CHUCK O BRIEN
For Saturday's selection, take Mississippi State plus the points against Alabama.
I got royally hosed out of a 40 Dime winner on LSU plus the points over Alabama last week when the incompetent SEC officials refused to rule a clear-cut interception in favor of the Tigers. It almost certainly cost me the spread-cover. After watching that game, I’m even more convinced than ever that the Crimson Tide are living on borrowed time, and with the way their offense is performing right now, there’s no way this team should be laying double digits, especially on the road.
After averaging 40 ppg in their first five wins, the Tide have managed just 22, 20, 12 and 24 in their last four (all against SEC teams). And they could’ve VERY easily lost the last two at home, needing two blocked field goals to survive Tennessee (12-10 final) before struggling with LSU last week. As for Mississippi State, don’t be deceived by the 4-5 record. This team plays very, very hard, as four Top 25 teams that previously went to Starkville this year can attest (the Bulldogs gave LSU, Georgia Tech Houston and Florida fits, losing to all three, but by margins of just 4, 11, 7 and 10 points).
Mississippi State (5-2 ATS last seven overall; 4-1 as a ‘dog) has the running attack (219.2 rushing yards per game) to be able to shorten this game, which makes the points we’re getting even more valuable. Also, the Bulldogs have sprung the upset against Alabama twice in the last three years, and in the past four meetings (when Mississippi State’s program was WAY down), the Crimson Tide have mustered two offensive touchdowns, and one of those was on a two-yard drive after a long punt return.
Alabama, which has already clinched the SEC West title, faces a potential letdown situation here, while this is another bowl-type home game for the Bulldogs (10-4 ATS last 14 vs. ‘Bama), who will give it their all just as they previously have against Florida, Houston, Georgia Tech and LSU.
3* Mississippi State
on a 1* to 5* Scale
For Saturday's selection, take Mississippi State plus the points against Alabama.
I got royally hosed out of a 40 Dime winner on LSU plus the points over Alabama last week when the incompetent SEC officials refused to rule a clear-cut interception in favor of the Tigers. It almost certainly cost me the spread-cover. After watching that game, I’m even more convinced than ever that the Crimson Tide are living on borrowed time, and with the way their offense is performing right now, there’s no way this team should be laying double digits, especially on the road.
After averaging 40 ppg in their first five wins, the Tide have managed just 22, 20, 12 and 24 in their last four (all against SEC teams). And they could’ve VERY easily lost the last two at home, needing two blocked field goals to survive Tennessee (12-10 final) before struggling with LSU last week. As for Mississippi State, don’t be deceived by the 4-5 record. This team plays very, very hard, as four Top 25 teams that previously went to Starkville this year can attest (the Bulldogs gave LSU, Georgia Tech Houston and Florida fits, losing to all three, but by margins of just 4, 11, 7 and 10 points).
Mississippi State (5-2 ATS last seven overall; 4-1 as a ‘dog) has the running attack (219.2 rushing yards per game) to be able to shorten this game, which makes the points we’re getting even more valuable. Also, the Bulldogs have sprung the upset against Alabama twice in the last three years, and in the past four meetings (when Mississippi State’s program was WAY down), the Crimson Tide have mustered two offensive touchdowns, and one of those was on a two-yard drive after a long punt return.
Alabama, which has already clinched the SEC West title, faces a potential letdown situation here, while this is another bowl-type home game for the Bulldogs (10-4 ATS last 14 vs. ‘Bama), who will give it their all just as they previously have against Florida, Houston, Georgia Tech and LSU.
3* Mississippi State
on a 1* to 5* Scale
Bob Balfe 11/14
College Football
Ohio State -16.5 over Iowa
Iowa showed us last week how weak they are with out Stanzi at QB also Ohio State proved just how good they are as they thumped Penn State last weekend. Iowa is not a top tier 9-1 team and will have no answer for the OSU defense today. Look for the Buckeyes to play solid defense and solid offense. Take OSU.
Idaho +31.5 over Boise State
Idaho is probably one of the most improved teams in the nation and I would say this would be a good line for last year, but this year Idaho has a good offense and can really throw the ball. I would wait to bet this game right up until game time due to the status of QB Enderle who probably will play, but just wait because if not the line will go up in our favor (3:30 PM EST) and the backup is capable of covering this game. This game might turn into a shootout. Take Idaho.
USC -10.5 over Stanford
USC has lost only once in the last 48 games at home. That one loss was to this Stanford team and there are a lot of players on the Trojans that still remember that. Both teams have young QB's who play well above their age and experience. I really do like what Stanford has done, but I do not think they are ready to take control of the PAC 10 especially in the Trojans' back yard. USC should get out to an early lead and pull away by halftime. Look for the Cardinals to be brought back down to reality tonight. Take USC.
Kansas State +1 over Missouri
Missouri looked good early in the season, but it was because of a soft schedule. Last week they blew the game to Baylor at home up by 11 at the half. This team has no heart and I wouldnt be shocked for KState to blow them out by running the ball. KState has been playing well and will look to get a big win as Missouri has crushed them the last few years. Take Kansas State at home.
NBA Basketball
Hawks -9 over Hornets
College Basketball
St. Louis -18 over SE Missouri State
College Football
Ohio State -16.5 over Iowa
Iowa showed us last week how weak they are with out Stanzi at QB also Ohio State proved just how good they are as they thumped Penn State last weekend. Iowa is not a top tier 9-1 team and will have no answer for the OSU defense today. Look for the Buckeyes to play solid defense and solid offense. Take OSU.
Idaho +31.5 over Boise State
Idaho is probably one of the most improved teams in the nation and I would say this would be a good line for last year, but this year Idaho has a good offense and can really throw the ball. I would wait to bet this game right up until game time due to the status of QB Enderle who probably will play, but just wait because if not the line will go up in our favor (3:30 PM EST) and the backup is capable of covering this game. This game might turn into a shootout. Take Idaho.
USC -10.5 over Stanford
USC has lost only once in the last 48 games at home. That one loss was to this Stanford team and there are a lot of players on the Trojans that still remember that. Both teams have young QB's who play well above their age and experience. I really do like what Stanford has done, but I do not think they are ready to take control of the PAC 10 especially in the Trojans' back yard. USC should get out to an early lead and pull away by halftime. Look for the Cardinals to be brought back down to reality tonight. Take USC.
Kansas State +1 over Missouri
Missouri looked good early in the season, but it was because of a soft schedule. Last week they blew the game to Baylor at home up by 11 at the half. This team has no heart and I wouldnt be shocked for KState to blow them out by running the ball. KState has been playing well and will look to get a big win as Missouri has crushed them the last few years. Take Kansas State at home.
NBA Basketball
Hawks -9 over Hornets
College Basketball
St. Louis -18 over SE Missouri State
Evan Altemus
Arizona vs California
Oddsmakers have overvalued California all season, and the betting public hasn’t caught on yet. The Bears got totally outplayed last week against Oregon State, even before Jahvid Best went out of the game. Their defense let Sean Canfield and the Beavers offense do whatever they wanted in moving the ball up and down the field. I don’t like saying if Team A beats Team B and Team B beats Team C then Team A will automatically beat Team C. However, Arizona proved to be the better team when they faced Oregon State a few weeks ago. They moved the ball up and down the field and did a decent job containing the Beavers offense, despite giving up points late in the game. Arizona has quietly improved throughout the season. In addition, they are in a great spot in this game. The Wildcats faced lowly Washington State last week and had a bye week before that game. Meanwhile, California has to be demoralized entering this game. They probably have lost their All-American tailback Jahvid Best for the season because of his freakish injury last week. It was clear that the offense wasn’t the same after he left the line-up. Best is the centerpiece of everything they do, so I look for the offense to struggle again. The Bears are 1-5 against the spread in their last 6 games. They have been dominated by the best teams in the PAC-10 and have struggled to beat the weakest teams in the conference. California doesn’t have a strong home field advantage either this season. Look for Arizona to come in and get an easy road win.
5 UNIT SELECTION ARIZONA
Arizona vs California
Oddsmakers have overvalued California all season, and the betting public hasn’t caught on yet. The Bears got totally outplayed last week against Oregon State, even before Jahvid Best went out of the game. Their defense let Sean Canfield and the Beavers offense do whatever they wanted in moving the ball up and down the field. I don’t like saying if Team A beats Team B and Team B beats Team C then Team A will automatically beat Team C. However, Arizona proved to be the better team when they faced Oregon State a few weeks ago. They moved the ball up and down the field and did a decent job containing the Beavers offense, despite giving up points late in the game. Arizona has quietly improved throughout the season. In addition, they are in a great spot in this game. The Wildcats faced lowly Washington State last week and had a bye week before that game. Meanwhile, California has to be demoralized entering this game. They probably have lost their All-American tailback Jahvid Best for the season because of his freakish injury last week. It was clear that the offense wasn’t the same after he left the line-up. Best is the centerpiece of everything they do, so I look for the offense to struggle again. The Bears are 1-5 against the spread in their last 6 games. They have been dominated by the best teams in the PAC-10 and have struggled to beat the weakest teams in the conference. California doesn’t have a strong home field advantage either this season. Look for Arizona to come in and get an easy road win.
5 UNIT SELECTION ARIZONA
hno:
Dominic Fazzini
Saturday's plays
25 Dime -- Kentucky (minus points vs. VANDERBILT)
KENTUCKY
While the Wildcats and the Commodores are similiar defensively, Kentucky's offense is clearly better than Vanderbilt's. The Wildcats put up 27.1 yards per game, while the Commodores are averaging just 16.7, including a paltry six points per game in SEC play.
And now Vanderbilt is trotting out its second-string QB for the second straight week. Senior Mackenzi Adams made his first start of the season last week against Florida after Larry Smith was injured, and he completed just 13 of 29 passes for 100 yards with no TDs and one interception.
And while Kentucky's defense is nowhere near as strong as the Gators', the Wildcats do possess the conference's fourth-ranked pass defense, giving up just 169.9 yards per game.
Kentucky coach Rich Brooks isn't expected to name his starting QB until game time, with starter Mike Hartline on the mend after missing four games with a knee injury, but I think the Wildcats can get the job done with either Hartline or freshman Morgan Newton in the lineup.
Plus, leading rusher Derrick Locke (knee) and leading receiver Randall Cobb (thumb) are both supposed to return to the Wildcats' lineup after sitting out last week's 37-12 victory over Eastern Kentucky with injuries.
Kentucky needs just one more win this season to become bowl eligible for the fourth straight year, which would be the first time in school history that happened, so the Wildcats are going to be up for this one.
Vanderbilt, on the other hand, is going nowhere at 2-8 and is hasn't had a bye all season, so I'm not expecting the Commodores' best effort, especially coming off its 27-3 loss at Florida and with a season-ending game at Tennessee next week.
Vanderbilt is 1-4 ATS in its last five games as a home underdog, and 0-4 ATS in its last four home games. Even more damning, the Commodores are 1-13 straight up and 2-12 ATS as home 'dogs of less than 4 points.
Kentucky is 5-1 ATS in its last six games as a road favorite, and 4-1 ATS in its last five road games. Take the Wildcats to cover the points today.
10 Dime -- NORTH CAROLINA STATE (plus points vs. Clemson)
NORTH CAROLINA STATE
The Wolfpack is a little shaky on defense, but it can definitely light up the scoreboard, averaging 33.7 points per game, which ranks second in the ACC and 20th in the nation.
QB Russell Wilson heads a strong passing attack for N.C. State, completing 60.4 percent of his passes for 2,351 yards and 24 touchdowns. The Wolfpack ranks third in the ACC and 19th in the country with 294.2 passing yards per game.
Running back C.J. Spiller is the leader of Clemson's offense, and he has rushed for 329 yards and has five touchdowns in three career games against the Wolfpack. But N.C. State is third in the ACC in rushing defense this year, giving up just 117.3 yards per game, so things could be a lot tougher for Spiller today than they have in the past.
Clemson is just 1-2 on the road this season, compared to 5-1 at home, and it is just 1-4 ATS in its five games as a road favorite. North Carolina State is 11-4-2 ATS in its last 17 games overall, 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 home games and 6-1 ATS in its last seven games as a home 'dog. The Tigers probably still gain the win today, but the Wolfpack should stay within spitting distance. Take N.C. State to cover the points.
Paid and Confirmed by me
Anyone seen Demarco or valentino
Saturday's plays
25 Dime -- Kentucky (minus points vs. VANDERBILT)
KENTUCKY
While the Wildcats and the Commodores are similiar defensively, Kentucky's offense is clearly better than Vanderbilt's. The Wildcats put up 27.1 yards per game, while the Commodores are averaging just 16.7, including a paltry six points per game in SEC play.
And now Vanderbilt is trotting out its second-string QB for the second straight week. Senior Mackenzi Adams made his first start of the season last week against Florida after Larry Smith was injured, and he completed just 13 of 29 passes for 100 yards with no TDs and one interception.
And while Kentucky's defense is nowhere near as strong as the Gators', the Wildcats do possess the conference's fourth-ranked pass defense, giving up just 169.9 yards per game.
Kentucky coach Rich Brooks isn't expected to name his starting QB until game time, with starter Mike Hartline on the mend after missing four games with a knee injury, but I think the Wildcats can get the job done with either Hartline or freshman Morgan Newton in the lineup.
Plus, leading rusher Derrick Locke (knee) and leading receiver Randall Cobb (thumb) are both supposed to return to the Wildcats' lineup after sitting out last week's 37-12 victory over Eastern Kentucky with injuries.
Kentucky needs just one more win this season to become bowl eligible for the fourth straight year, which would be the first time in school history that happened, so the Wildcats are going to be up for this one.
Vanderbilt, on the other hand, is going nowhere at 2-8 and is hasn't had a bye all season, so I'm not expecting the Commodores' best effort, especially coming off its 27-3 loss at Florida and with a season-ending game at Tennessee next week.
Vanderbilt is 1-4 ATS in its last five games as a home underdog, and 0-4 ATS in its last four home games. Even more damning, the Commodores are 1-13 straight up and 2-12 ATS as home 'dogs of less than 4 points.
Kentucky is 5-1 ATS in its last six games as a road favorite, and 4-1 ATS in its last five road games. Take the Wildcats to cover the points today.
10 Dime -- NORTH CAROLINA STATE (plus points vs. Clemson)
NORTH CAROLINA STATE
The Wolfpack is a little shaky on defense, but it can definitely light up the scoreboard, averaging 33.7 points per game, which ranks second in the ACC and 20th in the nation.
QB Russell Wilson heads a strong passing attack for N.C. State, completing 60.4 percent of his passes for 2,351 yards and 24 touchdowns. The Wolfpack ranks third in the ACC and 19th in the country with 294.2 passing yards per game.
Running back C.J. Spiller is the leader of Clemson's offense, and he has rushed for 329 yards and has five touchdowns in three career games against the Wolfpack. But N.C. State is third in the ACC in rushing defense this year, giving up just 117.3 yards per game, so things could be a lot tougher for Spiller today than they have in the past.
Clemson is just 1-2 on the road this season, compared to 5-1 at home, and it is just 1-4 ATS in its five games as a road favorite. North Carolina State is 11-4-2 ATS in its last 17 games overall, 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 home games and 6-1 ATS in its last seven games as a home 'dog. The Tigers probably still gain the win today, but the Wolfpack should stay within spitting distance. Take N.C. State to cover the points.
Paid and Confirmed by me
Anyone seen Demarco or valentino
