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

[CNOTES]

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


ECU at TEM 12:00 PM
O 57.0


IND at OSU 12:00 PM
OSU -21.0


ILL at NEB 12:00 PM
NEB -16.0
U 59.0


FLA at VAN 12:00 PM
FLA -31.5


LSU at ARK 12:00 PM
O 63.0


ARST at TXST 12:00 PM
ARST -5.5
U 68.5


GASO at ARMY 12:00 PM
GASO +3.0


CLEM at FSU
U 64.5


APP at CCU 12:00 PM
CCU -5.5
O 48.5


RICE at UNT 02:00 PM
RICE +2.5
O 63.0


FIU at WKU 02:00 PM
WKU -7.5
U 43.5


UTSA at USM 03:00 PM
UTSA -10.0
U 52.0


CIN at UCF 03:30 PM
CIN -4.5
U 65.5


SDSU at NEV 03:30 PM
NEV +1.5


WIS at NW 03:30 PM
NW +7.5
U 44.5


IOWA at PSU 03:30 PM
IOWA +1.5


CAL at ORST 03:30 PM
ORST +2.5
O 46.5


UCLA at ORE 03:30 PM
ORE -17.0
O 65.0


MTU at TROY 03:30 PM
TROY -13.0


GSU at USA 03:30 PM
USA +3.5
O 58.0


VT at PITT 04:00 PM
PITT +3.0
O 54.5


UK at ALA 04:00 PM
ALA -31.5


KSU at ISU 04:00 PM
KSU +12.0
O 47.5

 

[CNOTES]

UNDER THE LIGHTS:


TENN at AUB 07:00 PM
AUB -10.5
U 50.5

MICH at RUTG 07:30 PM
MICH -12.0
U 52.0


MIZZ at SOCAR 07:30 PM
SOCAR +6.0
O 56.5


MSST at UGA 07:30 PM
O 44.0


OKST at OKLA 07:30 PM
OKLA -7.0


LIB at NCST 07:30 PM
LIB +4.0


ARIZ at WASH 08:00 PM
WASH -12.0


USC at UTAH 10:30 PM
UTAH +2.5
U 57.5


BSU at HAW 11:00 PM
HAW +13.5
O 55.0

 

[CNOTES]

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD


11/21/2020 24-25-0 48.97% -1750 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........106-96-2 52.47% +2.00

 

[CNOTES]

Sunday’s 6-pack
Odds to win the college basketball national title in April:
11-1— Gonzaga
16-1— Villanova
19-1— Duke
21-1— Baylor, Kansas, Kentucky, Virginia
26-1— Tennessee, Texas Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin
32-1— Creighton, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan State


Americans who have died from COVID-19: 255,808
PLEASE wear a mask when you go out.


Tweet of the Day
“I hope all young hoopers at home are watching how the NBA is paying their players! Only 1/2 stars per team so Defensive versatility (guarding multiple pos) and elite shooting gets you paid! No one cares how many pts you avg anymore! If you can make plays for others = cash out”
Former NBA player Jared Dudley


Sunday’s quiz
Which NFL team did Jim Harbaugh used to coach?


Saturday’s quiz
Sean Payton was a replacement player for the Bears during the 1987 players’ strike.


Friday’s quiz
In the movie Any Given Sunday, where Al Pacino played a pro football coach, YA Tittle, John Unitas played opposing head coaches in the movie. Two other Hall of Famers, Bob St Clair and Dick Butkus, also coached against the Miami Sharks.


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


Sunday’s Den: Wrapping up a college football Saturday


13) Michigan 48, Rutgers 42 OT:
— Both teams missed field goals in first OT, scored TD’s in 2nd OT.
— Rutgers led this game 17-0 with 4:00 left before halftime.
— Scarlet Knights scored TD with 0:27 left, tied game with QB scramble for 2 points.
— Soph QB McNamara came off Michigan’s bench, was 27-36/260 passing, with four TD’s.


12) Georgia 31, Mississippi State 24:
— USC Daniels threw for 401 yards, four TD’s in his first Georgia start.
— Miss State had only 49 scholarship players; a team has right not to play if they have fewer than 53 kids available, but MSU played, and played well.
— There were 737 passing yards in this game, only 30 rushing yards.


11) Ohio State 42, Indiana 35:
— Buckeyes led 35-7 early in 3rd quarter, hung on for dear life.
— Hoosiers got within 42-35 with 10:26 left; there was no scoring after that.
— Indiana QB Penix threw for 491 yards, five TD’s in a losing cause.
— Rushing yardage: Ohio State 307, Indiana minus-1.


10) Texas State 47, Arkansas State 45:
— Bobcats scored on a 6-yard TD run with 0:34 left for the win.
— Ark State outscored Texas State, 654-505
— Bobcat QB McBride threw for 443 yards, five TD’s.
— ASU had two QB’s throw for 200+ yards each.


9) NC State 15, Liberty 14:
— Liberty loses for first time in nine games.
— Wolfpack scored game-winning TD with 6:53 left.
— Flames had potential game-winning FG blocked with 1:08 left.


8) Nevada 26, San Diego State 21:
— Nevada, Liberty, Coastal Carolina are a combined 21-1.
— Penn State, Florida State, Michigan are a combined 2-14.


7) Upsets of the Day:
— Illinois (+14.5) 41, Nebraska 23
— Middle Tennessee (+11.5) 20, Troy State 17
— Northwestern (+7.5) 17, Wisconsin
— Pitt (+3.5) 47, Virginia Tech 14


6) Northwestern 17, Wisconsin 7:
— Total yardage: 239-230, Northwestern. Yikes.
— 5-0 Wildcats are Big 14’s only unbeaten, other than Ohio State.


5) Oregon State 31, California 27:
— Beavers scored winning TD with 4:30 left.
— OSU scored on a 75-yard on the first play of the game.
— Cal outgained OSU 439-360, converted 9-19 on 3rd down.


4) LSU 27, Arkansas 24:
— LSU scored on a 13-yard pass with 3:59 left for the winning TD.
— Tigers converted 12-23 third down plays, Arkansas 0-10.


3) Coastal Carolina 34, Appalachian State 23:
— Chanticleers scored two TD’s in last 2:24 for the win/unlikely cover
— Coastal scored on a 38-yard pick-6 with 1:20 left to cover the number.
— Penalties: App State 8-51 , Coastal 1-5


2) Oregon 38, UCLA 35:
— Both teams scored a defensive TD.
— UCLA outgained the Ducks, 462-422, with their backup QB playing.
— Bruins turned ball over four times (-3).


Cincinnati 36, Central Florida 33:
— Bearcats remain unbeaten; can they make the playoff?
— UCF led this game 14-3 after the first quarter.
— Cincy outgained UCF, 482-359.
— Knights converted 11-19 on third down.

 

[CNOTES]

College Football Odds Week 13: Opening Lines and Sharp Money
Patrick Everson


Quarterback Brock Purdy has helped put Iowa State in contention for its first-ever Big 12 championship. FanDuel Sportsbook opened the Cyclones 2.5-point underdogs at Texas.


College football odds for Week 13 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 13 opening lines, early line movement, sharp money and public betting for this week's matchups.


College Football Week 13 Odds


These are the current College football Week 13 odds for the premier games on the schedule, as of November 23.

(2) Notre Dame at (23) North Carolina Odds
Opening line
Notre Dame -6.5, Over/Under 63.5


Why the line moved
This line posted early at FanDuel, going up Nov. 17, and therefore has bounced all over the place. Notre Dame opened -6.5 and got out to -9, then plummeted to -3.5 and is -4.5 Monday evening. Despite the wild swings, ticket count and money are running 9/1 on the Fighting Irish. The total went up Sunday at 63.5 and is 66.5 Monday evening, with tickets and money similarly in the 9/1 range on the Over.


(15) Iowa State at (21) Texas Odds
Opening line
Texas -2.5, Over/Under 60.5


Why the line moved
The Longhorns are down to -1.5 on interesting point-spread betting splits, with the Cyclones getting 62 percent of tickets and Texas taking 55 percent of money as of Monday evening. The total is already down to 57.5 from 60.5, with 77 percent of bets on the Over, but 56 percent of money on the Under.


(11) Oregon at Oregon State Odds
Opening line
Oregon -16.5, Over/Under 61.5


Why the line moved
This storied Pac-12 rivalry is seeing the double-digit 'dog get early attention at FanDuel, where Oregon opened -16.5, dropped to -12.5 and is at -13.5 Monday evening. The total moved from 61.5 to 64.5. However, FanDuel doesn't yet have betting splits on the spread or total.


Kentucky at (5) Florida Odds
Opening line
Florida -19.5, Over/Under 59.5


Why the line moved
The Gators sprinted to -24.5 at FanDuel by early Monday morning and are -23.5 as of Monday night, with early point-spread tickets running 4/1 and money more than 9/1 on Florida. The total is down two points to 57.5, despite early tickets and money in the 9/1 range on the Over.


Pittsburgh at (4) Clemson Odds
Opening line
Clemson -26.5, Over/Under 55.5


Why the line moved
Clemson is down three points to -23.5 at FanDuel on Monday night, although 57 percent of bets/56 percent of dollars are on the Tigers. The total opened at 55.5 and is now 54.5 on limited betting, so FanDuel doesn't yet have splits.


(13) Northwestern at Michigan State Odds
Opening line
Northwestern -9.5, Over/Under 41.5


Why the line moved
Coming off its big upset of Wisconsin, Northwestern opened -9.5 and is already up to -13.5 Monday night at FanDuel, where 85 percent of early bets and 96 percent of early dollars are on the Wildcats. The total is up a point to 42.5, with ticket count 2/1 on the Under, but money 2/1 on the Over.


Colorado at (18) USC Odds
Opening line
Souther Cal -10.5, Over/Under 63.5


Why the line moved
Southern Cal reached -13.5 Monday afternoon and is at -12.5 Monday night at FanDuel, with ticket count and money both in the 9/1 range on the Trojans. The total is up a point to 64.5 on limited betting, so splits aren't yet available.


(3) Ohio State at Illinois Odds
Opening line
Ohio State -28.5, Over/Under 69.5


Why the line moved
FanDuel has the Buckeyes down to -27.5 Monday night, a notch below the opening number, even though early action is all Ohio State, which is attracting 87 percent of bets and 96 percent of money. The total initially dropped a point to 68.5 but is up to 70.5 Monday night, with 80 percent of tickets and 70 percent of money on the Over.


(19) Auburn at (1) Alabama Odds
Opening line
Alabama -21, Over/Under 60.5


Why the line moved
Alabama is up to -24.5 Monday night at FanDuel, where 61 percent of tickets and 69 percent of dollars are landing on the Crimson Tide. The total is up two points to 62.5, with practically all the early tickets and money on the Over.


LSU at (6) Texas A&M Odds
Opening line
Texas A&M -14.5, Over/Under 64.5


Why the line moved
The Aggies opened just a tick beyond two-touchdown favorites at FanDuel, then dipped to -12.5 Sunday night, but are now back up to -14.5 Monday night. Texas A&M is attracting 74 percent of early point-spread bets and 88 percent of early point-spread cash. The total fell from 64.5 to 62.5 and is back at the opener Monday night, with the ticket count dead even, but 94 percent of money on the Over.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF
Dunkel


Week 13

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAF
Long Sheet


Tuesday, November 24


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[CNOTES]

NCAAF

Week 13

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Trend Report
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[CNOTES]

This report will update....




127COLORADO ST -128 AIR FORCE
AIR FORCE is 20-44 ATS (-28.4 Units) vs. poor passing defenses - allowing 8 or more passing yards/att. since 1992.


129NEW MEXICO -130 UTAH ST
UTAH ST is 24-11 ATS (11.9 Units) after allowing 325 or more passing yards in their last game since 1992.


131UCF -132 S FLORIDA
S FLORIDA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) vs. incredible offensive teams - scoring 37 or more points/game in the last 3 seasons.


137STANFORD -138 CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA is 24-46 ATS (-26.6 Units) when the line is +/-3 since 1992.


139OREGON -140 OREGON ST
OREGON ST is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) after playing a game at home over the last 2 seasons.


143IOWA ST -144 TEXAS
TEXAS are 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games when the total is 56.5-63 in the last 3 seasons.


147NEBRASKA -148 IOWA
IOWA is 52-25 ATS (24.5 Units) vesus good rushing teams - averaging >=4.75 rushing yards/carry since 1992.


151WYOMING -152 UNLV
UNLV is 54-88 ATS (-42.8 Units) after a game where they forced 1 or less turnovers since 1992.


153SOUTHERN MISS -154 UAB
UAB is 6-0 ATS (6 Units) in home games after a game where they forced 1 or less turnovers in the last 3 seasons.


155TCU -156 KANSAS
KANSAS are 41-70 ATS (-36 Units) vs. mistake prone teams - 60+ penalty yards per game since 1992.

 

[CNOTES]

Louisiana Tech at FIU canceled


Western Kentucky at Charlotte moved to Tuesday, Dec. 1


Arkansas at Missouri postponed


Tennessee at Vanderbilt postponed
Vanderbilt will now play at Missouri Saturday

 

[CNOTES]

Friday’s 6-pack
Over/under win totals for NBA teams (72-game season):
47.5— Lakers
46.5— Clippers, Boston
45.5— Brooklyn
44.5— Denver, Miami, Philadelphia
42.5— Dallas
41.5— Toronto, Utah


Americans who have died from COVID-19: 261,136
PLEASE wear a mask when you go out.


Tweet of the Day
“You know, in spite of what America and the rest of the world is experiencing right now, there are many reasons to be thankful. There are more and more people extending helpful hands to do a kindness to their neighbors, and that’s a good thing.”
The late Alex Trebek, in a filmed message


Friday’s quiz
Who was the Washington Redskins’ coach, last time they won a playoff game?


Thursday’s quiz
The shot clock came to college basketball for the 1985-86 season.


Wednesday’s quiz
Ken Anderson, Boomer Esiason were the Bengals’ QB’s in their two Super Bowls.


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


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


13) Roger Goodall must’ve had some indigestion with his turkey when he heard that Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson tested positive for COVID.


If the Baltimore-Pittsburgh game gets postponed out of this week, it probably creates a Week 18 of the regular season, which would push the playoffs back a week and eliminate the extra week between conference title games and the Super Bowl.


12) Texans 41, Detroit 25
— Texans won three of their last four games, after a 1-6 start.
— JJ Watt had a pick-6 in the first quarter.
— Two of Houston’s four TD drives were shorter than 40 yards.


— Detroit lost four of last five games, giving up 32.6 ppg.
— Lions are 6-12 ATS in last 18 games as a home underdog, 0-3 TY.
— From 2014-17, Detroit was 36-28 under Jim Caldwell; he got fired.
— Last three years, Detroit is 13-29-1 under Matt Patricia; he still has a job.


11) Since Barry Sanders retired in 1999, Detroit has averaged 92.2 rushing yards/game, the lowest amount of any NFL team during that time.


10) Washington 41, Dallas 16
— Washington won three of its last four games, after a 1-5 start.
— Washington scored a defensive TD, had short TD drives for 19-23 yards.
— Washington is 3-2 inside the division, with losses by 1-3 points.
— Washington is 17-12-1 ATS in last 30 games as a road underdog.


— Things unraveled for Dallas after an ill-fated fake punt failed badly.
— Cowboys lost five of their last six games.
— Last nine games, Dallas is minus-13 in turnovers.
— Cowboys are 2-9 ATS this year; their three wins by total of 7 points.
— Dallas lost four of its last six Thanksgiving games.


9) Western Kentucky 75, Memphis 69:
— WKU big man Charles Bassey had 21 points, 14 rebounds.
— Hilltoppers play West Virginia in the tournament final Friday.


8) Gonzaga 102, Kansas 90:
— Game was tied with 16:35 left; Zags pulled away late.
— Gonzaga scored 1.24 points/possession, very efficient.
— Talent level for Kansas is down a little this season.


7) Villanova 83, Arizona State 74
— Villanova was +16 on the boards in this game.
— Arizona State was 12-21 on foul line, after going 34-46 Wednesday.


6) Virginia Cavaliers scored 89 points in their season opener Wednesday; they averaged 57 ppg last year, with a season-high of 78, in a win over Boston College. Tony Bennett added shooters, and Virginia looks poised for another excellent year.


5) ESPN’s Paul Biancardi was saying this week that this year’s freshman class in college hoop is one of the most talented in years. Something to keep an eye on this winter.


4) Strange/ominous scores from this week so far:
— USC 95, Cal Baptist 87 OT
— St Francis PA 80, Pittsburgh 70


3) When Sam Merrill got drafted by Milwaukee, it was the first time in 34 years the NBA had drafted a Utah State Aggie (Greg Grant).


2) After he passed away in 2015, former North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith sent each of his former players a $200 check for a night out on him- he had a lot of former players.


1) Belated congratulations to the NC Dinos, who won the Korean World Series in six games over the Doosan Bears. I enjoyed learning about the KBO this year, but the 5am first pitch for lot of their games was a bit much.

 

[CNOTES]

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


ISU at TEX 12:00 PM
ISU -1.0
O 57.5


MASS at LIB 12:00 PM
LIB -35.0


NEB at IOWA 01:00 PM
NEB +12.0
U 53.5


UCF at USF 03:30 PM
USF +25.0
O 68.0

ND at UNC 03:30 PM
UNC +5.5
O 70.0


WYO at UNLV 04:00 PM
UNLV +16.0
O 52.0


CMU at EMU 04:00 PM
CMU -6.5
U 59.0


STAN at CAL 04:30 PM
STAN -1.0
U 51.5

ORE at ORST 07:30 PM
ORE -13.0
U 65.0

 

[CNOTES]

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD


11/27/2020 10-6-1 61.76% +1700 Detail
11/21/2020 24-25-0 48.97% -1750 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........116-102-3 53.21% +19.00

 

[CNOTES]

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


NCST at SYR 12:00 PM
NCST -17.0


SMU at ECU 12:00 PM
SMU -12.0


MD at IND 12:00 PM
MD +12.5


PSU at MICH 12:00 PM
PSU -1.0


UK at FLA 12:00 PM
FLA -24.0


VAN at MIZZ 12:00 PM
VAN +14.0


TTU at OKST 12:00 PM
TTU +11.5


BALL at TOL 12:00 PM
BALL +10.0


NIU at WMU 12:00 PM
WMU -18.5


KENT at BUFF 12:00 PM
BUFF -7.0


BGSU at OHIO 12:00 PM
OHIO -22.5


GASO at GSU 12:00 PM
GASO +2.5

 

[CNOTES]

LATE GAMES AND UNDER THE LIGHTS


UTEP at RICE 01:00 PM
UTEP +10.0
O 43.0


M-OH at AKR 01:00 PM
O 55.5


ULL at ULM 03:00 PM
ULM +29.5


UNT at UTSA 03:00 PM
UTSA -2.5
O 67.0


USA at ARST 03:00 PM
USA +7.0


CCU at TXST 03:00 PM
TXST +17.0
O 58.0


PITT at CLEM 03:30 PM
PITT +23.5
O 58.0


NW at MSU 03:30 PM
NW -14.0


AUB at ALA 03:30 PM
AUB +24.5


TROY at APP 03:30 PM
APP -13.5

LOU at BC 04:00 PM
BC -1.0


RUTG at PUR 04:00 PM
RUTG +11.0


MSST at MISS 04:00 PM
MISS -10.0


SDSU at COLO 05:00 PM
COLO -3.5


MEM at NAVY 07:00 PM
MEM -13.5
O 62.0


LSU at TAM 07:00 PM
LSU +15.5

KSU at BAY 07:00 PM
O 44.5


DUKE at GT 07:00 PM
DUKE -1.0


UTAH at WASH 07:30 PM
UTAH +7.0
U 48.0


UGA at SOCAR 07:30 PM
SOCAR +22.0
O 49.5

TCU at KU 08:00 PM
TCU -24.0

ARIZ at UCLA 08:00 PM
UCLA -10.0
U 69.0

NEV at HAW 11:00 PM
NEV -7.0

 

[CNOTES]

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD


11/28/2020 21-18-1 53.75% +600 Detail
11/27/2020 10-6-1 61.76% +1700 Detail
11/21/2020 24-25-0 48.97% -1750 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........137-130-4 51.31% +25.00

 

[CNOTES]

Wednesday’s 6-pack
Week 13 NFL spreads:
— Cleveland @ Tennessee (-5.5)
— NJ Giants @ Seattle (-10)
— LA Rams (-3) @ Arizona
— Philadelphia @ Green Bay (-9.5)
— New England @ LA Chargers (even)
— Denver @ Kansas City (-14)


Americans who have died from COVID-19: 270,369
PLEASE wear a mask when you go out.


Quote of the Day
“Actually, we brought Coach (Bob) Stoops out of retirement today. He was on the field and coached with us today. It was great to have him out there.”
Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley, whose staff has some COVID issues


Wednesday’s quiz
Virginia is technically the defending national champ in college basketball, since they won the tournament two years ago; who did they beat in the championship game?


Tuesday’s quiz
John Turturro played both Joey Knish in Rounders and coach Billy Sunday in He Got Game.


Monday’s quiz
UCLA coach Chip Kelly was the Eagles’ head coach before Doug Pederson.


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


Wednesday’s Den: Mid-week musings……..


13) Trevor Ariza has played for nine teams in his 16-year NBA career; he’s scored 11,215 points, banked over $103M in salary, but it had to be strange when he was traded twice Nov 24-27.


Rockets traded him to Detroit November 24, but his career as a Piston lasted around 72 hours- they dealt him to Oklahoma City. Its good to be wanted, if you look on the bright side.


Ariza has been involved in ten different NBA trades, more than any player ever; he’s been around so long, he was traded with Penny Hardaway in 2006— Hardaway is in his third year as a college head coach— he was a high school coach before that!!!


Bottom line is this: be a good teammate, shoot the ball well, be a good defender and you can last a long time/make serious money in the NBA, even if you’re not one of the biggest stars.


12) NBA training camps started Tuesday; the league’s health/safety protocol handbook is 139 pages long- they take this stuff very seriously.


11) Texas 66, Indiana 44– Longhorns held Indiana to 23.9% from the floor, advance to face North Carolina in the finals of the Maui Classic. Texas outrebounded the Hoosiers, 48-29.


10) North Carolina 67, Stanford 63— Cardinal led by 8 late in first half, but UNC had all five starters score in double figures, winning in their home state. Teams combined to made 9-32 on the arc; playing on consecutive days early in season can result in brickfests. Tar Heels controlled the boards 43-23, which is important in a brickfest.


9) Michigan State 75, Duke 69— Spartans were down 13-3 early, but they pulled ahead by the half, and then hung on at the end for a solid road win. Julius Marble scored 12 points in 12:00 off the bench, making all five of his shots from the floor.


8) Kansas 65, Kentucky 62:
— Kentucky was up 28-15 early, but couldn’t maintain it.
— Kentucky is 0-2 this season, shooting 3-31 on arc.
— Teams combined to go 8-42 behind the arc.
— Two proud programs who both might be little down this year.


7) Providence 63, Davidson 62: With 1:20 left in this game, Providence up 2, kid goes to line for Davidson for two shots, and play-by-play guy points out that he hasn’t missed a foul shot yet this year. No bueno.


Analyst Cory Alexander calls him out for saying that, without saying the word “jinx” but you could tell he was thinking it. Kid made first shot, missed the second. Davidson missed a driving layup with 0:03 left, lost by a point.


This season, Davidson has players from six different countries; in his career with the Wildcats, Bob McKillop has coached players from 24 different countries.


6) Navy 78, Georgetown 71— Patrick Ewing is in his 4th year as Georgetown’s coach; his Hoyas are 19-35 in Big East games the last three years. Losing to a service academy team here doesn’t help; losing Mac MacClung as a transfer to Texas Tech was a disaster.


5) Buffalo Bills are having a great season, but three weeks ago, they lost 32-30 in Arizona, on a Hail Mary TD on the last play of the game. Now, because of COVID rules in northern California, Bills will find themselves back in the desert Monday night to play the 49ers, who are sharing the Cardinals’ facilities for the next few weeks. What a weird year this is.


4) It is important to keep your nose pointed in a positive direction; Most baseball fans know that Don Larsen pitched a perfect game in the 1956 World Series, but that was only two years after he went 3-21 pitching for the Orioles. Talk about going from the outhouse to the penthouse; its a long way from 3-21 to winning a World Series game, much less tossing a perfect game.


3) Shaquille O’Neal tried 22 3-point shots in his Hall of Fame career but made only one of them, which came in the 4th year of his 19-year career; apparently he also made two treys in exhibition games. In 216 career playoff games, Shaq never tried a 3-pointer.


2) Denver Broncos signed QB Kyle Shurmur, son of Denver OC Pat Shurmur; Kyle Shrmur played QB at Vanderbilt, was on the Chiefs’ practice squad previously. He gives Denver insurance in case COVID ravages their QB room again this season.


1) Current odds to win the NFC East:
+180— Giants
+225— Washington
+300— Eagles
+475— Cowboys

 

[CNOTES]

Tech Trends - Week 14
Bruce Marshall


Week 14 of the College Football season kicks off on Thursday Dec. 3 and concludes on Sunday, Dec. 6.


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


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


Thursday, Dec. 3


LOUISIANA TECH at NORTH TEXAS (CBSSN, 6:00 p.m.)
After UTSA loss, UNT 6-19 last 25 on board since mid 2018.
Skip Holtz and La Tech have won and covered 5 of last 6 vs. Mean Green.


Tech Edge: La Tech, based on team and series trends.


AIR FORCE at UTAH STATE (CBSSN, 9:30 p.m.)
Win over UNM broke Utags’ 0-5 SU and spread skid since late LY.
USU still just 5-10 vs. line last 15 on board since mid 2019.
Force on 4-0-1 spread uptick in series.


Tech Edge:Air Force, based on team and series trends.




Friday, Dec. 4


UL-LAFAYETTE at APPALACHIAN STATE (ESPN, 7:30 p.m.)
Even after big win vs. Troy last weekend, App having a miserable 2020 vs. spread for new HC Clark, just 2-7 vs. line, now 2-8 last 10 vs. number since late 2019.
If Ragin’ Cajuns getting points note 8-3-1 dog mark for Billy Napier since 2018.


Tech Edge: UL-Lafayette, especially if dog, based on recent trends.


BOISE STATE at UNLV (CBSSN, 8:30 p.m.)
After Wyoming loss, UNLV 0-5 SU and vs. line in 2019 (counts SJSU as loss).
Rebs 2-6 vs. spread last 8 as host (0-3 at Allegiant Stadium TY).
Boise 15-8 vs. line last 23 as MW visitor.


Tech Edge: Boise State, based on team trends.




Saturday, Dec. 5


GEORGIA TECH at N.C. STATE (ACC, 4 p.m.)
Pack a pleasant surprise in 2020, 7-3 SU and vs. 6-4 line after 2-10 spread nosedive in 2019.
NCS also “over” 10-4 last 14 since late 2019.
GT 7-12-1 vs. spread for Collins since he arrived LY (though did narrowly win and cover vs Wolfpack in 2019).
Jackets also on 12-4 “over” run since early 2019.


Tech Edge: NCS and “over,” based on team and “totals” trends.


VANDERBILT at GEORGIA (SEC, 4:00 p.m.)
Georgia has won and covered last 4 meetings after Kirby Smart lost to Dores in 2016.


Tech Edge: Georgia, based on series trends.

CLEMSON at VIRGINIA TECH (ABC, 7:30 p.m.)
Even after Pitt win, Dabo only 3-6 vs. spread his first 9 in 2020, now 3-7 vs, line since late last season.
Though extended marks still very good (11-6-1 vs. points as visitor since 2017).
VT on 3-8 spread slide since late 2019.


Tech Edge: Slight to Clemson, based on team trends.


BOSTON COLLEGE at VIRGINIA (FSN, 3:30 p.m.)
Hafley 4-2 as dog at BC, and Eagles 18-7-1 as dog since 2017.
Cavs however have covered last four this season, and Bronco Mendenhall 22-13 vs. points since 2018.
Cavs also “over” 12-2 last 14 since mid 2019.


Tech Edge: “Over,” based on recent UVa “totals” trends.


SOUTH CAROLINA at KENTUCKY (SEC, 7:30 p.m.)
SC has really hit skids with 5 SU and spread losses in a row in 2020, costing Muschamp his job.
UK only 1-4 SU and 1-3-1 vs. line last five TY.
Cats had won 5 straight and 6-0-1 vs. line in previous seven in series prior to last year’s 24-7 Gamecocks win.


Tech Edge: Slight to UK, based on extended series trends.


LIBERTY at COASTAL CAROLINA (ESPNU, 2:00 p.m.)
Flames have covered last seven in 2020, Freeze also 6-1 last 7 as dog, while Coastal 8-1-1 vs. line this season.


Tech Edge: Slight to Liberty, based on team trends.


MARYLAND at MICHIGAN (BTN, 3:30 p.m.)
Harbaugh no covers last five in 2020, now on 1-7 spread skid since late 2019.
Harbaugh, however, has won and covered all five vs. Terps since taking over Wolverines in 2015.


Tech Edge: Slight to Michigan, based on series trends.


OHIO STATE at MICHIGAN STATE (ABC, 12:00 p.m.)
Buckeyes no covers last two in 2020, OSU now 3-6 last nine on board after 8 straight covers in 2019.
But MSU struggling for Tucker at 2-3 SU and vs. line, also just 7-15 vs. number since late 2018.
Bucks have won and covered last three in series by 108-19 total score.


Tech Edge: OSU, based on team and recent series trends.


NEBRASKA at PURDUE (BTN, 12:00 p.m.)
Boilermakers no covers last four TY after covers in 8 of their previous 9 games.
Meanwhile Huskers got cover at Iowa but Frost still just 5-12 vs. spread since LY.
Purdue only 1-5 last six as chalk overall but 5-1 vs. spread last six in series.


Tech Edge: Purdue, based on team and series trends.


PENN STATE at RUTGERS (FS1, 12:00 p.m.)
Penn State finally with a W in 2020 but still just 1-5 vs. line.
Scarlet Knights have covered last three in series.
Schiano 3-2 vs. line in return to Rutgers.


Tech Edge: Rutgers, based on recent and series trends.


FAU at GEORGIA SOUTHERN (ESPN+, 6:00 p.m.)
FAU “under” 5-1 for Taggart TY, GSU “under” 8-4 last 12 since late 2019.


Tech Edge: “Under,” based on “totals” trends.


BOWLING GREEN at AKRON (ESPN3, 2:00 p.m.)
Akron 0-16 SU, 2-14 since LY vs. line for Arth.
BGSU 4-12 vs. spread for Loeffler.
Falcs won and covered 35-6 LY.


Tech Edge: BGSU, based on team trends.


BALL STATE at CENTRAL MICHIGAN (ESPNU, 5:30 p.m.)
Ball 1-3 vs. line in 2020, McElwain now 13-5 vs. line for Chips after EMU win.
CMU 7-1 vs. spread at home for McElwain.


Tech Edge: CMU, based on recent trends.


KENT STATE at MIAMI-OHIO (CBSSN, 12:00 p.m.)
KSU on 9-3 spread uptick since mid 2019, and has covered six of last seven away from Dix Stadium (counts Buffalo loss last week).
Though one of the Ls in that span came against RedHawks.
Golden Flashes also on 7-2 “over” run since that lost to Miami in 2019.


Tech Edge: Kent State, based on recent trends.


BUFFALO at OHIO (CBSSN, 3:30 p.m.)
Home team has covered last three in series.
Solich 14-5 as dog since 2015, even though just 6-10 overall vs. spread since last season.
Leipold 29-13-3 spread uptick last three+ years.


Tech Edge: Ohio, based on team and series home trends.


EASTERN MICHIGAN at WESTERN MICHIGAN (ESPN+, 1:00 p.m.)
Eagles not quite same spread magic this season now 2-2 vs. line after blowing CMU game.
On road EMU has covered its first two and as road dog Creighton has been superb (19-3-1 as dog away from home since late 2015).
Also 3-0-1 vs. line last four vs. WMU. Broncos however 4-0 SU and 3-1 vs. line to open 2020.


Tech Edge: EMU, based on team and series trends.


FIU at CHARLOTTE (ESPN3, 12:00 p.m.)
Golden Panthers struggling, 0-5 SU TY and just 5-13 vs. spread since 2019.
Though FIU has won outright last five in series.


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


RICE at MARSHALL (ESPN3, 12:00 p.m.)
Herd unbeaten 7-0 SU, 5-2 vs. line TY.
Though Doc only 2-2 vs. line at home TY, 3-8 vs. spread as host since 2019.
Owls actually 8-3 vs. number last 11 away.


Tech Edge: Slight to Rice, based on team trends.


FLORIDA at TENNESSEE (CBS, 3:30 p.m.)
Bottom has dropped out for Vols, lost and failed to cover last five TY, all by DD margins.
Gators have won and covered last three meetings (Dan Mullen 81-24 total score last two years).


Tech Edge: Florida, based on team and series trends.


OREGON STATE at UTAH (ESPN, 10:30 p.m.)
After Oregon upset, Beavs have covered last three TY and now 12-3 vs. spread last 15 on board.
Though one of those recent Ls was a 52-7 loss at Corvallis LY vs. a better Utah team.


Tech Edge: OSU, based on recent trends.


COLORADO at ARIZONA (FS1, 7 p.m.)
Sumlin 3-14 SU last 17 with Cats since late 2018, also 4-12 last 16 vs. spread.
Though has won and covered last two years vs. Buffs, part of UA 3-game series SU and spread win streak.
CU 3-0 SU and vs. line TY for Dorrell.


Tech Edge: Colorado, based on recent trends.


UCLA at ARIZONA STATE (FS1, 10:30 p.m.)
Bruins have covered 3 in a row in 2020, and Chip has covered last two vs. ASU.
UCLA also on 3-game series cover streak.
Herm on 2-6 spread skid at Tempe.


Tech Edge: UCLA, based on recent and series trends.


SYRACUSE at NOTRE DAME (NBC, 2:30 p.m.)
Dino 9-13 vs. spread since last season, 3-6 vs. spread last 9 away.
Domers on 10-4 spread uptick after UNC win.


Tech Edge: Notre Dame, based on recent trends.


STANFORD at WASHINGTON (FOX, 4:00 p.m.)
Stanford has covered last 3 and 4 of last 5 in series.
Though David Shaw just 1-6 last seven in what used to be a profitable dog role for him.
Huskies just 3-0 vs. spread last 12 as Pac-12 host.


Tech Edge: Stanford, based on series trends.


FRESNO STATE at NEVADA (FS2, 10:30 p.m.)
Wolf Pack 5-1 SU, 4-2 vs. line in 2020, won and covered first three at home.
Pack 8-2 vs. spread last 10 vs. MW foes at Reno.
DeBoer has won and covered last three TY for Fresno though schedule broke well in that stretch, and Bulldogs off since Nov. 14.


Tech Edge: Slight to Nevada, based on team trends.


OREGON at CALIFORNIA (ESPN, 7:00 p.m.)
Ducks “over” 5-0-1 last six since late 2019 after OSU game.
Bears 16-7 in dog role for Wilcox entering 2020.


Tech Edge:Slight to Cal, based on team trends.


OKLAHOMA STATE at TCU (ESPN2, 12:00 p.m.)
OSU no covers last four TY, also on 9-3 “under” run since late 2019.
Patterson “under” 6-4 since late 2019, though last three “over” in series.


Tech Edge: Slight to “under,” based on “totals” trends.


WEST VIRGINIA at IOWA STATE (ESPN, 3:30 p.m.)
ISU has won and covered last two meetings, and Cyclones have covered 5 of last 7 TY after Texas win.
Mounties 1-2 vs. line away in 2020, after covering last three as visitor in 2019.


Tech Edge: Slight to ISU, based on team trends.


INDIANA at WISCONSIN (ABC, 3:30 p.m.)
Tom “Mr. Intensity” Allen is 6-0 vs. line in 2020, has covered last seven and 10 of last 12 since late 2019.
Hoosiers 6-2 vs. line last 8 away from Bloomington, and have covered last 4 and 7 of last 8 as dog.
Wisky just 3-6 vs. spread last 9 as Big Ten host.


Tech Edge: Indiana, based on recent trends.


KANSAS at TEXAS TECH (FS2, 12:00 p.m.)
KU 0-8 SU, 0-7-1 vs. line TY, Les Miles now 0-8-1 last 9 and 1-10-1 last 12 vs. spread since late 2019.
Last Jayhawks SU win was vs. Red Raiders LY.
Matt Wells 3-1 vs. spread at home vs. Big 12 this season, 3-4 as chalk since taking over TT a year ago.
Tech had won previous 8 SU in series into 2019.


Tech Edge: Texas Tech, based on KU negatives.


TOLEDO at NORTHERN ILLINOIS (ESPN3, 12:00 p.m.)
Rockets have recovered somewhat from their slow close to 2019 (0-6-1 last 7 vs. line), with 2-2 SU and spread marks in 2020.
Rockets also 7-3 “over” run since mid 2019.
Hammock 2-4 vs. line as MAC host since LY.


Tech Edge: Slight to “Over” and Toledo, based on “totals” and team trends.


BAYLOR at OKLAHOMA (FOX, 8:00 p.m.)
Bears only 1-4-1 vs. line last six TY, inclined to toss out the pre-Aranda marks for Rhule prior to 2020.
OU surging with five wins and covers in a row since Iowa State loss.
Sooners have covered 4 of last 5 reg season meetings (excludes 2019 Big 12 title game).


Tech Edge: OU, based on recent trends.


TEXAS A&M at AUBURN (ESPN, 12:00 p.m.)
If Jimbo a dog here not just 2-3 last five in role since LY, and Malzahn has beaten Ags three in a row outright.
Malzahn 8-3 vs. spread at Jordan-Hare since last season.


Tech Edge: Slight to Auburn, based on team and series trends.


TEXAS at KANSAS STATE (FOX, 12:00 p.m.)
Tom Herman only 1-5-1 last seven vs. line TY after close ISU loss.
Herman also no covers last 3 vs. KSU, and Horns no covers last four in series.
Klieman 10-4 as dog with Cats after Bill Snyder was 15-5 as dog his last three years (2016-18).


Tech Edge: KSU, based on team and series trends.


IOWA at ILLINOIS (ESPNU, 4 p.m.)
Ferentz has won and covered last three trips to Champaign-Urbana by combined 121-14 score, with two shutouts.
Iowa has won SU last six in series, didn’t quite get spread in 19-10 win LY.
Hawkeyes 9-3-1 last 13 vs. line as Big Ten visitor.
Lovie however is 8-3 his last 11 as dog.


Tech Edge: Iowa, based on team and series trends.


HAWAII at SAN JOSE STATE (4:00 p.m.)
Spartans 4-0 SU and vs. line (counts UNLV as win) in 2020, and Brent Brennan has covered last three years vs. UH (though SJSU hasn’t won outright in series since 2015).
Spartans on 13-4-1 spread uptick.


Tech Edge: San Jose State, based on team and series trends.


WYOMING at NEW MEXICO (ESPN2, 7 p.m.)
New Mexico 0-5 SU after USU loss, now on 14-game SU losing streak.
Lobos 5-12 vs. line since LY.
Wyo plays for second straight week in Vegas.
UNM did cover this game in 2019, but after UNLV romp, Bohl enters on 15-7 spread uptick since late 2018.


Tech Edge: Wyoming, based on recent trends.


COLORADO STATE at SAN DIEGO STATE (CBSSN, 7:00 p.m.)
Aztecs 2-1 as home chalk TY (at Carson) after 4-12 mark previous 16 in role.
Addazio just 1-2 vs. line TY in CSU debut but was 14-5-1 as dog previous three years at BC.


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


MEMPHIS at TULANE (ESPN+, 12:00 p.m.)
Tulane had covered 5 in a row before bitter OT loss at Tulsa.
Meanwhile Memphis needed SF Austin to break recent spread skid, but Tigers still just 1-9 vs. line last ten against FBS foes (1-7 for Silverfield).
Home team has covered last four meetings.


Tech Edge: Tulane, based on recent and series trends.


TULSA at NAVY (ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.)
Magical Tulsa 5-1 SU and vs. line TY, 9-3 last 12 vs. spread since mid 2019.
Though has lost and failed to cover last five years vs. Navy.
Mids only 3-3 in dog role TY since LY, but 20-9-1 as dog from 2013-18 for Niumatalolo.


Tech Edge: Slight to Navy, based on series trends.


TROY at SOUTH ALABAMA (ESPN3, 2:00 p.m.)
Troy has won and covered handily last two vs. nearby Belt rival, but Trojans just 7-13 vs. spread for Chip Lindsey since LY.
USA has cooled off, now 0-4 SU and 0-3-1 vs. line last four TY.
Troy also on 8-1-1 “under” run since late 2019, and Jags “under” six straight in 2020.


Tech Edge: “Under,” based on “totals” trends.


UL-MONROE at ARKANSAS STATE (ESPN3, 3:00 p.m.)
ASU having subpar year (3-7 SU, only 1-4 vs. line last five) but has owned ULM, with wins and covers last ten meetings!
Warhawks have slipped in backdoor for a couple of recent covers but still just 3-6 vs. line TY, and 11-24 vs. line since late 2017.


Tech Edge: Arkansas State, based on series trends.


ARKANSAS at MISSOURI (SEC, 12:00 p.m.)
Ark has dropped last two vs. line TY but still 6-2 vs. spread for Pittman in 2020.
Drinkwitz 5-2 vs. spread in first spin with Mizzou, 4-0 vs. line at home.
Home team has covered last six in series.


Tech Edge: Slight to Mizzou, based on series trends.


HOUSTON at SMU (ESPNU, 9:00 p.m.)
Holgorsen very so-so since LY with UH (9-9 vs. line) and just 6-7 as dog (0-3 as dog TY).
Sonny Dykes 7-3 vs. spread as host since LY.
Home team has covered last four meetings.


Tech Edge: SMU, based on team and series trends.


ALABAMA at LSU (CBS, 8:00 p.m.)
Bama has covered last five is season and has won and covered last four trips to LSU, with shutouts last two.
LSU 1-1 as dog in 2020 and Orgeron 9-2 last eleven in role.


Tech Edge: Bama, based on team and series trends.




Sunday, Dec. 6


WASHINGTON STATE at USC (FS1, 7:30 p.m.)
Cougs have covered 3 of last 4 in series (first meeting since 2018).
Rolovich 1-1 vs. line after Leach had dropped 11 of last 15 vs. spread into 2020.
Trojans “under” first 3 in 2020 after “over” last six in 2019.
SC 8-12 vs. line last 20 at Coliseum.


Tech Edge: WSU, based on extended trends.

 

[CNOTES]

The Florida State-Duke game will not be played on Saturday ... Instead, Miami will travel to Duke for a 8PM kickoff




Minnesota vs. Northwestern canceled




Kent State vs. Miami University has been canceled

 

[CNOTES]

Thursday’s 6-pack
Odds to win the golf tournament in Mexico this week:
+725— Justin Thomas
+1900— Brooks Koepka, Harris English
+1950— Russell Henley
+2000— Abraham Ancer, Daniel Berger, Viktor Hovland
+2900— Tony Finau, Corey Conners
+3200— Brendan Todd


Americans who have died from COVID-19: 271,247
PLEASE wear a mask when you go out.


Quote of the Day
“We came in on that Tuesday and got some extra work in when no one was here, and we got too lackadaisical with [the protocols]. It ended up hurting us and it hurt this program and I apologize for letting that happen. We could have been better. That’s the point of the matter here. We needed to be perfect and we weren’t perfect. That’s something that we’ve got to be better at.”
Broncos’ QB Drew Lock


Thursday’s quiz
Where did John Wall play his college basketball?


Wednesday’s quiz
Virginia is technically the defending national champ in college basketball, since they won the tournament two years ago; they beat Texas Tech in the 2019 championship game.


Tuesday’s quiz
John Turturro played both Joey Knish in Rounders and coach Billy Sunday in He Got Game.


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


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


13) Pittsburgh 19, Ravens 14
— Ravens had ball on 1-yard line at end of first half, but didn’t score.
— RGIII threw a pick-6 for first score of the game in first quarter.
— Baltimore lost four of last five games, after a 5-1 start.
— Ravens are 9-3-1 ATS in last 13 games as a road underdog.


— Steelers won first 11 games (8-3 ATS), scoring 27.9 ppg.
— Pittsburgh scored only 13 points on four red zone drives.
— Only 2nd time in 12 years Steelers swept season series from Baltimore.
— Under is 4-1-1 in their last six games.


12) Last NFL team to start a season 11-0? The 2015 Carolina Panthers.


11) NFL teams with worst records in games decided by 6 or fewer points:
0-5-1: Cincinnati
0-3: Atlanta, Washington
0-2: Jets
1-5: Baltimore


10) NFL teams with best records in games decided by 6 or fewer points:
5-0: Cleveland, Pittsburgh
4-0: Kansas City, New Orleans
5-1: Tennessee
3-1: Buffalo, Seattle


Browns-Titans play Sunday; two team that have won lot of close games.


9) Texas 69, North Carolina 67:
— Longhorns win the Maui Classic
— UNC took 32 foul shots, Texas 14; Bill Walton wasn’t happy about that.
— Texas was 9-22 on the arc, Carolina 1-9.


8) Speaking of Walton, I say every year how I learn things from listening to him, but the things I learn usually aren’t basketball-related.
— Maui Classic was held in Asheville, NC; veteran umpire Joe West was born in Asheville.
— Davidson had the first college of forestry in this country.


7) Robert Griffin III was the 2nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, taken with a pick acquired from the Rams, who parlayed the draft picks they got from Washington into other picks, until they had essentially added eight players from trading that pick.


Griffin went 14-21 in three years as a starter for Washington- they made the playoffs his rookie year, but it was all downhill from there. When you trade four draft picks to take a QB, he damn well better be really good.


As for the Rams and the eight players they added, well, there’s a reason they sucked from 2013-16; except for Michael Brockers, those picks didn’t pan out. Janoris Jankins, Alec Ogletree were contributors, but the others didn’t do so well.


6) People on MLB Network were debating Hall of Fame possibilities this week, and Todd Helton’s name came up. Helton played his whole career for the Rockies, so the question of how playing at Coors Field helped him. Here are some facts:


Career at home: 4,841 PA, 874 runs scored, 859 RBI, 1.048 OPS
Career on road: 4,612 PA, 527 runs scored, 547 RBI, .855 OPS


His .386 career on-base %age on the road is still impressive, but he may have a hard time getting those lesser power numbers on the road into Cooperstown.


5) Kyle Schwarber (Cubs), Hansel Alberto (Orioles) were two of the more prominent players who were non-tendered Wednesday, which makes them free agents.


4) Gonzaga 87, West Virginia 82:
— Mountaineers led 39-34 at halftime
— Gonzaga shot 56.6% inside arc.
— Teams combined to make 9-33 on the arc; a brickfest.


High-level game, two NCAA-level teams.


3) Houston Rockets traded Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards for John Wall and a lottery-protected 1st-round pick. Westbrook is reunited with coach Scott Brooks, who was also one of his coaches in Oklahoma City.


2) NBA season will start December 22, with two games:
Warriors-Nets and Clippers-Lakers.


The next night, Bucks-Celtics, Mavericks-Suns will have the spotlight.


1) Baylor 82, Illinois 69— Flagler scored 18 off the bench for a Baylor team whose head coach is back in Waco, with COVID. This game easily could’ve passed for a Final Four game; Baylor plays Gonzaga next, which should be a very good matchup.