WUNDERDOG
1 OF 10
Game: E. Michigan at Michigan (Saturday 9/17 12:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: Michigan -28.5 (-110)
The Wolverines are once again off a win vs. Notre Dame as the current win streak has reached three. Expecting a letdown? Forget it. Michigan needs every win they can get. Two years ago after knocking off the Irish, they played this same Eastern Michigan team and won handily and got the cover as well. They also faced EMU six years ago, following Notre Dame and beat them 55-0, so no letdown here. The Wolverines are 5-1 ATS following Notre Dame. E. Michigan is 10-30 ATS in their last 40 non-conference games adn 4-14 ATS in their last 18 road games following a home win. They are also 10-22 ATS in their last 32 as a road underdog of more than three touchdowns. Eastern Michigan might be 2-0 vs. the likes of Howard and Alabama State, but those games did little to prepare them for the impressive Michigan attack. The last seven times the Eagles have ventured out to play a team from a BCS Conference, they have been beaten by an average of 35.7 points per game. I don't expect anything less in
this one - Michigan rolls.
1 OF 10
Game: E. Michigan at Michigan (Saturday 9/17 12:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: Michigan -28.5 (-110)
The Wolverines are once again off a win vs. Notre Dame as the current win streak has reached three. Expecting a letdown? Forget it. Michigan needs every win they can get. Two years ago after knocking off the Irish, they played this same Eastern Michigan team and won handily and got the cover as well. They also faced EMU six years ago, following Notre Dame and beat them 55-0, so no letdown here. The Wolverines are 5-1 ATS following Notre Dame. E. Michigan is 10-30 ATS in their last 40 non-conference games adn 4-14 ATS in their last 18 road games following a home win. They are also 10-22 ATS in their last 32 as a road underdog of more than three touchdowns. Eastern Michigan might be 2-0 vs. the likes of Howard and Alabama State, but those games did little to prepare them for the impressive Michigan attack. The last seven times the Eagles have ventured out to play a team from a BCS Conference, they have been beaten by an average of 35.7 points per game. I don't expect anything less in
this one - Michigan rolls.
Ben Burns
Annihilator
I'm playing on PITTSBURGH. The Hawkeyes have the advantage of playing at home, which is the primary reason that they're favored. I believe the Panthers are currently the stronger team though. Wannestedt had some success here at Pittsburgh. However, he was never particularly well liked and was forced out. Todd Graham comes in from Tulsa, where he had an impressive 36-17 record as a head coach in four years. Last year, he took Tulsa from a 5-7 record to a 10-3 record. Wannestedt certainly didn't leave the cupboard bare, as Graham inherited a talented team with 13 returning starters. With eight defensive starters back, the Panthers have arguably the most talented defense in the Big East. On offense, Graham brings a new more "QB friendly" system, which the players have now had a couple of real games to learn. This will be the Panthers' first true test under Graham as the first two games came against Buffalo and Maine. Naturally, the Panthers won both those first games. However, the fact that they failed to cover in either, is helping us in terms of line value here. Iowa is well coached and is usually tough. That said, this year's team is quite inexperienced. In fact, with only nine returning starters, they're the least experienced team in the Big East. The Hawkeyes' lack of experience caught up with them last week, as they were upset at rival Iowa State, 44-41. The fact that the setback came in the third overtime figures to make it extra "draining," both physically and emotionally. Indeed, it was the first OT game in the 59 game series between Iowa and Iowa State and the highest-scoring to boot. After the loss at Iowa State, coach Kirk Ferentz said this of his team: "Right now, we've got a lot of work to do. It became pretty evident today..." The last meeting between these teams (back in 2008) was decided by a single point, a 21-20 victory for Pittsburgh. I expect the Panthers to score the outright victory here. However, in game that could easily also "go down to the wire," I'll gladly grab the points.
Big Easy
I'm playing on VIRGINIA TECH. At first glance, this line many appear fairly high. However, if Arkansas State wasn't off a big win and a 2-0 ATS start and if Virginia Tech wasn't off an ATS loss, the line could easily be higher. As it is, I don't feel that it will prove to be high enough. The Hokies are certainly capable of delivering a blowout. Their lone home game resulted in a 66-13 victory. Laying -27 points, they won by 53 points. Note that Virginia Tech is a perfect 5-0 SU/ATS the last five times that it was a favorite in the -21.5 to -31 range. During that stretch, Beamer's squad has gone an impressive 18-8 ATS as a favorite overall. The Red Wolves lone road game resulted in an 18-point loss, as a 19-point underdog. Even with that cover, Arkansas State remains a poor 6-9 ATS its last 15 road line games and 6-8 ATS (1-13 SU) its last 14 as underdogs. The Hokies believe that this year's team has a shot at a perfect season. As such, they'd like to make sure that they crush teams like this, to "look good" for the polls. Three meetings in this series have seen the Hokies win by an average score of 49-5. The Hokies had a 422-191 edge in average yards in those games. I expect this one to also be very one-sided. 10 (Big Easy)
Revenge
I'm playing on UNLV. I successfully played against the Warriors last week and I feel that this will be a good spot to do so again. While Hawaii has an experienced QB, the rest of the team is relatively in experienced. Now, off their first loss and playing far away from home (in a venue loaded with distractions) the Warriors are playing the second of back to back road games and being asked to lay a very large number, one which has risen from its opening number. Facing a revenge-minded UNLV team which is playing its home opener, I believe it will prove to be too high. The Rebels are 12-8 their last 20 home openers, incl. 11-3 when their opponent wasn't from a BCS Conference. While they got blown out at Hawaii in 2010, the Rebels beat the Warriors here in 2009. The Rebels have had a taste of bigtime competition, having played at Wisconsin. Despite being blown out, they still fought hard enough to cover the big number in that one. The Rebels are 5-1 as home underdogs in the +17.5 to +21 range and I expect them to improve on those stats here
Top REVENGE
I'm playing on TULSA. Oklahoma State is a dangerous and explosive team, one which is capable of putting up big points. The betting public is well aware of this. Off the big win over Arizona, they'll be quick to want to back the Cowboys here. However, the oddsmakers are also well aware of this and have posted a rather large number. I believe it'll prove too large and that the value lies with the revenge-minded home underdog. Like the betting public and the oddsmakers, Tulsa knows full well how potent the Cowboys are. After all, Oklahoma State crushed the Golden Hurricane by a score of 65-28 last Sept. 18. That was at Stillwater though, while this one's at Tulsa. True, the Cowboys offense is among the best around. The same can't necessarily be said of the team's defense or discipline though. While they have had a couple of extra days of preparation time, the Cowboys are off a big "bowl rematch" (vs Arizona) and have a huge game at Texas A&M on deck. That one ranks among their biggest games of the year. In other words, this game may not mean quite as much to the Cowboys as it does to Tulsa. While the Golden Hurricane do have a new coach this year (Bill Blankenship) they're loaded with experience. In fact, this team brought back 18 starters from last year's team, losing just 13 lettermen. By the end of the year, they could well be the best team in Conference USA. True, the Golden Hurricane did suspend star receiver Damaris Johnson. His loss hurt initially - but Bryan Burnham has helped pick up the slack wtih 10 catches for 162 yards and three touchdowns. The Golden Hurricane have already played a bigtime opponent, getting blown out at Oklahoma in Week 1. That was on the road though, their first game with the new coach. They bounced back with a convincing 31-3 victory at Tulane last week. That gives them some positive momentum and should give them some much needed confidence for Saturday night's big home opener. After the blowout loss at Stillwater last season, the Golden Hurricane closed out the regular season on a 8-1 run (lone loss was on the road and by only 3 points) before crushing Hawaii 62-35 in the Hawaii Bowl. In other words, this is a team which has become accustomed to winning. Its also a team which hasn't forgotten last year's debacle in this series. The Golden Hurricane are 7-1 ATS (6-2 SU) the last eight times that they were off a conference victory. Off their big win over Tulane, I expect them to give the Cowboys all they can handle here. *10 (Top Revenge play)
Revenge
I'm playing on ARIZONA. Stanford has certainly gotten off to an impressive start. Indeed, with Andrew Luck running the offense, this is a very dangerous team. The Wildcats are no slouches though and I believe they're providing us with plenty of value. Off a blowout loss vs. Oklahoma State, one which was nationally televised, the betting public is pretty down on Arizona. Getting blown out at Stillwater could happen to any team though. Not only has that result helped to provide us with excellent line value - but it should be a good motivator for the Wildcats and will have given this year's team a taste of bigtime competition. Stanford, on the hand, has yet to face a "good" team, having faced San Jose State and Duke, thus far. Note that the Cardinal are quite inexperienced (outside of Luck) have a new coach and are playing their second straight road game. While not as well known as Luck, Arizona also has a good QB and a very capable offense. The Wildcats, who beat Stanford here in 2009, are looking to avenge last year's loss at Stanford - when they were ranked #13. Having had a couple of extra days to prepare, I expect the revenge-minded Wildcats to give their guests all they can handle, improving to 9-5 ATS in lined home games the past few seasons.
Annihilator
I'm playing on PITTSBURGH. The Hawkeyes have the advantage of playing at home, which is the primary reason that they're favored. I believe the Panthers are currently the stronger team though. Wannestedt had some success here at Pittsburgh. However, he was never particularly well liked and was forced out. Todd Graham comes in from Tulsa, where he had an impressive 36-17 record as a head coach in four years. Last year, he took Tulsa from a 5-7 record to a 10-3 record. Wannestedt certainly didn't leave the cupboard bare, as Graham inherited a talented team with 13 returning starters. With eight defensive starters back, the Panthers have arguably the most talented defense in the Big East. On offense, Graham brings a new more "QB friendly" system, which the players have now had a couple of real games to learn. This will be the Panthers' first true test under Graham as the first two games came against Buffalo and Maine. Naturally, the Panthers won both those first games. However, the fact that they failed to cover in either, is helping us in terms of line value here. Iowa is well coached and is usually tough. That said, this year's team is quite inexperienced. In fact, with only nine returning starters, they're the least experienced team in the Big East. The Hawkeyes' lack of experience caught up with them last week, as they were upset at rival Iowa State, 44-41. The fact that the setback came in the third overtime figures to make it extra "draining," both physically and emotionally. Indeed, it was the first OT game in the 59 game series between Iowa and Iowa State and the highest-scoring to boot. After the loss at Iowa State, coach Kirk Ferentz said this of his team: "Right now, we've got a lot of work to do. It became pretty evident today..." The last meeting between these teams (back in 2008) was decided by a single point, a 21-20 victory for Pittsburgh. I expect the Panthers to score the outright victory here. However, in game that could easily also "go down to the wire," I'll gladly grab the points.
Big Easy
I'm playing on VIRGINIA TECH. At first glance, this line many appear fairly high. However, if Arkansas State wasn't off a big win and a 2-0 ATS start and if Virginia Tech wasn't off an ATS loss, the line could easily be higher. As it is, I don't feel that it will prove to be high enough. The Hokies are certainly capable of delivering a blowout. Their lone home game resulted in a 66-13 victory. Laying -27 points, they won by 53 points. Note that Virginia Tech is a perfect 5-0 SU/ATS the last five times that it was a favorite in the -21.5 to -31 range. During that stretch, Beamer's squad has gone an impressive 18-8 ATS as a favorite overall. The Red Wolves lone road game resulted in an 18-point loss, as a 19-point underdog. Even with that cover, Arkansas State remains a poor 6-9 ATS its last 15 road line games and 6-8 ATS (1-13 SU) its last 14 as underdogs. The Hokies believe that this year's team has a shot at a perfect season. As such, they'd like to make sure that they crush teams like this, to "look good" for the polls. Three meetings in this series have seen the Hokies win by an average score of 49-5. The Hokies had a 422-191 edge in average yards in those games. I expect this one to also be very one-sided. 10 (Big Easy)
Revenge
I'm playing on UNLV. I successfully played against the Warriors last week and I feel that this will be a good spot to do so again. While Hawaii has an experienced QB, the rest of the team is relatively in experienced. Now, off their first loss and playing far away from home (in a venue loaded with distractions) the Warriors are playing the second of back to back road games and being asked to lay a very large number, one which has risen from its opening number. Facing a revenge-minded UNLV team which is playing its home opener, I believe it will prove to be too high. The Rebels are 12-8 their last 20 home openers, incl. 11-3 when their opponent wasn't from a BCS Conference. While they got blown out at Hawaii in 2010, the Rebels beat the Warriors here in 2009. The Rebels have had a taste of bigtime competition, having played at Wisconsin. Despite being blown out, they still fought hard enough to cover the big number in that one. The Rebels are 5-1 as home underdogs in the +17.5 to +21 range and I expect them to improve on those stats here
Top REVENGE
I'm playing on TULSA. Oklahoma State is a dangerous and explosive team, one which is capable of putting up big points. The betting public is well aware of this. Off the big win over Arizona, they'll be quick to want to back the Cowboys here. However, the oddsmakers are also well aware of this and have posted a rather large number. I believe it'll prove too large and that the value lies with the revenge-minded home underdog. Like the betting public and the oddsmakers, Tulsa knows full well how potent the Cowboys are. After all, Oklahoma State crushed the Golden Hurricane by a score of 65-28 last Sept. 18. That was at Stillwater though, while this one's at Tulsa. True, the Cowboys offense is among the best around. The same can't necessarily be said of the team's defense or discipline though. While they have had a couple of extra days of preparation time, the Cowboys are off a big "bowl rematch" (vs Arizona) and have a huge game at Texas A&M on deck. That one ranks among their biggest games of the year. In other words, this game may not mean quite as much to the Cowboys as it does to Tulsa. While the Golden Hurricane do have a new coach this year (Bill Blankenship) they're loaded with experience. In fact, this team brought back 18 starters from last year's team, losing just 13 lettermen. By the end of the year, they could well be the best team in Conference USA. True, the Golden Hurricane did suspend star receiver Damaris Johnson. His loss hurt initially - but Bryan Burnham has helped pick up the slack wtih 10 catches for 162 yards and three touchdowns. The Golden Hurricane have already played a bigtime opponent, getting blown out at Oklahoma in Week 1. That was on the road though, their first game with the new coach. They bounced back with a convincing 31-3 victory at Tulane last week. That gives them some positive momentum and should give them some much needed confidence for Saturday night's big home opener. After the blowout loss at Stillwater last season, the Golden Hurricane closed out the regular season on a 8-1 run (lone loss was on the road and by only 3 points) before crushing Hawaii 62-35 in the Hawaii Bowl. In other words, this is a team which has become accustomed to winning. Its also a team which hasn't forgotten last year's debacle in this series. The Golden Hurricane are 7-1 ATS (6-2 SU) the last eight times that they were off a conference victory. Off their big win over Tulane, I expect them to give the Cowboys all they can handle here. *10 (Top Revenge play)
Revenge
I'm playing on ARIZONA. Stanford has certainly gotten off to an impressive start. Indeed, with Andrew Luck running the offense, this is a very dangerous team. The Wildcats are no slouches though and I believe they're providing us with plenty of value. Off a blowout loss vs. Oklahoma State, one which was nationally televised, the betting public is pretty down on Arizona. Getting blown out at Stillwater could happen to any team though. Not only has that result helped to provide us with excellent line value - but it should be a good motivator for the Wildcats and will have given this year's team a taste of bigtime competition. Stanford, on the hand, has yet to face a "good" team, having faced San Jose State and Duke, thus far. Note that the Cardinal are quite inexperienced (outside of Luck) have a new coach and are playing their second straight road game. While not as well known as Luck, Arizona also has a good QB and a very capable offense. The Wildcats, who beat Stanford here in 2009, are looking to avenge last year's loss at Stanford - when they were ranked #13. Having had a couple of extra days to prepare, I expect the revenge-minded Wildcats to give their guests all they can handle, improving to 9-5 ATS in lined home games the past few seasons.
FROM ROOTS WEBSITE: WHAT A COMBINATION IN THIS MATCH-UP. WHEN YOU PUT A HOME DOG, IN A SHOCKER ROLE AND LIST IT AS A PINNACLE....IT RESULTS IN W=I=N=N=E=R
CPAW: Can you double check on the notre dame as a pinnacle because from the website its suppose to be an underdog as well as his no limit play....
I've seen the same request in other forums, I'll keep looking to see if anything gets posted "confirmed". Thx cpaw
Don Wallace Sports
(153) NAVY (+18.5, un55.5)
(154) SOUTH CAROLINA (-18.5, ov55.5)
Saturday, September 17th, 2011, 5:00 PM CST
Take: (153) NAVY
Analysis: The No. 10 South Carolina Gamecocks (2-0) will face the Navy Midshipmen (2-0) in their 2011 home opener Saturday night at Williams Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC. The Gamecocks are coming off of a thrilling 45-42 win at rival Georgia to put themselves in first place in the SEC Eastern Division. This is the first time since the 2000-01 seasons that South Carolina has defeated Georgia in back-to-back seasons. South Carolina will be looking to use the momentum that they've built with consecutive wins away from home to start the season to open their 2011 home schedule with a win against a Navy team that runs a very efficient triple option offense. Head Coach Steve Spurrier knows what Navy is capable of and was quick to point out that they are one of the best independent football programs in the country in his weekly press conference of Tuesday. Navy might be as good an independent school as there is in the country, Spurrier said. They won 10, nine and eight games the last three years. I think they beat Notre Dame a couple of times. They're leading the nation in rushing offense right now. They run the triple option with fullback, quarterback and pitch guys so we'll have our hands full slowing down these guys. If Carolina wants to win this game, they will need a gameplan to stop Navy's triple option. The Navy rushing attack has proven difficult to stop in previous years and this year is no exception. QB Kriss Proctor has rushed for 199 yards and three touchdowns in his first two appearances this year, while RB Alexander Teich has rushed for 167. Carolina's front seven needs to have a plan of attack that will neutralize Navy's running game, and force them to throw the ball, which they rarely do. Its no secret that this service academy travels well. Navy is 23-9 ATS on the highway since 2002. After two emotionally charged finishes on the road, I dont expect The Gamecocks to be completely focused for this one. NAVY 28 SOUTH CAROLINA 45
(153) NAVY (+18.5, un55.5)
(154) SOUTH CAROLINA (-18.5, ov55.5)
Saturday, September 17th, 2011, 5:00 PM CST
Take: (153) NAVY
Analysis: The No. 10 South Carolina Gamecocks (2-0) will face the Navy Midshipmen (2-0) in their 2011 home opener Saturday night at Williams Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC. The Gamecocks are coming off of a thrilling 45-42 win at rival Georgia to put themselves in first place in the SEC Eastern Division. This is the first time since the 2000-01 seasons that South Carolina has defeated Georgia in back-to-back seasons. South Carolina will be looking to use the momentum that they've built with consecutive wins away from home to start the season to open their 2011 home schedule with a win against a Navy team that runs a very efficient triple option offense. Head Coach Steve Spurrier knows what Navy is capable of and was quick to point out that they are one of the best independent football programs in the country in his weekly press conference of Tuesday. Navy might be as good an independent school as there is in the country, Spurrier said. They won 10, nine and eight games the last three years. I think they beat Notre Dame a couple of times. They're leading the nation in rushing offense right now. They run the triple option with fullback, quarterback and pitch guys so we'll have our hands full slowing down these guys. If Carolina wants to win this game, they will need a gameplan to stop Navy's triple option. The Navy rushing attack has proven difficult to stop in previous years and this year is no exception. QB Kriss Proctor has rushed for 199 yards and three touchdowns in his first two appearances this year, while RB Alexander Teich has rushed for 167. Carolina's front seven needs to have a plan of attack that will neutralize Navy's running game, and force them to throw the ball, which they rarely do. Its no secret that this service academy travels well. Navy is 23-9 ATS on the highway since 2002. After two emotionally charged finishes on the road, I dont expect The Gamecocks to be completely focused for this one. NAVY 28 SOUTH CAROLINA 45
Kelso
50 UNITS KANSAS STATE WILDCATS -17.5
25 UNITS MIAMI-OH REDHAWKS +4.5
25 UNITS OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS -13.5
10 UNITS COLORADO BUFFALOES -7
5 UNITS HOUSTON COUGARS -6.5
5 UNITS TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS -20.5
25 UNITS MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS +5
25 UNITS MIAMI-FL HURRICANES -2.5
25 UNITS OKLAHOMA SOONERS -4
25 UNITS TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS +9.5
25 UNITS MILWAUKEE BREWERS -135 ML
15 UNITS TAMPA BAY RAYS +150 ML
10 UNITS MILWAUKEE BREWERS -135 ML
50 UNITS KANSAS STATE WILDCATS -17.5
25 UNITS MIAMI-OH REDHAWKS +4.5
25 UNITS OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS -13.5
10 UNITS COLORADO BUFFALOES -7
5 UNITS HOUSTON COUGARS -6.5
5 UNITS TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS -20.5
25 UNITS MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS +5
25 UNITS MIAMI-FL HURRICANES -2.5
25 UNITS OKLAHOMA SOONERS -4
25 UNITS TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS +9.5
25 UNITS MILWAUKEE BREWERS -135 ML
15 UNITS TAMPA BAY RAYS +150 ML
10 UNITS MILWAUKEE BREWERS -135 ML
