Mr. A
Divisional Playoffs
Saturday, January 10th, 4:30 p.m. est.
Baltimore Ravens (12-5) at Tennessee Titans (13-3)
This will be a physical hard fought battle, between similar teams. Tennessee won the last meeting, 13-10 in Week 5 at Baltimore tying the series at 8-8. Baltimore has an edge with their sound defense, but the Titans have home field advantage. Take the points in a close fight likely to be decided in the closing minutes by a field goal. Baltimore is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games and 6-2 ATS in their last 8 meetings against the Titans in Tennessee.
Saturday, January 10th, 8:00 p.m. est.
Arizona Cardinals (10-7) at Carolina Panthers (12-4)
Carolina’s banged up defense played well last week, but will have a big assignment against the Cardinals high-octane offense. I believe this will be a close battle for most of the game with the Panthers rushing attack moving the chains without difficulty against the Cardinals’ ineffective defense, but at the end Carolina pulls away. The Panthers are a perfect 8-0 at home, while the Cardinals are 3-5 on the road.
Baltimore Ravens +3
Carolina Panthers -10
Divisional Playoffs
Saturday, January 10th, 4:30 p.m. est.
Baltimore Ravens (12-5) at Tennessee Titans (13-3)
This will be a physical hard fought battle, between similar teams. Tennessee won the last meeting, 13-10 in Week 5 at Baltimore tying the series at 8-8. Baltimore has an edge with their sound defense, but the Titans have home field advantage. Take the points in a close fight likely to be decided in the closing minutes by a field goal. Baltimore is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games and 6-2 ATS in their last 8 meetings against the Titans in Tennessee.
Saturday, January 10th, 8:00 p.m. est.
Arizona Cardinals (10-7) at Carolina Panthers (12-4)
Carolina’s banged up defense played well last week, but will have a big assignment against the Cardinals high-octane offense. I believe this will be a close battle for most of the game with the Panthers rushing attack moving the chains without difficulty against the Cardinals’ ineffective defense, but at the end Carolina pulls away. The Panthers are a perfect 8-0 at home, while the Cardinals are 3-5 on the road.
Baltimore Ravens +3
Carolina Panthers -10
Gina's
Saturday, January 10th, 4:30 p.m. est.
Baltimore Ravens (12-5) at Tennessee Titans (13-3)
The Ravens stopped the Titans’ running game in the last fight in October and will do it again. Expect another close battle in Nashville, five of the last six games have been decided by less than 7 points. Take the points! Baltimore has covered the spread in six of their last 8 meetings in Tennessee and the Underdog is 13-4 ATS in their last 17 meetings.
Baltimore Ravens +3
Saturday, January 10th, 8:00 p.m. est.
Arizona Cardinals (10-7) at Carolina Panthers (12-4)
Carolina has won the last five meetings, including a 27-23 victory in October at Bank of America Stadium, quite hard to go against the home team in this contest The Panthers are a perfect 8-0 at home and is 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games at home, but laying 10 in this playoff battle is iffy. Then again, going with Arizona appears to be a worse call. The Cardinals went 3-5 on the road this season and lost all five visits to the East Coast this season. Go with the Panthers to beat the Cardinals with their aggressive ground attack and take their ninth straight victory in their house.
Carolina Panthers -10
Saturday, January 10th, 4:30 p.m. est.
Baltimore Ravens (12-5) at Tennessee Titans (13-3)
The Ravens stopped the Titans’ running game in the last fight in October and will do it again. Expect another close battle in Nashville, five of the last six games have been decided by less than 7 points. Take the points! Baltimore has covered the spread in six of their last 8 meetings in Tennessee and the Underdog is 13-4 ATS in their last 17 meetings.
Baltimore Ravens +3
Saturday, January 10th, 8:00 p.m. est.
Arizona Cardinals (10-7) at Carolina Panthers (12-4)
Carolina has won the last five meetings, including a 27-23 victory in October at Bank of America Stadium, quite hard to go against the home team in this contest The Panthers are a perfect 8-0 at home and is 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games at home, but laying 10 in this playoff battle is iffy. Then again, going with Arizona appears to be a worse call. The Cardinals went 3-5 on the road this season and lost all five visits to the East Coast this season. Go with the Panthers to beat the Cardinals with their aggressive ground attack and take their ninth straight victory in their house.
Carolina Panthers -10
Johnny Guild
Saturday, January 10th, 2008
Baltimore Ravens (12-5) at Tennessee Titans (13-3)
Site: LP Field - Nashville, Tennessee
Series Record: Tied (9-9 -- 1-1 in playoffs)
Home Record: Baltimore 6-2; Tennessee 7-1
Road Record: Baltimore 6-3; Tennessee 6-2
Last Meeting: 10/05/08 (Tennessee, 13-10 at Baltimore)
Expect a hard fought defensive battle between the Ravens and Titans, when they square off in Tennessee. The Ravens overall defense is ranked second best in the league allowing 261 yards per-game, while the Titans overall defense is ranked seventh best in the league allowing 293 yards per-game. The Titans beat the Ravens 13-10 in the final minutes in Week 5 in Baltimore and have won three of the last four meetings. Also, Tennessee has home field advantage and finds ways to win. Nevertheless, Baltimore has improved since the last meeting. The Ravens have 10 of their last 12 games and quarterback Joe Flacco has played better. I believe this will be a close contest and the Titans will have bigger problems against the Ravens powerful defense, especially against Baltimore’s run defense. Take the points! Baltimore is 6-1 both straight-up and against the spread in its last 7 road games. Plus the underdog has been profitable in this series, going 13-4 ATS in their last 17 clashes.
Baltimore Ravens +3
Carolina Panthers -9.5
Saturday, January 10th, 2008
Baltimore Ravens (12-5) at Tennessee Titans (13-3)
Site: LP Field - Nashville, Tennessee
Series Record: Tied (9-9 -- 1-1 in playoffs)
Home Record: Baltimore 6-2; Tennessee 7-1
Road Record: Baltimore 6-3; Tennessee 6-2
Last Meeting: 10/05/08 (Tennessee, 13-10 at Baltimore)
Expect a hard fought defensive battle between the Ravens and Titans, when they square off in Tennessee. The Ravens overall defense is ranked second best in the league allowing 261 yards per-game, while the Titans overall defense is ranked seventh best in the league allowing 293 yards per-game. The Titans beat the Ravens 13-10 in the final minutes in Week 5 in Baltimore and have won three of the last four meetings. Also, Tennessee has home field advantage and finds ways to win. Nevertheless, Baltimore has improved since the last meeting. The Ravens have 10 of their last 12 games and quarterback Joe Flacco has played better. I believe this will be a close contest and the Titans will have bigger problems against the Ravens powerful defense, especially against Baltimore’s run defense. Take the points! Baltimore is 6-1 both straight-up and against the spread in its last 7 road games. Plus the underdog has been profitable in this series, going 13-4 ATS in their last 17 clashes.
Baltimore Ravens +3
Carolina Panthers -9.5
Brett Maverick Sports
Kansas State +1 One Star Free
Last night we followed our 20 Star Gators victory with our NBA 10 Star Play of the week cashing with the Pistons winning outright as a dog in Denver. Today we have our 20 Star NFL Play. One of the biggest public traps of the day comes at Kansas State as the public is currently playing the Sooners at 81% to 19% for K State. Kansas State is 9-1 ats the last 10 vs the Sooners and a perfect 5-0 ats the last 5 at home in the series. OU is only 7-16 ats the last 23 on the road. Take Kansas State to burn the public money again today.
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Kansas State +1 One Star Free
Last night we followed our 20 Star Gators victory with our NBA 10 Star Play of the week cashing with the Pistons winning outright as a dog in Denver. Today we have our 20 Star NFL Play. One of the biggest public traps of the day comes at Kansas State as the public is currently playing the Sooners at 81% to 19% for K State. Kansas State is 9-1 ats the last 10 vs the Sooners and a perfect 5-0 ats the last 5 at home in the series. OU is only 7-16 ats the last 23 on the road. Take Kansas State to burn the public money again today.
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ope:THE SPORTS ADVISORS
(25) West Virginia (11-3, 5-6 ATS) at (18) Marquette (14-2, 5-5-1 ATS)
Surging Marquette will go for its seventh straight victory when it hosts West Virginia in a matchup of ranked Big East teams at the Bradley Center.
The Golden Eagles edged Rutgers 81-76 Wednesday, posting their sixth straight win, but they failed to cash as an 8½-point road chalk, halting a 3-0 ATS surge. Marquette’s offense has been quite consistent in its last four outings, putting up 84, 79, 84 and 81 points, respectively, and those numbers hover right around the Eagles’ season average of 80.4 ppg. Marquette has won its past five games by an average final of 17 ppg (79-62), including a seven-point home win over then-No. 15 Villanova laying three points, followed by an 84-50 home blitzing of Cincinnati as a 10-point chalk last weekend.
The Mountaineers fell to Connecticut 61-55 Tuesday as a 3½-point home favorite, which ended a 5-0 SU run (3-1 ATS in lined games) that pushed Bob Huggins’ squad into the Top 25. During that streak, West Virginia was running up 81.4 ppg and allowing just 55.4 ppg, including back-to-back road routs of Seton Hall (92-66) and Ohio State (76-48) prior to the UConn setback. For the season, the Mountaineers are averaging 74.6 ppg and allowing 56.6, and on the road this year, they are outscoring opponents by more than 15 ppg (79.0-63.8).
West Virginia is 2-1 SU and ATS against Marquette over the past three years, including a 79-64 home win last season laying 3½ points. In fact, the home team won and covered in all three meetings.
The Golden Eagles are on ATS runs of 14-4-1 at home against teams with a winning road record and 10-4 in Big East play. The Mountaineers are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games following a SU loss, but they are also 1-4 ATS in their last five after a non-cover.
The over for Marquette is on upticks of 20-8 on Saturday and 27-13 in conference games, and the over for West Virginia is on rolls of 7-2 in the Big East and 9-4 on the road, but the under has hit in five of the Mountaineers’ last seven overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MARQUETTE
N.C. State (9-3, 5-3 ATS) at (12) Clemson (15-0, 5-5 ATS)
Clemson puts its perfect record on the line in an ACC contest against North Carolina State at Littlejohn Coliseum.
The Tigers held off Alabama 65-59 Tuesday night but fell well short of covering the 15-point spread in taking their second straight ATS loss. It was the first time since Nov. 22 that Clemson had been held to less than 76 points, a span of 10 games. Prior to beating the Crimson Tide, the Tigers had averaged 89.3 ppg in road wins over Miami (91-72) and South Carolina (98-87), as well as a home win over East Carolina (79-66). Clemson, averaging 81.6 ppg for the season, has won its last five outings by an average score of 82-64.
The Wolfpack lost to Florida 68-66 last Saturday to halt a two-game SU streak, but they covered as an 11-point road pup for their second straight ATS win. Over its last five games, North Carolina State has outscored opponents by just over seven points per game (71.8-64.4). But on the road this season, the ‘Pack are averaging 65.5 ppg – more than seven points below their season average – while allowing just a basket less at 63.5 ppg.
Clemson is on a 3-0 SU and ATS run in this rivalry, sweeping both of last year’s meetings, including a 70-54 home win as a healthy 12½-point favorite. The favorite is on a 4-0 ATS roll, and the road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five contests.
The Tigers have cashed just once in their last five home games, but they are on a 4-0 ATS streak in ACC games. The Wolfpack, meanwhile, have covered in five of their last seven contests overall, but they are on ATS skids of 3-13-1 in conference play, 2-7 on the highway, 2-6 after a spread-cover and 9-23-1 after a SU loss.
The under for Clemson is on stretches of 6-0 in Saturday games, 4-1 at home and 6-2-1 after an ATS loss, and the under for N.C. State is on runs of 5-2 overall and 4-1 on the road, but the over for the Wolfpack is on streaks of 16-5 in conference play and 30-12-2 on Saturday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEMSON
(23) Louisville (10-3, 6-7 ATS) at (18) Villanova (13-2, 5-6 ATS)
Two more ranked Big East teams square off when Villanova goes off campus to the much more spacious Wachovia Center for a home game against Louisville.
The Wildcats outlasted Seton Hall 89-85 in overtime Tuesday for their fifth win in the last six games, but they failed to cover for the second straight game and are just 2-4 ATS in their last six lined contests. The game was tied at 76 after regulation, just a shade above Villanova’s season average of 73.7 ppg, and although the Wildcats have outscored opponents by more than 14 ppg on the year, that gap has been just over six ppg in the past six contests (71.7-65.3).
The Cardinals rolled over South Florida 71-57 as an 11-point road chalk, winning their second straight game and halting a two-game ATS hiccup that included a stunning 56-55 home loss to UNLV as a 13½-point favorite on New Year’s Eve. Louisville has outscored opponents by more than 14 ppg this season (75.6-61.1), but that margin has tightened up in the past five games, with the Cardinals averaging 69.2 ppg while allowing 63.2.
Louisville is 3-0 ATS (1-2 SU) in the last three contests with Villanova, including a 68-54 home win last year giving 11 points. However, the Cardinals lost SU in Philadelphia in 2006 and 2007.
The Wildcats have covered in their last four Saturday outings, but they are in ATS ruts of 2-6 against winning teams, 1-6 against teams with a winning percentage above .600 and 6-13 after a non-cover. The Cardinals are on a 2-6 ATS decline overall and are on further pointspread dips of 1-6 against winning teams and 1-5 after a SU win, but they also carry positive ATS trends of 25-7-1 in conference play, 18-6-1 on the road and 7-3 on Saturday.
The under for Villanova is on tears of 20-7-1 overall, 7-1 after a SU win, 16-5 on Saturday, 23-9 at home and 9-4 against the Big East, and the under for Louisville is on streaks of 4-1 after a spread-cover and 20-8-1 after a SU win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Kansas (11-3, 5-3 ATS) at (8) Michigan State (12-2, 6-5 ATS)
Streaking Michigan State aims to keep rolling when it hosts defending national champion Kansas at the Breslin Center.
The Spartans dropped Ohio State 67-58 Tuesday for their eighth consecutive victory, though they fell short of cashing as an 11-point home chalk, ending a 3-0 ATS run. Michigan State hasn’t allowed more than 66 points throughout its 8-0 SU stretch, outscoring its last five opponents by more than 10 ppg (72.6-66.2), including road wins at Texas, Minnesota and Northwestern. On their home floor this year, the Spartans are putting up 83.4 ppg while allowing 66.9.
The Jayhawks fended off Siena 91-84 laying 12½ points Tuesday at home for their third straight win, and though they’ve played just six lined games in their last 10, they’ve gone 4-2 ATS. The win over Siena followed last Saturday’s 92-85 home victory as a three-point favorite against then-No. 14 Tennessee, meaning Kansas has cracked 90 points in consecutive games. However, in the Jayhawks’ lone true road game this season, they were dealt an 84-67 loss at Arizona catching 2½ points.
These teams have met twice since 1999, with Michigan State going 2-0 ATS and the teams splitting SU wins. Most recently, Kansas won 81-74 giving 7½ points at home in November 2003.
The Spartans are just 1-4 ATS in their last four home games, but they are on positive pointspread runs of 5-0 against the Big 12, 4-0 on Saturday, 5-1 after a non-cover and 4-1 against winning teams. The Jayhawks are on ATS surges of 11-4 overall, 4-0 on Saturday, 4-1 on the road and 13-5 in non-conference action, but they’ve failed to cash in six straight games versus the Big Ten.
The over for Kansas is on tears of 6-1 overall, 6-0 after a SU win and 6-1 outside the Big 12, but the under is 4-1 in the Jayhawks’ last five games against Big Ten foes. The over has hit in seven of Michigan State’s last nine against the Big 12, but the under for the Spartans is on streaks of 6-2 overall, 4-1 outside the Big Ten and 4-1 at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MICHIGAN STATE
(6) Oklahoma (14-1, 5-5 ATS) at Kansas State (11-3, 3-3-1 ATS)
Oklahoma, with just one blemish on its record in non-conference action, opens up Big 12 play with a trip to Manhattan to take on Kansas State.
The Sooners, whose lone defeat was a 96-88 road setback Dec. 30 at Arkansas as a 5½-point road favorite, followed that by wiping their home floor in two non-lined games against overmatched opponents. Oklahoma whipped Coppin State 93-62 last Saturday, then pounded Maryland-Eastern Shore 100-64. For the season, the Sooners have averaged 81.7 ppg and allowed just 65.3, though both those numbers are up over the last five games (86.4 points scored, 70.0 allowed).
The Wildcats are on a six-game winning streak, but only two of those victories came in lined games, and their current run followed an 0-3 SU (1-2 ATS) skid against much more legitimate foes in Kentucky, Iowa and Oregon. On Monday, K-State ripped Chicago State 99-68 at home in a non-lined contest. In their last five games (all at home), the Wildcats won by an average score of 88.8-55.4, but only one of those was a lined contest – an 83-57 victory over Idaho State laying 22 points.
Kansas State is on a 4-0 ATS surge (2-2 SU) in this rivalry, winning and cashing in the last two contests, including an 84-82 road upset last January as a 7½-point pup. The Wildcats are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings in Manhattan, and the underdog is on a 7-2 ATS tear.
The Sooners have failed to cash in their last three lined affairs and are on further ATS plunges of 7-18 in the Big 12, 16-37-2 on the road and 6-13 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. The Wildcats are 37-15 ATS in their last 52 Saturday contests, but are otherwise on pointspread purges of 4-11-1 overall, 0-7 in conference play, 2-7 against winning teams, 2-6-1 after a SU win and 2-5-1 at home.
The under for Oklahoma is on streaks of 7-0 in Big 12 action, 5-0 in Saturday games and 7-2-1 on the road, and the under is 6-2 in Kansas State’s last eight overall. However, the over is 8-2 in the Wildcats’ last 10 Big 12 outings, 4-0 with K-State facing a winning team and 4-0 in the last four clashes between these two rivals.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
(2) Duke (13-1, 8-5 ATS) at Florida State (13-2, 6-3 ATS)
After wrapping up its non-conference campaign with five consecutive victories, Duke rolls into Tallahassee for its ACC opener against Florida State.
The Blue Devils had little trouble with Stephen Curry and Davidson on Wednesday, coasting to a 79-67 victory. However, they came up short as a 14-point home chalk, halting a 3-0 ATS tear. During its five-game winning streak, Duke is averaging 84.2 ppg (48.9 percent shooting) and allowing 56.4 ppg (39.9 percent).
Florida State is coming off consecutive blowout wins over Western Kentucky (82-69 as a 6½-point chalk at a neutral site) and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (69-48 in a non-lined home game). The Seminoles have allowed more than 60 points just once in their last seven games, but they face a high-powered Blue Devils squad that’s scored at least 70 points in 13 of its 14 contests.
Duke has played two true road games to this point, beating Purdue 76-60 as a two-point underdog and losing to Michigan 81-73 as a 9½-point chalk. The Seminoles are 7-1 at home, but just 1-2 ATS in lined games, including a 56-48 loss to then-No. 3 Pitt as a seven-point underdog on Dec. 21. In its only other game against a Top 25 opponent, Florida State edged rival Florida (ranked 25th) 57-55 as a two-point home underdog.
The Seminoles have taken two of the last three meetings in this rivalry, and they’re 7-2 ATS In the last nine matchups, all as an underdog. However, in last year’s lone clash, Duke went to Tallahassee and prevailed 70-57 as a 5½-point road favorite.
Duke is 5-2 ATS in its last seven overall, but 1-5 ATS in its last six Saturday contests and it finished last year in a 3-7-1 ATS funk in ACC play. Meanwhile, Florida State is on ATS tears of 10-4-1 overall in lined games, 4-0-1 in ACC action and 8-3 after a SU win, but the “Noles are 4-12-1 ATS in their last 17 lined home games and 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 on Saturday.
The under is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings in this rivalry, with the last six in Tallahassee staying low. Also, for the Blue Devils, the under is on stretches of 16-5 overall and 5-0 in ACC play, while the under is 4-1 in FSU’s last five overall and 13-6 in its last 19 at home. Conversely, the over is 7-2 in Duke’s last nine roadies and 8-2 the Seminoles’ last 10 on Saturday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Vanderbilt (11-3, 6-5 ATS) at Kentucky (11-4, 6-3-1 ATS)
Vanderbilt carries a six-game winning streak into the start of its SEC season as it travels to Lexington for a clash with Kentucky, which has won six of its last seven.
The Commodores destroyed UMass a week ago today, rolling 78-48 as a one-point underdog. Since consecutive losses to Illinois-Chicago (74-55) and Georgia Tech (63-51), Vanderbilt has ripped off six straight wins (3-1 ATS in lined games), averaging 77 ppg and allowing just 53.7 ppg. In fact, 10 of the team’s last 11 games have been double-digit blowouts, with the Commodores winning eight of those contests.
The Wildcats have been idle since Sunday’s 74-71 loss to archrival Louisville, though they covered as a 7½-point road underdog. That snapped Kentucky’s six-game winning streak, during which Billy Gillespie’s squad averaged 85.8 ppg and allowed 61.2 ppg. The ‘Cats are on a 5-1 ATS roll (4-1 ATS at home).
These schools split their season series last year, with Kentucky winning 79-73 in overtime as a one-point favorite, while Vanderbilt got revenge in a big way a month later, hammering the Wildcats 93-52 as a four-point home chalk. The Commodores are 5-1 in the last six meetings (3-3 ATS), but Kentucky is on ATS streaks of 9-4 overall and 5-2 at home in this rivalry.
In addition to the rout at UMass, Vanderbilt’s only other true road game this season was the 12-point loss at Georgia Tech on Dec. 6. Meanwhile, Kentucky is 9-2 at Rupp Arena (4-2 ATS).
Vandy is on pointspread upticks of 5-2 on Saturday, 5-2 after a SU win and 21-6 when coming off a victory of more than 20 points, but it is has failed to cover in seven of its last 10 against winning teams. Kentucky, in addition to being 5-1 ATS in its last six overall and 4-1 ATS in its last five at home, is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 SEC contests and 8-3 ATS in its last 11 on Saturday.
The under is on runs of 7-1-1 for Vandy overall, 9-2 for Vandy on the road, 4-1 for Vandy on Saturday, 7-3 for Kentucky on Saturday and 9-3 for Kentucky in SEC play. Also, the last four series meetings at Rupp Arena have stayed low. However, the Wildcats have topped the total in four of their last five overall, and the over is 4-1 in the Commodores’ last five conference games.
ATS ADVANTAGE: KENTUCKY
(5) UConn (13-1, 5-5 ATS) at Cincinnati (10-5, 3-6 ATS)
UConn hits the road for a Big East battle for the second time this week when it visits Fifth Third Arena for a clash with the slumping Bearcats.
The Huskies dumped No. 25 West Virginia 61-55 as a 3½-point road underdog Tuesday. UConn has followed up it’s only loss – a 74-63 home defeat to Georgetown in its Big East opener – with consecutive wins, including an 80-49 blowout of Rutgers. The Huskies have held seven of their last 10 opponents to 58 points or less.
Cincinnati has followed up a four-game winning streak with three consecutive SU and ATS setbacks, including Wednesday’s 87-79 home loss to Providence as a four-point home chalk. All five of the Bearcats’ losses this season have been by nine points or more, with an average margin of defeat of 15.8 ppg. That includes a 76-66 home loss to then-No. 10 Xavier in its only game against a ranked foe.
The Huskies went to Cincinnati last year and eked out an 84-83 victory, coming up short as a 4½-point road chalk. However, when the teams got together in the Big East tournament six weeks later, UConn cruised to a 96-51 win as an 11½-point favorite.
The Bearcats are 9-2 at home, but only 2-3 ATS in lined action, while the Huskies are 6-0 in road/neutral-site contests (4-2 ATS).
UConn is 6-2 ATS in its last eight Saturday affairs and 11-5-1 ATS in its last 16 against teams with a winning record, but Jim Calhoun’s club is just 6-14-1 ATS in its last 21 after a spread-cover. Cincinnati has failed to cash in seven of its last nine at home, five of its last six league games and four in a row versus winning teams, but the ‘Cats are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 after a SU defeat.
The over is on streaks of 5-2 for UConn in Big East play, 6-1 for UConn after an ATS triumph, 6-2 for Cincinnati overall, 5-0 for Cincinnati at home, 7-0 for Cincinnati on Saturday and 6-2 for Cincinnati in Big East play. Finally, last year’s two meetings easily soared over the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UCONN and OVER
Cal (14-2, 10-3 ATS) at Washington (11-3, 8-4 ATS)
Washington puts a nine-game overall and a 10-game home winning streak on the line when it hosts Pac-10 rival Cal, which has won eight in a row.
The Huskies rallied from a nine-point second-half deficit against Stanford on Thursday, getting the game-winning bucket with less than five seconds remaining to pull out an 84-83 home victory. However, Washington’s 3-0 ATS run ended, as it came up short as a 6½-point favorite. The Huskies have topped 80 points in six of their last eight games, and they’ve held seven opponents to 67 points or less during their nine-game winning streak.
Cal put away Washington State 57-50 as a three-point underdog Thursday, improving to 3-0 SU and ATS in Pac-10 play. The Bears have cashed in all seven of their lines contests during their eight-game winning streak, going 3-0 SU and ATS as an underdog. Also, Mike Montgomery’s team has allowed more than 70 points just once during its current run and only four times this year.
The road team swept last year’s season series, with both pulling off outright upsets. However, the Bears knocked Washington out of the Pac-10 tournament with an 84-81 victory as a two-point favorite. All three meetings last year were decided by a total of 10 points.
Cal is 3-2 SU and ATS on the highway, while the Huskies have won all 10 home games but are just 2-5 ATS.
In addition to its 7-0 ATS tear, Cal is on pointspread streaks of 11-5 on the road, 6-1 in Pac-10 play, 6-0 against winning teams and 4-1 on Saturday. Meanwhile, Washington is 6-2 ATS in its last eight overall, 6-2 ATS in its last eight at home and 5-1 ATS in its last six on Saturday.
For the Bears, the over is on stretches of 5-2 overall, 17-6 on the road, 19-7 in league action, 9-2 on Saturday and 32-11-1 after a SU victory. The over is also 6-1 in Washington’s last seven Pac-10 games and 8-2 in its last 10 on Saturday, but otherwise the Huskies are on “under” streaks of 7-3 overall and 6-2 at home. In this rivalry, the over has cashed in the last three meetings after the under had gone 6-1 in the previous seven clashes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Miami (Fla.) (11-3, 5-4 ATS) at (17) Boston College (13-3, 7-4 ATS)
Boston College will try to rebound from a shocking loss to Harvard when it resumes ACC play with a home game against the Hurricanes.
Three days after handing top-ranked North Carolina its first loss of the season – 85-78 as a 23-point underdog in both teams’ ACC debut – the Eagles were involved in an even more surprising outcome, losing 82-70 at Harvard as a 17-point home favorite. In becoming the first ranked team to ever lose to Harvard, Boston College saw its 10-game SU winning streak and 3-0 ATS run come to a screeching halt. The Eagles have scored at least 80 points in 11 of their 13 victories while averaging just 61.3 ppg in their three defeats.
Miami has won four in a row and seven of its last eight, with the one blemish being a 91-72 home loss to 25th-ranked Clemson as a three-point chalk in its ACC opener Dec. 21. In its most recent outing Monday, the Hurricanes pounded Florida Atlantic 85-69, but fell short as a 21½-point favorite. Miami has poured in at least 70 points in all but one game this season and is averaging 81.3 ppg during its four-game winning streak.
The ‘Canes bashed B.C. 74-61 as an 8½-point home favorite last year to end a 13-game losing streak to the Eagles. The final setback during the losing skid was a 76-66 loss in Chestnut Hill as a 1½-point underdog in the first meeting last season. Boston College is 10-2 ATS in the last 12 head-to-head clashes, including 5-1 ATS (6-0 SU) in the last six battles in Chestnut Hill. Also, the favorite has cashed in six of the past seven meetings.
With the loss to Harvard, the Eagles fell to 10-1 at home (4-2 ATS). Miami is 4-1 SU and ATS in road/neutral-site contests, but the Hurricanes – who entered the season in the Top 25 – are 0-2 SU and ATS against the two ranked teams they’ve faced, falling to No. 25 Clemson and No. 2 UConn (76-63).
Miami sports a bevy of ATS streaks, including 23-11-3 overall, 12-5-3 on the road, 6-1-3 on Saturday and 10-1-2 after a pointspread setback. The Eagles are 5-2 ATS at home dating to last year and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 after a SU defeat.
The over is on runs of 7-2 for Miami on Saturday, 13-4 for Miami after a non-cover, 4-1 for B.C. overall, 39-19-1 for B.C. at home and 4-1 for B.C. on Saturday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON COLLEGE and OVER
(25) West Virginia (11-3, 5-6 ATS) at (18) Marquette (14-2, 5-5-1 ATS)
Surging Marquette will go for its seventh straight victory when it hosts West Virginia in a matchup of ranked Big East teams at the Bradley Center.
The Golden Eagles edged Rutgers 81-76 Wednesday, posting their sixth straight win, but they failed to cash as an 8½-point road chalk, halting a 3-0 ATS surge. Marquette’s offense has been quite consistent in its last four outings, putting up 84, 79, 84 and 81 points, respectively, and those numbers hover right around the Eagles’ season average of 80.4 ppg. Marquette has won its past five games by an average final of 17 ppg (79-62), including a seven-point home win over then-No. 15 Villanova laying three points, followed by an 84-50 home blitzing of Cincinnati as a 10-point chalk last weekend.
The Mountaineers fell to Connecticut 61-55 Tuesday as a 3½-point home favorite, which ended a 5-0 SU run (3-1 ATS in lined games) that pushed Bob Huggins’ squad into the Top 25. During that streak, West Virginia was running up 81.4 ppg and allowing just 55.4 ppg, including back-to-back road routs of Seton Hall (92-66) and Ohio State (76-48) prior to the UConn setback. For the season, the Mountaineers are averaging 74.6 ppg and allowing 56.6, and on the road this year, they are outscoring opponents by more than 15 ppg (79.0-63.8).
West Virginia is 2-1 SU and ATS against Marquette over the past three years, including a 79-64 home win last season laying 3½ points. In fact, the home team won and covered in all three meetings.
The Golden Eagles are on ATS runs of 14-4-1 at home against teams with a winning road record and 10-4 in Big East play. The Mountaineers are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games following a SU loss, but they are also 1-4 ATS in their last five after a non-cover.
The over for Marquette is on upticks of 20-8 on Saturday and 27-13 in conference games, and the over for West Virginia is on rolls of 7-2 in the Big East and 9-4 on the road, but the under has hit in five of the Mountaineers’ last seven overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MARQUETTE
N.C. State (9-3, 5-3 ATS) at (12) Clemson (15-0, 5-5 ATS)
Clemson puts its perfect record on the line in an ACC contest against North Carolina State at Littlejohn Coliseum.
The Tigers held off Alabama 65-59 Tuesday night but fell well short of covering the 15-point spread in taking their second straight ATS loss. It was the first time since Nov. 22 that Clemson had been held to less than 76 points, a span of 10 games. Prior to beating the Crimson Tide, the Tigers had averaged 89.3 ppg in road wins over Miami (91-72) and South Carolina (98-87), as well as a home win over East Carolina (79-66). Clemson, averaging 81.6 ppg for the season, has won its last five outings by an average score of 82-64.
The Wolfpack lost to Florida 68-66 last Saturday to halt a two-game SU streak, but they covered as an 11-point road pup for their second straight ATS win. Over its last five games, North Carolina State has outscored opponents by just over seven points per game (71.8-64.4). But on the road this season, the ‘Pack are averaging 65.5 ppg – more than seven points below their season average – while allowing just a basket less at 63.5 ppg.
Clemson is on a 3-0 SU and ATS run in this rivalry, sweeping both of last year’s meetings, including a 70-54 home win as a healthy 12½-point favorite. The favorite is on a 4-0 ATS roll, and the road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five contests.
The Tigers have cashed just once in their last five home games, but they are on a 4-0 ATS streak in ACC games. The Wolfpack, meanwhile, have covered in five of their last seven contests overall, but they are on ATS skids of 3-13-1 in conference play, 2-7 on the highway, 2-6 after a spread-cover and 9-23-1 after a SU loss.
The under for Clemson is on stretches of 6-0 in Saturday games, 4-1 at home and 6-2-1 after an ATS loss, and the under for N.C. State is on runs of 5-2 overall and 4-1 on the road, but the over for the Wolfpack is on streaks of 16-5 in conference play and 30-12-2 on Saturday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEMSON
(23) Louisville (10-3, 6-7 ATS) at (18) Villanova (13-2, 5-6 ATS)
Two more ranked Big East teams square off when Villanova goes off campus to the much more spacious Wachovia Center for a home game against Louisville.
The Wildcats outlasted Seton Hall 89-85 in overtime Tuesday for their fifth win in the last six games, but they failed to cover for the second straight game and are just 2-4 ATS in their last six lined contests. The game was tied at 76 after regulation, just a shade above Villanova’s season average of 73.7 ppg, and although the Wildcats have outscored opponents by more than 14 ppg on the year, that gap has been just over six ppg in the past six contests (71.7-65.3).
The Cardinals rolled over South Florida 71-57 as an 11-point road chalk, winning their second straight game and halting a two-game ATS hiccup that included a stunning 56-55 home loss to UNLV as a 13½-point favorite on New Year’s Eve. Louisville has outscored opponents by more than 14 ppg this season (75.6-61.1), but that margin has tightened up in the past five games, with the Cardinals averaging 69.2 ppg while allowing 63.2.
Louisville is 3-0 ATS (1-2 SU) in the last three contests with Villanova, including a 68-54 home win last year giving 11 points. However, the Cardinals lost SU in Philadelphia in 2006 and 2007.
The Wildcats have covered in their last four Saturday outings, but they are in ATS ruts of 2-6 against winning teams, 1-6 against teams with a winning percentage above .600 and 6-13 after a non-cover. The Cardinals are on a 2-6 ATS decline overall and are on further pointspread dips of 1-6 against winning teams and 1-5 after a SU win, but they also carry positive ATS trends of 25-7-1 in conference play, 18-6-1 on the road and 7-3 on Saturday.
The under for Villanova is on tears of 20-7-1 overall, 7-1 after a SU win, 16-5 on Saturday, 23-9 at home and 9-4 against the Big East, and the under for Louisville is on streaks of 4-1 after a spread-cover and 20-8-1 after a SU win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Kansas (11-3, 5-3 ATS) at (8) Michigan State (12-2, 6-5 ATS)
Streaking Michigan State aims to keep rolling when it hosts defending national champion Kansas at the Breslin Center.
The Spartans dropped Ohio State 67-58 Tuesday for their eighth consecutive victory, though they fell short of cashing as an 11-point home chalk, ending a 3-0 ATS run. Michigan State hasn’t allowed more than 66 points throughout its 8-0 SU stretch, outscoring its last five opponents by more than 10 ppg (72.6-66.2), including road wins at Texas, Minnesota and Northwestern. On their home floor this year, the Spartans are putting up 83.4 ppg while allowing 66.9.
The Jayhawks fended off Siena 91-84 laying 12½ points Tuesday at home for their third straight win, and though they’ve played just six lined games in their last 10, they’ve gone 4-2 ATS. The win over Siena followed last Saturday’s 92-85 home victory as a three-point favorite against then-No. 14 Tennessee, meaning Kansas has cracked 90 points in consecutive games. However, in the Jayhawks’ lone true road game this season, they were dealt an 84-67 loss at Arizona catching 2½ points.
These teams have met twice since 1999, with Michigan State going 2-0 ATS and the teams splitting SU wins. Most recently, Kansas won 81-74 giving 7½ points at home in November 2003.
The Spartans are just 1-4 ATS in their last four home games, but they are on positive pointspread runs of 5-0 against the Big 12, 4-0 on Saturday, 5-1 after a non-cover and 4-1 against winning teams. The Jayhawks are on ATS surges of 11-4 overall, 4-0 on Saturday, 4-1 on the road and 13-5 in non-conference action, but they’ve failed to cash in six straight games versus the Big Ten.
The over for Kansas is on tears of 6-1 overall, 6-0 after a SU win and 6-1 outside the Big 12, but the under is 4-1 in the Jayhawks’ last five games against Big Ten foes. The over has hit in seven of Michigan State’s last nine against the Big 12, but the under for the Spartans is on streaks of 6-2 overall, 4-1 outside the Big Ten and 4-1 at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MICHIGAN STATE
(6) Oklahoma (14-1, 5-5 ATS) at Kansas State (11-3, 3-3-1 ATS)
Oklahoma, with just one blemish on its record in non-conference action, opens up Big 12 play with a trip to Manhattan to take on Kansas State.
The Sooners, whose lone defeat was a 96-88 road setback Dec. 30 at Arkansas as a 5½-point road favorite, followed that by wiping their home floor in two non-lined games against overmatched opponents. Oklahoma whipped Coppin State 93-62 last Saturday, then pounded Maryland-Eastern Shore 100-64. For the season, the Sooners have averaged 81.7 ppg and allowed just 65.3, though both those numbers are up over the last five games (86.4 points scored, 70.0 allowed).
The Wildcats are on a six-game winning streak, but only two of those victories came in lined games, and their current run followed an 0-3 SU (1-2 ATS) skid against much more legitimate foes in Kentucky, Iowa and Oregon. On Monday, K-State ripped Chicago State 99-68 at home in a non-lined contest. In their last five games (all at home), the Wildcats won by an average score of 88.8-55.4, but only one of those was a lined contest – an 83-57 victory over Idaho State laying 22 points.
Kansas State is on a 4-0 ATS surge (2-2 SU) in this rivalry, winning and cashing in the last two contests, including an 84-82 road upset last January as a 7½-point pup. The Wildcats are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings in Manhattan, and the underdog is on a 7-2 ATS tear.
The Sooners have failed to cash in their last three lined affairs and are on further ATS plunges of 7-18 in the Big 12, 16-37-2 on the road and 6-13 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. The Wildcats are 37-15 ATS in their last 52 Saturday contests, but are otherwise on pointspread purges of 4-11-1 overall, 0-7 in conference play, 2-7 against winning teams, 2-6-1 after a SU win and 2-5-1 at home.
The under for Oklahoma is on streaks of 7-0 in Big 12 action, 5-0 in Saturday games and 7-2-1 on the road, and the under is 6-2 in Kansas State’s last eight overall. However, the over is 8-2 in the Wildcats’ last 10 Big 12 outings, 4-0 with K-State facing a winning team and 4-0 in the last four clashes between these two rivals.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
(2) Duke (13-1, 8-5 ATS) at Florida State (13-2, 6-3 ATS)
After wrapping up its non-conference campaign with five consecutive victories, Duke rolls into Tallahassee for its ACC opener against Florida State.
The Blue Devils had little trouble with Stephen Curry and Davidson on Wednesday, coasting to a 79-67 victory. However, they came up short as a 14-point home chalk, halting a 3-0 ATS tear. During its five-game winning streak, Duke is averaging 84.2 ppg (48.9 percent shooting) and allowing 56.4 ppg (39.9 percent).
Florida State is coming off consecutive blowout wins over Western Kentucky (82-69 as a 6½-point chalk at a neutral site) and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (69-48 in a non-lined home game). The Seminoles have allowed more than 60 points just once in their last seven games, but they face a high-powered Blue Devils squad that’s scored at least 70 points in 13 of its 14 contests.
Duke has played two true road games to this point, beating Purdue 76-60 as a two-point underdog and losing to Michigan 81-73 as a 9½-point chalk. The Seminoles are 7-1 at home, but just 1-2 ATS in lined games, including a 56-48 loss to then-No. 3 Pitt as a seven-point underdog on Dec. 21. In its only other game against a Top 25 opponent, Florida State edged rival Florida (ranked 25th) 57-55 as a two-point home underdog.
The Seminoles have taken two of the last three meetings in this rivalry, and they’re 7-2 ATS In the last nine matchups, all as an underdog. However, in last year’s lone clash, Duke went to Tallahassee and prevailed 70-57 as a 5½-point road favorite.
Duke is 5-2 ATS in its last seven overall, but 1-5 ATS in its last six Saturday contests and it finished last year in a 3-7-1 ATS funk in ACC play. Meanwhile, Florida State is on ATS tears of 10-4-1 overall in lined games, 4-0-1 in ACC action and 8-3 after a SU win, but the “Noles are 4-12-1 ATS in their last 17 lined home games and 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 on Saturday.
The under is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings in this rivalry, with the last six in Tallahassee staying low. Also, for the Blue Devils, the under is on stretches of 16-5 overall and 5-0 in ACC play, while the under is 4-1 in FSU’s last five overall and 13-6 in its last 19 at home. Conversely, the over is 7-2 in Duke’s last nine roadies and 8-2 the Seminoles’ last 10 on Saturday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Vanderbilt (11-3, 6-5 ATS) at Kentucky (11-4, 6-3-1 ATS)
Vanderbilt carries a six-game winning streak into the start of its SEC season as it travels to Lexington for a clash with Kentucky, which has won six of its last seven.
The Commodores destroyed UMass a week ago today, rolling 78-48 as a one-point underdog. Since consecutive losses to Illinois-Chicago (74-55) and Georgia Tech (63-51), Vanderbilt has ripped off six straight wins (3-1 ATS in lined games), averaging 77 ppg and allowing just 53.7 ppg. In fact, 10 of the team’s last 11 games have been double-digit blowouts, with the Commodores winning eight of those contests.
The Wildcats have been idle since Sunday’s 74-71 loss to archrival Louisville, though they covered as a 7½-point road underdog. That snapped Kentucky’s six-game winning streak, during which Billy Gillespie’s squad averaged 85.8 ppg and allowed 61.2 ppg. The ‘Cats are on a 5-1 ATS roll (4-1 ATS at home).
These schools split their season series last year, with Kentucky winning 79-73 in overtime as a one-point favorite, while Vanderbilt got revenge in a big way a month later, hammering the Wildcats 93-52 as a four-point home chalk. The Commodores are 5-1 in the last six meetings (3-3 ATS), but Kentucky is on ATS streaks of 9-4 overall and 5-2 at home in this rivalry.
In addition to the rout at UMass, Vanderbilt’s only other true road game this season was the 12-point loss at Georgia Tech on Dec. 6. Meanwhile, Kentucky is 9-2 at Rupp Arena (4-2 ATS).
Vandy is on pointspread upticks of 5-2 on Saturday, 5-2 after a SU win and 21-6 when coming off a victory of more than 20 points, but it is has failed to cover in seven of its last 10 against winning teams. Kentucky, in addition to being 5-1 ATS in its last six overall and 4-1 ATS in its last five at home, is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 SEC contests and 8-3 ATS in its last 11 on Saturday.
The under is on runs of 7-1-1 for Vandy overall, 9-2 for Vandy on the road, 4-1 for Vandy on Saturday, 7-3 for Kentucky on Saturday and 9-3 for Kentucky in SEC play. Also, the last four series meetings at Rupp Arena have stayed low. However, the Wildcats have topped the total in four of their last five overall, and the over is 4-1 in the Commodores’ last five conference games.
ATS ADVANTAGE: KENTUCKY
(5) UConn (13-1, 5-5 ATS) at Cincinnati (10-5, 3-6 ATS)
UConn hits the road for a Big East battle for the second time this week when it visits Fifth Third Arena for a clash with the slumping Bearcats.
The Huskies dumped No. 25 West Virginia 61-55 as a 3½-point road underdog Tuesday. UConn has followed up it’s only loss – a 74-63 home defeat to Georgetown in its Big East opener – with consecutive wins, including an 80-49 blowout of Rutgers. The Huskies have held seven of their last 10 opponents to 58 points or less.
Cincinnati has followed up a four-game winning streak with three consecutive SU and ATS setbacks, including Wednesday’s 87-79 home loss to Providence as a four-point home chalk. All five of the Bearcats’ losses this season have been by nine points or more, with an average margin of defeat of 15.8 ppg. That includes a 76-66 home loss to then-No. 10 Xavier in its only game against a ranked foe.
The Huskies went to Cincinnati last year and eked out an 84-83 victory, coming up short as a 4½-point road chalk. However, when the teams got together in the Big East tournament six weeks later, UConn cruised to a 96-51 win as an 11½-point favorite.
The Bearcats are 9-2 at home, but only 2-3 ATS in lined action, while the Huskies are 6-0 in road/neutral-site contests (4-2 ATS).
UConn is 6-2 ATS in its last eight Saturday affairs and 11-5-1 ATS in its last 16 against teams with a winning record, but Jim Calhoun’s club is just 6-14-1 ATS in its last 21 after a spread-cover. Cincinnati has failed to cash in seven of its last nine at home, five of its last six league games and four in a row versus winning teams, but the ‘Cats are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 after a SU defeat.
The over is on streaks of 5-2 for UConn in Big East play, 6-1 for UConn after an ATS triumph, 6-2 for Cincinnati overall, 5-0 for Cincinnati at home, 7-0 for Cincinnati on Saturday and 6-2 for Cincinnati in Big East play. Finally, last year’s two meetings easily soared over the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UCONN and OVER
Cal (14-2, 10-3 ATS) at Washington (11-3, 8-4 ATS)
Washington puts a nine-game overall and a 10-game home winning streak on the line when it hosts Pac-10 rival Cal, which has won eight in a row.
The Huskies rallied from a nine-point second-half deficit against Stanford on Thursday, getting the game-winning bucket with less than five seconds remaining to pull out an 84-83 home victory. However, Washington’s 3-0 ATS run ended, as it came up short as a 6½-point favorite. The Huskies have topped 80 points in six of their last eight games, and they’ve held seven opponents to 67 points or less during their nine-game winning streak.
Cal put away Washington State 57-50 as a three-point underdog Thursday, improving to 3-0 SU and ATS in Pac-10 play. The Bears have cashed in all seven of their lines contests during their eight-game winning streak, going 3-0 SU and ATS as an underdog. Also, Mike Montgomery’s team has allowed more than 70 points just once during its current run and only four times this year.
The road team swept last year’s season series, with both pulling off outright upsets. However, the Bears knocked Washington out of the Pac-10 tournament with an 84-81 victory as a two-point favorite. All three meetings last year were decided by a total of 10 points.
Cal is 3-2 SU and ATS on the highway, while the Huskies have won all 10 home games but are just 2-5 ATS.
In addition to its 7-0 ATS tear, Cal is on pointspread streaks of 11-5 on the road, 6-1 in Pac-10 play, 6-0 against winning teams and 4-1 on Saturday. Meanwhile, Washington is 6-2 ATS in its last eight overall, 6-2 ATS in its last eight at home and 5-1 ATS in its last six on Saturday.
For the Bears, the over is on stretches of 5-2 overall, 17-6 on the road, 19-7 in league action, 9-2 on Saturday and 32-11-1 after a SU victory. The over is also 6-1 in Washington’s last seven Pac-10 games and 8-2 in its last 10 on Saturday, but otherwise the Huskies are on “under” streaks of 7-3 overall and 6-2 at home. In this rivalry, the over has cashed in the last three meetings after the under had gone 6-1 in the previous seven clashes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Miami (Fla.) (11-3, 5-4 ATS) at (17) Boston College (13-3, 7-4 ATS)
Boston College will try to rebound from a shocking loss to Harvard when it resumes ACC play with a home game against the Hurricanes.
Three days after handing top-ranked North Carolina its first loss of the season – 85-78 as a 23-point underdog in both teams’ ACC debut – the Eagles were involved in an even more surprising outcome, losing 82-70 at Harvard as a 17-point home favorite. In becoming the first ranked team to ever lose to Harvard, Boston College saw its 10-game SU winning streak and 3-0 ATS run come to a screeching halt. The Eagles have scored at least 80 points in 11 of their 13 victories while averaging just 61.3 ppg in their three defeats.
Miami has won four in a row and seven of its last eight, with the one blemish being a 91-72 home loss to 25th-ranked Clemson as a three-point chalk in its ACC opener Dec. 21. In its most recent outing Monday, the Hurricanes pounded Florida Atlantic 85-69, but fell short as a 21½-point favorite. Miami has poured in at least 70 points in all but one game this season and is averaging 81.3 ppg during its four-game winning streak.
The ‘Canes bashed B.C. 74-61 as an 8½-point home favorite last year to end a 13-game losing streak to the Eagles. The final setback during the losing skid was a 76-66 loss in Chestnut Hill as a 1½-point underdog in the first meeting last season. Boston College is 10-2 ATS in the last 12 head-to-head clashes, including 5-1 ATS (6-0 SU) in the last six battles in Chestnut Hill. Also, the favorite has cashed in six of the past seven meetings.
With the loss to Harvard, the Eagles fell to 10-1 at home (4-2 ATS). Miami is 4-1 SU and ATS in road/neutral-site contests, but the Hurricanes – who entered the season in the Top 25 – are 0-2 SU and ATS against the two ranked teams they’ve faced, falling to No. 25 Clemson and No. 2 UConn (76-63).
Miami sports a bevy of ATS streaks, including 23-11-3 overall, 12-5-3 on the road, 6-1-3 on Saturday and 10-1-2 after a pointspread setback. The Eagles are 5-2 ATS at home dating to last year and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 after a SU defeat.
The over is on runs of 7-2 for Miami on Saturday, 13-4 for Miami after a non-cover, 4-1 for B.C. overall, 39-19-1 for B.C. at home and 4-1 for B.C. on Saturday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON COLLEGE and OVER
New member.....making contribution. here is Sports Reporter's NFL for the weekend:
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10
*TENNESSEE over BALTIMORE by 7
TENNESSEE, 20-13.
*CAROLINA over ARIZONA by 5
CAROLINA, 28-23.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11
*NY GIANTS over PHILADELPHIA by 3
NY GIANTS, 23-20.
BEST BET
SAN DIEGO over *PITTSBURGH by 5
SAN DIEGO, 22-17.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10
*TENNESSEE over BALTIMORE by 7
TENNESSEE, 20-13.
*CAROLINA over ARIZONA by 5
CAROLINA, 28-23.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11
*NY GIANTS over PHILADELPHIA by 3
NY GIANTS, 23-20.
BEST BET
SAN DIEGO over *PITTSBURGH by 5
SAN DIEGO, 22-17.
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Specs
(Hometrackadvantage)
Baltimore +3
We all know this is going to be a defensive game. Right now the Ravens defense looks as good - if not better - than it did when they won the Superbowl in 2001. I am giving the edge to Baltimore because they are going to get in Kerry Collins’ face and disrupt his average at best passing game. Further, the Titans are going to have a real hard time moving the ball at all. Although the Ravens offense is not much better, I think they have been improving all season long and I have a real feeling you will possibly see this team in the Superbowl.
Carolina -10
Now I know this is a LOT of points to be giving up in the playoffs. Everything tells you to take the points and run with Arizona. So that said, I just think Carolina will be too much to handle. I think the honeymoon is over for AZ. DeAngelo and Steve Smith are going to get off and Carolina’s defense will hold up and they should win convincingly here.
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(Hometrackadvantage)
Baltimore +3
We all know this is going to be a defensive game. Right now the Ravens defense looks as good - if not better - than it did when they won the Superbowl in 2001. I am giving the edge to Baltimore because they are going to get in Kerry Collins’ face and disrupt his average at best passing game. Further, the Titans are going to have a real hard time moving the ball at all. Although the Ravens offense is not much better, I think they have been improving all season long and I have a real feeling you will possibly see this team in the Superbowl.
Carolina -10
Now I know this is a LOT of points to be giving up in the playoffs. Everything tells you to take the points and run with Arizona. So that said, I just think Carolina will be too much to handle. I think the honeymoon is over for AZ. DeAngelo and Steve Smith are going to get off and Carolina’s defense will hold up and they should win convincingly here.
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John Ryan
Arizona at Carolina
Play Over
Ai Simulator shows a 74% probability that 50 or more points will be scored in this game. AiS also reveals an 85% probability that Arizona will gain between 350 and 400 yards, allow 6 or more yards per play, and allow 8 or more passing yards per attempt. Note that Arizona is 6-1 OVER this season and 13-4 OVER the past 3 seasons when they allow 6 or more total yards per play. They are 4-0 OVER this season, 10-0 OVER the past 3 seasons and 30-13 OVER since 1992 when they gain between 350 and 400 total yards. They are also 5-1 OVER this season and 10-3 OVER when they allow 8 or more passing yards per attempt. Arizona is also in a series of strong over roles for this game. Note that they are 7-0 OVER (+7.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season; 9-1 OVER (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons; 8-1 OVER (+6.9 Units) versus good rushing teams - averaging >=130 rushing yards/game in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons; 6-0 OVER (+6.0 Units) versus good offensive teams scoring 24 or more points/game this season. Arizona is also in a solid power type of trend noting they are 15-3 OVER (+11.7 Units) after scoring 25 points or more in 2 straight games since 1992. Cardinals certain have their hands full having not only to play a rested Carolina team, but also having to travel to the Eastern time zone where they are just 2-19 and an imperfect 0-5 this season. Carolina’s OL and DL needed the BYE week and for the first time since week 10 – after their BYE – the Panthers will be playing close to 100% full strength. The Cardinals have offensive weapons that will make it difficult for Carolina to consistently contain throughout this game. Yet, the key to this over play is that Carolina knows they can score at will against this Arizona defense if they simply execute. Carolina’s defensive scheme never places one defender to s**t down an offensive weapon. They have NO other choice, but to assign CB Gamble to cover Fitzgerald, especially if Boldin is still not completely healthy. Warner knows how to read this at the LOS and even if Carolina shows zone matchup or Tampa-2, or even base cover-2, he can expect that to transition into man on Fitzgerald. Look for Warner to hook up with Fitzgerald on double move routes when he is on the strong side and has plenty of field to operate within. I also like a 3* amount on the first half line OVER as well. I would not surprised to see this game 24-17 Carolina at the half.
Arizona at Carolina
Play Over
Ai Simulator shows a 74% probability that 50 or more points will be scored in this game. AiS also reveals an 85% probability that Arizona will gain between 350 and 400 yards, allow 6 or more yards per play, and allow 8 or more passing yards per attempt. Note that Arizona is 6-1 OVER this season and 13-4 OVER the past 3 seasons when they allow 6 or more total yards per play. They are 4-0 OVER this season, 10-0 OVER the past 3 seasons and 30-13 OVER since 1992 when they gain between 350 and 400 total yards. They are also 5-1 OVER this season and 10-3 OVER when they allow 8 or more passing yards per attempt. Arizona is also in a series of strong over roles for this game. Note that they are 7-0 OVER (+7.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season; 9-1 OVER (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons; 8-1 OVER (+6.9 Units) versus good rushing teams - averaging >=130 rushing yards/game in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons; 6-0 OVER (+6.0 Units) versus good offensive teams scoring 24 or more points/game this season. Arizona is also in a solid power type of trend noting they are 15-3 OVER (+11.7 Units) after scoring 25 points or more in 2 straight games since 1992. Cardinals certain have their hands full having not only to play a rested Carolina team, but also having to travel to the Eastern time zone where they are just 2-19 and an imperfect 0-5 this season. Carolina’s OL and DL needed the BYE week and for the first time since week 10 – after their BYE – the Panthers will be playing close to 100% full strength. The Cardinals have offensive weapons that will make it difficult for Carolina to consistently contain throughout this game. Yet, the key to this over play is that Carolina knows they can score at will against this Arizona defense if they simply execute. Carolina’s defensive scheme never places one defender to s**t down an offensive weapon. They have NO other choice, but to assign CB Gamble to cover Fitzgerald, especially if Boldin is still not completely healthy. Warner knows how to read this at the LOS and even if Carolina shows zone matchup or Tampa-2, or even base cover-2, he can expect that to transition into man on Fitzgerald. Look for Warner to hook up with Fitzgerald on double move routes when he is on the strong side and has plenty of field to operate within. I also like a 3* amount on the first half line OVER as well. I would not surprised to see this game 24-17 Carolina at the half.
Scott Ferrall
ARIZONA AT CAROLINA 1ST HALF: CAROLINA -6.5
GAME SPREAD: CAROLINA -10
I just think Delhomme is going to work the Cardinals defense to a pulp. They'll stuff DeAngelo Williams down their throat and contraol the ball and clock all night in Charlotte. When they are throwing it--watch Steve Smith do his thing. I don't like Warner and Zona on the road at all. Edge won't gain JACK on the ground. Once Carolina glues up on Fitzgerald--it's OVER for Cards fans
GAME TOTAL: UNDER 48
BALTIMORE at TENNESSEE 1ST HALF : TENN -1
GAME SPREAD: TENN -3
I just think it's not going to be any fun for the Ravens playing in Nashville. If this game were in Baltimore I would be all over the Ravens--but it's NOT ! Tennessee is the #1 seed for a reason and they are NOT afraid of Baltimore. If Collins can get them in the endzone early--they will loosen up and roll. No one is respecting the Titans at all. They act like the Ravens are the greatest team ever. Flacco is going to have a rough day on the road. This isn't Dolphin Stadium with Chad Pennington folding like a chair. Albert Hayensworth and the Titans defense is licking their chops. Johnson will run it for the Titans and Collins does just enough to advance to the AFC Title Game
GAME TOTAL: OVER 34
ARIZONA AT CAROLINA 1ST HALF: CAROLINA -6.5
GAME SPREAD: CAROLINA -10
I just think Delhomme is going to work the Cardinals defense to a pulp. They'll stuff DeAngelo Williams down their throat and contraol the ball and clock all night in Charlotte. When they are throwing it--watch Steve Smith do his thing. I don't like Warner and Zona on the road at all. Edge won't gain JACK on the ground. Once Carolina glues up on Fitzgerald--it's OVER for Cards fans
GAME TOTAL: UNDER 48
BALTIMORE at TENNESSEE 1ST HALF : TENN -1
GAME SPREAD: TENN -3
I just think it's not going to be any fun for the Ravens playing in Nashville. If this game were in Baltimore I would be all over the Ravens--but it's NOT ! Tennessee is the #1 seed for a reason and they are NOT afraid of Baltimore. If Collins can get them in the endzone early--they will loosen up and roll. No one is respecting the Titans at all. They act like the Ravens are the greatest team ever. Flacco is going to have a rough day on the road. This isn't Dolphin Stadium with Chad Pennington folding like a chair. Albert Hayensworth and the Titans defense is licking their chops. Johnson will run it for the Titans and Collins does just enough to advance to the AFC Title Game
GAME TOTAL: OVER 34
