Sports Memo
TIM TRUSHEL
Best Bet: UTEP +11.5
Kansas UTEP +11.5
None O/U N/L 4:30 pm PT
In 2007, the Jayhawks were unbeaten and faced a one-loss Missouri team for the shot
to play Oklahoma in the Big XII Championship game. They lost 36-28 for their only loss.
That season, while a huge success, was an aberration as the Jayhawks played a weak nonconference
slate, did not face Oklahoma or Texas, and had only four true road games all
year. Last year, with a tougher schedule we saw Kansas slide a bit. This year, they return
all of their key skill position talent and while that is important, having to rebuild an offensive
line with just two starters back and very little depth is more of a concern. The
defense is mediocre and will again allow plenty of points. This week they face UTEP, a
team that was expected to be improved but had troubles in week one with a home loss
to Buffalo. The overall stats indicate that UTEP was competitive, but that doesn’t change
the fact that they trailed 23-7 at home before mounting a comeback. UTEP reached the
Buffalo 20-yard line in the final minutes while trailing 23-17 but a holding penalty followed
by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty ended any hope. They showed that they
wouldn’t quit and with plenty of talent they will be competitive against the Jayhawks.
BRENT CROW
Best Bet: Redskins +6.5
Washington +6.5 New York Giants
New York (-3.5) 23 at Washington 7 - 2008 O/U 37.5 1:15 PT
This line is way out of whack if my views on these two teams is correct. I feel that
the Redskins are the better team and will finish ahead of the Giants in the standings
this year barring catastrophic injury. I really do like their defense, and the offense
certainly has better weapons than the Giants, even if Eli Manning is a better
quarterback than Jason Campbell. The Giants offense really missed Plaxico Burress
last year after his injury, and they are relying on a group of young, unproven receivers
this season. The defense has also been plagued by injuries this preseason
and shows some signs of a potential drop off in the near future. For the Redskins,
the addition of Albert Haynesworth on the defensive line should make a tough
defense even better. The offense did not do much in preseason, but I think were
pretty vanilla with the play callings. Jim Zorn didn’t seem to be too concerned or
worried by the preseason results and that lack of production helped push this
number up to nearly a full touchdown. I really don’t think the ‘Skins will need
the points as they start their season out with a straight up win over the Giants.
TEDDY COVERS
Best Bet: Redskins +6.5
Washington +6.5 New York Giants
New York (-3.5) 23 at Washington 7 - 2008 O/U 37.5 1:15 PT
The betting marketplace is projecting the Giants to reach the playoffs for a fifth consecutive
season with a season over/under win mark of 10. But this team has undergone
some dramatic changes since the end of last year; changes that won’t make it easy to
win by a touchdown or more in their season opener against the Redskins. New York’s
completely rebuilt receiving corps leaves the passing game extremely limited. They
struggled in the red zone repeatedly in August, setting for field goals instead of touchdowns.
And the Giants have legitimate questions on the defensive side of the ball as
well. In particular, the secondary lacks experience, with three of four starters with three
years of experience or less. The Redskins dramatically upgraded their defensive line
in the offseason with free agent signee Albert Haynesworth and No. 1 draft choice
Bryan Orapko; a duo that should help continue the red zone woes for the G-men. Let’s
not forget that even without that duo, Washington finished the ’08 campaign with
the fouth-rated defense in the NFL. In this week one divisional rivalry, expect New
York to be in a dogfight to win this game outright, let alone by any sort of a margin.
DONNIE BLACK
Best Bet: Browns +4
Minnesota Cleveland +4
Cleveland 12 at Minnesota (-4.5) 24 - 2005 O/U 40 10 am PT
The Vikings are the sexy pick to have a breakout season. Fundamentally it is hard to argue with
their ability as they are great at running the ball and stopping the run. Add a veteran superstar
quarterback to the mix and now they have a playmaker that can take the offense even further.
Yet while the Vikings made the headlines of the preseason with the signing of Brett Favre, there
are some concerns. Team chemistry and the overall play down the stretch last season indicate
that it is just not that easy. Favre is set in his ways and when he does too much, it can be a detriment.
Will he be able to control those impulses? If he does, it will be a good season. Cleveland
is off a 4-12 season and made a ton of changes. Head coach Eric Mangini was brought in to
turn things around quickly. Only one season removed from a solid campaign, it can be done.
Fixing the offense is critical as they scored just 31 points total in their last six games of the season.
Defensively they were solid as they held the opposition to 17 or fewer points in half their
games. The home field has been a factor as they have played pretty well in the role of the home
underdog. With a new attitude and a better focus on offense, the Browns will be improved.
We expect them to show it right out of the gate and will back them in this underdog spot.
ERIN RYNNING
Best Bet: Minnesota -4.5
Air Force Minnesota -4.5
None O/U N/L 4 pm PT
Emotion will be at a fever pitch Saturday evening as the Gophers will open their
brand new on-campus stadium against the visiting Falcons. Minnesota will own a
stern talent edge in this contest, while head coach Tim Brewster has done a fine
job in the recruiting department. They own balance on offense with experienced
quarterback Adam Weber and key cog wide receiver Eric Decker, while also owning
capable runners in the backfield. Last week’s game on the road at Syracuse
was rough at times but time will be needed to work through the complex offense
of coordinator Jedd Fisch. The Gophers also have the depth advantage on defense
and the team speed needed to help shut down Air Force’s ground game.
The Falcons exploded last week against outmatched Nicholls State, 72-0. However,
the largest victory in Air Force history will be meaningless when they travel
to open TCF Bank Stadium. Tim Jefferson looks like he’ll be a fine quarterback for
the Falcons at some point, but a lack of big plays should hurt them here on the
road. Look for Gophers to strike early and often in a dominating home victory.
ROB VENO
Best Bet: Panthers Over 43.5
Philadelphia -2 Carolina
Carolina 24 at Philadelphia (+3) 27 - 2006 O/U 43.5 10 am PT
There are a multitude of matchups in this contest that point toward a high scoring
affair. The Philadelphia brand of West Coast offense, which now features total aerial
diversity, seems to be the perfect weapon against this Carolina defense. The quick
hitting screens and slants should offset the Panthers’ determination to pressure the
quarterback while the vertical deep threats can counter when Carolina is on its heels.
The offensive line depth will help the Eagles maintain their offensive prowess should
the starting five still not be able to get on the field together. Carolina allowed 30+ in
five of their final seven games last season and with basically the same defensive crew
back, expect Philadelphia to challenge that number. The Panthers do have a significant
offensive advantage of their own in this contest as their powerful ground game
could potentially steamroll the under-sized Eagles front which will play this season
without run stuffing middle linebacker Stuart Bradley. Once their trademark rushing
attack is established, the passing game can become a positive complement. With no
weather issues standing in the way, expect this game to get up and over the total.
FAIRWAY JAY
Best Bet: Minnesota -4.5
Air Force Minnesota -4.5
None O/U N/L 4 pm PT
The Gophers pulled out a 23-20 overtime win at Syracuse and now return home to
begin a new era with the opening of TCF Bank Stadium on the UM campus. Momentum
and motivation figures to be on Minnesota’s side with improvement projected
following a less than impressive opening week performance. The combination of
quarterback Adam Weber and All-Big Ten wide receiver Eric Decker hooked up nine
times for over 180 yards last week and should have more success with time to throw
and comfort in the new offensive system. But also expect more power running to be
on display this week by the Gophers against the smaller 3-4 front of Air Force. The
Falcons blasted Nicholls State last week and quarterback Tim Jefferson is a nice dualthreat.
The option offense appears in-sync early season yet Minnesota can counter
with quick strike plays and a sound running game. With Air Force’s opening Mountain
West play next week at New Mexico, it should only add to all of the positives coming
from the home side. We seem to be getting a small discount based on what went down
last week with both schools. Regardless, we expect a big win from the home side.
ANDREW LANGE
Best Bet: Virginia +11.5
TCU Virginia +11.5
None O/U N/L 12:30 pm PT (ESPN2)
Last week, Virginia lost to William & Mary 26-14 and much of the same pathetic offense
that we’ve come to know and love in Charlottesville was in full display. Now a large part of
the blame rests of the fact that a new offense is in the works with former Bowling Green
head coach Gregg Brandon taking over as offensive coordinator. That and UVA coughed
up the ball seven times! But with everyone calling for head coach Al Groh’s job and the
Cavs destine to go winless according to the media, I see no better time to strike than now.
Keep in mind, after starting 1-3 last year, pathetic UVA ripped off four straight including two
wins over ranked opponents. TCU is not going to be as good as they were last year after
returning only four defensive starters, three of which to the NFL. Offensively, the Horned
Frogs typically get the job done but don’t ignore the fact that in 2008 they returned four
starters on the offensive line, where as just two are back this year. Virginia’s defense has
always been good, allowing less than 21 ppg the last three years combined. Against Boise,
Oklahoma and Utah last season, TCU scored all of 37 points. Laying double-digits on the
road for your season opener seems like a little much and that is why I am on Virginia.
HELMUT
Best Bet: Washington -20.5
Idaho Washington -20.5
Idaho 6 at Washington (-13.5) 34 - 2005 O/U N/L 12:30 pm PT
It appears that the Huskies are a completely different team this season after going 0-12
in 2008. I couldn’t help but notice the improved attitude and excitement with this team
under new head coach Steve Sarkisian. The offense was much more crisp and had little
to no trouble moving the ball on what figures to be an outstanding LSU defense. One
of the biggest reasons for the offensive improvement was the return of quarterback
Jake Locker who missed the last eight games in 2008. The Huskies rolled up 478 yards
of total offense, which was 100+ yards more than the offense gained in any game last
season. Statistically the Vandals were one of the worst defenses in the nation last season.
It took them all the way to week nine before they held a I-A opponent to less than
42 points. They looked good in their season opener but I will discount that effort as it
came against a New Mexico State team that is in complete rebuilding mode. It has to be
somewhat concerning that the Vandals’ offense generated only 21 points against a defense
that was one of the worst in the nation last season and returned just three starters.
The Huskies should be able to break their 14-game losing streak with a blowout.
MARTY OTTO
Best Bet: Oregon -11
Purdue Oregon -11
Oregon 32 at Purdue (+7) 25 OT- 2008 O/U N/L 7:15 pm PT
The Ducks will have to dig deep but I expect an inspired effort for their home opener
this week. Yes, the loss to Boise was quite disheartening but a new week and new
opponent brings a big opportunity to start over. The defense played pretty well last
week despite being a question mark heading into the season. They held a good Boise
ground game to just 2.4 ypc. But that performance is largely lost in the hype of the
offensive struggles and the punch heard round the world. Oregon’s offense will be
fine here even without Blount, because Purdue’s defense is just not very good. They
allowed nearly 500 yards of offense to Toledo last week! Look for the rushing attack
from Oregon to open up the pass as the game rolls on. Remember, Purdue’s front seven
gave up over 300 yards on the ground in the meeting last season and allowed five
different opponents to rush for more than 5.0 yards per carry in 2008. Had Oregon
won last week -- or even a close loss -- they would easily be laying 20 or more points in
this spot. It also helps that Purdue came away with an easy spread covering victory in
which they scored 52 points. Take advantage of the discount and play the home team.
SPORTSMEMO NEWSLETTER BEST BETS
Handicapper Record Best Bet LAST WEEK
Tim Trushel 1-0 UTEP +11.5 Akron +27 (W)
Erin Rynning 1-0 Minnesota -4.5 UTEP Under 62 (W)
Brent Crow 1-0 Redskins +6.5 Alabama -7 (W)
Donnie Black 1-0 Browns +4 Ole Miss -17 (W)
Helmut Sports 1-0 Washington -20.5 Nebraska -21.5 (W)
Rob Veno -- Panthers Over 43.5 --
Fairway Jay -- Minnesota -4.5 --
Marty Otto 0-1 Oregon -11 Wake Forest Over 53.5 (L)
Andrew Lange 0-1 Virginia +11.5 Arizona -13.5 (L)
Teddy Covers 0-1 Redskins +6.5 Notre Dame Over 61 (L)
Best Bet Football Record: 5-3, 62% +1.7 units