O.C. Dooley Guaranteed Selections
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009
$50.00 Guaranteed: Today's late afternoon "Temple/Navy" clash may not seem all that important, but it just happens to be the most anticipated release that you will find anywhere on the word wide web on this Saturday. The reason is because I have launched only ONE top-rated "5 Unit" college football Best Bet this entire campaign (9/19) and it ended up COVERING by a massive 17-point count. In the last two-plus years 10/31/2009
TODAY’S SPECIAL “5 UNIT” BEST BET (Temple +7 at Navy in a 3:30 eastern kickoff broadcast on CBS College TV): The bottom line is that today is the biggest game that Temple has played in 30 YEARS which is the last time this school actually participated in a postseason Bowl game. With a victory this afternoon Temple (5-2) becomes Bowl eligible and very quietly the Owls have been one of college football’s great success stories. Some of you reading this analysis are aware that Temple was actually KICKED OUT of the Big East Conference due to lack of wins and paltry fan support. To make a long story short the recent move to the Mid-American Conference has completely turned the Owls fortunes around including a year ago when they recorded the most single-season victories (5) in 18 YEARS. This is actually the second consecutive campaign where the Mid-American Conference has showcased one of the nation’s biggest turnarounds. Going into 2008 Buffalo was one of the most downtrodden programs in college football history, but they ended up winning the Mid-American Conference championship and ended a 50-YEAR postseason Bowl drought. Towards the end of 2008 Buffalo and their head coach Turner Gill were actually receiving national attention which is something this year’s Temple program has NOT and I have repeatedly taken advantage. Regular clients are aware that today marks the 4th time that Temple has shown up on my Saturday premium card and they have successfully covered the spread all but once. To give you an idea just how radically improved Temple is they RANK NATIONALLY #11 in kickoff returns, #15 in rush defense, #16 in turnover margin, #31 in sacks and #33 in total defense. It comes as no personal shock that Temple’s defense is so proficient since they returned NINE starters from a year ago and have 2 seniors and a junior up front on the line. The Owls also have a senior at linebacker who collected 87 tackles last fall. Temple is definitely equipped to handle Navy’s vaunted “triple option” rushing attack which as usual is one of the best in the entire country. The problem for Navy is that starting quarterback Ricky Dobbs (knee) will MISS his second consecutive game this afternoon. That injury is devastating when you consider he is Navy’s #1 rusher this season even though operating from the quarterback slot. I will admit that Navy upset Wake Forest last week with a reserve signal caller but they attempted ZERO PASSES which is unheard of. Temple just happens to have a quarterback who has already thrown for 9 touchdown passes, but the big news is running back Bernard Pierce who has already set a school FRESHMAN RECORD with 766 yards on the ground. Here is a 77-PERCENT SYSTEM (41-12 past ten years) that plays ON road underdogs of 3’-to-10 points like Temple with an opportunistic defense that forces on average 2’+ turnovers per game. This 77% system is completed if that road underdog is coming off consecutive contests where they committed 1-or-LESS turnovers and that just happens to be the case with the Owls who simply do not make many mistakes. My database research indicates that Temple is a dazzling 15-4 ATS long term when off consecutive games where the team committed LESS than 2 turnovers. To recap Temple has a shot today of ending a 30 YEAR Bowl drought and are facing an opponent off a game where they attempted ZERO passes. But this pick gets even better as Temple is REVENGING an overtime 33-27 loss at Navy a year ago where they blew a massive 20-point fourth quarter lead!
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009
$50.00 Guaranteed: Today's late afternoon "Temple/Navy" clash may not seem all that important, but it just happens to be the most anticipated release that you will find anywhere on the word wide web on this Saturday. The reason is because I have launched only ONE top-rated "5 Unit" college football Best Bet this entire campaign (9/19) and it ended up COVERING by a massive 17-point count. In the last two-plus years 10/31/2009
TODAY’S SPECIAL “5 UNIT” BEST BET (Temple +7 at Navy in a 3:30 eastern kickoff broadcast on CBS College TV): The bottom line is that today is the biggest game that Temple has played in 30 YEARS which is the last time this school actually participated in a postseason Bowl game. With a victory this afternoon Temple (5-2) becomes Bowl eligible and very quietly the Owls have been one of college football’s great success stories. Some of you reading this analysis are aware that Temple was actually KICKED OUT of the Big East Conference due to lack of wins and paltry fan support. To make a long story short the recent move to the Mid-American Conference has completely turned the Owls fortunes around including a year ago when they recorded the most single-season victories (5) in 18 YEARS. This is actually the second consecutive campaign where the Mid-American Conference has showcased one of the nation’s biggest turnarounds. Going into 2008 Buffalo was one of the most downtrodden programs in college football history, but they ended up winning the Mid-American Conference championship and ended a 50-YEAR postseason Bowl drought. Towards the end of 2008 Buffalo and their head coach Turner Gill were actually receiving national attention which is something this year’s Temple program has NOT and I have repeatedly taken advantage. Regular clients are aware that today marks the 4th time that Temple has shown up on my Saturday premium card and they have successfully covered the spread all but once. To give you an idea just how radically improved Temple is they RANK NATIONALLY #11 in kickoff returns, #15 in rush defense, #16 in turnover margin, #31 in sacks and #33 in total defense. It comes as no personal shock that Temple’s defense is so proficient since they returned NINE starters from a year ago and have 2 seniors and a junior up front on the line. The Owls also have a senior at linebacker who collected 87 tackles last fall. Temple is definitely equipped to handle Navy’s vaunted “triple option” rushing attack which as usual is one of the best in the entire country. The problem for Navy is that starting quarterback Ricky Dobbs (knee) will MISS his second consecutive game this afternoon. That injury is devastating when you consider he is Navy’s #1 rusher this season even though operating from the quarterback slot. I will admit that Navy upset Wake Forest last week with a reserve signal caller but they attempted ZERO PASSES which is unheard of. Temple just happens to have a quarterback who has already thrown for 9 touchdown passes, but the big news is running back Bernard Pierce who has already set a school FRESHMAN RECORD with 766 yards on the ground. Here is a 77-PERCENT SYSTEM (41-12 past ten years) that plays ON road underdogs of 3’-to-10 points like Temple with an opportunistic defense that forces on average 2’+ turnovers per game. This 77% system is completed if that road underdog is coming off consecutive contests where they committed 1-or-LESS turnovers and that just happens to be the case with the Owls who simply do not make many mistakes. My database research indicates that Temple is a dazzling 15-4 ATS long term when off consecutive games where the team committed LESS than 2 turnovers. To recap Temple has a shot today of ending a 30 YEAR Bowl drought and are facing an opponent off a game where they attempted ZERO passes. But this pick gets even better as Temple is REVENGING an overtime 33-27 loss at Navy a year ago where they blew a massive 20-point fourth quarter lead!
Rickenbach *10* BLOWOUT *GAME OF THE MONTH* 19-7 L2YR
Guaranteed Pick: Scott Rickenbach
Game: Georgia Tech at Vanderbilt Oct 31 2009 7:30PM
Prediction: Georgia Tech
Reason: Scott Rickenbach’s College Football Game #129 - 10* (TOP PLAY) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (-) @ Vanderbilt @ 7:30 PM ET – RATING SYSTEM: Plays range from 6* up to 10*. The 6*, 7*, and 8* picks are the normal, daily play ratings. The 9* and 10* picks are the higher-rated plays and are Top Plays! A 10* Top Play is rare and, of course, is a level above a 9* Top Play!
Originally as high as -14, the line on Georgia Tech fell all the way down to as low as a -10.5 in some books. We certainly understand what people are looking at. Georgia Tech is playing a non-conference game, they’re facing a team who is led by a coach who is familiar with Yellow Jackets coach Paul Johnson and his triple option, and Vanderbilt has put up some impressive defensive numbers at times this season. So, all that said, are we the ones “missing the boat” here? Absolutely not! What we’re doing is taking advantage of line value in a game that should be a total mauling. The Yellow Jackets should dominate on both sides of the ball and win this by much more than the original two touchdown margin that was being called for. That said, there is certainly value with this line having been knocked down my more than a field goal in some shops! Let’s get to it!
First off, even though this is a non-conference game, there is not going to be any backing down from the Yellow Jackets in this one. You see, they reside in SEC country…and they hate that. They know that the SEC is considered far superior to the ACC product and that fires them up. They already won at Mississippi State by 11 points earlier this month and that Bulldogs team is superior to the product that the Commodores have currently been putting on the field. Vanderbilt’s defense is not as impressive as people think (more on that in a moment) and their offense is extremely weak. Another issue facing Vandy here is that their coach Bobby Johnson – even though familiar with the option attack and coach Paul Johnson’s “style” from their days matching wits in the Southern Conference – does not necessarily have the ability to stop it. Keep in mind, Bobby’s team kept Paul’s team from batting for the national championship in the 1-AA when they were still in the Southern Conference in 2001. After that, they both moved up a level and Paul landed with Navy. His Midshipmen faced Bobby’s Commodores twice and Paul’s team won both games. Now, Paul is coaching a much more talented team that has the athletes to run the triple option attack phenomenally well. The Yellow Jackets are always threat to break off of a big run and the Commodores will get burned by big plays here.
Vanderbilt struggles in terms of time of possession. Their offense simply struggles to maintain a long drive down the field. Unlike the Commodores, the Jackets thrive on long, clock-eating drives that wear down a defense as the game goes on. Georgia Tech will simply run the ball down the throats of the Commodores all day long. As we’ve noted many times in the past, a key for us in terms of being willing to lay points is motivation. In this particular case, Georgia Tech hates the SEC bias they feel on a weekly basis as Georgia and SEC schools in neighboring states get all the hype and respect. Additionally, as if more motivation was even needed, coach Paul Johnson really has the horses now (moreso than he did with Navy) to not only beat an old rival (Bobby Johnson) once again but to beat him by an even more impressive margin. The Yellow Jackets offense is so hard to prepare for in just a weeks time and Vandy is concerned about missed assignments on defense and the big plays that can result from just not having the right personnel and tactics to defend a dangerous ground game like the Yellow Jackets possess. Vanderbilt’s defense gets a lot of positive press but their only two wins this season came against Western Carolina and Rice. Western Carolina plays in the Southern Conference and the Owls are winless on the season overall and in Conference USA action. Overall, those two teams are a combined 1-14.
Other than the two victories the Commodores have against two struggling programs, Vandy has lost all six of their other games. Four of those losses each game by 12 points and the damage could have been much worse. Plus, in their only two close losses, the Gamecocks outgained the Commodores by 158 yards and Vandy lost to an Army program that is just 3-5 on the season. Army’s other two wins came against Ball State and Eastern Michigan – teams that are a combined 1-14 on the season. Get the picture? Vandy has done nothing against a good program this season. They can’t! Their offense struggles to move the ball and the defense is not a good as their points allowed per game would lead you to believe. The Commodores were outgained by South Carolina by 158 yards, by Mississippi State by a 341-157 margin, by Georgia by 103 yards, by Mississippi by 157 yards, and by LSU by 116 yards! All these ugly results and yet Vandy is still 3-4 ATS on the season. That’s part of the reason we’re getting such line value here and it’s a big reason as to why we’re not afraid to lay the points. The Yellow Jackets won’t shy away from dominating in this one. They don’t like the SEC! Play Georgia Tech minus the points as a 10* Top Play selection
Guaranteed Pick: Scott Rickenbach
Game: Georgia Tech at Vanderbilt Oct 31 2009 7:30PM
Prediction: Georgia Tech
Reason: Scott Rickenbach’s College Football Game #129 - 10* (TOP PLAY) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (-) @ Vanderbilt @ 7:30 PM ET – RATING SYSTEM: Plays range from 6* up to 10*. The 6*, 7*, and 8* picks are the normal, daily play ratings. The 9* and 10* picks are the higher-rated plays and are Top Plays! A 10* Top Play is rare and, of course, is a level above a 9* Top Play!
Originally as high as -14, the line on Georgia Tech fell all the way down to as low as a -10.5 in some books. We certainly understand what people are looking at. Georgia Tech is playing a non-conference game, they’re facing a team who is led by a coach who is familiar with Yellow Jackets coach Paul Johnson and his triple option, and Vanderbilt has put up some impressive defensive numbers at times this season. So, all that said, are we the ones “missing the boat” here? Absolutely not! What we’re doing is taking advantage of line value in a game that should be a total mauling. The Yellow Jackets should dominate on both sides of the ball and win this by much more than the original two touchdown margin that was being called for. That said, there is certainly value with this line having been knocked down my more than a field goal in some shops! Let’s get to it!
First off, even though this is a non-conference game, there is not going to be any backing down from the Yellow Jackets in this one. You see, they reside in SEC country…and they hate that. They know that the SEC is considered far superior to the ACC product and that fires them up. They already won at Mississippi State by 11 points earlier this month and that Bulldogs team is superior to the product that the Commodores have currently been putting on the field. Vanderbilt’s defense is not as impressive as people think (more on that in a moment) and their offense is extremely weak. Another issue facing Vandy here is that their coach Bobby Johnson – even though familiar with the option attack and coach Paul Johnson’s “style” from their days matching wits in the Southern Conference – does not necessarily have the ability to stop it. Keep in mind, Bobby’s team kept Paul’s team from batting for the national championship in the 1-AA when they were still in the Southern Conference in 2001. After that, they both moved up a level and Paul landed with Navy. His Midshipmen faced Bobby’s Commodores twice and Paul’s team won both games. Now, Paul is coaching a much more talented team that has the athletes to run the triple option attack phenomenally well. The Yellow Jackets are always threat to break off of a big run and the Commodores will get burned by big plays here.
Vanderbilt struggles in terms of time of possession. Their offense simply struggles to maintain a long drive down the field. Unlike the Commodores, the Jackets thrive on long, clock-eating drives that wear down a defense as the game goes on. Georgia Tech will simply run the ball down the throats of the Commodores all day long. As we’ve noted many times in the past, a key for us in terms of being willing to lay points is motivation. In this particular case, Georgia Tech hates the SEC bias they feel on a weekly basis as Georgia and SEC schools in neighboring states get all the hype and respect. Additionally, as if more motivation was even needed, coach Paul Johnson really has the horses now (moreso than he did with Navy) to not only beat an old rival (Bobby Johnson) once again but to beat him by an even more impressive margin. The Yellow Jackets offense is so hard to prepare for in just a weeks time and Vandy is concerned about missed assignments on defense and the big plays that can result from just not having the right personnel and tactics to defend a dangerous ground game like the Yellow Jackets possess. Vanderbilt’s defense gets a lot of positive press but their only two wins this season came against Western Carolina and Rice. Western Carolina plays in the Southern Conference and the Owls are winless on the season overall and in Conference USA action. Overall, those two teams are a combined 1-14.
Other than the two victories the Commodores have against two struggling programs, Vandy has lost all six of their other games. Four of those losses each game by 12 points and the damage could have been much worse. Plus, in their only two close losses, the Gamecocks outgained the Commodores by 158 yards and Vandy lost to an Army program that is just 3-5 on the season. Army’s other two wins came against Ball State and Eastern Michigan – teams that are a combined 1-14 on the season. Get the picture? Vandy has done nothing against a good program this season. They can’t! Their offense struggles to move the ball and the defense is not a good as their points allowed per game would lead you to believe. The Commodores were outgained by South Carolina by 158 yards, by Mississippi State by a 341-157 margin, by Georgia by 103 yards, by Mississippi by 157 yards, and by LSU by 116 yards! All these ugly results and yet Vandy is still 3-4 ATS on the season. That’s part of the reason we’re getting such line value here and it’s a big reason as to why we’re not afraid to lay the points. The Yellow Jackets won’t shy away from dominating in this one. They don’t like the SEC! Play Georgia Tech minus the points as a 10* Top Play selection
Jim Feist Game of the Year : Boston College
#1 Sports 500,000 Blowout of the Year : Cinn-15
Tim Trushel 20 Unit Game of the Year : Wake Forest
Bryan Leonard SEC Game of the Year : Old Mississippi
Bryan Leonard MAC Game of the Year : Ohio U
RedDog Sports Game of the Year : Old Mississippi
Gold Sheet Super Power Play
Game of the Year :South Carolina
#1 Sports 500,000 Blowout of the Year : Cinn-15
Tim Trushel 20 Unit Game of the Year : Wake Forest
Bryan Leonard SEC Game of the Year : Old Mississippi
Bryan Leonard MAC Game of the Year : Ohio U
RedDog Sports Game of the Year : Old Mississippi
Gold Sheet Super Power Play
Game of the Year :South Carolina
Chris Jordan has 3 Big Picks for today
600♦ UTEP - Love the Miners in this spot, as they have a solid shot at impressing a bowl committee out there with a blowout win. That's what counts these days: blowout wins over teams you're supposed to blow out.
UAB is a mistake-prone squad that generally gets rung up for penalities in the double-digit zone. And if the Blazers make too many mistakes on defense, I expect UTEP quarterback Trevor Vittatoe to explode. He is a very good quarterback, arguably one of the best in the conference.
Now is the time for him to shine, as there are five games left this season, and UTEP needs to win three of them. It's not out of the question, as the tough part of its Miners' campaign is over. They've played the likes of Kansas, Texas, Houston and Tulsa - winning the latter two - so there's no doubt they'll be up for trouncing a visiting 2-5 Blazers team that has the 115th-ranked defense in the nation.
The scoring defense gives up 33.4 points per game, which ranks 108th in the country, and on the road this team is allowing an average of 39.5 points per contest. And since this is a veteran-laden offense on UTEP's team, one that doesn't have a problem scoring well into the 30s, I like this play
600♦ OREGON STATE - This was the first game I bet on last Monday. The very first play I made for the week. That's how much I like the Beavers today. Actually, I think it's more so how much I dislike the Bruins.
UCLA has now lost four straight since knocking off San Diego State, Tennessee and Kansas State - two of which were inside the Rose Bowl. But since then, the Pac 10 has owned this team, and nothing changes today.
Not sure whether to blame it on a defense that can't stop the big play, or an anemic offense that ranks 102nd on the ground, 90th through the air, 106th in scoring and 109th overall. Since posting a 33-spot on SD State in the season-opener, this team hasn't been able to get past the 26-point plateau - that in a 45-26 loss to Cal.
The Bruins are averaging 16.2 points per game during this four-game skid, and they're not going to be able to compete with a team that has been quite successful through the air and can open things up at any time.
OSU has the 25th-best passing game in the nation, and will be fired up after a 42-36 loss at Southern Cal last week. The Beavers are averaging 33.5 points over their last four games, and they're just two wins shy of being bowl eligible.
Everyone knows how Mike Riley makes late-season runs, and this is about the time we see this team look as if it should have been part of the national spotlight talk at the start of the season. Big brother Oregon is embroiled with its clash with USC, so the Beavers will be looking to be the big beave in the Beaver State.
Lay the chalk
600♦ SAN DIEGO STATE - If there's been one handicapper this entire season who's been boasting about going against New Mexico, it's been me. I've been telling you all along how frazzled the Lobos are sans coach Rocky Long. I gave you a huge Mountain West Conference winner a few weeks back with Wyoming dismantling this team.
So why come back today? Cause Long is now with these Aztecs. He's the defensive coordinator. And you see how big of a demise the Lobos have been in this season - it's cause there is no one that knows this team better than Long.
And today, San Diego State's defense will be at its best. Long will have his troops fired up the same way he used have his Lobos prepared. How focused is the former Lobo coach? He's apparently turned down all interview requests this week.
Yeah, it's that deep. After all, Long served as the head football coach at his alma mater for 11 years before resigning last November. He produced a school-record 65 career wins and get this, he's still on New Mexico's university's system's payroll, collecting a $240,000 salary this year because of university obligations to end his contract.
But for the job he's geting paid to do, that's the sole reason I love this game so much and bet it hours after I wagered on Oregon State.
His trademark 3-3-5 defense has helped the Aztecs - who are 3-4 and have visions of getting to a bowl game - improve to 50th nationally in total defense, up from 113th out of 119 Division I-A teams last year.
Lay the chalk as the Aztecs roll to a three-touchdown winner ... at least!
600♦ UTEP - Love the Miners in this spot, as they have a solid shot at impressing a bowl committee out there with a blowout win. That's what counts these days: blowout wins over teams you're supposed to blow out.
UAB is a mistake-prone squad that generally gets rung up for penalities in the double-digit zone. And if the Blazers make too many mistakes on defense, I expect UTEP quarterback Trevor Vittatoe to explode. He is a very good quarterback, arguably one of the best in the conference.
Now is the time for him to shine, as there are five games left this season, and UTEP needs to win three of them. It's not out of the question, as the tough part of its Miners' campaign is over. They've played the likes of Kansas, Texas, Houston and Tulsa - winning the latter two - so there's no doubt they'll be up for trouncing a visiting 2-5 Blazers team that has the 115th-ranked defense in the nation.
The scoring defense gives up 33.4 points per game, which ranks 108th in the country, and on the road this team is allowing an average of 39.5 points per contest. And since this is a veteran-laden offense on UTEP's team, one that doesn't have a problem scoring well into the 30s, I like this play
600♦ OREGON STATE - This was the first game I bet on last Monday. The very first play I made for the week. That's how much I like the Beavers today. Actually, I think it's more so how much I dislike the Bruins.
UCLA has now lost four straight since knocking off San Diego State, Tennessee and Kansas State - two of which were inside the Rose Bowl. But since then, the Pac 10 has owned this team, and nothing changes today.
Not sure whether to blame it on a defense that can't stop the big play, or an anemic offense that ranks 102nd on the ground, 90th through the air, 106th in scoring and 109th overall. Since posting a 33-spot on SD State in the season-opener, this team hasn't been able to get past the 26-point plateau - that in a 45-26 loss to Cal.
The Bruins are averaging 16.2 points per game during this four-game skid, and they're not going to be able to compete with a team that has been quite successful through the air and can open things up at any time.
OSU has the 25th-best passing game in the nation, and will be fired up after a 42-36 loss at Southern Cal last week. The Beavers are averaging 33.5 points over their last four games, and they're just two wins shy of being bowl eligible.
Everyone knows how Mike Riley makes late-season runs, and this is about the time we see this team look as if it should have been part of the national spotlight talk at the start of the season. Big brother Oregon is embroiled with its clash with USC, so the Beavers will be looking to be the big beave in the Beaver State.
Lay the chalk
600♦ SAN DIEGO STATE - If there's been one handicapper this entire season who's been boasting about going against New Mexico, it's been me. I've been telling you all along how frazzled the Lobos are sans coach Rocky Long. I gave you a huge Mountain West Conference winner a few weeks back with Wyoming dismantling this team.
So why come back today? Cause Long is now with these Aztecs. He's the defensive coordinator. And you see how big of a demise the Lobos have been in this season - it's cause there is no one that knows this team better than Long.
And today, San Diego State's defense will be at its best. Long will have his troops fired up the same way he used have his Lobos prepared. How focused is the former Lobo coach? He's apparently turned down all interview requests this week.
Yeah, it's that deep. After all, Long served as the head football coach at his alma mater for 11 years before resigning last November. He produced a school-record 65 career wins and get this, he's still on New Mexico's university's system's payroll, collecting a $240,000 salary this year because of university obligations to end his contract.
But for the job he's geting paid to do, that's the sole reason I love this game so much and bet it hours after I wagered on Oregon State.
His trademark 3-3-5 defense has helped the Aztecs - who are 3-4 and have visions of getting to a bowl game - improve to 50th nationally in total defense, up from 113th out of 119 Division I-A teams last year.
Lay the chalk as the Aztecs roll to a three-touchdown winner ... at least!
Steve Merril
PICK:New York Yankees: (-117) / 3 units
The scene changes to Philadelphia for Game 3 of the World Series tonight. The Phillies’ Cole Hamels has been a huge question mark during the playoffs, going 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in three postseason starts. Two of those were made at home where he's given up seven runs in just 9.3 innings of work. Hamels has made two career starts against the Bronx Bombers, including getting a no-decision on May 24th this season when he gave up eight hits and two runs in six innings of work at Yankees Stadium. Mark Teixeira (5-17), Derek Jeter (4-7), Melky Cabrera (3-6) and Johnny Damon (3-5) all have good numbers versus the lefty. The Yankees are 40-19 versus left handed starters and are hitting .286 against them this season.
New York’s Andy Pettitte has been magnificent this postseason, getting two wins in three starts, and allowing just 17 hits and only five runs in 19 innings of work for a strong 2.37 ERA and 1.053 WHIP. The lefty is 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA versus Philadelphia, including a 5-4 no-decision win on May 23rd when he gave up four runs and five hits over seven innings. Jimmy Rollins (4-18), Jayson Werth (1-13), Matt Stairs (0-9), Ryan Howard (1-9), Chase Utley (1-7) all have poor numbers versus Pettitte. The Phillies have struggled against the American League this season, going just 7-13 with a .244 team batting average.
Play YANKEES (-) (action).
PICK:New York Yankees: (-117) / 3 units
The scene changes to Philadelphia for Game 3 of the World Series tonight. The Phillies’ Cole Hamels has been a huge question mark during the playoffs, going 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in three postseason starts. Two of those were made at home where he's given up seven runs in just 9.3 innings of work. Hamels has made two career starts against the Bronx Bombers, including getting a no-decision on May 24th this season when he gave up eight hits and two runs in six innings of work at Yankees Stadium. Mark Teixeira (5-17), Derek Jeter (4-7), Melky Cabrera (3-6) and Johnny Damon (3-5) all have good numbers versus the lefty. The Yankees are 40-19 versus left handed starters and are hitting .286 against them this season.
New York’s Andy Pettitte has been magnificent this postseason, getting two wins in three starts, and allowing just 17 hits and only five runs in 19 innings of work for a strong 2.37 ERA and 1.053 WHIP. The lefty is 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA versus Philadelphia, including a 5-4 no-decision win on May 23rd when he gave up four runs and five hits over seven innings. Jimmy Rollins (4-18), Jayson Werth (1-13), Matt Stairs (0-9), Ryan Howard (1-9), Chase Utley (1-7) all have poor numbers versus Pettitte. The Phillies have struggled against the American League this season, going just 7-13 with a .244 team batting average.
Play YANKEES (-) (action).
You are welcome to post free picks from OffshoreInsiders.com but premium picks reposting will not be tolerated http://www.lines-maker.com/2009/10/reposting-of-premium-picks-strictly.html
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Matt Rivers is to go with <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><ST1:STATE><ST1
LACE><st1:State><st1lace>Indiana</st1lace></st1:State></ST1LACE></ST1:STATE> plus the 17.5 points at <ST1:STATE><ST1LACE><st1:State><st1lace>Iowa</st1lace></st1:State></ST1LACE></ST1:STATE>. Here is why:<o></o>
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Everything has been turning up roses this season for Kirk Ferentz and his Hawkeyes but if there has been one issue thus far it has been not blowing out the inferior opponents. No doubt winning at Happy Valley against Joe Pa’s Nittany Lions and just prevailing late in comeback fashion against Wisconsin and Michigan State on the road is impressive but when playing much worse competition this Iowa team has not been able to flex its muscles at all.
Certain teams can hang with the big boys but do not have that extra gear and blowout potential and that is the exact scenario here with <ST1:STATE><ST1LACE><st1:State><st1lace>Iowa</st1lace></st1:State></ST1LACE></ST1:STATE>. I am not saying that this can’t be that first blowout game of the season because Indiana has a stinker side to them for sure but until I see Ferentz’ boys really turn it on I can’t help but grab such a hefty number.
The Hawkeyes were extremely lucky to even beat <ST1LACE><st1lace>Northern Iowa</st1lace></ST1LACE> earlier in the season. Only a few block kicks saved that from being a shocking loss and about a month ago after building a 21-7 lead <ST1:STATE><ST1LACE><st1:State><st1lace>Iowa</st1lace></st1:State></ST1LACE></ST1:STATE> held off fairly lowly <ST1LACE><ST1LACENAME><st1lace><st1laceName>Arkansas</st1laceName></st1lace> <ST1LACETYPE><st1laceType>State</st1laceType></ST1LACE></ST1LACETYPE> 24-21 in the end.
I’m not saying that somebody else can’t step up but leading rusher Adam Robinson is out and for a team that really does not exactly zip up and down the field this is a ton of points to lay and especially so in-conference in a semi rivalry type of a game against a bad but still somewhat capable Hoosiers squad.
Ever since the win at <ST1LACE><ST1LACENAME><st1lace><st1laceName>Penn</st1laceName></st1lace> <ST1LACETYPE><st1laceType>State</st1laceType></ST1LACE></ST1LACETYPE>, which I do believe was aided by the poor weather conditions, <ST1:STATE><ST1LACE><st1:State><st1lace>Iowa</st1lace></st1:State></ST1LACE></ST1:STATE> has not been much of anything. They narrowly beat <ST1LACE><ST1LACENAME><st1lace><st1laceName>Arky</st1laceName></st1lace> <ST1LACETYPE><st1laceType>State</st1laceType></ST1LACE></ST1LACETYPE>, had to hold on very late at home against <ST1:STATE><ST1LACE><st1:State><st1lace>Michigan</st1lace></st1:State></ST1LACE></ST1:STATE> and then in those last two games escaped with victories thanks to late comebacks and drives. This is just not the make of a team that will suddenly blow doors off of a conference foe.<O></O><o></o>
Besides that one stinker at <ST1:STATE><ST1LACE><st1:State><st1lace>Virginia</st1lace></st1:State></ST1LACE></ST1:STATE> a few weeks back where a lot of the team had the Flu Indiana has been pretty competitive throughout and should be once again today. This thing has 20-10 written all over it.
<o> </o>
GodsTips.
<st1:City><st1lace>SYRACUSE</st1lace></st1:City> +15.5 <st1:City><st1lace>Cincinnati</st1lace></st1:City>
Cincinnati QB Tony Pike is doubtful. Yes the Bearcats have played well without him, but again when a team loses their star player there is a point of diminishing return to how emotion can overcome the loss. <o></o>
<o> </o>
When Pike left against <ST1LACE><st1lace>South Florida</st1lace></ST1LACE>, Zach Collaros was able to get the Bearcats past USF, a team that was where the Bearcats will be here: past the short-term potential benefits of losing their star QB. <o></o>
<o> </o>
Last week, he made his first start against a horrid <ST1:CITY><ST1LACE><st1:City><st1lace>Louisville</st1lace></st1:City></ST1LACE></ST1:CITY> team. Now the Orangemen have something to go by and Collaros has high expectations. <o></o>
<o> </o>
Under the strange circumstance of having Greg Paulus, a rookie QB who has not played football in five year, it’s no surprise the Orangemen have been the proverbial box of chocolates. But this is the time of the year to gel. All of a sudden, <ST1:CITY><ST1LACE><st1:City><st1lace>Syracuse</st1lace></st1:City></ST1LACE></ST1:CITY> has the more experienced signal caller. <o></o>
<o> </o>
The Bearcats escape with a late win. <o></o>
</ST1LACENAME></ST1LACENAME></ST1LACENAME>
Today’s free picks:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
fficeffice" /><o></o><o
> </o>Matt Rivers is to go with <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
ffice:smarttags" /><ST1:STATE><ST1LACE><st1:State><st1lace>Indiana</st1lace></st1:State></ST1LACE></ST1:STATE> plus the 17.5 points at <ST1:STATE><ST1LACE><st1:State><st1lace>Iowa</st1lace></st1:State></ST1LACE></ST1:STATE>. Here is why:<o></o><o
> </o>Everything has been turning up roses this season for Kirk Ferentz and his Hawkeyes but if there has been one issue thus far it has been not blowing out the inferior opponents. No doubt winning at Happy Valley against Joe Pa’s Nittany Lions and just prevailing late in comeback fashion against Wisconsin and Michigan State on the road is impressive but when playing much worse competition this Iowa team has not been able to flex its muscles at all.
Certain teams can hang with the big boys but do not have that extra gear and blowout potential and that is the exact scenario here with <ST1:STATE><ST1
LACE><st1:State><st1lace>Iowa</st1lace></st1:State></ST1LACE></ST1:STATE>. I am not saying that this can’t be that first blowout game of the season because Indiana has a stinker side to them for sure but until I see Ferentz’ boys really turn it on I can’t help but grab such a hefty number.The Hawkeyes were extremely lucky to even beat <ST1
LACE><st1lace>Northern Iowa</st1lace></ST1LACE> earlier in the season. Only a few block kicks saved that from being a shocking loss and about a month ago after building a 21-7 lead <ST1:STATE><ST1LACE><st1:State><st1lace>Iowa</st1lace></st1:State></ST1LACE></ST1:STATE> held off fairly lowly <ST1LACE><ST1LACENAME><st1lace><st1laceName>Arkansas</st1laceName></st1lace> <ST1LACETYPE><st1laceType>State</st1laceType></ST1LACE></ST1LACETYPE> 24-21 in the end.I’m not saying that somebody else can’t step up but leading rusher Adam Robinson is out and for a team that really does not exactly zip up and down the field this is a ton of points to lay and especially so in-conference in a semi rivalry type of a game against a bad but still somewhat capable Hoosiers squad.
Ever since the win at <ST1
LACE><ST1LACENAME><st1lace><st1laceName>Penn</st1laceName></st1lace> <ST1LACETYPE><st1laceType>State</st1laceType></ST1LACE></ST1LACETYPE>, which I do believe was aided by the poor weather conditions, <ST1:STATE><ST1LACE><st1:State><st1lace>Iowa</st1lace></st1:State></ST1LACE></ST1:STATE> has not been much of anything. They narrowly beat <ST1LACE><ST1LACENAME><st1lace><st1laceName>Arky</st1laceName></st1lace> <ST1LACETYPE><st1laceType>State</st1laceType></ST1LACE></ST1LACETYPE>, had to hold on very late at home against <ST1:STATE><ST1LACE><st1:State><st1lace>Michigan</st1lace></st1:State></ST1LACE></ST1:STATE> and then in those last two games escaped with victories thanks to late comebacks and drives. This is just not the make of a team that will suddenly blow doors off of a conference foe.<O></O><o></o>Besides that one stinker at <ST1:STATE><ST1
LACE><st1:State><st1lace>Virginia</st1lace></st1:State></ST1LACE></ST1:STATE> a few weeks back where a lot of the team had the Flu Indiana has been pretty competitive throughout and should be once again today. This thing has 20-10 written all over it.<o
> </o>GodsTips.
<st1:City><st1
lace>SYRACUSE</st1lace></st1:City> +15.5 <st1:City><st1lace>Cincinnati</st1lace></st1:City>Cincinnati QB Tony Pike is doubtful. Yes the Bearcats have played well without him, but again when a team loses their star player there is a point of diminishing return to how emotion can overcome the loss. <o
></o><o
> </o>When Pike left against <ST1
LACE><st1lace>South Florida</st1lace></ST1LACE>, Zach Collaros was able to get the Bearcats past USF, a team that was where the Bearcats will be here: past the short-term potential benefits of losing their star QB. <o></o><o
> </o>Last week, he made his first start against a horrid <ST1:CITY><ST1
LACE><st1:City><st1lace>Louisville</st1lace></st1:City></ST1LACE></ST1:CITY> team. Now the Orangemen have something to go by and Collaros has high expectations. <o></o><o
> </o>Under the strange circumstance of having Greg Paulus, a rookie QB who has not played football in five year, it’s no surprise the Orangemen have been the proverbial box of chocolates. But this is the time of the year to gel. All of a sudden, <ST1:CITY><ST1
LACE><st1:City><st1lace>Syracuse</st1lace></st1:City></ST1LACE></ST1:CITY> has the more experienced signal caller. <o></o><o
> </o>The Bearcats escape with a late win. <o
></o></ST1
LACENAME></ST1LACENAME></ST1LACENAME>Psychic
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