Michael Cannon
Wisconsin vs. Florida State -5', at Orlando
Take the under in the Champs Sports Bowl between Wisconsin and Florida State.
I’m not sure why this total is posted so high, as this has all the makings of a low-scoring affair.
First off, the Badgers utilize a power running game on offense, which keeps the clock rolling and effectively shortens the game.
Then you have the Seminoles defense, which gives up just 20.8 ppg and 291.2 total yards per game.
Wisconsin, despite having a down year, still held up ok defensively, giving up 25.2 ppg.
The Badgers are also on under streaks of 10-4 in non-conference action, 4-1 in bowl games and 4-1 as an underdog.
Take the under as this one stays low.
3♦ UNDER
Sports Gambling Hotline
Miami-Florida vs. California -8 - at San Francisco
No questioning California's high-octane offense, as Jeff Tedford's Golden Bears have been able to put up some big numbers this season, as they have scored 24-points or more in 10 of their 12 games this year, 30-points or more in their last pair, and 6 of their 12 overall games during the regular season.
The Golden Bears were also able to achieve the 40-points or better plateau 4 times during the season!
Looking at the Hurricanes output, Miami was able to score 24-points or more in 7 of their 12 games played this year, and 3 times put up 39-points or more.
Both teams feature talented defenses, but with the skill players on both offenses, we have to believe that the combination of big plays by the offense, and a few turnovers forced by the defense are going to create a high-scroing Emerald Bowl before the final gun sounds.
Play on the OVER in tonight's Emerald Bowl battle from San Francisco.
4♦ OVER
Triple Threat Sports
Florida State over Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl.
FSU dominated the last time it was favored in a bowl four years ago, this is in the Noles home state, and the ACC has dominated this bowl going 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS over the last five seasons. Also remember that UW's last two wins were life and death against Minnesota and CAL-POLY, and of course FSU is miles better than those two teams.
Jeff Alexander Sports
1 Unit on T-Wolves +9
The T-Wolves took it to the Knicks last night to end a terrible losing streak. That gives them some nice momentum going into this tough home contest with the Orlando Magic. The road has been good to the Magic and no court has been good to the Wolves, but odds makers are giving us too many points to refuse here. This is the largest margin the Magic have been favored by on the road this season. Minnesota played the Magic to an 11 point game on the road earlier this month and that game was much closer than the final score indicated as these teams matchup pretty well. Plays on any team revenging a road loss vs. an opponent, terrible team, winning 25% or less of their games on the season are 157-95 ATS the last 5 seasons (62.3%). Take the points.
Betting As a Business
Orlando / Minnesota Over 194 2 Units
The Magic are coming off of 2 back to back stellar defensive performances. On Thursday Orlando held the Hornets to just 68 points winning by 20 (88-68) and Monday the Magic held the wide open Warriors to just 81 while blowing them out 113-81. Most don't understand the tremendous amount of energy it takes to defend at this level. Now Orlando goes on the road for a 3 game set before the new year starting out tonight in Minnesota to face the T'Wolves who just can't seem to get it together at all. Normally with a team in the situation that Orlando is in, we'd be looking to take the hefty number with the home team but Minnesota has too many ways to fall apart in the end. They've shown us they can keep up with good teams for a half or even 3 quarters, but to ask them to cover for us is risky. Instead, we'll just ask the lowly T'Wolves to score with some easy looks against a tired defense with bigger things on their minds. After Minnesota the Magic are off to Detroit to play the Pistons on Monday before ending their 5 day 3 city trip up north in Chicago on new years eve day (Wednesday, 2:05 ET start). So between a tough upcoming game in Detroit and making / anticipating New Years plans while on the road, we can't see Orlando willing to buckle down and spend any energy on D in Minnesota. The Magic are more apt to have the "let 'em run, we'll catch 'em if we have to" attitude here.
Brian Hansen
Los Angeles Kings at Phoenix Coyotes
Prediction: Phoenix Coyotes
The Coyotes are coming off a 2-1 road victory over the Kings and I expect them to once again take care of business in the 2nd half of this home and home mini series. In fact it's interesting to note that the Coyotes are an awesome 4-3 vs. division opponents this season; look for that to go to 5-3 after tonight!
Nostradamus
Florida St. -5.5
Miami +10
LSU -6
South Florida -6.5
Idaho St +11
Minnesota +9
Columbus +120
Brett Maverick Sports
Washington State +5
We cashed another easy winner last night as we saw the worst rated defense in the Bowl series(CMU No.104) go in as a 7 point favorite. FAU easily took advantage and cashed as a dog and the moneyline. Today we have a triple play in the Champs Bowl..On ESPN today we find an LSU team with a 9-1 record coming in as a 5 point favorite and a small public betting favorite at 55%. The problem with the record is the fact the schedule has been so easy that we cant respect it. The only top 50 team LSU has faced was Texas A&M and they lost by 11 points. Washington State plays the best defense in the Pac-10 and has faced three big opponents in Pitt, Gonzaga Baylor and beat Miss State. We respect the fact Wash State is 3-1 ats away this year. In 3 of the last 5 games LSU played,there was no line as the comp was too weak. Take the Cougars
Golden Contender
In NHL action i have a solid 4 unit play on the NY.Rangers here tonight at -140 or less.Game 12 at 7:05 eastern.The Rangers have major revenge in mind here tonight.They have 3 days rest and face a nj team that was shut out at home last night.The Rangers were totally embarrassed last week in nj losing 8-5, a game in which the rangers came back to tie the game after trailng 5-2.As the Rangers were on celebrating the game tying goal nj moved down the ice and right away took back the lead.A lead that they would not relinqush.Ranger goalie H.Lundqquist was totally humiliated and allowed a career high in goals that night.The Rangers had defensive break downs all night in that game, and had an awful tme moving the puck out of there own end.Tonight however they are home and off back to back losses.They are 5-0 su this year in this role outscoring opponents 20-8.They are still a solid 6-2 vs division opponents,2-0 off 3+ rest this year and 8-3 at home in there last 11 vs nj.Look for a solid effort here on Saturday night as the Rangers turn the tables on the devils here at Madison Square Garden. Back the Rangers here tonight though with revenge,rest, and the qualifying angles bol gc-
Tom Freese
Toronto at Portland
Portland is 10-2 UNDER as favorites of 5 to 10.5 points and they are 12-4 UNDER their last 16 games overall. The Trailblazers are 40-16 UNDER when their opponent scores 100 or more points in their last game and they are 8-3 UNDER off an ATS loss. Toronto is 11-3 UNDER when playing with no rest and they are 7-2 UNDER their last 9 games overall. The Raptors are 4-1 UNDER their last 5 games overall and they are 10-4 UNDER after scoring 100 or more points in their last game. PLAY ON 'UNDER'
GINA
Meineke: West Virginia +1
Champs Sports: Florida State -4½
Emerald: California -7
MR. A
MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL
Look for the Mountaineers and quarterback Pat White to launch a relentless rushing attack and get the job done in a close battle. West Virginia has a better defense, allowing an average of 16 points per game.
West Virginia Mountaineers -2
CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL
The Badgers will try to control the clock, but Bowden and his boys will be ready. Florida State is the better team and the scoreboard will show it.
Florida State Seminoles -6
EMERALD BOWL
Miami struggle late in the season with losses to Georgia Tech and NC State in their last two games of the regular-season. Meanwhile, California finished strongly. Look for the Golden Bears to pound the Hurricanes on the ground taking advantage of Miami-Florida’s sputtering run defense. California momentum continues in San Francisco.
California Golden Bears -10
JOHNNY GUILD
Meineke: West Virginia
Champs Sports: Florida State
Emerald: California
Priceless Picks
1 Unit on Chicago Bulls +10
The Bulls laid an egg last night, especially rookie point guard Derrick Rose, and they will respond by playing much better tonight. The Bulls likely won't be able to pull off the win but they will keep this one easily within the number. The Bulls will also be playing to avenge an earlier season blowout loss against the Hawks. Plays on road teams (CHICAGO) - revenging a loss where opponent scored 110 or more points, off a road loss are 108-62 ATS the last 5 seasons. Take the points.
Matt Fargo
Portland U at Air Force
Prediction: Portland U
Out of 347 Division I teams, Air Force has played the 342nd ranked schedule so its early record of 8-2 means nothing. The best team the Falcons have defeated was Northern Colorado are the Bears are ranked 240th. They were demolished at Stanford and were also beaten badly at home against Wofford. Portland lost to Northern Colorado but it was close as were road losses to Oregon (three points in overtime) and Portland St. (five points). The signature victory was a six-point home win over Washington to start the season with another won over Nevada being solid as well. The Pilots are a team on the rise with four players averaging double figures in scoring while the Falcons are a team on the decline. Air Force is still competitive because of the defense but take this team away from its home floor and it is not the same and never was even when the Falcons were a great team over the last few years. The Pilots are shooting 49.2 percent from the floor which is better than they have in recent years as their previous best was 43.2 over the last three years. The biggest difference is point guard T.J. Campbell, who is in his first season at Portland after transferring from Glendale Community College. He is averaging 4.7 apg while also contributing 10.5 ppg. This is another statement game for Portland and it will show it is up to the challenge once again. 3* Portland Pilots