SERVICE PLAYS FOR 12/28
- Thread starter GIANTS007
- Start date
Lenny Del Genio
20* Bowl Blowout of the Month (9-1 FB Run)! - Friday
Play on Boston College at 5:00 ET
When trying to see how teams match up against each other, the first stat we look at is rushing yards. While Boston College doesn't run much (107 yards per game), that weakness is masked by quarterback Matt Ryan and the passing offense (330 yards per game). One thing Boston College does do well is stop the run, only allowing 68 rushing yards per contest, and 2.2 yards per rush. This is in big contrast with Michigan State, who allows 134 rushing yards per game and an even worse 193 rushing yards per road game and 4.7 yards per carry. The Spartans have a balance offensive attach, rushing for 200 yards per time out with 226 passing yards. We don't think Michigan State will be able to run the ball here, thus forcing their scoring unit out of sync. Boston College has two less losses on the season (3 to Michigan State's 5), and have faced better competition (Golden Eagles beat Virginia Tech and Clemson on the road while the Spartans best win was against Penn State). Look for the Eagles to jump out to an early lead by controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and for the defense to hold on for the easy win. Play on Boston College.
20* Emerald Bowl Winner (9-1 FB Run)!
Play on Maryland at 8:30 ET
8-4 Oregon State is a decent favorite against 6-6 Maryland, but we like the Terps chances to pull the mild upset here. While Maryland hasn't had a superb season, we're a bit impressed with their ability to play up to their opponents. The Terrapins have had some big wins this year. They won by ten at Rutgers as big 17.5-point dogs back in late September, beat Georgia Tech at home, beat Boston College by a touchdown and shutout NC State 37-0 when they needed a win to become bowl eligible. All of those wins came in the underdog role. Now they'll face an Oregon State team that has won and covered six of their last seven, but we feel that gives us some line value here. Oregon State's wins have come against some inferior opponents. Starting with the most recent wins, they beat a depleted Oregon team, took care of business against the Washington twins, were dismantled by USC, and then beat Stanford. That schedule doesn't really make us too nervous. With both teams offenses and defenses being virtually equal, we'll take the points with the team that has been better tested, and has shown they can rise to the occasion. Play on Maryland.
20* Bowl Blowout of the Month (9-1 FB Run)! - Friday
Play on Boston College at 5:00 ET
When trying to see how teams match up against each other, the first stat we look at is rushing yards. While Boston College doesn't run much (107 yards per game), that weakness is masked by quarterback Matt Ryan and the passing offense (330 yards per game). One thing Boston College does do well is stop the run, only allowing 68 rushing yards per contest, and 2.2 yards per rush. This is in big contrast with Michigan State, who allows 134 rushing yards per game and an even worse 193 rushing yards per road game and 4.7 yards per carry. The Spartans have a balance offensive attach, rushing for 200 yards per time out with 226 passing yards. We don't think Michigan State will be able to run the ball here, thus forcing their scoring unit out of sync. Boston College has two less losses on the season (3 to Michigan State's 5), and have faced better competition (Golden Eagles beat Virginia Tech and Clemson on the road while the Spartans best win was against Penn State). Look for the Eagles to jump out to an early lead by controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and for the defense to hold on for the easy win. Play on Boston College.
20* Emerald Bowl Winner (9-1 FB Run)!
Play on Maryland at 8:30 ET
8-4 Oregon State is a decent favorite against 6-6 Maryland, but we like the Terps chances to pull the mild upset here. While Maryland hasn't had a superb season, we're a bit impressed with their ability to play up to their opponents. The Terrapins have had some big wins this year. They won by ten at Rutgers as big 17.5-point dogs back in late September, beat Georgia Tech at home, beat Boston College by a touchdown and shutout NC State 37-0 when they needed a win to become bowl eligible. All of those wins came in the underdog role. Now they'll face an Oregon State team that has won and covered six of their last seven, but we feel that gives us some line value here. Oregon State's wins have come against some inferior opponents. Starting with the most recent wins, they beat a depleted Oregon team, took care of business against the Washington twins, were dismantled by USC, and then beat Stanford. That schedule doesn't really make us too nervous. With both teams offenses and defenses being virtually equal, we'll take the points with the team that has been better tested, and has shown they can rise to the occasion. Play on Maryland.
Wolkosky Milan
351-277-14 last one hundred twenty four days
21-8-1 last six days!
3-2 Yesterday
Today:
10* MICHIGAN STATE +5
10* MSU/BC UNDER 57?
10* TCU -6
10* MARYLAND +5
10* SACRAMENTO -3?
10* HOU/MEM UNDER 194
10* WAS/NJN OVER 190
Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Friday Picks:
1. 200,000♦ Texas Christian
2. 50,000♦ Magic
3. 50,000♦ Butler
1. Texas Christian- It maybe cliche, but the fact of the matter is "offense wins games, but defense wins championships." That statement couldn't be more true in tonight's Texas Bowl, as Houston beings their high-octane attack to the table, but they've yet to see a defense like the Horned Frogs and I say they get exposed by TCU in this one.
Let's start with defense, as the Horned Frogs are anchored by their D-line, featuring star DT Blake and less-publisized, but still talented Ortiz, allowing 109 rushing yards per game on only 3.0 yards per carry! The Horned Frogs secondary has benefited from the D-line's ability to pressure, allowing 211 passing yards on an excellent 12 TD to 16 INT ratio. Cougars are as balanced as any team in the NCAA offensively, but as you can plainly see, so is the Horned Frogs defense.
Probably the most significant factor in my siding with TCU is that 3 of Houston's coaches, including heach coach Briles and both OCs, bolted for Baylor and will not be available tonight. Besides the obvious emotional tail-spin the Cougars must be going through, the fact DC Thurmond has said he may hire a coach to help him through the bowl game, immediately tells me he's in over his head. One has to wonder: Will the Cougars attack have the same bite without either of their offensive coordinators?
Finally, while the Horned Frogs offense is still a bit raw behind QB Andy Dalton, it helps that RB Joseph Turner is coming off the best game of his life (on the road no less), rushing for 226 yards and 4 TDs at San Diego State! Look for heavy doses of Turner again tonight, as the Cougars defense is below average at best, allowing almost 30 ppg on 365 yards of total offense. Once they establish the run, Dalton will be free to operate without impunity. End result: a solid win and cover for this Horned Frogs squad!
Take Texas Christian comfortably over Houston as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Magic- While Orlando isn't playing at the level they were in November, they're still a far superior team to the Heat, especially now that Alonzo Mourning is done for the year. Mourning was the Heat's only true defensive option against Dwight Howard. He'll have his way with O'Neal, who's laziness on both ends of the court is reaching epic proportions.
Unless you've been living under a rock, you know the Magic have been a cash-machine on the road, going 15-3 ATS on the season. They capable of imposing their will on opposing teams thanks to Howard, who is the best bigman in the NBA right now. Double him and Lewis and Turkoglu will destroy your defense from the perimeter.. Its a formula that used to work for Shaquille back when he gave a damn.
As good as the Magic have been on the road, the Heat have been almost as bad at home, going 4-9 SUATS in Miami. In fact, the Heat are an atrocious 7-19 ATS over their last 26 home games, and I don't see that trend turning around any time soon. Dwayne Wade cannot carry this offense all by himself, and the Heats lack of a 3-point threat has teams playing "packed-in" preventing Wade or Shaq from using space.
Finally, consider the Van Gundy factor, as no one knows this Heat team better. You have to believe he wants to win this game BAD, and knowing that will only motivate himself and his players more. The Heat meanwhile are busy losing to teams like the 76ers, which should say a lot about their competitiveness right now!
Orlando adds another notch to their road ATS record, as they get the solid road win and cover tonight in Miami.
Take the Magic over the Heat in this NBA match up.
3. Butler- Salukis are a better offensive team at home, but when I say "better," I mean they're better than below average. Its no secret Southern Illinois relies on their defense to make up for offensive deficiencies, but in this case, they're in over their heads against a strong Butler team tonight.
Almost polar opposites, the Bulldogs live and die by their rock-solid perimeter attack, hitting almost 41% of their 3-pointers on the season! Salukis will be hard-pressed to limit the Bulldogs, especially the way they've been playing defense of late, allowing opponents to shoot 46% from the field and 36% from 3-point over their last 5 games... Nowhere near good enough to win this game.
Also important to note is the return of the Bulldogs best 3-point shooter, F Peter Campbell. He's seen limited action in two games back, but should be ready to rock and roll tonight. There's no question the Bulldogs offense suffered in his absence, as his 46% shooting from beyond the arc, coupled with his size (6'7) were srely missed.
Finally, make mistake, Butler isn't afraid of the highway, going 10-4 ATS over their last 14 road games. What's been more impressive is their defense in hostile territory, limiting opponents to just 49 ppg. Bulldogs are simply the more polished team on both ends of the floor. While I expect the Salukis will keep this game competitive on their home floor, at some point they'll hit a dry spell, and that's when the Bulldogs capitalize.
Take Butler over Southern Illinois in this college hoops match up.
:toast:
Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Friday Picks:
1. 200,000♦ Texas Christian
2. 50,000♦ Magic
3. 50,000♦ Butler
1. Texas Christian- It maybe cliche, but the fact of the matter is "offense wins games, but defense wins championships." That statement couldn't be more true in tonight's Texas Bowl, as Houston beings their high-octane attack to the table, but they've yet to see a defense like the Horned Frogs and I say they get exposed by TCU in this one.
Let's start with defense, as the Horned Frogs are anchored by their D-line, featuring star DT Blake and less-publisized, but still talented Ortiz, allowing 109 rushing yards per game on only 3.0 yards per carry! The Horned Frogs secondary has benefited from the D-line's ability to pressure, allowing 211 passing yards on an excellent 12 TD to 16 INT ratio. Cougars are as balanced as any team in the NCAA offensively, but as you can plainly see, so is the Horned Frogs defense.
Probably the most significant factor in my siding with TCU is that 3 of Houston's coaches, including heach coach Briles and both OCs, bolted for Baylor and will not be available tonight. Besides the obvious emotional tail-spin the Cougars must be going through, the fact DC Thurmond has said he may hire a coach to help him through the bowl game, immediately tells me he's in over his head. One has to wonder: Will the Cougars attack have the same bite without either of their offensive coordinators?
Finally, while the Horned Frogs offense is still a bit raw behind QB Andy Dalton, it helps that RB Joseph Turner is coming off the best game of his life (on the road no less), rushing for 226 yards and 4 TDs at San Diego State! Look for heavy doses of Turner again tonight, as the Cougars defense is below average at best, allowing almost 30 ppg on 365 yards of total offense. Once they establish the run, Dalton will be free to operate without impunity. End result: a solid win and cover for this Horned Frogs squad!
Take Texas Christian comfortably over Houston as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Magic- While Orlando isn't playing at the level they were in November, they're still a far superior team to the Heat, especially now that Alonzo Mourning is done for the year. Mourning was the Heat's only true defensive option against Dwight Howard. He'll have his way with O'Neal, who's laziness on both ends of the court is reaching epic proportions.
Unless you've been living under a rock, you know the Magic have been a cash-machine on the road, going 15-3 ATS on the season. They capable of imposing their will on opposing teams thanks to Howard, who is the best bigman in the NBA right now. Double him and Lewis and Turkoglu will destroy your defense from the perimeter.. Its a formula that used to work for Shaquille back when he gave a damn.
As good as the Magic have been on the road, the Heat have been almost as bad at home, going 4-9 SUATS in Miami. In fact, the Heat are an atrocious 7-19 ATS over their last 26 home games, and I don't see that trend turning around any time soon. Dwayne Wade cannot carry this offense all by himself, and the Heats lack of a 3-point threat has teams playing "packed-in" preventing Wade or Shaq from using space.
Finally, consider the Van Gundy factor, as no one knows this Heat team better. You have to believe he wants to win this game BAD, and knowing that will only motivate himself and his players more. The Heat meanwhile are busy losing to teams like the 76ers, which should say a lot about their competitiveness right now!
Orlando adds another notch to their road ATS record, as they get the solid road win and cover tonight in Miami.
Take the Magic over the Heat in this NBA match up.
3. Butler- Salukis are a better offensive team at home, but when I say "better," I mean they're better than below average. Its no secret Southern Illinois relies on their defense to make up for offensive deficiencies, but in this case, they're in over their heads against a strong Butler team tonight.
Almost polar opposites, the Bulldogs live and die by their rock-solid perimeter attack, hitting almost 41% of their 3-pointers on the season! Salukis will be hard-pressed to limit the Bulldogs, especially the way they've been playing defense of late, allowing opponents to shoot 46% from the field and 36% from 3-point over their last 5 games... Nowhere near good enough to win this game.
Also important to note is the return of the Bulldogs best 3-point shooter, F Peter Campbell. He's seen limited action in two games back, but should be ready to rock and roll tonight. There's no question the Bulldogs offense suffered in his absence, as his 46% shooting from beyond the arc, coupled with his size (6'7) were srely missed.
Finally, make mistake, Butler isn't afraid of the highway, going 10-4 ATS over their last 14 road games. What's been more impressive is their defense in hostile territory, limiting opponents to just 49 ppg. Bulldogs are simply the more polished team on both ends of the floor. While I expect the Salukis will keep this game competitive on their home floor, at some point they'll hit a dry spell, and that's when the Bulldogs capitalize.
Take Butler over Southern Illinois in this college hoops match up.
:toast:
ATS Edge Handicappers
ATS Edge Handicappers
Bobby Maxwell
Friday's fantastic 4-0 card
500-Unit Bowl No-Brainer - BOSTON COLLEGE
Boston College was one of those teams that shot out of the gate this year, opening the season 8-0, only to do like a lot of others and climb to that No. 2 ranking and tumble. The Eagles lost three of their last five, including a 30-16 loss to Virginia Tech as a five-point road underdogs in the ACC title game on Dec. 1.
The key to the Boston College team is keeping QB Matt Ryan interested and excited about the game. He completed 60.3 percent of his passes for 4,259 yards, 28 TDs and 18 INTs. He's got an NFL body and arm, but needs to get it figured out in the brain.
The Eagles have a seven-game bowl winning streak (6-1 ATS) and this is the ninth straight bowl game for them.
Michigan State hasn't played since Nov. 17 when they beat Penn State 35-31 as a 2 1/2-point home underdog. Five players have been suspended from the Spartans roster for the bowl game, most notable DE Jonal Saint-Dic who was a beast on defense, recording 10 sacks and eight forced fumbles.
This is the first bowl game since 2003 for Michigan State and the Spartans are just 7-10 SU all-time in the postseason and 5-8 ATS. So expect a lot of bright eyes and too much "having fun" from the Spartans to really focus on winning this game.
Boston College is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 games against teams with a winning record. Today, look for the Eagles to come out with a hunger to just dominate the Spartans. Plus Ryan wants a good show in front of some NFL scouts. He'll step up and deliver a quality game today.
Play Boston College.
200-Unit NBA Road Warrior - N.O. HORNETS
Do not doubt New Orleans and its ability to beat bad teams. The Hornets are showing if you just take care of business against the bad teams, you make yourself look a whole lot better.
The Hornets have won three straight and six of nine going back to Dec. 7 with only one of those wins coming against a team with a winning record. New Orleans just went to Memphis and scored a 116-98 win as two-point road favorites after beating Minnesota 110-76 as 12-point home chalk.
New Orleans is 16-5-1 ATS in its last 22 road games and 9-3 ATS in its last 12 against the Southeast Division. Charlotte, on the other hand, is a horrible 2-10 ATS in its last 13 overall.
The Bobcats have dropped four of six and 12 of 16 overall (4-12 ATS) and have losses at home to the Wizards, Orlando and a Bulls team that has been horrible this season. Charlotte has two of the most inconsistent players in the league it has to count on for big numbers to have any chance in Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace.
The Hornets' Chris Paul is a superstar and is coming in off a 40-point, nine-assist performance against the Grizzlies. Throw in a shooter like Peja Stojakovic and guys who'll do the dirty work like Tyson Chandler and David West and we've got ourselves a team that can make a little noise.
New Orleans is scoring 102 per game in the last five and holding the opposition to 90.6. I like this Hornets' team and we're going to back them tonight in Charlotte.
100-Unit NBA Slam Dunk - L.A. LAKERS
The Jazz might have the strangest schedule in the NBA as they've played nine of their 13 December games on the road and were just home for one game before jaunting to Los Angeles for this one.
We like the way the Lakers are playing and with Utah being road weary, we're backing Los Angeles in this one.
Utah had a four-game, six-day East Coast swing, came back to Salt Lake City and beat the Mavericks 99-90 on Wednesday, and now head back out on the road for this one. Utah is just 1-8 SU and 2-7 ATS in their nine December road games and 3-9 SU (4-8 ATS) in there last 12 overall.
The Lakers have won three straight and just beat the Suns 122-115 as 2 1/2-point home underdogs on Christmas Day. Los Angeles has rattled off nine wins in their last 11 games (8-3 ATS) and with the play of center Andrew Bynum, this team has a lot of potential.
In two meetings so far between these two, the home team has dominated. The Lakers won 119-109 as a one-point 'dog on Nov. 4, then Utah scored a 120-96 burial as a 7 1/2-point favorite on Nov. 30. The home team is 6-1 SU and ATS in the last seven meetings.
Los Angeles is 10-4 (9-5 ATS) at the Staples Center this season and they've won four straight in front of the home fans.
Utah is not good on the road, just 11-27 ATS dating back to last year and 6-12 SU and ATS this season.
Play Kobe and Co. in this one to win it by 10. Lakers score another home win.
100-Unit Texas Bowl Tussle - TEXAS CHRISTIAN
Houston hasn't won a bowl game since 1980 and got absolutely spanked by South Carolina in last year's Liberty Bowl 44-36 as a five-point underdog. This isn't a team I want to back in the postseason.
So let's put our money on the Horned Frogs. TCU finished this season on a 3-1 ATS run and is 11-4-1 ATS against teams with a winning record, 16-7 ATS as a favorite and 12-5-1 following an outright victory.
TCU showed in the season finale they can run or pass with RB Joseph Turner carring 33 times for 226 yards and four TDs in the 45-33 win over San Diego State. QB Andy Dalton also threw for 298 yards and rushed for 60 yards and a TD.
The Horned Frogs have beaten Houston seven straight times dating back to 1993 (6-1 ATS) and last won in 2004 with a 34-27 home win as 6 1/2-point favorites. This is the ninth bowl game in 10 years for TCU and seventh under coach Gary Patterson (3-2-1 ATS).
Houston just couldn't cash a ticket late in the season, finishing on a 1-5 ATS slide even though they went 6-1 SU. And when the division was on the line against Tulsa, Houston forgot to show up, losing 56-7 in a a pick'em contest. That's not the type of team we want to back in a bowl game.
TCU knows how to win a bowl game. Houston doesn't. Let's back the Horned Frogs in this one as they win this by 21 points.
Brandon Lang
FRIDAY
15 DIME - TCU
10 DIME - Butler
5 DIME - Michigan State, Ole Miss and Lakers
Big day today. Just feeling a big day.
My biggest bowl release of the season so far will do just that.
5 games I love gets us ready for a huge weekend.
Let's get after it and let's win big the next 4 days so when the smoke clears after Monday, we will have our second straight winning week.
15 DIME TCU - Clash of Lone Star teams, but I have to roll with the Mountain West-entry, as we've seen a 3-0 sweep by this conference this postseason already, and that'll provide even more motivation for the Horned Frogs. This is a team that does a fantastic job of running the option out of a lot of different sets, something Houston won't be able to handle since its rushing defense is nothing special to brag about.
The Cougars allowed a generous 29.9 points per game this year, on 365.7 yards of total offense, and even though the Frogs aren't as explosive as Houston, it's the balance that has me sold we have the right side for TCU. The Frogs are averaging 26.6 ppg., while averaging nearly 400 yards of offense.
If there's one coach we can count on to have his team ready, it's Gary Patterson, whose defense has been absolutely stifling by holding opponents to a slim 19.2 ppg., which ranks 17th nationally, while all of the Frogs' foes have struggled to move the chains. TCU allows a modest 109.4 yards per game on the ground and 210.6 via the air.
The indicator for us in this clash is the fact Houston has the much better offense, one that averages 36.3 ppg., on 513.2 yards per game, yet it's the Frogs laying the points in this one. The oddsmakers are telling us who is going to win this one, as they're begging you to play the Cougars.
10 DIME BUTLER - At 11-1, the Bulldogs come in looking for revenge against a struggling offense that is averaging a bleak 61.7 points per game this year. Last season the Salukis went into Indianapolis and upset the Bulldogs, 68-64. This year the Dawgs will use a stifling defense to get revenge, as they're limiting opponents to 57.2 points per game. Meanwhile, Butler is posting 70 points a game, and are torching the nets from beyond the arc with 40.9 percent shooting. This is blowout in the making, as the Bulldogs will roll huge.
5 DIME MICHIGAN STATE - On offense we're going to see this Michigan State team line up and run the ball right down B.C.'s throat. And then the time calls for it, this Just by playing a much more physical game right from the opening kick, we're going to see the Spartans in excellent shape on both sides of the ball. The numbers are on our side as well, as the Spartans roll in on a 9-3 ATS run as an underdog (dating back to last season), including a 4-1 ATS showing this season after consecutive outright upsets to close the regular season. Michigan State is also sporting positive ATS runs of 4-0 following a SU victory and 5-1 against teams with a winning record.
5 DIME OLE MISS - Ole Miss, which comes in off an impressive 85-82 win over 15th-ranked Clemson, brings its 11-0 record into this one, and I don't see the 22nd-ranked Rebels looking back after the opening tip. Led by center Dwayne Curtis, who leads the team with 15.6 points per game while yanking down eight boards, Mississippi has knocked off seven guests this season ? outscoring them by an average final of 92-72. Southern Miss is 0-3 on the road this season, and comes in off a disappointing 63-57 loss to McNeese State. Ole Miss, which holds a 15-4 SU edge in this series, is on a 4-1 ATS run in its last five against Conference USA foes. Lay the chalk in this one, as the Rebs roll.
5 DIME LAKERS - The Lakers have won three straight and nine of their last 11, covering eight of those games during this stretch. They roll into this one off a 122-115 Christmas Day upset of the Suns, thanks to the exploits of Kobe Bryant (38 points) and center Andrew Bynum (career-high 28 points, 12 rebounds). And dating back to last season, Utah is a dismal 11-27 ATS on the road, including a 6-12 slide both SU and ATS this season. Now the Jazz must face a red-hot Lakers team that is on a 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS home run, and that is 10-4 SU and 9-5 ATS in Staples Center this season. Lay the chalk with the home team in this one, as the Lakers roll.
Chris Jordan
Friday night sweep ...
300♦ SOUTH CAROLINA - Analysis by 4 p.m. eastern
100♦ PISTONS -
100♦ MARYLAND -
Chuck Franklin
College Football
2000♦ MARYLAND
Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen certainly knows how to prep a team for its bowl game. The Terrapins have beaten Tennessee, West Virginia and Purdue by a combined score of 95-17 in their last three bowls. The ACC is on a very profitable 7-1 ATS run with bowl action and their teams have covered the spread five in a row against Pac-10 opponents. All five of those games were outright wins by the ACC dog. If Oregon State is favored when playing a winning team they have lost four in a row against the spread.
2000♦ TCU
Houston is one of those teams that made it to a bowl yet lost their head coach, as Art Briles went off to coach Baylor. The Cougars were 1-4 ATS the last five games played and they have not covered a game in Houston in the last four tries. And they played the weakest schedule of any bowl team. TCU, under the direction of Gary Patterson, has covered each of the last four bowl games played. The Horned Frogs have held seven opponents this year to a season-low, or second-low in total yards. TCU will be able to slow down the high-scoring Cougars and they will win this game by double-digits.
Drew Gordon
Today's Games...
1. 200,000♦ Texas Christian
2. 50,000♦ Magic
3. 50,000♦ Butler
1. Texas Christian- It maybe cliche, but the fact of the matter is "offense wins games, but defense wins championships." That statement couldn't be more true in tonight's Texas Bowl, as Houston beings their high-octane attack to the table, but they've yet to see a defense like the Horned Frogs and I say they get exposed by TCU in this one.
Let's start with defense, as the Horned Frogs are anchored by their D-line, featuring star DT Blake and less-publisized, but still talented Ortiz, allowing 109 rushing yards per game on only 3.0 yards per carry! The Horned Frogs secondary has benefited from the D-line's ability to pressure, allowing 211 passing yards on an excellent 12 TD to 16 INT ratio. Cougars are as balanced as any team in the NCAA offensively, but as you can plainly see, so is the Horned Frogs defense.
Probably the most significant factor in my siding with TCU is that 3 of Houston's coaches, including heach coach Briles and both OCs, bolted for Baylor and will not be available tonight. Besides the obvious emotional tail-spin the Cougars must be going through, the fact DC Thurmond has said he may hire a coach to help him through the bowl game, immediately tells me he's in over his head. One has to wonder: Will the Cougars attack have the same bite without either of their offensive coordinators?
Finally, while the Horned Frogs offense is still a bit raw behind QB Andy Dalton, it helps that RB Joseph Turner is coming off the best game of his life (on the road no less), rushing for 226 yards and 4 TDs at San Diego State! Look for heavy doses of Turner again tonight, as the Cougars defense is below average at best, allowing almost 30 ppg on 365 yards of total offense. Once they establish the run, Dalton will be free to operate without impunity. End result: a solid win and cover for this Horned Frogs squad!
Take Texas Christian comfortably over Houston as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Magic- While Orlando isn't playing at the level they were in November, they're still a far superior team to the Heat, especially now that Alonzo Mourning is done for the year. Mourning was the Heat's only true defensive option against Dwight Howard. He'll have his way with O'Neal, who's laziness on both ends of the court is reaching epic proportions.
Unless you've been living under a rock, you know the Magic have been a cash-machine on the road, going 15-3 ATS on the season. They capable of imposing their will on opposing teams thanks to Howard, who is the best bigman in the NBA right now. Double him and Lewis and Turkoglu will destroy your defense from the perimeter.. Its a formula that used to work for Shaquille back when he gave a damn.
As good as the Magic have been on the road, the Heat have been almost as bad at home, going 4-9 SUATS in Miami. In fact, the Heat are an atrocious 7-19 ATS over their last 26 home games, and I don't see that trend turning around any time soon. Dwayne Wade cannot carry this offense all by himself, and the Heats lack of a 3-point threat has teams playing "packed-in" preventing Wade or Shaq from using space.
Finally, consider the Van Gundy factor, as no one knows this Heat team better. You have to believe he wants to win this game BAD, and knowing that will only motivate himself and his players more. The Heat meanwhile are busy losing to teams like the 76ers, which should say a lot about their competitiveness right now!
Orlando adds another notch to their road ATS record, as they get the solid road win and cover tonight in Miami.
Take the Magic over the Heat in this NBA match up.
3. Butler- Salukis are a better offensive team at home, but when I say "better," I mean they're better than below average. Its no secret Southern Illinois relies on their defense to make up for offensive deficiencies, but in this case, they're in over their heads against a strong Butler team tonight.
Almost polar opposites, the Bulldogs live and die by their rock-solid perimeter attack, hitting almost 41% of their 3-pointers on the season! Salukis will be hard-pressed to limit the Bulldogs, especially the way they've been playing defense of late, allowing opponents to shoot 46% from the field and 36% from 3-point over their last 5 games... Nowhere near good enough to win this game.
Also important to note is the return of the Bulldogs best 3-point shooter, F Peter Campbell. He's seen limited action in two games back, but should be ready to rock and roll tonight. There's no question the Bulldogs offense suffered in his absence, as his 46% shooting from beyond the arc, coupled with his size (6'7) were srely missed.
Finally, make mistake, Butler isn't afraid of the highway, going 10-4 ATS over their last 14 road games. What's been more impressive is their defense in hostile territory, limiting opponents to just 49 ppg. Bulldogs are simply the more polished team on both ends of the floor. While I expect the Salukis will keep this game competitive on their home floor, at some point they'll hit a dry spell, and that's when the Bulldogs capitalize.
Take Butler over Southern Illinois in this college hoops match up.
Joel Tyson
FRIDAY
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
20 DIMER
BOSTON COLLEGE
If establishing a ground attack and preventing the opposition from doing so spells victory, then victory is spelled BOSTON COLLEGE here tonight.
Getting things going for this 10-3 Boston College Eagles team on the ground is running back Andre Callender who has gained 958 yards on the year, while averaging 4.7 yards per touch. Callender not only leads the rushing attack for this BC team that averaged 105 yards per game on the ground, but has also caught 72 passes good for another 705 yards of offense on the year.
The play caller for the Eagles quarterback Matt Ryan is currently ranked 3rd in the nation in total passing yards on the year, and broke the BC touchdown record in route to the high ranking.
The Boston College success on the season does not end with the offense in the air or on the ground, as the defense allowed a low 68.2 yards per game on the ground, which is tops in the nation, while recording 34 sacks on the year.
The importance of these numbers follows. The Michigan State Spartans if held for under 200 yards on the ground in a game when they travel outside the Big 10 are a lowly 8-30 ATS, including 0-2 this season. This unfortunately for MSU is more bad news as the squad from Boston has defeated 32 of their last 34 out of conference foes.
Making their ninth straight bowl appearance, the Eagles over the last seven years are 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS.
All the numbers and match ups lead to what I believe will be a nice BC win and cover.
Boston College gets the tilt here tonight.
10 DIMER
TCU
I haven?t really been all that impressed by this TCU team this year that will be taking on the Houston Cougars tonight. I am still not all that impressed, but am deeply concerned about how the Houston Cougars high performance offense will operate tonight.
TCU enters at 7-5 on the year out of the MWC, while the Cougars march in at 8-4 playing out of Conference USA. Houston has dropped the last seven in the series between these two, and has covered only one over the span. In Houston?s four regular season match ups against teams that are bowl bound the Cougars are 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS. In the four losses the Cougars were outscored by an average of 43-23.
Tonight though the thing that rests heavy on my mind is this Cougar team that will be led by an interim head coach. Head coach Art Briles who turned this Cougar team around has already jumped ship for Baylor taking co-offensive coordinators Philip Montgomery and Randy Clements along for the ride. This is a bad situation for this Houston team that is built around wide-open offensive attacks. The Cougars are very talented at the skill positions, but the uncertainty I feel will get the best of them tonight. This TCU defense they go up against tonight will be the toughest and the most physical they have faced all the year. This Horned Frog ?D? gave up an average of 17 points per game on the year and finds them ranked 8th in pass efficiency defense.
The uncertainty of the coaching change at Houston and the defensive pressure they will endure tonight leaves me no doubt at all that TCU is the right side to be on.
The Horned Frogs get it done for us tonight.
10 DIMER
MARYLAND
Back the Terrapins tonight when they kickoff against the Oregon State Beavers. I really after all have no choice but to take the points in this one. Oregon State is a banged up team if there ever has been. Do not; I repeat do not let their three victories to close out the season fool you. Those victories came against the lowly Washington Huskies, Washington State Cougars, and oh yea the Oregon Ducks that completely collapsed when they lost their Heisman hopeful quarterback.
Maryland enters the game after starting the season 0-3, with an overall record of 6-6. The Terps were 0-3 ATS during their three-game losing start. They then turned the offensive controls over to quarterback Chris Turner who led Maryland to a 4-4 SU and ATS mark the rest of the way, connecting on 64.2 percent of his attempts.
Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen has been lights out in bowl appearances, as he has led the Terps to victories over Tennessee, West Virginia, and Purdue over their last three. Another intriguing number is the fact that ACC schools when battling a PAC 10 foe since 1992 in a bowl game situation are a perfect 5-0 SU and ATS.
The Beavers have dropped their last four straight ATS when favored over an opponent at .500 or better.
The play here tonight is Maryland to hang around, if not win outright.
COLLEGE HOOPS
10 DIMER
BUTLER
The 11-1 Butler Bulldogs hit the road tonight to take on the 5-5 Southern Illinois Salukis. The Bulldogs only blemish thus far was their loss at Wright State 43-42 back on December 8th. Tonight though weighing on their mind will be something bigger. Tonight they hunt for revenge. The Bulldogs into last season were proudly carrying a 22-game home court win streak when Southern Illinois came calling on February 17th. The result was a 68-64 Saluki victory, one that these Bulldogs have sure not forgotten.
Despite the Saluki?s home court domination they have enjoyed as of late, Butler comes in very well road tested already this year. Southern Illinois currently are 16-1 since the start of last season at home, and are 35-3 against non-conference foes when playing at home. Butler on the other hand has won most of their 11 battles this year away from home, as they have only played three times thus far on their home floor. With wins over Virginia Tech, Ohio State, and Florida State away from home, it is obvious the Butler Bulldogs are road tested and ready to avenge last season?s home loss to this Saluki team.
I strongly feel that Butler has proven to be the tougher team so far this year, based on strength of schedule and the grueling highways they have traveled so far.
Butler gets the win and cover tonight.
5 DIMER
UCONN
This is more of one of those feel good about a team situations, than a lot of stats and numbers to support them. The Huskies I realize are down slightly this year from the past, but come on people this is the University of Connecticut Husky basketball team. Not only are they led by one of the most storied coaches in Hall of Famer Jim Calhoun, they tote the reputation of being one of the most storied programs in college sports nationwide.
With this being said they travel today to take on C-USA member Central Florida who currently sits at 5-5 on the year. The lines makers are only asking for Connecticut to lay four in this spot. I have no problem with that at all. The Huskies come in 8-2 on the year, with their losses coming by a combined total of 14 at Memphis and against Gonzaga. In the winning column however the Huskies eight victories have come by a whopping 23 points per game average.
I cannot turn down this opportunity to back this Calhoun led team tonight as they take on what I feel is a much lesser competitor.
Connecticut is the play tonight.
5 DIMER
OLE MISS
Mississippi has risen up to be the lookout for team thus far in the SEC. The number 22 ranked Rebels tip it off tonight against the Golden Eagles of Southern Miss.
Tonight the Rebels look for their first 12-0 start ever when they take on this Eagles team on a neutral court in Southaven, Miss. Ole Miss. had been criticized early on as their wins were coming at home to lesser opponents.
Mississippi proved themselves more last time out when they defeated the Clemson Tigers 85-82 Saturday in the San Juan Shootout.
Miss. is being led by senior center Dwayne Curtis who has averaged 18.0 points over the Rebels last three.
Southern Miss. had their five game win streak snapped last time out by McNeese State 63-57.
The Rebels have pretty much dominated the series between these two winning 15 of the 19 meetings.
With the Rebel?s strong play so far this season I see no reason that domination will not continue tonight.
The play is Miss. to role.
Karl Garrett
30 DIMER - TCU HORNED FROGS.....10 DIMERS - MARYLAND TERRAPINS, & SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
30 DIMER - TCU HORNED FROGS
Once TCU got healthy they were able to string together wins in 3 of their last 4, and the G-Man thinks the Frogs defense is going to do some damage to this Houston attack.
This is a Houston team that saw their Conference USA title hopes dashed when they were soundly thumped by Tulsa 56-7 in the middle of November. Now the Cougars have to play this bowl game with their offensive braintrust already on their way to Baylor, as coach Art Briles took his 2 co-coordinators along with him to Baylor University.
TCU is not an offensive juggernaut, but if you recall they trounced Northern Illinois 37-7 in their bowl game last year holding the dangerous Garrett Wolfe to under 100 yards rushing. The Frogs will use that blue print to stop the Cougars, frustrate the Cougars, and coast to an easy win and cover.
The Frogs get it done!
10 DIMER - MARYLAND TERRAPINS
Just don't see 5-points or so seperating Marylnad and Oregon State this evening in the Emerald Bowl.
Both schools should be pretty close to back to health, and if past history is any indication of how the Terps will fare, then things look good!
Ralph Friedgen has won his last 3 bowl trips with the Terrapins, including an upset win over Purdue in their bowl game last year.
I would not be surprised to see Maryland pull the outright victory in this spot, but I definitely like the fact we are getting over a field goal in this game. It only makes things better.
Take the points with the Turtle tonight against the Beavers.
10 DIMER - SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
Last night I used the revenge angle to perfection as NC State won outright over Seton Hall. Tonight I use the revenge angle again, as Cal Irvine visits South Carolina.
Granted the Gamecocks are not as powerful as they have been in the past, but they are at home once again this holiday season, and catch the Ant Eaters playing their 3rd in a row since before Christmas. Irvine is 0-7 on the road, and 0-5 against the spread on the road thus far.
South Carolina lost a 67-52 contest last year at Cal Irvine, expect them to get revenge against a tired Cal Irvine team.
Michael Cannon
Friday's Plays...
30 Dime ?
TCU
Take Tcu minus the points over Houston in the Texas Bowl.
Much has been made about West Virginia?s Rich Rodriguez leaving for Michigan, and Houston can certainly relate.
Coach Art Briles left the Cougars for the Baylor job and current assistant Chris Thurmond will assume the responsibilities.
But it won?t be an easy task, as Briles took his top two offensive assistants with him, and Thurmond will have to find a way to keep the players motivated as they wait for Kevin Sumlin to come onboard.
Houston was all about offense this year, but they?re going to face a Tcu defense that held seven opponents to season-low ? or second low ? yardage totals. The Horned Frogs are a much more physical group at the line of scrimmage than the Cougars have faced this year.
Tcu?s offense also picked up steam down the stretch, scoring 138 points in the last four games.
Tcu is 6-2 SU and 5-2-1 ATS in bowls since 1998.
Houston is 0-5 SUATS in bowls against an opponent off a SU win.
The fact the Cougars played the weakest schedule of all the bowl teams doesn?t help them now that head coach Briles has jumped ship.
Take Tcu minus the points as they grab the win and cover in the Texas Bowl.
10 Dime ?
MICHIGAN STATE
Take the points with Michigan State today over Boston College in the Champs Sports Bowl.
There should be a significant emotional advantage for the Spartans. First of all, they never expected to be here in the first place. They rallied down the stretch under first-year coach Mark Dantonio, winning convincingly at Purdue then coming back from a 17-point deficit to beat Penn State in the finale.
Those wins secured the Spartans spot in this bowl and they are motivated about it.
Michigan State is also well represented by its fans, while Boston College doesn?t receive much support on the road from its faithful.
The other aspect of this game is how disappointed Boston College must feel going from National Championship aspirations in early November, to playing in a pre-New Year?s Day bowl game. It?s no secret they had their sights set on a bigger goal and they could fall victim to the letdown factor here.
Big 10 bowl dogs are 20-9-1 ATS against an opponent off a SU loss.
Take the points with Michigan State as they keep it close against Boston College.
MAGIC
Take the Magic as the small road chalk tonight over the Heat.
Stan Van Gundy knows Pat Riley more than anybody in the league, having been his former assistant and the ex-head coach of the Heat.
Van Gundy would like nothing more than to exact some revenge here on this floor, especially after the Magic buried the Heat, 120-99, at home last month.
The Magic have the motivation and matchup edges to cover this small number fairly easily.
It?s Miami?s third game in four nights and Shaquille O?Neal will have to deal with Dwight Howard all by himself, since Alonzo Mourning is out.
Take the Magic as the small road chalk as they grab the easy win and cover.
ATS Edge Handicappers
Bobby Maxwell
Friday's fantastic 4-0 card
500-Unit Bowl No-Brainer - BOSTON COLLEGE
Boston College was one of those teams that shot out of the gate this year, opening the season 8-0, only to do like a lot of others and climb to that No. 2 ranking and tumble. The Eagles lost three of their last five, including a 30-16 loss to Virginia Tech as a five-point road underdogs in the ACC title game on Dec. 1.
The key to the Boston College team is keeping QB Matt Ryan interested and excited about the game. He completed 60.3 percent of his passes for 4,259 yards, 28 TDs and 18 INTs. He's got an NFL body and arm, but needs to get it figured out in the brain.
The Eagles have a seven-game bowl winning streak (6-1 ATS) and this is the ninth straight bowl game for them.
Michigan State hasn't played since Nov. 17 when they beat Penn State 35-31 as a 2 1/2-point home underdog. Five players have been suspended from the Spartans roster for the bowl game, most notable DE Jonal Saint-Dic who was a beast on defense, recording 10 sacks and eight forced fumbles.
This is the first bowl game since 2003 for Michigan State and the Spartans are just 7-10 SU all-time in the postseason and 5-8 ATS. So expect a lot of bright eyes and too much "having fun" from the Spartans to really focus on winning this game.
Boston College is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 games against teams with a winning record. Today, look for the Eagles to come out with a hunger to just dominate the Spartans. Plus Ryan wants a good show in front of some NFL scouts. He'll step up and deliver a quality game today.
Play Boston College.
200-Unit NBA Road Warrior - N.O. HORNETS
Do not doubt New Orleans and its ability to beat bad teams. The Hornets are showing if you just take care of business against the bad teams, you make yourself look a whole lot better.
The Hornets have won three straight and six of nine going back to Dec. 7 with only one of those wins coming against a team with a winning record. New Orleans just went to Memphis and scored a 116-98 win as two-point road favorites after beating Minnesota 110-76 as 12-point home chalk.
New Orleans is 16-5-1 ATS in its last 22 road games and 9-3 ATS in its last 12 against the Southeast Division. Charlotte, on the other hand, is a horrible 2-10 ATS in its last 13 overall.
The Bobcats have dropped four of six and 12 of 16 overall (4-12 ATS) and have losses at home to the Wizards, Orlando and a Bulls team that has been horrible this season. Charlotte has two of the most inconsistent players in the league it has to count on for big numbers to have any chance in Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace.
The Hornets' Chris Paul is a superstar and is coming in off a 40-point, nine-assist performance against the Grizzlies. Throw in a shooter like Peja Stojakovic and guys who'll do the dirty work like Tyson Chandler and David West and we've got ourselves a team that can make a little noise.
New Orleans is scoring 102 per game in the last five and holding the opposition to 90.6. I like this Hornets' team and we're going to back them tonight in Charlotte.
100-Unit NBA Slam Dunk - L.A. LAKERS
The Jazz might have the strangest schedule in the NBA as they've played nine of their 13 December games on the road and were just home for one game before jaunting to Los Angeles for this one.
We like the way the Lakers are playing and with Utah being road weary, we're backing Los Angeles in this one.
Utah had a four-game, six-day East Coast swing, came back to Salt Lake City and beat the Mavericks 99-90 on Wednesday, and now head back out on the road for this one. Utah is just 1-8 SU and 2-7 ATS in their nine December road games and 3-9 SU (4-8 ATS) in there last 12 overall.
The Lakers have won three straight and just beat the Suns 122-115 as 2 1/2-point home underdogs on Christmas Day. Los Angeles has rattled off nine wins in their last 11 games (8-3 ATS) and with the play of center Andrew Bynum, this team has a lot of potential.
In two meetings so far between these two, the home team has dominated. The Lakers won 119-109 as a one-point 'dog on Nov. 4, then Utah scored a 120-96 burial as a 7 1/2-point favorite on Nov. 30. The home team is 6-1 SU and ATS in the last seven meetings.
Los Angeles is 10-4 (9-5 ATS) at the Staples Center this season and they've won four straight in front of the home fans.
Utah is not good on the road, just 11-27 ATS dating back to last year and 6-12 SU and ATS this season.
Play Kobe and Co. in this one to win it by 10. Lakers score another home win.
100-Unit Texas Bowl Tussle - TEXAS CHRISTIAN
Houston hasn't won a bowl game since 1980 and got absolutely spanked by South Carolina in last year's Liberty Bowl 44-36 as a five-point underdog. This isn't a team I want to back in the postseason.
So let's put our money on the Horned Frogs. TCU finished this season on a 3-1 ATS run and is 11-4-1 ATS against teams with a winning record, 16-7 ATS as a favorite and 12-5-1 following an outright victory.
TCU showed in the season finale they can run or pass with RB Joseph Turner carring 33 times for 226 yards and four TDs in the 45-33 win over San Diego State. QB Andy Dalton also threw for 298 yards and rushed for 60 yards and a TD.
The Horned Frogs have beaten Houston seven straight times dating back to 1993 (6-1 ATS) and last won in 2004 with a 34-27 home win as 6 1/2-point favorites. This is the ninth bowl game in 10 years for TCU and seventh under coach Gary Patterson (3-2-1 ATS).
Houston just couldn't cash a ticket late in the season, finishing on a 1-5 ATS slide even though they went 6-1 SU. And when the division was on the line against Tulsa, Houston forgot to show up, losing 56-7 in a a pick'em contest. That's not the type of team we want to back in a bowl game.
TCU knows how to win a bowl game. Houston doesn't. Let's back the Horned Frogs in this one as they win this by 21 points.
Brandon Lang
FRIDAY
15 DIME - TCU
10 DIME - Butler
5 DIME - Michigan State, Ole Miss and Lakers
Big day today. Just feeling a big day.
My biggest bowl release of the season so far will do just that.
5 games I love gets us ready for a huge weekend.
Let's get after it and let's win big the next 4 days so when the smoke clears after Monday, we will have our second straight winning week.
15 DIME TCU - Clash of Lone Star teams, but I have to roll with the Mountain West-entry, as we've seen a 3-0 sweep by this conference this postseason already, and that'll provide even more motivation for the Horned Frogs. This is a team that does a fantastic job of running the option out of a lot of different sets, something Houston won't be able to handle since its rushing defense is nothing special to brag about.
The Cougars allowed a generous 29.9 points per game this year, on 365.7 yards of total offense, and even though the Frogs aren't as explosive as Houston, it's the balance that has me sold we have the right side for TCU. The Frogs are averaging 26.6 ppg., while averaging nearly 400 yards of offense.
If there's one coach we can count on to have his team ready, it's Gary Patterson, whose defense has been absolutely stifling by holding opponents to a slim 19.2 ppg., which ranks 17th nationally, while all of the Frogs' foes have struggled to move the chains. TCU allows a modest 109.4 yards per game on the ground and 210.6 via the air.
The indicator for us in this clash is the fact Houston has the much better offense, one that averages 36.3 ppg., on 513.2 yards per game, yet it's the Frogs laying the points in this one. The oddsmakers are telling us who is going to win this one, as they're begging you to play the Cougars.
10 DIME BUTLER - At 11-1, the Bulldogs come in looking for revenge against a struggling offense that is averaging a bleak 61.7 points per game this year. Last season the Salukis went into Indianapolis and upset the Bulldogs, 68-64. This year the Dawgs will use a stifling defense to get revenge, as they're limiting opponents to 57.2 points per game. Meanwhile, Butler is posting 70 points a game, and are torching the nets from beyond the arc with 40.9 percent shooting. This is blowout in the making, as the Bulldogs will roll huge.
5 DIME MICHIGAN STATE - On offense we're going to see this Michigan State team line up and run the ball right down B.C.'s throat. And then the time calls for it, this Just by playing a much more physical game right from the opening kick, we're going to see the Spartans in excellent shape on both sides of the ball. The numbers are on our side as well, as the Spartans roll in on a 9-3 ATS run as an underdog (dating back to last season), including a 4-1 ATS showing this season after consecutive outright upsets to close the regular season. Michigan State is also sporting positive ATS runs of 4-0 following a SU victory and 5-1 against teams with a winning record.
5 DIME OLE MISS - Ole Miss, which comes in off an impressive 85-82 win over 15th-ranked Clemson, brings its 11-0 record into this one, and I don't see the 22nd-ranked Rebels looking back after the opening tip. Led by center Dwayne Curtis, who leads the team with 15.6 points per game while yanking down eight boards, Mississippi has knocked off seven guests this season ? outscoring them by an average final of 92-72. Southern Miss is 0-3 on the road this season, and comes in off a disappointing 63-57 loss to McNeese State. Ole Miss, which holds a 15-4 SU edge in this series, is on a 4-1 ATS run in its last five against Conference USA foes. Lay the chalk in this one, as the Rebs roll.
5 DIME LAKERS - The Lakers have won three straight and nine of their last 11, covering eight of those games during this stretch. They roll into this one off a 122-115 Christmas Day upset of the Suns, thanks to the exploits of Kobe Bryant (38 points) and center Andrew Bynum (career-high 28 points, 12 rebounds). And dating back to last season, Utah is a dismal 11-27 ATS on the road, including a 6-12 slide both SU and ATS this season. Now the Jazz must face a red-hot Lakers team that is on a 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS home run, and that is 10-4 SU and 9-5 ATS in Staples Center this season. Lay the chalk with the home team in this one, as the Lakers roll.
Chris Jordan
Friday night sweep ...
300♦ SOUTH CAROLINA - Analysis by 4 p.m. eastern
100♦ PISTONS -
100♦ MARYLAND -
Chuck Franklin
College Football
2000♦ MARYLAND
Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen certainly knows how to prep a team for its bowl game. The Terrapins have beaten Tennessee, West Virginia and Purdue by a combined score of 95-17 in their last three bowls. The ACC is on a very profitable 7-1 ATS run with bowl action and their teams have covered the spread five in a row against Pac-10 opponents. All five of those games were outright wins by the ACC dog. If Oregon State is favored when playing a winning team they have lost four in a row against the spread.
2000♦ TCU
Houston is one of those teams that made it to a bowl yet lost their head coach, as Art Briles went off to coach Baylor. The Cougars were 1-4 ATS the last five games played and they have not covered a game in Houston in the last four tries. And they played the weakest schedule of any bowl team. TCU, under the direction of Gary Patterson, has covered each of the last four bowl games played. The Horned Frogs have held seven opponents this year to a season-low, or second-low in total yards. TCU will be able to slow down the high-scoring Cougars and they will win this game by double-digits.
Drew Gordon
Today's Games...
1. 200,000♦ Texas Christian
2. 50,000♦ Magic
3. 50,000♦ Butler
1. Texas Christian- It maybe cliche, but the fact of the matter is "offense wins games, but defense wins championships." That statement couldn't be more true in tonight's Texas Bowl, as Houston beings their high-octane attack to the table, but they've yet to see a defense like the Horned Frogs and I say they get exposed by TCU in this one.
Let's start with defense, as the Horned Frogs are anchored by their D-line, featuring star DT Blake and less-publisized, but still talented Ortiz, allowing 109 rushing yards per game on only 3.0 yards per carry! The Horned Frogs secondary has benefited from the D-line's ability to pressure, allowing 211 passing yards on an excellent 12 TD to 16 INT ratio. Cougars are as balanced as any team in the NCAA offensively, but as you can plainly see, so is the Horned Frogs defense.
Probably the most significant factor in my siding with TCU is that 3 of Houston's coaches, including heach coach Briles and both OCs, bolted for Baylor and will not be available tonight. Besides the obvious emotional tail-spin the Cougars must be going through, the fact DC Thurmond has said he may hire a coach to help him through the bowl game, immediately tells me he's in over his head. One has to wonder: Will the Cougars attack have the same bite without either of their offensive coordinators?
Finally, while the Horned Frogs offense is still a bit raw behind QB Andy Dalton, it helps that RB Joseph Turner is coming off the best game of his life (on the road no less), rushing for 226 yards and 4 TDs at San Diego State! Look for heavy doses of Turner again tonight, as the Cougars defense is below average at best, allowing almost 30 ppg on 365 yards of total offense. Once they establish the run, Dalton will be free to operate without impunity. End result: a solid win and cover for this Horned Frogs squad!
Take Texas Christian comfortably over Houston as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Magic- While Orlando isn't playing at the level they were in November, they're still a far superior team to the Heat, especially now that Alonzo Mourning is done for the year. Mourning was the Heat's only true defensive option against Dwight Howard. He'll have his way with O'Neal, who's laziness on both ends of the court is reaching epic proportions.
Unless you've been living under a rock, you know the Magic have been a cash-machine on the road, going 15-3 ATS on the season. They capable of imposing their will on opposing teams thanks to Howard, who is the best bigman in the NBA right now. Double him and Lewis and Turkoglu will destroy your defense from the perimeter.. Its a formula that used to work for Shaquille back when he gave a damn.
As good as the Magic have been on the road, the Heat have been almost as bad at home, going 4-9 SUATS in Miami. In fact, the Heat are an atrocious 7-19 ATS over their last 26 home games, and I don't see that trend turning around any time soon. Dwayne Wade cannot carry this offense all by himself, and the Heats lack of a 3-point threat has teams playing "packed-in" preventing Wade or Shaq from using space.
Finally, consider the Van Gundy factor, as no one knows this Heat team better. You have to believe he wants to win this game BAD, and knowing that will only motivate himself and his players more. The Heat meanwhile are busy losing to teams like the 76ers, which should say a lot about their competitiveness right now!
Orlando adds another notch to their road ATS record, as they get the solid road win and cover tonight in Miami.
Take the Magic over the Heat in this NBA match up.
3. Butler- Salukis are a better offensive team at home, but when I say "better," I mean they're better than below average. Its no secret Southern Illinois relies on their defense to make up for offensive deficiencies, but in this case, they're in over their heads against a strong Butler team tonight.
Almost polar opposites, the Bulldogs live and die by their rock-solid perimeter attack, hitting almost 41% of their 3-pointers on the season! Salukis will be hard-pressed to limit the Bulldogs, especially the way they've been playing defense of late, allowing opponents to shoot 46% from the field and 36% from 3-point over their last 5 games... Nowhere near good enough to win this game.
Also important to note is the return of the Bulldogs best 3-point shooter, F Peter Campbell. He's seen limited action in two games back, but should be ready to rock and roll tonight. There's no question the Bulldogs offense suffered in his absence, as his 46% shooting from beyond the arc, coupled with his size (6'7) were srely missed.
Finally, make mistake, Butler isn't afraid of the highway, going 10-4 ATS over their last 14 road games. What's been more impressive is their defense in hostile territory, limiting opponents to just 49 ppg. Bulldogs are simply the more polished team on both ends of the floor. While I expect the Salukis will keep this game competitive on their home floor, at some point they'll hit a dry spell, and that's when the Bulldogs capitalize.
Take Butler over Southern Illinois in this college hoops match up.
Joel Tyson
FRIDAY
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
20 DIMER
BOSTON COLLEGE
If establishing a ground attack and preventing the opposition from doing so spells victory, then victory is spelled BOSTON COLLEGE here tonight.
Getting things going for this 10-3 Boston College Eagles team on the ground is running back Andre Callender who has gained 958 yards on the year, while averaging 4.7 yards per touch. Callender not only leads the rushing attack for this BC team that averaged 105 yards per game on the ground, but has also caught 72 passes good for another 705 yards of offense on the year.
The play caller for the Eagles quarterback Matt Ryan is currently ranked 3rd in the nation in total passing yards on the year, and broke the BC touchdown record in route to the high ranking.
The Boston College success on the season does not end with the offense in the air or on the ground, as the defense allowed a low 68.2 yards per game on the ground, which is tops in the nation, while recording 34 sacks on the year.
The importance of these numbers follows. The Michigan State Spartans if held for under 200 yards on the ground in a game when they travel outside the Big 10 are a lowly 8-30 ATS, including 0-2 this season. This unfortunately for MSU is more bad news as the squad from Boston has defeated 32 of their last 34 out of conference foes.
Making their ninth straight bowl appearance, the Eagles over the last seven years are 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS.
All the numbers and match ups lead to what I believe will be a nice BC win and cover.
Boston College gets the tilt here tonight.
10 DIMER
TCU
I haven?t really been all that impressed by this TCU team this year that will be taking on the Houston Cougars tonight. I am still not all that impressed, but am deeply concerned about how the Houston Cougars high performance offense will operate tonight.
TCU enters at 7-5 on the year out of the MWC, while the Cougars march in at 8-4 playing out of Conference USA. Houston has dropped the last seven in the series between these two, and has covered only one over the span. In Houston?s four regular season match ups against teams that are bowl bound the Cougars are 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS. In the four losses the Cougars were outscored by an average of 43-23.
Tonight though the thing that rests heavy on my mind is this Cougar team that will be led by an interim head coach. Head coach Art Briles who turned this Cougar team around has already jumped ship for Baylor taking co-offensive coordinators Philip Montgomery and Randy Clements along for the ride. This is a bad situation for this Houston team that is built around wide-open offensive attacks. The Cougars are very talented at the skill positions, but the uncertainty I feel will get the best of them tonight. This TCU defense they go up against tonight will be the toughest and the most physical they have faced all the year. This Horned Frog ?D? gave up an average of 17 points per game on the year and finds them ranked 8th in pass efficiency defense.
The uncertainty of the coaching change at Houston and the defensive pressure they will endure tonight leaves me no doubt at all that TCU is the right side to be on.
The Horned Frogs get it done for us tonight.
10 DIMER
MARYLAND
Back the Terrapins tonight when they kickoff against the Oregon State Beavers. I really after all have no choice but to take the points in this one. Oregon State is a banged up team if there ever has been. Do not; I repeat do not let their three victories to close out the season fool you. Those victories came against the lowly Washington Huskies, Washington State Cougars, and oh yea the Oregon Ducks that completely collapsed when they lost their Heisman hopeful quarterback.
Maryland enters the game after starting the season 0-3, with an overall record of 6-6. The Terps were 0-3 ATS during their three-game losing start. They then turned the offensive controls over to quarterback Chris Turner who led Maryland to a 4-4 SU and ATS mark the rest of the way, connecting on 64.2 percent of his attempts.
Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen has been lights out in bowl appearances, as he has led the Terps to victories over Tennessee, West Virginia, and Purdue over their last three. Another intriguing number is the fact that ACC schools when battling a PAC 10 foe since 1992 in a bowl game situation are a perfect 5-0 SU and ATS.
The Beavers have dropped their last four straight ATS when favored over an opponent at .500 or better.
The play here tonight is Maryland to hang around, if not win outright.
COLLEGE HOOPS
10 DIMER
BUTLER
The 11-1 Butler Bulldogs hit the road tonight to take on the 5-5 Southern Illinois Salukis. The Bulldogs only blemish thus far was their loss at Wright State 43-42 back on December 8th. Tonight though weighing on their mind will be something bigger. Tonight they hunt for revenge. The Bulldogs into last season were proudly carrying a 22-game home court win streak when Southern Illinois came calling on February 17th. The result was a 68-64 Saluki victory, one that these Bulldogs have sure not forgotten.
Despite the Saluki?s home court domination they have enjoyed as of late, Butler comes in very well road tested already this year. Southern Illinois currently are 16-1 since the start of last season at home, and are 35-3 against non-conference foes when playing at home. Butler on the other hand has won most of their 11 battles this year away from home, as they have only played three times thus far on their home floor. With wins over Virginia Tech, Ohio State, and Florida State away from home, it is obvious the Butler Bulldogs are road tested and ready to avenge last season?s home loss to this Saluki team.
I strongly feel that Butler has proven to be the tougher team so far this year, based on strength of schedule and the grueling highways they have traveled so far.
Butler gets the win and cover tonight.
5 DIMER
UCONN
This is more of one of those feel good about a team situations, than a lot of stats and numbers to support them. The Huskies I realize are down slightly this year from the past, but come on people this is the University of Connecticut Husky basketball team. Not only are they led by one of the most storied coaches in Hall of Famer Jim Calhoun, they tote the reputation of being one of the most storied programs in college sports nationwide.
With this being said they travel today to take on C-USA member Central Florida who currently sits at 5-5 on the year. The lines makers are only asking for Connecticut to lay four in this spot. I have no problem with that at all. The Huskies come in 8-2 on the year, with their losses coming by a combined total of 14 at Memphis and against Gonzaga. In the winning column however the Huskies eight victories have come by a whopping 23 points per game average.
I cannot turn down this opportunity to back this Calhoun led team tonight as they take on what I feel is a much lesser competitor.
Connecticut is the play tonight.
5 DIMER
OLE MISS
Mississippi has risen up to be the lookout for team thus far in the SEC. The number 22 ranked Rebels tip it off tonight against the Golden Eagles of Southern Miss.
Tonight the Rebels look for their first 12-0 start ever when they take on this Eagles team on a neutral court in Southaven, Miss. Ole Miss. had been criticized early on as their wins were coming at home to lesser opponents.
Mississippi proved themselves more last time out when they defeated the Clemson Tigers 85-82 Saturday in the San Juan Shootout.
Miss. is being led by senior center Dwayne Curtis who has averaged 18.0 points over the Rebels last three.
Southern Miss. had their five game win streak snapped last time out by McNeese State 63-57.
The Rebels have pretty much dominated the series between these two winning 15 of the 19 meetings.
With the Rebel?s strong play so far this season I see no reason that domination will not continue tonight.
The play is Miss. to role.
Karl Garrett
30 DIMER - TCU HORNED FROGS.....10 DIMERS - MARYLAND TERRAPINS, & SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
30 DIMER - TCU HORNED FROGS
Once TCU got healthy they were able to string together wins in 3 of their last 4, and the G-Man thinks the Frogs defense is going to do some damage to this Houston attack.
This is a Houston team that saw their Conference USA title hopes dashed when they were soundly thumped by Tulsa 56-7 in the middle of November. Now the Cougars have to play this bowl game with their offensive braintrust already on their way to Baylor, as coach Art Briles took his 2 co-coordinators along with him to Baylor University.
TCU is not an offensive juggernaut, but if you recall they trounced Northern Illinois 37-7 in their bowl game last year holding the dangerous Garrett Wolfe to under 100 yards rushing. The Frogs will use that blue print to stop the Cougars, frustrate the Cougars, and coast to an easy win and cover.
The Frogs get it done!
10 DIMER - MARYLAND TERRAPINS
Just don't see 5-points or so seperating Marylnad and Oregon State this evening in the Emerald Bowl.
Both schools should be pretty close to back to health, and if past history is any indication of how the Terps will fare, then things look good!
Ralph Friedgen has won his last 3 bowl trips with the Terrapins, including an upset win over Purdue in their bowl game last year.
I would not be surprised to see Maryland pull the outright victory in this spot, but I definitely like the fact we are getting over a field goal in this game. It only makes things better.
Take the points with the Turtle tonight against the Beavers.
10 DIMER - SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
Last night I used the revenge angle to perfection as NC State won outright over Seton Hall. Tonight I use the revenge angle again, as Cal Irvine visits South Carolina.
Granted the Gamecocks are not as powerful as they have been in the past, but they are at home once again this holiday season, and catch the Ant Eaters playing their 3rd in a row since before Christmas. Irvine is 0-7 on the road, and 0-5 against the spread on the road thus far.
South Carolina lost a 67-52 contest last year at Cal Irvine, expect them to get revenge against a tired Cal Irvine team.
Michael Cannon
Friday's Plays...
30 Dime ?
TCU
Take Tcu minus the points over Houston in the Texas Bowl.
Much has been made about West Virginia?s Rich Rodriguez leaving for Michigan, and Houston can certainly relate.
Coach Art Briles left the Cougars for the Baylor job and current assistant Chris Thurmond will assume the responsibilities.
But it won?t be an easy task, as Briles took his top two offensive assistants with him, and Thurmond will have to find a way to keep the players motivated as they wait for Kevin Sumlin to come onboard.
Houston was all about offense this year, but they?re going to face a Tcu defense that held seven opponents to season-low ? or second low ? yardage totals. The Horned Frogs are a much more physical group at the line of scrimmage than the Cougars have faced this year.
Tcu?s offense also picked up steam down the stretch, scoring 138 points in the last four games.
Tcu is 6-2 SU and 5-2-1 ATS in bowls since 1998.
Houston is 0-5 SUATS in bowls against an opponent off a SU win.
The fact the Cougars played the weakest schedule of all the bowl teams doesn?t help them now that head coach Briles has jumped ship.
Take Tcu minus the points as they grab the win and cover in the Texas Bowl.
10 Dime ?
MICHIGAN STATE
Take the points with Michigan State today over Boston College in the Champs Sports Bowl.
There should be a significant emotional advantage for the Spartans. First of all, they never expected to be here in the first place. They rallied down the stretch under first-year coach Mark Dantonio, winning convincingly at Purdue then coming back from a 17-point deficit to beat Penn State in the finale.
Those wins secured the Spartans spot in this bowl and they are motivated about it.
Michigan State is also well represented by its fans, while Boston College doesn?t receive much support on the road from its faithful.
The other aspect of this game is how disappointed Boston College must feel going from National Championship aspirations in early November, to playing in a pre-New Year?s Day bowl game. It?s no secret they had their sights set on a bigger goal and they could fall victim to the letdown factor here.
Big 10 bowl dogs are 20-9-1 ATS against an opponent off a SU loss.
Take the points with Michigan State as they keep it close against Boston College.
MAGIC
Take the Magic as the small road chalk tonight over the Heat.
Stan Van Gundy knows Pat Riley more than anybody in the league, having been his former assistant and the ex-head coach of the Heat.
Van Gundy would like nothing more than to exact some revenge here on this floor, especially after the Magic buried the Heat, 120-99, at home last month.
The Magic have the motivation and matchup edges to cover this small number fairly easily.
It?s Miami?s third game in four nights and Shaquille O?Neal will have to deal with Dwight Howard all by himself, since Alonzo Mourning is out.
Take the Magic as the small road chalk as they grab the easy win and cover.
(C&P) Cash & Profit Experts 12/28/07 Friday
CFB:
Michigan St +5
Oregon St -4.5
NBA:
Milwaukee /chicago Under 191
Orlando -3.5
(2-2 Last 2days)
CFB:
Michigan St +5
Oregon St -4.5
NBA:
Milwaukee /chicago Under 191
Orlando -3.5
(2-2 Last 2days)
Wayne Root
Chairman - Mich St
Millionaire - Houston
Money Maker - So Carolina (hoop)
No Limit - Maryland
Chairman - Mich St
Millionaire - Houston
Money Maker - So Carolina (hoop)
No Limit - Maryland
keith martin sports (16-8-1 college totals)
Santa Clara Over 112.5 (-105)
Southern Illinois Over 118 (-105
Santa Clara Over 112.5 (-105)
Southern Illinois Over 118 (-105
LARRY NESS
L. Ness' Weekly Wipeout Winner -CFB (67% BKB run TY!)
My Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Butler at 9:00 ET.
It would be easy to focus on these set of facts regarding Southern Illinois. The Salukis are 16-1 at home since the start of last season, as well as an incredible 82-4 at SIU Arena since the start of the 2001-02, posting a 35-3 mark against non-conference opponents. That includes a 71-56 victory over then-No. 24 Saint Mary's on Dec 11. However, that would only be telling HALF the story. There is no denying that the Salukis have won five of the last six Missouri Valley Conference titles but they are just 5-5 this year, with some notable "bad losses." They lost to USC 70-45 on a neutral court, at Charlotte, St Louis and Western Michigan, scoring 56, 51 and 41 points, respectively. They also lost at home to then-No. 15 Indiana, 64-51. Clearly, the Salukis are having trouble shooting the ball. SIU is not deep plus features just two 6-7 players inside. While Shaw (13.7-5.4) and Falker (12.9-7.0) are effective players, the team's lack of offense is 'killing' them TY. In comes Butler, one of the nation's top defensive teams, allowing just 57.3 PPG! Butler is 11-1 (lone loss was 43-42 at Wright State on Dec 8). While some teams have fattened up on easy early-season schedules, Butler already boasts victories over Virginia Tech, Texas Tech, Ohio State and Florida State. Most impressively, Butler has played just three games on its home court TY. Graves (16.8) and Green (14.7) are a deadly backcourt duo plus 6-7 senior Campbell (11.7-3.2) is back in the lineup (missed three games), joining 6-7 freshman forward Howard (11.5-5.3). Throw in swingmen Betko (6.9) and Streicher (5.8) and the Bulldogs are one heckuva a team. If that's not enough, the 17th-ranked Bulldogs have the extra motivation of trying to avenge last season's loss to Southern Illinois. Butler had a 22-game homecourt win streak before Southern Illinois ended that with a 68-64 win at Hinkle Fieldhouse last Feb 17. Home court or not, SIU is in over its head here! Weekly Wipeout Winner on Butler
L. Ness' Weekly Wipeout Winner -CFB (67% BKB run TY!)
My Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Butler at 9:00 ET.
It would be easy to focus on these set of facts regarding Southern Illinois. The Salukis are 16-1 at home since the start of last season, as well as an incredible 82-4 at SIU Arena since the start of the 2001-02, posting a 35-3 mark against non-conference opponents. That includes a 71-56 victory over then-No. 24 Saint Mary's on Dec 11. However, that would only be telling HALF the story. There is no denying that the Salukis have won five of the last six Missouri Valley Conference titles but they are just 5-5 this year, with some notable "bad losses." They lost to USC 70-45 on a neutral court, at Charlotte, St Louis and Western Michigan, scoring 56, 51 and 41 points, respectively. They also lost at home to then-No. 15 Indiana, 64-51. Clearly, the Salukis are having trouble shooting the ball. SIU is not deep plus features just two 6-7 players inside. While Shaw (13.7-5.4) and Falker (12.9-7.0) are effective players, the team's lack of offense is 'killing' them TY. In comes Butler, one of the nation's top defensive teams, allowing just 57.3 PPG! Butler is 11-1 (lone loss was 43-42 at Wright State on Dec 8). While some teams have fattened up on easy early-season schedules, Butler already boasts victories over Virginia Tech, Texas Tech, Ohio State and Florida State. Most impressively, Butler has played just three games on its home court TY. Graves (16.8) and Green (14.7) are a deadly backcourt duo plus 6-7 senior Campbell (11.7-3.2) is back in the lineup (missed three games), joining 6-7 freshman forward Howard (11.5-5.3). Throw in swingmen Betko (6.9) and Streicher (5.8) and the Bulldogs are one heckuva a team. If that's not enough, the 17th-ranked Bulldogs have the extra motivation of trying to avenge last season's loss to Southern Illinois. Butler had a 22-game homecourt win streak before Southern Illinois ended that with a 68-64 win at Hinkle Fieldhouse last Feb 17. Home court or not, SIU is in over its head here! Weekly Wipeout Winner on Butler
Brandon Lang
FRIDAY
15 DIME - TCU
10 DIME - Butler
5 DIME - Michigan State, Ole Miss and Lakers
Big day today. Just feeling a big day.
My biggest bowl release of the season so far will do just that.
5 games I love gets us ready for a huge weekend.
Let's get after it and let's win big the next 4 days so when the smoke clears after Monday, we will have our second straight winning week
FRIDAY
15 DIME - TCU
10 DIME - Butler
5 DIME - Michigan State, Ole Miss and Lakers
Big day today. Just feeling a big day.
My biggest bowl release of the season so far will do just that.
5 games I love gets us ready for a huge weekend.
Let's get after it and let's win big the next 4 days so when the smoke clears after Monday, we will have our second straight winning week
*******GIANTS007 PLAYS*******
(1-2 LAST NITE)
(6-3 FOR THE WEEK)
NCAAF:
9*-MARYLAND
7*-BOSTON COLLEGE
5*-TCU
CBB:
8*-RHODE ISLAND
NBA:
4*-TRAILBLAZERS
(1-10*)
(1-2 LAST NITE)
(6-3 FOR THE WEEK)
NCAAF:
9*-MARYLAND
7*-BOSTON COLLEGE
5*-TCU
CBB:
8*-RHODE ISLAND
NBA:
4*-TRAILBLAZERS
(1-10*)
JASON BELL
THREE 2000* BOWL LOCKS
THREE 2000* BOWL LOCKS
Michigan State +5.5 over Boston College
TCU -6 over Houston
Maryland +5 over Oregon State
THREE 2000* BOWL LOCKS
THREE 2000* BOWL LOCKS
Michigan State +5.5 over Boston College
TCU -6 over Houston
Maryland +5 over Oregon State
jimmy kruger
SIDES
# 407 TCU -6 over Houston - Bronze 3*
# 409 Maryland +5 over Oregon State - Bronze 3*
SIDES
# 407 TCU -6 over Houston - Bronze 3*
# 409 Maryland +5 over Oregon State - Bronze 3*
Bob Balfe
College Football
Boston College -5 over Michigan State
BC could be playing in a lot bigger bowl game, but didn't play to well down the stretch, but this is Matt Ryan's last game and he will want to improve his draft status with a big win today. Mich State has a few linebackers who will miss this game which will make it easy for BC to run and throw all day. Boston College is the better team and should roll.
Houston +6.5 over TCU
This line keeps moving due to the success of the Mountain West in bowl games so far this week. First, TCU is not one of the better teams in that conference and their road defense is pretty bad. Houston's defense stinks, but their offense is awesome. I just cannot see them getting crushed in this game and 6.5 is just way to many points for a TCU team that puts up 26pts a game.
Maryland +5 over Oregon State
Usually teams that travel far to bowl games do well. I guess it goes under the theory if we are coming out all this way we better try to win. Oregon State has a few skill guys banged up and their good run defense will be tested by Maryland huge offensive line. The Terps beat a couple of good teams this season playing smash mouth football. Look for the Terps to get the outright victory.
(All hoops wagers should be 1/3 of your average football wager)
NBA Basketball
Magic -3.5 over Heat
College Basketball
Southern Illinois +1 over Butler
College Football
Boston College -5 over Michigan State
BC could be playing in a lot bigger bowl game, but didn't play to well down the stretch, but this is Matt Ryan's last game and he will want to improve his draft status with a big win today. Mich State has a few linebackers who will miss this game which will make it easy for BC to run and throw all day. Boston College is the better team and should roll.
Houston +6.5 over TCU
This line keeps moving due to the success of the Mountain West in bowl games so far this week. First, TCU is not one of the better teams in that conference and their road defense is pretty bad. Houston's defense stinks, but their offense is awesome. I just cannot see them getting crushed in this game and 6.5 is just way to many points for a TCU team that puts up 26pts a game.
Maryland +5 over Oregon State
Usually teams that travel far to bowl games do well. I guess it goes under the theory if we are coming out all this way we better try to win. Oregon State has a few skill guys banged up and their good run defense will be tested by Maryland huge offensive line. The Terps beat a couple of good teams this season playing smash mouth football. Look for the Terps to get the outright victory.
(All hoops wagers should be 1/3 of your average football wager)
NBA Basketball
Magic -3.5 over Heat
College Basketball
Southern Illinois +1 over Butler
Handicapper: Kendall Holiday
Sport: College Football
Game: TCU Horned Frogs @ Houston Cougars - Friday December 28, 2007 8:00 pm
Pick: 3 units (Free Play) ATS: TCU Horned Frogs -6.5 (-108)
TCU has a lot going for it in this bowl game as they are the better team from the better conference, and they still have their HC, and OC's. Houston was shunned by HC Art Briles, who unexpectedly left with the OC's for Baylor at the end of the season. Houston has been a spread attack offense, and it will be interesting to see if the coaches departure has an effect on their offensive output this evening. One thing is for sure, in order to stop a spread, you need to be able to pressure the QB, and have athletic linebackers who can defend the short routes in pass plays. TCU possesses these and then some and has a significant advantage statistically on defense in this football game. This is also the most healthy TCU will have been since the beginning of the season and we look for them to get it done in Houston today
Sport: College Football
Game: TCU Horned Frogs @ Houston Cougars - Friday December 28, 2007 8:00 pm
Pick: 3 units (Free Play) ATS: TCU Horned Frogs -6.5 (-108)
TCU has a lot going for it in this bowl game as they are the better team from the better conference, and they still have their HC, and OC's. Houston was shunned by HC Art Briles, who unexpectedly left with the OC's for Baylor at the end of the season. Houston has been a spread attack offense, and it will be interesting to see if the coaches departure has an effect on their offensive output this evening. One thing is for sure, in order to stop a spread, you need to be able to pressure the QB, and have athletic linebackers who can defend the short routes in pass plays. TCU possesses these and then some and has a significant advantage statistically on defense in this football game. This is also the most healthy TCU will have been since the beginning of the season and we look for them to get it done in Houston today