Game Time Sports Advisors
Michigan State vs. Georgia
Play: Georgia -8
Bulldogs a disappointment after their pre-season #1 ranking. Still, Georgia sports a lot of weapons on offense, and a solid D. Michigan State RB Javon Ringer is on record saying he wants 200 yards and 3 TDs in this game after watching Georgia Tech ramble for 400 yards on the ground. Well, the Bulldogs will be ready and will put MONEY IN YOUR POCKET!
John Fisher
Iowa vs. South Carolina
Play: Iowa -3.5
Given the time and defenses of both teams I really dont see any team cracking over 20 points. Iowa finished strong to end the season while South Carolina sputtered. The good old ball coach Spurrier for South Carolina treats his running game like a plague. Iowa on the otherhand likes to run but can throw when they want. They get production out of both 190yds Pass and Run. Iowa has advantages in most stastical categories. The fact that South Carolina only averages 3 trips a game in the red zone should make one leary of taking the gamecocks. Iowa 20 SC 10 FYI: This will be a boring game!
Clemson vs. Nebraska
Play: Clemson -2
This game has a value rating of 5 in my picks so its hard to pick this one. These teams look great at times and at other times down right horrible. I will lean towards the better defensive team here. Its hard to pick a team like Nebraska that gives up 30 pts a game. Clemson has a better defense and should keep Nebraska in check while Clemsons running game could keep the Cornhuskers off the field. Clemson 37 Nebraska 28
Team Who2beton
The Georgia Bulldogs averaged 32.1 points per game this season, but their run defense was exposed in the season finale vs. Georgia Tech, and we look for the Michigan State Spartans to gain the cover here behind Javon Ringer.
Ringer is one of the premier running backs in the country, as he rushed for nearly 1600 yards this season while scoring a whopping 21 touchdowns on the ground. He must be licking his chops after watching Georgia Tech rush for an incredible 409 yards vs. this Bulldogs defense. That would also open things up for quarterback Brian Hoyer to have some success through play-action.
Now the Bulldogs can score on anyone, but they did allow a disturbing 25.9 points per game in an SEC that is normally a defensively dominated conference. Because of these defensive lapses, Georgia finished up on a 1-7 skid against the spread, with the lone cover coming at LSU. It is also interesting that while the SEC is 11-4-1 as a bowl underdog the last five years, the conference is just 12-14-3 ATS in this bowl chalk role.
Conversely, Big Ten bowl underdogs are 15-10, 60 percent ATS during this span, and the Spartans should improve on that by keeping this game close throughout, milking some clock with Ringer on the ground.
Pick: Michigan State +8
Matt Rivers
For New Year's Day take the under in Pasadena between Penn State and USC.
I am not the biggest totals guy in the world at all but I just cannot see these two defenses giving up all that much today making me believe that 45 or so total points is a bit much. If we see pick 6's which is always possible with stout defenses then we could have some issues but all in all I am all about this low.
To begin with both squads boast elite defenses and the Trojans may possibly have the best we have seen in yerars, if not ever. Ray Ma'aluga, Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews and the rest of Pete Carrol's boys are unreal. They don't give up any yards no less points, just ask Charlie Weis as his Fighting Irish mustered a whole 90 some-odd yards for the entire game. Also both Cal and Oregon looked awful in blowouts losses in the Coliseum and both of those teams certainly can score some points.
On the opposite extreme I really do not trust Marc Sanchez and the USC offense as they are just not nearly as explosive as in years' past with guys like Leinart, Palmer, Bush, White and on and on and on. Don't get me wrong USC can score points and especially so against bottomfeeders like Washington and Washington State but here against Joe Pa's Nittany Lions we are looking at a total black and blue brawl where scoring will not be the norm.
Penn State has a very capable offense that can certainly put points on the board but nobody will travel out West and really put a number on this USC unit and that includes Darryl Clark and company. You saw a similar type game when the Lions went to the Horseshow and narrowly beat Ohio State, 13-6.
If this game is played 100 times I really do not se it going over more than 20-25 times making me all about the under as there is just too much upside there.
Tony Weston
It was ugly, but Oregon State managed to barely do enough to give us a win in this spot yesterday. While 3-0 may not have been sexy, it still did the job.
We came through yesterday with Oregon State and we’re coming through again today with Nebraska over Clemson in the Gator Bowl.
While the start of the Bo Pelini era may not have led to a Big XII championship or a shot at the national title, it did start with an 8-4 SU record and a 6-6 mark ATS.
The Cornhuskers will reach the nine-win mark and finish over .500 ATS today as they get over on Clemson. Consider that Nebraska finished 5-1 SU and 3-3 ATS down the stretch, including a perfect 3-0 SU mark their last three games of the year where they went 2-1 ATS. In that stretch the Cornhuskers outscored their opponents by an average of 15.6 points per game.
Nebraska also finished 3-1 ATS on the road this year, where the team outscored their opponents by an average of 37.5-33.5.
Now the ’Huskers battle a Clemson team that was only 2-2 ATS on the road this year and was outscored, on average, 19.2-18.5. Consider also the Tigers are 3-7 ATS their last 10 games when installed as a favorite, are only 2-6 their last eight games outside their conference and are 2-7 ATS their last nine against teams with winning records.
Clemson is also 1-4 ATS its last five bowl games and is 0-4 ATS its last four bowl games when installed as a favorite.
That losing trend will continue today as Nebraska will get over in the Gator Bowl.
3♦ NEBRASKA
Bobby Maxwell
Clemson vs. Nebraska +2', at Jacksonville, Fla.
This Clemson squad looked absolutely horrible midway through this season, losing four of five games and three straight. The Tigers had their coach quit and they looked devastated. Nebraska was in the same situation, but the coach stayed and their offense has been deadly the last part of the season.
We're playing Nebraska to keep that up today and get a bowl win in this one. But we will take whatever points are offered just in case any last-second kick keeps the Huskers from winning outright.
Nebraska's offense has scored 28 points or more in seven straight games and over their final three of the season they scored 141 points in wins over Kansas, Kansas State and Colorado. For the season they put up 36.2 points a game and 458.2 yards. QB Joe Ganz threw 23 TD passes and just 10 INTs, but RB Roy Helu ignited the offense in the second half of the season and had 166 yards in the season-ending win over Colorado.
Nebraska's offense outgained seven of their last eight opponents, with the only exception being Oklahoma who only outgained the Huskers by 90 total yards.
Clemson has a QB that throws too many INTs and a defense that has been decent lately, but hasn't faced an offense like Nebraska. Play the Huskers in this one.
3♦ NEBRASKA
Villanova at MARQUETTE -3'
The Golden Eagles are tough to beat at home, and in the Big East opener for both schools, on this holiday, they will be even tougher. We’re going to lay the small chalk with Marquette to win this one over Villanova.
Marquette is 9-0 at home this season and puts up 84 points per game while giving up just 66. The Eagles were supposed to have trouble on the boards but to this point they are outrebounding the competition by 7.6 per game despite having only two players taller than 6-7.
The Eagles have a stay in junior forward Lazar Hayward who puts up 17.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Guard Wesley Matthews leads the team in scoring at 19.2 points per game and this team has four players in double digits this year.
Last year they went to Villanova and got an 85-75 road win with James hitting five three-pointers and finishing with 25 points. Today they get the pleasure of having the Wildcats on their home court, and on a holiday after a night you know everybody stayed up a little too late. Play the home team in this one. Marquette gets the easy win and cover.
4♦ MARQUETTE
Tom Freese
Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati
Virginia Tech is 14-4 ATS on Thursday and they are 12-4 ATS their last 16 games as underdogs. The Hokies are 23-11 ATS off an ATS win and they are 5-2 ATS vs. winning teams. Cincinnati is 1-5 ATS their last 6 Bowl games and they are 1-6 ATS after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their last game and they are 0-4 ATS as Bowl favorites. PLAY ON VIRGINIA TECH -
Charlie Scott
Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati U
Play: Cincinnati U -2.5/-102
In my opinion Bearcat Head Coach Brian Kelly is one of the top Coaches in NCAAF. He made his team check out of their 5 star hotel Wednesday, because P Daddy or Diddy was staying there and Kelly said he didn't want his players being distracted. We can count on getting a focused Cincinnati team who beat S Miss in the Papa John Bowl last year, Kelly's first year at Cinci. While Virginia Tech played and lost at the Orange Bowl last year, in fact Virginia Tech is 1-4 S/U in their last 5 Bowls. Virginia Tech won a weak ACC division, but struggle on offense to score points. Get this before it goes to -3. Say No to Puff Daddy and Play Cincinnati !
Wild Bill
Nebraska +3 (5 units)
Offense for Nebraska has more weapons along with special teams. Clemson has new coach in place who took over on an interim basis during the mid-season, however, Seniors for Huskers want this one very badly..Nebraska ave margin of victory this year is 7 points, Clemson's is 9 points. This will be a hard fought contest...Nebraska 31 Clemson 30...
Georgia -7 1/2 (5 units)
Big 10 teams have not done well in the Citrus Bowl other than Penn State in the past, and the Dawgs looking to atone for brutal finish to the year vs a one dimensional offense that's built around Ringer...Georgia rolls 42-17.
Penn St +10 1/2 (5 units)
USC defense is stellar yes. Didn't USC get beat on the road at Oregon St? Didn't Penn St roll over Oregon St early in the year? This is the same Penn St club and the same USC club with everyone basically healthy in this tilt. You have a great offense vs a very good defense and something has to give here. Home field advantage? Somewhat! Special teams? Have to give the edge to PSU on that end with a very good kicker and punter. Hardly any one on ESPN is giving PSU any chance vs USC however, I see Joe Pa's club playing tough and smart in this one and hang in there for a very exciting game. USC 31 PSU 27...
Over 45 Penn St-USC (5 units)
Cincy -1 (5 units)
Cincy defense vs VTech defense, edge to Cincy and special teams. UC 24 VT 20..
Triple Threat Sports
USC (-) over Penn State in the Rose Bowl
This is a head over heart play, as while we would love to see Joe Pa get a Rose Bowl win, USC is just too good, and playing at home. Hard to argue with that, and seeing as how (and we are not making this up) one of the worst Vegas squares we have ever seen is on Penn State (this guy last won a dog play in the FIRST Bush administration) it appears the play is to fade the Nittany Lions, especially with the line tumbling down.
Mikey Sports
Virginia Tech vs Cincinnati
Play: Virginia Tech (+) pts
Pure Lock
VIRGINIA TECH VS CINCINNATI
PLAY: CINCINNATI (-) PTS
Gina
Cincinnati -2
USC -10
Iowa -3½
Georgia -7½
Nebraska +2
Johnny Guild
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. U-S-C Trojans
Penn State explosive offense will face possibly the best defensive team in the country. The Nittany Lions will be in for a shock, they haven’t confronting a physically powerful defense resembling USC. The Trojans are 8-0 both straight-up and against the spread in the last eight meetings against Big Ten opponents. Look for the Nittany Lions to be an additional Big 10 fatality. Take USC to win by double digits.
Iowa Hawkeyes -4
Nebraska Cornhuskers +2
Michigan State Spartans +8.5
USC Trojans -9.5
Virginia Tech Hokies +2
Jack Jones
Nebraska +2
The Cornhuskers finished the season strong, winning five of their last six games, including three in a row. Bo Pelini has done a great job of turning this team around and a win here is important to both the school and the head coach to signal to the fans that they have this thing turned around. Clemson has struggled this year after being considered a national title contender. Cullen Harper threw as many picks as touchdowns and the two running backs, James Davis and CJ Spiller, didn't quite have the monster numbers everyone expected. Clemson's defense has put up some pretty nice numbers, but when you look at how bad the offenses have been in the ACC this year you have to take that with a grain of salt. Nebraska has proven themselves this year on that side of the ball with at least 40 points in each of their last three games, and an offense that put up 36.17 ppg overall. They move the ball 284 ypg through the air and ranked 12th in the nation with 458 ypg of total offense. I think Nebraska wins this one in a shootout.
Predicted Score: Nebraska 35, Clemson 28
USC -8.5
The Trojans have won eight straight games against the Big Ten and easily took care of Ohio State earlier in the year, a team that Penn State had troubles beating in the middle of the season. Penn State hasn't faced an offense like USC's this year as the Trojans have gained 206 ypg on the ground and 247 ypg through the air. This offense is averaging 37.5 ppg and is stacked with talent at the skill positions. The defense has been outstanding as well, leading the nation with a 7.8 ppg against average and 206.1 total ypg. Even with Penn State having a pretty stellar offense I just don't think they are as talented as the USC defense. The Trojans have more playmakers on both sides of the ball and should come out on top here in what should be a great game.
USC 34, Penn State 21
Iowa -3.5
You have to like a Hawkeye team that won five of their last six games and whose four losses this year have come by a total of 12 points. They are very under-rated and knocked off Penn State in early November to end the Nittany Lions' title hopes. The offense is led by the best running back in the nation in Shonn Greene. This kid was second in rushing with 144 ypg and had more than 100 yards in every single game this year, the only player in the nation to do so. Iowa can also move the ball through the air as Rick Stanzi has emerged as a decent signal caller. He ended the season with 1,809 yards despite splitting time over the first four games with Jake Christenson. South Carolina had high hopes in the middle of the season as they were contending with the big boys in the SEC, however, a 50 point loss to Florida and by 17 to Clemson should have shown everyone that they were just pretenders. Neither Chris Smelley or Stephen Garcia have stepped up to be a team leader at quarterback, while Mike Davis is only averaging 3.6 ypc out of the backfield. Expect Iowa to pound away at this team and distance themselves in the second half.
Prediction: Iowa 24, South Carolina 14
Evan Altemus
PENN ST / USC UNDER 45 POINTS
USC has one of college football's best defenses over the last 10-20 years. They allowed only 23 combined points to Oregon, Cal, and Arizona. Those teams had the best offenses of the team's on USC's schedule, and they completely shut them down. Their performance against Oregon was truly remarkable, as the Ducks have put up big numbers against almost every other team this season. Oregon only had 60 rushing yards in that game, averaging just 1.5 yards per rush. The Trojans performance at Arizona was also remarkable. The Wildcats have a very good offense, as well as NFL caliber talent at running back and tight end. Quarterback Willie Tuitama threw for just 88 yards as well. However, USC has struggled at times on offense this season. Their offensive line isn't as talented as in previous years, which has limited some of the big plays. In addition, Mark Sanchez and the wide receiving corps hasn't producted many big plays. The long touchdowns have usually come when a running back broke a long run or screen pass. Penn State's strength on defense is their front seven, so they should be able to slow down the Trojans running game. The Nittany Lions allowed every opponent on their schedule to 24 points or less as well. Every possession will be valuable in this game, as scoring will be at a premium. Look for this game to be low scoring.