Cnotes College Football News-Notes-Rumors-Best Bets 2024-2025 !
- Thread starter Cnotes53
- Start date
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
| Game | Time(ET) | Pick | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| OKST at KSU | 12:00 PM | OKST +5.0 U 58.0 | +500 +500 |
| NIU at NCST | 12:00 PM | NCST -7.5 O 47.0 | +500 +500 |
| UK at MISS | 12:00 PM | UK +15.0 O 53.0 | +500 +500 |
| USF at TULN | 12:00 PM | USF +5.5 U 62.0 | +500 +500 |
| HC at SYR | 12:00 PM | SYR -30.5 U 60.5 | +500 +500 |
| BYU at BAY | 12:00 PM | BYU +3.0 U 47.0 | +500 +500 |
| WKU at BC | 12:00 PM | BC -8.0 U 49.5 | +500 +500 |
| MD at IU | 12:00 PM | IU -6.5 U 50.0 | +500 +500 |
| NAVY at UAB | 12:00 PM | NAVY -3.5 O 57.5 | +500 +500 |
| MINN at MICH | 12:00 PM | MINN +10.5 U 34.5 | +500 +500 |
| BUFF at CONN | 12:00 PM | CONN -6.0 O 44.5 | +500 +500 |
| NEB at PUR | 12:00 PM | NEB -10.0 | +500 |
| BALL at JMU | 01:30 PM | JMU -21.0 U 56.0 | +500 +500 |
| TXST at SHSU | 03:00 PM | SHSU +10.0 O 55.0 | +500 +500 |
| LOU at ND | 03:30 PM | LOU +6.5 O 45.5 | +500 +500 |
| ARK at TAM | 03:30 PM | ARK +6.0 U 51.0 | +500 +500 |
| WIS at USC | 03:30 PM | WIS +15.0 U 50.5 | +500 +500 |
| MASS at M-OH | 03:30 PM | U 44.5 | +500 |
| GASO at GSU | 03:30 PM | GASO +3.0 O 58.5 | +500 +500 |
| FRES at UNLV | 03:30 PM | UNLV -2.5 O 49.5 | +500 +500 |
| EMU at KENT | 03:30 PM | U 46.0 | +500 |
| WMU at MRSH | 03:30 PM | MRSH -4.0 U 54.0 | +500 +500 |
| OKLA at AUB | 03:30 PM | OKLA +1.0 U 44.0 | +500 +500 |
| COLO at UCF | 03:30 PM | UCF -14.0 | +500 |
| TCU at KU | 03:30 PM | TCU +2.0 U 58.5 | +500 +500 |
| ULL at WAKE | 03:30 PM | WAKE -3.5 U 60.5 | +500 +500 |
| SDSU at CMU | 03:30 PM | CMU -1.0 U 49.0 | +500 +500 |
| AKR at OHIO | 03:30 PM | OHIO -10.0 O 47.0 | +500 +500 |
| UTSA at ECU | 04:00 PM | UTSA +3.0 O 55.0 | +500 +500 |
| UNC at DUKE | 04:00 PM | UNC +2.5 U 56.0 | +500 +500 |
| MSST at TEX | 04:15 PM | TEX -38.0 U 60.0 | +500 +500 |
| ODU at BGSU | 05:00 PM | ODU +10.0 O 51.5 | +500 +500 |
| LT at FIU | 06:00 PM | LT -2.5 O 50.0 | +500 +500 |
| STAN at CLEM | 07:00 PM | CLEM -21.5 U 57.5 | +500 +500 |
| TLSA at UNT | 07:00 PM | O 68.0 | +500 |
| ISU at HOU | 07:00 PM | ISU -15.5 O 43.0 | +500 +500 |
| ULM at TROY | 07:00 PM | TROY -6.5 | +500 |
| CHAR at RICE | 07:00 PM | RICE -5.5 U 47.0 | +500 +500 |
| MTU at MEM | 07:30 PM | MEM -26.0 O 61.0 | +500 +500 |
| ILL at PSU | 07:30 PM | PSU -17.5 O 48.0 | +500 +500 |
| UGA at ALA | 07:30 PM | ALA +1.0 O 49.0 | +500 +500 |
| OSU at MSU | 07:30 PM | MSU +24.0 U 47.5 | +500 +500 |
| USA at LSU | 07:45 PM | USA +21.0 U 64.5 | +500 +500 |
| FSU at SMU | 08:00 PM | SMU -6.0 U 46.5 | +500 +500 |
| UNM at NMSU | 08:00 PM | U 54.5 | +500 |
| AFA at WYO | 08:00 PM | WYO +4.0 U 33.5 | +500 +500 |
| CIN at TTU | 08:00 PM | CIN +3.5 O 59.5 | +500 +500 |
| WSU at BSU | 10:00 PM | BSU -6.5 U 65.0 | +500 +500 |
| ARIZ at UTAH | 10:15 PM | ARIZ +8.0 U 47.0 | +500 +500 |
| ORE at UCLA | 11:00 PM | UCLA +25.0 O 55.0 | +500 +500 |
NCAAFB BEST BETS AUGUST-SEPTEMBER!
09/28/2024......................16 - 12 - 0...........................57.14%..........................+ 14.00
09/27/2024..........................2 - 2 - 0............................50.00%..........................- 1.00
09/26/2024..........................1 - 1 - 0............................50.00%..........................- 0.50
09/21/2024........................22 - 16 -0............................57.89%.........................+ 22.00
09/20/2024..........................3 - 3 - 0...............................50.00%.........................- 1.50
09/19/2024..........................1 - 1 - 0...............................50.00%.........................- 0.50
09/14/2024.........................18 - 15 - 0.............................54.54%.........................+ 7.50
09/13/2024............................3 - 1 - 0.............................75.00%.........................+ 9.50
09/12/2024............................0 - 4 - 0.............................00.00%.........................- 22.00
09/07/2024..........................21 - 17 - 0............................55.26%.........................+ 11.20
09/06/2024.............................0 - 4 - 0............................00.00%.........................- 22.00
09/02/2024.............................1 - 1 - 0............................50.00%..........................- 0.50
09/01/2024.............................1 - 1 - 0............................50.00%..........................- 0.50
08/30/2024..........,................17 - 13 - 1.........................56.66%............................+ 13.50
08/29/2024.............................13 - 4 - 2.........................76.47%............................+ 43.00
TOTALS................................119 - 95 - 3..........................55.60%...........................+ 75.20
09/28/2024......................16 - 12 - 0...........................57.14%..........................+ 14.00
09/27/2024..........................2 - 2 - 0............................50.00%..........................- 1.00
09/26/2024..........................1 - 1 - 0............................50.00%..........................- 0.50
09/21/2024........................22 - 16 -0............................57.89%.........................+ 22.00
09/20/2024..........................3 - 3 - 0...............................50.00%.........................- 1.50
09/19/2024..........................1 - 1 - 0...............................50.00%.........................- 0.50
09/14/2024.........................18 - 15 - 0.............................54.54%.........................+ 7.50
09/13/2024............................3 - 1 - 0.............................75.00%.........................+ 9.50
09/12/2024............................0 - 4 - 0.............................00.00%.........................- 22.00
09/07/2024..........................21 - 17 - 0............................55.26%.........................+ 11.20
09/06/2024.............................0 - 4 - 0............................00.00%.........................- 22.00
09/02/2024.............................1 - 1 - 0............................50.00%..........................- 0.50
09/01/2024.............................1 - 1 - 0............................50.00%..........................- 0.50
08/30/2024..........,................17 - 13 - 1.........................56.66%............................+ 13.50
08/29/2024.............................13 - 4 - 2.........................76.47%............................+ 43.00
TOTALS................................119 - 95 - 3..........................55.60%...........................+ 75.20
Sunday’s 6-pack:
Six biggest stadiums in college football:
107,601— Michigan
106,572— Penn State
102,780— Ohio State
102,733— Texas A&M
102,321— LSU
101,915— Tennessee
Thought of the Day
“Don’t regret having a good heart, all good things come back and multiply.”
Sunday’s quiz
Who was the Jets’ quarterback, the last time they played in a playoff game?
Saturday’s quiz
Tony Romo (41) has thrown the most TD passes against the New Jersey Giants.
Friday’s quiz
Catfish Hunter was the pitcher won the most games at the Oakland Coliseum.
************************************************
Alabama led this game 30-7 at halftime.
Georgia threw 67-yard TD pass with 2:31 left to take 34-33 lead.
Alabama threw 75-yard TD pass on first play of next drive, for the win.
Alabama outgained Georgia 547-519.
Dawgs turned ball over four times (minus-3).
— Service academies are doing well this year:
Army 42, Temple 14- Cadets have won eight games in a row, are 4-0 this year.
Navy 41, UAB 18
Middies are 3-0 in ACC for first time since 2017.
Navy’s QB threw for 225 yards, ran for 84 more yards.
There is a pretty good chance that this year’s Army-Navy game will feature two unbeaten teams.
— Kentucky 20, Ole Miss 17
Kentucky scored game-winning TD with 2:25 left.
Wildcats were 4-16 on third down, Ole Miss 1-10.
Rebels missed a 48-yard field goal wide left in last minute.
— Oklahoma 27, Auburn 21
Auburn led 21-10 with 9:00 left in the game.
Sooners took 24-21 lead on 63-yard pick-6 with 4:06 left.
Auburn lost despite outgaining Oklahoma, 481-292.
— UNLV 59, Fresno State 14
UNLV players made a statement here, winning big after their QB quit team.
The new #1 QB threw for 182 yards, ran for 119 more.
Rebels had lost their last six games with Fresno State.
UNLV was +4 in turnovers, averaged 11.6 yards/pass attempt.
— Upsets of the Week:
Kentucky (+16) 20, Ole Miss 17
Colorado (+14) 48, Central Florida 21
Sam Houston State (+10) 40, Texas State 39
Old Dominion (+10) 30, Bowling Green 27
Arizona (+9.5) 23, Utah 10
UL-Monroe (+6.5) 13, Troy State 9
Charlotte (+5.5) 21, Rice 20
— USC 38, Wisconsin 21
Badgers led 21-10 at halftime.
USC gets its first-ever Big 18 conference win.
Trojans were 11-17 on 3rd down, outgained Wisconsin 469-286.
USC covered spread on a 55-yard pick-6 with 5:10 left.
— Charlotte 21, Rice 20
Rice led 10-0 at halftime.
Charlotte drove 77 yards, scored game-winning TD with 0:47 left.
Owls outgained Charlotte, 463-304.
— Central Michigan 22, San Diego State 21
San Diego State led 21-10 with 2:00 left in 2nd quarter.
Chippewas kicked a 46-yard FG with 0:05 left for the win.
Aztecs lost despite averaging 10.7 yards/pass attempt.
— Sam Houston State 40, Texas State 39
Favored Bobcats led 22-0 in first quarter.
Bobcats led 39-21 with 5:00 left in third quarter.
Sam Houston kicked a 24-yard FG with 0:06 left for the win.
— Famous birthdays, September 29th:
Steve Busby, 75
Tim Flannery, 67
Hersey Hawkins, 58
Erika Eleniak, 45
Zachary Levi, 44
Calvin Johnson, 39
Kevin Durant. 36
Luis Campusano, 26
Lucas Havrisik, 25
— Duke 21, North Carolina 20
Tar Heels led 20-0 with 7:00 left in third quarter.
Duke scored game-winning TD on a 20-yard run with 5:42 left.
Duke is 5-0; they had lost six games in a row to Carolina.
— Indiana 42, Maryland 28
Hoosiers are 5-0 for first time since 1967.
Kurtis Rourke threw for 359 yards, three TD’s.
Indiana coach Cignetti was 33-5 at James Madison; he’s a keeper.
— Boston College 21, Western Kentucky 20
Hilltoppers led 20-7 after the third quarter.
BC scored game-winning TD on an 8-yard pass with 3:33 left.
WKU converted 5-16 third down plays, 4-6 on fourth down.
Boston College QB Castellanos didn’t play (undisclosed injury)
— Texas Tech 44, Cincinnati 41
Tech is 2-0 in Big X for first time since 2013.
RB Brooks ran for 172 yards, two TD’s.
Game was 24-24 at halftime.
Cincinnati missed a 51-yard FG on last play of the game.
— SMU 42, Florida State 16
Mustangs had an 82-yard pick-6, outgained Florida State 458-285.
SMU wins its first-ever ACC game.
Seminoles are 1-4; they completed only 12-34 passes.
Baseball stuff…….
— Braves 2, Royals 1- Travis d’Arnaud hit a walk-off home run.
— Brewers 6, Mets 0- New York had only two hits.
— Padres 5, Diamondbacks 0- San Diego scored five runs in last inning.
Atlanta leads Mets/Diamondbacks by a game for the #2 Wild Card slot.
Mets/Arizona are tied for the last Wild Card slot.
Mets/Atlanta have a Monday doubleheader to play, if necessary.
Six biggest stadiums in college football:
107,601— Michigan
106,572— Penn State
102,780— Ohio State
102,733— Texas A&M
102,321— LSU
101,915— Tennessee
Thought of the Day
“Don’t regret having a good heart, all good things come back and multiply.”
Sunday’s quiz
Who was the Jets’ quarterback, the last time they played in a playoff game?
Saturday’s quiz
Tony Romo (41) has thrown the most TD passes against the New Jersey Giants.
Friday’s quiz
Catfish Hunter was the pitcher won the most games at the Oakland Coliseum.
************************************************
Sunday’s Den: Wrapping up a college football Saturday…….
— Alabama 41, Georgia 34Alabama led this game 30-7 at halftime.
Georgia threw 67-yard TD pass with 2:31 left to take 34-33 lead.
Alabama threw 75-yard TD pass on first play of next drive, for the win.
Alabama outgained Georgia 547-519.
Dawgs turned ball over four times (minus-3).
— Service academies are doing well this year:
Army 42, Temple 14- Cadets have won eight games in a row, are 4-0 this year.
Navy 41, UAB 18
Middies are 3-0 in ACC for first time since 2017.
Navy’s QB threw for 225 yards, ran for 84 more yards.
There is a pretty good chance that this year’s Army-Navy game will feature two unbeaten teams.
— Kentucky 20, Ole Miss 17
Kentucky scored game-winning TD with 2:25 left.
Wildcats were 4-16 on third down, Ole Miss 1-10.
Rebels missed a 48-yard field goal wide left in last minute.
— Oklahoma 27, Auburn 21
Auburn led 21-10 with 9:00 left in the game.
Sooners took 24-21 lead on 63-yard pick-6 with 4:06 left.
Auburn lost despite outgaining Oklahoma, 481-292.
— UNLV 59, Fresno State 14
UNLV players made a statement here, winning big after their QB quit team.
The new #1 QB threw for 182 yards, ran for 119 more.
Rebels had lost their last six games with Fresno State.
UNLV was +4 in turnovers, averaged 11.6 yards/pass attempt.
— Upsets of the Week:
Kentucky (+16) 20, Ole Miss 17
Colorado (+14) 48, Central Florida 21
Sam Houston State (+10) 40, Texas State 39
Old Dominion (+10) 30, Bowling Green 27
Arizona (+9.5) 23, Utah 10
UL-Monroe (+6.5) 13, Troy State 9
Charlotte (+5.5) 21, Rice 20
— USC 38, Wisconsin 21
Badgers led 21-10 at halftime.
USC gets its first-ever Big 18 conference win.
Trojans were 11-17 on 3rd down, outgained Wisconsin 469-286.
USC covered spread on a 55-yard pick-6 with 5:10 left.
— Charlotte 21, Rice 20
Rice led 10-0 at halftime.
Charlotte drove 77 yards, scored game-winning TD with 0:47 left.
Owls outgained Charlotte, 463-304.
— Central Michigan 22, San Diego State 21
San Diego State led 21-10 with 2:00 left in 2nd quarter.
Chippewas kicked a 46-yard FG with 0:05 left for the win.
Aztecs lost despite averaging 10.7 yards/pass attempt.
— Sam Houston State 40, Texas State 39
Favored Bobcats led 22-0 in first quarter.
Bobcats led 39-21 with 5:00 left in third quarter.
Sam Houston kicked a 24-yard FG with 0:06 left for the win.
— Famous birthdays, September 29th:
Steve Busby, 75
Tim Flannery, 67
Hersey Hawkins, 58
Erika Eleniak, 45
Zachary Levi, 44
Calvin Johnson, 39
Kevin Durant. 36
Luis Campusano, 26
Lucas Havrisik, 25
— Duke 21, North Carolina 20
Tar Heels led 20-0 with 7:00 left in third quarter.
Duke scored game-winning TD on a 20-yard run with 5:42 left.
Duke is 5-0; they had lost six games in a row to Carolina.
— Indiana 42, Maryland 28
Hoosiers are 5-0 for first time since 1967.
Kurtis Rourke threw for 359 yards, three TD’s.
Indiana coach Cignetti was 33-5 at James Madison; he’s a keeper.
— Boston College 21, Western Kentucky 20
Hilltoppers led 20-7 after the third quarter.
BC scored game-winning TD on an 8-yard pass with 3:33 left.
WKU converted 5-16 third down plays, 4-6 on fourth down.
Boston College QB Castellanos didn’t play (undisclosed injury)
— Texas Tech 44, Cincinnati 41
Tech is 2-0 in Big X for first time since 2013.
RB Brooks ran for 172 yards, two TD’s.
Game was 24-24 at halftime.
Cincinnati missed a 51-yard FG on last play of the game.
— SMU 42, Florida State 16
Mustangs had an 82-yard pick-6, outgained Florida State 458-285.
SMU wins its first-ever ACC game.
Seminoles are 1-4; they completed only 12-34 passes.
Baseball stuff…….
— Braves 2, Royals 1- Travis d’Arnaud hit a walk-off home run.
— Brewers 6, Mets 0- New York had only two hits.
— Padres 5, Diamondbacks 0- San Diego scored five runs in last inning.
Atlanta leads Mets/Diamondbacks by a game for the #2 Wild Card slot.
Mets/Arizona are tied for the last Wild Card slot.
Mets/Atlanta have a Monday doubleheader to play, if necessary.
Really good start! Think you bet 38 games yesterday if I'm observing correctly, you posted 16-12.
Monday’s 6-pack:
Six biggest stadiums in the NFL:
82,500— MetLife Stadium (Giants/Jets)
81,441— Lambeau Field, Green Bay
80,000— AT&T Stadium, Dallas
76,416— Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
76,125— Mile High Stadium, Denver
74,867— Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
Quote of the Day
“There was a lot of hoopla, and stuff. Probably started with me, with my comments, and I apologize for that. Don’t want to be a distraction that way but … we just went to work each and every day. Things came out throughout the week and guys just never flinched [or] blinked.”
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, after criticizing some players last week
Monday’s quiz
Who was the Chargers’ coach, last time they won a playoff game?
Sunday’s quiz
Mark Sanchez was the Jets’ quarterback, last time they played in a playoff game, in 2010
Saturday’s quiz
Tony Romo (41) has thrown the most TD passes against the New Jersey Giants.
************************************************
Younghoe Koo kicked 58-yard FG with 0:07 left for the win.
Falcons didn’t score an offensive TD; Koo kicked four FG’s.
Atlanta’s two TD’s were a pick-6 and a fumble recovery on special teams.
Falcons are 10-38 on third down this year.
Saints’ first two drives: 20 plays, 118 yards, 14 points.
New Orleans was 7-13 on third down, Falcons 4-11.
Saints scored 47-44 points in wins, 12-24 in losses.
Saints are 16-5-1 ATS last 22 games as a road underdog.
Texans 24, Jaguars 20
Texans drove 64 yards, scored game-winning TD with 0:18 left.
Houston in first half: 36 plays, 261 yards, 17 points.
Houston in second half: 33 plays, 174 yards, 7 points.
Texans won 11 of last 13 games with Jacksonville.
Jacksonville led 20-17 after three quarters.
Jaguars lost first four games, scoring six TD’s on 39 drives.
In four games, Jaguars are 11-44 on third down.
Jacksonville has been outscored 32-3 in last 2:00 of each half.
Broncos 10, Jets 9
Denver was outgained 248-186, gained only 2.4 yards/pass attempt.
Broncos kicked 47-yard FG with 8:59 left for the win.
Denver held last three opponents to 251/223/248 yards.
Denver is 3-0 ATS as a road dog TY; visitor is 4-0 ATS in their games.
Jets’ first four drives: 12 plays, 6 yards, no first downs.
Jets averaged only 3.9 yards/pass attempt.
Jets last three opponents were 10-37 on third down.
Under Saleh, Jets are 12-16 ATS at home.
Vikings 31, Packers 29
Vikings led 28-0 with 2:00 left in first half.
Vikings have outscored opponents 69-17 in first half.
Minnesota had short TD drives of 4-46 yards.
Darnold was 20-28/275 passing, with three TD’s.
QB Love returned, was 32-54/389 passing, with 4 TD’s, 3 INT’s.
Packers ran ball for only 86 yards (204 yards/game Weeks 1-3).
Packers’ first four drives: two INT’s, two missed FG’s.
Green Bay’s last five drives: three TD’s, two more turnovers.
Buccaneers 33, Eagles 16
Tampa Bay outgained the Eagles, 445-227.
Buccaneers led 24-7 at halftime.
Philly averaged only 3.2 yards/pass attempt.
Under Sirianni, Eagles are 7-11-1 ATS as a road favorite.
Bucs’ first five drives: 36 plays, 255 yards, 24 points.
Mayfield threw for 347 yards, two TD’s.
WR Evans caught eight passes for 94 yards and a TD.
Tampa Bay is 11-8-2 in last 21 games with spread of 3 or fewer points.
Bengals 34, Panthers 24
Bengals’ first five drives: 33 plays, 247 yards, 28 points.
Bengals scored 25-33-34 points in last three games.
Cincinnati averaged 7.5 yards/pass attempt.
Bengals are 8-2-2 ATS last 12 games vs NFC opponents.
Carolina scored 36-24 points last two games, after scoring 10-3 points in weeks 1-2.
Panthers gained 437-375 yards in two games with Dalton at QB (over 2-0).
Last 3+ years, Carolina is 6-12 ATS vs AFC opponents.
On their first drive, Panthers were stopped on downs on the 2-yard line.
Colts 27, Steelers 24
39-year old QB Flacco came off bench, threw for 168 yards, two TD’s.
Colts’ first three drives: 26 plays, 181 yards, 17 points.
Indy converted 8-15 third down plays.
Under Steichen, Colts are 10-5 ATS in games with spread of 3 or less points.
Steelers were minus-2 in turnovers; they were +4 in first three games.
QB Fields threw for 312 yards, ran for 55 more.
Pittsburgh had three TD’s in this game; they had total of three in Weeks 1-3.
Steelers trailed 17-3 at halftime; they had ball with chance to win at the end.
Bears 24, Rams 18
Bears in first half: 27 plays, 97 yards, 10 points.
Bears 1st two drives of 2nd half: 17 plays, 149 yards, 14 points.
RB Swift had 93 rushing yards, 72 receiving yards.
Chicago’s first TD drive was only 16 yards, after a turnover.
Rams have been outscored 58-19 in first half of games.
LA is 4-9-2 ATS in its last 15 games as a road dog.
Rams are 2-6-2 ATS in last 10 games with spread of 3 or less points.
Last three games, first drive of 2nd half, LA foes had TD drives of 70-91-74 yards.
Famous birthdays, September 30th:
Angie Dickinson, 93
Fran Drescher, 67
Eric Stoltz, 63
Dave Magadan, 62
Eric Piatkowski, 53
Jamal Anderson, 52
Kenley Jansen, 37
Equanimeous St. Brown, 28
Jesus Luzardo, 27
Commanders 42, Cardinals 14
First two drives, Washington ran 22 plays for 163 yards, 14 points.
In second half, Washington ran 34 plays for 257 yards, 25 points.
Last three games, Commanders scored 10 TD’s, kicked 10 FG’s on 22 drives.
Washington converted 21 of last 35 third down plays (9-12 this game).
Washington OC Kingsbury was Cardinals’ head coach from 2019-22.
Last time Commanders scored 38+ points in consecutive games? 1991.
Last two games, Arizona converted 5-20 on third down.
QB Murray is 29-40-1 SU as an NFL starter.
49ers 30, Patriots 13
49ers’ first five drives: 37 plays, 257 yards, 20 points.
Patriots turned ball over on two of first three drives.
Down 6-0 in 2nd quarter, Brissett threw pick-6 that broke game open.
San Francisco is 12-6 ATS last 18 games as a home favorite.
49ers outgained New England, 431-216.
Patriots have scored only four TD’s on their first 40 drives.
NE has averaged 4.8/4.2/1.8/3.8 yards/pass attempt.
Patriots are 30-42 since Tom Brady left town.
Raiders 20, Browns 16
Browns’ first two drives: 21 plays, 87 yards, 10 points.
Browns rest of game: 36 plays, 154 yards, no points.
Cleveland scored defensive TD to get within 20-16, then missed PAT.
Browns are 11-53 on 3rd down this year, 3-10 in this game.
Raiders ran for 152 yards (averaged only 51 yards/game Weeks 1-3).
Last 2+ years, Raiders are 10-4 ATS as a home favorite.
Las Vegas is 11-6-1 ATS in their last 18 home games.
Las Vegas won both games where they were even in turnovers.
Chiefs 17, Chargers 10
Chiefs’ first five drives: 20 plays, 65 yards, 2 turnovers, no points.
Last three games, Chiefs were down 16-10/14-13/10-7 at half.
Chiefs won their first four games, by 7-1-5-7 points.
Kansas City is 4-0 despite being minus-6 in turnovers.
Chargers ran ball 24 times for only 55 yards.
Chiefs outgained Bolts, 329-224.
Last two games, Chargers were outscored 23-0 in second half.
Chiefs won 18 of their last 21 games against the Chargers.
Ravens 35, Bills 10
RB Henry ran 87 yards for a TD on Baltimore’s first play.
Ravens’ first three drives: 20 plays, 238 yards, 21 points.
Baltimore ran ball for 271 yards (8.0 yards/carry).
Ravens are 18-4 ATS in last 22 games with spread of 3 or fewer points.
Baltimore outgained the Bills, 427-236.
Ravens were 5-9 on third down, Buffalo 3-13.
Over/under in Week 4 games so far: over 8-6
Over/under team totals in Week 4 games so far: over 15-13
— In baseball, Mets-Braves-Arizona are all tied for the last two NL Wild Cards; Mets-Braves are playing a doubleheader in Atlanta Monday, a makeup from last week.
If either team sweeps, that team and Arizona both make the playoffs.
If Mets/Braves split, they both get in and Diamondbacks are out of luck.
In the American League:
Tigers-Astros is a first round matchup; winner plays Cleveland.
Royals-Orioles is a first round matchup; winner plays New York.
Six biggest stadiums in the NFL:
82,500— MetLife Stadium (Giants/Jets)
81,441— Lambeau Field, Green Bay
80,000— AT&T Stadium, Dallas
76,416— Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
76,125— Mile High Stadium, Denver
74,867— Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
Quote of the Day
“There was a lot of hoopla, and stuff. Probably started with me, with my comments, and I apologize for that. Don’t want to be a distraction that way but … we just went to work each and every day. Things came out throughout the week and guys just never flinched [or] blinked.”
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, after criticizing some players last week
Monday’s quiz
Who was the Chargers’ coach, last time they won a playoff game?
Sunday’s quiz
Mark Sanchez was the Jets’ quarterback, last time they played in a playoff game, in 2010
Saturday’s quiz
Tony Romo (41) has thrown the most TD passes against the New Jersey Giants.
************************************************
Monday’s Den: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday……..
Falcons 26, Saints 24Younghoe Koo kicked 58-yard FG with 0:07 left for the win.
Falcons didn’t score an offensive TD; Koo kicked four FG’s.
Atlanta’s two TD’s were a pick-6 and a fumble recovery on special teams.
Falcons are 10-38 on third down this year.
Saints’ first two drives: 20 plays, 118 yards, 14 points.
New Orleans was 7-13 on third down, Falcons 4-11.
Saints scored 47-44 points in wins, 12-24 in losses.
Saints are 16-5-1 ATS last 22 games as a road underdog.
Texans 24, Jaguars 20
Texans drove 64 yards, scored game-winning TD with 0:18 left.
Houston in first half: 36 plays, 261 yards, 17 points.
Houston in second half: 33 plays, 174 yards, 7 points.
Texans won 11 of last 13 games with Jacksonville.
Jacksonville led 20-17 after three quarters.
Jaguars lost first four games, scoring six TD’s on 39 drives.
In four games, Jaguars are 11-44 on third down.
Jacksonville has been outscored 32-3 in last 2:00 of each half.
Broncos 10, Jets 9
Denver was outgained 248-186, gained only 2.4 yards/pass attempt.
Broncos kicked 47-yard FG with 8:59 left for the win.
Denver held last three opponents to 251/223/248 yards.
Denver is 3-0 ATS as a road dog TY; visitor is 4-0 ATS in their games.
Jets’ first four drives: 12 plays, 6 yards, no first downs.
Jets averaged only 3.9 yards/pass attempt.
Jets last three opponents were 10-37 on third down.
Under Saleh, Jets are 12-16 ATS at home.
Vikings 31, Packers 29
Vikings led 28-0 with 2:00 left in first half.
Vikings have outscored opponents 69-17 in first half.
Minnesota had short TD drives of 4-46 yards.
Darnold was 20-28/275 passing, with three TD’s.
QB Love returned, was 32-54/389 passing, with 4 TD’s, 3 INT’s.
Packers ran ball for only 86 yards (204 yards/game Weeks 1-3).
Packers’ first four drives: two INT’s, two missed FG’s.
Green Bay’s last five drives: three TD’s, two more turnovers.
Buccaneers 33, Eagles 16
Tampa Bay outgained the Eagles, 445-227.
Buccaneers led 24-7 at halftime.
Philly averaged only 3.2 yards/pass attempt.
Under Sirianni, Eagles are 7-11-1 ATS as a road favorite.
Bucs’ first five drives: 36 plays, 255 yards, 24 points.
Mayfield threw for 347 yards, two TD’s.
WR Evans caught eight passes for 94 yards and a TD.
Tampa Bay is 11-8-2 in last 21 games with spread of 3 or fewer points.
Bengals 34, Panthers 24
Bengals’ first five drives: 33 plays, 247 yards, 28 points.
Bengals scored 25-33-34 points in last three games.
Cincinnati averaged 7.5 yards/pass attempt.
Bengals are 8-2-2 ATS last 12 games vs NFC opponents.
Carolina scored 36-24 points last two games, after scoring 10-3 points in weeks 1-2.
Panthers gained 437-375 yards in two games with Dalton at QB (over 2-0).
Last 3+ years, Carolina is 6-12 ATS vs AFC opponents.
On their first drive, Panthers were stopped on downs on the 2-yard line.
Colts 27, Steelers 24
39-year old QB Flacco came off bench, threw for 168 yards, two TD’s.
Colts’ first three drives: 26 plays, 181 yards, 17 points.
Indy converted 8-15 third down plays.
Under Steichen, Colts are 10-5 ATS in games with spread of 3 or less points.
Steelers were minus-2 in turnovers; they were +4 in first three games.
QB Fields threw for 312 yards, ran for 55 more.
Pittsburgh had three TD’s in this game; they had total of three in Weeks 1-3.
Steelers trailed 17-3 at halftime; they had ball with chance to win at the end.
Bears 24, Rams 18
Bears in first half: 27 plays, 97 yards, 10 points.
Bears 1st two drives of 2nd half: 17 plays, 149 yards, 14 points.
RB Swift had 93 rushing yards, 72 receiving yards.
Chicago’s first TD drive was only 16 yards, after a turnover.
Rams have been outscored 58-19 in first half of games.
LA is 4-9-2 ATS in its last 15 games as a road dog.
Rams are 2-6-2 ATS in last 10 games with spread of 3 or less points.
Last three games, first drive of 2nd half, LA foes had TD drives of 70-91-74 yards.
Famous birthdays, September 30th:
Angie Dickinson, 93
Fran Drescher, 67
Eric Stoltz, 63
Dave Magadan, 62
Eric Piatkowski, 53
Jamal Anderson, 52
Kenley Jansen, 37
Equanimeous St. Brown, 28
Jesus Luzardo, 27
Commanders 42, Cardinals 14
First two drives, Washington ran 22 plays for 163 yards, 14 points.
In second half, Washington ran 34 plays for 257 yards, 25 points.
Last three games, Commanders scored 10 TD’s, kicked 10 FG’s on 22 drives.
Washington converted 21 of last 35 third down plays (9-12 this game).
Washington OC Kingsbury was Cardinals’ head coach from 2019-22.
Last time Commanders scored 38+ points in consecutive games? 1991.
Last two games, Arizona converted 5-20 on third down.
QB Murray is 29-40-1 SU as an NFL starter.
49ers 30, Patriots 13
49ers’ first five drives: 37 plays, 257 yards, 20 points.
Patriots turned ball over on two of first three drives.
Down 6-0 in 2nd quarter, Brissett threw pick-6 that broke game open.
San Francisco is 12-6 ATS last 18 games as a home favorite.
49ers outgained New England, 431-216.
Patriots have scored only four TD’s on their first 40 drives.
NE has averaged 4.8/4.2/1.8/3.8 yards/pass attempt.
Patriots are 30-42 since Tom Brady left town.
Raiders 20, Browns 16
Browns’ first two drives: 21 plays, 87 yards, 10 points.
Browns rest of game: 36 plays, 154 yards, no points.
Cleveland scored defensive TD to get within 20-16, then missed PAT.
Browns are 11-53 on 3rd down this year, 3-10 in this game.
Raiders ran for 152 yards (averaged only 51 yards/game Weeks 1-3).
Last 2+ years, Raiders are 10-4 ATS as a home favorite.
Las Vegas is 11-6-1 ATS in their last 18 home games.
Las Vegas won both games where they were even in turnovers.
Chiefs 17, Chargers 10
Chiefs’ first five drives: 20 plays, 65 yards, 2 turnovers, no points.
Last three games, Chiefs were down 16-10/14-13/10-7 at half.
Chiefs won their first four games, by 7-1-5-7 points.
Kansas City is 4-0 despite being minus-6 in turnovers.
Chargers ran ball 24 times for only 55 yards.
Chiefs outgained Bolts, 329-224.
Last two games, Chargers were outscored 23-0 in second half.
Chiefs won 18 of their last 21 games against the Chargers.
Ravens 35, Bills 10
RB Henry ran 87 yards for a TD on Baltimore’s first play.
Ravens’ first three drives: 20 plays, 238 yards, 21 points.
Baltimore ran ball for 271 yards (8.0 yards/carry).
Ravens are 18-4 ATS in last 22 games with spread of 3 or fewer points.
Baltimore outgained the Bills, 427-236.
Ravens were 5-9 on third down, Buffalo 3-13.
Over/under in Week 4 games so far: over 8-6
Over/under team totals in Week 4 games so far: over 15-13
— In baseball, Mets-Braves-Arizona are all tied for the last two NL Wild Cards; Mets-Braves are playing a doubleheader in Atlanta Monday, a makeup from last week.
If either team sweeps, that team and Arizona both make the playoffs.
If Mets/Braves split, they both get in and Diamondbacks are out of luck.
In the American League:
Tigers-Astros is a first round matchup; winner plays Cleveland.
Royals-Orioles is a first round matchup; winner plays New York.
Tuesday’s 6-pack:
Interesting Week 5 spreads in the NFL:
— Buccaneers @ Atlanta (-1.5)
— Jets vs Vikings (-2.5) (@ London)
— Ravens (-2.5) @ Cincinnati
— Colts @ Jaguars (-3)
— Dolphins (-1) @ New England
— Browns @ Washington (-3)
Quote of the Day
“I don’t know (what the plan is), but I’d say there’s a number of issues there. One is (they) can’t move the ball and can’t score.”
Bill Belichick, talking about the Patriots
Tuesday’s quiz
Cubs won World Series over Cleveland in 2016; who was the Cubs’ starting pitcher in Game 7?
Monday’s quiz
Anthony Lynn was the Chargers’ coach, last time they won a playoff game.
Sunday’s quiz
Mark Sanchez was the Jets’ quarterback, last time they played in a playoff game, in 2010
*************************************
Teams split their twinbill, both make the playoffs.
Rough day for the Diamondbacks, who get nosed out of the playoffs.
September 22, Arizona led 8-0 in 3rd inning in Milwaukee, lost 10-9. That one will sting all winter long.
Mets’ 8-7 win in Game 1 Monday was an epic ballgame, fun to watch.
— Neither team that played in last year’s World Series made the playoffs this year.
— Titans 31, Dolphins 12
Titans’ backup QB Rudolph was 9-17/85 passing, with NO TURNOVERS.
Pollard carried ball 22 times for 88 yards and a TD.
Both teams were 2-12 on third down.
Titans are 1-3, but outgained three of four opponents, led 3 games at halftime.
Miami has already played four different QB’s in five games.
Miami has been outscored 67-23 in first half of games.
Last two weeks, Dolphins were 3-24 on third down.
Last three games, Dolphins have two touchdowns on 33 drives.
Lions 42, Seahawks 27
Detroit scored six touchdowns on ten drives.
Goff was 18-18 passing, averaging 12.4 yards/attempt.
Goff also caught a 7-yard TD pass from WR St Brown.
Under Campbell, Detroit is 15-8 ATS in games coming off a win.
Smith was 38-56/395 passing, career highs.
Detroit led 21-7 at halftime.
Seahawks in first half: 31 plays, 172 yards, 7 points.
Seattle has gone over its team total in all four games.
— Purdue’s football team is 1-3, losing its three I-A games by a combined 132-38, so they fired the offensive coordinator Graham Harrell, who is making $950,000 this year and was going to make $1M next year. Purdue is heading towards its 10th losing season in 13 years; they did well in 2021-22 under Jeff Brohm, but then he bolted to Louisville.
— Miami Marlins/manager Skip Schumaker parted ways, which was expected. Schumaker was last year’s Manager of the Year when the Marlins went 84-78 and the playoffs, but the GM from last year quit during the off-season when the new owners inserted someone above her in the team hierarchy. Schumaker will be a coveted free agent this winter.
— Tough few days for celebrities: Kris Kristofferson, Dikembe Mutombo, Pete Rose all passed away in the last few days. RIP, guys.
— You hear Pete Rose’s name and you think Hall of Fame; I’ve got a name of someone who needs to be inducted into Cooperstown.
Dr Frank Jobe was the first doctor to perform Tommy John Surgery on pitchers’ elbows; who has contributed more to baseball than he has?
They put Marvin Miller in the Hall of Fame; he made players a lot wealthier but screwed the small market teams- what value did he provide the game?
Frank Jobe definitely belongs in the Hall of Fame.
— Famous birthdays, October 1st:
Rod Carew, 79
Mark McGwire, 61
Zach Galifianakis, 55
Matt Cain, 40
Brie Larson, 35
Robbie Ray, 33
Xander Bogaerts, 32
Cedric Mullins, 30
Jordan Whittington, 24
— College basketball season starts in five weeks; Gonzaga-Baylor will play on on Opening Night, November 4 in Spokane, the first of a 3-year series between the two teams.
— Random trivia: Only two players ever have appeared in all 162 games of a baseball season, being the team’s DH in every game:
Rusty Staub, 1978 with Detroit
Willie Horton, 1979 with Seattle
— Forgot to mention this last week; it was pretty cool that before the A’s last game in Oakland Thursday, Barry Zito sang the national anthem. Zito was a really good pitcher; he was 102-63 in eight years with the A’s during the Moneyball era, later pitched seven more years with the Giants.
— This was the first baseball season in ten years where no team won 100+ games.
— Padres’ 1B Luis Arraez won his third consecutive batting title, playing for a different team all three years.
— Some early season college football conference trends:
AAC- Favorites are 5-1 ATS in conference games.
ACC- Non-conference home favorites are 3-10 ATS.
Big X- Favorites were 2-4-1 ATS in conference games this past week.
Big 18- Home teams are 6-9 ATS in conference games.
C-USA- Non-conference road underdogs are 5-8 ATS.
MAC- MAC teams are 13-21 ATS in non-conference games.
Mountain West- 7-4 ATS in non-conference home games.
SEC- Conference home favorites are 0-6 ATS, home dogs are 3-2.
Sun Belt- Non-conference road underdogs are 10-6 ATS
— Imagine what a day Sunday was for Charlie Blackmon; after 14 years in the major leagues, four All-Star teams, 1,805 hits and $138M in career earnings, Sunday was the last day in his career, all of which was spent with the Rockies.
When the Rockies took the field for the start of the game Sunday, Blackmon ran out, but his teammates stayed in the dugout, while Blackmon stood in the outfield and got a huge ovation from the home crowd. Pretty cool.
Interesting Week 5 spreads in the NFL:
— Buccaneers @ Atlanta (-1.5)
— Jets vs Vikings (-2.5) (@ London)
— Ravens (-2.5) @ Cincinnati
— Colts @ Jaguars (-3)
— Dolphins (-1) @ New England
— Browns @ Washington (-3)
Quote of the Day
“I don’t know (what the plan is), but I’d say there’s a number of issues there. One is (they) can’t move the ball and can’t score.”
Bill Belichick, talking about the Patriots
Tuesday’s quiz
Cubs won World Series over Cleveland in 2016; who was the Cubs’ starting pitcher in Game 7?
Monday’s quiz
Anthony Lynn was the Chargers’ coach, last time they won a playoff game.
Sunday’s quiz
Mark Sanchez was the Jets’ quarterback, last time they played in a playoff game, in 2010
*************************************
Tuesday’s Den: Nobody asked me, but……..
— Mets 8-0, Braves 7-3Teams split their twinbill, both make the playoffs.
Rough day for the Diamondbacks, who get nosed out of the playoffs.
September 22, Arizona led 8-0 in 3rd inning in Milwaukee, lost 10-9. That one will sting all winter long.
Mets’ 8-7 win in Game 1 Monday was an epic ballgame, fun to watch.
— Neither team that played in last year’s World Series made the playoffs this year.
— Titans 31, Dolphins 12
Titans’ backup QB Rudolph was 9-17/85 passing, with NO TURNOVERS.
Pollard carried ball 22 times for 88 yards and a TD.
Both teams were 2-12 on third down.
Titans are 1-3, but outgained three of four opponents, led 3 games at halftime.
Miami has already played four different QB’s in five games.
Miami has been outscored 67-23 in first half of games.
Last two weeks, Dolphins were 3-24 on third down.
Last three games, Dolphins have two touchdowns on 33 drives.
Lions 42, Seahawks 27
Detroit scored six touchdowns on ten drives.
Goff was 18-18 passing, averaging 12.4 yards/attempt.
Goff also caught a 7-yard TD pass from WR St Brown.
Under Campbell, Detroit is 15-8 ATS in games coming off a win.
Smith was 38-56/395 passing, career highs.
Detroit led 21-7 at halftime.
Seahawks in first half: 31 plays, 172 yards, 7 points.
Seattle has gone over its team total in all four games.
— Purdue’s football team is 1-3, losing its three I-A games by a combined 132-38, so they fired the offensive coordinator Graham Harrell, who is making $950,000 this year and was going to make $1M next year. Purdue is heading towards its 10th losing season in 13 years; they did well in 2021-22 under Jeff Brohm, but then he bolted to Louisville.
— Miami Marlins/manager Skip Schumaker parted ways, which was expected. Schumaker was last year’s Manager of the Year when the Marlins went 84-78 and the playoffs, but the GM from last year quit during the off-season when the new owners inserted someone above her in the team hierarchy. Schumaker will be a coveted free agent this winter.
— Tough few days for celebrities: Kris Kristofferson, Dikembe Mutombo, Pete Rose all passed away in the last few days. RIP, guys.
— You hear Pete Rose’s name and you think Hall of Fame; I’ve got a name of someone who needs to be inducted into Cooperstown.
Dr Frank Jobe was the first doctor to perform Tommy John Surgery on pitchers’ elbows; who has contributed more to baseball than he has?
They put Marvin Miller in the Hall of Fame; he made players a lot wealthier but screwed the small market teams- what value did he provide the game?
Frank Jobe definitely belongs in the Hall of Fame.
— Famous birthdays, October 1st:
Rod Carew, 79
Mark McGwire, 61
Zach Galifianakis, 55
Matt Cain, 40
Brie Larson, 35
Robbie Ray, 33
Xander Bogaerts, 32
Cedric Mullins, 30
Jordan Whittington, 24
— College basketball season starts in five weeks; Gonzaga-Baylor will play on on Opening Night, November 4 in Spokane, the first of a 3-year series between the two teams.
— Random trivia: Only two players ever have appeared in all 162 games of a baseball season, being the team’s DH in every game:
Rusty Staub, 1978 with Detroit
Willie Horton, 1979 with Seattle
— Forgot to mention this last week; it was pretty cool that before the A’s last game in Oakland Thursday, Barry Zito sang the national anthem. Zito was a really good pitcher; he was 102-63 in eight years with the A’s during the Moneyball era, later pitched seven more years with the Giants.
— This was the first baseball season in ten years where no team won 100+ games.
— Padres’ 1B Luis Arraez won his third consecutive batting title, playing for a different team all three years.
— Some early season college football conference trends:
AAC- Favorites are 5-1 ATS in conference games.
ACC- Non-conference home favorites are 3-10 ATS.
Big X- Favorites were 2-4-1 ATS in conference games this past week.
Big 18- Home teams are 6-9 ATS in conference games.
C-USA- Non-conference road underdogs are 5-8 ATS.
MAC- MAC teams are 13-21 ATS in non-conference games.
Mountain West- 7-4 ATS in non-conference home games.
SEC- Conference home favorites are 0-6 ATS, home dogs are 3-2.
Sun Belt- Non-conference road underdogs are 10-6 ATS
— Imagine what a day Sunday was for Charlie Blackmon; after 14 years in the major leagues, four All-Star teams, 1,805 hits and $138M in career earnings, Sunday was the last day in his career, all of which was spent with the Rockies.
When the Rockies took the field for the start of the game Sunday, Blackmon ran out, but his teammates stayed in the dugout, while Blackmon stood in the outfield and got a huge ovation from the home crowd. Pretty cool.
- Sep 10, 2018
- 16,971
- 16
- 38
NCAAF
Week 6
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Trend Report
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Week 6
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Trend Report
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- Sep 10, 2018
- 16,971
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NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up
Week 6
Thursday’s game
Texas State (-13.5) @ Troy
Texas State (2-2)
Bobcats lost last two games, by total of four points.
Texas State led 22-0 in 1st quarter LW, lost 40-39 to Sam Houston.
Texas State has 9 starters back on offense, 9 on defense
Bobcats have 68 starts back on offensive line.
Senior QB McCloud started 13 games at James Madison LY; he is at his 4th in six years- he played in 20 games at South Florida, 3 at Arizona.
Last three year, Texas State is 1-3 ATS as a road favorite.
Last two years, Bobcats were 6-10 ATS in Sun Belt games.
Texas State’s one I-A win was 49-10 over UTSA.
Bobcats are 12-9 ATS in last 21 games coming off a loss.
Texas State has thrown ball for 301 yards/game in its I-A tilts.
Troy (1-4)
Trojans are 0-4 vs I-A teams, with home losses by 2-4 points.
Troy has 2 starters back on offense, 2 on defense
Trojans have 42 starts back on offensive line.
Frosh QB Kilcrease played LW, threw only 10 passes in 13-9 loss.
Trojans ran ball for 241 yards, but didn’t score a TD.
Troy was 23-5 SU last two years; they’ve got new coach this year.
Since 2015, Troy is 3-6 ATS as a home underdog.
Last two years, Trojans were 13-3 ATS in Sun Belt games.
Troy was held under 275 TY in its last three I-A games.
Trojans are 4-7 ATS in last 11 games coming off a loss.
Troy State won last nine series games (3-3 ATS last six).
Bobcats are 0-5 SU/2-3 ATS in last five visits to Troy.
Under is 3-1 in last four meetings.
Sam Houston State (-10.5) @ UTEP
Sam Houston State (4-1)
Bearkats won last three games, scoring 31-31-40 points.
Bearkats ran ball for 278.3 yards/game in those wins.
Sam Houston has 8 starters back on offense, 4 on defense
Bearkats have 70 starts back on offensive line.
Junior QB Watson played JC ball in Iowa last year.
Last four years, Sam Houston is 5-4 ATS as a road favorite.
Bearkats are 13-15 ATS in last 28 conference games.
Bearkats were down 22-0 LW, rallied to beat Texas State, 40-39.
Sam Houston is 4-1 ATS in last five games coming off a win.
Under is 3-2 in their games this season.
Texas-El Paso (0-4)
Miners lost their I-A games by 33-18-10 points, scoring 11.3 ppg.
UTEP has been outrushed 634-195 in its I-A games.
UTEP has 4 starters back on offense, 5 on defense
Miners have 26 starts back on offensive line, mostly at I-AA level.
Soph QB Locklear came with the new coach from I-AA Austin Peay.
UTEP is 6-4 ATS in last 10 games as a home underdog.
UTEP is 18-11 ATS in last six 29 conference games.
Miners are 12-8 ATS in last 20 games coming off a loss.
UTEP lost 27-24 to I-AA Southern Utah.
Under is 3-0 in their games this season.
UTEP (+3.5) upset Sam Houston 37-34 LY, running for 222 yards.
Miners outgained Sam Houston, 428-354.
Friday’s games
Jacksonville State (-15.5) @ Kennesaw State
Jacksonville State (1-3)
Gamecocks gave up 55-49-37 points in their three losses.
Jax State ran for 273 yards LW, pounded Southern Miss, 44-7.
Jax State has 5 starters back on offense, 4 on defense
Gamecocks have 67 starts back on offensive line.
Senior QB Huff played last two years at I-AA Furman.
Under Rodriguez, Gamecocks are 2-3 ATS as a road favorite.
Under Rodriguez, Gamecocks are 10-3 ATS in conference games.
Jax State was +5 in turnovers LW (minus-2 in first three games).
Under Rodriguez, Gamecocks are 9-7 ATS coming off a win.
Over is 3-1 in their games this season.
Kennesaw State (0-4)
Kennesaw lost its first three I-A games by 12-24-21 points.
Owls also lost 27-13 to UT-Martin, a I-AA team.
Kennesaw has 7 starters back on offense, 9 on defense
Owls have 33 starts back on offensive line, added six transfers.
Soph QB Bryson is 51-97/540 passing, with one TD, 3 INTs.
This is their first season as a I-A team.
Kennesaw is 1-2 ATS as a home underdog.
Owls were outgained by 213 yards/game in their I-A tilts.
Kennesaw is 2-8 ATS in last ten games coming off a loss.
Under is 3-0 in their I-A games this season.
Home team won both meetings, in 2021-22.
Jax State lost 31-6 here three years ago.
Houston @ TCU (-16.5)
Houston (1-4, 0-2)
Houston was blanked 34-0/20-0 in its first two Big X games.
Last 2 games, Cougars were minus-6 in turnovers, passed for 92-72 yards.
Houston has 5 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Cougars have 118 returning starts on OL, only 30 of them at Houston.
Senior QB Smith has 20 career starts.
Houston is 10-7-1 ATS in last 18 games as a road underdog.
Houston is 6-12-1 ATS in its last 17 conference games.
In his career, Fritz is 23-22-1 ATS as an underdog
Cougars are 5-8-2 ATS in last 15 games coming off a loss.
Under is 5-0 in their games this season.
TCU (3-2, 1-1)
TCU gave up 35-66 points in their two losses.
TCU gave up 289-238 rushing yards in those games.
TCU has 7 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Horned Frogs have 77 returning starts on the offensive line.
Soph QB Hoover started six games last year.
Under Dykes, TCU is 7-5 ATS as a home favorite.
Under Dykes, TCU is 10-8-1 ATS coming off a win.
In his career, Dykes is 28-22 ATS as home favorite.
Horned Frogs gained 457-460-480-507 TY in their I-A games.
Over is 4-0 in their I-A games this season.
TCU won/covered last six series games.
Only one of those six games has been since 2007.
Last three meetings stayed under the total.
Michigan State @ Oregon (-24)
Michigan State (3-2, 1-1)
Spartans lost last two games, scoring 19-7 points.
New coach Smith comes from Oregon State, his alma mater.
MSU has 5 starters back on offense, 10 on defense.
Spartans have 31 returning starts on the offensive line.
Soph QB Chiles was a sub at Oregon State LY, playing every third series.
MSU is 8-5-2 ATS last 15 games as a road underdog.
Last 2+ years, Spartans are 7-11-2 ATS in league games.
Under is 3-1 in their I-A games.
Michigan State is 5-7-2 ATS in last 14 games coming off a loss.
Spartans are already minus-7 in turnovers.
Oregon (4-0, 1-0)
Oregon scored 37-49-34 points in its I-A wins.
Last two games, Ducks gained 546-431 TY.
Oregon has 8 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Ducks have 144 returning starts on the offensive line.
Ducks poached senior QB Gabriel (49 starts at UCF/Oklahoma).
Under Lanning, Oregon is 17-7 ATS as a favorite.
Under Lanning, Oregon is 9-4 ATS as a road favorite.
Ducks are 14-4 ATS in last 18 conference games.
Under Lanning, Oregon is 16-6 ATS coming off a win.
Over is 2-1 in their I-A games.
Teams haven’t met since a bowl game six years ago.
While coaching the Beavers, Smith was 2-4 SU/3-3 ATS vs Oregon.
Syracuse @ UNLV (-7)
Syracuse (3-1)
Syracuse scored 38-31-24 points in its I-A games (2-1)
Orange threw for 354-381-339 yards in those games.
Syracuse has 10 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Orangemen have 77 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB McCord started 12 games at Ohio State last year.
First road game for Syracuse, which also plays in a dome at home.
Last two years, Syracuse was 1-6 ATS as a road underdog.
In its I-A games, Syracuse gave up 22-28-26 points.
Syracuse is 10-4-1 ATS in last 15 non-conference games.
Orange is 12-7-1 ATS in last 20 games coming off a win.
ACC non-conference road underdogs are 4-2 ATS.
UNLV (4-0)
Rebels are 4-0 for first time in 40+ years.
UNLV gave up 7-20-14 points in its I-A games.
UNLV has 5 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Rebels have 79 starts returning on offensive line.
Senior QB Williams started 40 games at I-AA Campbell.
Under Odom, UNLV is 13-3 against the spread.
In his career, Odom is 18-11 ATS as a home favorite.
UNLV players have chip on shoulder after their QB quit over NIL stuff.
Since 2018, UNLV is 18-5 ATS in non-league games.
Mountain West non-conference home favorites are 4-1 ATS.
These teams haven’t met in this century.
Armadillo's Write-Up
Week 6
Thursday’s game
Texas State (-13.5) @ Troy
Texas State (2-2)
Bobcats lost last two games, by total of four points.
Texas State led 22-0 in 1st quarter LW, lost 40-39 to Sam Houston.
Texas State has 9 starters back on offense, 9 on defense
Bobcats have 68 starts back on offensive line.
Senior QB McCloud started 13 games at James Madison LY; he is at his 4th in six years- he played in 20 games at South Florida, 3 at Arizona.
Last three year, Texas State is 1-3 ATS as a road favorite.
Last two years, Bobcats were 6-10 ATS in Sun Belt games.
Texas State’s one I-A win was 49-10 over UTSA.
Bobcats are 12-9 ATS in last 21 games coming off a loss.
Texas State has thrown ball for 301 yards/game in its I-A tilts.
Troy (1-4)
Trojans are 0-4 vs I-A teams, with home losses by 2-4 points.
Troy has 2 starters back on offense, 2 on defense
Trojans have 42 starts back on offensive line.
Frosh QB Kilcrease played LW, threw only 10 passes in 13-9 loss.
Trojans ran ball for 241 yards, but didn’t score a TD.
Troy was 23-5 SU last two years; they’ve got new coach this year.
Since 2015, Troy is 3-6 ATS as a home underdog.
Last two years, Trojans were 13-3 ATS in Sun Belt games.
Troy was held under 275 TY in its last three I-A games.
Trojans are 4-7 ATS in last 11 games coming off a loss.
Troy State won last nine series games (3-3 ATS last six).
Bobcats are 0-5 SU/2-3 ATS in last five visits to Troy.
Under is 3-1 in last four meetings.
Sam Houston State (-10.5) @ UTEP
Sam Houston State (4-1)
Bearkats won last three games, scoring 31-31-40 points.
Bearkats ran ball for 278.3 yards/game in those wins.
Sam Houston has 8 starters back on offense, 4 on defense
Bearkats have 70 starts back on offensive line.
Junior QB Watson played JC ball in Iowa last year.
Last four years, Sam Houston is 5-4 ATS as a road favorite.
Bearkats are 13-15 ATS in last 28 conference games.
Bearkats were down 22-0 LW, rallied to beat Texas State, 40-39.
Sam Houston is 4-1 ATS in last five games coming off a win.
Under is 3-2 in their games this season.
Texas-El Paso (0-4)
Miners lost their I-A games by 33-18-10 points, scoring 11.3 ppg.
UTEP has been outrushed 634-195 in its I-A games.
UTEP has 4 starters back on offense, 5 on defense
Miners have 26 starts back on offensive line, mostly at I-AA level.
Soph QB Locklear came with the new coach from I-AA Austin Peay.
UTEP is 6-4 ATS in last 10 games as a home underdog.
UTEP is 18-11 ATS in last six 29 conference games.
Miners are 12-8 ATS in last 20 games coming off a loss.
UTEP lost 27-24 to I-AA Southern Utah.
Under is 3-0 in their games this season.
UTEP (+3.5) upset Sam Houston 37-34 LY, running for 222 yards.
Miners outgained Sam Houston, 428-354.
Friday’s games
Jacksonville State (-15.5) @ Kennesaw State
Jacksonville State (1-3)
Gamecocks gave up 55-49-37 points in their three losses.
Jax State ran for 273 yards LW, pounded Southern Miss, 44-7.
Jax State has 5 starters back on offense, 4 on defense
Gamecocks have 67 starts back on offensive line.
Senior QB Huff played last two years at I-AA Furman.
Under Rodriguez, Gamecocks are 2-3 ATS as a road favorite.
Under Rodriguez, Gamecocks are 10-3 ATS in conference games.
Jax State was +5 in turnovers LW (minus-2 in first three games).
Under Rodriguez, Gamecocks are 9-7 ATS coming off a win.
Over is 3-1 in their games this season.
Kennesaw State (0-4)
Kennesaw lost its first three I-A games by 12-24-21 points.
Owls also lost 27-13 to UT-Martin, a I-AA team.
Kennesaw has 7 starters back on offense, 9 on defense
Owls have 33 starts back on offensive line, added six transfers.
Soph QB Bryson is 51-97/540 passing, with one TD, 3 INTs.
This is their first season as a I-A team.
Kennesaw is 1-2 ATS as a home underdog.
Owls were outgained by 213 yards/game in their I-A tilts.
Kennesaw is 2-8 ATS in last ten games coming off a loss.
Under is 3-0 in their I-A games this season.
Home team won both meetings, in 2021-22.
Jax State lost 31-6 here three years ago.
Houston @ TCU (-16.5)
Houston (1-4, 0-2)
Houston was blanked 34-0/20-0 in its first two Big X games.
Last 2 games, Cougars were minus-6 in turnovers, passed for 92-72 yards.
Houston has 5 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Cougars have 118 returning starts on OL, only 30 of them at Houston.
Senior QB Smith has 20 career starts.
Houston is 10-7-1 ATS in last 18 games as a road underdog.
Houston is 6-12-1 ATS in its last 17 conference games.
In his career, Fritz is 23-22-1 ATS as an underdog
Cougars are 5-8-2 ATS in last 15 games coming off a loss.
Under is 5-0 in their games this season.
TCU (3-2, 1-1)
TCU gave up 35-66 points in their two losses.
TCU gave up 289-238 rushing yards in those games.
TCU has 7 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Horned Frogs have 77 returning starts on the offensive line.
Soph QB Hoover started six games last year.
Under Dykes, TCU is 7-5 ATS as a home favorite.
Under Dykes, TCU is 10-8-1 ATS coming off a win.
In his career, Dykes is 28-22 ATS as home favorite.
Horned Frogs gained 457-460-480-507 TY in their I-A games.
Over is 4-0 in their I-A games this season.
TCU won/covered last six series games.
Only one of those six games has been since 2007.
Last three meetings stayed under the total.
Michigan State @ Oregon (-24)
Michigan State (3-2, 1-1)
Spartans lost last two games, scoring 19-7 points.
New coach Smith comes from Oregon State, his alma mater.
MSU has 5 starters back on offense, 10 on defense.
Spartans have 31 returning starts on the offensive line.
Soph QB Chiles was a sub at Oregon State LY, playing every third series.
MSU is 8-5-2 ATS last 15 games as a road underdog.
Last 2+ years, Spartans are 7-11-2 ATS in league games.
Under is 3-1 in their I-A games.
Michigan State is 5-7-2 ATS in last 14 games coming off a loss.
Spartans are already minus-7 in turnovers.
Oregon (4-0, 1-0)
Oregon scored 37-49-34 points in its I-A wins.
Last two games, Ducks gained 546-431 TY.
Oregon has 8 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Ducks have 144 returning starts on the offensive line.
Ducks poached senior QB Gabriel (49 starts at UCF/Oklahoma).
Under Lanning, Oregon is 17-7 ATS as a favorite.
Under Lanning, Oregon is 9-4 ATS as a road favorite.
Ducks are 14-4 ATS in last 18 conference games.
Under Lanning, Oregon is 16-6 ATS coming off a win.
Over is 2-1 in their I-A games.
Teams haven’t met since a bowl game six years ago.
While coaching the Beavers, Smith was 2-4 SU/3-3 ATS vs Oregon.
Syracuse @ UNLV (-7)
Syracuse (3-1)
Syracuse scored 38-31-24 points in its I-A games (2-1)
Orange threw for 354-381-339 yards in those games.
Syracuse has 10 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Orangemen have 77 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB McCord started 12 games at Ohio State last year.
First road game for Syracuse, which also plays in a dome at home.
Last two years, Syracuse was 1-6 ATS as a road underdog.
In its I-A games, Syracuse gave up 22-28-26 points.
Syracuse is 10-4-1 ATS in last 15 non-conference games.
Orange is 12-7-1 ATS in last 20 games coming off a win.
ACC non-conference road underdogs are 4-2 ATS.
UNLV (4-0)
Rebels are 4-0 for first time in 40+ years.
UNLV gave up 7-20-14 points in its I-A games.
UNLV has 5 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Rebels have 79 starts returning on offensive line.
Senior QB Williams started 40 games at I-AA Campbell.
Under Odom, UNLV is 13-3 against the spread.
In his career, Odom is 18-11 ATS as a home favorite.
UNLV players have chip on shoulder after their QB quit over NIL stuff.
Since 2018, UNLV is 18-5 ATS in non-league games.
Mountain West non-conference home favorites are 4-1 ATS.
These teams haven’t met in this century.
Wednesday’s 6-pack:
Interesting Week 5 spreads in the NFL:
— Bills (-1) @ Houston
— Panthers @ Chicago (-4)
— Raiders @ Denver (-3)
— Cardinals @ 49ers (-7.5)
— Giants @ Seattle (-6)
— Cowboys @ Pittsburgh (-2.5)
Quote of the Day
“Let me say it the best way I can say it: If anyone wants to blame anyone for Jordan Montgomery being a Diamondback, you’re talking to the guy who should be blamed. Because I brought it to their attention. I pushed for it. They agreed to it.”
Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick
Wednesday’s quiz
Who was the last pitcher to win 25+ games in a season?
Tuesday’s quiz
Cubs won World Series over Cleveland in 2016; Kyle Hendricks was the Cubs’ starting pitcher in Game 7.
Monday’s quiz
Anthony Lynn was the Chargers’ coach, last time they won a playoff game.
************************************
Tarik Skubal tossed six shutout IP in his playoff debut.
Detroit scored three runs in 2nd inning; that was enough.
Loss ends Astros’ 10-game win streak in playoff series openers.
— Detroit had 41 games this season where their starting pitcher threw 3 or fewer innings, which is highly unusual for a playoff team.
— Royals 1, Orioles 0
Cole Ragans allowed four baserunners in six shutout IP.
Bobby Witt knocked in only run with a 6th-inning single.
Baltimore is 33-34 since the All-Stsr break.
— Mets 8, Brewers 4
Mets scored five runs in fifth inning to break game open.
Mark Vientos was 2-4 with two runs scored, two RBI
Milwaukee has lost 10 of its last 11 playoff games.
— Last Friday in Toronto, Marlins SS Xavier Edwards hit three triples in Miami’s 15-5 win over the Blue Jays. He is the first player to hit three triples in a game since Yasiel Puig in 2014.
— Imagine having CJ Abrams as the shortstop on your fantasy team? Season is coming to an end, Abrams was hot (8 for his last 17) but then on September 20, five hours before a day game at Wrigley Field, Abrams was spotted in a casino very late at night before the day game.
Washington front office didn’t take this well; they sent Abrams to the minor leagues, ending his season, costing him $30,000 in salary, and totally screwing people who had him on their fantasy squads (I wasn’t one of them).
— Famous birthdays, October 2
Dick Barnett, 88
Bob Robertson, 78
Gordon Sumner, 73 (Sting)
Lorraine Bracco, 70
Dave Beard, 65
Mark Rypien, 62
Aaron McKie, 52
Joe Ingles, 37
Aaron Hicks, 35
Missed this one yesterday; President Jimmy Carter turned 100 on Monday.
— NFL games were 10-6 to the over in Week 4; under is 33-31 for the season.
Team totals were 18-14 over; under is 68-57-3 this season.
— People are fickle; best to stay off social media after your favorite team loses, since every nitwit on Twitter thinks he knows more than the team’s coach/GM.
— Gonzaga is jumping to the Pac-12 starting in 2026-27, which helps the Pac-12 more than it will help Gonzaga. We preach about this every year; best to be a very big fish in a small pond.
Think back to UNLV in the Tarkanian days in the late 80’s; they dominated the Big West, were a national power, just like Gonzaga is now, but then they moved up to the Mountain West and haven’t been the same since.
Gonzaga isn’t a football school; the Pac-12 has to add a football school to get to eight teams and will probably also add either Grand Canyon or Saint Mary’s to giver them a 10-team basketball league.
— Texas-El Paso is jumping to the Mountain West two years from now; Miners bolted from the WAC to Conference USA in 2005, now they’re moving again.
UNLV/Air Force are staying in the Mountain West.
— Must be nice to be really, really rich; Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons, is buying a 27% stake in the LA Chargers, who are valued at being worth $5.1B (#20 in NFL).
Gores is buying out the part of the Chargers owned by one of the four Spanos siblings, who was at odds with her three siblings.
— San Francisco Giants fired president of baseball ops Farhan Zaidi, replaced him with Buster Posey, the great Giants catcher who retired as a player three years ago.
Giants went 107-55 three years ago, in Zaidi’s third season in charge, but lost to the Dodgers 3-2 in a five-game playoff series; since then, they’ve gone 81-81/79-83/80-82, and Zaidi was told to take a hike. Bob Melvin is expected to stay on as San Francisco’s manager.
Interesting Week 5 spreads in the NFL:
— Bills (-1) @ Houston
— Panthers @ Chicago (-4)
— Raiders @ Denver (-3)
— Cardinals @ 49ers (-7.5)
— Giants @ Seattle (-6)
— Cowboys @ Pittsburgh (-2.5)
Quote of the Day
“Let me say it the best way I can say it: If anyone wants to blame anyone for Jordan Montgomery being a Diamondback, you’re talking to the guy who should be blamed. Because I brought it to their attention. I pushed for it. They agreed to it.”
Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick
Wednesday’s quiz
Who was the last pitcher to win 25+ games in a season?
Tuesday’s quiz
Cubs won World Series over Cleveland in 2016; Kyle Hendricks was the Cubs’ starting pitcher in Game 7.
Monday’s quiz
Anthony Lynn was the Chargers’ coach, last time they won a playoff game.
************************************
Wednesday’s Den: Mid-week musings…….
— Tigers 3, Astros 1Tarik Skubal tossed six shutout IP in his playoff debut.
Detroit scored three runs in 2nd inning; that was enough.
Loss ends Astros’ 10-game win streak in playoff series openers.
— Detroit had 41 games this season where their starting pitcher threw 3 or fewer innings, which is highly unusual for a playoff team.
— Royals 1, Orioles 0
Cole Ragans allowed four baserunners in six shutout IP.
Bobby Witt knocked in only run with a 6th-inning single.
Baltimore is 33-34 since the All-Stsr break.
— Mets 8, Brewers 4
Mets scored five runs in fifth inning to break game open.
Mark Vientos was 2-4 with two runs scored, two RBI
Milwaukee has lost 10 of its last 11 playoff games.
— Last Friday in Toronto, Marlins SS Xavier Edwards hit three triples in Miami’s 15-5 win over the Blue Jays. He is the first player to hit three triples in a game since Yasiel Puig in 2014.
— Imagine having CJ Abrams as the shortstop on your fantasy team? Season is coming to an end, Abrams was hot (8 for his last 17) but then on September 20, five hours before a day game at Wrigley Field, Abrams was spotted in a casino very late at night before the day game.
Washington front office didn’t take this well; they sent Abrams to the minor leagues, ending his season, costing him $30,000 in salary, and totally screwing people who had him on their fantasy squads (I wasn’t one of them).
— Famous birthdays, October 2
Dick Barnett, 88
Bob Robertson, 78
Gordon Sumner, 73 (Sting)
Lorraine Bracco, 70
Dave Beard, 65
Mark Rypien, 62
Aaron McKie, 52
Joe Ingles, 37
Aaron Hicks, 35
Missed this one yesterday; President Jimmy Carter turned 100 on Monday.
— NFL games were 10-6 to the over in Week 4; under is 33-31 for the season.
Team totals were 18-14 over; under is 68-57-3 this season.
— People are fickle; best to stay off social media after your favorite team loses, since every nitwit on Twitter thinks he knows more than the team’s coach/GM.
— Gonzaga is jumping to the Pac-12 starting in 2026-27, which helps the Pac-12 more than it will help Gonzaga. We preach about this every year; best to be a very big fish in a small pond.
Think back to UNLV in the Tarkanian days in the late 80’s; they dominated the Big West, were a national power, just like Gonzaga is now, but then they moved up to the Mountain West and haven’t been the same since.
Gonzaga isn’t a football school; the Pac-12 has to add a football school to get to eight teams and will probably also add either Grand Canyon or Saint Mary’s to giver them a 10-team basketball league.
— Texas-El Paso is jumping to the Mountain West two years from now; Miners bolted from the WAC to Conference USA in 2005, now they’re moving again.
UNLV/Air Force are staying in the Mountain West.
— Must be nice to be really, really rich; Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons, is buying a 27% stake in the LA Chargers, who are valued at being worth $5.1B (#20 in NFL).
Gores is buying out the part of the Chargers owned by one of the four Spanos siblings, who was at odds with her three siblings.
— San Francisco Giants fired president of baseball ops Farhan Zaidi, replaced him with Buster Posey, the great Giants catcher who retired as a player three years ago.
Giants went 107-55 three years ago, in Zaidi’s third season in charge, but lost to the Dodgers 3-2 in a five-game playoff series; since then, they’ve gone 81-81/79-83/80-82, and Zaidi was told to take a hike. Bob Melvin is expected to stay on as San Francisco’s manager.
Thursday’s 6-pack:
Interesting Week 5 spreads in college football:
— Syracuse @ UNLV (-6.5)
— Ole Miss (-9) @ South Carolina
— Michigan @ Washington (-2.5)
— USC (-8) @ Minnesota
— Tennessee (-13) @ Arkansas
— Central Florida (-2.5) @ Florida
Quote of the Day
“Gotta be aggressive out of the gate. I’m going to have to play damn near perfect. That’s how I’m preparing.”
Bengals’ QB Joe Burrow
Thursday’s quiz
Who was manager of the Baltimore Orioles, last time they won a playoff game?
Wednesday’s quiz
Bob Welch was the last pitcher to win 25+ games in a season; he went 27-6 for the A’s in 1990.
Tuesday’s quiz
Cubs won World Series over Cleveland in 2016; Kyle Hendricks was the Cubs’ starting pitcher in Game 7.
**********************************************
— Tigers 5, Astros 2
Andy Ibanez hit a bases-loaded double in 8th inning.
Detroit used seven pitchers are they continue a 33-13 run.
Astros won’t play in ALCS for first time in seven years.
— Tigers’ payroll this year is just over $103M, over $32M of which is to guys who aren’t on the Tigers’ roster right now.
— Royals 2, Orioles 1
Baltimore scored one run in losing two games in this series.
Orioles were 33-35 after the All-Star break.
Baltimore has lost its last ten playoff games.
— Mets 3, Brewers 5
Garrett Mitchell, who entered game as a pinch-runner, hit the game-winning HR.
Jackson Chourio/Mitchell both homered in 8th inning.
Game 3 is Thursday.
MLB had to breathe a big sigh of relief when Milwaukee won; Game 3’s in this round get the bigger TV ratings, winner-take-all games.
— Padres 5, Braves 4
Padres scored five runs in second inning, hung on for dear life.
San Diego advances to play the Dodgers in the next round.
— The remote control on my TV died at 3:30 in the morning the other night, so while I wait for Amazon to deliver my new remote, I don’t have access to YouTubeTV on my main television; I’ve been watching the baseball playoff games on my laptop.
Yesterday, just laid on the couch and listened to the Royals-Orioles game on ESPN radio on my phone; it was a throwback to being a kid. Way back when, I listened to a lot of baseball on the radio, before I controlled the remote control in our house.
It was fun, in an odd way, though I am looking forward to getting the new remote today,
— Famous birthdays, October 3rd
Lindsey Buckingham, 75
Dave Winfield, 73
Dennis Eckersley, 70
Jack Wagner, 65
Greg Foster, 56
Anquan Boldin, 44
Courtney Lee, 39
CJ Abrams, 24
CJ Stroud, 23
— There will be scapegoats: Minnesota Twins went 12-27 in their last 39 games; they fired four coaches Wednesday, with all three hitting coaches being told to take a hike.
— Texas State apparently has said no to the Mountain West, will stay in the Sun Belt, where the travel costs will be much lower.
— NFL divisional trends:
NFC East non-divisional home teams are 0-4 ATS
NFC East non-divisional road underdogs are 5-1 ATS.
NFC North non-divisional favorites are 6-0 ATS
NFC North non-divisional home teams are 7-1 ATS
NFC South non-divisional home teams are 2-6 ATS
NFC South non-divisional road underdogs are 4-0 ATS
NFC West non-divisional underdogs are 1-5 ATS
AFC East teams are 3-8-1 ATS in non-divisional games.
AFC North non-divisional home favorites are 2-5 ATS
AFC North non-divisional road teams are 6-3 ATS
AFC South non-divisional favorites are 1-5 ATS
AFC West non-divisional road teams are 6-1 ATS
— We close with an unusual story:
Missouri plays Texas A&M this week. Marcel Reed is Texas A&M’s quarterback, taking over for an injured Connor Weigman; his sister is Missouri’s assistant director of on campus recruiting.
The sister is “not allowed at practice this week” according to Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz.
Awkward…….
Interesting Week 5 spreads in college football:
— Syracuse @ UNLV (-6.5)
— Ole Miss (-9) @ South Carolina
— Michigan @ Washington (-2.5)
— USC (-8) @ Minnesota
— Tennessee (-13) @ Arkansas
— Central Florida (-2.5) @ Florida
Quote of the Day
“Gotta be aggressive out of the gate. I’m going to have to play damn near perfect. That’s how I’m preparing.”
Bengals’ QB Joe Burrow
Thursday’s quiz
Who was manager of the Baltimore Orioles, last time they won a playoff game?
Wednesday’s quiz
Bob Welch was the last pitcher to win 25+ games in a season; he went 27-6 for the A’s in 1990.
Tuesday’s quiz
Cubs won World Series over Cleveland in 2016; Kyle Hendricks was the Cubs’ starting pitcher in Game 7.
**********************************************
Thursday’s Den: Doing some thinking out loud……..
So much for home field advantage in the AL playoffs; road team was 4-0 in the AL Wild Card games, with home teams scoring four runs in the four games.— Tigers 5, Astros 2
Andy Ibanez hit a bases-loaded double in 8th inning.
Detroit used seven pitchers are they continue a 33-13 run.
Astros won’t play in ALCS for first time in seven years.
— Tigers’ payroll this year is just over $103M, over $32M of which is to guys who aren’t on the Tigers’ roster right now.
— Royals 2, Orioles 1
Baltimore scored one run in losing two games in this series.
Orioles were 33-35 after the All-Star break.
Baltimore has lost its last ten playoff games.
— Mets 3, Brewers 5
Garrett Mitchell, who entered game as a pinch-runner, hit the game-winning HR.
Jackson Chourio/Mitchell both homered in 8th inning.
Game 3 is Thursday.
MLB had to breathe a big sigh of relief when Milwaukee won; Game 3’s in this round get the bigger TV ratings, winner-take-all games.
— Padres 5, Braves 4
Padres scored five runs in second inning, hung on for dear life.
San Diego advances to play the Dodgers in the next round.
— The remote control on my TV died at 3:30 in the morning the other night, so while I wait for Amazon to deliver my new remote, I don’t have access to YouTubeTV on my main television; I’ve been watching the baseball playoff games on my laptop.
Yesterday, just laid on the couch and listened to the Royals-Orioles game on ESPN radio on my phone; it was a throwback to being a kid. Way back when, I listened to a lot of baseball on the radio, before I controlled the remote control in our house.
It was fun, in an odd way, though I am looking forward to getting the new remote today,
— Famous birthdays, October 3rd
Lindsey Buckingham, 75
Dave Winfield, 73
Dennis Eckersley, 70
Jack Wagner, 65
Greg Foster, 56
Anquan Boldin, 44
Courtney Lee, 39
CJ Abrams, 24
CJ Stroud, 23
— There will be scapegoats: Minnesota Twins went 12-27 in their last 39 games; they fired four coaches Wednesday, with all three hitting coaches being told to take a hike.
— Texas State apparently has said no to the Mountain West, will stay in the Sun Belt, where the travel costs will be much lower.
— NFL divisional trends:
NFC East non-divisional home teams are 0-4 ATS
NFC East non-divisional road underdogs are 5-1 ATS.
NFC North non-divisional favorites are 6-0 ATS
NFC North non-divisional home teams are 7-1 ATS
NFC South non-divisional home teams are 2-6 ATS
NFC South non-divisional road underdogs are 4-0 ATS
NFC West non-divisional underdogs are 1-5 ATS
AFC East teams are 3-8-1 ATS in non-divisional games.
AFC North non-divisional home favorites are 2-5 ATS
AFC North non-divisional road teams are 6-3 ATS
AFC South non-divisional favorites are 1-5 ATS
AFC West non-divisional road teams are 6-1 ATS
— We close with an unusual story:
Missouri plays Texas A&M this week. Marcel Reed is Texas A&M’s quarterback, taking over for an injured Connor Weigman; his sister is Missouri’s assistant director of on campus recruiting.
The sister is “not allowed at practice this week” according to Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz.
Awkward…….
- Sep 10, 2018
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Armadillo's Write-Up
Week 6
Saturday’s best 13 games
Missouri @ Texas A&M (-2.5)
Missouri (4-0, 1-0)
First road game for Mizzou, which nipped Vandy 30-27 in SEC opener
Tigers have gained 466.7 yards/game in their I-A games.
Tigers have 9 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Tigers have 107 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Cook has started 26 games.
Under Drinkwitz, Mizzou is 7-6 ATS as a road underdog.
Under Drinkwitz, Mizzou is 19-16 ATS in SEC games.
Under Drinkwitz, Mizzou is 14-15-1 ATS coming off a win.
Last two years, Tigers were 7-2 ATS on the road.
Texas A&M (4-1, 2-0)
A&M won last three I-A games, after a 23-13 loss to Notre Dame.
LW, Aggies were outgained 379-297, but edged Arkansas 21-17.
Aggies have 9 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
A&M has 112 returning starts on offensive line.
Frosh QB Reed is 43-79/585 passing, with 6 TD’s, no INTs
A&M is 24-24-3 ATS in its last 51 SEC games.
In his career, new HC Elko is 7-4 ATS as a home favorite.
Aggies are 4-7-3 ATS in last 14 games going off a win.
Last three games, A&M ran ball for 226.3 yards/game.
Missouri won five of last seven series games.
Tigers won/covered last three visits to College Station.
Over is 3-2 in last five meetings.
Pittsburgh (-2.5) @ North Carolina
Pittsburgh (4-0)
Pitt is 3-0 vs I-A teams, despite giving up 24-27-34 points.
Panthers won their only road game, 28-27 at Cincinnati.
Panthers have 9 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Panthers have 58 returning starts on the offensive line.
Frosh QB Holstein was 20-35/302 passing LW, with three TD’s.
Last five years, Pitt is 11-2 ATS as a road favorite.
Favorites are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 road games.
Pitt has passed for 317.3 yards/game vs I-A opponents.
Last two years, Panthers are 7-9 ATS in ACC games.
Panthers are 5-8 ATS in last 13 games coming off a win.
North Carolina (3-2, 0-1)
North Carolina lost its last two games, 70-50/21-20.
LW, Tar Heels led Duke 20-0 with 6:00 left in 3rd quarter.
Tar Heels have 6 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Tar Heels have 59 returning starts on OL, 49 from one guy.
Junior QB Johnson started 22 games, at LSU/Texas A&M.
Tar Heels are a home underdog for first time in four years.
In his career, Mack Brown is 21-15 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2021, Tar Heels are 10-16 ATS in ACC games.
Carolina is 6-9 ATS in its last fifteen home games.
UNC gave up 300+ passing yards in two of last three I-A games.
North Carolina is 8-2 SU/7-3 ATS in last ten series games.
Pitt is 0-5 SU/1-4 ATS in last five visits to Chapel Hill.
Over is 6-1 in last seven meetings.
Wake Forest @ NC State (-5.5)
Wake Forest (1-3, 0-1)
Wake is 0-3 vs I-A teams, giving up 31-40-41 points.
Deacons gave up 515.3 yards/game in those three losses.
Deacons have 8 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Wake Forest has 69 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Bachmeier had 37 starts at Boise State/Louisiana Tech.
Since 2015, Wake is 18-12 ATS as a road underdog.
Last 2+ years, Wake is 7-9-1 ATS in conference games.
Deacons are 9-8 ATS in last 17 games coming off a loss.
Giving up 466 yards to a Sun Belt team LW is a red flag.
Wake did score 30-6-38 points in the three losses.
NC State (3-2, 0-1)
Wolfpack is 3-2, giving up 51-59 points in the losses.
State is +5 in turnovers in their wins, minus-4 in losses.
NC State has 8 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Wolfpack has 95 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB McCall started 41 games at Coastal Carolina.
Wolfpack is 3-7 ATS in last 10 games as a home favorite.
State lost its ACC opener 59-35 at Clemson.
Since 2020, Wolfpack is 20-15 ATS in ACC games.
State is 0-4 ATS in its I-A games this season.
Over is 3-1 in their I-A games.
NC State won three of last four meetings.
Deacons are 1-6 SU/ATS in last seven visits to Raleigh.
Under is 5-2 in last seven series games.
Ole Miss (-9.5) @ South Carolina
Ole Miss (4-1, 0-1)
Ole Miss got upset by Kentucky LW; they had been ranked #7
Rebels ran for 92 yards LW (250 yards/game previous three games).
Rebels have 10 starters back on offense, 10 on defense.
Rebels have 222 returning starts on offensive line.
Junior QB Dart has started 25 games.
Ole Miss won its only road game, 40-6 at Wake Forest.
Under Kiffin, Ole Miss is 8-3-1 ATS as a road favorite.
In his career, Kiffin is 18-16-1 ATS as a road favorite.
Under Kiffin, Rebels are 6-7 ATS coming off a loss.
Under Kiffin, Ole Miss is 14-18-2 ATS in SEC games.
Under is 4-0 in Ole Miss games this season.
South Carolina (3-1, 1-1)
Gamecocks’ only loss was 36-33 at home to LSU.
Last two games, Carolina ran ball for 243-273 yards.
Carolina has 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Gamecocks have 118 returning starts on the offensive line.
Freshman QB Sellers threw four passes in three games LY.
Since 2018, Gamecocks are 8-12 ATS as a home underdog.
In his career, Beamer is 5-4 ATS as a home dog.
Last 4+ years, Carolina is 17-19 ATS in SEC games.
Under Beamer, Gamecocks are 11-10 ATS coming off a win.
These teams are playing for first time since 2020.
South Carolina won three of last four series games.
This is Rebels’ first visit to Columbia since 2009.
Over is 5-1 in last six meetings.
Virginia Tech (-7.5) @ Stanford
Virginia Tech (3-2, 0-1)
Tech lost its last two games, by 3-4 points.
Hokies scored 31-37 points in their two wins.
Hokies have 11 starters back on offense, 10 on defense.
Cavaliers have 122 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Drones started 11 games last year.
Under Pry, Tech is 3-2 ATS as a road favorite.
Since 2018, Tech is 5-10 ATS as a road favorite.
Under Pry, Hokies are 10-6 ATS in ACC games.
Under Pry, Hokies are 9-7 ATS coming off a loss.
Over is 4-1 in Tech games this season.
Stanford (2-2, 1-1)
Stanford split its first two ACC games, both on the road.
Last 3+ years, Stanford is 3-9/3-9/3-9/2-2 SU, 10-27 ATS
Cardinal has 10 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Stanford has 88 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Daniels started 10 games last year.
Stanford is 5-11 ATS last 16 games as a home underdog.
Last 3+ years, Stanford is 10-21 ATS as an underdog.
Last three years, Stanford is 8-21 ATS in conference games.
Cardinal gave up 309 passing yards/game in their I-AA tilts.
Stanford’s only I-A win was 26-24 at Syracuse.
These teams haven’t met since a bowl game in 2010.
West Virginia @ Oklahoma State (-3)
West Virginia (2-2, 1-0)
WVU won its Big X opener 32-28 LW, scoring TD with 0:26 left.
WVU lost 38-34 at Pitt the week before that.
Mountaineers have 8 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Mountaineers have 113 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Greene has 14 career starts.
Under Brown, WVU is 10-11 ATS as a road underdog.
In his career, Brown is 19-13 ATS as a road underdog.
Under Brown, WVU is 21-24 ATS in Big X games.
Under Brown, Mountaineers are 11-17 ATS in games coming off a win.
West Virginia gave up 34-38-28 points in their three I-A games.
Oklahoma State (3-2, 0-2)
OSU lost its last two games, 22-19/42-20.
Cowboys gave up 232+ rushing yards in 3 of 4 I-A games.
Cowboys have 10 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Cowboys have 214 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Bowman is in his 7th college season (13 starts LY)
OSU is 1-5 ATS in last six games as a home favorite.
Oklahoma State is 18-12 ATS in its last 30 Big X games.
Cowboys are 17-10-1 ATS in last 28 games coming off a loss.
Oklahoma State gave up 456-559 yards in its two Big X games.
Cowboys scored 39-45 points in their two I-A wins.
Oklahoma won eight of last nine series games.
WVU is 1-3 SU/ATS in last four visits to Stillwater.
Under is 4-1 in last five meetings.
Clemson (-14.5) @ Florida State
Clemson (3-1, 2-0)
Clemson won its last three games, scoring 66-59-40 points.
Clemson lost its opener 34-3 to Georgia on a neutral field.
Tigers have 9 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Tigers have 106 returning starts on offensive line.
Junior QB Klubnik has 14 career starts.
Last four years, Clemson was 8-9 ATS as a road favorite.
In his career, Swinney is 31-29-1 ATS as a road favorite.
Tigers are 12-7 ATS in their last 19 ACC games.
Tigers are 14-16 ATS in last 30 games coming off a win.
Last three games, Clemson is +7 in turnovers.
Florida State (1-4, 1-3)
Florida State is 1-4, with only win 14-9 at home over Cal.
Last four games, FSU was held to 13-12-14-16 points.
FSU has 5 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Seminoles have 190 returning starts on offensive line.
Frosh QB Glenn get first ’24 start; he started twice LY.
Seminoles was outgained 410-284 by Cal, in their one win.
Florida State was held under 300 TY in all five games.
Under Norvell, FSU is 6-4 ATS as a home underdog.
Under is 4-1 in Seminole games this season.
Under Norvell, Seminoles are 12-17 ATS coming off a loss.
Clemson won seven of last eight meetings.
FSU beat the Tigers 31-24 LY at Clemson.
Clemson is 3-0 SU/2-1 ATS in last four visits to Tallahassee.
Over is 5-1-1 in last seven series games.
Tennessee (-13) @ Arkansas
Tennessee (4-0, 1-0)
Tennessee (-5.5) won its SEC opener 25-15 at Oklahoma.
Last 2+ years, Vols are 24-6 SU/20-9 ATS
Tennessee has 6 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Vols have 112 returning starts on the offensive line;
Frosh QB Iamaleava had one start, was MVP of Citrus Bowl.
Under Heupel, Tennessee is 19-8 ATS as a favorite.
Under Heupel, Tennessee is 16-12 ATS in games coming off a win.
Under Heupel, Tennessee is 12-13 ATS in SEC games.
Vols outgained their first two I-A foes, 1,545-477.
Vols have allowed only 159 yards/game vs I-A opponents.
Arkansas (3-2, 1-1)
Arkansas outgained Texas A&M 379-297, but lost 21-17.
Razorbacks split their first four I-A games, losing by 8-4 points.
Razorbacks have 9 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Razorbacks have 67 returning starts on the offensive line;
Junior QB Green started 22 games at Boise State.
Under Pittman, Arkansas is 20-7 ATS as an underdog.
Arkansas is 7-4 ATS in last 11 games as a home underdog.
Under Pittman, Arkansas is 21-13-2 ATS in SEC games.
Under Pittman, Razorbacks are 13-11 ATS coming off a loss.
Arkansas is minus-5 in turnovers in its losses, +3 in wins.
Teams haven’t met since 2020.
Arkansas won/covered last three series games.
Under is 4-1 in last five meetings.
Michigan @ Washington (-2.5)
Michigan (4-1, 2-0)
Michigan won first two Big 18 games, both by 27-24 scores.
Wolverines passed for only 32-86 yards in QB Orji’s two starts.
Wolverines have 2 starters back on offense, 5 on defense, a new head coach.
New defensive coordinator Martindale has a significant NFL resume.
Michigan has 53 returning starts on offensive line (none at Michigan).
Last 3+ years, Michigan is 4-1 ATS as an underdog.
Wolverines are 19-9-3 ATS in its last 31 conference games.
Last 3+ years, Michigan is 21-15-3 ATS coming off a win.
Three of their last four games went over the total.
Michigan is 4-1, despite being minus-3 in turnovers.
Washington (3-2, 1-2)
Washington was held to 19-18 in losses, scored 30-24 in I-A wins.
New coach Fisch was at Arizona; new DC is Steve Belichick.
Huskies have 2 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Huskies have 36 returning starts on offensive line, none of them here.
Senior QB Rogers started 40 games at Mississippi State.
Last 10 years, Washington is 2-7 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2018, Huskies are 19-34 ATS in conference games.
In his career, Fisch is 8-4 ATS as a home underdog.
Washington is 3-7 ATS in last 10 games coming off a loss.
Under is 4-0 in their games this season.
Michigan (-5) whacked Washington 34-13 LY in a playoff game.
Wolverines beat Washington 31-10 in Ann Arbor in 2021.
Both teams have new head coaches this season.
USC (-8) @ Minnesota
USC (3-1, 1-1)
Trojans lost only true road game, 27-24 at Michigan.
USC scored 27-48-38 points in its wins.
USC has 5 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Trojans have 72 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Moss won his only start 42-28 LY (bowl game).
In his career, Riley is 8-18-1 ATS as a road favorite, 2-7 at USC.
Trojans are 10-20 ATS in last 30 conference games.
In his career, Riley is 32-36-1 ATS in conference games.
Under Riley, USC is 10-10 ATS coming off a win.
USC was held to 69-96 YR in its two games away from home.
Minnesota (2-3, 0-2)
Minnesota lost first two conference games, 31-14/27-24.
Gophers were 6-7 last year, their worst season since 2017.
Gophers have 8 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Minnesota has 70 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Brosmer started 36 games at I-AA New Hampshire.
Under Fleck, Minnesota is 7-8-2 ATS as a home underdog.
In his career, Fleck is 9-13-2 ATS as a home underdog.
Under Fleck, Minnesota is 30-31-2 ATS in conference games.
Minnesota is 1-3 in I-A games; only win was 27-0 over Nevada.
Gophers were held under 100 YR in all three losses.
These teams haven’t met since 2011.
Central Florida (-2.5) @ Florida
Central Florida (3-1)
UCF gave up 34-38 points in losing last two games.
Knights scored 45-35 points in their two I-A wins.
Knights have 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
UCF has 58 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Jefferson started 38 games at Arkansas.
Under Malzahn, UCF is 3-7 ATS as a road favorite.
In his career, Malzahn is 17-14-1 ATS as a road favorite.
Under Malzahn, Knights are 11-16-1 ATS in conference games.
UCF is 5-14-1 ATS in last 20 games coming off a loss.
Over is 3-0 in their I-A games.
Florida (2-2)
Florida gave up 41-33 points in its two losses.
Last three years, Gators were 6-7/6-7/5-7.
Florida has 8 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Gators have 80 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Mertz/frosh QB Lagway are splitting time.
Under Napier, Florida is 2-4 ATS as a home underdog.
In his career, Napier is 5-4 ATS as a home underdog.
Last 3+ years, Florida is 15-25-1 ATS overall.
Under Napier, Florida is 9-9 ATS in SEC games.
Over is 3-0 in Florida’s I-A games.
Florida’s only I-A win: 45-28 at Mississippi State.
Three years ago, UCF (+7) upset Florida 29-17 in a bowl game.
Before that, teams’ previous meeting was in 2006.
Kansas @ Arizona State (-2.5)
Kansas (1-4, 0-2)
Kansas lost its four I-A games, three of them by 6 or fewer points.
Last two games, Kansas allowed 447-503 yards.
Jayhawks have 7 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Kansas has 130 returning starts on offensive line.
Junior QB Daniels has 20 career starts.
In his career, Leipold is 11-20-1 ATS as road underdog.
Under Leipold, Kansas is 5-10 ATS as a road underdog..
Under Leipold, Kansas is 13-15-1 ATS in Big X games.
Under Leipold, Kansas is 9-13 ATS coming off a loss.
Arizona State (3-1, 0-1)
Sun Devils lost its first Big X game, 30-22 at Texas Tech.
Sun Devils scored 30+ points in all three wins.
ASU has 6 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Sun Devils have 57 returning starts on the offensive line.
Frosh QB Leavitt is 65-110/855 passing this year, has also run for 180 yards.
ASU is 6-5 ATS in last 11 games as a home favorite.
Arizona State is 19-13 ATS in last 32 conference games.
ASU was 6-2 LY in games coming off a loss.
Arizona State is +5 in turnovers in its first five games.
These teams haven’t met in this century.
Texas Tech @ Arizona (-6)
Texas Tech (4-1, 2-0)
Texas Tech scored 30+ points in its wins, 16 in its loss (@ Wazzu)
Tech lost its only road game, 37-16 at Wazzu.
Red Raiders have 8 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Red Raiders have 125 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Morton started 12 games LY (12 TDs/2 INTs this year)
Under McGuire, Texas Tech is 2-5 ATS as a road underdog.
Under McGuire, Red Raiders are 10-9-1 ATS in Big X games.
Tech gave up 555 TY in a 44-41 win over Cincinnati LW.
Tech is 30-34-1 ATS in its last 65 Big X games.
Texas Tech scored 66-30-44 points in its I-A wins.
Arizona (3-1, 1-1)
Arizona split first two Big X games (7-31 @ K-State/23-10 @ Utah).
Wildcats gave up 211+ rushing yards in two of three I-A games.
Arizona has 8 starters back on offense, 7 on defense
Wildcats have 86 starts back on offensive line.
Soph QB Fifita started nine games last year.
Arizona is 4-2 ATS last six games as a home favorite.
In his career, Brennan is 11-9 ATS as a home favorite.
Wildcats are 8-3 ATS in last 11 conference games.
In his career, Brennan is 33-23-1 ATS in conference games.
Arizona is 7-3 ATS in last 10 games coming off a win.
These teams haven’t met since 2019.
Armadillo's Write-Up
Week 6
Saturday’s best 13 games
Missouri @ Texas A&M (-2.5)
Missouri (4-0, 1-0)
First road game for Mizzou, which nipped Vandy 30-27 in SEC opener
Tigers have gained 466.7 yards/game in their I-A games.
Tigers have 9 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Tigers have 107 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Cook has started 26 games.
Under Drinkwitz, Mizzou is 7-6 ATS as a road underdog.
Under Drinkwitz, Mizzou is 19-16 ATS in SEC games.
Under Drinkwitz, Mizzou is 14-15-1 ATS coming off a win.
Last two years, Tigers were 7-2 ATS on the road.
Texas A&M (4-1, 2-0)
A&M won last three I-A games, after a 23-13 loss to Notre Dame.
LW, Aggies were outgained 379-297, but edged Arkansas 21-17.
Aggies have 9 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
A&M has 112 returning starts on offensive line.
Frosh QB Reed is 43-79/585 passing, with 6 TD’s, no INTs
A&M is 24-24-3 ATS in its last 51 SEC games.
In his career, new HC Elko is 7-4 ATS as a home favorite.
Aggies are 4-7-3 ATS in last 14 games going off a win.
Last three games, A&M ran ball for 226.3 yards/game.
Missouri won five of last seven series games.
Tigers won/covered last three visits to College Station.
Over is 3-2 in last five meetings.
Pittsburgh (-2.5) @ North Carolina
Pittsburgh (4-0)
Pitt is 3-0 vs I-A teams, despite giving up 24-27-34 points.
Panthers won their only road game, 28-27 at Cincinnati.
Panthers have 9 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Panthers have 58 returning starts on the offensive line.
Frosh QB Holstein was 20-35/302 passing LW, with three TD’s.
Last five years, Pitt is 11-2 ATS as a road favorite.
Favorites are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 road games.
Pitt has passed for 317.3 yards/game vs I-A opponents.
Last two years, Panthers are 7-9 ATS in ACC games.
Panthers are 5-8 ATS in last 13 games coming off a win.
North Carolina (3-2, 0-1)
North Carolina lost its last two games, 70-50/21-20.
LW, Tar Heels led Duke 20-0 with 6:00 left in 3rd quarter.
Tar Heels have 6 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Tar Heels have 59 returning starts on OL, 49 from one guy.
Junior QB Johnson started 22 games, at LSU/Texas A&M.
Tar Heels are a home underdog for first time in four years.
In his career, Mack Brown is 21-15 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2021, Tar Heels are 10-16 ATS in ACC games.
Carolina is 6-9 ATS in its last fifteen home games.
UNC gave up 300+ passing yards in two of last three I-A games.
North Carolina is 8-2 SU/7-3 ATS in last ten series games.
Pitt is 0-5 SU/1-4 ATS in last five visits to Chapel Hill.
Over is 6-1 in last seven meetings.
Wake Forest @ NC State (-5.5)
Wake Forest (1-3, 0-1)
Wake is 0-3 vs I-A teams, giving up 31-40-41 points.
Deacons gave up 515.3 yards/game in those three losses.
Deacons have 8 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Wake Forest has 69 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Bachmeier had 37 starts at Boise State/Louisiana Tech.
Since 2015, Wake is 18-12 ATS as a road underdog.
Last 2+ years, Wake is 7-9-1 ATS in conference games.
Deacons are 9-8 ATS in last 17 games coming off a loss.
Giving up 466 yards to a Sun Belt team LW is a red flag.
Wake did score 30-6-38 points in the three losses.
NC State (3-2, 0-1)
Wolfpack is 3-2, giving up 51-59 points in the losses.
State is +5 in turnovers in their wins, minus-4 in losses.
NC State has 8 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Wolfpack has 95 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB McCall started 41 games at Coastal Carolina.
Wolfpack is 3-7 ATS in last 10 games as a home favorite.
State lost its ACC opener 59-35 at Clemson.
Since 2020, Wolfpack is 20-15 ATS in ACC games.
State is 0-4 ATS in its I-A games this season.
Over is 3-1 in their I-A games.
NC State won three of last four meetings.
Deacons are 1-6 SU/ATS in last seven visits to Raleigh.
Under is 5-2 in last seven series games.
Ole Miss (-9.5) @ South Carolina
Ole Miss (4-1, 0-1)
Ole Miss got upset by Kentucky LW; they had been ranked #7
Rebels ran for 92 yards LW (250 yards/game previous three games).
Rebels have 10 starters back on offense, 10 on defense.
Rebels have 222 returning starts on offensive line.
Junior QB Dart has started 25 games.
Ole Miss won its only road game, 40-6 at Wake Forest.
Under Kiffin, Ole Miss is 8-3-1 ATS as a road favorite.
In his career, Kiffin is 18-16-1 ATS as a road favorite.
Under Kiffin, Rebels are 6-7 ATS coming off a loss.
Under Kiffin, Ole Miss is 14-18-2 ATS in SEC games.
Under is 4-0 in Ole Miss games this season.
South Carolina (3-1, 1-1)
Gamecocks’ only loss was 36-33 at home to LSU.
Last two games, Carolina ran ball for 243-273 yards.
Carolina has 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Gamecocks have 118 returning starts on the offensive line.
Freshman QB Sellers threw four passes in three games LY.
Since 2018, Gamecocks are 8-12 ATS as a home underdog.
In his career, Beamer is 5-4 ATS as a home dog.
Last 4+ years, Carolina is 17-19 ATS in SEC games.
Under Beamer, Gamecocks are 11-10 ATS coming off a win.
These teams are playing for first time since 2020.
South Carolina won three of last four series games.
This is Rebels’ first visit to Columbia since 2009.
Over is 5-1 in last six meetings.
Virginia Tech (-7.5) @ Stanford
Virginia Tech (3-2, 0-1)
Tech lost its last two games, by 3-4 points.
Hokies scored 31-37 points in their two wins.
Hokies have 11 starters back on offense, 10 on defense.
Cavaliers have 122 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Drones started 11 games last year.
Under Pry, Tech is 3-2 ATS as a road favorite.
Since 2018, Tech is 5-10 ATS as a road favorite.
Under Pry, Hokies are 10-6 ATS in ACC games.
Under Pry, Hokies are 9-7 ATS coming off a loss.
Over is 4-1 in Tech games this season.
Stanford (2-2, 1-1)
Stanford split its first two ACC games, both on the road.
Last 3+ years, Stanford is 3-9/3-9/3-9/2-2 SU, 10-27 ATS
Cardinal has 10 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Stanford has 88 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Daniels started 10 games last year.
Stanford is 5-11 ATS last 16 games as a home underdog.
Last 3+ years, Stanford is 10-21 ATS as an underdog.
Last three years, Stanford is 8-21 ATS in conference games.
Cardinal gave up 309 passing yards/game in their I-AA tilts.
Stanford’s only I-A win was 26-24 at Syracuse.
These teams haven’t met since a bowl game in 2010.
West Virginia @ Oklahoma State (-3)
West Virginia (2-2, 1-0)
WVU won its Big X opener 32-28 LW, scoring TD with 0:26 left.
WVU lost 38-34 at Pitt the week before that.
Mountaineers have 8 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Mountaineers have 113 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Greene has 14 career starts.
Under Brown, WVU is 10-11 ATS as a road underdog.
In his career, Brown is 19-13 ATS as a road underdog.
Under Brown, WVU is 21-24 ATS in Big X games.
Under Brown, Mountaineers are 11-17 ATS in games coming off a win.
West Virginia gave up 34-38-28 points in their three I-A games.
Oklahoma State (3-2, 0-2)
OSU lost its last two games, 22-19/42-20.
Cowboys gave up 232+ rushing yards in 3 of 4 I-A games.
Cowboys have 10 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Cowboys have 214 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Bowman is in his 7th college season (13 starts LY)
OSU is 1-5 ATS in last six games as a home favorite.
Oklahoma State is 18-12 ATS in its last 30 Big X games.
Cowboys are 17-10-1 ATS in last 28 games coming off a loss.
Oklahoma State gave up 456-559 yards in its two Big X games.
Cowboys scored 39-45 points in their two I-A wins.
Oklahoma won eight of last nine series games.
WVU is 1-3 SU/ATS in last four visits to Stillwater.
Under is 4-1 in last five meetings.
Clemson (-14.5) @ Florida State
Clemson (3-1, 2-0)
Clemson won its last three games, scoring 66-59-40 points.
Clemson lost its opener 34-3 to Georgia on a neutral field.
Tigers have 9 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Tigers have 106 returning starts on offensive line.
Junior QB Klubnik has 14 career starts.
Last four years, Clemson was 8-9 ATS as a road favorite.
In his career, Swinney is 31-29-1 ATS as a road favorite.
Tigers are 12-7 ATS in their last 19 ACC games.
Tigers are 14-16 ATS in last 30 games coming off a win.
Last three games, Clemson is +7 in turnovers.
Florida State (1-4, 1-3)
Florida State is 1-4, with only win 14-9 at home over Cal.
Last four games, FSU was held to 13-12-14-16 points.
FSU has 5 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Seminoles have 190 returning starts on offensive line.
Frosh QB Glenn get first ’24 start; he started twice LY.
Seminoles was outgained 410-284 by Cal, in their one win.
Florida State was held under 300 TY in all five games.
Under Norvell, FSU is 6-4 ATS as a home underdog.
Under is 4-1 in Seminole games this season.
Under Norvell, Seminoles are 12-17 ATS coming off a loss.
Clemson won seven of last eight meetings.
FSU beat the Tigers 31-24 LY at Clemson.
Clemson is 3-0 SU/2-1 ATS in last four visits to Tallahassee.
Over is 5-1-1 in last seven series games.
Tennessee (-13) @ Arkansas
Tennessee (4-0, 1-0)
Tennessee (-5.5) won its SEC opener 25-15 at Oklahoma.
Last 2+ years, Vols are 24-6 SU/20-9 ATS
Tennessee has 6 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Vols have 112 returning starts on the offensive line;
Frosh QB Iamaleava had one start, was MVP of Citrus Bowl.
Under Heupel, Tennessee is 19-8 ATS as a favorite.
Under Heupel, Tennessee is 16-12 ATS in games coming off a win.
Under Heupel, Tennessee is 12-13 ATS in SEC games.
Vols outgained their first two I-A foes, 1,545-477.
Vols have allowed only 159 yards/game vs I-A opponents.
Arkansas (3-2, 1-1)
Arkansas outgained Texas A&M 379-297, but lost 21-17.
Razorbacks split their first four I-A games, losing by 8-4 points.
Razorbacks have 9 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Razorbacks have 67 returning starts on the offensive line;
Junior QB Green started 22 games at Boise State.
Under Pittman, Arkansas is 20-7 ATS as an underdog.
Arkansas is 7-4 ATS in last 11 games as a home underdog.
Under Pittman, Arkansas is 21-13-2 ATS in SEC games.
Under Pittman, Razorbacks are 13-11 ATS coming off a loss.
Arkansas is minus-5 in turnovers in its losses, +3 in wins.
Teams haven’t met since 2020.
Arkansas won/covered last three series games.
Under is 4-1 in last five meetings.
Michigan @ Washington (-2.5)
Michigan (4-1, 2-0)
Michigan won first two Big 18 games, both by 27-24 scores.
Wolverines passed for only 32-86 yards in QB Orji’s two starts.
Wolverines have 2 starters back on offense, 5 on defense, a new head coach.
New defensive coordinator Martindale has a significant NFL resume.
Michigan has 53 returning starts on offensive line (none at Michigan).
Last 3+ years, Michigan is 4-1 ATS as an underdog.
Wolverines are 19-9-3 ATS in its last 31 conference games.
Last 3+ years, Michigan is 21-15-3 ATS coming off a win.
Three of their last four games went over the total.
Michigan is 4-1, despite being minus-3 in turnovers.
Washington (3-2, 1-2)
Washington was held to 19-18 in losses, scored 30-24 in I-A wins.
New coach Fisch was at Arizona; new DC is Steve Belichick.
Huskies have 2 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Huskies have 36 returning starts on offensive line, none of them here.
Senior QB Rogers started 40 games at Mississippi State.
Last 10 years, Washington is 2-7 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2018, Huskies are 19-34 ATS in conference games.
In his career, Fisch is 8-4 ATS as a home underdog.
Washington is 3-7 ATS in last 10 games coming off a loss.
Under is 4-0 in their games this season.
Michigan (-5) whacked Washington 34-13 LY in a playoff game.
Wolverines beat Washington 31-10 in Ann Arbor in 2021.
Both teams have new head coaches this season.
USC (-8) @ Minnesota
USC (3-1, 1-1)
Trojans lost only true road game, 27-24 at Michigan.
USC scored 27-48-38 points in its wins.
USC has 5 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Trojans have 72 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Moss won his only start 42-28 LY (bowl game).
In his career, Riley is 8-18-1 ATS as a road favorite, 2-7 at USC.
Trojans are 10-20 ATS in last 30 conference games.
In his career, Riley is 32-36-1 ATS in conference games.
Under Riley, USC is 10-10 ATS coming off a win.
USC was held to 69-96 YR in its two games away from home.
Minnesota (2-3, 0-2)
Minnesota lost first two conference games, 31-14/27-24.
Gophers were 6-7 last year, their worst season since 2017.
Gophers have 8 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Minnesota has 70 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Brosmer started 36 games at I-AA New Hampshire.
Under Fleck, Minnesota is 7-8-2 ATS as a home underdog.
In his career, Fleck is 9-13-2 ATS as a home underdog.
Under Fleck, Minnesota is 30-31-2 ATS in conference games.
Minnesota is 1-3 in I-A games; only win was 27-0 over Nevada.
Gophers were held under 100 YR in all three losses.
These teams haven’t met since 2011.
Central Florida (-2.5) @ Florida
Central Florida (3-1)
UCF gave up 34-38 points in losing last two games.
Knights scored 45-35 points in their two I-A wins.
Knights have 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
UCF has 58 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Jefferson started 38 games at Arkansas.
Under Malzahn, UCF is 3-7 ATS as a road favorite.
In his career, Malzahn is 17-14-1 ATS as a road favorite.
Under Malzahn, Knights are 11-16-1 ATS in conference games.
UCF is 5-14-1 ATS in last 20 games coming off a loss.
Over is 3-0 in their I-A games.
Florida (2-2)
Florida gave up 41-33 points in its two losses.
Last three years, Gators were 6-7/6-7/5-7.
Florida has 8 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Gators have 80 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Mertz/frosh QB Lagway are splitting time.
Under Napier, Florida is 2-4 ATS as a home underdog.
In his career, Napier is 5-4 ATS as a home underdog.
Last 3+ years, Florida is 15-25-1 ATS overall.
Under Napier, Florida is 9-9 ATS in SEC games.
Over is 3-0 in Florida’s I-A games.
Florida’s only I-A win: 45-28 at Mississippi State.
Three years ago, UCF (+7) upset Florida 29-17 in a bowl game.
Before that, teams’ previous meeting was in 2006.
Kansas @ Arizona State (-2.5)
Kansas (1-4, 0-2)
Kansas lost its four I-A games, three of them by 6 or fewer points.
Last two games, Kansas allowed 447-503 yards.
Jayhawks have 7 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Kansas has 130 returning starts on offensive line.
Junior QB Daniels has 20 career starts.
In his career, Leipold is 11-20-1 ATS as road underdog.
Under Leipold, Kansas is 5-10 ATS as a road underdog..
Under Leipold, Kansas is 13-15-1 ATS in Big X games.
Under Leipold, Kansas is 9-13 ATS coming off a loss.
Arizona State (3-1, 0-1)
Sun Devils lost its first Big X game, 30-22 at Texas Tech.
Sun Devils scored 30+ points in all three wins.
ASU has 6 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Sun Devils have 57 returning starts on the offensive line.
Frosh QB Leavitt is 65-110/855 passing this year, has also run for 180 yards.
ASU is 6-5 ATS in last 11 games as a home favorite.
Arizona State is 19-13 ATS in last 32 conference games.
ASU was 6-2 LY in games coming off a loss.
Arizona State is +5 in turnovers in its first five games.
These teams haven’t met in this century.
Texas Tech @ Arizona (-6)
Texas Tech (4-1, 2-0)
Texas Tech scored 30+ points in its wins, 16 in its loss (@ Wazzu)
Tech lost its only road game, 37-16 at Wazzu.
Red Raiders have 8 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Red Raiders have 125 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Morton started 12 games LY (12 TDs/2 INTs this year)
Under McGuire, Texas Tech is 2-5 ATS as a road underdog.
Under McGuire, Red Raiders are 10-9-1 ATS in Big X games.
Tech gave up 555 TY in a 44-41 win over Cincinnati LW.
Tech is 30-34-1 ATS in its last 65 Big X games.
Texas Tech scored 66-30-44 points in its I-A wins.
Arizona (3-1, 1-1)
Arizona split first two Big X games (7-31 @ K-State/23-10 @ Utah).
Wildcats gave up 211+ rushing yards in two of three I-A games.
Arizona has 8 starters back on offense, 7 on defense
Wildcats have 86 starts back on offensive line.
Soph QB Fifita started nine games last year.
Arizona is 4-2 ATS last six games as a home favorite.
In his career, Brennan is 11-9 ATS as a home favorite.
Wildcats are 8-3 ATS in last 11 conference games.
In his career, Brennan is 33-23-1 ATS in conference games.
Arizona is 7-3 ATS in last 10 games coming off a win.
These teams haven’t met since 2019.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3
| Game | Time(ET) | Pick | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| TXST at TROY | 07:00 PM | TROY +13.5 U 57.0 | +500 +500 |
| SHSU at UTEP | 09:00 PM | SHSU -10.5 O 50.0 | +500 +500 |
NCAAFB BEST BETS OCTOBER !
10/03/2024.,..............................3 - 1 - 0...........................75.00%............................+ 9.50
AUG- SEPT TOTALS...................119 - 95 - 3...........................55.60%............................+ 75.20
10/03/2024.,..............................3 - 1 - 0...........................75.00%............................+ 9.50
AUG- SEPT TOTALS...................119 - 95 - 3...........................55.60%............................+ 75.20
Friday’s 6-pack:
— Falcons 36, Buccaneers 30 OT- Cousins threw for 509 yards, 4 TD’s.
— Cincinnati Reds are hiring Terry Francona as their new manager.
— Mets 4, Brewers 2- Pete Alonso hit a dramatic 3-run homer in 9th inning.
— Today is a good day to be free agent-to-be Alonso’s agent.
— Texas State 38, Troy 17- Bobcats ran for 215 yards, threw for 252 more.
— Sam Houston 41, Texas-El Paso 21- Bearkats win their 4th straight game.
Quote of the Day
“I’m just so happy to come through for the team right there. It’s just something that you practice in the back yard as a kid. Words can’t explain it.”
Pete Alonso
Friday’s quiz
Which NFL team drafted Kirk Cousins?
Thursday’s quiz
Buck Showalter was manager of the Baltimore Orioles, last time they won a playoff game.
Wednesday’s quiz
Bob Welch was the last pitcher to win 25+ games in a season; he went 27-6 for the A’s in 1990.
********************************************************
Friday’s Den: How NFL teams do on first drives of a half…….
How teams do on first drives of a half, through four games:
NFC
Cardinals
1st drive of game: 36 plays, 255 yards, four TD’s.
Allowed TD on opening drive last two games.
Overall on first drive of half: Cardinals 35-28
Falcons
1st drive of half: 54 plays, 316 yards, 16 points.
Opponents: 70 plays, 324 yards, 16 points.
Overall on first drive of half: 16-16
Panthers
First drive in Dalton’s two games: 21 plays, 139 yards, 7 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 3rd quarter: 26 plays, 171 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 31-13
Bears
1st drive of game: 30 plays, 92 yards, 3 points
Opponents 1st drive of half: 51 plays, 195 yards, 3 FGs
Bears blocked punt for TD on first drive of 2nd half in Week 1
Overall on first drive of half: Bears 13-2
Cowboys
1st drive of game: 26 plays, 62 yards, 3 points
Opponents’ 1st drive of game: 26 plays, 215 yards, 20 points
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 37-9
Lions
1st drive of game: 16 plays, 57 yards, 7 points
Opponents’ 1st drive of game: 22 plays, 152 yards, 10 points
Overall on first drive of half: 17-17
Packers
1st drive of 3rd quarter: 21 plays, 135 yards, 17 points
Opponents’ first drive, last two games: 16 plays, 143 yards, 14 points. Overall on first drive of half: Packers 27-21
Rams
First drive of a half: 45 plays, 173 yards, 6 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 3 games: 31 plays, 235 yards, 21 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 35-6
Vikings
First drive of a half, last 2 games: 12 plays, 94 yards, 14 points
Opponents’ first drive of a game: 17 plays, 39 yards, no points
Overall on first drive of half: Vikings, 28-3
Giants
First drive of 2nd half: 29 plays, 178 yards, 2 FG’s, 2 fumbles
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 26 plays, 152 yards, 13 points
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 23-16
Saints
First drive of game: 36 plays, 280 yards, 24 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 25 plays, 60 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Saints, 38-9
Eagles
First drive of game: 13 plays, 7 yards, no points.
First drive of 2nd half: 35 plays, 236 yards, 17 points.
Opponents; first drive of 2nd half: 33 plays, 262 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 27-17
49ers
First drive of 2nd half: 31 plays, 241 yards, 21 points.
Opponents; first drive of 2nd half: 15 plays, 67 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: 49ers, 31-0
Seahawks
First drive of game: 19 plays, 55 yards, 3 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 15 plays, 15 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Seahawks, 17-10
Buccaneers
First drive of game: 27 plays, 171 yards, 13 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 13 plays, 65 yards, 7 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bucs, 27-17
Commanders
First drive of half: 66 plays, 388 yards, 34 points.
Opponents’ first drive of half: 54 plays, 368 yards, 38 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 38-34
Famous birthdays, October 4th:
Tony LaRuasa, 80
Susan Sarandon, 78
Alan Rosenberg, 74
Truck Robinson, 73
AC Green, 61
Liev Schreiber, 57
Kurt Thomas, 52
Kurt Suzuki, 41
Derrick Rose, 36
Dakota Johnson, 35
Sean Murphy, 30
Oneil Cruz, 26
AFC teams
— Ravens
1st drive of game: 24 plays, 253 yards, 24 points
opponents’ 1sr drive, last 3 games: 17 plays, 25 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Ravens 38-21
— Bills
1st drive of 2nd half: 30 plays, 198 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bills, 31-21
— Bengals
First drive of 2nd half, last three games: 32 plays, 219 yards, 21 points.
Opponents’ first drive, last three games: 69-70-69 yards, 10 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bengals, 31-24
— Browns
First drive of last three games: 32 plays, 183 yards, 21 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 14 plays, 4 yards, four punts
Overall on first drive of half: Browns, 24-3
— Broncos
First drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 21 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 11 plays, 2 yards, 2 turnovers, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Broncos, 10-7
— Texans
First drive of game: 21 plays, 114 yards, 13 points.
First drive of 3rd quarter: 20 plays, 61 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 17-16
— Colts
Colts’ first drive of 2nd half: 13 plays, 30 yards, no points.
Opponents tried FG’s (5-6) on six of eight first drives.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 15-7
— Jaguars
1st drive of game: 16 plays, 17 yards, no points
opponents’ first drive of last 3 games: 35 plays, 229 yards, 21 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 24-7
— Chiefs
Chiefs’ 1st drive of 2nd half: 40 plays, 255 yards, 20 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 38 plays, 280 yards, 24 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents 31-30
— Raiders
First drive of game: 12 plays, minus-2 yards, four punts.
Opponents’ first drive, last three games: 31 plays, 165 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 30-3
— Chargers
First drive of last three games: 22 plays, 143 yards, 14 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 3 games: 28 plays, 127 yards, 3 FG’s.
Overall on first drive of half: Chargers, 20-12
— Dolphins
First drive of a half: 39 plays, 125 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 12 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 7-0
— Patriots:
First drive of a half: 34 plays, 89 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 2 games: 15 plays, 136 yards, 14 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 17-0
— Jets
First drive of a half: 19 plays, 37 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of a half: 12 plays, one yard, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Jets, 14-7
— Steelers
First drive of game: 24 plays, 71 yards, 3 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 22 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 10-6
— Titans
First drive of 2nd half: 18 plays, 32 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 19 plays, 104 yards, 14 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 21-7
— Falcons 36, Buccaneers 30 OT- Cousins threw for 509 yards, 4 TD’s.
— Cincinnati Reds are hiring Terry Francona as their new manager.
— Mets 4, Brewers 2- Pete Alonso hit a dramatic 3-run homer in 9th inning.
— Today is a good day to be free agent-to-be Alonso’s agent.
— Texas State 38, Troy 17- Bobcats ran for 215 yards, threw for 252 more.
— Sam Houston 41, Texas-El Paso 21- Bearkats win their 4th straight game.
Quote of the Day
“I’m just so happy to come through for the team right there. It’s just something that you practice in the back yard as a kid. Words can’t explain it.”
Pete Alonso
Friday’s quiz
Which NFL team drafted Kirk Cousins?
Thursday’s quiz
Buck Showalter was manager of the Baltimore Orioles, last time they won a playoff game.
Wednesday’s quiz
Bob Welch was the last pitcher to win 25+ games in a season; he went 27-6 for the A’s in 1990.
********************************************************
Friday’s Den: How NFL teams do on first drives of a half…….
How teams do on first drives of a half, through four games:
NFC
Cardinals
1st drive of game: 36 plays, 255 yards, four TD’s.
Allowed TD on opening drive last two games.
Overall on first drive of half: Cardinals 35-28
Falcons
1st drive of half: 54 plays, 316 yards, 16 points.
Opponents: 70 plays, 324 yards, 16 points.
Overall on first drive of half: 16-16
Panthers
First drive in Dalton’s two games: 21 plays, 139 yards, 7 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 3rd quarter: 26 plays, 171 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 31-13
Bears
1st drive of game: 30 plays, 92 yards, 3 points
Opponents 1st drive of half: 51 plays, 195 yards, 3 FGs
Bears blocked punt for TD on first drive of 2nd half in Week 1
Overall on first drive of half: Bears 13-2
Cowboys
1st drive of game: 26 plays, 62 yards, 3 points
Opponents’ 1st drive of game: 26 plays, 215 yards, 20 points
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 37-9
Lions
1st drive of game: 16 plays, 57 yards, 7 points
Opponents’ 1st drive of game: 22 plays, 152 yards, 10 points
Overall on first drive of half: 17-17
Packers
1st drive of 3rd quarter: 21 plays, 135 yards, 17 points
Opponents’ first drive, last two games: 16 plays, 143 yards, 14 points. Overall on first drive of half: Packers 27-21
Rams
First drive of a half: 45 plays, 173 yards, 6 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 3 games: 31 plays, 235 yards, 21 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 35-6
Vikings
First drive of a half, last 2 games: 12 plays, 94 yards, 14 points
Opponents’ first drive of a game: 17 plays, 39 yards, no points
Overall on first drive of half: Vikings, 28-3
Giants
First drive of 2nd half: 29 plays, 178 yards, 2 FG’s, 2 fumbles
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 26 plays, 152 yards, 13 points
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 23-16
Saints
First drive of game: 36 plays, 280 yards, 24 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 25 plays, 60 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Saints, 38-9
Eagles
First drive of game: 13 plays, 7 yards, no points.
First drive of 2nd half: 35 plays, 236 yards, 17 points.
Opponents; first drive of 2nd half: 33 plays, 262 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 27-17
49ers
First drive of 2nd half: 31 plays, 241 yards, 21 points.
Opponents; first drive of 2nd half: 15 plays, 67 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: 49ers, 31-0
Seahawks
First drive of game: 19 plays, 55 yards, 3 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 15 plays, 15 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Seahawks, 17-10
Buccaneers
First drive of game: 27 plays, 171 yards, 13 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 13 plays, 65 yards, 7 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bucs, 27-17
Commanders
First drive of half: 66 plays, 388 yards, 34 points.
Opponents’ first drive of half: 54 plays, 368 yards, 38 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 38-34
Famous birthdays, October 4th:
Tony LaRuasa, 80
Susan Sarandon, 78
Alan Rosenberg, 74
Truck Robinson, 73
AC Green, 61
Liev Schreiber, 57
Kurt Thomas, 52
Kurt Suzuki, 41
Derrick Rose, 36
Dakota Johnson, 35
Sean Murphy, 30
Oneil Cruz, 26
AFC teams
— Ravens
1st drive of game: 24 plays, 253 yards, 24 points
opponents’ 1sr drive, last 3 games: 17 plays, 25 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Ravens 38-21
— Bills
1st drive of 2nd half: 30 plays, 198 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bills, 31-21
— Bengals
First drive of 2nd half, last three games: 32 plays, 219 yards, 21 points.
Opponents’ first drive, last three games: 69-70-69 yards, 10 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bengals, 31-24
— Browns
First drive of last three games: 32 plays, 183 yards, 21 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 14 plays, 4 yards, four punts
Overall on first drive of half: Browns, 24-3
— Broncos
First drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 21 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 11 plays, 2 yards, 2 turnovers, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Broncos, 10-7
— Texans
First drive of game: 21 plays, 114 yards, 13 points.
First drive of 3rd quarter: 20 plays, 61 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 17-16
— Colts
Colts’ first drive of 2nd half: 13 plays, 30 yards, no points.
Opponents tried FG’s (5-6) on six of eight first drives.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 15-7
— Jaguars
1st drive of game: 16 plays, 17 yards, no points
opponents’ first drive of last 3 games: 35 plays, 229 yards, 21 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 24-7
— Chiefs
Chiefs’ 1st drive of 2nd half: 40 plays, 255 yards, 20 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 38 plays, 280 yards, 24 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents 31-30
— Raiders
First drive of game: 12 plays, minus-2 yards, four punts.
Opponents’ first drive, last three games: 31 plays, 165 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 30-3
— Chargers
First drive of last three games: 22 plays, 143 yards, 14 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 3 games: 28 plays, 127 yards, 3 FG’s.
Overall on first drive of half: Chargers, 20-12
— Dolphins
First drive of a half: 39 plays, 125 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 12 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 7-0
— Patriots:
First drive of a half: 34 plays, 89 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 2 games: 15 plays, 136 yards, 14 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 17-0
— Jets
First drive of a half: 19 plays, 37 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of a half: 12 plays, one yard, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Jets, 14-7
— Steelers
First drive of game: 24 plays, 71 yards, 3 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 22 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 10-6
— Titans
First drive of 2nd half: 18 plays, 32 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 19 plays, 104 yards, 14 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 21-7
