATS after scoring 100 or more points in their last game and they are 2-8 ATS vs. Eastern Conference foes. PLAY ON CHICAGO -
Brian Hansen
Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings
Prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets
After a frustrating night in a building where they have never won a game in regulation, the Columbus Blue Jackets now can turn their attention to playing in an arena where they enjoyed nothing but success last season. The Blue Jackets look to put the memory of a tough loss to the league's best team behind them when they visit the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday; after a disheartning loss to the Oilers last night in a shootout, I look for the Kings to falter at home. Look for COLUMBUS to improve to 2-0 (+2.6 units) after 3 or more consecutive unders!
LARRY NESS
Ohio State @ Notre Dame
PICK: Notre Dame
The Big East is 'loaded' this year and Notre Dame feels as if can challenge for the title. The Irish were very disappointed that in their "showdown game" with No. 1 North Carolina in Maui, the team's preseason All-American (the 6-8 Luke Harangody) played ill (pneumonia). He had 13 points and seven rebounds in that 102-87 loss in the championship game but guard McAlarney responded with a career-high 39 points against the Tar Heels. Harangody is expected back for this game and averages 22.6-11.2 on the year. He is joined inside by the 6-9 Hillesland (6.6-7.0) in the staring lineup and by the 6-10 Zeller (7.9-5.7) off the bench. McAlarney (20.7-3.9 APG) and Jackson (12.6-4.4-6.3) are a great guard duo, joined by 6-7 swingman Ayers (13.6). Ohio State lost in the NCAA final to Florida two years ago and then won the NIT last year. Oden and Conley skipped out after their freshman seasons and this year's team lost LY's prized freshman, the 7-0 Koufos (14.4-6.7). Also gone from LY's team are Butler (15.0), a four-year starter in the backcourt and forward Hunter (9.9-6.5). How good is Ohio State? I'm not sure, as the Buckeyes opened with three 'cupcakes' at home, before winning at Miami-Fla on Tuesday in the ACC/Big 10 Challenge, The 'Canes are talented but played a terrible game. The 7-1 Mullens (another freshman) was supposed to replace Koufos but so far, he's averaged just 5.5-4.0. The 6-7 Turner (13.8-7.3) is the team's best player so far, joined by guard Diebler (12.8), the 6-5 Lighty (7.8-4.5) and the 6-8 Lauderdale (7.8-4.8). JC transfer Simmons (7.8) and freshman Buford (6.0) give depth to the backcourt but I think Thad Matta's team is in way over its head in this one against the Irish. I was set for a "big play" on the Irish in this one but Harangody's health keeps it a "small play." Take Notre Dame.
TOMMY RIDER
BC -4 (1 Unit)
UMass is garbage this year and I have been impressed with BC early in the season. I think they may end up being a lot better than people thought. Rice goes off and the Eagles take this one by at least 10
Tony George
Denver -5
Like the Nuggets to bounce back after beating me and losing on TNT on Thursday when the Spuyrs caught fire and they could not buy a bucket or break. Kings 1-9 SU their last 10 giving up 103 ppg. Look for Billups and Jones in the backcourt to have a btter night from the floor than Thursday, they went a combined 6 for 15.