Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Saturday Picks and Writeups:
Tonight's Games...
1. 300,000♦ Penn State
2. 50,000♦ N.Y. Giants
3. 50,000♦ UAB
1. Penn State- We should be thankful the Aggies knocked off Texas in the regular seasons finale, because that win made this game that much more affordable. Guys, this one comes down to defense - The Lions got it, the Aggies don't. But handicapping college bowls is never that simple, so let me break it down for you:
The biggest problem Texas A&M faces is their own one-dimensional offense against a stout Nittany Lions front 7, led by LBs Dan Connor and Sean Lee, plus DE Maurice Evans (12.5 sacks). All you have to do is watch tape of the Lions last 3 games, where their defense allowed 18 ppg on just 72 rushing yards per contest, and you'll see exactly what I mean. No doubt McGee/Lane/Goodson make up a nasty trio, but down the stretch against ranked teams, they averaged 127 total rushing yards per game on just 3.4 yards per carry. Lions may not be ranked, but their defense is # 6 against the rush on the season.
Offensively, its been an up-and-down year for QB Anthony Morelli, but with the extra time prepare I believe he can and will deliver against a very average Aggies defense. Texas A&M posted a disgusting 21 TD to 7 INT ratio on the season, allowing 264 passing yards per contest! I know a lot of people have knocked Morelli over the course of the season (myself included), but let's recall last year's Outback Bowl, when he completed 14 of 25 passes for 197 and 1 TD. That kind of effort would almost guarantee a win here. Also, look for the RB tandem of Royster (6.1 yards per carry) and Kinlaw (5.1 yards per carry) to take a lot of pressure off the Lions passing attack.
Finally, there's no doubt Joe Paterno knows how to win bowl games, going 20-10-1 SU & 21-9-1 ATS over his career. Compare that to the Aggies interim head coach Darnell, who's 0-1 SUATS, and you've got the making of a huge coaching mismatch. Given time, Joe Pa can dissect any team, and with A&M's obvious deficiencies on defense, look for Penn State to capitalize accordingly. Lions roll!
Take Penn State comfortably over Texas A&M as your top-rated play of the day.
2. N.Y. Giants- Several factors come into play in this one, but none bigger than the fact neither team really has nothing to play for. What about the undefeated season? Well, first of all, Belichek isn't the type of coach to sacrifice a regular season record for a Super Bowl. And second, the Patriots can still win this game, get the record, and fail to cover, which is exactly what I expect will happen.
Make no mistake, as soon as Tom Brady comes out of the game (which he will) this Patriots offense will grind to a halt. Let me give you one perfect example: Do you remember when the Pats were destroying the Dolphins in Miami 42-7 in the third quarter, when backup Matt Cassell came into the game and promptly threw a pick-6 and got yanked by Belichek faster than the beads of sweat could form on his forehead?! Well, I do, and the backdoor remains wide open as long as Brady isn't on the field.
Even when he's on the field, the Giants do have one big edge, and that's their pass rush, which was posted 52 sacks this season. Granted, Belichek isn't stupid and will try to account for that, but so did a lot of other teams. If the Giants are to have any shot in this game, they'll rely on Strahan/Umenyiora/Tuck to put pressure on Brady.
Finally, while the Giants offense isn't great, they're coming off a confidence- building effort at Buffalo, where they dropped 38 points on the Bills, thanks in large part to their rushing attack of Jones and Bradshaw. Look for them to use that formula once again, slowing down the game, and forcing Brady to watch from the sideline as the clock winds down.
Bottom line, the Giants don't want to be remembered as the team that lost to the Patriots and gave them the 16-0 season. That motivation alone, plus the fact their last home game was fiasco, losing badly to the Redskins, you know the G-men will strap on their hard hats and come to play in this one. Patriots likely win, but covering the number on this contest is another story, especially if the starters are off the field for an extended time.
Take the N.Y. Giants plus the points over the Patriots in Saturday night NFL action.
3. UAB- Love this match up for the Blazers, as they've not only got the revenge angle, losing the Old Dominion last season 56-42, but also, this time around, UAB is a much better team and it'll show tonight.
Looking over both teams, its clear one has regressed (Monarchs) and one has grown (Blazers). Since last season, the once average Monarch offense has taken a step back into mediocrity, scoring just 63 ppg on 42% shooting. With only one player averaging double-figures, this Old Dominion team has no goto player.
While on the other hand, the Blazers are clearly led by Robert Vaden, who has blossomed since coming over from Indiana, averaging almost 20 ppg. Its not only Vaden, but forwards Sharpe and Huffman, who both could lead Old Dominion in scoring, that makes this UAB offense so dynamic. Granted, they won't be confused with any top-tier program yet, but they have all the tools necessary to dominate this match up.
If you think Old Dominion's seasonal stats are bad, you should see their pathetic numbers on the road, where they average just 58 ppg on 41% shooting. They'll be hard-pressed to even reach those numbers against a Blazers defense which is rock-solid at home, allowing 54 ppg on an outstanding 36% shooting (only 23% from 3-point). In the end, UAB gets its redemption and grabs the cash, returning the favor with a lopsided win and cover tonight against Old Dominion.
Take UAB comfortably over Old Dominion in this college hoops match up.
Today's Games...
1. 50,000♦ Central Florida
2. 50,000♦ Wyoming
1. Central Florida- For those of you who love trends, this play may seem a bit unusual, because everyone knows that the Knights have beaten only 1 SEC
team in school history (1-12 SU & 7-5 ATS). Well boys, make it 2 SEC teams in school history after today's Liberty Bowl and here's why:
First, if you know Central Florida football then you know star RB Kevin Smith, who's rushed for 2549 yards on 5.9 yards per carry, scoring 29 TDs! I don't care what anyone says, but even a team from a power conference like Mississippi State, will have little luck stopping him. The fact that the Bulldogs are already below average against the run can't be ignored, as they allow a whopping 159 rushing yards per game on the season!
Second, while the SEC gets most of the publicity (and deseverdly so) this Bulldogs team isn't your typical SEC team. They're defense is good, but not great, and their offense a joke, averaging 22 ppg on just 305 total yards. You'd think they would be able to score on this Knights defense at will, but the fact of the matter is Central Floridas' stop-unit has played well down the stretch, allowing 21 ppg on just 96 rushing yards over their last 3 games.
Finally, in case you didn't notice, the Knights finished the season winning 7 straight (5-2 ATS), and come into this game playing excellent football on both sides of the ball (averaging 43 ppg over their last 3). Mississippi State definately played the tougher schedule, but sleep on the Knights at your own risk. When the dust settles, Kevin Smith leads the Knights to the bowl win and cover!
Take Central Florida over Mississippi State in this afternoon's Liberty Bowl.
2. Wyoming- So many things wrong with this Wis.-Milwaukee squad its tough to decide were to start. How about the fact their two best players have been kicked off the team for separate disciplinary infractions!
Both G Smith and F Johnson were the heart and soul of this team, and losing both players doomed them to a season of mediocrity. The fact they lost Johnson a little under two weeks ago means this team is still dealing with a shift away from their best player. They were able to win and cover at home against Central Michigan without Johnson, but doing it today on the road is completely different story.
The Cowboys are a different team at home, going 4-0 (1-1 ATS) there this season. Their offense is slightly better, but what we really see is a tremendous increase in intensity on the defensive end. Wyoming allows 11 fewer points (73 to 62) and 10 fewer points in opponents field goal percentage (41% to 31%) when playing at home. I expect similar results this afternoon, as the Panthers offense is in a state of flux without Johnson.
Finally, speaking of defense, don't think the loss of Johnson, the team's leading rebounder (8 board/game), shot blocker (18 blocks), and thief (15 steals), won't be felt on an already struggling Panthers defense. Wis.- Milwaukee is allowing opponents 79 ppg on a ridiculous 51% shooting over their last 5 games, and that includes some really ugly losses on the road (100-65 at Marquette, 91-73 at Illinois-Chicago). More of the same this afternoon, as Wyoming keeps it perfect at home with a solid win and cover in this one.
Take Wyoming BIG over Wis.-Milwaukee in afternoon college hoops action.