Cnotes 2016 College Football Best Bets,Trends,Stat, News !!

[CNOTES]

Betting Recap - Week 7
October 16, 2016



Overall Notes


COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 7 RESULTS


WAGER Favorites-Underdogs
Straight Up 42-11
Against the Spread 22-30-1


WAGER Home-Away
Straight Up 26-27
Against the Spread 21-31-1


WAGER Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 17-35-1


The largest underdogs to win straight up
Syracuse (+22.5, ML +1000) vs. Virginia Tech, 31-17
New Mexico (+14, ML +450) at Air Force, 45-40
Vanderbilt (+14, ML +450) at Georgia, 17-16


The largest favorites to cover
Army (-33.5) vs. Lafayette, 62-7
Baylor (-33.5) vs. Kansas, 49-7
Louisiana State (-24.5) vs. Southern Mississippi, 45-10

Top 25 Notes


-- Miami-Florida has went from a Top 10 team to a team on the brink of falling out of the Top 25, as they fell for a second straight weekend at home. After Florida State stunned them last week, it was North Carolina coming away from Hard Rock Stadium with a hard-fought 20-13 road win. The Tar Heels bounced back after getting thumped at home by a 34-3 score last weekend in the wind and rain from Hurricane Matthew. UNC has won eight straight league road games, most since they joined the conference. ... Also in the ACC, Clemson nearly had their playoff aspirations sunk, but they were bailed out by the kicker from North Carolina State. With the score tied 17-17, Wolfpack PK Kyle Bambard pushed a 33-yard field goal attempt to the right, turning a win in the final seconds of regulation into an overtime game. The Tigers went on to survive in OT, 24-17. Clemson slipped to 4-3 ATS, while N.C. State improved to 5-1 ATS. ... Tennessee has come up with miraculous comebacks and strong finishes all season. That ended Saturday, as Alabama showed the Vols they still have a long way to go to get back to championship-caliber form, as the Tide rolled 49-10 at Neyland Stadium. The Tide improved to 5-2 ATS, including back-to-back road covers, and the 'over' is 3-0 in three road games for Alabama.


-- Ohio State faced a difficult test in Wisconsin, trailing by as many as 10 on the road at Camp Randall. But the Buckeyes forced overtime and hung on for a 30-23 road win, passing their second major test of the season. The Buckeyes have failed to cover in each of the past two games after opening 4-0 ATS. For the Badgers, the 'over' was just the second in six games.


-- Western Michigan returned to the rankings this week, and apparently they want to stay a while. The Broncos headed to Akron and humbled the Zip 41-0, as they continue to row that boat. Western might be a sleeper non-Power 5 team for a New Year's Day bowl game, as they're now 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS, including 4-0 SU/ATS on the road. They have knocked off Illinois and Northwestern with resume building wins. One interesting trend is that the 'under' and 'over' has alternated in each of Western's seven games so far this season. Western Michigan is 7-0 for the first time since 1941. On the flip side, Akron slipped to 1-26 in 27 games all-time against ranked foes, with their only win coming nearly 14 years ago against Marshall.


-- It might not be pretty, but Nebraska continues to get it done and stay unbeaten. The Cornhuskers met Indiana at 'The Rock' in Bloomington for the first meeting since Sept. 1978, and the visitors won an entertaining 27-22 battle. The Huskers are 6-0 SU and 4-1-1 ATS, including 2-0 SU/ATS on the road. The 'under' has hit in four in a row for Nebraska, and five of their six games overall, including both away from home. They host Purdue in Lincoln next Saturday. The Boilermakers enter 3-3 SU/2-4 ATS.


-- Baylor is quietly unbeaten, improving to 6-0 SU with a 49-7 win over Kansas. The Bears opened 0-3 ATS in their first three games, but they're 2-1 ATS over the past three, including 2-0 ATS at home. While Baylor has scored 35 or more points in each of their six games, Jim Grobe's defense has been the story. With the exception of last weekend's game against Iowa State when they allowed 42 points, the Bears have allowed 13 or fewer points in four of their six games overall. The 'under' is 5-1 in six games this season for Baylor, something we haven't seen from them in a few years. Total bettors who had the 'over' could not believe their misfortune. See bad beats below.


Big Five Conference Report (ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC)


-- Syracuse stepped up and pulled off the biggest upset of the weekend, thumping a good Virginia Tech team by a 31-17 score despite being a 22 1/2-point underdog. The Orange offense has scored 28 or more points in five of their seven games this season, but defense has hurt them overall. That wasn't a problem in this one, as they held the Hokies to 17, fewest 'Cuse has allowed against an FBS team in six tries this season. The 'under' is 4-1 in the past five for Syracuse. ... Duke nearly pulled off a monumental upset at Louisville Friday. It was 17-14, and the Cardinals settled for a field goal late in the game. They missed, but a roughing the kicker penalty gave the Cards a first down. They took advantage to salt the game away, 24-14. Still, the Blue Devils easily covered a 35-point number to improve to 2-0 ATS in their past two on the road, and 3-1 ATS in their past four overall. The 'under' is also 3-0 in the past three for Duke, and 6-1 overall.


-- It was a good day to be on the road in the Big Ten. Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern and Ohio State each won outright on the road in early-afternoon conference play. Five of the six road teams covered, too, with the Buckeyes as the lone exception. The biggest surprise might have been the Wildcats win in East Lansing, as Michigan State has now dropped four in a row to fall to 2-4 SU and 1-5 ATS. ... Minnesota won its first road game of the season, and they're now 4-2 SU with one loss coming in overtime. The cover was Minnesota's first in five tries against FBS teams, improving to 1-3-1 ATS in such games. ... The good news, Rutgers wasn't blanked this week after losing their past two games by a combined 126-0. But the Scarlet Knights were still pounded 24-7 by the Illini, as they're averaging just 3.5 PPG in four Big Ten games while allowing 43.5 PPG.


-- Oklahoma won for the third straight game, topping Kansas State 38-17. The Sooners covered for just the second time this season, and their 'under' result put the brakes on a four-game 'over' run. ... West Virginia quietly improved to 5-0 SU with a 48-17 win at Texas Tech. The Mountaineers cover was their first since Sept. 3, the opening game of the season.


-- A very banged up Utah hit the road at Oregon State in a very gritty 19-14 victory. Utes side bettors weren't as cheery after the win, though, due to a bad beat (see below). The Beavers have covered back-to-back games for the first time this season, and they're 4-2 ATS overall, including 3-0 ATS in their past three games at Reser Stadium. ... Southern California has certainly had their struggles on the road lately, entering 7-21 ATS in their past 28 away from home. They had no problems in Arizona, however, routing the Wildcats 48-14. The 'under' hung on for USC, and is now 5-1 in their past six games overall. ... Colorado improved to 5-2 SU/7-0 ATS with a 40-16 whitewashing of Arizona State in Boulder.


-- Missouri continues to be rather anemic on offense, although not anemic enough for 'under' bettors (see below in bad beats), losing 40-14 at Florida. The Tigers have averaged 16.0 PPG in three SEC games (all losses), and they're 0-2 ATS in their past two after a 3-1 ATS start. ... Vanderbilt picked up a huge road win at Georgia, 17-14. The Commodores have covered three of their past four games, and the 'under' is 3-0 in their past three games, and is 4-0 in all four league games this season. ... In a seesaw battle, Mississippi-Arkansas was exciting to the finish. The Rebels grabbed a 30-27 lead with 9:00 to go, but the Razorbacks answered with 2:20 to go sealing the 34-30 win in front of a raucous crowd. The Rebels slipped to 3-3 ATS, including 0-2 ATS in two games away from home. The Hogs put the brakes on a three-game non-cover skid.

Mid-Major Report

-- Houston hung on by the skin of their teeth, edging Tulsa by a 38-31 score. The Golden Hurricane were marching down the field in the final seconds, but the Cougars stopped a receiver on the half-yard line with no time remaining to seal the narrow victory. It was the fourth straight 'over' result for Houston. ... UCF looked to be in good shape against Temple, up 25-14 at halftime. Someone forgot to tell the Golden Knights to show up in the second half. The Owls outscored the Knights 12-0 to score the well-deserved 26-25 road win. Don't look now, but Temple has covered six straight since failing to cover in their opener against Army. ... The game between Navy-East Carolina set for last Thursday night was canceled due to flooding due in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew striking North Carolina last week.


-- In Conference USA play, Marshall scored the go-ahead touchdown and two-point conversion with 1:53 to spoil Florida Atlantic's upset bid, 27-21. Despite the win, the Thundering Herd slipped to 1-3-1 ATS over their past five games. FAU has lost 11 of their past 14 games by seven points or less. ... Florida International picked up their third consecutive victory with a 27-26 win at Charlotte. The Golden Panthers opened 0-4 ATS in their first four games, but they're now 2-0-1 ATS in the past three outings. ... The game of the day that only fans and gamblers probably noticed took place in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Western Kentucky outlasted Middle Tennessee 44-43 in 2OT. The Blue Raiders, catching 1 1/2 at home, took the 43-37 lead with a TD in the second overtime. However, the extra point was blocked. Western drove down and easily scored the touchdown and converted the extra point for the win. After struggling with their offense early in the season, at least by their standards, WKU is averaging 48.7 PPG over their past three games.


-- Bowling Green headed up Interstate 75 to battle their biggest rival in Toledo. The Falcons were 32-point underdogs, but they hung tough and were tied 35-35 until the Rockets blasted into the end zone with :18 left in regulation to spoil the upset bid. 'Under' bettors took a bad beat in this game (see below). After opening 0-5 ATS in their first give games, BGSU has covered back-to-back games. ... Central Michigan went to DeKalb and escaped with a 34-28 win in 3OT against Northern Illinois. The Chippewas snapped a three-game non-cover skid wit hthe win, improving to 2-1 SU/ATS in three road games. For NIU, it was their second loss of the season in triple-overtime. ... Miami-Ohio picked up its first win of the season, topping Kent State 18-14. While they haven't been winning, the Redhawks have been a favorite at the betting window for totals. The 'under' is 6-for-6 over their past six outings.


-- New Mexico came away from Colorado Springs with a 45-40 win at Air Force, as the Lobos improved to 3-3 SU. The outright win as an underdog also put an 0-4 ATS stretch to an end. The 'over' is a perfect 6-0 for New Mexico this season. ...


-- Idaho posted an impressive 55-23 win over New Mexico State to win for the third time in the past four games. After opening 0-3 ATS, the Vandals have covered in three of their past four games. For NMSU, the 'over' is now 4-1-1 in six games overall. ... Appalachian State improved to 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS in three road games, besting Louisiana-Lafayette 24-0 in a mid-week game. The Mountaineers have allowed three total points in the past two games. ... Troy failed to cover for the first time in five games, but they topped visiting Georgia State 31-21. The Trojans hit the road in a Thursday night game at South Alabama. Troy is 2-1 SU/3-0 ATS in three road games this season.


Bad Beats


-- If you were holding an 'under' ticket for the Missouri-Florida game (51), you're likely still blowing off a little steam. This game had 20 total points (all Florida) at halftime, and 33 points after three quarters. The 'under' was looking good until Mizzou scored an oh-by-the-way touchdown with 1:17 remaining for a final score of 40-14.


-- Down the road from Gainesville in Tampa, another raw bad beat was happening. South Florida was trying to salt away a 42-20 win, laying 20. After the Bulls scored with 2:57 to go ahead for side bettors, Connecticut had other ideas. They drove down and scored with :57 left to cut the Bulls lead to 42-27, and it was almost like losing twice for USF bettors.


-- Utah (-7.5) was clinging to a 19-7 lead with under two minutes to play, but the Beavers punched one in with 1:40 to go for the backdoor cover.


-- The Bowling Green-Toledo (71) rivalry game featured just 21 total points in the first half. Bowling Green trimmed the Toledo lead to 35-28 with 6:47 left in regulation, but 'under' bettors were still in good shape. But Toledo quickly gave the ball back to the Falcons, Bowling Green tied the game at 35-35 with 3:07 to go, and after that it didn't really matter. However, Toledo scored with :18 left to sink anyone brave enough to take the Falcons on the moneyline, which was as high as +7350 this week before closing at +5500.


-- Staying in the MAC, Northern Illinois botched the field goal attempt in triple-overtime, tied 28-28. 'Under' (60) bettors thought they dodged a huge bullet, as Central Michigan needed just a field goal to win. However, they struck for a quick touchdown strike to make it 34-28 for the bitter pill for 'under' bettors.


-- The 'over' appeared to be humming right along in the Kansas-Baylor (65) game. The Bears took a 49-7 lead to the fourth quarter, and that's exactly how the game finished.

 

[CNOTES]

AP Top 25: Michigan up to No. 3 as Ohio State holds at No. 2
October 16, 2016


Michigan moved up to No. 3 in The Associated Press college football poll, right behind No. 2 Ohio State, to give the Big Ten rivals their best combined ranking since the 2006 season, when they played the only 1-vs.-2 game in the series.


Alabama remained No. 1 on Sunday with a season-high 60 first-place votes. The Buckeyes stayed No. 2 after an overtime victory against Wisconsin, which fell two spots to 10th. The Wolverines moved up in an off week with Clemson slipping to fourth. The Tigers had their own overtime escape at home against North Carolina State.


Michigan has its best ranking since it was No. 3 after losing to Ohio State in '06.


No. 5 Washington, No. 6 Texas A&M and No. 7 Louisville held their spots.

 

[CNOTES]

Purdue fires coach Hazell after 3 seasons
October 16, 2016


Purdue has fired coach Darrell Hazell midway through his fourth season, ending his tenure with the worst winning percentage of any Boilermakers coach in 95 years.


Hazell was 9-33 overall (.220) since taking over in 2013, and his dismissal had seemed almost inevitable entering this season. A 3-2 start with victories against FCS Eastern Kentucky, Nevada and Illinois gave some hope that he would be given one last full season to show progress. But new Purdue athletic director Mike Bobinski, who was hired away from Georgia Tech in August, decided to make the change in season.


The Boilermakers lost 49-35 at home to Iowa on Saturday and trailed 42-14 heading into the fourth quarter. Purdue has averaged 32,078 in attendance at Ross-Ade Stadium, capacity 62,000, for four home games.

 

[CNOTES]

Alabama rolling heading into A&M showdown
October 16, 2016


KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Alabama is reaching peak form just in time for its toughest test of the season.


The top-ranked Crimson Tide dominated Tennessee 49-10 on Saturday to beat a ranked foe on the road for the second straight week. Alabama next returns home to face No. 6 Texas A&M (6-0, 4-0 SEC) in a game that could go a long way toward determining who represents the Western Division in the Southeastern Conference championship game.


''I think we're going good right now,'' Alabama tight end O.J. Howard said.


That's a bit of an understatement.


Alabama (7-0, 4-0) just delivered one of the most impressive single-game performances by any team all season. Tennessee, which slipped from ninth to 18th in the Top 25 released Sunday, was outgained 594-163 and outrushed 438-32 while dealing with multiple injuries on both sides of the ball.


''We said we wanted a complete game - and they certainly did that,'' Alabama coach Nick Saban said.


Indeed, Alabama dominated all phases of the game in the type of outing that should provide plenty of momentum heading into the Texas A&M showdown.


The same defense that had yielded 473 yards in a 49-30 victory over Arkansas a week earlier never allowed Tennessee (5-2, 2-2) to move the ball. Tennessee's lone touchdown came after the Volunteers recovered a fumble at Alabama's 11-yard line.


Tide safety Eddie Jackson said the defense benefited from a meeting the secondary had held earlier in the week.


''We feel like we were letting the guys up front down, so we stepped it up in practice with one of our best weeks and prepared for this game,'' Jackson said.


Saban noted that Alabama was particularly impressive in third-down defense, as Tennessee went just 3 of 16 in those situations. Alabama will need to continue that progress against a Texas A&M offense averaging an SEC-leading 532.8 yards per game.


''We haven't played great on third down (or) as well as we thought we could this year,'' Saban said. ''But we did a great job today. I think that was a big point of emphasis for us going into this game. When you play these no-huddle, fastball teams, when you don't get off the field on third down, they have extended drives. Players get tired. That's when they get rolling, that's (when) they create momentum.''


Alabama's defense stopped big plays but continued producing them. Ronnie Harrison's 58-yard interception return was the Tide's eighth defensive touchdown of the season. Jackson added a 79-yard punt return for Alabama's 11th non-offensive touchdown of the year.


On offense, freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts continues to show remarkable poise in big-game situations. The same guy who orchestrated victories at Mississippi and Arkansas earlier this year ran for 132 yards and three touchdowns against Tennessee.


''He looks like a junior or senior out there sometimes,'' Alabama defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson said.


Tomlinson says practicing against Hurts all week helps prepare Alabama's defense for mobile quarterbacks. That work paid off Saturday as Tennessee's Joshua Dobbs threw for just 92 yards and was sacked three times and held to minus-31 yards on seven carries.


Hurts helped Alabama produce its highest single-game rushing total in 30 years Saturday. Bo Scarbrough gained 109 yards - including an 85-yard touchdown - and Damien Harris ran for 94 yards. Alabama averaged 8.5 yards per carry thanks to a team effort, as the backs continually benefited from the downfield blocking of the receiving corps.


The next step for Hurts is to develop into a more consistent passer. Hurts was 16 of 26 for 143 yards with an interception against Tennessee. He also had a fumble on a sack that led to Tennessee's only touchdown.


''We've just got to keep on improving in the passing game and get Jalen comfortable because when we play really good teams, some of these runs aren't going to be quite so easy and the plays that are there to be made in the passing game, we're going to need to make them,'' Saban said.

 

[CNOTES]

FSU, Rudolph confident going into bye
October 16, 2016

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher had been saying the past couple weeks that wide receiver Travis Rudolph would get his opportunity to make more plays.


On Saturday against Wake Forest, the junior had a chance to show why many thought he frequently would be doing more.


Rudolph had career highs in receptions (13) and yards (238) in the Seminoles' 17-6 victory. It was a much-needed game for Rudolph as 13th-ranked FSU (5-2, 2-2 ACC) goes into the bye week with two weeks to prepare for an Oct. 29 showdown against No. 4 Clemson.


''I feel like that is how some games go. Some games Dalvin (Cook) has a career high, some games I can have a career high,'' Rudolph said. ''I feel like all the time I can have those games.''


The 238 yards was the fourth-best receiving day in school history and makes Rudolph the third player with multiple 200-yard games, joining Ron Sellers (five) and Craphonso Thorpe (two). Sellers has the school's single-game yardage record with 260 yards against Wake Forest in 1968.


Rudolph made news on and off the field at the beginning of the season. A photo of him eating lunch with an autistic student during a trip to a middle school went viral on social media and made Rudolph a role model.


Sixth grader Bo Paske and Rudolph made the rounds on various shows. Paske and his family attended the first two FSU games. Rudolph said after Saturday's game that he and Paske continue to talk.


On the field, Rudolph had a strong start, with 13 receptions for 179 yards and three touchdowns in the first two games. Going into the Wake Forest game, though, Rudolph had only six receptions for 80 yards.


Fisher has said the past two weeks that Rudolph had been playing his best football of the season even though the statistics didn't bear that out. Leading up to the game, Fisher had lauded Rudolph's blocking downfield on running plays.


Rudolph said he realized he had to remain patient and wait for his time.


''I feel like as a receiver you have to be good with and without the ball,'' he said. ''I felt like I was making some great blocks even when I wasn't getting the ball and really being an all-around receiver.''


Rudolph found the ball going to him more after Bobo Wilson suffered a foot injury during the second quarter. Fisher said that due to the injury, they moved Rudolph around a little more as he got more favorable matchups in single coverage. Four of Rudolph's receptions were for 25 yards or more.


His best play of the day, though, came in traffic. On the final play of the first half, Deondre Francois threw a Hail Mary that Rudolph caught off a deflection at the Wake 3. Rudolph was stopped a yard shy of the goal line for a 58-yard gain.


Going into the bye week, Rudolph is fourth in the ACC in yards (497) and tied for seventh in receptions with 32. If Wilson is out for an extended period, Rudolph will continue to be counted on the remainder of the season and could lead the team in receptions and yardage for the second straight season.


''Any time you go get numbers, look at it, it makes you feel good,'' Fisher said. ''It kind of validates what coaches are telling you. That's his maturity. Instead of saying, no, I'm not, he just keeps doing what he's doing, and now the balls came to him.''

 

[CNOTES]

Notre Dame's start is among worst ever
October 16, 2016


SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) Notre Dame is in danger of going from bad to historically bad.


Each week the Fighting Irish are finding different ways to lose. The defense started the season unable to hold most opponents to fewer than 30 points. Special teams have made big plays but have given up bigger plays. Now the offense is struggling so badly that DeShone Kizer, listed in some mock NFL drafts as the No. 1 pick, was yanked against Stanford after throwing two interceptions to start the second half in a 17-10 loss Saturday.


Just snapping the ball has suddenly become a challenge for the Irish as center Sam Mustipher had three bad attempts in remnants of a hurricane against North Carolina State and two more in dry conditions against Stanford, including one that sailed past backup quarterback Malik Zaire for a safety.


The offense, which was averaging 39.8 points through the first five games, has one touchdown and two field goals the past two games. Coach Brian Kelly said Kizer is not the only reason the offense is struggling.


''This is collectively and entire offensive issue. It's not just one thing,'' he said Sunday.


A problem all season long has been the offense going stagnant for long periods. Texas scored 17 unanswered points in the opener. Michigan State scored 36 straight points. Duke scored 21 in a row. Stanford outscored the Irish 17-0 in the second half.


''We look good the first couple of drives, then we stall out,'' Kelly said.


The Irish are 2-5 heading into an off week, one of the worst starts in 128 seasons of playing football at Notre Dame.


Three times Notre Dame has started seasons 1-6 - in 1956, 1960 and 2007. The first two teams finished 2-8, while the 2007 squad under Charlie Weis finished 3-9. Three other teams started seasons 2-5 - in 1963, 1997 and 2003. The only team to finish with a winning record was the 1997 one that won its final five regular-season games before losing to LSU in the Independence Bowl.


The difference between worst Notre Dame teams and this year's team is the margin of losses. All the other Irish squads that started 2-5 or worse were blown out of games. This year's team hasn't lost by more than eight and has outscored opponents 202-177.


''To be 2-5 and to outscore your opponents has got to be one of the craziest stats in America,'' Kelly said.


Irish players say they still believe they can turn things around. The captains spoke in support of Kelly last week, saying the team was solidly behind him. But Kelly was asked Sunday about the Twitter account for defensive lineman Jerry Tillery, who is from Shreveport, Louisiana, liking three tweets saying former LSU coach Les Miles should be the next coach at Notre Dame.


''I don't make much of it,'' Kelly said. ''Jerry's been a committed player. I've got a great relationship with Jerry. So I haven't seen anything from him, nor has he said anything to me that he's not committed to playing here at Notre Dame and for me, for that matter.''

 

[CNOTES]

It's back: The potential for ACC Coastal chaos looms again
October 16, 2016


CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) Chaos rested last season in the Atlantic Coast Conference's Coastal Division.


It may reign again this year.


North Carolina, a team in fourth place in the division two weeks ago, is now on top. Virginia Tech and Virginia, the last Coastal unbeatens, are perfect no more in league play after Saturday defeats. And for the 10th time in 12 years, the Coastal representative in the league title game will get there with at least one conference loss.


In other words, here they go again.


''The ACC is up in the air,'' Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya said.


He's likely right, though the Tar Heels have taken a big step toward successfully defending their Coastal title with wins at Florida State and now-reeling Miami in the last three weeks.


A year ago, North Carolina made it look easy with an 8-0 record in Coastal play - emerging unscathed from a division that had a three-way tie for first in 2012 and sent two-loss champions to the title game in 2013 and 2014. No Coastal club is getting to Orlando unblemished for this year's title game, and there's still potential for a logjam at the top when it's all said and done.


More than half the league season remains, but players know that every week might mean everything.


''Guys knew that if we didn't come out of here with a win, we'd be hard-pressed to get to Orlando,'' North Carolina receiver Ryan Switzer said after the Tar Heels held off Miami 20-13 on Saturday.


There are only two games affecting the Coastal this coming week. North Carolina goes to Virginia on Saturday, a game where most of the division will likely be pulling for the Cavaliers. But first, Miami visits Virginia Tech on Thursday night - and it's not a stretch to say it's a must-win for the Hurricanes' divisional hopes.


''We've got to find a way,'' Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente said.


Here's a look at the Coastal clubs, and what each has left on its ACC slate:


---

NORTH CAROLINA (5-2, 3-1)


What's left: at Virginia, Georgia Tech, at Duke, N.C. State.


Outlook: Now the likely favorite, the Tar Heels could become the first back-to-back Coastal champion since Virginia Tech in 2010 and 2011.


---


PITTSBURGH (5-2, 2-1)


What's left: Virginia Tech, at Miami, at Clemson, Duke, Syracuse.


Outlook: Blowing a two-touchdown lead in the final 6 minutes against North Carolina is keeping the Panthers out of the Coastal driver's seat.


---


VIRGINIA TECH (4-2, 2-1)


What's left: Miami, at Pittsburgh, at Duke, Georgia Tech, Virginia.


Outlook: The Hokies have beaten the Tar Heels, a factor if tiebreakers come into play. Thursday night at home against Miami is huge for both.


---


VIRGINIA (2-4, 1-1)


What's left: North Carolina, Louisville, at Wake Forest, Miami, at Georgia Tech, at Virginia Tech.


Outlook: Extremely daunting schedule awaits the Cavaliers, who weren't expected to be a Coastal contender in Bronco Mendenhall's first year.


---


MIAMI (4-2, 1-2)


What's left: at Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, at Virginia, at N.C. State, Duke.


Outlook: Depth issues taking a toll. If the Hurricanes are to finally reach their first ACC title game, it might take a 5-0 finish and some help.


---

GEORGIA TECH (4-3, 1-3)


What's left: Duke, at North Carolina, at Virginia Tech, Virginia.


Outlook: The Yellow Jackets played in the ACC title game two years ago and are a mere 2-10 in conference games since. They could be a spoiler.


---


DUKE (3-4, 0-3)


What's left: at Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, at Pittsburgh, at Miami.


Outlook: Duke still has four opponents with realistic division hopes. Will scaring Louisville empower the Blue Devils, or was that their last gasp?

 

[CNOTES]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL BEST BETS:


10/15/2016 31-30-0 50.82% -1000


TRIPLE PLAYS RECORD: 21 - 21 - 4 *****


WLT PCT UNITS


ATS Picks 186-177-11 51.24% -4350


O/U Picks 70-68-2 50.72% -2400

 

[CNOTES]

Monday’s six-pack


Six most popular picks in this week’s Westgate Super Contest:


1) Chiefs (even) 704- W


2) Seahawks (-6.5) 450- L


3) Packers (-4.5) 448- L


4) Texans (-3) 424- T


5) Eagles (-2.5) 410- L


6) Falcons +6.5 (404)– W


Season record: 11-24-1




Monday’s List of 13: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday


Patriots 35, Bengals 17— New England averaged 9.6, 9.4 yds/pass attempt in Brady’s first two games back; only 10 their 61 plays in this game came on 3rd down. Cincinnati has lost four of its last five games, allowed 8 TDs on foes’ last 16 drives.


Titans 28, Browns 26— Bad beat if you laid 7.5 with Tennessee; Browns scored 13 points in last 2:07 to cover spread, as they fall to 0-6 SU (3-3 vs spread). Titans averaged 10.4 yards/pass attempt, best in league so far this week. Browns went 3/out seven times, scored the other five times (three TD, two FG) they had the ball.


Giants 27, Ravens 23— All six Raven games were decided by 6 or less points. Baltimore scored with 2:04 left to take lead, but neglected to cover Beckham (DB fell down) on a 4th-and-1 a few minutes later and he went 66 yards for GW TD. Beckham caught eight balls for 222 yards and two TDs.


Lions 31, Rams 28— All six Detroit games were decided by 7 or less points; their three home games were decided by a total of five points.


Bills 45, 49ers 16— When Buffalo fired their OC after Week 2, they said they wanted to run the ball more; Bills won their fourth straight game here, running ball 44 times for 312 yards- they converted 8-13 on 3rd down, have outscored last three opponents 45-9 in second half.


Saints 41, Panthers 38— New Orleans led 21-0 with 4:00 left in first half, but Carolina tied game with 2:58 left in game, before Saints hit 52-yard FG with 0:11 left for the win. Saints won their last two games, despite allowing 72 points in those games- they’ve allowed 34+ points in four of five games. Defending NFC champs are 1-5.


Redskins 27, Eagles 20— Philly scored two TDs, one on the NFL’s first TD on a kick return this year, then the defense scored one, but the Eagle offense ran 45 plays for 239 yards; they had 114 yards in penalties, no TDs, as Washington had 67-45 edge in plays run. Yardage here was 493-239. Redskins, like Buffalo, have now won four in a row after an 0-2 start.


Dolphins 30, Steelers 15— Miami was +2 in turnovers, had 14-yard edge in field position and beat Pittsburgh for just second time in last seven meetings, first time at home since 1998. Yardage was 474-297 Miami; after the game, Steelers said Roethlisberger will have an MRI on his knee, which would make Landry Jones the starter next week.


Jaguars 17, Bears 16— Chicago was in red zone four times, but scored only one TD; they led 13-0 after three quarters, but left door open for Jaguars, who hit a 51-yard TD pass with 2:49 left for a stunning comeback win. Bears were +2 in turnovers but had 10 penalties for 87 yards.


Chiefs 26, Raiders 10— Andy Reid is now 16-2 SU off a bye week, 12-4 vs spread in last 16 post-bye games; his Chiefs ran ball for 183 yards on a rainy day in Oakland. KC has now won six of last seven games against its arch-rival, winning four of last six visits to Oakland.


Cowboys 30, Packers 16— Its none of my business, but Dak Prescott has to stay the starting QB in Dallas, as long as they keep playing like this- they waxed the Packers on the day when Brett Favre got his Hall of Fame ring. Cowboys won/covered five games in a row with a rookie QB drafted in the fourth round. Highly unlikely story.


Seahawks 27, Falcons 26— Refs swallowed their whistle on Falcons’ last gasp pass to Julio Jones— Sherman grabbed his arm, no flag was thrown. Seattle led 17-3 at the half, but Atlanta stormed back and had ball around midfield up 24-23 with 4:00 left, before Ryan threw a pick that turned game in Seahawks’ favor. Falcons gained 269 yards in this game, just in the third quarter. These teams could meet again in January.


Texans 26, Colts 23 OT– Indy led 23-9 with under 4:00 left, then Texans came alive and Osweiler gets a big win, keeping Houston alone in first in AFC South. Next week the Texans head to Denver, Osweiler’s homecoming after he bolted the Broncos last winter. Bad loss for Indy, just a game you cannot lose, being up 14 points in last 4:00.

 

[CNOTES]

4th Quarter Covers - Week 7
October 18, 2016



Glancing at the scoreboard won’t tell you the whole story in most games. Here are some of the games that went down to the wire relative to the spread in the fourth quarter last week in the seventh college football weekend in mid-October. Each week there are several teams that cover despite not necessarily deserving it, as well as other teams that played much better than the final score shows.


Memphis (-12) 24, Tulane 14: Tulane scored the first touchdown of this AAC clash Thursday night to take a 7-3 lead in the second quarter. Memphis hit a big play with a minute to go before halftime to take a 13-7 edge at the break. The Tigers were still short of the road favorite spread with a field goal in the third quarter, but breaking a long run in the fourth quarter put Memphis up 24-7. Tulane reached Memphis territory with about six minutes to go, but wound up with an interception just outside the goal line. Memphis had 99 yards to go and the Tigers made it most of the way before a fumble gave Tulane the ball back with just over two minutes to go. The Wave took advantage with a strong final drive that included a fourth down conversion and in the final minute, Tulane scored a spread-saving touchdown after a pass interference call put the ball at the two-yard line.


BYU (-7½) 28, Mississippi State 21: BYU didn’t make the opening or closing number of -7½, but the line was right at -7 parts of the week. Mississippi State took a 14-7 edge into the fourth quarter, but less than two minutes into the final frame, BYU tied the game. A productive drive for the Bulldogs followed, but an interception at the 10-yard line ended the threat. Mississippi State would go for it just outside of field goal range on 4th-and-2 with about three minutes to go as well, coming up short as overtime was needed. Both teams had little trouble scoring to force a second session and going first in round two BYU connected for seven on its first play. A sack put Mississippi State in a tough spot after an initial first down and BYU’s defense held to escape with the win and a very unlucky push for many on Mississippi State.

Iowa (-11) 49, Purdue 35: The Hawkeyes had a 42-14 edge at Purdue to sit well past the double-digit road favorite spread. Things got uncomfortable in the fourth quarter as the Boilermakers scored a pair of touchdowns to close to within 14 and had the ball back in the final minutes. A 41-yard pick-six for Iowa saved the day for the road favorite as a late touchdown from Purdue with 17 seconds to go only brought the final margin back to 14.

Oklahoma (-14) 38, Kansas State 17: Oklahoma led most of this Big XII clash with a 24-10 edge at the half extended to 31-10. Kansas State struck a big play to climb back into the game early in the fourth quarter trailing by 14. The Wildcats were close to midfield with under seven minutes to go, but opted to punt on 4th-and-9. While the punt pinned the Sooners at the 12-yard line, Oklahoma hit an 88-yard pass play on first down to pull ahead 38-17 and effectively wrap up the win and cover.


Nebraska (-3½) 27, Indiana 22: An opening line of -7 fell sharply early in the week, but Nebraska jumped out to a 17-0 lead just over 10 minutes into the game with the help of an interception return touchdown. Indiana dominated the middle quarters to close to within two points at 17-15, but Nebraska got most of its second half yardage on a single play with a 72-yard touchdown strike to go up by nine. It took just over a minute for the Hoosiers to answer to get back within two points before a tense final eight minutes as Nebraska burned almost all of the remaining clock including a bold 4th down conversion near midfield. The Huskers certainly hoped to run out the clock, but Indiana used its timeouts well and Nebraska kicked a 39-yard field goal on fourth down with 45 seconds remaining to go up by five, slipping just by the late week road favorite spread.

Georgia Tech (-10½) 35, Georgia Southern 24:: Georgia Tech took a 28-10 lead early in the fourth quarter, but Georgia Southern answered to get back within 11. The teams traded touchdowns in the final four minutes to end with an 11-point final margin on a spread that did briefly hit -11 for the Yellow Jackets though most on the home favorite escaped with the win.

Central Michigan (+1½) 34, Northern Illinois 28: The Huskies were actually +3 at home in this game most of the week before a Saturday shift. Through three quarters, the MAC West clash was knotted at 14-14 and it took until just over four minutes to go in the game before Central Michigan broke the tie by breaking a 58-yard run to lead by seven. Less than a minute later, the Huskies had their own big run with a 53-yard touchdown rush to tie the game. Central Michigan managed to go 60 yards in the remaining time, looking likely to win and cover for many though some on the Huskies would save a push. With 16 seconds to go, a 33-yard field goal was missed and overtime was needed. In the third overtime session, Northern Illinois had a field goal attempt blocked and on the first play for Central Michigan, Cooper Rush hit Tyler Conklin for a touchdown to leave Dekalb with a 6-point win.


Miami, OH (+1½) 18, Kent State 14: The Flashes led 14-3 in the third quarter in this MAC test, but winless Miami would rally closing to within two points after a safety late in the third quarter. After trading two punts per side Miami hit the big play it needed to get in the win column with a 55-yard pass play with 1:34 remaining and the Redhawks got an interception on defense to avoid falling to 0-7.

Western Kentucky (-2) 44, Middle Tennessee State 43: A high scoring back-and-forth game was certainly expected in this Conference USA clash and the result didn’t disappoint with a 20-20 game at the half with neither team scoring consecutively. The pace slowed in the third as the slight road favorite emerged with a 27-20 edge, but a 96-yard drive from the Blue Raiders evened the score in the first minute of the fourth quarter. Middle Tennessee State was actually a slight favorite most of the week and the Blue Raiders took a 3-point lead with a short field goal with less than four minutes to go. Western Kentucky would eventually tie the game in the final seconds with a very short field goal, rather than taking a shot for the win on fourth down with just a few seconds left. The move paid off for the Hilltoppers as in the second overtime session, they were able to block the extra-point attempt from the Blue Raiders. Down six, Western Kentucky took six plays to find the end zone and a successful extra-point sealed the win and the cover for most, though the Hilltoppers graded as a closing line loser.

Utah (-7) 19, Oregon State 14: A Utes spread as high as -13 fell dramatically to close at just -7 and even hitting -6½ for moments. Utah led 12-0 at the half, but Oregon State made it just 12-7 before the fourth quarter started. Oregon State had a 60-yard drive end in a 27-yard missed field goal and then fumbled on the next possession to hand Utah a short field. The Utes made it a 19-7 advantage with just over three minutes to go, to essentially wrap up the win. Oregon State would score a backdoor cover, going 65 yards in seven plays to wind up losing by only five.

South Florida (-20½) 42, Connecticut 27: The Bulls trailed 17-14 well into the third quarter as a heavy favorite in AAC action, but in the fourth quarter South Florida pulled away and briefly had a 42-20 edge. With 57 seconds to go, Connecticut completed a touchdown drive to only lose by 15 while securing the underdog cover.


Temple (+4) 26, Central Florida 25: The Knights led 25-7 early in this game but Temple chipped away, within five points by the start of the fourth quarter. UCF missed opportunities to add points with a missed field goal towards the end of the third quarter and then stopped with an interception in the fourth quarter. Temple also was stopped on downs in UCF territory and then had a fumble after a productive drive. The Owls wound up with the ball back and only 32 seconds to go but in four plays Temple struck for the go-ahead touchdown with just a second on the clock.


UL-Monroe (-10) 40, Texas State 34: The Warhawks led by 19 at the half and heading into the fourth quarter, but early in the fourth Texas State returned a fumble 50 yards for a touchdown to close to within 13. The Bobcats added another touchdown at 3:22 for the backdoor cover and actually had the ball to the UL-M 32-yard line on its final play.

 

[CNOTES]

Opening Line Report - Week 8
October 17, 2016


At 7-0 against the spread, Colorado is the only college football team in the county to have cashed tickets for bettors in every game it has played this season. Most sports books are holding off on hanging a number on this week’s game at Stanford until they know more about the status or Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey.


John Avello, vice president of race and sports at the Wynn and the first oddsmaker to post college football lines in Las Vegas each week, says if McCaffrey is a go, Stanford will be about a 5- or 6-point favorite vs. the Buffaloes. If McCaffrey is sidelined again, we’re looking at the home side laying a field goal or less.


Avello said he doesn’t worry about a team’s ATS record unless it’s a team people bet on every week. Colorado doesn’t fit that category.


"If I see a team is being keyed on, then I will make adjustments. But that’s not the case right now," Avello said.


Wherever Saturday’s spread lands, Vegas books have been impressed with the job Mike MacIntyre is doing in his fourth year at Boulder. After posting losing records in his first three seasons, the Buffs sit at 5-2 straight up overall, 3-1 in the Pac-12 and in position to make a run at the conference title. "It looks like he’s got this team going in the right direction," said Avello.


Added Ed Salmons, oddsmaker at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, "Love the coach. The coach has done a great job. They were ready to fire him after last year. If you read the preseason magazines and articles, they all had him on the so-called hot seat....He took over such a bad team in Colorado, it just took longer to build it than most people realized."


Here are a few more games on the college football Week 8 card that are on our radar:


Texas A&M at Alabama (-16.5)


Avello opened Alabama -17 on Sunday and tweaked the line in Texas A&M's direction on Monday.


While Avello is with everyone else when he calls Alabama the class of college football, Salmons thinks the Tide could be in for a challenge in Tuscaloosa on Saturday.


"The kind of team that gives Alabama the most problems historically are teams that play no-huddle and fast, and Texas A&M had a bye week last week. I can see this being a game," Salmons said.


"(The Aggies are) going to have to play a perfect game (to beat Alabama), which is asking a lot. But I think they can stay within the spread. This spread is a little inflated."


N.C. State at Louisville (-19.5)


Avello installed Louisville -17.5, but watched favorite money pour in early and was up to -19.5 on Monday. He wasn’t surprised and says the line may not be done moving.


N.C. State has trouble scoring, while Louisville puts up 60 for fun.


"At first when I looked at this game I said, ‘You know what, N.C. State might have a chance to hang around with this team’. But now I’m not so sure," Avello said. "I thought 17, 17.5, 18 looked like the right number – right now I’m not so sure..."There’s a lot of Louisville backers right now. This game sees 20 – at least 20."


In fact, one book – CG Technology – was already dealing Louisville -20 as of this Monday afternoon writing.


It’s a similar situation to the one the Wolfpack were in last week, when they were bet against as big underdogs at Clemson. Kicker Kyle Bambard missed a 33-yard chip shot that would have won the game and N.C. State ended up losing in overtime.


After that heartbreaking loss coupled with Louisville’s lackluster effort in a 24-14 win over Duke on Friday night, the psychological edge may go to the Cardinals on Saturday.


"It seems like a no-win situation for (N.C. State) this week," Salmons said. "The way they lost that game just has to be so disappointing for the effort they put into that game and to lose. Louisville played so bad Friday night, I would think (coach Bobby) Petrino’s going to be cracking the whip this week at practice – they slept walk through that game. So I think N.C. State’s going to be on the defensive this week."


TCU at West Virginia (-4.5)


Like Colorado, West Virginia has not caught a lot of people’s attention despite an impressive first half of the season. The Mountaineers are 5-0 SU and ranked No. 12 in the nation.


They were bet up from the Wynn’s opening number of -4 for next week’s home game against TCU.


With a favorable schedule that’s included three home games, a neutral-site game far closer to its campus than BYU’s, two bye weeks, and most significantly, mediocre competition – Avello isn’t sold.


"I don’t think they’re that good. Their schedule has been relatively easy," Avello said.


After TCU, West Virginia’s second-half slate includes games at Oklahoma State, at Texas, vs. Oklahoma and vs. Baylor, and the Mountaineers’ bubble may be about to burst.


"They’re going to end up with two, three losses," Avello predicts.


Arkansas at Auburn (-8.5)


The line on this SEC clash bounced around at the Wynn from Avello’s opening number of 8.5 to as high as 9.5 and then back to the opener.


After a horrendous season last year, Auburn has put together a solid 2016 so far. The Tigers have won three straight games, and their two losses are against still-undefeated Clemson and Texas A&M. They are 5-1 ATS, as they covered as 7.5-point dogs in a 19-13 opening-week loss to Clemson.


Avello believes in coach Gus Malzahn and likes the way the Auburn defense is playing.


"They could run the table until they get to the last game (at Alabama)," he said. "But this week they have Arkansas at home. Anytime you play an SEC team, it’s never easy and it’s never easy to figure out."


Ole Miss at LSU (-5.5)


LSU is another SEC team that may have been written off too soon.


"Fournette’s been out, the coach is gone and the team is playing really well," Avello said. "I expected the team to play really well, though."


The Tigers opened -4 vs. Ole Miss at the Wynn and were bet up to -5.5. They were listed as high as -6 at other books Monday.


Avello said the expectation of Fournette coming back plus a disappointing showing by Ole Miss at Arkansas last week are the reasons for the early move in LSU’s direction. Fournette is worth a "couple of points" to the betting line, according to the oddsmaker.


Last week, the Rebels were bet from -6.5 to -10 at the Razorbacks and lost outright, 34-30


"Mississippi losing at Arkansas was not a good loss," Avello said.


Early line moves


Here are games that saw the point spread move 2 points or more in the favorite’s direction in the first 20 hours of wagering at the Wynn.


N.C. State at Louisville
Opening line: Louisville -17.5
After 20 hours: Louisville -19.5


UTEP vs. UT-San Antonio
Opening line: UT-San Antonio -7.5
After 20 hours: UT-San Antonio -10


Middle Tennessee State vs. Missouri
Opening line: Missouri -4.5
After 20 hours: Missouri -6.5


Here are games that saw the point spread move 2 points or more in the underdog’s direction in the first 20 hours of wagering at the Wynn.


UL-Lafayette vs. Texas State
Opening line: UL-Lafayette -9.5
After 20 hours: UL-Lafayette -6.5


Charlotte vs. Marshall
Opening line: Marshall -18
After 20 hours: Marshall -14


Houston vs. SMU
Opening line: Houston -23.5
After 20 hours: Houston -21

 

[CNOTES]

Arkansas 'D' answers Bielema's challenge
October 17, 2016

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) Arkansas coach Bret Bielema all but issued a direct challenge following a 49-30 loss to No. 1 Alabama, a game in which the Razorbacks allowed an average of 10.1 yards per play.


''If I have to get more involved, I have to get more involved,'' Bielema said. ''I just believe we've got to come up and play a lot faster and a lot better in all phases on defense.''


It was a challenge Arkansas (5-2, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) answered in a 34-30 win over No. 23 Mississippi on Saturday, putting together its best all-around defensive performance of the season while winning its third straight over the Rebels.


The 17th-ranked Razorbacks held an Ole Miss offense that had topped 500 yards in each of its previous three times to 403, a much-more manageable 5.8 yards per play than a week earlier against the Crimson Tide.


They also held All-SEC quarterback Chad Kelly to 18-of-39 passing for 253 yards, thanks in large part to a season-high seven pass breakups. It was the first time the senior has completed less than 50 percent of his passes in a game during his two seasons at Ole Miss.


Arkansas safety Santos Ramirez had one of those breakups, as well as forcing a Kelly fumble during a late-game, fourth-down scramble to secure the win.


''People doubted us after the Alabama loss, but we came back ready to work,'' Ramirez said. ''Now there's some big momentum for us going into Auburn.''


With the Razorbacks now focused on this week's trip to No. 21 Auburn (4-2, 2-1), Bielema somewhat backed off his perceived challenge of a week ago. He made it clear on Monday that he had no additional input on the defensive play-calling than any other week.


''I didn't have that intention,'' Bielema said. ''I knew we were a good football team; I knew we had to play better.''


Whatever the intent of Bielema's challenge, it worked. And it did so with second-leading tackler Dre Greenlaw out 4-6 weeks with a right foot injury. Without the sophomore linebacker, and junior safety De'Andre Coley out for much of the second half against the Rebels following a targeting ejection, junior safety Josh Liddell matched his career high with nine tackles.


Liddell was one of several defensive standouts in the game for the Razorbacks, along with Ramirez, who added a one-handed interception to go with his game-clinching forced fumble.


Now it's up to Arkansas to keep its defensive momentum going this week at Auburn, this time without its head coach issuing any public ultimatums.


''When you just keep grinding like that and guys are working together as a team, that's when you get results that come out in your favor,'' Arkansas defensive coordinator Robb Smith said.

 

[CNOTES]

OSU prepares for another 'crazy' crowd
October 17, 2016


COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) After an excruciating, exhilarating overtime win at Wisconsin, Ohio State began preparing on Monday to play in another loud, hostile environment.


Penn State's Beaver Stadium, with a capacity of more than 106,000, is known as one of the toughest places to play in the country. Add that it's a Saturday night and the annual ''white-out'' game - when fans dress in all white - and it will be all the more raucous.


With about 20,000 more people there, the decibel level may exceed that of Camp Randall Stadium, where the Buckeyes' defense silenced the crowd with a game-ending sack of Badgers quarterback Alex Hornibrook in overtime Saturday night to win 30-23.


The last time Ohio State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) played at Beaver Stadium was another nail-biter. Quarterback J.T. Barrett scored two touchdowns in overtime, and the Buckeyes escaped with a 31-24 double-overtime win in 2014. They went on to win the national championship.


Penn State (4-2, 2-1) is off to a 4-0 start at home and has won 10 of its last 11 there dating back to last season.


''(I) wish they saved the white-outs for other games, but I guess they used it for our game,'' coach Urban Meyer said Monday. ''It's one of the top five atmospheres, again, in college football.''


Linebacker Chris Worley, who experienced the atmosphere at Penn State two years ago, is trying to help prepare the younger players for the hostile stadiums.


''Camp Randall was a crazy place, and Penn State is a crazy place as well,'' Worley said. ''For me, I'm pretty prepared and I know what to expect. There's some guys who think they know what to expect, and it's not going to be what they think.''


Barrett carried the load again against Wisconsin, his demeanor so steady at all times that one couldn't tell by looking at him whether his team was winning or losing. He put the Buckeyes ahead in OT with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Noah Brown. He ran for two more, becoming Ohio State's all-time leader in touchdowns (rushing and passing). He rushed for 92 yards in the 30-23 win and was named Big Ten co-offensive player of the week.


''I'm just trying to win games around here, honestly,'' he said. ''Records are good and all, and maybe I'll appreciate them more when I'm 40 or 50, but right now I don't think records really matter if we don't win.''


For the second time in a row, Ohio State's passing game was slightly off-kilter, with Barrett hitting his biggest passes on improvised plays after he was chased out of the pocket and scrambling. But nobody seems to be panicking.


''We're OK,'' Meyer said. ''We're going to get keep getting better at it. He's a very good passer. When you're the No. 1 quarterback in the history of Ohio State University, you're doing OK.''


Barrett said it's just a matter of working more on timing with receivers.


WHAT PENALTY?: Meyer griped about the penalty called on him for sideline interference in the second quarter against Wisconsin. A referee struck him in the head while wind-milling to keep the clock running. Meyer said the ref ''barely grazed'' his headset and that it shouldn't have been an infraction.


''That broke my heart,'' Meyer said. ''To put your players in a 15-yard penalty for that in a big game. Some will say, `Well, that's just the rule.' Get rid of the (darn) rule. That's not a good rule.''

 

[CNOTES]

USC WR Steven Mitchell out for season
October 17, 2016


LOS ANGELES (AP) Southern California receiver Steven Mitchell Jr. will miss the rest of the season with a torn ligament in his left knee.


Mitchell has 24 catches for 226 yards and one touchdown as the top slot receiver for the Trojans (4-3, 3-2 Pac-12). He ranks third on the team in receptions behind JuJu Smith-Schuster and Darreus Rogers.


Mitchell wasn't touched when he tore a ligament while making a cut on a punt return last Saturday during USC's 48-14 win over Arizona, the Trojans' third straight victory.


Deontay Burnett is likely to get more playing time in the absence of Mitchell, who has one year of eligibility remaining.


Mitchell also tore a ligament in his right knee prior to his first season at USC.

 

[CNOTES]

No. 18 Vols' Reeves-Maybin, McKenzie out for rest of season
October 18, 2016


KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin has undergone season-ending shoulder surgery and defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie also will miss the remainder of the year with a torn pectoral muscle.


Volunteers coach Butch Jones updated the status of both players and Reeves-Maybin discussed his surgery Tuesday.


This latest news represented just the latest setback for the 18th-ranked Vols, who have dealt with multiple injuries on both sides of the ball all season.


''I've never been through a year like this in coaching ever,'' Jones said.


Reeves-Maybin declined to specify the nature of his shoulder injury but said he got hurt in a 28-19 victory over Ohio last month. He tried to return the following week against Florida but couldn't play through the injury.


Reeves-Maybin, one of four team captains, has missed the entirety of Tennessee's last three games.


''I felt like in the condition I was in, I wouldn't be able to help the team,'' Reeves-Maybin said.


After posting 101 tackles in 2014 and 105 last season, Reeves-Maybin has 20 tackles in four games this year.


Reeves-Maybin's surgery likely ends his college career, though the senior from Clarksville, Tennessee, hasn't completely ruled out the possibility of seeking a medical redshirt. Reeves-Maybin, who owns 240 career tackles, already has earned his degree.


His injury leaves Tennessee without either of its two defensive captains, as cornerback Cam Sutton has missed four games with a fractured ankle. Jones noted that both players are continuing to contribute to this team through their leadership.


''My legacy probably could have been a little different if I would have played this whole year, but I still think I'm a leader of this team, a captain,'' Reeves-Maybin said. ''I still think I can help us win games. I think I still have a lot of respect (from) all my teammates. I still feel like I have a job to do.''


McKenzie made his first career start Saturday in a 49-10 loss to No. 1 Alabama. He had 12 tackles in seven games.


The injury to McKenzie and last week's dismissal of Danny O'Brien severely limits Tennessee's depth at defensive tackle. Jones also noted Tuesday that reserve defensive tackle Alexis Johnson had a hip flexor strain that prevented him from playing against Alabama.


Tennessee is dealing with plenty of other injuries as well after completing a four-game stretch against ranked opponents. The Vols (5-2, 2-2 SEC) are off this weekend before visiting South Carolina (2-4, 1-4) on Oct. 29.


Injuries prevented two starting offensive linemen (Jashon Robertson and Dylan Wiesman) from playing against Alabama. Two other starting offensive linemen (Brett Kendrick and Chance Hall) left the game in the first half.


Jones also acknowledged Tuesday that running back Alvin Kamara is ''banged up'' without elaborating further beyond saying that ''everything is wait-and-see.''


''We have a lot of guys that are injured and banged up,'' Jones said. ''It's been a long, long season.''

 

[CNOTES]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL TRENDS


ATS


10:00 pm 10/22/2016
(363) WASHINGTON ST @(364) ARIZONA ST
Play ON WASHINGTON ST against the spread in Road games when playing on a Saturday.
The record is 10 Wins and 1 Losses for the last three seasons (+8.9 units)
BET NOW!


10:00 pm 10/22/2016
(363) WASHINGTON ST @(364) ARIZONA ST
Play ON WASHINGTON ST against the spread in Road games when playing on a Saturday.
The record is 8 Wins and 0 Losses for the last two seasons (+8 units)
BET NOW!


9:00 pm 10/22/2016
(355) LA MONROE @(356) NEW MEXICO
Play AGAINST LA MONROE against the spread in All games in weeks 5 through 9.
The record is 1 Wins and 10 Losses for the last three seasons (-10 units)
BET NOW!


7:00 pm 10/22/2016
(323) E CAROLINA @(324) CINCINNATI
Play AGAINST E CAROLINA against the spread in All games against conference opponents.
The record is 3 Wins and 15 Losses for the last three seasons (-13.5 units)
BET NOW!


4:00 pm 10/22/2016
(397) UTAH @(398) UCLA
Play AGAINST UCLA against the spread in All games in games played on a grass field.
The record is 2 Wins and 12 Losses for the last two seasons (-11.2 units)
BET NOW!


3:30 pm 10/22/2016
(317) E MICHIGAN @(318) W MICHIGAN
Play ON W MICHIGAN against the spread in All games when playing with 6 or less days rest.
The record is 18 Wins and 5 Losses for the last three seasons (+12.5 units)
BET NOW!


3:00 pm 10/22/2016
(335) N CAROLINA @(336) VIRGINIA
Play ON VIRGINIA against the spread in All games as an underdog.
The record is 17 Wins and 4 Losses for the last three seasons (+12.6 units)
BET NOW!


3:00 pm 10/22/2016
(335) N CAROLINA @(336) VIRGINIA
Play ON VIRGINIA against the spread in All games as an underdog.
The record is 12 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+9.8 units)
BET NOW!


3:00 pm 10/22/2016
(389) COLORADO @(390) STANFORD
Play ON COLORADO against the spread in All games in all games.
The record is 7 Wins and 0 Losses this season (+7 units)
BET NOW!


3:00 pm 10/22/2016
(389) COLORADO @(390) STANFORD
Play ON COLORADO against the spread in All games in all lined games.
The record is 7 Wins and 0 Losses this season (+7 units)
BET NOW!

 

[CNOTES]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL TRENDS


Half Time


10:00 pm 10/22/2016
(363) WASHINGTON ST @(364) ARIZONA ST
Play ON WASHINGTON ST in the first half in All games in weeks 5 through 9.
The record is 8 Wins and 0 Losses for the last two seasons (+8 units)
BET NOW!


10:00 pm 10/22/2016
(363) WASHINGTON ST @(364) ARIZONA ST
Play ON WASHINGTON ST in the first half in All games in October games.
The record is 8 Wins and 0 Losses for the last two seasons (+8 units)
BET NOW!


6:30 pm 10/22/2016
(377) OREGON ST @(378) WASHINGTON
Play AGAINST OREGON ST in the first half in All games when playing on a Saturday.
The record is 4 Wins and 21 Losses for the last three seasons (-19.1 units)
BET NOW!


6:00 pm 10/22/2016
(401) ARKANSAS @(402) AUBURN
Play ON ARKANSAS in the first half in Road games when playing on a Saturday.
The record is 11 Wins and 0 Losses for the last three seasons (+11 units)
BET NOW!


12:00 pm 10/22/2016
(351) MASSACHUSETTS @(352) S CAROLINA
Play AGAINST S CAROLINA in the first half in All games as a favorite vs. the 1rst half line.
The record is 1 Wins and 12 Losses for the last three seasons (-12.2 units)
BET NOW!


12:00 pm 10/22/2016
(379) MIAMI OHIO @(380) BOWLING GREEN
Play ON BOWLING GREEN in the first half in All games as a favorite vs. the 1rst half line.
The record is 11 Wins and 1 Losses for the last two seasons (+9.9 units)
BET NOW!


12:00 pm 10/22/2016
(331) OKLAHOMA ST @(332) KANSAS
Play AGAINST KANSAS in the first half in All games as an underdog vs. the 1rst half line.
The record is 5 Wins and 21 Losses for the last three seasons (-18.1 units)
BET NOW!


7:00 pm 10/21/2016
(309) S FLORIDA @(310) TEMPLE
Play ON S FLORIDA in the first half in All games in games played on a grass field.
The record is 13 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+10.8 units)
BET NOW!


7:00 pm 10/21/2016
(309) S FLORIDA @(310) TEMPLE
Play ON S FLORIDA in the first half in All games versus the first half line in all games.
The record is 15 Wins and 3 Losses for the last two seasons (+11.7 units)
BET NOW!


10:15 pm 10/20/2016
(307) BYU @(308) BOISE ST
Play ON BOISE ST in the first half in All games in non-conference games.
The record is 8 Wins and 0 Losses for the last two seasons (+8 units)
BET NOW!

 

[CNOTES]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL TRENDS


Over


8:00 pm 10/22/2016
(365) OKLAHOMA @(366) TEXAS TECH
Play OVER OKLAHOMA on the total in All games in road lined games.
The record is 10 Overs and 1 Unders for the last three seasons (+8.9 units)
BET NOW!


8:00 pm 10/22/2016
(395) GA SOUTHERN @(396) NEW MEXICO ST
Play OVER NEW MEXICO ST on the total in All games in all games.
The record is 14 Overs and 3 Unders for the last two seasons (+10.7 units)
BET NOW!


8:00 pm 10/22/2016
(365) OKLAHOMA @(366) TEXAS TECH
Play OVER OKLAHOMA on the total in Road games against conference opponents.
The record is 11 Overs and 1 Unders for the last three seasons (+9.9 units)
BET NOW!


8:00 pm 10/22/2016
(395) GA SOUTHERN @(396) NEW MEXICO ST
Play OVER NEW MEXICO ST on the total in All games when playing on a Saturday.
The record is 22 Overs and 6 Unders for the last three seasons (+15.4 units)
BET NOW!


5:30 pm 10/22/2016
(407) COLORADO ST @(408) UNLV
Play OVER UNLV on the total in All games in all games.
The record is 15 Overs and 4 Unders for the last two seasons (+10.6 units)
BET NOW!


5:30 pm 10/22/2016
(407) COLORADO ST @(408) UNLV
Play OVER UNLV on the total in All games in games played on turf.
The record is 14 Overs and 3 Unders for the last two seasons (+10.7 units)
BET NOW!


2:00 pm 10/22/2016
(345) HAWAII @(346) AIR FORCE
Play OVER HAWAII on the total in All games off a loss against a conference rival.
The record is 40 Overs and 13 Unders since 1992 (+25.7 units)
BET NOW!


12:00 pm 10/22/2016
(387) TEXAS @(388) KANSAS ST
Play OVER KANSAS ST on the total in All games off a loss against a conference rival.
The record is 42 Overs and 16 Unders since 1992 (+24.4 units)
BET NOW!


10:30 pm 10/21/2016
(313) SAN JOSE ST @(314) SAN DIEGO ST
Play OVER SAN JOSE ST on the total in Road games when playing with 6 or less days rest.
The record is 8 Overs and 0 Unders for the last three seasons (+8 units)
BET NOW!


---------------------------------


COLLEGE FOOTBALL TRENDS


Under


10:30 pm 10/22/2016
(373) WYOMING @(374) NEVADA
Play UNDER NEVADA on the total in All games in October games.
The record is 0 Overs and 7 Unders for the last two seasons (+7 units)
BET NOW!


10:30 pm 10/22/2016
(373) WYOMING @(374) NEVADA
Play UNDER NEVADA on the total in All games in weeks 5 through 9.
The record is 0 Overs and 7 Unders for the last two seasons (+7 units)
BET NOW!


9:00 pm 10/22/2016
(399) OLE MISS @(400) LSU
Play UNDER OLE MISS on the total in All games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 2 Overs and 15 Unders for the last three seasons (+12.8 units)
BET NOW!


9:00 pm 10/22/2016
(399) OLE MISS @(400) LSU
Play UNDER OLE MISS on the total in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 0 Overs and 9 Unders for the last three seasons (+9 units)
BET NOW!


7:00 pm 10/22/2016
(323) E CAROLINA @(324) CINCINNATI
Play UNDER CINCINNATI on the total in All games when playing against a team with a losing record.
The record is 0 Overs and 9 Unders for the last three seasons (+9 units)
BET NOW!


3:30 pm 10/22/2016
(325) TCU @(326) W VIRGINIA
Play UNDER W VIRGINIA on the total in All games against conference opponents.
The record is 4 Overs and 16 Unders for the last three seasons (+11.6 units)
BET NOW!


12:00 pm 10/22/2016
(327) INDIANA @(328) NORTHWESTERN
Play UNDER NORTHWESTERN on the total in All games as a favorite.
The record is 1 Overs and 10 Unders for the last three seasons (+8.9 units)
BET NOW!


12:00 pm 10/22/2016
(379) MIAMI OHIO @(380) BOWLING GREEN
Play UNDER MIAMI OHIO on the total in Road games in October games.
The record is 5 Overs and 22 Unders since 1992 (+16.5 units)
BET NOW!


12:00 pm 10/22/2016
(327) INDIANA @(328) NORTHWESTERN
Play UNDER NORTHWESTERN on the total in All games as a favorite.
The record is 0 Overs and 8 Unders for the last two seasons (+8 units)
BET NOW!

 

[CNOTES]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL TRENDS


Half Time Over


9:00 pm 10/22/2016
(355) LA MONROE @(356) NEW MEXICO
Play OVER NEW MEXICO on the first half total in All games as a favorite vs. the 1rst half line.
The record is 10 Overs and 1 Unders for the last three seasons (+8.9 units)
14 Overs and 3 Unders for the last three seasons (+10.7 units


9:00 pm 10/22/2016
(355) LA MONROE @(356) NEW MEXICO
Play OVER NEW MEXICO on the first half total in All games when playing on a Saturday.
The record is 20 Overs and 6 Unders for the last three seasons (+13.4 units)
BET NOW!


7:00 pm 10/22/2016
(369) HOUSTON @(370) SMU
Play OVER SMU on the first half total in All games against conference opponents.
The record is 14 Overs and 3 Unders for the last three seasons (+10.7 units)
BET NOW!


7:00 pm 10/22/2016
(369) HOUSTON @(370) SMU
Play OVER SMU on the first half total in All games after 2 or more consecutive straight up losses.
The record is14 Overs and 3 Unders for the last three seasons (+10.7 units
BET NOW!


7:00 pm 10/22/2016
(385) OLD DOMINION @(386) W KENTUCKY
Play OVER W KENTUCKY on the first half total in All games against conference opponents.
The record is 17 Overs and 2 Unders for the last three seasons (+14.8 units)
BET NOW!


7:00 pm 10/22/2016
(385) OLD DOMINION @(386) W KENTUCKY
Play OVER W KENTUCKY on the first half total in All games against conference opponents.
The record is 11 Overs and 1 Unders for the last two seasons (+9.9 units)
BET NOW!


12:00 pm 10/22/2016
(327) INDIANA @(328) NORTHWESTERN
Play OVER INDIANA on the first half total in Road games in weeks 5 through 9.
The record is 28 Overs and 9 Unders since 1992 (+18.1 units)
BET NOW!


12:00 pm 10/22/2016
(337) NC STATE @(338) LOUISVILLE
Play OVER LOUISVILLE on the first half total in All games as a favorite vs. the 1rst half line.
The record is 13 Overs and 2 Unders for the last two seasons (+10.8 units)
BET NOW!


12:00 pm 10/22/2016
(339) C MICHIGAN @(340) TOLEDO
Play OVER TOLEDO on the first half total in Home games after playing a conference game.
The record is 33 Overs and 12 Unders since 1992 (+19.8 units)
BET NOW!


12:00 pm 10/22/2016
(327) INDIANA @(328) NORTHWESTERN
Play OVER INDIANA on the first half total in Road games in October games.
The record is 27 Overs and 8 Unders since 1992 (+18.2 units)
BET NOW!




--------------------------------


COLLEGE FOOTBALL TRENDS


Half Time Under




4:00 pm 10/22/2016
(393) MIDDLE TENN ST @(394) MISSOURI
Play UNDER MISSOURI on the first half total in All games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 2 Overs and 14 Unders for the last three seasons (+11.8 units)
BET NOW!


12:30 pm 10/22/2016
(319) SYRACUSE @(320) BOSTON COLLEGE
Play UNDER SYRACUSE on the first half total in All games in a road game where the first half total is between 25 and 26.
The record is 5 Overs and 19 Unders since 1992 (+13.5 units)
BET NOW!


12:00 pm 10/22/2016
(359) UCF @(360) CONNECTICUT
Play UNDER CONNECTICUT on the first half total in All games after playing a conference game.
The record is 1 Overs and 10 Unders for the last two seasons (+8.9 units)
BET NOW!


12:00 pm 10/22/2016
(359) UCF @(360) CONNECTICUT
Play UNDER CONNECTICUT on the first half total in All games after playing a conference game.
The record is 3 Overs and 15 Unders for the last three seasons (+11.7 units)
BET NOW!


12:00 pm 10/22/2016
(351) MASSACHUSETTS @(352) S CAROLINA
Play UNDER S CAROLINA on the first half total in Home games after playing a conference game.
The record is 0 Overs and 7 Unders for the last two seasons (+7 units)
BET NOW!


12:00 pm 10/22/2016
(333) WISCONSIN @(334) IOWA
Play UNDER WISCONSIN on the first half total in All games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 0 Overs and 7 Unders for the last two seasons (+7 units)
BET NOW!


10:30 pm 10/21/2016
(313) SAN JOSE ST @(314) SAN DIEGO ST
Play UNDER SAN DIEGO ST on the first half total in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record.
The record is 7 Overs and 27 Unders since 1992 (+19.3 units)
BET NOW!


7:00 pm 10/21/2016
(309) S FLORIDA @(310) TEMPLE
Play UNDER TEMPLE on the first half total in All games as a home underdog of 2 to 3.5 points vs. the 1rst half line.
The record is 2 Overs and 13 Unders since 1992 (+10.8 units)
BET NOW!

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF opening line report: Showdown of SEC unbeatens features massive spread


“We can’t seem to set spreads high enough lately, and this one is shaded toward Alabama again, hoping to see some money on the underdog."


There’s a huge college football showdown brewing in the Southeastern Conference. But you sure wouldn’t know it from the pointspread. We talk about a few key Week 8 opening lines with John Lester, senior lines manager for offshore sportsbook Bookmaker.eu.


No. 6 Texas A&M Aggies at No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (-16.5)


Alabama appears to be both the immovable object and the unstoppable force this season. The Crimson Tide (7-0 SU, 5-2 ATS) went to No. 11 Tennessee on Saturday and boatraced the Vols 49-10 as a 14-point favorite. ‘Bama has now won 19 in a row (12-7 ATS).


Texas A&M is coming off its bye week after also besting Tennessee. The Aggies (6-0 SU, 4-2 ATS) blew a big lead and were forced to overtime by the Vols, but came out with a 45-38 home victory as a 7.5-point chalk on Oct. 8.


Last year, the Tide beat the Aggies 41-23 laying 5 points on the road, and two years ago in Tuscaloosa, Alabama hammered A&M 59-0 giving 11 points.


“It’s hard not to love this Crimson Tide team. They seemingly do everything right on both sides of the ball,” Lester said, alluding to Alabama’s 11 non-offensive touchdowns this season. “We can’t seem to set spreads high enough lately, and this one is shaded toward Alabama again, hoping to see some money on the underdog. The Aggies should be their toughest test to date.”


Miami Hurricanes at Virginia Tech Hokies (-4)


Both these teams were ranked last week, but no longer. Miami (4-2 SU and ATS) has dropped two in a row SU and ATS, both on its home field. After a 20-19 loss to Florida State laying 1.5 points, the Hurricanes were dealt a 20-13 upset giving 6 points on Saturday.


It was much worse Saturday for Virginia Tech, which was a massive 23-point chalk at Syracuse and lost outright 31-17, ending a three-game SU and ATS win streak for the Hokies (4-2 SU and ATS).


“Here are two teams that are tough to get a good gauge on,” Lester said. “Both offenses are enigmatic. The Hurricanes are hurting defensively due to injuries, and the Hokies’ loss on Saturday was shocking. This spread mostly comes down to a good home-field edge at Lane Stadium in prime-time football.”


Indeed, it’s a Thursday night game, meaning the ‘Canes also have to travel on a short week.


No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes at Penn State Nittany Lions (+18.5)


Ohio State remained spotless at 7-0 SU by outlasting No. 10 Wisconsin 30-23 in overtime Saturday, though the Buckeyes (4-2 ATS) couldn’t cover the 10-point spread. Not that it affected this week’s line, as they are massive favorites at Happy Valley.


Penn State (4-2 SU, 2-3-1 ATS) has won two in a row, both at home, and is coming off its bye week. The Nittany Lions routed Maryland 38-14 as a 2-point home ‘dog on Oct. 8.


“It will be interesting to see how this line is shaped over the course of the week,” Lester said. “We’re obviously expecting to see the squares on Ohio State, but we opened lower than some other shops due to the expectance of some value players betting on a home ‘dog that hasn’t been a poor program this season.”


No. 22 Mississippi Rebels at No. 23 Louisiana State Tigers (-4)


LSU is 2-0 SU and ATS since Les Miles was fired and Ed Orgeron took over as interim coach. On Saturday, the Tigers (4-2 SU, 2-4 ATS) waxed Southern Mississippi 45-10, easily cashing as 24.5-point home faves. Mississippi (3-3 SU and ATS) went into Arkansas as a 10-point chalk and left with a 34-30 loss on Saturday.


Despite each teams’ current form, Lester still likes Mississippi, which has had a couple heartbreaking losses this season, blowing big leads to Alabama and Florida State.


“LSU hasn’t really done anything impressive since the Orgeron regime took over,” Lester said. “On the flip side, Ole Miss has shown a lot of character despite the season it’s having. You get the feeling the Rebels are due for a win.”