Tony Karpinski
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Play:Over 6
The Toronto D hasn’t been very good this season allowing an average of 3.39 GPG. On the road the D has been even worse allowing 3.50 goals per game. The Leafs have played the over in 9 of their last 12 road games. On home ice the Penguins are averaging 3.43 GPG and will feast on the Leafs tonight. Pittsburgh has played the over in 3 straight games and in 4 of their last 5. In the last 8 meetings between the clubs the over is 6-1-1.
Tom Stryker
OREGON (-) over Portland
The young Ducks are getting better. Off a heartbreaking 78-73 home loss to St. Mary's, Oregon will try and pick up its 700th victory on McArthur Court when the Portland Pilots come to town.
Facing a WCC weakling could be exactly what this UO team needs right now. The history book shows that the Ducks have dominated this series posting a strong 48-9 SU record and they'll be full of confidence considering they blasted the Pilots 85-61 at Portland last year.
According to my college basketball database, the Pilots have had their fair share of trouble on the road. In fact, as a guest facing a normal board team (not from the added games section of the schedule), Portland is a dismal 8-20 SU and 9-19 ATS provided its foe checks in off back-to-back straight up losses. Additionally, when matched up against a team from the Pac 10 conference, the Pilots have struggled notching a dismal 4-14 SU and 7-10-1 ATS record since 2002.
The Ducks dropped their last two games to a pair of WCC opponents in San Diego and St. Mary's. By no means does Portland compare in talent to either of those clubs. Lay the lumber with confidence here. Take Oregon.
Nelly
Northwestern + over Stanford
Stanford is the far more prestigious program in this match-up but the Cardinal has done very little so far this season. Stanford is 6-0 but the best win is over a lousy Colorado team. Three starters are back for Stanford but the glaring loss of the Lopez brothers as well as few other key contributors plus a coaching change spells a down year for Stanford, possibly to bottom of the Pac-10. Northwestern could have one of the best Wildcat teams ever this season and at 7-1 it has been a strong start. Northwestern’s lone loss was a 4-point loss at Butler and there are some nice wins on the resume with blowout wins over DePaul and Florida State with suffocating defense. Northwestern is allowing just 51 points per game as opponents are shooting just 37 percent and the defensive intensity can keep this game close despite the long travel situation. Each of the last two seasons these teams played very competitive games when Stanford was a top ten contender and Northwestern sat at the bottom of the Big Ten. Last year Stanford won by just eleven and in 2006 by just five in this arena. The Wildcats have had a lot of time to prepare for this game and Stanford could struggle in its toughest test so far this year.
Matt Fargo
New Mexico St. at Texas-El Paso
Prediction: Texas-El Paso
Its already revenge time for UTEP. I was on New Mexico St. last Sunday as the Aggies easily took care of the Miners in a double revenge spot. This is a heated rivalry due to the proximity of the schools so UTEP will be looking for payback with more motivation than you might normally see. The main reason I was on the Aggies in the first meeting was due to the fact that UTEP was playing its first true road game of the season. This is not the first road game for New Mexico St. but playing on the road has been a problem as it is 0-4 on the season. As a matter of fact, the home team is 14-1 in games played with these two teams on the season and only three of games were decided by single digits. New Mexico St. went to the free throw line 19 more times in that first meeting so we are not going to be that disparity again. The Miners are hitting 70.9 percent from the stripe on the season and that includes a 12-18 (66.7 percent) effort on Sunday. The Aggies have played a schedule ranked 231st while UTEP has played a schedule ranked 84th so it comes in more battled tested and will get its revenge tonight. 3* UTEP Miners
Ben Burns
Sacramento Kings at New Orleans Hornets
Prediction: New Orleans Hornets
I played against the Kings a few nights ago and they got blown out by more than 30 points at Portland . In that game, the Kings were matched up against a superior opponent, while playing the second of back to back games. That's the case again this evening. Note that this will also mark the Kings' sixth game in the past nine days. That's a gruelling stretch for a team which is short in both the talent and depth departments and which has recently had to go through a coaching change.
Making matters worse for the Kings, they'll be facing an angry New Orleans team. Not only are the Hornets one of the best teams in the league, but the Kings upset them here, as double-digit underdogs, last month. Considering that the Hornets are 68-32 (62-38 ATS) their last 100 games here and that the Kings are 27-67 on the road during the same stretch, another upset is rather unlikely. With the Hornets at a highly profitable 25-8-1 ATS the last 34 times that they were attempting to avenge a home loss, this one could get ugly. Consider laying the big number.
Brian Hansen
New York Rangers at San Jose Sharks
Prediction: Over
San Jose (25-4-3) is 16-0-2 at HP Pavilion, outscoring opponents 68-37 and winning all four of its games against Eastern Conference opponents thus far. But the Atlantic Division-leading Rangers (22-11-2) have gone 5-0-0 with one tie in the last six meetings against San Jose, including a 3-1 win last season at Madison Square Garden;expect both teams to come out blazing tonight! In fact it's interesting to note that the Sharks have seen the total go over the number in all 3 games this season after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game; play on the OVER!
LARRY NESS
Saint Mary's @ Southern Illinois
PICK: Saint Mary's
St Mary's went to Carbondale early last December and got beat 71-56 by the Salukis. Not many teams win at SIU Arena and while Southern Illinois went on to finish just 18-15 after a second-round NIT loss (Salukis saw a six-year NCAA run end LY), the Gaels won 25 games LY and made their fifth NCAA appearance (first since 2005). The Salukis' 6-7 inside tandem of Falker (13.0-7.2) and Shaw (12.5-6.9) is finally gone and both are missed. There were high hopes for 6-11 freshman Evans (a local Carbondale kid) but so far, he's averaging only 4.8 PPG. Boyle, a 6-8 senior, averages 8.8-4.9 but 6-8 sophomore Fay has really taken advantage of more playing time with Falker and Shaw gone, averaging 13.7-5.2 (he averaged just 2.4 LY). Veteran guards Mullins (10.3-6.8 APG) and Clemmons 95.9) are joined by two freshman on the perimeter, Dillard (9.3-4.1 APG) and Hare (5.9). SIU's troubles LY was its inability to consistently make shots from the outside, as teams were able to "pack it in" vs Falker and Shaw. Also, the team was also never able to score very much away from home. St Mary's has too much scoring punch and size for SIU. Mills (20.0-3.9 APG) and his fellow Australian backcourt mate, Hughes (9,1-4.1 APG), form an excellent duo while inside, the 6-11 Samhan (15.4-9.3) and the 6-7 Simpson (12.6-11.4) are too tough and too good for the Salukis. In all, eight players have played in all nine of the Gaels' games this year, as St Mary's enters 8-1 (only loss came to UTEP in a late November tourney at Anaheim). St Mary's would have preferred to get this rematch back in Moraga, California but the Gaels will have to be satisfied with a win here in Conseco Fieldhouse ('home' of the Indiana Pacers), which they should get with plenty of room to spare. Take St Mary's.
Game Time Sports Advisors
Providence vs. Boston College
Play: Boston College -5
Memphis vs. South Florida
Play: South Florida -11
We are backing the Bulls here as our FREE MONEY PLAY. This is basically a home game for South Florida. Bulls defense will over-power this C-USA foe. QB Matt Grothe had an up and down season, but this Bulls team is a solid group that has been plagued by inconsistant play. No letdown here for the Bulls as they look to end the year with a nice bowl win. FREE MONEY on the BULLS
Matty O'Shea
NCAA TV Parlay O' the Day for Saturday - EYE OF THE TIGER
Thank goodness the Grizzlies aren't playing on Saturday, otherwise this might be a 3-teamer Stick out tongue
Instead, I'm simply betting a 2-team parlay with Derrick Rose's alma mater in college football (+11.5) AND basketball (-8) at Bookmaker Yes
South Florida has screwed me more than any other team this past season in college football, and I will get my revenge on Saturday Devil
In college hoops, I believe my own alma mater will struggle big-time against the Tigers in their first game without Eric Devendorf. I'm not a huge fan of Devendorf, but Memphis has way too much size for my Orange and should blow them away by double-digits.
Michael Cannon
Fresno State vs. Colorado State (+2'), at Albuquerque, NM
I’m on an 11-5 run with my last 16 overall free plays!
Take the points with Colorado State in the New Mexico Bowl over Fresno State.
Two teams with different psyches square off here this afternoon. The Rams won their final two games to become bowl eligible, while the Bulldogs lost three of their final five.
Neither team was anything special defensively, so both teams should be able to move the football, especially on the ground. But Fresno State had a penchant for turning the ball over down the stretch.
Fresno has been burning their backers all season long. The Bulldogs are just 2-10 ATS this season and the underdog is a perfect 8-0 ATS in their last eight bowl games.
Fresno is also just 11-25 ATS over the last three seasons, including 7-19 ATS as a chalk.
Colorado State is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games on grass and 5-1 ATS in its last six after a SU win.
Take the points with the Rams as they grab the cash for us in the New Mexico Bowl.
2♦ COLORADO STATE
Chris Jordan
Byu +3' vs. Arizona, at Las Vegas, NV
Back to Vegas for the Mormons. The fourth straight year this team has played here, and it's almost a home away from home for the Cougars. And let's not forget this team was ranked as high as No. 8 at one point this season, and was in the BCS talks until TCU stifled it.
The fact is the Cougars have won their last two bowl games at Sam Boyd, knocking off Oregon 38-8 as a three-point favorite two years ago and then notching a 17-16 win over UCLA last season as six-point favorites. And quite frankly, this has become old hat for BYU - playing in Vegas - whether it's in the regular season against UNLV or in this postseason game.
And even though both teams feature high-potent attacks, I like quarterback Max Hall's game much better. I respect what Arizona brings with Willie Tuitama, but the Cougars have played a solid schedule this season and will be able to put the clamps on the Wildcats.
BYU rolls into this one on a 6-2 spread streak following a straight-up loss and has won five of its last six on the field against the Pac 10. And that's all we need with this team, is a straight-up win, as we're catching points.
Look for Hall to pick this secondary apart in the second half, as we pull away for an easy win in the Las Vegas Bowl.
1♦ BRIGHAM YOUNG
Nevada at CALIFORNIA -9
UNLV was thumped by Cal, but beat up on its Northern rival Nevada. What do you think the Bears will do at home today in this West coast clash? This team is going to be very dangerous this season, as it converts 51.7 percent from the perimeter, and balances the act inside the paint just as well.
The inside-outside game is the one thing that will be the biggest discrepancy today for Nevada, as it won't be able to match it, and won't be able to defend it.
I know Cal has been out of action since Dec. 10th, but there's enough experience on this roster that rust won't be an issue, especially at Haas Pavilion. The Bears sport a record of 5-0 in Berkeley and is now 7-2 overall on the season.
That falls in line with Nevada's 4-10 spread skid as a road pup, and Cal's ATS runs of 4-1 versus the WAC and 5-2 when laying points in this range at home.
Bears roll to a double-digit win in this one today.
2♦ CALIFORNIA
Drew Gordon
Iowa (pk) at DRAKE
Maybe tempting here to take the Bulldogs at home, but there's no question the better team here is the Hawkeyes. Make no mistake, Iowa has responded well since their road loss at Boston College earlier this month, playing much more consistent ball since then, and that makes all difference in this one.
Biggest difference between these two teams is defense, plain and simple. While Drake's defensive numbers "look" good, they've benefited from some easy match ups over the course of the month. One tough game at Iowa State, but besides that, they've played nothing but cupcakes all December long!
Iowa meanwhile, blasted the very same Iowa State team in their last one, and has played Kansas State, Boston College, and West Virginia already this season. And despite the tougher comp, their defensive stats are much better than the Bulldogs (even on the highway), allowing 52 ppg on 42% shooting away this season!
Match up-wise, its looks like G Anthony Tucker will play this afternoon, after being suspended for pleading guilty to public intoxication earlier this month. He practiced with the team, and while coach Lickliter was non-commital, I suspect he'll put his best player back on the court today. Otherwise, we all know the Bulldogs are really just 3 players, and problem for them is they all have tough match ups today. Drake F Cox especially, who'll be have his work cut out for him against Cyrus Tate in this one.
Bottom line, Iowa's stifling defense is the difference here, as they take care of business on the road Saturday afternoon. Because Tucker's return is not a lock (at the time of this writing), we'll keep this play small, but otherwise, the Hawkeyes are clearly the play here.
Take Iowa over Drake in afternoon college hoops action.
1♦ IOWA
Fresno St. -2' vs Colorado St. at Albuquerque, NM
Despite their dismal 2-10 record ATS this season, we find the Bulldogs offering plenty of value in this afternoon's New Mexico Bowl. Fact is, because they've been such a bad bet all season, the line on this contest is far too conservative, as I can easily see this Fresno State team winning by a TD, if not more, and here's why:
While both defenses are below average, the Bulldogs have a solid edge on the offensive end. A balanced Fresno State attack, anochored by a bevy of solid RBs, coupled with the consistent play of QB Todd Brandstater can and will have their way with this Rams stop-unit. Note, the fact the Rams allow 250 yards rushing on a mind-boggling 6.3 yards per rush on the road this season, should tell you a lot about Colorado State's chances in this contest.
Also, for those of us who've followed Fresno State closely this season, there's no doubt that Pat Hill's team will bounce back BIG from their 61-10 undressing at Boise State in the regular season finale. Nothing helps focus a team more than getting their asses handed to them, and then having 3+ weeks to think about redemption.
Bottom line, I see the Bulldogs running roughshod over this Rams defense all afternoon long in this one. Once they establish the run, its only a matter of time until Brandstater hits WR Ajirotutu deep on the play action. In the end, both teams will score plenty, but finally healthy Fresno State team eventually takes care of business in this one.
Take Fresno State over Colorado State in today's New Mexico Bowl.
2♦ FRESNO STATE
DUNKEL
LA Lakers at Orlando
The Lakers are just 1-9 ATS in December and face an Orlando team that is 4-0 ATS against the Pacific Division. The Magic are the pick (+2) according to Dunkel, which has Orlando favored straight up by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+2).
Game 701-702: Golden State at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 110.484; Charlotte 119.987
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 9 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 6; 208
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-6); Under
Game 703-704: LA Lakers at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 121.839; Orlando 125.148
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 3 1/2; 212
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 2; 210 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+2); Over
Game 705-706: Indiana at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 113.103; Philadelphia 120.800
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 7 1/2; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 11 1/2; 198
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+11 1/2); Over
Game 707-708: Sacramento at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 108.855; New Orleans 126.655
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 18; 194
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 15; 198
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-15); Under
Game 709-710: Miami at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 114.240; New Jersey 115.916
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1 1/2; 192
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey by 3 1/2; 195
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3 1/2); Under
Game 711-712: Houston at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 118.491; Minnesota 112.704
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 6; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 7; 192
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+7); Under
Game 713-714: Utah at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 120.179; Chicago 116.821
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 209
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 1 1/2; 200
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+1 1/2); Over
Game 715-716: LA Clippers at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 116.576; Milwaukee 118.626
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 2; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 5 1/2; 190 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+5 1/2); Under
Game 717-718: Toronto at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 113.323; San Antonio 126.921
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 13 1/2; 182
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 10; 186
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-10); Under
Game 719-720: Denver at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 121.867; Phoenix 121.786
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 227
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 4; 222
Dunkel Pick: Denver (+4); Over
NCAAB
Michigan State vs. Texas
The Longhorns come in allowing only 60 points per game and look to take advantage of a Michigan State team that is 0-2 ATS against good defensive teams (<=64 points per game). Texas is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Longhorns favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Texas (-6).
Game 721-722: Miami (OH) at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (OH) 64.651; West Virginia 73.947
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 9
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: West Virginia (-7 1/2)
Game 723-724: Temple at Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: Temple 64.257; Kansas 78.707
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas by 9
Dunkel Pick: Kansas (-9)
Game 725-726: North Carolina vs. Valparaiso
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina 83.201; Valparaiso 53.168
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 30
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 27
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (-27)
Game 727-728: Michigan State vs. Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 66.990; Texas 75.060
Dunkel Line: Texas by 8
Vegas Line: Texas by 6
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-6)
Game 729-730: New Mexico at Texas Tech
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 60.657; Texas Tech 65.676
Dunkel Line: Texas Tech by 5
Vegas Line: Texas Tech by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (-2 1/2)
Game 731-732: LaSalle at Cornell
Dunkel Ratings: LaSalle 56.066; Cornell 60.917
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 5
Vegas Line: Cornell by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cornell (-1 1/2)
Game 733-734: Troy at UAB
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 44.985; UAB 67.868
Dunkel Line: UAB by 23
Vegas Line: UAB by 20 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (-20 1/2)
Game 735-736: Minnesota vs. Louisville
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 65.029; Louisville 72.480
Dunkel Line: Louisville by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Louisville by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+9 1/2)
Game 737-738: Rice at Duquesne
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 47.895; Duquesne 56.550
Dunkel Line: Duquesne by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Duquesne by 12
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+12)
Game 739-740: Xavier vs. Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Xavier 70.713; Duke 74.008
Dunkel Line: Duke by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Xavier (+6 1/2)
Game 741-742: Arizona at UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 63.499; UNLV 66.550
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 3
Vegas Line: UNLV by 2
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-2)
Game 743-744: VA Commonwealth vs. Oklahoma
Dunkel Ratings: VA Commonwealth 61.515; Oklahoma 71.674
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 10
Vegas Line: Oklahoma by 13
Dunkel Pick: VA Commonwealth (+13)
Game 745-746: Connecticut vs. Gonzaga
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 70.498; Gonzaga 76.043
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-3 1/2)
Game 747-748: Providence at Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 59.337; Boston College 66.544
Dunkel Line: Boston college by 7
Vegas Line: Boston College by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston College (-4 1/2)
Game 749-750: St. Bonaventure at Eastern Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: St. Bonaventure 50.843; Eastern Michigan 55.218
Dunkel Line: Eastern Michigan by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Eastern Michigan by 2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (-2)
Game 751-752: Iowa at Drake
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 64.489; Drake 62.919
Dunkel Line: Iowa by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Drake by 1
Dunkel Pick: Iowa (+1)
Game 753-754: UC Santa Barbara at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: UC Santa Barbara 51.299; San Diego State 66.091
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 15
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 13
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-13)
Game 755-756: Hofstra at Massachusetts
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 55.043; Massachusetts 60.859
Dunkel Line: Massachusetts by 6
Vegas Line: Massachusetts by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (+7 1/2)
Game 757-758: Auburn at Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Auburn 58.411; Virginia 60.029
Dunkel Line: Virginia by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Virginia by 4
Dunkel Pick: Auburn (+4)
Game 759-760: BYU vs. Arizona State
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 67.198; Arizona State 69.384
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 2
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 5
Dunkel Pick: BYU (+5)
Game 761-762: LSU at Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 65.573; Texas A&M 69.678
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 4
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M
Game 763-764: Georgia Tech at Pepperdine
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 60.441; Pepperdine 49.374
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 11
Vegas Line: Georgia Tech by 14
Dunkel Pick: Pepperdine (+14)
Game 765-766: Loyola-Chicago at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Chicago 53.160; Northern Illinois 48.529
Dunkel Line: Loyola-Chicago by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Loyola-Chicago by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Chicago (-2 1/2)
Game 767-768: St. Mary's (CA) at Southern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: St. Mary's (CA) 63.811; Southern Illinois 61.702
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 2
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 5
Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (+5)
Game 769-770: Nevada at California
Dunkel Ratings: Nevada 57.315; California 70.695
Dunkel Line: California by 13
Vegas Line: California by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: California (-8 1/2)
Game 771-772: Central Florida at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Central Florida 54.885; Florida 69.463
Dunkel Line: Florida by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (+15 1/2)
Game 773-774: Colorado State at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 50.192; Denver 49.971
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Colorado State by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (+2 1/2)
Game 775-776: Houston at Toledo
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 61.556; Toledo 56.876
Dunkel Line: Houston by 5
Vegas Line: Houston by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+7 1/2)
Game 777-778: South Alabama at Florida International
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 55.800; Florida International 51.210
Dunkel Line: South Alabama by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: South Alabama by 6
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+6)
Game 779-780: Rhode Island at Oklahoma State
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 64.532; Oklahoma State 65.977
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State by 4
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (+4)
Game 781-782: Detroit at Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 51.874; Illinois 68.790
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 17
Vegas Line: Illinois by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+18 1/2)
Game 783-784: Syracuse at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 69.511; Memphis 80.372
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 11
Vegas Line: Memphis by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-7 1/2)
Game 785-786: Portland at Oregon
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 52.510; Oregon 64.496
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 12
Vegas Line: Oregon by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (-9 1/2)
Game 787-788: Tulsa at Loyola Marymount
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 56.814; Loyola Marymount 46.375
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 13
Dunkel Pick: Loyola Marymount (+13)
Game 789-790: Bradley at WI-Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Bradley 54.516; WI-Milwaukee 57.667
Dunkel Line: WI-Milwaukee by 3
Vegas Line: WI-Milwaukee by 1
Dunkel Pick: WI-Milwaukee (-1)
Game 791-792: Illinois-Chicago at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 60.644; Illinois State 68.263
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois State (-5 1/2)
Game 773-794: Arkansas State at Arkansas Little Rock
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 53.306; Arkansas Little Rock 55.561
Dunkel Line: Arkansas Little Rock by 2
Vegas Line: Arkansas Little Rock by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas State (+4 1/2)
Game 795-796: New Mexico State at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 56.097; UTEP 64.996
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 9
Vegas Line: UTEP by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (-6 1/2)
Game 797-798: Northwestern at Stanford
Dunkel Ratings: Northwestern 63.761; Stanford 73.178
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Stanford by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (-5 1/2)
Game 799-800: Santa Clara at Pacific
Dunkel Ratings: Santa Clara 53.609; Pacific 58.949
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Pacific by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (-2 1/2)
Game 801-802: Murray State vs. South Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Murray State 56.339; South Florida 56.212
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: South Florida by 2
Dunkel Pick: Murray State (+2)
Game 803-804: Oral Roberts vs. Wright State
Dunkel Ratings: Oral Roberts 57.450; Wright State 51.887
Dunkel Line: Oral Roberts by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Oral Roberts by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oral Roberts (-2 1/2)
Game 805-806: Virginia Tech vs. Columbia
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia Tech 64.083; Columbia 45.445
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 16
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-16)
Game 807-808: Marist at St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: Marist 49.054; St. John's 65.364
Dunkel Line: St. John's by 16
Vegas Line: St. John's by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. John's (-14 1/2)
Game 809-810: UC Irvine vs. Middle Tennessee State
Dunkel Ratings: UC Irvine 46.140; Middle Tennessee State 53.767
Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 10
Dunkel Pick: UC Irvine (+10)
Game 811-812: Norfolk State vs. Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Norfolk State 37.504; Missouri State 60.806
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 23
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 25 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Norfolk State (+25 1/2)
Lee Sterling
Member Plays
Matchup: Fresno St at Colorado State
Time: 2:30 PM EDT (Sat)
Play: Colorado State (3-110)
I can't remember the last time a team lost by 51 points in their last game of the season and was favored in their bowl game. That's the case here with Fresno State. Fresno State is a mere shell of what people think they should be. Their defense is horrible and their running game has fallen off the map. Head Coach Hill also flirted with leaving and going to coach the University of Washington. Fresno State is going in the wrong direction while Colorado State is on the way back up after hiring head Coach Fairchild. Take Colorado State in this bowl matchup.
Matchup: BYU at Arizona
Time: 8:00 PM EDT (Sat)
Play: Arizona (-3.0-110)
BYU is a team that isn't to exicited to be playing in the same bowl for four straight seasons. The expectations also weren't met for BYU where BYU thought they might end up winning the Mountain West Conference. They are on a low after getting blown out by their rival Utah and finished a distant third in their conference. Arizona lost some close conference games and their running game and defense is much improved and much stronger than BYU. Lay the small spot and take the Arizona Wildcats in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Brian Edwards's Pick Pack
NCAA Football Bowl Package
Premium Plays
Matchup: Navy at Wake Forest
Time: 11:00 AM EDT (Sat)
Play: Wake Forest (-2.0 -110)
Posted on: December 17, 2008 @ 3:52:23 PM EST
Revenge game for Wake Forest, which dropped a 24-17 decision to Navy as a double-digit favorite earlier in the season. The Midshipmen took advantage of Wake QB Riley Skinner's worst career game. Skinner, who was playing banged up at the time, threw four interceptions. I say the Jacksonville Bolles High School product bounces back and plays well here, leading the Deacs to victory as the short 'chalk' this time.
Matchup: Memphis at S. Florida
Time: 4:30 PM EDT (Sat)
Play: Memphis (+12 -110)
Line Source: BODOG
Posted on: December 19, 2008 @ 2:14:38 PM EST
I think Memphis is more motivated in this game, thrilled to be in the post-season. On the flip side, South Florida had much bigger expectations than going across town for a pre-Christmas bowl game. The Bulls have lost four of their last five games outright. They are 1-3 against the spread in four prior spots as double-digit favorites. Memphis is 4-2 ATS in its last six games as an underdog. Give me the double-digit 'dogs.
Matchup: Florida at Oklahoma
Time: 8:15 PM EDT (Thu)
Play: Florida (-3.0 -110)
Line Source: BET365
Posted on: December 8, 2008 @ 3:53:37 PM EST
Nobody can stop these Gators, who have won nine in a row. They have won all nine of those contests by double-digit margins, winning eight of those games by 28 points or more. UF beat Alabama without one of the country's most dynamic playmakers Percy Harvin, who will be back to 100 percent by the time these teams get to South Florida. Oklahoma is notorious for laying eggs in big games like this, as evidenced by four consecutive losses in BCS games, including blowout defeats to USC and West Va. Give me the Gators to get it done in their home state for all the marbles.
Member Plays
Matchup: Fresno St at Colorado State
Time: 2:30 PM EDT (Sat)
Play: Colorado State (ML +125)
Line Source: MIRAGE
Posted on: December 19, 2008 @ 2:17:45 PM EST
Not as high on this play as my others for Saturday (amout-wise), but I think it's worth taking a shot at Colorado St. on the money line. More than anything, I'm all about fading Fresno St., which went 2-10 against the spread this season. The Bulldogs aren't interested in this game in my opininon. They mentally checked out weeks ago. On the other hand, CSU is thrilled to be in any bowl game just a year removed from a 3-9 campaign. I think the Rams win outright.
Guaranteed Plays
Matchup: BYU at Arizona
Time: 8:00 PM EDT (Sat)
Play: Arizona (-3 -110)
Line Source: BODOG
Posted on: December 19, 2008 @ 10:15:22 PM EST
Arizona is fired up to be in Las Vegas and so are its fans, who get a doubleheader with the 'Zona hoops team playing against UNLV at the Thomas & Mack Center earlier in the day. This is the Wildcats' first trip to a bowl game under Mike Stoops. On the other hand, BYU has settled for a fourth consecutive trip to the Las Vegas Bowl. I think 'Zona is better anyway and I like 'em to get the win and cover.