Early Season NCAA Revenge Spots
by: Nellys Sportsline
It is never too early to start mapping out some of the potentially favorable situations in the football season. One key situation that is commonly spotted is revenge spots, taking a team that lost to the opponent in the previous season. Often there will be picks going against teams that pulled upsets or won in big spots last year and could face a very motivated squad this year. Here are few revenge opportunities that look favorable for the first half of the college football season.
Weekend of September 5
California over Maryland: Last season Cal was forced to play an early start game in a second straight road game playing all the way across the country. A slow start for the Bears was a not a surprise and despite dramatically out-gaining Maryland last season the comeback attempt for the Bears fell short. The Bears went 7-0 ATS as home favorites last season.
Weekend of September 12
Connecticut over North Carolina: UNC had a breakout season last year and could still be a contender in the ACC this year. Last season the Tar Heels crushed then #24 Connecticut 38-12 despite posting only 263 yards of offense and this could be a much different game playing in Storrs. Connecticut has posted outstanding results at home and beat the ACC’s Virginia 45-10 last season.
Weekend of September 19
Texas over Texas Tech: In one of the most memorable games of last season Texas Tech converted on a game-winning touchdown that dramatically altered the Big 12 and BCS landscape. Texas looks like a serious championship contender and Texas Tech will be playing its first road game with significant personnel turnover from last year’s 11-2 team.
Weekend of September 26
Penn State over Iowa: Penn State’s perfect season was ruined by Iowa last season in a one-point loss. The Lions have significant turnover from that squad but there are enough key pieces to expect this to still be a Big Ten contender. Iowa should also have a quality team but the schedule is brutal and this will be a third straight big game for the Hawkeyes and first significant road trip.
Weekend of October 3
North Carolina over Virginia: Last year UNC led the whole way and won the yardage battle but a great late drive allowed Virginia to send the game to overtime and eventually steal the win. Virginia has had recent success in this series but not as much in Chapel Hill and North Carolina has gone 9-4 S/U at home under Coach Davis.
Weekend of October 10
Air Force over TCU: Although the Falcons may have a tough time winning this game against a very good TCU squad, Air Force should give a better effort than the 44-10 loss last season. Air Force beat TCU at home in 2007 and in this will be a veteran squad that could catch the Frogs in a tough spot after several difficult early season games.
Weekend of October 17
Arizona over Stanford: The Cardinal scored an upset last season with a touchdown score in the final minute to win 24-23. Arizona has a lot in place to line up another bowl trip and Stanford will face a second straight road game also with the potential to look ahead to the homecoming game that follows this game.
Weekend of October 24
Notre Dame over Boston College: The Eagles have won the past two meetings including a shutout win last season. Boston College has won six straight in this series but these programs should fall in opposite directions this season. This game follows up the USC game for the Irish so there could be value back on Notre Dame.