Cnotes 2016 NCAA Basketball News-Trends-Picks !

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack


— Happy to report that Kurt Warner was elected to the Hall of Fame last night, along with six other football greats. Looking forward to going to Ohio this summer.


— Someone bet $1.1M on the Falcons this weekend; on Thursday, someone wagered $200,000 on New England, someone else bet $485,000 on the Patriots. Imagine carrying that much money around?


— An average of $100,000 is wagered in Las Vegas every year on the Super Bowl coin flip. Just on the coin flip. Heads or freakin’ tails.


— Cal-Irvine guard Max Hazzard is the grandson of former UCLA coach Walt Hazzard. Spencer Rivers is also an Anteater, another one of Doc Rivers’ sons.


— Timberwolves lost Zach LaVine for the season with a torn ACL.


— A drone flew over Falcons’ practice Friday; you don’t think the Patr—- nah…..


**********

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a Saturday of basketball…..


13) Oregon 85, Arizona 58— It isn’t that the Ducks won, its that they led 36-11, and then it got a lot worse for the Wildcats, who had won 15 games in a row coming in. Ugly game. Oregon made 16-25 3’s- they made 10 of their first 13 behind the arc.


12) Florida 88, Kentucky 66— Rick Barry’s son Canyon is Florida’s 6th man; he’s made 30 free throws in a row, and he shoots underhanded, like his Hall of Fame father did.


Dwight Howard has missed 3,492 foul shots in his career (56.8%) yet he’s never tried shooting them underhanded— he makes $23M a year. Oy.


11) Bad Beat of the Year/Decade/Century?— VCU led by a hoop at St Bonaventure but Bonnies hit a 3-pointer with 0:00.5 left, giving them a 1-point lead. VCU was favored by a point, so if you bet on St Bonaventure, you just won your bet right? Um, not so fast.


Nitwit students stormed the court, thinking the game was over and the Bonnies had won. It wasn’t over and they hadn’t won yet. Refs called a technical foul, VCU made the foul shot and the game went to overtime.


VCU won by 6 in overtime. Very tough loss for the home side.


10) Very upsetting day in the Big X:
Iowa State (+11) won 92-89 in OT at Kansas.
Kansas State (+8.5) won 56-54 at Baylor.
Oklahoma State (+11) won 82-75 at West Virginia.


9) Game of the Day: Eastern Washington 130, Portland State 124, in triple OT. Eagles led by 16 early in second half, before things got crazy.


EWU had two players score 45 points each, first time in eight years that any D-I college team had two kids score 40+ points in same game.


8) Syracuse 66, Virginia 62— Cavaliers were up 12 at the half, but scored only 28 points in second half as Orangemen improved to 6-0 at home in the ACC.


7) Ohio 85, Akron 70— Zips lost their first MAC game of season (9-1); they also had two kids wear one white sneaker, one dark blue sneaker in this game. Interesting fashion statement.


6) Rutgers 70, Penn State 68— Scarlet Knights are now 1-23 in Big 14 road games since joining the league.


5) St Mary’s 71, San Diego 27— Yikes. Toreros were down 32-9 at the half- they were 3-2o for the game, INSIDE the arc. Just a horrible performance.


4) Texas El-Paso 57, Middle Tennessee 54— Miners were an 11-point underdog but pulled the upset; UTEP has now won six of last seven games after starting the season 2-13. Tim Floyd can really coach- in their last four games, UTEP won as underdogs of 8/14/5.5/11 points.


3) Green Bay 86, Valparaiso 69— Upset win puts the Phoenix only a half-game out of first place in the Horizon League.


2) Yale-Cornell game was suspended until Sunday with the score 2-0 due to a power outage in Ithaca.


1— Virginia, Kansas, Middle Tennessee, Wm & Mary, Tennessee, Oral Roberts; they all had double digit halftime leads Saturday- they all lost. Its been an odd season- I can’t get a handle on it yet. Teams are incredibly erratic.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Dunkel

Sunday, February 5


Notre Dame @ North Carolina

Game 869-870
February 5, 2017 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Notre Dame
67.847
North Carolina
78.302
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
North Carolina
by 10 1/2
163
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
North Carolina
by 8 1/2
157
Dunkel Pick:
North Carolina
(-8 1/2); Over

Lafayette @ Boston U

Game 867-868
February 5, 2017 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Lafayette
43.009
Boston U
51.084
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston U
by 8
132
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston U
by 16
147 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Lafayette
(+16); Under

Colorado @ California

Game 865-866
February 5, 2017 @ 4:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
61.071
California
71.538
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
California
by 10 1/2
139
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
California
by 6
133 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
California
(-6); Over

Nebraska @ Iowa

Game 863-864
February 5, 2017 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Nebraska
67.133
Iowa
62.930
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Nebraska
by 4
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Iowa
by 6
153 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Nebraska
(+6); Under

South Florida @ Temple

Game 861-862
February 5, 2017 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
South Florida
43.832
Temple
64.314
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Temple
by 20 1/2
135
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Temple
by 15
145
Dunkel Pick:
Temple
(-15); Under

Indiana @ Wisconsin

Game 859-860
February 5, 2017 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
69.647
Wisconsin
72.535
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wisconsin
by 3
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wisconsin
by 12 1/2
138 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+12 1/2); Over

Clemson @ Florida State

Game 857-858
February 5, 2017 @ 12:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Clemson
65.753
Florida State
77.758
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida State
by 12
159
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Florida State
by 7
153 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Florida State
(-7); Over

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Sunday, February 5

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

CLEMSON (13 - 8) at FLORIDA ST (19 - 4) - 2/5/2017, 12:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEMSON is 24-44 ATS (-24.4 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
CLEMSON is 71-101 ATS (-40.1 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
FLORIDA ST is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA ST is 3-2 against the spread versus CLEMSON over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA ST is 3-2 straight up against CLEMSON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

INDIANA (15 - 8) at WISCONSIN (19 - 3) - 2/5/2017, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 2-14 ATS (-13.4 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
INDIANA is 65-91 ATS (-35.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
WISCONSIN is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in home games after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
WISCONSIN is 3-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
WISCONSIN is 3-1 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

S FLORIDA (6 - 15) at TEMPLE (12 - 11) - 2/5/2017, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEMPLE is 199-156 ATS (+27.4 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
S FLORIDA is 43-25 ATS (+15.5 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 or more points since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEMPLE is 3-2 against the spread versus S FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
TEMPLE is 5-0 straight up against S FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NEBRASKA (10 - 12) at IOWA (13 - 10) - 2/5/2017, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEBRASKA is 88-125 ATS (-49.5 Units) in road games since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 88-125 ATS (-49.5 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 79-108 ATS (-39.8 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 76-105 ATS (-39.5 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 22-40 ATS (-22.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
IOWA is 2-1 against the spread versus NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
IOWA is 3-1 straight up against NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

COLORADO (13 - 10) at CALIFORNIA (16 - 6) - 2/5/2017, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.
CALIFORNIA is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) as a favorite this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALIFORNIA is 2-1 against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
CALIFORNIA is 2-1 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LAFAYETTE (6 - 16) at BOSTON U (12 - 11) - 2/5/2017, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON U is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON U is 1-1 against the spread versus LAFAYETTE over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON U is 4-2 straight up against LAFAYETTE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NOTRE DAME (17 - 6) at N CAROLINA (20 - 4) - 2/5/2017, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N CAROLINA is 286-236 ATS (+26.4 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
N CAROLINA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in home games after scoring 80 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NOTRE DAME is 3-2 against the spread versus N CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
NOTRE DAME is 3-2 straight up against N CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up


Sunday, February 5


Clemson won its last two games, allowing 61 pts/game, following their 6-game losing skid. Tigers are 2-3 on ACC road, winning at Pitt/Wake, losing other three games by 5-12-32 points. Florida State is home for first time in 15 days; they lost two of last three games, are 5-0 at home in ACC, beating Duke-Louisville-Notre Dame. Clemson/Florida State split their last six meetings; Tigers won two of last three visits here. Clemson is 1-4 in ACC games decided by 6 or less points. Single digit home favorites are 19-13 vs spread in ACC this season.


Wisconsin won its last six games, is 8-1 in Big 14, 3-1 on road with last two road wins in OT and only loss by 11 at Purdue. Indiana has major injury issues; they used four guys 44:00+ in triple OT win over Penn State in last game Wednesday. Hoosiers are 1-3 on Big 14 road, with losses by 3-30-13 points. Wisconsin won four of last five games with Indiana, beating Hoosiers 75-68 in first meeting Jan 3. Badgers made 10-20 3’s in game they led 16-2 early on. Double digit home favorites are 11-4 vs spread in Big 14 games this season.


Temple is 3-7 in AAC, 2-2 at home, with wins by 19-11 points over East Carolina/Memphis. Owls are 4-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200, with wins by 21-5-19-8 points. South Florida is turning ball over 24.6% of time in AAC games; they’re 0-10 in conference, losing home games by 11-19-6-22-41 points. Bulls’ last five losses were all by 10+ points. Temple won its last six games with South Florida, winning by 25-12 points in last two played here. Double digit home favorites are 6-10 vs spread in AAC games this season.


Nebraska lost six of its last seven games, losing last three road games by 6-1-12 points- they beat Iowa 93-90 in double OT Jan 5, rallying back from down 4 in last minute of first OT; win snapped a 5-game skid vs Iowa. Cornhuskers lost their last four visits to Iowa, by 14-10-11-11 points. Hawkeyes scored 85-83 points in winning last two games; they’re 4-2 at home in Big 14 games, with only loss to Maryland- their home wins are by 3-6-5-13 points. Big 14 home favorites of 7 or less points are 20-11 vs spread this season.


Colorado won its last three games by 7-9-7 points after starting Pac-12 play 0-7; Buffaloes are are 1-5 on Pac-12 road, with three losses by 1 point or in OT- their only road win was in last game at Stanford. California won six of its last seven games, is 5-1 at home in Pac-12, beating Utah in double OT in last game after jumping out to an early 18-4 lead. Cal Bears won four of their last six games with Colorado, winning last four meetings here, by 7-16-1-14 points. Pac-12 home favorites of 6+ points are 11-14-1 vs spread.


Notre Dame-UNC game is in Greensboro after water main break in Chapel Hill Friday. Teams split six ACC meetings; Carolina pounded Irish 78-47 in ACC tourney in last meeting last March. Irish lost four of last five games after a 16-2 start; they lost last two road games, at Florida St by 3, at Ga Tech by a hoop. North Carolina has their rivalry game with Duke on deck; they beat Pitt by hoop last game, after losing previous game to Miami. Single digit home favorites are 19-13 vs spread in ACC this season; remember, this is not UNC’s home court, but they’ll have fans on their side.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB

Sunday, February 5

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12:30 PM
CLEMSON vs. FLORIDA STATE
Clemson is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Florida State
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Clemson's last 13 games when playing on the road against Florida State
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Florida State's last 13 games when playing at home against Clemson
Florida State is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Clemson

1:00 PM
SOUTH FLORIDA vs. TEMPLE
The total has gone OVER in 11 of South Florida's last 15 games on the road
South Florida is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Temple's last 9 games
Temple is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games

1:00 PM
INDIANA vs. WISCONSIN
Indiana is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Wisconsin
Indiana is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Wisconsin
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wisconsin's last 7 games at home
Wisconsin is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

1:00 PM
NOTRE DAME vs. NORTH CAROLINA
Notre Dame is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against North Carolina
North Carolina is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
North Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

2:00 PM
NEBRASKA vs. IOWA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nebraska's last 5 games when playing on the road against Iowa
Nebraska is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Iowa
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Iowa's last 5 games at home
Iowa is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

4:30 PM
COLORADO vs. CALIFORNIA
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games on the road
California is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of California's last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado

 

[CNOTES]

Sunday's Tip Sheet
February 4, 2017


Super Bowl LI may be the biggest game on the betting board this Sunday, but to help get you ready for all the action at NRG Stadium later in the afternoon are a pair of college basketball matchups in the ACC and Big Ten. Starting with a 12:30 p.m. tip in Tallahassee, the No. 15 Florida State Seminoles play host to the Clemson Tigers in one of the more heated rivalries in the ACC. At 1 p.m., the Indiana Hoosiers will square off against the No. 10 Wisconsin Badgers in a Big Ten battle in Madison.


Clemson Tigers at No. 15 Florida State Seminoles (ESPNU, 12:30 p.m. ET)


Opening Odds: Florida State -7 ½


Betting Matchup


Clemson followed up a 67-60 victory against Pittsburgh last Saturday as a three-point road favorite with Wednesday’s 74-62 win at home against Georgia Tech as an 11-point favorite to post its third ACC win this season against six previous straight-up losses. The Tigers (13-8 SU, 9-10 ATS) are also 3-6 against the spread in conference play and the total has gone OVER in seven of the nine games.


Senior guard Avery Holmes paced Wednesday’s win with 18 points while going a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range. All five Clemson starters ended that game in double figures. Overall, the Tigers are averaging 75.4 points per game while allowing an average of 69 points at the other end of the court.


The Seminoles snapped a SU two-game skid in a big way with Wednesday’s 75-57 rout of rival Miami as 3 ½-point underdogs on the road. They are now 19-4 SU (14-9 ATS) on the year with a 7-3 record in ACC play. The total stayed UNDER 143 ½ points in that win and it has stayed UNDER in three of their last four games. Florida State returns home with a 10-4 record ATS on its home court this season.


Sophomore guard Dwayne Bacon leads the team in scoring with 17.1 PPG, but he has only exceeded that average once in his last five starts. Freshman forward Jonathan Isaac matched Bacon’s 15 points in Wednesday’s win and he added a game-high seven rebounds to the winning effort.


Betting Trends


-- The Tigers are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a SU win, but they fall to 2-6 ATS in their last eight games against a team with a SU winning record. The total has stayed UNDER in 30 of their last 38 games played on Sunday.


-- The Seminoles have gone 1-4-1 ATS in their last six games against a team with a SU winning record, but they have covered in seven of their last eight Sunday games. The total has gone OVER in 18 of their last 28 games following a SU win.


-- Head-to-head in this conference tilt, the underdog has gone 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in 10 of the last 14 meetings at Florida State.


Super Bowl LI Cross-Sport Prop Odds


-- Clemson’s Total Points (-22 ½) vs. Atlanta’s Devonta Freeman’s total rushing yards


-- Florida State’s Total Points vs. New England’s Julian Edelman’s total receiving yards (-6 ½)


Indiana Hoosiers at No. 10 Wisconsin Badgers (CBS, 1 p.m. ET)


Opening Odds: Wisconsin -11


Betting Matchup


After suffering back-to-back road losses to Michigan and Northwestern both SU and ATS as underdogs, the Hoosiers returned home to cover as six-point favorites in Wednesday’s thrilling triple-overtime 110-102 victory against Penn State. Indiana is now an even 5-5 SU (4-6 ATS) in Big Ten play as part of an overall record of 15-8 (10-11 ATS).


The total went well OVER the 144 ½-point closing line against the Nittany Lions and it has gone OVER in four of Indiana’s last five games. Sophomore center Thomas Bryant led all scorers in that game with 31 points and guards Robert Johnson and Josh Newkirk ended the night with 27 points each. The Hoosiers are averaging 83 PPG.


The Badgers (19-3 SU, 11-8 ATS) are tied with Maryland at 8-1 SU for first place in the Big Ten standings. Their current SU winning streak stands at six games following Tuesday’s 57-43 road victory against Illinois as 7 ½-point favorites. They are now 5-4 ATS in conference play and the total has stayed UNDER in three of their last five games.


Wisconsin is ranked fourth in the nation in points allowed this season (59.8) and with Tuesday’s stellar defensive effort it has not allowed more than 55 points in each of its last three outings. The Badgers are averaging 75 PPG led by sophomore forward Ethan Happ’s 14.5 points a game. He recently posted 32 points in last Saturday’s 61-54 overtime victory against Rutgers.


Betting Trends

-- The Hoosiers have failed to cover in their last five road games and they are 1-3-1 ATS in their last five games following a SU win. The total has stayed UNDER in their last four Sunday games.


-- The Badgers are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games against a team with a SU losing record on the road. The total has stayed UNDER in 11 of their last 14 games at home and it has also stayed UNDER in 13 of their last 18 Big Ten games.


-- The road team in this matchup has covered in nine of the last 13 meetings and the total has gone OVER in six of the last eight meetings at Wisconsin. The Badgers won the first meeting this season 75-68 as one-point road favorites with the total going OVER the 140 ½-point closing line.


Super Bowl LI Cross-Sport Prop Odds


-- Indiana and Wisconsin’s first half total points vs. Tom Brady and Matt Ryan’s total passing attempts (-6 ½)


-- Indiana’s first half points (-1/2) vs. New England’s total points

 

[CNOTES]

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


CLEM at FSU 12:30 PM


FSU -7.0


O 151.0


USF at TEM 01:00 PM


TEM -15.5


U 140.5


ND at UNC 01:00 PM

UNC -9.5


O 157.5


IND at WIS 01:00 PM


IND +14.0

O 138.5


NEB at IOWA 02:00 PM


NEB +4.5


U 151.0


COLO at CAL 04:30 PM


CAL -6.5


O 137.0

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack


— Florida State 109, Clemson 61— Losses like this get coaches fired.


— North Carolina 83, Notre Dame 76— Tar Heels out rebounded Notre Dame 44-25 in game played in Greensboro instead of Chapel Hill, because of a water main break.


— California 77, Colorado 66- Buffaloes played without couple of big men.


— Iowa 81, Nebraska 70— Cornhuskers were only down 3 with 3:57 left.


— Thunder 105, Trailblazers 99— Oklahoma City is 30-22, even without Durant.


— Raptors 103, Nets 95— Brooklyn is 9-42. Nine. and. Forty-two. Oy.


**********

Armadillo: My running diary of Super Bowl LI……..

After an interminable pre-game show, they’re actually going to play the Super Bowl. Here are some of my thoughts as I watch the game……….
6:25— Luke Bryan cranks out the National Anthem in 2:04; if you bet the under, go cash your ticket.


6:30— There is a golf playoff going on at the Phoenix Open; Webb Simpson and Hideki Matsuyama. Good competition, but am I the only person watching this?


6:33— President George H Bush (41) is flipping the coin; no matter what your politics, have to have lot of respect for this man, who went skydiving on his 75th birthday. A great American and a very tough guy— he was shot down while flying as a Navy pilot in the war.


6:38— While Atlanta won the coin toss, Simpson just left the winning putt about an inch short, just like Matsuyama did on the 18th hole. The playoff continues but now no one is watching.


6:41— An argument for Brady as the all-time best QB is that New England rarely has had a great WR; Julian Edelman was a QB in college at Kent State.


6:42— Patriots go 3-and-out; this is where I mention that in six Super Bowls, Brady-led offenses have scored zero first quarter points.


6:45— Falcons get a long run but wind up punting, first time in nine games they didn’t score a TD on their opening drive.


6:53— Budweiser had the option to have the first commercial, but turned it down- their research says commercials are better off run later in the game. Google had the first commercial instead.


6:55— Hideki Matsuyama makes a pretty long putt, wins the Phoenix Open for the second year in a row, and I put my remote away for the next three hours.


5:08 left in first quarter, 0-0. That total of 59 looks pretty daunting right now.


7:05— Scoreless first quarter. Weird stat that Brady has put up zero first quarter points out in the first quarter of his seven Super Bowls, yet won four of the first six.


7:07— New England fumbles, Falcons recover at the Atlanta 29. America cheers.


7:16— Devonte Freeman scores the first TD of the game; Atlanta is running ball down New England’s throat. 12:15 left in the half. Falcons 7-nil. Atlanta is 9-1 this year when they score first.


Referee Gene Steratore worked the Nebraska-Iowa basketball game today; someday I hope he gets to work a Super Bowl.


Good Honda commercial with some famous people talking over their high school yearbook pictures. It would take an enormous amount of money for me to show anyone my senior picture from way back when. Uh uh, no thanks.


Oh by the way, Falcons’ center Alex Mack is playing this game with a broken leg. In an age where NBA players now routinely take “maintenance days” just to rest up, a guy is playing on the offensive line with a freakin’ broken leg.


7:21— I’m still an advocate of throwing long passes towards YOUR SIDELINE; think you get an extra interference call or two a game that way.


7:28— Austin Hooper catches a TD pass from Ryan and Kyle Shanahan’s agent is doing backflips, whoever/wherever he is. Young Shanahan’s price tag is going up by the second here. 14-0 Atlanta with 8:48 left in the half.


Roger Staubach/Hank Aaron both had birthdays today; couple of pretty good ballplayers.


7:32— Total yards so far: 189-111, Falcons. Joe Buck informs me that no team has won a Super Bowl after trailing by more than ten points. Thanks, Joe.


Falcons traded five draft picks to Cleveland so they could draft Julio Jones; none of those five players is still in the NFL.


7:38— New England is dying here, but refs have called two defensive holding penalties on Atlanta on this drive. Falcons have allowed 30+ points six times this year, although only once since Halloween. Their tackling so far has been tremendous.


Lady Gaga is wearing sunglasses in an indoor stadium. With the roof closed.


Three defensive holding penalties on this drive; where were these guys when the Rams played New England in the Super Bowl?


7:45— Robert Alford picks off a pass and scores an 82-yard TD for the Falcons. Wow. Arthur Blank is looking for people to high-5 in his box. Alford showboats for the last 20 yards but for the love of God, this is a shocking result. 21-nil Falcons.


One of Mr Blank’s sons is named Max. Max Blank; is that a tremendous name or what? You could imagine a movie with a private eye named Max Blank.


Atlanta’s defensive coordinator is Richard Smith, working for his 8th NFL team in 28 years. His heartbeat has to be pretty high right now; his defense is playing its ass off!!!!


One of the endless list of prop bets was over 49.5 yards for the longest touchdown of the game, so if you had over, go cash your ticket.


7:55— Is Tom Brady the only NFL quarterback who makes less money than his wife?


A ticket to the first Super Bowl cost $12. A souvenir soda at this Super Bowl costs $11.


8:02— Troy Aikman kills Josh McDaniels’ play selection after a screen pass on 3rd down falls flat. New England kicks a field goal and it is 21-3 Falcons at halftime. I am stunned.


Time to hit the mens’ room and get some food!!!!


They opened the roof for the halftime show; seems like a good time to see what is on other channels:
— ESPN has a 30 for 30 on Allen Iverson
— ESPNU has a Memphis-USF womens’ basketball game. Do people bet on this?
— ESPN2 has the Harlem Globetrotters playing on an outdoor court.
— FX1 has motorcycle racing.
— NBC Sports Network has curling on (China 6-3 over US at the half)
— CBS Sports Network has poker on; Phil Hellmuth is playing with an Aria hat on that I declined to buy when I stayed there in December. For what I spent there, they should’ve thrown in a free hat.


8:35— Falcon offense went 68 minutes between drives; they get the second half kickoff.


Teams leading the Super Bowl at halftime are 37-10 (three games were tied).


8:47— Neither team scored on their first drive of second half; now Martha Stewart is on a commercial with Snoop Dawg. Another $5M down the drain.


8:55- Atlanta scores another touchdown; Arthur Blank is dancing again. Falcons just seem like the faster team across the board. 28-3 Atlanta; can we see Robert Kraft? Please?????


Right on cue, FOX shows Kraft and his hideous son Jonathan, who mocked Colts GM Ryan Grigson after he was fired. I understand why he would enjoy Grigson getting canned, since he helped instigate DeflateGate, but be a bigger person and keep it to yourself.


9:00— I’m in my late 50’s; right now I’m thinking of someone who is my age who became a Falcons’ fan as a little kid and has lived/died with every game of theirs since then. They must be SO EXCITED and that clock must be going so slowly for them.


Meanwhile, the Falcons have a new domed stadium opening next year; pretty good time to be selling luxury boxes/PSL’s for the new ballpark, eh?


9:05— Brady just ran for 15 yards, winning somebody a prop bet on his rushing yardage.


9:07— New England scores on a TD pass to White; time-consuming drive, and now the score is only 28-9 as Gostkowski clanks the PAT off the right upright.


Caesar’s Palace offered a prop on: “Will a PAT/FG hit the goal post?” The line was -$600 and of the $20,250 wagered, $20,o00 of it was on “No”. Whoops.


Mike Pence is sitting with Texans’ owner Robert McNair; when he was watching the Super Bowl at this time last year, Mr Pence had zero idea how much his life would change in a year. It won’t happen, but what a book he’ll be able to write if he ever wanted to.


If you had 8-0 in a square pool, you just threw something; if you had 8-9, you’re damn happy.


9:10— Onside kick fails miserably. Falcons take over at New England’s 45 with 2:06 left in the third quarter. If you’re an Atlanta fan, that clock can’t move fast enough.


17 years ago, the Rams led Tennessee 16-0 in the third quarter; a game that seemed over soon got very dicey. That freakin’ clock went so slow. Atlanta fans are not resting easily yet.


9:18— Third quarter is over. 28-9 Atlanta.


9:20— Arizona CB Tyrann Mathieu just tweeted this: “NE should have played Mike Floyd. They have no deep threats… ATL LBs too good. They aren’t any mis matches”


In NFL history, teams leading by 19+ points after third quarter in playoff games are 94-0.


9:27— New England is driving again, but Grady Jarrett (#97 on the Falcons) is having a big game; he has just tossed a few guys out of his way tonight. If you’re thinking (too early) about an MVP for this game, Jarrett deserves consideration.


Jarrett’s dad, by the way, is former Falcon linebacker Jesse Tuggle.


9:29— Patriots kick a field goal; game is 28-12 Atlanta with 9:44 left. If you’re a Falcon fan, that damn clock needs to start moving a little faster. Couple of first downs wouldn’t hurt, either.


Ryan is 7-7 for 121 yards on passes thrown in the middle third of the field. Atlanta’s offense has done very little in this game, but they have run the ball for 6.8 yards/attempt.


9:38— Ryan is sacked/fumbles and New England recovers on the Atlanta 25; if you’re a lifelong Falcon fan, your blood pressure just went up. A lot. This will be the longest hour of your life.


Random baseball stat that I just saw on Twitter: Claudell Washington struck out 39 times against Nolan Ryan, the most of any player ever.


9:40— Danny Amendola just caught a TD pass from Brady and the score is 28-20 with 5:56 left. When Amendola played for the Rams, he got hurt on every other play. Now he’s Cal Ripken.


I’ve lived through a game just like this; if you’re an avid Falcon fan, life is standing still right now; you’re ignoring the commercials and praying for Ryan to hit Julio Jones a couple times. Nothing else matters; you’re not hungry, Arthur Blank isn’t dancing anymore and your team that has never won a Super Bowl is desperately holding on.


9:45— Ryan hits Freeman for a big gain and Atlanta has the ball at midfield. Clock is under 5:00 but one of the Atlanta linemenn just got hurt.


9:49— Julio Jones just made a great catch!!! Fantastic!!! First down and Atlanta is in field goal range. Clock is at 4:40, the ball is on the 22 and those five draft picks the Falcons traded to the Browns so they could draft Jones seems like a mere pittance.


9:53— Good God. The Falcons implode, wind up with a 4th-and-33 near midfield; they’re punting with 3:38 left and New England has two timeouts left.


I’m guessing this is getting big TV ratings.


10:00— Julian Edelman just made a great catch on a deflected pass; Atlanta wasted their last challenge— they’ll lose it. That catch will go down in history as a great play but by God Atlanta, make a play!!!!


10:02— New England is inside the Atlanta 25 and Falcon fans are promising to give up any bad habits they might have if just this one time, their team can win. Even if the Patriots score a TD, they need the 2-point conversion to tie the score.


How hard is Roger Goodell rooting for the Falcons right now?


10:06— White scores another TD. 28-26. High drama. Patriots have to go for 2- they make it, so now a game that was 28-9 after three quarters is 28-28. Kraft and his creepy son are hugging in their box. Aikman just called Brady the best QB ever. I have empathy for loyal Falcon fans.


0:57 left, the Falcons have no timeouts; if you bet the over, the only way you can lose in on a safety. If you took three points or money-lined Atlanta, you’re queasy.


10:10— I saw an article this week that said if the Patriots win 31-28, Vegas sports books would be refunding tickets for a week— so many wagers would be pushed.


10:14— First overtime in Super Bowl history. 28-28. FOX executives have to be thrilled.


10:18— Patriots are -$165 in OT; Atlanta is +$145. New England has the ball first.


During the week, odds on there being overtime was +$525.


10:23— Pass interference on Atlanta; ball is on the 2-yard line. TD wins the game; if they kick a FG, Falcons will get the ball for one possession.


10:24— New England scores, the Patriots win 34-28 and my condolences to Falcon fans.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Dunkel

Monday, February 6


Jackson State @ Southern

Game 545-546
February 6, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Jackson State
39.396
Southern
40.798
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Southern
by 1 1/2
143
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Southern
by 4
132 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Jackson State
(+4); Over

Holy Cross @ Bucknell

Game 543-544
February 6, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Holy Cross
47.923
Bucknell
63.032
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Bucknell
by 15
118
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Bucknell
by 10
127
Dunkel Pick:
Bucknell
(-10); Under

Canisius @ St Peter's

Game 541-542
February 6, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Canisius
57.202
St Peter's
52.887
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Canisius
by 4 1/2
149
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St Peter's
by 3 1/2
136 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Canisius
(+3 1/2); Over

Quinnipiac @ Fairfield

Game 539-540
February 6, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Quinnipiac
48.337
Fairfield
57.759
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Fairfield
by 9 1/2
150
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Fairfield
by 5 1/2
158
Dunkel Pick:
Fairfield
(-5 1/2); Under

Monmouth @ Rider

Game 537-538
February 6, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Monmouth
64.523
Rider
47.949
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Monmouth
by 16 1/2
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Monmouth
by 8 1/2
153 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Monmouth
(-8 1/2); Under

E Tenn State @ Wofford

Game 535-536
February 6, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
E Tenn State
56.553
Wofford
57.724
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wofford
by 1
138
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
E Tenn State
by 4
147
Dunkel Pick:
Wofford
(+4); Under

Kansas @ Kansas State

Game 533-534
February 6, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas
74.796
Kansas State
69.966
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas
by 5
153
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas
by 3
148
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas
(-3); Over

Appalachian St @ AR-Little Rock

Game 531-532
February 6, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Appalachian St
42.554
AR-Little Rock
55.747
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
AR-Little Rock
by 13
151
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
AR-Little Rock
by 5 1/2
142
Dunkel Pick:
AR-Little Rock
(-5 1/2); Over

LA-Monroe @ Georgia State

Game 529-530
February 6, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA-Monroe
53.047
Georgia State
55.597
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Georgia State
by 2 1/2
149
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Georgia State
by 11
135 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA-Monroe
(+11); Over

LA-Lafayette @ Georgia Southern

Game 527-528
February 6, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA-Lafayette
48.226
Georgia Southern
58.705
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Georgia Southern
by 10 1/2
155
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Georgia Southern
by 2 1/2
168 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Georgia Southern
(-2 1/2); Under

Louisville @ Virginia

Game 525-526
February 6, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Louisville
76.719
Virginia
84.242
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Virginia
by 7 1/2
127
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Virginia
by 3 1/2
120
Dunkel Pick:
Virginia
(-3 1/2); Over

Coastal Carolina @ Arkansas St

Game 523-524
February 6, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Coastal Carolina
53.187
Arkansas St
57.680
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arkansas St
by 4 1/2
136
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arkansas St
by 9
142 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Coastal Carolina
(+9); Under

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Monday, February 6

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

COASTAL CAROLINA (11 - 12) at ARKANSAS ST (17 - 6) - 2/6/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARKANSAS ST is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COASTAL CAROLINA is 1-0 against the spread versus ARKANSAS ST over the last 3 seasons
COASTAL CAROLINA is 1-0 straight up against ARKANSAS ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LOUISVILLE (19 - 4) at VIRGINIA (17 - 5) - 2/6/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOUISVILLE is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all games this season.
LOUISVILLE is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
LOUISVILLE is 116-86 ATS (+21.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
LOUISVILLE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) after a conference game this season.
LOUISVILLE is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.
LOUISVILLE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
VIRGINIA is 3-2 against the spread versus LOUISVILLE over the last 3 seasons
VIRGINIA is 4-1 straight up against LOUISVILLE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LA-LAFAYETTE (14 - 9) at GA SOUTHERN (15 - 8) - 2/6/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA-LAFAYETTE is 27-10 ATS (+16.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
GA SOUTHERN is 3-2 against the spread versus LA-LAFAYETTE over the last 3 seasons
LA-LAFAYETTE is 3-2 straight up against GA SOUTHERN over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LA-MONROE (7 - 16) at GEORGIA ST (15 - 7) - 2/6/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGIA ST is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
GEORGIA ST is 23-8 ATS (+14.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.
LA-MONROE is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGIA ST is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGIA ST is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGIA ST is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGIA ST is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GEORGIA ST is 4-1 against the spread versus LA-MONROE over the last 3 seasons
GEORGIA ST is 4-1 straight up against LA-MONROE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

APPALACHIAN ST (6 - 15) at ARK-LITTLE ROCK (12 - 11) - 2/6/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
APPALACHIAN ST is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in a road game where the total is 140 to 144.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARK-LITTLE ROCK is 4-1 against the spread versus APPALACHIAN ST over the last 3 seasons
ARK-LITTLE ROCK is 4-1 straight up against APPALACHIAN ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

KANSAS (20 - 3) at KANSAS ST (16 - 7) - 2/6/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) in all games this season.
KANSAS is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
KANSAS is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
KANSAS is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
KANSAS ST is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) in home games after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
KANSAS is 52-25 ATS (+24.5 Units) after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.
KANSAS is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS ST is 3-3 against the spread versus KANSAS over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS is 5-1 straight up against KANSAS ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

E TENN ST (18 - 5) at WOFFORD (11 - 13) - 2/6/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WOFFORD is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all games this season.
WOFFORD is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
WOFFORD is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 this season.
WOFFORD is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
WOFFORD is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
WOFFORD is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WOFFORD is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
WOFFORD is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
WOFFORD is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
E TENN ST is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
E TENN ST is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
WOFFORD is 4-1 against the spread versus E TENN ST over the last 3 seasons
WOFFORD is 3-2 straight up against E TENN ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MONMOUTH (19 - 5) at RIDER (13 - 11) - 2/6/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONMOUTH is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
RIDER is 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
RIDER is 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
RIDER is 76-106 ATS (-40.6 Units) in all home games since 1997.
RIDER is 76-106 ATS (-40.6 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
RIDER is 62-88 ATS (-34.8 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
RIDER is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) in home games after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
RIDER is 3-3 against the spread versus MONMOUTH over the last 3 seasons
MONMOUTH is 4-2 straight up against RIDER over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

QUINNIPIAC (9 - 14) at FAIRFIELD (11 - 10) - 2/6/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
QUINNIPIAC is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games in February games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FAIRFIELD is 3-1 against the spread versus QUINNIPIAC over the last 3 seasons
FAIRFIELD is 2-2 straight up against QUINNIPIAC over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CANISIUS (14 - 10) at ST PETERS (12 - 11) - 2/6/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CANISIUS is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
CANISIUS is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) in all games this season.
ST PETERS is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
ST PETERS is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) against conference opponents this season.
ST PETERS is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) after a conference game this season.
ST PETERS is 66-96 ATS (-39.6 Units) in all home games since 1997.
ST PETERS is 66-96 ATS (-39.6 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
ST PETERS is 26-51 ATS (-30.1 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
ST PETERS is 21-45 ATS (-28.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ST PETERS is 13-30 ATS (-20.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST PETERS is 2-2 against the spread versus CANISIUS over the last 3 seasons
ST PETERS is 2-2 straight up against CANISIUS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

HOLY CROSS (12 - 12) at BUCKNELL (18 - 6) - 2/6/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUCKNELL is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in February games since 1997.
HOLY CROSS is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUCKNELL is 2-1 against the spread versus HOLY CROSS over the last 3 seasons
BUCKNELL is 5-2 straight up against HOLY CROSS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

JACKSON ST (9 - 14) at SOUTHERN U (10 - 13) - 2/6/2017, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
JACKSON ST is 1-0 against the spread versus SOUTHERN U over the last 3 seasons
SOUTHERN U is 3-3 straight up against JACKSON ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, February 6

Coastal Carolina hit 14-32 on arc, never trailed in 80-65 home win over Arkansas State Jan 7. Chanticleers are 6-4 in their first year in Sun Belt, 2-3 on road, with losses by 21-20-11 points on foreign soil- they won at Texas St/Little Rock. Arkansas State won its last six games, is 5-0 at home in conference, with three of five wins by 3 or less points. ASU is making 41% of its 3’s in Sun Belt play; Coastal is #1 in Sun Belt at defending the arc. Red Wolves were just 6-21 on arc in first meeting. Sun Belt home favorites of 9+ points are 4-5-1 vs spread.

Virginia won its last three games with Louisville; they beat Cardinals 61-53 in Yum! Center Dec 28, in brickfest where teams combined to go 4-28 on arc. Louisville lost its two ACC visits here, by 5-22 points. Cardinals won seven of last eight games; they had easy win at BC on Saturday. Louisville is 3-2 on ACC road, losing by 7 at Notre Dame, 5 at Florida State. Virginia lost by 4 at Syracuse Saturday, blowing 12 point halftime lead; Cavaliers won last three home games, by 17-13-23 points. ACC home favorites of 5 or less points are 10-8 vs spread.

Georgia Southern/UL-Lafayette split their four Sun Belt meetings, going 1-1 in each guy; GSU won first meeting this year 81-76 in Lafayette, going 29-37 on foul line (ULL was 13-22). Cajuns were +6 in turnovers but just 3-18 on the arc. Eagles are 8-2 in Sun Belt, 6-0 at home, 3-3 as a home favorite- their home wins are by 23-4-5-6-11-14 points. ULL lost five of last seven games; they’re 2-3 on Sun Belt road, losing away games by 3-37-3 points, with wins at Little Rock and Texas State. Sun Belt home favorites of 3 or less points are 3-6 vs spread.

Georgia State won its last seven games; they’re 4-1 at home in Sun Belt, winning by 1-20-11-3 points, with loss to Troy. Panthers are 6-1 vs UL-Monroe in Sun Belt games, but needed OT to beat WarHawks 73-65 Jan 14. State was only 15-25 on foul line; they were down 3 with 2:34 left. Monroe is 1-9 in Sun Belt with four losses by six or less points or in OT; they’re 1-3 at home in Sun Belt tilts, losing by 8-2-10 points with a win over Little Rock. Double digit home favorites are 5-3-1 against the spread in Sun Belt games this season.

Little Rock made 9-16 on arc, had only 7 turnovers in 76-68 win at Appalachian State Jan 7; Trojans are 4-1 vs ASU in Sun Belt meetings, winning by 18-26 in games played here. ASU lost its last six games, is 0-6 on Sun Belt road, with four of six losses by 11+ points- they’re 12-38 on arc in last two games. Little Rock is 3-9 in its last 12 games after a 9-2 start; Trojans are 2-4 at home in Sun Belt, with wins by 4-17 points. ASU is turning ball over 19.7% of time, 2nd-worst %age in league. Sun Belt home favorites of 9+ points are 4-5-1 vs spread.

Kansas split its last four games after an 18-game win streak; they’ve got some off-court stuff going on that is distracting. Jayhawks are 18-3 in last 21 games with K-State; they struggled to beat Wildcats 90-88 in first meeting, making 11-22 on arc, but blowing 12-point second half lead. Kansas is 4-1 on Big X road, losing at West Va, winning at 6-11-4-6 points. Wildcats snapped 3-game skid with win at Baylor Saturday; they’re 3-2 at home in Big X, losing to TCU and Baylor. Big X road favorites of 5 or less points are 5-3 vs spread.

East Tennessee State made 68.6% of its shots inside arc, held off Wofford 79-72 at home in first meeting this season Jan 22; Bucs are 3-2 in series where home side won four of five series tilts. ETSU lost its last two visits here, by 8-14 points. Bucs are won their last four games; they’re 4-1 on SoCon road, with loss at Furman, wins by 44-9-10-10 points. Wofford won five of last seven games, is 4-1 at home in SoCon, losing to Citadel, winning by 17-9-18-19 points. Single digit road favorites are 5-7 vs spread in SoCon games this season.

Monmouth won its last nine games, is atop MAAC, but lost 93-90 at home to Rider Dec 31; Hawks led by 13 at half. Hawks won three of four series games, beating Broncs three times LY. Monmouth won last two visits here, both by a single point. Hawks are 4-1 on MAAC road, winning last three road games by 7-4-12 points, with only loss at St Peter’s. Rider lost six of last eight games, is 3-3 at home; they’re 3-3 in MAAC games decided by six or less points. MAAC home favorites of 7+ points are 2-3 against the spread.

Fairfield won its last three games after a 5-game skid; they’re 3-3 at home in MAAC, beating Marist/Manhattan in last two home games. Quinnipiac is 4-3 vs Fairfield in MAAC play, with road team winning last five meetings. Bobcats won by 1-5 points in last two visits here. Quinnipiac lost three of last four games, is 1-5 on MAAC road, winning at Niagara, then losing last five road games, by 6-4-7-10-19 points. Quinnipiac is playing fastest-paced games in MAAC this year, Fairfield ##4. MAAC home favorites of 6 or less points are 11-13 vs spread.

Canisius lost four of its last six games; they’re 3-4 on MAAC road, upsetting Siena in Albany in its last game Saturday- they lost 4 of last 5 games that were decided by 7 or less points. St Peter’s lost its last two games in OT after a 6-1 streak; they’re 5-2 at home in MAAC, losing to Niagara/Iona. Griffins got swept by St Peter’s LY, by 17-4 points, after they had won six in a row over the Peacocks- Canisius won three of its last four visits to St Peter’s. MAAC home favorites of 4 or less points are 7-10 against the spread.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB

Monday, February 6

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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7:00 PM
QUINNIPIAC vs. FAIRFIELD
Quinnipiac is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Fairfield's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Fairfield's last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
EAST TENNESSEE STATE vs. WOFFORD
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wofford's last 5 games when playing East Tennessee State
Wofford is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing East Tennessee State

7:00 PM
LOUISVILLE vs. VIRGINIA
Louisville is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Virginia's last 6 games
Virginia is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games

7:00 PM
LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE vs. GEORGIA SOUTHERN
No trends available
Georgia Southern is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Georgia Southern's last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
CANISIUS vs. SAINT PETER'S
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Canisius's last 7 games on the road
Canisius is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Saint Peter's is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Canisius
Saint Peter's is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Canisius

7:00 PM
LOUISIANA-MONROE vs. GEORGIA STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Louisiana-Monroe's last 5 games on the road
Louisiana-Monroe is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Georgia State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Georgia State's last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
MONMOUTH vs. RIDER
Monmouth is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Monmouth is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Rider is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Monmouth
Rider is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing Monmouth

8:00 PM
COASTAL CAROLINA vs. ARKANSAS STATE
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arkansas State's last 6 games at home
Arkansas State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

9:00 PM
APPALACHIAN STATE vs. ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Appalachian State's last 5 games on the road
Appalachian State is 2-5-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arkansas-Little Rock's last 7 games when playing Appalachian State
Arkansas-Little Rock is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Appalachian State

9:00 PM
KANSAS vs. KANSAS STATE
Kansas is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Kansas State
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Kansas's last 9 games when playing on the road against Kansas State
Kansas State is 3-18 SU in its last 21 games when playing Kansas
Kansas State is 6-15 ATS in its last 21 games when playing Kansas

 

[CNOTES]

Monday's Best Bet
February 6, 2017


Monday Betting Preview (ESPN, 9:00 p.m. ET)
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Kansas State Wildcats


Sportsbook.ag Odds: Kansas (-3.5); Total set at 146.5


With the NFL season now over after an epic Super Bowl 51, the focus of many bettors out there shifts to the next championship that will be awarded and that's college basketball. Conference play has been in full swing for a month now and while it's a rather light card on Monday, there is one game in the Big 12 between old rivals that will have plenty of eyes on it this evening.


Kansas and Kansas State had a tremendous first meeting of the year back at the beginning of January as it was the Jayhawks who came away with a 90-88 win. Kansas was a double-digit home favorite that night and while they didn't cover the number, the fact that K-State gave them all they could handle in their own building should serve them well tonight. This is always a big rivalry game, but given that the Jayhawks were pushed to the brink in the first meeting, there is zero chance they take the Wildcats lightly tonight.


The issue for those looking to back Kansas tonight is the fact that they are coming off their first home loss in over 50 games on the weekend as they couldn't hold off a feisty Iowa State team in the 2nd half and OT. You've always got to wonder how a team will react after a record-snapping defeat like that, but it shouldn't be a huge concern as the Jayhawks tend to bring their best for when the Wildcats are across the floor.


Kansas has won four in a row over K-State dating back to last year and the ATS loss back in January was the only one they suffered during that stretch. Kansas is also a perfect 2-0 SU and ATS after a loss this year and they definitely don't want to let the Wildcats hang around for long tonight. K-State hanging around tonight could put them over the hump with this game being on the Wildcats floor.


K-State have had their own issues since that loss to Kansas as they are 4-5 SU and 4-4-1 ATS since that game. Most recently, it was a grinding 56-54 upset win at Baylor on Saturday to end a three-game losing streak. Facing two Top-5 ranked teams back-to-back is tough though and with a 1-4-1 ATS record in their last six at home, and a 2-8-1 ATS mark after covering a spread, tonight may not go as well as the majority in that building will hope.


K-State needs to drastically sharpen up their defense and play like they did vs. Baylor to have a chance against the high-powered Jayhawks (gave up 52 points in the 1st half of the 1st meeting), but even then it might not be enough.


When it comes down to it, that first result has influenced tonight's line too much in my opinion as it's a 10-point difference in the point spread. Yes, the venue has changed and home court does mean quite a bit in this rivalry (home team is 16-5-1 ATS last 22), but this Jayhawks team will be out for blood after Saturday's loss and would love to take out their frustrations on a hated rival. Add in the idea that Kansas State may be a little inflated with their egos after winning at Baylor and this game could very quickly turn into a route.

 

[CNOTES]

Monday's Tip Sheet
February 5, 2017


The first Big Monday in February of college basketball betting action on ESPN features a double header of showdowns in the ACC and the Big 12. In a 7 p.m. (ET) tip from John Paul Jones Arena, the No. 9 Virginia Cavaliers play host to the No. 6 Louisville Cardinals in battle between two teams trying to keep pace with North Carolina the ACC title race. The backend of this double header at 9 p.m. sends the No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks on the road to face the Kansas State Wildcats in an in-state Big 12 clash.


No. 6 Louisville Cardinals at No. 9 Virginia Cavaliers (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET)


Opening Odds: Virginia -3


Betting Matchup


Louisville has just one straight-up loss in its last eight games and it has covered against the spread it its last six contests following Saturday’s 90-67 romp against Boston College as a 13-point road favorite. The total line in that game went OVER 144 ½-points and it has gone OVER in five of the Cardinals’ (19-4 SU, 16-5 ATS) last seven games. Both sophomore guard Donovan Mitchell and sophomore forward Deng Adel ended Saturday’s game with 19 points and senior forward Mangok Mathiang added 16 points to the winning cause off the bench.


Mitchell is the team’s leading scorer this season with 15 points per game as part of the Cardinals’ overall scoring average of 78.5 points. They are ranked 12th in the nation at the other end of the court in points allowed (62.3).


The Cavaliers (17-5 SU, 14-7 ATS) have dropped two of their last three games SU with losses to Villanova and Syracuse on the road sandwiched around a 71-48 victory against Virginia Tech this past Wednesday as 11 ½-point favorites at home. They were able to cover against the Wildcats as 5 ½-point underdogs, but they closed as 4 ½-point favorites in Saturday’s 66-62 loss to the Orange. The total went OVER 127 ½-points in that game after staying UNDER in Virginia’s previous five outings.


Senior guard London Perrantes is averaging a team-high 11.9 PPG and he has now scored 11 points or more in four of his last five starts. The Cavaliers remain the top defensive team in the nation with a points-allowed average of 54.0.


Betting Trends


-- The Cardinals are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games following a SU win and they have gone 3-0-1 ATS in their last four road games. The total has stayed UNDER in their last four Monday games.


-- The Cavaliers are 13-5-1 ATS in their last 19 games at home and they have gone 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 home games against a team with a SU winning record on the road. The total has stayed UNDER in four of their last five games against a team with a SU winning record overall.


-- Head-to-head in this ACC tilt, the underdog has covered ATS in four of the last five meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in four of those five games.


No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks at Kansas State Wildcats (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET)


Opening Odds: Kansas -3 ½


Betting Matchup

Look for Kansas (20-3 SU, 7-14 ATS) to slide a bit in this week’s national polls following Saturday’s stunning 92-89 overtime loss to Iowa State as a 10-point home favorite. It was the Jayhawks’ second SU loss in their last four games and they are now a costly 1-4 ATS in their last five contests. The total went OVER 154 ½ points in the loss to the Cyclones after staying UNDER in their previous seven games.


Kansas still leads the Big 12 standings at 8-2 SU behind the elevated play of senior guard Frank Mason III. He leads the team in both points (20.4) and assists (5.2) while shooting 51.2 percent from the field. He put up 32 points in the losing cause against Iowa State.


Kansas State is an even 5-5 SU in Big 12 play and it played the role of spoiler this past Saturday with a shocking 56-54 upset of Baylor as a seven-point underdog on the road. This snapped a three-game slide both SU and ATS. The total stayed UNDER 131 points against the Bears and it has stayed UNDER in three of the Wildcats’ last four games.


Kansas State (16-7 SU, 11-7-1 ATS) is averaging 74.4 PPG and it continues to do a good job defensively with a points-allowed average of 65.4. Sophomore guard Kamau Stokes scored a team-high 15 points in Saturday’s win. Another sophomore guard Barry Brown leads the team in scoring with 12.2 PPG, but he has been held to a combined 11 points in his last two starts.


Betting Trends


-- The Jayhawks are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 games following a SU loss and they have covered in their last four Monday games. The total has stayed UNDER or ended as a PUSH in four of their last five games played on a Monday.


-- The Wildcats have gone just 1-4-1 ATS in their last six home games and they are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win. The total has gone OVER in their last four games at home.


-- Kansas won an earlier meeting this season 90-88, but it did not come close to covering as a 13 ½-point home favorite. The total went OVER 139 points in that game and it has gone OVER in three of the last five meetings. The Jayhawks have now won the last four meetings SU while going 3-1 ATS.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Cardinals (19-4) at Cavaliers (17-5)
Date: February 06, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

To say Virginia has owned Louisville since the Cardinals entered the ACC back in 2014, well, that'd be an understatement.


In fact, No. 4 Louisville has beaten the 12th-ranked Cavaliers just once in five meetings since joining the conference ahead of the two team's Big Monday on ESPN (7 p.m. ET) matchup Monday night at Charlottesville, Va.


Virginia (17-5, 7-3 ACC) tamed the Cardinals, as it has done quite frequently, back in late December when both teams opened conference play against each other in the Bluegrass State. At the time, Louisville (19-4, 7-3) was ranked No. 6 when it fell to the Cavaliers 61-53.


Virginia led by as many as 15 points in the game and got 10 points from guard Devon Hall.


"You have to make shots against Virginia. They take away all of the sets that you run," Louisville head coach Rick Pitino said. "Virginia is one of the best defensive teams in the nation, but what makes them special is how they execute on offense."


Louisville has yet to break the 60-point mark in any game against the Cavaliers since joining the ACC and has been held under 50 points in three of the five matchups.


"I think Virginia has a little bit of an edge because they're executing on both ends of the floor," Pitino continued. "I think we've played them (Virginia) wrong. In certain sets, the way we've run them we've just done it wrong."


Despite its dominance over Louisville and the praise from Pitino, Virginia has dropped two of its last three games, including a 66-62 loss on the road to Syracuse on Saturday. The Cavaliers led by 12 points at halftime but allowed Syracuse to start the second half on an 11-0 run to turn the momentum.


"They're very good in spurts," Virginia head coach Tony Bennett said of Syracuse. "We said let's try to learn from last year. You can be going, but then all of the sudden they'll get it going."


Virginia and Louisville now share a three-way tie for second place in the ACC. The Cardinals are playing without two of their most talented guards. Quentin Snyder and Tony Hicks have been sidelined with injuries, and the team will be further depleted after Pitino suspended forwards Mangok Mathiang and Deng Adel for Monday game for violating curfew.


"I thought Quentin may be back for the Miami game but he wasn't," Pitino said. "We will see how he progresses and whether he can come back against Virginia."


Louisville knocked off Boston College by 23 points on Saturday and, despite missing two key pieces, are playing some of its best basketball of the season. The Cardinals have run off three straight wins by an average of 34 points per game. Guard Donovan Mitchell will need to continue his high-level play as he is coming off of 19 points against the Eagles.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Jayhawks (20-3) at Wildcats (16-7)
Date: February 06, 2017 9:00 PM EDT

An angry Kansas Jayhawks squad travels 90 miles to the west Monday night to face a team with its own motivation in the Kansas State Wildcats.


No. 3 Kansas is fresh off a 92-89 overtime defeat at the hands of Iowa State, a defeat that ended a 54-game home winning streak. Iowa State became the first team to defeat Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse twice under head coach Bill Self. Self has lost just 10 home games in his 15 seasons at Kansas.


"It sucks, but it doesn't suck because it's the end of a winning streak," Self said after the game. "I could care less about that. I just care about our team. We actually played pretty good the first half. But they played with house money today. They came in here and played with a free mind. We told our guys they were going to come in and let it fly. And we didn't defend it."


One of the games that nearly ended the streak earlier this season was a 90-88 victory over Kansas State. With the score tied, K-State forward Dean Wade had an open 3-pointer at the top of the key in the final 10 seconds, but missed it. With both guards covered, Kansas inbounded the ball to forward Sviatoislav Mykhailiuk, who raced end-to-end for the game-winning layup at the buzzer. Kansas State fans will point to the fact that Mykhailiuk took four steps before letting go of the ball, but that just adds to the intrigue.


Rivalry aside, there's plenty to play for, for both teams. Kansas still owns a one-game lead in the conference race, thanks partly to K-State's 56-54 victory at Baylor on Saturday. Kansas is seeking to tie UCLA's record with its 13th consecutive conference championship (shared and solo).


The Jayhawks (20-3, 8-2 Big 12) are one game clear of Baylor, and two games ahead of third-place West Virginia, who also lost at home to an unranked team (Oklahoma State) on Saturday. The Jayhawks have hopes of securing another No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, and a road victory in its most hostile road environment will certainly aid that effort.


The Wildcats (16-7, 5-5 Big 12) ended a three-game losing streak and solidified its position in most preliminary NCAA tournament brackets. ESPN's Joe Lunardi had them as one of the "last four in" in his projections before the Baylor game. CBS's Jerry Palm had the Wildcats as a 10th seed the day after Baylor.


The Cats now have victories over No. 7-ranked West Virginia and the second-ranked Bears. A win over Kansas would guarantee the Wildcats a split with each of the top three teams in the conference and three top-10 victories on the season.


The Wildcats are a balanced team, with six players averaging between 8.9 and 12.2 points per game. Barry Brown and Wesley Iwundu are at 12.2 and Kamau Stokes is at 12.1.


Kansas relies on its backcourt for most of its scoring. Frank Mason leads the Jayhawks in scoring at 20.4 points per game, followed by Josh Jackson at 16.8 and Devonte' Graham at 13.4. Only Mykhailiuk (10.9) joins them in double-figures.

 

[CNOTES]

TOP 25 PICKS:


MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


LOU at UVA 07:00 PM


UVA -7.0


O 121.5


KU at KSU 09:00 PM


KU -3.0


O 146.5

 

[CNOTES]

BESTS OF THE REST:


MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


ULM at GSU 07:00 PM


ULM +10.0


O 136.5


CAN at SPC 07:00 PM


CAN +3.5


O 136.5


MONM at RID 07:00 PM


MONM -9.0


U 154.0


QUIN at FAIR 07:00 PM


FAIR -4.0


U 156.5


HC at BUCK 07:00 PM


BUCK -10.5


U 128.5


ULL at GASO 07:00 PM


GASO -2.0


U 165.5


ETSU at WOF 07:00 PM


WOF +4.0


U 151.0


CCAR at ARST 08:00 PM


CCAR +8.5


U 142.5


APP at UALR 09:00 PM


UALR -5.5


O 143.5


JKST at SOU 09:00 PM


JKST +2.5


O 134.5

 

[CNOTES]

Tuesday’s six-pack


Six of the top minor league prospects for the Arizona Diamondbacks


1) Anthony Banda, P— Was 4-4, 3.67 in 13 AAA starts LY


2) Dawel Lugo, 3B— Hit .306 in half a season in AA Southern League


3) Domingo Leyba, 2B/3B— .288 hitter in three minor league season


4) Socrates Brito, OF— Got 95 AB’s (.179) with the parent club last summer


6) Anfernee Grier, OF— Auburn alum hit only .236 in his first pro season.


19) Jared Miller, P— Another in long line of Vanderbilt pitchers


**************

Tuesday’s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but…….

13) Looking back on Sunday night’s Super Bowl you have to tip your hat to Tom Brady; he is a great leader who finds a way to win. He has a tremendous will to win and that is obviously very important. It is also difficult to measure beforehand.


The Scouting Combine is March 3-6; kids will run the 40, lift weights, do lot of measurable things that scouts will use to justify draft picks. There is no metric to measure heart or desire and until there is, scouting will continue to be an inexact science.


Brady? 6th round pick
Russell Wilson and Joe Montana? 3rd round picks
Kurt Warner? Wasn’t even drafted
Akili Smith, Ryan Leaf, Joey Harrington, JaMarcus Russell; all first round picks.


12) Is Brady the greatest QB ever? He is right up there with Elway-Marino-Montana-Fouts-Kelly, and his five Super Bowl rings are tops in the game. He is still going strong at age 39, so his resume isn’t complete yet. His WR’s have been some unusual guys; no Jerry Rice in the group, which makes him look even better.


11) As for the Falcons, they lost OC Kyle Shanahan to the 49ers, and now they have to pick up the pieces from the biggest collapse in NFL history. You look back on the past and it says teams who lose Super Bowls suffer a hangover— this hangover could also be the worst one yet.


I’m serious; only four teams in any NFL game ever have won after trailing by more than 25 points, and two of those were playoff games. This was the freakin’ Super Bowl.


Only four comebacks that were bigger than Super Bowl LI:
— 1/3/93— Oilers led 35-3, lost 41-38 in Buffalo (playoff game)
— 12/7/80— Saints led 35-7, lost 38-35 in San Francisco
— 1/4/14— Chiefs led 38-10, lost 45-44 in Indianapolis (playoff game)
— 9/21/97— Colts led 26-0, lost 37-35 in Buffalo


10) Pirates announced that Andrew McCutchen will move from center to right field this year, to improve the Pittsburgh defense.


9) Pitcher Jason Hammel gets $16M for two years from the Kansas City Royals.


8) Houston Rockets retired Yao Ming’s #11 last week; I’m thinking a lot of basketball fans in this country (myself included) don’t fully realize the impact Yao has had in promoting basketball around the world, especially in Asia. In other words, he helped make the Rockets and the NBA a freakin’ fortune.


7) Yogi Ferrell did so well on his 10-day contract with the Dallas Mavericks that they gave him a 2-year contract. He scored 30-something in Portland the other night, got paid the next day.


6) UTEP coach Tim Floyd’s first year as a head coach was 1986 at Idaho; his three assistant coaches that year were Larry Eustachy, now head coach at Colorado State, Kermit Davis, the head coach at Middle Tennessee State and Randy Bennett, the head coach at St Mary’s. Thats a really good coaching staff.


5) Oakland A’s are going to name the ballfield at the Oakland Coliseum “Rickey Henderson Field” to honor one of their great players who is also an Oakland native.


4) http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/st...ught-lakers-coach-luke-walton-love-basketball


This is a great article written by Baxter Holmes about Luke Walton and how his love of basketball came to be as a young kid. Well worth your time to read.


3) Good to read no bad comments about Houston as a host city for the Super Bowl. Everyone said the same thing— they crushed it!!! If the media doesn’t complain, you know its good.


2) When the Cleveland Browns had their expansion draft in 1998, they passed on selecting a quarterback the Rams left unprotected. Bad move; guy was Kurt Warner, who is now a Hall of Famer. Warner backed up Tony Banks in ’98, which wasn’t a fun year. Nick Saban actually won a lot of games with Banks as his QB at Michigan State. Not easy.


1999 was more fun, a hell of a lot more fun.


1— First spring training baseball games are Friday, February 24. Things ramp up a little early this year because of the World Baseball Classic. Training camps open next week.

 

[CNOTES]

Tuesday’s games

South Carolina won its last four games, is 3-2 as an SEC home favorite winning home tilts by 11-11-4-29-2 points- their only SEC loss was at Kentucky. Alabama lost its last two games, is 2-2 as a road underdog, losing away games by 20-19 at Auburn/Arkansas- they won at LSU, Miss State and Georgia. Alabama/South Carolina split their last eight games; home side won last eight regular season meetings. Crimson Tide lost last four visits to Columbia, by 2-1-2-14 points. SEC home favorites of 8+ points are 9-11 vs spread.


Georgia lost four of last five games; four of them were decided by 1 or 2 points or in OT; Dawgs are 2-2 at home in SEC, beating Mizzou/Vandy, losing to So Carolina/Bama. Florida won/covered last four games; favorites covered all four of their SEC road games. Florida won six of its last seven games with Georgia; they beat Dawgs 80-76 in OT in first meeting Jan 14, when they outscored Georgia 27-16 on foul in game Gators trailed by 8 early in second half. Teams split last six meetings here. SEC road favorites of 7 or less points are 6-4 vs spread.


Notre Dame lost last four games, three of them to top 20 teams; ND is 3-1 as a home favorite, winning home games by 7-5-18 points- they lost last two home games, to Virginia/Duke. Irish won their last three games with Wake Forest, by 13-23-11 points. Deacons are 1-3 as a road underdog, losing away games by 16-17-5 points, with wins at NC State/BC. Notre Dame is just 26-82 on arc (31.7%) in its last four games. Single digit home favorites are 19-13 against the spread in ACC games this season.


Maryland had 7-game win streak snapped by Purdue Saturday; they won/covered all five Big 14 road games, all as an underdog- all five wins were by 8 or less points. Penn State lost five of last six games; they’re 2-3 in Happy Valley, with losses by 3-2-4 points- they’re 4-4 as a dog in Big 14 games. Maryland won its three Big 14 games with Penn State by 6-3-6 points, winning 76-73 in their last visit to Happy Valley, in ’15. Lions are forcing turnovers 20.9% of time in Big 14 games. Big 14 road favorites of 4 or less points are 4-7 vs spread.


Clemson lost 7 of its last 9 games and lost by 48 points at Florida State Sunday; they’re 1-3 at home in ACC games, with only win over Ga Tech- they’re 1-1 as a home favorite. Syracuse won its last four games but is 1-4 on ACC road, with only win in OT at NC State- their road losses are by 15-10-17-18 points. Clemson won two of its three ACC games with Syracuse, winning 74-73 in OT in Carrier Dome LY; Orangemen lost 66-53 in their only visit here, two years ago. ACC home favorites of 3 or less points are 4-7 vs spread.


Illinois lost six of its last seven games, is -5 as a road underdog, losing Big 14 away games by 25-16-23-9-4 points- they scored 56.3 pts/game in last three games. Northwestern won/covered six of last seven games; they’re 3-1 as home favorite, winning home games by 30-12-13 points. Wildcats were without star Lindsey last game (ill; check status). Illinois/Northwestern split their last 12 games; teams split last six meetings here. Teams are shooting 53% inside arc against the Illini this season. Big 14 home favorites of 7 or less points are 18-13 vs spread.


Arkansas won five of last seven games; they’re 2-2 as home favorites, winning last three home games by 19-13-19 points. Vanderbilt lost six of last nine games, is 4-1 as a road underdog, losing road games by 3-8 points, with wins at LSU/Florida/Texas A&M. Arkansas rallied back from 15 down with 6:43 left to nip Vanderbilt 71-70 in Nashville Jan 24; Razorbacks won last four series games, winning by hoop in last visit here, in 2014. Hogs lead SEC, making 40.1% of its 3-pointers. SEC home favorites of 5 or less points are 6-16 vs spread.


Mississippi State lost last three road games by 17-9-27 points; they’re 2-3 as road underdogs, with road wins at LSU/Arkansas. State won four of last six games with Auburn, in series where home side won 10 of last 11 series games. Bulldogs lost five of last six visits to Auburn, but won last one 78-71 two years ago. Auburn is 2-3 at home in SEC, 1-3 as a home favorite, with wins by 4-20 points, losses to Georgia/Ole Miss/Tennessee. SEC home favorites of 6 or less points are 10-16 vs spread. State is least experienced team in whole country.


Colorado State won four of last five games despite having only 7 scholarship players; Rams are 3-2 as home favorites, with home wins by 14-27-9 points and losses to New Mexico/Boise St. Utah State is 1-4 as a road underdog, losing away games by 5-8-19-13-2 points. CSU never trailed in 64-56 win at Utah State Jan 21, just Rams’ second win seven MW games against USU. Aggies won by 9-4 points in last two visits to Fort Collins. Mountain West home favorites of 6 or less points are 10-13 against the spread this season.


Butler trailed 25-5 early, by 18 early in second half, before they rallied for 88-80 home win over Marquette Jan 16; home side is 6-1 in series games. Bulldogs lost two of three visits here, with losses by 7-6 points and an OT win two years ago. Butler lost last two games, both at home; they’re 3-2 on Big East road, losing at St John’s/Creighton- two of their three road wins were in OT. Marquette is 4-1 at home, with only loss to Providence; they’re 2-2 as a home favorite. Big East home favorites of 3 or less points are 2-3 against the spread.


TCU was outscored 25-5 on foul line in 75-69 loss at Texas Tech Jan 18; Frogs rallied back from down 14 in first half, led by 2 with 9:10 left. Tech is 9-1 vs TCU in Big X games, with lone loss in Big X tourney LY- they’ve won last four visits to TCU. Horned Frogs are 3-2 at home, 2-1 as home favorites, with wins over Oklahoma/Iowa St/Texas- they lost to Kansas/Baylor. Texas Tech is 0-5 on Big X road, 1-3 as a road underdog, with losses by 7-17-9-4-4 points. Big X home favorites of 4 or less points are 3-5 against the spread.


Iowa State won three of last four games, with two wins in OT; they’re 3-2 on Big X road and were underdog in all five games. Texas is 3-2 at home in Big X; all five games were decided by 4 or less points- they’re 2-0 as a home underdog. Iowa State beat Texas 79-70 in first meeting this year; they made 10-24 on arc, were +8 in turnovers. Cyclones won six of last seven games with Texas, but lost six of last seven visits to Austin. their win was two years ago. Underdogs are 8-1 vs spread in Texas games. Big X road favorites of 3 or less points are 5-2 vs spread.


Michigan State beat Michigan 70-62 at home nine days ago; Wolverines were just 7-26 on arc. State won last five series games, winning by 13-16 points in last two visits to Ann Arbor. State won its last two games, is 2-3 on Big 14 road, losing away games by 9-5-7 points, winning at Minnesota/Nebraska. Spartans are turning ball over 20% of time in conference play. Michigan is 4-2 at home, 2-4 as a home favorite, with losses to Maryland/Ohio St, wins by 3-6-9-30 points. Big 14 home favorites of 4 or less points are 13-11 vs spread.