Tuesday 11/22/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Tuesday’s games

New Orleans won three of last four games; they’re 1-5 on road, 2-3-1 as a road underdog. Under is 5-1 in their road games. Atlanta lost last two games, but won/covered six of seven home games- their last four games stayed under the total. Hawks won three of last four games with New Orleans; over is 5-2 in last seven series games. Pelicans lost last two visits here, by 9-8 points.

Portland lost three of last four games; they’re 4-4 on road, 1-2 as road underdogs. Over is 2-0-1 in their last three games. New York won/covered its last four home games; they’re 4-1 as home favorites. Under is 3-1 in their last four home games. Knicks lost seven of last eight games with Portland (2-6 vs spread); four of last six series games stayed under. Trailblazers won their last four visits to Manhattan.

Chicago won five of its last six games (6-0 vs spread); they’re 5-4 on road, 1-0 as road favorite. Three of their last four games stayed under total. Nuggets are 2-4 at home, 1-1 as home underdogs; over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Home side won last six Chicago-Denver games; over is 7-2 in last nine series games. Bulls lost their last five visits to Denver.

Thunder lost five of last seven games, are 2-2 on road, 0-1 as a road favorite. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Lakers lost three of last four games, are 4-3 at home (1-3 in last four home games). Last five LA games went over the total. Lakers lost their last nine games with Oklahoma City (2-7 vs spread); four of last five series tilts stayed under total. Thunder won last four visits here against the Lakers (2-2 vs spread).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Utah State Aggies (4-0) at Purdue Boilermakers (2-1)

Date: November 22, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

As a member of the powerful Big Ten Conference, 18th-ranked Purdue traditionally has plenty of elite November tournament playing opportunities.

Maui. The Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico. Las Vegas. And now, the eight-team Cancun Challenge in Mexico.

Matt Painter, in his 12th season coaching his alma mater, watched his team rally to beat Georgia State on Friday night in an on-campus, opening-round game.

At 8:30 p.m. ET Tuesday night, Purdue (2-1) will play Utah State (3-0) in the Riviera Division game. Auburn (3-0) will play Texas Tech (3-0) at 6 p.m. . Tuesday's winners will play for the championship at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

In the Mayan Division, Georgia State (1-2) will play The New Jersey Institute of Technology (2-2) at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, followed at 3 p.m. by Eastern Kentucky (1-3) vs. Idaho State (0-3). Tuesday's winners will play for that championship at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Consolation games in each division will be played at 12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Painter's 2009 team won the Paradise Jam in The Virgin Islands, and last season's team won the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Classic in Connecticut.

While Painter is selective about November events, there are specific criteria he seeks.

"First of all, you make sure you are going to have quality opponents on a neutral court," Painter said, "Last year, we played Old Dominion and Florida, and those were two very competitive games on a neutral court, which really helped our team grow.

"That is what we want this year in addition to the two Cancun Challenge games we have at home. In Georgia State, we played a team that is only two years removed from the NCAA tournament. The most important thing is the quality of the event, and the warm weather is just a bonus."

After dropping an exciting 79-76 decision to then-No. 3 Villanova on Nov. 14, Purdue was flat and trailed Georgia State 56-44 with 7:08 remaining Friday night before finishing the game on a 20-0 run for a 64-56 victory.

Utah State, led by 6-foot-9 senior forward Jalen Moore (18 points a game), is averaging 83.3 points and is shooting 51.4 percent from the field. Painter knows that another poor effort could result in defeat.

"When you have a mature team, you think you will be ready to play," Painter said. "Right now, we've got some guys who are missing shots and then not moving onto the next play.

"We really have to have a sense of urgency. On Friday night, Georgia State outhustled us and deserved to win the game."

Purdue is led by 6-8 sophomore forward Caleb Swanigan (20.7 points, 13 rebounds) and by 7-2 junior center Isaac Haas (18.3 points, 3 rebounds), but junior guard Dakota Mathias saved the day against Georgia State with two late 3-pointers.

Mathias knows the effort must improve in Cancun.

"We've got to bring it every night," Mathias said. "To be able to win like we did Friday night, we've got to continue it going into Cancun."

Fifth-year Boilermaker grad student guard Spike Albrecht believes the Georgia State game will serve as a good lesson.

"We definitely want to learn and grow from (Georgia State)," Albrecht said.

No matter if Purdue plays Auburn or Texas Tech on Wednesday, there are interesting ties.

Auburn's Ronnie Johnson was the Boilermakers' starting point guard for two seasons before transferring to Houston. As a fifth-year graduate student, Johnson now plays for Auburn.

Texas Tech first-year coach Chris Beard was at Arkansas-Little Rock last season and coached his team to an NCAA Tournament overtime victory against Purdue in Denver.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indiana Hoosiers (3-0) at (2-2) IPFW Mastodons

Date: November 22, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

It's not often that Indiana plays a true road game in its non-conference schedule. Like most Top 25 powers, it's going to play a lot of home games, or it's going to play on a neutral floor when it does travel.

So, when the No. 6 Hoosiers agreed to play Tuesday night's non-conference contest at Fort Wayne, it probably raised more than a few eyebrows. Summit League teams like the Mastodons rarely get TV league programs to venture into the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

But Indiana coach Tom Crean, while admitting his team could play in a difficult atmosphere, felt it was an opportunity that couldn't be passed up. It is the Hoosiers' third of their four games in the Indiana Classic, and with the other three in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, this was one they could afford to play on the road.

"It was an opportunity to involve Fort Wayne and an opportunity to go on the road at the second-largest city (in Indiana), I think, and a great IU fan base up there," Crean said. "Now we've got to go play the game. It's going to be easier said than done."

Of course, if you're going to play a road game against the Mastodons, you might as well do it with the talent Crean has on his roster. Indiana (3-0) started the season in impressive fashion, beating Kansas, UMass Lowell and Liberty by escalating margins.

Saturday night's 87-48 rout of Liberty featured a 55-20 rebounding margin against a team that started no one taller than 6-5. It also featured 60.9 percent field goal shooting, a terrific defensive showing that saw the Flames make just under 30 percent from the floor, and an unsightly 26 turnovers.

Crean said after the game that the Hoosiers are simply trying to play too fast.

"Everything's correctible," he said. "Their attitudes are great and we'll get those things fixed as we go. Some of our turnovers are coming from footwork. We've got to continue to build on that."

Indiana will have to value the ball a bit better against an opponent which is forcing 16 turnovers per game and scores 87.8 points. Fort Wayne (2-2) is coming off a 94-81 win Saturday night over UMass Lowell, a game that was also part of the Indiana Classic.

The Mastodons will pin their upset hopes on 6-1 senior guard Mo Evans, who put up 33 points and 13 assists against UMass Lowell. Evans is averaging 23.3 points and 4.8 assists while canning 59.6 percent of his field goal attempts and 57.1 percent on 3-pointers.

"He has figured out how to play the position in our system," said Fort Wayne coach Jon Coffman.

Three other players score in double figures for Fort Wayne, which was formerly known as IPFW (Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne) until the athletic department opted for a rebranding.

By any name, it figures to have a tall order against the likes of James Blackmon (23 points), Thomas Bryant, Robert Johnson and OG Anunoby. But at least the Mastodons will get to stay at home for this opportunity.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: San Jose State Spartans (1-2) at St. Mary's Gaels (3-0)

Date: November 22, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

After recording a critical road win over Dayton on Saturday that could define its season, 15th-ranked St. Mary's returns home for a game against San Jose State on Tuesday (10 p.m. ET) at Moraga, Calif.

The Gaels (3-0) play only three non-conference games away from home this season and one of those is on a neutral court. The game at Dayton, which shared the Atlantic 10 regular-season title last season and was picked to win it again this season, figured to be a measuring stick for the Gaels in their bid to earn an NCAA Tournament berth this season.

St. Mary's dominated most of that game, moving out to a 20-point lead with 8:20 left before Dayton closed to within two with 25 seconds remaining. The Gaels held on for a 61-57 win, leaving a Nov. 30 game at Stanford as their only remaining non-conference game on their opponent's home court.

"This was a good win in a tough environment," St. Mary's coach head coach Randy Bennett said after the win over Dayton. "It was certainly a good test for our team early in the season."

The Gaels won despite shooting just 37.7 percent from the field and going 8 of 26 from 3-point range.

St. Mary's, which returns all five starters from last season, hit 40.6 percent of its 3-pointers last season, and the Gaels' combination of usually reliable outside shooting and the inside dominance of Jock Landale, who had 15 points and 14 rebounds against Dayton, makes them difficult to defend.

"I don't know that anybody has answers against them," Dayton coach Archie Miller said. "They're able to do what they do against anybody. We won't be the only team that struggles against them."

Landale, the only player in the Gaels' starting lineup who was not a starter last season, is averaging 17.0 points on 71.1 percent shooting and 10.3 rebounds in the first three games. Emmett Naar, an all-conference selection last season, is averaging 9.0 assists.

The Gaels will be favorites at home against San Jose State, which will be playing its first game away from home.

The Spartans (1-2) opened with a 109-70 victory over West Coast Baptist, but then lost to Portland 79-66 on Nov. 15 and to Denver 74-69 on Saturday.

The Spartans had three chances in the final minute to tie the game against Denver, but Isaac Thornton missed a 3-pointer with 51 seconds left and San Jose State committed two turnovers in the final 10 seconds.

"This one hurts," said Spartans head coach Dave Wojcik after the Portland loss. "We didn't execute. And we didn't execute on the defensive side of the ball. They shot 67 percent from the field in the second half and we got out rebounded by 10. You can't beat teams when that happens."

San Jose State 6-foot-8 sophomore Brandon Clarke, the Mountain West sixth man of the year last season, leads the team in scoring (17.0 points per game) and rebounding (8.0).

The Spartans have three players who can hit from long range, with Jalen James (6 of 11), Ryan Welage (8 of 16) and E.J. Boyce (7 of 14) all making at least half of their 3-point attempts.

The Spartans will need to hit their perimeter shots to give the Gaels a challenge.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Tuesday’s games

Towson State led by 13 at Maryland Sunday with 14:27 left, lost by 5; Tigers are 2-1 with all three games on road- they start three juniors, one senior. Towson is #64 in experience; they’re shooting just 29.1% on arc but force turnovers 20% of time. Boston College is 2-1 but hasn’t played anyone ranked above #215; they lost at home to #314 Nicholls State. Eagles start a freshman and two sophs. A CAA team favored on road over an ACC team? CAA teams are 12-14 vs spread.

Arkansas scored 84.3 pts/game in beating three decent teams to open season; they were down 17 in last game vs Tex-Arlington, won by 4. Razorbacks are #19 experience team; they outscored UTA 24-9 on line; Hogs made 44.4% on arc so far- this is their first road game. Minnesota scored 85.5 pts/game in winning four home games; young Gophers are playing #72 pace- they’ve got two top 100 wins, beating Tex-Arlington by 17, St John’s by 6.

Middle Tennessee State beat Toledo by 8 LY in finals of Alaskan Shootout; Blue Raiders split pair of D-I home games to start this season, lost to Tennessee State by 11 after beating Murray State by 6. MTSU is shooting just 57% on foul line so far. Toledo is 2-1 vs decent teams, with three games decided by total of 10 points- their loss was by point to St Joe’s. Toledo starts four seniors; they won at Wright State. C-USA teams are 17-13 vs spread. MAC teams are 16-15.

Oregon State misses graduated star Gary Payton Jr; they scored 59 pts/game in losing last couple games, to Lamar/Nevada. Beavers are turning ball over 27.4% of time, 7th-worst in country- they’ve got only one senior who plays and he’s a 7-footer. Tulsa lost 7 of top 8 scorers from LY’s team; Hurricane lost by 27 at Wichita, also lost at home to Jacksonville State- they’re turning ball over 22.6% of time. Tulsa starts a freshman and three juniors- they’re shooting 55.2% on line.

Wyoming is 3-0 with a 73-72 win at Montana (were down 9 with 9:27 left); Cowboys scored 75 pts/game in first two games vs D-I teams- they start two sophs, three juniors. Pacific lost couple road games (UCLA, Irvine) but upset Green Bay in its only home game; Tigers start four seniors, unusual for new coach- they have zero blocked shots in three games. Mountain West teams are 12-6 SU in last 18 games with WCC teams, 2-4 vs spread when an underdog.


Maui Classic

Tennessee is one of 20 least experienced teams in country; they’re playing pace #34. Vols played six guys 23:00+ yesterday, rallying back from down 17 to take lead before losing to Wisconsin by 12- they’re forcing turnovers 22% of time, but still give up 83.3 pts/game. Oregon was also down big yesterday, rallied but fell short vs Georgetown. Ducks got star Brooks back- he played 13:00. Six other Oregon kids played 26+ minutes. Pac-12 teams won seven of last eight games with SEC teams. Pac-12 teams are 16-17 against the spread.

Wisconsin has its whole team back from LY; they blew a 17-point lead yesterday, still won by 12 over a more athletic team- they used four kids 29:00+. Badgers start 4 seniors; play 4th-slowest pace in country and have only made 32% of 3’s so far. Georgetown was up 17 at half vs Oregon, hung on for win; Hoyas lost at home to Maryland/Ark State; their last three games were decided by total of 11 points. Pryor had 26 yesterday; he is Hoyas’ only senior who plays- they forced turnovers 26% of time so far- interesting matchup here against Wisconsin squad that turns ball over 22.5% of time..

Oklahoma State is 4-0, scoring 104.8 pts/game; they beat UConn 98-90 yesterday in foul fest where both teams took 42 FTs. Two Cowboys played more than 27:00 (31-32)- they’re forcing turnovers 23.6% of time, are shooting 41% on arc. North Carolina had glorified practice over a D-II team last night; Tar Heels are 5-0 with no close games, no top 100 wins; they’re grabbing 49% of own missed shots- can Cowboys hold their own on boards? ACC teams/Big X teams split their last 22 meetings; ACC teams are 7-7 vs spread when favored. Big X teams are 3-0 vs spread this season as an underdog.


Barclay’s Center, Brooklyn

Texas is 3-1, with all three wins vs teams ranked #233 or worse; Longhorns start a freshman, two sophs- they lost by 19 to Northwestern last nite, going 13-27 on foul line- they were -9 on boards. Colorado got down big early last nite vs Notre Dame, rallied back but lost by 6; Buffs played 8 kids 10:00+, one more than 30:00- they start 4 seniors. Texas played one kid more than 27:00 last nite; they also played 8 guys 10:00+. These teams were Big X rivals up until 2010; Texas won last six series games. Big X teams are 12-6 vs spread this season.

Notre Dame plays Northwestern sometimes in football, but not in hoops; Irish used three kids 32+ minutes last nite, running out to big lead, holding on to win 89-83. ND starts two juniors, three seniors- they used two subs more than 9:00. Wildcats are playing to build tournament resume; they’ve never made NCAAs, but Texas win last nite is big. Northwestern is 3-1 with a 2-point loss at Butler; they’re shooting 42.2% on arc while starting 2 sophs, 2 juniors, playing one of 20 slowest tempos in country. This is a bigger game for Northwestern than Notre Dame.


Cancun Challenge

Auburn beat three stiffs to open season, winning by 17-18-21 points; they’re #3 in country at getting to foul line, where they’ve shot only 63.4%. Young Tigers (start 3 freshmen, 2 sophs) are forcing turnovers 25.5% of time (#15 in US); they’re playing #17 pace, with subs playing #22 minutes in country. Texas Tech has new coach, is #10 experience team in country- they’re 3-0 vs similar stiffs, #28 at protecting ball so far. Red Raiders are making 47.9% on arc while playing #271 pace. SEC teams are 18-19 vs spread; Big X teams are 12-6 vs spread.

Purdue is 2-1, losing by 3 at home to Villanova, then scoring last 20 points of game to beat a decent Georgia State team by 8. Boilers start four juniors and a soph; they’re still shaky vs quickness/pressure. Utah State is 4-0 with only top 200 win at Cal-Irvine; they’ve made 39.1% of 3-pointers. Mountain West teams are 4-3 vs spread as an underdog; Big 14 teams are 8-13 vs spread as favorites. Big 14 teams won three of last four games vs MW teams, but are just 1-3 vs spread in those games.

Indiana was +23 (51-28) on boards in 90-65 home win over Fort Wayne LY; this game is in Fort Wayne, has to be a big deal to have Hoosiers coming there. Indiana beat Kansas in OT out in Hawai’i; they beat two other stiffs at home after that. Hoosiers are shooting 44.3% on arc, but also turning ball over 25% of time. Matadors lost by 9 at Arkansas, 18 at Illinois State; they’re not a strong defensive team, bad news vs Hoosiers. Fort Wayne has a senior PG who is very good but they also start two sophs. Summit League underdogs are 10-10 vs spread this month.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Akron Zips (5-6) at Ohio Bobcats (7-4)
By Randy Chambers
Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at 7:00 pm (Peden Stadium)
The Line: Ohio Bobcats -- Over/Under:
TV: ESPNU

The Akron Zips and Ohio Bobcats meet Tuesday night in MAC college football action at Peden Stadium on ESPNU.

The Akron Zips look to snap a three-game losing streak to become bowl eligible. The Akron Zips hope to become bowl eligible two years in a row for the first time in school history. Thomas Woodson is completing 60.3 percent of his passes for 2,079 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions. Woodson has two or more touchdown passes in four of his last six games. Jerome Lane and JoJo Natson, Jr. have combined for 1,755 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns while Austin Wolf has 35 receptions. The Akron Zips ground game is averaging 135.5 yards per contest, and Van Edwards, Jr. leads the way with 485 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, Akron is allowing 35.8 points and 481.2 yards per game. Ulysees Gilbert III leads the Akron Zips with 116 tackles, Jamal Marcus has 2.5 sacks and Kyron Brown has three interceptions.

The Ohio Bobcats look to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time in hopes of reaching the MAC Championship Game. The Ohio Bobcats have won five of their last seven home games. Quinton Maxwell is completing 55.6 percent of his passes for 1,078 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Maxwell and Greg Windham have combined for 17 touchdown passes this season. Sebastian Smith and Papi White have combined for 1,251 receiving yards and eight touchdowns while Jordan Reid has 38 receptions. The Ohio Bobcats ground game is averaging 191.3 yards per contest, and Dorian Brown leads the way with 747 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, Ohio is allowing 23.4 points and 371.9 yards per game. Blair Brown leads the Ohio Bobcats with 96 tackles, Tarell Basham has nine sacks and Javon Hagan has three interceptions.

The Zips are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 conference games and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf. The Bobcats are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in November. The Zips are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Ohio and 2-6 ATS in their last 8 meetings overall.

There's no line yet due to the questionable status of Woodson.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview and Prediction: Ball State Cardinals (4-7) at Miami-OH RedHawks (5-6)
By Mark Roberts
Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at 7:00 pm (Fred C Yager Stadium)
The Line: Miami-OH RedHawks -6 -- Over/Under:
TV: ESPN3

The Miami (OH) Redhawks have a college football Bowl on their mind when the Ball State Cardinals visit in week 13.

The Ball State Cardinals were very much in control of their postseason future before four consecutive defeats left them staring at a 4-7 record. The Cardinals come off of a 37-19 defeat at Toledo where they were outgained 504-393 and the special teams allowed a punt return for a score. The Rockets were able to do whatever and Ball State needed to run more effectively and quarterback Riley Neal needed help. Neal was the Cardinals offense with 260 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns on 33-49 while leading the team on the ground with 85 yards on 14 carries. Damon Hazleton Jr. was the Cardinals top receiving option with 12 receptions for 102 yards and a eleven yard score.

The Miami (OH) Redhawks have been a surprise team for over a month with an unheard of five straight victories that has them on the cusp of becoming Bowl eligible. The Redhawks come off a 35-24 win at Buffalo as ten point favorites where a 20-7 lead heading to the locker room kick started them to a win versus a struggling squad. The Bulls actually won the battle for yardage 380-309 and returned a fumble for a score but Miami (OH) also returned a fumble for a TD and recorded a pick six. Redhawks quarterback Gus Ragland completed 7-14 for 105 yards and a pair of touchdowns while adding 45 yards and a score with his legs. Alonzo Smith paced Miami (OH) on the ground with 91 yards on seven touches while Jared Murphy caught two passes for 57 yards for two TD’s.

Ball State are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Tuesday games and Ball State are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a bye week while the under is 5-1 in Ball State last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Miami (OH) are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record and Miami (OH) are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall while Miami (OH) are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf. The under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings and the underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings while Ball State are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 meetings.

Miami (OH) never wins anything and are can go Bowling so if any team has momentum, it’s them but the spread is scary…

MARK'S PICK
Miami (OH) -6

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Central Michigan Chippewas (6-5) at Eastern Michigan Eagles (6-4)
By Mark Roberts
Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at 7:00 pm (Rynearson Stadium)
The Line: Eastern Michigan Eagles 0 -- Over/Under:
TV: ESPN3

The Central Michigan Chippewas travel to the Eastern Michigan Eagles with a college football Bowl being the prize for the winner.

At 6-5, the Central Michigan Chippewas are in the running for a Bowl after snapping a three game slide with a 27-20 victory versus Ohio. The Chippewas took a 17-3 lead in to the half and then held on for dear life as the mistake prone Bobcats self destructed with four giveaways which negated their 357-286 edge in yards. Chips quarterback Cooper Rush was solid as he connected on 25-32 for 268 yards and a pair of touchdowns with Tyler Conklin on the receiving end of both scores while Corey Willis led the receiving corps with eight catches for 109 yards. That was about it for the CMU attack as their running game was ineffective although they limited mistakes.

The Eastern Michigan Eagles are also 6-5 and a win would send them to the postseason and give the program a winning record in what must seem like an eternity. The Eagles would already be celebrating if not for a 31-24, overtime loss to visiting Northern Illinois. EMU looked golden with a 21-0 lead after 30 minutes but mustered just three points the rest of the way with both teams totaling around 480 yards or so. Eagles quarterback Brogan Roback struggled, completing 17-38 for 184 yards with a touchdown and a pair of interceptions with Sergio Bailey catching three balls for 40 yards and a score. Ian Eriksen was Eastern Michigan’s star with 171 rushing yards and two TD’s on 30 totes while catching four passes for 48 yards.

The under is 7-0 in Central Michigan last 7 vs. a team with a winning record and Central Michigan are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record while the under is 6-2 in Central Michigan last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Eastern Michigan are 5-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning record and Eastern Michigan are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game while the under is 4-0 in Eastern Michigan last 4 home games. The road team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings and Central Michigan are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Eastern Michigan while the over is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.

I think there will be extra motivation for Eastern Michigan who are eyeing that winning record but CMU has been a nemesis...

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAA Football Predictions: Week 13 Opening Line Report and Picks
by Alan Matthews

Can't believe how fast the 2016 college football season has flown by as this is the final full weekend of the year, and that means some of the sport's best rivalries are being played. Yet the biggest story around the nation today is that of Charlie Strong.

Somehow, Texas managed to lose at pitiful Kansas on Saturday night in overtime, the Jayhawks' first win in the series since 1938 and their first win over an FBS opponent since 2014. Strong was on very shaky ground as it was, but I think we all knew that loss had to be the final straw for the Texas administration. On Sunday, multiple reports said that Strong was being fired, yet the school would only put out a statement saying he would be evaluated after the regular season. Thus Strong will coach this week's home game vs. TCU, which the Horns need to get bowl eligible at 6-6 (some teams might get an invite at 5-7 if there aren't enough eligible teams).

At Strong's rather uncomfortable weekly press conference Monday, he said that he speaks with school president Gregory L. Fenves after every game and it’s his understanding “that we will be evaluated after the TCU game.” Strong also said he hasn't been told he's fired. I don't understand why the school is leaving him out to dry here. According to a report from the Austin-American Statesman, Texas players are threatening to boycott the team's game against TCU because Strong is being fired. When asked that Monday, Strong said it won't happen.

It's the right move for Texas as Strong just was never a fit there. I'm sure some of the sportsbooks will release a prop on the next Texas coach this week -- unless it's such a foregone conclusion that it's going to be Houston's Tom Herman. Sounds like it's his job to lose and that Herman will take it. I'm sure Texas will at least call Nick Saban again, but he's not leaving Alabama. If Herman opts to take the LSU or possibly the Oregon job instead, that's really going to make UT look bad. A rumored second choice is Clemson's Dabo Swinney, but I don't believe he's leaving that job until Alabama opens as that's Swinney's alma mater.

I actually think Texas is good value on Friday at -2 against the Horned Frogs as Strong's players will want to win for him.

Here are a few Week 12 opening lines that caught my eye. Rankings from the last College Football Top 25 (will change Tuesday). These are all games before Saturday as I will address Saturday games on my Friday update story.

No. 16 LSU at No. 25 Texas A&M (+5), Thursday: It's the only NCAA action on Thanksgiving. It could be that both these coaches are gone from their respective programs -- and both schools would certainly want to speak with Herman. Any shot interim LSU coach Ed Orgeron had of keeping the job full-time evaporated in Saturday's 16-10 home upset loss to Florida, which ended with the Tigers stopped on fourth down at the UF 1-yard-line. That loss also likely cost LSU a trip to the Sugar Bowl, although it would have had to win here as well. Will LSU have star running back Leonard Fournette? He wasn't going to play vs. Florida with an ankle injury but got into a skirmish pre-game with some Gators and then did play, although he wasn't effective. Texas A&M has a shot at a major bowl if it can win this game. However, I do believe Kevin Sumlin is in trouble with a loss as the Aggies enter having dropped three of five in yet another late-season fade. It's the final home game for Aggies superstar defensive end Myles Garrett, who probably is the No. 1 overall pick in next year's draft. He had 4.5 sacks in Saturday's 23-10 win over UTSA. Keep in mind that Aggies QB Trevor Knight is out for the season. The Pick: Texas A&M.

Toledo at No. 21 Western Michigan (-9), Friday: I thought the Broncos were set up for a major trap game Saturday vs. Buffalo as 35-point favorites, but they won 38-0. Corey Davis had 13 catches for 173 yards and two touchdowns, breaking the Mid-American Conference record for career receptions. Davis also holds the MAC records for career yards receiving and touchdown catches. Davis also moved closer to the FBS career receiving record. His 4,987 yards ranks second behind Trevor Insley's 5,005. This will be Davis' final home game and probably as well for head coach P.J. Fleck, who is going to be in demand at some Power 5 programs this offseason. The Broncos are still the only other unbeaten team in the country, and the winner of this one plays in the MAC Championship Game against either Ohio or Miami of Ohio. It will be Ohio if it beats visiting Akron on Tuesday. There is no opening line on that yet because the Zips' starting QB is in question. Miami also plays Tuesday and is -8 vs. Ball State. The RedHawks are trying to become the first team in college football history to start 0-6 and finish 6-0. The Pick: WMU.

No. 6 Washington at No. 22 Washington State (+5.5), Friday: This game lost a bit of luster with Wazzu losing to Colorado on Saturday and probably falls out of the new College Football Playoff Top 25 on Tuesday. But the Apple Cup victor still plays in the Pac-12 title game against either Colorado (if it beats Utah) or USC (if Colorado loses). The Huskies should move up to No. 5 in the new CFP Top 25 with Louisville's loss last week. I guarantee you Washington would like another shot at the Trojans, who dominated UW in Seattle two weeks ago. Washington has won the past three in series. It was 45-10 last year, but Cougars star QB Luke Falk was out injured. if Washington loses here, the Pac-12 will miss the playoff -- and it opens the door potentially for Oklahoma if it wins out. Or perhaps two Big Ten teams. The Pick: Washington.

No. 18 Nebraska at Iowa (-3), Friday: The Huskers will play in the Big Ten title game if they win this game and Wisconsin loses on Saturday at home to Minnesota, which I rather doubt. If the Huskers lose here, Wisconsin is in no matter what. Who will NU start at quarterback? Tommy Armstrong Jr. missed Saturday's win over Maryland with a hamstring injury. Coach Mike Riley said backup Ryker Fyfe broke a bone in his non-throwing wrist against the Terps. Zack Darlington, who moved to receiver in the spring, could be pressed into emergency duty for the Huskers. If Nebraska wins at Iowa, Riley is eligible for at least a $250,000 performance bonus per his contract. Must be nice. The Pick: Iowa.

 

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NCAAF

Tuesday’s games

Akron lost its last eight games with Ohio, with underdogs covering three of last four; Bobcats beat Akron last two years by combined total of five points. Zips lost last five visits to Athens, by 3-6-28-7-10 points (2-3 vs spread). Ohio is 7-4, but only one their last four wins was by more than six points; they’re 1-3 as home favorite this year. Akron lost its last three games, allowing 42.3 pts/game; they’re 3-2 SU on road this year, 2-1 as road underdogs. MAC home teams are 15-27 vs spread in conference play this year.

Miami OH was 0-6 at one point this year; if they win this game, they’ll be 6-6, bowl eligible. Red Hawks won last five games, scoring 31.6 pts/game- they’re 2-3 SU at home, 2-0 as home favorite, with wins by 4-20 points. Miami lost last three games with Ball State, allowing 39 pts/game, but this is first meeting since 2013; Cardinals won last three visits here, in series where dogs covered four of last five meetings. Ball State lost its last four games, allowing 43 pts/game; they’re 5-1 vs spread on road this year, 3-3 SU. MAC home favorites are 8-16 vs spread.

Eastern Michigan is 6-5. eligible for first bowl since 1987, but they’ve lost four of last six games, losing last three home games to Toledo, Miami, NIU. Eagles allowed 41+ points in three of last four games; they’re 4-1 this year in games with spread of 4 or less points. Central Michigan is 2-3 on road, with win at Oklahoma State; they’ve lost three of last four games overall, are 2-3 in games with spread of 5 or less points. MAC home underdogs are 7-11 vs spread in conference play this year. Under is 7-2 in last nine Eastern Michigan games.

 

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Yonkers: Tuesday 11/22 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF

MEET STATS: 410 - 1182 / $2,223.50

BEST BETS: 54 - 96 / $177.40

Best Bet: ROCK TO GLORY (3rd)

Spot Play: NORTHERN DALI (2nd)


Race 1

(1) LEGENDS LUCK has raced decently here in the past and he draws best versus this suspect group. (2) RANSOM DEMAND blazed the way on the front end last week and folded; threat if better rated. (6) UPFRONT LORNE debuts for a barn that's had some recent success; Brett Miller drives.

Race 2

(4) NORTHERN DALI has been racing very well recently and may be due for a breakout performance. (3) GINGER TREE ALEXIS broke in her Milici debut but did qualify effectively afterwards. (6) CAROBBEAN PACETRY returns from Pocono off a solid try.

Race 3

(4) ROCK TO GLORY has plenty of class and can find a way to get the job done. (3) FLEM N EM N also has back class and does come off a win but the missed time is a concern. (1) BEAT THE DRUM debuts for the Milici barn, draws best and is an obvious threat.

Race 4

(6) DYNAMIC YOUTH raced pretty well last out considering he was used early and shuffled; another chance. (7) ROLLIN RING AFIRE is more new Team Milici stock and this one has ability. (3) YO CHEYENNE ROCKY gets some needed post relief and can be considered underneath at a price.

Race 5

(5) SWEET TALKIN SATIN ships from Delaware and moves into that Milici guy's barn; clearly good things can be expected right off the bat. (2) IN COMMANDO hasn't done much since being claimed for $30,000 but this looks like a better spot. (1) TWIN B FAMOUS is another one who has been underachieving and is tough to endorse on top; use underneath.

Race 6

(1) MADMAN HALL has quietly had a very profitable season for Schnittker and he was a solid winner three back at this level and this distance. (5) TRIUMPHANT'S CHIP likes to win and could fit well here. (2) DOUBLEDAY was second best to the top choice two back but he loses leading driver Jason Bartlett; his trainer handles the lines and he's proven competent in the past.

Race 7

(7) SOUTHERN CROSS has gone down the road in his last two starts, including a recent blowout win at this distance; Dube driving for Svanstedt is always a live angle. (5) TACO TUESDAY is yet another new addition to the Milici barn and this one has some minor stakes experience; he has missed some time however. (4) MISTER CLASS returns locally for Lorentzon looking for two straight but is facing a bit tougher.

Race 8

(3) DIAL A CHIC raced well in defeat last week and he raced okay in an added-distance event three back; MacDonald sticks with him and he draws well in this wide-open event. (5) PHAT STACKS looks like a legit speed threat for Buter. (4) LINDYLICIOUS is clearly better than she's been showing.

Race 9

(5) MASS BALANCE has been racing very well out of town without a victory to show for it; he could be a big threat here assuming he's ready for his new connections. (9) BEND IN THE RIVER won easily at Philly upon arrival from Ohio; he faces much better here but may have more to offer. (3) ELUSIVE ACTION is inconsistent but is capable on his best day.

Race 10

(7) MANHATTAN AS rallied well for a share at this distance two back and followed that up with a win; filly looks as capable as anybody in here. (5) TECH TITAN has ability but also a serious breaking problem; tough to use but also tough to toss out. (6) I'M LOOKING AT YOU could be forwardly placed from this spot.

 

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SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Delta Downs (1st) Scrutiny, 3-1
(9th) President Charlie, 6-1


Finger Lakes (3rd) Epic Legend, 4-1
(4th) Hundred Percent, 4-1


Mahoning Valley (3rd) Misterbulltoyou, 6-1
(9th) Shawklit Milkshake, 5-1


Mountaineer (6th) Koppnout, 6-1
(9th) Watchkeeper, 8-1


Parx Racing (1st) Gitidone, 5-1
(8th) Retire Fifty Five, 6-1


Turf Paradise (5th) Grass Valley Cat, 7-2
(8th) Five Star Bert, 6-1

 

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Tuesday’s six-pack

Six interesting college basketball scores from Monday:

— Wisconsin 74, Tennessee 62- Badgers were up 17 early; Vols caught up early in second half, went head for a while, but the more veteran team prevailed.

—*Northwestern 77, Texas 58– Could be a huge win for Wildcats, who have never been in NCAA tournament.

— Bucknell 75, Vanderbilt 72— Oy. Bryce Drew’s old team (Valparaiso) is better than his new one (Vandy). Could be a long winter in Nashville.

— Creighton 86, Ole Miss 77— High-octane Bluejays win Paradise Jam.

— Oklahoma State 98, UConn 90— Brad Underwood is a really good coach. UConn is 1-3.

— Winthrop 84, Illinois 80 OT— Losses like this get coaches fired.

 

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Mike Wynn

Bonus Play: CBB Yale +10½ Over Pittsburgh

 

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Razor Sharp

YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR TUESDAY: Take WASHINGTON -12 over Long Beach St

 

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Platinum Plays

Free Pick: NBA Portland Trailblazers +1½ over New York Knicks

 

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Golden Dragon Sports

Free Pick Tulsa -2 College Basketball

 

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Huddle Up Sports

Bonus Play Texas Tech -5' College Basketball

 

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The Vegas Steam Line

Your free winner for Tuesday: Take UTAH ST +10½ over Purdue

 

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Nevada Sharpshooter

Your free winner for Tuesday: Take PITTSBURGH -10½ over Yale