Larry Ness' 25* CFB Game of the Year-This is It!
My 25* CFB Game of the Year is on BYU at 5:00 ET. The only game this week matching top-25 opponents is No.22 Utah visiting No. 18 BYU in what's been dubbed as the "Holy War." The state of Utah may be deeply religious but its citizens love football and BYU and Utah 'hate' each other! Both schools have played "second fiddle" to TCU this season in the MWC but of course BYU football owns a great history (Detmer won the Heisman in 1990 and the Cougars won the national championship in 1984). Utah can't claim either of those accomplishments but the 2004 team became the very first "BCS bowl-buster" in 2004 (finished 12-0 and ranked 4th in the final AP poll) and last year's team did that squad one better, beating Alabama 31-17 in the Sugar Bowl (as nine-point dogs) to complete yet another perfect season (13-0) and getting ranked No. 2 by the AP in its final poll. The winner of this game will finish 7-1 in the conference and 10-2 overall. A look at the "stat book" shows two similar teams with BYU getting the edge for playing at home but of course, that's reflected in the line. However, revenge and motivation squarely lie on the BYU sidelines. BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall hasn't been able to consistently coax totally focused efforts out of his team every week. The Cougars shocked then-No. 3 Oklahoma the first Saturday of the 2009 season, beating the Sooners 14-13 in Arlington (Cowboys Stadium), as better than three-TD underdogs. However, just two Saturdays later, the Cougars were drubbed at home by a sad-sack Florida State team, 54-28! The Seminoles ran for 313 yards (FSU has averaged just 148.6 YPG on the ground after 11 games), while forcing five BYU turnovers. That FSU win ended a school-record 18-game home win streak for the Cougars. BYU was totally out-classed at home by TCU in a 38-7 rout on October 24th but the Horned Frogs have done that to most opponents this year. What has to trouble Cougar fans are less-than-impressive road wins like the ones at San Diego State (38-28) and 24-19 at New Mexico. However, there will be NO lack of focus or motivation for this game, especially for Max Hall, playing his final home game. Hall tossed five INTs (zero TDs) in BYU's 48-24 loss at Salt Lake City a year ago, as Utah's 6-0 edge in turnovers had a lot to do with that blowout final. Even back in 2007, when the Cougars edged the Utes 17-10, Hall was just 17-of-40 without a TD and one INT. That's two career games against his school's biggest rival and this senior QB with the prolific career has zero TD passes in 81 attempts while throwing six 'picks!' I'm BETTING that Hall will come through this time. After all, look at what he's accomplished. Hall re-shirted his freshman year ('04) at Arizona State and then transferred to BYU but left for a mission. When he took over as BYU's starting QB, he hadn't played a competitive game in four years. All he did in '07 was lead BYU to an 11-2 season, ending the season on a 10-game winning streak after its 17-16 Las Vegas Bowl win over UCLA. Hall passed for 3,848 yards in '07, throwing 26 TDs and just 12 INTs (completed 60.1 percent). Hall led BYU to a 10-3 season in 2008, completing 69.0 percent of his passes for 3,957 yards with 35 TDs and 14 INTs. Hall entered the 2009 season with a 21-5 record as a starter, a 61-26 TD-to-INT ratio and 11 career 300-yard passing games. He enters the final regular season game of his career having completed 70.3 percent of his passes in 2009, averaging 294 YPG through the air with 28 TDs and 14 INTs . His QB rating of 167.2 ranks him behind only Kellen Moore (Boise St). His career ratio is 89 TDs with just 40 INTs. Hall and BYU will be up against Utah and its freshman QB Jordan Wynn. Wynn is starting just his fourth game and just his second on the road. His two home starts have come against league doormats New Mexico and SDSU, while his road start was in Utah's 55-28 loss at TCU. TCU is a better team than BYU this year but Wynn will learn that the Fort Worth venue on Nov 14 isn't "anything like" playing this game in Provo. Wynn's job will be made tougher by BYU's vast improvement against the run since that FSU debacle back in mid-September. Since giving up those whopping 313 yards and four TDs on the ground to Florida State, the BYU rush defense has permitted just one opponent (Air Force) to generate more than 127 yards on the ground (Falcons were held 55 yards under their season average and to 3.8 YPC). Hall became BYU's all-time winningest QB in last Saturday's win over Air Force, surpassing former Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer's 29 victories, but a 31st win will be much 'SWEETER' indeed. CFB Game of the Year 25* BYU.
My 25* CFB Game of the Year is on BYU at 5:00 ET. The only game this week matching top-25 opponents is No.22 Utah visiting No. 18 BYU in what's been dubbed as the "Holy War." The state of Utah may be deeply religious but its citizens love football and BYU and Utah 'hate' each other! Both schools have played "second fiddle" to TCU this season in the MWC but of course BYU football owns a great history (Detmer won the Heisman in 1990 and the Cougars won the national championship in 1984). Utah can't claim either of those accomplishments but the 2004 team became the very first "BCS bowl-buster" in 2004 (finished 12-0 and ranked 4th in the final AP poll) and last year's team did that squad one better, beating Alabama 31-17 in the Sugar Bowl (as nine-point dogs) to complete yet another perfect season (13-0) and getting ranked No. 2 by the AP in its final poll. The winner of this game will finish 7-1 in the conference and 10-2 overall. A look at the "stat book" shows two similar teams with BYU getting the edge for playing at home but of course, that's reflected in the line. However, revenge and motivation squarely lie on the BYU sidelines. BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall hasn't been able to consistently coax totally focused efforts out of his team every week. The Cougars shocked then-No. 3 Oklahoma the first Saturday of the 2009 season, beating the Sooners 14-13 in Arlington (Cowboys Stadium), as better than three-TD underdogs. However, just two Saturdays later, the Cougars were drubbed at home by a sad-sack Florida State team, 54-28! The Seminoles ran for 313 yards (FSU has averaged just 148.6 YPG on the ground after 11 games), while forcing five BYU turnovers. That FSU win ended a school-record 18-game home win streak for the Cougars. BYU was totally out-classed at home by TCU in a 38-7 rout on October 24th but the Horned Frogs have done that to most opponents this year. What has to trouble Cougar fans are less-than-impressive road wins like the ones at San Diego State (38-28) and 24-19 at New Mexico. However, there will be NO lack of focus or motivation for this game, especially for Max Hall, playing his final home game. Hall tossed five INTs (zero TDs) in BYU's 48-24 loss at Salt Lake City a year ago, as Utah's 6-0 edge in turnovers had a lot to do with that blowout final. Even back in 2007, when the Cougars edged the Utes 17-10, Hall was just 17-of-40 without a TD and one INT. That's two career games against his school's biggest rival and this senior QB with the prolific career has zero TD passes in 81 attempts while throwing six 'picks!' I'm BETTING that Hall will come through this time. After all, look at what he's accomplished. Hall re-shirted his freshman year ('04) at Arizona State and then transferred to BYU but left for a mission. When he took over as BYU's starting QB, he hadn't played a competitive game in four years. All he did in '07 was lead BYU to an 11-2 season, ending the season on a 10-game winning streak after its 17-16 Las Vegas Bowl win over UCLA. Hall passed for 3,848 yards in '07, throwing 26 TDs and just 12 INTs (completed 60.1 percent). Hall led BYU to a 10-3 season in 2008, completing 69.0 percent of his passes for 3,957 yards with 35 TDs and 14 INTs. Hall entered the 2009 season with a 21-5 record as a starter, a 61-26 TD-to-INT ratio and 11 career 300-yard passing games. He enters the final regular season game of his career having completed 70.3 percent of his passes in 2009, averaging 294 YPG through the air with 28 TDs and 14 INTs . His QB rating of 167.2 ranks him behind only Kellen Moore (Boise St). His career ratio is 89 TDs with just 40 INTs. Hall and BYU will be up against Utah and its freshman QB Jordan Wynn. Wynn is starting just his fourth game and just his second on the road. His two home starts have come against league doormats New Mexico and SDSU, while his road start was in Utah's 55-28 loss at TCU. TCU is a better team than BYU this year but Wynn will learn that the Fort Worth venue on Nov 14 isn't "anything like" playing this game in Provo. Wynn's job will be made tougher by BYU's vast improvement against the run since that FSU debacle back in mid-September. Since giving up those whopping 313 yards and four TDs on the ground to Florida State, the BYU rush defense has permitted just one opponent (Air Force) to generate more than 127 yards on the ground (Falcons were held 55 yards under their season average and to 3.8 YPC). Hall became BYU's all-time winningest QB in last Saturday's win over Air Force, surpassing former Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer's 29 victories, but a 31st win will be much 'SWEETER' indeed. CFB Game of the Year 25* BYU.
Guaranteed Pick: Scott Spreitzer Blowout GOY
Game: Baylor at Texas Tech Nov 28 2009 6:00PM
Prediction: Texas Tech
Reason: I'm laying the points with Texas Tech on Saturday night. Earlier this week I heard some folks in a local Las Vegas sports book talking about the potential letdown by the Red Raiders this week. I can understand why some would feel a letdown would be in store. After all, the Red Raiders just throttled the mighty Oklahoma Sooners. But instead of a letdown, I believe Tech is just hitting their stride. The offense sputtered a bit (relatively speaking) on the road, but piled up 549 yards in the 41-13 thrashing of Oklahoma in Lubbock. This week's game is a neutral site contest, being played in Arlington. Few of the Baylor-faithful will be making the trip after a truly disappointing season. When the Bears lost "Super Soph" QB Robert Griffin, their season hit the skids. Griffin led the Bears to a 2-1 start with their only loss coming by eight, 30-22 to UConn. He owned a 65% completion rate with four touchdown passes and no interceptions. And of course, Griffin could run defenses right off the field with his feet. Freshman Nick Florence had to take over for Griffin and the offense hasn't been the same. Florence owns a 6-9, TD-INT ratio. And after averaging 36.3 ppg through their first four games, Baylor has scored a grand total of just 91 points in seven Big-12 contests, or 13 ppg. Take out the extremely strange result (40-32 win) in Columbia, Missouri, and the Bears have averaged just 8.5 ppg in their other six conference tilts. Now they face a Texas Tech squad who's likely to put up points-at-will against a Baylor defense that allows 28 ppg, and ranks 96th in the nation in total defense. The Bears allow a 45.6% third-down conversion rate, along with 4.6 yards per carry and have just nine sacks on the season. They're also in a "dead" spot having their slim bowl hopes completely dashed in last week's 38-3 loss to A&M. The team is ready for their disappointed, unfulfilled season to come to an end. Tech has beaten Baylor 13 straight times by an average margin of 28 ppg, and they're 8-2, 80% ATS the last 10 times. Look for Tech to roll on Saturday. I'm laying the points with Texas Tech. Thanks! GL! Scott.
Game: Baylor at Texas Tech Nov 28 2009 6:00PM
Prediction: Texas Tech
Reason: I'm laying the points with Texas Tech on Saturday night. Earlier this week I heard some folks in a local Las Vegas sports book talking about the potential letdown by the Red Raiders this week. I can understand why some would feel a letdown would be in store. After all, the Red Raiders just throttled the mighty Oklahoma Sooners. But instead of a letdown, I believe Tech is just hitting their stride. The offense sputtered a bit (relatively speaking) on the road, but piled up 549 yards in the 41-13 thrashing of Oklahoma in Lubbock. This week's game is a neutral site contest, being played in Arlington. Few of the Baylor-faithful will be making the trip after a truly disappointing season. When the Bears lost "Super Soph" QB Robert Griffin, their season hit the skids. Griffin led the Bears to a 2-1 start with their only loss coming by eight, 30-22 to UConn. He owned a 65% completion rate with four touchdown passes and no interceptions. And of course, Griffin could run defenses right off the field with his feet. Freshman Nick Florence had to take over for Griffin and the offense hasn't been the same. Florence owns a 6-9, TD-INT ratio. And after averaging 36.3 ppg through their first four games, Baylor has scored a grand total of just 91 points in seven Big-12 contests, or 13 ppg. Take out the extremely strange result (40-32 win) in Columbia, Missouri, and the Bears have averaged just 8.5 ppg in their other six conference tilts. Now they face a Texas Tech squad who's likely to put up points-at-will against a Baylor defense that allows 28 ppg, and ranks 96th in the nation in total defense. The Bears allow a 45.6% third-down conversion rate, along with 4.6 yards per carry and have just nine sacks on the season. They're also in a "dead" spot having their slim bowl hopes completely dashed in last week's 38-3 loss to A&M. The team is ready for their disappointed, unfulfilled season to come to an end. Tech has beaten Baylor 13 straight times by an average margin of 28 ppg, and they're 8-2, 80% ATS the last 10 times. Look for Tech to roll on Saturday. I'm laying the points with Texas Tech. Thanks! GL! Scott.
KELSO
100 Units Georgia Tech (-7½) over Georgia
College Rivalry Game Of The Year 100 Units GEORGIA TECH (10-1) -7 ½ over Georgia (6-5) Prediction: Georgia Tech by 21-24 Starting Time: 8:00 TV: ABC Comments: Georgia Tech is the complete football team and it is no accident the Yellow Jackets have lost but one game this season—a 33-11 decision at Miami in their third game. In this traditional rivalry game, Georgia Tech has every single edge across the board and is dramatically superior at the skill positions. It also is of importance to note Tech has a sophisticated and dominating running game that averages 341.1 yards per game and in the process permits the Jackets to control the clock for 60 minutes. This game usually brings together two teams that are basically equal in talent—but not this time.
Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Northwest at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 60.
15 unit = kentucky
5 unit = n. carlina
4 unit = ucf
3 unit = arkansas
100 Units Georgia Tech (-7½) over Georgia
College Rivalry Game Of The Year 100 Units GEORGIA TECH (10-1) -7 ½ over Georgia (6-5) Prediction: Georgia Tech by 21-24 Starting Time: 8:00 TV: ABC Comments: Georgia Tech is the complete football team and it is no accident the Yellow Jackets have lost but one game this season—a 33-11 decision at Miami in their third game. In this traditional rivalry game, Georgia Tech has every single edge across the board and is dramatically superior at the skill positions. It also is of importance to note Tech has a sophisticated and dominating running game that averages 341.1 yards per game and in the process permits the Jackets to control the clock for 60 minutes. This game usually brings together two teams that are basically equal in talent—but not this time.
Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Northwest at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 60.
15 unit = kentucky
5 unit = n. carlina
4 unit = ucf
3 unit = arkansas
Dr. Bob
Rotation #143 Clemson (-3) 2-Stars at -3 or less.
Rotation # 157 Central Florida (-3) 3-Stars at -4 or less, 2-Stars up to -6.
Rotation #162 SMU (-17 1/2) 2-Stars at -19 or less, 3-Stars at -17.
Rotation #184 South Florida (+6 1/2) 2-Stars at +6 or more.
Rotation #191 San Diego State (+6 1/2) 2-Stars at +4 or more, 3-Stars at +7.
Rotation #143 Clemson (-3) 2-Stars at -3 or less.
Rotation # 157 Central Florida (-3) 3-Stars at -4 or less, 2-Stars up to -6.
Rotation #162 SMU (-17 1/2) 2-Stars at -19 or less, 3-Stars at -17.
Rotation #184 South Florida (+6 1/2) 2-Stars at +6 or more.
Rotation #191 San Diego State (+6 1/2) 2-Stars at +4 or more, 3-Stars at +7.
DCI
Season: 121-86 (.585)
NEW JERSEY 3, N.Y. Islanders 2
BOSTON 3, Ottawa 2
BUFFALO 3, Carolina 2
Washington 3, MONTREAL 2
Philadelphia vs. ATLANTA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Calgary vs. COLUMBUS: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
PITTSBURGH 3, N.Y. Rangers 2
Detroit vs. ST. LOUIS: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
NASHVILLE 3, Florida 2
DALLAS 3, Tampa Bay 2
COLORADO 4, Minnesota 3
VANCOUVER 3, Edmonton 2
Chicago vs. LOS ANGELES: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Season: 121-86 (.585)
NEW JERSEY 3, N.Y. Islanders 2
BOSTON 3, Ottawa 2
BUFFALO 3, Carolina 2
Washington 3, MONTREAL 2
Philadelphia vs. ATLANTA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Calgary vs. COLUMBUS: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
PITTSBURGH 3, N.Y. Rangers 2
Detroit vs. ST. LOUIS: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
NASHVILLE 3, Florida 2
DALLAS 3, Tampa Bay 2
COLORADO 4, Minnesota 3
VANCOUVER 3, Edmonton 2
Chicago vs. LOS ANGELES: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Win or lose sports betting
Hot before yesterday
Early plays
Added later
NCAA Football
Rot# Team Spread/Type Line Wager
140 Conn -13.5 -108 $7
142 Duke +4.5 -106 $7
165 Okla St +7.5 -104 $6
185 Arkansas +3.5 -106 $6
National Hockey League
Rot# Team Spread Line Wager
1 NY Islander +1.5 -180 $13
4 ATL +1.5 -270 $10
8 BOS ML -135 $14
16 NASH ML -170 $15
23 ED +1.5 -140 $12
Hot before yesterday
Early plays
Added later
NCAA Football
Rot# Team Spread/Type Line Wager
140 Conn -13.5 -108 $7
142 Duke +4.5 -106 $7
165 Okla St +7.5 -104 $6
185 Arkansas +3.5 -106 $6
National Hockey League
Rot# Team Spread Line Wager
1 NY Islander +1.5 -180 $13
4 ATL +1.5 -270 $10
8 BOS ML -135 $14
16 NASH ML -170 $15
23 ED +1.5 -140 $12
