Tuesday 12/22/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Jayhawks (9-1) at Aztecs (7-5)

Date: December 22, 2015 11:00 PM EDT

Though San Diego State has struggled at times, Kansas has good reason to believe a daunting test awaits in its first true road game.

With a January 2014 home defeat to the Aztecs still resonating within the program, the second-ranked Jayhawks try for a ninth consecutive victory in the rematch Tuesday night.

"I could be wrong, but (San Diego State) said this is the hottest ticket that their basketball program has ever had during the regular season," Kansas coach Bill Self said. "It's been sold out forever. It'll be a rowdy atmosphere ... I'm excited."

Self never felt his team's 61-57 loss to then-No. 21 San Diego State almost two years ago was an upset, even though the Jayhawks were ranked 16th. It's the last time Kansas (9-1) lost at home to an opponent outside the Big 12, and only its third defeat in 89 nonconference games at Allen Fieldhouse.

"That game will definitely be on some of our minds," Kansas senior forward Perry Ellis said. "We are going to do the best we can in practice and go out to San Diego and compete at a high level."

Ellis scored four points and teammate Wayne Seldon had six as SDSU held the Jayhawks to a season-low 29.8 percent shooting.

Seldon is averaging a team-high 16.0 points with Ellis right behind at 14.7 entering this matchup. The Jayhawks have averaged 89.5 points and 54.6 percent shooting since making 34.8 percent in a 79-73 loss to then-No. 13 Michigan State on Nov. 17.

However, they're only cautiously confident even though SDSU is 7-5.

The Aztecs again rank among the top defensive teams in the country, allowing 53.7 points and 32.9 percent shooting while going 5-2 at home. It's a natural concern for Self, especially in that environment.

"We need to play a true road game," said Self, whose squad has played in Chicago, Maui and nearby Kansas City. "We need to learn how to do that on the road."

The 31-win SDSU team that won in Lawrence averaged 75.8 points and shot 45.6 percent to go 11-1 in nonconference play. The Aztecs have since averaged 64.6 and 41.2 while going 17-8 outside the Mountain West Conference in the regular season.

That would not seem to bode well against the Jayhawks, who held their last six opponents to 60.8 points and 38.1 percent shooting. Montana shot 24.4 percent in Saturday's 88-46 loss at Allen Fieldhouse.

SDSU might have bottomed out Friday, shooting 31.5 percent in a 52-45 home defeat to Grand Canyon.

"If we go into Kansas like we did (Friday) we'll lose by 50," freshman guard Jeremy Hemsley said. "Unless we want to win the game and make the tournament, we have to change something. We have to change our effort and we have to be better as a group."

Hemsley is the only Aztec averaging in double figures at 13.4 points per game, while senior Winston Shepard is at 8.8 - 2.3 lower than his team-leading average from 2014-15.

Aztecs coach Steve Fisher's team is looking to avoid losing back-to-back home nonconference games for the first time since December 2004.

"We have to boar back, say we're good, and prove that we're good," Fisher said. "We have to prove we are who we say we are. We aren't showing that right now."

The Aztecs lost by five at then-No. 16 Utah on Nov. 16, then beat No. 14 California 72-58 in Las Vegas 10 days later.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Sooners (8-0) at Cougars (7-2)

Date: December 22, 2015 11:00 PM EDT

Oklahoma's trip to Hawaii earlier this month was a most enjoyable experience, though that can be said about every game it's played this season.

The No. 3 Sooners put their unblemished record on the line at the Diamond Head Classic, where they'll take on Washington State in Tuesday night's opening round.

Oklahoma's previous visit to Honolulu resulted in the most impressive of its eight consecutive wins to start the season, a 78-55 rout of then-No. 9 Villanova in the Pearl Harbor Classic on Dec. 7. The Sooners dominated on both ends, hitting 14 of 26 from 3-point range and limiting the Wildcats to a 4-of-32 performance from beyond the arc.

That's usually been the blueprint behind Oklahoma's best start since the Blake Griffin-led 2008-09 squad won its first 12 games. The Sooners rank second nationally with a 47.7 percent success rate on 3-pointers and are second as well in field goal percentage defense (34.3).

Oklahoma's last seven wins have come by double digits, though it was tested by Creighton before pulling away for an 87-74 decision Saturday. The Sooners led 71-68 with under five minutes left before Buddy Hield scored nine of his career-high 33 points in succession.

"It was a little stressful, but it was good for us," center Ryan Spangler said. "We've got to figure out ways to win games like that. We're going to be in a lot of them this year coming up."

The Sooners will be heavily favored in a tournament field that includes no other ranked teams, though Northern Iowa owns victories over two current top 11 programs in North Carolina and Iowa State. They'll face the Panthers or tournament host Hawaii on Wednesday.

Washington State (7-2) has been sound defensively as well during its best start since going 8-1 in 2010-11, a season that included a runner-up finish in the Diamond Head Classic. The Cougars are tied for second in Division I with 7.0 blocks per game and have held opponents to 40.6 percent shooting.

The Cougars have shot 53 percent or better in four straight and enter the event off back-to-back wins, though they struggled at times in Friday's 78-73 overtime triumph over Texas State in their first outing back from exams.

"I don't think we were as sharp as we had been in earlier games, and a lot of that has to do with six new guys never going through the academics at this level and what that means," coach Ernie Kent said. "I've always said with freshmen and with JC players, that first semester is the toughest."

Opponents have shot 26.5 percent from 3 during the Cougars' win streak, but they'll be challenged with Oklahoma's trio of Hield (23.5 points per game), Isaiah Cousins (13.8) and Jordan Woodard (13.3) all shooting 50 percent or better.

The Sooners' defense draws a tough matchup in center Josh Hawkinson, who's shooting 61.5 percent and notched a fourth straight double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds against Texas State.

Washington State seeks its first win over a ranked team since a 73-61 victory over No. 23 UCLA on March 6, 2013. The Cougars have dropped eight straight and 16 of 17 to Top 25 teams, most recently 69-60 to then-No. 13 Gonzaga on Dec. 2.

Oklahoma won the lone previous meeting between the schools, 74-59 in the 76 Classic in Anaheim, California in November 2011.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Zips (7-5) at Aggies (6-6)

Date: December 22, 2015 3:30 PM EDT

In addressing the media moments after learning his team was playing in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Akron coach Terry Bowden stumbled over his words when acknowledging the bowl.

"We are excited to be going to Boise to play in the Famous Potato Idaho Potato Bowl ... the Boise Bowl ... the Bowl in Boise," he said.

It's understandable that Bowden wasn't 100 percent sure of the name of the bowl seeing as his team hasn't been to one in a decade.

Utah State coach Matt Wells had no such trouble reciting the bowl's name. Not a big surprise, either, considering his team is appearing in the Idaho Potato Bowl for the third time in five seasons.

In the first meeting between the programs, the Zips try for their first bowl win as an FBS team while the Aggies look to cap an up-and-down season with a fourth bowl victory in as many years Tuesday in Boise, Idaho.

A bowl invite didn't look promising for Akron after it opened 3-5, but it finished the regular season with four consecutive wins to go 7-5 and reach one for the first time since losing the 2005 Motor City Bowl.

"We obviously are excited for our players to go out there as a reward for their accomplishments," said Bowden, whose team tied for second place in the Mid-American East Division.

The Aggies' season also got off to a rough start as they opened 1-2 and lost senior quarterback Chuckie Keeton to a knee injury. They rebounded to win four of their next five before stumbling to a 1-3 finish to go 6-6 - their worst record since 4-8 in 2010.

Utah State still tied for second place in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference to earn a fourth invite to the Potato Bowl. The Aggies won it in 2012, and also won bowl games in 2013 and '14 to enter this season one of just four FBS teams with at least 30 wins and three bowl victories in the past three years, joining Clemson, Michigan State and Oregon.

"We gladly accept the invitation to represent Utah State University and the Mountain West Conference in the 2015 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl," Wells said.

Wells got Keeton back to run the offense for the season's final two games, but it looks like he'll be sharing snaps with sophomore Kent Myers.

Keeton completed 47.2 percent of his passes for 352 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the last two games and has three TDs to six picks on the season.

Myers threw for 823 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception over a three-game stretch before giving way to Keeton.

"We've got two good quarterbacks and they're both healthy, so they'll both have their role," Wells said. "Akron will have to prepare for both of them."

Whoever lines up under center will be targeting Hunter Sharp.

Despite being suspended for the season's first two games for a violation of team rules, Sharp still had 36 more receptions than Utah State's No. 2 receiver, Andrew Rodriguez. Sharp was tied for the Mountain West lead with eight touchdown receptions and caught 60 passes.

Moving the ball, however, could be trouble for both teams as Utah State and Akron are led by their defenses.

The Aggies were 14th in the FBS against the pass, limiting opponents to 180.4 yards, and have a pair of first-team all-Mountain West performers at linebacker in senior Kyler Fackrell and junior Nick Vigil.

Fackrell has recovered five fumbles and has 13 1/2 tackles for loss while Vigil, a two-time first-team all-conference selection, has 140 tackles - 12 1/2 of those coming behind the line of scrimmage.

Akron's defense is led by the MAC Defensive Player of the Year, Jatavis Brown. The senior linebacker totaled 10 1/2 sacks and 17 1/2 tackles for loss for Akron, which is third in the nation in opponents' rushing yards per game (89.8) and per carry (2.8).

Brown also had three forced fumbles while DeAndre Scott had six interceptions for a defense that hounds opponents. The Zips have come up with 12 takeaways in the last four games to aid a pedestrian offense.

Akron will likely lean heavily on running back Conor Hundley, Thomas Woodson's legs and the ground game given Southern Utah's success against the pass and Woodson's inconsistency throwing.

Woodson completed 53.2 percent of his passes for 2,034 yards with 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions but also ran for 553 yards with three scores.

Hundley has 883 rushing yards with 10 TDs and has topped 90 yards three times in the last four games.

"They are really dynamic," Fackrell said. "Conor Hundley is bigger and is a thick player. ... They do have a lot of size for those short-yardage situations and they do pass well enough to keep you honest. With the draws and everything they do, the running game is absolutely a threat."

Utah State is facing a MAC team in a bowl game for the fifth time in school history and is 9-2 overall against the MAC.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockets (9-2) at Owls (10-3)

Date: December 22, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

Coach Matt Rhule is aiming to lead Temple to its first Top 25 finish in 36 years, validating the program's turnaround on a national scale.

Toledo is just looking for Jason Candle to pick up where his predecessor left off.

Rhule looks to cap his rebuilding efforts with the No. 24 Owls by winning the Boca Raton Bowl and spoiling Candle's coaching debut with the Rockets on Tuesday.

Temple (10-3) went 2-10 in its first season under Rhule in 2013 and improved to 6-6 last season but failed to make a bowl game. The Owls not only reached one this year, but if they win it, they would break the team record for victories in a season. That 10-win campaign came in 1979, also the last time they finished in the AP poll at No. 17.

"I'd like to finish in the Top 25," Rhule said. "When people asked me early in the year, 'What does it mean to be in the Top 25?' I think I was pretty consistent saying, 'I want to finish in the Top 25.' That's a goal. If we win (the bowl), I think we would. That would be my goal."

The ranking may also provide some solace for Temple, which tumbled four spots in the poll after losing 24-13 at then-No. 17 Houston in the inaugural American Athletic Conference title game.

The Owls' rise garnered Rhule attention for the vacancy at Missouri, but the sides broke off talks and he recently agreed to a six-year contract to remain at Temple. He sees this bowl appearance as a chance to continue building the program.

"I think the bowl game is going to be a great opportunity for us," he said. "Obviously, to play on national TV, to be in Florida where a lot of our recruits are and be the only show on national TV that night."

Rhule has a key recruiting tool in senior linebacker Tyler Matakevich, the program's first first-team All-America defensive player, the winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik Award recipient. He's the nation's active leader with 481 career tackles, while his five interceptions this season ranked second in the conference.

"This is what you can do at Temple," Rhule said. "You can stand there with a kid from Alabama and a kid from Penn State and win a national award and deserve it. I think our level of expectation for our program has to rise."

Candle is expected to maintain Toledo's status as a Mid-American Conference contender just as his predecessor Matt Campbell did for four seasons before accepting the job at Iowa State last month.

Candle had been an assistant for the Rockets (9-2) since 2009, rising to offensive coordinator and associate head coach under Campbell.

"Matt has laid an unbelievable foundation here. Nine wins and two wins over Power Five opponents (then-No. 18 Arkansas and Iowa State) is a pretty dang good season.

"What I most appreciate about Matt is that he did it the right way. He did it with our guys going to class. You don't read about our guys in the newspaper other than for really good things on Saturday afternoons. That will continue to happen."

The Rockets, however, failed to make the grade in conference play, going 6-2 and losing 35-30 at home to Western Michigan on Nov. 27 to fall short of the MAC title game through tiebreakers.

"Ultimately, we didn't end up in Detroit (at the MAC championship game) and I know what the standard around here is," Candle said.

Toledo's offense is among the best in the league, ranking first in rushing yards per game (213.2) and tied for second in scoring (35.3 points). The balanced unit has 23 rushing touchdowns and 22 passing.

The running game packs a one-two punch with Kareem Hunt and Terry Swanson, who combined for 1,764 yards with an average of 6.0 per carry and 17 TDs.

Hunt has been particularly dangerous of late, with 545 yards and seven scores over the last four games. It's a welcome return for the Rockets after he missed the first two games of the season for violating team rules and sitting out two more with a hamstring injury. The junior led the MAC with 1,631 rushing yards last season, scoring 16 times.

Phillip Ely threw for 2,680 yards and was sacked only four times all season, the fewest allowed by any FBS team other than Air Force (two).

He'll contend with a Temple defense that tied for the AAC lead with 33 sacks and yielded an average of 215.5 passing yards - 130.3 and no TDs over the last three games.

The Owls, though, looked vulnerable on the ground in the AAC title game, surrendering 233 yards and three touchdowns on 40 carries.

Temple's offense has relied heavily on the run game. Jahad Thomas is second in the league with 1,257 rushing yards and his 19 total TDs rank only behind Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds' 21. The junior, though, has only topped 100 yards in one of the past seven games as his 5-foot-10, 180-pound body took a beating.

"I was pretty banged up a lot of the season," Thomas said. "If I felt bruises or pain here and there I knew I couldn't let my team down."

Quarterback P.J. Walker and wide receiver Robby Anderson are looking to show off their chemistry after hooking up 12 times for 150 yards and one touchdown against Houston.

Toledo's defense has allowed a conference-low 15 TD passes.

The Rockets are 7-3 in the all-time series, and the teams split two meetings when Temple was part of the MAC from 2007-11.

Toledo has reached a bowl for the fifth time in six seasons, while the Owls are in the postseason for the first time since beating Wyoming in the 2011 New Mexico Bowl.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tuesday's college football bowl games betting preview

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Game played at Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho

Akron Zips vs. Utah State Aggies (-6.5, 47.5)

FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWL STORYLINES

1. The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Dec. 22 in Boise, Idaho may not have the desired warm weather location of most bowl games, but that doesn't matter to either Akron or Utah State. Both teams are just happy to be going bowling but for different reasons. This is just the second bowl appearance ever for the Zips since becoming an FBS program in 1987 while the Aggies will be making a school-record fifth straight bowl appearance despite scuffling down the stretch.

2. Akron, which won its final four games to finish in a tie for second in the MAC East Division, lost to Memphis, 38-31, in its only previous bowl game, the 2005 Motor City Bowl. The Zips have steadily improved under fourth-year head coach Terry Bowden, going 1-11 in his first season and then 5-7 in back-to-back years before finishing 7-5 this year. "The thing that's beginning to hit us now it's time for us to go out and win a bowl -- not play a bowl, but win a bowl," Bowden told the Akron Beacon Journal.

3. Utah State looked like it might be headed to a more prestigious bowl game back in mid-October when it forced eight turnovers and stunned then No. 21-ranked Boise State, 52-26, to take over the Mountain Division lead in the Mountain West Conference. But the Aggies lost four of their final six games, including back-to-back road games at New Mexico (14-13) and Air Force (35-28), and ended up in a four-way tie for second place at 5-3 in the division behind the Falcons (6-2). This is the third time in five years that Utah State will play in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, which is just a four-hour drive from campus in Logan, Utah.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: Books opened Utah State -7 but that has moved to -6.5. The total is down to 47.5 from the opening 49.

INJURY REPORT:

Akron - RB D.J. Jones (Questionable, undisclosed).

Utah State - QB Kent Myers (Probable, shoulder), NT Travis Seefeldt (Out indefinitely, undisclosed).

WEATHER FORECAST: A small 20 percent chance of snow with temperatures in Boise in the mid-30s and wind blowing across the field at around six miles per hour.

ABOUT AKRON (7-5 SU, 7-5 ATS, 5-7 O/U): Senior running back Conor Hundley is the team's leading rusher with 883 yards and 10 touchdowns on 188 carries while sophomore quarterback Thomas Woodson has completed 53 percent of his passes for 2,034 yards,16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Senior wide receiver Imani Davis (46 receptions, 593 yards, 3 TDs) is the top receiver for the Zips, who run a spread offense. Akron's defense, which ranks third nationally in rushing defense (89.8 yards per game) and 17th in total defense (328.5), is led by senior linebacker Jatavis Brown, who was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year after leading the team with 108 tackles, including 17.5 for loss, and 10.5 sacks.

ABOUT UTAH STATE (6-6 SU, 5-7 ATS, 9-3 O/U): The Aggies have arguably the two best linebackers in the Mountain West in 6-5, 250-pound senior Kyler Fackrell, who led the nation in fumble recoveries (five) and is considered an NFL prospect, and junior Nick Vigil, who ranks fifth in the nation in tackles (11.7 per game) and is only the player in the nation to have at least nine tackles in every game. Both Fackrell and Vigil were first team all-Mountain West picks while senior wide receiver Hunter Sharp, who had 60 receptions for 746 yards and eight touchdowns, was a second team choice. Sophomore quarterback Kent Myers passed for 1,470 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions and also rushed for 348 yards and three touchdowns, which ranked second on the team behind junior running back Devante Mays' 842 yards rushing.

TRENDS:

* Zips are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Aggies are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Under is 4-1 in Zips last five non-conference games.
* Under is 4-0 in Aggies last four neutral site games.

CONSENSUS: Sixty-six percent are backing the Aggies.



Marmot Boca Raton Bowl

Game played at FAU Football Stadium, Boca Raton, Florida

Toledo Rockets vs. Temple Owls (-2.5, 49.5)

MARMOT BOCA RATON BOWL STORYLINES

1. Temple and Toledo had seasons that, more or less, mirrored each other, setting up an intriguing matchup at the Marmot Boca Raton Bowl on Dec. 22 in Boca Raton, Fla. The Owls and Rockets each won their first seven games before stumbling a couple of times late in the year, capped by a defeat in their last game by each squad. Still, the strong campaigns created significant opportunities for the head coaches with Toledo's Matt Campbell bolting to take over Iowa State and Temple's Matt Rhule signing a six-year extension amid rumors that he could head elsewhere.

2. For much of the season, the Owls appeared destined for a New Year's Six bowl game, although there is still plenty on the line for Rhule's team. Temple was 2-10 two seasons ago and improved to 6-6 last year only to get left out of the postseason. "Hopefully our legacy will be that we can win 11 games," center Kyle Friend told reporters. "That has never been done before here."

3. The Rockets are seeking their first 10-win season since 2001, but must do it in former offensive coordinator Jason Candle's first game as head coach. "I have a chance to be the head football coach at a place that I love, and to be around the team that I love and the guys that I fought with and bled with for seven years here," said Candle, who likely would have been named offensive coordinator at Iowa State as part of Campbell's staff. "It's a no-brainer. It's an easy decision.” Candle already is familiar with Temple, which was in the Mid-American Conference (along with Toledo) from 2007-11.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: Books opened this game as a Pick, but Temple is now -2.5. The total is down to 49.5 from the opening 51.

INJURY REPORT:

Toledo - LB Jaylen Coleman (Out for season, leg), QB Jalen Reese (Out for season, Achilles), TE Adam Kulon (Out for season, knee).

Temple - DL Jullian Taylor (Out indefinitely, undisclosed), DL Josian Bronson (Out for season, ankle).

WEATHER FORECAST: There is a 36 percent chance of rain with temperatures in the mid-70s and wind blowing across the field at around 10 miles per hour.

ABOUT TOLEDO (9-2 SU, 8-2-1 ATS, 3-8 O/U): The Rockets are one of the nation's more balanced teams, ranking in the top 35 nationally in points (34.7) and points against (21.1) with a strong rushing attack that averages 213.2 yards per game - tops in the MAC. “Both teams pay attention to running the ball,” Candle told reporters of his squad and the Owls. “To win and play well in November and December, you’ve got to be able to run the ball and stop the run, and I think both teams do a good job of that.” Kareem Hunt and Terry Swanson both have a chance to reach 1,000 rushing yards on the season with a big performance in Boca, while Phillip Ely (2,680 yards and 21 touchdown passes) hopes to maintain a solid run in which he has thrown five touchdowns and one interception over the last three outings.

ABOUT TEMPLE (10-3 SU, 9-4 ATS, 5-8 O/U): The Owls, who ended the regular season ranked No. 24 in both the coaches' poll and the College Football Playoff rankings, went 3-3 over their final six games - a run that included a close defeat to Notre Dame, a 21-point loss at USF and a disappointing 24-13 setback at Houston in the AAC title game. Robby Anderson was hardly to blame for the loss to Houston as he racked up season highs of 12 catches for 150 yards and recorded the team's only touchdown. Overall, though, Temple's best player is linebacker Tyler Matakevich, who said after winning the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation's top defensive player: "I'm not the biggest, I'm the not fastest, but I push myself to prepare off the field, so when I step on the field, I can do things faster than other people. I can narrow down what plays teams might run just by the formations. I think that is a tribute to the coaches' putting me in the right situations."

TRENDS:

* Rockets are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four non-conference games.
* Under is 4-0 in Owls last four non-conference games.
* Owls are 1-4 ATS in their last five vs. MAC.
* Under is 6-0 in Owls last six games following a ATS loss.

CONSENSUS: Sixty-five percent are backing the Owls.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF

Idaho Potato Bowl, Dec 22
Mountain West teams beat MAC teams in this bowl last three years, by 14-25-26 points; last MAC team to win here was Ohio (+2) in same matchup vs Utah State in 2011. Aggies allowed 11.7 ppg in winning its three bowls since then, by 26-7-15 points. Ohio won two of last three bowls (were underdog in all three); Bobcats are 8-1 this year, when allowing less than 41 points. Over last three years, MAC teams are 4-12 SU in bowls, MW teams 7-11. Average total in this bowl last five years was 59.

Boca Raton Bowl
Temple split its last six games after a 7-0 start; Owls are in first bowl since '11, their third since 1979- somehow coach Rhule is staying at Temple, which has to help here. AAC teams are 3-6 in bowl games in their existence, but none of those games were against MAC teams. Owls beat UMass of MAC 25-23 back in September (TY498-438). Toledo allowed 41+ points in last three bowls, but won two of the three; Rockets split their last four games after a 7-0 start- they have senior QB who started his career at Alabama.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bowl Tech Trends - Week 2
By Bruce Marshall

Tuesday, December 22

Matchup Skinny Edge

AKRON vs. UTAH STATE (Famous Idaho Potato Bowl)
Utags have won and covered last three years in bowls, with Matt Wells winning last two. USU did stumble down stretch, however, no covers last four, and 5-7 spread mark was worst since 2011. USU 3-5 as chalk this season. Akron bowling for first time since 2005 and closed this season with a rush, covering last four and seven of last eight.

Slight to Akron, based on recent trends.


TOLEDO vs. TEMPLE (Boca Raton Bowl)
Rockets 8-2-1 vs. line TY, Owls 9-4 vs. spread. Toledo 1-3 vs. line last four bowl appearances. Temple bowling for first time since 2011. Toledo has covered last six away from Glass Bowl. Rockets 10-6-1 vs. spread last 17 vs. non-MAC. American teams 2-4 vs. line in bowls last season.

Slight to Toledo, based on team trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 6 - Post: 2:15 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 74 - Purse:$2500 - $4000 CLAIMING/ALLOWANCES B ALDRICH JR 2 OVER 1


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 GRACE N CHARLIE 7/2


# 3 WINDSUN PRIDE 4/1


# 4 SIN TO WIN 8/1


GRACE N CHARLIE very likely appears to be the contender to beat in here. She has been battling quite well and the speed figures are among the strongest in the group. Comes into this contest with really strong TrackMaster class figures as compared to the race - could be worth a shot. That 74 speed figure clocked in the last affair puts this race horse in the mix in this contest. WINDSUN PRIDE - Feel the need for speed, this solid standardbred has been turning in some fantastic TrackMaster Speed Ratings averaging around 82. It's chancy to consider based only on class, but this gelding has among the most favorable class statistics of the group of horses. SIN TO WIN - The brain trust has Taggart on its list of drivers who are winning with a flourish recently. Last 30 days win clip is amazing. Messenger has a successful ROI percentage for standardbreds returning from a layoff.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Northfield Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 6 - Post: 7:40 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 83 - Purse:$6000 - NON WINNERS $400 PER START IN 2015. AE: N/W $3500 IN LAST 5 STARTS THAT ARE N/W $40,000 IN 2015 AE: N/W 5 PARI-MUTUEL RACES. NO. 9 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER NORTHFIELD TRAINER CHANGES HN 1 T.FANNING TO C.UMHOLTZ HN 2 N.STAHL TO J.EHRHARDT HN 6 J.NAZARIAN TO K.TKACZYK


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 9 UNICORN HANOVER 3/1


# 1 OK GERONIMO 9/5


# 4 SAILOR'S FORTUNE 3/1


Hard not to favor UNICORN HANOVER as the top selection here. Positive feel - racing well enough to contend in this contest. Has a strong shot this time, if he can repeat his back class. If performance in the most recent race is representative, this interesting entrant will have a very nice shot here. High last race speed rating. OK GERONIMO - The number crunching team will always toss in a race horse from the 1 post here at Northfield Park, definite exotic possibilities. The panel of smart guys noted a strong event out of this horse last time. Looking for a repeat effort of that to score. SAILOR'S FORTUNE - Exhibits the look of a profitable play, averaging a nifty 84 TrackMaster SR. He has really strong class stats, averaging 84. Should be considered for a bet for this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Mahoning Valley Race Course

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 7 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $9000 Class Rating: 76

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE MARCH 22. THREE YEAR OLDS, 123 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 ITINERARY 8/1


# 6 RIVERDANCE ROCK 7/2


# 12 BURNAWAY 3/1


I like ITINERARY in this event especially at a long price. Must be carefully examined based on the competitive Equibase speed fig earned in the last competition. Could provide positive profits based on very strong recent Equibase Speed Figures with an average of 69. RIVERDANCE ROCK - He must be given a shot given the strong speed numbers. Will probably be one of the leaders of the pack going into the midpoint of the contest. BURNAWAY - Trainer boasts sharp win figs at this distance and surface. Recent figures for the rider - 16 win percent - make this gelding stand out in this group.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Sunland Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 6 - Maiden Special Weight - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $17900 Class Rating: 68

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 IMPROVISE 5/2


# 4 ATLANTRA BROWN 12/1


# 8 I GOT IT 4/1


I back IMPROVISE here. Will almost certainly come out solid - I have liked the way this filly has moved sharply to the front end recently. Is hard not to examine based on Equibase Speed Figures which have been very strong - 68 avg - of late. Has run well when racing a dirt sprint race. ATLANTRA BROWN - Have to look at solely on class, with some of the best class figures of this group of horses in this race. I GOT IT - I like the jockey on this filly - competitive chance to win the race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #8 - Post: 4:00pm - Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,100 Class Rating: 75

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 ITSHERPREROGATIVE (ML=3/1)
#1 SPECIAL MEMORIES (ML=4/1)


ITSHERPREROGATIVE - Have to like the way Dillenbeck has raced this filly back into shape off the layoff. Animal is well spotted in this sprint and I think she'll run well today. SPECIAL MEMORIES - Classic handicapping angle - 3rd or 4th start after a vacation generally leads to a big effort. This one is live today. Don't often see a favorable ROI like +105. This rider/conditioner tandem has done well together over the last year. Last event at Golden Gate Fields on December 6th was a big class drop for this horse. Facing similar foes right here. She should do well this time around. Getting a weight break of 5 lbs from last race at Golden Gate Fields on Dec 6th. Could make the difference right here.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 INSCRIPTION (ML=5/2), #6 MOLLY MCCRACKEN (ML=6/1), #3 FOUR FEATHERS (ML=6/1),

INSCRIPTION - Not likely that the speed rating she earned on December 1st will hold up in this race. MOLLY MCCRACKEN - Pace makes the race and an absence of speed means this rallier will have to rally without any help. You believe this animal is going to be victorious just because she's always close. Just doesn't win often. Recorded a mediocre speed figure last race out in a $3,500 Claiming race on Dec 8th. Doubtful to see an improved performance off of that number. FOUR FEATHERS - In any affair of 6 1/2 furlongs, I like to play a contender that has been sharp in sprint contests lately. Improbable that this animal will finish better than she did last out when finishing ninth. Recent lessening speed ratings of 71/63/50 give a clue that this horse may be going off form.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #4 ITSHERPREROGATIVE on top if we're getting at least 2/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #7 - Post: 3:26pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $9,000 Class Rating: 76

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 ROB THE CRADLE (ML=8/1)
#7 WILD FOR GLORY (ML=20/1)


ROB THE CRADLE - The last time I saw this horse was at Mahoning Valley Race Cour in a race with a class figure of 82. Dropping significantly in class rating today puts him in a solid position in this field. He has the highest EPS (earnings per start). Give the once over to this horse. Have to like the way Loescher has raced this gelding back into shape off the layoff. Animal is well spotted in this sprint and I think he'll run well today. WILD FOR GLORY - I usually like playing sprinters who are 3-4 races into a return to racing. With 'blinkers-on' this gelding should be very competitive.

Vulnerable Contenders: #12 BURNAWAY (ML=3/1), #6 RIVERDANCE ROCK (ML=7/2), #8 ROCKET BALL (ML=4/1),

BURNAWAY - The morning-line favorite is vulnerable here with the lack of workouts. Finished fourth in his most recent race with a pedestrian speed rating. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to win after that in this bunch. RIVERDANCE ROCK - Has been beaten as the favorite twice in a row. A repeat is probably in store. ROCKET BALL - This was a live one, but now this one hasn't been doing anything in the morning. Have to watch your step with this one. Finished third in his most recent performance with a run-of-the-mill speed figure. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this field.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#9 ROB THE CRADLE to win at post-time odds of 7/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [7,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Delta Downs (1st) Bat Them Babyblues, 5-1
(4th) Henyetta, 4-1


Mahoning Valley (6th) Flip Flop, 7-2
(8th) Chariot Char, 4-1


Parx Racing (2nd) Royal Shamus, 6-1
(10th) Santa Elf, 7-2


Sunland Park (1st) Bull Case, 4-1
(8th) Mortal Punch, 10-1


Turf Paradise (5th) A Train Alexis, 9-2
(6th) Full Consent, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Dino-Might'

The Toronto Raptors off an uninspired 104-94 loss to Sacramento Kings as 5.5 home chalk shooting a lowly 37.2% from the field look to get back into the win column when they host Dallas Mavericks at the Air Canada Center north of the border.

The best thing a Toronto Raptor bettor can do after the horrible loss Sunday against Kings, is to 'Forget-About-It'.

That's because, Purple Dino's have a habit of bouncing back against the betting line following a loss (7-2 ATS), have been money in the bank following an effort in which they allowed 100 or more points (8-2 ATS), have enjoyed success at the betting window facing a team with a winning record (10-5 ATS). Additionally, the Raptors have reaped profits recently running the hardwood against the Mavericks (5-2 ATS).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

Michigan State Spartans vs Oakland Golden Grizzlies December 22, 7:00 ES
T
Spartans (12-0, 8-3 ATS) matching the schools best ever start with its win over Northeastern Huskies try to top the programs 2000-01 record when they take on Golden Grizzlies (7-3, 5-1 ATS). Spartans have beaten Golden Grizzlies in each of the past five years (3-2 ATS). Betting trends of note: Spartans 7-2 ATS in neutral site games, 20-7 ATS in non-conference games. Golden Grizzlies enter 1-6-1 ATS vs. the Big Ten, 0-6 ATS at a neutral site venue.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tuesday's List of 6

Odds on some teams to win college basketball national title in April......

-- 5-1-- Kentucky-- they're not close to as good as they were last year.

-- 8-1-- Cincinnati-- Opened at 60-1 last April.

-- 10-1-- North Carolina, Maryland

-- 12-1-- Virginia, Kansas, Duke

-- 15-1-- Villanova, Michigan State

-- 25-1-- Gonzaga, Miami, Purdue

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Tuesday

611 TENNESSEE STATE @ 612 ILLINOIS STATE 7:00 PM

Take: ILLINOIS STATE -8.5

Here’s a game between one of the biggest early season surprise teams in college basketball, matched up against one of the more serious flops to date.

Tennessee State was a combined 10-51 the last two seasons. They’re sitting at 9-2 currently, so it’s safe to say the Tigers are exceeding expectations thus far.

Illinois State entered the campaign as a Top 100 power rated team. Not necessarily a powerhouse, but pretty solid. The Redbirds have not been good at all and limp into this one at 5-7, and they’re off a particularly disturbing blowout loss at St. Joseph’s.

This will be a homecoming for Tennessee State coach Dana Ford, who played at Illinois State and also spent time there as an assistant coach. The Tigers opened the season as a Bottom 50 entity but they’ve risen somewhat dramatically with this early run.

Make no mistake, I know it’s a dicey proposition to be backing a team playing as unsteadily as Illinois State against an under the radar riser like Tennessee State. But there are a few things I like here and I’ll make my case for the favorite tonight.

First off, Tennessee State’s best opponents to date are Ohio and Middle Tennessee and the Tigers lost both those games. They really haven’t beaten anyone noteworthy, with the best win against nobody. The Tennessee State wins are against teams with a combined D1 record of 7-55. So while that 9-2 is pretty, it’s also kind of phony.

As for Illinois State, this team is somewhat of a mystery to me. For whatever reason, they can’t put the ball in the basket. It’s just crazy how awful their offensive numbers are.

Redbirds coach Dan Muller has promised some changes are in store. “We’re trying to find guys committed to playing hard for their teammates no matter what happens,” he said. That sounds like a coach who is ready to shake things up to perhaps light a fire under his team. With this being the final non-league tuneup before MVC play gets underway, Muller knows he needs to get a little positive momentum going.

If Illinois State gets its act together, this game should not be close. The talent disparity here is substantial. That’s clearly a big if, as if the Redbirds play without much focus yet again, they might well have their hands full with a Tennessee State squad that is having fun finally getting on the right side of the results. But after bottoming out at St. Joe’s in a game not remotely as close as the final score indicates, I’m going to gamble the light goes on for Illinois State. I’ll give the points with the Redbirds.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Bonus Play for Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015 9:05 PM

(507) LOS ANGELES LAKERS VS (508) DENVER NUGGETS

Take: Over

Your Bonus Play for Tuesday, December 22, 2015 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the LA Lakers and the Nuggets in Denver. A pair of bad defenses meet in the thin Denver mountain air. The Lakers are getting their offense together, but still rank 29th in the NBA in points allowed, 24th in field goal shooting defense. LA is 6-2-1 over the total against a team with a losing straight up record, plus 6-2 over following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Denver scored 125 points the last game but still lost to the Pelicans giving up 130. The Pelicans had six players finish in double figures. The Nuggets are 23rd in the NBA in points allowed, 25th in field goal shooting defense. Denver is on a 4-1 run over the total and 15-7 over playing on one day of rest. And when these teams meet the over is 9-2-1, including 6-1 at Denver. Play the LA Lakers/Denver Over the total.