Docs NFL/NCAAF IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Points Would be Greatly appreciated)
6 Unit Play. #32 Take Penn State -4 over Ohio State (Saturday 3:30 pm ABC) Top Selection of the Week. In past years this would be a proper line. However, this Ohio State team is not as talented. Do not be misled by the two big wins over Minnesota and New Mexico State. The Gophers played Ohio State after visiting Penn State the week before and the Aggies are one of the worst teams in the country. The Buckeyes started the season with a limited offense and that problem still remains. This unit has trouble moving the football on the ground and QB Pryor is not a big passing threat. Now he must face off against one of the best defenses in the country and expect him to have a long day.
As for Penn State, this team is playing better after suffering a setback to Iowa. They are coming off two big road wins and they now appear to be on a mission. They will have a hostile crowd behind them and the Lions will roar loud and clear! Penn State 27, Ohio State 10.
5 Unit Play. #26 Take Michigan -6 over Purdue (Saturday 12 pm Big 10 Network) Top Big 10 Game. I went against the Boilers last week behind the theory that they were running out of gas playing for the ninth straight week. That proved to be a good theory, as they were beaten at Wisconsin, 37-0. Now they are back on the road again this week and I see a similar situation occurring since Purdue is drained. The Boilers offense can be dangerous, but losing a couple of key personal has hurt. The Boilers have played just three road games and given up 38, 35, & 37 points, respectively, in those affairs. This should tell you that their defense is suspect.
As for Michigan, they need this one since they are on a two-game losing streak. They are certainly not as strong as in past years but they have the talent to cover this number. Michigan needs this game to ensure a bowl, as their last two are against Wisconsin and Ohio State. Look for an all-out effort here, as the homer gets the call. Michigan 35, Purdue 24.
5 Unit Play. #87 Take LSU +7 ½ over Alabama (Saturday 3:30 pm CBS) Top Underdog Play. The Tide had last week off while the Tigers coasted past Tulane, 42-0. As in past years, look for this to be an all-out war. I like taking the points in this type of game since the real pressure is on Alabama. The underdog has the talent to cover and in reality they could win this one straight-up. The Tigers also have something to prove after laying an egg against Florida last month.
Revenge should also play a factor, as LSU was beaten in overtime last year. In that game, LSU had a 382-353 advantage in total yards. The Tigers must stop RB Mark Ingram and if they can accomplish this it will go right down to the wire. I do not see a straight-up upset..However, I see an easy cover with the dog. Alabama 24, LSU 20.
4 Unit Play. #26 Take Over 53 in Purdue @ Michigan (Saturday 12 pm Big 10 Network) Top Totals Play. Both teams do not have very good defenses, as the results of their performances last week would indicate. Michigan gave up 38 points last week to Illinois and Purdue gave up 37 points to Wisconsin. Both teams like to pass and, thus, expect a long game with a lot of clock stoppages. Both teams are noted for giving up big plays and Purdue is among the national leaders in turnovers. When you add all of this up, it should be a high scoring game with Michigan coming out of top. Michigan 35, Purdue 24.
4 Unit Play. #46 Take Notre Dame -11 over Navy (Saturday 2:30 pm NBC) I have not backed the Irish much the last few years. However; they seem to be improving each week and this should be a great spot for a rout! Thought that the line would be between 14-17 points, but this is a real gift. Both teams have had injury problems at the quarterback position. However, the Middies have become one-dimensional and cannot throw the ball whatsoever. The Irish have been a very good at stopping the run.
Temple had great success controlling the line of scrimmage last week and I see Notre Dame doing the same as well. The Irish have played a much tougher schedule and it will show in this contest. The game will not be close, especially with the likely return of WR Michael Floyd. He is the most athletic player on the field and the defensive backs will not be able to contain him and WR Golden Tate. Homer gets the call. Notre Dame 42, Navy 17.
4 Unit Play. #63 Take Fresno State -8 over Idaho (Saturday 10:30 pm ESPN U) It’s hard to go against Idaho, as the potatoes have become the nation’s sentimental favorite. What a job Coach Robb Akey has done but the reality will set in here. The Vandals will be really tested this week and then likely get blown out by Boise State next week. In fact, I think they will be blown out in both of these games.
This week’s match-up will be very similar to Idaho playing Nevada two weeks ago. Idaho could not stop the Wolf Pack at all and gave up 70 points to them. Fresno State is talented and used to playing the heavyweights from BSC Conferences. They have been on the road against Wisconsin & Cincinnati. Idaho has improved but the talent gap is still large. Louisiana Tech ran up 600 yards of total offense on them last week and the Bulldogs should follow suit. Visitor wins this one big! Fresno State 45, Idaho 24.
4 Unit Play. #98 Take Stanford +7 over Oregon (Saturday 3:30 pm FSN) No question that Oregon is playing as well as anyone in the country. They are coming off a big emotional win against USC last week. That win only creates a big letdown spot here. They are on the road against a club that is rested and talented. An interesting statistic is that teams that beat USC are just 11-22 ATS in their next game.
As for the Cardinal, they are 4-0 this season at Stanford Stadium. They have dropped seven straight games to Oregon, including in 2008 when they led all the way only to lose, 35-28, in the final seconds. Can they finish the job in 2009? See no reason to say no. Call it close with the Cardinal coming out on top. Stanford 24, Oregon 21.
5 Unit Play. #109 Take Baltimore -3 over Cincinnati (Sunday 1 pm CBS) Top Game of the Week. The Ravens appeared to get well last week as they dominated the previously unbeaten Broncos en route to a 30-7 victory. QB Joe Flacco just continues to get better in his second season under center and has already thrown 12 touchdowns on the season. The Ravens need this win since they already lost to the Bengals in Baltimore earlier this season. The Bengals are coming off of a bye but that has spelled trouble for them in recent years, as they are just 2-6 ATS in their next game following a bye the last eight years. The Bengals are a team that never seems to handle prosperity and expect another setback on Sunday, as the Ravens tie them in the AFC North standings. Baltimore 27 Cincinati 14.
4 Unit Play. #106 Take Under 41 ½ in Washington @ Atlanta (Sunday 1 pm Fox) The Redskins are coming off a much-needed bye week but I highly doubt that their offense will be able to turn it around when they travel to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday. The Falcons need to win this game but will enter off a short week after a tough loss to the Saints last Monday night. The Falcons will likely just go through the motions on Sunday since they have two road games the next two weeks. Assuming turnovers and special teams do not play a major role in this contest, we expect an easy winner with the under. ATL 24, Washington 13.
4 Unit Play. #111 Take Houston +9 over Indianapolis (Sunday 1 pm CBS) The Colts came back to earth last week when they struggled to put away the 49ers and now they must face a much better team in the Houston Texans. Houston will be without TE Owen Daniels but QB Matt Schaub is playing outstanding with 16 touchdowns this season against only 7 interceptions. The Colts have a strong defensive rating but I am still not sold on them and expect Houston to have success running the football. The Texas will have to play a bend-but-do-not-break defense against QB Manning and since this is a divisional match-up, I expect them to keep it close. Take the points and watch your money grow. Indianapolis 27, Houston 21.
4 Unit Play. #129 Take Pittsburgh -3 over Denver (Monday 8:30 pm ESPN) The most competitive game on paper takes place Monday night in Denver. The Broncos suffered their first loss of the season last week against Baltimore and I expect them to struggle again playing another hard-hitting defense. QB Kyle Orton cannot be productive for an entire 16-week season and expect the Steelers to blitz him early and often. The Steelers have won four straight games and had last week off to get some players healthy. This includes Troy Polamalu, who is listed as probable. He is the foundation of their defense and if he plays, expect the Steelers to win this game by double digits. Denver hasn’t played that well at Mile High Stadium and went just 4-4 there in 2008. The Steelers go to the top of the AFC North and we collect big in the process as well. Pittsburgh 27, Denver 13.
Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports. Your next update will be Thursday, November 12th, 2009 @ 6 pm eastern time.
6 Unit Play. #32 Take Penn State -4 over Ohio State (Saturday 3:30 pm ABC) Top Selection of the Week. In past years this would be a proper line. However, this Ohio State team is not as talented. Do not be misled by the two big wins over Minnesota and New Mexico State. The Gophers played Ohio State after visiting Penn State the week before and the Aggies are one of the worst teams in the country. The Buckeyes started the season with a limited offense and that problem still remains. This unit has trouble moving the football on the ground and QB Pryor is not a big passing threat. Now he must face off against one of the best defenses in the country and expect him to have a long day.
As for Penn State, this team is playing better after suffering a setback to Iowa. They are coming off two big road wins and they now appear to be on a mission. They will have a hostile crowd behind them and the Lions will roar loud and clear! Penn State 27, Ohio State 10.
5 Unit Play. #26 Take Michigan -6 over Purdue (Saturday 12 pm Big 10 Network) Top Big 10 Game. I went against the Boilers last week behind the theory that they were running out of gas playing for the ninth straight week. That proved to be a good theory, as they were beaten at Wisconsin, 37-0. Now they are back on the road again this week and I see a similar situation occurring since Purdue is drained. The Boilers offense can be dangerous, but losing a couple of key personal has hurt. The Boilers have played just three road games and given up 38, 35, & 37 points, respectively, in those affairs. This should tell you that their defense is suspect.
As for Michigan, they need this one since they are on a two-game losing streak. They are certainly not as strong as in past years but they have the talent to cover this number. Michigan needs this game to ensure a bowl, as their last two are against Wisconsin and Ohio State. Look for an all-out effort here, as the homer gets the call. Michigan 35, Purdue 24.
5 Unit Play. #87 Take LSU +7 ½ over Alabama (Saturday 3:30 pm CBS) Top Underdog Play. The Tide had last week off while the Tigers coasted past Tulane, 42-0. As in past years, look for this to be an all-out war. I like taking the points in this type of game since the real pressure is on Alabama. The underdog has the talent to cover and in reality they could win this one straight-up. The Tigers also have something to prove after laying an egg against Florida last month.
Revenge should also play a factor, as LSU was beaten in overtime last year. In that game, LSU had a 382-353 advantage in total yards. The Tigers must stop RB Mark Ingram and if they can accomplish this it will go right down to the wire. I do not see a straight-up upset..However, I see an easy cover with the dog. Alabama 24, LSU 20.
4 Unit Play. #26 Take Over 53 in Purdue @ Michigan (Saturday 12 pm Big 10 Network) Top Totals Play. Both teams do not have very good defenses, as the results of their performances last week would indicate. Michigan gave up 38 points last week to Illinois and Purdue gave up 37 points to Wisconsin. Both teams like to pass and, thus, expect a long game with a lot of clock stoppages. Both teams are noted for giving up big plays and Purdue is among the national leaders in turnovers. When you add all of this up, it should be a high scoring game with Michigan coming out of top. Michigan 35, Purdue 24.
4 Unit Play. #46 Take Notre Dame -11 over Navy (Saturday 2:30 pm NBC) I have not backed the Irish much the last few years. However; they seem to be improving each week and this should be a great spot for a rout! Thought that the line would be between 14-17 points, but this is a real gift. Both teams have had injury problems at the quarterback position. However, the Middies have become one-dimensional and cannot throw the ball whatsoever. The Irish have been a very good at stopping the run.
Temple had great success controlling the line of scrimmage last week and I see Notre Dame doing the same as well. The Irish have played a much tougher schedule and it will show in this contest. The game will not be close, especially with the likely return of WR Michael Floyd. He is the most athletic player on the field and the defensive backs will not be able to contain him and WR Golden Tate. Homer gets the call. Notre Dame 42, Navy 17.
4 Unit Play. #63 Take Fresno State -8 over Idaho (Saturday 10:30 pm ESPN U) It’s hard to go against Idaho, as the potatoes have become the nation’s sentimental favorite. What a job Coach Robb Akey has done but the reality will set in here. The Vandals will be really tested this week and then likely get blown out by Boise State next week. In fact, I think they will be blown out in both of these games.
This week’s match-up will be very similar to Idaho playing Nevada two weeks ago. Idaho could not stop the Wolf Pack at all and gave up 70 points to them. Fresno State is talented and used to playing the heavyweights from BSC Conferences. They have been on the road against Wisconsin & Cincinnati. Idaho has improved but the talent gap is still large. Louisiana Tech ran up 600 yards of total offense on them last week and the Bulldogs should follow suit. Visitor wins this one big! Fresno State 45, Idaho 24.
4 Unit Play. #98 Take Stanford +7 over Oregon (Saturday 3:30 pm FSN) No question that Oregon is playing as well as anyone in the country. They are coming off a big emotional win against USC last week. That win only creates a big letdown spot here. They are on the road against a club that is rested and talented. An interesting statistic is that teams that beat USC are just 11-22 ATS in their next game.
As for the Cardinal, they are 4-0 this season at Stanford Stadium. They have dropped seven straight games to Oregon, including in 2008 when they led all the way only to lose, 35-28, in the final seconds. Can they finish the job in 2009? See no reason to say no. Call it close with the Cardinal coming out on top. Stanford 24, Oregon 21.
5 Unit Play. #109 Take Baltimore -3 over Cincinnati (Sunday 1 pm CBS) Top Game of the Week. The Ravens appeared to get well last week as they dominated the previously unbeaten Broncos en route to a 30-7 victory. QB Joe Flacco just continues to get better in his second season under center and has already thrown 12 touchdowns on the season. The Ravens need this win since they already lost to the Bengals in Baltimore earlier this season. The Bengals are coming off of a bye but that has spelled trouble for them in recent years, as they are just 2-6 ATS in their next game following a bye the last eight years. The Bengals are a team that never seems to handle prosperity and expect another setback on Sunday, as the Ravens tie them in the AFC North standings. Baltimore 27 Cincinati 14.
4 Unit Play. #106 Take Under 41 ½ in Washington @ Atlanta (Sunday 1 pm Fox) The Redskins are coming off a much-needed bye week but I highly doubt that their offense will be able to turn it around when they travel to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday. The Falcons need to win this game but will enter off a short week after a tough loss to the Saints last Monday night. The Falcons will likely just go through the motions on Sunday since they have two road games the next two weeks. Assuming turnovers and special teams do not play a major role in this contest, we expect an easy winner with the under. ATL 24, Washington 13.
4 Unit Play. #111 Take Houston +9 over Indianapolis (Sunday 1 pm CBS) The Colts came back to earth last week when they struggled to put away the 49ers and now they must face a much better team in the Houston Texans. Houston will be without TE Owen Daniels but QB Matt Schaub is playing outstanding with 16 touchdowns this season against only 7 interceptions. The Colts have a strong defensive rating but I am still not sold on them and expect Houston to have success running the football. The Texas will have to play a bend-but-do-not-break defense against QB Manning and since this is a divisional match-up, I expect them to keep it close. Take the points and watch your money grow. Indianapolis 27, Houston 21.
4 Unit Play. #129 Take Pittsburgh -3 over Denver (Monday 8:30 pm ESPN) The most competitive game on paper takes place Monday night in Denver. The Broncos suffered their first loss of the season last week against Baltimore and I expect them to struggle again playing another hard-hitting defense. QB Kyle Orton cannot be productive for an entire 16-week season and expect the Steelers to blitz him early and often. The Steelers have won four straight games and had last week off to get some players healthy. This includes Troy Polamalu, who is listed as probable. He is the foundation of their defense and if he plays, expect the Steelers to win this game by double digits. Denver hasn’t played that well at Mile High Stadium and went just 4-4 there in 2008. The Steelers go to the top of the AFC North and we collect big in the process as well. Pittsburgh 27, Denver 13.
Best of Luck – Doc’s Sports. Your next update will be Thursday, November 12th, 2009 @ 6 pm eastern time.
