College Football Week 1 Picks
3-Unit Play. #131 Take Oregon +3 over Boise State (Thursday – 10:15 p.m. EST)
Revenge is on the minds of the Ducks, looking to payback Boise State with a loss on the smurf turf. Oregon fell to the Broncos at Autzen Stadium last season, so the whole off-season Nike University has been starring at this opener with the idea of avenging that ‘L’. No longer with Ian Johnson, Boise will be a little more pass happy, and overall their offense doesn’t pose that dynamic balanced attack that it was known for the past couple of seasons. Getting the points is nice for the team that we feel is overall stronger, but the Ducks will win this one outright. The backfield of quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and tailback LaGarrette Blounte will stagger Boise on the ground and put together enough for a quality road win to begin the season.
5-Unit Play. Two team 6-point Teaser.
#167 Take Minnesota (-6.5 -> -0.5) over Syracuse (Saturday – 12 p.m. EST)
#186 Take UTEP (-8.5 -> -2.5) over Buffalo (Saturday – 9 p.m. EST)
Our first match-up pits a much improved Gophers team against ‘Cuse. Greg Paulus is the starting quarterback, and it’s just this simple. We can’t see a scenario where the former Duke point guard, in his first competitive football game since high school, plays any better than just okay. I mean, this Minnesota team has bowl quality talent, and the pass and catch duo of wide out Eric Decker and quarterback Adam Weber are definitely a top 15 combo in the nation. Freshman MarQueis Gray gives them a running threat under center for another look, and this season the Golden Gophers have a defensive unit that will hold their own in most games. And let’s remember, this is still Syracuse. But being at home and under a new head coach, we will knock the number down and play Minnesota to essentially just earn the victory outright.
Our second game gives the nod to UTEP. Explosive offense is a given from the Miners with quarterback Trevor Vittatoe. And the Bulls just don’t have the weapons to match Mike Price’s offensive firepower. Not only did quarterback Drew Wily graduate but top offensive option this season in tailback James Starks is out for the season. There’s no one in the backfield for Buffalo who can counterpunch what UTEP does at home here. The C-USA rep is the pick here.
4-Unit Play. #166 Take Wake Forest -2.5 over Baylor (Saturday – 3:30 p.m. EST)
Here’s an interesting non-conference tilt between unranked teams. Baylor has some legit talk about them with quarterback Robert Griffin III, but their road woes were well evident in 2008. 0-5 away from Waco last season, and the Bears allowed at least 30 points in each of those setbacks. Combine that with a 28-point setback to these Deacons in the opener last season as well, and we’re on Wake Forest to make it two-for-two against Baylor. The weapons quarterback Riley Skinner has around him are far more than what Griffin and Baylor can say. Running backs Josh Adams and Brandon Pendergrass are a solid combination threat, while the passing game will do its job as well with D.J. Boldin and tight end Ben Wooster. Griffin is the better player, but Skinner has a better supporting cast. We back with the small home favorite.
4-Unit Play. #164 Take UAB -5.5 over Rice (Saturday – 4 p.m. EST)
One of our teams to fade this season was the Rice Owls, and this match-up really bodes well for the Blazers. After a season of offensive yards and lots of touchdowns, this is going to be a down and arguably bad season for Rice. There’s really no two ways around it. Having lost Chase Clement and Jarett Dillard, as well as do-it-all James Casey, the offense is bound for regression. Joe Webb could quite possibly be the multi-dimensional threat under center for UAB that Clement was for Rice. He has depth at the wide receiver position and is in a spot this year to really take off in Conference USA. Now let’s not confuse this UAB team for any legit contender, but they have a chance to win five or even six games. And this spot is set up to take it to Rice at home to begin their conference schedule.
3-Unit Play. #184 Take New Mexico State -2.5 over Idaho (Saturday – 8 p.m. EST)
The Aggies’ wins in 2009 might be few and far between, but a 2-0 start to the season is not out of the question. In fact, it’s going to happen. New Mexico State gets Prairie View A&M next Saturday and their opener is a game where they need to take care of business as well. Hal Mumme is out, and first year head coach DeWayne Walker can build off his ‘new regime energy’ and run with it. No more 3-5-3 soft defense and a run ‘n’ shoot offense that proved to be as much gimmick as effectiveness. Granted, still expect the ball to go downfield, but a running game will be evident and hopefully provide more versatility with the ball. Look out for tailback Marquell Colston. He has limited thanks to Mumme’s pass happy system in recent years, but he has 100-yard per game potential and could provide a true option on the ground. He’ll start off strong and be a big piece to a season-opening victory for Walker and the Aggies.
Strike Point Sports
3-Unit Play. #131 Take Oregon +3 over Boise State (Thursday – 10:15 p.m. EST)
Revenge is on the minds of the Ducks, looking to payback Boise State with a loss on the smurf turf. Oregon fell to the Broncos at Autzen Stadium last season, so the whole off-season Nike University has been starring at this opener with the idea of avenging that ‘L’. No longer with Ian Johnson, Boise will be a little more pass happy, and overall their offense doesn’t pose that dynamic balanced attack that it was known for the past couple of seasons. Getting the points is nice for the team that we feel is overall stronger, but the Ducks will win this one outright. The backfield of quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and tailback LaGarrette Blounte will stagger Boise on the ground and put together enough for a quality road win to begin the season.
5-Unit Play. Two team 6-point Teaser.
#167 Take Minnesota (-6.5 -> -0.5) over Syracuse (Saturday – 12 p.m. EST)
#186 Take UTEP (-8.5 -> -2.5) over Buffalo (Saturday – 9 p.m. EST)
Our first match-up pits a much improved Gophers team against ‘Cuse. Greg Paulus is the starting quarterback, and it’s just this simple. We can’t see a scenario where the former Duke point guard, in his first competitive football game since high school, plays any better than just okay. I mean, this Minnesota team has bowl quality talent, and the pass and catch duo of wide out Eric Decker and quarterback Adam Weber are definitely a top 15 combo in the nation. Freshman MarQueis Gray gives them a running threat under center for another look, and this season the Golden Gophers have a defensive unit that will hold their own in most games. And let’s remember, this is still Syracuse. But being at home and under a new head coach, we will knock the number down and play Minnesota to essentially just earn the victory outright.
Our second game gives the nod to UTEP. Explosive offense is a given from the Miners with quarterback Trevor Vittatoe. And the Bulls just don’t have the weapons to match Mike Price’s offensive firepower. Not only did quarterback Drew Wily graduate but top offensive option this season in tailback James Starks is out for the season. There’s no one in the backfield for Buffalo who can counterpunch what UTEP does at home here. The C-USA rep is the pick here.
4-Unit Play. #166 Take Wake Forest -2.5 over Baylor (Saturday – 3:30 p.m. EST)
Here’s an interesting non-conference tilt between unranked teams. Baylor has some legit talk about them with quarterback Robert Griffin III, but their road woes were well evident in 2008. 0-5 away from Waco last season, and the Bears allowed at least 30 points in each of those setbacks. Combine that with a 28-point setback to these Deacons in the opener last season as well, and we’re on Wake Forest to make it two-for-two against Baylor. The weapons quarterback Riley Skinner has around him are far more than what Griffin and Baylor can say. Running backs Josh Adams and Brandon Pendergrass are a solid combination threat, while the passing game will do its job as well with D.J. Boldin and tight end Ben Wooster. Griffin is the better player, but Skinner has a better supporting cast. We back with the small home favorite.
4-Unit Play. #164 Take UAB -5.5 over Rice (Saturday – 4 p.m. EST)
One of our teams to fade this season was the Rice Owls, and this match-up really bodes well for the Blazers. After a season of offensive yards and lots of touchdowns, this is going to be a down and arguably bad season for Rice. There’s really no two ways around it. Having lost Chase Clement and Jarett Dillard, as well as do-it-all James Casey, the offense is bound for regression. Joe Webb could quite possibly be the multi-dimensional threat under center for UAB that Clement was for Rice. He has depth at the wide receiver position and is in a spot this year to really take off in Conference USA. Now let’s not confuse this UAB team for any legit contender, but they have a chance to win five or even six games. And this spot is set up to take it to Rice at home to begin their conference schedule.
3-Unit Play. #184 Take New Mexico State -2.5 over Idaho (Saturday – 8 p.m. EST)
The Aggies’ wins in 2009 might be few and far between, but a 2-0 start to the season is not out of the question. In fact, it’s going to happen. New Mexico State gets Prairie View A&M next Saturday and their opener is a game where they need to take care of business as well. Hal Mumme is out, and first year head coach DeWayne Walker can build off his ‘new regime energy’ and run with it. No more 3-5-3 soft defense and a run ‘n’ shoot offense that proved to be as much gimmick as effectiveness. Granted, still expect the ball to go downfield, but a running game will be evident and hopefully provide more versatility with the ball. Look out for tailback Marquell Colston. He has limited thanks to Mumme’s pass happy system in recent years, but he has 100-yard per game potential and could provide a true option on the ground. He’ll start off strong and be a big piece to a season-opening victory for Walker and the Aggies.
Strike Point Sports
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYS
2 Unit Play. #128 Take Over 51 ½ Utah St at Utah (Thursday 9/3 9:00 PM MTN)
(Would play this total at 42!) Last year alone Utah scored 58 points against the defense of Utah St. If we can get double digit points from the offense of Utah St. tonight this game should easily fly over. Utah is 8-0 O/U in their last 8 non-conference games.
3 Unit Play. #162 Take Illinois -6 ½ over Missouri (Saturday 9/5 3:30 PM ESPN)
Expect Illinois to get its revenge on Missouri tonight as the Illini are 0-2 in their last two meetings. Juice Williams will be the difference for Illinois, as his experience and play-making ability will put the Illini over the top and finally beat the Tigers of Missouri. Illinois is 4-1 ATS in the month of September.
4 Unit Play. #180 Take Texas A&M -14 over New Mexico (Saturday 9/5 7:00 PM)
New Mexico looks to be yet in another rebuilding year as New Mexico returns only 9 starters. Last year the offense for the Lobos had issues, but the defense generally kept things interesting. Texas A&M should have no trouble on offense and defense against New Mexico and the Aggies should easily win this game by double-digits. New Mexico is 2-7 ATS in their last 9 road games and 1-4 ATS as a road underdog.
3 Unit Play. #181 Take Virginia Tech +6 ½ over Alabama (Saturday 9/5 8:00 PM ABC)
Defense will rule this game! With both teams flexing their muscle on defense a low scoring game we should see. With that, too many points to give Va Tech on a neutral field Saturday night. Alabama should win this game but look out for the Hokies as they can easily win this game on defense and special teams. The winner of this game wins by a field goal! Virginia Tech is 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games as an underdog.
3 Unit Play. #208 Take Colorado -10 ½ over Colorado St (Sunday 9/6 7:00 PM FSN)
Since this game is being played in Boulder and not Denver we should see the home team taking advantage of this instate rivalry. What a shock that Colorado State is starting yet another season with an inexperienced QB. Colorado St is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
4 Unit Play. #211 Take Under 48 ½ Miami Fl at Florida St (Monday 9/7 8:00 PM ESPN)
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2 Unit Play. #128 Take Over 51 ½ Utah St at Utah (Thursday 9/3 9:00 PM MTN)
(Would play this total at 42!) Last year alone Utah scored 58 points against the defense of Utah St. If we can get double digit points from the offense of Utah St. tonight this game should easily fly over. Utah is 8-0 O/U in their last 8 non-conference games.
3 Unit Play. #162 Take Illinois -6 ½ over Missouri (Saturday 9/5 3:30 PM ESPN)
Expect Illinois to get its revenge on Missouri tonight as the Illini are 0-2 in their last two meetings. Juice Williams will be the difference for Illinois, as his experience and play-making ability will put the Illini over the top and finally beat the Tigers of Missouri. Illinois is 4-1 ATS in the month of September.
4 Unit Play. #180 Take Texas A&M -14 over New Mexico (Saturday 9/5 7:00 PM)
New Mexico looks to be yet in another rebuilding year as New Mexico returns only 9 starters. Last year the offense for the Lobos had issues, but the defense generally kept things interesting. Texas A&M should have no trouble on offense and defense against New Mexico and the Aggies should easily win this game by double-digits. New Mexico is 2-7 ATS in their last 9 road games and 1-4 ATS as a road underdog.
3 Unit Play. #181 Take Virginia Tech +6 ½ over Alabama (Saturday 9/5 8:00 PM ABC)
Defense will rule this game! With both teams flexing their muscle on defense a low scoring game we should see. With that, too many points to give Va Tech on a neutral field Saturday night. Alabama should win this game but look out for the Hokies as they can easily win this game on defense and special teams. The winner of this game wins by a field goal! Virginia Tech is 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games as an underdog.
3 Unit Play. #208 Take Colorado -10 ½ over Colorado St (Sunday 9/6 7:00 PM FSN)
Since this game is being played in Boulder and not Denver we should see the home team taking advantage of this instate rivalry. What a shock that Colorado State is starting yet another season with an inexperienced QB. Colorado St is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
4 Unit Play. #211 Take Under 48 ½ Miami Fl at Florida St (Monday 9/7 8:00 PM ESPN)
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3 Unit Play. #4 Take North Carolina State -5 over South Carolina (Thursday 7:00 pm ESPN) Revenge will certainly be a factor in the Wolf Pack’s home opener. State was beaten, 34-0, by South Carolina in 2008. This year’s starting quarterback Russell Wilson was knocked out in the encounter last year as well, so you know he had this game circled during the offseason. Granted, Coach Steve Spurrier is the better known of the two head guys. However, do not discount the success Coach Tom O’Brien has had. He had a great career at Boston College and has a very good staff in Raleigh as well.
The Wolf Pack won the last four regular season games in 2008 and look for a carryover in 2009 with 14 starters back. As for the Gamecocks, I am not convinced he has solved his quarterback problems and the running attack is subpar. Receivers are talented but young and it will take them some time to develop. Revenge will come in a low-scoring affair and we will collect big in the process as well. NC State 24, South Carolina 14.
“The Magnificent Seven” Saturday, September 5, 2009.
6 Unit Play. #57 Take Toledo +10 ½ over Purdue (Saturday 12:00 pm Big 10 Network) Top Selection of the Weekend. The Rockets were only 3-9 in 2008, however, they did upset Michigan. This club returns 16 starters and I look for this team to be much better in 2009. The Rockets have a new coach in Tim Beckman and he was Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator the last two years. The Rockets had only 10 total seniors in 2008, but they will likely start 13 seniors in 2009.
As for the Boilers, I picked them to finish last in the Big 10. Coach Tiller has retired and the cupboard is empty for the team in 2009. They must replace QB Curtis Painter and RB Kory Sheets. Both teams start with new coaches and a cat-and-mouse affair should turn this into a defensive battle. I like the points here and in fact will call the upset. Toledo 24, Purdue 21.
5 Unit Play. #69 Take Illinois -6 ½ over Missouri (Saturday 3:30 pm ESPN) Top Big 10 Selection. The Illini have lost to the Tigers in 2007, 40-34, and in 2008, 52-42, and four straight meetings overall. Illinois has 13 starters back including a powerful offense led by QB Juice Williams and outstanding wide receivers.
Looking at Missou, they were hit hard by graduation, including the loss of QB Chase Daniels and three of their top receivers including Jeremy Maclin. Missou returns just four starters on defense and if Illinois is ever going to beat them, it will come this season. My only hesitation is that the public will be on Illinois this week. The Tigers were a disappointing 10-4 in 2008 and it appears they will regress even more in 2009, especially with all the good teams in the Big 12 South. The losses start in game one, as Illinois takes out years of frustration and emerges victorious. Illinois 35, Missouri 10.
5 Unit Play. #91 Take Northern Illinois +17 over Wisconsin (Saturday 6:00 pm Big 10 Network) Top Underdog Play. Certainly have to always respect Wisconsin at home; however, this is not a typical Badger team as in years past. No question, Wisconsin has a strong running attack with Zach Brown and John Clay. However, the talent really drops off quickly with the other skill positions. Wisconsin will likely play two quarterbacks in this game and to me this means neither is very good. The offensive line is really banged up and not as strong as in years past without an all-conference player at left tackle. Wisconsin lost six games in 2008, and I look for that total to rise in 2009.
As for Northern Illinois, the offense should be explosive with QB Chandler Harnish back. The real question will be the Huskies defense, which returns only four starters. The last two openers have been against Big 10 teams and they would have covered the line in this game in both of them, losing 31-27 in 2008 to Minnesota and losing 13-3 to Iowa in 2009. If NIU can stop the Badgers running attack, this could be a barn-burner. Call it close! Wisconsin 27, Northern Illinois 20.
4 Unit Play. #58 Take Under 50 ½ in Toledo at Purdue (Saturday 12:00 Big 10 Network) Top Over/Under Play. Purdue had a bit of a transformation last season and started playing better defense and thus this sets up for a perfect situation to play the under. Both teams have new coaches and I truly believe Toledo has a great chance to win this game straight-up. Purdue held Penn State to just 20 points, Ohio State to just 16 points, and Minnesota to just 17 points in 2008. Purdue ranked fourth in the Big 10 last year defensively and that may be their best chance for success in 2009, with a ball control offense and a strong defense.
Toledo beat Purdue back in the 1990s during Coach Joe Tiller’s first season at Purdue and I expect history to repeat itself in 2009 during Coach Danny Hope’s first season. Toledo 24, Purdue 21.
4 Unit Play. #50 Take Michigan -12 ½ over Western Michigan (Saturday 3:30 pm ABC) Will this be the Michigan team of old or the Michigan team of the past two years? Looks to me like the old assuming Coach Rodriguez can find a quarterback to run his offense.
The Broncos return only three starters on defense and Michigan should be able to move the ball. The Wolverines lost their openers in 2007 & 2008 and will not take this game lightly and if they have a chance, expect Michigan to run the score up! I realize that Michigan plays Notre Dame next week, but they need every win they can get and thus they will not be looking ahead. Western Michigan has been blown out in their last three openers, losing 39-20 to Indiana in 2006, 62-24 to West Virginia in 2007, and 47-24 to Nebraska in 2008. To me it looks like more of the same in 2009. Michigan 35, Western Michigan 14.
4 Unit Play. #62 Take Texas A & M -14 over New Mexico (Saturday 6 pm) Coach Mike Sherman got a taste of how strong the Big 12 South is last year and the Aggies struggled to a 4-8 record. Playing with Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State will make your own squad better and with 16 starters returning expect to see those results in 2009. New Mexico has a new coach and returns just nine starters and is in serious rebuilding mode. The Aggies have next week off and need a big blowout win to get the faithful on their side and expect them to run it up if they can. The homer gets the call and we collect big in the process. Texas A & M 42, New Mexico 10.
4 Unit Play. #73 Take Navy +22 over Ohio State (Saturday 12 pm ESPN) The Buckeyes lost some real talent to the NFL but every year they just seem to reload. That will likely be the case in 2009. However, some exclusive information tells me that their offense is not yet at the 2008 level. The line is high because of QB Terrelle Pryor; however, they lost RB Wells and three lineman off of the 2008 squad. It will take time for this year’s squad to find its identity.
Navy is always competitive and will give maximum effort regardless of the time and score. True, only 11 starters return. However, this team should be better. I like the fact that the Buckeyes have USC next week and it will be tough for Coach Tressel to keep his team focused on this game. This is the type of game where teams get upset. I will not go that far but will easily take the points. Ohio State 24, Navy 10.
Last Games left off of the Ticket:
No. 87 Middle Tennessee State +18 ½ over Clemson
No. 108 Take Memphis +17 over Mississippi
No. 32 Tennessee -3 ½ over Green Bay
Next update will be Thursday, September 10th at 5 pm central time.
Best of Luck - Doc's Sports
The Wolf Pack won the last four regular season games in 2008 and look for a carryover in 2009 with 14 starters back. As for the Gamecocks, I am not convinced he has solved his quarterback problems and the running attack is subpar. Receivers are talented but young and it will take them some time to develop. Revenge will come in a low-scoring affair and we will collect big in the process as well. NC State 24, South Carolina 14.
“The Magnificent Seven” Saturday, September 5, 2009.
6 Unit Play. #57 Take Toledo +10 ½ over Purdue (Saturday 12:00 pm Big 10 Network) Top Selection of the Weekend. The Rockets were only 3-9 in 2008, however, they did upset Michigan. This club returns 16 starters and I look for this team to be much better in 2009. The Rockets have a new coach in Tim Beckman and he was Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator the last two years. The Rockets had only 10 total seniors in 2008, but they will likely start 13 seniors in 2009.
As for the Boilers, I picked them to finish last in the Big 10. Coach Tiller has retired and the cupboard is empty for the team in 2009. They must replace QB Curtis Painter and RB Kory Sheets. Both teams start with new coaches and a cat-and-mouse affair should turn this into a defensive battle. I like the points here and in fact will call the upset. Toledo 24, Purdue 21.
5 Unit Play. #69 Take Illinois -6 ½ over Missouri (Saturday 3:30 pm ESPN) Top Big 10 Selection. The Illini have lost to the Tigers in 2007, 40-34, and in 2008, 52-42, and four straight meetings overall. Illinois has 13 starters back including a powerful offense led by QB Juice Williams and outstanding wide receivers.
Looking at Missou, they were hit hard by graduation, including the loss of QB Chase Daniels and three of their top receivers including Jeremy Maclin. Missou returns just four starters on defense and if Illinois is ever going to beat them, it will come this season. My only hesitation is that the public will be on Illinois this week. The Tigers were a disappointing 10-4 in 2008 and it appears they will regress even more in 2009, especially with all the good teams in the Big 12 South. The losses start in game one, as Illinois takes out years of frustration and emerges victorious. Illinois 35, Missouri 10.
5 Unit Play. #91 Take Northern Illinois +17 over Wisconsin (Saturday 6:00 pm Big 10 Network) Top Underdog Play. Certainly have to always respect Wisconsin at home; however, this is not a typical Badger team as in years past. No question, Wisconsin has a strong running attack with Zach Brown and John Clay. However, the talent really drops off quickly with the other skill positions. Wisconsin will likely play two quarterbacks in this game and to me this means neither is very good. The offensive line is really banged up and not as strong as in years past without an all-conference player at left tackle. Wisconsin lost six games in 2008, and I look for that total to rise in 2009.
As for Northern Illinois, the offense should be explosive with QB Chandler Harnish back. The real question will be the Huskies defense, which returns only four starters. The last two openers have been against Big 10 teams and they would have covered the line in this game in both of them, losing 31-27 in 2008 to Minnesota and losing 13-3 to Iowa in 2009. If NIU can stop the Badgers running attack, this could be a barn-burner. Call it close! Wisconsin 27, Northern Illinois 20.
4 Unit Play. #58 Take Under 50 ½ in Toledo at Purdue (Saturday 12:00 Big 10 Network) Top Over/Under Play. Purdue had a bit of a transformation last season and started playing better defense and thus this sets up for a perfect situation to play the under. Both teams have new coaches and I truly believe Toledo has a great chance to win this game straight-up. Purdue held Penn State to just 20 points, Ohio State to just 16 points, and Minnesota to just 17 points in 2008. Purdue ranked fourth in the Big 10 last year defensively and that may be their best chance for success in 2009, with a ball control offense and a strong defense.
Toledo beat Purdue back in the 1990s during Coach Joe Tiller’s first season at Purdue and I expect history to repeat itself in 2009 during Coach Danny Hope’s first season. Toledo 24, Purdue 21.
4 Unit Play. #50 Take Michigan -12 ½ over Western Michigan (Saturday 3:30 pm ABC) Will this be the Michigan team of old or the Michigan team of the past two years? Looks to me like the old assuming Coach Rodriguez can find a quarterback to run his offense.
The Broncos return only three starters on defense and Michigan should be able to move the ball. The Wolverines lost their openers in 2007 & 2008 and will not take this game lightly and if they have a chance, expect Michigan to run the score up! I realize that Michigan plays Notre Dame next week, but they need every win they can get and thus they will not be looking ahead. Western Michigan has been blown out in their last three openers, losing 39-20 to Indiana in 2006, 62-24 to West Virginia in 2007, and 47-24 to Nebraska in 2008. To me it looks like more of the same in 2009. Michigan 35, Western Michigan 14.
4 Unit Play. #62 Take Texas A & M -14 over New Mexico (Saturday 6 pm) Coach Mike Sherman got a taste of how strong the Big 12 South is last year and the Aggies struggled to a 4-8 record. Playing with Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State will make your own squad better and with 16 starters returning expect to see those results in 2009. New Mexico has a new coach and returns just nine starters and is in serious rebuilding mode. The Aggies have next week off and need a big blowout win to get the faithful on their side and expect them to run it up if they can. The homer gets the call and we collect big in the process. Texas A & M 42, New Mexico 10.
4 Unit Play. #73 Take Navy +22 over Ohio State (Saturday 12 pm ESPN) The Buckeyes lost some real talent to the NFL but every year they just seem to reload. That will likely be the case in 2009. However, some exclusive information tells me that their offense is not yet at the 2008 level. The line is high because of QB Terrelle Pryor; however, they lost RB Wells and three lineman off of the 2008 squad. It will take time for this year’s squad to find its identity.
Navy is always competitive and will give maximum effort regardless of the time and score. True, only 11 starters return. However, this team should be better. I like the fact that the Buckeyes have USC next week and it will be tough for Coach Tressel to keep his team focused on this game. This is the type of game where teams get upset. I will not go that far but will easily take the points. Ohio State 24, Navy 10.
Last Games left off of the Ticket:
No. 87 Middle Tennessee State +18 ½ over Clemson
No. 108 Take Memphis +17 over Mississippi
No. 32 Tennessee -3 ½ over Green Bay
Next update will be Thursday, September 10th at 5 pm central time.
Best of Luck - Doc's Sports
Jack Jones
20* No-Brainer on NC State -4.5
The Wolpack are out for revenge against the South Carolina Gamecocks tonight, a team that whipped them 34-0 in last year's opener. some major things have changed since then, the first being South Carolina's defense, which was an excellent squad last year, but who lost 5 key members from that team. SC also lost 6 starters from their offense, which was already one of the worst in the conference a year ago. The big change for NC State has been the emergence of quarterback Russell Wilson, who was stellar as a freshman, throwing for 1,955 yards, 17 TD, and 1 INT, leading the ACC in pass efficiency and total offense. With a year under his belt, things are looking up for the Wolpack, and it starts tonight with a big victory over South Carolina in the Georgia Dome.
15* on Oregon +3
Boise State has been difficult to beat at home in recent years, but they are far from unbeatable. This Oregon team has what it takes offensively to keep up with Boise on the smurf turf. Revenge will be the word of the day for the Ducks, who lost at home to the Broncos 37-32 last season. One thing to keep in mind about that game is that the Ducks were playing their 3rd-string quarterback at the time. This time around they will be well-prepared and should again be able to move the ball against this defense. Most of the money has come in on the Ducks over the past few days, but with good reason. This is a team that could easily win this game outright.
15* on Cincinnati Bengals -3
15* on Cleveland Browns +2.5
15* on Oakland Raiders +3
15* on LA Dodgers -1.5 +101
Take the Dodgers on the run line tonight with Arizona starter Billy Buckner struggling as much as any pitcher in the Majors right now. Over his last three starts, Buckner is 0-3 with a 12.79 ERA and 2.13 WHIP. Offensively the Dodgers already have a huge edge, so when you throw in a struggling starter for Arizona you get a solid run line play for Thursday night in LA.
20* No-Brainer on NC State -4.5
The Wolpack are out for revenge against the South Carolina Gamecocks tonight, a team that whipped them 34-0 in last year's opener. some major things have changed since then, the first being South Carolina's defense, which was an excellent squad last year, but who lost 5 key members from that team. SC also lost 6 starters from their offense, which was already one of the worst in the conference a year ago. The big change for NC State has been the emergence of quarterback Russell Wilson, who was stellar as a freshman, throwing for 1,955 yards, 17 TD, and 1 INT, leading the ACC in pass efficiency and total offense. With a year under his belt, things are looking up for the Wolpack, and it starts tonight with a big victory over South Carolina in the Georgia Dome.
15* on Oregon +3
Boise State has been difficult to beat at home in recent years, but they are far from unbeatable. This Oregon team has what it takes offensively to keep up with Boise on the smurf turf. Revenge will be the word of the day for the Ducks, who lost at home to the Broncos 37-32 last season. One thing to keep in mind about that game is that the Ducks were playing their 3rd-string quarterback at the time. This time around they will be well-prepared and should again be able to move the ball against this defense. Most of the money has come in on the Ducks over the past few days, but with good reason. This is a team that could easily win this game outright.
15* on Cincinnati Bengals -3
15* on Cleveland Browns +2.5
15* on Oakland Raiders +3
15* on LA Dodgers -1.5 +101
Take the Dodgers on the run line tonight with Arizona starter Billy Buckner struggling as much as any pitcher in the Majors right now. Over his last three starts, Buckner is 0-3 with a 12.79 ERA and 2.13 WHIP. Offensively the Dodgers already have a huge edge, so when you throw in a struggling starter for Arizona you get a solid run line play for Thursday night in LA.
SAM CLAYTON
20 DIME - NYM/COL UNDER 10
I know it's never a popular selection to play the under at Coors Field, but bear with me. Given my notoriety to pounce on a great under spot when I see one and my willingness to support pitching duels in early day games, I think this game falls right into both of those categories. Today, we get to take advantage of a pitcher that has seen nothing but great success dealing in his home ballpark going up against a depleted offense that couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat. So why isn't the Rockies runline the play again? Well, because me thinks we're going to see quite a lot of zeros on both sides when all is said and done.
Jason Marquis (14-9, 3.60) gets the call for Colorado today on what I believe will be a slow offensive day at the ballpark given the nature of day games and because the shitty hitting of the Mets will likely rub off on the Rockies as it has the best two games. Marquis has been solid at home his last five starts compiling a 2-2 record and an impressive 2.57 ERA over that span. And today he faces a Mets offense that has scored only five times this series and has plated only 15 runs its last 5 games. New York's lineup is absolutely pathetic and even if David Wright suits up, he has absolutely no support because guys like Daniel Murphy and Fernando Tatis have been hitting fourth and fifth respectively. Yikes. The extremely reserve-laden lineup takes another step back Thursday with catcher Josh Thole making his Major League debut. I'd be shocked if the Mets scored more than three runs today, which takes us to the Colorado lineup...
Believe it or not, the Rockies have surprisingly been involved in quite a lot of low scoring affairs their past few homestands. The under has cashed in five of the last seven games at Coors Field and only one of those contests saw more than 10 combined runs. Don't forget, just last night, Colorado scored only two runs off of Tim "Cy" Redding and that was three trips through the heart of the lineup. Pat Misch (0-1, 3.41) starts for New York and he's coming off an impressive outing against the Cubs, one that saw him throw seven innings of one-run ball. I love Misch's chances tonight against a heavy left-handed lineup as the southpaw will have great chances to neutralize some of the best Colorado hitters (Helton, Gonzalez, Hawpe, Smith). This one has all the makings of a slow 4-3 finish which is why I'm staying away from the Colorado runline.
Play the UNDER.
20 DIME - NYM/COL UNDER 10
I know it's never a popular selection to play the under at Coors Field, but bear with me. Given my notoriety to pounce on a great under spot when I see one and my willingness to support pitching duels in early day games, I think this game falls right into both of those categories. Today, we get to take advantage of a pitcher that has seen nothing but great success dealing in his home ballpark going up against a depleted offense that couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat. So why isn't the Rockies runline the play again? Well, because me thinks we're going to see quite a lot of zeros on both sides when all is said and done.
Jason Marquis (14-9, 3.60) gets the call for Colorado today on what I believe will be a slow offensive day at the ballpark given the nature of day games and because the shitty hitting of the Mets will likely rub off on the Rockies as it has the best two games. Marquis has been solid at home his last five starts compiling a 2-2 record and an impressive 2.57 ERA over that span. And today he faces a Mets offense that has scored only five times this series and has plated only 15 runs its last 5 games. New York's lineup is absolutely pathetic and even if David Wright suits up, he has absolutely no support because guys like Daniel Murphy and Fernando Tatis have been hitting fourth and fifth respectively. Yikes. The extremely reserve-laden lineup takes another step back Thursday with catcher Josh Thole making his Major League debut. I'd be shocked if the Mets scored more than three runs today, which takes us to the Colorado lineup...
Believe it or not, the Rockies have surprisingly been involved in quite a lot of low scoring affairs their past few homestands. The under has cashed in five of the last seven games at Coors Field and only one of those contests saw more than 10 combined runs. Don't forget, just last night, Colorado scored only two runs off of Tim "Cy" Redding and that was three trips through the heart of the lineup. Pat Misch (0-1, 3.41) starts for New York and he's coming off an impressive outing against the Cubs, one that saw him throw seven innings of one-run ball. I love Misch's chances tonight against a heavy left-handed lineup as the southpaw will have great chances to neutralize some of the best Colorado hitters (Helton, Gonzalez, Hawpe, Smith). This one has all the makings of a slow 4-3 finish which is why I'm staying away from the Colorado runline.
Play the UNDER.
hno:
