Service Plays Monday, 12/27/10

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STAN THE MAN'S STAT/SYSTEMS REPORT 12/27
NFL & NCAA COLLEGE FOOTBALL
INFO WORTH BETTING ON ONE PAGE EACH DAY
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***** STAT/SYSTEMS SPORTS POWER SEARCH - NFL & CFB *****
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Each day here in our Stat/Systems Report we will list the Top - Angles, Stats and Situational Trends for up-coming games, including all the Key - ATS, Over/Unders, Money-Line, First Half ATS Top Trends including Over/Unders, Coaches ATS & Over/Unders and Teaser Line Trends, along with all your high percentage Super Situation Systems.
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••• OK SHOOTOUT! •••
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Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle will not be on the bench when his club visits Oklahoma City following minor knee surgery. Dwane Casey will take care of practice and act as head coach for the game. The Mavs have won four straight after dropping a game to the Bucks earlier this month. Dallas beat the Thunder, 111-103, in this building a month ago so you can expect Kevin Durant to come in hungry like a wolf tonight.

Despite the earlier loss, the Thunder have owned the series of late, posting an 8-2 ATS log, including a perfect 6-0 ATS with same-season revenge. In fact, the Thunder have been money in the bank when playing with same-season revenge under second-year HC Scott Brooks, logging a brilliant 18-5-1 ATS mark since the middle of last season. With Dallas eyeing a revenger with Toronto the following night, and for some unknown reason a curious 3-15-1 ATS before meeting the Raptors expect a New Moon on Monday!

Make Sure you have the Advantage you need to win this Season! Did you know that the Stat/Systems Report is the #1 rated sports betting publication in the country today. Offering complete analysis and predictions for every game on the board including game logs, betting trends, key injuries, vital statistics, lines and odds, and more the daily publication is everything that you need to win each and every day!

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*** MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ***

NEW ORLEANS (10-4) @ ATLANTA (12-2)
Georgia Dome Atlanta, Georgia
Kickoff: Monday, 8:30 p.m. EDT Line: Falcons -2.5 O/U 49
---------------------------------------------------------------------
After just completing their longest road trip of the season, the Atlanta Falcons are in position to avoid having to make any more treks for quite some time. The NFC's current front-runners return to the Georgia Dome this week attempting to wrap up a division title and the No. 1 overall seed for the upcoming conference playoffs. Atlanta has won 15 straight times at the Georgia Dome in which Ryan has started, and the standout signal-caller is a stellar 19-1 at home over his three-year career. Standing in the Falcons' way will be the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, who'll be aiming to nail down their own invitation to the postseason when the two NFC South powers collide in a very intriguing Monday night matchup.

Atlanta has already secured a postseason spot and needs to win just one of its two remaining regular-season tests to gain home-field advantage throughout the NFC Playoffs. With 2-13 Carolina set to visit the Georgia Dome next week, that prospect appears to be a near certainty. The Falcons have been dominant at home all throughout the three-year tenure of head coach Mike Smith and quarterback Matt Ryan, prevailing in 19 of their 22 games at the Georgia Dome over that successful stretch. Two of those losses came when Ryan was unavailable last season due to a sprained big toe.

Atlanta has more than held its own in enemy venues as well over a current sequence of eight consecutive victories that's given the high-flying club a two-game bulge on its closest NFC competition, including the fellow division member Saints. The Falcons' last three triumphs have all come on the road, the most recent a 34-18 ousting of Seattle last week in which Ryan threw for three touchdowns. The Falcons' eight-game surge is their longest win streak since ripping off nine straight victories to close out the regular season in 1998, the same year the franchise made its only Super Bowl appearance to date.

New Orleans had been on a highly-impressive tear of its own until stumbling in Baltimore last weekend, with the Ravens putting an end to the Saints' string of six wins in a row by earning a 30-24 decision. Baltimore was able to come out on top by gashing the Saints for 208 rushing yards, a similar formula the Falcons used to knock off New Orleans at the Superdome in a 27-24 overtime thriller back in Week 3. Atlanta amassed 202 yards on the ground in that contest, with bruising back Michael Turner accounting for 114 of those yards along with a touchdown on 30 attempts.

The setback to the Ravens has made the Saints' goal of capturing a second consecutive NFC South title unlikely, as Atlanta will have to lose to the lowly Panthers in addition to Monday's clash. New Orleans can still clinch a Wild Card berth, however, by winning either this week or its finale at home against Tampa Bay. The Saints did hand the Falcons their last home defeat by registering a 26-23 verdict during December of last year, though Ryan sat out that game with his toe injury and Turner also didn't play because of a sprained ankle.

• SERIES HISTORY
---------------------
Atlanta leads the all-time regular-season series with New Orleans by a 45-37 count and snapped a string of three straight defeats to the Saints with the above-mentioned overtime win at the Superdome in Week 3. The Falcons had lost seven times in an eight-game span against New Orleans, including the previously-noted 26-23 setback at the Georgia Dome with Ryan sidelined during Week 14 of last season, prior to September's result, and will be seeking their first home-and-home sweep of the Saints since 2005 on Monday. New Orleans is 3-1 in its last four visits to Atlanta. The longtime division foes have also faced off once in the postseason, with Atlanta posting a 27-20 decision at the Superdome in a 1991 NFC First Round Playoff. Saints head coach Sean Payton is 7-2 against the Falcons over his career, while Smith is 2-3 against both Payton and the Saints as a head man.

• WHEN THE SAINTS HAVE THE BALL
--------------------------------------------
Though not the juggernaut it was during last year's Super Bowl run, the New Orleans offense is still a dangerous outfit that's compiled the sixth-most total yards in the NFL (377.6 ypg) and had put up 30 points or more in six straight games prior to last week's loss to the Ravens. As usual, most of the damage has come through the air, with quarterback Drew Brees (4122 passing yards, 31 TD, 19 INT) eclipsing the 4,000-yard mark in passing yards for a fifth consecutive year following a 267-yard, three-touchdown performance against Baltimore. The All-Pro triggerman is tied for the league lead in scoring strikes and skillfully directs a diverse vertical attack that contains a wealth of quality targets to throw to. Big-bodied wideout Marques Colston (82 receptions, 1002 yards, 7 TD) is the best of the bunch, while fellow receivers Lance Moore (56 receptions, 8 TD), Devery Henderson (31 receptions, 1 TD) and Robert Meachem (33 receptions, 5 TD) have all made significant contributions and promising rookie tight end Jimmy Graham (25 receptions, 3 TD) had a pair of touchdown grabs last week.

Moore was a huge factor in the earlier meeting with the Falcons, racking up a career-best 149 receiving yards and two scores on six catches. The running game was non-existent against Baltimore, however, with the Saints mustering a season-low 27 yards on the ground on 14 attempts. The team was without leading rusher Chris Ivory (683 passing yards, 5 TD) due to a hamstring strain, however, and New Orleans is hopeful the rookie can make it back and add to a deep backfield that also possesses two versatile playmakers in Pierre Thomas (206 rushing yards, 1 TD, 22 receptions) and Reggie Bush (80 rushing yards, 25 receptions, 1 TD).

Brees was able to torch a strong Atlanta secondary for 365 yards and three scores back in Week 3, so it'll be up to the pass-rushing tandem of ends John Abraham (35 tackles, 12 sacks) and Kroy Biermann (32 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INT) to apply the heat to the New Orleans field general and prevent a repeat. Cornerback Brent Grimes (74 tackles, 5 INT, 22 PD) and free safety Thomas DeCoud (61 tackles, 1 INT) did come up with interceptions of Brees that day, however, and the Falcons are tied for third in the NFL with 19 picks on the season. Teams haven't tested Atlanta that much on the ground this year, mostly because they've often been playing from behind, but the linebacker corps does field a pair of solid stoppers in middle man Curtis Lofton (107 tackles, 2 sacks) and 12th-year vet Mike Peterson (54 tackles, 1 sack, 2 INT) on the weakside. The combo of Grimes and offseason acquisition Dunta Robinson (44 tackles) stands among the best duos in the NFC.

• WHEN THE FALCONS HAVE THE BALL
-----------------------------------------------
Atlanta ranks seventh in the NFL in rushing yards (122.6 ypg) and was able to run the ball at will against New Orleans back in September, with the powerful Turner (1256 rushing yards, 11 TD, 12 receptions) and capable understudy Jason Snelling (306 rushing yards, 39 receptions, 5 total TD) teaming up for 176 yards on 44 carries as the Falcons held the football for nearly 46 of the game's 73 minutes. That may not necessarily be the game plan on Monday, though, not when the offense also sports a top-tier quarterback in Ryan (3321 passing yards, 25 TD, 9 INT) as well as the league's leading receiver in game-changer Roddy White (106 receptions, 1284 yards, 8 TD).

The Saints will also need to pay close attention to veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez (62 receptions, 5 TD), who delivered a season-high 110 yards and a touchdown on eight catches in the Week 3 win, and Atlanta played that game without steady second receiver Michael Jenkins (31 receptions, 2 TD) because of an early-season shoulder injury. Ryan has been terrific at home this year, having completed 68 percent of his throws with 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions in six Georgia Dome starts, and his poise and intelligence are a big reason why the Falcons are second in the league with a 48.4 percent rate on third downs.

New Orleans will need to shore things up defensively after being pushed around at the point of attack by the physical Ravens last week, and that may involve placing hard-hitting strong safety Roman Harper (88 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INT) closer to the line of scrimmage to help linebackers Jonathan Vilma (99 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 INT) and Danny Clark (55 tackles) keep Turner in check. A secondary that's yielded a league-low 10 touchdown passes and 195 yards per game through the air (4th overall) is plenty good enough to stay with the Atlanta receivers, which enables aggressive coordinator Gregg Williams to dial up an array of blitzes that have often kept enemy quarterbacks off their game. Vilma and Harper rank in the team's top four in sacks, a category led by third-year tackle Sedrick Ellis (40 tackles, 6 sacks), while cornerbacks Jabari Greer (54 tackles, 2 INT, 11 PD) and Tracy Porter (48 tackles, 1 INT) are both adept at press coverage. Vilma and weakside linebacker Scott Shanle (66 tackles) were each active in these teams' initial matchup, with the two credited with 11 tackles apiece.

• PREGAME NOTES
-------------------------
--New Orleans PAYTON: 7-1 dog w/rev vs .500 > opp... 5-1 O/U Monday
--ATLANTA SERIES: 4-1 L5... 4-1 Game Fifteen... 0-4 SU Monday

The defending Super Bowl champions are wandering on the Wild Card path to the playoffs now that the high-flying Falcons have clinched the NFC South. And while the Saints might not be traveling on Route 666, they are on one of its arteries. That’s because .666 or greater division road dogs from Game 13 out are 10-2 ATS when facing a .666 greater foe off a win of 12 or more points. Yes, we’re aware of Matt Ryan’s 19-1 SU mark at home in NFL career starts, but the fact remains the Dirty Birds are 1-10 ATS at home in games off back-to-back SU and ATS wins.

*STAN'S FORECASTER - Atlanta by 3.5; O/U 48.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Atlanta -3
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Atlanta -7.24
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• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
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--ATLANTA is 26-44 ATS (-22.4 Units) vs. good offensive teams - scoring 24 or more points/game since 1992.
The average score was ATLANTA 18.7, OPPONENT 28.5 - (Rating = 4*)

--ATLANTA is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) vs. poor passing defenses - allowing a comp. pct. of 61% or worse in the second half of the season since 1992.
The average score was ATLANTA 19.5, OPPONENT 26.5 - (Rating = 3*)

--NEW ORLEANS is 51-27 ATS (+21.3 Units) in road games after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1992.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 22.7, OPPONENT 21.4 - (Rating = 4*)

--NEW ORLEANS is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) off a road loss over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 34.6, OPPONENT 19.4 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--ATLANTA is 32-11 OVER (+19.9 Units) vs. poor punt coverage teams, allowing >= 12 yards per return since 1992.
The average score was ATLANTA 22.7, OPPONENT 26.0 - (Rating = 3*)

--NEW ORLEANS is 63-41 OVER (+17.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 21.2, OPPONENT 25.2 - (Rating = 3*)

--NEW ORLEANS is 20-8 OVER (+11.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 20.0, OPPONENT 27.7 - (Rating = 2*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
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--ATLANTA is 11-25 against the 1rst half line (-16.5 Units) vs. poor passing defenses - allowing a comp. pct. of 61% or worse in the second half of the season since 1992.
The average score was ATLANTA 9.8, OPPONENT 14.3 - (Rating = 3*)

--ATLANTA is 11-1 against the 1rst half line (+9.9 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 points or less vs. the 1rst half line over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was ATLANTA 15.6, OPPONENT 6.2 - (Rating = 3*)

--NEW ORLEANS is 46-70 against the 1rst half line (-31.0 Units) in games where the 1rst half line is +1.5 to -1.5 since 1992.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 10.1, OPPONENT 13.0 - (Rating = 5*)

--NEW ORLEANS is 8-1 against the 1rst half line (+6.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing >=5.65 yards/play in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 20.3, OPPONENT 10.0 - (Rating = 2*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--ATLANTA is 57-36 OVER (+17.4 Units) the 1rst half total vs. good passing teams with a completion pct. of 61% or better. since 1992.
The average score was ATLANTA 11.1, OPPONENT 13.8 - (Rating = 3*)

--NEW ORLEANS is 13-1 OVER (+11.9 Units) the 1rst half total vs. dominant ball control teams, 32+ minutes TOP, 21+ FD's per game since 1992.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 15.2, OPPONENT 16.9 - (Rating = 4*)

--NEW ORLEANS is 10-1 OVER (+8.9 Units) the 1rst half total vs. good offensive teams - scoring 24 or more points/game over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 21.4, OPPONENT 14.5 - (Rating = 3*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
----------------------------------------------
--PLAY OVER - Any team where the first half total is between 21.5 and 24.5 (NEW ORLEANS) - after failing to cover the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games, in the last 2 weeks of the regular season.
(41-8 over the last 5 seasons.) (83.7%, +32.2 units. Rating = 4*)

The average first half total posted in these games was: 22.7
The average first half score in these games was: Team 14.5, Opponent 13.4 (Total first half points scored = 27.9)

The situation's record this season is: (4-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (20-6).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (56-29).
Since 1983 the situation's record is: (77-50).

--PLAY ON - Road teams (NEW ORLEANS) - average rushing team (95-125 RY/G) against an average rushing defense (95-125 RY/G) after 8+ games, after gaining 75 or less rushing yards last game.
(28-6 over the last 5 seasons.) (82.4%, +21.4 units. Rating = 4*)

The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is : (23-12 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 3.6
The average score in these games was: Team 22.7, Opponent 18.5 (Average point differential = +4.2)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 17 (48.6% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (4-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (11-3).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (44-26).
Since 1983 the situation's record is: (93-79).
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Experience is what this business is all about, and good money can be made if one has the right connections. Stan 'The Man' prides himself on uncovering the edge that gives his customers the ability to beat the sports books on a consistent basis. Stan is a full time Expert Handicapper that can help you consistently beat the books. With any package that you purchase it is fully guaranteed that you show a profit, or he'll extend your service at no charge. If you have any questions about our services call 1-800 -351-4640, “You’ll be real glad you did!” -Stan
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*** INDEPENDENCE BOWL ***

GEORGIA TECH (6-6) VS. AIR FORCE (8-4)
Independence Stadium - Shreveport, LA
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. EDT Line: Air Force -2.5 O/U 56.5
--------------------------------------------------------------
For the 14th straight season, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will take part in a bowl game, as they head to Shreveport LA, for a showdown with the Air Force Falcons in the Independence Bowl. Last season saw Paul Johnson's Yellow Jackets win the ACC and earn a BCS bowl bid. However, repeating as champions was not in the cards, as Tech finished at just 6-6 overall and 4-4 in-conference, thanks to a second half of the season that saw the team drop four of its last five encounters. This marks Georgia Tech's first appearance in the Independence Bowl. The Yellow Jackets are 22-16 all-time in postseason play, but the team hasn't won a bowl game since 2004, dropping five straight, including last year's 24-14 setback to Iowa in the Orange Bowl.

Troy Calhoun's Falcons finished the season 8-4 overall and 5-3 in Mountain West Conference action. It marked the fourth straight season that the service academy has posted eight wins or more. Air Force closed the year out strong with three straight victories, but couldn't ascend the MWC Mountain, with losses to both top-10 foes TCU (38-7) and Utah (28-23) to close out play in October. Air Force is making its third appearance in this event, winning the Independence Bowl in 1983 and 1984. The team is 9-10-1 all-time in bowl games and snapped a three-game bowl losing streak last season with a 47-20 win against Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl. This is the fourth time these two teams have met, but first since 1979. Georgia Tech has won all three prior meetings,

There is definitely no secret to how Air Force will attempt to move the chains. A one-dimensional offense is usually a bad thing, but the Falcons' ground attack is so productive, that it doesn't matter that opponents know its coming, they still can't stop it. Air Force finished second in the nation in rushing this year at a hefty 317.9 yards per game. The passing game plays a distant second fiddle at just 119.5 yards per game, but the team does come in averaging over 30 points per game. QB Tim Jefferson fuels the attack. He ranks second on the team in rushing this season with 769 yards, but has scored 15 of the team's 40 rushing TDs. Junior tailback Asher Clark is the top ground-gainer at 1,001 yards this season, with five TDs, with senior fullback Nathan Walker (453 yards, six TDs) adding to a deep backfield.

The top receiver on the team has just 17 catches on the year, but Jefferson hasn't been bad with his arm when the time comes to throw the ball. He has completed 52.2 percent of his throws, for 1,342 yards and 10 TDs. While the ground game has been Air Force's greatest strength, it has been a source of trouble for the defense this year. The Falcons are yielding a generous 195.1 yards per game rushing the football in 2010, on 4.8 yards per carry. That has to be a concern of coach Calhoun's with Georgia Tech's vaunted ground game up next. There haven't been a whole lot of sacks generated by this unit (13), but than again, foes like to run the ball against Air Force.

It is probably a good game-plan considering that Third-Team All-American CB Reggie Rembert (three INTs, 12 PBUs) patrols the secondary. Junior DB Jon Davis (team-high 89 tackles two INTs, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery) adds to the strong play in the defensive backfield. Junior LB Jordan Waiwaiole (88 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, two sacks, one INT) is joined in the middle by fellow junior Brady Amack (77 tackles) and senior Pat Hennessey (54 tackles, 8.0 TFLs), while senior DE Rick Ricketts (61 tackles, 9.0 TFLs) highlights the play up front.

The Yellow Jackets know a thing or two, or three about running the football. Paul Johnson's crew runs the ball just as much as Air Force does and actually is a tad more productive, ranking first in the country this season at 327.0 yards per game. It all revolves around talented QB Joshua Nesbitt, although the senior missed the last three and a half games of the regular season after breaking his right forearm against Virginia Tech. The most prolific rushing QB in ACC history, Nesbitt has yet to be cleared to play in this game. With 2,806 career rushing yards, Nesbitt's potential absence could be a huge factor. For the season, Nesbitt has amassed 737 yards and 10 TDs in nine games. Coach Johnson is still unclear on Nesbitt's status.

"I don't know if Joshua will be returning for the bowl, that is all in the doctor's hands. We will play him when they say that he is good to go. I think that he has had a great career and you always want to see guys finishing it on the field playing. Certainly he is a tough competitor and has made a lot of plays in the last three years for Georgia Tech. If he could get out there that would be an added bonus, but we are not going to put him at risk to see if we could get him out there for one more game or series. He is going to have to be cleared by the doctors. They have to say that he has no issues and is good to go."

The good news is that First-Team All-ACC tailback Anthony Allen is at full strength. Allen averaged 5.6 yards per carry in 2010, racking up 1,225 yards and six TDs. In all, Tech scored 30 TDs on the ground and another nine through the air. If Nesbitt is unable to suit up, Tevin Washington will get the nod under center, something coach Johnson feels comfortable with. "I think Tevin has done some positive things. He has played enough now where we expect him to be the starter. He is no longer the back-up. We can't say, 'ok you haven't played much'. His level and standard is getting higher. The more he plays the higher the expectation."

The Tech defense was porous at times this season and the results were less than flattering, with the team yielding 26.2 points per game on an average of 378.7 yards. Brad Jefferson led the way in the middle of the field, as the senior LB paced the team with 78 tackles. He was also responsible for 7.5 TFLs, 4.0 sacks and one fumble recovery. Defensive help comes in the form of sophomore LB Julian Burnett (76 tackles), senior CB Dominique Reese (61 tackles, 8.0 TFLs), junior safety Jerrard Tarrant (55 tackles, three INTs) and junior LB Steven Sylvester (55 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 3.0 sacks).

• PREGAME NOTES
-------------------------
The Yellow Jackets arrive with the nation’s top-ranked rushing attack (327 YPG) while the Falcons aren’t far behind (318). Though the styles may be similar, the numbers concerning these two are not. For starters, ACC bowl dogs off a SU loss are an amazing 12-1 ATS while Mountain West bowlers off back-to-back ATS losses are 2-5 SU and ATS. Our database also notes that: sub .700 bowl dogs that won 11 or more games the previous season are 11-2 ATS against sub .800 opposition whereas bowl favorites off back-to-back SU wins but ATS losses are just 5-14 ATS.

While Tech’s current 0-5 SU, 1-4 ATS run in bowl games is certainly a cause for concern, HC Paul Johnson’s terrific 11-1 SU and 10-2 ATS record versus military opposition takes away some of the sting. Don’t be ashamed to grab this Johnson as a neutral or road dog, either, as he measures up with an admirable 25-10 ATS mark. And while military bowlers are a well prepared 22-9 ATS, we can offset that number with an earlier mentioned 6-6 bowl dog stat (18-9 ATS).

NOTE: Georgia Tech will be without a number of regulars for Monday’s game against Air Force. Last week four players, including leading receiver Stephen Hill and starting safety Mario Edwards, were ruled out for academic issues and then Anthony Egbuniwe and defensive backs Michael Peterson and Louis Young violated curfew and will miss at least the first half of the game.

*STAN'S FORECASTER - Air Force by 3; O/U 55
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Air Force -2.5
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Air Force -7.33
____________________________________

• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--AIR FORCE is 16-33 ATS (-20.3 Units) after 2 or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1992.
The average score was AIR FORCE 26.6, OPPONENT 26.3 - (Rating = 3*)

--GEORGIA TECH is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) versus excellent rushing teams - averaging >=230 rushing yards/game since 1992.
The average score was GEORGIA TECH 21.6, OPPONENT 29.9 - (Rating = 2*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--AIR FORCE is 39-23 UNDER (+13.7 Units) after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1992.
The average score was AIR FORCE 27.6, OPPONENT 24.7 - (Rating = 3*)

--GEORGIA TECH is 43-24 UNDER (+16.6 Units) as an underdog since 1992.
The average score was GEORGIA TECH 18.6, OPPONENT 26.3 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--AIR FORCE is 24-47 against the 1rst half line (-27.7 Units) vs. poor passing defenses - allowing a comp. pct. of 58% or worse since 1992.
The average score was AIR FORCE 14.6, OPPONENT 11.6 - (Rating = 4*)

--AIR FORCE is 10-25 against the 1rst half line (-17.5 Units) vs. excellent ball control teams, 32 or more possession minutes/game since 1992.
The average score was AIR FORCE 9.7, OPPONENT 12.5 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--AIR FORCE is 15-2 UNDER (+12.8 Units) the 1rst half total vs. poor passing teams averaging 150 or less passing yards/game. since 1992.
The average score was AIR FORCE 14.9, OPPONENT 8.2 - (Rating = 3*)

--AIR FORCE is 18-6 UNDER (+11.4 Units) the 1rst half total versus good rushing teams - averaging >=200 rushing yards/game since 1992.
The average score was AIR FORCE 12.5, OPPONENT 12.2 - (Rating = 2*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
----------------------------------------------
--PLAY OVER - All teams where the first half total is 28.5 to 31.5 (AIR FORCE) - in a game involving two excellent rushing teams (>=4.8 YPR), in non-conference games.
(30-4 since 1992.) (88.2%, +25.6 units. Rating = 4*)

The average first half total posted in these games was: 29.9
The average first half score in these games was: Team 18.2, Opponent 18.2 (Total first half points scored = 36.5)

The situation's record this season is: (2-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (12-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (18-2).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (24-4).
___________________________________________

Stan Knows Football and Basketball! Check out the huge winning run “The Man is enjoying and prepare to get all of his football and basketball selections with a discounted monthly or seasonal package.” Do it now and Save Big! - Call me toll-free in the office @ 1-800-351-4640 - You'll be real glad you did" -Stan!
___________________________________________________________________

 

[jaychen]

JustinCover

nba
50unit**Charlotte Bobcats under
50unit**Oklahoma City Thunder and on over
50unit**atlanta hawks
50unit**Orlando Magic
25unit**Los Angeles Clippers
25unit**Golden State Warriors over
25unit**Detroit Pistons

all in**New Orlean Saints***

 

[KevinBets]

JustinCover

nba
50unit**Charlotte Bobcats under
50unit**Oklahoma City Thunder and on over
50unit**atlanta hawks
50unit**Orlando Magic
25unit**Los Angeles Clippers
25unit**Golden State Warriors over
25unit**Detroit Pistons

all in**New Orlean Saints***

100,000 -ATLANTA HAWKS

 

[thenatural74]

www.alphacapper.com AlphaCapper's MNF Saints/Falcons play?

 

[dough]

big al nfl--under

teddy covers nfl--atl

lawrence nfl goy--n.o.

 

[Paceman]

Dunkel

MONDAY, DECEMBER 27
Time Posted: 10:00 a.m. EST (12/13)
Game 217-218: Georgia Tech vs. Air Force (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 87.764; Air Force 92.898
Dunkel Line: Air Force by 5; 58
Vegas Line: Air Force by 3; 56
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (-3); Over

 

[Paceman]

DCI

AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl
at Shreveport, LA
Georgia Tech vs. Air Force: TOO CLOSE TO CALL

 

[Paceman]

NFL NEWS AND NOTES
Saints at Falcons: What Bettors Need To Know
By Steve Merril



New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (-2, 49)

CURRENT ODDS

The Falcons opened as 2-point home favorites and the line has since risen to -2.5 in most locations as 53 percent of the public is supporting Atlanta according to the Covers.com consensus.

The total opened at 47.5 total points and has since risen to 49 points as 75 percent of the public favors the over according to the Covers.com consensus. The weather will not be an issue since this game is being played inside the Georgia Dome.

INJURY REPORT

These two teams enter with a combined 22-6 SU record this season because both have been able to stay healthy. Atlanta will have all of its key players ready for Monday night, while New Orleans will also have the majority of its lineup.

New Orleans’ defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove (knee) and cornerback Jabari Greer (knee) are both probable, along with wide receivers Courtney Roby (head) and Robert Meachem (toe). Running back Christopher Ivory (hamstring) is questionable, while tight end David Thomas (knee) is doubtful.

BREESY TIME

New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees has been one of the best in the NFL since signing with the Saints back in 2006. He’s had monster games against just about every team in the league, but he has had a collection of big-time performances against the Falcons, a team the Saints play twice a year in the NFC South.

In his nine career starts against the Falcons as a Saint, Brees has averaged 301 passing yards per game and he has thrown at least two touchdown passes eight times. He’s thrown for more than 300 yards five times, including a 365-yard, three-touchdown performance in the Falcons' 27-24 overtime victory in New Orleans back on September 26th.

”They do a great job and Drew is as good as any quarterback in the league in terms of pre-snap reads to identify what you’re trying to do,” Atlanta head coach Mike Smith said. “It’s going to be important for us as a team to make sure that we can get some pre-snap tips on what they’re trying to do as well.”

RODDY & TWITTER

Atlanta wide receiver Roddy White took to Twitter to wage battle with former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer. On an NFL segment on ESPN, Dilfer compared the Falcons to the 2003 Kansas City Chiefs who went 13-3 and then lost in the first-round of the playoffs.

Dilfer said the Falcons “are not indestructible” at home and he went on to say the Saints could win Monday night’s game and then come back and beat the Falcons again in the playoffs in the Georgia Dome.

Roddy White fired back on Twitter: “No chance in hell the ‘Aints come into the dome and win once Trent Dilfer.” He followed that up with this. “The ‘Aints fans are so rude… we shall see Monday night.” And then this: “Y’all [New Orleans] fans keep talking making it worst for those guys that got to guard me cause y’all don’t. LOL”

Numerous Saints players responded to his tweets, but the best was this from Reggie Bush who said: “Wondering how @roddywhitetv has the audacity to call us ‘AINTS.” And he attached a photo of the Saints’ Super Bowl ring from last year.

PERFECT PAIR

Since head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees have worked together, they’ve put-up some incredible offensive numbers.

The duo started together in New Orleans back in 2006, and since then, they’ve won 48 games while amassing over 22,000 passing yards. They reached the pinnacle last year when the Saints beat the Colts in the Super Bowl.

Payton has always been a master play caller from his days under Bill Parcells with the Giants and Cowboys. He is phenomenal at structuring a game plan and then being aggressive once the game gets underway.

And Payton’s ability to keep defenses off balance hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially by Atlanta head coach Mike Smith.

”Head coach Sean Payton is one of the most innovative offensive coaches in terms of how he packages his game plan together,” Smith said. “He forces you to use a lot of brain power, especially in the first 15 to 20 plays with the personnel groupings, and it’s very high tempo. It’s going to be a big challenge for our team.”

TRENDS

The Falcons are 4-1 ATS in their last five games against the Saints and the over is 5-1 in these two clubs’ last six meetings.

The Saints are 1-5 ATS in their last six road games against teams with winning records.

The Falcons are 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall.

The under is 8-1 in the Saints’ last eight games against NFC South opponents.

 

[Paceman]

BANG THE BOOK

Monday's Best NFL Bet

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (-2, 49)

A tremendous swing game could be in the cards on Monday Night Football in the Peach State this weekend. In the final edition of MNF this year, NFL betting fans will dive right into the clash between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons in a battle of what might be the best two teams in the NFC.

The swing that could occur in this game for the Saints is just huge. They are still alive for the NFC South crown and the No. 1 seed in the conference, but they need to win out and get some help along the way. They also know if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win on Sunday that they need to win this game to avoid setting up a do or die showdown with the Bucs next week at home that no one in black and gold wants to see. The offense is just about as healthy as it could be right now, though there is still a question mark surrounding leading rusher RB Chris Ivory. Still, this is a pass first team and always will be for as long as QB Drew Brees is in charge of the offense. He has thrown for 4,122 yards and 31 TDs this year, and though he also has 19 INTs, there is no doubt that he is an MVP candidate in his own right, especially knowing that his running game has been so shaky and is averaging less than 100 yards per game. WR Marques Colston is on his way to the Pro Bowl this year in all likelihood. He has caught 82 passes for 1,002 yards and has seven scores.

Atlanta really doesn’t want to be forced into playing hard next week against the Carolina Panthers in the regular season finale. Winning this game would win the NFC South and the No. 1 overall seed in the playoffs, and the road to the Super Bowl would run through the Georgia Dome, a place where QB Matt Ryan has only lost one time in his career. Ryan has an argument about being an MVP candidate as well, though he might not be the best player on his team. Yes, he has thrown for 3,321 yards and 25 scores against nine picks, but both RB Michael Turner and WR Roddy White know that they are the keys to this team as well. Turner has been run into the ground, carrying the ball a whopping 300 times for 1,256 yards and 11 scores this year. White, a surefire Pro Bowler, leads the NFL with 106 receptions and has 1,284 yards and eight trips to the end zone to show for his work. Though this secondary is much maligned at times, we have to remember that this pass rush is amazing. DE John Abraham is still searching for the league lead in that category, as he is just a half sack behind with a dozen for the year.

Though the Saints really should have won this fixture the first time around, Atlanta hung in there the entire way. Now, the Falcons can really push New Orleans to the brink and would love to do so. This probably isn’t the final chapter in this rivalry this year, but we think that the second verse will be the same as the first.

Pick: Atlanta Falcons -2

 

[Paceman]

NCAAFB NEWS AND NOTES
What Bettors Need To Know: Independence Bowl
By Covers Staff



Georgia Tech vs. Air Force (-2.5, 56)

The Dec. 27 Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La., should be a clinic in the option.

Georgia Tech leads the nation with 327 rushing yards per game. Air Force ranks second with 317.9 yards per game. Both teams employ an option-based attack that chews up clock but also creates explosive plays.

Coaches have quipped this could be an extremely quick game, as neither team passes much.

Air Force (8-4, 5-3 Mountain West) enters off three straight wins, with the team averaging 41.6 points during the streak. Coach Troy Calhoun, who took over the program in 2007, was just rewarded with a contract extension through 2015.

The offense revolves around junior quarterback Tim Jefferson, who has run for 769 yards and 15 touchdowns while throwing for 1,342 yards and 10 more scores. Asher Clark has run for 1,001 yards and five touchdowns. He averages 5.8 yards a carry.

Wideout Kevin Fogler, who’s been hampered by a knee injury, should return for the Dec. 27 game and add a deep threat that’s been missing.

Air Force is 9-10-1 all-time in bowl games.

Tech is 22-16 in bowls and 3-0 all-time against Air Force, but those wins over the Falcons came in the late 1970s. With a win, Tech (6-6, 4-4 ACC) would post its 14th straight winning season and snap a five-game bowl skid.

Senior quarterback Joshua Nesbitt, who broke his forearm in the Nov. 4 loss at Virginia Tech, had hoped to return for the bowl but that appears highly unlikely. Sophomore backup Tevin Washington, who nearly rallied the Jackets to a comeback win in Blacksburg, Va., has run for 383 yards and four touchdowns in less than four full games. He’s also thrown for 376 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

However, Tech lost four of its last five, including 42-34 in the season finale at archrival Georgia.

The Jackets like to control the ball with powerful B-back Anthony Allen, who’s run for 1,225 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 5.6 yards a carry. A-backs Orwin Smith (9.7 yards a carry) and Roddy Jones (6.7 yards a carry) are big-play threats on the outside.

If Tech has to throw, Washington will need a receiver to step up. Because 6-foot-5 sophomore Stephen Hill, an incredible athlete who averages 19.4 yards per catch, has been ruled ineligible after not meeting Tech's academic requirements. Starting safety Mario Edwards is ineligible for the same reason.

While Tech doesn't expect to have Nesbitt, Air Force is hoping fullback Jared Tew can return from the broken bone in his right leg that kept him out of the last five games. The senior was the backbone of Air Force’s ground game and had rumbled for 540 yards. Calhoun called Tew “a longshot” to play.
Air Force linebacker Brady Amack, who missed the regular-season finale with a hamstring injury, is expected to be available. The Falcons will be without defensive linemen Zach Payne and Bradley Connor. Both suffered knee injuries in the finale, a 35-20 win over UNLV.

 

[Paceman]

BANG THE BOOK

Monday's Best Bowl Bet

Georgia Tech vs. Air Force (-2.5, 56)

If you’re a fan of the triple option offense, this is the duel for you! The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Head Coach Paul Johnson take on a very familiar looking foe on the other side of the field, the Air Force Falcons. These two running schools will have at it in Independence Bowl betting action on December 27th.

The Ramblin’ Wreck really saw their season turn into a bona fide train wreck following a 42-14 win over the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders. It was their second to last win of the year, and just a few weeks later, QB Josh Nesbitt would go down with a season ending injury. G-Tech only beat one other bowl eligible team this year (save the Blue Raiders), and that was way back on September 18th against the North Carolina Tar Heels. This is probably going to be the toughest win of the year if it is earned. Unlike last year when the Yellow Jackets won the ACC, there isn’t that deep passing threat to find like WR Demaryius Thomas. Instead, it really is just a straight triple option look with no wrinkles. QB Tevin Washington is having a hard time really getting things going, as he only guided the team to one win this year, a very against the lowly Duke Blue Devils. The good news is that this is the No. 1 rushing team in the country at over 325 yards per game, and RB Anthony Allen is one of the best in the biz. We lost track of Allen last year in the shadow of ACC Player of the Year RB Jonathan Dwyer, but after Dwyer went pro, Allen shined, rushing for 1,225 yards and six scores.

Air Force has a great ground game too, though, as it ranks No. 2 in the country just behind that of Georgia Tech. Just like the Jackets, the Falcons were given a horrifying blow in the middle of the season when RB Jared Tew was knocked out for the season. That did leave for more carries for the rest of this team, as there were eight players with at least 130 yards on the ground on the campaign, but Tew could have, and probably would have been a 1,000 yard back had he stayed healthy. RB Asher Clark reached the 1,000 yard mark just barely, and he found the end zone five times. QB Tim Jefferson Jr. has been turned loose a bit as a passer. In 2010, Jefferson threw for 1,342 yards and ten TDs. As always, the leader of the triple option ran for 769 yards and 15 scores. Defensively, Air Force has had some problems stopping the run, ranking No. 99 in the land at 190.4 yards per game. Needless to say, that number probably isn’t improving just after Christmas.

The Falcons are flying high having won their final three games of the season in relatively convincing fashion. They played the tougher schedule, they won the tougher games, and they have the healthier and better team. Head Coach Troy Calhoun gets the job done against his familiar nemesis on the opposite sidelines.

Independence Bowl Pick: Air Force Falcons -3

 

[Paceman]

NBA NEWS AND NOTES
Rested Jazz Host Blazers On NBA Odds Slate
By: Willie Bee



Portland Trail Blazers at Utah Jazz (-8, 193)

The Utah Jazz have enjoyed plenty of rest following a successful 3-1 road trip. Like a lot of folks, however, the Jazz have to return to work Monday after their holiday vacation with a matchup against their Northwest Division rivals from Portland.

Utah opened as 8½-point favorites at Bookmaker.com where the total was set at 193. Local-market television coverage begins at 6 p.m. PT from EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City.

When you hear Portland and NBA game mentioned together these days, the first word that should pop into your head is 'injuries.' The Trail Blazers have been dealing with key players missing games all season, and Monday's contest is no different. Center Joel Przybilla is listed as doubtful with an ankle injury and isn't even expected to be in Utah for the game.

The same holds true for guard Brandon Roy who will likely not make the trip. Roy has missed the last four games with his balky knee and Portland somehow managed to win three of them without their second-leading scorer. Of course, all three wins came against the Timberwolves, Warriors and Bucks at home in the Rose Garden where the Blazers are 10-3 to date.

Winning on the road has been an entirely different story, however. Portland is just 5-12 on the NBA highway, 5-9-3 against the spread. The latest road setback was Christmas Day when the Blazers dropped a 109-102 decision as three-point pups at Golden State. Portland fell off in the final quarter after taking a six-point lead into the period. It was the 10th loss to the Warriors in the last 11 meetings, the only win in that span coming a week earlier at home, 96-95, as 5½-point chalk.

Saturday's defeat has Portland heading to Utah on a four-game road losing skid. That's bad news when taking on a Utah team that is 11-5 at home (9-7 ATS).

Utah center Mehmet Okur (ankle), who has appeared in only two games this campaign, is expected to see time on Monday. That should be good news for the Jazz who need all the help on the glass they can get. Utah ranks 28th in the league with 39.5 boards per game.

The Jazz did win the battle on the boards in their last contest, though just barely. Installed as six-point chalk in Minnesota last Wednesday (Dec. 22), Utah just missed the cover with a 112-107 win over the T-Wolves. The Jazz held a slight 45-43 edge in rebounding with Paul Millsap grabbing 11 and Al Jefferson adding nine. Both players scored 23 points, two fewer than Deron Williams' 25.

The cover was missed in part due to shoddy long-range shooting. Utah converted on 49.3 percent of its field goals overall, but hit just 1-of-10 from three-point land. That's well off the team's 34 percent mark for the season. The Jazz outscored Minnesota 37-23 from the charity stripe, or else would've lost the game in addition to failing to cash at the window.

This will be the second meeting this season between the division foes, the first coming Nov. 20 in Portland. Playing the second game of a back-to-back, Utah scored a 103-94 win as 3½-point underdogs. The Jazz trailed by nine entering the final 12 minutes of action and were sparked in the comeback by reserve forward CJ Miles who scored 17 of his 25 points and canned five three-pointers in the fourth quarter.

The two squads will quickly meet again when they square off in Portland on Thursday. Between now and then, Utah will be in Los Angeles on Wednesday to take on the Clippers while Portland ends their three-game road trip Tuesday in Denver.

 

[Paceman]

PICK 'N' ROLL

Monday's Best NBA Bets

Orlando Magic at New Jersey Nets (6, 190)

The new-look Orlando Magic are starting to get comfortable.

Orlando had lost eight of nine before putting up a couple of nice wins, ending San Antonio’s 10-game winning streak before putting an end to a 14-game run the Boston Celtics were on. The new additions played a big part of those wins.

Gilbert Arenas scored 14 points off the pine in the win over the Spurs, while Hedo Turkoglu put up 16 against the Celtics.

"You see what the possibilities are," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy told reporters. "You see that you have a chance to be a really good team. We're not there yet by any means, but you have a chance to be a very good team. And I think that right there, that belief and that confidence that if we will stay with it, we can be very good.

"That's a great thing for our team to get that belief that, yeah, this can work. We can do this."

Orlando already has a 15-point victory over the Nets under its belt this season and should continue the club’s solid play against New Jersey.

Pick: Orlando Magic


Portland Trail Blazers at Utah Jazz (-8, 193)

Mehmet Okur is dying to contribute, but doesn’t want to mess up the good thing the Utah Jazz have going.

Okur went through a full practice on Sunday and it looks as the team is getting ready to increase his minutes after a sprained ankle kept him out of the last two contests. However, that doesn’t mean he’s going to be in the starting five.

"Right now, one thing (is) in my mind: just go out there and play — off the bench, start, whatever," Okur told reporters. "Ten minutes, five minutes. I just want to get into basketball shape first and be able to do all of the same motions like I used to be — running, jumping and stronger."

The club is in no rush to push its big man. Utah has reeled off three straight wins after an up-and-down stretch earlier this month. The Jazz have averaged almost 103 points per game over the streak after getting blown out 100-71 at New Orleans to start the road trip.

Meanwhile, life on the road has been tough for the Blazers, who have dropped 11 of their last 13 as visitors.

Pick: Utah Jazz

 

[Paceman]

NCAABB NEWS AND NOTES
Panthers, Huskies Begin Big East Betting Season
By: Joe Freda



No. 4 UConn Huskies at No. 6 Pittsburgh Panthers (-7.5, 142)

The No. 4 Connecticut Huskies have started their season with a 10-0 record, cashing at 4-0 in the four ‘board’ games of that stretch. Jim Calhoun’s crew puts its streak on the line in Monday’s road matchup against the No. 6 Pittsburgh Panthers, who are 3-5 ATS in the eight betting battles of their 12-1 SU mark.

Connecticut’s latest triumph came in Wednesday’s 81-52 win as a 12 ½-point favorite against the Harvard Crimson. The Huskies held Harvard to 30 percent shooting from the floor of Hartford’s XL Center, putting the duel away early with a 48-21 halftime lead.

Huskies guard Kemba Walker put up a team-high 20 points, draining 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. The junior added four assists, while failing to grab a steal for the first time in 10 games.

Walker’s mate Alex Oriakhi nearly logged a double-double, finishing with 10 points and a team-high nine boards. The sophomore forward hit 3-of-8 from the field, while sinking 4-of-4 at the foul line.

The lopsided affair’s combined 133 points plunged ‘under’ the ‘total’ of 141 ½. Connecticut hit 52.7 percent of its field buckets, while outrebounding the Crimson, 39-27.

Walker and Co. have not traveled since last month’s trio of games in Hawaii for the Maui Invitational, going 3-0 ATS with wins against Kentucky, Michigan State and Wichita State.

The Huskies went 5-4 ATS in their nine road games last season against Big East Conference foes, with the ‘over’ also going 5-4.

Pittsburgh enters conference play following Wednesday’s 61-46 home win against the American University Eagles. The Panthers hit a lowly 13-of-25 free throws, while winning the rebounding battle with American, 37-22.

Panthers guard Brad Wanamaker notched a team-high 19 points, connecting on 6-of-9 shots from the field. The senior leads his squad this year in assists (5.6 APG) and steals (1.8 SPG).

Pittsburgh’s Dante Taylor came off the bench to grab a team-high seven rebounds in 21 minutes of play. The sophomore forward hit 4-of-5 from the field, improving to 70 percent shooting for the season.

The contest’s combined 107 points featured season-low scoring for Pitt, both logged and allowed. Jamie Dixon’s troops went 4-for-13 beyond the arc, while giving up 5-of-17 from three-point land.

Pittsburgh is 1-3 ATS in its four ‘board’ home dates, with the ‘over’ collecting at 4-0. Wanamaker and Co. have scored 87.2 PPG in that span.

The Panthers picked up a 67-57 win as six-point road dogs in last January’s meeting against Connecticut, the most recent duel between the rivals. Pittsburgh was held to 39 percent field-goal shooting, while sinking 17-of-20 from the charity stripe.

Monday’s tip is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. (PT), with ESPN2 providing the national television coverage.

Pittsburgh will have seven days off before its next game, resuming action in next Tuesday’s road date against the Providence Friars. Connecticut will be idle for three days, returning home to face the South Florida Bulls as part of Friday’s college hoops slate

 

[Paceman]

COLLEGE FUNDS

Monday's Best NCAAB Bets

No. 4 UConn Huskies at No. 6 Pittsburgh Panthers (-7.5, 142)

The young UConn Huskies weren’t supposed to be this good this quick.

They head into the beginning of Big East play undefeated despite having seven freshman on the roster and have covered in the last four games they have seen a pointspread. That has the Huskies rolling into this game with a lot of confidence.

"I'm not shocked. I knew coming into the season we could be very strong defensively," UConn guard Kemba Walker told reporters after beating Havard. "I didn't think we could be this good but guys bought into what coach is trying to do. It's working out for us."

But beating Havard is one thing, heading into Pittsburgh for Monday’s game is something totally different.

Pitt has been eying up this game for a while and outside of a terrible game against Tennessee, the Panthers look pretty solid. They haven’t covered the number lately but in this spot opening conference play, look for Pitt to jump on UConn early and ride out a solid home win.

Pick: Pittsburgh Panthers


Northern Illinois Huskies at Missouri Tigers (-25.5)

The Tigers high-flying attack makes for some great entertainment as the club heads into Monday’s date with Northern Illinois sporting the nation’s fifth-best scoring offense in the nation.

They put up 85 points per outing and are coming off a comeback win over Illinois in the Braggin’ Rights game. The Tigers covered as 1-point favorites in that one, but this is a lot of chalk lining up against a scoring threat like Xavier Silas.

Silas went into the Huskies’ last game as the nation’s top scorer though he was held to only 11 points on 3-of-19 shooting in 61-49 loss to Northern Illinois last week.

"I don't know that he got frustrated," coach Ricardo Patton told reporters of Silas following that game. "He just had a man draped on him all night and he found it difficult to get open. We still needed other guys to step up, make shots and make plays."

Don’t count on it – no other play on the team averages eight points a night. The Huskies go as Silas goes and he should be able to keep Huskies supporters in this one.

Pick: Northern Illinois Huskies.

 

[Paceman]

NHL NEWS AND NOTES
Bruins Begin NHL Betting Road Trip In Florida
By: Joe Freda



Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers (-125, 5)

The Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers have both had three days off for the holidays, resuming action against each other as part of Monday’s league schedule. Boston begins a five-game road trip at BankAtlantic Center after going 2-1 in its last three contests, with the ‘under’ cashing at 3-0. Florida starts a three-game homestand following a 6-3 mark in its last nine duels, with the ‘over’ going 5-4.

Bruins goalie Tim Thomas improved to a record of 16-4-3 (35 points) in Thursday’s 4-1 win for Boston as a 160 home favorite against the Atlanta Thrashers. The 36-year-old logged 26 saves, leading his defense in killing all three of Atlanta’s power plays.

Boston’s Shawn Thornton notched two goals, following an early five-minute fighting infraction. The left wing ended an eight-game drought without points, connecting with a slapshot and backhander.

Thornton’s mate Patrice Bergeron logged one goal and one assist, while winning 12-of-17 faceoffs. The Boston center finished with two points for the third time in his last four games.

Bruins left wing Milan Lucic was one of eight players issued penalties for a melee in the third period. Boston’s points leader (27) received an automatic suspension and is listed as “out indefinitely” by DonBest.com, with the number of games still to be determined.

The lopsided affair’s combined five goals ducked below the NHL odds. Boston outshot Atlanta, 36-27, while going 1-for-4 on power play chances.

The Bruins are 9-5-1 (19 points) in their first 15 road games, with the ‘under’ collecting at 7-4-4. Bergeron and Co. have allowed 33.7 SOG per game in that span, while killing 86.3 percent of their penalties.

Florida ended a three-game road swing with Thursday’s 4-3 win as a 173 underdog against the Buffalo Sabres. Panthers defenseman Jason Garrison poked a go-ahead goal at 14:53 of the third period to bail out his squad, who blew an early 3-0 lead.

Garrison’s mates Chris Higgins and Evgeny Dadonov logged two goals and two assists, respectively. Higgins ended a two-game scoring slump, while Dadonov picked up points for the fourth time in his last five games.

Panthers netminder Tomas Vokoun stopped 45-of-48 shots, allowing one goal in his squad’s five shorthanded stints. The Czechoslovakia native improved to 14-13 in his 27 outings, while inflating his GAA to 2.51.

The contest’s combined seven goals leaped ‘over’ the ‘total’ of 5 ½. Florida went 1-for-4 on its power play chances, while outdrawing Buffalo in faceoffs, 35-26.

The Panthers are 7-6 in their 13 home dates, with the ‘over’ also going 7-6. Peter DeBoer’s crew has launched 33.5 SOG per game in that stretch, while scoring on 10.9 percent of its power plays.

Boston is 4-1 in its last five meetings against Florida, with the ‘under’ cashing at 4-0-1.

The Bruins picked up a 3-1 win as 127 road favorites in a Nov. 24 clash between the foes. Thomas recorded 31 saves for Boston, while his mates scored all three of their goals in the duel’s final stanza.

Monday’s rematch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. (PT), with NESN and Fox Sports Florida providing television coverage.

Boston is playing the front end of a back-to-back spot, continuing its road journey with Tuesday night’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Florida will be idle for three days, remaining home for Friday afternoon's matinee against the Montreal Canadiens.

 

[Paceman]

ICE PICKS

Monday's Best NHL Bets

New York Islanders at New York Rangers (N/A)

The Rangers went into the Christmas break with a sour feeling after losses to the Flyers and Lightning. The Blue Shirts allowed seven goals in those two setbacks, maybe an indication that they’re missing gritty forward Ryan Callahan more than many thought.

"I try not to talk a lot about injuries, but we're not going to replace Ryan Callahan," Rangers coach John Tortorella told the New York Post before the shootout loss to Tampa Bay. "He's one of the guys out of anyone on the team who is critical to how we want to play.

"I'm not making excuses, but he'll surely be missed," he said. "It's a major hamper on our lineup, what Ryan Callahan does for us. We try to play a style that I think we can be successful with, and he's a huge part of the engine of our team, that's all I need to say."

On the positive side, Tortorella’s team should have sniper Marian Gaborik back on the ice on Monday. The winger missed Thursday’s game against the Lightning because of a nagging groin injury but is expected to return for the tilt against the Islanders.

Expect the Rangers to be the more energetic of the two teams on Monday because the Islanders are playing their second game in as many nights.

Pick: New York Rangers


Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers (-125, 5)

Sometimes a couple of wins is all it takes to unite a locker room. There were rumors floating of unrest between players – particularly centers Patrice Bergeron and Marc Savard – during Boston’s early December slump. But from the sounds of things, the Bruins are a much more harmonious bunch as they enter the post-Christmas part of their schedule.

Boston backers witnessed an example of that togetherness when B’s defenseman Andrew Ference stuck up for Milan Lucic after the winger took a nasty cheap shot from Thrasher blueliner Freddy Meyer.

“Those situations always bond and bring teams even closer together,” Bruins captain Zdeno Chara told the Boston Herald. “It’s a good feeling when you can rely on each other in situations like this; there is nothing better than that.

“We have so many quality character guys that it doesn’t matter who it is on the ice. We probably have one of the toughest teams in the league and anybody can really drop the gloves and stick up for each other.”

That new-found cohesiveness will push the Bruins past the Panthers.

Pick: Boston Bruins

 

[Paceman]

BETTORS' TIPS AND NOTES
Bettors' Best Friend (BBF): Monday's Wagering Tips
By Covers Staff



Lines To Watch

Saints-Falcons – total is up to 49 after opening at 47.5.

Who’s Hot

NFL: Atlanta Falcons have covered in six straight.

NBA: Dallas Mavericks have covered in 11 of their last 15.

NBA: Memphis Grizzlies have covered seven times over their last nine games.

NBA: Houston Rockets are on a 4-0 ATS run.

NHL: Buffalo Sabres have won 10 of their last 15 games against Calgary.

NHL: San Jose Sharks have won four straight.

Who’s Not

NCAAF: Air Force has covered in only two of its last nine games.

NBA: Orlando Magic have covered three of their last 11.

NBA: Milwaukee Bucks have covered in two of their last nine home games.

NBA: Sacramento Kings have covered in six of their last 20 games.

NHL: Columbus Blue Jackets have one win in their last six games.

Key Stat

644.9 – The number of rushing yards per game Georgia Tech and Air Force combine for. The two clubs own the best running games in the nation and combined for just 299 passing attempts this season.

Injury That Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

Brandon Roy (knee) Portland Trail Blazers – Brandon Roy’s knee issue is becoming a major problem. Roy won’t join the team on its upcoming road trip marking six consecutive games that he has sat out. While Roy watches on, the Blazers have dropped five of their last seven against the number.

Game Of The Day

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (-2.5, 49)

Notable Quotable

"I didn't know how big the rivalry was until I got here. Saints fans don't like Falcons fans, and Falcons fans don't like Saints fans. That's what helps the rivalry. It's not always so much the players because the players are always in and out. But the fans are what make a rivalry. – Saints strong safety Roman Harper on the Saints-Falcons rivalry.

Tips And Notes

Georgia Tech will be without a number of regulars for Monday’s game against Air Force. Last week four players, including leading receiver Stephen Hill and starting safety Mario Edwards, were ruled out for academic issues and then Anthony Egbuniwe and defensive backs Michael Peterson and Louis Young violated curfew and will miss at least the first half of the game.

Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle will not be on the bench when his club visits Oklahoma City following minor knee surgery. Dwane Casey will take care of practice and act as head coach for the game. The Mavs have won four straight after dropping a game to the Bucks earlier this month.

Changes may be on the way for the Memphis Grizzlies. The club’s coach Lionel Hollins isn’t happy with his team’s versatility and speculation is that the Grizzlies are looking to make some moves and then dip into the free agent market heavily in the offseason. The Grizzlies have lost three straight heading into Monday’s game against Indiana.

 

[Paceman]

TRAVIS WILSON
DECEMBER 27th, 2010-CARD FOR MONDAY:
10* MAX PICK* BOSTON BRUINS -125 @ FLORIDA PANTHERS

 

[Paceman]

SIXTH SENSE

3% ATLANTA -2.5
3% NEW ORLEANS/ATLANTA OVER 48.5

ATLANTA -2.5 New Orleans 48.5

ATLANTA 33 NEW ORLEANS 24