NCAA Basketball Picks
Temple at Villanova
The Wildcats are coming off a 76-36 win over Monmouth and look to build on their 7-3-1 ATS record in their last 11 games following a SU win of more than 20 points. Villanova is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Wildcats favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-6). Here are all of today's games.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30
Time Posted: 11:30 a.m. EST
Game 507-508: Pepperdine at Miami (FL) (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pepperdine 49.840; Miami (FL) 66.218
Dunkel Line: Miami (FL) by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (FL) by 18
Dunkel Pick: Pepperdine (+18)
Game 509-510: Temple at Villanova (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Temple 65.901; Villanova 74.602
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Villanova by 6
Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-6)
Game 511-512: WI-Green Bay at Detroit (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Green Bay 53.272; Detroit 58.825
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit by 7
Dunkel Pick: WI-Green Bay (+7)
Game 513-514: WI-Milwaukee at Wright State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Milwaukee 52.954; Wright State 61.537
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Wright State by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wright State (-7 1/2)
Game 515-516: Illinois-Chicago at Youngstown State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 48.028; Youngstown State 51.256
Dunkel Line: Youngstown State by 3
Vegas Line: Youngstown State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Youngstown State (-2)
Game 517-518: Loyola-Chicago at Cleveland State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Chicago 55.865; Cleveland State 63.581
Dunkel Line: Cleveland State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Chicago (+10 1/2)
Game 519-520: Toledo at NC-Wilmington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 43.333; NC-Wilmington 53.052
Dunkel Line: NC-Wilmington by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: NC-Wilmington by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+10 1/2)
Game 521-522: BYU at Buffalo (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 73.128; Buffalo 59.830
Dunkel Line: BYU by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: BYU by 11
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-11)
Game 523-524: TCU at Tulsa (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: TCU 56.423; Tulsa 64.884
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (-6 1/2)
Game 525-526: Old Dominion at Missouri (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 65.401; Missouri 71.044
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion (+8 1/2)
Game 527-528: Iowa State at Virginia (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa State 64.529; Virginia 67.820
Dunkel Line: Virginia by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Virginia by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (-1 1/2)
Game 529-530: South Alabama at Arkansas State (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 48.264; Arkansas State 55.641
Dunkel Line: Arkansas State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Arkansas State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Alabama (+8 1/2)
Game 531-532: Arkansas-Little Rock at North Texas (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas-Little Rock 48.554; North Texas 59.494
Dunkel Line: North Texas by 11
Vegas Line: North Texas by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Texas (-9 1/2)
Game 533-534: UL-Lafayette at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Lafayette 47.362; Denver 50.601
Dunkel Line: Denver by 3
Vegas Line: Denver by 5
Dunkel Pick: UL-Lafayette (+5)
Game 535-536: Loyola-Marymount at UC-Irvine (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Marymount 51.149; UC-Irvine 56.867
Dunkel Line: UC-Irvine by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: UC-Irvine by 3
Dunkel Pick: UC-Irvine (-3)
Game 537-538: Arizona at Oregon (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 68.643; Oregon 61.166
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (+8 1/2)
Game 539-540: UC-Davis at CS-Northridge (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Davis 52.952; CS-Northridge 50.795
Dunkel Line: UC-Davis by 2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: UC-Davis
Game 541-542: Long Beach State at Cal Poly (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Long Beach State 55.959; Cal Poly 51.933
Dunkel Line: Long Beach State by 4
Vegas Line: Long Beach State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Long Beach State (-1 1/2)
Game 543-544: Pacific at CS-Fullerton (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pacific 59.676; CS-Fullerton 50.783
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 9
Vegas Line: Pacific by 6
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (-6)
Game 545-546: Central Michigan at UNLV (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 48.709; UNLV 70.027
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: UNLV by 23 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+23 1/2)
Game 547-548: Arizona State at Oregon State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 60.423; Oregon State 58.082
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 4
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+4)
Game 549-550: Furman vs. Northeastern (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 58.856; Northeastern 55.076
Dunkel Line: Furman by 4
Vegas Line: Furman by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Furman (-1 1/2)
Game 551-552: Princeton at Central Florida (7:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Princeton 58.274; Central Florida 66.795
Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 10
Dunkel Pick: Princeton (+10)
Game 553-554: Montreat vs. TX-Corpus Christi (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreat 14.755; TX-Corpus Christi 48.394
Dunkel Line: TX-Corpus Christi by 33 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 555-556: Georgia State at Chattanooga (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia State 50.084; Chattanooga 52.190
Dunkel Line: Chattanooga by 2
Vegas Line: Chattanooga by 4
Dunkel Pick: Georgia State (+4)
Game 557-558: Cornell vs. Wofford (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cornell 50.288; Wofford 61.024
Dunkel Line: Wofford by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Wofford by 9
Dunkel Pick: Wofford (-9)
Game 559-560: New Hampshire at VCU (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Hampshire 43.847; VCU 59.633
Dunkel Line: VCU by 16
Vegas Line: VCU by 17
Dunkel Pick: New Hampshire (+17)
Game 561-562: Dominican Cal vs. Colorado State (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dominican Cal 40.441; Colorado State 60.766
Dunkel Line: Colorado State by 20 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 563-564: Hampton at San Francisco (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Hampton 53.491; San Francisco 54.949
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 3
Dunkel Pick: Hampton (+3)
Game 565-566: Fordham at Santa Clara (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Fordham 47.903; Santa Clara 59.031
Dunkel Line: Santa Clara by 11
Vegas Line: Santa Clara by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Santa Clara (-9 1/2)
Game 567-568: American vs. Delaware (11:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: American 49.581; Delaware 51.573
Dunkel Line: Delaware by 2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Delaware
Game 569-570: Manhattan at Florida Atlantic (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Manhattan 42.653; Florida Atlantic 57.482
Dunkel Line: Florida Atlantic by 15
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 581-582: Western Illinois at IUPUI (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Western Illinois 45.633; IUPUI 55.505
Dunkel Line: IUPUI by 10
Vegas Line: IUPUI by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Illinois (+11 1/2)
Game 583-584: IPFW at Centenary (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: IPFW 51.915; Centenary 34.598
Dunkel Line: IPFW by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: IPFW by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: IPFW (-15 1/2)
Game 585-586: South Dakota State at UMKC (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: South Dakota State 54.042; UMKC 50.553
Dunkel Line: South Dakota State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: South Dakota State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UMKC (+4 1/2)
Game 587-588: Oakland at Oral Roberts (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 60.899; Oral Roberts 55.489
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-4 1/2)
Game 589-590: North Dakota State at Southern Utah (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: North Dakota State 50.486; Southern Utah 47.620
Dunkel Line: North Dakota State by 3
Vegas Line: North Dakota State by 4
Dunkel Pick: Southern Utah (+3)
Temple at Villanova
The Wildcats are coming off a 76-36 win over Monmouth and look to build on their 7-3-1 ATS record in their last 11 games following a SU win of more than 20 points. Villanova is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Wildcats favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-6). Here are all of today's games.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30
Time Posted: 11:30 a.m. EST
Game 507-508: Pepperdine at Miami (FL) (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pepperdine 49.840; Miami (FL) 66.218
Dunkel Line: Miami (FL) by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (FL) by 18
Dunkel Pick: Pepperdine (+18)
Game 509-510: Temple at Villanova (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Temple 65.901; Villanova 74.602
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Villanova by 6
Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-6)
Game 511-512: WI-Green Bay at Detroit (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Green Bay 53.272; Detroit 58.825
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit by 7
Dunkel Pick: WI-Green Bay (+7)
Game 513-514: WI-Milwaukee at Wright State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Milwaukee 52.954; Wright State 61.537
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Wright State by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wright State (-7 1/2)
Game 515-516: Illinois-Chicago at Youngstown State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 48.028; Youngstown State 51.256
Dunkel Line: Youngstown State by 3
Vegas Line: Youngstown State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Youngstown State (-2)
Game 517-518: Loyola-Chicago at Cleveland State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Chicago 55.865; Cleveland State 63.581
Dunkel Line: Cleveland State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Chicago (+10 1/2)
Game 519-520: Toledo at NC-Wilmington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 43.333; NC-Wilmington 53.052
Dunkel Line: NC-Wilmington by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: NC-Wilmington by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+10 1/2)
Game 521-522: BYU at Buffalo (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 73.128; Buffalo 59.830
Dunkel Line: BYU by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: BYU by 11
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-11)
Game 523-524: TCU at Tulsa (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: TCU 56.423; Tulsa 64.884
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (-6 1/2)
Game 525-526: Old Dominion at Missouri (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 65.401; Missouri 71.044
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion (+8 1/2)
Game 527-528: Iowa State at Virginia (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa State 64.529; Virginia 67.820
Dunkel Line: Virginia by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Virginia by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (-1 1/2)
Game 529-530: South Alabama at Arkansas State (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 48.264; Arkansas State 55.641
Dunkel Line: Arkansas State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Arkansas State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Alabama (+8 1/2)
Game 531-532: Arkansas-Little Rock at North Texas (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas-Little Rock 48.554; North Texas 59.494
Dunkel Line: North Texas by 11
Vegas Line: North Texas by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Texas (-9 1/2)
Game 533-534: UL-Lafayette at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Lafayette 47.362; Denver 50.601
Dunkel Line: Denver by 3
Vegas Line: Denver by 5
Dunkel Pick: UL-Lafayette (+5)
Game 535-536: Loyola-Marymount at UC-Irvine (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Marymount 51.149; UC-Irvine 56.867
Dunkel Line: UC-Irvine by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: UC-Irvine by 3
Dunkel Pick: UC-Irvine (-3)
Game 537-538: Arizona at Oregon (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 68.643; Oregon 61.166
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (+8 1/2)
Game 539-540: UC-Davis at CS-Northridge (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Davis 52.952; CS-Northridge 50.795
Dunkel Line: UC-Davis by 2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: UC-Davis
Game 541-542: Long Beach State at Cal Poly (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Long Beach State 55.959; Cal Poly 51.933
Dunkel Line: Long Beach State by 4
Vegas Line: Long Beach State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Long Beach State (-1 1/2)
Game 543-544: Pacific at CS-Fullerton (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pacific 59.676; CS-Fullerton 50.783
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 9
Vegas Line: Pacific by 6
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (-6)
Game 545-546: Central Michigan at UNLV (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 48.709; UNLV 70.027
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: UNLV by 23 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+23 1/2)
Game 547-548: Arizona State at Oregon State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 60.423; Oregon State 58.082
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 4
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+4)
Game 549-550: Furman vs. Northeastern (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 58.856; Northeastern 55.076
Dunkel Line: Furman by 4
Vegas Line: Furman by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Furman (-1 1/2)
Game 551-552: Princeton at Central Florida (7:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Princeton 58.274; Central Florida 66.795
Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 10
Dunkel Pick: Princeton (+10)
Game 553-554: Montreat vs. TX-Corpus Christi (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreat 14.755; TX-Corpus Christi 48.394
Dunkel Line: TX-Corpus Christi by 33 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 555-556: Georgia State at Chattanooga (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia State 50.084; Chattanooga 52.190
Dunkel Line: Chattanooga by 2
Vegas Line: Chattanooga by 4
Dunkel Pick: Georgia State (+4)
Game 557-558: Cornell vs. Wofford (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cornell 50.288; Wofford 61.024
Dunkel Line: Wofford by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Wofford by 9
Dunkel Pick: Wofford (-9)
Game 559-560: New Hampshire at VCU (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Hampshire 43.847; VCU 59.633
Dunkel Line: VCU by 16
Vegas Line: VCU by 17
Dunkel Pick: New Hampshire (+17)
Game 561-562: Dominican Cal vs. Colorado State (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dominican Cal 40.441; Colorado State 60.766
Dunkel Line: Colorado State by 20 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 563-564: Hampton at San Francisco (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Hampton 53.491; San Francisco 54.949
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 3
Dunkel Pick: Hampton (+3)
Game 565-566: Fordham at Santa Clara (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Fordham 47.903; Santa Clara 59.031
Dunkel Line: Santa Clara by 11
Vegas Line: Santa Clara by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Santa Clara (-9 1/2)
Game 567-568: American vs. Delaware (11:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: American 49.581; Delaware 51.573
Dunkel Line: Delaware by 2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Delaware
Game 569-570: Manhattan at Florida Atlantic (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Manhattan 42.653; Florida Atlantic 57.482
Dunkel Line: Florida Atlantic by 15
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 581-582: Western Illinois at IUPUI (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Western Illinois 45.633; IUPUI 55.505
Dunkel Line: IUPUI by 10
Vegas Line: IUPUI by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Illinois (+11 1/2)
Game 583-584: IPFW at Centenary (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: IPFW 51.915; Centenary 34.598
Dunkel Line: IPFW by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: IPFW by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: IPFW (-15 1/2)
Game 585-586: South Dakota State at UMKC (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: South Dakota State 54.042; UMKC 50.553
Dunkel Line: South Dakota State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: South Dakota State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UMKC (+4 1/2)
Game 587-588: Oakland at Oral Roberts (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 60.899; Oral Roberts 55.489
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-4 1/2)
Game 589-590: North Dakota State at Southern Utah (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: North Dakota State 50.486; Southern Utah 47.620
Dunkel Line: North Dakota State by 3
Vegas Line: North Dakota State by 4
Dunkel Pick: Southern Utah (+3)
Today's NHL Picks
Montreal at Tampa Bay
The Canadiens look to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to Washington and build on their 5-1 record in their last 6 games following a loss by 3 or more goals. Montreal is the pick (+120) according to Dunkel, which has the Canadiens favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+120). Here are all of today's picks.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30
Time Posted 11:30 a.m. EST
Game 51-52: Columbus at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.411; Toronto 10.587
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+105); Over
Game 53-54: Montreal at Atlanta (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 10.501; Atlanta 11.489
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-110); Under
Game 55-56: Montreal at Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.501; Tampa Bay 10.755
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+120); Over
Game 57-58: San Jose at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 11.063; Chicago 12.009
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-145); Under
Game 59-60: Colorado at Edmonton (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.081; Edmonton 10.621
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-145); Under
Game 61-62: Philadelphia at Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 12.322; Los Angeles 11.605
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-110); Over
Montreal at Tampa Bay
The Canadiens look to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to Washington and build on their 5-1 record in their last 6 games following a loss by 3 or more goals. Montreal is the pick (+120) according to Dunkel, which has the Canadiens favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+120). Here are all of today's picks.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30
Time Posted 11:30 a.m. EST
Game 51-52: Columbus at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.411; Toronto 10.587
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+105); Over
Game 53-54: Montreal at Atlanta (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 10.501; Atlanta 11.489
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-110); Under
Game 55-56: Montreal at Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.501; Tampa Bay 10.755
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+120); Over
Game 57-58: San Jose at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 11.063; Chicago 12.009
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-145); Under
Game 59-60: Colorado at Edmonton (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.081; Edmonton 10.621
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-145); Under
Game 61-62: Philadelphia at Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 12.322; Los Angeles 11.605
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-110); Over
Today's NBA Picks
New York at Orlando
The Magic look to build on their 7-1 ATS record in their last 8 Thursday games. Orlando is the pick (-7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Magic favored by 10. Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-7 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30
Time Posted: 11:30 a.m. EST
Game 501-502: New York at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 115.745; Orlando 125.537
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 10; 217
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 7 1/2; 212
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-7 1/2); Over
Game 503-504: San Antonio at Dallas (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 125.190; Dallas 120.109
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 5; 189
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 2 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-2 1/2); Under
Game 505-506: Utah at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 120.275; Portland 116.975
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 3 1/2; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 1; 188
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-1); Over
New York at Orlando
The Magic look to build on their 7-1 ATS record in their last 8 Thursday games. Orlando is the pick (-7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Magic favored by 10. Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-7 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30
Time Posted: 11:30 a.m. EST
Game 501-502: New York at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 115.745; Orlando 125.537
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 10; 217
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 7 1/2; 212
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-7 1/2); Over
Game 503-504: San Antonio at Dallas (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 125.190; Dallas 120.109
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 5; 189
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 2 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-2 1/2); Under
Game 505-506: Utah at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 120.275; Portland 116.975
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 3 1/2; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 1; 188
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-1); Over
StatSystems Sports Bowl Report, Thursday 12/30/10
STAN THE MAN'S STAT/SYSTEMS REPORT 12/30
NCAA COLLEGE FOOTBALL
INFO WORTH BETTING ON ONE PAGE EACH DAY
_______________________________________
***** STAT/SYSTEMS SPORTS POWER SEARCH - CFB *****
_______________________________________________
When you are ready to step up an into the challenge of advanced sports handicapping, be sure to check out Stan 'The Man's ALL NEW Stat/Systems Sheets. They are loaded with power ratings, computer predictions, matchups, betting trends, systems, statistics, schedules and results. Once you have sampled my Stat/Systems Sheets, you will no longer need free picks, consensus plays, or other professional handicapping services!
Each day here in our Stat/Systems Report we will list the Top - Angles, Stats and Situational Trends for up-coming games, including all the Key - ATS, Over/Unders, Money-Line, First Half ATS Top Trends including Over/Unders, Coaches ATS & Over/Unders and Teaser Line Trends, along with all your high percentage Super Situation Systems.
__________________________________________________________
••• BEEN THERE, DONE THAT! •••
-------------------------------------------
The Nebraska Cornhuskers fell to Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship, and then plummeted in the bowl selections. They face a Washington team that at 6-6 is barely bowl eligible. These two teams have already met this year, with the Huskies taking a home beating 56-21 in September. Nebraska is a heavy favorite again, despite losing two of its last three in heartbreaking fashion to end the season. Close losses to Texas A&M and the Sooners landed the Huskers in the Holiday Bowl for the second straight year. Washington is just happy to have another game. The Huskies ran off three straight wins to close the season. The spread has moved for -13 to two touchdowns while the total has remained steady at 55 at most books.
Nebraska will field the 10th best rushing game in the nation – an attack that rolled up 383 yards the first time these two teams met. The Huskers’ pass defense ranks fifth in the nation and feasted on Washington quarterback Jake Locker last time, holding him to 71 yards and two interceptions. The game ended any talk of Heisman consideration for the senior. Meanwhile, Running back Chris Polk comes in averaging 103 yards per game, and is fresh off a 284-yard performance against Washington State. He will be running into the weakest part of the Husker defense. Nebraska ranks 52nd against the run, and had issues stopping Polk early in their first matchup.
Make Sure you have the Advantage you need to win this Season! Did you know that the Stat/Systems Report is the #1 rated sports betting publication in the country today. Offering complete analysis and predictions for every game on the board including game logs, betting trends, key injuries, vital statistics, lines and odds, and more the daily publication is everything that you need to win each and every day!
“Who will cash at the betting window on Thursday, be sure to get all your winners each day... "Where the Winning Never Stops right here @ Stat/Systems Sports!" Call me toll-free in the office @ 1-800-351-4640 "You'll be real glad you did" -Stan!
NOTE: All New Website Coming Soon!
_______________________________
*** ARMED FORCES BOWL ***
ARMY VS. SMU
Gerald J Ford Stadium - Dallas, TX
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. EDT Line: SMU -7 O/U 52
------------------------------------------------------
Army finds itself back in the postseason for the first time in 16 years, and the Black Knights will take on the SMU Mustangs in the Armed Forces Bowl at Ford Stadium. Army is playing in its first bowl game since 1996 and only the second since 1988. The Black Knights did fade a bit down the stretch, dropping three of their final four contests to close out the regular season. They also lost their ninth consecutive showdown against Navy earlier this month, although the game was much more competitive than the final score (31-17) would indicate, due largely to a fumble just before the half that Navy returned for a touchdown.
Meanwhile, SMU will have the luxury of playing in its home stadium for this matchup, where the team went 4-2 this year. SMU has reached the postseason for the second straight year after topping Nevada in the 2009 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, 45-10. The Mustangs won the Conference USA West Division with a 6-2 league mark this year, though they went just 1-4 outside of conference play. In the C-USA Championship, SMU fell to UCF by a 17-7 final. The Mustangs also faced Navy earlier this year in Annapolis, as they rallied from a 14-0 halftime deficit to claim a 28-21 victory. Army has won both prior meetings in the all-time series between these two schools, although these teams have not met since 1967. This will be the eighth installment of the Armed Forces Bowl, which saw Air Force knock off Houston by a 47-20 final in last year's game.
Since taking over as Army's head coach following the 2008 season, Ellerson has made his triple-option attack a staple at West Point. The Black Knights will have to execute it very well in order to keep SMU and its dangerous offense off the field. Army averages a robust 256 rushing yards per game, which ranks 10th in the nation. Like most option teams, the passing game has taken a backseat as the Black Knights rank 120th in that department (82 ypg). While they'll scheme a pass play or two into the weekly gameplan to keep defenses honest, for the most part the Black Knights are perfectly content to move the ball down the field a few yards at a time. It's a formula that works as long as they can avoid turnovers, which they've done throughout the season by ranking seventh nationally in turnover margin.
However, perhaps the costliest turnover of the year came during a pivotal moment against Navy. Trailing 17-7 late in the first half with the ball on the Navy two-yard line, Army quarterback Trent Steelman had the ball stripped near the goal line and returned 98 yards the other way for a touchdown. The result: instead of cutting the deficit to 17-14, Army went into the locker room trailing 24-7 at halftime and was never able to recover. It was an unfortunate moment for Steelman, who has been as integral to the team's success as anybody. He threw for 128 yards and two touchdowns in the game, while also rushing for 74 yards to help the Black Knights out-rush Navy 209-139. On the season, Steelman has rushed for 694 yards and a team-best 11 touchdowns in addition to his seven passing TDs. Fullback Jared Hassin tops the squad with 931 rushing yards to go along with his nine TDs.
Army's defense has been susceptible to the run at times this season, but the Knights are solid against the pass, ranking 23rd nationally with 190.5 passing yards allowed per tilt. They also rank 27th in total defense (332 ypg) and 57th in scoring (25.2 ppg). Overall, Army's D turned in a very solid effort against Navy by bottling up the Mids' option game and coming away with four takeaways from quarterback Ricky Dobbs. However, when they needed a stop most in the fourth quarter, the Black Knights allowed Navy to grind down the clock with a 13-play drive that chewed up nine minutes and made it a 31-10 game with 5:44 to play. With coach Ellerson having spent the past few weeks hammering home 60 minutes of football, it will be interesting to see how his team responds if a similar situation presents itself in this matchup.
Linebacker Stephen Anderson, as he has done so often throughout the season, led Army with 12 tackles against Navy, also registering a half-sack, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. Anderson is the heart and soul of the unit, as he paces the team with 94 tackles, including 10.5 for loss. He has also broken up a half-dozen passes and forced four fumbles on the year. Josh McNary has notched a team-best 9.5 sacks to go along with three forced fumbles. In the secondary, Donovan Travis has come away with a team-high five interceptions while also ranking third with 53 tackles. All three of those players will need to bring their A-games if the Black Knights are to slow down SMU's potent offense.
While Army will look to keep things on the ground with the option game, SMU's spread passing attack under head coach June Jones will present quite a contrast in styles. The Mustangs are littered with playmakers on that side of the ball, including three first-team All-Conference picks. One of those players is left tackle Kelvin Beachum, who has started all 13 games this season to anchor a line that has paved the way for a school-record 5,391 yards of total offense. Another is running back Zach Line, whose 1,391 rushing yards this season trails only Eric Dickerson (1981, '82) in school history. Line is the C-USA leader with 107 yards per game on the ground. At wideout, senior Aldrick Robinson has amassed 1,225 receiving yards this season, making him the only receiver in school history with two 1,000-yard seasons. His 13 touchdown catches are also a new SMU record, as are his seven straight games with a TD grab.
In that loss to UCF in the C-USA Championship, all of the Mustangs' offensive weapons went missing and the result was a season-low seven points scored. Quarterback Kyle Padron has had a fine season for SMU, but in that game he was sacked five times and intercepted twice, finishing with 220 yards on 18-of-34 passing. The team's lone touchdown didn't come until the fourth quarter on a 22-yard pass from Padron to Robinson, but the next two possessions resulted in an interception and a turnover on downs to end any threat. On the season, Padron is averaging 271.2 passing yards per game and has thrown 29 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. While Robinson has accounted for nearly half of those TD passes, Padron does have some other solid options in the passing game. Cole Beasley has also gone over the 1,000-yard mark (1,036) and actually leads the team with 84 catches. Darius Johnson ranks second on the team with 69 catches, as he and Beasley have combined for 11 TDs.
SMU's defense has seen the triple-option already this season, so there shouldn't be many surprises there. As always, gap discipline and each player knowing their assignments are the keys to stopping it. "The triple-option is a very difficult offense to prepare for," coach Jones said. "I'm glad we have time to prepare for it. We also played against it at Navy. This will be a better situation for us. I know (Ellerson) very well. He will have some new little wrinkles and some little things by the time we get to game day."
SMU only gave up 311 yards and two trips to the red zone in the title game against UCF, but the Knights were able to keep drives alive by converting 7- of-13 first downs. Charged with stopping that trend will be linebackers Taylor Reed (133 tackles) and Pete Fleps (116), the top two tacklers for SMU. Ja'Gared Davis has notched 82 tackles from his linebacker spot, including a team-high 15 for loss and nine sacks. He has also scored TDs on a fumble return and a blocked field goal return, and the Mustangs could certainly use a big play or two from him. Defensive end Taylor Thompson (32 tackles, 4.5 sacks) will need to set the edge in SMU's 3-4 scheme in order to limit big gains against the option.
SMU has played a fairly tough schedule, with seven of its opponents this season earning bowl bids. The Mustangs also placed five players on the All- Conference USA first team, the most for the program since 1984. That '84 season was also the last time they went to bowl games in consecutive seasons, highlighting a significant turnaround for the program under third-year coach Jones.
• PREGAME NOTES
------------------------
This year’s troops from West Point are certainly more resilient than past Army squads: even though the Cadets enter on a two-game losing skid, they bounced back from an embarrassing 27-3 whipping by Notre Dame to outgain Navy 337-325 (rushed 54 times for 209 yards) in a season-ending loss to the Midshipmen. Meanwhile, the Ponies limp into their second consecutive bowl after self-destructing against UCF in the CUSA Championship game. SMU actually won the stats in the 17-7 setback but failed to dent the scoreboard until nearly six minutes had elapsed in the 4th quarter.
Our database sides with the infantry in today’s skirmish, pointing out that bowl favorites that won a bowl game SU as a dog of more than 6 points the previous year are just 7-16 ATS and that military bowlers overall stand 23-10 ATS. The Mustangs can claim no such reinforcements from the ATS archives, posting a dreadful 0-8 ATS mark as chalk versus a foe off back-to-back SU losses. And despite its relative success since the arrival of head coach June Jones, SMU has beaten only four out of thirteen bowlers straight up over the past two seasons. NOTE: Army is 11-1 ATS in games played in the state of Texas.
*STAN'S FORECASTER - SMU by 5; O/U 51.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - SMU -2
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - SMU -3.2
___________________________________
• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--SMU is 23-43 ATS (-24.3 Units) after scoring 3 points or less in the first half last game since 1992.
The average score was SMU 17.9, OPPONENT 30.2 - (Rating = 4*)
--ARMY is 9-28 ATS (-21.8 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
The average score was ARMY 16.4, OPPONENT 30.5 - (Rating = 4*)
--ARMY is 16-32 ATS (-19.2 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points since 1992.
The average score was ARMY 18.2, OPPONENT 30.5 - (Rating = 3*)
• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--SMU is 31-13 UNDER (+16.7 Units) after 1 or more consecutive straight up losses since 1992.
The average score was SMU 19.9, OPPONENT 29.0 - (Rating = 3*)
--SMU is 28-12 UNDER (+14.8 Units) after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1992.
The average score was SMU 21.0, OPPONENT 28.1 - (Rating = 3*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--SMU is 7-0 against the 1rst half line (+7.0 Units) versus good rushing teams - averaging >=200 rushing yards/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was SMU 16.2, OPPONENT 6.7 - (Rating = 3*)
--ARMY is 15-31 against the 1rst half line (-19.1 Units) as an underdog of 2 to 6 points vs. the first half line since 1992.
The average score was ARMY 8.4, OPPONENT 15.4 - (Rating = 3*)
--ARMY is 10-24 against the 1rst half line (-16.4 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
The average score was ARMY 8.0, OPPONENT 17.6 - (Rating = 3*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--SMU is 10-1 UNDER (+8.9 Units) the 1rst half total after playing 2 straight conference games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SMU 14.2, OPPONENT 10.9 - (Rating = 3*)
--SMU is 9-0 UNDER (+9.0 Units) the 1rst half total after a bye week since 1992.
The average score was SMU 10.6, OPPONENT 9.4 - (Rating = 3*)
--SMU is 7-0 UNDER (+7.0 Units) the 1rst half total in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was SMU 12.0, OPPONENT 9.5 - (Rating = 3*)
--SMU is 7-0 UNDER (+7.0 Units) the 1rst half total in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SMU 10.9, OPPONENT 12.7 - (Rating = 3*)
• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATION
---------------------------------------------
--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the first half total is 25 to 28 (SMU) - excellent offensive team (>=6.2 YPP) against a team with a poor defense (5.6 to 6.2 YPP).
(59-32 since 1992.) (64.8%, +23.8 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 26.8
The average first half score in these games was: Team 16.3, Opponent 9 (Total first half points scored = 25.2)
The situation's record this season is: (8-11).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (25-16).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (33-25).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (51-28).
____________________________________________
*** PINSTRIPE BOWL ***
KANSAS ST VS. SYRACUSE
Yankee Stadium - Bronx, NY
Kickoff: 3:20 p.m. EDT Line: Pick O/U 48
--------------------------------------------------
The inaugural Pinstripe Bowl takes place on December 30th in the first-ever gridiron clash at the new Yankee Stadium as the Syracuse Orange and Kansas State Wildcats look to finish the year on a strong note. Syracuse took a step forward in 2010 regardless of Thursday's outcome, finishing the regular season at 7-5 and posting a 4-3 record in the Big East. The height of the Orange's season came on October 23rd when it shocked then 20th-ranked West Virginia with a 19-14 victory in Morgantown. A win the next week at Cincinnati got the 'Cuse to 7-3 before losing two of its last three games. Syracuse owns a 12-9-1 record all-time in bowl games. This will be the Orange's first such encounter since 2004 -- a 51-14 loss to Georgia Tech in the Champs Sports Bowl. Syracuse's last bowl win was in the 2001 Insight.com Bowl -- a 26-3 victory over Thursday's opponent Kansas State.
Kansas State experienced an up-and-down year, eventually finishing with an identical 7-5 mark and going 3-5 in a tough Big 12 Conference. The Wildcats started the year 4-0 before running in to a buzzsaw in then No. 7 Nebraska in a convincing 48-13 loss. KSU bounced back to pound Kansas the next week but lost four of the next five games against league competition. The Wildcats have a 6-7 ledger all-time in bowl competition and have lost their last two postseason encounters. Their last appearance came at the 2006 Texas Bowl where they dropped a 37-10 decision to Rutgers. "When you look at the past, it is hard not to see this as a success. This is my fourth year here but only my first bowl game I have ever been to," said Wildcat defensive back Tysyn Hartman. "Just making it to a bowl game is not enough by any means. We have not had a bowl win here since 2002 and we have not been to a bowl game since 2006, so winning is definitely something that we want to do."
The 2010 Pinstripe Bowl will be the first of its kind in the Bronx since the Gotham Bowl was staged on December 15, 1962 when Nebraska beat Miami-Florida at the old Yankee Stadium. Syracuse has a history in the Bronx, having played at the old Yankee Stadium on six previous occasions. The school participated in the first college football game at the original Yankee Stadium, posting a 3-0 win over Pittsburgh on October 23, 1923, in addition to past appearances at the old Polo Grounds in New York City, Shea Stadium in Flushing and Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This will be the third bowl matchup between these two programs, with KSU having taken the first meeting, 35-18, at the 1997 Fiesta Bowl.
"When the announcement was made that a bowl game was going to be played in Yankee Stadium for the first time, my thought was that if we were not going to play in a BCS game, then how great would it be to play in the first college bowl game in Yankee Stadium in my first head coaching job," said Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone, a Bronx native who led the Orange back to postseason play in only his second year at the helm. "The opportunity to play in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl in my hometown is part of the whole dream. New York State is our foundation. This is another step in our return to prominence."
Standout running back Daniel Thomas was the engine that drove the Wildcats' offense in 2010. The senior garnered second-team All-American status and ranked ninth in the nation with 1,495 yards, placing him second among K- State's single-season rushing leaders. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry and 124.6 per game while scoring 16 touchdowns. His career totals of 2,760 rushing yards and 3,205 all-purpose yards put him third and fifth, respectively, in K- State annals. He needs just 58 yards in Thursday's game to move into second place on the 'Cats all-time rushing list. "They like to run the ball," said the Orange's Smith of Thomas. "Our goal is to stop the run, which is our whole defensive philosophy. We just have to do a better job on stopping the run in this last game."
The quarterback position is manned by senior Carson Coffman, who threw for 1,832 yards and 12 touchdowns while running for another nine in 11 games this season. He tossed seven interceptions and was efficient in completing 64.2 percent of his passes in his first season as the starter. However, while K- State ranked 20th in the country in rushing offense, the passing game stood 97th and 10th in the Big 12. Senior wideout Aubrey Quarles was the lone player to post any sort of significant numbers on the receiving end from Coffman, gaining 685 yards with five touchdowns on 47 grabs.
Kansas State's defense was a soft spot this season, ranking second-to-last in the Big 12 in total defense and 106th nationally. It gave up an average of 441.3 yards per game and 28.5 points per game. The rushing defense was particularly poor, allowing opposing backs to gain an average of 229.1 yards -- the third-worst mark in the country. Junior defensive back David Garrett was the unit's top performer, leading the team with 86 tackles and 13 for a loss. He added three sacks, a pick and nine pass breakups. Senior lineman Prizell Brown paced the squad with five sacks and freshman defensive back Ty Zimmerman had three of the team's 13 interceptions.
The Orange's offense leans heavily on senior running back Delone Carter, who surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the second consecutive season in 2010. He averaged an impressive 5.1 yards per carry on his way to 1,035 yards and seven touchdowns. Junior Antwon Bailey serves as a second option, having gained 504 yards with two scores in averaging 4.7 yards per tote.
Junior quarterback Ryan Nassib was at the head of a proficient if unspectacular passing attack that finished 92nd in the country. Nassib's 174.6 passing yards per game was fourth in the Big East and his 189 completions ranked second in SU's single-season annals. He ended the year with 2,095 yards passing, 16 touchdowns, eight interceptions and completed 56.1 percent of his throws. He was able to spread the ball around to a number of different receivers, most notably junior Van Chew, who led the team with 41 receptions, 611 yards and five touchdowns. Four players had 30 or more grabs this season for the 'Cuse, including sophomore Alec Lemon, who caught four touchdowns to rank second on the team. Freshman placekicker Ross Krautman was a bright spot, connecting on all but one of his 18 attempts on field goals.
Defense was a strong point for the Orange this year, ranking fifth in the nation in total defense and 13th in scoring defense. Syracuse allowed 295 yards per game and 18.1 points against. The unit was particularly stingy against the pass, surrendering just 157.6 yards per game to rank sixth in the country. The Orange had just nine interceptions, forced 12 fumbles and collected 26 sacks, placing them in the middle of the pack amongst Big East teams, but got the job done nonetheless. Senior linebacker Derrell Smith paced the team with 103 tackles, 67 solo and eight for a loss, while forcing three fumbles. Fellow senior linebacker and first team All-Big East performer Doug Hogue was a disruptive force with a team-leading 9 1/2 tackles for a loss, finishing second to Smith with 89 stops, tying for the team lead with two picks and recording three sacks. Junior defensive end Chandler Jones paced the 'Cuse with four sacks and had 8 1/2 tackles for a loss.
"I think they are a very fine football team and a storied program. They have a great coach in Doug Marrone. I am very impressed with him and I understand why he is a quality coach and good person as well," said K-State head coach Bill Snyder. "They are a very sound defensive team and play an aggressive style. They are a stunt-oriented team a high percentage of the time, so they are in attack mode and at the same time they do not give up big plays. That is a tribute to their pass rush and their discipline and the coverage unit."
• PREGAME NOTES
-------------------------
Bill Snyder’s felines opened the season 4-0 but were quickly de-clawed, finishing on a 3-5 SU run. Even worse, K-State was outgained in each of its last six games while the defense was ripped for 35 PPG in their final three outings. A living legend in the Sunflower State, Snyder may boast an 18-5 SU and ATS record versus opponents off consecutive losses since 1998 but his Purple Cats have cashed just one ticket in their most recent seven games versus bowl qualifiers. In addition, the Big East has surprisingly held its own against Big 12 foes in postseason play, going a perfect 4-0 SU and ATS since 2001. Yes, we know Syracuse stumbled in its final two games of the season but coach Marrone owns a 4-0 ATS log when playing off backto-back defeats.
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Kansas St by 2.5; O/U 50
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Kansas St -5
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Kansas St -6.54
______________________________________
• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--KANSAS ST is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) after scoring 42 points or more last game since 1992.
The average score was KANSAS ST 37.1, OPPONENT 17.0 - (Rating = 3*)
--SYRACUSE is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in road games off an upset loss as a favorite since 1992.
The average score was SYRACUSE 20.4, OPPONENT 26.2 - (Rating = 2*)
• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--KANSAS ST is 39-18 OVER (+19.2 Units) after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1992.
The average score was KANSAS ST 33.1, OPPONENT 21.6 - (Rating = 3*)
--KANSAS ST is 37-17 OVER (+18.3 Units) after a playing a game where 60 total points or more were scored since 1992.
The average score was KANSAS ST 35.3, OPPONENT 21.6 - (Rating = 3*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--SYRACUSE is 9-0 against the 1rst half line (+9.0 Units) in road games after a game where they forced 1 or less turnovers over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SYRACUSE 7.9, OPPONENT 10.8 - (Rating = 4*)
--SYRACUSE is 7-0 against the 1rst half line (+7.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SYRACUSE 8.1, OPPONENT 12.0 - (Rating = 3*)
--SYRACUSE is 7-0 against the 1rst half line (+7.0 Units) in road games vs. good passing teams with a completion pct. of 58% or better over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SYRACUSE 10.1, OPPONENT 12.6 - (Rating = 3*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--SYRACUSE is 29-9 UNDER (+19.1 Units) the 1rst half total after gaining 100 or less rushing yards last game since 1992.
The average score was SYRACUSE 10.1, OPPONENT 11.4 - (Rating = 3*)
--SYRACUSE is 41-21 UNDER (+17.9 Units) the 1rst half total after a game where they forced 1 or less turnovers since 1992.
The average score was SYRACUSE 13.1, OPPONENT 11.4 - (Rating = 3*)
--SYRACUSE is 21-4 UNDER (+16.6 Units) the 1rst half total after a 2 game home stand since 1992.
The average score was SYRACUSE 11.8, OPPONENT 11.3 - (Rating = 4*)
• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
----------------------------------------------
--PLAY AGAINST - Any team (KANSAS ST) - good passing team (7.5-8.3 PYA) against a poor passing team (5.6-6.4 PYA) after 7+ games, in non-conference games.
(28-7 since 1992.) (80%, +20.3 units. Rating = 4*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (22-13)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 4.4
The average score in these games was: Team 24.1, Opponent 22.2 (Average point differential = +1.9)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 16 (45.7% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (1-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (8-3).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (17-4).
--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the first half total is 21.5 to 24.5 (SYRACUSE) - in a non-conference game between two teams from major division 1-A conferences, game between two teams with 5 or less offensive starters returning.
(36-10 over the last 10 seasons.) (78.3%, +25 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 23
The average first half score in these games was: Team 9.2, Opponent 9.2 (Total first half points scored = 18.4)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (4-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (8-4).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (38-18).
--PLAY AGAINST - Any team where the 1rst half line is +1.5 to -1.5 (KANSAS ST) - off an big road win scoring 38 or more points, in the second half of the season.
(32-9 over the last 5 seasons.) (78%, +22.1 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 2
The average first half score in these games was: Team 17, Opponent 14 (Average first half point differential = +3)
The situation's record this season is: (5-3).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (19-7).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (53-24).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (72-45).
--PLAY ON - Any team (SYRACUSE) - after scoring 17 points or less in 3 straight games against opponent after scoring 37 points or more last game.
(41-17 over the last 5 seasons.) (70.7%, +22.3 units. Rating = 3*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (17-41 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 14
The average score in these games was: Team 21.5, Opponent 31.6 (Average point differential = -10.1)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 24 (42.1% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (8-7).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (22-15).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (67-48).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (104-92).
___________________________________
*** MUSIC CITY BOWL ***
N CAROLINA VS. TENNESSEE
LP Field - Nashville, TN
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. EDT Line: Pick O/U 50.5
--------------------------------------------------
North Carolina is hoping to salvage a once-promising season and Tennessee looks to capitalize on its strong finish to 2010 when the Tar Heels and Volunteers hook up in the Music City Bowl in Nashville. This will be the first meeting between the two programs since 1961 when UNC logged a 22-21 win. The Volunteers lead the overall series, 20-10-1. The two sides have never met in a bowl game or previously participated in the Music City Bowl, which is in its 13th year of existence. North Carolina was ranked 18th in the preseason AP poll only to drop out and never return amid an 0-2 start and a bevy of NCAA suspensions that involved 12 players to start the season surrounding impermissible benefits associated with agents.
The NCAA's evaluation dragged well into the second month of the season and weighed heavily on the Tar Heels, who eventually saw the dismissal of senior defensive tackle and All-American candidate Marvin Austin and were handed permanent ineligibility rulings on top returning wideout senior Greg Little as well as first-team preseason All-American defensive end Robert Quinn and senior starting cornerback Charles Brown. In addition to all the suspensions, Davis' squad will also be without two other key contributors for the game due to injury. Seniors Bruce Carter, who started 10 games this year at linebacker, and starting offensive guard Alan Pelc both had season ending surgery earlier this month.
UNC persevered under head coach Butch Davis to gain a bowl bid for the third straight year, managing to climb to 6-3 after a 37-35 win over then No. 24 Florida State on November 6th before dropping two of its last three to end at 7-5 and 4-4 in the ACC. The Tar Heels are 12-16 all-time in bowl games with losses in each of their last three postseason appearances. UNC took part in the Meineke Car Care Bowl the last two years and suffered successive losses to West Virginia and Pittsburgh, in that order. The program's last bowl win came in 2001, a 16-10 triumph over Auburn in the Peach Bowl. "I congratulate our team, and especially the 17 seniors, for the extraordinary job they've done in leading our program to a third consecutive bowl appearance," said Davis. "Regardless of the situation, this team fought week after week to make our fans proud. We look forward to representing North Carolina against a talented Tennessee team."
Tennessee came on strong to win its last four games and become bowl eligible at 6-6 with a 3-5 ledger in SEC play. The season was Derek Dooley's first as head coach after Lane Kiffin up and bolted after one year at the helm for the open position as head man at Southern California. Dooley has the historic UT program back in the postseason for a second consecutive year coming off a 37-14 loss to Virginia Tech under Kiffin in the 2009 Chick-fil-A Bowl. Tennessee is 25-23 all-time in postseason play and making its 49th bowl appearance, which is tied for second in NCAA history alongside Texas. The Vols have alternated wins and losses in their last five trips to the postseason. Their last victory was a New Year's Day triumph in 2008 against Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl.
The Tar Heels had players step up to the challenge through a season of turmoil, but one given constant was the play of senior quarterback T.J. Yates, who holds UNC career records for completions, attempts, yards and completion percentage and is second in touchdowns. In 2010, Yates threw for 3,184 yards and 18 touchdowns against just eight interceptions while completing 67.6 percent of his passes. His quarterback rating of 148.79 ranked 23rd in the country and an average of 265.3 passing yards per game placed him second in the ACC. Yates holds 31 school records in all and enters the Music City Bowl with 61 consecutive pass attempts without an interception.
The main beneficiary of Yates' arm was junior wideout Dwight Jones, who had 895 yards and four scores on 57 catches. However, a number of players posted big games during the year in the passing game with four of the top 10 single- game receiving yard performances in UNC history having occurred this season. Senior running back Anthony Elzy had one of those games and has come on strong for the Tar Heels since taking over as the starter in the backfield. He averaged 177 all-purpose yards over UNC's final three games and finished as the team's second leading receiver with 338 yards. Overall, North Carolina's rushing attack was second-to-last in the conference, while the passing game ranked third in league play.
The Tar Heel defense took the biggest hit via off-field incidents, but managed to finish fourth in the ACC in total defense for giving up 338.5 yards per game and was eighth in scoring defense, allowing an average of 22.9 points. Those totals were good enough to stand 32nd and 45th, respectively, on the national level. Junior linebacker Zach Brown had 68 tackles to lead the team, while junior defensive end Quniton Coples harassed opposing signal-callers to the tune of 8 1/2 sacks -- tying him for third in the conference. He also led the Heels with 14 tackles for a loss. Sophomore Donte Paige-Moss paired nicely with Coples along the line, notching 5 1/2 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss. Senior safety Da'Norris Searcy had four of the team's 16 interceptions.
The Volunteers rallied after winning just two of their first eight games behind the play of freshman quarterback Tyler Bray, who took over as the full- time starter following consecutive losses to SEC heavyweights Alabama and South Carolina. Under Bray, the Vols' offense flourished with 50 and 52 points in consecutive weeks in wins over Memphis and Ole Miss. He then managed tight games in victories over Vanderbilt and Kentucky to close out the regular season. In all, Bray appeared in eight games and threw for 1,537 yards and 14 touchdowns compared with seven picks. He connected on 54.7 percent of his passes.
A slew of capable receivers gives Bray options and junior Tauren Poole piled up 994 rushing yards with 11 touchdowns in averaging 5.2 yards per carry in the ground game. Senior Denarius Moore led the receiving corps with 912 yards and nine touchdowns courtesy of 43 receptions. Fellow senior Gerald Jones' 46 grabs led the club and his 507 yards were second, while tight end Luke Stocker had a fine senior season with 34 catches for 359 yards and a score. Justin Hunter made just 15 catches but six went for touchdowns, a UT freshman record, and gained 407 yards with a whopping 27.1-yard average.
The Volunteer defense, like the offense, finished largely in the middle of the pack both nationally and in the conference but features enough playmakers to make a difference in a tight game. UT pins its hopes not on shutting down the opposing offense, but capitalizing on its mistakes. The defense ranked 32nd in the country in turnover margin and had the nation's ninth highest interception total with 17. Sophomore defensive back Prentiss Waggner had five of those to lead the team and returned three for touchdowns. Fellow sophomore Janzen Jackson picked off four passes, and while none reached the opposing end zone, he racked up 114 return yards. Senior linebacker Nick Reveiz led all UT tacklers with 94 stops and junior defensive end Malik Jackson logged a team- high five sacks and 11 tackles for a loss.
"Everybody's asked me, 'Why is it important to go to a bowl game?' To me, it's the benchmark standard for every program. I don't care who you are, every year you want to have a winning season and go to a bowl game. And it's an opportunity to continue to develop and coach your football team to get better," Dooley said of his young UT squad. "We're playing a great opponent, as talented a team as I've seen all year on film. Went through a lot of adversity that affected their results, but has done a great job of overcoming it. So give their coaching staff credit for the job it has done this year and keeping them focused through a lot of distraction."
• PREGAME NOTES
-------------------------
Tennessee fans were left in a lurch after the 2009 campaign when head coach Lane Kiffin high-tailed it out of Knoxville after just a single season. And even though his replacement, Derek Dooley, had SEC blood running in his veins, a 2-6 start had many Volunteer fans convinced that the learning curve had been too steep for the former Louisiana Tech head coach. Then Dooley caught lightning in a bottle with 4-0 SU and ATS finish and Tennessee managed to snag a bowl bid. Unlike UT, Butch Davis’ Tar Heels were expected to be a major player in the ACC but their promising potential unraveled due to numerous player suspensions amid an NCAA investigation. But thanks to a victory over Duke, UNC capped its tumultuous season by earning a trip to Music City, USA, its third straight bowl appearance under Davis.
Carolina may own a 7-1 ATS mark versus SEC foes of late but we think they’re in over their heels here: ACC bowl favorites are a weak 7-17-1 ATS versus SEC competition. SEC bowl dogs are also 16-6 ATS against a foe off a SU win and 6-6 bowl dogs overall are a spotless 5-0 ATS playing off back-to-back victories. Keep a close eye on both quarterbacks today. Carolina’s T.J. Yates, who many thought would lose his starting job in spring practice, became the school’s all-time leading passer with 772 completions in 1,238 attempts for 9,143 yards. Tennessee’s Tyler Bray played little over the first seven games but took over in the second half of game eight at South Carolina to jump-start the Vols’ season-ending run.
*STAN'S FORECASTER - N Carolina by 2; O/U 47.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Tennessee -1
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - N Carolina -2.96
______________________________________
• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--TENNESSEE is 38-20 ATS (+16.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 25.2, OPPONENT 22.5 - (Rating = 3*)
--TENNESSEE is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games vs. good passing teams with a completion pct. of 58% or better since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 28.2, OPPONENT 22.6 - (Rating = 3*)
• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--TENNESSEE is 38-19 UNDER (+17.1 Units) after a game where they forced 3 or more turnovers since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 29.9, OPPONENT 17.9 - (Rating = 3*)
--TENNESSEE is 10-1 UNDER (+8.9 Units) off 2 or more consecutive unders over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was TENNESSEE 17.7, OPPONENT 16.4 - (Rating = 4*)
--N CAROLINA is 20-4 UNDER (+15.5 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 4 or 5 out of their last 6 games since 1992.
The average score was N CAROLINA 20.6, OPPONENT 20.7 - (Rating = 3*)
--N CAROLINA is 21-6 UNDER (+14.2 Units) in road games vs. good passing teams averaging 8 or more passing yards/att since 1992.
The average score was N CAROLINA 19.3, OPPONENT 26.5 - (Rating = 4*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--TENNESSEE is 10-1 against the 1rst half line (+8.9 Units) versus the first half line in all games this season.
The average score was TENNESSEE 15.6, OPPONENT 10.5 - (Rating = 4*)
--TENNESSEE is 10-1 against the 1rst half line (+8.9 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.
The average score was TENNESSEE 15.6, OPPONENT 10.5 - (Rating = 4*)
--TENNESSEE is 6-0 against the 1rst half line (+6.0 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
The average score was TENNESSEE 19.8, OPPONENT 9.0 - (Rating = 3*)
--N CAROLINA is 33-52 against the 1rst half line (-24.2 Units) after playing 2 straight conference games since 1992.
The average score was N CAROLINA 12.4, OPPONENT 11.8 - (Rating = 4*)
--N CAROLINA is 22-39 against the 1rst half line (-20.9 Units) in non-conference games since 1992.
The average score was N CAROLINA 12.6, OPPONENT 12.3 - (Rating = 4*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--TENNESSEE is 45-26 UNDER (+16.4 Units) the 1rst half total off 1 or more consecutive unders since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 12.0, OPPONENT 10.3 - (Rating = 3*)
--TENNESSEE is 37-19 UNDER (+16.1 Units) the 1rst half total as an underdog vs. the 1rst half line since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 9.8, OPPONENT 12.8 - (Rating = 3*)
--TENNESSEE is 23-7 UNDER (+15.2 Units) the 1rst half total off 2 or more consecutive unders since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 10.3, OPPONENT 10.2 - (Rating = 3*)
• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
----------------------------------------------
--PLAY OVER - Any team vs the 1rst half total (N CAROLINA) - in a game involving two poor rushing teams (100-140 RY/game), after allowing 40 or less rushing yards last game.
(29-4 over the last 10 seasons.) (87.9%, +24.6 units. Rating = 4*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 23.9
The average first half score in these games was: Team 16.6, Opponent 12.2 (Total first half points scored = 28.8)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (10-1).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (18-4).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (31-9).
--PLAY UNDER - Any team against the total (N CAROLINA) - after failing to cover the spread in 5 or 6 out of their last 7 games, when playing on a Thursday.
(32-6 over the last 10 seasons.) (84.2%, +25.4 units. Rating = 4*)
The average total posted in these games was: 51.4
The average score in these games was: Team 21.3, Opponent 20.1 (Total points scored = 41.4)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 25 (64.1% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (3-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (11-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (16-6).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (55-18).
--PLAY UNDER - Neutral field teams where the total is between 49.5 and 56 (TENNESSEE) - after having won 4 out of their last 5 games, in a non-conference game between two teams from major division 1-A conferences.
(35-7 since 1992.) (83.3%, +27.3 units. Rating = 4*)
The average total posted in these games was: 52.8
The average score in these games was: Team 24.1, Opponent 20.6 (Total points scored = 44.8)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 24 (57.1% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (1-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (9-0).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (13-2).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (19-3).
___________________________________________
*** HOLIDAY BOWL ***
WASHINGTON VS. NEBRASKA
Qualcomm Stadium - San Diego, CA
Kickoff: 10:00 p.m. EDT Line: Nebraska -14 O/U 55
-------------------------------------------------------------
The Washington Huskies will look to avenge a Sept. 18th loss when they face the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. This will be the ninth meeting between Nebraska and Washington, with the Cornhuskers holding a slight, 4-3-1 edge, although they have won each of the last three meetings (1997, 1998, 2010). Most recently, the teams met on Sept. 18th of this year, with the Cornhuskers securing a 56-21 victory in Husky Stadium. The two teams are also scheduled to meet next Sept. 17th, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The Cornhuskers rode a 6-2 conference record to a second straight Big 12 North title, but blew a 17-0 lead en route to a 23-20 loss to Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game on Dec. 4th. They finished the regular season with a 10-3 overall record. This will be Nebraska's second consecutive appearance in the Holiday Bowl, after a 33-0 trouncing of Arizona in 2009's edition. The Cornhuskers currently hold a 24-22 all-time bowl game record, with this being their 47th bowl game appearance
Washington enters the Holiday Bowl in the midst of a three-game win streak. The Huskies defeated UCLA, Cal and Washington State to salvage a deteriorating regular season and secure their first bowl appearance since the 2002 Sun Bowl. They closed the 2010 campaign 6-6 overall and tied for third in the Pac-10 with USC, at 5-4. Thursday's game against Nebraska will mark Washington's fourth appearance in the Holiday Bowl, where the Huskies previously faced Big 12 opponents Colorado, Kansas State and Texas. This will be Washington's 31st bowl game appearance, dating back to 1924. The team posts a 15-14-1 all-time record in such games.
The Huskies are led by senior quarterback Jake Locker. He completed 179-of-316 passes for 2,209 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. Although already established, Locker's role as leader was resoundingly hammered home after he battled through a late-season rib injury to spur a bowl berth. After the rib was broken on Sept. 30th against Stanford, Locker endured the pain, starting three of the Huskies' four remaining games. With the extended rest provided by the layoff, he now finds himself virtually pain-free entering the Nebraska game. "Feeling great, feeling awesome," Locker said of the rib recently. "I feel normal. Yeah, like I always had before."
Of course, Locker's job is made easier by the phenomenal play of sophomore running back Chris Polk, who has run for 1,287 yards and eight touchdowns on 226 carries this season, making him just the second player in Washington history to rush for 1,000 yards or more in two seasons. In the Huskies' regular season finale against Washington State, Polk had a game for the ages, as he ran for 284 yards and two touchdowns. The 284 yards were just 12 shy of the single-game school rushing record. Also a threat offensively is wide recover Jermaine Kearse, who has caught 62 passes for 1,001 yards and 12 touchdowns. Kearse and Polk have combined for just the second 1,000-yard rusher/receiver tandem in Huskies' history. They also stand as just the ninth such tandem in FBS this season.
While the offense has produced, the defense has struggled to contain teams, allowing 31.2 ppg. At issue has been the defensive line, which has battled injuries and enters Thursday's game hobbled. Only Alamenda Ta'amu and Mason Foster have managed to start every game on the line this season, while starting tackle Semisi Tokalahi has been rendered incapacitated with an ankle injury and Cameron Elisara has been slowed by neck and shoulder stingers. Due in part to the rotating defensive front, the Huskies' have allowed 198.8 rushing yards per game and 32 rushing touchdowns this season.
Washington's struggles against the run should be a welcome sign for the capable ground game of Nebraska. In fact, it was a dominating rushing performance that vaulted the Cornhuskers over the Huskies in the teams' previous meeting. A bevy of backs piled up a combined 383 rushing yards on 7.1 ypc and six rushing touchdowns in the Cornhuskers' dominating, 56-21, victory. Quarterback Taylor Martinez led the team with 156 rushing yards and three rushing scores, while also throwing for 150 yards and a touchdown on 7- of-11 passing.
Martinez continues to be the engine that drives the Nebraska offense. He has thrown for 1,578 yards and nine touchdowns this season to lead an offense which averages 32.7 ppg. As a team, the Cornhuskers compile an impressive 259.6 rushing ypg. headlined by the rushing exploits of tailback Roy Helu Jr. (1,211 yards, 11 TDs) and Martinez (942 yards, 12 TDs). Martinez will be looking for a bounce-back performance. He failed to find the mark in the Big 12 championship game after sitting out the regular season finale against Colorado due to injuries to his right ankle and left foot. He was just 12-of-24 for 143 yards and an interception in the title game. He was also sacked seven times.
On defense, the Cornhuskers have few weak points. The secondary, led by Prince Amukamara, allows just 159.9 passing yards per game. Amukamara has recorded 58 tackles and 13 pass breakup this year. Of course, the secondary's job is made easier by the pressure applied by the defensive line, which has tallied 31 sacks thus far. Jared Crick leads the team with nine-and-a-half sacks, while Lavonte David has tallied six sacks and has also registered 14 tackles for loss and a team-high 145 total tackles. Nebraska is solid against the run as well, allowing 144.3 rushing ypg. On the whole, the unit allows 17.2 ppg.
• PREGAME NOTES
-------------------------
If there’s one player who will show up for postseason play with blood in his eye, it’s red-faced Washington QB Jake Locker. Locker bypassed the NFL draft to return for his senior season in 2010 and after a 1-1 start this year, U-Dub’s “Locker For The Heisman” campaign was hitting on all cylinders. One week later, it was dead, courtesy of a horrific 56-21 beating in Seattle at the hands, or maybe we should say ‘feet’ – of a Nebraska team that rushed for a mind-boggling 383 yards. Locker was more Fake than Jake in the disaster, going 4-for-20 passing while throwing two interceptions. The ensuing defeat was one of four losses by 30 points or more this year for Washington, all of which came during a 3-6 start that had many declaring the Huskies among the most disappointing teams in the country. But just when Steve Sarkisian’s sled dogs had officially been declared D.O.A., they finished with a late flurry to claim the Pac-10’s final bowl slot.
Meanwhile, Nebraska reached the Big 12 Championship only to suffer a narrow 3-point loss to Oklahoma but still closed out with back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time since 2000 and 2001. The linesmaker may have tabbed the Huskers as two-touchdown favorites but our powerful database begs to differ. Not only is Washington a stout 7-2 SU and ATS as bowlers off a SU and ATS win, Big 12 bowl favorites of 6 or more points are 0-6 ATS against Pac-10 adversaries. Want more! Holiday Bowl favorites are a weak 4-8 ATS of late and conference championship losers like Nebraska have gone 6-13 ATS as bowl chalk of more than 4 points. The bottom line is the Holiday Bowl is a LONG way from a BCS Bowl and not where Big Red wanted to be for their final game as a member of the Big 12. Add to the fact that bowlers returning to the same bowl they won the previous year are a measly 3-12 ATS when entering off a season-ending loss.
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Nebraska by 13; O/U 51
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Nebraska -14
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Nebraska -13.44
_____________________________________
• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--WASHINGTON is 57-88 ATS (-39.8 Units) after playing a conference game since 1992.
The average score was WASHINGTON 24.7, OPPONENT 27.2 - (Rating = 6*)
--WASHINGTON is 30-49 ATS (-23.9 Units) when the total is between 49.5 and 56 since 1992.
The average score was WASHINGTON 24.8, OPPONENT 30.2 - (Rating = 4*)
• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--NEBRASKA is 25-4 UNDER (+19.8 Units) in road games after allowing 325 or more passing yards in their last game since 1992.
The average score was NEBRASKA 27.3, OPPONENT 26.1 - (Rating = 3*)
--NEBRASKA is 28-7 UNDER (+19.3 Units) in road games after a game where they committed 4 or more turnovers since 1992.
The average score was NEBRASKA 26.4, OPPONENT 25.3 - (Rating = 3*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--NEBRASKA is 0-8 against the 1rst half line (-8.6 Units) after allowing 125 or less rushing yards in 2 straight games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was NEBRASKA 8.1, OPPONENT 13.3 - (Rating = 4*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--NEBRASKA is 24-5 UNDER (+18.5 Units) the 1rst half total after the first month of the season over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was NEBRASKA 12.8, OPPONENT 8.4 - (Rating = 3*)
--NEBRASKA is 8-0 UNDER (+8.0 Units) the 1rst half total as a favorite of 6 or more points vs. the first half line over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was NEBRASKA 11.6, OPPONENT 7.4 - (Rating = 4*)
• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
----------------------------------------------
--PLAY UNDER - Neutral field teams where the total is between 49.5 and 56 (WASHINGTON) - after having won 3 out of their last 4 games, in a non-conference game between two teams from major division 1-A conferences.
(24-4 over the last 10 seasons.) (85.7%, +19.6 units. Rating = 4*)
The average total posted in these games was: 52.8
The average score in these games was: Team 19.2, Opponent 22.6 (Total points scored = 41.9)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 17 (60.7% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (12-0).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (17-2).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (39-11).
--PLAY ON - Underdogs of 6 to 11.5 points vs. the first half line (WASHINGTON) - revenging a blowout loss against opponent by 35 points or more, off a road win.
(29-7 since 1992.) (80.6%, +21.3 units. Rating = 4*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 9.1
The average first half score in these games was: Team 13.9, Opponent 13.7 (Average first half point differential = +0.3)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (0-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (3-2).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (13-2).
--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the total is between 49.5 and 56 (NEBRASKA) - in a non-conference game between two teams from major division 1-A conferences, off a loss against a conference rival.
(43-14 over the last 10 seasons.) (75.4%, +27.6 units. Rating = 3*)
The average total posted in these games was: 53
The average score in these games was: Team 21.9, Opponent 23.3 (Total points scored = 45.2)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 36 (63.2% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (2-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (11-4).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (24-7).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (61-29).
--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the first half total is 25 to 28 (NEBRASKA) - after having won 4 or 5 out of their last 6 games, in a non-conference game between two teams from major division 1-A conferences.
(47-18 over the last 10 seasons.) (72.3%, +27.2 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 26.5
The average first half score in these games was: Team 13.6, Opponent 10.8 (Total first half points scored = 24.4)
The situation's record this season is: (2-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (18-7).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (28-12).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (65-29).
__________________________________
Stan the Man Szumera a Professional Handicapper since 1977 offers you 33 years of experience. Stan is known for his strong work ethic and his commitment to delivering you the best analysis available. With regards to style, The Man likes to use the perfect blend of three decades of experience as well as emotional, statistical, and technical support to back up his selections.
Back in the early 80's, Stan the Man helped assemble one of the most powerful football and basketball databases in the nation. This incredible piece of software holds over 100 profitable situations with ATS records topping 90 percent.
Located on the East Coast just a few miles from the University of Seton Hall, Stan the Man is tuned into the Pirates as well as the Big East and Atlantic Coast Conferences. College Football, Major League Baseball as well as the NBA and NFL are considered his strengths. But keep in mind a profitable run can happen at any time in any sport when Stan gets into one of his capping zones!
Vince Lombardi, one of the greatest football coaches ever, once said, "They say that the Harder you Work, the Luckier you get" and Stan the Man is Living Proof! When you do business with Stan Szumera you can expect three things: experience, professionalism and effort, “Enjoy and the best of luck” –Stan!
________________________________________________
STAN THE MAN'S STAT/SYSTEMS REPORT 12/30
NCAA COLLEGE FOOTBALL
INFO WORTH BETTING ON ONE PAGE EACH DAY
_______________________________________
***** STAT/SYSTEMS SPORTS POWER SEARCH - CFB *****
_______________________________________________
When you are ready to step up an into the challenge of advanced sports handicapping, be sure to check out Stan 'The Man's ALL NEW Stat/Systems Sheets. They are loaded with power ratings, computer predictions, matchups, betting trends, systems, statistics, schedules and results. Once you have sampled my Stat/Systems Sheets, you will no longer need free picks, consensus plays, or other professional handicapping services!
Each day here in our Stat/Systems Report we will list the Top - Angles, Stats and Situational Trends for up-coming games, including all the Key - ATS, Over/Unders, Money-Line, First Half ATS Top Trends including Over/Unders, Coaches ATS & Over/Unders and Teaser Line Trends, along with all your high percentage Super Situation Systems.
__________________________________________________________
••• BEEN THERE, DONE THAT! •••
-------------------------------------------
The Nebraska Cornhuskers fell to Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship, and then plummeted in the bowl selections. They face a Washington team that at 6-6 is barely bowl eligible. These two teams have already met this year, with the Huskies taking a home beating 56-21 in September. Nebraska is a heavy favorite again, despite losing two of its last three in heartbreaking fashion to end the season. Close losses to Texas A&M and the Sooners landed the Huskers in the Holiday Bowl for the second straight year. Washington is just happy to have another game. The Huskies ran off three straight wins to close the season. The spread has moved for -13 to two touchdowns while the total has remained steady at 55 at most books.
Nebraska will field the 10th best rushing game in the nation – an attack that rolled up 383 yards the first time these two teams met. The Huskers’ pass defense ranks fifth in the nation and feasted on Washington quarterback Jake Locker last time, holding him to 71 yards and two interceptions. The game ended any talk of Heisman consideration for the senior. Meanwhile, Running back Chris Polk comes in averaging 103 yards per game, and is fresh off a 284-yard performance against Washington State. He will be running into the weakest part of the Husker defense. Nebraska ranks 52nd against the run, and had issues stopping Polk early in their first matchup.
Make Sure you have the Advantage you need to win this Season! Did you know that the Stat/Systems Report is the #1 rated sports betting publication in the country today. Offering complete analysis and predictions for every game on the board including game logs, betting trends, key injuries, vital statistics, lines and odds, and more the daily publication is everything that you need to win each and every day!
“Who will cash at the betting window on Thursday, be sure to get all your winners each day... "Where the Winning Never Stops right here @ Stat/Systems Sports!" Call me toll-free in the office @ 1-800-351-4640 "You'll be real glad you did" -Stan!
NOTE: All New Website Coming Soon!
_______________________________
*** ARMED FORCES BOWL ***
ARMY VS. SMU
Gerald J Ford Stadium - Dallas, TX
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. EDT Line: SMU -7 O/U 52
------------------------------------------------------
Army finds itself back in the postseason for the first time in 16 years, and the Black Knights will take on the SMU Mustangs in the Armed Forces Bowl at Ford Stadium. Army is playing in its first bowl game since 1996 and only the second since 1988. The Black Knights did fade a bit down the stretch, dropping three of their final four contests to close out the regular season. They also lost their ninth consecutive showdown against Navy earlier this month, although the game was much more competitive than the final score (31-17) would indicate, due largely to a fumble just before the half that Navy returned for a touchdown.
Meanwhile, SMU will have the luxury of playing in its home stadium for this matchup, where the team went 4-2 this year. SMU has reached the postseason for the second straight year after topping Nevada in the 2009 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, 45-10. The Mustangs won the Conference USA West Division with a 6-2 league mark this year, though they went just 1-4 outside of conference play. In the C-USA Championship, SMU fell to UCF by a 17-7 final. The Mustangs also faced Navy earlier this year in Annapolis, as they rallied from a 14-0 halftime deficit to claim a 28-21 victory. Army has won both prior meetings in the all-time series between these two schools, although these teams have not met since 1967. This will be the eighth installment of the Armed Forces Bowl, which saw Air Force knock off Houston by a 47-20 final in last year's game.
Since taking over as Army's head coach following the 2008 season, Ellerson has made his triple-option attack a staple at West Point. The Black Knights will have to execute it very well in order to keep SMU and its dangerous offense off the field. Army averages a robust 256 rushing yards per game, which ranks 10th in the nation. Like most option teams, the passing game has taken a backseat as the Black Knights rank 120th in that department (82 ypg). While they'll scheme a pass play or two into the weekly gameplan to keep defenses honest, for the most part the Black Knights are perfectly content to move the ball down the field a few yards at a time. It's a formula that works as long as they can avoid turnovers, which they've done throughout the season by ranking seventh nationally in turnover margin.
However, perhaps the costliest turnover of the year came during a pivotal moment against Navy. Trailing 17-7 late in the first half with the ball on the Navy two-yard line, Army quarterback Trent Steelman had the ball stripped near the goal line and returned 98 yards the other way for a touchdown. The result: instead of cutting the deficit to 17-14, Army went into the locker room trailing 24-7 at halftime and was never able to recover. It was an unfortunate moment for Steelman, who has been as integral to the team's success as anybody. He threw for 128 yards and two touchdowns in the game, while also rushing for 74 yards to help the Black Knights out-rush Navy 209-139. On the season, Steelman has rushed for 694 yards and a team-best 11 touchdowns in addition to his seven passing TDs. Fullback Jared Hassin tops the squad with 931 rushing yards to go along with his nine TDs.
Army's defense has been susceptible to the run at times this season, but the Knights are solid against the pass, ranking 23rd nationally with 190.5 passing yards allowed per tilt. They also rank 27th in total defense (332 ypg) and 57th in scoring (25.2 ppg). Overall, Army's D turned in a very solid effort against Navy by bottling up the Mids' option game and coming away with four takeaways from quarterback Ricky Dobbs. However, when they needed a stop most in the fourth quarter, the Black Knights allowed Navy to grind down the clock with a 13-play drive that chewed up nine minutes and made it a 31-10 game with 5:44 to play. With coach Ellerson having spent the past few weeks hammering home 60 minutes of football, it will be interesting to see how his team responds if a similar situation presents itself in this matchup.
Linebacker Stephen Anderson, as he has done so often throughout the season, led Army with 12 tackles against Navy, also registering a half-sack, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. Anderson is the heart and soul of the unit, as he paces the team with 94 tackles, including 10.5 for loss. He has also broken up a half-dozen passes and forced four fumbles on the year. Josh McNary has notched a team-best 9.5 sacks to go along with three forced fumbles. In the secondary, Donovan Travis has come away with a team-high five interceptions while also ranking third with 53 tackles. All three of those players will need to bring their A-games if the Black Knights are to slow down SMU's potent offense.
While Army will look to keep things on the ground with the option game, SMU's spread passing attack under head coach June Jones will present quite a contrast in styles. The Mustangs are littered with playmakers on that side of the ball, including three first-team All-Conference picks. One of those players is left tackle Kelvin Beachum, who has started all 13 games this season to anchor a line that has paved the way for a school-record 5,391 yards of total offense. Another is running back Zach Line, whose 1,391 rushing yards this season trails only Eric Dickerson (1981, '82) in school history. Line is the C-USA leader with 107 yards per game on the ground. At wideout, senior Aldrick Robinson has amassed 1,225 receiving yards this season, making him the only receiver in school history with two 1,000-yard seasons. His 13 touchdown catches are also a new SMU record, as are his seven straight games with a TD grab.
In that loss to UCF in the C-USA Championship, all of the Mustangs' offensive weapons went missing and the result was a season-low seven points scored. Quarterback Kyle Padron has had a fine season for SMU, but in that game he was sacked five times and intercepted twice, finishing with 220 yards on 18-of-34 passing. The team's lone touchdown didn't come until the fourth quarter on a 22-yard pass from Padron to Robinson, but the next two possessions resulted in an interception and a turnover on downs to end any threat. On the season, Padron is averaging 271.2 passing yards per game and has thrown 29 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. While Robinson has accounted for nearly half of those TD passes, Padron does have some other solid options in the passing game. Cole Beasley has also gone over the 1,000-yard mark (1,036) and actually leads the team with 84 catches. Darius Johnson ranks second on the team with 69 catches, as he and Beasley have combined for 11 TDs.
SMU's defense has seen the triple-option already this season, so there shouldn't be many surprises there. As always, gap discipline and each player knowing their assignments are the keys to stopping it. "The triple-option is a very difficult offense to prepare for," coach Jones said. "I'm glad we have time to prepare for it. We also played against it at Navy. This will be a better situation for us. I know (Ellerson) very well. He will have some new little wrinkles and some little things by the time we get to game day."
SMU only gave up 311 yards and two trips to the red zone in the title game against UCF, but the Knights were able to keep drives alive by converting 7- of-13 first downs. Charged with stopping that trend will be linebackers Taylor Reed (133 tackles) and Pete Fleps (116), the top two tacklers for SMU. Ja'Gared Davis has notched 82 tackles from his linebacker spot, including a team-high 15 for loss and nine sacks. He has also scored TDs on a fumble return and a blocked field goal return, and the Mustangs could certainly use a big play or two from him. Defensive end Taylor Thompson (32 tackles, 4.5 sacks) will need to set the edge in SMU's 3-4 scheme in order to limit big gains against the option.
SMU has played a fairly tough schedule, with seven of its opponents this season earning bowl bids. The Mustangs also placed five players on the All- Conference USA first team, the most for the program since 1984. That '84 season was also the last time they went to bowl games in consecutive seasons, highlighting a significant turnaround for the program under third-year coach Jones.
• PREGAME NOTES
------------------------
This year’s troops from West Point are certainly more resilient than past Army squads: even though the Cadets enter on a two-game losing skid, they bounced back from an embarrassing 27-3 whipping by Notre Dame to outgain Navy 337-325 (rushed 54 times for 209 yards) in a season-ending loss to the Midshipmen. Meanwhile, the Ponies limp into their second consecutive bowl after self-destructing against UCF in the CUSA Championship game. SMU actually won the stats in the 17-7 setback but failed to dent the scoreboard until nearly six minutes had elapsed in the 4th quarter.
Our database sides with the infantry in today’s skirmish, pointing out that bowl favorites that won a bowl game SU as a dog of more than 6 points the previous year are just 7-16 ATS and that military bowlers overall stand 23-10 ATS. The Mustangs can claim no such reinforcements from the ATS archives, posting a dreadful 0-8 ATS mark as chalk versus a foe off back-to-back SU losses. And despite its relative success since the arrival of head coach June Jones, SMU has beaten only four out of thirteen bowlers straight up over the past two seasons. NOTE: Army is 11-1 ATS in games played in the state of Texas.
*STAN'S FORECASTER - SMU by 5; O/U 51.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - SMU -2
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - SMU -3.2
___________________________________
• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--SMU is 23-43 ATS (-24.3 Units) after scoring 3 points or less in the first half last game since 1992.
The average score was SMU 17.9, OPPONENT 30.2 - (Rating = 4*)
--ARMY is 9-28 ATS (-21.8 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
The average score was ARMY 16.4, OPPONENT 30.5 - (Rating = 4*)
--ARMY is 16-32 ATS (-19.2 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points since 1992.
The average score was ARMY 18.2, OPPONENT 30.5 - (Rating = 3*)
• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--SMU is 31-13 UNDER (+16.7 Units) after 1 or more consecutive straight up losses since 1992.
The average score was SMU 19.9, OPPONENT 29.0 - (Rating = 3*)
--SMU is 28-12 UNDER (+14.8 Units) after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1992.
The average score was SMU 21.0, OPPONENT 28.1 - (Rating = 3*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--SMU is 7-0 against the 1rst half line (+7.0 Units) versus good rushing teams - averaging >=200 rushing yards/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was SMU 16.2, OPPONENT 6.7 - (Rating = 3*)
--ARMY is 15-31 against the 1rst half line (-19.1 Units) as an underdog of 2 to 6 points vs. the first half line since 1992.
The average score was ARMY 8.4, OPPONENT 15.4 - (Rating = 3*)
--ARMY is 10-24 against the 1rst half line (-16.4 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
The average score was ARMY 8.0, OPPONENT 17.6 - (Rating = 3*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--SMU is 10-1 UNDER (+8.9 Units) the 1rst half total after playing 2 straight conference games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SMU 14.2, OPPONENT 10.9 - (Rating = 3*)
--SMU is 9-0 UNDER (+9.0 Units) the 1rst half total after a bye week since 1992.
The average score was SMU 10.6, OPPONENT 9.4 - (Rating = 3*)
--SMU is 7-0 UNDER (+7.0 Units) the 1rst half total in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was SMU 12.0, OPPONENT 9.5 - (Rating = 3*)
--SMU is 7-0 UNDER (+7.0 Units) the 1rst half total in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SMU 10.9, OPPONENT 12.7 - (Rating = 3*)
• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATION
---------------------------------------------
--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the first half total is 25 to 28 (SMU) - excellent offensive team (>=6.2 YPP) against a team with a poor defense (5.6 to 6.2 YPP).
(59-32 since 1992.) (64.8%, +23.8 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 26.8
The average first half score in these games was: Team 16.3, Opponent 9 (Total first half points scored = 25.2)
The situation's record this season is: (8-11).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (25-16).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (33-25).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (51-28).
____________________________________________
*** PINSTRIPE BOWL ***
KANSAS ST VS. SYRACUSE
Yankee Stadium - Bronx, NY
Kickoff: 3:20 p.m. EDT Line: Pick O/U 48
--------------------------------------------------
The inaugural Pinstripe Bowl takes place on December 30th in the first-ever gridiron clash at the new Yankee Stadium as the Syracuse Orange and Kansas State Wildcats look to finish the year on a strong note. Syracuse took a step forward in 2010 regardless of Thursday's outcome, finishing the regular season at 7-5 and posting a 4-3 record in the Big East. The height of the Orange's season came on October 23rd when it shocked then 20th-ranked West Virginia with a 19-14 victory in Morgantown. A win the next week at Cincinnati got the 'Cuse to 7-3 before losing two of its last three games. Syracuse owns a 12-9-1 record all-time in bowl games. This will be the Orange's first such encounter since 2004 -- a 51-14 loss to Georgia Tech in the Champs Sports Bowl. Syracuse's last bowl win was in the 2001 Insight.com Bowl -- a 26-3 victory over Thursday's opponent Kansas State.
Kansas State experienced an up-and-down year, eventually finishing with an identical 7-5 mark and going 3-5 in a tough Big 12 Conference. The Wildcats started the year 4-0 before running in to a buzzsaw in then No. 7 Nebraska in a convincing 48-13 loss. KSU bounced back to pound Kansas the next week but lost four of the next five games against league competition. The Wildcats have a 6-7 ledger all-time in bowl competition and have lost their last two postseason encounters. Their last appearance came at the 2006 Texas Bowl where they dropped a 37-10 decision to Rutgers. "When you look at the past, it is hard not to see this as a success. This is my fourth year here but only my first bowl game I have ever been to," said Wildcat defensive back Tysyn Hartman. "Just making it to a bowl game is not enough by any means. We have not had a bowl win here since 2002 and we have not been to a bowl game since 2006, so winning is definitely something that we want to do."
The 2010 Pinstripe Bowl will be the first of its kind in the Bronx since the Gotham Bowl was staged on December 15, 1962 when Nebraska beat Miami-Florida at the old Yankee Stadium. Syracuse has a history in the Bronx, having played at the old Yankee Stadium on six previous occasions. The school participated in the first college football game at the original Yankee Stadium, posting a 3-0 win over Pittsburgh on October 23, 1923, in addition to past appearances at the old Polo Grounds in New York City, Shea Stadium in Flushing and Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This will be the third bowl matchup between these two programs, with KSU having taken the first meeting, 35-18, at the 1997 Fiesta Bowl.
"When the announcement was made that a bowl game was going to be played in Yankee Stadium for the first time, my thought was that if we were not going to play in a BCS game, then how great would it be to play in the first college bowl game in Yankee Stadium in my first head coaching job," said Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone, a Bronx native who led the Orange back to postseason play in only his second year at the helm. "The opportunity to play in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl in my hometown is part of the whole dream. New York State is our foundation. This is another step in our return to prominence."
Standout running back Daniel Thomas was the engine that drove the Wildcats' offense in 2010. The senior garnered second-team All-American status and ranked ninth in the nation with 1,495 yards, placing him second among K- State's single-season rushing leaders. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry and 124.6 per game while scoring 16 touchdowns. His career totals of 2,760 rushing yards and 3,205 all-purpose yards put him third and fifth, respectively, in K- State annals. He needs just 58 yards in Thursday's game to move into second place on the 'Cats all-time rushing list. "They like to run the ball," said the Orange's Smith of Thomas. "Our goal is to stop the run, which is our whole defensive philosophy. We just have to do a better job on stopping the run in this last game."
The quarterback position is manned by senior Carson Coffman, who threw for 1,832 yards and 12 touchdowns while running for another nine in 11 games this season. He tossed seven interceptions and was efficient in completing 64.2 percent of his passes in his first season as the starter. However, while K- State ranked 20th in the country in rushing offense, the passing game stood 97th and 10th in the Big 12. Senior wideout Aubrey Quarles was the lone player to post any sort of significant numbers on the receiving end from Coffman, gaining 685 yards with five touchdowns on 47 grabs.
Kansas State's defense was a soft spot this season, ranking second-to-last in the Big 12 in total defense and 106th nationally. It gave up an average of 441.3 yards per game and 28.5 points per game. The rushing defense was particularly poor, allowing opposing backs to gain an average of 229.1 yards -- the third-worst mark in the country. Junior defensive back David Garrett was the unit's top performer, leading the team with 86 tackles and 13 for a loss. He added three sacks, a pick and nine pass breakups. Senior lineman Prizell Brown paced the squad with five sacks and freshman defensive back Ty Zimmerman had three of the team's 13 interceptions.
The Orange's offense leans heavily on senior running back Delone Carter, who surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the second consecutive season in 2010. He averaged an impressive 5.1 yards per carry on his way to 1,035 yards and seven touchdowns. Junior Antwon Bailey serves as a second option, having gained 504 yards with two scores in averaging 4.7 yards per tote.
Junior quarterback Ryan Nassib was at the head of a proficient if unspectacular passing attack that finished 92nd in the country. Nassib's 174.6 passing yards per game was fourth in the Big East and his 189 completions ranked second in SU's single-season annals. He ended the year with 2,095 yards passing, 16 touchdowns, eight interceptions and completed 56.1 percent of his throws. He was able to spread the ball around to a number of different receivers, most notably junior Van Chew, who led the team with 41 receptions, 611 yards and five touchdowns. Four players had 30 or more grabs this season for the 'Cuse, including sophomore Alec Lemon, who caught four touchdowns to rank second on the team. Freshman placekicker Ross Krautman was a bright spot, connecting on all but one of his 18 attempts on field goals.
Defense was a strong point for the Orange this year, ranking fifth in the nation in total defense and 13th in scoring defense. Syracuse allowed 295 yards per game and 18.1 points against. The unit was particularly stingy against the pass, surrendering just 157.6 yards per game to rank sixth in the country. The Orange had just nine interceptions, forced 12 fumbles and collected 26 sacks, placing them in the middle of the pack amongst Big East teams, but got the job done nonetheless. Senior linebacker Derrell Smith paced the team with 103 tackles, 67 solo and eight for a loss, while forcing three fumbles. Fellow senior linebacker and first team All-Big East performer Doug Hogue was a disruptive force with a team-leading 9 1/2 tackles for a loss, finishing second to Smith with 89 stops, tying for the team lead with two picks and recording three sacks. Junior defensive end Chandler Jones paced the 'Cuse with four sacks and had 8 1/2 tackles for a loss.
"I think they are a very fine football team and a storied program. They have a great coach in Doug Marrone. I am very impressed with him and I understand why he is a quality coach and good person as well," said K-State head coach Bill Snyder. "They are a very sound defensive team and play an aggressive style. They are a stunt-oriented team a high percentage of the time, so they are in attack mode and at the same time they do not give up big plays. That is a tribute to their pass rush and their discipline and the coverage unit."
• PREGAME NOTES
-------------------------
Bill Snyder’s felines opened the season 4-0 but were quickly de-clawed, finishing on a 3-5 SU run. Even worse, K-State was outgained in each of its last six games while the defense was ripped for 35 PPG in their final three outings. A living legend in the Sunflower State, Snyder may boast an 18-5 SU and ATS record versus opponents off consecutive losses since 1998 but his Purple Cats have cashed just one ticket in their most recent seven games versus bowl qualifiers. In addition, the Big East has surprisingly held its own against Big 12 foes in postseason play, going a perfect 4-0 SU and ATS since 2001. Yes, we know Syracuse stumbled in its final two games of the season but coach Marrone owns a 4-0 ATS log when playing off backto-back defeats.
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Kansas St by 2.5; O/U 50
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Kansas St -5
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Kansas St -6.54
______________________________________
• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--KANSAS ST is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) after scoring 42 points or more last game since 1992.
The average score was KANSAS ST 37.1, OPPONENT 17.0 - (Rating = 3*)
--SYRACUSE is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in road games off an upset loss as a favorite since 1992.
The average score was SYRACUSE 20.4, OPPONENT 26.2 - (Rating = 2*)
• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--KANSAS ST is 39-18 OVER (+19.2 Units) after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1992.
The average score was KANSAS ST 33.1, OPPONENT 21.6 - (Rating = 3*)
--KANSAS ST is 37-17 OVER (+18.3 Units) after a playing a game where 60 total points or more were scored since 1992.
The average score was KANSAS ST 35.3, OPPONENT 21.6 - (Rating = 3*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--SYRACUSE is 9-0 against the 1rst half line (+9.0 Units) in road games after a game where they forced 1 or less turnovers over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SYRACUSE 7.9, OPPONENT 10.8 - (Rating = 4*)
--SYRACUSE is 7-0 against the 1rst half line (+7.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SYRACUSE 8.1, OPPONENT 12.0 - (Rating = 3*)
--SYRACUSE is 7-0 against the 1rst half line (+7.0 Units) in road games vs. good passing teams with a completion pct. of 58% or better over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SYRACUSE 10.1, OPPONENT 12.6 - (Rating = 3*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--SYRACUSE is 29-9 UNDER (+19.1 Units) the 1rst half total after gaining 100 or less rushing yards last game since 1992.
The average score was SYRACUSE 10.1, OPPONENT 11.4 - (Rating = 3*)
--SYRACUSE is 41-21 UNDER (+17.9 Units) the 1rst half total after a game where they forced 1 or less turnovers since 1992.
The average score was SYRACUSE 13.1, OPPONENT 11.4 - (Rating = 3*)
--SYRACUSE is 21-4 UNDER (+16.6 Units) the 1rst half total after a 2 game home stand since 1992.
The average score was SYRACUSE 11.8, OPPONENT 11.3 - (Rating = 4*)
• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
----------------------------------------------
--PLAY AGAINST - Any team (KANSAS ST) - good passing team (7.5-8.3 PYA) against a poor passing team (5.6-6.4 PYA) after 7+ games, in non-conference games.
(28-7 since 1992.) (80%, +20.3 units. Rating = 4*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (22-13)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 4.4
The average score in these games was: Team 24.1, Opponent 22.2 (Average point differential = +1.9)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 16 (45.7% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (1-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (8-3).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (17-4).
--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the first half total is 21.5 to 24.5 (SYRACUSE) - in a non-conference game between two teams from major division 1-A conferences, game between two teams with 5 or less offensive starters returning.
(36-10 over the last 10 seasons.) (78.3%, +25 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 23
The average first half score in these games was: Team 9.2, Opponent 9.2 (Total first half points scored = 18.4)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (4-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (8-4).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (38-18).
--PLAY AGAINST - Any team where the 1rst half line is +1.5 to -1.5 (KANSAS ST) - off an big road win scoring 38 or more points, in the second half of the season.
(32-9 over the last 5 seasons.) (78%, +22.1 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 2
The average first half score in these games was: Team 17, Opponent 14 (Average first half point differential = +3)
The situation's record this season is: (5-3).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (19-7).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (53-24).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (72-45).
--PLAY ON - Any team (SYRACUSE) - after scoring 17 points or less in 3 straight games against opponent after scoring 37 points or more last game.
(41-17 over the last 5 seasons.) (70.7%, +22.3 units. Rating = 3*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (17-41 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 14
The average score in these games was: Team 21.5, Opponent 31.6 (Average point differential = -10.1)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 24 (42.1% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (8-7).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (22-15).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (67-48).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (104-92).
___________________________________
*** MUSIC CITY BOWL ***
N CAROLINA VS. TENNESSEE
LP Field - Nashville, TN
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. EDT Line: Pick O/U 50.5
--------------------------------------------------
North Carolina is hoping to salvage a once-promising season and Tennessee looks to capitalize on its strong finish to 2010 when the Tar Heels and Volunteers hook up in the Music City Bowl in Nashville. This will be the first meeting between the two programs since 1961 when UNC logged a 22-21 win. The Volunteers lead the overall series, 20-10-1. The two sides have never met in a bowl game or previously participated in the Music City Bowl, which is in its 13th year of existence. North Carolina was ranked 18th in the preseason AP poll only to drop out and never return amid an 0-2 start and a bevy of NCAA suspensions that involved 12 players to start the season surrounding impermissible benefits associated with agents.
The NCAA's evaluation dragged well into the second month of the season and weighed heavily on the Tar Heels, who eventually saw the dismissal of senior defensive tackle and All-American candidate Marvin Austin and were handed permanent ineligibility rulings on top returning wideout senior Greg Little as well as first-team preseason All-American defensive end Robert Quinn and senior starting cornerback Charles Brown. In addition to all the suspensions, Davis' squad will also be without two other key contributors for the game due to injury. Seniors Bruce Carter, who started 10 games this year at linebacker, and starting offensive guard Alan Pelc both had season ending surgery earlier this month.
UNC persevered under head coach Butch Davis to gain a bowl bid for the third straight year, managing to climb to 6-3 after a 37-35 win over then No. 24 Florida State on November 6th before dropping two of its last three to end at 7-5 and 4-4 in the ACC. The Tar Heels are 12-16 all-time in bowl games with losses in each of their last three postseason appearances. UNC took part in the Meineke Car Care Bowl the last two years and suffered successive losses to West Virginia and Pittsburgh, in that order. The program's last bowl win came in 2001, a 16-10 triumph over Auburn in the Peach Bowl. "I congratulate our team, and especially the 17 seniors, for the extraordinary job they've done in leading our program to a third consecutive bowl appearance," said Davis. "Regardless of the situation, this team fought week after week to make our fans proud. We look forward to representing North Carolina against a talented Tennessee team."
Tennessee came on strong to win its last four games and become bowl eligible at 6-6 with a 3-5 ledger in SEC play. The season was Derek Dooley's first as head coach after Lane Kiffin up and bolted after one year at the helm for the open position as head man at Southern California. Dooley has the historic UT program back in the postseason for a second consecutive year coming off a 37-14 loss to Virginia Tech under Kiffin in the 2009 Chick-fil-A Bowl. Tennessee is 25-23 all-time in postseason play and making its 49th bowl appearance, which is tied for second in NCAA history alongside Texas. The Vols have alternated wins and losses in their last five trips to the postseason. Their last victory was a New Year's Day triumph in 2008 against Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl.
The Tar Heels had players step up to the challenge through a season of turmoil, but one given constant was the play of senior quarterback T.J. Yates, who holds UNC career records for completions, attempts, yards and completion percentage and is second in touchdowns. In 2010, Yates threw for 3,184 yards and 18 touchdowns against just eight interceptions while completing 67.6 percent of his passes. His quarterback rating of 148.79 ranked 23rd in the country and an average of 265.3 passing yards per game placed him second in the ACC. Yates holds 31 school records in all and enters the Music City Bowl with 61 consecutive pass attempts without an interception.
The main beneficiary of Yates' arm was junior wideout Dwight Jones, who had 895 yards and four scores on 57 catches. However, a number of players posted big games during the year in the passing game with four of the top 10 single- game receiving yard performances in UNC history having occurred this season. Senior running back Anthony Elzy had one of those games and has come on strong for the Tar Heels since taking over as the starter in the backfield. He averaged 177 all-purpose yards over UNC's final three games and finished as the team's second leading receiver with 338 yards. Overall, North Carolina's rushing attack was second-to-last in the conference, while the passing game ranked third in league play.
The Tar Heel defense took the biggest hit via off-field incidents, but managed to finish fourth in the ACC in total defense for giving up 338.5 yards per game and was eighth in scoring defense, allowing an average of 22.9 points. Those totals were good enough to stand 32nd and 45th, respectively, on the national level. Junior linebacker Zach Brown had 68 tackles to lead the team, while junior defensive end Quniton Coples harassed opposing signal-callers to the tune of 8 1/2 sacks -- tying him for third in the conference. He also led the Heels with 14 tackles for a loss. Sophomore Donte Paige-Moss paired nicely with Coples along the line, notching 5 1/2 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss. Senior safety Da'Norris Searcy had four of the team's 16 interceptions.
The Volunteers rallied after winning just two of their first eight games behind the play of freshman quarterback Tyler Bray, who took over as the full- time starter following consecutive losses to SEC heavyweights Alabama and South Carolina. Under Bray, the Vols' offense flourished with 50 and 52 points in consecutive weeks in wins over Memphis and Ole Miss. He then managed tight games in victories over Vanderbilt and Kentucky to close out the regular season. In all, Bray appeared in eight games and threw for 1,537 yards and 14 touchdowns compared with seven picks. He connected on 54.7 percent of his passes.
A slew of capable receivers gives Bray options and junior Tauren Poole piled up 994 rushing yards with 11 touchdowns in averaging 5.2 yards per carry in the ground game. Senior Denarius Moore led the receiving corps with 912 yards and nine touchdowns courtesy of 43 receptions. Fellow senior Gerald Jones' 46 grabs led the club and his 507 yards were second, while tight end Luke Stocker had a fine senior season with 34 catches for 359 yards and a score. Justin Hunter made just 15 catches but six went for touchdowns, a UT freshman record, and gained 407 yards with a whopping 27.1-yard average.
The Volunteer defense, like the offense, finished largely in the middle of the pack both nationally and in the conference but features enough playmakers to make a difference in a tight game. UT pins its hopes not on shutting down the opposing offense, but capitalizing on its mistakes. The defense ranked 32nd in the country in turnover margin and had the nation's ninth highest interception total with 17. Sophomore defensive back Prentiss Waggner had five of those to lead the team and returned three for touchdowns. Fellow sophomore Janzen Jackson picked off four passes, and while none reached the opposing end zone, he racked up 114 return yards. Senior linebacker Nick Reveiz led all UT tacklers with 94 stops and junior defensive end Malik Jackson logged a team- high five sacks and 11 tackles for a loss.
"Everybody's asked me, 'Why is it important to go to a bowl game?' To me, it's the benchmark standard for every program. I don't care who you are, every year you want to have a winning season and go to a bowl game. And it's an opportunity to continue to develop and coach your football team to get better," Dooley said of his young UT squad. "We're playing a great opponent, as talented a team as I've seen all year on film. Went through a lot of adversity that affected their results, but has done a great job of overcoming it. So give their coaching staff credit for the job it has done this year and keeping them focused through a lot of distraction."
• PREGAME NOTES
-------------------------
Tennessee fans were left in a lurch after the 2009 campaign when head coach Lane Kiffin high-tailed it out of Knoxville after just a single season. And even though his replacement, Derek Dooley, had SEC blood running in his veins, a 2-6 start had many Volunteer fans convinced that the learning curve had been too steep for the former Louisiana Tech head coach. Then Dooley caught lightning in a bottle with 4-0 SU and ATS finish and Tennessee managed to snag a bowl bid. Unlike UT, Butch Davis’ Tar Heels were expected to be a major player in the ACC but their promising potential unraveled due to numerous player suspensions amid an NCAA investigation. But thanks to a victory over Duke, UNC capped its tumultuous season by earning a trip to Music City, USA, its third straight bowl appearance under Davis.
Carolina may own a 7-1 ATS mark versus SEC foes of late but we think they’re in over their heels here: ACC bowl favorites are a weak 7-17-1 ATS versus SEC competition. SEC bowl dogs are also 16-6 ATS against a foe off a SU win and 6-6 bowl dogs overall are a spotless 5-0 ATS playing off back-to-back victories. Keep a close eye on both quarterbacks today. Carolina’s T.J. Yates, who many thought would lose his starting job in spring practice, became the school’s all-time leading passer with 772 completions in 1,238 attempts for 9,143 yards. Tennessee’s Tyler Bray played little over the first seven games but took over in the second half of game eight at South Carolina to jump-start the Vols’ season-ending run.
*STAN'S FORECASTER - N Carolina by 2; O/U 47.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Tennessee -1
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - N Carolina -2.96
______________________________________
• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--TENNESSEE is 38-20 ATS (+16.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 25.2, OPPONENT 22.5 - (Rating = 3*)
--TENNESSEE is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games vs. good passing teams with a completion pct. of 58% or better since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 28.2, OPPONENT 22.6 - (Rating = 3*)
• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--TENNESSEE is 38-19 UNDER (+17.1 Units) after a game where they forced 3 or more turnovers since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 29.9, OPPONENT 17.9 - (Rating = 3*)
--TENNESSEE is 10-1 UNDER (+8.9 Units) off 2 or more consecutive unders over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was TENNESSEE 17.7, OPPONENT 16.4 - (Rating = 4*)
--N CAROLINA is 20-4 UNDER (+15.5 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 4 or 5 out of their last 6 games since 1992.
The average score was N CAROLINA 20.6, OPPONENT 20.7 - (Rating = 3*)
--N CAROLINA is 21-6 UNDER (+14.2 Units) in road games vs. good passing teams averaging 8 or more passing yards/att since 1992.
The average score was N CAROLINA 19.3, OPPONENT 26.5 - (Rating = 4*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--TENNESSEE is 10-1 against the 1rst half line (+8.9 Units) versus the first half line in all games this season.
The average score was TENNESSEE 15.6, OPPONENT 10.5 - (Rating = 4*)
--TENNESSEE is 10-1 against the 1rst half line (+8.9 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.
The average score was TENNESSEE 15.6, OPPONENT 10.5 - (Rating = 4*)
--TENNESSEE is 6-0 against the 1rst half line (+6.0 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
The average score was TENNESSEE 19.8, OPPONENT 9.0 - (Rating = 3*)
--N CAROLINA is 33-52 against the 1rst half line (-24.2 Units) after playing 2 straight conference games since 1992.
The average score was N CAROLINA 12.4, OPPONENT 11.8 - (Rating = 4*)
--N CAROLINA is 22-39 against the 1rst half line (-20.9 Units) in non-conference games since 1992.
The average score was N CAROLINA 12.6, OPPONENT 12.3 - (Rating = 4*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--TENNESSEE is 45-26 UNDER (+16.4 Units) the 1rst half total off 1 or more consecutive unders since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 12.0, OPPONENT 10.3 - (Rating = 3*)
--TENNESSEE is 37-19 UNDER (+16.1 Units) the 1rst half total as an underdog vs. the 1rst half line since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 9.8, OPPONENT 12.8 - (Rating = 3*)
--TENNESSEE is 23-7 UNDER (+15.2 Units) the 1rst half total off 2 or more consecutive unders since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 10.3, OPPONENT 10.2 - (Rating = 3*)
• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
----------------------------------------------
--PLAY OVER - Any team vs the 1rst half total (N CAROLINA) - in a game involving two poor rushing teams (100-140 RY/game), after allowing 40 or less rushing yards last game.
(29-4 over the last 10 seasons.) (87.9%, +24.6 units. Rating = 4*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 23.9
The average first half score in these games was: Team 16.6, Opponent 12.2 (Total first half points scored = 28.8)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (10-1).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (18-4).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (31-9).
--PLAY UNDER - Any team against the total (N CAROLINA) - after failing to cover the spread in 5 or 6 out of their last 7 games, when playing on a Thursday.
(32-6 over the last 10 seasons.) (84.2%, +25.4 units. Rating = 4*)
The average total posted in these games was: 51.4
The average score in these games was: Team 21.3, Opponent 20.1 (Total points scored = 41.4)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 25 (64.1% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (3-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (11-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (16-6).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (55-18).
--PLAY UNDER - Neutral field teams where the total is between 49.5 and 56 (TENNESSEE) - after having won 4 out of their last 5 games, in a non-conference game between two teams from major division 1-A conferences.
(35-7 since 1992.) (83.3%, +27.3 units. Rating = 4*)
The average total posted in these games was: 52.8
The average score in these games was: Team 24.1, Opponent 20.6 (Total points scored = 44.8)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 24 (57.1% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (1-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (9-0).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (13-2).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (19-3).
___________________________________________
*** HOLIDAY BOWL ***
WASHINGTON VS. NEBRASKA
Qualcomm Stadium - San Diego, CA
Kickoff: 10:00 p.m. EDT Line: Nebraska -14 O/U 55
-------------------------------------------------------------
The Washington Huskies will look to avenge a Sept. 18th loss when they face the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. This will be the ninth meeting between Nebraska and Washington, with the Cornhuskers holding a slight, 4-3-1 edge, although they have won each of the last three meetings (1997, 1998, 2010). Most recently, the teams met on Sept. 18th of this year, with the Cornhuskers securing a 56-21 victory in Husky Stadium. The two teams are also scheduled to meet next Sept. 17th, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The Cornhuskers rode a 6-2 conference record to a second straight Big 12 North title, but blew a 17-0 lead en route to a 23-20 loss to Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game on Dec. 4th. They finished the regular season with a 10-3 overall record. This will be Nebraska's second consecutive appearance in the Holiday Bowl, after a 33-0 trouncing of Arizona in 2009's edition. The Cornhuskers currently hold a 24-22 all-time bowl game record, with this being their 47th bowl game appearance
Washington enters the Holiday Bowl in the midst of a three-game win streak. The Huskies defeated UCLA, Cal and Washington State to salvage a deteriorating regular season and secure their first bowl appearance since the 2002 Sun Bowl. They closed the 2010 campaign 6-6 overall and tied for third in the Pac-10 with USC, at 5-4. Thursday's game against Nebraska will mark Washington's fourth appearance in the Holiday Bowl, where the Huskies previously faced Big 12 opponents Colorado, Kansas State and Texas. This will be Washington's 31st bowl game appearance, dating back to 1924. The team posts a 15-14-1 all-time record in such games.
The Huskies are led by senior quarterback Jake Locker. He completed 179-of-316 passes for 2,209 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. Although already established, Locker's role as leader was resoundingly hammered home after he battled through a late-season rib injury to spur a bowl berth. After the rib was broken on Sept. 30th against Stanford, Locker endured the pain, starting three of the Huskies' four remaining games. With the extended rest provided by the layoff, he now finds himself virtually pain-free entering the Nebraska game. "Feeling great, feeling awesome," Locker said of the rib recently. "I feel normal. Yeah, like I always had before."
Of course, Locker's job is made easier by the phenomenal play of sophomore running back Chris Polk, who has run for 1,287 yards and eight touchdowns on 226 carries this season, making him just the second player in Washington history to rush for 1,000 yards or more in two seasons. In the Huskies' regular season finale against Washington State, Polk had a game for the ages, as he ran for 284 yards and two touchdowns. The 284 yards were just 12 shy of the single-game school rushing record. Also a threat offensively is wide recover Jermaine Kearse, who has caught 62 passes for 1,001 yards and 12 touchdowns. Kearse and Polk have combined for just the second 1,000-yard rusher/receiver tandem in Huskies' history. They also stand as just the ninth such tandem in FBS this season.
While the offense has produced, the defense has struggled to contain teams, allowing 31.2 ppg. At issue has been the defensive line, which has battled injuries and enters Thursday's game hobbled. Only Alamenda Ta'amu and Mason Foster have managed to start every game on the line this season, while starting tackle Semisi Tokalahi has been rendered incapacitated with an ankle injury and Cameron Elisara has been slowed by neck and shoulder stingers. Due in part to the rotating defensive front, the Huskies' have allowed 198.8 rushing yards per game and 32 rushing touchdowns this season.
Washington's struggles against the run should be a welcome sign for the capable ground game of Nebraska. In fact, it was a dominating rushing performance that vaulted the Cornhuskers over the Huskies in the teams' previous meeting. A bevy of backs piled up a combined 383 rushing yards on 7.1 ypc and six rushing touchdowns in the Cornhuskers' dominating, 56-21, victory. Quarterback Taylor Martinez led the team with 156 rushing yards and three rushing scores, while also throwing for 150 yards and a touchdown on 7- of-11 passing.
Martinez continues to be the engine that drives the Nebraska offense. He has thrown for 1,578 yards and nine touchdowns this season to lead an offense which averages 32.7 ppg. As a team, the Cornhuskers compile an impressive 259.6 rushing ypg. headlined by the rushing exploits of tailback Roy Helu Jr. (1,211 yards, 11 TDs) and Martinez (942 yards, 12 TDs). Martinez will be looking for a bounce-back performance. He failed to find the mark in the Big 12 championship game after sitting out the regular season finale against Colorado due to injuries to his right ankle and left foot. He was just 12-of-24 for 143 yards and an interception in the title game. He was also sacked seven times.
On defense, the Cornhuskers have few weak points. The secondary, led by Prince Amukamara, allows just 159.9 passing yards per game. Amukamara has recorded 58 tackles and 13 pass breakup this year. Of course, the secondary's job is made easier by the pressure applied by the defensive line, which has tallied 31 sacks thus far. Jared Crick leads the team with nine-and-a-half sacks, while Lavonte David has tallied six sacks and has also registered 14 tackles for loss and a team-high 145 total tackles. Nebraska is solid against the run as well, allowing 144.3 rushing ypg. On the whole, the unit allows 17.2 ppg.
• PREGAME NOTES
-------------------------
If there’s one player who will show up for postseason play with blood in his eye, it’s red-faced Washington QB Jake Locker. Locker bypassed the NFL draft to return for his senior season in 2010 and after a 1-1 start this year, U-Dub’s “Locker For The Heisman” campaign was hitting on all cylinders. One week later, it was dead, courtesy of a horrific 56-21 beating in Seattle at the hands, or maybe we should say ‘feet’ – of a Nebraska team that rushed for a mind-boggling 383 yards. Locker was more Fake than Jake in the disaster, going 4-for-20 passing while throwing two interceptions. The ensuing defeat was one of four losses by 30 points or more this year for Washington, all of which came during a 3-6 start that had many declaring the Huskies among the most disappointing teams in the country. But just when Steve Sarkisian’s sled dogs had officially been declared D.O.A., they finished with a late flurry to claim the Pac-10’s final bowl slot.
Meanwhile, Nebraska reached the Big 12 Championship only to suffer a narrow 3-point loss to Oklahoma but still closed out with back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time since 2000 and 2001. The linesmaker may have tabbed the Huskers as two-touchdown favorites but our powerful database begs to differ. Not only is Washington a stout 7-2 SU and ATS as bowlers off a SU and ATS win, Big 12 bowl favorites of 6 or more points are 0-6 ATS against Pac-10 adversaries. Want more! Holiday Bowl favorites are a weak 4-8 ATS of late and conference championship losers like Nebraska have gone 6-13 ATS as bowl chalk of more than 4 points. The bottom line is the Holiday Bowl is a LONG way from a BCS Bowl and not where Big Red wanted to be for their final game as a member of the Big 12. Add to the fact that bowlers returning to the same bowl they won the previous year are a measly 3-12 ATS when entering off a season-ending loss.
*STAN'S FORECASTER - Nebraska by 13; O/U 51
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Nebraska -14
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Nebraska -13.44
_____________________________________
• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--WASHINGTON is 57-88 ATS (-39.8 Units) after playing a conference game since 1992.
The average score was WASHINGTON 24.7, OPPONENT 27.2 - (Rating = 6*)
--WASHINGTON is 30-49 ATS (-23.9 Units) when the total is between 49.5 and 56 since 1992.
The average score was WASHINGTON 24.8, OPPONENT 30.2 - (Rating = 4*)
• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--NEBRASKA is 25-4 UNDER (+19.8 Units) in road games after allowing 325 or more passing yards in their last game since 1992.
The average score was NEBRASKA 27.3, OPPONENT 26.1 - (Rating = 3*)
--NEBRASKA is 28-7 UNDER (+19.3 Units) in road games after a game where they committed 4 or more turnovers since 1992.
The average score was NEBRASKA 26.4, OPPONENT 25.3 - (Rating = 3*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--NEBRASKA is 0-8 against the 1rst half line (-8.6 Units) after allowing 125 or less rushing yards in 2 straight games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was NEBRASKA 8.1, OPPONENT 13.3 - (Rating = 4*)
• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--NEBRASKA is 24-5 UNDER (+18.5 Units) the 1rst half total after the first month of the season over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was NEBRASKA 12.8, OPPONENT 8.4 - (Rating = 3*)
--NEBRASKA is 8-0 UNDER (+8.0 Units) the 1rst half total as a favorite of 6 or more points vs. the first half line over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was NEBRASKA 11.6, OPPONENT 7.4 - (Rating = 4*)
• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
----------------------------------------------
--PLAY UNDER - Neutral field teams where the total is between 49.5 and 56 (WASHINGTON) - after having won 3 out of their last 4 games, in a non-conference game between two teams from major division 1-A conferences.
(24-4 over the last 10 seasons.) (85.7%, +19.6 units. Rating = 4*)
The average total posted in these games was: 52.8
The average score in these games was: Team 19.2, Opponent 22.6 (Total points scored = 41.9)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 17 (60.7% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (12-0).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (17-2).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (39-11).
--PLAY ON - Underdogs of 6 to 11.5 points vs. the first half line (WASHINGTON) - revenging a blowout loss against opponent by 35 points or more, off a road win.
(29-7 since 1992.) (80.6%, +21.3 units. Rating = 4*)
The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 9.1
The average first half score in these games was: Team 13.9, Opponent 13.7 (Average first half point differential = +0.3)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (0-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (3-2).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (13-2).
--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the total is between 49.5 and 56 (NEBRASKA) - in a non-conference game between two teams from major division 1-A conferences, off a loss against a conference rival.
(43-14 over the last 10 seasons.) (75.4%, +27.6 units. Rating = 3*)
The average total posted in these games was: 53
The average score in these games was: Team 21.9, Opponent 23.3 (Total points scored = 45.2)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 36 (63.2% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (2-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (11-4).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (24-7).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (61-29).
--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the first half total is 25 to 28 (NEBRASKA) - after having won 4 or 5 out of their last 6 games, in a non-conference game between two teams from major division 1-A conferences.
(47-18 over the last 10 seasons.) (72.3%, +27.2 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 26.5
The average first half score in these games was: Team 13.6, Opponent 10.8 (Total first half points scored = 24.4)
The situation's record this season is: (2-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (18-7).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (28-12).
Since 1992 the situation's record is: (65-29).
__________________________________
Stan the Man Szumera a Professional Handicapper since 1977 offers you 33 years of experience. Stan is known for his strong work ethic and his commitment to delivering you the best analysis available. With regards to style, The Man likes to use the perfect blend of three decades of experience as well as emotional, statistical, and technical support to back up his selections.
Back in the early 80's, Stan the Man helped assemble one of the most powerful football and basketball databases in the nation. This incredible piece of software holds over 100 profitable situations with ATS records topping 90 percent.
Located on the East Coast just a few miles from the University of Seton Hall, Stan the Man is tuned into the Pirates as well as the Big East and Atlantic Coast Conferences. College Football, Major League Baseball as well as the NBA and NFL are considered his strengths. But keep in mind a profitable run can happen at any time in any sport when Stan gets into one of his capping zones!
Vince Lombardi, one of the greatest football coaches ever, once said, "They say that the Harder you Work, the Luckier you get" and Stan the Man is Living Proof! When you do business with Stan Szumera you can expect three things: experience, professionalism and effort, “Enjoy and the best of luck” –Stan!
________________________________________________
