NCAAFB BEST BETS THRU CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK AND BOWL GAMES !
12/20/2024.....................3 - 3 - 0......................50.00%..................- 1.50
12/19/2024.....................0 -2 - 0.......................00.00%..................- 11.00
12/18/2024.....................2 -2 - 0.......................50.00%..................- 1.00
12/17/2024.....................0 - 2 - 0......................00.00%...................- 11.00
12/14/2024.....................0 - 2 - 0......................00.00%....................- 11.00
12/07/2024.....................4 - 6 - 0......................40.00%...................- 13.00
12/06/2024.....................4 - 2 - 0......................66.66%...................+ 9.00
TOTALS.........................13 -19 - 0......................39.15%...................- 39.50
*************************************************************************************
AUG- SEPT TOTALS............119 - 95 - 3..........................55.60%............................+ 75.20
OCTOBER TOTALS................61 - 64 - 3..........................48.80%............................- 42.00
NOVEMBER TOTALS............146- 147 - 0.........................49.82%............................- 78.50
12/20/2024.....................3 - 3 - 0......................50.00%..................- 1.50
12/19/2024.....................0 -2 - 0.......................00.00%..................- 11.00
12/18/2024.....................2 -2 - 0.......................50.00%..................- 1.00
12/17/2024.....................0 - 2 - 0......................00.00%...................- 11.00
12/14/2024.....................0 - 2 - 0......................00.00%....................- 11.00
12/07/2024.....................4 - 6 - 0......................40.00%...................- 13.00
12/06/2024.....................4 - 2 - 0......................66.66%...................+ 9.00
TOTALS.........................13 -19 - 0......................39.15%...................- 39.50
*************************************************************************************
AUG- SEPT TOTALS............119 - 95 - 3..........................55.60%............................+ 75.20
OCTOBER TOTALS................61 - 64 - 3..........................48.80%............................- 42.00
NOVEMBER TOTALS............146- 147 - 0.........................49.82%............................- 78.50
Saturday’s 6-pack:
Some college basketball teams with a bad eFG% defense:
#361- VMI
#359- Stony Brook
#355- Seattle
#352- Oral Roberts
#350- Canisius
#348- Kansas City
Quote of the Day
“Joe does a great job at buying gifts that are extremely meaningful. The fact that he bought me a sword, it’s the most ancient form of respect.”
Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown, talking about the Christmas gifts QB Joe Burrow gave to his offensive linemen this week
Saturday’s quiz
Where did Patrick Mahomes play his college football?
Friday’s quiz
The Liberty Bowl football game played in Memphis.
Thursday’s quiz
Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff are the two starting QB’s in the NFL who have fathers that played major league baseball.
************************************
Indiana scored two TD’s in last 2:00; final score is misleading.
Notre Dame scored on a 98-yard TD run on their second series.
Notre Dame was 7-13 on third down, Indiana 4-12
Notre Dame plays Georgia in the Elite 8 next week.
— Florida 33, Tulane 8
Tulane’s QB bolted to Duke; his backup didn’t play well.
Florida’s lead was only 6-0 at halftime.
Gators ran for 224 yards; they outgained Tulane, 529-194
— Ohio 30, Jacksonville State 27
Ohio U led this game 27-7 at halftime.
Ohio QB Navarro ran for 3 TDs, threw a 4th TD, all in first half.
Both head coaches in this game have bolted to bigger $$$ jobs.
— Indiana had 13 players who played for James Madison last year; despite that, JMU went 9-4 this year and won their bowl game. Lot of talent out there.
— Conference bowl records (SU/ATS)
AAC 1-1 SU/1-1 ATS
ACC 0-1 SU/0-1 ATS
Big 18 0-1 SU/0-1 ATS
Big X 0-1 SU/0-1 ATS
C-USA 1-2 SU/1-2 ATS
MAC 1-1 SU/1-0-1 ATS
M West 1-0 SU/1-0 ATS
SEC 1-0 SU/1-0 ATS
Sun Belt 2-1 SU/1-1-1 ATS
Favorites: 4-3-1 ATS
Totals: under 5-3
— St John’s 72, Providence 70
Friars led 42-29 at halftime.
Red Storm survived going 11-26 on the foul line.
Providence lost six of its last eight games.
— Cincinnati 66, Dayton 59
Bearcats never trailed, led 16-4 midway thru first half.
Dayton shot 39.2% from floor.
9-1 Cincinnati has #6 eFG% defense in country.
— Famous birthdays, December 21st:
Dave Kingman, 76
Samuel L Jackson, 76
Ray Romano, 67
Andy Van Slyke, 64
Kiefer Sutherland, 58
LaTroy Hawkins, 52
Mike Alstott, 51
Chris Davis, 37
Kendall Graveman, 34
Mike Clevinger, 34
— Houston Astros signed 1B Christian Walker to a 3-year, $60M contract; 33-year old Walker hit 26 homers for Arizona last year, with an .803 OPS.
— A record nine MLB teams were over the luxury tax threshold for 2024, which resulted in $311M in penalties, with the Dodgers ($103,016,896), Mets ($97,115,609) and Bronx ($62,512,111) paying the biggest penalties.
Some questions for this week’s NFL games:
— Steelers lead the Ravens by a game in AFC North; they visit Baltimore Sunday. Pittsburgh has won eight of its last nine games against the Ravens, including an 18-16 win in Week 11..
— Lions @ Bears- December 22 and this is Detroit’s 2nd game outdoors all season; should be a bit nippy in Chicago for this one. Lions won their first outdoor game 24-14 in Green Bay.
— Giants @ Atlanta- Falcons are favored by 8.5 points; they’re playing a QB making his first-ever NFL start. Atlanta lost four of its last five games; Giants have lost nine in a row.
— Jaguars @ Raiders
Jacksonville lost six of its last seven games.
Las Vegas lost its last 10 games; their last win was September 29.
Please don’t bet on this game, but if you do, play the total.
— Patriots @ Bills- Weird scheduling— it is Week 16 and these division rivals haven’t met yet this season- they play again in two weeks.
— Vikings @ Seahawks- Both teams are scrambling for playoff position; Vikings have a short week after their win against the Bears Monday night. Minnesota is 7-1 this year in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Some college basketball teams with a bad eFG% defense:
#361- VMI
#359- Stony Brook
#355- Seattle
#352- Oral Roberts
#350- Canisius
#348- Kansas City
Quote of the Day
“Joe does a great job at buying gifts that are extremely meaningful. The fact that he bought me a sword, it’s the most ancient form of respect.”
Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown, talking about the Christmas gifts QB Joe Burrow gave to his offensive linemen this week
Saturday’s quiz
Where did Patrick Mahomes play his college football?
Friday’s quiz
The Liberty Bowl football game played in Memphis.
Thursday’s quiz
Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff are the two starting QB’s in the NFL who have fathers that played major league baseball.
************************************
Saturday’s Den: Clearing out a cluttered mind…….
— Notre Dame 27, Indiana 17Indiana scored two TD’s in last 2:00; final score is misleading.
Notre Dame scored on a 98-yard TD run on their second series.
Notre Dame was 7-13 on third down, Indiana 4-12
Notre Dame plays Georgia in the Elite 8 next week.
— Florida 33, Tulane 8
Tulane’s QB bolted to Duke; his backup didn’t play well.
Florida’s lead was only 6-0 at halftime.
Gators ran for 224 yards; they outgained Tulane, 529-194
— Ohio 30, Jacksonville State 27
Ohio U led this game 27-7 at halftime.
Ohio QB Navarro ran for 3 TDs, threw a 4th TD, all in first half.
Both head coaches in this game have bolted to bigger $$$ jobs.
— Indiana had 13 players who played for James Madison last year; despite that, JMU went 9-4 this year and won their bowl game. Lot of talent out there.
— Conference bowl records (SU/ATS)
AAC 1-1 SU/1-1 ATS
ACC 0-1 SU/0-1 ATS
Big 18 0-1 SU/0-1 ATS
Big X 0-1 SU/0-1 ATS
C-USA 1-2 SU/1-2 ATS
MAC 1-1 SU/1-0-1 ATS
M West 1-0 SU/1-0 ATS
SEC 1-0 SU/1-0 ATS
Sun Belt 2-1 SU/1-1-1 ATS
Favorites: 4-3-1 ATS
Totals: under 5-3
— St John’s 72, Providence 70
Friars led 42-29 at halftime.
Red Storm survived going 11-26 on the foul line.
Providence lost six of its last eight games.
— Cincinnati 66, Dayton 59
Bearcats never trailed, led 16-4 midway thru first half.
Dayton shot 39.2% from floor.
9-1 Cincinnati has #6 eFG% defense in country.
— Famous birthdays, December 21st:
Dave Kingman, 76
Samuel L Jackson, 76
Ray Romano, 67
Andy Van Slyke, 64
Kiefer Sutherland, 58
LaTroy Hawkins, 52
Mike Alstott, 51
Chris Davis, 37
Kendall Graveman, 34
Mike Clevinger, 34
— Houston Astros signed 1B Christian Walker to a 3-year, $60M contract; 33-year old Walker hit 26 homers for Arizona last year, with an .803 OPS.
— A record nine MLB teams were over the luxury tax threshold for 2024, which resulted in $311M in penalties, with the Dodgers ($103,016,896), Mets ($97,115,609) and Bronx ($62,512,111) paying the biggest penalties.
Some questions for this week’s NFL games:
— Steelers lead the Ravens by a game in AFC North; they visit Baltimore Sunday. Pittsburgh has won eight of its last nine games against the Ravens, including an 18-16 win in Week 11..
— Lions @ Bears- December 22 and this is Detroit’s 2nd game outdoors all season; should be a bit nippy in Chicago for this one. Lions won their first outdoor game 24-14 in Green Bay.
— Giants @ Atlanta- Falcons are favored by 8.5 points; they’re playing a QB making his first-ever NFL start. Atlanta lost four of its last five games; Giants have lost nine in a row.
— Jaguars @ Raiders
Jacksonville lost six of its last seven games.
Las Vegas lost its last 10 games; their last win was September 29.
Please don’t bet on this game, but if you do, play the total.
— Patriots @ Bills- Weird scheduling— it is Week 16 and these division rivals haven’t met yet this season- they play again in two weeks.
— Vikings @ Seahawks- Both teams are scrambling for playoff position; Vikings have a short week after their win against the Bears Monday night. Minnesota is 7-1 this year in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
NCAAFB BEST BETS THRU CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK AND BOWL GAMES !
12/21.2024......................3 -3 - 0.......................50.00%..................- 1.50
12/20/2024.....................3 - 3 - 0......................50.00%..................- 1.50
12/19/2024.....................0 -2 - 0.......................00.00%..................- 11.00
12/18/2024.....................2 -2 - 0.......................50.00%..................- 1.00
12/17/2024.....................0 - 2 - 0......................00.00%...................- 11.00
12/14/2024.....................0 - 2 - 0......................00.00%....................- 11.00
12/07/2024.....................4 - 6 - 0......................40.00%...................- 13.00
12/06/2024.....................4 - 2 - 0......................66.66%...................+ 9.00
TOTALS.........................16 -22 - 0......................42.10%...................-41.00
*************************************************************************************
AUG- SEPT TOTALS............119 - 95 - 3..........................55.60%............................+ 75.20
OCTOBER TOTALS................61 - 64 - 3..........................48.80%............................- 42.00
NOVEMBER TOTALS............146- 147 - 0.........................49.82%............................- 78.50
12/21.2024......................3 -3 - 0.......................50.00%..................- 1.50
12/20/2024.....................3 - 3 - 0......................50.00%..................- 1.50
12/19/2024.....................0 -2 - 0.......................00.00%..................- 11.00
12/18/2024.....................2 -2 - 0.......................50.00%..................- 1.00
12/17/2024.....................0 - 2 - 0......................00.00%...................- 11.00
12/14/2024.....................0 - 2 - 0......................00.00%....................- 11.00
12/07/2024.....................4 - 6 - 0......................40.00%...................- 13.00
12/06/2024.....................4 - 2 - 0......................66.66%...................+ 9.00
TOTALS.........................16 -22 - 0......................42.10%...................-41.00
*************************************************************************************
AUG- SEPT TOTALS............119 - 95 - 3..........................55.60%............................+ 75.20
OCTOBER TOTALS................61 - 64 - 3..........................48.80%............................- 42.00
NOVEMBER TOTALS............146- 147 - 0.........................49.82%............................- 78.50
Sunday’s 6-pack:
Top-6 rated college basketball conferences in the country:
1- SEC
2- Big 18
3- Big X
4- Big East
5- ACC
6- Mountain West
Quote of the Day
“I’ve been saying this for years: Rickey (Henderson) wasn’t just great. That doesn’t say enough for me. He’s one of the top 10 to 12 players of all time. That’s how good Rickey was.”
Reggie Jackson
Sunday’s quiz
What team did Rickey Henderson finish his 25-year career with?
Saturday’s quiz
Patrick Mahomes played his college football at Texas Tech.
Friday’s quiz
The Liberty Bowl football game played in Memphis.
************************************
He was the greatest lead-off hitter of all time:
Most runs scored, ever
Most stolen bases, ever
10-time All-Star
Played for two World Series champs, including the ’89 Oakland A’s
MVP of American League in 1990
3-time Silver Slugger
first-ballot Hall of Famer
played 25 years in the majors, for nine teams
He stole 66 bases when he was 39 years old.
RIP, sir.
Chiefs 27, Texans 19
Chiefs’ first four drives: 32 plays, 169 yards, 17 points.
Kansas City led 17-10 at halftime.
WR Worthy caught seven passes for 65 yards and a TD.
Chiefs are now 2-7 ATS in their last nine games.
AFC West favorites are 16-6 ATS in non-divisional games.
Both teams converted 7-13 third down plays.
Houston is 2-6 when it gives up more than 20 points.
Houston is 8-12 ATS in last 20 games coming off a win.
Under is now 6-2 in Texans’ road games.
WR Dell caught six passes for 98 yards, but suffered what looked like a severe leg injury on his touchdown catch.
Ravens 34, Steelers 17
Humphrey broke game open with pick-6 that made score 31-17.
Ravens ran for 220 yards, outgained Steelers, 418-315.
Baltimore clinched a playoff berth with the win.
Baltimore is 10-0 if they score 27+ points, 0-5 if they score less than 27
Over is 12-3 in Baltimore’s games this year.
Just 2nd win for Ravens in last ten games in this rivalry
Teams are now tied for first in AFC North.
Last two games, Steelers gave up 401-418 yards.
Pittsburgh is 1-4 when it scores less than 20 points.
Steelers entered game +18 in turnovers; they were minus-1 in this game.
— It was a really good day for home teams in college football:
Penn State 38, SMU 10
SMU’s QB threw three INT’s on their first six drives.
Two of those three INT’s were pick-6’s.
Penn State led 28-0 at halftime.
Nittany Lions advance to play Boise State in next round of playoff.
— Texas 38, Clemson 24
First three Texas drives: 23 plays, 222 yards, 21 points.
Longhorns led 28-10 at halftime.
Texas ran ball for 292 yards (6.1 yards/carry)
Texas advances to play Arizona State in next round.
— Ohio State 42, Tennessee 17
Buckeyes’ first three drives: 17 plays, 201 yards; they led 21-0.
Tennessee’s first three drives: 13 plays, 11 yards, 3 punts.
Buckeyes outgained the Vols, 473-256.
Ohio State advances to play Oregon in the next round.
— Pointspreads for the next round of the college playoff:
Penn State (-10, 52.5) vs Boise State
Texas (-13.5, 52.5) vs Arizona State
Ohio State (-1.5, 53.5) vs Oregon
Notre Dame vs Georgia (-1.5, 44.5)
— Conference bowl records (SU/ATS)
AAC 1-1 SU/1-1 ATS
ACC 0-3 SU/0-3 ATS
Big 18 2-1 SU/2-1 ATS
Big X 0-1 SU/0-1 ATS
C-USA 1-2 SU/1-2 ATS
MAC 1-1 SU/1-0-1 ATS
M West 1-0 SU/1-0 ATS
SEC 2-1 SU/2-1 ATS
Sun Belt 2-1 SU/1-1-1 ATS
Favorites: 7-3-1 ATS
Totals: under 6-5
— Famous birthdays, December 22nd:
Hector Elizondo, 88
Steve Carlton, 80
Dave Robisch, 75
Glenn Wilson, 66
Jacob Stallings, 35
Taylor Rapp, 27
— Auburn 87, Purdue 69
Tigers led this game 72-39 with 7:01 left to play.
Auburn shot 65% inside arc, also had 12 offensive boards.
Auburn is shooting 61.5% inside the arc (#3)
— North Carolina 76, UCLA 74
UCLA led 59-43 with 12:50 left in the game.
Tar Heels were 24-35 on foul line, UCLA 13-22.
Frosh Jackson scored 24 for UNC; he didn’t start.
— Marquette 72, Xavier 70
Marquette led by 15 with 7:11 left in game, then held on.
Golden Eagles shot 55% inside the arc.
Marquette is forcing turnovers 23% of time (#11)
Xavier lost five of its last seven games.
— UConn 78, Butler 74
7:00 into the game, UConn led 25-9.
Huskies shot 11-24 on the arc, Butler 5-15
UConn is 6-0 since their 0-3 trip to Maui.
— Princeton 83, Rutgers 82
Princeton had 19 offensive rebounds.
Tigers also shot 55.8% inside the arc.
Rutgers is 3-5 in their last eight games.
— Mt St Mary’s 78, Miami 74
Miami has now lost eight of its last nine games.
Hurricanes led by 10 at halftime.
Miami has #290 eFG% defense in country.
— Bronx baseball team signed 1B Paul Goldschmidt for one year, $12.5M; 37-year old Goldschmidt hit .245 with a .716 OPS last year, career-low numbers.
— Cleveland Guardians traded 1B Josh Naylor to Arizona, for P Slade Cecconi and a draft pick; Guardians then brought back an old friend, 1B Carlos Santana for one year, $12M.
Santana will be 39 in April; he hit .238 for Minnesota LY, with a .749 OPS, plus he won a Gold Glove at first base.
Top-6 rated college basketball conferences in the country:
1- SEC
2- Big 18
3- Big X
4- Big East
5- ACC
6- Mountain West
Quote of the Day
“I’ve been saying this for years: Rickey (Henderson) wasn’t just great. That doesn’t say enough for me. He’s one of the top 10 to 12 players of all time. That’s how good Rickey was.”
Reggie Jackson
Sunday’s quiz
What team did Rickey Henderson finish his 25-year career with?
Saturday’s quiz
Patrick Mahomes played his college football at Texas Tech.
Friday’s quiz
The Liberty Bowl football game played in Memphis.
************************************
Sunday’s Den: Wrapping up a sports Saturday…….
— We lead off today with sad news; Hall of Fame OF Rickey Henderson has passed away, at age 65- he would’ve been 66 on Christmas Day. Rickey Henderson was an awesome ballplayer.He was the greatest lead-off hitter of all time:
Most runs scored, ever
Most stolen bases, ever
10-time All-Star
Played for two World Series champs, including the ’89 Oakland A’s
MVP of American League in 1990
3-time Silver Slugger
first-ballot Hall of Famer
played 25 years in the majors, for nine teams
He stole 66 bases when he was 39 years old.
RIP, sir.
Chiefs 27, Texans 19
Chiefs’ first four drives: 32 plays, 169 yards, 17 points.
Kansas City led 17-10 at halftime.
WR Worthy caught seven passes for 65 yards and a TD.
Chiefs are now 2-7 ATS in their last nine games.
AFC West favorites are 16-6 ATS in non-divisional games.
Both teams converted 7-13 third down plays.
Houston is 2-6 when it gives up more than 20 points.
Houston is 8-12 ATS in last 20 games coming off a win.
Under is now 6-2 in Texans’ road games.
WR Dell caught six passes for 98 yards, but suffered what looked like a severe leg injury on his touchdown catch.
Ravens 34, Steelers 17
Humphrey broke game open with pick-6 that made score 31-17.
Ravens ran for 220 yards, outgained Steelers, 418-315.
Baltimore clinched a playoff berth with the win.
Baltimore is 10-0 if they score 27+ points, 0-5 if they score less than 27
Over is 12-3 in Baltimore’s games this year.
Just 2nd win for Ravens in last ten games in this rivalry
Teams are now tied for first in AFC North.
Last two games, Steelers gave up 401-418 yards.
Pittsburgh is 1-4 when it scores less than 20 points.
Steelers entered game +18 in turnovers; they were minus-1 in this game.
— It was a really good day for home teams in college football:
Penn State 38, SMU 10
SMU’s QB threw three INT’s on their first six drives.
Two of those three INT’s were pick-6’s.
Penn State led 28-0 at halftime.
Nittany Lions advance to play Boise State in next round of playoff.
— Texas 38, Clemson 24
First three Texas drives: 23 plays, 222 yards, 21 points.
Longhorns led 28-10 at halftime.
Texas ran ball for 292 yards (6.1 yards/carry)
Texas advances to play Arizona State in next round.
— Ohio State 42, Tennessee 17
Buckeyes’ first three drives: 17 plays, 201 yards; they led 21-0.
Tennessee’s first three drives: 13 plays, 11 yards, 3 punts.
Buckeyes outgained the Vols, 473-256.
Ohio State advances to play Oregon in the next round.
— Pointspreads for the next round of the college playoff:
Penn State (-10, 52.5) vs Boise State
Texas (-13.5, 52.5) vs Arizona State
Ohio State (-1.5, 53.5) vs Oregon
Notre Dame vs Georgia (-1.5, 44.5)
— Conference bowl records (SU/ATS)
AAC 1-1 SU/1-1 ATS
ACC 0-3 SU/0-3 ATS
Big 18 2-1 SU/2-1 ATS
Big X 0-1 SU/0-1 ATS
C-USA 1-2 SU/1-2 ATS
MAC 1-1 SU/1-0-1 ATS
M West 1-0 SU/1-0 ATS
SEC 2-1 SU/2-1 ATS
Sun Belt 2-1 SU/1-1-1 ATS
Favorites: 7-3-1 ATS
Totals: under 6-5
— Famous birthdays, December 22nd:
Hector Elizondo, 88
Steve Carlton, 80
Dave Robisch, 75
Glenn Wilson, 66
Jacob Stallings, 35
Taylor Rapp, 27
— Auburn 87, Purdue 69
Tigers led this game 72-39 with 7:01 left to play.
Auburn shot 65% inside arc, also had 12 offensive boards.
Auburn is shooting 61.5% inside the arc (#3)
— North Carolina 76, UCLA 74
UCLA led 59-43 with 12:50 left in the game.
Tar Heels were 24-35 on foul line, UCLA 13-22.
Frosh Jackson scored 24 for UNC; he didn’t start.
— Marquette 72, Xavier 70
Marquette led by 15 with 7:11 left in game, then held on.
Golden Eagles shot 55% inside the arc.
Marquette is forcing turnovers 23% of time (#11)
Xavier lost five of its last seven games.
— UConn 78, Butler 74
7:00 into the game, UConn led 25-9.
Huskies shot 11-24 on the arc, Butler 5-15
UConn is 6-0 since their 0-3 trip to Maui.
— Princeton 83, Rutgers 82
Princeton had 19 offensive rebounds.
Tigers also shot 55.8% inside the arc.
Rutgers is 3-5 in their last eight games.
— Mt St Mary’s 78, Miami 74
Miami has now lost eight of its last nine games.
Hurricanes led by 10 at halftime.
Miami has #290 eFG% defense in country.
— Bronx baseball team signed 1B Paul Goldschmidt for one year, $12.5M; 37-year old Goldschmidt hit .245 with a .716 OPS last year, career-low numbers.
— Cleveland Guardians traded 1B Josh Naylor to Arizona, for P Slade Cecconi and a draft pick; Guardians then brought back an old friend, 1B Carlos Santana for one year, $12M.
Santana will be 39 in April; he hit .238 for Minnesota LY, with a .749 OPS, plus he won a Gold Glove at first base.
NCAAF
Dunkel
Bowl Season
NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up
Bowl Season
Monday’s games
Myrtle Beach Bowl
Tex-San Antonio (-10.5) vs Coastal Carolina
Texas-San Antonio (6-6)
Roadrunners won three of their last four games.
UTSA is 1-6 giving up more than 27 points.
UTSA is 1-3 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Roadrunners have 7 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
UTSA has 106 starts returning on the offensive line.
Roadrunners’ soph QB McCown has thrown 24 TD’s, 9 INT’s this year.
UTSA gave up 400+ total yards in four of last five games.
UTSA is 3-3 ATS as a favorite this season.
Roadrunners are 15-12 ATS in last 27 games as a favorite.
Under Traylor, UTSA is 22-19 ATS as a favorite.
Under Traylor, Roadrunners are 8-15 ATS in non-conference games.
Over is 6-1 in their last seven games.
UTSA won its bowl 35-17 LY, its first bowl win in five tries.
Coastal Carolina (6-6)
Coastal lost five of its last seven games, after a 4-1 start.
Chanticleers are 0-6 scoring less than 28 points.
CCU is minus-8 in turnovers in its losses, +13 in wins.
Coastal has 6 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Coastal has 40 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Vasko started four games LY.
Chanticleers are 3-7 ATS in their last ten games.
Coastal is 3-4 ATS as an underdog this year.
Coastal’s six losses were all by 10+ points.
Under Beck, Coastal is 5-3 ATS in non-conference games.
Under is 3-1 in their last four games.
Chanticleers split their four bowl games SU/ATS
Favorites are 3-1 ATS in this bowl.
Coastal Carolina is 14 miles from Myrtle Beach; this is a home game for CCU.
Idaho Potato Bowl (Boise)
Northern Illinois (-3.5) vs Fresno State
Northern Illinois (7-5)
NIU is 1-4 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Huskies are 5-0 if they score 24+ points, 2-5 if they don’t.
NIU held 8 of 12 opponents under 300 TY.
Huskies have 8 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Huskies have 113 returning starts on offensive line.
Junior QB Hampton has thrown for 1,600 yards (12 TD’s, 6 INTs)
Under Hammock, Huskies are 7-23-1 ATS as a favorite.
NIU is 1-5-1 ATS as a favorite this year.
Under Hammock, NIU is 12-8-1 ATS in non-league games.
Underdogs are 8-2-1 ATS in their I-A games.
Under is 6-4-1 in NIU’s I-A games.
Huskies won their bowl LY, snapping a 7-game bowl losing skid.
Fresno State (6-6)
Fresno lost three of its last four games.
Bulldogs are 5-1 scoring 28+ points, 1-5 scoring less than 28.
Bulldogs have 8 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Fresno has 106 starts returning on offensive line.
Soph QB Keene started 11 games last year.
Skipper is Fresno’s interim coach this season; they named a new coach three weeks ago.
Fresno is 7-5 ATS in last 12 games as an underdog.
Bulldogs were held under 300 TY in three of last four games.
Bulldogs are 2-3 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Under is 5-2 in their last seven games.
Bulldogs are 7-2 ATS in last nine non-league games.
Fresno won its last five bowl games.
Underdogs won this bowl three of last four years.
Chances are the weather will suck, winter in Idaho and all……
Average total in this game, the last 10 years: 67.6
NCAAF
Bowl Season
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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Texas-San Antonio vs Coastal Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas-San Antonio's last 7 games
Texas-San Antonio is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Coastal Carolina is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Coastal Carolina's last 7 games at home
Northern Illinois vs Fresno State
Northern Illinois is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games
Northern Illinois is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Fresno State's last 7 games
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Dunkel
Bowl Season
NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up
Bowl Season
Monday’s games
Myrtle Beach Bowl
Tex-San Antonio (-10.5) vs Coastal Carolina
Texas-San Antonio (6-6)
Roadrunners won three of their last four games.
UTSA is 1-6 giving up more than 27 points.
UTSA is 1-3 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Roadrunners have 7 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
UTSA has 106 starts returning on the offensive line.
Roadrunners’ soph QB McCown has thrown 24 TD’s, 9 INT’s this year.
UTSA gave up 400+ total yards in four of last five games.
UTSA is 3-3 ATS as a favorite this season.
Roadrunners are 15-12 ATS in last 27 games as a favorite.
Under Traylor, UTSA is 22-19 ATS as a favorite.
Under Traylor, Roadrunners are 8-15 ATS in non-conference games.
Over is 6-1 in their last seven games.
UTSA won its bowl 35-17 LY, its first bowl win in five tries.
Coastal Carolina (6-6)
Coastal lost five of its last seven games, after a 4-1 start.
Chanticleers are 0-6 scoring less than 28 points.
CCU is minus-8 in turnovers in its losses, +13 in wins.
Coastal has 6 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Coastal has 40 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Vasko started four games LY.
Chanticleers are 3-7 ATS in their last ten games.
Coastal is 3-4 ATS as an underdog this year.
Coastal’s six losses were all by 10+ points.
Under Beck, Coastal is 5-3 ATS in non-conference games.
Under is 3-1 in their last four games.
Chanticleers split their four bowl games SU/ATS
Favorites are 3-1 ATS in this bowl.
Coastal Carolina is 14 miles from Myrtle Beach; this is a home game for CCU.
Idaho Potato Bowl (Boise)
Northern Illinois (-3.5) vs Fresno State
Northern Illinois (7-5)
NIU is 1-4 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Huskies are 5-0 if they score 24+ points, 2-5 if they don’t.
NIU held 8 of 12 opponents under 300 TY.
Huskies have 8 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Huskies have 113 returning starts on offensive line.
Junior QB Hampton has thrown for 1,600 yards (12 TD’s, 6 INTs)
Under Hammock, Huskies are 7-23-1 ATS as a favorite.
NIU is 1-5-1 ATS as a favorite this year.
Under Hammock, NIU is 12-8-1 ATS in non-league games.
Underdogs are 8-2-1 ATS in their I-A games.
Under is 6-4-1 in NIU’s I-A games.
Huskies won their bowl LY, snapping a 7-game bowl losing skid.
Fresno State (6-6)
Fresno lost three of its last four games.
Bulldogs are 5-1 scoring 28+ points, 1-5 scoring less than 28.
Bulldogs have 8 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Fresno has 106 starts returning on offensive line.
Soph QB Keene started 11 games last year.
Skipper is Fresno’s interim coach this season; they named a new coach three weeks ago.
Fresno is 7-5 ATS in last 12 games as an underdog.
Bulldogs were held under 300 TY in three of last four games.
Bulldogs are 2-3 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Under is 5-2 in their last seven games.
Bulldogs are 7-2 ATS in last nine non-league games.
Fresno won its last five bowl games.
Underdogs won this bowl three of last four years.
Chances are the weather will suck, winter in Idaho and all……
Average total in this game, the last 10 years: 67.6
NCAAF
Bowl Season
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas-San Antonio vs Coastal Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas-San Antonio's last 7 games
Texas-San Antonio is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Coastal Carolina is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Coastal Carolina's last 7 games at home
Northern Illinois vs Fresno State
Northern Illinois is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games
Northern Illinois is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Fresno State's last 7 games
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Armadillo Sports
Monday’s 6-pack:
— Illinois 80, Missouri 77- Illini was 22-23 on the foul line.
— Utah State 75, Saint Mary’s 68- Aggies shot 70.6% inside the arc.
— Georgetown 61, Seton Hall 60- Teams shot combined 7-36 on the arc.
— Oregon State 74, Charleston 65- Beavers shot 62.1% inside the arc.
— Oakland 72, Loyola Chi 71- Grizzlies put in rebound at buzzer for the win.
— Missouri State 68, UCSB 56- Dez White scored 26 points for the 7-5 Bears.
Quote of the Day
“I didn’t know I was going to have to jump. I met a lot of guys at the pylon and I lowered my shoulder trying to get in there. Then I saw a little opening and thought I’d take it. In the air, it felt a little bit like ‘Space Jam’ Michael Jordan with his arm out there. This has got to get in.”
Rams’ TE Tyler Higbee, after scoring a TD in his first game back from knee surgery
Monday’s quiz
In 2008, Vikings’ coach Kevin O’Connell threw six passes in two games for which NFL team?
Sunday’s quiz
Rickey Henderson finished his 25-year career with the Dodgers, in 2003.
Saturday’s quiz
Patrick Mahomes played his college football at Texas Tech.
****************************************************
Monday’s Den: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday
Vikings 27, Seahawks 24
Darnold threw 39-yard TD pass to Jefferson with 3:51 left for winning score.
Vikings won last eight games, scoring 30.4 ppg in last five.
Vikings are 8-1 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Minnesota is 7-1 SU/5-2-1 ATS on road this season.
Last four games, Vikings are +6 in turnovers.
Seahawks outgained Minnesota, 361-298
Seattle allowed 26+ points in losses, 21 or less in wins.
Seahawks are 15-21-3 ATS in last 38 games coming off a win.
Seattle is minus-11 in turnovers in losses, +4 in wins.
Teams combined to convert 5-22 third down plays.
Commanders 36, Eagles 33
Commanders drove 57 yards, scored game-winning TD with 0:06 left
Rookie QB Daniels was 24-39/258 passing, with 5 TDs, 2 INTs.
Washington won last three games, scoring 32.7 ppg.
Commanders’ first 3 drives: 8 plays, 8 yards, no points.
Commanders’ last 4 drives: 30 plays, 210 yards, 22 points.
Eagles’ first four drives: 20 plays, 183 yards, 21 points.
Philly led 21-7 after the first quarter.
QB Hurts got concussion in first quarter, didn’t return.
Backup QB Pickett was 14-24/143 passing, with a TD and an INT
Loss snaps Eagles’ 10-game winning streak.
Panthers 36, Cardinals 30 OT
Arizona kicked 58-yard FG at gun in 4th quarter to force OT
Carolina drove 49 yards; Hubbard ran 21 yards for walk-off TD.
Panthers’ first three drives: 25 plays, 151 yards, 20 points.
Over is 11-4 in Carolina games this year.
Six of last seven Carolina games were decided by 6 or fewer points.
Panthers led this game 20-3 in second quarter.
Both teams ran ball for 200+ yards; unusual for an NFL game.
Loss eliminated the Cardinals from playoff contention.
Arizona is 1-4 since its bye; they lost four of last five on road.
Cardinals are 2-5 SU on road; both wins were by one point.
Rams 19, Jets 9
Rams’ first two drives: 21 plays, 84 yards, no points.
Rams’ last five drives: 28 plays, 162 yards, 19 points.
Rams won/covered their last five road games.
LA won last two weeks 12-6/19-9; the defense has improved.
Rams won/covered their last five road games.
Both teams missed the PAT after their first touchdown.
Jets led 9-6 after the third quarter.
Rams’ two TD drives were short: 33-21 yards.
Jets are 2-10 SU/3-9 ATS in last 12 games.
This is Jets’ sixth loss this year that they led game at halftime.
Falcons 34, Giants 7
Lock threw two pick-6’s, one when Giants led 7-3 in 2nd quarter.
Giants are 0-10 SU/1-9 ATS in last ten games.
Giants ran ball only 13 times for 45 yards.
Giants haven’t had a positive turnover ratio in any games TY.
Giants’ last eight drives: 25 plays, 55 yards, outscored 14-0 by Atlanta defense.
Atlanta was 8-14 on third down, Giants 3-9
Rookie QB Penix was 18-27/202 passing in his first NFL start.
Seven of Falcons’ last nine games stayed under the total.
Robinson carried ball 22 times for 94 yards, two TDs.
Atlanta scored 22+ points in seven of its eight wins.
Bengals 24, Browns 6
Browns drove 76 yards on first drive, fumbled on 1-yard line.
Browns’ next four drives after that: 14 plays, 10 yards, four punts.
Cleveland is 1-11 when they score less than 24 points.
Browns lost six of last seven games, giving up 27.7 ppg
Browns are 11-19-1 in last 31 games as a road underdog.
Bengals won last three games, scoring 27-37-24 points, after a 1-4 skid.
Burrow was 23-30/252 passing, with 3 TD’s.
Bengals are 6-1 if they allow 24 or fewer points, 1-7 if they allow more than 24.
Bengals are 11-7-2 ATS last 20 games as a home fave (2-4 TY).
Under is 4-1-1 in last six Cincinnati games.
Famous birthdays, December 23rd:
Jerry Koosman, 82
Susan Lucci, 78
Jack Ham, 76
Rod Phillips, 72
Joan Severance, 66
Jim Harbaugh, 61
Joe Jurevicius, 50
Victor Martinez, 46
Mitch Haniger, 34
Colts 38, Titans 30
Colts led 38-7 with 3:30 left in third quarter.
Indy’s first seven drives: 34 plays, 344 yards, 31 points.
RB Taylor ran for 218 yards, three TD’s.
Colts are 5-1 ATS last six games as a home favorite.
Colts outgained Tennessee, 458-307
Titans lost four in row, six of last seven games.
Tennessee is 4-11 ATS in last 15 games as a road underdog.
Tennessee is minus-15 in turnovers this season.
Opponents’ team total: over 8-4-3
Titans are 2-9 ATS as an underdog this season.
Lions 34, Bears 17
Detroit’s first five drives: 36 plays, 308 yards, 27 points.
Lions won 12 of their last 13 games (9-4 ATS).
Detroit is 7-0 SU/6-1 ATS on road this season.
Under Campbell, Lions are 9-3 ATS as a road favorite.
Under Campbell, Detroit is 8-1 ATS in NFC North road games.
This was only second outdoor game for Detroit this year.
WR Williams caught five passes for 143 yards and a TD.
Bears are 0-9 SU/2-7 ATS in last nine games.
Chicago has been outscored 102-42 in three games without Eberflus.
Bears are 0-10 when they score less than 24 points.
Bills 24, Patriots 21
Patriots’ first two drives: 22 plays, 141 yards, 14 points.
Patriots led 14-0 early in second quarter.
Patriots’ last eight drives: 46 plays, 226 yards, 7 points.
New England outgained Buffalo, 379-324
Patriots were 7-12 on third down, Bills 4-11
Bills won nine of their last ten games (7-3 ATS)
Buffalo is 9-0 when it allows less than 23 points, 0-3 if it allows 23+
RB Cook ran ball 11 times for 100 yards and a TD.
Patriots are 1-5 SU/4-2 ATS in last six visits to Buffalo.
Bills had 13 penalties for 78 yards, but had 3 takeaways.
Raiders 19, Jaguars 14
Raiders snapped their 10-game losing skid.
Las Vegas was +2 in turnovers (now minus-17 for season)
Rookie TE Bowers caught 11 passes for 99 yards.
Under is 4-0 in Raiders’ last four games.
Jaguars lost six of their last seven games (5-2 ATS).
WR Thomas caught 9 passes for 132 yards and a TD.
Last five games, Jaguars are minus-8 in turnovers.
Backup QB Jones is 19-29 as an NFL starter.
Dolphins 29, 49ers 17
49ers lost five of last six games, are 1-6 ATS since their bye.
49ers are 1-8 when they score less than 30 points.
Last six weeks, 49ers are minus-9 in turnovers.
49ers are 0-8 when they gain less than 400 yards.
49ers are 9-12 ATS in last 21 games with spread of 3 or less points.
Miami had a TD, four FG’s on its first six drives.
Dolphins K Sanders made those four FG’s, including a 54-yarder.
Dolphins won last four home games, scoring 34-34-32-29 points.
Over is 6-0 in their last six home games.
Miami ran ball for 166 yards, their best since Week 6.
Cowboys 26, Buccaneers 24
First seven Dallas drives: 43 plays, 263 yards, 26 points.
Cowboys led 23-14 at halftime.
Loss drops Tampa Bay into first-place with Atlanta in NFC South.
Over is 9-3 in last 12 games for both teams.
Tampa Bay outgained Dallas 410-317, but was minus-2 in turnovers.
Cowboys ran ball 20 times for only 31 yards.
Aubrey made three field goals: 58-58-53 yards.
Dallas won four of its last five games.
— Conference bowl records (SU/ATS)
AAC 1-1 SU/1-1 ATS
ACC 0-3 SU/0-3 ATS
Big 18 2-1 SU/2-1 ATS
Big X 0-1 SU/0-1 ATS
C-USA 1-2 SU/1-2 ATS
MAC 1-1 SU/1-0-1 ATS
M West 1-0 SU/1-0 ATS
SEC 2-1 SU/2-1 ATS
Sun Belt 2-1 SU/1-1-1 ATS
Favorites: 7-3-1 ATS
Totals: under 6-5
— In baseball, Washington Nationals acquired 1B Nathaniel Lowe from Texas, for lefty reliever Robert Garcia. Lowe hit .265 for Texas LY, with a .762 OPS.
— Mets re-signed lefty P Sean Manaea for three years, $75M; he was 12-6, 3.47 in 32 starts last year, has a career record of 77-62, 4.00 in 198 career starts.
— Phillies acquired lefty P Jesus Luzardo from the Marlins in a 4-player trade; the other three guys involved are all minor leaguers.
My lasting memory of Luzardo will always be when he was on the A’s, he was playing video games in the clubhouse, and broke his hand when he punched a table in anger because his video game didn’t go well. Not ideal.
Monday’s 6-pack:
— Illinois 80, Missouri 77- Illini was 22-23 on the foul line.
— Utah State 75, Saint Mary’s 68- Aggies shot 70.6% inside the arc.
— Georgetown 61, Seton Hall 60- Teams shot combined 7-36 on the arc.
— Oregon State 74, Charleston 65- Beavers shot 62.1% inside the arc.
— Oakland 72, Loyola Chi 71- Grizzlies put in rebound at buzzer for the win.
— Missouri State 68, UCSB 56- Dez White scored 26 points for the 7-5 Bears.
Quote of the Day
“I didn’t know I was going to have to jump. I met a lot of guys at the pylon and I lowered my shoulder trying to get in there. Then I saw a little opening and thought I’d take it. In the air, it felt a little bit like ‘Space Jam’ Michael Jordan with his arm out there. This has got to get in.”
Rams’ TE Tyler Higbee, after scoring a TD in his first game back from knee surgery
Monday’s quiz
In 2008, Vikings’ coach Kevin O’Connell threw six passes in two games for which NFL team?
Sunday’s quiz
Rickey Henderson finished his 25-year career with the Dodgers, in 2003.
Saturday’s quiz
Patrick Mahomes played his college football at Texas Tech.
****************************************************
Monday’s Den: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday
Vikings 27, Seahawks 24
Darnold threw 39-yard TD pass to Jefferson with 3:51 left for winning score.
Vikings won last eight games, scoring 30.4 ppg in last five.
Vikings are 8-1 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Minnesota is 7-1 SU/5-2-1 ATS on road this season.
Last four games, Vikings are +6 in turnovers.
Seahawks outgained Minnesota, 361-298
Seattle allowed 26+ points in losses, 21 or less in wins.
Seahawks are 15-21-3 ATS in last 38 games coming off a win.
Seattle is minus-11 in turnovers in losses, +4 in wins.
Teams combined to convert 5-22 third down plays.
Commanders 36, Eagles 33
Commanders drove 57 yards, scored game-winning TD with 0:06 left
Rookie QB Daniels was 24-39/258 passing, with 5 TDs, 2 INTs.
Washington won last three games, scoring 32.7 ppg.
Commanders’ first 3 drives: 8 plays, 8 yards, no points.
Commanders’ last 4 drives: 30 plays, 210 yards, 22 points.
Eagles’ first four drives: 20 plays, 183 yards, 21 points.
Philly led 21-7 after the first quarter.
QB Hurts got concussion in first quarter, didn’t return.
Backup QB Pickett was 14-24/143 passing, with a TD and an INT
Loss snaps Eagles’ 10-game winning streak.
Panthers 36, Cardinals 30 OT
Arizona kicked 58-yard FG at gun in 4th quarter to force OT
Carolina drove 49 yards; Hubbard ran 21 yards for walk-off TD.
Panthers’ first three drives: 25 plays, 151 yards, 20 points.
Over is 11-4 in Carolina games this year.
Six of last seven Carolina games were decided by 6 or fewer points.
Panthers led this game 20-3 in second quarter.
Both teams ran ball for 200+ yards; unusual for an NFL game.
Loss eliminated the Cardinals from playoff contention.
Arizona is 1-4 since its bye; they lost four of last five on road.
Cardinals are 2-5 SU on road; both wins were by one point.
Rams 19, Jets 9
Rams’ first two drives: 21 plays, 84 yards, no points.
Rams’ last five drives: 28 plays, 162 yards, 19 points.
Rams won/covered their last five road games.
LA won last two weeks 12-6/19-9; the defense has improved.
Rams won/covered their last five road games.
Both teams missed the PAT after their first touchdown.
Jets led 9-6 after the third quarter.
Rams’ two TD drives were short: 33-21 yards.
Jets are 2-10 SU/3-9 ATS in last 12 games.
This is Jets’ sixth loss this year that they led game at halftime.
Falcons 34, Giants 7
Lock threw two pick-6’s, one when Giants led 7-3 in 2nd quarter.
Giants are 0-10 SU/1-9 ATS in last ten games.
Giants ran ball only 13 times for 45 yards.
Giants haven’t had a positive turnover ratio in any games TY.
Giants’ last eight drives: 25 plays, 55 yards, outscored 14-0 by Atlanta defense.
Atlanta was 8-14 on third down, Giants 3-9
Rookie QB Penix was 18-27/202 passing in his first NFL start.
Seven of Falcons’ last nine games stayed under the total.
Robinson carried ball 22 times for 94 yards, two TDs.
Atlanta scored 22+ points in seven of its eight wins.
Bengals 24, Browns 6
Browns drove 76 yards on first drive, fumbled on 1-yard line.
Browns’ next four drives after that: 14 plays, 10 yards, four punts.
Cleveland is 1-11 when they score less than 24 points.
Browns lost six of last seven games, giving up 27.7 ppg
Browns are 11-19-1 in last 31 games as a road underdog.
Bengals won last three games, scoring 27-37-24 points, after a 1-4 skid.
Burrow was 23-30/252 passing, with 3 TD’s.
Bengals are 6-1 if they allow 24 or fewer points, 1-7 if they allow more than 24.
Bengals are 11-7-2 ATS last 20 games as a home fave (2-4 TY).
Under is 4-1-1 in last six Cincinnati games.
Famous birthdays, December 23rd:
Jerry Koosman, 82
Susan Lucci, 78
Jack Ham, 76
Rod Phillips, 72
Joan Severance, 66
Jim Harbaugh, 61
Joe Jurevicius, 50
Victor Martinez, 46
Mitch Haniger, 34
Colts 38, Titans 30
Colts led 38-7 with 3:30 left in third quarter.
Indy’s first seven drives: 34 plays, 344 yards, 31 points.
RB Taylor ran for 218 yards, three TD’s.
Colts are 5-1 ATS last six games as a home favorite.
Colts outgained Tennessee, 458-307
Titans lost four in row, six of last seven games.
Tennessee is 4-11 ATS in last 15 games as a road underdog.
Tennessee is minus-15 in turnovers this season.
Opponents’ team total: over 8-4-3
Titans are 2-9 ATS as an underdog this season.
Lions 34, Bears 17
Detroit’s first five drives: 36 plays, 308 yards, 27 points.
Lions won 12 of their last 13 games (9-4 ATS).
Detroit is 7-0 SU/6-1 ATS on road this season.
Under Campbell, Lions are 9-3 ATS as a road favorite.
Under Campbell, Detroit is 8-1 ATS in NFC North road games.
This was only second outdoor game for Detroit this year.
WR Williams caught five passes for 143 yards and a TD.
Bears are 0-9 SU/2-7 ATS in last nine games.
Chicago has been outscored 102-42 in three games without Eberflus.
Bears are 0-10 when they score less than 24 points.
Bills 24, Patriots 21
Patriots’ first two drives: 22 plays, 141 yards, 14 points.
Patriots led 14-0 early in second quarter.
Patriots’ last eight drives: 46 plays, 226 yards, 7 points.
New England outgained Buffalo, 379-324
Patriots were 7-12 on third down, Bills 4-11
Bills won nine of their last ten games (7-3 ATS)
Buffalo is 9-0 when it allows less than 23 points, 0-3 if it allows 23+
RB Cook ran ball 11 times for 100 yards and a TD.
Patriots are 1-5 SU/4-2 ATS in last six visits to Buffalo.
Bills had 13 penalties for 78 yards, but had 3 takeaways.
Raiders 19, Jaguars 14
Raiders snapped their 10-game losing skid.
Las Vegas was +2 in turnovers (now minus-17 for season)
Rookie TE Bowers caught 11 passes for 99 yards.
Under is 4-0 in Raiders’ last four games.
Jaguars lost six of their last seven games (5-2 ATS).
WR Thomas caught 9 passes for 132 yards and a TD.
Last five games, Jaguars are minus-8 in turnovers.
Backup QB Jones is 19-29 as an NFL starter.
Dolphins 29, 49ers 17
49ers lost five of last six games, are 1-6 ATS since their bye.
49ers are 1-8 when they score less than 30 points.
Last six weeks, 49ers are minus-9 in turnovers.
49ers are 0-8 when they gain less than 400 yards.
49ers are 9-12 ATS in last 21 games with spread of 3 or less points.
Miami had a TD, four FG’s on its first six drives.
Dolphins K Sanders made those four FG’s, including a 54-yarder.
Dolphins won last four home games, scoring 34-34-32-29 points.
Over is 6-0 in their last six home games.
Miami ran ball for 166 yards, their best since Week 6.
Cowboys 26, Buccaneers 24
First seven Dallas drives: 43 plays, 263 yards, 26 points.
Cowboys led 23-14 at halftime.
Loss drops Tampa Bay into first-place with Atlanta in NFC South.
Over is 9-3 in last 12 games for both teams.
Tampa Bay outgained Dallas 410-317, but was minus-2 in turnovers.
Cowboys ran ball 20 times for only 31 yards.
Aubrey made three field goals: 58-58-53 yards.
Dallas won four of its last five games.
— Conference bowl records (SU/ATS)
AAC 1-1 SU/1-1 ATS
ACC 0-3 SU/0-3 ATS
Big 18 2-1 SU/2-1 ATS
Big X 0-1 SU/0-1 ATS
C-USA 1-2 SU/1-2 ATS
MAC 1-1 SU/1-0-1 ATS
M West 1-0 SU/1-0 ATS
SEC 2-1 SU/2-1 ATS
Sun Belt 2-1 SU/1-1-1 ATS
Favorites: 7-3-1 ATS
Totals: under 6-5
— In baseball, Washington Nationals acquired 1B Nathaniel Lowe from Texas, for lefty reliever Robert Garcia. Lowe hit .265 for Texas LY, with a .762 OPS.
— Mets re-signed lefty P Sean Manaea for three years, $75M; he was 12-6, 3.47 in 32 starts last year, has a career record of 77-62, 4.00 in 198 career starts.
— Phillies acquired lefty P Jesus Luzardo from the Marlins in a 4-player trade; the other three guys involved are all minor leaguers.
My lasting memory of Luzardo will always be when he was on the A’s, he was playing video games in the clubhouse, and broke his hand when he punched a table in anger because his video game didn’t go well. Not ideal.
Tuesday’s 6-pack:
— Seattle 79, Washington 70- Redhawks of WAC are only 3-8 vs D-I teams.
— Oregon State 80, Oakland 74 OT- Beavers trailed by 12 with 4:32 left in regulation.
— Charleston 77, Loyola Chi 68- Cougars were 11-26 on arc, Loyola 6-24.
— Nebraska 69, Hawai’i 55- Nebraska-Oregon State is final at Diamond Head tourney
— Tennessee 82, Middle Tennessee 64- Blue Raiders led by 6 early in second half.
— North Dakota State 94, Bakersfield 60- Bison shot 70.8% inside the arc.
Quote of the Day
“First time seeing Beyonce perform and it’s at our game?! That’s dope. I’m gonna go out and watch, sorry Harbaugh, sorry. Sorry fellas.”
Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson, who apparently won’t be listening to the half-time talk Wednesday
Tuesday’s quiz
When Rickey Henderson got his 3,000th career hit, who was he playing for?
Monday’s quiz
In 2008, Vikings’ coach Kevin O’Connell threw six passes in two games for New England.
Sunday’s quiz
Rickey Henderson finished his 25-year career with the Dodgers, in 2003.
***************************************************
One of the best parts of being here is having conversations with total strangers in sportsbooks; we have more in common than what separates us.
Was talking to a guy Sunday who worked in the equipment room for the Cal Bears while Aaron Rodgers/Marshawn Lynch were playing there; he said Lynch was an awesome guy, talked to everyone. The guy’s brother had just won a ring in a WPT poker tournament; that was pretty cool to see.
Anyway, Las Vegas is fun; I’m waiting for everything to ramp back up Thursday; their great breakfast buffet and the NFL theater were shut down this weekend, though Sid’s Cafe is open, and that is also really good. Casinos do lot of repairs/renovations this time of year, when there are fewer guests around.
— Packers 34, Saints 0
This was the first shutout in the NFL this season.
Packers’ first three drives: 33 plays, 226 yards, 21 points.
Green Bay led 21-0 at the half; they clinched a playoff spot.
Packers won nine of last 11 games (5-0 ATS last five).
Green Bay is 10-0 when they allow less than 24 points.
Saints were outgained 404-196.
New Orleans is 3-3 SU/ATS since their coaching change.
Saints are 0-9 when they give up 20+ points.
#2 QB Rattler is 0-5 as a starter this year.
Saints are 1-3 SU/0-4 ATS in outdoor games this year.
— Myrtle Beach Bowl
Tex-San Antonio 44, Coastal Carolina 15
Coastal looked like Wily Coyote chasing the Roadrunners around.
UTSA ran ball for 257 yards (8.3 yards/carry)
Roadrunners won four of their last five games.
Chanticleers lost six of their last eight games, after a 4-1 start.
Favorites are 4-1 ATS in this bowl.
— Idaho Potato Bowl
Northern Illinois 28, Fresno State 20 OT
Fresno State led 13-3 at halftime.
Both teams played backup QB’s in this game.
Huskies are 6-0 if they score 24+ points, 2-5 if they don’t.
Fresno lost four of its last five games.
Loss snaps Fresno’s 5-bowl winning streak.
— Fresno State’s QB this year, Mikey Keene, didn’t play in the bowl game Monday because he has bolted to Michigan. Keene has thrown for 8,245 career yards and 65 TDs in a college career; he played for Central Florida and Fresno.
— Conference bowl records (SU/ATS)
AAC 2-1 SU/2-1 ATS
ACC 0-3 SU/0-3 ATS
Big 18 2-1 SU/2-1 ATS
Big X 0-1 SU/0-1 ATS
C-USA 1-2 SU/1-2 ATS
MAC 2-1 SU/2-0-1 ATS
M West 1-1 SU/1-1 ATS
SEC 2-1 SU/2-1 ATS
Sun Belt 2-2 SU/1-2-1 ATS
Favorites: 9-3-1 ATS
Totals: over 7-6
— Jets’ owner Woody Johnson is 77 years old; he has two teenage sons, because there are really rich guys out there with much younger, attractive wives- go figure.
Jets were trying to make a trade with Denver for WR Jerry Jeudy, but Woody Johnson put the kibosh on the deal, apparently because Jeudy’s ranking in the Madden video game wasn’t high enough— that knowledge came from Johnson’s 18-year old son, who is a freshman in college.
Denver traded Jeudy to the Browns instead; he’s caught 72 passes for 1,072 yards this year.
If you’re wondering why the Jets haven’t been in the playoffs since 2010, look no further than a team having to get its trades approved by an 18-year old who plays video games.
Oy.
— Famous birthdays, December 24:
John D’Acquisto, 73
Paul Pressey, 66
Matt Passmore, 51
Ryan Seacrest, 50
Kevin Millwood, 50
Davante Adams, 32
William Contreras, 27
Masaya Nakamura, the guy who invented Pac-Man, would’ve turned 99 years old today.
I missed a birthday yesterday; Georgia football coach Kirby Smart turned 49.
— P Walker Buehler signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox for $21.05M; Buehler has made only 28 starts the last three years, but he helped the Dodgers win the World Series last season.
He is 30 years old, has a career record of 37-22, 3.27 in 122 career starts.
— OF Joc Pederson signed 2-year deal with the Texas Rangers for $37M; Pederson has already played for five teams in his 11-year career- he hit .275 for Arizona last year, with 23 home runs and a .908 OPS.
— Pittsburgh Pirates re-signed OF Andrew McCutchen for one year, $5M; 11 of his 16 MLB seasons for Pittsburgh. He hit .232 last year, with a .739 OPS. His OPS hasn’t been over .800 since 2019.
— Tampa Bay Rays signed OF Eloy Jimenez to a minor league deal; it would be stunning if he didn’t make the big club this spring. Jimenez made $31M playing for the White Sox the last three years, but he only hit .238 with a .626 OPS last year, so he has to prove himself next year before he starts making the big bucks again.
— When they give NFL stats on TV, time of possession isn’t as important as plays run. If a team runs a no-huddle offense, their time of possession won’t be as good, but they’re putting more pressure on the opposing defense by not allowing them to huddle between plays.
— When they announce the 2025 inductees for the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame next month, I sure as hell hope Ichiro Suzuki is a unanimous pick- he deserves it.
There has been only one unanimous pick ever (Mariano Rivera) which is ludicrous; think about all the great ballplayers— Aaron, Mays, Ted Williams, Gibson, Mantle, Rickey Henderson- they also should’ve been unanimous choices, so we’ll see.
— Seattle 79, Washington 70- Redhawks of WAC are only 3-8 vs D-I teams.
— Oregon State 80, Oakland 74 OT- Beavers trailed by 12 with 4:32 left in regulation.
— Charleston 77, Loyola Chi 68- Cougars were 11-26 on arc, Loyola 6-24.
— Nebraska 69, Hawai’i 55- Nebraska-Oregon State is final at Diamond Head tourney
— Tennessee 82, Middle Tennessee 64- Blue Raiders led by 6 early in second half.
— North Dakota State 94, Bakersfield 60- Bison shot 70.8% inside the arc.
Quote of the Day
“First time seeing Beyonce perform and it’s at our game?! That’s dope. I’m gonna go out and watch, sorry Harbaugh, sorry. Sorry fellas.”
Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson, who apparently won’t be listening to the half-time talk Wednesday
Tuesday’s quiz
When Rickey Henderson got his 3,000th career hit, who was he playing for?
Monday’s quiz
In 2008, Vikings’ coach Kevin O’Connell threw six passes in two games for New England.
Sunday’s quiz
Rickey Henderson finished his 25-year career with the Dodgers, in 2003.
***************************************************
Tuesday’s Den: Greetings from America’s favorite city…….
— For the first time in six years, I’m spending Christmas in Las Vegas; been here for a few days already, things are quiet before Christmas. Has been fun watching games in the SuperBook at the Westgate Casino.One of the best parts of being here is having conversations with total strangers in sportsbooks; we have more in common than what separates us.
Was talking to a guy Sunday who worked in the equipment room for the Cal Bears while Aaron Rodgers/Marshawn Lynch were playing there; he said Lynch was an awesome guy, talked to everyone. The guy’s brother had just won a ring in a WPT poker tournament; that was pretty cool to see.
Anyway, Las Vegas is fun; I’m waiting for everything to ramp back up Thursday; their great breakfast buffet and the NFL theater were shut down this weekend, though Sid’s Cafe is open, and that is also really good. Casinos do lot of repairs/renovations this time of year, when there are fewer guests around.
— Packers 34, Saints 0
This was the first shutout in the NFL this season.
Packers’ first three drives: 33 plays, 226 yards, 21 points.
Green Bay led 21-0 at the half; they clinched a playoff spot.
Packers won nine of last 11 games (5-0 ATS last five).
Green Bay is 10-0 when they allow less than 24 points.
Saints were outgained 404-196.
New Orleans is 3-3 SU/ATS since their coaching change.
Saints are 0-9 when they give up 20+ points.
#2 QB Rattler is 0-5 as a starter this year.
Saints are 1-3 SU/0-4 ATS in outdoor games this year.
— Myrtle Beach Bowl
Tex-San Antonio 44, Coastal Carolina 15
Coastal looked like Wily Coyote chasing the Roadrunners around.
UTSA ran ball for 257 yards (8.3 yards/carry)
Roadrunners won four of their last five games.
Chanticleers lost six of their last eight games, after a 4-1 start.
Favorites are 4-1 ATS in this bowl.
— Idaho Potato Bowl
Northern Illinois 28, Fresno State 20 OT
Fresno State led 13-3 at halftime.
Both teams played backup QB’s in this game.
Huskies are 6-0 if they score 24+ points, 2-5 if they don’t.
Fresno lost four of its last five games.
Loss snaps Fresno’s 5-bowl winning streak.
— Fresno State’s QB this year, Mikey Keene, didn’t play in the bowl game Monday because he has bolted to Michigan. Keene has thrown for 8,245 career yards and 65 TDs in a college career; he played for Central Florida and Fresno.
— Conference bowl records (SU/ATS)
AAC 2-1 SU/2-1 ATS
ACC 0-3 SU/0-3 ATS
Big 18 2-1 SU/2-1 ATS
Big X 0-1 SU/0-1 ATS
C-USA 1-2 SU/1-2 ATS
MAC 2-1 SU/2-0-1 ATS
M West 1-1 SU/1-1 ATS
SEC 2-1 SU/2-1 ATS
Sun Belt 2-2 SU/1-2-1 ATS
Favorites: 9-3-1 ATS
Totals: over 7-6
— Jets’ owner Woody Johnson is 77 years old; he has two teenage sons, because there are really rich guys out there with much younger, attractive wives- go figure.
Jets were trying to make a trade with Denver for WR Jerry Jeudy, but Woody Johnson put the kibosh on the deal, apparently because Jeudy’s ranking in the Madden video game wasn’t high enough— that knowledge came from Johnson’s 18-year old son, who is a freshman in college.
Denver traded Jeudy to the Browns instead; he’s caught 72 passes for 1,072 yards this year.
If you’re wondering why the Jets haven’t been in the playoffs since 2010, look no further than a team having to get its trades approved by an 18-year old who plays video games.
Oy.
— Famous birthdays, December 24:
John D’Acquisto, 73
Paul Pressey, 66
Matt Passmore, 51
Ryan Seacrest, 50
Kevin Millwood, 50
Davante Adams, 32
William Contreras, 27
Masaya Nakamura, the guy who invented Pac-Man, would’ve turned 99 years old today.
I missed a birthday yesterday; Georgia football coach Kirby Smart turned 49.
— P Walker Buehler signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox for $21.05M; Buehler has made only 28 starts the last three years, but he helped the Dodgers win the World Series last season.
He is 30 years old, has a career record of 37-22, 3.27 in 122 career starts.
— OF Joc Pederson signed 2-year deal with the Texas Rangers for $37M; Pederson has already played for five teams in his 11-year career- he hit .275 for Arizona last year, with 23 home runs and a .908 OPS.
— Pittsburgh Pirates re-signed OF Andrew McCutchen for one year, $5M; 11 of his 16 MLB seasons for Pittsburgh. He hit .232 last year, with a .739 OPS. His OPS hasn’t been over .800 since 2019.
— Tampa Bay Rays signed OF Eloy Jimenez to a minor league deal; it would be stunning if he didn’t make the big club this spring. Jimenez made $31M playing for the White Sox the last three years, but he only hit .238 with a .626 OPS last year, so he has to prove himself next year before he starts making the big bucks again.
— When they give NFL stats on TV, time of possession isn’t as important as plays run. If a team runs a no-huddle offense, their time of possession won’t be as good, but they’re putting more pressure on the opposing defense by not allowing them to huddle between plays.
— When they announce the 2025 inductees for the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame next month, I sure as hell hope Ichiro Suzuki is a unanimous pick- he deserves it.
There has been only one unanimous pick ever (Mariano Rivera) which is ludicrous; think about all the great ballplayers— Aaron, Mays, Ted Williams, Gibson, Mantle, Rickey Henderson- they also should’ve been unanimous choices, so we’ll see.
NCAAF
Weather Report
Tuesday, December 24
NCAAF
Dunkel
Bowl Season
NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up
Bowl Season
Tuesday’s game
Hawai’i Bowl
South Florida vs San Jose State (-3)
South Florida (6-6)
USF is 4-2 SU in its last six games.
Bulls are 6-0 scoring 35+ points, 0-6 scoring less than 35.
USF played only two games (1-1) decided by less than 18 points.
Bulls have 10 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
USF has 58 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Archie has 1,679 PY (9 TD’s, 9 INTs)
USF is 2-4 ATS as an underdog this season.
Under Golesh, Bulls are 6-6 ATS as an underdog.
USF is 2-3 ATS this year in games with a single digit spread.
In 7 of last 10 games, Bulls gave up 485+ total yards.
USF is +12 in turnovers in wins, minus-5 in losses.
Over is 5-1 in their last six games.
USF won three of its last four bowl games.
San Jose State (7-5)
Spartans are 7-2 when they give up 31 or fewer points.
Spartans threw for 327+ yards in eight of last ten games.
San Jose is 2-2 TY in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
San Jose has 3 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Spartans have only 20 starts returning on offensive line.
Junior QB Eget has 2,224 passing yards (11 TD’s, 9 INTs)
San Jose is 2-2 ATS as a favorite this year.
In his career, Niumatalolo is 43-44 ATS as a favorite.
San Jose is 3-4 ATS this year in games with a single digit spread.
Spartans are +8 in turnovers in wins, minus-6 in losses.
Under is 5-2 in their last seven games.
Niumatalolo has a 6-5 record in bowl games.
San Jose lost its last three bowls (last bowl win, 2015)
Underdogs won last six Hawai’i Bowls SU.
San Jose State (-9.5) lost this bowl 24-14 to Coastal Carolina LY.
NCAAF
Bowl Season
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Florida vs San Jose State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Florida's last 6 games
South Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Jose State's last 7 games
San Jose State is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weather Report
Tuesday, December 24
NCAAF
Dunkel
Bowl Season
NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up
Bowl Season
Tuesday’s game
Hawai’i Bowl
South Florida vs San Jose State (-3)
South Florida (6-6)
USF is 4-2 SU in its last six games.
Bulls are 6-0 scoring 35+ points, 0-6 scoring less than 35.
USF played only two games (1-1) decided by less than 18 points.
Bulls have 10 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
USF has 58 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Archie has 1,679 PY (9 TD’s, 9 INTs)
USF is 2-4 ATS as an underdog this season.
Under Golesh, Bulls are 6-6 ATS as an underdog.
USF is 2-3 ATS this year in games with a single digit spread.
In 7 of last 10 games, Bulls gave up 485+ total yards.
USF is +12 in turnovers in wins, minus-5 in losses.
Over is 5-1 in their last six games.
USF won three of its last four bowl games.
San Jose State (7-5)
Spartans are 7-2 when they give up 31 or fewer points.
Spartans threw for 327+ yards in eight of last ten games.
San Jose is 2-2 TY in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
San Jose has 3 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Spartans have only 20 starts returning on offensive line.
Junior QB Eget has 2,224 passing yards (11 TD’s, 9 INTs)
San Jose is 2-2 ATS as a favorite this year.
In his career, Niumatalolo is 43-44 ATS as a favorite.
San Jose is 3-4 ATS this year in games with a single digit spread.
Spartans are +8 in turnovers in wins, minus-6 in losses.
Under is 5-2 in their last seven games.
Niumatalolo has a 6-5 record in bowl games.
San Jose lost its last three bowls (last bowl win, 2015)
Underdogs won last six Hawai’i Bowls SU.
San Jose State (-9.5) lost this bowl 24-14 to Coastal Carolina LY.
NCAAF
Bowl Season
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Florida vs San Jose State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Florida's last 6 games
South Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Jose State's last 7 games
San Jose State is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NCAAF
Dunkel
Bowl Season
NCAAF
Bowl Season
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pittsburgh vs Toledo
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games
Pittsburgh is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Toledo is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toledo's last 6 games
Rutgers vs Kansas State
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Rutgers's last 7 games
Kansas State is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games
Kansas State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Arkansas State vs Bowling Green
Arkansas State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arkansas State's last 6 games
Bowling Green is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Bowling Green's last 8 games
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dunkel
Bowl Season
NCAAF
Bowl Season
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pittsburgh vs Toledo
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games
Pittsburgh is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Toledo is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toledo's last 6 games
Rutgers vs Kansas State
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Rutgers's last 7 games
Kansas State is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games
Kansas State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Arkansas State vs Bowling Green
Arkansas State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arkansas State's last 6 games
Bowling Green is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Bowling Green's last 8 games
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up
Bowl Season
Thursday’s games
Sports Bowl (@ Detroit)
Pitt (-7) vs Toledo
Pittsburgh (7-5)
Pitt lost its last five games, after a 7-0 start.
Four of their seven wins were by 10+ points.
Panthers scored 28+ points in six of their seven wins.
Panthers have 9 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Panthers have 58 returning starts on the offensive line.
Frosh QB Holstein has 2,228 passing yards, with 17 TD’s, 7 INTs, but he’s been banned up recently.
Pitt is 3-2 ATS as a favorite this year.
Under Narduzzi, Pitt is 32-29-3 ATS as a favorite
Last three games, Panthers were held to 62.7 rushing yards/game.
Last five games, Pitt was minus-8 in turnovers.
Under is 6-2 in their last eight games.
Pitt is 2-3 SU in last five bowls (underdogs 4-1 ATS)
Toledo (7-5)
Toledo lost its last two games, scoring 7-14 points.
Rockets are 6-1 giving up less than 24 points.
Three of their last four losses were by 15+ points.
Toledo has 4 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Rockets had no returning starts on OL (added 3 transfers).
Junior QB Gleason started two games LY.
Toledo is 2-0 ATS as an underdog this year.
Rockets are 5-1 ATS last six games as an underdog.
Rockets are 7-9 ATS in last 16 non-conference games.
Toledo is +8 in turnovers in wins, minus-8 in losses.
Under is 3-0 in their last three games.
Toledo is 1-4 SU/ATS in its last five bowls.
Since 2015, MAC teams are 1-5 SU in this bowl.
Last nine years, favorites are 5-4 ATS in this bowl
Rate Bowl (@ Phoenix, AZ)
Rutgers vs Kansas State (-7)
Rutgers (7-5)
Rutgers won three of last four games, scoring 32.3 ppg.
Scarlet Knights are 7-1 when they allow less than 35 points.
Rutgers gave up 430+ TY in five of last seven games.
Scarlet Knights have 8 starters back on offense, 8 on defense
Rutgers has 123 starts back on offensive line.
Soph QB Kaliakmanis started 12 games at Minnesota.
Scarlet Knights are 4-1-1 ATS as an underdog this year.
Last four years, Rutgers is 14-4-1 ATS as an underdog.
In his college career, Schiano is 57-46-4 ATS as an underdog.
Last two games, Rutgers ran ball for 203-208 yards.
Over is 6-1 in their last seven games.
Rutgers is 2-3 SU/3-2 ATS in its last five bowls.
Kansas State (8-4)
K-State lost three of last four games, after a 7-1 start.
K-State scored 29+ points in its wins, 9-19-14-21 in losses.
Wildcats are +7 in turnovers in wins, minus-8 in losses.
Wildcats have 4 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Wildcats have 73 returning starts on OL, only 36 at I-A level.
Frosh QB Johnson has thrown for 2,517 yards (22 TDs, 9 INTs)
Wildcats are 4-6 ATS as a favorite this year.
Under Klieman, K-State is 24-17 ATS as a favorite.
Wildcats are +7 in turnovers in wins, minus-8 in losses.
K-State ran for 200+ yards in six of its eight wins.
Under is 4-1 in K-State’s last five games.
K-State is 3-2 in last five bowls (favorites 5-0 ATS)
Favorites covered this bowl the last four years.
K-State won this bowl 35-17 in 2017.
68 Ventures Bowl (@ Mobole, AL)
Arkansas State vs Bowling Green (-8)
Arkansas State (7-5)
Red Wolves won four of their last six games.
ASU allowed 40+ points in four of its five losses.
ASU allowed 250+ RY in three of its last four games.
Red Wolves have 10 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Red Wolves have 123 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Raynor was Sun Belt freshman of year last year.
Arkansas State is 6-0 this year in games decided by 7 or less points.
Arkansas State is 3-4 ATS as an underdog this year.
Under Jones, Redhawks are 19-18 ATS as an underdog.
Redhawks are 4-3 ATS TY in games with single digit spread.
Over is 4-2 in their last six games.
Red Wolves lost three of their last four bowl games.
Bowling Green (7-5)
Falcons won last five of last six games, after a 2-4 start.
Bowling Green is 1-3 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Falcons are 4-0 scoring 28+ points, 3-5 scoring 27 or less.
Falcons have 8 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Falcons have 123 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Bazelak has 40 career starts.
Bowling Green is 2-6 ATS as a favorite this season.
Falcons are 6-11 ATS in last 17 games as a favorite.
Falcons are held five of last seven foes under 300 yards.
Last six games, Bowling Green is +8 in turnovers.
Under is 6-2 in their last eight games.
Falcons lost their last three bowls, giving up 58-24-30 points.
Favorites covered this bowl the last four years.
Last nine years, Sun Belt teams are 9-0 SU/8-1 ATS in this bowl.
Armadillo's Write-Up
Bowl Season
Thursday’s games
Sports Bowl (@ Detroit)
Pitt (-7) vs Toledo
Pittsburgh (7-5)
Pitt lost its last five games, after a 7-0 start.
Four of their seven wins were by 10+ points.
Panthers scored 28+ points in six of their seven wins.
Panthers have 9 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Panthers have 58 returning starts on the offensive line.
Frosh QB Holstein has 2,228 passing yards, with 17 TD’s, 7 INTs, but he’s been banned up recently.
Pitt is 3-2 ATS as a favorite this year.
Under Narduzzi, Pitt is 32-29-3 ATS as a favorite
Last three games, Panthers were held to 62.7 rushing yards/game.
Last five games, Pitt was minus-8 in turnovers.
Under is 6-2 in their last eight games.
Pitt is 2-3 SU in last five bowls (underdogs 4-1 ATS)
Toledo (7-5)
Toledo lost its last two games, scoring 7-14 points.
Rockets are 6-1 giving up less than 24 points.
Three of their last four losses were by 15+ points.
Toledo has 4 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Rockets had no returning starts on OL (added 3 transfers).
Junior QB Gleason started two games LY.
Toledo is 2-0 ATS as an underdog this year.
Rockets are 5-1 ATS last six games as an underdog.
Rockets are 7-9 ATS in last 16 non-conference games.
Toledo is +8 in turnovers in wins, minus-8 in losses.
Under is 3-0 in their last three games.
Toledo is 1-4 SU/ATS in its last five bowls.
Since 2015, MAC teams are 1-5 SU in this bowl.
Last nine years, favorites are 5-4 ATS in this bowl
Rate Bowl (@ Phoenix, AZ)
Rutgers vs Kansas State (-7)
Rutgers (7-5)
Rutgers won three of last four games, scoring 32.3 ppg.
Scarlet Knights are 7-1 when they allow less than 35 points.
Rutgers gave up 430+ TY in five of last seven games.
Scarlet Knights have 8 starters back on offense, 8 on defense
Rutgers has 123 starts back on offensive line.
Soph QB Kaliakmanis started 12 games at Minnesota.
Scarlet Knights are 4-1-1 ATS as an underdog this year.
Last four years, Rutgers is 14-4-1 ATS as an underdog.
In his college career, Schiano is 57-46-4 ATS as an underdog.
Last two games, Rutgers ran ball for 203-208 yards.
Over is 6-1 in their last seven games.
Rutgers is 2-3 SU/3-2 ATS in its last five bowls.
Kansas State (8-4)
K-State lost three of last four games, after a 7-1 start.
K-State scored 29+ points in its wins, 9-19-14-21 in losses.
Wildcats are +7 in turnovers in wins, minus-8 in losses.
Wildcats have 4 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Wildcats have 73 returning starts on OL, only 36 at I-A level.
Frosh QB Johnson has thrown for 2,517 yards (22 TDs, 9 INTs)
Wildcats are 4-6 ATS as a favorite this year.
Under Klieman, K-State is 24-17 ATS as a favorite.
Wildcats are +7 in turnovers in wins, minus-8 in losses.
K-State ran for 200+ yards in six of its eight wins.
Under is 4-1 in K-State’s last five games.
K-State is 3-2 in last five bowls (favorites 5-0 ATS)
Favorites covered this bowl the last four years.
K-State won this bowl 35-17 in 2017.
68 Ventures Bowl (@ Mobole, AL)
Arkansas State vs Bowling Green (-8)
Arkansas State (7-5)
Red Wolves won four of their last six games.
ASU allowed 40+ points in four of its five losses.
ASU allowed 250+ RY in three of its last four games.
Red Wolves have 10 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Red Wolves have 123 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Raynor was Sun Belt freshman of year last year.
Arkansas State is 6-0 this year in games decided by 7 or less points.
Arkansas State is 3-4 ATS as an underdog this year.
Under Jones, Redhawks are 19-18 ATS as an underdog.
Redhawks are 4-3 ATS TY in games with single digit spread.
Over is 4-2 in their last six games.
Red Wolves lost three of their last four bowl games.
Bowling Green (7-5)
Falcons won last five of last six games, after a 2-4 start.
Bowling Green is 1-3 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Falcons are 4-0 scoring 28+ points, 3-5 scoring 27 or less.
Falcons have 8 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Falcons have 123 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Bazelak has 40 career starts.
Bowling Green is 2-6 ATS as a favorite this season.
Falcons are 6-11 ATS in last 17 games as a favorite.
Falcons are held five of last seven foes under 300 yards.
Last six games, Bowling Green is +8 in turnovers.
Under is 6-2 in their last eight games.
Falcons lost their last three bowls, giving up 58-24-30 points.
Favorites covered this bowl the last four years.
Last nine years, Sun Belt teams are 9-0 SU/8-1 ATS in this bowl.
NCAAFB BEST BETS THRU CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK AND BOWL GAMES !
12/24/2024....................1 - 1 - 0.......................50.00%..................- 0.50
12/21.2024.....................3 -3 - 0.......................50.00%..................- 1.50
12/20/2024.....................3 - 3 - 0......................50.00%..................- 1.50
12/19/2024.....................0 -2 - 0.......................00.00%..................- 11.00
12/18/2024.....................2 -2 - 0.......................50.00%..................- 1.00
12/17/2024.....................0 - 2 - 0......................00.00%...................- 11.00
12/14/2024.....................0 - 2 - 0......................00.00%....................- 11.00
12/07/2024.....................4 - 6 - 0......................40.00%...................- 13.00
12/06/2024.....................4 - 2 - 0......................66.66%...................+ 9.00
TOTALS.........................17 -23 - 0......................42.50%...................-40.50
*************************************************************************************
AUG- SEPT TOTALS............119 - 95 - 3..........................55.60%............................+ 75.20
OCTOBER TOTALS................61 - 64 - 3..........................48.80%............................- 42.00
NOVEMBER TOTALS............146- 147 - 0.........................49.82%............................- 78.50
12/24/2024....................1 - 1 - 0.......................50.00%..................- 0.50
12/21.2024.....................3 -3 - 0.......................50.00%..................- 1.50
12/20/2024.....................3 - 3 - 0......................50.00%..................- 1.50
12/19/2024.....................0 -2 - 0.......................00.00%..................- 11.00
12/18/2024.....................2 -2 - 0.......................50.00%..................- 1.00
12/17/2024.....................0 - 2 - 0......................00.00%...................- 11.00
12/14/2024.....................0 - 2 - 0......................00.00%....................- 11.00
12/07/2024.....................4 - 6 - 0......................40.00%...................- 13.00
12/06/2024.....................4 - 2 - 0......................66.66%...................+ 9.00
TOTALS.........................17 -23 - 0......................42.50%...................-40.50
*************************************************************************************
AUG- SEPT TOTALS............119 - 95 - 3..........................55.60%............................+ 75.20
OCTOBER TOTALS................61 - 64 - 3..........................48.80%............................- 42.00
NOVEMBER TOTALS............146- 147 - 0.........................49.82%............................- 78.50
Wednesday’s 6-pack:
Some teams getting highest %age of points on 3’s:
48.3% of points— North Dakota State
45.8%— DePaul
43.5%— IU Indy
43.2%— Tennessee Tech
42.2%— Akron
42.0%— Samford
Quote of the Day
“Christmas Day is Christmas Day, and it doesn’t wait around for what day it’s on. We want to be there on Christmas Day. I would think the future is whatever day it’s on, we’re going to be there on Christmas.”
Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones
Wednesday’s quiz
Who was coach of the Golden State Warriors, before Steve Kerr?
Tuesday’s quiz
When Rickey Henderson got his 3,000th career hit, he was playing for the San Diego Padres.
Monday’s quiz
In 2008, Vikings’ coach Kevin O’Connell threw six passes in two games for New England.
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Hawks (15-15):
— 1-3 SU in their last four games.
— 1-4 ATS as a road favorite, 6-4 as a road dog.
— Over 6-2 last eight home games
Celtics (22-7):
— 13-4 last 17 games SU.
— 4-11 ATS last fifteen games.
— under 5-0 last five games.
Nets (11-18):
— lost eight of their last ten games SU.
— 2-8 ATS last ten games.
— under 6-3 last nine games
Hornets (7-22):
— lost 13 of last 14 games SU.
— 2-7 ATS last nine games.
— under 5-2 last seven games.
Bulls (13-17)
— 3-4 SU in last seven games.
— 4-7 ATS as a home underdog.
— under 5-1 last six home games
— 1-5 ATS if they played the night before.
Cavaliers (26-4):
— 9-1 SU last ten games.
— 14-4 ATS as a home favorite, 4-0 as a road underdog.
— over 5-1 last six games.
— 4-1 ATS if they played the night before.
Mavericks (19-10):
— 14-3 last 17 games SU.
— 6-1 ATS last seven home games.
— under 8-4 last 12 home games
— 4-0 ATS if they played the night before.
Nuggets (16-11):
— 5-1 SU last six games
— 1-7 ATS as a road favorite.
— 5-2 ATS as a road underdog.
— over 6-2 last eight games.
— 3-1 ATS if they played the night before.
Pistons (13-17):
— 4-2 last six games SU.
— 7-4 ATS as road underdogs.
— 0-4 ATS as home favorite
— over 7-1 last eight road games
Warriors (15-13):
— 3-10 last thirteen games SU.
— 9-5 ATS as an underdog
— under 8-0 last eight road games
Rockets (20-9):
— 5-1 last six games SU
— 8-3 ATS as a home favorite, 5-3 as an underdog.
— over 5-3 last eight road games
Pacers (15-15):
— won/covered their last five games.
— 4-12-1 ATS as a favorite.
— under 7-1-1 last nine games.
Clippers (17-13):
— 3-1 last four games SU
— 10-6 ATS at home.
— 7-2 ATS as a favorite
— under 6-0 last six road games.
Lakers (16-13):
— 4-2 SU last six games
— 1-5 ATS last six games as a home favorite
— 5-2 ATS last seven games overall.
— under 8-2 last ten road games.
Grizzlies (20-10):
— 12-3 last fifteen games SU.
— 10-5 ATS as a home favorite.
— 4-0 ATS if they played the night before.
— over 6-2 last eight road games
Heat (14-13):
— 1-3 SU last four games.
— 6-2 ATS last eight games as a home favorite
— 4-2 ATS as a road underdog.
— under 3-0 last three home games.
Famous birthdays, December 25th:
Howard Twilley, 81
Gary Sandy, 79
Larry Csonka, 78
Sissy Spacek, 75
Manny Trillo, 74
Jillie Mack, 67
Erik Hiljus, 52
Eric Gordon, 36
Garrett Cooper, 34
Rickey Henderson would’ve turned 66 today
Rod Serling would’ve turned 100.
Bucks (16-12):
— 5-1 last six games SU.
— 6-8-1 ATS at home.
— under 3-1 last four games.
— 1-4-1 ATS if they played the night before
Timberwolves (14-14)
— 0-3 SU last three games, giving up 121 ppg.
— 4-10 ATS as a home favorite.
— 1-3 ATS if they played the night before
— under 8-2 last ten games.
Pelicans (5-25):
— 3-25 last 28 games SU
— 3-12 ATS on the road (8-6 at home).
— over 6-3 last nine games.
Knicks (19-10):
— won/covered their last four games.
— 6-2 ATS last eight as a home favorite.
— over 7-3 last ten home games.
Thunder (23-5):
— 12-1 last thirteen games SU
— 9-5 ATS on road.
— under 4-1 last five games
Magic (19-12):
— 4-5 last nine games SU.
— 10-1 ATS as home favorite, 3-6 as road underdog.
— under 3-1 last four games.
76ers (10-17):
— 5-2 SU last seven games
— 4-10 ATS at home
— under 6-2 last eight road games
Suns (14-14):
— 6-12 SU last 18 games.
— 4-11 ATS at home.
— 1-4 ATS if they played the night before
— over 7-2 last nine road games
Trailblazers (9-20):
— 3-12 SU last fifteen games.
— 8-4 ATS as a home underdog.
— over 4-0 last four home games
Kings (13-17):
— 0-4 SU/ATS last four games
— 5-13 ATS at home
— under 5-1 last six road games
Spurs (15-14):
— 4-2 SU in last six games
— 3-5 ATS as a road underdog.
— under 3-1 last four games
Raptors (7-23):
— lost last eight games SU (4-3-1 ATS)
— 11-3-1 ATS as home dog, 8-6 as road dog.
— under 8-3 last eleven road games
Jazz (7-21):
— 3-9 SU last 12 games.
— 9-7 ATS as a road underdog.
— over 7-1 last eight games.
Wizards (4-23):
— 2-21 SU/7-14-2 ATS last 23 games
— 5-9 ATS as home dog, 5-7-2 as road dog
— under 5-1 last six home games.
Some teams getting highest %age of points on 3’s:
48.3% of points— North Dakota State
45.8%— DePaul
43.5%— IU Indy
43.2%— Tennessee Tech
42.2%— Akron
42.0%— Samford
Quote of the Day
“Christmas Day is Christmas Day, and it doesn’t wait around for what day it’s on. We want to be there on Christmas Day. I would think the future is whatever day it’s on, we’re going to be there on Christmas.”
Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones
Wednesday’s quiz
Who was coach of the Golden State Warriors, before Steve Kerr?
Tuesday’s quiz
When Rickey Henderson got his 3,000th career hit, he was playing for the San Diego Padres.
Monday’s quiz
In 2008, Vikings’ coach Kevin O’Connell threw six passes in two games for New England.
********************************************
Wednesday’s Den: NBA trends for Christmas Day…….
NBA trends (thru Tuesday, December 24)Hawks (15-15):
— 1-3 SU in their last four games.
— 1-4 ATS as a road favorite, 6-4 as a road dog.
— Over 6-2 last eight home games
Celtics (22-7):
— 13-4 last 17 games SU.
— 4-11 ATS last fifteen games.
— under 5-0 last five games.
Nets (11-18):
— lost eight of their last ten games SU.
— 2-8 ATS last ten games.
— under 6-3 last nine games
Hornets (7-22):
— lost 13 of last 14 games SU.
— 2-7 ATS last nine games.
— under 5-2 last seven games.
Bulls (13-17)
— 3-4 SU in last seven games.
— 4-7 ATS as a home underdog.
— under 5-1 last six home games
— 1-5 ATS if they played the night before.
Cavaliers (26-4):
— 9-1 SU last ten games.
— 14-4 ATS as a home favorite, 4-0 as a road underdog.
— over 5-1 last six games.
— 4-1 ATS if they played the night before.
Mavericks (19-10):
— 14-3 last 17 games SU.
— 6-1 ATS last seven home games.
— under 8-4 last 12 home games
— 4-0 ATS if they played the night before.
Nuggets (16-11):
— 5-1 SU last six games
— 1-7 ATS as a road favorite.
— 5-2 ATS as a road underdog.
— over 6-2 last eight games.
— 3-1 ATS if they played the night before.
Pistons (13-17):
— 4-2 last six games SU.
— 7-4 ATS as road underdogs.
— 0-4 ATS as home favorite
— over 7-1 last eight road games
Warriors (15-13):
— 3-10 last thirteen games SU.
— 9-5 ATS as an underdog
— under 8-0 last eight road games
Rockets (20-9):
— 5-1 last six games SU
— 8-3 ATS as a home favorite, 5-3 as an underdog.
— over 5-3 last eight road games
Pacers (15-15):
— won/covered their last five games.
— 4-12-1 ATS as a favorite.
— under 7-1-1 last nine games.
Clippers (17-13):
— 3-1 last four games SU
— 10-6 ATS at home.
— 7-2 ATS as a favorite
— under 6-0 last six road games.
Lakers (16-13):
— 4-2 SU last six games
— 1-5 ATS last six games as a home favorite
— 5-2 ATS last seven games overall.
— under 8-2 last ten road games.
Grizzlies (20-10):
— 12-3 last fifteen games SU.
— 10-5 ATS as a home favorite.
— 4-0 ATS if they played the night before.
— over 6-2 last eight road games
Heat (14-13):
— 1-3 SU last four games.
— 6-2 ATS last eight games as a home favorite
— 4-2 ATS as a road underdog.
— under 3-0 last three home games.
Famous birthdays, December 25th:
Howard Twilley, 81
Gary Sandy, 79
Larry Csonka, 78
Sissy Spacek, 75
Manny Trillo, 74
Jillie Mack, 67
Erik Hiljus, 52
Eric Gordon, 36
Garrett Cooper, 34
Rickey Henderson would’ve turned 66 today
Rod Serling would’ve turned 100.
Bucks (16-12):
— 5-1 last six games SU.
— 6-8-1 ATS at home.
— under 3-1 last four games.
— 1-4-1 ATS if they played the night before
Timberwolves (14-14)
— 0-3 SU last three games, giving up 121 ppg.
— 4-10 ATS as a home favorite.
— 1-3 ATS if they played the night before
— under 8-2 last ten games.
Pelicans (5-25):
— 3-25 last 28 games SU
— 3-12 ATS on the road (8-6 at home).
— over 6-3 last nine games.
Knicks (19-10):
— won/covered their last four games.
— 6-2 ATS last eight as a home favorite.
— over 7-3 last ten home games.
Thunder (23-5):
— 12-1 last thirteen games SU
— 9-5 ATS on road.
— under 4-1 last five games
Magic (19-12):
— 4-5 last nine games SU.
— 10-1 ATS as home favorite, 3-6 as road underdog.
— under 3-1 last four games.
76ers (10-17):
— 5-2 SU last seven games
— 4-10 ATS at home
— under 6-2 last eight road games
Suns (14-14):
— 6-12 SU last 18 games.
— 4-11 ATS at home.
— 1-4 ATS if they played the night before
— over 7-2 last nine road games
Trailblazers (9-20):
— 3-12 SU last fifteen games.
— 8-4 ATS as a home underdog.
— over 4-0 last four home games
Kings (13-17):
— 0-4 SU/ATS last four games
— 5-13 ATS at home
— under 5-1 last six road games
Spurs (15-14):
— 4-2 SU in last six games
— 3-5 ATS as a road underdog.
— under 3-1 last four games
Raptors (7-23):
— lost last eight games SU (4-3-1 ATS)
— 11-3-1 ATS as home dog, 8-6 as road dog.
— under 8-3 last eleven road games
Jazz (7-21):
— 3-9 SU last 12 games.
— 9-7 ATS as a road underdog.
— over 7-1 last eight games.
Wizards (4-23):
— 2-21 SU/7-14-2 ATS last 23 games
— 5-9 ATS as home dog, 5-7-2 as road dog
— under 5-1 last six home games.
