INSIDER ANGLES
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Big Ten often gets a bad rap during bowl season, but keep in mind that Big Ten bowl underdogs have gone 24-19, 55.8 percent ATS since 2000, while ACC favorites have gone just 22-25 ATS. That bodes well for the chances of the Wisconsin Badgers to cover vs. the Miami Hurricanes here.
History aside, we feel that this game will be decided by both the rushing offense and the rushing defense of the Badgers. Wisconsin is averaging a whopping 206.7 rushing yards per game, led by Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year John Clay, who rushed for nearly 1400 yards and 16 touchdowns during the regular season. The punishing ground attack helped the Badgers average a hefty 39.0 points per game in the last five contests.
While the offense has gotten most of the notice, the Badgers run defense has been top notch also, limiting opponents to just 90.5 rushing yards per game on a miniscule 2.9 yards per carry. That combination of run offense and run defense should win you a lot of games, and even though Wisconsin fished at 9-3, keep in mind that they outgained Rose Bowl participant Ohio State by an amazing 184 yards in on one of their losses.
Thus, Wisconsin was a legitimate contender to win the Big Ten, so this will be no walk in the park for what may be an overrated Miami team. Yes, quarterback Jacory Harris had a breakthrough season for the Hurricanes, but he has usually had the support of the ground game, and we are still not sure he can handle the bowl pressure here if forced to win this game by himself, which would be the case of the form of the Wisconsin rushing defense holds.
We also like the hook attached to the field goal in the event of a close game here, although that should be a moot point as we see the Badgers winning this contest straight up.
NCAA BOWL PICK: Wisconsin +3.5 (-110
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Big Ten often gets a bad rap during bowl season, but keep in mind that Big Ten bowl underdogs have gone 24-19, 55.8 percent ATS since 2000, while ACC favorites have gone just 22-25 ATS. That bodes well for the chances of the Wisconsin Badgers to cover vs. the Miami Hurricanes here.
History aside, we feel that this game will be decided by both the rushing offense and the rushing defense of the Badgers. Wisconsin is averaging a whopping 206.7 rushing yards per game, led by Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year John Clay, who rushed for nearly 1400 yards and 16 touchdowns during the regular season. The punishing ground attack helped the Badgers average a hefty 39.0 points per game in the last five contests.
While the offense has gotten most of the notice, the Badgers run defense has been top notch also, limiting opponents to just 90.5 rushing yards per game on a miniscule 2.9 yards per carry. That combination of run offense and run defense should win you a lot of games, and even though Wisconsin fished at 9-3, keep in mind that they outgained Rose Bowl participant Ohio State by an amazing 184 yards in on one of their losses.
Thus, Wisconsin was a legitimate contender to win the Big Ten, so this will be no walk in the park for what may be an overrated Miami team. Yes, quarterback Jacory Harris had a breakthrough season for the Hurricanes, but he has usually had the support of the ground game, and we are still not sure he can handle the bowl pressure here if forced to win this game by himself, which would be the case of the form of the Wisconsin rushing defense holds.
We also like the hook attached to the field goal in the event of a close game here, although that should be a moot point as we see the Badgers winning this contest straight up.
NCAA BOWL PICK: Wisconsin +3.5 (-110
The Duke's Sports
Temple Under (44') for 2 Units
With no big play offensive threats on either team, we'll look for a lower scoring game. The Owls thrive on running the football (192 ypg) but struggle when QB Vaughn Charlton is forced to throw consequently the fundamentally sound UCLA Bruins' defense should play the run aggressively. On the other hand, fair weathered UCLA has traveled cross country to 25 degree temperatures and should play stiff after all, QB Prince has not been in rhythm with his receivers for most of the year and he doesn't have an electrifying running back to go to after all, their FB - Moline has carried a majority of the load lately. Furthermore, their starting center - Majaua is ineligible (academics) that will further dampen the Bruins' offensive production. UCLA is 6-20 O/U on grass, 2-7 O/U as a favorite, and 2-5 O/U in bowls. Temple, on the other hand, is 3-7 O/U as a small dog. "under" is the call.
Temple Under (44') for 2 Units
With no big play offensive threats on either team, we'll look for a lower scoring game. The Owls thrive on running the football (192 ypg) but struggle when QB Vaughn Charlton is forced to throw consequently the fundamentally sound UCLA Bruins' defense should play the run aggressively. On the other hand, fair weathered UCLA has traveled cross country to 25 degree temperatures and should play stiff after all, QB Prince has not been in rhythm with his receivers for most of the year and he doesn't have an electrifying running back to go to after all, their FB - Moline has carried a majority of the load lately. Furthermore, their starting center - Majaua is ineligible (academics) that will further dampen the Bruins' offensive production. UCLA is 6-20 O/U on grass, 2-7 O/U as a favorite, and 2-5 O/U in bowls. Temple, on the other hand, is 3-7 O/U as a small dog. "under" is the call.
BRIAN EDWARDS
Wisconsin vs. Miami
Pick: Miami -3
Wisconsin came down to this same bowl game last year and got spanked by FSU. This time around, the Badgers are going to get spanked by Miami. The Hurricanes have a huge edge at QB with sophomore sensation Jacory Harris. The defense suffered a rash of injuries midway through the year and much of that unit is now back to 100 percent. 'Canes win by double digits.
Wisconsin vs. Miami
Pick: Miami -3
Wisconsin came down to this same bowl game last year and got spanked by FSU. This time around, the Badgers are going to get spanked by Miami. The Hurricanes have a huge edge at QB with sophomore sensation Jacory Harris. The defense suffered a rash of injuries midway through the year and much of that unit is now back to 100 percent. 'Canes win by double digits.
DON BEST STEAM
10:37:08am 2009-12-30 231 Nebraska -1
9:53:02am 2009-12-29 551 Yale +17½
9:28:54am 2009-12-29 570 Niagara -21
9:25:33am 2009-12-29 589 Jacksonville St +23
9:08:51am 2009-12-29 558 Stanford Over 135½
9:06:42am 2009-12-29 544 Evansville Over 131
8:50:56am 2009-12-29 586 Ohio -16½
8:48:56am 2009-12-29 568 Tennessee Chat Under 149
8:32:41am 2009-12-29 574 Utah Valley St Under 137
8:31:04am 2009-12-29 594 Kansas -31
8:24:28am 2009-12-29 567 Liu Brooklyn +6
8:18:54am 2009-12-29 572 UTEP Under 136
8:18:26am 2009-12-29 554 Minnesota U -12
8:17:44am 2009-12-29 575 Cal Santa Barb +21
8:13:02am 2009-12-29 502 Atlanta Under 194
8:12:28am 2009-12-29 570 Niagara Over 152
8:12:00am 2009-12-29 576 California Under 148
8:11:42am 2009-12-29 514 LA Lakers Under 220½
8:11:26am 2009-12-29 516 LaSalle pk
8:11:15am 2009-12-29 529 East Carolina +15
8:08:14am 2009-12-29 559 Cal Riverside +18
7:34:49am 2009-12-29 506 Detroit Over 189½
10:37:08am 2009-12-30 231 Nebraska -1
9:53:02am 2009-12-29 551 Yale +17½
9:28:54am 2009-12-29 570 Niagara -21
9:25:33am 2009-12-29 589 Jacksonville St +23
9:08:51am 2009-12-29 558 Stanford Over 135½
9:06:42am 2009-12-29 544 Evansville Over 131
8:50:56am 2009-12-29 586 Ohio -16½
8:48:56am 2009-12-29 568 Tennessee Chat Under 149
8:32:41am 2009-12-29 574 Utah Valley St Under 137
8:31:04am 2009-12-29 594 Kansas -31
8:24:28am 2009-12-29 567 Liu Brooklyn +6
8:18:54am 2009-12-29 572 UTEP Under 136
8:18:26am 2009-12-29 554 Minnesota U -12
8:17:44am 2009-12-29 575 Cal Santa Barb +21
8:13:02am 2009-12-29 502 Atlanta Under 194
8:12:28am 2009-12-29 570 Niagara Over 152
8:12:00am 2009-12-29 576 California Under 148
8:11:42am 2009-12-29 514 LA Lakers Under 220½
8:11:26am 2009-12-29 516 LaSalle pk
8:11:15am 2009-12-29 529 East Carolina +15
8:08:14am 2009-12-29 559 Cal Riverside +18
7:34:49am 2009-12-29 506 Detroit Over 189½
14) Miami-Florida (9-3) vs. (24) Wisconsin (9-3)
GAME NOTES: The 14th-ranked Miami-Florida Hurricanes make the short trip to Orlando to participate in the 2009 Champs Sports Bowl, as they take on the 24th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium.
Despite fielding a young roster, Randy Shannon was able to lead the Hurricanes to a successful 9-3 showing during the regular season. Miami, which began the season unranked, was ranked in the Top 10 at one point this year and is just a victory shy of notching its first 10-win campaign since 2003.
This is the program's 35 all-time bowl game and the Miami is 19-15 in such contests. The Hurricanes are looking for their first bowl win since 2006 and playing close to home is only going to help matters.
"We are thrilled for the opportunity to play Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl," head coach Randy Shannon said. "It's a great opportunity for our fans throughout the state of Florida to come and see an exciting football game played between two great teams."
As for the Badgers, they enter the postseason with an identical 9-3 record and they are in search of their first 10-win season since going 12-1 in 2006.
In order for Wisconsin to reach that mark, it will have to perform much better than it did in last year's Champs Sports Bowl, when the team was pounded 42-13 by Florida State. Overall, this is Wisconsin's 21st bowl appearance, including eighth in a row, and head coach Bret Bielema is excited for the opportunity to face Miami.
"It's a unique matchup and that's why we love bowl games," stated Bielema. "I've known Randy for a number of years and Mark Whipple, his offensive coordinator, is a good friend of mine. I think the matchup in itself will be neat because everyone is going to talk about the Florida speed versus the Midwest size of Wisconsin and we have big people, but I think a couple of our guys can run as well."
The Hurricanes and Badgers are meeting for the fourth time on the gridiron, but the first since 1989. Miami owns a 2-1 edge in the series, including a 51-3 win in the last meeting.
Miami's improvement this year is due in large part to the play of quarterback Jacory Harris, who is an emerging star. The sophomore quarterback threw for a healthy 3,164 yards and 23 touchdowns, but like many youngsters, he is prone to mistakes, throwing 17 interceptions.
Leonard Hankerson is the team's leading receiver and Harris' favorite target, pulling in 44 balls for 773 yards and six touchdowns.
Miami's ground attack is versatile and averaging a solid 144.4 ypg on the campaign. Graig Cooper leads the way with 666 yards, while Damien Berry is has accounted for eight of the team's 20 rushing touchdowns.
Defensively, the Hurricanes came on strong down the stretch and held three of their final four opponents to under 20 points. Miami gave up just 264.0 total ypg over that four-game stretch and will be focused on stopping Wisconsin's potent ground attack. The Hurricanes have been stingy against the run this season, permitting only 118.3 ypg and eight touchdowns on the ground.
The knock on this unit is that the group doesn't create enough big plays. Miami has forced 18 turnovers and recorded 23 sacks and those numbers are mediocre at best.
Darryl Sharpton leads the defense in tackles with 91, while Allen Bailey is the team's top pass rusher, racking up seven sacks and 11 TFLs.
It all about power football for the Badgers, who are pushing their way to 206.7 ypg on the ground. The punishing ground game has helped Wisconsin average 39 ppg over its last five outings and John Clay is the driving force behind this attack. Clay, the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, has rushed for 1,396 yards and he is responsible for 16 of the team's 31 rushing scores.
The dominant ground game has helped to take some pressure off quarterback Scott Tolzien, who has responded by completing 63.6 percent of his pass attempts. Tolzien has thrown 16 touchdowns against 10 picks, but is the second option in this offense.
Nick Toon is the top target through the air with 52 catches and 779 yards, and expect Garrett Graham to get some looks as well after making 45 receptions and a team-best seven touchdown catches during the regular season.
Wisconsin's defense has been simply outstanding versus the run and is allowing just 90.5 ypg on the ground. Unfortunately, Miami is a more pass-oriented team and that is where the Badgers have some issues. Wisconsin has allowed 20 touchdowns and 219.9 ypg through the air, although the unit did come up with 15 interceptions.
Bringing down opposing quarterbacks is a strength of this group, as the Badgers have recorded 32 sacks. Leading the way in that department is O'Brien Schofield, who has just been a force, rolling up 10 sacks to go with 22.5 TFLs. He ranks third on the club with 59 overall stops and expect him to make his mark on this game.
The Badgers are a solid team, but the Hurricanes are have a little more speed and athleticism on their side. Plus Miami is playing close to home and that should only help its cause.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Miami-Florida 31, Wisconsin 27
GAME NOTES: The 14th-ranked Miami-Florida Hurricanes make the short trip to Orlando to participate in the 2009 Champs Sports Bowl, as they take on the 24th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium.
Despite fielding a young roster, Randy Shannon was able to lead the Hurricanes to a successful 9-3 showing during the regular season. Miami, which began the season unranked, was ranked in the Top 10 at one point this year and is just a victory shy of notching its first 10-win campaign since 2003.
This is the program's 35 all-time bowl game and the Miami is 19-15 in such contests. The Hurricanes are looking for their first bowl win since 2006 and playing close to home is only going to help matters.
"We are thrilled for the opportunity to play Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl," head coach Randy Shannon said. "It's a great opportunity for our fans throughout the state of Florida to come and see an exciting football game played between two great teams."
As for the Badgers, they enter the postseason with an identical 9-3 record and they are in search of their first 10-win season since going 12-1 in 2006.
In order for Wisconsin to reach that mark, it will have to perform much better than it did in last year's Champs Sports Bowl, when the team was pounded 42-13 by Florida State. Overall, this is Wisconsin's 21st bowl appearance, including eighth in a row, and head coach Bret Bielema is excited for the opportunity to face Miami.
"It's a unique matchup and that's why we love bowl games," stated Bielema. "I've known Randy for a number of years and Mark Whipple, his offensive coordinator, is a good friend of mine. I think the matchup in itself will be neat because everyone is going to talk about the Florida speed versus the Midwest size of Wisconsin and we have big people, but I think a couple of our guys can run as well."
The Hurricanes and Badgers are meeting for the fourth time on the gridiron, but the first since 1989. Miami owns a 2-1 edge in the series, including a 51-3 win in the last meeting.
Miami's improvement this year is due in large part to the play of quarterback Jacory Harris, who is an emerging star. The sophomore quarterback threw for a healthy 3,164 yards and 23 touchdowns, but like many youngsters, he is prone to mistakes, throwing 17 interceptions.
Leonard Hankerson is the team's leading receiver and Harris' favorite target, pulling in 44 balls for 773 yards and six touchdowns.
Miami's ground attack is versatile and averaging a solid 144.4 ypg on the campaign. Graig Cooper leads the way with 666 yards, while Damien Berry is has accounted for eight of the team's 20 rushing touchdowns.
Defensively, the Hurricanes came on strong down the stretch and held three of their final four opponents to under 20 points. Miami gave up just 264.0 total ypg over that four-game stretch and will be focused on stopping Wisconsin's potent ground attack. The Hurricanes have been stingy against the run this season, permitting only 118.3 ypg and eight touchdowns on the ground.
The knock on this unit is that the group doesn't create enough big plays. Miami has forced 18 turnovers and recorded 23 sacks and those numbers are mediocre at best.
Darryl Sharpton leads the defense in tackles with 91, while Allen Bailey is the team's top pass rusher, racking up seven sacks and 11 TFLs.
It all about power football for the Badgers, who are pushing their way to 206.7 ypg on the ground. The punishing ground game has helped Wisconsin average 39 ppg over its last five outings and John Clay is the driving force behind this attack. Clay, the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, has rushed for 1,396 yards and he is responsible for 16 of the team's 31 rushing scores.
The dominant ground game has helped to take some pressure off quarterback Scott Tolzien, who has responded by completing 63.6 percent of his pass attempts. Tolzien has thrown 16 touchdowns against 10 picks, but is the second option in this offense.
Nick Toon is the top target through the air with 52 catches and 779 yards, and expect Garrett Graham to get some looks as well after making 45 receptions and a team-best seven touchdown catches during the regular season.
Wisconsin's defense has been simply outstanding versus the run and is allowing just 90.5 ypg on the ground. Unfortunately, Miami is a more pass-oriented team and that is where the Badgers have some issues. Wisconsin has allowed 20 touchdowns and 219.9 ypg through the air, although the unit did come up with 15 interceptions.
Bringing down opposing quarterbacks is a strength of this group, as the Badgers have recorded 32 sacks. Leading the way in that department is O'Brien Schofield, who has just been a force, rolling up 10 sacks to go with 22.5 TFLs. He ranks third on the club with 59 overall stops and expect him to make his mark on this game.
The Badgers are a solid team, but the Hurricanes are have a little more speed and athleticism on their side. Plus Miami is playing close to home and that should only help its cause.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Miami-Florida 31, Wisconsin 27
SPORTS WAGERS-BB
Indiana/CHICAGO under 194
This number seems awfully high for these two combatants, as neither can score and both need to play defense in order to win. The Pacers will go on a prolonged scoring drought for sure, maybe even two or three of them, as they’re virtually a collective bunch of poor shooters. Take Danny Granger out of the equation and the Bulls will force others besides Dunleavy to knock ‘em down. The Pacers can’t play good defense but will have to here for any chance whatsoever. Besides, the Bulls struggle offensively as well but at least they play hard and at the very least they play good defense. So, if this one does go over you can be damn sure the Bulls will cover because the Pacers are not capable of scoring 90 against this host. Indiana might even be hard-pressed to reach 85. A lot of good things offensively will have to happen for this one to go over and frankly, it’s hard to imagine that happening. Play: Indiana/Chicago under 194 (Risking 2.10 units to win 2).
Cleveland +1.23 over ATLANTA
Is there a team in the NBA playing better than the Cav’s right now? I think not. The Cav’s are winning with such ease it’s almost scary. They blew away the Rockets in its last game by 25 points two days after beating the Lakers by 15 in L.A. on Christmas day. They also went into Phoenix last week and barely broke a sweat in a 19-point win and that was the Suns only home loss of the year thus far. The Cav’s also have a huge psychological edge here, as they’ve beaten up on the Hawks game after game after game. In fact, they’ve beaten Atlanta six straight and the last four have all been by double-digits. Now the Cav’s are on fire and frankly, for the first meeting of the year between these two, the Hawks couldn’t have caught them at a worse time. Atlanta is good but they’re not in the same class as the Cav’s, especially right now and it’s also worth noting that the Hawks return home from a four-game trip tonight. Play: Cleveland +1.23 (Risking 2 units).
MISSISSIPPI –22½ Over Jacksonville State
I’m going to preface this wager by saying it’s never a good idea to consistently lay large numbers throughout the season but in this case the talent disparity between these two teams is too large to ignore. The sad truth for Jacksonville State is that if not for shrewd scheduling they would be winless this season, as two of their wins have come against Division 2 opponents West Alabama and Reinhardt, and the rest have come against awful Georgia Southern, Tennessee Tech, and Norfolk State. Their defensive numbers against a laughable schedule are gruesome, as they rank 8th from the bottom in defensive efficiency and allow opponents to shoot 50% from two. Mississippi is a tournament team this year and while they might not win it, a sweet sixteen birth is possible for this team. Ole Miss has three NBA prospects including potential lottery pick Jarvis Varnado, who averages an eye-popping five blocks a game. The best thing about this wager is that Mississippi State is coming off a loss to West Virginia and won’t coast through this one. They are the better team in every facet of the game and add the motivation factor and this one should get ugly very fast. Play: #590 Mississippi –22½ (Risking 2.12 units to win 2).
Liberty/CENTRAL FLORIDA under 130
Any time a team shoots under 30% from three and under 45% from two as the Liberty Flames do it’s going to get my attention. Liberty is 6-6 and played their last “real” game on December 5th against Coastal Carolina, which they lost 73-58. Liberty’s offense is atrocious but that doesn’t seal an under wager. What really peeks my attention is the fact that Liberty can actually defend a little bit, as opponents shoot 35% from three and score 98.5 points per 100 possessions against them. Central Florida is a team we have wagered on before and their strengths lie in their defense. They allow opponents to shoot 29.9% from three and 47.6% from two and have been victims of bad luck at the free throw line as opponents have shot 72% against them. Central Florida should have no problem winning this game and the game plan to do so is relatively simple. Keep Liberty at bay on offense and run the half court offense as efficiently as possible. With both these teams playing in character, this under should hit. Play: #564 Liberty/Central Florida under 130 (Risking 2.16 units to win 2).
Indiana/CHICAGO under 194
This number seems awfully high for these two combatants, as neither can score and both need to play defense in order to win. The Pacers will go on a prolonged scoring drought for sure, maybe even two or three of them, as they’re virtually a collective bunch of poor shooters. Take Danny Granger out of the equation and the Bulls will force others besides Dunleavy to knock ‘em down. The Pacers can’t play good defense but will have to here for any chance whatsoever. Besides, the Bulls struggle offensively as well but at least they play hard and at the very least they play good defense. So, if this one does go over you can be damn sure the Bulls will cover because the Pacers are not capable of scoring 90 against this host. Indiana might even be hard-pressed to reach 85. A lot of good things offensively will have to happen for this one to go over and frankly, it’s hard to imagine that happening. Play: Indiana/Chicago under 194 (Risking 2.10 units to win 2).
Cleveland +1.23 over ATLANTA
Is there a team in the NBA playing better than the Cav’s right now? I think not. The Cav’s are winning with such ease it’s almost scary. They blew away the Rockets in its last game by 25 points two days after beating the Lakers by 15 in L.A. on Christmas day. They also went into Phoenix last week and barely broke a sweat in a 19-point win and that was the Suns only home loss of the year thus far. The Cav’s also have a huge psychological edge here, as they’ve beaten up on the Hawks game after game after game. In fact, they’ve beaten Atlanta six straight and the last four have all been by double-digits. Now the Cav’s are on fire and frankly, for the first meeting of the year between these two, the Hawks couldn’t have caught them at a worse time. Atlanta is good but they’re not in the same class as the Cav’s, especially right now and it’s also worth noting that the Hawks return home from a four-game trip tonight. Play: Cleveland +1.23 (Risking 2 units).
MISSISSIPPI –22½ Over Jacksonville State
I’m going to preface this wager by saying it’s never a good idea to consistently lay large numbers throughout the season but in this case the talent disparity between these two teams is too large to ignore. The sad truth for Jacksonville State is that if not for shrewd scheduling they would be winless this season, as two of their wins have come against Division 2 opponents West Alabama and Reinhardt, and the rest have come against awful Georgia Southern, Tennessee Tech, and Norfolk State. Their defensive numbers against a laughable schedule are gruesome, as they rank 8th from the bottom in defensive efficiency and allow opponents to shoot 50% from two. Mississippi is a tournament team this year and while they might not win it, a sweet sixteen birth is possible for this team. Ole Miss has three NBA prospects including potential lottery pick Jarvis Varnado, who averages an eye-popping five blocks a game. The best thing about this wager is that Mississippi State is coming off a loss to West Virginia and won’t coast through this one. They are the better team in every facet of the game and add the motivation factor and this one should get ugly very fast. Play: #590 Mississippi –22½ (Risking 2.12 units to win 2).
Liberty/CENTRAL FLORIDA under 130
Any time a team shoots under 30% from three and under 45% from two as the Liberty Flames do it’s going to get my attention. Liberty is 6-6 and played their last “real” game on December 5th against Coastal Carolina, which they lost 73-58. Liberty’s offense is atrocious but that doesn’t seal an under wager. What really peeks my attention is the fact that Liberty can actually defend a little bit, as opponents shoot 35% from three and score 98.5 points per 100 possessions against them. Central Florida is a team we have wagered on before and their strengths lie in their defense. They allow opponents to shoot 29.9% from three and 47.6% from two and have been victims of bad luck at the free throw line as opponents have shot 72% against them. Central Florida should have no problem winning this game and the game plan to do so is relatively simple. Keep Liberty at bay on offense and run the half court offense as efficiently as possible. With both these teams playing in character, this under should hit. Play: #564 Liberty/Central Florida under 130 (Risking 2.16 units to win 2).
B l a c K W i d o W / B i l L Y o u n G
6* W ido w W iseg uy Badgers/'Canes Champs S port s B ow l S urefi re on Miami Hurricanes -3.5(-110 at betus)
Miami is certainly the more talented of these two teams, and they have a bit of a home-field advantage here playing down in Orlando, Florida. Miami began the season unranked, but leaped to ninth in the AP poll after a pair of opening wins over ranked opponents - the first time the Hurricanes were ranked in the top 10 since the final regular-season poll of 2005. Miami (9-3) won four of its last five, closing the year with a 31-10 victory at South Florida on Nov. 28. Now the Hurricanes are looking to secure their first 10-win season since 2003. QB Jacory Harris could put up big numbers against Wisconsin, which is ranked 66th against the pass at 219.9 yards per game. Wisconsin is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games after having won 4 or 5 out of their last 6 games over the last 3 seasons. The Badgers are 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. Wisconsin is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) versus good rushing defenses - allowing <=120 rushing yards/game over the last 3 seasons. The Badgers' strength is their running game, but that is also the strength of the Miami defense. The Hurricanes' strength is their passing game, but that is also the biggest weakness on the Wisconsin defense. So this match-up favors the Hurricanes across the board, and that's why it should finish in a blowout in Miami's favor here tonight. Take Miami and lay the points.
5* W iseg uy Big Ten G AM E OF THE W EE K on Iowa +13(-104 at 5dimes)
Iowa started off the season very poorly, but with their struggles has come some nice line value as this team has really improved of late. They have won back-to-back games, and have lost only once by more than 10 points in their last 7 contests. Purdue is undefeated this season, but with each win comes even higher expectations from odds makers, expectations they will not live up to tonight. They are asked to lay 13 points on the road in Big Ten play, which is asking a hell of a lot. Purdue did win at Iowa the last 2 seasons, but by just 4 and 5 points, respectively. That's significant because the Boilermakers have the same 5 starters that they've had the last 2 years. Purdue is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. The Boilermakers are 6-22 ATS (-18.2 Units) in road games versus teams who average 33 or less rebounds/game on the season since 1997. Take Iowa and the points.
4* on Minnesota Timberwolves +11(-108 at 5dimes)
The Timberwolves are playing their best basketball of the season right now, and this is the time to back them as they are constantly overlooked by the odds makers. This team is 9-6 ATS in road games this season, and have won back-to-back games including 4 of their last 7 games overall. This is a young team, but they are finally starting to gel as a team now that we are nearly halfway through the season. Minnesota is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in road games after having won 2 of their last 3 games over the last 2 seasons. The Timberwolves are 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games after 1 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons. The San Antonio Spurs are a putrid 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) against Northwest division opponents this season. Take Minnesota and the points.
4* on Detroit Pistons -4.5(-110 at bookm)
Yes, the Pistons have struggled this season, but a big reason has been injuries. With a healthy Ben Gordon back in the line-up, the Pistons are back to full strength for basically the first time since the start of the season. The Home team is 17-8 ATS in the last 25 meetings between New York and Detroit. The Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. The Pistons are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite & 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games. Detroit is very hungry to put an end to their 7-game losing streak, and they'll end it emphatically Tuesday with a blowout home win over the Knicks. Take Detroit and lay the points.
4* on Hofstra -1(-110 at bodog)
Florida Atlanta has lost 3 straight games by 13 or more points. They'll lose a 4th straight here Tuesday against a Hofstra team that is a solid 7-5 on the season. These teams have a common opponent this season, and that is Manhattan. Hofstra held Manhattan to just 39 points in a victory, while FAU allowed Manhattan to score 73 points in a loss. We really like Hofstra's defense here, where they have held each of their last 5 opponents to 38.6% or worse from the floor. Hofstra is 3-0 in their last 3 meetings with FAU. FAU is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games off a road loss over the last 2 seasons. Hofstra is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games after playing a game as favorite over the last 2 seasons. Take Hofstra and lay the points.
6* W ido w W iseg uy Badgers/'Canes Champs S port s B ow l S urefi re on Miami Hurricanes -3.5(-110 at betus)
Miami is certainly the more talented of these two teams, and they have a bit of a home-field advantage here playing down in Orlando, Florida. Miami began the season unranked, but leaped to ninth in the AP poll after a pair of opening wins over ranked opponents - the first time the Hurricanes were ranked in the top 10 since the final regular-season poll of 2005. Miami (9-3) won four of its last five, closing the year with a 31-10 victory at South Florida on Nov. 28. Now the Hurricanes are looking to secure their first 10-win season since 2003. QB Jacory Harris could put up big numbers against Wisconsin, which is ranked 66th against the pass at 219.9 yards per game. Wisconsin is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games after having won 4 or 5 out of their last 6 games over the last 3 seasons. The Badgers are 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. Wisconsin is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) versus good rushing defenses - allowing <=120 rushing yards/game over the last 3 seasons. The Badgers' strength is their running game, but that is also the strength of the Miami defense. The Hurricanes' strength is their passing game, but that is also the biggest weakness on the Wisconsin defense. So this match-up favors the Hurricanes across the board, and that's why it should finish in a blowout in Miami's favor here tonight. Take Miami and lay the points.
5* W iseg uy Big Ten G AM E OF THE W EE K on Iowa +13(-104 at 5dimes)
Iowa started off the season very poorly, but with their struggles has come some nice line value as this team has really improved of late. They have won back-to-back games, and have lost only once by more than 10 points in their last 7 contests. Purdue is undefeated this season, but with each win comes even higher expectations from odds makers, expectations they will not live up to tonight. They are asked to lay 13 points on the road in Big Ten play, which is asking a hell of a lot. Purdue did win at Iowa the last 2 seasons, but by just 4 and 5 points, respectively. That's significant because the Boilermakers have the same 5 starters that they've had the last 2 years. Purdue is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. The Boilermakers are 6-22 ATS (-18.2 Units) in road games versus teams who average 33 or less rebounds/game on the season since 1997. Take Iowa and the points.
4* on Minnesota Timberwolves +11(-108 at 5dimes)
The Timberwolves are playing their best basketball of the season right now, and this is the time to back them as they are constantly overlooked by the odds makers. This team is 9-6 ATS in road games this season, and have won back-to-back games including 4 of their last 7 games overall. This is a young team, but they are finally starting to gel as a team now that we are nearly halfway through the season. Minnesota is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in road games after having won 2 of their last 3 games over the last 2 seasons. The Timberwolves are 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games after 1 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons. The San Antonio Spurs are a putrid 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) against Northwest division opponents this season. Take Minnesota and the points.
4* on Detroit Pistons -4.5(-110 at bookm)
Yes, the Pistons have struggled this season, but a big reason has been injuries. With a healthy Ben Gordon back in the line-up, the Pistons are back to full strength for basically the first time since the start of the season. The Home team is 17-8 ATS in the last 25 meetings between New York and Detroit. The Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. The Pistons are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite & 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games. Detroit is very hungry to put an end to their 7-game losing streak, and they'll end it emphatically Tuesday with a blowout home win over the Knicks. Take Detroit and lay the points.
4* on Hofstra -1(-110 at bodog)
Florida Atlanta has lost 3 straight games by 13 or more points. They'll lose a 4th straight here Tuesday against a Hofstra team that is a solid 7-5 on the season. These teams have a common opponent this season, and that is Manhattan. Hofstra held Manhattan to just 39 points in a victory, while FAU allowed Manhattan to score 73 points in a loss. We really like Hofstra's defense here, where they have held each of their last 5 opponents to 38.6% or worse from the floor. Hofstra is 3-0 in their last 3 meetings with FAU. FAU is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games off a road loss over the last 2 seasons. Hofstra is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games after playing a game as favorite over the last 2 seasons. Take Hofstra and lay the points.
Kevin Francis Guaranteed Selections
Date: Tuesday, December 29, 2009
$29.00 Guaranteed: STOP! This is the play you want! Today we are featuring our COLLEGE FOOTBALL SPECIAL EDITION K-BOMB BOWL GAME OF THE YEAR! You can get this WIRE to WIRE WINNER right now for just $35 and you are a winner or your not charged! It does not get any BIGGER or STRONGER than this, so if you are looking for one HUGE WINNER...YOU JUST FOUND IT!!!! This play is on the WINNER of the CHAMPS BOWL! 12/29/2009
SPECIAL EDITION K-BOMB BOWL GAME OF THE YEAR
226 Miami Florida -3.5 8:00 EST
Date: Tuesday, December 29, 2009
$29.00 Guaranteed: STOP! This is the play you want! Today we are featuring our COLLEGE FOOTBALL SPECIAL EDITION K-BOMB BOWL GAME OF THE YEAR! You can get this WIRE to WIRE WINNER right now for just $35 and you are a winner or your not charged! It does not get any BIGGER or STRONGER than this, so if you are looking for one HUGE WINNER...YOU JUST FOUND IT!!!! This play is on the WINNER of the CHAMPS BOWL! 12/29/2009
SPECIAL EDITION K-BOMB BOWL GAME OF THE YEAR
226 Miami Florida -3.5 8:00 EST
WUNDERDOG
Complimentary Picks and Analysis
Game: Pacific at Oklahoma State (8:05 PM Eastern)
Pick: Pacific +12.5 (-110)
Oklahoma State is on fire this season having won 11 of 12. Their success has resulted in an inflated line here as no one wants to fade the Cowboys right now (85% of the public is on them here). But, Pacific has a great defense (allowing 61.5 points per game) and they have posted a 6-4 ATS mark in their last 10 games. Over the past two seasons, the Tigers have gone 13-5 ATS vs. good shooting teams (those shooting 45%+ from the field). They are also 27-10 ATS in their last 37 off an upset loss and 8-1 ATS the past two seasons after scoring 60 points or less in their previous game. I like Pacific coming off a bad loss here.
Complimentary Picks and Analysis
Game: Pacific at Oklahoma State (8:05 PM Eastern)
Pick: Pacific +12.5 (-110)
Oklahoma State is on fire this season having won 11 of 12. Their success has resulted in an inflated line here as no one wants to fade the Cowboys right now (85% of the public is on them here). But, Pacific has a great defense (allowing 61.5 points per game) and they have posted a 6-4 ATS mark in their last 10 games. Over the past two seasons, the Tigers have gone 13-5 ATS vs. good shooting teams (those shooting 45%+ from the field). They are also 27-10 ATS in their last 37 off an upset loss and 8-1 ATS the past two seasons after scoring 60 points or less in their previous game. I like Pacific coming off a bad loss here.
Deano
2* Wisconsin(See below)
5* Missouri St
8* Warriors
he also had georgia (cfb)yesterday i guess
HRC PREMIUM CFB PLAY-December 29th
Thank You For Your Purchase!
Capper: Deano (Handicappers Paradise)
Betting Session: Follow Units posted (*Varies*)
-=HIGH ROLLER CLUB PREMIUM ACTION=-
*************************************
-=Straight Wager=-
Today's Premium Pick: Wisconsin
Today's Line: +3.5
Unit(s): 2*
►Wisconsin has a lot of fight in them. They are a tough club, theres no doubt about that. What I like here is Wisconsin is more disciplined then Miami. They tend to control the clock farely well when they want. Between it being a bowl game and what Miami is laying here I'd say Miami is the given play here, but Wisconsin is a smarter bet. Lets snag the points tonight on tonights ESPN Champs Sports Bowl
*************************************
Number of times a unit is played:
2* 8-4
5* 10-3
8* 6-3
10* 1-0
Record: 29-10
2* Wisconsin(See below)
5* Missouri St
8* Warriors
he also had georgia (cfb)yesterday i guess
HRC PREMIUM CFB PLAY-December 29th
Thank You For Your Purchase!
Capper: Deano (Handicappers Paradise)
Betting Session: Follow Units posted (*Varies*)
-=HIGH ROLLER CLUB PREMIUM ACTION=-
*************************************
-=Straight Wager=-
Today's Premium Pick: Wisconsin
Today's Line: +3.5
Unit(s): 2*
►Wisconsin has a lot of fight in them. They are a tough club, theres no doubt about that. What I like here is Wisconsin is more disciplined then Miami. They tend to control the clock farely well when they want. Between it being a bowl game and what Miami is laying here I'd say Miami is the given play here, but Wisconsin is a smarter bet. Lets snag the points tonight on tonights ESPN Champs Sports Bowl
*************************************
Number of times a unit is played:
2* 8-4
5* 10-3
8* 6-3
10* 1-0
Record: 29-10
