BILL BLACKBURN
COLLEGE FOOTBALL:
INDIANA +221⁄2 over Ohio State -Home 9:00 AM PDT
COLORADO STATE +241⁄2 over Air Force -Home 11:00 AM PDT
MICHIGAN STATE +41⁄2 over Michigan -Home 12:30 PM PDT
OVER 62 Total Points Texas A&M vs. Arkansas (at Arlington, TX) 12:30 PM PDT
UNDER 541⁄2 Total Points Utah at Iowa State 4:00 PM PDT
OVER 501⁄2 Total Points Oregon State at Arizona 4:00 PM PDT
MISSISSIPPI STATE -5 over Houston -Home 5:00 PM PDT
OVER 591⁄2 Total Points Southern Cal at Stanford 5:00 PM PDT
HAWAII +11 over Fresno State -Home 7:00 PM PDT
COLLEGE FOOTBALL:
INDIANA +221⁄2 over Ohio State -Home 9:00 AM PDT
COLORADO STATE +241⁄2 over Air Force -Home 11:00 AM PDT
MICHIGAN STATE +41⁄2 over Michigan -Home 12:30 PM PDT
OVER 62 Total Points Texas A&M vs. Arkansas (at Arlington, TX) 12:30 PM PDT
UNDER 541⁄2 Total Points Utah at Iowa State 4:00 PM PDT
OVER 501⁄2 Total Points Oregon State at Arizona 4:00 PM PDT
MISSISSIPPI STATE -5 over Houston -Home 5:00 PM PDT
OVER 591⁄2 Total Points Southern Cal at Stanford 5:00 PM PDT
HAWAII +11 over Fresno State -Home 7:00 PM PDT
Game Of The Day: LSU at Florida
LSU Tigers at Florida Gators (-6, 42)
No. 12 Florida (4-1) hosts No. 9 LSU (5-0) in a battle of SEC division leaders at The Swamp in Gainesville Saturday night.
Gator Aid
After a disheartening loss at Alabama, Florida is turning the page to prepare for another unbeaten team this week.
Forget the question that lingers most on Gator-nation: How do you not score a touchdown when you have the ball inside the other team's five-yard line three times?
The Gators will surely need to improve its red-zone execution after turning the ball over twice on a fumble and interception inside Alabama's two-yard line.
Florida is coming off its first regular season loss in more than two years, a string of 24 games without a defeat. The last time Florida lost before the postseason, Ole Miss stunned the Gators, 31-30, in The Swamp on September 27, 2008.
That defeat prompted an emotional speech from former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, which motivated the Gators to run the table and win a BCS title.
"We still have a lot of ball left," Florida senior offensive lineman Carl Johnson said. "You never know how the season can end. We’ve just got to rally up. We've got a big game this weekend, and it's not a slouch."
Bounce Back Ability
Florida coach Urban Meyer is wary of LSU's running game, led by SEC leading rusher Stevan Ridley. Meyer is anxious to see how his team responds to adversity.
"There is no magic solution," Meyer said on his television show. "No magic solution in '06, no magic solution in '08. When a team struggles, what do you do? You come out and work a little harder and get a little better.
"You find out a lot about a team, not when winning 48-12. You find out a lot about a team when you get hit ... a little bit and come right back."
Florida linebacker Brandon Hicks went on to say, “Some people say a team is only as good as how they bounce back and how they stick together. I think this is like that one punch that knocked us out and opened our eyes."
Admirable, A-D-M-I-R-A-B-L-E
Coach Meyer called his defensive performance against Alabama "admirable."
To grade last week’ game in a spelling contest parlance, the Gators missed just six tackles. That was a significant improvement after missing 22 tackles in their previous meeting against the Crimson Tide.
But Alabama gained 170 yards rushing on five yards per carry, while converting four of nine third-down attempts.
Florida will need to improve up front to stop an LSU offense that will certainly look to establish the run early in the game.
Idiot, I-D-I-O-T
On the heels of another late-game meltdown last week that nearly cost the Tigers a victory against Tennessee, LSU head coach Les Miles and offensive coordinator Gary Crowton have been under fire by fans and media.
When asked about the idiotic play calling in the final 30 seconds of last week’s miracle win over the Vols, LSU head coach Les Miles appeared unfazed.
"I think it's a completely different scenario. It's a clock-management issue without question, but it's not the same. This specifically was trying to use a down, not give up a down, and that was a mistake. That was not the mistake that was made at Ole Miss."
There have been discussions this week between Miles and Crowton about where Crowton will be on game day.
Since he arrived in 2007, Crowton has called plays from a press box booth. The last two seasons the Tigers’ offense has struggled and several games have been punctuated by on-field confusion, especially late in games.
“We talked about the possibility of being on the field for coach Crowton more for the quarterbacks than anything,” Miles said. “We’re still talking about it, but nothing been done there offensively and I’m not sure that would work.”
Miles dismissed the notion that there’s a communication problem between him and Crowton.
“The play-calling, minus the gaffe at the back end, the last drive was really excellent. I’d like to get those and get by a short span of time when mistakes were made.
Two-Headed QB’s
Apparently, Miles and his staff liked what they saw from both quarterbacks in LSU's victory over Tennessee, and the Tigers once again will split time between juniors Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee in their game at Florida.
Jefferson scored on an 83-yard run on the game's first play from scrimmage on his way to a 100-yard rushing day against the Volunteers. He completed only three of 10 passes for 30 yards, however, with an interception.
Lee was 16-of-23 for 185 yards and also threw an interception.
"We have a week to determine who starts and who doesn't," Miles said. "I think that both will play certainly in a like situation and in a like way that they were played in the last game."
Miles said he thought both quarterbacks had similar enough skills that it wouldn't necessarily telegraph to Florida what was coming depending on which one was in the game, but it's obvious Jefferson is the bigger running threat.
Jefferson has 189 net yards rushing, second to tailback Ridley's 557 for the season. Lee is minus-15 yards rushing on the season.
"We know as a team that if we put Jordan in that he has the option to both pass and run the ball," sophomore WR Rueben Randle said. "With Jarrett in, its more of we know that Stevan is going to run the ball or Jarrett is going to pass it.”
Pivotal
Florida has been a pivotal game for LSU the last two years. The Tigers were 5-0 last year when they took on the Gators and only 4-3 after losing the game 13-3, in posting 162 total yards of offense, thereafter.
In 2008, the Tigers were 4-0 going to Gainesville, but after a 51-21 loss to the Gators, they were only 4-4 the rest of the way.
LSU looks to go 4-0 in SEC play for the first time since 1987.
Only a handful of key players on the young LSU squad have played significant time against Florida in Gainesville.
"We've got a lot of players traveling for the first time to a hostile place. Florida's probably one of the closest places you'll get to Death Valley," said LSU sophomore receiver Russell Shepard. "This is going to be the best team we've played, and we recognize that."
Chew On This
• Florida is 5-0 ATS as a home favorite of less than 10 points under Meyer.
• Meyer is 14-2 straight up and 12-4 against the spread in games off a loss, including 3-0 ATS when facing an undefeated opponent.
• LSU is 4-9 against the spread as a dog off a win versus an opponent off a loss.
• Miles is 15-1 straight up and 11-4 against the spread off back-to-back wins versus an opponent off a loss.
LSU Tigers at Florida Gators (-6, 42)
No. 12 Florida (4-1) hosts No. 9 LSU (5-0) in a battle of SEC division leaders at The Swamp in Gainesville Saturday night.
Gator Aid
After a disheartening loss at Alabama, Florida is turning the page to prepare for another unbeaten team this week.
Forget the question that lingers most on Gator-nation: How do you not score a touchdown when you have the ball inside the other team's five-yard line three times?
The Gators will surely need to improve its red-zone execution after turning the ball over twice on a fumble and interception inside Alabama's two-yard line.
Florida is coming off its first regular season loss in more than two years, a string of 24 games without a defeat. The last time Florida lost before the postseason, Ole Miss stunned the Gators, 31-30, in The Swamp on September 27, 2008.
That defeat prompted an emotional speech from former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, which motivated the Gators to run the table and win a BCS title.
"We still have a lot of ball left," Florida senior offensive lineman Carl Johnson said. "You never know how the season can end. We’ve just got to rally up. We've got a big game this weekend, and it's not a slouch."
Bounce Back Ability
Florida coach Urban Meyer is wary of LSU's running game, led by SEC leading rusher Stevan Ridley. Meyer is anxious to see how his team responds to adversity.
"There is no magic solution," Meyer said on his television show. "No magic solution in '06, no magic solution in '08. When a team struggles, what do you do? You come out and work a little harder and get a little better.
"You find out a lot about a team, not when winning 48-12. You find out a lot about a team when you get hit ... a little bit and come right back."
Florida linebacker Brandon Hicks went on to say, “Some people say a team is only as good as how they bounce back and how they stick together. I think this is like that one punch that knocked us out and opened our eyes."
Admirable, A-D-M-I-R-A-B-L-E
Coach Meyer called his defensive performance against Alabama "admirable."
To grade last week’ game in a spelling contest parlance, the Gators missed just six tackles. That was a significant improvement after missing 22 tackles in their previous meeting against the Crimson Tide.
But Alabama gained 170 yards rushing on five yards per carry, while converting four of nine third-down attempts.
Florida will need to improve up front to stop an LSU offense that will certainly look to establish the run early in the game.
Idiot, I-D-I-O-T
On the heels of another late-game meltdown last week that nearly cost the Tigers a victory against Tennessee, LSU head coach Les Miles and offensive coordinator Gary Crowton have been under fire by fans and media.
When asked about the idiotic play calling in the final 30 seconds of last week’s miracle win over the Vols, LSU head coach Les Miles appeared unfazed.
"I think it's a completely different scenario. It's a clock-management issue without question, but it's not the same. This specifically was trying to use a down, not give up a down, and that was a mistake. That was not the mistake that was made at Ole Miss."
There have been discussions this week between Miles and Crowton about where Crowton will be on game day.
Since he arrived in 2007, Crowton has called plays from a press box booth. The last two seasons the Tigers’ offense has struggled and several games have been punctuated by on-field confusion, especially late in games.
“We talked about the possibility of being on the field for coach Crowton more for the quarterbacks than anything,” Miles said. “We’re still talking about it, but nothing been done there offensively and I’m not sure that would work.”
Miles dismissed the notion that there’s a communication problem between him and Crowton.
“The play-calling, minus the gaffe at the back end, the last drive was really excellent. I’d like to get those and get by a short span of time when mistakes were made.
Two-Headed QB’s
Apparently, Miles and his staff liked what they saw from both quarterbacks in LSU's victory over Tennessee, and the Tigers once again will split time between juniors Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee in their game at Florida.
Jefferson scored on an 83-yard run on the game's first play from scrimmage on his way to a 100-yard rushing day against the Volunteers. He completed only three of 10 passes for 30 yards, however, with an interception.
Lee was 16-of-23 for 185 yards and also threw an interception.
"We have a week to determine who starts and who doesn't," Miles said. "I think that both will play certainly in a like situation and in a like way that they were played in the last game."
Miles said he thought both quarterbacks had similar enough skills that it wouldn't necessarily telegraph to Florida what was coming depending on which one was in the game, but it's obvious Jefferson is the bigger running threat.
Jefferson has 189 net yards rushing, second to tailback Ridley's 557 for the season. Lee is minus-15 yards rushing on the season.
"We know as a team that if we put Jordan in that he has the option to both pass and run the ball," sophomore WR Rueben Randle said. "With Jarrett in, its more of we know that Stevan is going to run the ball or Jarrett is going to pass it.”
Pivotal
Florida has been a pivotal game for LSU the last two years. The Tigers were 5-0 last year when they took on the Gators and only 4-3 after losing the game 13-3, in posting 162 total yards of offense, thereafter.
In 2008, the Tigers were 4-0 going to Gainesville, but after a 51-21 loss to the Gators, they were only 4-4 the rest of the way.
LSU looks to go 4-0 in SEC play for the first time since 1987.
Only a handful of key players on the young LSU squad have played significant time against Florida in Gainesville.
"We've got a lot of players traveling for the first time to a hostile place. Florida's probably one of the closest places you'll get to Death Valley," said LSU sophomore receiver Russell Shepard. "This is going to be the best team we've played, and we recognize that."
Chew On This
• Florida is 5-0 ATS as a home favorite of less than 10 points under Meyer.
• Meyer is 14-2 straight up and 12-4 against the spread in games off a loss, including 3-0 ATS when facing an undefeated opponent.
• LSU is 4-9 against the spread as a dog off a win versus an opponent off a loss.
• Miles is 15-1 straight up and 11-4 against the spread off back-to-back wins versus an opponent off a loss.
Florida State At Miami: What Bettors Need To Know
Florida State Seminoles at Miami Hurricanes (-6, 48)
Bobby Bowden won’t be on the sideline, and the game might lack the luster of some previous meetings. But Saturday’s Florida State-Miami contest at Sun Life Stadium remains compelling.
Line Moves
Oddsmakers opened Miami as high as a 7-point home favorite which has since dropped as low as -6 as of Friday afternoon. The total opened at 48.5 and has dropped half a point to its current standing.
Close Calls
Seven of the past 11 meetings in this storied rivalry have been decided by four points or less, and this year’s matchup should be close, too. The underdog has covered in 10 of those 11 games, including Miami’s 38-34 win as a 6-point dog last year.
Both teams are coming off impressive wins and are unbeaten in the ACC.
Florida State (4-1, 2-0 ACC) moved back into the rankings at No. 24 after a 34-13 win at Virginia, the Seminoles’ third solid performance since a 47-17 loss at Oklahoma. They have gone 3-0 against the spread in that span as well.
Miami (3-1, 1-0) moved up to No. 13 after a tough 30-21 win at Clemson. This will be the Hurricanes’ first home game since their season opener Sept. 2.
Under Center Of Attention
Saturday’s game features two quarterbacks tabbed as potential Heisman candidates entering the season - Jacory Harris for Miami and Christian Ponder for FSU. But interceptions have plagued Harris at times this season. And Ponder, who posted four 300-yard games last season, is averaging only 168 yards passing a game. Still, he has gone three games without throwing an interception.
Turnovers could determine the outcome. Miami had six takeaways last week against Clemson - the most a Hurricanes team has forced since 2005. Florida State is 6-13 since 2000 when turning the ball over four or more times and 83-32 when it has three turnovers or less. For their part, the Seminoles have forced eight turnovers this season, five of them interceptions.
News And Notes
Both teams bring strong defensive fronts. They rank 1-2 in the nation in both sacks and tackles for loss.
Florida State junior running back Ty Jones missed the Virginia game with an ankle injury and is questionable for Saturday’s game. Miami could be without junior defensive end Marcus Robinson, who has not played since sustaining a knee injury against Ohio State.
Miami leads the series 30-23 and won last year’s game in Tallahassee 38-34 when Jarmon Fortson couldn’t hang onto a pass in the end zone from Ponder on the final play. Ponder would love to atone for that loss by delivering a Seminoles victory and birthday present for first-year head coach Jimbo Fisher, who turns 45 on Saturday.
Miami has won seven of the past 10 meetings, going 6-4 ATS in that span.
The forecast for Saturday’s game is calling for clear skies and an 11-mph wind blowing across the field.
Florida State Seminoles at Miami Hurricanes (-6, 48)
Bobby Bowden won’t be on the sideline, and the game might lack the luster of some previous meetings. But Saturday’s Florida State-Miami contest at Sun Life Stadium remains compelling.
Line Moves
Oddsmakers opened Miami as high as a 7-point home favorite which has since dropped as low as -6 as of Friday afternoon. The total opened at 48.5 and has dropped half a point to its current standing.
Close Calls
Seven of the past 11 meetings in this storied rivalry have been decided by four points or less, and this year’s matchup should be close, too. The underdog has covered in 10 of those 11 games, including Miami’s 38-34 win as a 6-point dog last year.
Both teams are coming off impressive wins and are unbeaten in the ACC.
Florida State (4-1, 2-0 ACC) moved back into the rankings at No. 24 after a 34-13 win at Virginia, the Seminoles’ third solid performance since a 47-17 loss at Oklahoma. They have gone 3-0 against the spread in that span as well.
Miami (3-1, 1-0) moved up to No. 13 after a tough 30-21 win at Clemson. This will be the Hurricanes’ first home game since their season opener Sept. 2.
Under Center Of Attention
Saturday’s game features two quarterbacks tabbed as potential Heisman candidates entering the season - Jacory Harris for Miami and Christian Ponder for FSU. But interceptions have plagued Harris at times this season. And Ponder, who posted four 300-yard games last season, is averaging only 168 yards passing a game. Still, he has gone three games without throwing an interception.
Turnovers could determine the outcome. Miami had six takeaways last week against Clemson - the most a Hurricanes team has forced since 2005. Florida State is 6-13 since 2000 when turning the ball over four or more times and 83-32 when it has three turnovers or less. For their part, the Seminoles have forced eight turnovers this season, five of them interceptions.
News And Notes
Both teams bring strong defensive fronts. They rank 1-2 in the nation in both sacks and tackles for loss.
Florida State junior running back Ty Jones missed the Virginia game with an ankle injury and is questionable for Saturday’s game. Miami could be without junior defensive end Marcus Robinson, who has not played since sustaining a knee injury against Ohio State.
Miami leads the series 30-23 and won last year’s game in Tallahassee 38-34 when Jarmon Fortson couldn’t hang onto a pass in the end zone from Ponder on the final play. Ponder would love to atone for that loss by delivering a Seminoles victory and birthday present for first-year head coach Jimbo Fisher, who turns 45 on Saturday.
Miami has won seven of the past 10 meetings, going 6-4 ATS in that span.
The forecast for Saturday’s game is calling for clear skies and an 11-mph wind blowing across the field.
Payoff Pitch: Saturday's Best MLB Mound Matchup
Matt Garza, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Colby Lewis, Texas Rangers
Matt Garza (15-10, 3.91 ERA)
If not for the road struggles of James Shields, Garza would have taken the bump in Game 2 in Tampa Bay.
Now, the 26-year-old will be counted on to keep the team’s season alive.
Garza has had a rough September but got his act together down the stretch to help his team clinch the American League East Division. In his past two outings, he has allowed just four earned runs over his past 14 innings, including 11 strikeouts against only one walk.
The right-hander also has been solid in his postseason career, allowing only 11 earned runs over 25 innings in four career starts, including recording 25 strikeouts. In 2008 he was named the ALCS MVP when he helped the Rays get past the Red Sox.
“It's not bigger than any other, just got to go out there and do my job,” Garza, who won Game 7 in Boston in 2008, told MLB.com. “Just go out there and try to win. There's no tomorrow, there's no day after, it's just go out there and win, do what we do best, and that's play hard, pitching and defense. Just go out there and keep these guys at bay for a while.”
In his career against the Rangers, Garza is 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA and is allowing them to bat a meager .229. Four of his past five starts have gone over the total and he has a record of 18-14 against the number this season.
Colby Lewis (12-13, 3.72 ERA)
The 31-year-old has been one of the steadiest members of the Rangers rotation this season. But now the pressure is on.
Lewis has yielded two or fewer runs in each of his past five starts, going a total of 30.1 innings and yielding a meager eight runs during that span. Overall, opponents are hitting just .227 against him this season. He also ranks seventh in the AL in strikeouts (196) and ninth in WHIP (1.19).
"Basically, I'm just going to do what I have been trying to do all year -- go out, get ahead of guys, make quality pitches and get quick outs," Lewis told MLB.com. "Kind of like what those two guys did. Get quick outs and go deep into the game."
Not bad for a player who spent the past two seasons with Hiroshima in Japan compiling a record of 26-17.
Lewis has been money in the bank for the under players this season, going 10-20 against the total this year.
Matt Garza, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Colby Lewis, Texas Rangers
Matt Garza (15-10, 3.91 ERA)
If not for the road struggles of James Shields, Garza would have taken the bump in Game 2 in Tampa Bay.
Now, the 26-year-old will be counted on to keep the team’s season alive.
Garza has had a rough September but got his act together down the stretch to help his team clinch the American League East Division. In his past two outings, he has allowed just four earned runs over his past 14 innings, including 11 strikeouts against only one walk.
The right-hander also has been solid in his postseason career, allowing only 11 earned runs over 25 innings in four career starts, including recording 25 strikeouts. In 2008 he was named the ALCS MVP when he helped the Rays get past the Red Sox.
“It's not bigger than any other, just got to go out there and do my job,” Garza, who won Game 7 in Boston in 2008, told MLB.com. “Just go out there and try to win. There's no tomorrow, there's no day after, it's just go out there and win, do what we do best, and that's play hard, pitching and defense. Just go out there and keep these guys at bay for a while.”
In his career against the Rangers, Garza is 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA and is allowing them to bat a meager .229. Four of his past five starts have gone over the total and he has a record of 18-14 against the number this season.
Colby Lewis (12-13, 3.72 ERA)
The 31-year-old has been one of the steadiest members of the Rangers rotation this season. But now the pressure is on.
Lewis has yielded two or fewer runs in each of his past five starts, going a total of 30.1 innings and yielding a meager eight runs during that span. Overall, opponents are hitting just .227 against him this season. He also ranks seventh in the AL in strikeouts (196) and ninth in WHIP (1.19).
"Basically, I'm just going to do what I have been trying to do all year -- go out, get ahead of guys, make quality pitches and get quick outs," Lewis told MLB.com. "Kind of like what those two guys did. Get quick outs and go deep into the game."
Not bad for a player who spent the past two seasons with Hiroshima in Japan compiling a record of 26-17.
Lewis has been money in the bank for the under players this season, going 10-20 against the total this year.
HOT LINES
Saturday's Best MLB Bets
Tampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers (-125, 9)
The Rays haven’t been an underdog often this season.
But after scoring only one run on eight hits and striking out 23 times in the first two games of the series, it appears the Rangers will become the final current team in the Majors to win a playoff series.
The Rays, however, have the top-ranked road offense in the bigs, scoring 451 away runs, 52 more than any other team. The squad also is hitting.251 on the road and finds a way to get on base consistently, posting a .334 on-base percentage.
Meantime, the pressure continues to mount on the Rangers.
Texas must do something it has never done before in its franchise history with a pitching staff that has a 3.65 home ERA, smack-dab in the middle of the pack.
The Rangers may close out the series yet. Just not on Saturday.
Pick: Tampa Bay Rays
Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees (-172, 9)
We all know that the Minnesota Twins can’t win in New York City.
But they might have a shot if their pitching staff wouldn’t be such a disaster. The Twins pitchers have been mauled by the Bronx Bombers, who scored 11 runs on 21 hits the first two games of the series.
"Our lineup is so deep, there's never a reason to give up," Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira told MLB.com. "There's some teams where maybe two or three guys carry the team and, if you're in a big hole, it's tough to get out of. But with our lineup, we can be down four, five, six runs and still have a chance to score seven or eight. We just haven't given up all year."
And the team’s bats haven’t been much better. Minnesota is 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position this series after hitting .285 in the clutch the entire season. The team also has lost a staggering 11 straight postseason games, two shy of the MLB record.
Pick: NY Yankees
Saturday's Best MLB Bets
Tampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers (-125, 9)
The Rays haven’t been an underdog often this season.
But after scoring only one run on eight hits and striking out 23 times in the first two games of the series, it appears the Rangers will become the final current team in the Majors to win a playoff series.
The Rays, however, have the top-ranked road offense in the bigs, scoring 451 away runs, 52 more than any other team. The squad also is hitting.251 on the road and finds a way to get on base consistently, posting a .334 on-base percentage.
Meantime, the pressure continues to mount on the Rangers.
Texas must do something it has never done before in its franchise history with a pitching staff that has a 3.65 home ERA, smack-dab in the middle of the pack.
The Rangers may close out the series yet. Just not on Saturday.
Pick: Tampa Bay Rays
Minnesota Twins at New York Yankees (-172, 9)
We all know that the Minnesota Twins can’t win in New York City.
But they might have a shot if their pitching staff wouldn’t be such a disaster. The Twins pitchers have been mauled by the Bronx Bombers, who scored 11 runs on 21 hits the first two games of the series.
"Our lineup is so deep, there's never a reason to give up," Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira told MLB.com. "There's some teams where maybe two or three guys carry the team and, if you're in a big hole, it's tough to get out of. But with our lineup, we can be down four, five, six runs and still have a chance to score seven or eight. We just haven't given up all year."
And the team’s bats haven’t been much better. Minnesota is 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position this series after hitting .285 in the clutch the entire season. The team also has lost a staggering 11 straight postseason games, two shy of the MLB record.
Pick: NY Yankees
NHL Western Conference Betting Breakdown
The Cup resides in the Western Conference after the Chicago Blackhawks rolled through the playoffs with a roster stocked with young talent. Chicago sent many of those key players packing, opening the door for some of the other Stanley Cup contenders in the conference.
Here’s a look at the NHL’s Western Conference heading into this Thursday’s season opener:
Last Year’s Lowest Scoring Team
Phoenix Coyotes – With Ilya Bryzgalov breaking out to become a Vezina Trophy finalist, the Coyotes allowed only 2.39 goals against per game. He’ll need to be just as good between the pipes to keep the Coyotes competitive, though the club does have some young players that could blossom this season. Wojtek Wolski had the best season of his young career in 2009-10 and Phoenix expects Kyle Turris to live up to his billing.
This Year’s Best Under Bet
Minnesota Wild – Niklas Backstrom had a down season last year, but he didn’t get much help from his teammates. He’ll be better this year with Jose Theodore looking over his shoulder and it’s hard to see where the goals are going to come from outside of captain Mikko Koivu, who does just about everything for this team.
Last Year’s Highest Scoring Team
Vancouver Canucks – The Canucks posted 3.27 goals per game last year. The Sedins get all the press, but players like Alex Burrows, Mason Raymond, Ryan Kesler and Mikael Samuelsson consistently provide enough secondary scoring to keep opposing defenses from completely focusing on shutting down the brothers.
This Year’s Best Over Bet
Los Angeles Kings – Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty broke out with huge seasons last year and they’ll be even better this time around. Kopitar will center a line with Ryan Smyth and Wayne Simmonds that should give defenses problems. Smyth and Simmonds do a lot of the work along the boards and open up space for their superstar sniper, who is coming off an 81-point season. The Kings’ power play clicked at a 20.9 percent clip and will be lethal again this year, especially if Smyth stays healthy and creates havoc in front of the net. Jonathan Quick is the starter in goal after posting a 2.54 goals against average last season. But the team plans to cut his starts considerably from the 72 he made last year.
Most Improved Team/Best Regular Season Team Points Wager
St. Louis Blues – The Blues might be one of the league’s most interesting teams this season. They have a ton of speed and young talent up front and now have a goaltender that should shut the door in Jaroslav Halak. The Blues struggled to score for most of last season and didn’t bring in any help in the offseason, instead choosing to wait on the development of their young forwards. Brad Boyes will need to bounce back after a terrible year and David Perron and David Backes need to take the next step this year. Bodog.com has the Blues’ over/under points total set at 93.5. St. Louis sputtered at times, but rallied to finish the season on 25-15-4 run under coach David Payne. I’d definitely take over that number.
Team That Will Take The Biggest Step Back This Year
Calgary Flames – Even if it was a bargain to bring back two players that didn’t work out the first time around, you have to wonder about the club’s mindset in signing Olli Jokinen and Alex Tanguay to play on the top line. Jokinen was invisible for the New York Rangers and Tanguay just doesn’t have much bite to him. Miikka Kipprusoff will keep them in a lot of games this year, but he had some off nights last season too. It will be interesting to see whether the Jarome Iginla trade rumors pick up again when the team really stinks it up.
Pick To Win The Conference
Vancouver Canucks – It’s hard to find any holes in the Canucks roster. The Sedin brothers will continue to pile up points and Vancouver looks stronger in its own end with some offseason additions. They’ll start the year without Sami Salo and Alex Burrows, who are both on injured reserve, but the club added some depth to soften the blow from those losses. The Canucks are going to love Manny Malhotra in the faceoff circle and on the penalty kill, while Raffi Torres always brings energy to the table. Roberto Luongo gave up the team’s captaincy and that move will only help him to concentrate on what he’s paid to do – stop pucks. Dan Hamhius and Keith Ballard will give the club a more physical presence on the blueline.
The Cup resides in the Western Conference after the Chicago Blackhawks rolled through the playoffs with a roster stocked with young talent. Chicago sent many of those key players packing, opening the door for some of the other Stanley Cup contenders in the conference.
Here’s a look at the NHL’s Western Conference heading into this Thursday’s season opener:
Last Year’s Lowest Scoring Team
Phoenix Coyotes – With Ilya Bryzgalov breaking out to become a Vezina Trophy finalist, the Coyotes allowed only 2.39 goals against per game. He’ll need to be just as good between the pipes to keep the Coyotes competitive, though the club does have some young players that could blossom this season. Wojtek Wolski had the best season of his young career in 2009-10 and Phoenix expects Kyle Turris to live up to his billing.
This Year’s Best Under Bet
Minnesota Wild – Niklas Backstrom had a down season last year, but he didn’t get much help from his teammates. He’ll be better this year with Jose Theodore looking over his shoulder and it’s hard to see where the goals are going to come from outside of captain Mikko Koivu, who does just about everything for this team.
Last Year’s Highest Scoring Team
Vancouver Canucks – The Canucks posted 3.27 goals per game last year. The Sedins get all the press, but players like Alex Burrows, Mason Raymond, Ryan Kesler and Mikael Samuelsson consistently provide enough secondary scoring to keep opposing defenses from completely focusing on shutting down the brothers.
This Year’s Best Over Bet
Los Angeles Kings – Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty broke out with huge seasons last year and they’ll be even better this time around. Kopitar will center a line with Ryan Smyth and Wayne Simmonds that should give defenses problems. Smyth and Simmonds do a lot of the work along the boards and open up space for their superstar sniper, who is coming off an 81-point season. The Kings’ power play clicked at a 20.9 percent clip and will be lethal again this year, especially if Smyth stays healthy and creates havoc in front of the net. Jonathan Quick is the starter in goal after posting a 2.54 goals against average last season. But the team plans to cut his starts considerably from the 72 he made last year.
Most Improved Team/Best Regular Season Team Points Wager
St. Louis Blues – The Blues might be one of the league’s most interesting teams this season. They have a ton of speed and young talent up front and now have a goaltender that should shut the door in Jaroslav Halak. The Blues struggled to score for most of last season and didn’t bring in any help in the offseason, instead choosing to wait on the development of their young forwards. Brad Boyes will need to bounce back after a terrible year and David Perron and David Backes need to take the next step this year. Bodog.com has the Blues’ over/under points total set at 93.5. St. Louis sputtered at times, but rallied to finish the season on 25-15-4 run under coach David Payne. I’d definitely take over that number.
Team That Will Take The Biggest Step Back This Year
Calgary Flames – Even if it was a bargain to bring back two players that didn’t work out the first time around, you have to wonder about the club’s mindset in signing Olli Jokinen and Alex Tanguay to play on the top line. Jokinen was invisible for the New York Rangers and Tanguay just doesn’t have much bite to him. Miikka Kipprusoff will keep them in a lot of games this year, but he had some off nights last season too. It will be interesting to see whether the Jarome Iginla trade rumors pick up again when the team really stinks it up.
Pick To Win The Conference
Vancouver Canucks – It’s hard to find any holes in the Canucks roster. The Sedin brothers will continue to pile up points and Vancouver looks stronger in its own end with some offseason additions. They’ll start the year without Sami Salo and Alex Burrows, who are both on injured reserve, but the club added some depth to soften the blow from those losses. The Canucks are going to love Manny Malhotra in the faceoff circle and on the penalty kill, while Raffi Torres always brings energy to the table. Roberto Luongo gave up the team’s captaincy and that move will only help him to concentrate on what he’s paid to do – stop pucks. Dan Hamhius and Keith Ballard will give the club a more physical presence on the blueline.
ICE PICKS
Saturday's Best NHL Bets
Phoenix Coyotes at Boston Bruins (-127, 5)
Don’t get the Boston Bruins confused with a powerhouse on their home ice.
Boston was a mediocre 18-17-6 at home last season as the team posted the second-fewest home victories in the Eastern Conference. Overall, the Bruins had a goal-diffential of just six last year and struggled to take advantage of one of the more loyal fan bases in the league.
Meantime, the Coyotes – sporting one of the youngest lineups in the game – was not bothered by opposing rinks last year, racking up a 21-15-5 record on enemy ice. The team should continue to rely on its young core this year as starting goalie Ilya Bryzgalov emerged as one of the best in the league and top defensive prospect Kyle Turris made the team out of camp.
Combine that with the Bruins counting heavily on young forward Tyler Seguin, and this one will come down to which team makes the fewest mistakes. It could make for some boring hockey.
Pick: Under
Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks (-151, 5.5)
What happened to the Chicago Blackhawks defense? The defending Stanley Cup champions make their home debut on Saturday night after their defensive end was turned into a shooting gallery in a 4-3 loss at Colorado on Thursday.
The Blackhawks gave up 41 shots in the loss, allowing at least 11 shots in each period. Not exactly the debut the team was hoping for in front of new goaltender Marty Turco. The team also didn’t do itself any favors by losing the faceoff battle, 32-28.
Meantime, the Red Wings looked like world beaters against the Ducks, getting a goal from new acquisition Mike Modano on his first shot on goal.
The teams split six games last season, with each team winning on the other’s home ice. But Chicago is dealing with the Stanley Cup hangover and Detroit
looks more like the squad that dominated the league the past decade.
Pick: Detroit Red Wings
Saturday's Best NHL Bets
Phoenix Coyotes at Boston Bruins (-127, 5)
Don’t get the Boston Bruins confused with a powerhouse on their home ice.
Boston was a mediocre 18-17-6 at home last season as the team posted the second-fewest home victories in the Eastern Conference. Overall, the Bruins had a goal-diffential of just six last year and struggled to take advantage of one of the more loyal fan bases in the league.
Meantime, the Coyotes – sporting one of the youngest lineups in the game – was not bothered by opposing rinks last year, racking up a 21-15-5 record on enemy ice. The team should continue to rely on its young core this year as starting goalie Ilya Bryzgalov emerged as one of the best in the league and top defensive prospect Kyle Turris made the team out of camp.
Combine that with the Bruins counting heavily on young forward Tyler Seguin, and this one will come down to which team makes the fewest mistakes. It could make for some boring hockey.
Pick: Under
Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks (-151, 5.5)
What happened to the Chicago Blackhawks defense? The defending Stanley Cup champions make their home debut on Saturday night after their defensive end was turned into a shooting gallery in a 4-3 loss at Colorado on Thursday.
The Blackhawks gave up 41 shots in the loss, allowing at least 11 shots in each period. Not exactly the debut the team was hoping for in front of new goaltender Marty Turco. The team also didn’t do itself any favors by losing the faceoff battle, 32-28.
Meantime, the Red Wings looked like world beaters against the Ducks, getting a goal from new acquisition Mike Modano on his first shot on goal.
The teams split six games last season, with each team winning on the other’s home ice. But Chicago is dealing with the Stanley Cup hangover and Detroit
looks more like the squad that dominated the league the past decade.
Pick: Detroit Red Wings
CFL Betting Preview
Toronto Argonauts at Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Toronto Argonauts will be looking to snap the Saskatchewan Roughriders' three-game winning streak as well as avenge last week's 27-16 loss at Saskatchewan in the second of this home-and home series. This Week 15 matchup is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 9 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina SK. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. (PT).
Toronto’s season continues to be in a free-fall as it has now lost five out of its last six games including last week’s loss to Saskatchewan. The Argonauts have fallen to 6-7 on the year both straight-up and against the CFL spread. They are currently tied with Hamilton for second place in the East Division, three games in back of Montreal.
Though still in a solid position to make the playoffs, Toronto needs to string together a few wins to try and regain the momentum it had earlier in the year. The road may not be the best place to turn things around as the Argos are 2-4 both SU and ATS away from home this year. The total has stayed ‘under’ in five of their last six games.
Saskatchewan clinched a berth in the postseason with last week’s win, but still has the West Division title in its sights. The Roughriders are now 9-4 SU and 8-5 ATS on the year and just two points behind Calgary for first place. They are the only team in the league that has yet to lose a game at home this year with a 6-0 record SU, but they are 4-2 ATS. The total has stayed ‘under’ in six of Saskatchewan’s last eight games.
The story in Game 1 of this home-and-home series was Roughriders QB Darian Durant, who got the job done with both his arm and his feet. Durant ended the night completing 29-of-37 attempts for 310 yards and two TD’s. He also led the team in rushing with 47 yards on seven carries including a 10-yard run for a score in the first quarter.
Durant put his team ahead for good with a 66-yard scoring strike to Andy Fantuz to give Saskatchewan a 24-13 lead early in the second half. Each team added a field goal and the Roughriders covered as a 3 ½-point road favorite at the CFL betting window. The total stayed ‘under’ the 49-point line.
Toronto QB Dalton Bell got his first start of the year, replacing the injured Cleo Lemon. Bell was able to give the Argos some hope, completing close to 70 percent of his passes for 153 yards, but still had trouble getting his team in the end zone. This has been the case over the past six weeks as Toronto has not scored more than 17 points in any single game. Head coach Jim Barker has already stated that Bell will be the starter for this game as well.
Cory Boyd returned to the lineup and also added a spark by gaining 145 yards on 20 carries, but he too was kept from crossing the goal line.
Saskatchewan has won the last five games between these two teams SU but is just 2-2-1 ATS. The average margin of victory in those five games has been 8.4 points. Sportsinteraction has opened the Roughriders as an 11 ½-point favorite with the ‘over/under’ line set at 49.
The Roughriders have all the momentum and motivation coming into this game. While the Argonauts were able to keep the first game somewhat close at home, they will not be able to keep it closer than 11 ½ points against the Roughriders this week on the road.
Toronto Argonauts at Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Toronto Argonauts will be looking to snap the Saskatchewan Roughriders' three-game winning streak as well as avenge last week's 27-16 loss at Saskatchewan in the second of this home-and home series. This Week 15 matchup is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 9 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina SK. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. (PT).
Toronto’s season continues to be in a free-fall as it has now lost five out of its last six games including last week’s loss to Saskatchewan. The Argonauts have fallen to 6-7 on the year both straight-up and against the CFL spread. They are currently tied with Hamilton for second place in the East Division, three games in back of Montreal.
Though still in a solid position to make the playoffs, Toronto needs to string together a few wins to try and regain the momentum it had earlier in the year. The road may not be the best place to turn things around as the Argos are 2-4 both SU and ATS away from home this year. The total has stayed ‘under’ in five of their last six games.
Saskatchewan clinched a berth in the postseason with last week’s win, but still has the West Division title in its sights. The Roughriders are now 9-4 SU and 8-5 ATS on the year and just two points behind Calgary for first place. They are the only team in the league that has yet to lose a game at home this year with a 6-0 record SU, but they are 4-2 ATS. The total has stayed ‘under’ in six of Saskatchewan’s last eight games.
The story in Game 1 of this home-and-home series was Roughriders QB Darian Durant, who got the job done with both his arm and his feet. Durant ended the night completing 29-of-37 attempts for 310 yards and two TD’s. He also led the team in rushing with 47 yards on seven carries including a 10-yard run for a score in the first quarter.
Durant put his team ahead for good with a 66-yard scoring strike to Andy Fantuz to give Saskatchewan a 24-13 lead early in the second half. Each team added a field goal and the Roughriders covered as a 3 ½-point road favorite at the CFL betting window. The total stayed ‘under’ the 49-point line.
Toronto QB Dalton Bell got his first start of the year, replacing the injured Cleo Lemon. Bell was able to give the Argos some hope, completing close to 70 percent of his passes for 153 yards, but still had trouble getting his team in the end zone. This has been the case over the past six weeks as Toronto has not scored more than 17 points in any single game. Head coach Jim Barker has already stated that Bell will be the starter for this game as well.
Cory Boyd returned to the lineup and also added a spark by gaining 145 yards on 20 carries, but he too was kept from crossing the goal line.
Saskatchewan has won the last five games between these two teams SU but is just 2-2-1 ATS. The average margin of victory in those five games has been 8.4 points. Sportsinteraction has opened the Roughriders as an 11 ½-point favorite with the ‘over/under’ line set at 49.
The Roughriders have all the momentum and motivation coming into this game. While the Argonauts were able to keep the first game somewhat close at home, they will not be able to keep it closer than 11 ½ points against the Roughriders this week on the road.
CANADIAN BACON
Saturday's Best CFL Bets
Toronto Argonauts at Saskatchewan Roughriders (-11.5, 49)
The Roughriders are assured of hosting at least one playoff game with a win. Star QB Darian Durant will be asked to carry his team again this week against Toronto.
The Argos’ offense has improved but it is a far cry from the level displayed by the Riders and, to be honest, the only hope the Boatmen have for redemption is to rely on their defense.
Cleo Lemon should be back as a starting QB after missing last week’s game because of a concussion. Cory Boyd will also be in the starting lineup. The up-and-coming running back rushed for 145 yards last week.
The Argos are dead last for points scored and passing yards while the Riders are undefeated in six home games this year.
Pick: Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saturday's Best CFL Bets
Toronto Argonauts at Saskatchewan Roughriders (-11.5, 49)
The Roughriders are assured of hosting at least one playoff game with a win. Star QB Darian Durant will be asked to carry his team again this week against Toronto.
The Argos’ offense has improved but it is a far cry from the level displayed by the Riders and, to be honest, the only hope the Boatmen have for redemption is to rely on their defense.
Cleo Lemon should be back as a starting QB after missing last week’s game because of a concussion. Cory Boyd will also be in the starting lineup. The up-and-coming running back rushed for 145 yards last week.
The Argos are dead last for points scored and passing yards while the Riders are undefeated in six home games this year.
Pick: Saskatchewan Roughriders
Bettors' Best Friend (BBF): Saturday's Wagering Tips
Line Moves
Thrashers at Lightning: The home team opened at -156 but has since seen that line fall to -146 with many services.
Ducks at Predators: The Preds started at -151 but have since slipped to -141 at some books.
Weather To Watch
Twins at Yankees: There is an expected 11 mph wind blowing from home toward left field.
Utah at Iowa State: There is an expected 11 mph wind that could affect the passing games of both squads.
USC at Stanford: The Cardinals and QB Andrew Luck will have the homefield advantage but must overcome an expected 11 mph wind.
Who’s Hot
The Maple Leafs are 7-1 in their past eight against the Northeast Division.
The Capitals are 72-32 in their past 104 home games.
The Canucks are 48-19 in their past 67 home games.
Who’s Not
The under is 28-12-4 in the Rangers past 44 road games.
The under is 6-1-2 in the Blues past nine against the Atlantic Division.
The under is 7-1-1 in the Rays past nine playoff games.
The Twins are 2-10 in their past 12 overall.
Key Stat
29: Loses in their past 35 games in New York for the Minnesota Twins. The boys from the Midwest are a horrid 18-56 in their past 74 against the Bronx Bombers overall, but especially struggle when they are in a New York state of mind. The past two season, the Twins are just 1-8 in their past nine in the Big Apple and have dropped the eight by an average of nearly three runs per game.
Injury That Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
Think the New Jersey Nets have the flexibility to ship a forward in a deal for Carmelo Anthony? Think again. Troy Murphy, the versatile forward who has three-point range, has been sidelined with a groin injury to start the preseason and now likely will be out until at least the start of the regular season with a severe strained back injury that has him sidelined indefinitely. Rookie Derrick Favors likely will have to eat up even more minutes, but has struggled so far in two NBA preseason games, shooting a meager 3-for-13 with just five rebounds and 11 fouls in only 27 minutes.
Game Of The Day
Florida State Seminoles at Miami Hurricanes (-6, 48)
Notable Quotes
"Reducing scholarship or taking a team out of postseason, those have real substance, but the committee isn't impressed by just saying they're on probation. That doesn't carry a lot of juice.'' -- Tom Yeager, Colonial Athletic Association conference commissioner and former infractions panel chair on UConn putting itself on two years probation.
Tips And Notes
For those of us that have taken a bath on the Boston College because of their horrid offense, things won’t be getting any better this week against North Carolina State. The team pulled incumbent, 26-year-old sophomore Dave Shinskie after a shutout loss to Virginia Tech. However, true freshman Chase Rettig sprained an ankle in a beatdown from Notre Dame last week and it appears Shinskie will be back under center against the Wolfpack. "Whoever we choose can win" coach Frank Spaziani told the Boston Globe.
The Saints running game is in trouble again this week. With Reggie Bush out with a leg injury and Pierre Thomas sidelined, it again will fall to Ladell Betts and Chris Ivory to handle the rushing duties for the defending Super Bowl champions. The pair combined for 114 yards on 25 carries last week, however Ivory did cough up the ball on one occasion. This should mean even more pass attempts for the Saints against the Cardinals this weekend.
Three things in life are certain: Death, taxes and the Philadelphia Flyers having a terrible goaltending situation. The team started rookie Sergey Bobrovsky in a 3-2 win over the Penguins on Thursday night, but likely will be without veteran Michael Leighton for nearly two months as he is undergoing back surgery. Leighton 16-5-2 with a 2.48 GAA last season and figured to be the starter this year. Now, the bulk of the duties will fall to Bobrovsky and veteran Brian Boucher. Yikes.
Line Moves
Thrashers at Lightning: The home team opened at -156 but has since seen that line fall to -146 with many services.
Ducks at Predators: The Preds started at -151 but have since slipped to -141 at some books.
Weather To Watch
Twins at Yankees: There is an expected 11 mph wind blowing from home toward left field.
Utah at Iowa State: There is an expected 11 mph wind that could affect the passing games of both squads.
USC at Stanford: The Cardinals and QB Andrew Luck will have the homefield advantage but must overcome an expected 11 mph wind.
Who’s Hot
The Maple Leafs are 7-1 in their past eight against the Northeast Division.
The Capitals are 72-32 in their past 104 home games.
The Canucks are 48-19 in their past 67 home games.
Who’s Not
The under is 28-12-4 in the Rangers past 44 road games.
The under is 6-1-2 in the Blues past nine against the Atlantic Division.
The under is 7-1-1 in the Rays past nine playoff games.
The Twins are 2-10 in their past 12 overall.
Key Stat
29: Loses in their past 35 games in New York for the Minnesota Twins. The boys from the Midwest are a horrid 18-56 in their past 74 against the Bronx Bombers overall, but especially struggle when they are in a New York state of mind. The past two season, the Twins are just 1-8 in their past nine in the Big Apple and have dropped the eight by an average of nearly three runs per game.
Injury That Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
Think the New Jersey Nets have the flexibility to ship a forward in a deal for Carmelo Anthony? Think again. Troy Murphy, the versatile forward who has three-point range, has been sidelined with a groin injury to start the preseason and now likely will be out until at least the start of the regular season with a severe strained back injury that has him sidelined indefinitely. Rookie Derrick Favors likely will have to eat up even more minutes, but has struggled so far in two NBA preseason games, shooting a meager 3-for-13 with just five rebounds and 11 fouls in only 27 minutes.
Game Of The Day
Florida State Seminoles at Miami Hurricanes (-6, 48)
Notable Quotes
"Reducing scholarship or taking a team out of postseason, those have real substance, but the committee isn't impressed by just saying they're on probation. That doesn't carry a lot of juice.'' -- Tom Yeager, Colonial Athletic Association conference commissioner and former infractions panel chair on UConn putting itself on two years probation.
Tips And Notes
For those of us that have taken a bath on the Boston College because of their horrid offense, things won’t be getting any better this week against North Carolina State. The team pulled incumbent, 26-year-old sophomore Dave Shinskie after a shutout loss to Virginia Tech. However, true freshman Chase Rettig sprained an ankle in a beatdown from Notre Dame last week and it appears Shinskie will be back under center against the Wolfpack. "Whoever we choose can win" coach Frank Spaziani told the Boston Globe.
The Saints running game is in trouble again this week. With Reggie Bush out with a leg injury and Pierre Thomas sidelined, it again will fall to Ladell Betts and Chris Ivory to handle the rushing duties for the defending Super Bowl champions. The pair combined for 114 yards on 25 carries last week, however Ivory did cough up the ball on one occasion. This should mean even more pass attempts for the Saints against the Cardinals this weekend.
Three things in life are certain: Death, taxes and the Philadelphia Flyers having a terrible goaltending situation. The team started rookie Sergey Bobrovsky in a 3-2 win over the Penguins on Thursday night, but likely will be without veteran Michael Leighton for nearly two months as he is undergoing back surgery. Leighton 16-5-2 with a 2.48 GAA last season and figured to be the starter this year. Now, the bulk of the duties will fall to Bobrovsky and veteran Brian Boucher. Yikes.
I generally play a consensus of several cappers, but wanted to expand. So I have been following a newer (I think) service I ran across. I made the purchase and it has paid off. I held off on sharing until I was confident there was value. You guys ever heard of them? Its ArlonSports. According to my records they are 11-6 for the ncaa season. I'm happy especially after his last week performance. He went 4-0 on Sat and 4-0 on Sunday. I hope for a repeat this week. Thought I would share them and see how his week's action plays out.
[FONT="]3* Kentucky
[/FONT] [FONT="]3* [/FONT][FONT="]Tulane
[/FONT] [FONT="]3* [/FONT][FONT="]Georgia
2* Eastern Michigan[/FONT]
Good luck this weekend
[FONT="]3* Kentucky
[/FONT] [FONT="]3* [/FONT][FONT="]Tulane
[/FONT] [FONT="]3* [/FONT][FONT="]Georgia
2* Eastern Michigan[/FONT]
Good luck this weekend
Charlie Cooper's plays from CC Sports Group:
He went 4-0 last week, and his "A Parlay has won 48 straight dating back to 2007. I have made quality money this season playing his stuff.
Enjoy:
A PARLAY: Risking $1,000.00 To Win $357.98
1. 10/8/2010 9:00 PM College Football 309 Oklahoma State* -2200 vs UL Lafayette
2. 10/9/2010 12:00 PM College Football 312 Wisconsin* -1600 vs Minnesota U
3. 10/9/2010 12:00 PM College Football 318 Ohio State* -2000 vs Indiana
4. 10/9/2010 3:30 PM College Football 336 West Virginia* -4000 vs UNLV
5. 10/9/2010 7:00 PM College Football 342 Vanderbilt* -3500 vs Eastern Michigan
6. 10/9/2010 12:00 PM College Football 348 Virginia Tech* -1800 vs Central Michigan
7. 10/9/2010 2:00 PM College Football 354 Air Force* -2900 vs Colorado State
8. 10/9/2010 10:30 PM College Football 380 Nevada* -30000 vs San Jose State
9. 10/9/2010 5:00 PM College Football 383 Oregon* -21500 vs Washington State
10. 10/9/2010 8:00 PM College Football 398 Boise State* -30000 vs Toledo
B PARLAY: Risking $1,000.00 To Win $517.74
1. 10/8/2010 9:00 PM College Football 309 Oklahoma State* -2200 vs UL Lafayette
2. 10/9/2010 12:00 PM College Football 312 Wisconsin* -1600 vs Minnesota U
3. 10/9/2010 12:00 PM College Football 318 Ohio State* -2000 vs Indiana
4. 10/9/2010 2:00 PM College Football 322 Louisville* -850 vs Memphis
5. 10/9/2010 3:30 PM College Football 336 West Virginia* -4000 vs UNLV
6. 10/9/2010 7:00 PM College Football 342 Vanderbilt* -3500 vs Eastern Michigan
7. 10/9/2010 12:00 PM College Football 348 Virginia Tech* -1800 vs Central Michigan
8. 10/9/2010 2:00 PM College Football 354 Air Force* -2900 vs Colorado State
9. 10/9/2010 10:30 PM College Football 380 Nevada* -30000 vs San Jose State
10. 10/9/2010 5:00 PM College Football 383 Oregon* -21500 vs Washington State
11. 10/9/2010 8:00 PM College Football 398 Boise State* -30000 vs Toledo
*IMPORTANT NOTE: WHEN I POSTED THIS, TCU (GAME #362) WAS NOT LISTED AT 5DIMES. IF IT IS LISTED WHEN YOU PLACE YOUR WAGERS, ADD IT IN EVERY PARLAY.
He went 4-0 last week, and his "A Parlay has won 48 straight dating back to 2007. I have made quality money this season playing his stuff.
Enjoy:
A PARLAY: Risking $1,000.00 To Win $357.98
1. 10/8/2010 9:00 PM College Football 309 Oklahoma State* -2200 vs UL Lafayette
2. 10/9/2010 12:00 PM College Football 312 Wisconsin* -1600 vs Minnesota U
3. 10/9/2010 12:00 PM College Football 318 Ohio State* -2000 vs Indiana
4. 10/9/2010 3:30 PM College Football 336 West Virginia* -4000 vs UNLV
5. 10/9/2010 7:00 PM College Football 342 Vanderbilt* -3500 vs Eastern Michigan
6. 10/9/2010 12:00 PM College Football 348 Virginia Tech* -1800 vs Central Michigan
7. 10/9/2010 2:00 PM College Football 354 Air Force* -2900 vs Colorado State
8. 10/9/2010 10:30 PM College Football 380 Nevada* -30000 vs San Jose State
9. 10/9/2010 5:00 PM College Football 383 Oregon* -21500 vs Washington State
10. 10/9/2010 8:00 PM College Football 398 Boise State* -30000 vs Toledo
B PARLAY: Risking $1,000.00 To Win $517.74
1. 10/8/2010 9:00 PM College Football 309 Oklahoma State* -2200 vs UL Lafayette
2. 10/9/2010 12:00 PM College Football 312 Wisconsin* -1600 vs Minnesota U
3. 10/9/2010 12:00 PM College Football 318 Ohio State* -2000 vs Indiana
4. 10/9/2010 2:00 PM College Football 322 Louisville* -850 vs Memphis
5. 10/9/2010 3:30 PM College Football 336 West Virginia* -4000 vs UNLV
6. 10/9/2010 7:00 PM College Football 342 Vanderbilt* -3500 vs Eastern Michigan
7. 10/9/2010 12:00 PM College Football 348 Virginia Tech* -1800 vs Central Michigan
8. 10/9/2010 2:00 PM College Football 354 Air Force* -2900 vs Colorado State
9. 10/9/2010 10:30 PM College Football 380 Nevada* -30000 vs San Jose State
10. 10/9/2010 5:00 PM College Football 383 Oregon* -21500 vs Washington State
11. 10/9/2010 8:00 PM College Football 398 Boise State* -30000 vs Toledo
*IMPORTANT NOTE: WHEN I POSTED THIS, TCU (GAME #362) WAS NOT LISTED AT 5DIMES. IF IT IS LISTED WHEN YOU PLACE YOUR WAGERS, ADD IT IN EVERY PARLAY.
Football Prophet
1. Michigan State/Michigan over 64
2. Baylor/Texas Tech over 61
3. Oregon/Washington State over 69
4. Auburn/Kentucky over 58
5. Toledo/Boise State over 56
6. USC/Stanford over 59
7. Hawaii/Fresno State over 63
8. Utah -6
9. Boston College/NC State over 46 -120 - buy the 1/2 point
10. Alabama -6 -120 - buy 1/2 point
11. San Jose State/Nevada over 61
12. Arkansas/Texas A&M over 62
1. Michigan State/Michigan over 64
2. Baylor/Texas Tech over 61
3. Oregon/Washington State over 69
4. Auburn/Kentucky over 58
5. Toledo/Boise State over 56
6. USC/Stanford over 59
7. Hawaii/Fresno State over 63
8. Utah -6
9. Boston College/NC State over 46 -120 - buy the 1/2 point
10. Alabama -6 -120 - buy 1/2 point
11. San Jose State/Nevada over 61
12. Arkansas/Texas A&M over 62
FANTASY SPORTS GAMETIME
100* Play New York Yankees (-170) over Minnesota
Minnesota has lost 10 of the last 12 games and they have also lost 11 of the last 12 games vs. New York on the road. Brian Duensing has lost 7 of the last 9 games as an underdog of +100 or higher and he has an ERA of 9.64 vs. New York over his career.
50* Play Tampa Bay (+115) over Texas
Tampa pitcher, Matt Garza has won 6 of the last 7 games vs. AL West Division Opponents and he has also won 6 of the last 7 day games. Texas pitcher, Colby Lewis has lost 17 of the last 21 games when working on five or six days of rest and he has an ERA of 8.00 vs. Tampa Bay over his career.
100* Play New York Yankees (-170) over Minnesota
Minnesota has lost 10 of the last 12 games and they have also lost 11 of the last 12 games vs. New York on the road. Brian Duensing has lost 7 of the last 9 games as an underdog of +100 or higher and he has an ERA of 9.64 vs. New York over his career.
50* Play Tampa Bay (+115) over Texas
Tampa pitcher, Matt Garza has won 6 of the last 7 games vs. AL West Division Opponents and he has also won 6 of the last 7 day games. Texas pitcher, Colby Lewis has lost 17 of the last 21 games when working on five or six days of rest and he has an ERA of 8.00 vs. Tampa Bay over his career.
