Saturday 12/3/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Gonzaga Bulldogs (7-0) at Arizona Wildcats (6-1)

Date: December 03, 2016 5:30 PM EDT

Arizona and Gonzaga are set to resume one of the best rivalries in the West, with the Bulldogs talking about "payback."

The perennial Top 25 programs have played in each of the past three seasons -- all Arizona victories, including in the 2014 NCAA Tournament to advance to the Sweet 16 and a 68-63 win in Spokane, Wash., last season.

"Like I said, we've got something for them. Send a message Saturday," Gonzaga guard Josh Perkins said after a 97-63 home victory over Mississippi Valley State improved the Bulldogs to 7-0 on Thursday night. "We feel like we owe them some payback. It's been some years building up. Saturday's a time for us to get back at them."

Their chances appear to be good when No. 8 Gonzaga plays 16th-ranked Arizona (6-1) at Hoophall LA, a one-day doubleheader event in Los Angeles on Saturday. Arizona-Gonzaga tips off at 5:30 p.m. ET followed by BYU vs. USC.

The Wildcats are expected to have only seven available scholarship players after the team's latest injury.

Starting point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright suffered a high ankle sprain Wednesday in a win over Texas Southern, with coach Sean Miller saying the junior would be out for a "considerable" period of time. Arizona previously lost two players to torn ACLs, an incoming freshman turned pro and sophomore guard Allonzo Trier, the team's top returning scorer at 14.8 points per game, hasn't played yet because of unspecified eligibility issues. The school has not commented on the matter.

"Where we go from here, I don't know," Miller said.

Gonzaga reloaded this season, despite losing frontcourt players Domantas Sabonis and Kyle Wiltjer from the team that reached last year's Sweet 16. A new Pac-12 transfer backcourt of point guard Nigel Williams-Goss (Washington) and Jordan Mathews (Cal) adds scoring punch to a returning unit that features center Przemek Karnowski and Perkins.

Williams-Goss leads a balanced scoring effort with 12.9 points per game, to go with an average of 4.9 assists. Perkins averages 12.7 points and is shooting 53.1 percent from behind the arc (17 of 32). Freshman 7-footer Zach Collins is averaging 11.6 points per game off the bench.

A third starting transfer, forward Johnathan Williams (Missouri), is averaging 10.9 points and 5.9 rebounds. Karnowski is the fifth double-digit scorer at 10.7 points per game. Mathews is a high-volume 3-point shooter who has made 15 of 39 for 38.5 percent.

"I admire their program, their coach, I love their team this year," Miller said. "We're not there yet in terms of dealing with them. ...

"They can run you completely out of the city of L.A. if you're not ready to go because of how great they are. We're a work in progress. We're the furthest thing from a great team."

Arizona has three double-digit scorers, all freshmen. Lauri Markkanen, a 7-footer forward with a sweet 3-point shot, is averaging 18.3 points and is shooting 46.9 percent from beyond the arc (15 of 32). Guard Kobi Simmons, likely to move into the starting lineup, is averaging 13.0 points. Wing Rawle Alkins is at 10.9 points.

Senior Kadeem Allen, who started most of last season at point guard, will move back from shooting guard to fill the primary role while Jackson-Cartwright is back. Simmons will be the backup at point.

The programs have met seven times, all since the 2000 season. They played a classic double-overtime game won by Arizona 96-95 in the second round of the 2003 Sweet 16.

"We're going to continue to play Gonzaga because they're one of the best programs in college basketball," Miller said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Savannah State Tigers (2-7) at Oregon Ducks (6-2)

Date: December 03, 2016 6:00 PM EDT

EUGENE, Ore. -- Dana Altman called Oregon's 93-54 win over Western Oregon on Wednesday a "development game."

Oregon built an early 18-5 lead and kept the margin in double digits the rest of the way to defeat an in-state Division II opponent.

"We needed to get out and just move the ball and run some stuff," the Ducks coach said. "I thought our activity on defense was pretty good. We needed a development game. We have got to get better and we have to make a step and talk more defensively."

The 23rd-ranked Ducks (6-2) may get another "development game" when Savannah State arrives at Matthew Knight Arena on Saturday. The Tigers are 2-6 with their only wins over Middle Georgia State and Fort Valley State.

"We have to come in with the same mindset as we did against Western Oregon," Oregon guard Tyler Dorsey said. "We have to work on the deficiencies we have and move the ball on the offensive end. We have to get our turnover-to-assist ratio closer to what we had last year and work on the offensive end."

The Ducks have won four straight games and do not have to leave the state again until January because their next seven games are in Oregon. After Savannah State, the Ducks have eight days off for finals week.

Six-foot-10 senior center Chris Boucher leads the Ducks with 13.8 points to go with 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 blocked shots per game. Junior forward Jordan Bell is averaging career highs of 10.4 points and 8.6 rebounds to go with 2.8 blocks per contest.

Junior Dillon Brooks is getting back into shape after sitting out four months and missing three games following offseason foot surgery. The all-Pac-12 forward scored 21 points in 19 minutes on 8-for-13 shooting from the field against Western Oregon after going 1-for-9 in his previous game versus Boise State.

"It is going to come, we all know that," Altman said. "We'd like to get him 20 minutes against Savannah and maybe start moving up in our week off and see how he handled the practice sessions. He has four games to get ready for the start of conference so I hope we can keep moving those minutes up. He feels great and is progressing as we had hoped."

Savannah State's top two scorers, Dexter McClanahan and Casey Wells, both come off the bench while averaging 14.1 and 13.3 points per game, respectively. Troyce Manassa is scoring 12.4 points per game while Austin Dasent averages 11.3 points with a team-leading 3.9 assists per game.

The Tigers have lost three straight games to St. Francis College in Brooklyn, Grambling, and San Diego State.

Oregon defeated Savannah State 77-59 last season in Eugene.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Akron Zips (6-1) at Creighton Bluejays (7-0)

Date: December 03, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

OMAHA, Neb. -- Creighton hosts its second opponent of the week from the Mid-American Conference Saturday when Akron visits CenturyLink Center.

The Zips could be the stiffest defensive test the No. 10 Bluejays have faced since playing then-No. 9 Wisconsin on Nov. 15.

Akron is 6-1 with six consecutive victories since losing its season opener Nov. 12 to Youngstown State. While the Zips are averaging 80.1 points per game, they're giving up just 62.7.

Contrast that with the high-flying Bluejays offense that is averaging 92.0 points per game, the sixth-best total in the country through the first three weeks of the season.

One of the more intriguing matchups will be how Creighton's big men -- especially redshirt freshman Justin Patton -- fare against Akron senior Isaiah Johnson in the 7 p.m. CST game that will be broadcast on Fox Sports 2.

Known as Big Dog, the 6-foot-10, 290-pound Johnson is the reigning MAC Eastern Division player of the week. Johnson is averaging a team-leading 15.7 points per game while shooting 67.7 percent (24-of-42) from the field.

Johnson and Kwan Cheatham both are averaging six rebounds per game, and Johnson has blocked six shots.

How Patton responds to the biggest big man he's faced in his young collegiate career will be a good way to measure how far the 7-foot Omaha North graduate has developed his game.

Patton is averaging 13 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. He has scored in double figures in every game of Creighton's 7-0 start and, like Akron's Johnson, has blocked six shots this season.

Teammates are seeking out Patton on the offensive end, as he has had 19 dunks with 11 of those coming on lob passes from guards Marcus Foster, Khyri Thomas and Maurice Watson.

Watson has been efficiently running the Creighton offense from the point guard position. He is second in the NCAA this season with 59 total assists and an average of 8.4 per game. Watson leads the nation's active players with 698 career assists, and he's also third in steals.

Foster has been a big plus for the Bluejays offense after sitting out last season as a transfer from Kansas State. The 6-foot-3 junior from Wichita Falls, Texas is averaging a team-leading 18.3 points per game and passed the 1,000-career points milestone in Tuesday's win over Buffalo.

Senior forward Cole Huff from Altadena, Calif., has a chance to join Foster in the 1,000-point club Saturday. Huff is just 17 points shy of that career achievement as he has scored 456 as a Bluejay after transferring from Nevada with 527 points.

Both teams have relied on deep benches for their early season success. The Zips have had 15 different players log minutes this season; six of them are averaging 7.9 points per game. Antino Jackson is averaging 12.0 points per game to join Johnson with a double-digit average.

Creighton has four players averaging double figures per outing. Thomas at 14.4 per game and Watson with 11.7 join Foster and Patton in that category.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Central Arkansas Bears (1-6) at Butler Bulldogs (7-0)

Date: December 03, 2016 4:00 PM EDT

INDIANAPOLIS - The Butler University basketball team is coming off huge wins over No. 16 Arizona in the Las Vegas Invitational championship Nov. 25 and then at Utah on Monday.

So Butler coach Chris Holtmann is hoping for no letdown when his No. 18 Bulldogs (7-0) are home to face Central Arkansas (1-6) at 4 p.m. (EDT) at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

"Central Arkansas is a team that has been able to score really well. They've been good offensively," Holtmann said. "Right now you want to have a good understanding of the opponent. You also want to really focus on your team's improvement and your team's growth. That's our dual focus as we continue to play non-league games."

The Bears are averaging 70.7 points per game on 42.0 percent shooting. In addition to their scoring, Holtmann said the Bears play a matchup zone that Butler needs to be prepared to face.

Another focus is Holtmann doesn't want his team looking ahead to some key upcoming dates at in-state rival Indiana State (Wednesday), hosting Cincinnati (Dec. 10) and playing No. 13 Indiana University (Dec. 17) in the Crossroads Classic in Indianapolis.

"The challenge is we did not play well last year when we came back after being gone for a week to Puerto Rico," Holtmann said. "Our guys are aware of that and I think you try to stress to your guys that this is about playing to the standard and expectation that we have on every possession. That's what we're trying to do, regardless of the opponent. That's our focus. Quality teams may not have their A game every night. There is competitiveness, awareness and an attention to detail every night and that's what it needs to be."

Butler is off to its best start since beginning the 2008-09 season 8-0. The Bulldogs are led by junior forward Kelan Martin, who is averaging a team-high 16.4 points.

Butler is hitting 50.4 percent of its shots while holding opponents to 40.6 percent.

"Six of our 11 guys haven't played in a Butler uniform before, so that's over half the team, so we knew we would have difficult moments this year going through some growing pains," Holtmann said. "What I've been pleased with most is we've been able to weather those difficult moments and able to respond to some game adversity and come back with the right approach. That's allowed us to win some close games."

Despite losing six of seven, all on the road, Central Arkansas lost by just two points (49-47) at No. 17 Wisconsin Nov. 11 and 12 (102-90) at Oklahoma State Nov. 14.

Junior guard Jordan Howard leads the Bears with a 16.3 scoring average, just a tick ahead of senior guard Derreck Brooks' 16.2 average.

Thursday, Central Arkansas started strong, taking a 37-30 lead at half-time at Southeast Missouri. The Bears then were outscored 36-1 to open the second half and lost 87-63.

"Like we tell the guys all the time, you just have to learn how to win," Bears coach Russ Pennell said. "It's not about talent, it's not basketball plays. It's the other stuff. It's the loose ball. It's standing in the right place, all the positioning stuff, rebounding."

In the team's 81-76 victory over Army, Pennell said his team did those things.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Saturday’s games

Kentucky lost by 10 at UCLA LY after beating the Bruins 83-44 the year before; Wildcats are 7-0 this season vs schedule #275- they beat Michigan State 69-48 in only top 90 game- that was also their closest game so far. Kentucky is #345 experience team playing pace #26. UCLA is 8-0 playing schedule #270 with least experienced team in country- this is their first true road game. Bruins are playing #12 pace, but their subs play least minutes in country. UCLA’s got two top 100 wins; Nebraska/Texas A&M, both on neutral floor. SEC home favorites are 14-15 vs spread; Pac-12 underdogs are 3-13.

Middle Tennessee won its last eight games with former Sun Belt rival South Alabama, winning last three by 10-1-13 points- they won by point in OT in last visit here. Blue Raiders upset Ole Miss by 15 in Oxford Wednesday- they start two juniors, two seniors. Jaguars are 6-1 vs schedule #319, with only top 200 win at #163 UNLV. USA also starts two juniors, two seniors- they appear to be improved this year, after being 37-60 the last three years. C-USA road underdogs are 13-11 vs spread; SEC home favorites are 14-15.

Virginia shot 68.6% inside arc, beat West Virginia 70-54 in NYC last year, after trailing by 12 late in first half; Mountaineers were just 2-14 on arc that night. Cavaliers are 7-0, with last three wins vs top 100 teams- they’ve played schedule #192, but they’re #8 at protecting ball, crucial vs West Virginia’s press. Mountaineers forced 40 turnovers in last game after getting upset by Temple on neutral floor in NYC. WVU are forcing turnovers 35 % of time, most in country. UVa starts three juniors, one senior. ACC home favorites are 18-13 vs spread; Big X underdogs are 6-2 vs spread.

Baylor is 7-0, with four top 40 wins; they’ve played schedule #34. Bears beat Michigan State/Louisville on consecutive days, rallying back to win from down 32-10 vs Cardinals. Baylor is playing pace #335 (slow), had #30 eFG% defense- they start four juniors and a senior. Xavier is 7-0 with three top 80 wins; best team they’ve beaten is #36 Clemson. Musketeers are forcing turnovers 22.4% of time- this is their first true road game but they won neutral court tournament down in Orlando last weekend. Big East underdogs are 8-4 against the spread; Big X home faves are 12-7.

Providence beat Rhode Island the last six years, but #42 Rams haven’t finished a season this high since 2008. In LY’s game, URI led by 5 midway thru second half but lost 78-74 at home to Friars. URI is 5-2, losing by 3 at Valparaiso Tuesday, also by 10 to Duke on neutral floor. Rams start three juniors, two seniors. Friars beat Memphis on neutral court, their best win, but lost only top 80 games by 5 at Ohio State, 11 to Virginia on a neutral floor. Providence starts four juniors and a soph. A-14 road teams are 8-4 vs spread; Big East underdogs are also 8-4.

Wichita State is playing first true road game of year; they were 1-2 on Bahamas trip, losing to Louisville/Michigan St after crushing LSU. Shockers are 2-2 vs top 150 teams, beating Tulsa by 27, LSU by 35. Colorado State is coming off big upset win in Boulder against Colorado; Rams are #6 in eFG% defense, but vs schedule #309; their only loss was by 7 to #68 Stanford. MVC favorites are 2-5 away from home; Mountain West underdogs are 13-12. Colorado State is shooting just 29.3% on arc- they start three sophs, one junior. Mountain West teams are 7-5 in last 12 games against MVC squads.

Iona won six of last seven games with St Peter’s, going 5-2 in last seven visits here; Gaels won Alaskan Shootout last weekend, are 3-2 this season, losing true road games at Florida State, Nevada by 21-15 points- they haven’t played a home game yet, but did avenge the Nevada loss in finals in Alaska. St Peter’s scored 80+ points in its three wins, 57-41 in losses to Lafayette, Fordham; best team Peacocks have played is #162 Boston U- St Peter’s beat them 80-67. Peacocks start three seniors and a junior. Iona is starting two new transfers.

Oklahoma is 5-1 vs schedule #311; they’re #316 experience team- this is their first true road games. Sooners went 2-1 in neutral court tourney in Florida. Oklahoma starts a freshman, two sophs; their only top 200 win is over #36 Clemson. Wisconsin is 2-2 vs top 60 teams, beating Georgetown by 16, Syracuse by 17; Badgers are a top5 rebounding team in country so far this season. Wisconsin was 7-33 on arc in 65-48 loss at Oklahoma LY; they beat Sooners the year before in the Bahamas. Badgers Big X underdogs are 6-2 vs spread this season. Big 14 home favorites are 13-14.

Oklahoma State is 6-1 vs schedule #229; they’re #292 experience team. Cowboys went 2-1 at Maui Classic, beating UConn/Georgetown, losing to UNC by 32. OSU is playing #10 pace and fouling too much; they’re 10th-worst team at giving up foul shots. Maryland is a young team held together by great PG Trimle; Terps lost at home to Pitt Tuesday- their three best wins are all by one point or in OT (Georgetown/K-State/Richmond). Maryland is shooting just 31.2% on arc. Big X underdogs are 6-2 vs spread this season. Big 14 home favorites are 13-14 against the spread.

Auburn outscored UAB 24-8 on foul line in 75-74 home win over the Blazers LY; Tigers are 5-1 vs schedule #203- they’re #315 experience team, starting three frosh, two sophs. UAB is 4-3 with #43 experience team; two of their losses are Kansas/St Mary’s, really good teams. Blazers are turning ball over 21.5% of time, red flag vs Auburn pressure. SEC underdogs are 8-10 vs spread away from home. C-USA home favorites are 9-7. SEC teams won 10 of last 12 games vs C-USA squads but were favored in 11 of the 12 games- they covered only series game the last two years as an underdog.

Colorado got upset at home by Colorado State during week; this is first true road game for Buffs squad that split last four games, beating Texas/Wofford in between losses to Notre Dame/CSU. Colorado starts is #51 experience team;* that start our seniors. Portland is 4-2 vs schedule #80; they’re #46 experience team. Pilots’ wins are all vs teams outside top 200- they lost by 22-10 points in their two top 100 games. Pac-12 favorites are 8-8 vs spread away from home; WCC underdogs are 10-10, 1-1 at home. Pac-12 teams are 17-5 in last 22 games vs WCC teams, 8-6 vs spread when favored.

VCU is 6-1, with only loss by 8 in Bahamas to unbeaten Baylor; Rams are #30 experience team, forcing turnovers 23.3% of time- their subs’ minutes are #60 in country. VCU is shooting 39.2% on arc. Illinois snapped 3-game skid with 88-74 win over NC State last game; Illini is #48 experience team- they’re 1-2 vs top 100 teams. Illinois is turning ball over 21% of time, could be problem vs VCU pressure. Best team VCU beat so far is #92 LSU, on a neutral floor. A-14 favorites are 12-3 vs spread away from home, 10-2 on neutral floors. Big 14 underdogs are 15-12 vs spread, 7-9 on neutral courts.

Arizona is thin team with injury issues; PG Jackson-Cartwright is out with ankle injury. Wildcats lost by 4 to Butler in Las Vegas- they beat Michigan State in Hawai’i after falling behind 19-4 early. Gonzaga is 7-0 with neutral court wins over Florida/Iowa State; Bulldogs start two juniors, two seniors- they have two transfers who started their career in Pac-12. Arizona won five of last six games with Gonzaga, taking last three by 23-3-5 points; four of those six games were decided by 5 or less points. Pac-12 underdogs are 2-7 vs spread in neutral floors. WCC favorites are 4-5 vs spread away from home.

Long trip west for Belmont team that is 2-3, with three top 100 losses, by 14-17-9 points- they won both games vs teams outside 200, beating WKU by 21, local rival Lipscomb by 2. Bruins are shooting 27% on arc; if that doesn’t get a lot better- they’ll have long year- Belmont shot at least 36.4% from arc the last six years. Pepperdine lost three of last four games, losing last game at home to Portland State; Waves Belmont is 0-3 on road, with losses at Florida-Vandy-Rhode Island, all top 70 teams. OVC favorites are 4-1 vs spread away from home. WCC underdogs are 10-10 vs spread, 1-1 at home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Opening Line Report - Week 14
By Marcus DiNitto

Here are the opening point-spreads and notes on early betting action for the four major college football championship games set for this week, plus Bedlam, the Big 12’s informal title contest.

We picked the brains of two prominent Las Vegas bookmakers – John Avello at the Wynn and Ed Salmons at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook – for their thoughts on the card.

SEC: Florida vs. Alabama (-24), Georgia Dome, Atlanta

The Wynn opened Alabama -22 on Sunday but was bet up to -24 by Monday.

Salmons, whose shop opened the game 23.5 before a move to 24, anticipates a pace slow enough to help the underdog cover a spread this size, even if the Gators can’t put many points on the board.

"If Florida can score 10 points, they’ll cover," Salmons predicts "The pace will be so slow, and Florida’s defense always gives them a chance to cover that kind of spread. That’s a humongous number."

Avello, though, sees vulnerability in the Gators defense.

"Florida is normally built on good defense and hang around in the game, that’s kind of the Florida style," Avello said. "The problem now is they’re just not scoring, and teams capable of scoring can put 30, 40 on ‘em."

Plus, as good as Alabama’s defense has been all year, it has gotten better as the season progressed. Avello pointed out that in their last three SEC regular-season games, the Crimson Tide gave up no points to LSU, three to Mississippi State and 12 to Auburn.

"They’re playing exactly the way Nick Saban wants them to play," he said. "Not give up a lot and get the points you need to get to win the football game." One caveat: While it looks doubtful early in the week, should quarterback Luke Del Rio be healthy enough to start, it’s a "huge plus for (Florida)," Avello said.

"Maybe help them get motivated, help them put a few points on the board. But I don’t know, this Alabama team looks awful tough."

ACC: Virginia Tech vs. Clemson (-10), Camping World Stadium, Orlando

Clemson was bet from -9 to -10, but Avello isn’t sure why. The 11-1 Tigers have dodged some bullets this season – and caught one against Pittsburgh for their only loss of the season – and their late-season momentum has been built with wins against the likes of Syracuse, Wake Forest and South Carolina.

"I don’t know if the move on this game is people saying they’re back in stride, because I don’t know how they are back in stride," Avello said. "Beating those teams is nothing..."They’ve been in some really close calls," he added. "They were in a close call with Louisville, and now we see Louisville’s really no good."

While Salmons doesn’t see much value in the point-spread, he gives Virginia Tech a solid chance to win the game.

"Clemson turns the ball over," he said. "They’re really lax with the ball on offense. If you turn the ball over you can lose the game."

Similar to Colorado, Virginia Tech will find plenty of motivation in the form of a potential conference championship.

Avello said, "I’m not sure, coming off a 7-6 season, (Virginia Tech) was expecting to make the final four. This is their season, right here. I expect a big effort out of them."

Big Ten: Penn State vs. Wisconsin (-3), Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

The Big Ten title tilt opened Wisconsin -3 at most shops and -3.5 at the Westgate, with Monday bettors taking Penn State plus the points and pushing the number to 2. In fact, MGM Resorts was dealing 1 on Monday.

Salmons said he made his personal line 5.5 when the matchup was set Saturday, but admits his numbers have been off on Penn State all season.

"It seems low to me, but then again, I don’t know if I’d be looking to lay points with Wisconsin with the way they play," he said Sunday of the opening number of 3. "That’s going to be a pretty low total, I think."

With both teams facing injury concerns to key offensive players (RB Saquon Barkley for Penn State, QB Alex Hornibrook for Wisconsin), Avello was reluctant to hang a number on the game.

"This is a game that concerns me. I have it up only because of the impact that game has," he said.

Big 12: Oklahoma State at Oklahoma (-12)

The de facto Big 12 championship game opened in the 13, 13.5 range, with underdog money bringing the number down to between 11 and 12 on Monday. Home-field advantage hasn’t meant much in Bedlam, as the road team has taken the last three games in the series.

Despite the move against the Sooners, Salmons does not think -13 was too high.

"The number feels perfect to me," Salmons said. "The total is going to be in the 70s, just a high-paced game where 13 is not a lot of points."

Salmons added, "Oklahoma, offensively, has been playing as well as anyone in the country. Their weakness is defense. But they’re so much of a better team than Oklahoma State. Oklahoma State is winning with mirrors this year – they’re just not that good of a team. They’re just playing Big 12 teams and the Big 12 stinks. It’s an awful conference."

Avello sees an improved team in Oklahoma from the one that lost to Houston and Ohio State early in the season.

"At the beginning of the year, there was so much expected of (Sooners junior QB Baker Mayfield) and he wasn’t performing well. He seems to really have found himself as of late," Avello said. "I think that’s the reason the team has been more consistent the past four or five games. It’s not like they shut anybody down, but it seems they can move the ball up and down the field. Nobody’s been able to stop them."

Early line moves

Three games on the light Week 14 card have seen the point spread move at least two points in the first 22 hours of wagering at the Wynn:

Troy vs. Georgia Southern:
Opening line: Troy -9
After 22 hours: Troy -7

Louisiana Tech vs. Western Kentucky
Opening line: WKU -7.5
After 22 hours: WKU -9.5

Florida vs. Alabama
Opening line: Alabama -22
After 22 hours: Alabama -24

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAA Football Predictions: Championship Week Opening Line Report and Picks
by Alan Matthews

It's my final Opening Line Report story of the 2016 college football regular season, although certainly Doc's will have you covered with all of the bowls and College Football Playoff action.

Overall, it's been a pretty chalk season. Alabama was the No. 1 team in the nation in both preseason polls and has never left that spot. The Tide were also preseason betting favorites to win another national title, and they still are at -150. If anything, they have been better than expected. But will Nick Saban be able to hang on to excellent offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin? He'll likely be up for a few head coaching gigs that might not have come open yet. In addition, when LSU made the surprising decision over the weekend to name interim head coach Ed Orgeron the full-time guy, Coach O made it known that he'd like to lure Kiffin to the bayou for the same role. Those two go back years. I don't pretend to know Saban, but it sure seems like it would be more pleasant working for Orgeron than Saban.

Clemson opened the season as the No. 2 team in the polls and is No. 3 in both this week. The Tigers are third-favorites to win it all at +500, and they'll be back in the playoff with a victory on Saturday against Virginia Tech.

Ohio State (+250 to win it all) was No. 6 in the preseason AP poll and No. 5 in the USA Today version, and the best thing that might have ever happened to the Buckeyes, who were No. 2 in the most recent College Football Playoff Top 25, was to lose at Penn State earlier this season. Why was that a good thing? OSU now doesn't have to worry about playing in a Big Ten Championship Game to earn a spot in the national semifinals. The Buckeyes get to sit home and watch that game. They are going to be in the playoff following a thrilling overtime win against No. 3 Michigan on Saturday. The Wolverines probably miss the playoff even though they beat both Wisconsin and Penn State, the two teams in the Big Ten title game, earlier this season. UM crushed the Nittany Lions.

Perhaps the only "surprise" playoff team would be Washington (+900), which opened at No. 14 in the AP poll. The Huskies are No. 4 in both polls this week and probably move up to that spot in the new CFP Top 25. So there might not be much drama in terms of the playoff field this weekend if all the favorites win as I expect them to. The final CFP Top 25 comes out Sunday, which also helps determine the other New Year's Six bowls.

Here are a few Week 14 opening lines that caught my eye. Rankings from the last College Football Top 25 (will change Tuesday). Games Saturday unless noted.

No. 21 Western Michigan vs. Ohio (+19), Friday: It's the Mid-American Conference Championship Game from Ford Field in Detroit. And it's certainly the biggest game in WMU history. The Broncos got a break from another set of Broncos in Week 13 as Boise State was upset at Air Force. That gave the Mountain West's Mountain Division to Wyoming, meaning that Boise State is ineligible to play in a New Year's Six bowl game because only the highest-ranked conference champion from a Group of Five league earns that spot. Boise had been two spots ahead of Western, the only unbeaten other than Alabama, in the most recent CFP Top 25. So a Cotton Bowl berth should be WMU's as long as it wins this game. These teams didn't play during the regular season. They did last year and Ohio lost 49-14 at home. The pick: Bobcats will cover but not win.

No. 9 Colorado vs. No. 5 Washington, Friday (-7): The Pac-12 title game from Levi's Stadium outside San Francisco. As noted above, UW should be in the playoff with a victory even though the Huskies have a pretty lousy strength of schedule rating overall. But I don't see how the committee could keep a Pac-12 champion Washington team with just one loss out. I also don't see much of a way for Colorado to get into the playoff even with a win (CU lost by 17 earlier this year at Michigan so it can't possibly jump the Wolverines). But Mike MacIntyre has worked wonders there and should be the national coach of the year. CU is probably headed to the Rose Bowl with a loss. These teams last played in 2014 when the Buffs were lousy and UW just mediocre. The pick: Huskies.

No. 10 Oklahoma State at No. 8 Oklahoma (-12): This is the last year the Big 12 is without a conference title game, but if that was in place this season these two would play again in it regardless of this result because Big 12 officials opted to not split the league into two divisions. There would need to be chaos up higher in the rankings for the red-hot Sooners to reach the playoff even with a victory in the Bedlam game. There's no realistic path for OSU after an early-season home loss to MAC school Central Michigan, although the Pokes were jobbed by the refs in that game. OU routed Oklahoma State last year in Stillwater, 58-23, but did lose in 2014 at home to the Cowboys. The pick: Sooners.

No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 15 Florida (+22): It's the SEC title game from the Georgia Dome (last year there). The Tide could lose here and they are still going to make the playoff, unless I suppose it's 72-0 or something. But the Gators could play Alabama five times and probably not total 72 points. Their offense can be inept at times and sure was this past Saturday in losing at Florida State, 31-13. Florida had just 205 yards and was 0-for-12 on third-down conversions. So it will clearly drop quite a bit in the CFP Top 25 and has no chance at a playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Tide played four games in November and allowed only 18 points with no touchdowns. As dominant as Alabama has been in recent years, it hasn't finished a season unbeaten since 2009. In last year's SEC title game, the Tide beat the Gators 29-15 behind a big day from Heisman winner Derrick Henry. UF had 180 yards and was 0-for-11 on third down. I expect much of the same. The pick: Tide.

No. 6 Wisconsin vs. No. 7 Penn State (+3): The Big Ten Championship Game from Indianapolis and where ESPN GameDay will be. I am fascinated to see what the committee does with the winner here. Could Penn State win and miss the playoff even though it beat Ohio State (but lost to an average Pitt team)? I say yes. Does Wisconsin deserve a playoff spot with a win even though it lost to both OSU and Michigan (both were close). I say no. If Alabama, Clemson and Washington all win their games, then what happens here is probably a moot point and the winner would go to the Rose Bowl. Badgers starting QB Alex Hornibrook is being called day-to-day after leaving Saturday's win over Minnesota with a head injury. The pick: Badgers regardless.

No. 4 Clemson vs. Virginia Tech (+8.5): The ACC Championship Game was moved from Charlotte to Orlando earlier this year because of that so-called bathroom law in North Carolina. The Tigers should be No. 3 in the new CFP Top 25 and likely stay there with a victory here, thus avoiding a rematch with Alabama in the semifinals. I suppose if Clemson wins ugly and Washington destroys Colorado that the Huskies could leap the Tigers. Could Clemson QB Deshaun Watson steal the Heisman from Louisville's Lamar Jackson with a huge night? The pick: Tigers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Championship Game Notes

Week 14 of the 2016 college football season will be highlighted with eight championship games on tap.

The action starts Friday with the MAC and Pac-12 title games before finishing on Saturday with six more championships.

Check out the matchups, odds and betting notes on all eight title games below.

MAC Championship - Western Michigan vs. Ohio
Date: Friday, Dec. 2 (ESPN2, 7:00 p.m.)
Venue: Ford Field
Location: Detroit, Michigan

Odds: Western Michigan opened as a 19-point favorite.

Betting Notes and Trends

-- Friday’s matchup will be the 20th MAC Championship.

-- This will be the Western Michigan's first appearance in the title game since 2000.

-- Western Michigan and Ohio have never faced each other in the MAC title game. Ohio is making its first appearance in this contest since losing to Northern Illinois in 2011.

-- The Broncos destroyed the Bobcats earlier this season, 49-14 to cash as 3.5-point road underdogs.

-- Underdogs have gone 11-8 against the spread in the MAC title game.

-- Western Michigan is one of two undefeated teams in the country (Alabama), while going 6-0 on the road this season, 5-1 ATS. The Broncos went 4-3 ATS this season as a double-digit favorite.

-- Ohio won four of six games away from Athens this season, as one of those defeats came in September at Tennessee, 28-19 as 27-point underdogs.

Preseason Future Odds to win the MAC
Ohio 10/1
Western Michigan 4/1

Pac 12 Championship - Washington vs. Colorado
Date: Friday, Dec. 2 (FOX, 9:00 p.m.)
Venue: Levi's Stadium
Location: Santa Clara, California

Odds: Washington opened up a seven-point favorite.

Betting Notes and Trends

-- The Pac-12 North has captured the first five championship games, which includes two wins by both Stanford and Oregon.

-- Favorites have gone 4-1 SU but just 2-3 ATS in the first four Pac-12 title games.

-- The ‘over/under’ has gone 3-2.

-- Both the Huskies and Buffaloes are making their first appearance in the conference championship.

-- These teams did not meet this season, as Washington has won all four matchups with Colorado since the Buffaloes joined the Pac-12 in 2011.

-- Washington won all five games away from Seattle this season, while Colorado went 3-2 in true road contests.

-- The Buffaloes put together a terrific 10-2 ATS record, including a 4-0 ATS mark in the underdog role.

Preseason Future Odds to win the Pac-12
Colorado 200/1
Washington 40/1

CUSA Championship - Louisiana Tech at Western Kentucky
Date: Saturday, Dec. 3 (ESPN2, 12:00 p.m.)
Venue: LT Smith Stadium
Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky

Odds: Western Kentucky opened as a 7 ½-point home favorite.

Betting Notes and Trends

-- This will be the 12th Conference USA Championship Game. Underdogs have gone 6-5 against the spread. Total bettors have seen the ‘under’ go 6-4-1.

-- WKU will playing in its secpnd straight title game while Louisiana Tech will be making its first trip since it lost the championship in the 2014 season.

-- Western Kentucky has gone 5-1 SU and 3-3 ATS at home this season. The Hilltoppers are 0-3 ATS when listed as a single-digit favorite, but two of those ATS losses came on the road.

-- WKU started the season with three consecutive 'unders,' but is 6-3 to the 'over' the last nine contests.

-- Louisiana Tech is 3-4 SU and 5-2 ATS on the road, including losses by four points or fewer to Arkansas and Middle Tennessee State.

-- The Bulldogs closed the season on a 7-1 run but lost their season finale as double-digit road favorites at Southern Mississippi. The school finished 2-1 ATS as a road underdog, while posting an 8-2 ATS mark as a road 'dog since 2014.

-- Louisiana Tech outlasted Western Kentucky in its last meeting back in October, 55-52 as 2 ½-point home underdogs. Each quarterback, Louisiana Tech's Ryan Higgins and WKU's Mike White tossed five touchdown passes apiece in the shootout.

Preseason Future Odds to win the CUSA
Western Kentucky 2/1
Louisiana Tech 4/1

American Athletic Championship - Temple at Navy
Date: Saturday, Dec. 3 (ABC, 12:00 p.m.)
Venue: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Location: Annapolis, Maryland

Odds: Navy opened up as three-point favorites.

Betting Notes and Trends

-- This will be the second American Athletic Championship game as Temple fell to Houston in last year's inaugural edition.

-- Temple started the season with a surprising home loss to Army, but the Owls have been a machine recently by covering 11 straight games.

-- Navy was 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS at home this season, while scoring at least 40 points four times at home.

-- The Owls and Midshipmen did not meet this season as Navy won at Temple in September 2014 by a 31-24 count as three-point favorites.

Preseason Future Odds to win the AAC
Navy 7/1
Temple 20/1

SEC Championship - Alabama vs. Florida
Date: Saturday, Dec. 3 (CBS, 4:00 p.m.)
Venue: Georgia Dome
Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Odds: Alabama opened up as heavy 22 ½-point favorites, but that number has moved to 23 at several books.

Betting Notes and Trends

-- Saturday’s matchup will be the 25th SEC Championship Game. Since its inception in 1992, underdogs have gone 12-11-1 against the spread.

-- Total players have watched the ‘over’ cash in the last seven championship games. The ‘over’ is 15-9 in the 24 title matchups.

-- The SEC West has won seven straight matchups and six of those victories were by double digits.

-- Alabama has won four championships during the recent span and five overall.

-- This will be the ninth meeting between these teams in the championship game. The teams have split the first eight meetings, including Alabama's 29-15 win last December.

-- The Crimson Tide went 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS on the road, while Florida was 3-3 SU and 1-4 ATS as a visitor.

-- Alabama has won five straight meetings against Florida, winning all of them by at least 14 points.

Preseason Future Odds to win the SEC
Alabama 2/1
Florida 20/1

Mountain West Championship - Wyoming vs. San Diego State
Date: Saturday, Dec. 3 (ESPN2, 7:45 p.m.)
Venue: War Memorial Stadium
Location: Laramie, Wyoming

Odds: San Diego State opened as a six-point home favorite.

Betting Notes and Trends

-- This will be the fourth MWC Championship game and played at the venue of the higher seed.

-- In the first three title games, the home team won each time.

-- Underdogs are 2-1 ATS while the ‘under’ has gone 2-1.

-- Wyoming was a great bet at home (6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS), including wins over San Diego State, Boise State, and Air Force as heavy underdogs. San Diego State went 4-2 SU and 3-3 ATS on road, as the Aztecs were listed as favorites in each of those games.

-- The Cowboys lost two of their final three games, but won the three-team tiebreaker with Boise State and New Mexico to advance to their first MWC title game.

-- Wyoming took care of San Diego State two weeks ago as a 10-point home underdog, 34-33. These two teams have split the past four meetings dating back to 2011.

Preseason Future Odds to win the MWC
San Diego State 6/1
Wyoming 40/1

ACC Championship - Clemson vs. Virginia Tech
Date: Saturday, Dec. 3 (ABC, 8:00 p.m.)
Venue: Camping World Stadium
Location: Orlando, Florida

Odds: Clemson opened up as nine-point favorites.

Betting Notes and Trends

-- This will be the 12th installment of the ACC Championship. Favorites have gone 7-4 SU and 6-5 ATS. Total bettors have watched the 'over' go 6-5.

-- Clemson has played in the title game three times and has gone 2-1, including a 45-37 victory over North Carolina last season.

-- Virginia Tech will be making its sixth appearance in the title game, going 3-2 with the last appearance coming against Clemson in 2011, a 38-10 defeat.

-- The Tigers have gone 5-0 SU and 2-3 ATS on the road this season while Virginia Tech was 4-1 SU and 2-3 ATS.

-- Clemson's only loss came at home to Pittsburgh in mid-November, 43-42, but the Tigers held eight opponents to 17 points or less.

-- The Hokies are 1-1 SU/ATS as an underdog this season, beating Notre Dame (+1) and losing to Tennessee (+11) at Bristol Motor Speedway.

-- These teams haven't hooked up since 2012 as Clemson has captured each of the past three meetings.

Preseason Future Odds to win the ACC
Clemson 2/1
Virginia Tech 8/1

Big 10 Championship - Penn State vs. Wisconsin
Date: Saturday, Dec. 3 (FOX, 8:00 p.m.)
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Odds: The Badgers opened up as slight three-point favorites.

Betting Notes and Trends

-- Underdogs have gone 3-2 SU and 4-0-1 ATS in the first five Big Ten title games.

-- The ‘over’ has gone 4-1.

-- Penn State is riding an eight-game winning streak, while covering in each of the past seven victories. The Nittany Lions went 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS on the road.

-- Wisconsin is 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS as a visitor, the lone loss coming in a 14-7 defeat at Michigan.

-- These teams didn’t play in this year’s regular season. Penn State won the previous matchup in 2013 as 25-point road underdogs in the regular season finale, 31-24.

Preseason Future Odds to win the Big 10
Wisconsin 7/1
Penn State 25/1

Preseason Future Odds provided by the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas (8/22/16)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

ACC Championship Preview
By Joe Williams

Matchup: Clemson vs. Virginia Tech
Date: Saturday, Dec. 3
Time/TV: 8:00 p.m. ET - ABC
Venue: Camping World Stadium
Location: Orlando, Fla.
Line, Total: Tigers -10, 58

The Clemson Tigers (11-1 straight up, 6-6 against the spread) heads back to the ACC Championship Game for the second straight season, and fourth time in the past eight years. They'll also meet the Virginia Tech Hokies (9-3 straight up, 6-6 against the spread) for the second time in the title game. The last time these sides met in 2011 it was Clemson winning 38-10 as a seven-point underdog.

The stakes are much higher for the Tigers in this game, as they are ranked No. 3 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings. There is no margin for error, with Washington, Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State and potentially Colorado are nipping at their heels. The Tigers need a decisive win in their first meeting with the Hokies this season, and Vegas believes they will get it, as Clemson is favored by 10 points as of Wednesday morning.

Since a stunning 43-42 loss to Pittsburgh in Death Valley Nov. 12, Clemson has rattled off a pair of resounding victories. They topped Wake Forest 35-13 on the road, and they rolled rival South Carolina 56-7 last week for their third consecutive 'over' result. Clemson's offense has never been a question, as they rank 12th in the country with 509 total yards per game while rolling up 336.3 yards per game passing, fifth nationally. They are averaging 40.0 points per game (PPG), which also has them ranked 17th in the nation. While QB DeShaun Watson gets all of the headlines, the defense is just as responsible for Clemson's success. They rank eighth in the country by allowing just 307.8 total yards per game, while allowing 17.0 PPG to rank ninth overall. The Tigers are also allowing just 180.2 yards per game through the air, sitting 12th in the country in that department.

For Va. Tech, their offense hasn't been too shabby under head coach Justin Fuente in his first season, a departure from past seasons when defense and special teams play ruled the roost for the Gobblers under head coach Frank Beamer. The Hokies have posted 453.4 totals yards per game to rank 38th, buoyed by their pass attack which ranks 39th with 261.6 yards per game. While not quite at Clemson's level, Va. Tech is humming along with 35.0 PPG to rank 35th overall. Their defensive statistics are nearly a mirror image of Clemson's offensive-to-defensive ratio. The Hokies allow just 332.2 total yards per game to rank 18th, while yielding 21.1 PPG to check in 20th nationally.

Like Clemson, Virginia Tech suffered a debilitating and surprising loss Nov. 12, falling 30-20 to Georgia Tech despite entering as two-touchdown favorites. Since that setback the Hokies rattled off a hard-fought 34-31 win at Notre Dame and they too whitewashed their in-state rival last weekend, routing Virginia 52-10. The Hokies have covered each of their past two after an 0-3 ATS run, and the 'over' has connected in each of their past two.

For the Tigers, the offense starts and stops with the Heisman Trophy candidate Watson. He has completed 67.5 percent of his 453 pass attempts for 3,626 yards, 34 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, and he has been a dual-threat option with 439 rushing yards (4.0 yards per attempt) while finding the end zone four times with his feet. While he wasn't as prolific on the ground as he was in 2015, he is still obviously very dangerous. He tossed six touchdowns last week against South Carolina and appears to be on a mission.

WR Mike Williams missed this game last season due to injury. He finished the regular season with 79 receptions for 1,114 yards (14.1 yards per reception) while finding the end zone 10 times. Williams is far from the only threat in the vertical game, however, as TE Jordan Leggett is a force with 588 yards and five scores while racking up 17.3 yards per reception. WR Deon Cain had 30 receptions for 552 yards while pulling down nine scores, and he was the team's leader with 18.4 yards per reception. WR Artavis Scott rounds out the solid triumvirate of wideouts with 64 catches for 544 yards and five scores. Even WR Ray-Ray McCloud is a player who can be dangerous, as he had 44 catches for 434 yards with two scores, and he would have had another if he didn't drop the ball at the 1 earlier in the season in a premature celebration.

Clemson RB Wayne Gallman is a stud in the run game, coming up with 943 rushing yards (5.3 yards per rush) with 14 touchdowns. Neither Gallman or RB Tavien Feaster are much of a threat catching the ball out of the backfield, although sophomore RB C.J. Fuller proved he could be a future pass-catching option out of the backfield in the future. It will be tough sledding for all involved against a Hokies rush defense allowing 145.8 yards per game, 39th in the country.

For Va. Tech, QB Jerod Evans isn't making anyone forget Michael Vick or Tyrod Taylor anytime soon, but he had a very underrated season with 3,045 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and just five interceptions while completing 63.8 percent of his passes. He also led the team in rushing with 713 yards, 4.4 yards per run and eight touchdowns on the ground. Evans picked up the slack for a rather toothless rushing attack, with RB Travon McMillian the best of the lot with 600 rushing yards (4.7 yards per carry) and just four rushing scores. In fact, Evans had the eight rushing TDs and the rest of the team managed just 12.

WR Isaiah Ford was a top-notch option in the receiving game, leading the team with 949 yards with 13.8 yards per grab. He also tied for the team lead with seven scores. His partners in crime, WR Cam Phillips and TE Bucky Hodges, will need to be accounted from by the Clemson defense as well. Hodges led the team with 14.2 yards per catch while tying Ford with seven scoring grabs. Phillips averaged 13.4 yards per catch and can be a big-time playmaker. Both Hodges and Phillips each found the end zone in each of the final two regular season games.

Virginia Tech K Joey Slye posted 20 field goals and 108 points on the season, including a field goal of 47 yards. He had moderate range and reliable accuracy. Clemson's Greg Huegel is not terribly dependable in the kicking game, and he had 18 fewer points than in 2015, finishing with just 13 field goals and 56 extra points. Like Slye, Huegel's long was 47 yards in the field goal department. The kicking game might not play a huge factor in this game, but if it does the edge is slightly in Virginia Tech's favor.

Betting Trends to Watch

-- The Tigers have covered each of their past seven neutral-site games, and they're 5-0 ATS in their past five games played in the month of December. However, they're also just 1-4 ATS in their past five league games and 1-4 ATS in their past five against teams with a winning overall record. Clemson is also 1-5 ATS in their past six games played on field turf.

-- Virginia Tech has struggled against the number, going 1-4 ATS in their past five neutral-site battles while posting a 1-4 ATS mark in their past five following a straight up win.

-- As far as totals are concerned, the 'over' is 4-1 in the past five overall for Clemson, and 4-0 in their past four against teams with a winning overall record. In the past seven league games the 'over' is 5-2 for Clemson. In games played on field turf, the over is 4-1 in the past five for the Tigers, too.

-- For Va. Tech, the 'over' is 4-0-1 in the past five neutral-site assignments, while going 6-2 in their past eight games in the month of December. However, the 'under' has cashed in 18 of their past 25 games played inside the conference.

-- In this series, the underdog has cashed in four of the past five meetings, although the favorite hit in the most recent meeting Oct. 20, 2012 in Death Valley with Clemson coming out on top 38-17 as a 7 1/2-point favorite. The 'under' also hit in that meeting, and is 5-1 in the past six games played between these two sides.

ACC Championship History

ACC Championship History
Year Matchup Line Score ATS Result
2015 Clemson-North Carolina Clemson -6.5 (67.5) Clemson 45-37 Favorite-Over
2014 Florida State-Georgia Tech Florida State -3.5 (74) Florida State 37-35 Underdog-Under
2013 Florida State-Duke Florida State -30 (66) Florida State 45-7 Favorite-Under
2012 Florida State-Georgia Tech Florida State -14 (62) Florida State 21-15 Underdog-Under
2011 Virginia Tech-Clemson Virginia Tech -7 (54) Clemson 38-10 Underdog-Under
2010 Virginia Tech-Florida State Virginia Tech -4.5 (51) Virginia Tech 44-33 Favorite-Over
2009 Georgia Tech-Clemson Georgia Tech -1 (56.5) Georgia Tech 39-34 Favorite-Over
2008 Virginia Tech-Boston College Virginia Tech -1 (38.5) Virginia Tech 30-12 Favorite-Over
2007 Virginia Tech-Boston College Virginia Tech -5 (48.5) Virginia Tech 30-16 Favorite-Under
2006 Wake Forest-Georgia Tech Georgia Tech -3 (40.5) Wake Forest 9-6 Underdog-Under
2005 Virginia Tech-Florida State Virginia Tech -14 (44.5) Florida State 27-22 Underdog-Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Big 12 Report - Week 14
By Joe Williams

2016 BIG 12 STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Baylor 6-5 3-5 2-9 4-7
Iowa State 3-9 2-7 7-5 8-4
Kansas 2-10 1-8 6-6 5-7
Kansas State 7-4 5-3 4-7 6-5
Oklahoma 9-2 8-0 5-6 6-5
Oklahoma State 9-2 7-1 7-4 7-4
Texas 5-7 3-6 6-6 4-8
Texas Christian 6-5 4-4 3-8 5-6
Texas Tech 5-7 3-6 8-4 7-5
West Virginia 9-2 6-2 5-6 5-6

Kansas State at Texas Christian (FOX Sports 1, 12:00 p.m. ET)
Two bowl-bound teams wrap up their regular season at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth Saturday afternoon. The Wildcats haven't been very good lately against the number, going 2-5 ATS in their past seven overall, 2-5 ATS in their past seven against teams with a winning overall record and 0-4 ATS in their past four games following a straight-up win. TCU hasn't had a ton of success against the number, either, as they're 3-8 ATS in their 11 games this season and 2-6 ATS in their eight league games. TCU is also 0-6 ATS in their six home games this season, although they are 6-1 ATS in their past seven at home against teams with a winning road mark.

These two teams met under different circumstances last season in Manhattan, and the Horned Frogs won 52-45 on Oct. 10, 2015, with the Wildcats covering. The 'over' has cashed in each of the past three meetings, and the home team is 3-0 ATS in the past three, with TCU covering two of the past three in the series.

Oklahoma State at Oklahoma (FOX, 12:30 p.m.)
It's time for 'Bedlam' in Norman, as the Cowboys and Sooners renew their rivalry. Oklahoma opened as a two-touchdown favorite, but the line has been bet down to 11 as of Wednesday morning. The Cowboys are 4-0 ATS in their past four against teams with a winning record, and 4-1 ATS in their past five league games. The Sooners have been pretty solid against the number lately, too, going 4-0 ATS in their past four against teams with a winning overall record. They're also 11-4 ATS in their past 15 league games, but just 2-5 ATS in their past seven home outings against a team with a winning road record.

The road team is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings, with the Cowboys 3-8 ATS in the past 11 meetings. This game has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, as the 'over' is 3-0-1 in the past four meetings. The over is also 11-3 in Oklahoma State's past 14 league games, and 13-5 in their past 18 overall. The over is 10-4 in Oklahoma's past 14 against teams with an overall winning mark, while going 20-8-1 in their past 29 conference tilts.

Baylor at West Virginia (FOX Sports 1, 3:30 p.m. ET)
Baylor and West Virginia lock horns in what is expected to be Jim Grobe's last regular season coaching assignment. Both teams will be headed for bowl games after. The Bears lost QB Seth Russell to a dislocated ankle in the Oklahoma game, and they haven't been unable to get on track. In fact, after a 6-0 start, the Bears are 0-5 SU/ATS over the past five outings. West Virginia has been much better against the number lately, going 2-1 ATS, although they have failed to cover each of their past two at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown. The Bears are 0-6 ATS in their past six road games, 0-5 ATS in their past five overall and 0-4 ATS in their past four following a straight up loss. For the Mountaineers, they are 1-4 ATS in their past five home games, and 4-12 ATS in their past 16 against teams with a winning record.

In four meetings since West Virginia joined the Big 12, Baylor is 3-1 ATS. The home team has covered each of the past three in this series, with the favorite also going 3-0 ATS. The 'over' is 3-1 in the past four meetings as well.

Teams on a Bye/Regular Season Completed
Iowa State, Kansas, Texas, Texas Tech

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Big 10 Championship Preview
By ASA

Wisconsin (-2.5) vs Penn State - (FOX, 8:00 PM ET)
Lucas Oil Stadium - Indianapolis, Indiana

The Numbers Game

Who called for Wisconsin to face Penn State in the Big Ten Championship before the season started? That’s what we thought. Nobody. Wisconsin entered the season with odds of +1400 to win the conference title while PSU was +1800. Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, and Nebraska all had better odds entering the season than the two that made it to Indianapolis.

Both these teams finished with 10-2 records despite the fact that Penn State’s win total opened in late May at 6.5 and Wisconsin’s was set at 7. Both teams obviously outplayed where most had them predicted including the betting market where the Badgers are 9-2-1 ATS and the Nittany Lions are 8-3-1 versus the number.

The Badgers opened as a 1.5 point favorite in this game and it was quickly bet up to -3. It has since come back down to -2.5 in some spots. The total opened at 47.5 and has been pushed up to 48 as of this writing. The underdog in the Big Ten Championship game is 4-0-1 ATS with three of those dogs winning outright. The five Big Ten Championship games in order from 2011 to 2015 have totaled 81, 101, 58, 59, and 29 points.

Wisconsin - Wisconsin entered their home game last week against Minnesota already knowing they’d won the Big Ten West. That’s because Iowa beat Nebraska on Friday which locked the Badgers into the championship game no matter how they fared against the Gophers.

Already knowing their position may have affected Wisconsin at the start of the game last week because they played one of their worst halves of the season. Minnesota took a 17-7 lead into the break at Camp Randall holding Wisconsin’s offense to just 139 yards before halftime. Normally reserved senior safety Leo Musso gave an inspiring halftime talk about retaining Paul Bunyon’s Axe, which Wisconsin has now held for 13 straight years and goes to the winner of this game.

After playing one of their worst halves the Badgers turned around and played one of their best outscoring Minnesota 24-0 after the break. The UW defense had 4 interceptions and stopped the Gopher offense cold in the 2nd half allowing only 90 yards. Starting QB Alex Hornibrook sat out much of the game after a big hit in the first half. He is going through concussion protocol this week and has not yet been cleared. If he is not, Bart Houston, who’s been sharing time at QB, will start.

Wisconsin’s two losses this year came at the hands of Michigan, by 7 points, and Ohio State, by 7 points in OT. They outscored their remaining seven Big Ten opponents, 219-79. The Badgers average scoring margin in Big Ten games only was 27.7-13.7 (+14 PPG). They outgained their Big Ten opponents by an average of 361 yards to 302 (+59 YPG).

The Badger defense leads the conference in interceptions by a mile with 18 picks in just 9 conference games. That’s a full 8 interceptions more than OSU, Northwestern, and Michigan who have 10. They also lead the nation in time of possession holding the ball for an average of 35:00 minutes per game. In main part because of the defense and the offense controlling the clock, Wisconsin moves on to play in their 4th Big Ten Championship game in six years, more appearances than any other team in the conference.

Penn State - Penn State needed Michigan to lose at Ohio State in their 12 PM ET kick in order for their game to be extra meaningful that evening. That’s exactly what happened meaning a PSU win over Michigan State would send them to their first ever Big Ten Championship game.

The Nits looked a bit shaky in the first half and went into the break down 12-10. They exploded out of the locker room in the second half and scored five TD’s on seven possessions for an easy 45-12 win. MSU had eight second half possessions and they punted on 5 of them, turned it over on downs twice, and fumbled once.

It was a really tough spot for the Spartans as they are a team that is used to going to big bowl games and that wasn’t going to happen win or lose. It was also their final road game after taking Ohio State to the wire in their home finale a week earlier. Once they got down in the second half, you could almost see the air come out of the balloon for Michigan State.

Nittany Lion QB Trace McSorely was fantastic completing 17 passes for 376 yards which came to a whopping 22 yards per completion. With his breakthrough season, McSorely became PSU’s all time single season total offense leader with over 3,300 in 2016. Penn State’s All-American caliber RB Saquon Barkley left last week’s game in the third quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. Word out of PSU is that Barkley should definitely be ready to go on Saturday.

Penn State’s two losses this season came at the hands of Pittsburgh and Michigan. In their 39-36 loss at Pitt, the Lions were down 28-7 in the second quarter and battled back to make a game of it. Their other loss, at Michigan was a whitewashing as they lost 49-10 and were outgained 515 yards to 191 yards.

Their biggest win of the year was at home vs Ohio State giving the Buckeyes their only loss of the year 24-21. Special teams were key in that game as PSU was outgained by nearly 100 yards but had a blocked punt that led the a field goal and a blocked field goal returned for the winning TD late in the fourth quarter.

Since starting the season 2-2, Penn State has won 8 straight going on 7-0-1 ATS run covering the spread by over 130 combined points during that run. The Lions average scoring margin in Big Ten games only was 37-21 (+16 PPG). They outgained their Big Ten opponents by an average of 444 yards to 347 yards (+97 YPG). Penn State had one of the most balanced offenses in the conference this year averaging 201 YPG on the ground and 243 yards passing. Since beating Ohio State 24-21, they have scored at least 39 points in each of their last five games.

Common Opponents

These two teams played seven common opponents this year (Ohio State, Michigan, Iowa, Michigan State, Purdue, and Minnesota). Wisconsin finished 5-2 in those games with losses to Michigan and OSU as we mentioned earlier. The Badgers had a point differential of +61 and a total yardage differential of +223 yards versus those seven opponents. Penn State was 6-1 facing those teams with their only loss coming at the hands of Michigan. The Nittany Lions had a point differential of +65 and a total yardage differential of +239 in those games. Very similar numbers to say the least.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

College football four-point stance: Championship Week pointspread picks and predictions
By JOE FORTENBAUGH

Mike MacIntyre and the Buffaloes have put together a remarkable 10-2 season that has landed Colorado in its first-ever Pac-12 Championship game.

Too bad it comes against an absolutely loaded Washington Huskies program.

Since sustaining a wakeup call against USC in the form of a 26-13 upset loss back on November 12, head coach Chris Petersen and the Huskies have utterly decimated the competition by way of a 44-18 annihilation of Arizona State and 45-17 drubbing of a high-powered Washington State squad. And with a spot in the four-team playoff just sixty minutes away, look for Washington to put together one of its best performances of the season against a Colorado team that, while aggressive and well-prepared, is still somewhat lacking in the talent department.

Two key trends to keep in mind for Friday night’s Pac-12 championship game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California are as follows: Colorado is 0-6 ATS over its last six meetings with Washington, while the favorite in this series has covered the number in each of the last four encounters between these two programs.

Between a smart and capable quarterback in Jake Browning, a top-flight, ball-hawking defense and one of the country’s best special teams units, it will be Washington early and often Friday night in Santa Clara.

Pick: Washington -7.5

AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

Temple Owls at Navy Midshipmen

When: Saturday, December 3 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Spread: Navy -3

Temple boss Matt Rhule is no doubt on his way to a more lucrative and higher profile coaching gig within the next few seasons based on the exceptional work he has performed over the last four years in North Philadelphia by taking the Owls from 2-10 in 2013 to 6-6 in 2014 to 10-4 last year to an impressive 9-3 this season with 11 consecutive point spread covers. That opening sentence was certainly a mouthful, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to acknowledging the remarkable job Rhule has done with this program.

Navy, however, offers the Owls their stiffest test of the season due, in large part, to an offense that is averaging a robust 49.1 points per game over its last seven outings, with five point spread covers in the process.

However, be advised that Temple is 37-18 ATS over its last 55 road dates and 24-8 ATS over its last 32 conference showdowns. And if that wasn’t enough to earn your trust, try this trend on for size: Over the last eight meetings between these two schools, Temple is 6-2 ATS, including 4-1 ATS over its last five trips to Navy.

Pick: Temple +3

Kansas State Wildcats at TCU Horned Frogs

When: Saturday, December 3 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Spread: TCU -4.5

The key to this game lies in the result of last week’s showdown between TCU and Texas in which the Horned Frogs emerged victorious by way of a 31-9 thumping over the Longhorns that brought an official close to the Charlie Strong era in Austin.

So why, exactly, does that game matter in regards to this week’s encounter between TCU and Kansas State?

Simple. TCU’s win over Texas gave the program its sixth victory of the season, so the pressure is off the Horned Frogs as bowl eligibility has officially been secured. Second, be advised that TCU is a horrific 1-7 ATS over its last eight games after playing Texas. So not only could the Horned Frogs enter this game with a bit of a complacent attitude, but history has shown us that this school performs very poorly against the spread the week after playing the Longhorns.

Not only that, but don’t forget to take into account the fact that TCU is 3-8 ATS over its last 11 games overall, 2-6 ATS over its last eight conference showdowns and 0-6 ATS over its last six home dates. So with that in mind, we’ll go ahead and side with Bill Snyder’s Wildcats, who are 19-7-1 ATS over their last 27 road games against teams with a winning home record.

Pick: Kansas State +4.5

BEDLAM

Oklahoma State Cowboys at Oklahoma Sooners

When: Saturday, December 3 at 12:30 p.m. ET
Spread: Oklahoma -11

The year’s installment of “Bedlam” will determine the winner of the Big 12 championship despite the fact that this boneheaded regime is the only Power Five conference in the country lacking a proper championship game.

And the Big 12 continues to wonder why nobody takes them seriously.

Anyway, back to the issue at hand: This is a revenge game pure and simple for an Oklahoma State program that was trashed on its home turf by the Sooners last season in the form of a 58-23 embarrassment. Don’t think for one second that Mike Gundy’s crew, who would be 10-1 straight-up if the officials hadn’t robbed them of a win over Central Michigan back on September 10, has forgotten about that humiliating performance. Additionally, take note that in Gundy’s last two trips to Norman, his Cowboys have defeated the Sooners 38-35 in overtime (2014) and come up just short 51-48 in overtime (2012).

The pertinent trends for this matchup are as follows: Oklahoma State is 4-1 ATS over its last five games overall and 10-1 ATS over its last 11 games after recording more than 200 rushing yards in the previous outing, while Oklahoma is 1-5 ATS over its last six games following an ATS win. Additionally, be advised that the road team has covered the number in each of the last four meetings between these two programs.

Pick: Oklahoma State +11

**BONUS PLAY**

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP

Florida Gators at Alabama Crimson Tide

When: Saturday, December 3 at 4:00 p.m. ET
Spread: Alabama -24

After a 6-1 start to the 2016 season, Florida’s last four outings have left a lot to be desired, as the Gators were thumped by Arkansas 31-10 as 3.5-point favorites, snuck past a lousy 6-6 South Carolina squad 20-7, got extremely lucky in a 16-10 win at LSU and then found itself on the wrong end of an ass-kicking at Florida State 31-13. So you can excuse us if we commence our evaluation of this week’s matchup with Alabama by casting a suspicious eye on Jim McElwain’s Gators.

Speaking of McElwain, guess who is rumored to be a coveted candidate for the newly available head coaching gig at Oregon? Yep, that would be McElwain. And that would also be an interesting distraction for a Gators team that is prepping for its most dangerous opponent of the season.

As for Alabama, what can be said about this squad that hasn’t already been said about Nick Saban’s other championship-caliber Crimson Tide teams? The Tide are 5-1 ATS over their last six conference games and 12-4 ATS over their last 16 showdowns against teams with a winning record.

And let’s not forget the fact that Alabama is a stupendous 9-2-1 ATS over its last 12 matchups with the Florida Gators.

Pick: Alabama -24

Last week: 2-1-1 ATS
Season: 28-23-1 ATS (.549)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

PSU, Wisconsin hook up

Big 10 Championship Betting Preview
Penn State Nittany Lions (10-2 SU, 8-3-1 ATS) vs. Wisconsin Badgers (10-2 SU, 9-2-1 ATS)

Odds: Wisconsin (-3); Total set at 47.5

The fact that the Big 10 Conference played out like it did with the two best teams in the polls (Ohio State and Michigan) not even winning their division could potentially create a lot of chaos this week for the selection committee as they finalize their rankings. Penn State comes into this game ranked 7th, while Wisconsin is 6th, and the winner of this game definitely has an argument to be included in the playoffs should we see one of the three Top 4 teams playing this week get upset.

Let's assume that for argument's sake, either #3 Clemson or #4 Washington loses outright in their conference championship and opens up a playoff spot. If that were the case, then there is no question the winner of the Big 10 will be considered as a replacement, but that will only bring on more questions.

If Wisconsin wins, a jump past #5 Michigan is possible given Wisconsin would hold that important criteria of being a conference winner, but how do you explain to Michigan that they'll remain 5th or worse when they beat the #4 team (in this case) by a touchdown head-to-head?

It gets even more confusing should Penn State come out on top. Penn State making the jump to the playoff picture could happen in that scenario and again, were they able to do that and jump Michigan, you'll have to explain to the Wolverines how that happened given Michigan beat Penn State 49-10 head-to-head.

And if that Michigan loss ultimately works against the Nittany Lions and they don't jump into the Top 4, how do you explain to Penn State that they are out of the playoffs when they are the Big 10 Champions and beat #2 Ohio State – who would be in the playoffs – in their head-to-head matchup? Needless to say, depending on how the other conference championship games go this weekend, this Big 10 Championship game provides so much intrigue to the bigger picture of the playoffs.

So for Wisconsin and Penn State, it's all about putting forth an impressive showing and hoping that things fall in their favor. At this point in the rankings, style points definitely have to count for something and a dominant performance by one of these teams could go a long way in stating their case to move up in the rankings. Dominance can show up in many different ways, but given the stakes these two teams have on this outcome, I'm expecting a hard-fought contest right up until the end.

More importantly though, I believe we see Penn State and Wisconsin try to shake a bit of their reputations and take plenty of risks out there. Wisconsin was one of the best 'under' teams all year long until they ended the year cashing three straight 'over' bets thanks to an offense that put up 48, 49, and 31 points. The Badgers understood that they would need to collect a few style points in those winnable games and did their part.

Penn State did a similar thing as their offense stepped up in the final few weeks, scoring 62, 41, 45, 39, and 45 points in their final five games. Wisconsin's defense (and Penn State's for that matter too) is much stingier than those recent opponents for the Nittany Lions, but don't be surprised to see Penn State try to open things up and rely on that clicking offense to carry the load here. Four of Penn State's final five games cashed 'over' tickets and all of those numbers were much higher than the 47.5 posted on this game.

Wisconsin won't mind playing a back-and-forth affair because they firmly believe their defense is much better and will get the key stop when needed. This scoring outburst they've had of late is a great sign for them heading into these high stakes games and Penn State has given up plenty of scores to offenses much worse than what Wisconsin brings to the table.

The upper classmen on Wisconsin remember all too well the feeling of losing 59-0 in this game two years ago and watched as #6 Ohio State jumped into the playoffs (and ultimately won it all) that year and Wisconsin knows that a similar performance by them this week could easily produce similar results.

So rather than take a side on this game that has so many potential ramifications for the playoffs, I'm looking at this total and seeing it as much too low. Both sides are strongly perceived as defensive-minded squads after a plethora of 'unders' the first two months of the year, but things have changed dramatically since then. Wisconsin/Penn State games also have a history of being higher scoring as the past four meetings have all gone 'over' the number.

This season, Penn State is on a 4-1 O/U run after allowing less than 20 points last time out, and they've got an 8-3 O/U run going against winning opponents. On the other side, Wisconsin is 8-3 O/U on a neutral field their last 11 tries, and putting up 40+ again this week could be exactly what they need to do to jump up into that #4 spot.

It's a bit of a longshot either way for one of these two teams to get into the playoffs, but it won't be for a lack of trying to explode offensively this week as this contest should see plenty of points.

Best Bet: Penn State/Wisconsin Over 47.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

If Las Vegas had its way, USC would be among college football's Final Four
By JOE FORTENBAUGH

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: the College Football Playoff Committee releases its updated playoff rankings, dissension breaks out among the masses, the masses call for sweeping changes such as an eight-team playoff format as opposed to the current four-team playoff system.

Rinse, wash, repeat. At this point, it’s pretty much an American tradition.

Whether you agree with the committee’s current rankings or not, this is the system we have to live with. And, in all honesty, it’s not that bad of a system. Hell, do you even remember how we used to do things prior to the four-team playoff? I don’t hear anybody clamoring for a return to that dreadful format.

Still, the current system is not without its points of contention. From my personal standpoint, it’s a bit disheartening to see the committee essentially rank the Top 13 teams based solely on record. Seriously, take a look at the current Top 13 and you’ll notice that each team is slotted like the NFL standings.

So I decided to reach out to our good friend Chris Andrews, who currently serves as the sportsbook director at the South Point Casino in Las Vegas, to learn how a true Vegas pro would rank the Top 8 teams in the country.

First, let’s take a look at the committee’s current Top 8:

1. Alabama Crimson Tide: 12-0
2. Ohio State Buckeyes: 11-1
3. Clemson Tigers: 11-1
4. Washington Huskies: 11-1
5. Michigan Wolverines: 10-2
6. Wisconsin Badgers: 10-2
7. Penn State Nittany Lions: 10-2
8. Colorado Buffaloes: 10-2

Now, compare those above rankings with our Vegas bookmaker’s rankings:

1. Alabama Crimson Tide: 12-0
2. Ohio State Buckeyes: 11-1
3. USC Trojans: 9-3
4. Washington Huskies: 11-1
5. Clemson Tigers: 11-1
6. Michigan Wolverines: 10-2
7. Wisconsin Badgers: 10-2
8. Penn State Nittany Lions: 10-2

For the most part, Andrews’ rankings align with what the playoff committee produced this past week. But where Andrews differs is where the committee could really learn something.

Rather than base his rankings solely on overall record, Andrews evaluates every team based on both the “eye test” and his numbers. He has determined that the USC Trojans are one of the Top 3 teams in the nation despite the program’s three-loss record.

Sure, putting USC in the college football playoff with three losses over a one-loss Clemson squad would likely cause even more outrage. But if USC is the better team, and there are many who believe that it is, then this is the manner of thinking in which the committee should employ.

Because the bottom line is that most of us want to see the four best teams in football play for the national championship.


SHARP MONEY VS. PUBLIC MONEY: BEHIND THE COUNTER

Each and every week during the 2016 college football season, this column will speak with a Las Vegas bookmaker in an effort to bring you the most important betting information possible regarding the upcoming weekend’s schedule.

This week we speak with our good friend Chris Andrews, who currently has the pleasure of serving as the sportsbook director for the South Point Casino in Las Vegas. You can follow all of Chris’ outstanding insight on Twitter @andrewssports.

This week’s sharp action: “It’s still early and most moves probably won’t come until a bit later, but so far we’ve taken some sharp play on Baylor [at West Virginia], Oklahoma State [at Oklahoma] and Wisconsin [vs. Penn State].”

This week’s public action: “I anticipate the public backing Washington [vs. Colorado], Oklahoma [vs. Oklahoma State], Navy [vs. Temple] and Clemson [vs. Virginia Tech].”

Do you see any value in current championship futures: “Not really, but I think Washington is better than people are giving them credit for. I put USC above the Huskies because they won in Seattle, but in reality, they are tied in my ratings. If those two schools played again, I’d take Washington in the rematch, as Chris Petersen is still a highly underrated head coach and I doubt he would let the same team beat him twice.

Petersen is right there with Ohio State’s Urban Meyer and Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh in my book. Maybe not quite up to Nick Saban’s level just yet, but he’s not far behind. You can grab 12/1 on Washington right now, which is no real bargain, but I don’t see anything out there at the moment that is better.”


TREND OF THE WEEK

Temple head coach Matt Rhule is looking to guide his 9-3 Owls to back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in school history. This is a program, mind you, that began playing football all the way back in 1894.

That 10th victory, however, will be no easy feat to accomplish as Temple (+2.5) travels to Navy for a showdown with a Midshipmen squad that is averaging a healthy 49.1 points per game over their last seven outings.

The good news for Owls backers is that Temple is a highly lucrative 11-0 ATS over its last 11 games overall and 20-6 ATS over the last two seasons.

Temple and Navy square off in the American Athletic Conference Championship Saturday beginning at 12 p.m. ET.


BIGGEST LINE MOVES OF THE WEEK

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (-7.5 to -10) vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: The Hilltoppers have strung together six consecutive wins by an average of 34.2 points per game and are 16-6 ATS over their last 22 games after surrendering fewer than 20 points in the previous outing.

Louisiana Tech put together a solid 8-4 SU and ATS campaign in 2016, but is coming off a 39-24 defeat at Southern Mississippi, raising questions as to how the Bulldogs will respond against the best program in Conference USA.

Alabama Crimson Tide (-21.5 to -24) vs. Florida Gators: Alabama is 9-2-1 ATS over its last 12 encounters with the Gators, who could enter the SEC Championship game a bit distracted due to reports that current head coach Jim McElwain could be a frontrunner for the Oregon gig. The Crimson Tide are 12-4 ATS over their last 12 games against teams with a winning record and 5-1 ATS over their last six conference showdowns.

Oklahoma State Cowboys (+12.5 to +11) at Oklahoma Sooners: The Cowboys enter Bedlam riding a seven-game winning streak with four ATS victories over their last five outings. The road team in this series has covered the number in each of the last four encounters. The Sooners are just 1-5 ATS over their last six games following an ATS win.

Kansas State Wildcats (+4.5 to +3) at TCU Horned Frogs: Texas Christian turned bowl eligible with last weekend’s 31-9 victory at Texas, so it’s possible the Horned Frogs get a bit complacent for their season-finale with Kansas State.

Speaking of Texas, did you know that TCU is an abysmal 1-7 ATS over its last eight games after playing the Longhorns the previous week? Bill Snyder’s Wildcats are 19-7-1 ATS over their last 27 road games against teams with a winning home record.

Georgia Southern Eagles (+8 to +7) vs. Troy Trojans: Troy is going bowling while Georgia Southern looks to play spoiler before sulking quietly into the offseason thanks to a four-game losing streak that will keep the Eagles out of the postseason.

So riddle me this: Why is a Georgia Southern team that has dropped seven of its last eight outings taking money against a 9-2 Troy program that is 5-1 ATS over its last six road dates? Something smells awfully funny here.


HEISMAN TROPHY WATCH

This is typically the point in our weekly column in which we analyze the current Heisman Trophy odds being offered at the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas. But there’s just one problem this week: All Heisman odds have been pulled off the board.

Don’t worry, there’s nothing wrong at the Westgate or with the Heisman Trophy. This is standard practice. But as a result, we won’t have an update on the current odds until next week at the earliest.

However, if I were to project the Top 4 candidates at the current moment, this is how I’d envision the odds board stacking up:

Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville: 1/20
Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson: 12/1
Jake Browning, QB, Washington: 20/1
Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan: 20/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Big Ten Championship Game Betting Preview: Penn State vs Wisconsin

No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions vs No. 6 Wisconsin Badgers (-3, 47)

In a game that could be decided by who is not on the field rather than who is, a Big Ten title and possible berth in the College Football Playoff is on the line when No. 6 Wisconsin meets eighth-ranked Penn State on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Badgers quarterback Alex Hornibrook is questionable after suffering a concussion in the first half of last week's win over Minnesota, while Nittany Lions star runner Saquon Barkley (1,219 yards and 15 touchdowns) sprained his ankle in the second half of last week's 45-12 rout of Michigan State that secured the Big Ten East.

In order to gain a berth in the College Football Playoff, the winner will likely need a loss or two from No. 4 Washington and No. 3 Clemson in their respective conference title games, although an idle Michigan sits at No. 5 with wins over both Wisconsin and Penn State. After a 49-10 blowout loss at Michigan dropped the Nittany Lions to 2-2, fans greeted third-year coach James Franklin with "Fire Franklin" chants the following week against Minnesota, a game that kick-started an eight-game winning streak that featured an offense that averaged 40 points and included Franklin’s signature 24-21 win over the Buckeyes. Hornibrook lost a quarterback competition to Bart Houston in summer camp for the unranked Badgers, became the starter in a Week 4 win over Michigan State and held the job until Houston replaced him last week and rallied the Badgers to a 31-17 victory over Minnesota. Regardless of the quarterback, Wisconsin will try and batter the front seven of the Lions with Corey Clement (1,140 yards, 13 TDs), while the Lions will try and attack deep with quarterback Trace McSorley (Big Ten-best 150.9 passer rating and FBS-best 16.2 yards per completion) against one of the best overall defenses in the FBS.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Fox.

LINE HISTORY: The betting week opened with Wisconsin as 3-point favorites and steadily faded down to 1.5, before returning to 3 late in the week. The total opened at 46.5 and was bet up as high as 47.5 before coming down to 47.

INJURY REPORT:

Penn State - RB Saquon Barkley (probable, foot), WR Brandon Polk (questionable, undisclosed), OL Connor McGovern (questionable, undisclosed), LB Von Walker (out for season, knee)

Wisconsin - OL Logan Schmidt (questionable, head), CB Caesar Williams (questionable, leg), LB Nick Thomas (questionable, leg), LS Jake Cesear (questionable, undisclosed), QB Alex Hornibrook (questionable, head), OL Jacob Maxwell (questionable, shoulder)

WEATHER REPORT: Dome

ABOUT PENN STATE (10-2 SU, 8-3-1 ATS, 9-3 O/U): McSorley, who threw for career highs of 376 yards and four TDs last week, has completed 56.3 percent of his passes for 2,976 yards with 21 TDs against five interceptions , with just two of those picks during the winning streak. Junior Curtis Godwin is McSorley’s favorite target with 47 receptions for 762 yards and nine TDs, but Mike Gesicki set a Penn state record for tight ends with 44 catches, and DeAndre Tompkins, DaeSean Hamilton and Saeed Blacknall round out the conference's best set of receivers. Since linebackers Brandon Bell (18 tackles against the Spartans) and Jason Cabinda returned from early-season injuries, the defense has moved up to 20th in total defense (346.8) and hasn't yielded a touchdown in the last two games.

ABOUT WISCONSIN (10-2 SU, 9-2-1 ATS, 5-7 O/U): After rambling for a season-high 164 yards in a 30-23 home loss to Ohio State, Clement ran for 100 yards five times during the Badgers' season-ending six-game winning streak (657 yards, eight TDs). Hornibrook has completed 58.1 percent of his 179 passes for 1,243 yards with eight TDs and seven interceptions, while Houston is 69-of-108 for 912 yards with five TDs and three interceptions. The defense, spearheaded by outside linebacker T.J. Watt (9.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss) and safety Sojourn Shelton (16 passes defensed, four interceptions) led the FBS in interceptions (21), ranked third in scoring defense (13.7), rushing yards allowed (100.8), third-down conversion rate (26.6 percent) and seventh in total defense (292 yards per game).

TRENDS:

* Nittany Lions are 7-0-1 ATS in their last 8 conference games.
* Badgers are 6-1-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
* Over is 6-1 in Nittany Lions last 7 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.
* Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
* Favorite is 8-1 ATS in their last 9 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The Badgers are getting 60 percent of the action while 53 percent are taking the under in the Big Ten title game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

ACC Championship Game Betting Preview: Clemson vs Virginia Tech

No. 3 Clemson Tigers vs No. 23 Virginia Tech Hokies (10, 58.5)

Third-ranked Clemson’s goal of making it to the College Football Playoff for a second consecutive year is within reach if it can take care of No. 18 Virginia Tech in the ACC championship game in Orlando, Fla on Saturday. The Tigers are trying to win back-to-back ACC titles for the first time since 1987-88, while the Hokies are looking for their first conference crown since 2010 and first 10-win season since 2011.

The Tigers have had a singular focus since a 45-40 loss to Alabama in last year’s national championship game and, despite a 43-42 setback against Pittsburgh three weeks ago, they’ve put themselves in position to earn another shot. "These guys have embraced that target all year long, and they've found ways to win,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney told reporters. “And now as we get into this run here, we're playing our best football, and that's what we need to be doing. This is the best team I've had since I've been here." First-year coach Justin Fuente quickly has revived Virginia Tech following back-to-back 7-6 seasons. Three of the Hokies’ last four wins have been by three points, but they’re coming off a 52-10 rout of rival Virginia on Saturday.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC

LINE HISTORY: The Tigers opened the week as 9.5-point favourites and that line was quickly dropped half-point before rebounding and being bumped up to 10. The total opened at 58 and jumped to 59, before fading to 58.5 late in the week.

WEATHER REPORT: The forecast for Camping World Stadium is calling for partly sunny skies, winds out of the north east ranging from 5-10 mph and temperatures in the mid 70’s.

INJURY REPORT:

Clemson - CB Adrian Baker (questionable, knee), OT Jake Fruhmorgen (questionable, shoulder), OL John Simpson (questionable, leg), DE Richard Yeargin (questionable, knee)

Virginia Tech - DB Greg Stroman (questionable, ankle)

ABOUT CLEMSON (11-1 SU, 6-6 ATS, 6-6 O/U): Star quarterback Deshaun Watson got off to a somewhat sluggish start this season but has returned to form recently and threw six touchdown passes against South Carolina, including three to Mike Williams. Running back Wayne Gallman also has come to life of late, racking up 273 yards and three scores over the last two games after failing to reach the 100-yard plateau in his previous four contests. The Tigers’ strong defense thrives on getting into the backfield, ranking second nationally in tackles for loss (8.7) and fourth in sacks (3.5).

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (9-3 SU, 6-6 ATS, 7-5 O/U): The Hokies’ resurgence has been built on a hard-nosed defense, much like the Virginia Tech teams that enjoyed success under long-time coach Frank Beamer. The Hokies are especially tough against the pass and have produced 17 takeaways in their nine wins. The offense is fueled by junior-college transfer quarterback Jerod Evans, who quietly has put up Heisman-like numbers, completing 63.8 percent of his passes for 3,045 yards with 26 touchdowns and five interceptions while adding 713 yards and eight TDs on the ground.

TRENDS:

* Tigers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 neutral site games.
* Hokies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games.
* Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Over is 4-0-1 in Hokies last 5 neutral site games.
* Underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The public is backing the Tigers in the ACC title game, with 53 percent of the wagers. As for the total, 65 percent like the Over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SEC Championship Game Betting Preview: Alabama vs Florida

No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide vs No. 15 Florida Gators (24, 41)

Top-ranked Alabama has such a cushion in the College Football Playoff rankings that it will qualify for the four-team national championship competition even if it should lose to No. 16 Florida in Saturday's SEC Championship Game at Atlanta. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban grows irate at such a suggestion and is fully focused on guiding the squad to its third consecutive conference crown.

Alabama, which has won 24 consecutive games, is the only undefeated team from a major conference and is considered a shoo-in to be part of the playoff but Saban got testy when he fielded a question about being in regardless of the outcome. "That's certainly not the mindset that we want on our team," Saban told reporters at a press conference. "This is a big game for us. It's an opportunity to win the SEC championship, which to me is a very, very significant accomplishment. We hold that in very high esteem, having the ability to do that, having the opportunity to do it, having the ability to play for it." It would certainly rate as a huge upset if the Gators were to win the game and coach Jim McElwain - a former Alabama offensive coordinator - understands the history of the matchup. "These are two storied programs that year-in and year-out expect to be in Atlanta," McElwain told reporters. "Part of that is a mindset and an understanding, and the players who come to these schools have the expectation to always play that extra game in December, and this year is no different."

TV: 4 p.m. ET, CBS

LINE HISTORY: The line opened with Bama as massive 22-point favourites and that number has been rising all week to 24. The total hit the board at 40 and has been bet up to 41.

WEATHER REPORT: Dome

INJURY REPORT:

Alabama - DB Marlon Humphrey (questionable, undisclosed)

Florida - OL Martez Ivey (probable, leg), LB Daniel McMillan (doubtful, shoulder), DB Duke Dawson (doubtful, ankle), WR Rick Wells (questionable, personal), WR Kalif Jackson (questionable, foot), LB Jeremiah Moon (questionable, thumb), DL Justus Reed (questionable, undisclosed), WR C.J. Horton (questionable, ankle), OL Tyler Jordan (questionable, ankle), WR Ahmad Fulwood (probable, undisclosed), OL Jawaan Taylor (doubtful, undisclosed), LB Jarrad Davis (probable, ankle), DL Bryan Cox Jr, (doubtful, ankle), DB Nick Washington (doubtful, ankle), DL Jordan Sherit (out for season, knee)

ABOUT ALABAMA (12-0 SU, 8-4 ATS, 5-7 O/U): Senior defensive end Jonathan Allen (seven sacks, two fumble return touchdowns) is the only defensive player among the five Walter Camp Player of the Year finalists and he is leader of a defense that ranks first nationally in scoring defense (11.4 points per game), total defense (246.8 yards per game) and rushing defense (68.7). Sophomore Marlon Humphrey (leg) is ailing but Saban feels he will recover in time to play, and the cornerback is a standout in a secondary that is receiving superb play from sophomore strong safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (team-high four interceptions). Freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts paces the offense by accounting for 32 total touchdowns (20 passing, 12 rushing) while passing for 2,425 yards and rushing for 840.

ABOUT FLORIDA (8-3 SU, 4-6-1 ATS, 3-8 O/U): The Gators rank fifth in scoring defense (14.6) and sixth in total defense (291.9) but will be without six starters, including standouts such as senior linebacker Jarrad Davis (ankle), junior linebacker Alex Anzalone (arm), junior defensive end Jordan Sherit (knee) and senior safety Marcus Maye (arm). Sophomore quarterback Luke Del Rio (shoulder) will be available only in an emergency so senior Austin Appleby (964 yards, six touchdowns, two interceptions) will again be under center for an offense averaging just 16.3 points in his last three starts. Sophomore running back Jordan Scarlett has rushed for 778 yards and six touchdowns, while junior cornerback Teez Tabor has a team-best four interceptions.

TRENDS:

* Crimson Tide are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 conference games.
* Gators are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game.
* Under is 4-0 in Crimson Tide last 4 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Under is 5-0 in Gators last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Crimson Tide are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 meetings.

CONSENSUS: 61 percent are taking the underdog Gators and 61 percent prefer the over in the SEC title game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF Game of the Day: Oklahoma State at Oklahoma

No. 10 Oklahoma State Cowboys at No. 9 Oklahoma Sooners (-10, 81.5)

Bedlam takes on a larger meaning with the Big 12 championship at stake, though both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State will need a win and plenty of chaos ahead of them in order to sneak into a College Football Playoff spot. The seventh-ranked Sooners attempt to polish off an undefeated conference slate and add another top-10 win to their resume when they host rival 10th-ranked Oklahoma State on Saturday.

Oklahoma's losses in two of the first three games are haunting the team in the rankings, and the selection committee isn't seeing enough from the No. 2 scoring offense (45.3 points) in the country to vault the Sooners over four Big Ten teams, two Pac-12 teams, Alabama and Clemson ahead of them in the standings.

The Cowboys' case for inclusion in the final four includes the hope that the committee will consider that its 30-27 loss at home to Central Michigan in Week 2 should not be counted against their record because the Chippewas never should have been awarded the final play on which they scored the game-winning TD. But both teams know that they won't have any case for inclusion at all without a win on Saturday.

"Our goal is to win a conference championship," Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy told reporters. "We've always felt like if we won a conference championship, that would give us an opportunity to get to the playoff. A couple of years ago, we took the computer out and went to the human element because we didn't want the computer to make decisions. We want humans to make decisions. I will address my opinion on the playoff system next week because it doesn't matter until we play this game."

TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, FOX.

LINE HISTORY: The Sooners opened the week as 13.5-point home favorites over their in-state rivals from Oklahoma State. The spread has been faded down o 11 late in the week. The total hit the board at 77.5 and has held firm.

INJURY REPORT:

Oklahoma State - DE Jordan Brailford (questionable, leg)

Oklahoma - DB Will Johnson (out, undisclosed), RB Devin Montgomery (questionable, head), OL Bobby Evans (probable, hamstring)

WEATHER REPORT: The forecast is calling for clouds with a little rain at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. Temperatures will be in the high 40’s with winds from the north east ranging from 9-13 mph.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "The Cowboys limited TCU to a mere six points last time out, a dominant defensive effort. The Sooners weren't as stingy but weren't terrible defensively either; they held WVU to 28 points. Not bad considering that the Mountaineers came in averaging 32.6 ppg and 506.8 ypg at home. Even including the 12/6/14 meeting between these teams here, which produced 71 points, the Sooners have seen the "under" go 16-4 their last 20 games played in the month of December." - Ben Burns.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA STATE (9-2 SU, 7-4 ATS, 7-4 O/U): The Cowboys were bidding for a spot in the Playoff last season before dropping their final two regular season games, including a 58-23 home loss to the Sooners. "We're a healthier football team now," Gundy told reporters of the big difference between the team this year and last. "I feel like our mental approach with our team and their mental approach is different this year than what it was last year. We were a little bit beat up at this time last season." Quarterback Mason Rudolph was hobbled by a foot injury and only available on a limited basis in last season's meeting but is fully healthy now and enters the weekend second in the Big 12 in passing yards (3,591) and third in TD passes (25).

ABOUT OKLAHOMA (9-2 SU, 5-6 ATS, 6-5 O/U): Ahead of Rudolph in TD passes in the Big 12 is Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield, who owns 35 scoring passes along with six rushing TDs and guides an offense averaging 49 points in conference play. Mayfield ran for a pair of TDs in a 56-28 triumph at West Virginia last week as Oklahoma piled up 316 yards on the ground, with Samaje Perine (160 yards, two TDs) and Joe Mixon (147 yards, one TD) leading the way. "I’m just here to win games,” Mayfield told reporters. "And if I’m handing off, that’s fine with me."

TRENDS:

* Cowboys are 4-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
* Sooners are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
* Over is 4-1-1 in Cowboys last 6 games following a bye week.
* Over is 5-1-1 in Sooners last 7 games following a bye week.
* Over is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings.

CONSENSUS: 65 percent are taking the road dog while 66 percent prefer the over in this battle of Big 12 rivals.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Temple Owls (9-3) at Navy Midshipmen (9-2)

Date: December 03, 2016 12:00 PM EDT

No. 20 Navy and its high-powered triple option attack will face a huge test against visiting Temple in the American Athletic Conference championship game on Saturday (Noon ET, ABC).

The Midshipmen (9-2, 7-1), who won the West Division of the AAC, are playing for a conference title for the first time in the 136-year history of their program. Navy, led by quarterback Will Worth, is averaging 342 rushing yards per game, second best in the nation behind New Mexico (360.9).

Temple, which won the East Division, advanced to the conference championship for the second consecutive season. The Owls (9-3, 7-1) are riding a six game winning streak and have allowed 273.4 yards per game, ranked third behind Alabama and Michigan.

The winner of this game will be in the hunt for the Group of Five bid to a New Year's Six bowl.

"It's a great offense and they've done a terrific job of wearing teams down and winning the war of attrition," Temple coach Matt Rhule said about the Midshipmen. "That's something we pride ourselves on. It's not often that we play other teams that run, run, run and pound people until they submit, but that's what Navy has done."

Worth has put together one of the finest seasons of any Navy football player. He was thrust into the starting role when Tago Smith went down with a season-ending knee injury in the opener against Fordham.

From there, Worth has seamlessly run the triple option, managing 2,544 yards of total offense -- 1,181 rushing and 1,363 passing. He has also scored a touchdown in 11 consecutive games, which is the longest active streak in college football.

Still, Worth's focus has been fully on winning the AAC title, rather than personal stats. Navy spent 134 seasons as an independent before joining the AAC last year.

"This is exactly where we wanted to be," Worth said. "The entire offseason, this is what we worked for. We feel great, just got to keep things rolling right now."

Worth will face a tough challenge from an aggressive Temple defense led by defensive linemen Haason Reddick and Praise Martin-Oguike, who have dominated opponents throughout the season. Reddick has registered 21.5 tackles for a loss, while Oguike has seven sacks.

The Owls' secondary is equally adept, allowing just 145.8 passing yards per game -- second best in the nation behind only Michigan.

"It is going to be a tough, hard-nosed football game," Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said. "I don't think any of us expect anything different during a conference championship game."

Temple quarterback Phillip Walker has also played a vital role over the team's six-game winning streak. Walker had thrown for 2,700 passing yards, third all-time among Owls' quarterbacks for a single season, with 18 touchdowns. He could find some space against a Navy defense that is allowing 264.9 passing yards per game.

Walker is complemented by running backs Jahad Thomas and Ryquell Armstead, who have combined for 31 touchdowns this season.

The Owls have come a long way since opening the season 1-3. However, they never quit believing in themselves and their confidence is riding high.

"Nobody believed we were going to win this championship at the beginning of the year, but we did though," Walker said. "We lost our first game and then lost our third game and our goal was still right in front of us. We won the east side now, we just have to get prepared for next week."

Navy leads the all-time series against Temple, 6-5, including a 31-24 victory in the last meeting at Lincoln Financial Field in 2014.

The Midshipmen have one key advantage in hosting the championship game at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, where they are tied with Houston for the nation's longest active home winning streak. Navy has not lost in Annapolis since a 36-27 setback to Western Kentucky on

Sept. 27, 2014.

"It's really exciting for our program to have the championship game here in a venue where we've had a lot of success," Niumatalolo said. "We're going to need all our fans to come and cheer and support and be loud for us. We're going to need every edge and advantage we can get. Hopefully, playing at home will be a benefit for us."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Oklahoma State Cowboys (9-2) at Oklahoma Sooners (9-2)

Date: December 03, 2016 12:30 PM EDT

The Big 12 Conference, which announced in the summer that it would be bringing back its championship game in 2017, revealed last week that it will play the game at AT&T Stadium -- better known as the home of the Dallas Cowboys -- in Arlington, Texas.

Fortunately for the folks who live in Oklahoma, they won't have to drive as far for the 2016 title game.

That's because this year's Bedlam rivalry game between seventh-ranked Oklahoma (9-2, 8-0 Big 12) and Oklahoma State (9-2, 7-1) on Saturday afternoon (12:30 p.m. ET, FOX) in Norman, Okla., will decide the crown.

It marks the second straight year that the Bedlam game will determine the Big 12 champion. The Sooners won 58-23 in last year's regular-season finale in Stillwater.

The chance to perhaps celebrate on their home field this time around is added motivation for the Sooners.

"It means a lot more," offensive tackle Orlando Brown. "I think it means a lot more to this team. I think it means more to coach (Bob) Stoops. We've never had an opportunity to play here for a Big 12 championship. Oklahoma State is a great team. We're gonna have to do what we have to do to prepare ourselves to get that Big 12 Championship."

"I'm excited to see how loud the stadium's going to get," Sooners linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo added.

Oklahoma started the season with aspirations of making it back to the College Football Playoff, but losses to Houston and Ohio State in non-conference play make that doubtful.

The Sooners climbed back into the hunt after winning their first eight conference games but last week's results, especially with Washington making the Pac-12 title game and Ohio State beating Michigan but failing to make the Big Ten title game, diminished Oklahoma's chances.

Stoops, attempting to win his 10th Big 12 title in 17 seasons as head coach of the Sooners, said it hasn't been hard for his team to maintain its focus after their early struggles and also not to treat the conference title as a consolation prize.

"The Big 12 Championship, to me, is always your primary goal to start with because it's not easy to do, and I mean any conference champion," Stoops said. "It was that way when I was at Florida. That was where it all began. Same with K-State. To win that game was really special and never a consolation. It's what everybody is striving for first and then if you can be a national champion beyond it, sure, then that just adds to it."

"It's an in-state rivalry," Okoronkwo said. "It's for who's the best team in the state so that's always important. I have a lot of high school teammates on the team so it means a lot to me for sure. I feel like this is just as big a rivalry as going to Dallas in the Cotton Bowl if you're playing Texas. It's big."

Oklahoma State will be bidding for its first conference title since claiming the Big 12 crown for the first time in 2011. Although the Cowboys are double-digit underdogs, an efficient passing game led by quarterback Mason Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington, a resurgent run game featuring Justice Hill and Chris Carson, and an opportunistic defense captained by safety Jordan Sterns provides some pop.

In all likelihood, the ability of the Oklahoma State defense to step up will be key.

Oklahoma has the most dangerous trio of playmakers in the Big 12 in quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Dede Westbrook and running back Joe Mixon. Together, they have been capable of producing attacks that simply outscore opponents since the Oklahoma defense has been susceptible in all areas.

Westbrook has more receiving touchdowns in the last eight games (15) than all but three FBS receivers have in their entire seasons while Mayfield remains on a historic track with a passing efficiency rating of 194.7. To this point, Mayfield's passing efficiency rating is greater than former Sooners star Sam Bradford, who holds the career NCAA mark. And Mixon has averaged 6.8 yards per carry during his two seasons for Oklahoma and ranks second in the country in all-purpose yards.

"They've got several skill players that are very, very good and are going to be playing in the NFL,' Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said. "We've got to be as balanced as possible and try to be unpredictable. They're going to make their plays. You're not going to come into a game against a team as talented as they are on offense and be able to completely shut them down. You try to manage the game.'

The road team has won each of the last three Bedlam games and the last two in Norman have gone to overtime. A Sooners victory would result in their first undefeated Big 12 season in 12 years and also give them their most conference wins in a season (nine).