4 Unit Pick #132 Take Boise State (-3) over Oregon (September 3rd, 10:15)
With these lines out for week’s now we have seen some large movements with early betting and this game is one of them. This game opened as high as six in most places and here we are with Boise at a three point favorite at most spots in the market. The money has poured in on this Oregon team that was up ended vs. the Broncos at home 37-32 as a closing (10.5) point favorite. Oregon has been running their mouth who that lost was “Embarrassing” and they owe the Broncos a “ass kicking” but this Oregon team has some serious question marks having to rebuild their offensive line in front of their starting quarterback who was fifth on the depth chart to start last year. Don’t get me wrong Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Mazola has talent but this team is up against a lot tonight with a whole new outlook. Boise State returns eleven starter’s to Oregon nine and one of those starters back is quarterback Kellen Moore who was WAC freshman of the year in 2008 and shredded this Oregon defense for 386 yards and three touchdowns last year. This is the biggest game on Boise schedule and their will be a big crowd tonight, with all said I think in this spot Boise is the better and I want top thank everybody that has allowed me to take them minus (3) here.
1 Unit Pick Take Under (57.5) North Texas at Ball State (September 3rd, 7:30)
The 2008 Ball State Cardinals averaged 36.61 points a game but a lot has changed from last year to this this year. Gone is head coach Brady Hoke, gone is high profile quarterback Nate Davis in fact the Cardinals are only returning four starter’s back from last year. One of those four is standout running back MiQuale Lewis and with the Cardinals welcoming a new quarterback he will be getting a lot of carries tonight. North Texas has a lot of returning starter’s coming back from a 1-11 team in 2008 but they will also be starting a new quarterback. This should be a ugly game as far as offense goes and get us under this total.
3 Unit Pick #152 Take Ohio U (+3.5) over Connecticut (September 5th, 7:00)
Year five of the Frank Solich era begins in the home doggie role vs. Connecticut and this might be the best time to face the Huskies in the opener. Connecticut has to replace their quarterback plus their star running back plus they’re installing a new offensive bringing in the no huddle. Something like that could take some time for them to run even half good. While Connecticut defense was sixth in the nation in 2008 and return six starter’s on they defensive unit they will have to face Ohio offense that had a quarterback battle in the spring and return all their wide outs and running backs. I made this game a pick by my numbers and to be able to put (3.5) points in my pocket is something I can’t pass up.
1 Unit Pick #170 Eastern Michigan (-5.5) over Army (September 5th, 7:00)
Both teams have hired new head coaches with Army bringing in Rich Ellerson a triple option expert who has coach and had great success at Cal Poly for the last eight years. Eastern Michigan brings in former Michigan and Louisville defensive coordinator Ron English who inherits 16 returning starters from last year with standout quarterback Andy Schmitt and all-Mac receiver Jacory Stone. These two teams played at West Point last year with Army coming out on top with a 17-13 win as a (2.5) point favorite, I think the second time around for Eastern Michigan defense of seeing the option and they amount of depth this team returns we have some value in the home opener.
3 Unit Pick #206 Take Memphis (+17) over Mississippi (September 6th, 3:30)
Whew, is this baby high. These two teams opened up last year in Mississippi with the oddsmaker opening the Rebels as a (10) point favorite before money betting down the closing number to (-8.5) Mississippi win. The Rebels when on to go 9-4 and win a bowl game while Memphis went 6-7 and lost a bowl game. A lot can be said about Memphis last year, they started the season 0-3 and battled back to make a bowl game. This Memphis team is a little older and better, their strong at the quarterback position and have a good returning back with Curtis Steele along with a defensive that improved last year and has seven returning starters this year. I know the Rebels are good and deep with the offense and even with no real home field advantage with these two schools so close, this line is just to high and I expect Memphis to hang around.
Thanks and Good Luck-Dave
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