JOHN RYAN
Ai Simulator 7* graded play on Arizona (CFB) – AiS shows an 82% probability that Arizona will win this game by 4 or more points. Supporting this graded play is a 76% winning money line system that has gone 37-12 since 2002. Play on all teams with a money line of +135 to -155 that are an average rushing team gaining 3.5 to 4.3 YPR and is facing a team with an average rushing D allowing 3.5 to 4.3 YPR and after allowing 100 or less rushing yards last game. BYU finds itself in several poor roles for this matchup noting they are 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after the first month of the season this season; 4-20 ATS (-18.0 Units) after a 2 game road trip since 1992. Although the Pac-10 was weaker this season in terms of its’ depth than in recent years, Arizona had a far tougher schedule than BYU. I always go back to the beginning fo the year when Tennessee was a potential contender for the SEC Title and lost to UCLA. Then the following week UCLA suffered it’s biggest loss since 1929 when they were shutout by NYU 59-0. Then, BYU struggled against several inferior opponents in UNLV, Colorado State, San Diego State, and in their last game they were trounced by Utah. That Utah game was fairly close going in to the final quarter until Utah had just worn the BYU defensive down to literally no resistance. Arizona is just 2-3 over the past 5 games, but one of those losses was a 17-10 defeat to USC. They then had to play Oregon where they lost by 10 as a 6 point dog and then had to come home to face then Pac-10 leader Oregon State and lost by 2. Point is simple, Arizona is a seasoned team and they have a superior coach in Stoops. The average PR differential between the two teams schedules is a significant 8 points. Tougher opponents make for well prepared and IMPROVED teams come bowl season most of the time. Remember though that we are making these plays based on the AiS grading and that the supplemental cast of systems, angles, and game analysis serve only to reinforce the graded play. Best of luck! Take Arizona.
Ai Simulator 7* graded play on Arizona (CFB) – AiS shows an 82% probability that Arizona will win this game by 4 or more points. Supporting this graded play is a 76% winning money line system that has gone 37-12 since 2002. Play on all teams with a money line of +135 to -155 that are an average rushing team gaining 3.5 to 4.3 YPR and is facing a team with an average rushing D allowing 3.5 to 4.3 YPR and after allowing 100 or less rushing yards last game. BYU finds itself in several poor roles for this matchup noting they are 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after the first month of the season this season; 4-20 ATS (-18.0 Units) after a 2 game road trip since 1992. Although the Pac-10 was weaker this season in terms of its’ depth than in recent years, Arizona had a far tougher schedule than BYU. I always go back to the beginning fo the year when Tennessee was a potential contender for the SEC Title and lost to UCLA. Then the following week UCLA suffered it’s biggest loss since 1929 when they were shutout by NYU 59-0. Then, BYU struggled against several inferior opponents in UNLV, Colorado State, San Diego State, and in their last game they were trounced by Utah. That Utah game was fairly close going in to the final quarter until Utah had just worn the BYU defensive down to literally no resistance. Arizona is just 2-3 over the past 5 games, but one of those losses was a 17-10 defeat to USC. They then had to play Oregon where they lost by 10 as a 6 point dog and then had to come home to face then Pac-10 leader Oregon State and lost by 2. Point is simple, Arizona is a seasoned team and they have a superior coach in Stoops. The average PR differential between the two teams schedules is a significant 8 points. Tougher opponents make for well prepared and IMPROVED teams come bowl season most of the time. Remember though that we are making these plays based on the AiS grading and that the supplemental cast of systems, angles, and game analysis serve only to reinforce the graded play. Best of luck! Take Arizona.
JOHN RYAN
Ai Simulator 7* graded play on South Florida (CFB) and a 3* amount on the first half line – AiS shows an 80% probability that South Florida will win this game by 14 or more points. SF had a somewhat disappointing 7-5 season and Memphis was 6-6. The big difference in the records is that SF played a significantly tougher schedule than Memphis. That experience will serve them well in a bowl game the program really wants to win impressively for recruiting purposes. AiS shows a 90% probability that SF will gain a minimum of 6 yards per play in this game. Note that SF is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) when they gain 6.5 or more total yards per play since 1992; 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) when they outgain their opponents by 2 or more yards/play since 1992; 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) when they gain 9 or more net passing yards/attempt over the last 3 seasons. AiS also shows an 88% probability that SF will score 28 or more points in this game. Note that SF is an impressive 25-9 ATS (+15.1 Units) when they score 28 or more points since 1992. Memphis is in a series of poor situational roles for this game noting they are 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) after a win by 28 or more points since 1992; 2-15 ATS (-14.5 Units) after scoring 42 points or more last game since 1992. Even the coaches come into this game on opposite polar extremes as shown by these angles. Memphis HC West is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) after scoring 42 points or more last game while SF HC Leavitt is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) after scoring 42 points or more last game. Supporting the 3* graded play on the first half line is a solid system that has gone 26-6 for 81% since 1992. Play against neutral field dogs versus the 1rst half line that are good rushing teams gaining 190 to 230 RY/game and is now facing an average rushing team gaining 140-190 RY/game and in non-conference games. In summary, place a 7* amount on the betting line with SF and a 3* amount on the 1st half line also with SF.
Ai Simulator 7* graded play on South Florida (CFB) and a 3* amount on the first half line – AiS shows an 80% probability that South Florida will win this game by 14 or more points. SF had a somewhat disappointing 7-5 season and Memphis was 6-6. The big difference in the records is that SF played a significantly tougher schedule than Memphis. That experience will serve them well in a bowl game the program really wants to win impressively for recruiting purposes. AiS shows a 90% probability that SF will gain a minimum of 6 yards per play in this game. Note that SF is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) when they gain 6.5 or more total yards per play since 1992; 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) when they outgain their opponents by 2 or more yards/play since 1992; 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) when they gain 9 or more net passing yards/attempt over the last 3 seasons. AiS also shows an 88% probability that SF will score 28 or more points in this game. Note that SF is an impressive 25-9 ATS (+15.1 Units) when they score 28 or more points since 1992. Memphis is in a series of poor situational roles for this game noting they are 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) after a win by 28 or more points since 1992; 2-15 ATS (-14.5 Units) after scoring 42 points or more last game since 1992. Even the coaches come into this game on opposite polar extremes as shown by these angles. Memphis HC West is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) after scoring 42 points or more last game while SF HC Leavitt is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) after scoring 42 points or more last game. Supporting the 3* graded play on the first half line is a solid system that has gone 26-6 for 81% since 1992. Play against neutral field dogs versus the 1rst half line that are good rushing teams gaining 190 to 230 RY/game and is now facing an average rushing team gaining 140-190 RY/game and in non-conference games. In summary, place a 7* amount on the betting line with SF and a 3* amount on the 1st half line also with SF.
CStarssportspicks (early bowl game releases)
2000 Units College Football Bowl Lock Of The Year! Memphis plus the points over South Florida When ANY NCAAF Team played as a Road team - After a conference game - Playing on Saturday - Scored 43 - 50 POINTS FOR in their last game - Scored 7 points or less AGAINST in their last game Memphis 9-2 ATS in this spot. Tigers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games as an underdog of 10.5 or greater.
1000 Units Top Play BYU/over the total Over is 4-1 in Cougars last 5 games overall. Over is 7-3 in Cougars last 10 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
1000 Units Top Play Wake Forest minus the points over Navy When ANY NCAAF Team played as a Home team - Last 5 years - Opponent coming off a bye - Playing on Saturday - Scored more than 20 points in back to back games - Coming off a 2 game Home stand Wake Forest 11-2 SU in this spot. When ANY NCAAF Team played as a Home team - After a non conference game - Playing on grass surface - Coming off a 1 ATS win - Coming off a 11-13 point win Wake Forest 8-2 ATS and 10-0 SU in this spot.
1000 Units Colorado State/Fresno State under the total When Colorado State team played as a Home team - Playing on grass surface - Coming off 1 over 4-18 O/U in this spot. When Colorado State team played as a pk to 3 Underdog - Playing on Saturday - Coming off a Win over Mountain West opponent 3-10 O/U in this spot.
50 Units Wake Forest/Navy under the total When ANY NCAAF Team played as a Home team - Vs Non Division Opponent - Playing on grass surface - Coming off a 11-13 point win - Coming off 1 under Wake Forest 2-10 O/U in this spot. When Wake Forest team played as a Home team - Vs Non Division Opponent - Vs Non Conference Opponent 4-20 O/U in this spot.
50 Units Colorado State plus the points over Fresno State When Colorado State team played as a pk to 3 Underdog - Playing on Saturday - Coming off a win on grass 11-1 ATS in this spot
2000 Units College Football Bowl Lock Of The Year! Memphis plus the points over South Florida When ANY NCAAF Team played as a Road team - After a conference game - Playing on Saturday - Scored 43 - 50 POINTS FOR in their last game - Scored 7 points or less AGAINST in their last game Memphis 9-2 ATS in this spot. Tigers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games as an underdog of 10.5 or greater.
1000 Units Top Play BYU/over the total Over is 4-1 in Cougars last 5 games overall. Over is 7-3 in Cougars last 10 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.
1000 Units Top Play Wake Forest minus the points over Navy When ANY NCAAF Team played as a Home team - Last 5 years - Opponent coming off a bye - Playing on Saturday - Scored more than 20 points in back to back games - Coming off a 2 game Home stand Wake Forest 11-2 SU in this spot. When ANY NCAAF Team played as a Home team - After a non conference game - Playing on grass surface - Coming off a 1 ATS win - Coming off a 11-13 point win Wake Forest 8-2 ATS and 10-0 SU in this spot.
1000 Units Colorado State/Fresno State under the total When Colorado State team played as a Home team - Playing on grass surface - Coming off 1 over 4-18 O/U in this spot. When Colorado State team played as a pk to 3 Underdog - Playing on Saturday - Coming off a Win over Mountain West opponent 3-10 O/U in this spot.
50 Units Wake Forest/Navy under the total When ANY NCAAF Team played as a Home team - Vs Non Division Opponent - Playing on grass surface - Coming off a 11-13 point win - Coming off 1 under Wake Forest 2-10 O/U in this spot. When Wake Forest team played as a Home team - Vs Non Division Opponent - Vs Non Conference Opponent 4-20 O/U in this spot.
50 Units Colorado State plus the points over Fresno State When Colorado State team played as a pk to 3 Underdog - Playing on Saturday - Coming off a win on grass 11-1 ATS in this spot
bettorsworld
2* Ravens +4 over Cowboys - The Ravens visit the Cowboys Saturday Night in what amounts to a regular season playoff game as both of these both of these teams are fighting to stay alive in the race. We see games every year in the NFL where teams are on the fringe and must win to get in, but we rarely see teams this good facing each other in this type of scenario. What makes this game special is that either one of these two teams is plenty capable of beating any other team in the NFL. Either one of these teams will be a major threat in the playoffs if they get in. As good as they are, one or the other may be hitting the golf course early this year.
All eyes will be on this game for more than just the playoff picture. Many will be looking on to see if the Cowboys, with all their drama, self destruct and finally implode. I wouldn't count on that happening though. As a matter of fact both of these teams are playing their best ball of the season at just the right time. In the case of the Cowboys, they struggled when Romo went down with an injury earlier in the year but since his return have won 4 of their last 5 games as they make their playoff push.
While the Cowboys offense may appear to be back on track, it's important to note that two of those wins came against the 49ers and Seahawks scoring 34 and 35 points against those two teams. Otherwise, they managed 14 against the Skins, 13 against the Steelers and had just 14 against the Giants last week until they broke a big play late in the game to make it 20-8. This is significant because they'll be facing a Ravens defense that is easily on par with any of those we just mentioned. Point being, points figure to be at a premium Saturday Night and with the Ravens getting +4 here, we'll have to bite.
This is a chance for the Ravens defense to prove they are for real. Many are going to point to the Colts and Giants hanging 30 points on these guys, both games on the road, and suggest that perhaps they are a paper tiger. We shall soon find out. But taking into account the Ravens season as a whole and taking a look at what the Cowboys have done against "good" teams recently all the evidence here points towards a close, low scoring affair Saturday Night. Some stats jump out at us here when we take a look at these two teams and what they have done lately.
Specifically, if we take a look at turnovers for these two teams, one thing stays constant whether we look at season to date or more recently, say, the last 6 games. The Ravens remain at the top in positive territory while the Cowboys remain negative. Over the last 6 games the Ravens are +10 which is #1 in the NFL while the Cowboys are -1. It gets worse if we take into account the entire season. For the Cowboys that is, where they sit at -6 and near the bottom of the league while the Ravens sit at +8 for 4th best in the NFL. Again, this shows a consistency in the turnover category from start to finish.
The Ravens are #1 in the NFL over the last 6 games in points per 100 yards on BOTH offense and defense. They have eye opening yards per point numbers of 11.6 on offense and 21.5 on defense during this 6 game stretch while the Cowboys weigh in with a very average 15 on both sides of the ball.
Romo is hurt. He couldn't walk earlier in the week. The Giants got to him a few times last week and made him pay. Don't think for a minute that this Ravens defense won't do the same. Romo has been notoriously bad in December. He has never been able to win the big game. He's banged up and the Cowboys leading rusher Marion Barber is questionable with a nagging toe injury which helped him gain all of 2 yards last week. Add in all the drama surrounding Terrell Owens and it would appear to be an uphill battle for the Cowboys.
The bright spot for the Cowboys is their defense the last few weeks. Add it all up and there's no other way to see this game than as a defensive battle similar to both teams recent games against the Steelers. In that type of a game, getting +4 is huge.
Look for the Ravens to get to Romo early and often. Look for the turnover ratio both over the last 6 games and entire season to hold true this week as the Ravens force Romo to make costly mistakes ala the Pittsburgh game while the Cowboys season goes down in flames. The feeling here is very simply that the Ravens are the better, healthier team and in much better position to win this one than the Cowboys. +4 points in this one is huge.
2* RAVENS +4
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2* Ravens +4 over Cowboys - The Ravens visit the Cowboys Saturday Night in what amounts to a regular season playoff game as both of these both of these teams are fighting to stay alive in the race. We see games every year in the NFL where teams are on the fringe and must win to get in, but we rarely see teams this good facing each other in this type of scenario. What makes this game special is that either one of these two teams is plenty capable of beating any other team in the NFL. Either one of these teams will be a major threat in the playoffs if they get in. As good as they are, one or the other may be hitting the golf course early this year.
All eyes will be on this game for more than just the playoff picture. Many will be looking on to see if the Cowboys, with all their drama, self destruct and finally implode. I wouldn't count on that happening though. As a matter of fact both of these teams are playing their best ball of the season at just the right time. In the case of the Cowboys, they struggled when Romo went down with an injury earlier in the year but since his return have won 4 of their last 5 games as they make their playoff push.
While the Cowboys offense may appear to be back on track, it's important to note that two of those wins came against the 49ers and Seahawks scoring 34 and 35 points against those two teams. Otherwise, they managed 14 against the Skins, 13 against the Steelers and had just 14 against the Giants last week until they broke a big play late in the game to make it 20-8. This is significant because they'll be facing a Ravens defense that is easily on par with any of those we just mentioned. Point being, points figure to be at a premium Saturday Night and with the Ravens getting +4 here, we'll have to bite.
This is a chance for the Ravens defense to prove they are for real. Many are going to point to the Colts and Giants hanging 30 points on these guys, both games on the road, and suggest that perhaps they are a paper tiger. We shall soon find out. But taking into account the Ravens season as a whole and taking a look at what the Cowboys have done against "good" teams recently all the evidence here points towards a close, low scoring affair Saturday Night. Some stats jump out at us here when we take a look at these two teams and what they have done lately.
Specifically, if we take a look at turnovers for these two teams, one thing stays constant whether we look at season to date or more recently, say, the last 6 games. The Ravens remain at the top in positive territory while the Cowboys remain negative. Over the last 6 games the Ravens are +10 which is #1 in the NFL while the Cowboys are -1. It gets worse if we take into account the entire season. For the Cowboys that is, where they sit at -6 and near the bottom of the league while the Ravens sit at +8 for 4th best in the NFL. Again, this shows a consistency in the turnover category from start to finish.
The Ravens are #1 in the NFL over the last 6 games in points per 100 yards on BOTH offense and defense. They have eye opening yards per point numbers of 11.6 on offense and 21.5 on defense during this 6 game stretch while the Cowboys weigh in with a very average 15 on both sides of the ball.
Romo is hurt. He couldn't walk earlier in the week. The Giants got to him a few times last week and made him pay. Don't think for a minute that this Ravens defense won't do the same. Romo has been notoriously bad in December. He has never been able to win the big game. He's banged up and the Cowboys leading rusher Marion Barber is questionable with a nagging toe injury which helped him gain all of 2 yards last week. Add in all the drama surrounding Terrell Owens and it would appear to be an uphill battle for the Cowboys.
The bright spot for the Cowboys is their defense the last few weeks. Add it all up and there's no other way to see this game than as a defensive battle similar to both teams recent games against the Steelers. In that type of a game, getting +4 is huge.
Look for the Ravens to get to Romo early and often. Look for the turnover ratio both over the last 6 games and entire season to hold true this week as the Ravens force Romo to make costly mistakes ala the Pittsburgh game while the Cowboys season goes down in flames. The feeling here is very simply that the Ravens are the better, healthier team and in much better position to win this one than the Cowboys. +4 points in this one is huge.
2* RAVENS +4
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Brand X Sports, Mike Volpe Bowl Package
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December 15, 2008
Guys,
Here are the Bowl Selections.
You are receiving these games well in advance of game time so be ready if there are any changes due to injuries, illness or arrests.
Eagle Bowl Saturday December 20
Navy Midshipmen versus Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Lone Wake Forest -3.5 Total 41
Navy BEAT Wake this year as seventeen point underdogs and now they are
3.5 point underdogs? As a guy named Bonaparte once said;”Those who ignore
History are condemned to repeat it.”
5* Navy Midshipmen +3 3* Bonus Play on the OVER 41
New Mexico Bowl Saturday December 20
Fresno State Bulldogs versus Colorado State Rams
Line Fresno State -2 Total 61
Fresno had a down year and the line has dropped a full point since
this game opened. Fresno is down but not down far enough to lose
a bowl game to a mediocre squad like the Rams
5* Fresno State Bulldogs -2
St. Petersburg Bowl Saturday December 20
Memphis Tigers versus South Florida Bulls
Line South Florida -14 Total 52
Maybe this Bowl should be called Former Spring Training Home of the Mets Bowl.
It would be an improvement of St. Petersburg.
Anyway South Florida has lost three straight games on the road, two of
those three outright losses were as favorites.
I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed but even I know, it is VERY
hard to cover as a fourteen point favorite if you do not win the game!
3* Memphis Tigers +12
Las Vegas Bowl Saturday December 20
BYU Cougars versus Arizona Wildcats
Line Arizona -3 Total 62
BYU was rolling until they got rolled themselves by Utah in the final
game of the regular season. Even with that loss the Cougars finished
at 10-2.
Arizona was only 7-5 in the weak PAC 10 and has one impressive win, (Arizona State).
Wrong team favored in this one folks
3* BYU Cougars +150
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December 15, 2008
Guys,
Here are the Bowl Selections.
You are receiving these games well in advance of game time so be ready if there are any changes due to injuries, illness or arrests.
Eagle Bowl Saturday December 20
Navy Midshipmen versus Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Lone Wake Forest -3.5 Total 41
Navy BEAT Wake this year as seventeen point underdogs and now they are
3.5 point underdogs? As a guy named Bonaparte once said;”Those who ignore
History are condemned to repeat it.”
5* Navy Midshipmen +3 3* Bonus Play on the OVER 41
New Mexico Bowl Saturday December 20
Fresno State Bulldogs versus Colorado State Rams
Line Fresno State -2 Total 61
Fresno had a down year and the line has dropped a full point since
this game opened. Fresno is down but not down far enough to lose
a bowl game to a mediocre squad like the Rams
5* Fresno State Bulldogs -2
St. Petersburg Bowl Saturday December 20
Memphis Tigers versus South Florida Bulls
Line South Florida -14 Total 52
Maybe this Bowl should be called Former Spring Training Home of the Mets Bowl.
It would be an improvement of St. Petersburg.
Anyway South Florida has lost three straight games on the road, two of
those three outright losses were as favorites.
I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed but even I know, it is VERY
hard to cover as a fourteen point favorite if you do not win the game!
3* Memphis Tigers +12
Las Vegas Bowl Saturday December 20
BYU Cougars versus Arizona Wildcats
Line Arizona -3 Total 62
BYU was rolling until they got rolled themselves by Utah in the final
game of the regular season. Even with that loss the Cougars finished
at 10-2.
Arizona was only 7-5 in the weak PAC 10 and has one impressive win, (Arizona State).
Wrong team favored in this one folks
3* BYU Cougars +150
Christian Alexander's Pick Pack
NCAA Football Bowl Package
Premium Plays
Matchup: Navy at Wake Forest
Time: 11:00 AM EDT (Sat)
Play: Wake Forest (-3.0 -110)
Line Source: Sports.com
Posted on: December 12, 2008 @ 9:39:22 PM EST
It's rare that two teams square off in a bowl game after playing each other in the regular season, however that's just the case as Wake Forest looks to exact revenge on Navy in the inaugural EagleBank Bowl in Washington, D.C.
Hats off to Wake coach Jim Grobe as the Demon Deacons will be playing in their third consecutive postseason appearance after the 2006 Orange Bowl and ast season's Meineke Car Care Bowl.
Grobe and his troops will no doubt have plenty of motivation in this game because of that aforementioned loss. Navy managed a 24-17 victory at Wake Forest when these two hooked up on September 27, a loss that ended Wake's three-game winning streak to start the season.
Ironically enough, just a week after Wake had forced Florida State into seven turnovers in a Demon Deacons win, the turnover bug bit QB Riley Skinner and Wake paid dearly. Grobe's troops turned the ball over six times, with Skinner tossing a career-high four interceptions. That gave the Middies a 17-0 lead and they were able to hold on despite a Wake rally.
While the Demon Deacons didn't seem to recover from that loss - they lost five of their last nine games - I like them to end their season on a high note against Navy. Not only do you have the revenge factor but Grobe is too good a coach not to have his team ready for the powerful Navy ground attack. Assuming Riley is a little more carfeful with the ball, no reason Wake can't take care of business in this game and cover the number in the process.
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Matchup: Fresno St at Colorado State
Time: 2:30 PM EDT (Sat)
Play: Colorado State (+3 -110)
Line Source: Sports.com
Posted on: December 16, 2008 @ 10:01:07 PM EST
Fresno has become quite used to playing in a bowl as this will be the program's ninth bowl game since the start of the 1999 season.
That said, coach Pat Hill sure didn't finish this season up strong, dropping three of their last five games including a severe 61-10 woodshed beating at Boise State to end the season. That was the most points the Bulldogs have allowed since a 62-0 defeat at Auburn in 1996.n
So while Fresno might not be in the best frame of mind for this game, we'll back an improving Colorado State program that is happy to be on the bowl scene.
The Rams will be making their first bowl appearance since a 51-30 loss to Navy in the 2005 Poinsettia Bowl. The last time Colorado State won a bowl game they defeated North Texas 45-20 in the 2001 New Orleans Bowl.
I'm impressed by the fact that Colorado State had to win their last two games to become bowl eligible and they accomplished that. I'm also impressed by how this team fared against the "Big 3" in the Mountian West - Utah, TCU and BYU. Those three teams finished a combined 32-4 this season and while the Rams weren't able to notch a victory against that bunch, they did lose two of the games by less than seven points. Those three teams are certainly very comparable to the Boise team that blew out Fresno to end the year.
Look for senior QB Billy Farris to pick apart a Fresno State defense that's giving up over 30 points per game and has only been able to pick off four passes all season long - with two of those coming in the season opener!
Colorado State wins.
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Matchup: Memphis at S. Florida
Time: 4:30 PM EDT (Sat)
Play: Under (52.0 -110)
Line Source: Sports.com
Posted on: December 17, 2008 @ 10:34:14 PM EST
No getting around the fact that only once since the month of September has South Florida scored more than 21 points in a game. Sounds crazy, but it's true.
Also no way to ignore that Memphis hasn't beaten a single team all year with a winning record.
So, despite the fact that the Bulls lost five of their last seven games, I don't see any way they lose this game. However, I also don't see any reason to think their offense will explode.
Look for a South Florida defense that ranks 13th in the country, allowing 291.8 yards per game, and ninth against the run (97.7) to clamp down on the Memphis offense while QB Matt Grothe and USF gradually pull away.
South Florida 29
Memphis 16
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Matchup: BYU at Arizona
Time: 8:00 PM EDT (Sat)
Play: Arizona (-3.0 -110)
Line Source: Sports.com
Posted on: December 17, 2008 @ 9:59:06 PM EST
Strange to see the #17 team in the nation with a 10-2 record playing the underdog role to a 7-5 team but that's what we have with BYU and Arizona.
And it's actually not that strange once you take a look at this matchup. As the total (61.5) would suggest, most expect a lot of points in this one.
QB Max Hall leads a BYU offense that is 19th in the nation in scoring (35.3 points per game) and 17th in total offense (444.8 yards per game). Arizona will counter with senior quarterback Willie Tuitama who leads a Wildcats attach that is 16th in the nation in scoring (37.1).
The big difference I see between these two is on defense and in that case, advantage Arizona. The Wildcats are 20th in the nation in total defense (302.1) and should be able to at least slow down the Cougars attack.
I also don't like how BYU lost by 25 and 24 points to the two best teams they played. (Utah & TCU) At least when Arizona played stud teams like Southern Cal they were competitive (17-10 L).
Arizona is happy to be in this bowl game while frankly BYU is not that excited about making their fourth straight appearance in Las Vegas.
Arizona by 7.
__________________
NCAA Football Bowl Package
Premium Plays
Matchup: Navy at Wake Forest
Time: 11:00 AM EDT (Sat)
Play: Wake Forest (-3.0 -110)
Line Source: Sports.com
Posted on: December 12, 2008 @ 9:39:22 PM EST
It's rare that two teams square off in a bowl game after playing each other in the regular season, however that's just the case as Wake Forest looks to exact revenge on Navy in the inaugural EagleBank Bowl in Washington, D.C.
Hats off to Wake coach Jim Grobe as the Demon Deacons will be playing in their third consecutive postseason appearance after the 2006 Orange Bowl and ast season's Meineke Car Care Bowl.
Grobe and his troops will no doubt have plenty of motivation in this game because of that aforementioned loss. Navy managed a 24-17 victory at Wake Forest when these two hooked up on September 27, a loss that ended Wake's three-game winning streak to start the season.
Ironically enough, just a week after Wake had forced Florida State into seven turnovers in a Demon Deacons win, the turnover bug bit QB Riley Skinner and Wake paid dearly. Grobe's troops turned the ball over six times, with Skinner tossing a career-high four interceptions. That gave the Middies a 17-0 lead and they were able to hold on despite a Wake rally.
While the Demon Deacons didn't seem to recover from that loss - they lost five of their last nine games - I like them to end their season on a high note against Navy. Not only do you have the revenge factor but Grobe is too good a coach not to have his team ready for the powerful Navy ground attack. Assuming Riley is a little more carfeful with the ball, no reason Wake can't take care of business in this game and cover the number in the process.
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Matchup: Fresno St at Colorado State
Time: 2:30 PM EDT (Sat)
Play: Colorado State (+3 -110)
Line Source: Sports.com
Posted on: December 16, 2008 @ 10:01:07 PM EST
Fresno has become quite used to playing in a bowl as this will be the program's ninth bowl game since the start of the 1999 season.
That said, coach Pat Hill sure didn't finish this season up strong, dropping three of their last five games including a severe 61-10 woodshed beating at Boise State to end the season. That was the most points the Bulldogs have allowed since a 62-0 defeat at Auburn in 1996.n
So while Fresno might not be in the best frame of mind for this game, we'll back an improving Colorado State program that is happy to be on the bowl scene.
The Rams will be making their first bowl appearance since a 51-30 loss to Navy in the 2005 Poinsettia Bowl. The last time Colorado State won a bowl game they defeated North Texas 45-20 in the 2001 New Orleans Bowl.
I'm impressed by the fact that Colorado State had to win their last two games to become bowl eligible and they accomplished that. I'm also impressed by how this team fared against the "Big 3" in the Mountian West - Utah, TCU and BYU. Those three teams finished a combined 32-4 this season and while the Rams weren't able to notch a victory against that bunch, they did lose two of the games by less than seven points. Those three teams are certainly very comparable to the Boise team that blew out Fresno to end the year.
Look for senior QB Billy Farris to pick apart a Fresno State defense that's giving up over 30 points per game and has only been able to pick off four passes all season long - with two of those coming in the season opener!
Colorado State wins.
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Matchup: Memphis at S. Florida
Time: 4:30 PM EDT (Sat)
Play: Under (52.0 -110)
Line Source: Sports.com
Posted on: December 17, 2008 @ 10:34:14 PM EST
No getting around the fact that only once since the month of September has South Florida scored more than 21 points in a game. Sounds crazy, but it's true.
Also no way to ignore that Memphis hasn't beaten a single team all year with a winning record.
So, despite the fact that the Bulls lost five of their last seven games, I don't see any way they lose this game. However, I also don't see any reason to think their offense will explode.
Look for a South Florida defense that ranks 13th in the country, allowing 291.8 yards per game, and ninth against the run (97.7) to clamp down on the Memphis offense while QB Matt Grothe and USF gradually pull away.
South Florida 29
Memphis 16
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Matchup: BYU at Arizona
Time: 8:00 PM EDT (Sat)
Play: Arizona (-3.0 -110)
Line Source: Sports.com
Posted on: December 17, 2008 @ 9:59:06 PM EST
Strange to see the #17 team in the nation with a 10-2 record playing the underdog role to a 7-5 team but that's what we have with BYU and Arizona.
And it's actually not that strange once you take a look at this matchup. As the total (61.5) would suggest, most expect a lot of points in this one.
QB Max Hall leads a BYU offense that is 19th in the nation in scoring (35.3 points per game) and 17th in total offense (444.8 yards per game). Arizona will counter with senior quarterback Willie Tuitama who leads a Wildcats attach that is 16th in the nation in scoring (37.1).
The big difference I see between these two is on defense and in that case, advantage Arizona. The Wildcats are 20th in the nation in total defense (302.1) and should be able to at least slow down the Cougars attack.
I also don't like how BYU lost by 25 and 24 points to the two best teams they played. (Utah & TCU) At least when Arizona played stud teams like Southern Cal they were competitive (17-10 L).
Arizona is happy to be in this bowl game while frankly BYU is not that excited about making their fourth straight appearance in Las Vegas.
Arizona by 7.
__________________
IndianCowboy
Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: College Football
Game: Navy Midshipmen @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons - Saturday December 20, 2008 11:00 am
Pick: 3 units (Normal) ATS: Navy Midshipmen +3 (-110)
Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: NFL Football
Game: Baltimore Ravens @ Dallas Cowboys - Saturday December 20, 2008 8:15 pm
Pick: 3 units (Normal) TOTAL: Over 39.5 (-110)
Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: College Football
Game: Navy Midshipmen @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons - Saturday December 20, 2008 11:00 am
Pick: 3 units (Normal) ATS: Navy Midshipmen +3 (-110)
Handicapper: IndianCowboy
Sport: NFL Football
Game: Baltimore Ravens @ Dallas Cowboys - Saturday December 20, 2008 8:15 pm
Pick: 3 units (Normal) TOTAL: Over 39.5 (-110)
GMC- CBB: 750 Eastern Michigan (Reg); 752 Drake (Reg), 762 Texas A@M (HUGE), 746 Gonzaga (HUGE)
RON RAYMOND'S NAVY VS. WAKE FOREST WINNER! (PVI Rating of 78%)
Pick # 1 Navy (3.0)
RON RAYMOND'S FRESNO STATE VS. COLORADO STATE WINNER! (PVI Rating of 75%)
Pick # 1 Fresno State (-2.5)
RON RAYMOND'S BYU VS. ARIZONA WINNER! (PVI Rating 70%)
Pick # 1 BYU (3.5)
Pick # 1 RON RAYMOND’S 5* BALTIMORE VS. DALLAS WINNER! (20-2 ANGLE)
Pick # 1 Dallas Cowboys (-4.5)
Pick # 1 Navy (3.0)
RON RAYMOND'S FRESNO STATE VS. COLORADO STATE WINNER! (PVI Rating of 75%)
Pick # 1 Fresno State (-2.5)
RON RAYMOND'S BYU VS. ARIZONA WINNER! (PVI Rating 70%)
Pick # 1 BYU (3.5)
Pick # 1 RON RAYMOND’S 5* BALTIMORE VS. DALLAS WINNER! (20-2 ANGLE)
Pick # 1 Dallas Cowboys (-4.5)
DCI
NHL
BOSTON 4, Carolina 2
PHILADELPHIA 4, Washington 3
MONTREAL 3, Buffalo 2
Dallas vs. OTTAWA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
PITTSBURGH 4, Toronto 3
ATLANTA 4, Tampa Bay 3
DETROIT 4, Los Angeles 2
NASHVILLE 4, N.Y. Islanders 3
Minnesota vs. ST. LOUIS: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Columbus vs. PHOENIX: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Chicago vs. VANCOUVER: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
SAN JOSE 3, N.Y. Rangers 2
DCI
NFL
Saturday, December 20, 2008
DALLAS 21, Baltimore 18
NHL
BOSTON 4, Carolina 2
PHILADELPHIA 4, Washington 3
MONTREAL 3, Buffalo 2
Dallas vs. OTTAWA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
PITTSBURGH 4, Toronto 3
ATLANTA 4, Tampa Bay 3
DETROIT 4, Los Angeles 2
NASHVILLE 4, N.Y. Islanders 3
Minnesota vs. ST. LOUIS: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Columbus vs. PHOENIX: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Chicago vs. VANCOUVER: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
SAN JOSE 3, N.Y. Rangers 2
DCI
NFL
Saturday, December 20, 2008
DALLAS 21, Baltimore 18
The Gold Medal Club
103 Baltimore @ 104 Dallas 8:05 pm
PLAY ON 104 DALLAS -4.5 (up to 6.5)
The odds makers have put a premium on the Cowboys for this game, and for good reason.
Dallas has not only substantially out gained there last 5 opponents, but
its the play of the front four on that defensive line that have been dominating the opposition. While the Ravens have protected Joe Flacco well this season, they have yet to face a team with such a dominant pass rush, and run stopping ability, and yes that includes the vaunted Steelers.
Baltimore will not be able to run the ball in this game, while the Cowboys will throw the ball well against this secondary, forcing the Ravens to play catch up through the air, and then this gets ugly, with a rookie QB who will be under siege, this game could and will get ugly early
103 Baltimore @ 104 Dallas 8:05 pm
PLAY ON 104 DALLAS -4.5 (up to 6.5)
The odds makers have put a premium on the Cowboys for this game, and for good reason.
Dallas has not only substantially out gained there last 5 opponents, but
its the play of the front four on that defensive line that have been dominating the opposition. While the Ravens have protected Joe Flacco well this season, they have yet to face a team with such a dominant pass rush, and run stopping ability, and yes that includes the vaunted Steelers.
Baltimore will not be able to run the ball in this game, while the Cowboys will throw the ball well against this secondary, forcing the Ravens to play catch up through the air, and then this gets ugly, with a rookie QB who will be under siege, this game could and will get ugly early
