2024 MLB PLAYOFF BEST BETS TO THE WORLD SERIES !
10/02/2024.............................5 - 2 - 0...........................71.42%...........................+ 12.65
10/01/2024.............................5 - 2 - 0...........................71.42%...........................+ 19.15
TOTALS...................................10 - 4 - 0...........................71.42%..........................+ 31.80
10/02/2024.............................5 - 2 - 0...........................71.42%...........................+ 12.65
10/01/2024.............................5 - 2 - 0...........................71.42%...........................+ 19.15
TOTALS...................................10 - 4 - 0...........................71.42%..........................+ 31.80
Thursday’s 6-pack:
Interesting Week 5 spreads in college football:
— Syracuse @ UNLV (-6.5)
— Ole Miss (-9) @ South Carolina
— Michigan @ Washington (-2.5)
— USC (-8) @ Minnesota
— Tennessee (-13) @ Arkansas
— Central Florida (-2.5) @ Florida
Quote of the Day
“Gotta be aggressive out of the gate. I’m going to have to play damn near perfect. That’s how I’m preparing.”
Bengals’ QB Joe Burrow
Thursday’s quiz
Who was manager of the Baltimore Orioles, last time they won a playoff game?
Wednesday’s quiz
Bob Welch was the last pitcher to win 25+ games in a season; he went 27-6 for the A’s in 1990.
Tuesday’s quiz
Cubs won World Series over Cleveland in 2016; Kyle Hendricks was the Cubs’ starting pitcher in Game 7.
**********************************************
— Tigers 5, Astros 2
Andy Ibanez hit a bases-loaded double in 8th inning.
Detroit used seven pitchers are they continue a 33-13 run.
Astros won’t play in ALCS for first time in seven years.
— Tigers’ payroll this year is just over $103M, over $32M of which is to guys who aren’t on the Tigers’ roster right now.
— Royals 2, Orioles 1
Baltimore scored one run in losing two games in this series.
Orioles were 33-35 after the All-Star break.
Baltimore has lost its last ten playoff games.
— Mets 3, Brewers 5
Garrett Mitchell, who entered game as a pinch-runner, hit the game-winning HR.
Jackson Chourio/Mitchell both homered in 8th inning.
Game 3 is Thursday.
MLB had to breathe a big sigh of relief when Milwaukee won; Game 3’s in this round get the bigger TV ratings, winner-take-all games.
— Padres 5, Braves 4
Padres scored five runs in second inning, hung on for dear life.
San Diego advances to play the Dodgers in the next round.
— The remote control on my TV died at 3:30 in the morning the other night, so while I wait for Amazon to deliver my new remote, I don’t have access to YouTubeTV on my main television; I’ve been watching the baseball playoff games on my laptop.
Yesterday, just laid on the couch and listened to the Royals-Orioles game on ESPN radio on my phone; it was a throwback to being a kid. Way back when, I listened to a lot of baseball on the radio, before I controlled the remote control in our house.
It was fun, in an odd way, though I am looking forward to getting the new remote today,
— Famous birthdays, October 3rd
Lindsey Buckingham, 75
Dave Winfield, 73
Dennis Eckersley, 70
Jack Wagner, 65
Greg Foster, 56
Anquan Boldin, 44
Courtney Lee, 39
CJ Abrams, 24
CJ Stroud, 23
— There will be scapegoats: Minnesota Twins went 12-27 in their last 39 games; they fired four coaches Wednesday, with all three hitting coaches being told to take a hike.
— Texas State apparently has said no to the Mountain West, will stay in the Sun Belt, where the travel costs will be much lower.
— NFL divisional trends:
NFC East non-divisional home teams are 0-4 ATS
NFC East non-divisional road underdogs are 5-1 ATS.
NFC North non-divisional favorites are 6-0 ATS
NFC North non-divisional home teams are 7-1 ATS
NFC South non-divisional home teams are 2-6 ATS
NFC South non-divisional road underdogs are 4-0 ATS
NFC West non-divisional underdogs are 1-5 ATS
AFC East teams are 3-8-1 ATS in non-divisional games.
AFC North non-divisional home favorites are 2-5 ATS
AFC North non-divisional road teams are 6-3 ATS
AFC South non-divisional favorites are 1-5 ATS
AFC West non-divisional road teams are 6-1 ATS
— We close with an unusual story:
Missouri plays Texas A&M this week. Marcel Reed is Texas A&M’s quarterback, taking over for an injured Connor Weigman; his sister is Missouri’s assistant director of on campus recruiting.
The sister is “not allowed at practice this week” according to Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz.
Awkward…….
Interesting Week 5 spreads in college football:
— Syracuse @ UNLV (-6.5)
— Ole Miss (-9) @ South Carolina
— Michigan @ Washington (-2.5)
— USC (-8) @ Minnesota
— Tennessee (-13) @ Arkansas
— Central Florida (-2.5) @ Florida
Quote of the Day
“Gotta be aggressive out of the gate. I’m going to have to play damn near perfect. That’s how I’m preparing.”
Bengals’ QB Joe Burrow
Thursday’s quiz
Who was manager of the Baltimore Orioles, last time they won a playoff game?
Wednesday’s quiz
Bob Welch was the last pitcher to win 25+ games in a season; he went 27-6 for the A’s in 1990.
Tuesday’s quiz
Cubs won World Series over Cleveland in 2016; Kyle Hendricks was the Cubs’ starting pitcher in Game 7.
**********************************************
Thursday’s Den: Doing some thinking out loud……..
So much for home field advantage in the AL playoffs; road team was 4-0 in the AL Wild Card games, with home teams scoring four runs in the four games.— Tigers 5, Astros 2
Andy Ibanez hit a bases-loaded double in 8th inning.
Detroit used seven pitchers are they continue a 33-13 run.
Astros won’t play in ALCS for first time in seven years.
— Tigers’ payroll this year is just over $103M, over $32M of which is to guys who aren’t on the Tigers’ roster right now.
— Royals 2, Orioles 1
Baltimore scored one run in losing two games in this series.
Orioles were 33-35 after the All-Star break.
Baltimore has lost its last ten playoff games.
— Mets 3, Brewers 5
Garrett Mitchell, who entered game as a pinch-runner, hit the game-winning HR.
Jackson Chourio/Mitchell both homered in 8th inning.
Game 3 is Thursday.
MLB had to breathe a big sigh of relief when Milwaukee won; Game 3’s in this round get the bigger TV ratings, winner-take-all games.
— Padres 5, Braves 4
Padres scored five runs in second inning, hung on for dear life.
San Diego advances to play the Dodgers in the next round.
— The remote control on my TV died at 3:30 in the morning the other night, so while I wait for Amazon to deliver my new remote, I don’t have access to YouTubeTV on my main television; I’ve been watching the baseball playoff games on my laptop.
Yesterday, just laid on the couch and listened to the Royals-Orioles game on ESPN radio on my phone; it was a throwback to being a kid. Way back when, I listened to a lot of baseball on the radio, before I controlled the remote control in our house.
It was fun, in an odd way, though I am looking forward to getting the new remote today,
— Famous birthdays, October 3rd
Lindsey Buckingham, 75
Dave Winfield, 73
Dennis Eckersley, 70
Jack Wagner, 65
Greg Foster, 56
Anquan Boldin, 44
Courtney Lee, 39
CJ Abrams, 24
CJ Stroud, 23
— There will be scapegoats: Minnesota Twins went 12-27 in their last 39 games; they fired four coaches Wednesday, with all three hitting coaches being told to take a hike.
— Texas State apparently has said no to the Mountain West, will stay in the Sun Belt, where the travel costs will be much lower.
— NFL divisional trends:
NFC East non-divisional home teams are 0-4 ATS
NFC East non-divisional road underdogs are 5-1 ATS.
NFC North non-divisional favorites are 6-0 ATS
NFC North non-divisional home teams are 7-1 ATS
NFC South non-divisional home teams are 2-6 ATS
NFC South non-divisional road underdogs are 4-0 ATS
NFC West non-divisional underdogs are 1-5 ATS
AFC East teams are 3-8-1 ATS in non-divisional games.
AFC North non-divisional home favorites are 2-5 ATS
AFC North non-divisional road teams are 6-3 ATS
AFC South non-divisional favorites are 1-5 ATS
AFC West non-divisional road teams are 6-1 ATS
— We close with an unusual story:
Missouri plays Texas A&M this week. Marcel Reed is Texas A&M’s quarterback, taking over for an injured Connor Weigman; his sister is Missouri’s assistant director of on campus recruiting.
The sister is “not allowed at practice this week” according to Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz.
Awkward…….
MLB
Weather Report
Thursday, October 3
MLB
Dunkel
Thursday, October 3
MLB
Thursday, October 3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NY Mets vs Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Mets's last 8 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
NY Mets is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing NY Mets
Milwaukee is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing NY Mets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weather Report
Thursday, October 3
MLB
Dunkel
Thursday, October 3
MLB
Thursday, October 3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NY Mets vs Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Mets's last 8 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
NY Mets is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing NY Mets
Milwaukee is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing NY Mets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2024 MLB PLAYOFF BEST BETS TO THE WORLD SERIES !
10/03/2024.............................1 - 1 - 0...........................50.00%...........................+ 0.35
10/02/2024.............................5 - 2 - 0...........................71.42%...........................+ 12.65
10/01/2024.............................5 - 2 - 0...........................71.42%...........................+ 19.15
TOTALS...................................11 - 5 - 0...........................68.75%..........................+ 32.15
10/03/2024.............................1 - 1 - 0...........................50.00%...........................+ 0.35
10/02/2024.............................5 - 2 - 0...........................71.42%...........................+ 12.65
10/01/2024.............................5 - 2 - 0...........................71.42%...........................+ 19.15
TOTALS...................................11 - 5 - 0...........................68.75%..........................+ 32.15
Friday’s 6-pack:
— Falcons 36, Buccaneers 30 OT- Cousins threw for 509 yards, 4 TD’s.
— Cincinnati Reds are hiring Terry Francona as their new manager.
— Mets 4, Brewers 2- Pete Alonso hit a dramatic 3-run homer in 9th inning.
— Today is a good day to be free agent-to-be Alonso’s agent.
— Texas State 38, Troy 17- Bobcats ran for 215 yards, threw for 252 more.
— Sam Houston 41, Texas-El Paso 21- Bearkats win their 4th straight game.
Quote of the Day
“I’m just so happy to come through for the team right there. It’s just something that you practice in the back yard as a kid. Words can’t explain it.”
Pete Alonso
Friday’s quiz
Which NFL team drafted Kirk Cousins?
Thursday’s quiz
Buck Showalter was manager of the Baltimore Orioles, last time they won a playoff game.
Wednesday’s quiz
Bob Welch was the last pitcher to win 25+ games in a season; he went 27-6 for the A’s in 1990.
********************************************************
Friday’s Den: How NFL teams do on first drives of a half…….
How teams do on first drives of a half, through four games:
NFC
Cardinals
1st drive of game: 36 plays, 255 yards, four TD’s.
Allowed TD on opening drive last two games.
Overall on first drive of half: Cardinals 35-28
Falcons
1st drive of half: 54 plays, 316 yards, 16 points.
Opponents: 70 plays, 324 yards, 16 points.
Overall on first drive of half: 16-16
Panthers
First drive in Dalton’s two games: 21 plays, 139 yards, 7 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 3rd quarter: 26 plays, 171 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 31-13
Bears
1st drive of game: 30 plays, 92 yards, 3 points
Opponents 1st drive of half: 51 plays, 195 yards, 3 FGs
Bears blocked punt for TD on first drive of 2nd half in Week 1
Overall on first drive of half: Bears 13-2
Cowboys
1st drive of game: 26 plays, 62 yards, 3 points
Opponents’ 1st drive of game: 26 plays, 215 yards, 20 points
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 37-9
Lions
1st drive of game: 16 plays, 57 yards, 7 points
Opponents’ 1st drive of game: 22 plays, 152 yards, 10 points
Overall on first drive of half: 17-17
Packers
1st drive of 3rd quarter: 21 plays, 135 yards, 17 points
Opponents’ first drive, last two games: 16 plays, 143 yards, 14 points. Overall on first drive of half: Packers 27-21
Rams
First drive of a half: 45 plays, 173 yards, 6 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 3 games: 31 plays, 235 yards, 21 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 35-6
Vikings
First drive of a half, last 2 games: 12 plays, 94 yards, 14 points
Opponents’ first drive of a game: 17 plays, 39 yards, no points
Overall on first drive of half: Vikings, 28-3
Giants
First drive of 2nd half: 29 plays, 178 yards, 2 FG’s, 2 fumbles
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 26 plays, 152 yards, 13 points
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 23-16
Saints
First drive of game: 36 plays, 280 yards, 24 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 25 plays, 60 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Saints, 38-9
Eagles
First drive of game: 13 plays, 7 yards, no points.
First drive of 2nd half: 35 plays, 236 yards, 17 points.
Opponents; first drive of 2nd half: 33 plays, 262 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 27-17
49ers
First drive of 2nd half: 31 plays, 241 yards, 21 points.
Opponents; first drive of 2nd half: 15 plays, 67 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: 49ers, 31-0
Seahawks
First drive of game: 19 plays, 55 yards, 3 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 15 plays, 15 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Seahawks, 17-10
Buccaneers
First drive of game: 27 plays, 171 yards, 13 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 13 plays, 65 yards, 7 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bucs, 27-17
Commanders
First drive of half: 66 plays, 388 yards, 34 points.
Opponents’ first drive of half: 54 plays, 368 yards, 38 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 38-34
Famous birthdays, October 4th:
Tony LaRuasa, 80
Susan Sarandon, 78
Alan Rosenberg, 74
Truck Robinson, 73
AC Green, 61
Liev Schreiber, 57
Kurt Thomas, 52
Kurt Suzuki, 41
Derrick Rose, 36
Dakota Johnson, 35
Sean Murphy, 30
Oneil Cruz, 26
AFC teams
— Ravens
1st drive of game: 24 plays, 253 yards, 24 points
opponents’ 1sr drive, last 3 games: 17 plays, 25 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Ravens 38-21
— Bills
1st drive of 2nd half: 30 plays, 198 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bills, 31-21
— Bengals
First drive of 2nd half, last three games: 32 plays, 219 yards, 21 points.
Opponents’ first drive, last three games: 69-70-69 yards, 10 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bengals, 31-24
— Browns
First drive of last three games: 32 plays, 183 yards, 21 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 14 plays, 4 yards, four punts
Overall on first drive of half: Browns, 24-3
— Broncos
First drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 21 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 11 plays, 2 yards, 2 turnovers, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Broncos, 10-7
— Texans
First drive of game: 21 plays, 114 yards, 13 points.
First drive of 3rd quarter: 20 plays, 61 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 17-16
— Colts
Colts’ first drive of 2nd half: 13 plays, 30 yards, no points.
Opponents tried FG’s (5-6) on six of eight first drives.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 15-7
— Jaguars
1st drive of game: 16 plays, 17 yards, no points
opponents’ first drive of last 3 games: 35 plays, 229 yards, 21 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 24-7
— Chiefs
Chiefs’ 1st drive of 2nd half: 40 plays, 255 yards, 20 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 38 plays, 280 yards, 24 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents 31-30
— Raiders
First drive of game: 12 plays, minus-2 yards, four punts.
Opponents’ first drive, last three games: 31 plays, 165 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 30-3
— Chargers
First drive of last three games: 22 plays, 143 yards, 14 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 3 games: 28 plays, 127 yards, 3 FG’s.
Overall on first drive of half: Chargers, 20-12
— Dolphins
First drive of a half: 39 plays, 125 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 12 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 7-0
— Patriots:
First drive of a half: 34 plays, 89 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 2 games: 15 plays, 136 yards, 14 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 17-0
— Jets
First drive of a half: 19 plays, 37 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of a half: 12 plays, one yard, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Jets, 14-7
— Steelers
First drive of game: 24 plays, 71 yards, 3 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 22 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 10-6
— Titans
First drive of 2nd half: 18 plays, 32 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 19 plays, 104 yards, 14 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 21-7
— Falcons 36, Buccaneers 30 OT- Cousins threw for 509 yards, 4 TD’s.
— Cincinnati Reds are hiring Terry Francona as their new manager.
— Mets 4, Brewers 2- Pete Alonso hit a dramatic 3-run homer in 9th inning.
— Today is a good day to be free agent-to-be Alonso’s agent.
— Texas State 38, Troy 17- Bobcats ran for 215 yards, threw for 252 more.
— Sam Houston 41, Texas-El Paso 21- Bearkats win their 4th straight game.
Quote of the Day
“I’m just so happy to come through for the team right there. It’s just something that you practice in the back yard as a kid. Words can’t explain it.”
Pete Alonso
Friday’s quiz
Which NFL team drafted Kirk Cousins?
Thursday’s quiz
Buck Showalter was manager of the Baltimore Orioles, last time they won a playoff game.
Wednesday’s quiz
Bob Welch was the last pitcher to win 25+ games in a season; he went 27-6 for the A’s in 1990.
********************************************************
Friday’s Den: How NFL teams do on first drives of a half…….
How teams do on first drives of a half, through four games:
NFC
Cardinals
1st drive of game: 36 plays, 255 yards, four TD’s.
Allowed TD on opening drive last two games.
Overall on first drive of half: Cardinals 35-28
Falcons
1st drive of half: 54 plays, 316 yards, 16 points.
Opponents: 70 plays, 324 yards, 16 points.
Overall on first drive of half: 16-16
Panthers
First drive in Dalton’s two games: 21 plays, 139 yards, 7 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 3rd quarter: 26 plays, 171 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 31-13
Bears
1st drive of game: 30 plays, 92 yards, 3 points
Opponents 1st drive of half: 51 plays, 195 yards, 3 FGs
Bears blocked punt for TD on first drive of 2nd half in Week 1
Overall on first drive of half: Bears 13-2
Cowboys
1st drive of game: 26 plays, 62 yards, 3 points
Opponents’ 1st drive of game: 26 plays, 215 yards, 20 points
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 37-9
Lions
1st drive of game: 16 plays, 57 yards, 7 points
Opponents’ 1st drive of game: 22 plays, 152 yards, 10 points
Overall on first drive of half: 17-17
Packers
1st drive of 3rd quarter: 21 plays, 135 yards, 17 points
Opponents’ first drive, last two games: 16 plays, 143 yards, 14 points. Overall on first drive of half: Packers 27-21
Rams
First drive of a half: 45 plays, 173 yards, 6 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 3 games: 31 plays, 235 yards, 21 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 35-6
Vikings
First drive of a half, last 2 games: 12 plays, 94 yards, 14 points
Opponents’ first drive of a game: 17 plays, 39 yards, no points
Overall on first drive of half: Vikings, 28-3
Giants
First drive of 2nd half: 29 plays, 178 yards, 2 FG’s, 2 fumbles
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 26 plays, 152 yards, 13 points
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 23-16
Saints
First drive of game: 36 plays, 280 yards, 24 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 25 plays, 60 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Saints, 38-9
Eagles
First drive of game: 13 plays, 7 yards, no points.
First drive of 2nd half: 35 plays, 236 yards, 17 points.
Opponents; first drive of 2nd half: 33 plays, 262 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 27-17
49ers
First drive of 2nd half: 31 plays, 241 yards, 21 points.
Opponents; first drive of 2nd half: 15 plays, 67 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: 49ers, 31-0
Seahawks
First drive of game: 19 plays, 55 yards, 3 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 15 plays, 15 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Seahawks, 17-10
Buccaneers
First drive of game: 27 plays, 171 yards, 13 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 13 plays, 65 yards, 7 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bucs, 27-17
Commanders
First drive of half: 66 plays, 388 yards, 34 points.
Opponents’ first drive of half: 54 plays, 368 yards, 38 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 38-34
Famous birthdays, October 4th:
Tony LaRuasa, 80
Susan Sarandon, 78
Alan Rosenberg, 74
Truck Robinson, 73
AC Green, 61
Liev Schreiber, 57
Kurt Thomas, 52
Kurt Suzuki, 41
Derrick Rose, 36
Dakota Johnson, 35
Sean Murphy, 30
Oneil Cruz, 26
AFC teams
— Ravens
1st drive of game: 24 plays, 253 yards, 24 points
opponents’ 1sr drive, last 3 games: 17 plays, 25 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Ravens 38-21
— Bills
1st drive of 2nd half: 30 plays, 198 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bills, 31-21
— Bengals
First drive of 2nd half, last three games: 32 plays, 219 yards, 21 points.
Opponents’ first drive, last three games: 69-70-69 yards, 10 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bengals, 31-24
— Browns
First drive of last three games: 32 plays, 183 yards, 21 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 14 plays, 4 yards, four punts
Overall on first drive of half: Browns, 24-3
— Broncos
First drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 21 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 11 plays, 2 yards, 2 turnovers, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Broncos, 10-7
— Texans
First drive of game: 21 plays, 114 yards, 13 points.
First drive of 3rd quarter: 20 plays, 61 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 17-16
— Colts
Colts’ first drive of 2nd half: 13 plays, 30 yards, no points.
Opponents tried FG’s (5-6) on six of eight first drives.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 15-7
— Jaguars
1st drive of game: 16 plays, 17 yards, no points
opponents’ first drive of last 3 games: 35 plays, 229 yards, 21 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 24-7
— Chiefs
Chiefs’ 1st drive of 2nd half: 40 plays, 255 yards, 20 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 38 plays, 280 yards, 24 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents 31-30
— Raiders
First drive of game: 12 plays, minus-2 yards, four punts.
Opponents’ first drive, last three games: 31 plays, 165 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 30-3
— Chargers
First drive of last three games: 22 plays, 143 yards, 14 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 3 games: 28 plays, 127 yards, 3 FG’s.
Overall on first drive of half: Chargers, 20-12
— Dolphins
First drive of a half: 39 plays, 125 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 12 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 7-0
— Patriots:
First drive of a half: 34 plays, 89 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 2 games: 15 plays, 136 yards, 14 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 17-0
— Jets
First drive of a half: 19 plays, 37 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of a half: 12 plays, one yard, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Jets, 14-7
— Steelers
First drive of game: 24 plays, 71 yards, 3 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 22 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 10-6
— Titans
First drive of 2nd half: 18 plays, 32 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 19 plays, 104 yards, 14 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 21-7
Friday’s 6-pack:
— Falcons 36, Buccaneers 30 OT- Cousins threw for 509 yards, 4 TD’s.
— Cincinnati Reds are hiring Terry Francona as their new manager.
— Mets 4, Brewers 2- Pete Alonso hit a dramatic 3-run homer in 9th inning.
— Today is a good day to be free agent-to-be Alonso’s agent.
— Texas State 38, Troy 17- Bobcats ran for 215 yards, threw for 252 more.
— Sam Houston 41, Texas-El Paso 21- Bearkats win their 4th straight game.
Quote of the Day
“I’m just so happy to come through for the team right there. It’s just something that you practice in the back yard as a kid. Words can’t explain it.”
Pete Alonso
Friday’s quiz
Which NFL team drafted Kirk Cousins?
Thursday’s quiz
Buck Showalter was manager of the Baltimore Orioles, last time they won a playoff game.
Wednesday’s quiz
Bob Welch was the last pitcher to win 25+ games in a season; he went 27-6 for the A’s in 1990.
********************************************************
Friday’s Den: How NFL teams do on first drives of a half…….
How teams do on first drives of a half, through four games:
NFC
Cardinals
1st drive of game: 36 plays, 255 yards, four TD’s.
Allowed TD on opening drive last two games.
Overall on first drive of half: Cardinals 35-28
Falcons
1st drive of half: 54 plays, 316 yards, 16 points.
Opponents: 70 plays, 324 yards, 16 points.
Overall on first drive of half: 16-16
Panthers
First drive in Dalton’s two games: 21 plays, 139 yards, 7 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 3rd quarter: 26 plays, 171 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 31-13
Bears
1st drive of game: 30 plays, 92 yards, 3 points
Opponents 1st drive of half: 51 plays, 195 yards, 3 FGs
Bears blocked punt for TD on first drive of 2nd half in Week 1
Overall on first drive of half: Bears 13-2
Cowboys
1st drive of game: 26 plays, 62 yards, 3 points
Opponents’ 1st drive of game: 26 plays, 215 yards, 20 points
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 37-9
Lions
1st drive of game: 16 plays, 57 yards, 7 points
Opponents’ 1st drive of game: 22 plays, 152 yards, 10 points
Overall on first drive of half: 17-17
Packers
1st drive of 3rd quarter: 21 plays, 135 yards, 17 points
Opponents’ first drive, last two games: 16 plays, 143 yards, 14 points. Overall on first drive of half: Packers 27-21
Rams
First drive of a half: 45 plays, 173 yards, 6 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 3 games: 31 plays, 235 yards, 21 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 35-6
Vikings
First drive of a half, last 2 games: 12 plays, 94 yards, 14 points
Opponents’ first drive of a game: 17 plays, 39 yards, no points
Overall on first drive of half: Vikings, 28-3
Giants
First drive of 2nd half: 29 plays, 178 yards, 2 FG’s, 2 fumbles
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 26 plays, 152 yards, 13 points
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 23-16
Saints
First drive of game: 36 plays, 280 yards, 24 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 25 plays, 60 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Saints, 38-9
Eagles
First drive of game: 13 plays, 7 yards, no points.
First drive of 2nd half: 35 plays, 236 yards, 17 points.
Opponents; first drive of 2nd half: 33 plays, 262 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 27-17
49ers
First drive of 2nd half: 31 plays, 241 yards, 21 points.
Opponents; first drive of 2nd half: 15 plays, 67 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: 49ers, 31-0
Seahawks
First drive of game: 19 plays, 55 yards, 3 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 15 plays, 15 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Seahawks, 17-10
Buccaneers
First drive of game: 27 plays, 171 yards, 13 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 13 plays, 65 yards, 7 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bucs, 27-17
Commanders
First drive of half: 66 plays, 388 yards, 34 points.
Opponents’ first drive of half: 54 plays, 368 yards, 38 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 38-34
Famous birthdays, October 4th:
Tony LaRuasa, 80
Susan Sarandon, 78
Alan Rosenberg, 74
Truck Robinson, 73
AC Green, 61
Liev Schreiber, 57
Kurt Thomas, 52
Kurt Suzuki, 41
Derrick Rose, 36
Dakota Johnson, 35
Sean Murphy, 30
Oneil Cruz, 26
AFC teams
— Ravens
1st drive of game: 24 plays, 253 yards, 24 points
opponents’ 1sr drive, last 3 games: 17 plays, 25 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Ravens 38-21
— Bills
1st drive of 2nd half: 30 plays, 198 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bills, 31-21
— Bengals
First drive of 2nd half, last three games: 32 plays, 219 yards, 21 points.
Opponents’ first drive, last three games: 69-70-69 yards, 10 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bengals, 31-24
— Browns
First drive of last three games: 32 plays, 183 yards, 21 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 14 plays, 4 yards, four punts
Overall on first drive of half: Browns, 24-3
— Broncos
First drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 21 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 11 plays, 2 yards, 2 turnovers, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Broncos, 10-7
— Texans
First drive of game: 21 plays, 114 yards, 13 points.
First drive of 3rd quarter: 20 plays, 61 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 17-16
— Colts
Colts’ first drive of 2nd half: 13 plays, 30 yards, no points.
Opponents tried FG’s (5-6) on six of eight first drives.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 15-7
— Jaguars
1st drive of game: 16 plays, 17 yards, no points
opponents’ first drive of last 3 games: 35 plays, 229 yards, 21 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 24-7
— Chiefs
Chiefs’ 1st drive of 2nd half: 40 plays, 255 yards, 20 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 38 plays, 280 yards, 24 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents 31-30
— Raiders
First drive of game: 12 plays, minus-2 yards, four punts.
Opponents’ first drive, last three games: 31 plays, 165 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 30-3
— Chargers
First drive of last three games: 22 plays, 143 yards, 14 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 3 games: 28 plays, 127 yards, 3 FG’s.
Overall on first drive of half: Chargers, 20-12
— Dolphins
First drive of a half: 39 plays, 125 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 12 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 7-0
— Patriots:
First drive of a half: 34 plays, 89 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 2 games: 15 plays, 136 yards, 14 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 17-0
— Jets
First drive of a half: 19 plays, 37 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of a half: 12 plays, one yard, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Jets, 14-7
— Steelers
First drive of game: 24 plays, 71 yards, 3 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 22 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 10-6
— Titans
First drive of 2nd half: 18 plays, 32 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 19 plays, 104 yards, 14 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 21-7
— Falcons 36, Buccaneers 30 OT- Cousins threw for 509 yards, 4 TD’s.
— Cincinnati Reds are hiring Terry Francona as their new manager.
— Mets 4, Brewers 2- Pete Alonso hit a dramatic 3-run homer in 9th inning.
— Today is a good day to be free agent-to-be Alonso’s agent.
— Texas State 38, Troy 17- Bobcats ran for 215 yards, threw for 252 more.
— Sam Houston 41, Texas-El Paso 21- Bearkats win their 4th straight game.
Quote of the Day
“I’m just so happy to come through for the team right there. It’s just something that you practice in the back yard as a kid. Words can’t explain it.”
Pete Alonso
Friday’s quiz
Which NFL team drafted Kirk Cousins?
Thursday’s quiz
Buck Showalter was manager of the Baltimore Orioles, last time they won a playoff game.
Wednesday’s quiz
Bob Welch was the last pitcher to win 25+ games in a season; he went 27-6 for the A’s in 1990.
********************************************************
Friday’s Den: How NFL teams do on first drives of a half…….
How teams do on first drives of a half, through four games:
NFC
Cardinals
1st drive of game: 36 plays, 255 yards, four TD’s.
Allowed TD on opening drive last two games.
Overall on first drive of half: Cardinals 35-28
Falcons
1st drive of half: 54 plays, 316 yards, 16 points.
Opponents: 70 plays, 324 yards, 16 points.
Overall on first drive of half: 16-16
Panthers
First drive in Dalton’s two games: 21 plays, 139 yards, 7 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 3rd quarter: 26 plays, 171 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 31-13
Bears
1st drive of game: 30 plays, 92 yards, 3 points
Opponents 1st drive of half: 51 plays, 195 yards, 3 FGs
Bears blocked punt for TD on first drive of 2nd half in Week 1
Overall on first drive of half: Bears 13-2
Cowboys
1st drive of game: 26 plays, 62 yards, 3 points
Opponents’ 1st drive of game: 26 plays, 215 yards, 20 points
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 37-9
Lions
1st drive of game: 16 plays, 57 yards, 7 points
Opponents’ 1st drive of game: 22 plays, 152 yards, 10 points
Overall on first drive of half: 17-17
Packers
1st drive of 3rd quarter: 21 plays, 135 yards, 17 points
Opponents’ first drive, last two games: 16 plays, 143 yards, 14 points. Overall on first drive of half: Packers 27-21
Rams
First drive of a half: 45 plays, 173 yards, 6 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 3 games: 31 plays, 235 yards, 21 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 35-6
Vikings
First drive of a half, last 2 games: 12 plays, 94 yards, 14 points
Opponents’ first drive of a game: 17 plays, 39 yards, no points
Overall on first drive of half: Vikings, 28-3
Giants
First drive of 2nd half: 29 plays, 178 yards, 2 FG’s, 2 fumbles
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 26 plays, 152 yards, 13 points
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 23-16
Saints
First drive of game: 36 plays, 280 yards, 24 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 25 plays, 60 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Saints, 38-9
Eagles
First drive of game: 13 plays, 7 yards, no points.
First drive of 2nd half: 35 plays, 236 yards, 17 points.
Opponents; first drive of 2nd half: 33 plays, 262 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 27-17
49ers
First drive of 2nd half: 31 plays, 241 yards, 21 points.
Opponents; first drive of 2nd half: 15 plays, 67 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: 49ers, 31-0
Seahawks
First drive of game: 19 plays, 55 yards, 3 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 15 plays, 15 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Seahawks, 17-10
Buccaneers
First drive of game: 27 plays, 171 yards, 13 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 13 plays, 65 yards, 7 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bucs, 27-17
Commanders
First drive of half: 66 plays, 388 yards, 34 points.
Opponents’ first drive of half: 54 plays, 368 yards, 38 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 38-34
Famous birthdays, October 4th:
Tony LaRuasa, 80
Susan Sarandon, 78
Alan Rosenberg, 74
Truck Robinson, 73
AC Green, 61
Liev Schreiber, 57
Kurt Thomas, 52
Kurt Suzuki, 41
Derrick Rose, 36
Dakota Johnson, 35
Sean Murphy, 30
Oneil Cruz, 26
AFC teams
— Ravens
1st drive of game: 24 plays, 253 yards, 24 points
opponents’ 1sr drive, last 3 games: 17 plays, 25 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Ravens 38-21
— Bills
1st drive of 2nd half: 30 plays, 198 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bills, 31-21
— Bengals
First drive of 2nd half, last three games: 32 plays, 219 yards, 21 points.
Opponents’ first drive, last three games: 69-70-69 yards, 10 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Bengals, 31-24
— Browns
First drive of last three games: 32 plays, 183 yards, 21 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 14 plays, 4 yards, four punts
Overall on first drive of half: Browns, 24-3
— Broncos
First drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 21 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 11 plays, 2 yards, 2 turnovers, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Broncos, 10-7
— Texans
First drive of game: 21 plays, 114 yards, 13 points.
First drive of 3rd quarter: 20 plays, 61 yards, 3 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 17-16
— Colts
Colts’ first drive of 2nd half: 13 plays, 30 yards, no points.
Opponents tried FG’s (5-6) on six of eight first drives.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 15-7
— Jaguars
1st drive of game: 16 plays, 17 yards, no points
opponents’ first drive of last 3 games: 35 plays, 229 yards, 21 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 24-7
— Chiefs
Chiefs’ 1st drive of 2nd half: 40 plays, 255 yards, 20 points.
Opponents’ first drive of game: 38 plays, 280 yards, 24 points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents 31-30
— Raiders
First drive of game: 12 plays, minus-2 yards, four punts.
Opponents’ first drive, last three games: 31 plays, 165 yards, 17 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 30-3
— Chargers
First drive of last three games: 22 plays, 143 yards, 14 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 3 games: 28 plays, 127 yards, 3 FG’s.
Overall on first drive of half: Chargers, 20-12
— Dolphins
First drive of a half: 39 plays, 125 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 12 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Opponents, 7-0
— Patriots:
First drive of a half: 34 plays, 89 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half, last 2 games: 15 plays, 136 yards, 14 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 17-0
— Jets
First drive of a half: 19 plays, 37 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of a half: 12 plays, one yard, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: Jets, 14-7
— Steelers
First drive of game: 24 plays, 71 yards, 3 points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 14 plays, 22 yards, no points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents, 10-6
— Titans
First drive of 2nd half: 18 plays, 32 yards, no points.
Opponents’ first drive of 2nd half: 19 plays, 104 yards, 14 points.
Overall on first drive of half: opponents 21-7
Saturday’s 6-pack:
Pitchers with most strikeouts in a playoff game:
17- Bob Gibson, StL
16- Kevin Brown, SD
15- Gerrit Cole, Hat
15- Roger Clemens, NYY
15- Livan Hernandez, Mia
15- Mike Mussina, Balt
15- Sandy Koufax, LA
Quote of the Day
“I do think that the postseason is going to be different from the World Baseball Classic, considering that we did have a week off. So I’m doing the best I can to make sure that my first at-bat is really good.”
Shohei Ohtani, who plays in his first major league playoff game tonight
Saturday’s quiz
Before the NHL’s Calgary Flames moved to Calgary in 1980, where did they call home?
Friday’s quiz
Washington Redskins drafted Kirk Cousins, in the 4th round of the 2012 draft.
Thursday’s quiz
Buck Showalter was manager of the Baltimore Orioles, last time they won a playoff game.
*******************************************
Cousins threw a 45-yard TD pass on first possession of OT.
Cousins threw for 509 yards, four TD’s.
Atlanta’s three wins are by 1-2 points and an OT game.
Falcons scored 22-26-36 points in wins, 10-17 in losses.
Cousins is first QB in last 58 years to throw for 250+ yards before halftime, and 250+ yards after halftime, in the same game.
Tampa Bay in first half: 25 plays, 223 yards, 24 points.
Tampa Bay in second half: 28 plays, 106 yards, six points.
Atlanta outgained the Buccaneers, 550-333.
Over is 11-2 in last 13 series games.
Atlanta WR London caught 12 passes for 154 yards and a TD.
— Texas State 38, Troy 17
Bobcats ran ball for 215 yards, threw for 252 more.
Texas State led 24-10 at halftime.
1-5 Troy ran ball 33 times for only 63 yards.
— Sam Houston 41, Texas-El Paso 21
Bearkats led 17-7 at halftime.
Sam Houston has won four in row since 45-14 loss at UCF.
Sam Houston outgained Miners, 517-323.
— Jacksonville State 63, Kennesaw State 24
Gamecocks outscored Kennesaw 42-7 in second half.
Jax State outgained the Owls, 577-270
Gamecocks ran ball for 384 yards (7.2 yards/carry).
— Houston 30, TCU 19
Cougars were a 16.5-point underdog.
Houston outrushed the Horned Frogs, 207-66.
Houston had been shut out in its previous two games.
— Oregon 31, Michigan State 10
Ducks led 21-0 at halftime.
Oregon was 6-12 on third down, MSU 2-11
Ducks outrushed the Spartans, 213-59.
— Syracuse 44, UNLV 41 OT
Syracuse scored the first 14 points in both halves.
Orange tied game 38-38 with 0:23 left in regulation.
Syracuse was 11-18 on third down, Rebels 3-7.
Syracuse ran 96 plays for 492 yards, UNLV 50 plays for 354 yards.
Famous birthdays, October 5th:
Steve Miller, 81
Dennis Byrd, 58
Rex Chapman, 57
Grant Hill, 52
Jesse Palmer, 46
Travis Kelce, 35
Cody Zeller, 32
Zack Littell, 29
— Mets 4, Brewers 2
Pete Alonso hit a dramatic 3-run homer in top of the 9th.
Quintana threw six shutout IP, Myers threw 5 shutout IP.
Mets advance to play the Phillies in the NLDS.
It is a very good to be Alonso’s agent, seeing how he is a free agent this winter.
— Cincinnati Reds made a great move, hired Terry Francona as their new manager.
Francona has 1,994 career wins and two World Series titles. He also got Cleveland to the 2016 World Series, where they lost to the Cubs.
He left Cleveland after the 2023 season because of health problems, so good to hear he is coming back. Reds will be better off for it.
— Padres’ P Joe Musgrove is out for the playoffs and probably next year too; he’s going to have Tommy John surgery, after leaving Wednesday’s star with a sore elbow.
— Arizona Diamondbacks got to the World Series last year, but they fired pitching coach Brett Strom this week, which seems odd. Arizona was 89-73 this year despite scoring the most runs in MLB, but Strom is a highly thought of pitching coach.
Long time ago, when he was pitching, Strom was the second pitcher to have Tommy John surgery, back in 1973.
— Celtics 107, Nuggets 103- Exhibition game was played in the basketball hotbed that is Abu Dhabi; Payton Pritchard scored 21 points in 24:00 for Boston.
— Timberwolves 124, Lakers 107
Top three scorers for Minnesota all came off the bench.
Bronny James scored a basket, had an assist in 16:00 (1-6 from floor)
This game was in Palm Springs, CA.
Lakers’ situation is so unusual; Lebron James is still really good, one of the best players in NBA history, but now his son is also on the team, while the Lakers have a new coach (JJ Redick) who has never been a coach at any level. Strange situation.
— A’s 1B/DH Brent Rooker had surgery on his right forearm; the guy hit .293 with 39 homers, 112 RBI while playing with a screwed up arm- he mostly DH’d this season, but is expected to be ready to go for spring training.
— Minnesota Twins VP/general manager Thad Levine is leaving the Twins after eight years; they made the playoffs in four of those eight years, winning three AL Central titles.
Twins went 6-18 in their last 24 games this year and missed the playoffs, but before Levine came to the Twins, Minnesota had missed the playoffs six years in a row.
— Devils 4, Sabres 1- First game of the NHL’s regular season was in Czechoslovakia; rest of the league doesn’t start until Tuesday.
…..
Pitchers with most strikeouts in a playoff game:
17- Bob Gibson, StL
16- Kevin Brown, SD
15- Gerrit Cole, Hat
15- Roger Clemens, NYY
15- Livan Hernandez, Mia
15- Mike Mussina, Balt
15- Sandy Koufax, LA
Quote of the Day
“I do think that the postseason is going to be different from the World Baseball Classic, considering that we did have a week off. So I’m doing the best I can to make sure that my first at-bat is really good.”
Shohei Ohtani, who plays in his first major league playoff game tonight
Saturday’s quiz
Before the NHL’s Calgary Flames moved to Calgary in 1980, where did they call home?
Friday’s quiz
Washington Redskins drafted Kirk Cousins, in the 4th round of the 2012 draft.
Thursday’s quiz
Buck Showalter was manager of the Baltimore Orioles, last time they won a playoff game.
*******************************************
Saturday’s Den: Random stuff with the weekend here……..
Falcons 36, Buccaneers 30 OTCousins threw a 45-yard TD pass on first possession of OT.
Cousins threw for 509 yards, four TD’s.
Atlanta’s three wins are by 1-2 points and an OT game.
Falcons scored 22-26-36 points in wins, 10-17 in losses.
Cousins is first QB in last 58 years to throw for 250+ yards before halftime, and 250+ yards after halftime, in the same game.
Tampa Bay in first half: 25 plays, 223 yards, 24 points.
Tampa Bay in second half: 28 plays, 106 yards, six points.
Atlanta outgained the Buccaneers, 550-333.
Over is 11-2 in last 13 series games.
Atlanta WR London caught 12 passes for 154 yards and a TD.
— Texas State 38, Troy 17
Bobcats ran ball for 215 yards, threw for 252 more.
Texas State led 24-10 at halftime.
1-5 Troy ran ball 33 times for only 63 yards.
— Sam Houston 41, Texas-El Paso 21
Bearkats led 17-7 at halftime.
Sam Houston has won four in row since 45-14 loss at UCF.
Sam Houston outgained Miners, 517-323.
— Jacksonville State 63, Kennesaw State 24
Gamecocks outscored Kennesaw 42-7 in second half.
Jax State outgained the Owls, 577-270
Gamecocks ran ball for 384 yards (7.2 yards/carry).
— Houston 30, TCU 19
Cougars were a 16.5-point underdog.
Houston outrushed the Horned Frogs, 207-66.
Houston had been shut out in its previous two games.
— Oregon 31, Michigan State 10
Ducks led 21-0 at halftime.
Oregon was 6-12 on third down, MSU 2-11
Ducks outrushed the Spartans, 213-59.
— Syracuse 44, UNLV 41 OT
Syracuse scored the first 14 points in both halves.
Orange tied game 38-38 with 0:23 left in regulation.
Syracuse was 11-18 on third down, Rebels 3-7.
Syracuse ran 96 plays for 492 yards, UNLV 50 plays for 354 yards.
Famous birthdays, October 5th:
Steve Miller, 81
Dennis Byrd, 58
Rex Chapman, 57
Grant Hill, 52
Jesse Palmer, 46
Travis Kelce, 35
Cody Zeller, 32
Zack Littell, 29
— Mets 4, Brewers 2
Pete Alonso hit a dramatic 3-run homer in top of the 9th.
Quintana threw six shutout IP, Myers threw 5 shutout IP.
Mets advance to play the Phillies in the NLDS.
It is a very good to be Alonso’s agent, seeing how he is a free agent this winter.
— Cincinnati Reds made a great move, hired Terry Francona as their new manager.
Francona has 1,994 career wins and two World Series titles. He also got Cleveland to the 2016 World Series, where they lost to the Cubs.
He left Cleveland after the 2023 season because of health problems, so good to hear he is coming back. Reds will be better off for it.
— Padres’ P Joe Musgrove is out for the playoffs and probably next year too; he’s going to have Tommy John surgery, after leaving Wednesday’s star with a sore elbow.
— Arizona Diamondbacks got to the World Series last year, but they fired pitching coach Brett Strom this week, which seems odd. Arizona was 89-73 this year despite scoring the most runs in MLB, but Strom is a highly thought of pitching coach.
Long time ago, when he was pitching, Strom was the second pitcher to have Tommy John surgery, back in 1973.
— Celtics 107, Nuggets 103- Exhibition game was played in the basketball hotbed that is Abu Dhabi; Payton Pritchard scored 21 points in 24:00 for Boston.
— Timberwolves 124, Lakers 107
Top three scorers for Minnesota all came off the bench.
Bronny James scored a basket, had an assist in 16:00 (1-6 from floor)
This game was in Palm Springs, CA.
Lakers’ situation is so unusual; Lebron James is still really good, one of the best players in NBA history, but now his son is also on the team, while the Lakers have a new coach (JJ Redick) who has never been a coach at any level. Strange situation.
— A’s 1B/DH Brent Rooker had surgery on his right forearm; the guy hit .293 with 39 homers, 112 RBI while playing with a screwed up arm- he mostly DH’d this season, but is expected to be ready to go for spring training.
— Minnesota Twins VP/general manager Thad Levine is leaving the Twins after eight years; they made the playoffs in four of those eight years, winning three AL Central titles.
Twins went 6-18 in their last 24 games this year and missed the playoffs, but before Levine came to the Twins, Minnesota had missed the playoffs six years in a row.
— Devils 4, Sabres 1- First game of the NHL’s regular season was in Czechoslovakia; rest of the league doesn’t start until Tuesday.
…..
MLB
Weather Report
Saturday, October 5
MLB
Dunkel
Saturday, October 5
MLB
Saturday, October 5
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Trend Report
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Detroit vs Cleveland
Detroit is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Detroit is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games
NY Mets vs Philadelphia
NY Mets is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
NY Mets is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
Philadelphia is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
Kansas City vs NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 5 games
NY Yankees is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games at home
San Diego vs LA Dodgers
San Diego is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
LA Dodgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 14 of LA Dodgers's last 19 games
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Weather Report
Saturday, October 5
MLB
Dunkel
Saturday, October 5
MLB
Saturday, October 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detroit vs Cleveland
Detroit is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Detroit is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games
NY Mets vs Philadelphia
NY Mets is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
NY Mets is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
Philadelphia is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
Kansas City vs NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 5 games
NY Yankees is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games at home
San Diego vs LA Dodgers
San Diego is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
LA Dodgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 14 of LA Dodgers's last 19 games
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2024 MLB PLAYOFF BEST BETS TO THE WORLD SERIES !
10/05/2024.............................4 - 3 - 1...........................57.14..............................+ 7.60
10/03/2024.............................1 - 1 - 0...........................50.00%...........................+ 0.35
10/02/2024.............................5 - 2 - 0...........................71.42%...........................+ 12.65
10/01/2024.............................5 - 2 - 0...........................71.42%...........................+ 19.15
TOTALS...................................15 - 8 - 1...........................65.21%..........................+ 39.75
10/05/2024.............................4 - 3 - 1...........................57.14..............................+ 7.60
10/03/2024.............................1 - 1 - 0...........................50.00%...........................+ 0.35
10/02/2024.............................5 - 2 - 0...........................71.42%...........................+ 12.65
10/01/2024.............................5 - 2 - 0...........................71.42%...........................+ 19.15
TOTALS...................................15 - 8 - 1...........................65.21%..........................+ 39.75
Sunday’s 6-pack:
Active NFL QB’s who have had a game with 500+ passing yards:
— Joe Burrow
— Derek Carr
— Kirk Cousins
— Jared Goff
— Dak Prescott
— Matthew Stafford
Quote of the Day
“This is the dream, right here, and for the next 12 hours, I’m going to enjoy the dream. We’ve got more ahead of us, but this is what Vanderbilt football needs to be about: big wins on big stages. We’re going to go get some more.”
Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea
Sunday’s quiz
Which former Chicago Bears QB threw for 8,697 yards in his college days, playing for Vanderbilt?
Saturday’s quiz
Before the NHL’s Calgary Flames moved to Calgary in 1980, they called Atlanta home.
Friday’s quiz
Washington Redskins drafted Kirk Cousins, in the 4th round of the 2012 draft.
*************************************************
Commodores were a 23-point underdog; huge upset.
Vandy had been 0-60 all-time vs top-5 teams.
Commodores were 12-18 on third down, Alabama 3-7
Vandy QB Pavia was New Mexico State’s QB LY, when the Aggies pulled an upset at Auburn. Now he wins this game, another big upset.
As I type this, there are reports of Vandy students carrying the goalposts from the field down Main Street in Nashville.
— Service academies are on a roll:
Nayy 34, Air Force 7- Navy is 5-0.
Middies outgained Air Force, 463-273
Navy ran ball 49 times for 329 yards (6.7 yards/carry)
Army 49, Tulsa 7
Cadets have won nine games in a row, dating back to last year.
Army was 6-6 passing, for 160 yards.
This is Army’s best start since 1996.
Army-Navy game this year is going to be a very big deal.
— Wake Forest 34, NC State 30
RB Claiborne ran 20 times for 136 yards, two TD’s.
Deacons scored game-winning TD with 1:01 left.
NC State QB McCall got KO’d from this game with a head injury.
— Indiana 41, Northwestern 24
Hoosiers are 6-0 for first time since 1967.
Indiana outscored the Wildcats, 529-336
Indiana QB Rourke was 25-33/380 passing, with three TD’s.
— Minnesota 24, USC 17
Gophers outscored USC 14-0 in 4th quarter.
Minnesota scored game-winning TD with 0:56 left.
Trojans were 7-11 on third down, Gophers 2-8.
USC turned ball over three times (minus-2).
— Arizona State 35, Kansas 31
Sun Devils scored game-winning TD with 0:16 left.
Kansas had taken the lead on a TD with 2:04 left.
Jayhawks are 0-5 vs I-A teams (four losses by 6 or fewer points)
— Upsets of the Week:
Vanderbilt (+23) 40, Alabama 35
Houston (+16.5) 30, TCU 19
UL-Monroe (+16) 21, James Madison 19
Arkansas (+13.5) 19, Tennessee 14
Minnesota (+9.5) 24, USC 17
Charlotte (+8) 55, East Carolina 24
Syracuse (+6.5) 44, UNLV 41, OT
SMU (+6.5) 34, Louisville 27
Wake Forest (+4) 34, NC State 30
— Guardians 7, Tigers 0
Cleveland scored five runs in bottom of the first.
Lane Thomas hit a 3-run HR in his first playoff at-bat.
Guardians still used five pitchers to finish a stress-free win.
— Mets 6, Phillies 2
Zack Wheeler threw 111 pitches, tossed 7 shutout IP
Phillies bullpen threw 58 pitches, allowed 6 runs in 2 IP.
Brandon Nimmo was 2-4, with two RBI.
— New York 6, Royals 5
New York bullpen allow one unearned run in 4 IP.
Verdugo, batting 9th, was 2-3 with two runs scored.
Kansas City pitchers walked eight hitters.
— Dodgers 7, Padres 5
Ohtani was 2-5, with two runs scored, 3 RBI
San Diego led 5-3 after three innings.
Dodger bullpen tossed six shutout IP.
— Famous birthdays, October 6th:
Tony Dungy, 69
Alfredo Griffin, 67
Elisabeth Shue, 61
Ruben Sierra, 59
Jeremy Sisto, 50
Jake Bauers, 29
Bryson Stott, 27
Trevor Lawrence, 25
Kyle Pitts, 24
— UConn 29, Temple 20
UConn led 23-20 with 0:03 left, Temple had ball on UConn’s 1-yard line; not only didn’t Temple score, their QB fumbled and UConn ran the ball back 96 yards for the final margin.
— Western Michigan 45, Ball State 42
RB Nixon ran ball 14 times for 124 yards and three TD’s.
Ball State led 35-31 after three quarters.
— Texas A&M 41, Missouri 10
During the week, Mizzou’s coach caused a stir because the sister of a Texas A&M player is a Mizzou staffer; the coach said he wouldn’t let her watch practice this week, because her brother might be playing QB in this game for the other team.
Texas A&M is 3-0 in the SEC for first time since 2016; the kid didn’t start.
Distractions are a bad thing; Mizzou got blasted in this game, outgained 512-254.
— Oregon 31, Michigan State 10
Andrew Boyle kicked a 50-yard field goal in this game Friday night, Oregon’s first field goal of 50+ yards since 2008.
— Washington 27, Michigan 17
Huskies outscored Michigan 13-0 in 4th quarter.
Washington outgained Wolverines, 429-287.
— Why isn’t Pete Carroll on TV? Guy is a great coach; Nick Saban is on TV, Bill Belichick is on TV and Carroll seems to have a better personality than both of those guys. It is nonsensical.
Active NFL QB’s who have had a game with 500+ passing yards:
— Joe Burrow
— Derek Carr
— Kirk Cousins
— Jared Goff
— Dak Prescott
— Matthew Stafford
Quote of the Day
“This is the dream, right here, and for the next 12 hours, I’m going to enjoy the dream. We’ve got more ahead of us, but this is what Vanderbilt football needs to be about: big wins on big stages. We’re going to go get some more.”
Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea
Sunday’s quiz
Which former Chicago Bears QB threw for 8,697 yards in his college days, playing for Vanderbilt?
Saturday’s quiz
Before the NHL’s Calgary Flames moved to Calgary in 1980, they called Atlanta home.
Friday’s quiz
Washington Redskins drafted Kirk Cousins, in the 4th round of the 2012 draft.
*************************************************
Sunday’s Den: Wrapping up a college football Saturday…….
— Vanderbilt 40, Alabama 35Commodores were a 23-point underdog; huge upset.
Vandy had been 0-60 all-time vs top-5 teams.
Commodores were 12-18 on third down, Alabama 3-7
Vandy QB Pavia was New Mexico State’s QB LY, when the Aggies pulled an upset at Auburn. Now he wins this game, another big upset.
As I type this, there are reports of Vandy students carrying the goalposts from the field down Main Street in Nashville.
— Service academies are on a roll:
Nayy 34, Air Force 7- Navy is 5-0.
Middies outgained Air Force, 463-273
Navy ran ball 49 times for 329 yards (6.7 yards/carry)
Army 49, Tulsa 7
Cadets have won nine games in a row, dating back to last year.
Army was 6-6 passing, for 160 yards.
This is Army’s best start since 1996.
Army-Navy game this year is going to be a very big deal.
— Wake Forest 34, NC State 30
RB Claiborne ran 20 times for 136 yards, two TD’s.
Deacons scored game-winning TD with 1:01 left.
NC State QB McCall got KO’d from this game with a head injury.
— Indiana 41, Northwestern 24
Hoosiers are 6-0 for first time since 1967.
Indiana outscored the Wildcats, 529-336
Indiana QB Rourke was 25-33/380 passing, with three TD’s.
— Minnesota 24, USC 17
Gophers outscored USC 14-0 in 4th quarter.
Minnesota scored game-winning TD with 0:56 left.
Trojans were 7-11 on third down, Gophers 2-8.
USC turned ball over three times (minus-2).
— Arizona State 35, Kansas 31
Sun Devils scored game-winning TD with 0:16 left.
Kansas had taken the lead on a TD with 2:04 left.
Jayhawks are 0-5 vs I-A teams (four losses by 6 or fewer points)
— Upsets of the Week:
Vanderbilt (+23) 40, Alabama 35
Houston (+16.5) 30, TCU 19
UL-Monroe (+16) 21, James Madison 19
Arkansas (+13.5) 19, Tennessee 14
Minnesota (+9.5) 24, USC 17
Charlotte (+8) 55, East Carolina 24
Syracuse (+6.5) 44, UNLV 41, OT
SMU (+6.5) 34, Louisville 27
Wake Forest (+4) 34, NC State 30
— Guardians 7, Tigers 0
Cleveland scored five runs in bottom of the first.
Lane Thomas hit a 3-run HR in his first playoff at-bat.
Guardians still used five pitchers to finish a stress-free win.
— Mets 6, Phillies 2
Zack Wheeler threw 111 pitches, tossed 7 shutout IP
Phillies bullpen threw 58 pitches, allowed 6 runs in 2 IP.
Brandon Nimmo was 2-4, with two RBI.
— New York 6, Royals 5
New York bullpen allow one unearned run in 4 IP.
Verdugo, batting 9th, was 2-3 with two runs scored.
Kansas City pitchers walked eight hitters.
— Dodgers 7, Padres 5
Ohtani was 2-5, with two runs scored, 3 RBI
San Diego led 5-3 after three innings.
Dodger bullpen tossed six shutout IP.
— Famous birthdays, October 6th:
Tony Dungy, 69
Alfredo Griffin, 67
Elisabeth Shue, 61
Ruben Sierra, 59
Jeremy Sisto, 50
Jake Bauers, 29
Bryson Stott, 27
Trevor Lawrence, 25
Kyle Pitts, 24
— UConn 29, Temple 20
UConn led 23-20 with 0:03 left, Temple had ball on UConn’s 1-yard line; not only didn’t Temple score, their QB fumbled and UConn ran the ball back 96 yards for the final margin.
— Western Michigan 45, Ball State 42
RB Nixon ran ball 14 times for 124 yards and three TD’s.
Ball State led 35-31 after three quarters.
— Texas A&M 41, Missouri 10
During the week, Mizzou’s coach caused a stir because the sister of a Texas A&M player is a Mizzou staffer; the coach said he wouldn’t let her watch practice this week, because her brother might be playing QB in this game for the other team.
Texas A&M is 3-0 in the SEC for first time since 2016; the kid didn’t start.
Distractions are a bad thing; Mizzou got blasted in this game, outgained 512-254.
— Oregon 31, Michigan State 10
Andrew Boyle kicked a 50-yard field goal in this game Friday night, Oregon’s first field goal of 50+ yards since 2008.
— Washington 27, Michigan 17
Huskies outscored Michigan 13-0 in 4th quarter.
Washington outgained Wolverines, 429-287.
— Why isn’t Pete Carroll on TV? Guy is a great coach; Nick Saban is on TV, Bill Belichick is on TV and Carroll seems to have a better personality than both of those guys. It is nonsensical.
MLB
Sunday, October 6
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Trend Report
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NY Mets vs Philadelphia
NY Mets is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
NY Mets is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing NY Mets
San Diego vs LA Dodgers
San Diego is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
San Diego is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
LA Dodgers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
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Sunday, October 6
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Trend Report
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NY Mets vs Philadelphia
NY Mets is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
NY Mets is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing NY Mets
San Diego vs LA Dodgers
San Diego is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
San Diego is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
LA Dodgers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
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