COLLEGE PLAYS THIS WEEK:
Temple +5 vs. Cincinnati
Bearcats are coming off a heartbreaking loss to in-state rival Ohio State last week and now have to get up emotionally for a team they probably won't take as seriously. Cincy's only win was a shakey opening day 7-point win versus unimpressive TCU. Meanwhile, Temple has played against top notch cpmpetition -- ORE ST, MIA, and outgained SO CAR, but lost that game because of turnovers. Temple is a team ready to take the next step with its program (was 4-7 SU last season) and will look to this as a very winnable game. Bearcats were completely dejected coming off the field last week in the loss to the Buckeyes and it's going to be tough to go out and get fired up again for lesser-quality competition. Cincy also lost one of its key starters due to a suspension this week because of underage drinking. Sharps pounded this number last Sunday night at the Stardust when it came out at 7 and bet it down to 5, which is significant line movement. I'm all over Temple.
Illinois +7.5 vs. Michigan
The Wolverines don't cover as road favorites. It's that simple. Under current coach, this team is a miserable 2-14 ATS as a road favorite. Add the fact they must now lay over a TD to an in conference rival that was humiliated last week at home to SJSU. Illinois is the defending Big 10 champ and should bounce back and be up for this game. This has been a nightmare season for Illini at 1-3, but this is also their third straight home game and they should treat this like a bowl game. I love the hook on the 7. Home conference dog is always worth a look. Unlike some college teams, Michigan plays to win, not to cover. Fine with me.
West Virginia / East Carolina UNDER 52
After going 8-0 on college football totals last season, I'm putting out my first totals play of 2002. East Carolina doesn't have much offense and I expect them to struggle here on the road. This is a drop in class for the Mountaineers who should win at home facing a team that couldn't even beat dreadful Duke or Wake Forest. While West Virginia has given up lots of points versus good competition (at Wisc and at Cincy last three weeks), they completely shut down Richmond at home and now face a team that hasn't combined to break 50 points in three games. This total at 52 is simply too high.
Nolan Dalla
Temple +5 vs. Cincinnati
Bearcats are coming off a heartbreaking loss to in-state rival Ohio State last week and now have to get up emotionally for a team they probably won't take as seriously. Cincy's only win was a shakey opening day 7-point win versus unimpressive TCU. Meanwhile, Temple has played against top notch cpmpetition -- ORE ST, MIA, and outgained SO CAR, but lost that game because of turnovers. Temple is a team ready to take the next step with its program (was 4-7 SU last season) and will look to this as a very winnable game. Bearcats were completely dejected coming off the field last week in the loss to the Buckeyes and it's going to be tough to go out and get fired up again for lesser-quality competition. Cincy also lost one of its key starters due to a suspension this week because of underage drinking. Sharps pounded this number last Sunday night at the Stardust when it came out at 7 and bet it down to 5, which is significant line movement. I'm all over Temple.
Illinois +7.5 vs. Michigan
The Wolverines don't cover as road favorites. It's that simple. Under current coach, this team is a miserable 2-14 ATS as a road favorite. Add the fact they must now lay over a TD to an in conference rival that was humiliated last week at home to SJSU. Illinois is the defending Big 10 champ and should bounce back and be up for this game. This has been a nightmare season for Illini at 1-3, but this is also their third straight home game and they should treat this like a bowl game. I love the hook on the 7. Home conference dog is always worth a look. Unlike some college teams, Michigan plays to win, not to cover. Fine with me.
West Virginia / East Carolina UNDER 52
After going 8-0 on college football totals last season, I'm putting out my first totals play of 2002. East Carolina doesn't have much offense and I expect them to struggle here on the road. This is a drop in class for the Mountaineers who should win at home facing a team that couldn't even beat dreadful Duke or Wake Forest. While West Virginia has given up lots of points versus good competition (at Wisc and at Cincy last three weeks), they completely shut down Richmond at home and now face a team that hasn't combined to break 50 points in three games. This total at 52 is simply too high.
Nolan Dalla
