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CFL Week 6
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- Start date
The Edmonton Eskimos play the Ottawa RedBlacks tonight in a West versus East contest. On paper it looks like it should be a blowout for Edmonton but the linesmakers have the line at only -7 (Heritage). The short number worries me a bit because the Eskimos are the much better team leading the league in total defense and third in total offense. Ottawa is last in total defense (415 ypg ) and only seventh in total offense averaging just 17 points a game. Plus, the RedBlacks are last in the league in passing yards. I just can't see Ottawa's weak defense handling the league's leading offense (32 ppg) so I'm recommending a play on the Eskimos tonight.
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Other football news.......................
NFL
The Carolina Panthers (12-5 last year) took a curious approach in their quest for the first back-to-back playoff appearances in franchise history. Carolina still have their core players on both sides of the ball, led by quarterback Cam Newton, Middle linebacker Luke Kuechly and defensive ends Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson. But a lot of other pieces from last season's playoff team are missing, particularly in the receiving corps and secondary. The Panthers turned over the entire receiving starters and most of the secondary. The defensive line and linebackers should cover a lot of the deficiencies in the secondary. General manager Dave Gettleman uses the blueprint of the New York Giants, his former employer, in building a defense: loading up the front seven and patching together the secondary. The approach worked last year when the Panthers led the league with 60 sacks and finished second behind Seattle in yards and points. Some concerns on offense with new receivers and a line that might have trouble keeping pass rushers off of Newton. One thing is for sure, Newton has to stay healthy for this team to have any chance of going to the playoffs in consecutive years. I have my doubts.
NCAA
College football is a game of coaches. Even the schools with the richest of traditions, the nicest facilities and the most passionate fans will struggle to win at a high level if the right coach is not in place. When the right coach is in charge of a top program, the results can be quite impressive. Alabama's Nick Saban enters his 8th season with a 79-15 record and three national championships. Six of his 15 losses came in his first season. Urban Meyer went 65-15 with two national titles in six years at Florida. Pete Carroll won 83 games and seven Pac-10 championships in 9 seasons at Southern Cal. And Barry Switzer had an astounding mark of 157-29-4 in 16 seasons as the boss of Oklahoma. Yes Lucy, some of these coaches are worth the money!
Sidenote: Back in 1978-80, Northwestern's Rick Venturi posted a 1-31-1 record. Venturi's three years was an astounding run of incompetence. He never won a Big 10 game.
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Welcome your comments................................
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Other football news.......................
NFL
The Carolina Panthers (12-5 last year) took a curious approach in their quest for the first back-to-back playoff appearances in franchise history. Carolina still have their core players on both sides of the ball, led by quarterback Cam Newton, Middle linebacker Luke Kuechly and defensive ends Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson. But a lot of other pieces from last season's playoff team are missing, particularly in the receiving corps and secondary. The Panthers turned over the entire receiving starters and most of the secondary. The defensive line and linebackers should cover a lot of the deficiencies in the secondary. General manager Dave Gettleman uses the blueprint of the New York Giants, his former employer, in building a defense: loading up the front seven and patching together the secondary. The approach worked last year when the Panthers led the league with 60 sacks and finished second behind Seattle in yards and points. Some concerns on offense with new receivers and a line that might have trouble keeping pass rushers off of Newton. One thing is for sure, Newton has to stay healthy for this team to have any chance of going to the playoffs in consecutive years. I have my doubts.
NCAA
College football is a game of coaches. Even the schools with the richest of traditions, the nicest facilities and the most passionate fans will struggle to win at a high level if the right coach is not in place. When the right coach is in charge of a top program, the results can be quite impressive. Alabama's Nick Saban enters his 8th season with a 79-15 record and three national championships. Six of his 15 losses came in his first season. Urban Meyer went 65-15 with two national titles in six years at Florida. Pete Carroll won 83 games and seven Pac-10 championships in 9 seasons at Southern Cal. And Barry Switzer had an astounding mark of 157-29-4 in 16 seasons as the boss of Oklahoma. Yes Lucy, some of these coaches are worth the money!
Sidenote: Back in 1978-80, Northwestern's Rick Venturi posted a 1-31-1 record. Venturi's three years was an astounding run of incompetence. He never won a Big 10 game.
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Defense ruled the day as Edmonton got by Ottawa 10-8 last night by kicking a field goal with 20 seconds left in the game. The Eskimos improve to 6-1 on the season while the RedBlacks fell to 1-6.
Two games scheduled today as Calgary (5-1) travels to Hamilton (1-5) and Saskatchewan (4-2) hosts visiting Montreal (1-5). No position on either game.
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NFL
The Washington Redskins won only three games last year and were a money burning 5-11 against the spread. Fresh off a 3-13 season, the Redskins are rebuilding once again. With a new coach, several free agent upgrades and hopefully a healthy Robert Griffin, the Skins are good enough to beat any playoff contender and bad enough to lose to the worst of teams. It all comes down to Griffin just like the last two seasons. If healthy, as he was in 2012, the Redskins are NFC East contenders. If not, like last year, 3-13 is possible again. Realistically, Washington is in the 6-10 to 8-8 range. The Skins have enough offense to win any game, but a defense that can lose any game. The team upgraded steadily through free agency and a fresh head coach should erase last year's death march under fired Mike Shanahan. How Gruden adjust to the top job in a new conference is paramount. Fast starts against Houston and Jacksonville would help.
Sidenote: Eight practice games are scheduled today. I lean Baltimore over Dallas and Miami over Tampa Bay in todays action. GL
NCAA
Indiana welcomes back most of an explosive offense that averaged 38 points per game during 2013. Unfortunately, a defense that ranked 121st in the nation allowed more points and yards than the offense was able to muster. Overall, the team has taken baby steps in the three years under Kevin Wilson (1-11, 4-8, 5-7), improving its W/L record each year, but still falling short of a winning season in the Big Ten Conference. The defensive reins have been handed over to Brain Knorr, who spent the last three seasons on the staff at Wake Forest. If he can improve the defense with 9 starters returning, the Hoosiers could be looking at their first winning season since 2007. Last year, Indiana was the only FBS team to rank in the Top 10 in total offense and not go to a bowl game.
Indiana St.....@Bowling Green.....@Missouri.....Maryland.....North Texas.....@Iowa.....Michigan St.....@Michigan.....Penn St.....@Rutgers.....@Ohio St.....Purdue
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Two games scheduled today as Calgary (5-1) travels to Hamilton (1-5) and Saskatchewan (4-2) hosts visiting Montreal (1-5). No position on either game.
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Other football news................
NFL
The Washington Redskins won only three games last year and were a money burning 5-11 against the spread. Fresh off a 3-13 season, the Redskins are rebuilding once again. With a new coach, several free agent upgrades and hopefully a healthy Robert Griffin, the Skins are good enough to beat any playoff contender and bad enough to lose to the worst of teams. It all comes down to Griffin just like the last two seasons. If healthy, as he was in 2012, the Redskins are NFC East contenders. If not, like last year, 3-13 is possible again. Realistically, Washington is in the 6-10 to 8-8 range. The Skins have enough offense to win any game, but a defense that can lose any game. The team upgraded steadily through free agency and a fresh head coach should erase last year's death march under fired Mike Shanahan. How Gruden adjust to the top job in a new conference is paramount. Fast starts against Houston and Jacksonville would help.
Sidenote: Eight practice games are scheduled today. I lean Baltimore over Dallas and Miami over Tampa Bay in todays action. GL
NCAA
Indiana welcomes back most of an explosive offense that averaged 38 points per game during 2013. Unfortunately, a defense that ranked 121st in the nation allowed more points and yards than the offense was able to muster. Overall, the team has taken baby steps in the three years under Kevin Wilson (1-11, 4-8, 5-7), improving its W/L record each year, but still falling short of a winning season in the Big Ten Conference. The defensive reins have been handed over to Brain Knorr, who spent the last three seasons on the staff at Wake Forest. If he can improve the defense with 9 starters returning, the Hoosiers could be looking at their first winning season since 2007. Last year, Indiana was the only FBS team to rank in the Top 10 in total offense and not go to a bowl game.
Indiana St.....@Bowling Green.....@Missouri.....Maryland.....North Texas.....@Iowa.....Michigan St.....@Michigan.....Penn St.....@Rutgers.....@Ohio St.....Purdue
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Toronto will be playing their second game in five days when they host British Columbia tonight. A win would bring the Argonauts back to .500 for the first time since Week 2. Last season they were below .500 only once when they started 1-2, and wound up finishing the season 11-7. With little time to prepare against a stout Lions defense...could be a difficult challenge. British Columbia is 16-2 straight up the last 18 games with Toronto. Reading the total is all about the Under for both teams. The Under has played nine of the past eleven games between the two teams. Going against the trends for this game and lean towards the Over 52/52.5.
Yesterday results: Calgary 30 Hamilton 20 and Saskatchewan 16 Montreal 11.
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NFL
For the second straight draft, no running backs were selected in the first round, an absence not seen since 1963. Over the last five years, a total of seven running backs were first round picks. From 2000-2004, there were 15. From 1985-1989, there were 25. So what's going on in the NFL with running backs. With players bigger, faster and stronger, the guys running the ball now are simply more prone to getting beat up than their predecessors from the previous generations. Teams must constantly develop replacements not only for down the road when the featured runner turns 30 but for in-game breaks to keep him fresh. The committee approach can also help prevent the defense from getting too comfortable with one particular style. The evolution of the passing game, has essentially transformed several running plays per game into short throws. Thus, teams have a hard time justifying paying running backs as their franchise players. Minnesota's Adrian Peterson is the exception at $14 million with Philadelphia's LeSean McCoy the next closest at $9.7 million. The money has been shifting not only toward the quarterbacks, but also the guys paid to protect them or catch their passes. Even the guys that try to sack quarterbacks are making more than running backs.
NCAA
Quarterback Kenny Hill (6-1,215, soph) is taking over for Johnny Football. Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin says that Hill will start for the Aggies in their opener against South Carolina on August 28. Hill beat out five-star freshman recruit Kyle Allen for the job left vacant when 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel left early for the NFL. Sumlin said the competition was close between Hill and Allen and thinks it has make both better players. Hill saw limited action last season, throwing for 183 yards and a touchdown in four games. He was the Texas Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior at Southlake Carroll High School throwing for 2,291 yards and 20 touchdowns, and running for 905 yards and 22 scores.
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Welcome your comments..........................
Yesterday results: Calgary 30 Hamilton 20 and Saskatchewan 16 Montreal 11.
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Other football news.....................
NFL
For the second straight draft, no running backs were selected in the first round, an absence not seen since 1963. Over the last five years, a total of seven running backs were first round picks. From 2000-2004, there were 15. From 1985-1989, there were 25. So what's going on in the NFL with running backs. With players bigger, faster and stronger, the guys running the ball now are simply more prone to getting beat up than their predecessors from the previous generations. Teams must constantly develop replacements not only for down the road when the featured runner turns 30 but for in-game breaks to keep him fresh. The committee approach can also help prevent the defense from getting too comfortable with one particular style. The evolution of the passing game, has essentially transformed several running plays per game into short throws. Thus, teams have a hard time justifying paying running backs as their franchise players. Minnesota's Adrian Peterson is the exception at $14 million with Philadelphia's LeSean McCoy the next closest at $9.7 million. The money has been shifting not only toward the quarterbacks, but also the guys paid to protect them or catch their passes. Even the guys that try to sack quarterbacks are making more than running backs.
NCAA
Quarterback Kenny Hill (6-1,215, soph) is taking over for Johnny Football. Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin says that Hill will start for the Aggies in their opener against South Carolina on August 28. Hill beat out five-star freshman recruit Kyle Allen for the job left vacant when 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel left early for the NFL. Sumlin said the competition was close between Hill and Allen and thinks it has make both better players. Hill saw limited action last season, throwing for 183 yards and a touchdown in four games. He was the Texas Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior at Southlake Carroll High School throwing for 2,291 yards and 20 touchdowns, and running for 905 yards and 22 scores.
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CFL Week 9 *******************************************
West Division
Team.....................W/L...........ATS.............O/U
Calgary..................6-1............5-2..............2-5
Edmonton...............6-1...........4-3..............1-6
Saskatchewan.........5-2............4-3..............2-5
Winnipeg................5-3............5-3..............5-3
British Columbia......5-3............5-3..............2-6
East Division
Team....................W/L............ATS..............O/U
Toronto.................3-5.............3-5...............3-5
Hamilton...............1-6..............3-4..............3-4
Montreal................1-6.............2-5...............2-5
Ottawa..................1-6.............2-5...............4-3
Week 9 Schedule
Friday, August 22
British Columbia @ Toronto
Montreal @ Winnipeg
Saturday, August 23
Toronto @ Edmonton
Sunday, August 24
Calgary @ Ottawa
Saskatchewan @ British Columbia
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Other football news.....................
NFL
Week 2 of the NFL preseason has seen a major turnaround in terms of betting trends heading into the game tonight between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins. After home teams went an impressive 14-2 straight up and 12-3-1 against the spread in Week 1, road teams have bounced back verse the number with a 9-6 against the spread mark despite going 6-9 straight up. Home teams fell to 18-12-1, against the spread preseason after Sunday. Totals have also reversed course with the "overs" going 9-6 in Week 2 following a 13-4 "under" streak through the first 17 games.
NCAA
The Florida Gators are on a "mission" this season after suffering their first losing season since 1979 last year. And talk about a coach on the hot seat...Will Muschamp's posterior is smoldering. Florida's 34-2 straight up mark during the first four games of the season the last nine years fit like a glove next to its 29-7 straight up and 20-12-1 against the spread mark the last three times the Gators managed seven or fewer wins the previous year. I'm thinking the chomp is back with the Gators.
Sidenote: Florida travels to Alabama in Week 4 knowing they are just 1-7-1 against the spread their last nine games against the Tide.
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West Division
Team.....................W/L...........ATS.............O/U
Calgary..................6-1............5-2..............2-5
Edmonton...............6-1...........4-3..............1-6
Saskatchewan.........5-2............4-3..............2-5
Winnipeg................5-3............5-3..............5-3
British Columbia......5-3............5-3..............2-6
East Division
Team....................W/L............ATS..............O/U
Toronto.................3-5.............3-5...............3-5
Hamilton...............1-6..............3-4..............3-4
Montreal................1-6.............2-5...............2-5
Ottawa..................1-6.............2-5...............4-3
Week 9 Schedule
Friday, August 22
British Columbia @ Toronto
Montreal @ Winnipeg
Saturday, August 23
Toronto @ Edmonton
Sunday, August 24
Calgary @ Ottawa
Saskatchewan @ British Columbia
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Other football news.....................
NFL
Week 2 of the NFL preseason has seen a major turnaround in terms of betting trends heading into the game tonight between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins. After home teams went an impressive 14-2 straight up and 12-3-1 against the spread in Week 1, road teams have bounced back verse the number with a 9-6 against the spread mark despite going 6-9 straight up. Home teams fell to 18-12-1, against the spread preseason after Sunday. Totals have also reversed course with the "overs" going 9-6 in Week 2 following a 13-4 "under" streak through the first 17 games.
NCAA
The Florida Gators are on a "mission" this season after suffering their first losing season since 1979 last year. And talk about a coach on the hot seat...Will Muschamp's posterior is smoldering. Florida's 34-2 straight up mark during the first four games of the season the last nine years fit like a glove next to its 29-7 straight up and 20-12-1 against the spread mark the last three times the Gators managed seven or fewer wins the previous year. I'm thinking the chomp is back with the Gators.
Sidenote: Florida travels to Alabama in Week 4 knowing they are just 1-7-1 against the spread their last nine games against the Tide.
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Welcome your comments..................
Toronto is just 3-5 both straight up and against the spread this season, but that is good enough to hold down a two-game lead in the watered down East Division over the other three teams. Ricky Ray continues to play at a high level at quarterback with the second most passing yards in the CFL (1,984) and solid completion of 69.5 percent, but the Argonauts have been plagued by a porous defense that is allowing an average of 26 points per game. Toronto is 4-9-1 ATS in their last 15 games and just 3-7 SU their last ten. On Saturday, the Argos travel west to Edmonton where they have gotten the best of it in this series recently. Knowing fatigue could be a factor as they will be playing their third game in just 12 days, especially given the fact that they will be playing a West Division team on the road. I like Edmonton at home in this one.
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Other football news.................
NFL
St. Louis has a strong defensive line, good special teams, playmakers at wide receiver and running back, and a tough, veteran head coach in Jeff Fisher. All they seem to need is a quarterback. After going 11-3 against the spread as a dog with St. Louis in 2012, Fisher regressed to 4-8 last year. The team is likely to be getting points in at least 12 games this season. Quarterback Sam Bradford is almost sure to start the season, and that makes the Rams a good go-against team right from the beginning. They open September 7 against Minnesota where they are 1-3 ATS the last four games.
Sidenote: The Rams are 1-31 straight up and 7-25 ATS as division home dogs of 3 or more points.
NCAA
The Sun Belt Conference will have its fourth different lineup of teams in four years this fall, but one thing remains constant. Arkansas State and Louisiana (ULL) look to compete for the title.
1. Louisiana: Coach Mark Hudspeth's (27-12) fourth team is his deepest yet. Arkansas State comes to Lafayette.
2. Arkansas State: Fifth new head coach in five years. Playmakers at RB and WR...need new QB to step up.
3. So Alabama: Eight returning starters on offense that features playmakers at skilled positions.
4. Troy: Aside from QB, there is a good nucleus returning on offense...need improvement on defense.
5. LA-Monroe: QB Kolton Browning's 4 year run has ended, and the O-line is rebuilding.
6. Texas State: The defense has issues up front and in the secondary.
7. Georgia Southern: New conference team with new head coach.
8. Appalachian St: New conference team with a lot of holes to fill.
9. Georgia State: Should be playing Division II football.
10. Idaho: Should be playing Division II football.
11. New Mexico St: Should be playing Division II football.
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Other football news.................
NFL
St. Louis has a strong defensive line, good special teams, playmakers at wide receiver and running back, and a tough, veteran head coach in Jeff Fisher. All they seem to need is a quarterback. After going 11-3 against the spread as a dog with St. Louis in 2012, Fisher regressed to 4-8 last year. The team is likely to be getting points in at least 12 games this season. Quarterback Sam Bradford is almost sure to start the season, and that makes the Rams a good go-against team right from the beginning. They open September 7 against Minnesota where they are 1-3 ATS the last four games.
Sidenote: The Rams are 1-31 straight up and 7-25 ATS as division home dogs of 3 or more points.
NCAA
The Sun Belt Conference will have its fourth different lineup of teams in four years this fall, but one thing remains constant. Arkansas State and Louisiana (ULL) look to compete for the title.
1. Louisiana: Coach Mark Hudspeth's (27-12) fourth team is his deepest yet. Arkansas State comes to Lafayette.
2. Arkansas State: Fifth new head coach in five years. Playmakers at RB and WR...need new QB to step up.
3. So Alabama: Eight returning starters on offense that features playmakers at skilled positions.
4. Troy: Aside from QB, there is a good nucleus returning on offense...need improvement on defense.
5. LA-Monroe: QB Kolton Browning's 4 year run has ended, and the O-line is rebuilding.
6. Texas State: The defense has issues up front and in the secondary.
7. Georgia Southern: New conference team with new head coach.
8. Appalachian St: New conference team with a lot of holes to fill.
9. Georgia State: Should be playing Division II football.
10. Idaho: Should be playing Division II football.
11. New Mexico St: Should be playing Division II football.
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Welcome your comments.....................
Saskatchewan did not look like defending Grey Cup Champs to start the season, but its current four-game straight up winning streak by a combined score of 114-51 has the Roughriders back in form at 5-2 SU and 4-3 ATS. Quarterback Darian Durant has done a good job at managing the offense during the impressive run, but the primary strength of the team has been a defense that has not given up more than 17 points in any of those four wins.
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NFL
The Arizona Cardinals should be better this season, but it will be hard to improve upon last season's 10-6 record. The NFC West is the NFL's most difficult division. Offensive deficiencies have been addressed, and the group should be better just because it's the second year in Bruce Arians' system. If Carson Palmer can finish with at least 10 more touchdowns than interceptions, the Cardinals should be in the playoffs. The offensive line lacks experience and it's going to take a while for it to grow as a unit. How quickly it develops will play a huge role this season. On defense, the Cardinals should be tough again. That unit, however, needs to play better early in games.
NCAA
Kansas State is 316-530-1 with any coach other than Bill Snyder. With Snyder, the Wildcats are 178-90-1 including four divisional championships, two conference championships, 12 national rankings and 7 seasons with 11 or more wins. After last season's 8-5 record...sleep on Kansas State at your own risk. This year's edition looks like a stronger team than a year ago. Even though Snyder is older than our three last Presidents...he shows no signs of slowing down. Bill Snyder is a great football coach and he's proved it during his 22 years in Manhattan. Beware non-conference opponents (Auburn), Snyder is 64-4 versus non-conference teams at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Stephen F. Austin.....@Iowa State.....Auburn.....UTEP.....Texas Tech.....@Oklahoma.....Texas.....Oklahoma State.....@TCU.....@West Virginia.....Kansas.....@Baylor
Sidenote: Including last season's 8-4 against the spread mark, Snyder is a money winning 138-95-1 (59%) during his career at Kansas State. Damn strong!!
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Other football news.................
NFL
The Arizona Cardinals should be better this season, but it will be hard to improve upon last season's 10-6 record. The NFC West is the NFL's most difficult division. Offensive deficiencies have been addressed, and the group should be better just because it's the second year in Bruce Arians' system. If Carson Palmer can finish with at least 10 more touchdowns than interceptions, the Cardinals should be in the playoffs. The offensive line lacks experience and it's going to take a while for it to grow as a unit. How quickly it develops will play a huge role this season. On defense, the Cardinals should be tough again. That unit, however, needs to play better early in games.
NCAA
Kansas State is 316-530-1 with any coach other than Bill Snyder. With Snyder, the Wildcats are 178-90-1 including four divisional championships, two conference championships, 12 national rankings and 7 seasons with 11 or more wins. After last season's 8-5 record...sleep on Kansas State at your own risk. This year's edition looks like a stronger team than a year ago. Even though Snyder is older than our three last Presidents...he shows no signs of slowing down. Bill Snyder is a great football coach and he's proved it during his 22 years in Manhattan. Beware non-conference opponents (Auburn), Snyder is 64-4 versus non-conference teams at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Stephen F. Austin.....@Iowa State.....Auburn.....UTEP.....Texas Tech.....@Oklahoma.....Texas.....Oklahoma State.....@TCU.....@West Virginia.....Kansas.....@Baylor
Sidenote: Including last season's 8-4 against the spread mark, Snyder is a money winning 138-95-1 (59%) during his career at Kansas State. Damn strong!!
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British Columbia has built a bit of momentum heading into a West Division clash with Saskatchewan with a three game winning streak both straight up and against the spread. Its most impressive victory this season started this run in a 25-24 win over Calgary as a 4 point underdog. Quarterback Travis Lulay is almost 100 percent after a shoulder injury kept him on the Six-Week IR list to start the season, but the Lions have the option to stick with Kevin Glenn for this game. Glenn has thrown for 1,797 yards and 8 touchdowns in relief.
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Other football news....................
NFL
Three active quarterbacks are ranked in the NFL's top-10 all-time passing yards leaders. Peyton Manning (38 yrs old), Tom Brady (37) and Drew Brews (35) are the quarterbacks still adding to their totals. If Manning plays two or more seasons, it is likely he will become the all-time leader overtaking retired Brett Favre. Barring injury, its almost a sure thing for Manning who passed for 5,477 yards last year. Here's the all-time top ten in passing yards.
1. Brett Favre (71,838)
2. PEYTON MANNING (64,964)
3. Dan Marino (61,361)
4. John Elway (51,475)
5. DREW BREES (51,081)
6. Warren Moon (49,325)
7. TOM BRADY (49,149)
8. Fran Tarkenton (47,003)
9. Vinny Testaverde (44,611)
10. Drew Bledsoe (44,611)
Manning should also break Brett Favre's all time touchdown mark this season. He has 491, just 17 short of Favre's NFL record of 508. If Drew Brees can play five more seasons and stay healthy, he could improve his standings a great deal.
NCAA
PLAY ON any team in Game Four at home who's off to a 1-2 start if they are off a win and were a bowl team last year. These teams seem to react with urgency at home in these critical games, going 31-9 straight up and 25-8-1 against the spread. Rather than falling into an inescapable 1-3 hole, bowl teams realize their best chance to go bowling again is to right the ship immediately.
Sidenote: Nick Saban is 77-51 (60%) against the spread against Non-Ranked opponents, whether inside or outside the conference. In the talent laden SEC, a ranked opponent is the norm but there should still be opportunities to play this. West Virginia, Florida Atlantic, Southern Miss, Arkansas and West Carolina would qualify at this writing.
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Tip of the Hat: Michigan State's MARK DANTONIO has won at least 11 games in three of the last four seasons. Last year, his Spartans won its first Rose Bowl since the 1987 season and finished ranked in the top three for the first time since 1966.
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Other football news....................
NFL
Three active quarterbacks are ranked in the NFL's top-10 all-time passing yards leaders. Peyton Manning (38 yrs old), Tom Brady (37) and Drew Brews (35) are the quarterbacks still adding to their totals. If Manning plays two or more seasons, it is likely he will become the all-time leader overtaking retired Brett Favre. Barring injury, its almost a sure thing for Manning who passed for 5,477 yards last year. Here's the all-time top ten in passing yards.
1. Brett Favre (71,838)
2. PEYTON MANNING (64,964)
3. Dan Marino (61,361)
4. John Elway (51,475)
5. DREW BREES (51,081)
6. Warren Moon (49,325)
7. TOM BRADY (49,149)
8. Fran Tarkenton (47,003)
9. Vinny Testaverde (44,611)
10. Drew Bledsoe (44,611)
Manning should also break Brett Favre's all time touchdown mark this season. He has 491, just 17 short of Favre's NFL record of 508. If Drew Brees can play five more seasons and stay healthy, he could improve his standings a great deal.
NCAA
PLAY ON any team in Game Four at home who's off to a 1-2 start if they are off a win and were a bowl team last year. These teams seem to react with urgency at home in these critical games, going 31-9 straight up and 25-8-1 against the spread. Rather than falling into an inescapable 1-3 hole, bowl teams realize their best chance to go bowling again is to right the ship immediately.
Sidenote: Nick Saban is 77-51 (60%) against the spread against Non-Ranked opponents, whether inside or outside the conference. In the talent laden SEC, a ranked opponent is the norm but there should still be opportunities to play this. West Virginia, Florida Atlantic, Southern Miss, Arkansas and West Carolina would qualify at this writing.
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Tip of the Hat: Michigan State's MARK DANTONIO has won at least 11 games in three of the last four seasons. Last year, his Spartans won its first Rose Bowl since the 1987 season and finished ranked in the top three for the first time since 1966.
Tonight against Montreal, Winnipeg -7 is facing a team that has had no shortage of offensive woes in 2014. The Alouettes (1-6) are at the bottom of league rankings in yards generated per game...and at 247.6 are the only team at less than 300. Injuries are forcing two defensive changes for Winnipeg (5-3). Defensive end Jason Viga and linebacker Ejiro Kuale are both out for tonight's game. On offense, slotback Nick Moore will return after missing three weeks giving the Blue Bombers their a-list receivers for the first time since Week 1. Winnipeg edge Montreal 34-33 as a 3 point dog in their first meeting this year back on July 11. The Bombers are 7-3 ATS against Montreal the past 10 games. I take no position on this one.
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Other football news....................
NFL
Despite a 40 percent completion percentage, 57.9 rating and seeming to buckle under the pressure this month. It will be Brian Hoyer who will lead the Cleveland Browns, his hometown team, onto the field for the September 7 opener against archrival Pittsburgh Steelers. Hoyer won the battle to start over Johnny Manziel, however, in Cleveland that usually only guarantees one game. After all, the Browns have had 20 starting quarterbacks since 1999. Hoyer is the 12th quarterback to start the opener, a damning indictment toward a franchise that has only made the playoffs once in its expansion era.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jordan Norwood tore his left ACL in practice Wednesday, ending what was shaping up as one of the league's best comeback stories. Norwood was trying to catch a sideline pass from Peyton Manning when Houston cornerback Brandon Harris broke it up. Norwood landed awkwardly and was carted off the field. The fifth year pro was Denver's most consistent punt returner and had worked his way into the receiver rotation.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway has been bothered by a sore right wrist, prompting coach Mike Zimmer to limit him in practices. Greenway played all 16 games for the seventh straight season in 2013. Greenway sprained that wrist and later broke it in two places. That's why the Vikings are being cautious with this situation.
NCAA
Illinois has named former Oklahoma State transfer Wes Lunt its starting quarterback. Lunt earned the starting job with the Cowboys as a true freshman in 2012, but lost it after going down with an injury. In his six games with Oklahoma State, he threw for 1,108 yards, 6 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He had been competing with senior Reilly O'Toole and sophomore Aaron Bailey for the job with Illinois. Until the Fighting Illini defense plays better (35.4 ppg) than it did last year...it won't make much difference how Lunt plays.
Steve Spurrier created a little buzz recently when he said star running back Mike Davis might not play against Texas A&M in the opener because of injured ribs. Davis has missed several days of practice and according to Spurrier, its possible he won't play opening night. At first I thought the ole ball coach was playing games with Texas A&M but I'm not so sure now. Davis is the key to South Carolina's running game. He finished fourth in the SEC last season with 1,183 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Big hit to the Gamecock offense if he can't play. Story worth following if you're taking a position on the game.
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Tip of the Hat: DAVID SHAW, the first time head coach has kept Stanford as an elite program in three seasons, leading the Cardinal to three BCS games and two Pac 12 titles.
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Other football news....................
NFL
Despite a 40 percent completion percentage, 57.9 rating and seeming to buckle under the pressure this month. It will be Brian Hoyer who will lead the Cleveland Browns, his hometown team, onto the field for the September 7 opener against archrival Pittsburgh Steelers. Hoyer won the battle to start over Johnny Manziel, however, in Cleveland that usually only guarantees one game. After all, the Browns have had 20 starting quarterbacks since 1999. Hoyer is the 12th quarterback to start the opener, a damning indictment toward a franchise that has only made the playoffs once in its expansion era.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jordan Norwood tore his left ACL in practice Wednesday, ending what was shaping up as one of the league's best comeback stories. Norwood was trying to catch a sideline pass from Peyton Manning when Houston cornerback Brandon Harris broke it up. Norwood landed awkwardly and was carted off the field. The fifth year pro was Denver's most consistent punt returner and had worked his way into the receiver rotation.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway has been bothered by a sore right wrist, prompting coach Mike Zimmer to limit him in practices. Greenway played all 16 games for the seventh straight season in 2013. Greenway sprained that wrist and later broke it in two places. That's why the Vikings are being cautious with this situation.
NCAA
Illinois has named former Oklahoma State transfer Wes Lunt its starting quarterback. Lunt earned the starting job with the Cowboys as a true freshman in 2012, but lost it after going down with an injury. In his six games with Oklahoma State, he threw for 1,108 yards, 6 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He had been competing with senior Reilly O'Toole and sophomore Aaron Bailey for the job with Illinois. Until the Fighting Illini defense plays better (35.4 ppg) than it did last year...it won't make much difference how Lunt plays.
Steve Spurrier created a little buzz recently when he said star running back Mike Davis might not play against Texas A&M in the opener because of injured ribs. Davis has missed several days of practice and according to Spurrier, its possible he won't play opening night. At first I thought the ole ball coach was playing games with Texas A&M but I'm not so sure now. Davis is the key to South Carolina's running game. He finished fourth in the SEC last season with 1,183 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Big hit to the Gamecock offense if he can't play. Story worth following if you're taking a position on the game.
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Tip of the Hat: DAVID SHAW, the first time head coach has kept Stanford as an elite program in three seasons, leading the Cardinal to three BCS games and two Pac 12 titles.
CFL
Last night Winnipeg outlasted Montreal 24-16. Today, Toronto visits Edmonton for an afternoon game as a 7 point dog. The Argonauts went 2-0 straight up in their first two games against the Eskimos last season, with each team picking up an ATS victory for their supporters. The OVER has paid out for totals bettors in each of the last 3 games between the two teams. However, both teams combined have played 3-10 over/under this season. The total is set at 48.5 and I love the fact Edmonton is giving up only 15 points per game.
Sidenote: In 2014, the league-wide average yards gained per pass attempt is at a 25-year low of 7.5 yards per catch. The CFL interception rate is just 2.74 percent or one interception every 36 throws...the lowest rate in CFL history.
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Other football news.....................
NFL
Philadelphia head coach Chip Kelly has infused this club with energy and set the Eagles up as a team to beat in 2014. Quarterback Nick Foles (29 tds, 4 ints) is the real deal, and running back/kick returner Darren Sproles is a great addition. Philly rolled up over 400 yards of offense in 12 regular season games last year. If their defense improves, watch out. Kelly is 4-1 SU and ATS as a dog, and could be getting points in road trips to Green Bay and San Francisco. Being high on the Eagles this season comes with some caution. There will be a heavy price to pay in the form of inflated lines, so pick your spots wisely.
Eight practice games scheduled today. The one that I like is the Saints visiting the Colts. Lean the small number with Indy.
NCAA
I'm picking South Carolina to win the East Division and Alabama to win the West in the Southeastern Conference this year.
Why South Carolina?
Like him or hate him, coach Steve Spurrier has quietly turned the Gamecocks into a national power with three consecutive 11-win seasons. Although the Gamecocks usually find a way to mess up by losing a game they shouldn't and they are replacing a few key players, the schedule points to an SEC East title. A road game at Auburn could be the deciding factor on whether South Carolina will be playing in Atlanta for the SEC championship. If not the Gamecocks, then who? It's doubtful Missouri will have the same run as last season. Georgia is the logical pick to overtake South Carolina, but the Dawgs seem to be another one of those teams that are always on the cusp of greatness and fall short. Sleeper is Florida!
Why Alabama?
Talent and schedule. The Crimson Tide again dodges the top teams from the East and Nick Saban has amassed perhaps the most talent in the country. Road games at LSU and Ole Miss will be tough and Tennessee is better, but getting Auburn, Florida and Mississippi State at home is huge. Unless the quarterbacks implode, Alabama is primed for a run at the national championship. Why not last year's SEC champs Auburn? Pure and simple, a brutal schedule awaits the Tigers, who likely will be better than last year's team. Unlike Alabama, Auburn draws South Carolina and Georgia from the East. Playing at Ole Miss and Mississippi State will be tough, and so will a game at Kansas State in mid-September. If Auburn can weave its way through this schedule, it should be given a bye into the national championship game.
Sidenote: Alabama allowed the fewest touchdowns (14) in the nation last year.
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Tip of the Hat: URBAN MEYER has engineered turnarounds at all four stops in his career. The Buckeyes lost the final two games of the 2013 season, but Meyer (24-2) has Ohio State on a Big Ten title trajectory, even after losing his quarterback this season.
Last night Winnipeg outlasted Montreal 24-16. Today, Toronto visits Edmonton for an afternoon game as a 7 point dog. The Argonauts went 2-0 straight up in their first two games against the Eskimos last season, with each team picking up an ATS victory for their supporters. The OVER has paid out for totals bettors in each of the last 3 games between the two teams. However, both teams combined have played 3-10 over/under this season. The total is set at 48.5 and I love the fact Edmonton is giving up only 15 points per game.
Sidenote: In 2014, the league-wide average yards gained per pass attempt is at a 25-year low of 7.5 yards per catch. The CFL interception rate is just 2.74 percent or one interception every 36 throws...the lowest rate in CFL history.
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Other football news.....................
NFL
Philadelphia head coach Chip Kelly has infused this club with energy and set the Eagles up as a team to beat in 2014. Quarterback Nick Foles (29 tds, 4 ints) is the real deal, and running back/kick returner Darren Sproles is a great addition. Philly rolled up over 400 yards of offense in 12 regular season games last year. If their defense improves, watch out. Kelly is 4-1 SU and ATS as a dog, and could be getting points in road trips to Green Bay and San Francisco. Being high on the Eagles this season comes with some caution. There will be a heavy price to pay in the form of inflated lines, so pick your spots wisely.
Eight practice games scheduled today. The one that I like is the Saints visiting the Colts. Lean the small number with Indy.
NCAA
I'm picking South Carolina to win the East Division and Alabama to win the West in the Southeastern Conference this year.
Why South Carolina?
Like him or hate him, coach Steve Spurrier has quietly turned the Gamecocks into a national power with three consecutive 11-win seasons. Although the Gamecocks usually find a way to mess up by losing a game they shouldn't and they are replacing a few key players, the schedule points to an SEC East title. A road game at Auburn could be the deciding factor on whether South Carolina will be playing in Atlanta for the SEC championship. If not the Gamecocks, then who? It's doubtful Missouri will have the same run as last season. Georgia is the logical pick to overtake South Carolina, but the Dawgs seem to be another one of those teams that are always on the cusp of greatness and fall short. Sleeper is Florida!
Why Alabama?
Talent and schedule. The Crimson Tide again dodges the top teams from the East and Nick Saban has amassed perhaps the most talent in the country. Road games at LSU and Ole Miss will be tough and Tennessee is better, but getting Auburn, Florida and Mississippi State at home is huge. Unless the quarterbacks implode, Alabama is primed for a run at the national championship. Why not last year's SEC champs Auburn? Pure and simple, a brutal schedule awaits the Tigers, who likely will be better than last year's team. Unlike Alabama, Auburn draws South Carolina and Georgia from the East. Playing at Ole Miss and Mississippi State will be tough, and so will a game at Kansas State in mid-September. If Auburn can weave its way through this schedule, it should be given a bye into the national championship game.
Sidenote: Alabama allowed the fewest touchdowns (14) in the nation last year.
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Tip of the Hat: URBAN MEYER has engineered turnarounds at all four stops in his career. The Buckeyes lost the final two games of the 2013 season, but Meyer (24-2) has Ohio State on a Big Ten title trajectory, even after losing his quarterback this season.
Yeah Indy...football is finally here. Saturday I watched a high school game (Miami Central, Fla. vs Hoover, B'ham Ala) then I watched a college game (Sam Houston vs Eastern Washington) then an NFL game last night (Saints vs Colts). Yep, the season has certainly started for me.
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CFL
Tonight the Saskatchewan Roughriders travel to face the British Columbia Lions to close out Week 9. The Under continues to be the play for total bettors in games between these two teams. The Lions topped the Roughriders 26-13 as a 5 point road underdog on the CFL odds in the first meeting of the season between the two teams on July 12. That was the ninth UNDER result in the past ten games between the teams.
Sidenote: British Columbia's general manager has made a big deal out of guaranteeing a win in tonight's game. We shall see!
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Other football news...............
NFL
As is the case every year, the Green Bay Packers are a threat because of quarterback Aaron Rogers. Rogers turned 30 in December. After six years as a starter, he has been to the playoffs five times and won a Super Bowl. Healthy again after missing seven games due to a broken left collarbone, Rogers is in better condition this camp than before and fully prepared to pick up his game. Last year, he finished with a passer rating of 104.9, which was the lowest in three seasons.
The Packers have made a few changes on defense and retooled the offense with a solid draft class. The key is health. They can't keep patching together lineups and expect to win. Avoid injury and they'll be right on the tails of Seattle and San Francisco.
NCAA
The Florida Gators should be a much better team in 2014 based on the number of starters returning from injury. The Gators had 29 scholarship players miss snaps last year, with 23 missing entire games and 15 suffering season ending injuries. The offense had a different starting lineup for each of its 12 games. With the returning talent from an underrated defense and a healthy offense rejuvenated by the addition of new coordinator Kurt Roper, the Gators could easily emerge as the team to beat in the SEC this season. An early season matchup with Alabama, followed by Georgia and South Carolina in a three game span and the regular season finale against Florida State are the biggest challenges in an otherwise relatively easy schedule, considering the reputation of the conference. Don't overlook the Gators, who could prove to be the surprise team in the conference.
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Tip Of The Hat: Florida's new offensive coordinator Kurt Roper brings plenty of experience along with optimism for improved production in 2014. Roper comes to Gainesville from Duke, where the Blue Devils broke more than 100 school records and 8 conference records during his stay. Previously, he was the Ole Miss passing game coordinator when Eli Manning was the quarterback and before that running backs coach at Tennessee.
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CFL
Tonight the Saskatchewan Roughriders travel to face the British Columbia Lions to close out Week 9. The Under continues to be the play for total bettors in games between these two teams. The Lions topped the Roughriders 26-13 as a 5 point road underdog on the CFL odds in the first meeting of the season between the two teams on July 12. That was the ninth UNDER result in the past ten games between the teams.
Sidenote: British Columbia's general manager has made a big deal out of guaranteeing a win in tonight's game. We shall see!
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Other football news...............
NFL
As is the case every year, the Green Bay Packers are a threat because of quarterback Aaron Rogers. Rogers turned 30 in December. After six years as a starter, he has been to the playoffs five times and won a Super Bowl. Healthy again after missing seven games due to a broken left collarbone, Rogers is in better condition this camp than before and fully prepared to pick up his game. Last year, he finished with a passer rating of 104.9, which was the lowest in three seasons.
The Packers have made a few changes on defense and retooled the offense with a solid draft class. The key is health. They can't keep patching together lineups and expect to win. Avoid injury and they'll be right on the tails of Seattle and San Francisco.
NCAA
The Florida Gators should be a much better team in 2014 based on the number of starters returning from injury. The Gators had 29 scholarship players miss snaps last year, with 23 missing entire games and 15 suffering season ending injuries. The offense had a different starting lineup for each of its 12 games. With the returning talent from an underrated defense and a healthy offense rejuvenated by the addition of new coordinator Kurt Roper, the Gators could easily emerge as the team to beat in the SEC this season. An early season matchup with Alabama, followed by Georgia and South Carolina in a three game span and the regular season finale against Florida State are the biggest challenges in an otherwise relatively easy schedule, considering the reputation of the conference. Don't overlook the Gators, who could prove to be the surprise team in the conference.
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Tip Of The Hat: Florida's new offensive coordinator Kurt Roper brings plenty of experience along with optimism for improved production in 2014. Roper comes to Gainesville from Duke, where the Blue Devils broke more than 100 school records and 8 conference records during his stay. Previously, he was the Ole Miss passing game coordinator when Eli Manning was the quarterback and before that running backs coach at Tennessee.
WEEK 10************************************************************
West Division Standings
Team.....................W/L......Home......Away......Streak
Calgary..................7-1........3-1.........4-0..........W3
Edmonton...............7-1.......3-1..........4-0..........W3
Saskatchewan.........6-2.......3-1..........3-1..........W5
Winnipeg................6-3........3-2.........3-1..........W1
British Columbia......5-4........2-3.........3-1...........L1
East Division Standings
Team.....................W/L.......Home......Away......Streak
Toronto..................3-6.........2-2.........1-4.........L2
Hamilton.................1-6........1-2..........0-4........L3
Ottawa...................1-7.........1-3.........0-4.........L5
Montreal.................1-7.........1-3.........0-4.........L6
Week 10 Schedule
Fri. 8/29: Ottawa @ Montreal
Sun. 8/31: Winnipeg @ Saskatchewan
Mon. 10/1: Toronto @ Hamilton
Mon. 10/1: Edmonton @ Calgary
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Other football news.................
NFL
After the St. Louis Rams confirmed that starting quarterback Sam Bradford will miss the entire season with a torn ACL, Rams coach Jeff Fisher said the team has "all the confidence in the world" in backup Shaun Hill. (Liar!!) The Rams are talking with Philadelphia about a possible trade for Eagles backup Mark Sanchez.
NCAA
Michigan State looks to defend its Big Ten Conference championship and Rose Bowl victory while battling for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Spartans have the pieces to mount another run toward a top-five finish. QB Connor Cook returns for his second full season as the starter. Cook is one of 15 returning starters and 46 returning letterman from a team that claimed a school record 13 wins, including all nine Big Ten victories by 10 or more points. Michigan State has the personnel and the mentality to be rock solid again this season. Button up Oregon!
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Tip Of The Hat: STEVE SPURRIER won an ACC title at Duke, turned Florida into a national power and has won 33 games the past three seasons at South Carolina.
West Division Standings
Team.....................W/L......Home......Away......Streak
Calgary..................7-1........3-1.........4-0..........W3
Edmonton...............7-1.......3-1..........4-0..........W3
Saskatchewan.........6-2.......3-1..........3-1..........W5
Winnipeg................6-3........3-2.........3-1..........W1
British Columbia......5-4........2-3.........3-1...........L1
East Division Standings
Team.....................W/L.......Home......Away......Streak
Toronto..................3-6.........2-2.........1-4.........L2
Hamilton.................1-6........1-2..........0-4........L3
Ottawa...................1-7.........1-3.........0-4.........L5
Montreal.................1-7.........1-3.........0-4.........L6
Week 10 Schedule
Fri. 8/29: Ottawa @ Montreal
Sun. 8/31: Winnipeg @ Saskatchewan
Mon. 10/1: Toronto @ Hamilton
Mon. 10/1: Edmonton @ Calgary
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Other football news.................
NFL
After the St. Louis Rams confirmed that starting quarterback Sam Bradford will miss the entire season with a torn ACL, Rams coach Jeff Fisher said the team has "all the confidence in the world" in backup Shaun Hill. (Liar!!) The Rams are talking with Philadelphia about a possible trade for Eagles backup Mark Sanchez.
NCAA
Michigan State looks to defend its Big Ten Conference championship and Rose Bowl victory while battling for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Spartans have the pieces to mount another run toward a top-five finish. QB Connor Cook returns for his second full season as the starter. Cook is one of 15 returning starters and 46 returning letterman from a team that claimed a school record 13 wins, including all nine Big Ten victories by 10 or more points. Michigan State has the personnel and the mentality to be rock solid again this season. Button up Oregon!
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Tip Of The Hat: STEVE SPURRIER won an ACC title at Duke, turned Florida into a national power and has won 33 games the past three seasons at South Carolina.
CFL
To this point, the 2014 CFL season has been marked by inter-division matchups dominated by the West. Now, however, things are starting to really get interesting. While there are still a few more East-West showdowns, the vast majority of the remaining schedule will be played within the divisions. That means things will even out on both sides, as some of the power house West teams will start to lose, while East teams will finally start to move forward.
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Other football news....................
NFL
Quarterback Cam Newton will miss the Carolina Panthers' final preseason game after an MRI on Sunday revealed a hairline fracture. Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Newton will be evaluated at the end of the week, but expects the two time pro-bowl quarterback will be ready for Carolina's September 7 regular season opener against Tampa Bay. Newton was hit after scrambling from the pocket in a game Friday night against New England.
NCAA
Louisiana State has lost a total of six games the last two seasons. The last time the Tigers did that, the following season, they went 13-0 and won the SEC title before losing to Alabama in a rematch in the national title game. LSU enters the season on a three game winning streak that includes a 21-14 win over Iowa in the Outback Bowl. Last season, LSU was 7-0 at home, 1-3 on the road. The Tigers lost two of those three games by a total of six points...44-41 at Georgia and 27-24 at Ole Miss.
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Tip OF The Hat: RX Moderators BETALLSPORTS AND JOH for their work in the College and NFL football contests hear at the forum.
To this point, the 2014 CFL season has been marked by inter-division matchups dominated by the West. Now, however, things are starting to really get interesting. While there are still a few more East-West showdowns, the vast majority of the remaining schedule will be played within the divisions. That means things will even out on both sides, as some of the power house West teams will start to lose, while East teams will finally start to move forward.
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Other football news....................
NFL
Quarterback Cam Newton will miss the Carolina Panthers' final preseason game after an MRI on Sunday revealed a hairline fracture. Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Newton will be evaluated at the end of the week, but expects the two time pro-bowl quarterback will be ready for Carolina's September 7 regular season opener against Tampa Bay. Newton was hit after scrambling from the pocket in a game Friday night against New England.
NCAA
Louisiana State has lost a total of six games the last two seasons. The last time the Tigers did that, the following season, they went 13-0 and won the SEC title before losing to Alabama in a rematch in the national title game. LSU enters the season on a three game winning streak that includes a 21-14 win over Iowa in the Outback Bowl. Last season, LSU was 7-0 at home, 1-3 on the road. The Tigers lost two of those three games by a total of six points...44-41 at Georgia and 27-24 at Ole Miss.
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Tip OF The Hat: RX Moderators BETALLSPORTS AND JOH for their work in the College and NFL football contests hear at the forum.
CFL
Joe West, Dexter McCoil and Tim Brown were honored as Week 9 Players of the Week.
Offensive Player of the Week: Joe West, WR, Calgary. West caught four passed for season high 120 yards in win over Ottawa. On the season, he is averaging 24 yards per catch.
Defensive Player of the Week: Dexter McCoil, LB, Edmonton. McCoil had two interceptions, scored two touchdowns and added five tackles in win over Edmonton.
Special Team Player of the Week: Tim Brown, KR, British Columbia. Collected 277 combined return yards, including a 75 yard punt return for a touchdown in loss to Saskatchewan.
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Other football news..............
NFL
2013 against the spread information.
All Home Dogs: 40-45 ATS (47%)
All Home Favorites: 94-76 ATS (55.2%)
All Road Dogs: 97-95 ATS (50.5%)
All Road Favorites: 48-44 ATS (52.1%)
Home Teams: 134-121 ATS (52.5%)
Road Teams: 135-139 ATS (49.2%)
NCAA
It's opening week, and the biggest question for Alabama remains unanswered. Coach Nick Saban did not name a starting quarterback Monday. He might announce a decision in the next few days, but he also could go with a game time decision for Saturday's season opener in Atlanta against West Virginia. Saban said neither senior Blake Sims or junior Jake Coker has won the job outright. Rotating quarterbacks for a few games to help decide isn't planned, but it could happen, according to Saban. Alabama did that in 2011 as AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims rotated quarters until McCarron won the job. Whoever Saban picks to start will keep going until he struggles and gives way to a reliever. If he does well, he might not come out. Alabama has three games to settle on a quarterback before hosting Florida to begin the conference schedule.
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Tip Of The Hat: DAVID CUTCLIFFE the veteran coach led Duke to a 10 win season, a division title and back-to-back bowl games. At Duke!
Joe West, Dexter McCoil and Tim Brown were honored as Week 9 Players of the Week.
Offensive Player of the Week: Joe West, WR, Calgary. West caught four passed for season high 120 yards in win over Ottawa. On the season, he is averaging 24 yards per catch.
Defensive Player of the Week: Dexter McCoil, LB, Edmonton. McCoil had two interceptions, scored two touchdowns and added five tackles in win over Edmonton.
Special Team Player of the Week: Tim Brown, KR, British Columbia. Collected 277 combined return yards, including a 75 yard punt return for a touchdown in loss to Saskatchewan.
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Other football news..............
NFL
2013 against the spread information.
All Home Dogs: 40-45 ATS (47%)
All Home Favorites: 94-76 ATS (55.2%)
All Road Dogs: 97-95 ATS (50.5%)
All Road Favorites: 48-44 ATS (52.1%)
Home Teams: 134-121 ATS (52.5%)
Road Teams: 135-139 ATS (49.2%)
NCAA
It's opening week, and the biggest question for Alabama remains unanswered. Coach Nick Saban did not name a starting quarterback Monday. He might announce a decision in the next few days, but he also could go with a game time decision for Saturday's season opener in Atlanta against West Virginia. Saban said neither senior Blake Sims or junior Jake Coker has won the job outright. Rotating quarterbacks for a few games to help decide isn't planned, but it could happen, according to Saban. Alabama did that in 2011 as AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims rotated quarters until McCarron won the job. Whoever Saban picks to start will keep going until he struggles and gives way to a reliever. If he does well, he might not come out. Alabama has three games to settle on a quarterback before hosting Florida to begin the conference schedule.
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Tip Of The Hat: DAVID CUTCLIFFE the veteran coach led Duke to a 10 win season, a division title and back-to-back bowl games. At Duke!
CFL
After eight games, Ottawa is scoring a mere 15.8 points per game and while that sounds absolutely dreadful in a league that is built around giving offenses plenty of advantages, the number leaves the RedBlacks next-to-last in that department. The only team worse at scoring points at this moment is Montreal with just 15.6 points per game. Unfortunately for Ottawa, it is currently combining one of the weakest offenses with the most porous defense, giving up 28.9 points per game. Again, the RedBlacks are not that far removed from where the Alouettes are in that category, with Montreal surrendering 27.1 points per game.
Ottawa and Montreal square off tomorrow (Friday) night.
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Other football news....................
NFL
Last year the Detroit Lions finished 7-9, the second highest win total of quarterback Matthew Stafford's career. Despite throwing for 4,650 yards and 29 touchdowns, Stafford now faces headlines like this one from Fox Sports: "Stafford needs to bounce back in a big way." According to that article, Stafford "must cut down on crucial mistakes when its make or break time." Presumably, this refers to the six fourth quarter interceptions he threw in one-score games last year.
NCAA
Opening week has finally arrived. Here are some 'against the spread' notables for those interested.
Arkansas is 3-1 last 4 games playing at Auburn.
Baylor is 10-0 last 10 games against SMU.
Colorado is 3-1 last 4 playing rival Colorado State.
Kent State is 5-0 last 5 games playing Ohio University.
Louisville is 5-0 last 5 games against Miami, (FL).
Marshall is 7-1 last 8 games versus Miami, (OH).
UAB is 3-1 last 4 games playing in-state Troy.
Tulsa is 8-1 last 9 games against Tulane.
*All of my football plays are documented in the RX Picks and Record Tracker Forum. Posting there is easy for the few ole friends who follow my picks, plus JOH tracks plays like a hound dog after a rabbit.
Tonight, I'm playing Wake Forest as a small favorite over Louisiana-Monroe.
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Tip Of The Hat: With the 2013 national title and a Heisman winner, Florida State's JIMBO FISHER has brought the Noles back as a national power.
After eight games, Ottawa is scoring a mere 15.8 points per game and while that sounds absolutely dreadful in a league that is built around giving offenses plenty of advantages, the number leaves the RedBlacks next-to-last in that department. The only team worse at scoring points at this moment is Montreal with just 15.6 points per game. Unfortunately for Ottawa, it is currently combining one of the weakest offenses with the most porous defense, giving up 28.9 points per game. Again, the RedBlacks are not that far removed from where the Alouettes are in that category, with Montreal surrendering 27.1 points per game.
Ottawa and Montreal square off tomorrow (Friday) night.
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Other football news....................
NFL
Last year the Detroit Lions finished 7-9, the second highest win total of quarterback Matthew Stafford's career. Despite throwing for 4,650 yards and 29 touchdowns, Stafford now faces headlines like this one from Fox Sports: "Stafford needs to bounce back in a big way." According to that article, Stafford "must cut down on crucial mistakes when its make or break time." Presumably, this refers to the six fourth quarter interceptions he threw in one-score games last year.
NCAA
Opening week has finally arrived. Here are some 'against the spread' notables for those interested.
Arkansas is 3-1 last 4 games playing at Auburn.
Baylor is 10-0 last 10 games against SMU.
Colorado is 3-1 last 4 playing rival Colorado State.
Kent State is 5-0 last 5 games playing Ohio University.
Louisville is 5-0 last 5 games against Miami, (FL).
Marshall is 7-1 last 8 games versus Miami, (OH).
UAB is 3-1 last 4 games playing in-state Troy.
Tulsa is 8-1 last 9 games against Tulane.
*All of my football plays are documented in the RX Picks and Record Tracker Forum. Posting there is easy for the few ole friends who follow my picks, plus JOH tracks plays like a hound dog after a rabbit.
Tonight, I'm playing Wake Forest as a small favorite over Louisiana-Monroe.
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Tip Of The Hat: With the 2013 national title and a Heisman winner, Florida State's JIMBO FISHER has brought the Noles back as a national power.
CFL
A couple of teams with a combined two victories entering Week 10 action get together at Molson Stadium tonight as the Montreal Alouettes entertain the expansion Ottawa RedBlacks. The RedBlacks were expected to have some growing pains this season, but Montreal wasn't supposed to be this bad as both clubs hold down last place in the East Division at 1-7. Funny thing is, even with such poor records at this point in the season the teams are just four points out of first in a very disappointing division.
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Other football news.................
NFL
Ram's quarterback Sam Bradford (knee) and Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji (biceps) were among players placed on injured reserve on the NFL's first preseason cut-down day. Others on injured reserve include Bills linebacker Kike Alonso, Colts running back Vick Ballard, Seahawks linebacker Heath Farwell and Browns offensive lineman Michael.
NCAA (Record 0-1)
I have liked this Louisiana Lafayette team for a couple of years now and the Ragin' Cajuns should improve on their three straight nine win seasons. If not for back-to-back road games against Ole Miss and Boise State, a 12-0 campaign doesn't seem too far-fetched. In conference play, a November 1 date with South Alabama should decide who takes home the Sun Belt crown.
Last Nights Results:
Texas A&M 52
S. Carolina 28
(The Aggies beat the dog out of SC last night running up 680 total offense. SC's 3-4 defense looked weak, especially the pass rush. Aggie QB Kenny Hill set a school record passing for 511 yards in his first start.)
Ole Miss 35
Boise St. 13
(Rebel QB Bo Wallace couldn't figure out which team to throw to in the first half completing 3 to Boise State. He came on solid in the second half throwing three TD's without an int.)
Wake Forest 10
La-Monroe.....17
(I lost on WF last night. The young Deacons jumped off to a 10 point lead but couldn't hold off the Warhawks.)
Temple 37
Vandy.. 7
(Vanderbilt played three QBs last night and none could get the job done. Long season ahead for the Commodores.)
Tulane 31
Tulsa. 38
Rutgers 41
Wash St 38
Tonight I'm playing BYU -16.5 against UConn. I look for Cougar QB Tayson Hill to give UConn enough problems to insure a cover. He rushed for 1,344 yards and passed for 2,938 last season totaling 29 touchdowns. His entire offensive line returns.
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Tip Of The Hat: Texas A&M quarterback Kenny Hill completed 44 of 60 passes for 511 yards and 3 touchdowns against South Carolina last night. The 511 passing yards is a school record.
A couple of teams with a combined two victories entering Week 10 action get together at Molson Stadium tonight as the Montreal Alouettes entertain the expansion Ottawa RedBlacks. The RedBlacks were expected to have some growing pains this season, but Montreal wasn't supposed to be this bad as both clubs hold down last place in the East Division at 1-7. Funny thing is, even with such poor records at this point in the season the teams are just four points out of first in a very disappointing division.
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Other football news.................
NFL
Ram's quarterback Sam Bradford (knee) and Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji (biceps) were among players placed on injured reserve on the NFL's first preseason cut-down day. Others on injured reserve include Bills linebacker Kike Alonso, Colts running back Vick Ballard, Seahawks linebacker Heath Farwell and Browns offensive lineman Michael.
NCAA (Record 0-1)
I have liked this Louisiana Lafayette team for a couple of years now and the Ragin' Cajuns should improve on their three straight nine win seasons. If not for back-to-back road games against Ole Miss and Boise State, a 12-0 campaign doesn't seem too far-fetched. In conference play, a November 1 date with South Alabama should decide who takes home the Sun Belt crown.
Last Nights Results:
Texas A&M 52
S. Carolina 28
(The Aggies beat the dog out of SC last night running up 680 total offense. SC's 3-4 defense looked weak, especially the pass rush. Aggie QB Kenny Hill set a school record passing for 511 yards in his first start.)
Ole Miss 35
Boise St. 13
(Rebel QB Bo Wallace couldn't figure out which team to throw to in the first half completing 3 to Boise State. He came on solid in the second half throwing three TD's without an int.)
Wake Forest 10
La-Monroe.....17
(I lost on WF last night. The young Deacons jumped off to a 10 point lead but couldn't hold off the Warhawks.)
Temple 37
Vandy.. 7
(Vanderbilt played three QBs last night and none could get the job done. Long season ahead for the Commodores.)
Tulane 31
Tulsa. 38
Rutgers 41
Wash St 38
Tonight I'm playing BYU -16.5 against UConn. I look for Cougar QB Tayson Hill to give UConn enough problems to insure a cover. He rushed for 1,344 yards and passed for 2,938 last season totaling 29 touchdowns. His entire offensive line returns.
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Tip Of The Hat: Texas A&M quarterback Kenny Hill completed 44 of 60 passes for 511 yards and 3 touchdowns against South Carolina last night. The 511 passing yards is a school record.
CFL
S.J. Green caught a touchdown pass and Jonathan Crompton (Tennessee) was a winner in his first career start at quarterback as the Montreal Alouettes down the Ottawa RedBlacks 20-10 to end a six game losing streak on Friday night. Montreal improves to 2-7 while Ottawa drops to 1-8 on the season.
No games scheduled today. Also, anything to the rumor of Washington (NFL) and Ottawa trading team names. Washington RedBlacks and Ottawa Redskins. Sounds good to me.....
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Other football news.....................
NFL
Is Bruce Arians one of the best coaches in the NFL? In 2012, Arians took over as the interim coach at Indianapolis and went 9-3 with a rookie quarterback (Oliver Luck.) The Colts finished that season 11-6, a 9-game improvement over their 2011 record. Last year, Arians became the head coach of Arizona and went 10-6, a 5-game improvement over the team's 2012 record. You tell me?
NCAA (Record 1-1)
Won on BYU last night in spite of the Cougars being flagged 15 times for 150 yards. One damn thing is for sure, if BYU plays as undisciplined against Texas next Saturday as they did against Bowling Green...they will get a big horn in the ass.
Games I playing today: Ohio State, Auburn and Louisiana Tech. *All plays documented in the RX Tracker Forum.
Number 12 Georgia might have the toughest two-game opening stretch in the country. After taking on No. 16 Clemson today, they travel to play a wounded former No. 9 South Carolina. Both Georgia and Clemson are breaking in new quarterbacks today. The Tigers must replace 40-game starter Tajh Boyd while Georgia is replacing SEC record setting QB Aaron Murray. Cole Stoudt gets the start for Clemson, while 5th year Hutson Mason starts for the Bulldogs. Clemson hasn't opened the season with a road game since 2002 when it lost 31-28 at Georgia. Georgia's top offensive weapon is running back Todd Gurley, who rushed for 989 yards and scored 10 touchdowns in ten games last season. I'm not playing this game but will call for an upset alert!
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Tip Of The Hat: Western Kentucky QB BRANDON DOUGHTY passed for 569 yards and 6 touchdowns in 59-31 win over Bowling Green on Friday.
S.J. Green caught a touchdown pass and Jonathan Crompton (Tennessee) was a winner in his first career start at quarterback as the Montreal Alouettes down the Ottawa RedBlacks 20-10 to end a six game losing streak on Friday night. Montreal improves to 2-7 while Ottawa drops to 1-8 on the season.
No games scheduled today. Also, anything to the rumor of Washington (NFL) and Ottawa trading team names. Washington RedBlacks and Ottawa Redskins. Sounds good to me.....
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Other football news.....................
NFL
Is Bruce Arians one of the best coaches in the NFL? In 2012, Arians took over as the interim coach at Indianapolis and went 9-3 with a rookie quarterback (Oliver Luck.) The Colts finished that season 11-6, a 9-game improvement over their 2011 record. Last year, Arians became the head coach of Arizona and went 10-6, a 5-game improvement over the team's 2012 record. You tell me?
NCAA (Record 1-1)
Won on BYU last night in spite of the Cougars being flagged 15 times for 150 yards. One damn thing is for sure, if BYU plays as undisciplined against Texas next Saturday as they did against Bowling Green...they will get a big horn in the ass.
Games I playing today: Ohio State, Auburn and Louisiana Tech. *All plays documented in the RX Tracker Forum.
Number 12 Georgia might have the toughest two-game opening stretch in the country. After taking on No. 16 Clemson today, they travel to play a wounded former No. 9 South Carolina. Both Georgia and Clemson are breaking in new quarterbacks today. The Tigers must replace 40-game starter Tajh Boyd while Georgia is replacing SEC record setting QB Aaron Murray. Cole Stoudt gets the start for Clemson, while 5th year Hutson Mason starts for the Bulldogs. Clemson hasn't opened the season with a road game since 2002 when it lost 31-28 at Georgia. Georgia's top offensive weapon is running back Todd Gurley, who rushed for 989 yards and scored 10 touchdowns in ten games last season. I'm not playing this game but will call for an upset alert!
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Tip Of The Hat: Western Kentucky QB BRANDON DOUGHTY passed for 569 yards and 6 touchdowns in 59-31 win over Bowling Green on Friday.
