The cnotes college football 2020-2021 season news,trends, picks !

[CNOTES]

This report will update....




301AKRON -302 KENT ST
AKRON is 0-12 ATS (-13.2 Units) after 2 consecutive games with a turnover margin of -1 or worse in the last 3 seasons.


303BUFFALO -304 BOWLING GREEN
BOWLING GREEN is 1-10 ATS (-10 Units) after playing a game at home in the last 3 seasons.


309N ILLINOIS -310 BALL ST
N ILLINOIS are 45-23 ATS (19.7 Units) as a road underdog since 1992.


311TOLEDO -312 E MICHIGAN
TOLEDO is 2-10 ATS (-9 Units) in road games in the last 3 seasons.


313W MICHIGAN -314 C MICHIGAN
C MICHIGAN is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.


323UTAH ST -324 WYOMING
UTAH ST is 13-3 ATS (9.7 Units) in road games after allowing 325 or more passing yards in their last game since 1992.


325SYRACUSE -326 LOUISVILLE
LOUISVILLE is 3-16 ATS (-14.6 Units) in home games vs. poor ball control teams, 28 or less possession minutes/game since 1992.


327PURDUE -328 MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA is 39-23 ATS (13.7 Units) vs. excellent passing teams with a completion pct. of 62% or better since 1992.


329NEW MEXICO -330 AIR FORCE
AIR FORCE is 19-44 ATS (-29.4 Units) vs. poor passing defenses - allowing 8 or more passing yards/att. since 1992.

 

[CNOTES]

This report will update....




NCAAF
Armadillo's Write-Up


Week 12


Tuesday’s games
Akron (0-2) @ Kent State (2-0)
— Zips lost their first two games, outscored 82-28.
— Akron did outgain Ohio 435-307 in LW’s 24-10 loss.
— Akron has 7 starters back on offense, 6 starters back on defense.
— Zips have 54 returning starts on the offensive line.
— Akron has a senior QB with 28 career starts.
— Under Arth, Zips are 2-4 ATS as a road underdog.


— Kent won its first two games, scoring 89 points, running for 507 yards.
— Golden Flashes threw for 372 yards in last week’s game.
— Kent has 7 starters back on offense, 6 starters back on defense.
— Golden Flashes has 74 returning starts on the offensive line.
— Kent has a senior QB with 14 career starts.
— Golden Flashes are 4-7 ATS in last 11 games as a home favorite.


— Akron won four of last five series games.
— Zips won 24-23/31-27 in their last two visits to Kent.
— Underdogs covered four of last six series games.


Buffalo (2-0) @ Bowling Green (0-2)
— Buffalo scored 91 points in winning its first two games.
— Bulls gained 915 yards in two games; they’re +4 in turnovers.
— Buffalo has 8 starters back on offense, 7 starters back on defense.
— Bulls have 82 returning starts on the offensive line.
— Buffalo has a soph QB with seven career starts.
— Bulls are 6-3 ATS in last nine games as a road favorite.


— Bowling Green lost its first two games, giving up 100 points.
— Falcons gave up 605 rushing yards in those two games.
— Bowling Green has 6 starters back on offense, 6 starters back on defense.
— Falcons have 32 returning starts on the offensive line.
— Bowling Green has a new QB this year- he completed 14-50 passes so far.
— Last 3+ years, Falcons are 2-11 ATS as a home underdog.


— Buffalo won last three series games, by an average score of 43-16.
— Favorites are 5-3 ATS in last eight series games.
— Bulls lost two of their last three visits here.


Wednesday’s games
Northern Illinois (0-2) @ Ball State (1-1)
— NIU lost its first two games, giving up 49-40 points.
— Huskies gave up 237 YR last week; they’re minus-4 in turnovers.
— This is NIU’s first road game this year.
— NIU has 6 starters back on offense, 4 starters back on defense.
— Huskies have 41 returning starts on the offensive line.
— NIU has a senior QB with 23 career starts.
— Since 2010, Huskies are 19-7 ATS as a road underdog.


— Ball State split its first two games, both 38-31 scores.
— Cardinals gained 1,014 yards in their first two games.
— Ball State has 7 starters back on offense, 7 starters back on defense.
— Cardinals have 79 returning starts on the offensive line.
— Ball State has a senior QB with 20 starts.
— Since 2014, Cardinals are 7-15 ATS as a home favorite.


— Last year, Ball State snapped a 10-game series losing streak.
— Huskies won their last five visits to Muncie.
— Favorites covered six of last eight series games.


Toledo (1-1) @ Eastern Michigan (0-2)
— Toledo split its first two games, scoring 38 points both games.
— Rockets gave up two TD’s in last 0:45 of last week’s 41-38 loss.
— Toledo has 7 starters back on offense, 7 starters back on defense.
— Rockets have 73 returning starts on the offensive line.
— Toledo has a soph QB with 4 career starts.
— Last 5+ years, Rockets are 9-5 ATS as a road favorite.


— Eastern Michigan lost its first two games, by 4-7 points.
— Eagles allowed 65 points, 967 yards in their first two games.
— EMU has 5 starters back on offense, 6 starters back on defense.
— Eagles have 60 returning starts on the offensive line.
— EMU are using a new QB this season; he is 38-64/491 so far.
— Eagles are an amazing 26-3-1 ATS in last 30 games as an underdog.


— Toledo won 18 of its last 20 games vs Eastern Michigan.
— Last three series games were decided by 3-2-5 points.
— Rockets covered once in last four visits to Ypsilanti.
— Underdogs covered last four series games.


Western Michigan (2-0) @ Central Michigan (2-0)
— Western Michigan won its first two games, scoring 99 points.
— Broncos scored two TD’s in last 0:45 of LW’s 41-38 win.
— WMU has 5 starters back on offense, 6 starters back on defense.
— Broncos have 87 returning starts on the offensive line.
— WMU has a soph QB with six starts.
— Last two years, Broncos were 0-4 ATS as a road underdog.


— Chippewas won their first two games, scoring 70 points.
— Central outgained its first two opponents, 860-589.
— CMU has 6 starters back on offense, 7 starters back on defense.
— Chippewas have 70 returning starts on the offensive line.
— CMU has a new QB this year; he is 36-60/439 this year.
— Under McElwain, Chippewas are 4-0 ATS as a home favorite.


— WMU won seven of last nine games vs Central Michigan.
— Underdogs are 3-2 ATS in last five series games.
— Broncos won their last four visits to CMU.

 

[CNOTES]

College Football Odds Week 12: Opening lines and sharp money
Patrick Everson


Wideout Whop Philyor and No. 10 Indiana hope their surprising season continues Saturday at No. 3 Ohio State. But oddsmakers aren't seeing it, as the Buckeyes are 20.5-point favorites in the Big Ten clash.


College football odds for Week 12 are on the betting board and getting action, with a few games of note. At the top of the list, perhaps surprisingly, is upstart and undefeated Indiana traveling to the Horseshoe to face fellow unbeaten Ohio State.


FanDuel Sportsbook provided insights on college football Week 12 opening lines, early line movement, sharp money and public betting for this week's matchups.


These are the current College football Week 12 odds for the premier games on the schedule.

UCLA at (13) Oregon odds
Opening line
Oregon -14.5, Over/Under 64.5


Why the line moved
The Ducks opened -14.5 at FanDuel and haven't budged through Monday night, meaning early action is probably light, considering that 71 percent of bets and 83 percent of money are on Oregon. The total is already up to 66.5, with 90 percent of bets and practically every dollar on the total running to the Over.




(7) Cincinnati at Central Florida odds
Opening line
Cincinnati -4.5, Over/Under 61.5


Why the line moved
This line is pinned at Cincinnati -4.5 Monday night, with no movement so far, although point-spread ticket count and money are both running well beyond 9/1 on the Bearcats. The total is seeing similar betting splits on the Over, but the number hasn't yet moved off 61.5.




(4) Clemson at Florida State Odds
Opening line
Clemson -31.5, Over/Under 67.5


Why the line moved
Trevor Lawrence returns from a bout with COVID-19, and that's led to three more points being added to this spread, with Clemson already up to -34.5. Seventy percent of early tickets and 88 percent of early dollars are on the Tigers. The total is down a point to 66.5, with 67 percent of bets on the Over, but 70 percent of money on the Under.




(10) Indiana at (3) Ohio State odds
Opening line
Ohio State -19.5, Over/Under 64.5


Why the line moved
It might be the Game of the Week in college football, and yet it's a hefty double-digit spread. The Buckeyes moved to -20.5 Sunday evening, and that's where the number is Monday night, with ticket count more than 6/1 and money beyond 3/1 on Ohio State. The total is stuck at 64.5, but early tickets and early money are running more than 9/1 on the Over.




(19) USC at Utah Odds
Opening line
Southern California -3.5, Over/Under 56.5


Why the line moved
The Trojans dropped a point to -2.5 Monday afternoon at FanDuel and are still there Monday night, despite 2/1 tickets and practically every early dollar on USC. The total is up a point to 57.5, with tickets 3/1 and, much like the spread, almost all the money on the Over.




(12) Wisconsin at (20) Northwestern odds
Opening line
Wisconsin -6.5, Over/Under 45.5


Why the line moved
Wisconsin is a mere 2-0, but the second of those games was last weekend's 49-11 boatracing of Michigan at the Big House. So it's no surprise to see the Badgers up to -8.5 Monday night at FanDuel, with tickets and money 9/1 on Wisconsin. The total went two points the other way, to 43.5, though tickets are 6/1 and money 3/1 on the Over.




Kentucky at (1) Alabama odds
Opening line
Alabama -29.5, Over/Under 57.5


Why the line moved
Alabama got an unplanned bye last week due to LSU dealing with COVID-19 issues. The initial move on this line was toward the big 'dog Kentucky, as 'Bama dipped to -28.5. On Monday night, the line is at Alabama -30.5 on two-way action, with the Crimson Tide taking 53 percent of bets and 54 percent of money. The total is up to 58.5, with ticket count nearly 4/1 and almost every dollar so far on the Over.




(5) Florida at Vanderbilt odds
Opening line
Florida -30.5, Over/Under 68.5


Why the line moved
The Gators are up a point to -31.5 at FanDuel on Monday night, with 71 percent of tickets and 80 percent of money on Florida. The total bounced around a bit early, from 68.5 to 66.5 and back to 68.5, with 72 percent of bets and 91 percent of money on the Over.




(14) Oklahoma State at (17) Oklahoma odds
Opening line
Oklahoma -9.5, Over/Under 58.5


Why the line moved
The Bedlam line is on the move early at FanDuel, down to Sooners -5.5 Monday night, though 56 percent of bets and 77 percent of dollars are landing on Oklahoma. The total moved from 58.5 to 60.5, then to 59.5, with ticket count and money both more than 9/1 on the Over.


Kansas State at (16) Iowa State odds
Opening line
Iowa State -7.5, Over/Under 49.5


Why the line moved
It's another Big 12 line making a big early move, though in this case, the number is stretching out, with Iowa State up to -11.5 at FanDuel. Through Monday night, tickets and money are both in the 3/1 range on the Cyclones. The total opened at 49.5 and hit 50.5 a couple of times, then headed the other way, and it's at 46.5 Monday night. Ticket count is 3/1 on the Under, and practically all the early money is on the Under, as well.

 

[CNOTES]

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


BUFF at BGSU 07:00 PM
BUFF -31.5
U 58.5


AKR at KENT 08:00 PM
KENT -26.0
U 59.0

 

[CNOTES]

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD


11/17/2020 1-3-0 0.00% -1150 Detail
11/14/2020 32-22-0 59.26% +3900 Detail
11/13/2020 4-2-0 66.66% +900 Detail
11/12/2020 1-1-0 50.00% -50 Detail
11/11/2020 5-1-0 83.33% +1950 Detail
11/10/2020 2-2-0 50.00% -100 Detail
11/07/2020 25-32-2 44.07% -5100 Detail
11/05/2020 1-1-0 50.00% -50 Detail
11/04/2020 8-4-0 66.67% +1800 Detail


Total.........79-68-2 53.74% +21.00

 

[CNOTES]

Wednesday’s 6-pack
Interesting pointspreads for Week 11:
— Tennessee @ Baltimore (-6.5)
— Dallas @ Minnesota (-7.5)
— Kansas City (-7) @ Las Vegas
— Miami (-3.5) @ Denver
— NJ Jets @ LA Chargers (-8.5)
— Rams @ Tampa Bay (-3)


Americans who have died from COVID-19: 248,027
PLEASE wear a mask when you go out.


Quote of the Day
“Listen, everything that coach coaches throughout the week, it tends to come up. I’m beginning to think he either has like a Staples easy button or a Buffalo Wild Wings button or just a straight direct line to the football gods because he’s, like, a football whisperer when it comes to anticipating what the game’s going to be like, how we need to win, and things like that. I’m extremely impressed with that.”
Patriots’ QB Cam Newton, who thinks his team’s head coach is pretty smart


Wednesday’s quiz
When was the last time a team started a season 9-0 and then won the Super Bowl?


Tuesday’s quiz
Bud Grant coached the Minnesota Vikings when they won four NFC titles but went 0-4 in the Super Bowl; he also played in the NBA, for the Minneapolis Lakers.


Monday’s quiz
In the movie Little Big League, Dennis Farina played the manager of the Minnesota Twins who got fired by the team’s 12-year old owner.


*********************************


Wednesday’s Den: Mid-week musings…….


13) You know your life is going well when you turn down a 2-year contract worth $103M, like James Harden did this week. Who turns down $51.5M a year???


Apparently Harden wants to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where he would be teammates with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving. I’d be queasy about any team with Irving on it; he doesn’t seem like such a great teammate.


Here is a reminder that Steve Nash is the new coach of the Nets, and he’s never coached; I’m not saying he can’t coach, just saying that he’s NEVER coached. Doesn’t seem like an entry level job.


12) Theo Epstein is out as president of the Cubs, after nine years with Chicago, during which time the Cubs ended their 100+ year championship drought. Jed Hoyer will replace Epstein, whose 5-year contract with the Cubs was set to end after the 2021 season.


11) Read the other day that former Tigers/Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski has moved to Nashville, in hopes of bringing major league baseball to Music City. My guess is that MLB will have two expansion franchises pretty soon, with Dombrowski/Epstein running them.


Portland OR, Montreal would also like MLB teams; could the A’s move to Oregon?


10) Wichita State gave basketball coach Gregg Marshall $7.75M Tuesday to take a hike, after he coached the Shockers for 14 years, going 331-121. Former players posted multiple allegations of verbal and physical abuse by Marshall, so out the door he goes.


When you fire the winningest coach in school history, that’s newsworthy; the Koch family are among Wichita’s biggest boosters, so the school can afford $7.75M.


9) If the whole NCAA Tournament is indeed being held in Indiana, and Arizona St-Purdue both make the field, then they should play that game at Frankfort HS, where a Blue Chips reunion could take place, seeing how Bobby Hurley/Matt Painter both played in the basketball scenes in that movie, which was made in 1994.


Iona and Memphis could also be involved, seeing how Penny Hardaway played for Western U in the movie, and Rick Pitino coached against the fictional Dolphins.


8) Speaking of Blue Chips, a movie I love, an actor named JT Walsh played Happy, the booster who helps pay players to play for Western U. JT Walsh was a great actor: here are my favorite movies that he appeared in:


— Blue Chips– he played Happy, the unscrupulous booster
— A Few Good Men— he played Lt. Col. Markinson, who worked under Colonel Jessup
— The Client— he played McThune; one of the best John Grisham movies.
— The Last Seduction— All I know about this movie is that Linda Fiorentino is in it, and that’s enough.
— Tequila Sunrise— he played Maguire, who was always at odds with Kurt Russell.


JT Walsh was only 54 when he died back in 1998, way too soon.


7) Random thing I learned while watching way too much TV: Lady Gaga and Sean McVay both write left-handed. Not sure if McVay can sing, or if Lady Gaga can call plays.


6) 2020 is the weirdest year ever: Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns have already clinched their division in the Sun Belt, while out in the Pac-12, Utah hasn’t even played a game yet.


5) WR Brenden Rice caught a TD pass for Colorado Saturday; the kid has pretty good genes, seeing how Jerry Rice is his dad.


4) San Diego Padres traded for P Mike Clevinger last summer, then he hurt his arm; he’ll have Tommy John surgery, will miss the 2021 season, but San Diego signed him to a 2-year, $11M contract, so they’ll have him back in 2022.


3) How are Roger Clemens/Barry Bonds not in the Hall of Fame? Seriously?


2) I’ve seen enough college football this year to know that some teams are ridiculously awful on defense; when Signing Day comes around in February, Ole Miss damn well better sign 10-12 kids who play defense, maybe more than that. Their defense is terrible.


1) ESPN’s Daily Wager program, which is a pretty good gambling-related show, reported that Sunday, a gambler would’ve won a parlay worth $94,221 had Buffalo beaten the Cardinals— the Hail Mary at the end of the game was very, very expensive for that guy. Yikes.

 

[CNOTES]

Tech Trends - Week 12
Bruce Marshall


Week 12 of the College Football season kicks off on Tuesday, Nov. 17 with MACtion and concludes on Saturday Nov. 22.


We've identified betting trends and angles for key matchups between FBS and FCS matchups.


We also have "Tech Edge" leans on the side or total for each game too.


Wednesday, Nov. 18


NORTHERN ILLINOIS at BALL STATE (ESPNews, 7:00 p.m.)
Prior to last season’s 27-20 Ball win, Cards had dropped ten in a row SU vs. NIU
Failed to cover seven straight in series
Ball State also just 6-12 vs. line last 18 at Muncie after non-cover vs. EMU last Wednesday
Thomas Hammock is 3-2 as MAC dog since LY for Huskies
But 0-2 in that role this season after last week’s lopsided 48-10 loss to Central Michigan


Tech Edge: None

TOLEDO at EASTERN MICHIGAN (CBSSN, 7:00 p.m.)
EMU great road mark lately but just 2-6 last 8 vs. spread at Rynearson Stadium
Eagles, however, are 3-0-1 vs. line last four in series vs. Toledo
Toledo did get win in 2020 opener vs. BGSU but still just 4-10-1 vs. line since late 2018
Rockets have also failed to cover eight straight away from Glass Bowl after close loss to WMU


Tech Edge: Eastern Michigan, based on series and team trends.


WESTERN MICHIGAN at CENTRAL MICHIGAN (ESPN2, 7:00 p.m.)
CMU on 12-4 spread run since McElwain arrived in 2019 (2-0 in 2020).
Interestingly, road team has covered last 8 in series.
WMU was 3-10 last 13 vs. line as visitor before opening win at Akron.


Tech Edge: Slight to CMU, based on recent trends.




Thursday, Nov. 19


UTAH STATE at WYOMING (CBSSN, 9:00 p.m.)
A tough 2020 start for Utags, 0-4 SU and vs. line.
Coach Gary Andersen forced after Nov. 5 Nevada loss, and now 4-10 vs. spread last 14 since mid-2019.
Wyoming coach Craig Bohl had covered three straight in series prior to close loss LY.
Cowboys 8-2 vs. spread last 10 at Laramie.


Tech Edge: Wyoming, based on team trends.


TULANE at TULSA (ESPN, 7:30 p.m.)
Tulane has covered last five TY, now on 16-7 spread uptick since late 2018
Green Wave has won and covered last three in series
Road team 4-1 vs. line in Tulsa games TY (Tulsa 1-1 home)
Golden Hurricane 3-5 last seven vs. points as host.


Tech Edge: Tulane, based on team trends.




Friday, Nov. 20


SYRACUSE at LOUISVILLE (ESPN, 7:00 p.m.)
Cards coach Scott Satterfield 6-4 vs. line at home since last year
Home team has won and covered big last three in series
Cards have also won and covered in 5 of last 6 meetings


Tech Edge: Louisville, based on series trends.


PURDUE at MINNESOTA (Big Ten, 7:30 p.m.)
Purdue 8-3 spread uptick since late last year
Boilermakers have covered eight straight as a 'dog prior to NU last Saturday.
Gophers have won and covered 4 of last 5 meetings.
However. Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck 1-5-1 vs. spread last seven in regular season.


Tech Edge: Purdue, based on recent trends.


NEW MEXICO at AIR FORCE (FS1, 9:30 p.m.)
Lobos cocach Bob Davie had great spread success vs. Force the past 8 years, covering all but one of the games
Lone non-cover came in 2018
Winning three of five outright 2013-17.
Rocky Long (now Lobos DC) won all seven outright vs. Falcons while at SDSU.
UNM only 6-16 last 22 on board but has covered two in a row.


Tech Edge: New Mexico, based on extended trends.




Saturday, Nov. 21


INDIANA at OHIO STATE (FOX, Noon)
Indiana has covered the spread in 11 of its last 14 games since 2019 (Indiana 6-1 as underdog in last seven).
Indiana has won four straight games.
The road team has covered the spread in four straight games played between both schools
Ohio State has failed to cover the spread in five of its last eight games after covering the spread in eight straight prior.
Ryan Day has covered the spread in six of his last eight home games.


Tech Edge: Indiana based on recent and series trends.


CLEMSON at FLORIDA STATE (ABC, Noon)
This used to be a big game not long ago!
Clemson has won five straight games when facing FSU, while covering the spread in three straight against the Seminoles.
Clemson is 2-6 vs the line this year.
Clemson is 1-2 vs the line when facing a conference opponent on the road (9-1-1 in previous 11 vs spread when facing conference opponent on the road).
Mike Norvell has lost six of his last eight games with FSU, and is 1-5 vs. the line when playing in Tallahassee.
FSU has lost six of its last eight games as the underdog.


Tech Edge: Clemson based on team and series trends.


WAKE FOREST at DUKE (ACCN, Noon)
Wake Forest has won large in two straight games when facing Duke.
Wake Forest has covered the spread in three of its last four games when facing Duke.
Wake Forest has covered the spread in five straight games, and six of its last seven games.
David Cutcliffe is 2-5-1 over his last eight conference home games vs. the spread (includes Notre Dame last year).


Tech Edge: Wake Forest based on recent and series trends.


ILLINOIS at NEBRASKA (BTN, Noon)
Scott Frost lost six of eight games as the favorite last year.
Frost is 4-11 vs. the points since last year.
Lovie Smith has lost six of his last seven games since 2019 (3-4 vs. the line in those).
Smith has gone UNDER the point total in eight of his last 11 games (series has gone way OVER last two years).


Tech Edge: Slight OVER based on recent point total trends.


APP STATE at COASTAL CAROLINA (ESPN2, Noon)
Appalachian State is 1-6 vs the line this season, and 1-7 in last eight on board.
Appalachian State is 3-0 getting points as the underdog since 2018.
Appalachian State has won three straight games when facing Coastal Carolina, and has covered in two straight against the Chanticleers.
Coastal Carolina has won seven straight games, and has covered the spread in nine of its last 13 games since mid 2019.
Appalachian State has gone UNDER the point total in six of its last seven games, though this game saw 93 total points last year.


Tech Edge: Slight to Chanticleers based on recent trends.


EAST CAROLINA at TEMPLE (ESPN+, Noon)
ECU is 5-3 vs the spread over last eight road games, 2-2 this season.
ECU has lost five straight games when facing Temple, covering one of those games (2019).
Temple has failed to cover the spread in five of its last seven games on board since late 2019 (backdoor cover against UCF last week).


Tech Edge: Slight to Pirates based on recent trends.


MICHIGAN STATE at MARYLAND (BTN, Noon)
Mel Tucker is 5-12 since 2019 and 6-15 over his last 21 games vs. the number on the board since 2018.
Maryland has covered the spread in three of its last four games when facing Michigan State.
The road team has covered the spread in three straight games played between both schools.


Tech Edge: Maryland based on recent trends.


HOUSTON at SMU (ESPNU, Noon)
Dana Holgorsen is 9-9 vs. the spread since last year, and has lost 11 of his last 18 games.
Holgorsen has failed to cover the spread in four straight, and five of his last six games as the underdog.
Houston covered against SMU last season, but the Mustangs covered four straight years prior.
Sonny Dykes has won seven of his last 10 home games vs. the points.


Tech Edge: SMU based on team trends.


FLORIDA at VANDERBILT (ESPN, Noon)
Vanderbilt has failed to cover the spread in 13 of its last 19 games.
Vanderbilt has lost eight of its last nine home games vs. the line when facing an FBS-school.
Florida has covered the spread in three straight games when facing Vanderbilt.


Tech Edge: Rice based on team trends.


LSU at ARKANSAS (SECN, Noon)
Arkansas has covered the spread in two straight games when facing LSU.
Arkansas has won six of its last seven games vs. the line.
LSU is 2-3 vs. the line this year.


Tech Edge: Arkansas based on team trends.


GEORGIA SOUTHERN at ARMY (CBSSN, Noon)
Georgia Southern has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last 10 road games.
Army has gone UNDER the point total in 13 of its last 21 games.
Georgia Southern has gone UNDER the point total in eight of its last 10 games.
This game might go fast!


Tech Edge: Slight Army and UNDER based on team trends and point total trends.


FIU at WESTERN KENTUCKY (ESPN3, 2 p.m.)
Western Kentucky has failed to cover the spread in 10 of its last 11 games.
FIU covered the spread in three straight games against Western Kentucky prior to last year's 20-14 loss.
Butch Davis has failed to cover the spread in 12 of his last 17 games since 2019.


Tech Edge: FIU based on recent trends.


RICE at NORTH TEXAS (ESPN3, 2 p.m.)
North Texas has failed to cover the spread in 18 of its last 23 games.
Rice has covered the spread in 12 of its last 20 games, and two straight when facing North Texas.


Tech Edge: Rice based on team trends.


UTSA at SOUTHERN MISS (ESPN+, 3 p.m.)
Southern Miss is 1-6 vs. the line this season.
Southern Miss has failed to cover the spread in nine of its last 10 games since 2019.
The road team has covered the spread in three straight games
Southern Miss has gone UNDER the point total in 10 of its last 13 games


Tech Edge: UTSA and UNDER based on team and point total trends.


ARKANSAS STATE at TEXAS STATE (ESPN3, 3 p.m.)
Arkansas State has won five straight games by 18 or more points when facing Texas State (covered in four of those games).
Texas State has covered the spread in three straight home games.
Despite last week's high total, Texas State has gone UNDER the point total in 20 of its last 29 games.


Tech Edge: Arkansas State and UNDER based on team and point total trends.


WISCONSIN at NORTHWESTERN (ABC, 3:30 p.m.)
Northwestern has covered the spread in three straight games, and five of its last six games when facing Wisconsin.
Northwestern has covered or pushed the spread in seven straight games
Pat Fitzgerald has covered the spread in 17 of his last 27 games since 2016.
Wisconsin is 4-5 vs. the spread in last nine conference road games.


Tech Edge: Northwestern based on team and series trends.


CINCINNATI at CENTRAL FLORIDA (ESPN, 3:30 p.m.)
UCF has failed to cover the spread in 12 of its last 17 games since early 2019.
UCF has lost six of its last seven home games vs. number.
Cincinnati has covered the spread in four straight road games, and six of its last eight road games vs. the line.
Cincinnati won last year's meeting 27-24, but dropped three straight to UCF prior.


Tech Edge: Bearcats based on recent trends.


IOWA at PENN STATE (BTN, 3:30 p.m.)
James Franklin is 0-4 SU and vs. the line this year (2-7 over last nine since late 2019).
Penn State has won four straight games when facing Iowa.
Kirk Ferentz 16-8-1 vs the spread when facing an AP-ranked Top 25 Big Ten school on the road.


Tech Edge: Iowa based on recent trends.


CALIFORNIA at OREGON STATE (FS1, 3:30 p.m.)
California has covered the spread in seven of its last nine conference road games after last week's loss to UCLA.
Oregon State has seen the road team cover the spread in nine of its last 10 games.
Oregon State upset Cal in Berkeley last year, 21-17.


Tech Edge: Cal based on team trends.


TEXAS at KANSAS (ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.)
Les Miles is 0-6-1 vs. the line in last seven games, and 1-9-1 in last 11 on board.
Kansas has covered the spread in four straight games when facing Texas, and three straight against Tom Herman.
Kansas has gone OVER the point total in eight of its last nine games.
Texas has gone OVER the point total in 13 of its last 20 games.


Tech Edge: Slight Texas and OVER based on Kansas recent woes and point total trends.


SAN DIEGO STATE at NEVADA (CBS, 3:30 p.m.)
Nevada has won four straight games.
Nevada has covered the spread in three of its last four games.
Nevada has covered the spread in eight of its last 10 home games when facing an FBS-school.
San Diego State has gone UNDER the point total in 15 of its last 18 games since 2018.


Tech Edge: Nevada and UNDER based on team and point total trends.


MIDDLE TENNESSEE at TROY (ESPN3, 3:30 p.m.)
Troy has failed to cover the spread in 12 of its last 19 games since Chip Lindsey arrived.
Under Lindsey, Troy has failed to cover the spread in six of its last nine home games.
Middle Tennessee has covered the spread in four of its last six games.
Middle Tennessee has covered the spread in six of its last nine games as the underdog.


Tech Edge: MTSU based on team trends.


KENTUCKY at ALABAMA (SECN, 4 p.m.)
Alabama has covered the spread in three straight home games this year.
Kentucky has won seven of its last 10 games as the underdog.
Kentucky has gone UNDER the point total in five of its last seven games this year.


Tech Edge: Kentucky and UNDER based on team and point total trends.


KANSAS STATE at IOWA STATE (FOX, 4 p.m.)
Kansas State has won nine of its last 12 games as the underdog since last year.
Kansas State has won 24 of its last 32 games as the underdog.
Kansas State has covered the spread in five of its last six games this season.
Iowa State has lost five of its last six home games as the favorite.
Kansas State has covered the spread in two straight games when facing Iowa State.


Tech Edge: Wildcats based on team trends.


VIRGINIA TECH at PITTSBURGH (ACCN, 4 p.m.)
Virgnia Tech is 1-3 vs the line when playing on the road this year.
Virgnia Tech is 1-5 vs the spread over its last six road games.
Piittsburgh covered five straight games when facing Virginia Tech prior to last year's 28-0 loss to the Hokies.


Tech Edge: Pitt based on team and extended series trends.


GEORGIA STATE at SOUTH ALABAMA (ESPNU, 4 p.m.)
GSU has gone OVER the point total in six of its last eight games.
South Alabama has gone UNDER the point total in 15 of its last 20 games.
South Alabama is 10-5-1 over its last 16 games vs. the line


Tech Edge: Slight Jaguars and UNDER based on team and point total trends.


UNLV at COLORADO STATE (FS2, 5:30 p.m.)
UNLV has lost four straight games, and has failed to cover the spread in four straight games.
UNLV has failed to cover the spread in nine of its last 11 conference road games.
Colorado State is 5-3 vs. the line when facing a conference opponent at home.
Colorado State has won and covered the spread in four straight games when facing UNLV (dating back to 2011).


Tech Edge: Colorado State based on team and extended series trends.


TENNESSEE at AUBURN (ESPN, 7 p.m.)
Tennessee has no wins or cover in four straight games after winning eight straight prior.
Gus Malzhan is 7-3 vs. the spread in last 10 home games.
Tennessee has gone UNDER the point total in 17 of its last 24 games.
Auburn has gone UNDER the point total in nine of its last 12 games.


Tech Edge: Auburn and UNDER based on team and point total trends.


MISSISSIPPI STATE at GEORGIA (SECN, 7 p.m.)
Mississippi State has failed to cover the spread in five straight games since opening win over LSU.
Mike Leach has failed to cover the spread in 16 of his last 21 games dating back to late 2018.
Georgia has seen the home team win five straight games vs. the line (Florida game considered neutral).
Kirby Smart has gone UNDER the point total in 14 of his last 20 games since last year.
Mississippi State has gone UNDER the point total in five straight games.


Tech Edge: UNDER and Georgia based on point total and team trends.


SAN JOSE STATE at FRESNO STATE (CBSSN, 7 p.m.)
San Jose State is 4-0 vs. the line this year, and 13-4-1 over its last 17 games.
Fresno State is 3-1 vs. the line, but 5-9-1 vs. the spread since early 2019.


Tech Edge: Spartans based on team trends.


OKLAHOMA STATE at OKLAHOMA (ABC, 7:30 p.m.)
The road team has covered three straight games played between both schools, and seven of the last eight games as well.
Jeff Gundy has won 11 of his last 14 games as the underdog.


Tech Edge: Cowboys based on team and series trends.


MISSOURI at SOUTH CAROLINA (SECN Alt, 7:30 p.m.)
Missouri has seen the home team win five straight games vs. the line.
Missouri is 0-3 vs. the line when playing on the road.
Missouri has failed to cover the spread in eight straight road games going back to 2018.
South Carolina has covered the spread in four of its last seven conference home games.


Tech Edge: South Carolina based on team trends.


LIBERTY at N.C. STATE (ESPN3, 7:30 p.m.)
Liberty has won nine straight games.
Liberty has covered the spread in six of its last eight games, and nine of its last 12 games.
If getting points, note Hugh Freeze is 5-1 in his last six games as the underdog.
Liberty is 2-0 vs. the line when facing the ACC this year.
N.C. State is 4-0 vs. the line at home this season, and 6-2 overall.
N.C. State has gone OVER the point total in nine of its last 12 games.


Tech Edge: Slight Liberty and OVER based on recent and point total trends.


MICHIGAN at RUTGERS (BTN, 7:30 p.m.)
Jim Harbaugh is 8-13 vs. the spread over last 21 games (no wins or covers in last three games).
Michigan has lost two of its last three vs. the line when facing Rutgers since the 78-0 win in 2016.
Rutgers has covered two of its last four games this year.


Tech Edge: Rutgers based on recent trends.


ARIZONA at WASHINGTON (FOX, 8 p.m.)
Kevin Sumlin covered in opener vs. USC, but 3-9 vs. the spread last year and 2-4 when facing a conference opponent on the road.
After failing to cover against Oregon State last week, Washington is now 3-9 vs. the points when facing a conference opponent at home (1-9 exlcuding Washington State).
Washington won and covered the spread in Arizona last year, 51-27.


Tech Edge: Washington based on recent Arizona woes.


NAVY at SOUTH FLORIDA (ESPNU, 8 p.m.)
USF has seen the road team cover six of its last seven games (0-2 at home vs. the line).
USF has failed to cover the spread in 10 of its last 12 home games when facing an FBS-school.
Navy is 2-01 vs. the line when playing on the road, and is 7-2 vs. points away from Annapolis since early last year.


Tech Edge: Navy based on team trends.


WASHINGTON STATE at STANFORD (FS1, 11 p.m.)
Washiington State has won four straight games when facing Stanford, and has covered the spread in five srtaight games when facing the Cardinal.
Stanford has failed to cover the spread in 12 of its last 15 games.


Tech Edge: Washington State based on team trends.


BOISE STATE at HAWAI'I (CBSSN, 11 p.m.)
Boise State is 3-3 in last six road games as the favorite (went 36-16 in 52 games prior).
Hawai'i has lost 25 of its last 36 home games vs. the line since 2015.


Tech Edge: Hawai'i based on team trends.

 

[CNOTES]

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


TOL at EMU 07:00 PM
EMU +6.5
O 62.5

NIU at BALL 07:00 PM
NIU +14.5
U 60.0


WMU at CMU 07:00 PM
CMU +1.0
U 59.5

 

[CNOTES]

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD


11/18/2020 3-3-0 50.00% -150 Detail
11/17/2020 1-3-0 0.00% -1150 Detail
11/14/2020 32-22-0 59.26% +3900 Detail
11/13/2020 4-2-0 66.66% +900 Detail
11/12/2020 1-1-0 50.00% -50 Detail
11/11/2020 5-1-0 83.33% +1950 Detail
11/10/2020 2-2-0 50.00% -100 Detail
11/07/2020 25-32-2 44.07% -5100 Detail
11/05/2020 1-1-0 50.00% -50 Detail
11/04/2020 8-4-0 66.67% +1800 Detail


Total.........82-71-2 53.59% +19.50

 

[CNOTES]

Thursday’s 6-pack
Interesting college pointspreads for Week 11:
— Purdue (-3) @ Minnesota
— UCLA @ Oregon (-13.5)
— Iowa (-2) @ Penn State
— Wake Forest (-5) @ Duke
— Cincinnati (-6) @ Central Florida
— Appalachian State @ Coastal Carolina (-5)


Americans who have died from COVID-19: 250,029
PLEASE wear a mask when you go out.


Quotes of the Day
“I’m not into the trap game discussion. This is the NFL, and more than anything, the guys know my attitude regarding that. We are not a Big Ten team playing a MAC opponent this week. Every time we step into a stadium, we’re playing professional players and coaches, and we’ve got a ridiculous amount of respect for that.”
Mike Tomlin


“I haven’t had a chance to get him yet. He mentioned it again in the team meeting, too. I wasn’t too happy about that. I’ll get him back, don’t worry. I have to figure out what conference William & Mary (Tomlin’s alma mater) is in, and we’ll say something about that.”
Ben Roethlisberger, who played college ball in the MAC (Miami OH)


Thursday’s quiz
Of the 32 current head coaches in the NFL, how many played QB in the NFL?


Wednesday’s quiz
2009 Saints were the last team that started a season 9-0 and then won the Super Bowl.


Tuesday’s quiz
Bud Grant coached the Minnesota Vikings when they won four NFC titles but went 0-4 in the Super Bowl; he also played in the NBA, for the Minneapolis Lakers.


********************************


Thursday’s Den: Doing some thinking out loud…….


13) A medical expert posted this on Twitter Tuesday:


“A Thanksgiving with your family on Zoom is better than Christmas/New Year’s in the ICU”


Over the next 3-4 months, self-discipline will save lives. Please be intelligent. Protect yourself and your family.


12) When I see what a big prospect Georgia’s James Edwards is, then I read this quote:


“To be honest, I can’t watch basketball,” Edwards told ESPN. ”I’m still not really into it. I love basketball, yeah, it’s what I do.”


That red flag couldn’t get any brighter; if he has a great career, more power to him, but I wouldn’t touch him with a 20-foot pole.


11) New Jersey Giants had an interesting day during their bye week; the head coach brought in a consultant to work with the offensive line, the current OL coach wasn’t happy about that, words were exchanged and the consultant replaced the OL coach, who was fired.


Jason Garrett brought the OL coach with him from Dallas when he was hired as the Giants’ offensive coordinator, so might be little awkward for him.


10) If you’re interested in such things, Steelers are +750 to finish the season 16-0.


9) NBA exhibition games start December 11, regular season starts December 22.


8) San Francisco 49ers are 24-9 in last 33 games that Jimmy Garoppolo started, 5-23 in last 28 games he didn’t start.


7) 38-year old Robinson Cano flunked another PED test, gets a year suspension from MLB— it also frees up $24M in salary for the Mets to use this year, but Cano is still owed $24M in both 2022-23.


6) New Mexico State’s basketball team will relocate to Phoenix for at least the next five weeks; they will hunker down at Arizona Grand Resort & Spa, where they’ll have access to a full basketball court in a ballroom along with an up-to-date weight room.


5) Big 14 Conference posted its basketball schedule, with four nationally televised games on Christmas Day:


Wisconsin at Michigan State
Iowa at Minnesota
Michigan at Nebraska
Maryland at Purdue


4) Jay Bilas was on ESPN Tuesday night, basically saying that because the NCAA Tournament is such big business, it has to be played this year— having it cancelled two years in a row would be catastrophic financially.


3) Iona’s new coach Rick Pitino posted a suggestion that college basketball be moved back a couple months, with the NCAA Tournament in May (May Madness!!!) for one year only, but the idea doesn’t seem to be gaining much traction.


2) Dodger OF Cody Bellinger hurt his shoulder while celebrating a homer he hit in Game 7 of the World Series; he had that shoulder operated on this week.


1) Note on the NBA; last season, 77 undrafted players played 20+ games, so skill development is a huge thing, mistakes are made in evaluation and if guys work hard to improve their skills, they can still bank a lot of money, even if they aren’t drafted.

 

[CNOTES]

Tulane vs. Tulsa Week 12 Odds
Jonathan Willis


The Golden Hurricane are flying high after last Saturday’s win over SMU.


Tulsa is undefeated (4-0) in the American, and this is likely the only team that has a chance to prevent Cincinnati from winning the AAC.


The last three games of the season won’t be easy though, starting this week when the Tulane Green Wave come to town.


Tulane has looked sharp the last few weeks, thanks to a much-improved defense.


Week 12 Matchup: American
Venue: Chapman Stadium
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2020
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN


Tulsa has been a solid investment for bettors this season, going 4-1 both straight up and against the spread. (AP)


Line Movements


Spread: Tulsa -5.5
Money-Line: Tulsa -240 Tulane +200
Total: 54.5


How to Handicap Tulane-Tulsa


Cancellations and postponements have led to Tulsa playing just five games this season. The Golden Hurricane were heavy underdogs in their first two games after going 4-8 in 2019, but they easily covered the spread against both Oklahoma State and UCF.


Tulsa’s defense held Chuba Hubbard under 100 rushing yards, and the Cowboys failed to pick up more than 300 total yards after Spencer Sanders was injured early.

Tulsa announced it was for real with a 34-26 upset of UCF in early October as a 20.5-point underdog. The Golden Hurricane held the Knights without a point in the final 25 minutes of the game, allowing the offense to overcome an 11-point halftime deficit.


They followed that up with wins over USF and East Carolina before last week’s big 28-24 win over SMU. Tulsa trailed 21-0 early in the second quarter, but Houston scored just three points after its start.


The Green Wave are one of the few teams to not have their schedule seriously impacted by COVID. Tulane has played nine games this season, and Willie Fritz hasn’t had to deal with any long layoffs.


This offense has been solid throughout the 2020 season. Tulane has scored at least 24 points in every game, and the Green Wave have put up at least 31 points in their last seven games since Michael Pratt took over for Keon Howard.


The defense has come alive over the last three weeks too, as Tulane has allowed just 12 PPG in easy wins and covers against Temple, East Carolina, and Army the last three weeks.


Betting Analysis – Green Wave


Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)


2020: 5-4 SU, 6-3 ATS, 6-2-1 O/U


Tulane has a gem in Pratt. The true freshman seized the reins from Howard, and this offense has looked much better from that point forward.


Pratt had accuracy issues in his first few games, failing to complete more than 50 percent of his passes in his first three appearances, but he has settled into the role. He has completed at least 57 percent of his passes in four straight games, and he is a dynamic runner in this offense.


Fritz loves to run the ball. The Green Wave are currently averaging 5.3 YPC and 224.8 YPG on the ground. The five leading rushers on this team are all averaging more than 5.5 YPC with Stephon Huderson and Cameron Carroll leading the way. Huderson is the big-play RB (6.6 YPC), while Carroll shines in short yardage (10 TDs).


Duece Watts has established himself as the go-to receiver for Pratt. He leads the team in every receiving category with 26 receptions for 448 yards (17.2 YPR) and five touchdowns. His twin brother Phat Watts is one of the other top options along with Jha’Quan Jackson.


The Green Wave were shredded by some good offenses in the middle of the season. They couldn’t stop Houston, SMU, or UCF, but they have looked much better in recent weeks. Tulane does a good job of stopping the run (3.3 YPC), but the pass defense has been abysmal (8.8 YPA).


Edge rusher Patrick Johnson has been a playmaker with 10 sacks and two forced fumbles on the year.


Betting Analysis - Golden Hurricane


2020: 4-1 SU, 4-1 ATS, 2-3 O/U


QB Zach Smith isn’t a world-beater, but he has been consistent over his four years with Tulsa. He is having the best season of his career as a senior, completing 61.5 percent of his passes for 8.0 YPA with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. Smith isn’t much of a runner, so that puts a bit of a cap on the offense, but he doesn’t make a lot of poor throws either.


The loss of starting running back Shamari Brooks prior to the start of the season was a big blow for the Golden Hurricane. Sophomores Deneric Prince and T.K. Wilkerson has stepped up to fill the void though, teaming up to average 4.7 YPC.


Keylon Stokes and Josh Johnson are Smith’s two favorite options in the passing game. The Golden Hurricane don’t throw much though as Tulsa is averaging just 31.4 passes per game this season.


Tulsa’s defense has been very good. The Golden Hurricane are ranked 31st in defensive SP+, and that is the primary catalyst for their turnaround in 2020. Linebacker Zaven Collins is a potential AAC Defensive Player of the Year choice with four sacks, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles in five games.


Historically Speaking


Head-to-Head


Tulsa won 11 of its first 13 games against Tulane, but the Green Wave are on a three-game winning streak. They hammered the Golden Hurricane 62-28 for their biggest win in this series three years ago, and it’s been all Tulane since that point.


Last Meeting


Tulane gashed Tulsa on the ground when these teams met last season. The Green Wave ran the ball 46 times for 293 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-26 win over the Golden Hurricane.


Justin McMillan threw two interceptions, but Tulsa was only able to kick field goals despite the good field position those turnovers provided.


Notable Betting Trends


-- Tulane has covered five straight games


-- The favorite is 13-3 ATS in this series


-- The over is 5-1 in the last six games between these teams

 

[CNOTES]

Utah State at Wyoming canceled


Arizona State vs. Colorado canceled


Ole Miss vs. Texas A&M postponed


Louisiana Tech vs. UL Monroe canceled


Georgia Tech at Miami postponed


Charlotte at Marshall canceled


Wake Forest at Duke canceled


SMU vs. Houston postponed


Navy at USF postponed


Central Arkansas at Louisiana canceled


UNLV at Colorado State canceled


Texas at Kansas postponed


Michigan State at Maryland canceled

 

[indiana]

C/Note........always appreciate your updates buddy........

information is 2nd to none, thank you........BOL this weekend......

I still follow your one play a day (sometimes I miss it).......indy

 

[CNOTES]

Howzit going Indy......well glad you like the information....but watch out for those one play a day games.......lol

Its been COLDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD and rarely hot lately..........it will catch fire soon ..........So-Sorry-935&

 

[CNOTES]

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


TULN at TLSA 07:30 PM


TLSA -5.5


O 54.5

 

[CNOTES]

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD


11/19/2020 1-1-0 50.00% -50 Detail
11/18/2020 3-3-0 50.00% -150 Detail
11/17/2020 1-3-0 0.00% -1150 Detail
11/14/2020 32-22-0 59.26% +3900 Detail
11/13/2020 4-2-0 66.66% +900 Detail
11/12/2020 1-1-0 50.00% -50 Detail
11/11/2020 5-1-0 83.33% +1950 Detail
11/10/2020 2-2-0 50.00% -100 Detail
11/07/2020 25-32-2 44.07% -5100 Detail
11/05/2020 1-1-0 50.00% -50 Detail
11/04/2020 8-4-0 66.67% +1800 Detail


Total.........83-72-2 53.54% +19.00

 

[CNOTES]

Friday’s 6-pack
Interesting college pointspreads for Week 11:
— California (-3.5) @ Oregon State
— San Jose State (-2.5) @ Fresno State
— San Diego State (-1.5) @ Nevada
— Wisconsin (-7.5) @ Northwestern
— Oklahoma State @ Oklahoma (-7)
— Tennessee @ Auburn (-11)


Americans who have died from COVID-19: 252,290
PLEASE wear a mask when you go out.


Quotes of the Day
“(Jed) Hoyer isn’t just following in the footsteps of a legend, he’s stepping into these newly formed expectations. This isn’t the Cubs job Epstein took in 2011.”
Matt Snyder, CBSSports.com


Friday’s quiz
In the movie Any Given Sunday, where Al Pacino played a pro football coach, which two Hall of Fame quarterbacks played opposing head coaches in the movie?


Thursday’s quiz
Four current NFL head coaches also played QB in the NFL:
Payton, Kingsbury, Pederson, Reich


Wednesday’s quiz
2009 Saints were the last team that started a season 9-0 and then won the Super Bowl.


********************************


Friday’s Den: Random stuff on a chilly autumn day


Seattle 28, Cardinals 21
— First time in six games Arizona scored less than 30 points.
— Arizona ran the ball only 18 times for 57 yards.
— Redbirds had only two plays of 20+ yards.
— Arizona trailed at halftime in seven of its ten games.


— Seattle ran ball for 165 yards, threw for 182; good balance.
— Seattle is 4-1 ATS as a home favorite this year.
— Seahawks scored a safety with 9:12 left when they led 23-21.
— Both teams converted over 50% of their third down plays.


— 42 years ago Thursday (today as I type this), November 19, 1978, was the Miracle of the Meadowlands, when the Giants had the Eagles beaten at home, but instead of taking a knee, they tried a handoff, fumbled and Eagles DB Herm Edwards (yes, him) picked the ball up and scored the touchdown that propelled the Eagles into the playoffs that year.


The play changed the NFL forever, because everyone takes a knee now at the end of games, and they started doing it pretty much right after that day.


As a lifelong Rams fan, though, the game was significant to me for other reasons; Philly made the Super Bowl two years after that, but their coach quit after the ’82 season and became a TV commentator, and a good one, doing both pro/college games.


In 1997, after 14 years on TV, Dick Vermeil became coach of the Rams, and won the Super Bowl in his third year with the then-St Louis Rams.


The Giants’ coach on that day in 1978 was John McVay, who went 14-23 in New Jersey but got fired after the ’78 season. You may have heard of his grandson; current Rams’ coach Sean McVay.


— Back to the present; the Los Angeles Rams have won their last 31 games when they led at halftime, longest current streak in the NFL.


— Bad news from the Bay Area: Klay Thompson tore his right achilles, is done for this season. Thompson was just about done with a 17-month rehab from his left ACL being torn. He will be 31 years old in February; we wish him well in rehabbing this injury.


Warriors are trading for Kelly Oubre Jr., to try and fill part of the void left by Thompson’s injury.


— This is very 2020; Tulane played its 10th football game, before Utah played any games.


— LaMelo Ball got drafted 3rd Wednesday night, by the Hornets; hard to believe that its been over three years since I saw him play in an AAU game in Las Vegas.


July 2017, I’m at the Cashman Center in downtown Vegas, where there are seven courts under one roof at an Adidas tournament. I’m taking notes for this site, oblivious to what may or may not happen, I just knew there were a whole lot of games going to be played.


There is a main court, where the game was broadcast on the Interweb and there was a big video screen up on the wall showing the action, so I hunkered down by that court, and then noticed that the 4th and last game of the night would be LaVar Ball’s team, with his youngest son on it.


Didn’t think much about it at the time, but at the end of the first game, the bleachers were packed with kids, tons of kids. AAU games usually have some college coaches and a handful of friends/family, but there are like 1,000 people milling around, it was crazy.


So it turns out that LaVar Ball’s team was playing a team from South Carolina, which had a really good player named Zion Williamson on it— you may have heard of him. I was sitting next to a college coach, asked him who he thought would win— he said Zion’s team by 30-40.


So LaMelo’s team presses the whole game, takes a ton of 3’s, while all Zion does on offense is be an outlet against the press- they’d lob the ball to him and he’d find an open teammate. The game was way closer than expected, ended like 110-95, something like that.


Saw the boxscore the next day; Ball’s team took 46 3-pointers, Zion’s team took one— one!!!!


No idea if LaMelo Ball will be a good pro; he can shoot/pass, no clue if he has any other basketball skills. His career has been extremely dysfunctional— he didn’t finish his high school career, never played in college, has already played pro ball in two countries.


Can he be part of a professional team? Can he deal with sitting on the bench? Will he work his butt off to improve his craft? I’m not saying he can’t/won’t, its just that no one knows yet, but being drafted by Michael Jordan’s team is a pretty hefty endorsement.


— One of the weirder things that day was that Patrick Ewing was there, recruiting for his team at Georgetown. He is sitting right by this court, with hundreds of kids who love basketball buzzing around, and Ewing gets up and goes to the concession stand. Not one kid says a word to him— he is one of the 50 greatest players ever!!!


But hey, there’s Lonzo Ball over there, scrolling thru his iPhone. Kids know who he is. Ewing was probably glad no one bugged him, but it was strange.


— Knicks created $40M in salary cap space Thursday, when they cut six players.


— Random knowledge gained from watching too much TV: when Joe Buck was a much younger person, he was a Houston Oilers fan. He was talking about Colts’ coach Frank Reich and the great comeback Reich led against the Oilers in the playoffs, when he played for Buffalo.


— Korean World Series is going on this week; five teams make their playoffs, but the #1 seed gets a bye straight to the World Series, so the NC Dinos had 16 days off before the series started. Not sure that’s a good thing. Dinos and Doosan Bears split the first two games of the series.


Tulsa 30, Tulane 24 OT:
— Tulsa ran an INT back 96 yards for the game-winning TD in OT.
— Game was scoreless at halftime; Tulane led 14-0 with 4:00 left in 3rd quarter.
— Tulane took a 21-14 lead with 1:38 left in game.
— Tulsa tied game on a 37-yard TD pass at the gun in regulation.
— Tulsa outgained Tulane 522-302, converted 10-21 third down plays.

 

[CNOTES]

Purdue vs. Minnesota Week 12 Odds
Jonathan Willis


The Big Ten is in the spotlight Friday night with a matchup of West rivals as Purdue visits Minnesota.


Here is a look at a battle in the Big Ten West Friday night to start another big college football weekend.


Week 12 Matchup: Big Ten Conference
Venue: TCF Bank Stadium
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Date: Friday, November 20, 2020
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: BTN


Purdue-Minnesota Betting Odds


Spread: Purdue -2.5
Money-Line: Purdue -130 Minnesota +110
Total: 61


Purdue running back Zander Horvath looks to continue his ground success when visiting Minnesota this week. (AP)


How to Handicap Purdue-Minnesota


Minnesota delivered a breakthrough 2019 season as a co-division champion and bowl winner that landed in the national top 10 by the end of the season, but Purdue nearly spoiled that path in the Big Ten opener last season.

All four September wins for Minnesota last season were close calls and after leading 38-17 through three quarters, Purdue had a pair of late touchdowns to climb within seven hosting the Golden Gophers last season.


Purdue appeared to make the stop it needed with an incomplete pass on 3rd down, set to get the ball back with still almost three minutes remaining but pass interference effectively handed Minnesota the win.


Minnesota has won the past two meetings in this series including a 41-10 win in the last meeting in Minneapolis in 2018 when Purdue was a double-digit road favorite.


P.J. Fleck did lose to Jeff Brohm in 2017 in West Lafayette in the first season for both head coaches in the Big Ten. Minnesota has now won six of the past seven meetings in this series.


Purdue is 2-1 this season but is coming off a tough loss hosting Northwestern last week, a game that could have put the Boilermakers in the division lead. Minnesota was humiliated last week hosting Iowa, losing 35-7 with the shutout spoiled with 14 seconds to go.


Minnesota draws the two remaining undefeated Big Ten West teams in the next two weeks as this contest now looms as one of the only remaining opportunities for another win in a steep crash for the program in 2020. Purdue can still put together a respectable season as they will have home games vs. losing teams the next two weeks and had their matchup with top West threat Wisconsin cancelled.


Quarterback Corner


After a breakthrough 2018 season led by David Blough, Purdue struggled with lesser quarterback play last season as Jack Plummer, Aidan O’Connell, and Elijah Sindelar shared the snaps.


O’Connell won the job this season over Plummer and has a fine season line, though a near flawless outing vs. a marginal Illinois defense has padded the numbers.


The junior has completed nearly 65 percent of his passes and is likely to eclipse last season’s marks in yardage and touchdowns this week.


Originally recruited by Fleck to Western Michigan, Tanner Morgan emerged as the Minnesota starter as a freshman in 2018.


He delivered a huge campaign last season with 30 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, passing for over 3,000 yards on 10.2 yards per attempt with a lot of big plays. Despite great talent in the receiving corps and a veteran offensive line, Morgan’s numbers have fallen off a cliff this season, dropping his completion rate by 8.5 percent and losing nearly three yards per attempt.


Betting Analysis – Purdue


2020: 2-1 S/U, 1-2 ATS, 0-3 O/U


While last week Purdue competed well in a defensive grind with now 4-0 Northwestern, the Boilermakers have been bested in yardage in all three games despite being 2-1. The win over Iowa in the opener featured a comeback late in the fourth quarter while outgained by 74 yards while Purdue had to hold off a comeback bid from Illinois to reach 2-0.


Purdue trailed 27-13 in the fourth quarter last week and in all likelihood had the game with Wisconsin been played, the Boilermakers would be entering this game at 2-2 with lesser numbers and not likely sitting as a road favorite.


Purdue was actually -11 at Minnesota in November 2018 before losing 41-10 and has lost ATS the past three instances when laying points in Minneapolis.


Brohm was targeted by Louisville after back-to-back bowl seasons that included the 49-20 win over Ohio State in 2018. He opted to stay put and now finds himself at 19-22 in his career and looking to avoid a third straight losing season.


The offense has posted only 5.2 yards per play but has allowed only 5.4 yards per play as while the offense may be at a slight disadvantage in this game, the defense has been much more reliable than Minnesota’s defense.


Betting Analysis - Minnesota


2020: 1-3 S/U, 1-3 ATS, 2-2 O/U


Fleck led a great turnaround in four years at Western Michigan going from 1-11 in 2013 to 13-1 in 2016. He appeared to be a year ahead of schedule after 5-7 and 7-6 seasons, breaking through to 11-2 last season for the Gophers.


Minnesota did have a few suspect results with three close games in non-conference play but the enthusiasm for the program climbed to heights not seen in decades, reaching a peak winning a November showdown with Penn State in a pairing of undefeated teams.


The Gophers would lose two of the final three Big Ten West games and Wisconsin represented the division in the Big Ten title game but a nice win over Auburn in the Outback Bowl capped off a great season.


Expectations were elevated for Fleck and the Gophers heading into 2020 particularly with a veteran offensive line along with Morgan, Bateman and running back Mohamed Ibrahim, who was a productive complement to Rodney Smith last season.


Minnesota is 1-3 however and the losses haven’t been particularly competitive. Minnesota has scored 116 points in four games but opponents have averaged nearly 36 points per game against the Gophers. The Gophers are allowing 7.8 yards per play to sit as one of the nation’s worst defenses statistically.


There has been a slight home field edge for the Gophers in the Fleck era with a 15-8 S/U mark having gone 12-11 ATS since he took over in 2017, though only 8-8 S/U & 8-8 ATS in Big Ten home games, now dropping each of the past three as home underdogs including both instances this season.


Historically Speaking


Head-to-Head


Minnesota has a 39-33 historical edge in this series including winning six of the past seven meetings.


Purdue has not won in Minneapolis in any of the past five trips, last winning at the Metrodome in 2007, as the Boilermakers have never won at TCF Bank Stadium.


Minnesota has scored at least 31 points in each of the past seven home meetings in this series.


Last Meeting - 2019 (Minnesota 38, Purdue 31)


Notable Betting Trends


-- Under Brohm, Purdue is 10-6 ATS on the road including covering in all four Big Ten road games last season.


-- Purdue is 6-11 ATS as a road favorite since 2007, with a 4-4 ATS mark under Brohm.


-- Minnesota is 5-5 ATS as a home underdog under Fleck, losing each of the past three instances.


-- Since 2018 Minnesota is 9-7 ATS when getting points in any venue, on a current 7-4 ATS run since October 2018.

 

[CNOTES]

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


SYR at LOU 07:00 PM
LOU -19.5
O 55.5


PUR at MINN 07:30 PM
MINN +2.5
U 60.5


MASS at FAU 08:00 PM
MASS +33.0
O 51.0


UNM at AFA 09:30 PM
AFA -9.5
U 56.5

 

[CNOTES]

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD


11/20/2020 5-3-0 62.50% +850 Detail
11/19/2020 1-1-0 50.00% -50 Detail
11/18/2020 3-3-0 50.00% -150 Detail
11/17/2020 1-3-0 0.00% -1150 Detail
11/14/2020 32-22-0 59.26% +3900 Detail
11/13/2020 4-2-0 66.66% +900 Detail
11/12/2020 1-1-0 50.00% -50 Detail
11/11/2020 5-1-0 83.33% +1950 Detail
11/10/2020 2-2-0 50.00% -100 Detail
11/07/2020 25-32-2 44.07% -5100 Detail
11/05/2020 1-1-0 50.00% -50 Detail
11/04/2020 8-4-0 66.67% +1800 Detail


Total.........88-75-2 53.98% +27.50