Tim Trushel
MAC GOY
20* C Michigan
Vegas Sports Experts
10* Take Ball State (-7) over Central Michigan (NCAA Power Play)
Ball State
• 14-4 ATS in road games the last 3 seasons
• 5-1 ATS after scoring 31 points or more in three consecutive games
• 11-1 ATS after a game where they forced one or less turnovers
Drew Gordon
1. 100,000♦ Central Michigan
2. 50,000♦ Murray St
1. Central Michigan- Needless to say, this is a HUGE game for both teams, and while on paper Ball State may "seem" like the right play here, they're not playing on paper, they're playing at Mount Pleasant, where the Chippewas are at their best...
While critics of this play will point out that Ball State is 10-0 SU & 7-2 ATS, these same people aren't digging deep enough into the numbers. Everyone knows the Cardinals record, but even that's a bit deceiving, because Ball State is just 1-2 ATS over their last 3 games. Not only that, but there's a moutain of evidence suggesting the Chippewas will circle the wagons tonight, including the fact they're 10-2 ATS at home in conference, 9-2-1 ATS as a MAC pup, and 4-1 ATS as dogs this season!
Then there's last season, where the Chippewas went into the Cardinals house and beat them 58-38 as 10-point road dogs. Granted, that opens the door for revenge tonight, but that also proves that QB Dan LeFevour can dominate this Ball State defense. LeFevour was downright awesome in that contest, compiling 506 of the Chippewas school-record 658 total yards of offense! The fact he's coming off one of his best games of the year in his last start, can only mean good things as he returns home tonight.
Finally, let's consider public perception. Let's make one thing clear: if Ball State would've played Georgia, like Central Michigan did, they would not be undefeated. Also, because the Chippewas struggled at Northern Illinois last week, plenty of average bettors are fading them like crazy tonight. Fact is the Chippewas got caught looking ahead to this contest, and any real 'Capper could tell you that! Look for a much better effort this time around from Central Michigan, as a win here would lock up the MAC West title.
Bottom line, Central Michigan has been flying under the radar all season, and with so much on the line, at home, against a foe they've beaten 5 straight times, look for them to deliver in this critical spot, as Lefevour goes off once again tonight.
Take Central Michigan plus the points over Ball State as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Murray State- Interesting match up here, as coach Brady begins his rebuilding project at Arkansas State, after getting pushed out of LSU. Given time, he'll surely bring them to the top of the Sun Belt, but right now, he's still a couple years away and it'll show against visiting Murray State tonight.
So what's the difference between these two teams? The Racers return 4 starters, are in their 3rd year under head coach Billy Kennedy, and are a program on the upswing right now. They have a ton of upperclassmen talent, including junior F Danero Thomas and senior PG Kevin Thomas. The Indians meanwhile, are in the midst of a rebuilding project, after going 10-20 last year, including just 5-13 in the Sun Belt. They have balance throughout the roster, but players are still adjusting to coach Brady's system, and I'm hardly convinced yet.
Also, one has to consider the fact the Indians are without F Yima Chia-Kur, who averaged 11 ppg and was a key contributor to this team last season in his just his freshman year. He was a solid player inside and out, shooting almost 38% from 3-point, and his absence will be sorely missed on a team without enough talent to make up for his loss.
Bottom line, ironically both of these teams opened up with the same cupcake opponent, Lyon, and the scores were almost identical blowout wins. However, look for Murray State to differentiate itself from a rebuilding Arkansas State program tonight on the road. Racers are starting to flourish in coach Kennedy's system, as he's slowly, but surely has built this program. Time will come for the Indians, but that time is NOT today.
Take Murray State plus the points over Arkansas State in this college hoops match up.
Larry Ness
Weekly Wipeout Winner-NBA
Portland
Non-Conf GOW NCAAB
St. Louis Billikens
NCAAF Conf. GOY 20 Star
Central Mich
Blade, First of all thank you for all the work you do on this site. Secondly do ever get Andre Gomez? He is very very good. Thank you
Blade, First of all thank you for all the work you do on this site. Secondly do ever get Andre Gomez? He is very very good. Thank you
If you mean Andre Gomes no we don't post his plays per the boss.
Robert Ferrringo
2-Unit Play. Take Murray State (+1) over Arkansas State
Here this isn’t just a story about two different teams, but two completely different programs. Murray State is one of the OVC’s best and they are used to winning, and winning a lot. They brought back four of five starters from last year’s squad, which was a pleasant surprise in what should have been a down year, and they added a solid Creighton transfer. Arkansas State, on the other hand, is an absolute disaster. They bottomed out last year and will be without four of five starters from last year’s squad. They have played well under new coach John Brady, but I am not ready to buy in until I see them pick up a couple wins and reverse their bad karma. Murray State beat a better ASU team by 14 last year and should manage a ‘W’ here.
1.5-Unit Play. Take Morehead State (+15.5) over Drake
Drake is a solid, sound team. But I don't know if they are ready to be laying these types of numbers. they simply lost too much from last year to be expected to go out and lay a 20-point beating on someone. Morehead State has some nice pieces and is a veteran team. I think they can hang around. Morehead has already played a pair of games. They were winning at halftime against a Sun Belt crew and they were only down seven points at Vanderbilt. They got rocked in the second half in both games. But I think they adjust that situation and manage to keep this one in single digits.
1-Unit Play. Take Ball State (+14.5) over Butler
I feel the same way about Butler that I do about Drake - they simply lost too much to be laying these types of numbers this early in the year. Mix in the fact that people are looking for an "easy" play today because of the short schedule and this will be a favorite square target. We'll be on the other side. Before their Horizon League run the Bulldogs had a lot of trouble covering thick home lines last year. Their style is more defensive and deliberate, so I don't see them posting a monster blowout. Further, they are coming off a semi-emotional opener against a team that beat them last year. Seven of the last 10 in this series have been decided by 16 points or less, which keeps us in range. BSU has more motivation here and I think they take the cash.
2-Unit Play. Take Kent State (-1) over St. Louis
"People that want to see a good college team should come out (tonight), though they might not see one in us." That's a quote straight from the mouth of St. Louis coach Rick Majerus. His team is made up entirely of freshmen and three seniors - one of which is injured and will play hobbled. Kent State beat St. Louis by 41 points last year - yes, 41 points. the Flashes are not as strong as that team, but they have eight of their top 10 back from that club.
ATS Lock College
4 units Central Mich +7
atslocks.com
Ball St -6.5 (10 unit play)
Cleveland @ Detroit Under 192 (10 unit play)
Butler -14 (10 unit play)
Erin Rynning
Playmaker Bulls
Charlies Sports
500* Central Michigan +7
30* Ball St / Central Michigan Over 54
20* Butler -14'
20* Virginia -7
10* Wizards / Hawks Over 201
Denver-2 free play
ATS Lock Club
4 units Jazz -10
3 units Pistons -2.5
3 units St. Louis +1.5
ATS Financial Package
3 units Ball/C.Mich Over 55.5
3 units Rockets -4.5
3 units 76ers -3
Bob Balfe
College Football
Central Michigan +6.5 over Ball State
CMU has won back to back MAC Titles and a win tonight would land them in the title game again. This obviously will be their toughest test of the season, but they have won 18 of their last 20 MAC games and at home are getting no love with the oddsmakers. This CMU senior class is deep and this is a statement game for them as all the focus is on the 14th ranked Ball State team. Lets face it. Ball State probably couldn't beat most teams in the SEC or Big 12 and obviously are not the 14th best team in the nation. The weather will be a factor tonight as it should be cold and snowy. CMU has a decent run defense and usually are month in the bank at home. Dan LeFevour will take this CMU team as far as he can. Look for him to make good passes and to scramble for rushing yardage. Take Central Michigan plus the points and hit the money line if you are feeling up to it.
NBA Basketball
Timberwolves +3.5 over Sixers
NCAA Basketball
South Florida +7.5 over Virginia
KELSO
25 units Atl Hawks -9.5
3 units Pistons -4
3 units Kent St +1