Tuesday 12/27/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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Free NBA Picks: Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

I don't know about you, but I'm ready to just skip the rest of the NBA season and get to a Cleveland-Golden State third straight matchup in the NBA Finals. Those two played a spectacular game on Christmas, with the Cavs rallying from a 14-point deficit to win 109-108 on a Kyrie Irving jumper with 3.4 seconds left. It was interesting the Warriors went to Kevin Durant and not Steph Curry on their last attempt, with Durant not even getting a shot off. Curry struggled, shooting just 4-for-11 with 15 points. You don't hear head coaches call out their superstars publicly too often, but Steve Kerr did just that about Curry. I love watching Curry but he does sometimes throw a careless behind the back pass or the like when it's not necessary. "I think he can be a little smarter, I think he can make better decisions, and that'll help against anybody," Kerr said after the game. "But I'm not worried about him missing shots; I'm more worried about just decision-making and making sure that we're where we need to be as a group." The teams play again in Oakland on Jan. 16.

Grizzlies at Celtics (-6.5, 197)

Memphis was in Orlando on Monday. Boston comes off a Christmas 119-114 victory at the Knicks. Isaiah Thomas had 27 points and Marcus Smart hit the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 47 seconds left. Boston visited Memphis last Tuesday and won 112-109 in overtime behind a career-high 44 points (36 after halftime) from Thomas. Marc Gasol and Troy Daniels led Memphis, which was up by as many as 14, with 24 points apiece. Gasol missed a short jumper at the end of regulation.

Key trends: The Grizzlies have failed to cover their past seven Tuesday games. But they are 13-3 against the spread in their past 16 in Boston. The "over/under" is 4-0 in the Celtics' past four.

Early lean: Celtics and over.

Thunder at Heat (+2, 206)

First of an NBA TV doubleheader. Oklahoma City won a third straight Sunday, 112-100 over visiting Minnesota. Russell Westbrook had 31 points and 15 assists. He was trying to become the first Thunder player ever to score at least 40 points in four straight games. Guard Victor Oladipo missed his seventh straight game with a right wrist sprain and he's not going to play here. Miami has been off since falling 91-87 in New Orleans on Friday. The Heat scored just 19 points during the final 15:21 of the game. Goran Dragic led with 23 points. Dion Waiters has missed around a month and didn't practice Monday so he won't play here. OKC beat Miami 97-85 on Nov. 7. Westbrook had just 14 points but 11 assists. The Heat shot 36.9 percent from the field.

Key trends: The home team is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The under is 6-0 in the previous six.

Early lean: Thunder and under.

Rockets at Mavericks (+6.5, 209.5)

Houston hosted Phoenix on Monday and Dallas was in New Orleans. The Mavericks are close to getting center Andrew Bogut back from his knee injury, although he wasn't going to play Monday. Guard J.J. Barea remains out a week or two with a calf injury. These teams will be done with each other for the year already as the Rockets lead the season series 3-0. Houston is looking to sweep Mavs for first time since back-to-back in 1996-97 & 1997-98. Wesley Matthews is averaging 21.3 ppg in the three games for Dallas. James Harden is averaging 24.0 points, 10.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds for Houston.

Key trends: The Rockets are 12-5 ATS in the past 17 meetings. The under is 4-0 in the previous four.

Early lean: Rockets and under.

Jazz at Lakers (+4, 204)

Second NBA TV game. Utah dropped a third straight Friday, 104-98 to Toronto. Rudy Gobert had 13 points and 14 rebounds, his 10th straight double-double. That's the longest such streak for a Utah player in seven seasons. Guards George Hill (toe) and Dante Exum (knee) were out. Doesn't appear as if either will play Tuesday. The Lakers snapped a four-game losing streak with a 111-102 victory over the Clippers on Sunday. The Lakers had dropped 11 in a row in the series. It obviously helped their cause that Blake Griffin and Chris Paul were out. The Lakers have ruled out Larry Nance Jr. for a month with a bone bruise in his left knee. Utah is 2-0 vs. the Lakers this season, winning them by a combined 13 points.

Key trends: The Jazz are 5-2 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 3-1-1 in the previous five.

Early lean: Lakers and under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Tuesday’s games

Celtics won three of last four games with Memphis; five of last six series games went over the total. Grizzlies lost by 3-20 points in last two visits to Beantown. Memphis got whacked last nite in Orlando; they’re 3-5 in last eight games overall, 5-5 as a road underdog- three of their last four games went over the total. Boston won five of last six games; they’re 4-5 as a home favorite (0-4 in last four)- their last four games went over.
Thunder won four of last five games with Miami; they lost three of last five visits to South Beach. Last six series games stayed under the total. Oklahoma City won four of its last five games; they are 2-2 as road favorites- last four Thunder games went over the total. Heat lost four of their last five games; they’re 3-5 vs spread as home underdogs. Four of last six Miami games stayed under the total.
Houston won five of last six games with Dallas, splitting last four games in this building; five of last six series games stayed under the total. Rockets won 12 of last 14 games, are 6-4 as a road favorite, 5-1 if they played night before. Last three Houston games went over. Mavericks won three of last four home games, are 6-6 as a home underdog (3-0 in last three). Over is 5-5 in their last ten games.
Lakers lost six of last seven games with Utah; Jazz won three of last four series games played here. Three of last four series games went over. Utah lost its last three games, by 30-1-6 points; they’re 7-0 as a road favorite (favorites are 13-1 vs spread in their road games). Under is 6-2 in their last eight games. Lakers lost eight of last ten games, are 5-4 as home underdogs; four of their last five games went over total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Scarlet Knights (11-2) at Badgers (11-2)

Date: December 27, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Big Ten pundits won't find many surprises with No. 14 Wisconsin, which returned its entire starting lineup from last season and has had the chance to show some depth from its bench.

The Badgers (11-2) cruised through its nonconference schedule with a couple of bumps against ranked opponents, losing to Creighton and North Carolina.

Wisconsin hosts Rutgers in a Big Ten opener for both teams on Tuesday at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. The Scarlet Knights (11-2) are aiming to make an impact in their third season in a conference in which they have yet to be serious contenders.

No Wisconsin starter played more than 22 minutes in the Badgers' 90-37 rout of Florida A&M on Dec. 23. Freshman guard D'Mitrik Trice scored a game-high 14 points in a reserve role.

According to Badgers coach Greg Gard, senior forward Vitto Brown had one of his strongest rebounding efforts of the season. Brown registered 11 points and had eight rebounds in 18 minutes against the Rattlers.

"I thought he rebounded as well as he has, maybe all year," Gard said of Brown, a starter who is averaging 3.8 rebounds per game along with 8.0 points.

"He was pretty active. That's one thing that he's trying to improve and find other ways to contribute other than just shooting -- defensively try to be more active, obviously, on the glass, being more of a presence on both ends of the floor."

Senior guard Bronson Koenig (14.6 ppg) and senior forward Nigel Hayes (13.5 ppg) continue to pace the Badgers on offense. In the past seven games, Hayes has shot 59.4 percent (38 of 64) from the field and averaged 16 ppg.

Gard said he's confident the Badgers are ready for Big Ten action. The Wisconsin coaching staff put the squad through a scrimmage last week, which ironed out a few things.

"We did a simulated game," Gard said. "It wasn't a complete 40 minutes, but it was 25, 28, or something like that. I think that helped.

"The mountain gets a lot steeper. The grade is going to up considerably from here on out."

Rutgers posted a 3-33 record in its first two seasons in the Big Ten. During that span, the team didn't win more than 12 games overall per season under former coach Eddie Jordan.

But there's optimism with Steve Pikiell, in his first year at Rutgers. Even though its nonconference slate wasn't terribly tough, he's proud of what his young players accomplished during the early season.

Pikiell said he wants to see the Scarlet Knights string together a complete game, and effort on defense is one of his main priorities.

Rutgers is fresh off a 72-61 road loss to intrastate foe Seton Hall. The Scarlet Knights led for a stretch and tied the score with 6:00 left in regulation.

Junior guard Mike Williams and sophomore guard Corey Sanders are Rutgers' returning starters. Williams is third in scoring at 11.4 ppg and pulls down 4.2 rpg. Sanders, who received All-Big Ten accolades during his freshman season, registers 10.7 ppg and paces the Scarlet Knights with 3.8 assists per game.

"I think we're prepared for the Big Ten," Pikiell said. "We're going to have to go on the road and go into some real tough places. People have a lot of questions about us, which is fine. I like this team.

"I know our weaknesses, I know our strengths -- we're going to be a tough team. We're going to defend and we're going to get better defensively. We have three more defenses we're putting in place as we move into league play."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Tuesday’s games

Visitor won five of last six Northwestern-Penn State games; Wildcats won by 16-10 points in last two visits to Happy Valley. Northwestern won its last eight games, is 11-2 vs schedule #290; they’re 3-2 vs top 100 teams, with two losses by combined six points to Butler/Notre Dame, both top 25 teams. Wildcats lost 70-68 at Butler in their only true road game. #96 Penn State is 8-5 vs schedule #176; they’re 1-3 vs top 100 teams, with only win by 16 at #98 St John’s. Nittany Lions are #336 experience team playing #31 pace; Northwestern is #180 experience team.
Home side won both Illinois-Maryland games in Big 14 play; Illini won by 7 two years ago, then lost 81-55 here LY. Illini won its last six games overall, is 10-3 vs schedule #130; they’re #42 experience team. This is first true road game for Illinois; they’re 2-2 in neutral court games, 3-2 vs top 100 teams, with best wins vs #57/58 VCU/NC State. Maryland is very young except for star guard Trimble; Terps are #321 experience team that is 12-1 vs schedule #239- they’re 6-0 in games decided by six or less points, with best wins over K-State/Oklahoma State.
Home side won both Wisconsin-Rutgers games; Badgers lost by 5 at Rutgers in 2015, routed Scarlet Knights 79-57 here LY. Wisconsin won its last seven games, is 11-2 vs schedule #192; they’ve got #19 eFG% while playing pace #343- they’re #62 experience team. Rutgers has new coach, is much improved at 11-2 vs schedule #347, losing to Miami by 12, Seton Hall by 11. Knights are shooting 29.7% on arc; they’re 2-2 in true road games, winning at DePaul, Stony Brook. Badgers don’t play again for a week after this.
Syracuse is 7-5 vs schedule #199; they lost by 33 at home to St John’s in last game. Orange is 3-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200, winning by 28-42-6 points- they beat Cornell last three years, by 21-17-22 points. Syracuse opens ACC play in Boston Sunday. Cornell is 3-8 against schedule #121; Big Red is 0-3 vs top 100 teams, losing by 15-30-12 points. Cornell is 1-6 in true road games, with only win at #329 Lafayette- only one of their eight losses is by more than 19 points.
Texas is 3-5 in its last eight games; they open Big X play Friday at Kansas State. Longhorns are 5-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100, with three wins by 21+ points. Texas is #339 experience team that is shooting 30.3% on arc, with #205 eFG%- their eFG% defense is #48, much better. Kent State is 7-5 vs schedule #340; they lost last game by 12 at Oregon State team that has been riddled by injuries, Golden Flashes force turnovers 21% of time, are #1 team in country on offensive boards, but Texas is first top 100 team they’ve played, so big step up for them.
SMU won its last four games with Memphis, winning 69-62/66-57 in last two visits here; both squads have new coaches, with Tigers having edge with Tubby Smith on bench. SMU won its last six games but is 0-2 in true road games, losing at USC/Boise State- they’re #159 experience team that is playing pace #334. Mustangs are 2-3 vs top 100 teams, with wins over Pitt/TCU. Memphis is 9-3 vs schedule #318; they’re 2-3 vs top 100 teams, with wins over Iowa, Oklahoma. Memphis is shooting only 31.4% on arc (#286).
Michigan State is #313 experience team that is 8-5 vs schedule #60; Spartans are lost by 9 at Duke in their only true road game- they’re 2-3 in neutral floor games. Michigan State/Minnesota actually split last four series games, with two of the four games going to overtime; Spartans won 69-61 here LY, lost previous visit 76-63. Gophers are 12-1 vs schedule #205; they’re 4-1 vs top 100 teams, with best wins over Arkansas/UT-Arlington. Minnesota has won its last six games, has #8 eFG% defense- this is big game for them after going 8-23 LY.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

StatFox Super Situations

CBB*|*KENT ST*at*TEXAS
Play On - A home team (TEXAS) team from a major division 1-A conference against a team from a mid-major division 1-A conference, off a home win scoring 85 or more points
285-177*since 1997.**(*61.7%*|*90.3 units*)
14-8*this year.**(*63.6%*|*5.2 units*)

CBB*|*KENT ST*at*TEXAS
Play Against - A home team vs. the money line (TEXAS) after 2 or more consecutive overs against opponent after 2 or more consecutive unders
193-208*over the last 5 seasons.**(*48.1%*|*81.6 units*)
5-3*this year.**(*62.5%*|*5.7 units*)

CBB*|*CORNELL*at*SYRACUSE
Play Against - Road underdogs of 11 or more points vs. the first half line (CORNELL) average shooting team (42.5-45%) against an excellent defensive team (<=40%)
60-27*over the last 5 seasons.**(*69.0%*|*30.3 units*)
8-5*this year.**(*61.5%*|*2.5 units*)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Need-to-know betting notes for college football bowl teams
By JOE FORTENBAUGH

Indulge me for a moment as I impart one piece of advice upon you before we dive into this year’s 80 need-to-know betting notes for each of the 80 college football bowl teams: above all else, put an increased emphasis on the motivation factor when handicapping each of these 40 matchups.

Why? Because there’s some easy money to be made during bowl season. Every year we are blessed with at least a handful of matchups that feature one team experiencing unbridled enthusiasm to play in its respective game against an opponent that has virtually no interest whatsoever in trying to win the showdown in question.

Case in point: Alabama’s 45-31 loss to Oklahoma in the 2014 Sugar Bowl. The Crimson Tide couldn’t have cared less about that game after watching an 11-0 season go up in smoke thanks to a 34-28 upset loss at Auburn which prevented the Tide from advancing to the SEC Championship Game.

Let’s go to work. Happy holidays to all!

Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl: Tuesday, December 27 (12 p.m. ET)

Army Black Knights (7-5 SU, 7-5 ATS): Between Army’s first win over Navy in 15 years coupled with the fact that the Black Knights are bowling for the first time since 2010 and third time since 1996, expect the motivation factor to be in overdrive for this one. Army is 4-1 ATS over its last five neutral site games and 9-4-1 ATS over its last 14 showdowns with C-USA opposition.

North Texas Mean Green (5-7 SU, 6-5-1 ATS): The Mean Green are bowling for just the second time since 2004, but dropped four of their final five games to conclude the 2016 regular season. However, North Texas is 4-1 ATS over its last five non-conference games. North Texas defeated Army 35-18 as 17.5-point road underdogs on October 22. They played Over the 48-point total.

Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman: Tuesday, December 27 (3:30 p.m. ET)

Temple Owls (10-3 SU, 12-1 ATS): Temple may be the trickiest team to handicap this bowl season. On one hand, the Owls covered 12 consecutive pointspreads after falling to Army in the season opener. On the other hand, stud head coach Matt Rhule bounced after the AAC Championship game to take the top job at Baylor. We advise you exercise caution here.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-6 SU, 7-5 ATS): Wake Forest enters postseason play riding a three-game losing streak and is just 2-5 ATS over its last seven non-conference matchups. On the flip side, this is the Demon Deacon’s first bowl appearance since 2011.

National Funding Holiday Bowl: Tuesday, December 27 (7 p.m. ET)

Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-4 SU, 4-5-3 ATS): If you’re wondering why this pointspread has already moved from Minnesota +5.5 to Minnesota +9, here’s your answer: 10 Gophers have been suspended for the Holiday Bowl, including starting defensive backs KiAnte Hardin and Antoine Winfield, Jr. That’s a dangerous recipe when you’re tasked with facing an opponent that ranked third in the country in passing this season (370.8 yds/gm).

Washington Cougars (8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS): The high-flying Cougars went just 2-5 ATS down the stretch and are a disappointing 1-4 ATS over their last five matchups with Big Ten opposition. The real concern here, however, is the fact that quarterback Luke Falk and the Washington offense scored only 17 or fewer points in two of their last three outings.

Motel 6 Cactus Bowl: Tuesday, December 27 (10:15 p.m. ET)

Baylor Bears (6-6 SU, 3-9 ATS): Baylor was an atrocious 0-6 SU and 1-5 ATS over the program’s final six games of the season, with four of those defeats coming by 19 or more points. However, bettors should expect a motivated roster for the Cactus Bowl thanks to the arrival of new head coach Matt Rhule (Temple), who will no doubt be evaluating which players he wants to utilize next season. Jobs are at stake here.

Boise State Broncos (10-2 SU, 3-9 ATS): Boise State failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven games, but the Broncos are 6-2 ATS over their last eight bowl games and 18-8 ATS over their last 26 games played on a grass surface.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Birmingham Bowl'

The Birmingham Bowl set for December 29 at 02:00 EST features AAC South Florida Bulls (10-2, 8- ATS) against the SEC's South Carolina Gamecocks (6-6, 5-6-1 ATS). The Bulls racking up 43.6 points/game on 515.1 total yards are lead by duel threat QB Quinton Flowers tossing 2546 yards, 22 TD's, 6 Int along with 1,425 rushing yards, 15 TD's. On the other side of the ball, Bulls allowed 31.0 points/game on 482.3 total yards.

The Gamecocks' behind a carousel of QB's lead by Jake Bentley (1030 PY, 6 TD's, 2 Int), Perry Orth (661 PY, 0 TD, 2 Int), Brandon Mcllwain (660 PY, 2 TD, 1 Int) managed a lowly 19.2 points/game. Defensively, Gamecocks' ranked 45th in points allowed surrender 24.8 per/contest.

Bulls entering with plenty of momentum having won its last four (3-1 ATS), seven of eight down the stretch (5-3 ATS) along with carrying a nation-leading streak of 16 straight games scoring at least 30 points won't be denied. Consider laying the expected -10.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Cactus Bowl'

The Baylor Bears (6-6, 3-9 ATS) and Boise State Broncos (10-2, 3-9 ATS) will both be looking to end the season on a positve note when they meet in the Cactus Bowl Tuesday night at Chase Field in Phoenix Arizona. Baylor tries to snap a six-game losing streak (1-5 ATS) while the Broncos' attempt to recorver from a loss to Air Force which eliminated them from the Mountain West Championship.

The Baylor missing QB Seth Russell (fractured ankle) but also without RB Shock Linwood who is skipping the bowl to prepare for NFL draft are in complete meltdown. Baylor with a non-existent defense allowing a whopping 43.7 points per/game during the six game skid* expect Broncos' to lay a beating on Bears. Consider laying the expect -7.5 point on Broncos' as they're 6-2 SU/ATS in Bowl games, 8-3 ATS in neutral site games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl Betting Preview: Army vs. North Texas

Army Black Knights vs. North Texas Mean Green (+11.5, 48.5)

Game to be played at Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, Texas

This year's Heart of Dallas Bowl on Dec. 27 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas will feature a rematch between two teams that played in the regular season -- Army and North Texas. The visiting Mean Green defeated Army 35-18 on Oct. 22, handing the Black Knights their first home loss of the season. How well Army can slow down running back Jeffrey Wilson, who went for 160 yards and three touchdowns in the first matchup, will be a key to this game.

The Mean Green didn’t exactly take the regular route to a bowl game, dropping four of their last five to finish under .500. North Texas is only in a bowl because there weren’t enough 6-6 teams to fill all the available spots, allowing a handful of five-win squads into the party. Selections were based on academic progress rate scores, and the Mean Green ranked second among teams not bowl eligible, giving North Texas its ninth bowl game in school history.

Army is back in a bowl game for the first time since 2010, thanks in large part to the play of quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw. The dual-threat junior signal caller finished second on the team in rushing with 695 yards and paced the passing game with 650 yards, accounting for 11 touchdowns either on the ground or in the air. The Black Knights aren’t going to pass much in any game, but after throwing four interceptions in the loss to North Texas earlier this season, Bradshaw will need to be especially choosy about his aerial attempts in this contest.

TV: Noon ET, Dec. 27, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: North Texas opened this game as 8.5-point underdogs and despite playing this game in its home state, they've been faded to +11.5. The total opened at 49 and has been bet down to 49.5.

WEATHER REPORT: The forecast is calling for partly cloudy skies in Dallas, with temperatures in the mid 50's for the game.

INJURY REPORT:

Army - No injuries to report.

North Texas - RB J. Wilson (probable Tuesday, knee), OL G. Gunter (questionable Tuesday, undisclosed), WR R. Bussey Jr. (quesitonable Tuesday, undisclosed), OL E. Woodworth (questionable Tuesday, undisclosed), QB M. Fine (out Tuesday, shoulder), RB W. Ivery (out Tuesday, academics).

ABOUT ARMY (7-5, 7-5 ATS, 4-8 O/U): The constant to the Army ground attack has been sophomore running back Andy Davidson, who leads the team with 178 carries for 905 yards and 11 touchdowns. Still, in the loss to North Texas he ran the ball just 16 times for 70 yards and no scores, and averaged 78.7 yards in the team's five losses -- missing one completely with injury. The Black Knights are able to attack on the ground with a number of different players, but if Davidson isn't having his usual success the Army offense can get slowed down.

ABOUT NORTH TEXAS (5-7, 6-5-1 ATS, 5-7 O/U): If the Mean Green are going to repeat their win over Army from earlier this year, the defense must improve. In the five games since holding the Black Knights to 18 points -- the fewest by a North Texas opponent this year -- the Mean Green have allowed an average of 39.2 points while going 1-4. North Texas forced seven turnovers against Army but managed just six since, meaning the team's leading tackler defensive back Kishawn McClain (86 tackles) and the rest of the defense need to be more opportunistic in their season finale.

TRENDS:

* Army is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games in December.
* North Texas is 1-4 ATS in its last five games overall.
* Under is 15-2 in Army's last 17 neutral site games.
* Under is 8-3 in North Texas' last 11 games following a straight up loss.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-eight percent of the public is backing Army, while 55 percent of the wagers are on the Over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Black Knights (7-5) at Mean Green (5-7)

Date: December 27, 2016 12:00 PM EDT

There will be a lot of familiarities at this year's Heart of Dallas Bowl, including the fact that Army and North Texas, the two teams squaring off on Dec. 27 at venerable Cotton Bowl Stadium on the grounds of the State Fair of Texas, have played already this season.

The Mean Green thumped Army 35-18 on Oct. 22 at West Point in a game in which the Black Knights committed seven turnovers, a dubious mark that tied for the most by any FBS team in one game this season.

North Texas, under first-year coach Sean Littrell, went 5-7 in the regular season but earned a berth in the bowl game on the strength of its Academic Progress Rate when there were not enough 6-6 or better teams eligible for the postseason. Of the 128 Football Bowl Subdivision schools, North Texas ranked 10th in APR and was second among non-eligible teams with 5-7 records.

The Mean Green will be making their first bowl appearance in three years and just their second since 2005. The last bowl game for North Texas was on Jan. 1, 2014 (after the 2013 season) when the Mean Green beat UNLV 36-14 in this bowl game (another familiarity thing).

North Texas' campus in Denton is just 48 miles from the State Fairgrounds, assuring the bowl of a hearty green-and-white-clad contingent in the stands.

The five wins for the Mean Green are their most since 2013 and mark only the third time in the last 13 seasons that North Texas has won five or more games (2004, 2013 and 2016). The Mean Green were 1-11 in 2015.

North Texas' chance to play in the Heart of Dallas Bowl is a credit to both the team's improvement on the field and the players' work in the classroom.

"We set a goal of winning a bowl game early on in our work last spring and we are fortunate to have this opportunity," Littrell said. "We didn't feel like we could get in this way, but we did -- and we will take it. It gives us another great opportunity to really accomplish the mission."

North Texas improved both its offensive scoring average and defensive scoring average this season. The season before Littrell and his staff arrived, the Mean Green scored an average of 15.2 points per game and allowed an average of 41.2 points per game, a difference of 26.0 points per game. This season North Texas averaged 24.2 points on offense and allowed 32.2 points on defense, a difference of just 8.0 points per game.

The Mean Green's offense scored 109 more points than last year's team while the defense surrendered 109 fewer points than the 2015 squad.

Army (7-5) also enjoyed a resurgence in 2016, posting its best record in six years. Its regular season was capped by a win against Navy that snapped a 14-game losing streak to the Midshipmen. The Heart of Dallas Bowl will be the Black Knights' first postseason appearance since 2010.

Army won just six games in 2014 and 2015 combined, but the Black Knights won its first three games this season, including a season-opening triumph over eventual American Athletic Conference champion Temple. Army's seven victories are its most in six seasons, and a win against North Texas would mean at least eight wins for the first time in 20 years.

"For anybody who plays football at this level playing in a bowl game is kind of a measure of success and our kids are just thrilled with the sense of accomplishment," said Army's third-year coach Jeff Monken. "Each of the teams I have been a part of here has had a bowl game as a goal, and I am so glad for our guys that they were able to earn this opportunity."

Things will have to change from the first time North Texas and Army played for the Black Knight to have a chance in the bowl game. But Army is riding a crest of momentum, and Monken was sure to say the loss to the Mean Green earlier this season was a low point for his team.

"We turned the ball over far too many times to win a football game," he said. "If we're going to have a chance to win, we're going to have do a better job of executing and correct some of those mistakes."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Military Bowl Betting Preview: Temple vs. Wake Forest

Temple Owls at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (+12, 41)

Game to be played at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland

Interim coach Ed Foley leads American Athletic Conference champion Temple into action in the Military Bowl on Dec. 27 against Wake Forest at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. Foley took over after Rhule left to become coach at Baylor following the Owls' 34-10 victory over Navy in the AAC championship game Dec. 3. Foley has been with Temple since 2008 and served in several capacities, including special teams and tight ends coach this season.

Under Rhule's guidance, the Owls won 20 out of their last 27 games including the last seven, and take on a Wake Forest team that has lost six of its last eight games under coach Dave Clawson. The Owls are led by a pair of dynamic seniors from Elizabeth, N.J., in quarterback Phillip Walker and running back Jahad Thomas, who helped orchestrate a remarkable turnaround from 2-10 in 2013 to 10-3 this season. Walker has thrown for more than 10,000 yards and 72 touchdowns as a four-year starter while Thomas is poised for his second straight 1,000-yard season, needing 82 yards against Wake Forest to reach the milestone.

Wake Forest opened the season with four straight wins and was 5-1 after a victory over Syracuse, but faltered when matched up with some of the ACC's best. The Demon Deacons will likely need to put forth one of their best defensive efforts of the season to win this game as they lack the offensive firepower to match the Owls, who have close to a two touchdown advantage in points scored per game. Clawson's team will run the ball with the likes of quarterback John Wolford and running backs Matt Colburn and Cade Carney while picking their spots in the passing game, which has yielded seven touchdowns this season.

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

LINE HISTORY: Temple opened has 13.5-point favorites and were faded to as low as -11.5, but have bounced back to the current number of -12. The total opened at 41 and ahs yet to move off that number.

WEATHER REPORT: A shower or two possible is early with partly cloudy skies in the afternoon. The expected high is 62F. Winds gusting out of the west at 10 to 15 mph. There will be a 30 percent chance of rain.

INJURY REPORT:

Temple - DB K. Lucas (questionable Tuesday, undisclosed), DB J. Thomas (questionable Tuesday, undisclosed), DB N. Smith (questionable Tuesday, leg).

Wake Forest - DB R. Janvion (probable Tuesday, toe), QB J. Wolford (probable Tuesday, shoulder), RB I. Robinson (questionable Tuesday, leg), DB A. Austin (questionable Tuesday, hand), DB (out Tuesday, shoulder).

ABOUT TEMPLE (10-3, 12-1 ATS, 5-8 O/U): After struggling a bit on defense during the middle of the season, the Owls were solid over the season's final month, limiting five opponents to a total of 33 points. Two more seniors from New Jersey - Haason Reddick and Praise Martin-Oguike - have been disruptive along the defensive line, totaling 31.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks and six forced fumbles. Stephaun Marshall and Delvon Randall are the top tacklers for a unit that has surrendered only one rushing and three passing touchdowns over the past five games.

ABOUT WAKE FOREST (6-6, 7-5 ATS, 5-7 O/U): The Demon Deacons have several difference-makers on defense in junior lineman Duke Ejiofor, senior linebacker Marquel Lee and freshman safety Jessie Bates III. Ejiofor and Lee combined for 34 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks while Bates is second on the team in tackles to Lee and first in interceptions. Bates, who led all FBS freshmen in interceptions, interception return yards and interceptions returned for touchdowns, was named to the USA Today Freshman All-America Team.

TRENDS:

* Temple is 12-0 ATS in the last 12 games overall.
* Wake Forest is 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a ATS loss.
* Under is 5-0 in Temple's last five games overall.
* Under is 5-2 in Demon Deacons last seven games overall.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-eight percent of wagers are backing Temple to cover its 13th consecutive game. As for the total, 62 percent of wagers are on the Over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Holiday Bowl Betting Preview: Minnesota vs. Washington State

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Washington State Cougars (-10, 61)

Game to be played at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

After watching its Rose Bowl hopes fade with two late losses, Washington State looks to end the season on a winning note as the Cougars face Minnesota in the National Funding Holiday Bowl in San Diego on Dec. 27. Washington State bounced back from two early losses to contend in the Pac-12 before closing with back-to-back losses to Colorado and rival Washington, while Minnesota will play in a bowl game for a program record-tying fifth straight season. The Gophers will be hard-pressed to slow down the Cougars’ Air Raid attack, which led the Pac-12 and placed second nationally at 370.8 passing yards per game.

It will be even tougher for the Gophers to slow Washington State's passing attack after it was announced Tuesday that 10 Minnesota players were suspended from the Holiday Bowl stemming from an incident in an off-campus apartment Sept. 2. Among those who will not play are starting defensive backs KiAnte Hardin - a sophomore - and freshman Antoine Winfield Jr., along with secondary reserves in freshman Ray Buford and sophomore Antonio Shenault. Hardin recorded two interceptions, six passes defended and a fumble recovery while Winfield had a pick, four passes defended and two fumble recoveries.

Washington State junior quarterback Luke Falk has completed 71 percent of his passes for 4,204 yards and 37 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, and he’s been helped this season by a surprising running game led by the trio of Jamal Morrow, James Williams and Gerard Wicks. In order to keep Falk and the Cougars’ explosive offense off the field, Minnesota will need to control the clock behind sophomore Rodney Smith, who finished fourth in the Big Ten with 1,084 rushing yards and scored 16 touchdowns. Senior quarterback Mitch Leidner added 10 rushing touchdowns but threw 12 interceptions.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers pegged Washington State as 5.5-point favorites, but they have since moved all the way to -10. The total opened at 60 and have been bet up to 61.

WEATHER REPORT: It should be a beautiful night for football in San Diego, with the forecast calling for clear skies and temperatures in the low 60's.

INJURY REPORT:

Minnesota - DB A. Starks (questionable Tuesday, undisclosed), OL J. Weyler (questionable Tuesday, tricep).

Washington State - LB I. Dotson (questionable Tuesday, undisclosed).

ABOUT MINNESOTA (8-4, 4-5-3 ATS, 6-6 O/U): While first-year coach Tracy Claeys failed to record any marquee victories, the Gophers avoided any major missteps and nearly won at Penn State in early October before falling 29-26 in overtime. Leidner has completed 56.4 percent of his passes for 2,040 yards and seven touchdowns, including five to Southern California native Drew Wolitarsky, who has caught 61 passes for 787 yards. The Gophers ranked 13th in the Big 10 in pass defense but linemen Steven Richardson and Blake Cashman combined for 13.5 sacks and could help disrupt Falk’s rhythm.

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (8-4, 6-6 ATS, 7-4-1 O/U): Falk is without injured starting wide receiver River Cracraft but still has a pair of potent deep threats in Gabe Marks and Tavares Martin Jr., who combined for 146 catches, 1,575 yards and 20 touchdowns. Left guard Cody O'Connell was named a first team All-American while safety Shalom Luani joined Marks as an All-Pac-12 first team selection after recording four interceptions along with 58 tackles, including 8.5 for loss. The Cougars’ underrated defense includes linebacker Peyton Pelluer, who had a team-high 89 tackles and will play a key role in slowing down the Gophers’ running game.

TRENDS:

* Minnesota is 1-5 ATS in their last six vs. Pac-12 opponents.
* Washington State is 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a straight up loss.
* Under is 4-0 in Minnesota's last four games following a straight up loss.
* Under is 4-0-1 in Washington State's last five games following a straight up loss.

CONSENSUS: The public is backing Washington State in this matchup, with 66 percent of wagers on the Cougars. As for the total, 65 percent of the wagers are on the Over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Cactus Bowl Betting Preview: Boise State vs. Baylor

Boise State Broncos vs. Baylor Bears (+7.5, 67)

Game to be played at Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona

Baylor will try to end the up-and-down Jim Grobe coaching era on a high note when it faces Boise State in the Motel 6 Cactus Bowl on Dec. 27 at Chase Field in Phoenix, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Grobe took over on an interim basis when Art Briles was fired on May 26 amid the school's sexual assault scandal and led the team to a 6-0 start, but the Bears, who hired Temple's Matt Rhule to become permanent head coach last week, limp into the contest with a six-game losing streak. "I'm very excited for our players to have an opportunity to play in the Cactus Bowl against a great football team in Boise State," Grobe told reporters. "I think our guys are looking forward to coaching these kids and getting them ready for a bowl game. So I feel good about playing in a bowl game. This is going to be it for me, so I'd like to win it for sure."

Playing a Big 12 opponent in the Phoenix area brings back some fond memories for Boise State football fans. The last time the Broncos played a Big 12 opponent in a bowl game was the 2007 Fiesta Bowl against Adrian Peterson-led Oklahoma when Boise State pulled out a memorable 43-42 overtime upset victory. That contest is famous for a 50-yard hook and ladder touchdown play by the Broncos on 4th-and-18 with 18 seconds to go to force overtime, and then Boise State won it with a Statue of Liberty two-point conversion by running back Ian Johnson who then proposed a few minutes later to his girlfriend in the middle of his nationally-televised postgame interview.

This will be the second time Baylor will play a bowl game in the Phoenix area in the last four seasons. After winning the 2013 Big 12 championship, the Bears were upset by Central Florida 52-42 in the Fiesta Bowl. "I like Arizona a lot," senior linebacker Aiavion Edwards told the Waco Tribune. "We had a good time the last time we were there, and we're looking forward to finishing the game off better than last time."

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: Boise State opened this bowl favored by 10-points, but they've since been faded to the current number of -7.5. The total hit the board at 66.5 and has been bet up slightly to 67.

WEATHER REPORT: If the roof is open at Chase Field, it should be a nice night in Phoenix with clear skies and temperatures in the mid 50's for the game.

INJURY REPORT:

Boise State - S D. Sumner-Gardner (doubtful Tuesday, shoulder).

Baylor - RB T. Williams (probable Tuesday, knee), S D. Hall (questionable Tuesday, concussion), WR P. Stricklin (questionable Tuesday, leg), DE X. Jones (questionable Tuesday, ankle), RB S. Linwood (out Tuesday, personal).

ABOUT BOISE STATE (10-2, 3-9 ATS, 5-7 O/U): After losing to Air Force for the third consecutive year and failing to make it into the conference championship for the second straight season, the Broncos are looking at a potential bowl win over a Big 12 team as something to build on. "We're trying to finish this season the right way and take everything we've learned and apply it," coach Bryan Harsin told reporters. "And go out there and be a much better football team than we were in the last game." Junior running back Jeremy McNichols (1,663 yards and 23 touchdowns rushing), sophomore quarterback Brett Rypien (3,341 yards, 23 TDs passing), and wide receivers Thomas Sperbeck (72 catches, 1,193 yards, nine touchdowns) along with Cedrick Wilson (50, 1,041, 10) lead an offense that averaged 35.6 points and 479.8 yards per game.

ABOUT BAYLOR (6-6, 3-9 ATS, 4-8 O/U): The Bears have the fifth-ranked offense nationally, averaging 523.3 yards - including 250.3 yards rushing. However, most of that was accomplished with Seth Russell (152-of-278, 2,126 yards, 20 TD passes) at quarterback and the senior won't play after breaking his left ankle in a 45-24 loss at Oklahoma on Nov. 12. Freshman Zach Smith started the final three games at quarterback and threw eight touchdown passes compared to six interceptions over that span so look for the Bears to lean heavily on a running game led by sophomore Terence Williams (945 yards, 11 TDs, 5.9 per carry) and senior Shock Linwood (751, two, 5.4).

TRENDS:

* Boise State is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games overall.
* Baylor is 1-5 ATS in its last six games overall.
* Over is 4-1 in Boise State's last five bowl games.
* Over is 4-1 in Baylor's last five games overall.

CONSENSUS: The public is backing Boise State with 56 percent of the wagers, while 63 percent of the betting public is on the Over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tuesday's Bowl Tip Sheet
By Brian Edwards

**Washington State at Minnesota**

-- This Pac-12/Big Ten showdown will take place in San Diego at the Holiday Bowl. As of early Monday, most betting shops had Washington State (8-4 straight up, 6-6 against the spread) installed as a 10-point favorite with a total of 61. The Gophers were available on the money line for a +350 return (risk $100 to win $350).

-- Washington State is in the postseason for the third time in Mike Leach’s five-year tenure. The Cougars beat Miami 20-14 as three-point ‘chalk’ at last year’s Sun Bowl and in 2013, they dropped a 48-45 decision to Colorado State as 5.5-point favorites.

-- After losing its first two games at home to Eastern Washington and at Boise State by six combined points, Washington State ripped off eight consecutive wins before allowing a third quarter to get away in a 38-24 loss at Colorado as a six-point road underdog. Nevertheless, Washington State was in position to win the Pac-12 North with a home win over Washington in the Apple Cup to close the regular season.

-- Washington wasn’t having anything of it, though. Chris Petersen’s squad went into Pullman and captured a 45-17 win as a six-point road ‘chalk.’ The Huskies sprinted out to a 28-3 first-quarter lead and led 35-10 at intermission. Washington State cut the deficit to 35-17 on a nine-yard TD pass from Luke Falk to Gabe Marks midway through the third quarter. WSU would produced 160 third-quarter yards compared to only 13 for the Huskies, but the Cougars were stopped on fourth down at the 1-yard line to end an 81-yard drive with 37 seconds left in the third. The Huskies promptly marched 98 yards down the field to put the game on ice.

-- WSU is led by junior quarterback Luke Falk, who has completed 71.0 percent of his passes for 4,204 yards with a 37/10 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Marks led the Cougars with 85 receptions for 867 yards and 13 TDs, while Tavares Martin Jr. had 61 catches for 708 yards and seven TDs. Before going down with a season-ending injury in mid-November, River Cracraft had caught 53 balls for 701 yards and five TDs.

-- James Williams has rushed for a team-best 573 yards and six TDs while averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Williams also has 47 catches for 313 yards and one TD. Jamal Morrow has run for 562 yards and five TDs with a 6.6 YPC average. He also has 43 receptions for 464 yards and five TDs. Gerard Wicks has rushed for 449 yards and 11 TDs with a 5.4 YPC average. Wicks also has 28 catches for 180 yards and one TD.

-- Washington State is ranked 15th in the nation in total offense, second in passing and 14th in scoring with a 40.3 points-per-game average. The Cougars have a weak secondary but are strong up front on the defensive line. They are 28th in the country at defending the run but a deplorable 122nd (of 128 FBS teams) against the pass.

-- Washington State has been a double-digit favorite six times, producing a 3-3 spread record.

-- Minnesota (8-4 SU, 4-5-3 ATS) thrived in the underdog role during the regular season, posting a 3-0-2 spread record with a pair of outright victories at Maryland and vs. Northwestern.

-- Minnesota will be without 10 players who were suspended for an incident back on Sept. 2 that involves sexual-assault allegations. Only a few of the 10 players are starters but two of them are starting defensive backs and two others are reserves in the secondary. This is bad news going against Washington State’s high-octane aerial attack. Sophomore CB KiAnte Hardin and freshman CB Antoine Winfield are two of the starters. Hardin had a pair of interceptions and a fumble recovery during the regular season, while Winfield had one pick, two fumble recoveries and four passes broken up.

-- Minnesota loves to pound the rock with the ground game. Rodney Smith finished fourth in the Big Ten in rushing with 1,084 yards. Smith ran for 15 TDs and averaged 4.9 YPC, while Shannon Brooks rushed for 599 yards and five TDs with a 4.8 YPC average.

-- Minnesota senior QB Mitch Leidner has completed 56.4 percent of his throws for 2,040 yards with an abysmal 7/12 TD-INT ratio. Leidner can also make things happen with his legs, rushing for 340 yards and 10 TDs. His favorite target is Drew Wolitarsky, who has 61 receptions for 787 yards and five TDs.

-- Minnesota is ranked 23rd in total defense, 19th against the run and 31st in scoring (22.9 points per game).

-- The ‘over’ is 7-4-1 overall for the Cougars, 6-2-1 in their last nine contests. They’ve seen their games average combined scores of 67.5 points per game.

-- Totals have been an overall wash for the Gophers (6-6), but they’ve seen the ‘over’ go 4-2 in their last six outings. Their games have averaged combined scores of 53.2 PPG. This is the highest total Minnesota has seen all season. The two previous highs, 56 apiece vs. Oregon State and vs. Colorado State, both saw the ‘under’ prevail.

-- ESPN will have the broadcast at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

**Baylor vs. Boise State**

-- This is the Motel 6 Cactus Bowl that’ll be played at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ., the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. As of early Monday, most spots had Boise State (10-2 SU, 3-9 ATS) installed as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 67. The Bears were +250 on the money line (risk $100 to win $250).

-- Baylor (6-6 SU, 3-9 ATS) has had a tumultuous season to say the least. Amid the sexual-assault scandal that engulfed the campus and was national headlines for months, former coach Art Briles was dismissed in late May and former Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe took over on an interim basis. Playing an easy schedule in September and October, Baylor started 6-0 but it limps into the postseason on a miserable six-game losing streak.

-- Boise State started 7-0 with quality wins vs. Washington State (31-28), at New Mexico (49-21) and vs. BYU (28-27), only to see its unbeaten record go up in flames in Laramie, where the Broncos lost a 30-28 decision to Wyoming. They answered with three straight wins over cupcake foes, only to fall to Air Force for a third straight season in the regular-season finale.

-- In the loss at Wyoming on Oct. 29 as a 14.5-point road favorite, Boise State jumped out to a 14-0 lead and still led 21-7 late in the second quarter. The Cowboys pulled to within 21-20 early in the fourth quarter, but BSU extended the advantage to 28-20 when Brett Rypien found Thomas Sperbeck for a 33-yard scoring strike with 10:50 remaining. Josh Allen’s 27-yard TD pass to Tanner Gentry made it 28-26 and a short pass to Jake Maulhardt for the two-point conversion evened things up with 6:42 left. Then with 1:25 remaining, Wyoming’s Chase Appleby sacked Rypien in the end zone for a safety to provide the winning points.

-- Boise State went 0-2 ATS with one outright defeat in a pair of single-digit favorite spots during the regular season.

-- BSU is 31-8 SU since Bryan Harsin took over for Chris Petersen. Harsin has led the Broncos to back-to-back bowl wins over Arizona (38-30 at the 2014 Fiesta Bowl) and No. Illinois (55-7 at the 2015 Poinsettia Bowl).

-- Rypien was the Mtn. West Conference Freshman of the Year and a first-team All-MWC selection as a freshman in 2015 when he threw for 3,353 yards and 20 TDs. In his sophomore campaign, Rypien again garnered first-team All-MWC honors by completing 61.8 percent of his throws for 3,341 yards with a 23/6 TD-INT ratio. He also had a pair of TDs rushing and had two catches for 42 yards and one TD on trick plays.

-- BSU has a balanced attack thanks to the presence of junior RB Jeremy McNichols, who rushed for 1,663 yards and 23 TDs while averaging 5.6 YPC. He’s also excellent at catching the ball out of the backfield, hauling in 32 receptions for 450 yards and four TDs. McNichols earned second-team All-MWC honors.

-- Like Rypien, Sperbeck earned first-team All-MWC honors for a second straight season. He had 72 receptions for 1,193 yards and nine TDs. Sperbeck also threw three TD passes on three attempts for 92 yards off of trick plays. Cedrick Wilson added 50 catches for 1,041 yards and 10 TDs. BSU put a pair of offensive linemen on the first-team All-MWC unit: Travis Averill and Mario Yakoo.

-- BSU is ranked 45th in the country in total defense, 26th versus the pass and 28th in scoring (22.7 PPG). This unit is led by a pair of first-team All-MWC selections in senior DE Sam McCaskill and sophomore nose tackle David Moa. McCaskill recorded 48 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, five passes broken up, one QB hurry and one blocked kick. Moa registered 27 tackles, 8.5 TFL’s, 7.5 sacks, four PBU and one blocked kick.

-- Baylor really only has two victories of note all year, beating Oklahoma State 35-24 at home and winning a 45-42 decision at Iowa State (and yes, we’re reaching here with the win at Iowa State, but Ames tends to claim a few victims of note regularly). The six-game slide started with a 35-34 loss at Texas. Next, TCU went into Waco and won by 40 in the first of four straight defeats by margins of at least 19 points until the tight game in Morgantown.

-- Baylor lost its team leader in senior QB Seth Russell when he went down with a season-ending ankle injury in a 45-24 loss at Oklahoma. Russell had thrown for 2,126 yards with a 20/8 TD-INT ratio in the first nine games. The dual-threat signal caller had also rushed for 506 yards and eight TDs.

-- Since Russell went down, true freshman Zach Smith has started the last three games. He has completed 56.1 percent of his passes for 1,151 yards with a 10/6 TD-INT ratio.

-- Just like LSU’s Leonard Fournette and Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey, Baylor RB Shock Linwood has chosen to skip his team’s bowl game to stay health and begin prepping for the NFL Draft. Linwood is the Bears’ all-time leading rusher, but he has mostly been a disappointment in 2016. He was suspended for one game and ran for more than 100 yards in only two games. Linwood finished the year with a career-low 751 rushing yards and two TDs with a 5.4 YPC average.

-- Terrence Williams led the Bears in rushing with 945 yards and 11 TDs with a 5.9 YPC average. KD Cannon paced Baylor in receptions (73), receiving yards (989) and TD catches (11), while Ishmael Zamora caught 58 balls for 786 yards and seven TDs.

-- This is Baylor’s seventh straight trip to the postseason. The Bears beat up on North Carolina by a 49-38 count at last year’s Russell Athletic Bowl as 3.5-point underdogs.

-- Baylor has only been an underdog twice, going 1-1 ATS. The lone cover came in the regular-season finale at West Virginia in a 24-21 loss as a 17-point ‘dog.

-- Baylor has hired former Temple coach Matt Rhule to lead it into the future, while Grobe plans to return back to retirement

-- The ‘under’ is 8-4 overall for the Bears, but they’ve seen the ‘over’ go 3-2 in their last five outings. Their games have averaged combined scores of 65.3 PPG.

-- The ‘under’ is 7-5 overall for the Broncos despite a 3-1 run for the ‘over.’ Their games have averaged combined scores of 58.2 PPG.

-- Kickoff is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

-- There are four total bowl games on Tuesday’s slate, including a pair of early starts. The action starts at noon Eastern when North Texas and Army collide at the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl on ESPN. Army (7-5 SU, 7-5 ATS) is an 11.5-point favorite over the Mean Green at most spots, while the total is 48.5. These teams met on Oct. 22 with North Texas capturing a 35-18 win as a 17.5-point road underdog. The Mean Green took advantage of seven Army turnovers in the upset victory. Jeffrey Wilson led UNT with 160 rushing yards and three TDs on 15 carries. The Mean Green, which is 5-7 SU and 6-5-1 ATS, has compiled a 5-4-1 spread record with four outright victories as an underdog. Meanwhile, Army owns a 2-2 record both SU and ATS in four games as a double-digit ‘chalk.’

-- This is Army’s first postseason appearance since 2010 when it beat SMU 16-14 as a seven-point underdog.

-- North Texas is bowling for the first time since knocking off UNLV 36-14 as a 6.5-point favorite at this same event.

-- The Military Bowl in Annapolis, MD., will feature an AAC/ACC showdown between Temple and Wake Forest. As noted earlier, Temple lost its head coach Matt Rhule to Baylor. Most spots have the Owls installed as 12-point ‘chalk.’ They own the nation’s best spread record (12), taking the cash 12 times in a row since losing their opener to Army as double-digit favorites. Temple won the AAC by thumping Navy earlier this month. Wake Forest (6-6 SU, 7-5 ATS) has been a double-digit ‘dog four times this season, posting a 3-1 spread record. The Demon Deacons went 5-1 ATS in six games as underdogs. They have lost five of their last six contests since starting 4-0 and 5-1. Wake is bowling for the first time since Dave Clawson replaced Grobe in 2014. Grobe had the Deacs in the 2011 Music City Bowl, where they dropped a 23-17 decision to Mississippi State but took the cash as 6.5-point ‘dogs. This game will come off the board at 3:30 p.m. Eastern and be televised by ESPN.

-- UConn fired Bob Diaco on Monday after he limped to an 11-26 record during his three-year tenure.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bowl Tech Trends - Week 3
By Bruce Marshall

Tuesday, Dec. 27

ARMY vs. NORTH TEXAS (Dallas Bowl)...Rematch of UNT’s 35-18 win at West Point on Oct. 22. UNT won this bowl three years ago vs. UNLV. Mean Green 9-7-1 last 18 as dog, though mean Green dropped 4 of last 5 vs. spread this season. Army 3-5 vs. line last eight into Navy game, Army 7-9-2 last 18 on board. Army “under” 9-4 last 13 since late 2015, though first meeting “over” in October.

Slight to North Texas and “under,” based on team and “totals” trends.


WAKE FOREST vs. TEMPLE (Military Bowl)...Temple plays its second straight game at Annapolis. Owls remarkably covered last 12 on board this season and are 35-16 vs. spread since 2013. Wake 5-1 as dog this season and 9-2 last 11 in role.

Temple, based on recent trends.


WASHINGTON STATE vs. MINNESOTA (Sun Bowl)...Mike Leach has covered his last two bowls with Wazzu (2013 & 2015). Leach 8-4 vs. line last 12 away from Pullman, though 0-2 as visiting chalk this season. Fifth straight bowl for Gophers (1-3 SU and 2-2 vs. line in those) who were 3-1-1 as dog this season and now 16-7-1 in role since 2013.

Slight to Minnesota, based on team trends.


BAYLOR vs. BOISE STATE (Cactus Bowl)...Baylor faded badly down the stretch, losing last six SU and only 1-5 vs. line in those games, ears 3-9 vs. spread this season for Jim Grobe and just 1-5 vs. line away from Waco. Bears 3-3 SU and vs. line last six years in bowls. Bryan Harsin 2-0 SU and vs. line in bowls last two years for Boise, which is 6-2 vs. spread last eight bowls. Broncos 8-3-1 vs. spread last 12 away from blue carpet (where they have had trouble covering numbers lately).

Boise State, based on team trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF

Bowl game writeups

Dec 27
Heart of Dallas Bowl, Cotton Bowl: Army-North Texas
North Texas (+16.5) went to West Point Oct 22 and upset Army 35-18; UNT was +6 in turnovers in game where Cadets outgained North Texas 396-320- this is the only rematch of bowl season. This is unusual bowl: favorites won/covered this game the last five years, with all five games decided by 13+ points. North Texas beat UNLV 36-14 here three years ago, their only bowl since 2004. UNT is 2-5 all-time in bowls. Army is in its first bowl since 2010; they’re 3-2 all-time in bowls, with two losses by total of four points. Mean Green lost four of last five games; they’re 5-7 but the three 5-7 teams won their bowls last year. Conference USA non-conference underdogs are 9-11 vs spread this year. Under is 5-3 in last eight North Texas games.

Military Bowl, Annapolis: Wake Forest-Temple
Laying 13 points in a bowl with a team whose coach bolted for greener pa$ture$ is dangerous and not a great idea. Temple covered its last 11 games, is 10-3 SU, but Rhule is the new coach at Baylor now. Owls 6-1 as favorites this year, 6-1 in games with double digit spread- they won their last seven games, last six by 16+ points. Wake Forest is 6-6 but lost its last three games, scoring only 13 pts/game; Deacons are 5-1 as an underdog this year, 3-3 in games with a double digit spread. Wake is in its first bowl since 2011; they’ll be excited. Deacons covered four of last five bowls. Favorites covered this bowl three of last four years. ACC teams lost here two of last three years. Under is 5-1-1 in Wake’s last seven games, 5-0 in Temple’s last five. AAC favorites are 10-7 vs spread this year; ACC underdogs are 7-4.

Holiday Bowl, San Diego: Washington State-Minnesota
Underdogs covered last four Holiday Bowls, winning three SU. Pac-12 teams are 1-4 in this game the last five years. This year, Washington State lost its first two games, its last two games but went 8-0 in between; Coogs are 3-3 as favorites this year, 2-4 in games with a single digit spread. Minnesota is 2-2-1 as an underdog, 3-3 in games with a single digit spread. Leach is 6-5 in bowls, 1-1 here; Wazzu is 7-5 overall in bowls. Gophers are in 5th straight bowl; they’re 1-3 in last four bowls, ending skid with win over Central Michigan LY. Coogs are 1-3 this year when scoring less than 30 points; Minnesota held nine of 12 opponents under 30. Last two years, Pac-12 teams are 3-8 vs Big 14 teams- they’re 4-8-1 vs spread in last 13 games when favored against a Big 14 squad. Over is 6-3 in Coogs’ last nine games, 4-2 in Gophers’ last six.

Cactus Bowl, Chase Field- Phoenix: Boise State-Baylor
Baylor started season 6-0, wound up 6-6; now they’ve hired Temple coach Rhule; not sure how it affects this game. Bears allowed 32.8 pts/game during its skid. Baylor was 3-2 in its last five bowls under Briles, with average total of 92.4. Baylor is 1-1 as an underdog, 1-4 in games with a single digit spread. Boise State is 10-2, covered one of its last seven games; they’re 4-8 vs spread, 0-2 in games with single digit spread. Broncos won four of last five bowls, scoring 40 pts/game; they won 55-7/38-30 in last two bowls. Underdogs covered three of last four Cactus Bowls; Big 12 teams are 4-1 in this game the last five years. Under is 7-4 in Baylor games this year, three of last four Boise games went over. Big X underdogs are 2-4 this season; Mountain West favorites are 8-8.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Dayton Raceway

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

Race 10 - Post: 4:51 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 73 - Purse:$4500 - HORSES & GELDINGS CLAIMING $5000 W/ALLOWANCES DAYTON RACEWAY T. TETRICK - LISTED 6-9
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 5 HAY GOODLOOKING 5/2
# 7 DIXIELAND BAND 7/2
# 4 CATHERINE'SDIAMOND 6/1

HAY GOODLOOKING could be our best wagering option in this gathering. Might be there at a fair price tag. Very likely one to keep in your exotics. Certainly should be given a look based on the really strong TrackMaster Speed Rating achieved in the most recent race. Post 5 has been winning at a better than expected percent, suggesting competitive probability of success in this contest. DIXIELAND BAND - The knowledge group always likes a proven player. This horse's high winning percent is confirmation of that. Gelding and trainer go together like Sonny and Cher. They finish in the money 51 percent of their races. CATHERINE'SDIAMOND - Starters win from this post at Dayton Raceway with better than average regularity, suggesting this magnificent wager. Has the look of a profitable play, averaging a nifty 75 speed rating.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pompano Park

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

Race 2 - Post: 7:38 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 86 - Purse:$12000 - OPEN 1 HANDICAP POST POSITIONS 1-5 DRAWN , 6 ASSIGNED
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 5 SERENDIPITIOUS 5/2
# 3 DIAMOND DAGGER 6/1
# 6 TATER TWISTER 2/1

The pick in here is SERENDIPITIOUS. Been racing with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class edge. (Average Rating 86). With one of the best drivers in terms of crossing the wire first, don't count this mare out of the race. Considered a solid bet based solely on her high triumph figure. DIAMOND DAGGER - Superb driver Dillander should find the pace of today's race to this mare's liking - could be a good wager. Many bettors strongly consider this mare on the driver-trainer numbers alone. TATER TWISTER - This nice horse looks dangerous. Look at the 91 avg TrackMaster speed fig. Many expert selectors will recognize the stellar speed figure in the last contest. Stacks up against any horse in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Sunland Park

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


Race 5 - SA - 4.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $17000 Class Rating: 87

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $5,000 OR LESS IN 2015-2016. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 4 A. P WILD 5/1

# 6 LAYCOCK BAY 6/1

# 2 TAKEIT TOTHE LIMIT 4/1

A. P WILD looks like the bet in here. Looks like a solid candidate for the exotics. Must be carefully examined here on the basis of the figures in the speed realm alone. Must be given a chance based on the formidable speed figure garnered in the last contest. LAYCOCK BAY - He has been running solidly and the Equibase Speed Figures are among the best in this group. Has to be given a chance based on the very strong Equibase speed fig recorded in the last race. TAKEIT TOTHE LIMIT - Strong average speed figures in dirt sprint races make this racer a definite contender. This equine could stun this bunch at a big price.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Turf Paradise

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


Race 5 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $9500 Class Rating: 83

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 27 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, IF FOR $7,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS. ARIZONA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 3 FOUR TIMES LUCKY 5/2

# 7 EXTREME CAUTION 3/1

# 1 ZIVA THE DIVA 3/1

FOUR TIMES LUCKY is my choice. Has run admirably when running a dirt sprint race. EXTREME CAUTION - Posted a formidable Equibase speed fig last time out. ZIVA THE DIVA - Will almost certainly compete quite well in the pace contest which bodes well with this group. May best this field here, showing respectable figures of late.