Drew Gordon
Today's Games... 1. 200,000♦ Brigham Young
2. 50,000♦ Ohio
1. Brigham Young- The old PAC-10 over Mountain West argument - sorry guys, but you need to take A LOT more into account when 'capping Bowl games. In this case, the one factor that stands out above all the rest is motivation. Is Oregon State going to bring their "A" game tonight, that is the question you should be asking yourself... And the answer is a definative NO. Coach Riley admitted his team was dealing with disappointment, and I don't care who you are, but when you're busy thinking about the "what if," you're not thinking about the "right now," as in playing a VERY motivated BYU squad.
Speaking of BYU, not only do they enjoy an edge at QB with stud Max Hall, but defensively I believe they are a superior team. I know people will argue about the speed of the PAC-10 vs the slower/stronger Mountain West, but to be honest, we're you really that impressed by the PAC-10 this year? Make no mistake, the Cougars offense can play with anyone, especially a Beaver stop-unit allowing a generous 23.5 ppg on the road this season!
One other key factor to consider when 'capping Bowl games is perception. In other words, ask yourself, what does Vegas want the average bettor (aka the average sucker) to do? And the answer to that question is clear: They want bettors to play the Beavers as a short favorite against a supposedly weaker Mountain West team. Setting the line where its at is a perfect trap for those of you out there who swear the Cougars can't possiby cover the Rodgers brothers. Again, Oregon State backers are in for a major disappointment.
Bottom line, considering several factors, including motivation and perception, the play here rests squarely on the Cougars. BYU has been here before, they are not only happy to be in Las Vegas, but actually relish the idea. The crowd will be very much pro-Cougars, and with Oregon State still thinking about the Rose Bowl, I say the Beavers deliver a lackluster performance here, costing their backers in the process.
Take Brigham Young plus the points over Oregon State as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Ohio- We're gonna keep this one short and simple, as the betting public is making the mistake of seriously underestimating this Bobcats squad in this spot. Clearly, the Panthers are the better overall team, with superior size, but laying double digits in this match up is simply too much to ask. Read on...
Although there's no doubt anyone would take the Panthers frontline over the Bobcats, fact is both van Kempen and Washingon are playing extremely well of late. They've helped lead this Ohio team to 3 straight wins and 4 covers in their last 5 games! The one issue is foul trouble, with Ohio bench has a couple extra big bodies to throw in their in case of the worst case scenario (6'8 forwards Keely and Baltic).
The backcourt is an interesting match up, because unlike the frontline, Ohio's guard duo of Cooper and Bassett is extremely talented and just as good as the Panthers. Gibbs and Wannamker may get more public love, but if you haven't seen the Bobcats play this season, you'll see just how comparable these backcourts are tonight. As is the case with college basketball, the game is won and lost because of backcourt play, and in this match up, its closer than it appears.
Finally, Pittsburgh-backers have been getting massacred of late overall (and especially at home). Note, Pitt is just 3-10-1 ATS over their L14 games overall AND an equally bad 2-8-1 ATS in their L11 at home. Look guys, in the end, underestimate this Ohio team at your own loss, as Bassett and Cooper carry this team straight to the bank Tuesday night on the road.
Take Ohio plus the points over Pittsburgh in this college hoops match up.
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED------GL GUYS
thanks cork
just want to let you know that I think JDizzle and I are in the same A-Redd Group. I have not received his 40 dime play in my e-mail yet either. As soon as I get it, I'll post it....or he will....i am going to weight lift now...so hopefully when I complete my workout I will have the play in my e-mail so i can post it for the forum...nonetheless...GO BYU!
i haven't received his pick in my e-mail yet (which to be honest is angering me). I think {AND IT'S A BIG 'THINK'} that he is on BYU......
when i get the play i'll post it as long as it is b/4 4 pm central time...b/c after 4pm central time I'll be :toast: with friends and getting ready for the BYU whooping of oregon state
