CFB WEEK 3 INFO

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Hall, BYU on mission to crash BCS party

Hall, BYU on mission to crash BCS party

Hall, BYU on mission to crash BCS party

Who is Bronco Mendenhall? Pose that question on a game show and watch the average contestant scramble to phone a friend or poll the audience for help with the answer.

Mendenhall is not a rodeo cowboy, an actor or a country-western singer. He's actually a bounty hunter, in college football terms. The Brigham Young coach is on a mission to knock off the big boys and crash the Bowl Championship Series' exclusive party.

The Cougars took down Oklahoma and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Sam Bradford, and next on Mendenhall's big-name hit list is Florida State coach Bobby Bowden.

Everything is lining up for BYU to win the Mountain West Conference and be in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 7, playing for the BCS national title. All the Cougars need is to keep winning and get some help along the way, and it won't be easy. But the toughest part, stunning the Sooners as 22-point underdogs, is behind them.

"I'm impressed with this BYU team," Northcoast Sports handicapper Phil Steele said. "It's way too early to speculate, but BYU has a legitimate shot to be in the BCS title game. At the end of the year, a win over Florida State will look pretty good."

The Seminoles make an odd trip to Provo on Saturday, and the oddsmakers don't like their chances. The seventh-ranked Cougars, who have won 18 straight at home, are 7-point favorites.

Steele, one of the best in the speculation business, projects BYU to win by 17 in his "Power Sweep" newsletter. He said the accuracy of Cougars senior quarterback Max Hall, the toughness of Mendenhall's veteran defense and the altitude in Utah should pose too many problems for the Seminoles.

"Florida State is a team that will shoot itself in the foot," Steele said. "BYU is pumped up for this game."

The Seminoles opened with a deflating loss to Miami and had to score twice in the final minute to sneak by Jacksonville State 19-9 last week.

The case for Florida State is it has better athletes and more speed. It also has a pretty good quarterback in Christian Ponder. Bowden is a legend, too, but he does little more these days than spew folksy quips and pretend to coach while his assistants run the show.

BYU must get another great game from Hall, who has completed 50 of 70 passes for 638 yards and four touchdowns in two wins.

"The NFL scouts aren't completely sold on him yet, but as far as college quarterbacks, Hall is definitely in my top five," Steele said.

In the Cougars' 14-13 upset of Oklahoma on Sept. 5, Hall led BYU to a 245-164 advantage in total yards in the first half. Bradford was knocked out with a shoulder injury just before halftime.

"Everybody said Bradford went down with an injury, and that's why they beat Oklahoma. But they basically beat Oklahoma on the field in the first half with Bradford in on every play," Steele said.

BYU star Harvey Unga, a 1,132-yard rusher last season, missed the opener and played sparingly in a 54-3 blowout at Tulane.

"Unga was out, and nobody talks about that," Steele said. "Now Unga is back.

"I picked BYU to win the Mountain West, which sort of went against the grain because Texas Christian was picked by the media."

The schedule is tailor-made for the Cougars, who host TCU, Air Force and Utah and face their stiffest road test against UNLV.

But they first have to deal with Florida State, and then hope Southern California, Texas and every other BCS conference team but Florida loses at least once. The Gators, even with one loss, should be in Pasadena.

If Florida and BYU are the lone unbeaten teams in December, Steele said, "the Mountain West won't even need an act of Congress" to get the Cougars in the BCS title game. But that's all speculation now.

For the second week in a row, Steele has a four-star newsletter play (his highest rating) on UNLV. The Rebels, who covered last week as 7-point underdogs in a 23-21 loss to Oregon State, are 7-point home favorites over Hawaii.

"The situation certainly concerns me a little," Steele said of the Rebels' emotional state. "But UNLV has the much better defense. I think you'll see UNLV's quarterbacks put up some big numbers against an inexperienced Hawaii defense."

Steele's forecasts and writeups on every board game will be posted today at philsteele.com.

? CLOSING NUMBERS -- How did Notre Dame lose last week? Charlie Weis blew it, that's how. But I won with three underdogs -- Ohio State, South Carolina and UNLV -- to go 3-3, 5-7 for the season. My six picks for Saturday (home team in CAPS):

BRIGHAM YOUNG (-7) over Florida State; Navy (+8) over PITTSBURGH; COLORADO (-7) over Wyoming; Arizona (+51/2) over IOWA; Michigan State (+10) over NOTRE DAME; FLORIDA (-291/2) over Tennessee.

? LEROY'S 'MONEY TALKS' CONTEST ON RADIO -- Cal Neva sports book director Nick Bogdanovich will compete today in the first round of the Leroy's "Money Talks Invitational." The $80,000 handicapping contest, hosted by John Kelly, is held at the Hooters sports book and can be heard from 3 to 4 p.m. on KLAV-AM (1230).

 

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Top Trends and Angles

Top Trends and Angles

Top Trends and Angles

CFB | (139) KANSAS ST @ (140) UCLA | 09/19/2009 10:15 PM
Play AGAINST KANSAS ST using the money line in All games in road games
The record is 2 Wins and 9 Losses for the last three seasons (-14.95 units) *****
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CFB | (135) UTAH @ (136) OREGON | 09/19/2009 3:30 PM
Play ON UTAH using the money line in All games as an underdog vs. the money line
The record is 6 Wins and 2 Losses for the last three seasons (+15.00 units) *****
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WNBA | (611) LOS ANGELES @ (612) SEATTLE | 09/18/2009 10:00 PM
Play OVER SEATTLE on the first half total in Home games vs. division opponents
The record is 9 Overs and 0 Unders this season (+9.00 units) *****
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CFB | (159) CALIFORNIA @ (160) MINNESOTA | 09/19/2009 12:00 PM
Play AGAINST CALIFORNIA using the money line in All games as a road favorite vs. the money line
The record is 13 Wins and 16 Losses since 1992 (-33.05 units) *****
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CFB | (145) OHIO ST @ (146) TOLEDO | 09/19/2009 12:00 PM
Play AGAINST TOLEDO using the money line in All games when playing on a Saturday
The record is 2 Wins and 7 Losses for the last two seasons (-14.40 units) *****
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CFB | (149) TENNESSEE @ (150) FLORIDA | 09/19/2009 3:30 PM
Play UNDER TENNESSEE on the total in All games when playing with 6 or less days rest
The record is 0 Overs and 10 Unders for the last two seasons (+10.00 units) *****
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CFB | (165) TULSA @ (166) OKLAHOMA | 09/19/2009 3:30 PM
Play OVER OKLAHOMA on the total in All games when playing with 6 or less days rest
The record is 10 Overs and 0 Unders for the last two seasons (+10.00 units) *****

 

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Rank Means Nothing

Rank Means Nothing

Rank Means Nothing
September 17, 2009

If you?ve done enough gambling on sports, then you surely have heard of ?chalk-eaters.? For the uninitiated out there, those are the people love to play the favorites at the sportsbooks. They aren?t the greatest bettors in the world, but they come out on top more often than not.

One of the ways that a ?chalk-eaters? will tend to handicap college football is just simply by taking a ranked program to cover against an unranked foe. It?s not the most scientific way of backing teams, but some people out there will do just that.

There is just one problem with that way of thinking; it doesn?t really hold up nowadays. ?I don't think there's any particular correlation between the national rankings and the spreads anymore. Lots of bettors are sharp enough to recognize that the rankings are pretty much a farce. The voters who comprise these polls have been exposed as not being especially knowledgeable.?

?The oddsmakers certainly don't have much regard for these rankings, and neither do the sharp players. Further proof that the betting world is not comprised of mostly squares anymore, at least not in terms of their perception of the team,?

A perfect example of the sportsbooks not buying into what the pollsters are selling is when an unranked squad is favored over a team in the Top 25. This isn?t as rare occurrence as you might think since it happened 11 times during the 2008 campaign. The ranked squads went just 2-9 both straight up and against the spread in those spots. We?re going to see this situation come into play three times this weekend alone.




Cincinnati knew that it would have a great offense this season with guys like Tony Pike working under center and a quality receiver in Mardy Gilyard. What was a reason for concern for Brian Kelly and the Bearcats was a defense that had to replace 10 starters. It turns out that might be a strength after allowing 18 points in their first two games of the season, picking of six passes.

Despite the great showings, the No. 17 Bearcats are listed as one-point road ?dogs to Oregon State. You can, however, can find them as one-point faves if you shop around.

The Beavers aren?t nearly as dominant on defense as they?ve been in the past few years. Yet this is still the best defense Cincy has seen in this young season. Also, Oregon State will give the Bearcats a challenge on defense thanks to Jacquizz and James Rodgers. This pair of brothers has compiled 548 total yards of offense and six touchdowns in two games.

While that duo will keep Cincinnati busy, bettors will be just as busy backing them as they?re 3-1 SU and ATS when playing games out west.

Another team making a trip to the Beaver State is Utah. The Utes have won 16 straight games dating back to last season. And a streak like that is sure to make the public giddy. Do the betting shops care about that run? Not so much as they made the Ducks four-point home favorites against the defending Mountain West champs.

It?s a strange thing to see Oregon favored as they are when you consider losing LeGarrette Blount for the season after his sucker punch heard around the world. Also, the Ducks were lucky to hold onto a 38-36 win at home against Purdue last week.

Of course, it doesn?t help that the Utes has their issues getting past San Jose State last week. They easily could be 1-1 right now if it weren?t for Matt Asiata running for 94 yards and a touchdown.

Sportsbook.com is showing that 76 percent of the money is going on Utah to cover. Yet the Utes are just 3-2 SU against Pac-10 schools and 1-4 ATS during that span.

Georgia has shown shades of being brilliant, despite having a lot of youth. The Bulldogs barely picked up their first win last week versus South Carolina despite being outgained (427-308) and having fewer first downs (26-16).

Now the ?Dogs head to Fayetteville this Saturday as one-point road pups against Arkansas.

Joe Cox had a decent outing in his first road start of the year in Stillwater against Oklahoma State, completing 15 of 30 passes for 162 yards with a touchdown and interception. This will be his first road game against an SEC school, which definitely pales in comparison to anything else he?ll face.

The Razorbacks had no problems in rolling up 591 yards against Missouri State two weeks ago in a 48-10 victory. Arkansas had converted just three of its 10 third downs in that contest. That probably doesn?t matter too much when Tyler Wilson and Ryan Mallett combined for 447 yards and three scores.

It?s easy to think that Georgia will have problem with Bobby Petrino?s offense. After all, they just gave up 313 passes yards to Steve Spurrier?s Gamecocks. It seems to me that the line should be bigger.

 

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Las Vegas Money Moves

Las Vegas Money Moves

Las Vegas Money Moves

All year long we?re going to chronicle some of the most bet games from Las Vegas sportsbooks at what is kind of like the halfway point of every week. Generally at this point in the week, the lines that have been moved have been pushed that way by the sharps and are influenced very little by public.

95% of the wagers made by the public will be made Friday, Saturday, and especially Sunday, while the sharps come in all week with varying strategies around town.

Those strategies that some of the sharps use are very carefully thought out and calculated to ensure they get the amount their looking to bet at the preferred line. Not only do they have to have the games handicapped, but they also have to have each sportsbook?s bookmaking philosophy down also.

The last few seasons Thursday action has been one of the more festive betting days prior to the weekend, other than Monday?s, in particular with college football action. It wouldn?t be out of the ordinary to see up to 10 games run one after another two to three points a game during a short half-hour period. The .com Live Odds and competing screens would light up like New York Stock Exchange boards with both Las Vegas and Offshore books.

However, after two weeks of college football, it hasn?t been like the seasons past.

?Last week, we saw most of our big action on game day", said MGM/Mirage Director of Race and Sports Jay Rood. "We?ve had some action on a few games through the week, but the last two Thursday?s haven?t been like last year.?

South Point veteran Sport Book Director Bert Osborne is seeing the same thing, ?It?s been quiet this week other than the normal action on Monday.?

Both directors agree their biggest college game they have on the board this week in the Tennessee-Florida game.

??This is definitely the most interesting game with a 30 point spread I?ve seen for some time, Rood said. Because of the action I?ve already seen across the counter, we?re even going to offer some special props for the game.?

The recommended send by Las Vegas Sports Consultants was Florida -25, but most books like the Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook opened the game at -27.5 and it?s been pushed up to -30 at most books.

?The build up for this game has created a nice buzz around Las Vegas for this game, Osborne said. It?s not only the revenge factor with Kiffin?s comments back in February that make this game stand out, but it?s also the fact that there are only two games with ranked teams playing each other which magnifies this game even more.?

Osborne may be right on his assertion. If the Buckeyes were playing USC this weekend, or any of the great games from last week, the Lane Kiffin beat down party may be big only in Gator Country.

Instead, it?s caught on everywhere. People want to see either Florida hammer Kiffin, while others want to see if Kiffin?s strategy of getting into a teams? head can diminish their style and make them play differently.

Here?s some other moves from the week through Thursday afternoon using the Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook lines:


Pittsburgh opened -7 vs. NAVY and is currently up to -8 while others are still 7 or 7.5.
Akron opened -3.5 vs. Indiana and is currently up to -4.5 while other are around -5.
Kansas opened -21 vs. Duke and is up to -22.5 and a high of -23 elsewhere.
Washington opened +20.5 vs. USC and is down to +17.5 with a range of lines at 18 and 19.
Florida opened -27.5 vs. Tennessee and is up to -29.5 with others as high as -30.
Kentucky opened -12 vs. Louisville and is up a point to -13.5, with a high of -14 at Leroy?s.
Sunday?s pro football action has had the normal early runs on games on or around the key numbers of 3, 7, or 10.


The Texans +7 was saw as attractive and bet down to 6.5 vs. the Titans.
The Rams getting +10 vs. the Redskins was deemed attractive by some respected sharps and bet down to 9.5 at a few books.
Cardinals bettors took the hook at +3.5 against Jacksonville to +3 flat.
A few Broncos wagers have come in laying -3 flat pushing to -3 -120 vs. Cleveland.
The Steelers have pushed the -2.5 flat to -3 even at the Bears.
The game getting the most action thus far at the South Point for Osborne has been the Cowboys-Giants game. ?We usually don?t like to use money on moves around 3, so we have bounced back and forth a few times from -2.5 flat to -3 flat.?

Osborne is one of the only bookmakers in Vegas to not use money on moves and is very well respected for it, among other things. When considering all the games that have been on three over the last ten years, only one season has the move proved wrong. Between the volume accumulated by not asking bettors to lay an extra -10 cents on a valued line, the reward far outweighs the risk of when the book actually gets sided.

 

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College football Top 25 cheat sheet: Week 3

College football Top 25 cheat sheet: Week 3

College football Top 25 cheat sheet: Week 3

Here?s your primer for Week 3 NCAA action on Saturday. No games involving FCS teams are included. All injury/news updates as of Thursday afternoon.

Tennessee at No. 1 Florida (-29.5, 51.5)

Lane Kiffin says he doesn?t think he put his team in a tough spot with all his verbal trash talk about Florida. In fact, he says losing to UCLA last week might take some pressure off. Jonathan Crompton stays at QB despite his struggles.

Urban Meyer is telling his kids not to talk about Kiffin this week. Obviously, oddsmakers believe Meyer will run it up like he did to Mark Richt and Georgia last year. UF is unbeaten vs. the Vols under Meyer.

Texas Tech at No. 2 Texas (-17.5, 67)

Red Raiders QB Taylor Potts has thrown nine TD passes and for more than 200 yards in both games, but those were against creampuffs. It?s the earliest in a season TTU has played UT since 1955.

Highlights of Michael Crabtree?s catch last year that ruined Texas? national title hopes have been playing all week in Austin. Great quote from UT coach Mack Brown on revenge as a factor: ?Revenge is fine if that helps. We tell the players to figure out what turns you on, what excites you. We don't care."

No. 3 Southern Cal at Washington (+18.5, 52)

The big news here is whether USC QB Matt Barkley and star safety Taylor Mays will play after both were injured last week. The L.A. media seems to think Aaron Corp will start for Barkley. Mays seems likely to play since it?s a return to his hometown.

The Huskies could be set up to trap USC here, as coach Steve Sarkisian, the former USC offensive coordinator, knows the Trojans as well as anyone.

North Texas at No. 4 Alabama (-38.5, 52.5)

The Mean Green won?t have starting QB Riley Dodge, as he separated his shoulder last week against Ohio. Nathan Tune, who is 15-of-28 for 124 yards in his career, gets the nod.

The Tide could be missing two key offensive players: receiver Julio Jones and running back Roy Upchurch hadn?t practiced this week as of this writing due to injuries. Both left last week?s game vs. FIU in the first quarter.

Temple at No. 5 Penn State (-29.5, 45.5)

The Owls catch a break in that Penn State star linebacker Navorro Bowman is likely out again this week with a groin injury. Temple also has had two weeks to prepare for PSU, for what that?s worth.

Under Joe Paterno, the Nittany Lions are 25-0 against the Owls, including last year?s 45-3 victory. PSU hasn?t lost in this series since 1941.

No. 7 California at Minnesota (+14, 53)

The Bears and Jahvid Best have been dominant so far this season, but this is also their first road game and Cal has dropped its past four away from home.

The Gophers have won six games in a row against non-conference opponents and this will be the first ranked team to visit new TCF Bank Stadium. Maybe Minnesota?s fortunes will change at the new place, as it has dropped 10 in a row to ranked teams.

Louisiana-Lafayette at No. 7 LSU (-27, 52)

The Ragin? Cajuns stunned Kansas State last week, 17-15, for their first win against a BCS conference school since 1996. Perhaps LSU will get caught looking ahead to the start of SEC play next week.

LSU has won 22 straight games against in-state foes and 21 games in a row against non-conference opponents. The Tigers have outscored ULL 274-3 in the past five meetings (albeit dating to 1936).

Florida State at No. 9 BYU (-7.5, 55)

FSU?s passing game is rolling behind Christian Ponder and the Seminoles never seem to lose these types of games: They have dropped just two games to non-BCS schools since 1989.

BYU?s defense has been outstanding, having not allowed a play more than 20 yards all season. FSU?s rushing game, meanwhile, has just 188 total yards.

No. 11 Ohio State vs. Toledo (+21, 57.5)

Could this be a letdown game for what has to be a disappointed Ohio State team in the wake of another big game loss? Hard to see an upset here, since the Buckeyes haven?t lost to a team from their state in 88 years.

If the Rockets play anything like they did against Colorado last Friday, they will cover. They had 624 total yards in racking up 54 points. QB Aaron Opelt is completing 62.2 percent of his passes for 742 yards with seven touchdowns.

Tulsa at No. 12 Oklahoma (-17.5, 58)

Look at the over here. Tulsa has led the nation in total offense each of the past two seasons and is averaging 40.5 points this year. This would be a signature win in the program?s history; the last against OU was in 1996.

While OU?s offense misses Sam Bradford, the Sooner defense should have its way with a Tulsa offensive line that features three new starters. The Golden Hurricane have allowed eight sacks this year against weak competition and they can?t run the ball.

No. 18 Nebraska at No. 14 Virginia Tech (-5, 50.5)

The Huskers have won six games in a row but are still looking for that type of victory that announces the program is back. QB Zac Lee, thought to need to time to learn on the job, leads the Big 12 in passing efficiency and ranks seventh nationally.

Virginia Tech simply doesn?t lose home non-conference games, winning the past 31. The Hokies switched to a two tight end alignment last week vs. Marshall and the running game exploded for 444 yards.

No. 16 Utah at Oregon (-5, 54)

The Utes could suffer a big blow if starting running back Matt Asiata, who leads the nation in carries and is 10th in the country in yards per game, can?t go. He is questionable with a shoulder injury.

Oregon did find its running game without LeGarrette Blount last week, rushing for 193 yards against Purdue. The Ducks have won their past five home games against ranked non-conference teams.

Rice at No. 17 Oklahoma State (-32.5, 66.5)

Rice does catch a break in that OSU star running back Kendall Hunter is doubtful with a leg injury. But the Owls have allowed 99 points already this year.

The Cowboys figure to be very focused after losing to Houston last week. Plus Rice hasn?t beaten a Big 12 team since 1994.

East Carolina at No. 19 North Carolina (-7.5, 41.5)

ECU coach Skip Holtz was thinking about a QB change but will stay with struggling Patrick Pinkney one more week. UNC likely will be without one of its starting guards and for sure its starting center and tight end due to injuries.

UNC?s defense should dominate. The Pirates rank No. 102 in the country in total offense, while the Heels? defense that ranks No. 7 in the country, allowing 174.50 yards per game.

No. 20 Georgia at Arkansas (-1.5, 53.5)

Georgia?s offense seemed to find itself last week and should get once-projected starting RB Caleb King back this week. He missed the first two games with a hamstring injury.

Arkansas seems set up well here, as the Razorbacks basically were able to gameplan for Georgia all summer considering they opened with Missouri State and were off last week. The Hogs have never beaten the Dawgs in Fayetteville.

No. 21 Cincinnati at No. 24 Oregon State (+1, 55.5)

Will the Bearcats deal with a less than 100 percent Jacquizz Rodgers? The Beavers? star back didn?t practice the full week because of an ankle injury but says he will play Saturday.

Assuming Rodgers is fine, the Beavers should win if he gains 100 yards. OSU has won 15 of its last 16 games when it has a player rush for 100 yards. Rodgers is averaging 134.5 in two games this year.

Duke at No. 23 Kansas (-23.5, 51)

The Blue Devils will start QB Thaddeus Lewis, but coach David Cutcliffe said that freshman Sean Renfree, who replaced Lewis last week and looked good, has earned the right to see some snaps.

Duke doesn?t seem likely to win here, considering it has dropped 36 straight games to ranked foes since 1994. KU is 18-2 in its past 20 non-conference games.

 

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Top 5 Trends NCF

Top 5 Trends NCF

Top 5 Trends NCF

KANS
DUKE are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games in September.
TENN
FLA
FLA are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.

UTAH
ORE Over is 8-0-1 in ORE last 9 games following a ATS loss.

RICE
OKLST Over is 8-0 in RICE last 8 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.

FSU
BYU Under is 8-0 in BYU last 8 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game.

 

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Revenge and Reputation on the Line

Revenge and Reputation on the Line

Revenge and Reputation on the Line

This week in college football, a number of teams have different types of motivation, making it interesting for the sports bettors to not only wager on but get emotionally involved. Texas would have played for BCS title if they hadn?t lost to Texas Tech, now they get them in Austin. Teenagers are married with kids the last time Notre Dame won at home against Michigan State (1993). Auburn had West Virginia by the throat at 17-3, but gave 31 consecutive points in loss last season. Miami?s win gives Nebraska hope they can start to return as power with win at Virginia Tech and BYU opens home slate against the ACC?s Florida State. Will Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin?s oratory skills help his team in Florida? It promises to be quite a day. Lines courtesy of Bookmaker.com.

Michigan State (+10, 55.5) at Notre Dame NBC 3:30E

Maybe the only team less intimidated by the Touchdown Jesus surroundings in South Bend is USC, compared to Michigan State. The Spartans are 1-1 after being upset by Central Michigan 29-27 last week as 14.5-point chalk at home and have won six straight at Notre Dame Stadium, five as an underdog. A pair of sophomore quarterbacks will make first trip to northern Indiana. Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol have shown why the coaching staff has had a difficult time in going with one signal caller, as each has played well when called upon. Of course neither has seen the type of blitzing defense Notre Dame brings in defensive coach Jon Tuneta?s scheme and each will have to keep their poise in the face of pressure. The Spartans are 13-2 ATS in road games after playing two straight non-conference games.

The Fighting Irish return home off incredibly disappointing 38-34 loss to Michigan, losing in the last 11 seconds. Notre Dame?s defensive front has not matched up well with the Spartans big offense line and will have to pressure the young Michigan State quarterbacks into miscues. The Irish will have to contend with the Spartans excellent tight ends, the best in the Big Ten. Jimmy Clausen looks ready for big season and why not, throwing to receivers like Michael Floyd and Golden Tate, who are unmatched in going and getting the ball. Notre Dame is 5-2 ATS off a straight defeat.

Motivation is not an issue for the Fighting Irish, but they will have to overcome Michigan State?s confidence playing them, as the Spartans are 9-2-1 ATS vs. Notre Dame and can physically compete no problem. The home team is 1-5-1 ATS in last seven matchups. For sports bettors, this one can be easy, as the straight up winner is sensational 14-1 against the spread.

Power Line ? Notre Dame by 8
Consensus ?Michigan State to cover

Tennessee (+30, 53) at Florida CBS 3:30E

The one word that comes to mind when thinking about the two coaches of this anticipated matchup is ?ruthless?. Tennessee?s new head coach Lane Kiffin has shown a proclivity towards wanting his players to be mercenaries, playing hard and enjoying doing things his way. He needs his quarterback Jonathan Crompton to be more poised than what he was last week against UCLA, when he tossed three interceptions. The Vols are 13-4 ATS in road games after a game with a turnover margin of -2 or worse.

Kiffin?s mouth has caused a ranker within the SEC, however, he?s been unafraid to play his freshmen recruits and they are delivering for him thus far. The comforts of Knoxville give way to the alarming craziness of Gainesville, which is about as different as country and western and zydeco music. Tennessee will find a blue-clad bunch that is 11-3 ATS after playing a game at home over the last three seasons.

Under Urban Meyer, Florida football is like a football sized-field, full of live Gators in search of a meal. Led by Tim Tebow, these Gators have an unquenchable hunger for success and don?t like anybody trying to cut in on their action. After dismissing a couple of patsies, Florida is ready for the real thing and is 12-4 and 11-4-1 ATS against Tennessee, including four consecutive triumphs under Meyer (3-1 ATS). Florida has shown their version of hurry-up offense, which makes them that much more difficult to prepare for. The Gators come into this bitter battle 7-0 ATS at home off a non-conference tilt.

Meyer is very comfortable with his position in college football and was not amused with Kiffin?s antics after he became Vols coach. Meyer?s teams in Florida are 31-18-2 ATS overall and they are 17-7-1 ATS as favorites in The Swamp. The Gators are 11-3-1 against the spread run in first SEC game of the season and assuredly will want to send a message to Tennessee. No matter the outcome, don?t expect Kiffin to give an inch and the Volunteers are 19-8 ATS on the road after one or more consecutive straight up losses.

Power Line ? Florida by 30


Nebraska (+5, 50) at Virginia Tech ABC 3:30E

Nebraska pauses from its September slate of hosting Sun Belt teams to check out the unfriendly facilities of Virginia Tech. The Cornhuskers have only six starting seniors, three on each side of the ball and they will have to provide leadership in first road test. Nebraska football has made the transition to junior college transfer Zac Lee at quarterback and he?s shown poise and delivers very catchable balls. Running back Roy Helu has played well, knowing any slip up will bring true freshman Rex Burkhead off the bench. The defense is light on experience, but has been tackling much better, per the request of coach Bo Pelini. The Huskers are 5-11 ATS as road underdogs.

Virginia Tech started correcting some of the problems they had in opening game versus Alabama with a resounding victory over Marshall 52-10, rushing for 444 yards. The Hokies offensive line needs to be the strength, as wide receivers and running backs are learning their way in the offense. Tyrod Taylor wants to prove he can pass in the pocket; nevertheless, he?s far more dangerous when running and creating better lanes for himself to pass or run. The defense is skilled, but rather light and can?t stay on the field for extended periods or will wear down like they did against Alabama late in the contest. The Hokies are 9-2-1 ATS as home favorites against ranked opponents.

These teams played in 35-30 shootout last year in Lincoln, with Virginia Tech winning and covering the seven points they received. The Cornhuskers are 5-15 ATS in road games after consecutive wins by 21 or more points The Hokies have covered 60 percent of their games (30-18 ATS) after a win since 2004 and are 9-2 ATS after scoring 40 or more points. They will try to build momentum before hosting Miami in ACC opener next week, however are just 2-8-1 ATS in last 11 regular season non-conference games.

Power Line ? Virginia Tech by 4


Florida State (+8, 54.5) at BYU Versus 7:00E

Florida State sort of cleaned the wounds of Miami loss by scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter against Jacksonville State to win 19-9 and makes the trip to Provo, which appears even more formidable than when the season began. Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews likes the speed he has on the Florida State defense, but as he professed before Hurricanes epic affair, if his Seminoles players aren?t in the right place to make plays, speed is rendered useless. Miami carved up the Florida State secondary for 386 yards in opener and coming into the season, nobody was confusing the Canes for passing team like BYU. It will be imperative that the Noles to run the ball and quarterback Christian Ponder is on target to keep Cougars offense off the field. Florida State is 15-10 ATS since 2003 in non-conference play.

This will be the home opener for BYU, still in celebratory mood after Oklahoma upset and 52-3 road wipeout at Tulane. Quarterback Max Hall has shown the calm needed from a fifth year senior and has floated the ball around to different receivers expertly, including his favorite target, tight end Dennis Pitta. Defensive coordinator Jaime Hill has put together two exceptional game plans and his team?s toughness and physical play has not always been associated with BYU football. This week brings another stern test and the Cougars are 10-3 and 9-3 ATS in home openers since 1996.

These teams met in the old Pigskin Classics to start the season in 1991 and 2000, with Florida State winning and covering both. The Seminoles are 6-0 against the number off a non-conference tilt vs a foe off win by 10 or more points, while BYU is 0-10 ATS as a home favorite of 14 or less off two road games.

Power Line ? BYU by 9
Forecaster ?BYU to cover

West Virginia (+7, 54) at Auburn ESPN2 7:45E

This is weighty conflict for West Virginia after impressive 35-20 performance against East Carolina. Wins over SEC teams carry a lot of weight, especially when opponents can achieve success in enemy territory. West Virginia has knocked off four SEC teams the last four years; with three covers (two of the wins were over Miss. State). QB Jarrett Brown has been solid, if not spectacular and gotten the ball in the hands of playmakers like Jock Sanders. Scatback Noel Devine has been even better at cutbacks and making tacklers miss and has outrun defenders, when it looks like they have angles to bring his down. The Mountaineers are 24-12-1 ATS on the road the seven seasons.

The hiring of Gene Chizik as Auburn head coach brought more frowns than applause. His offense has been more productive in the hands of quarterback Chris Todd thus far, averaging 43 points and 572 yards per game. The senior took a great deal of heat from Tiger fans and lost his confidence last season. To date, his maturity has been superior, helped immensely by a better offensive line and running back combination of Ben Tate and freshman Ontario McCalebb. Auburn?s defense is fighting thru injuries and won?t be 100 percent to take on West Virginia?s multi-faceted attack. The Tigers are 0-6 ATS after playing a conference game.

These teams met last year in Morgantown, in contest that turned on a dime. Auburn led 17-3, when West Virginia?s offense exploded and scored the next 31 points to win going away 34-17. The Mountaineers are 5-2 ATS as underdogs but 3-7 against the number off a victory. The Tigers are 20-6-1 ATS after rushing for 200 or more yards.

This confrontation may not have national implications, nonetheless, for the respective programs, a definite building block contest towards a successful campaign.

Power Line ? Auburn by 9


Texas Tech (+17.5, 66) at Texas ABC 8:00E

Starting with the 2005 season, Mack Brown made a decision to have a less button-downed approach as a coach and become more demonstrative. Along with a slew of talented players, the Longhorns won a national championship that year and Brown has kept that same personality intact with Texas piling up wins.

Last year?s lone blemish cost Texas a chance to play for BCS championship when Michael Crabtree made a spectacular play with one second on the clock and Texas Tech won 39-33. If ever a moment was created for payback by senior Colt McCoy and his Horns teammates, this is it. Coach Brown won?t have to motivate his players to be ready for this prime time tilt, the Texas players will take care of that themselves. The Longhorns are 17-8 ATS as favorites of 10.5 or more points in Austin.

Junior Taylor Potts has faced North Dakota and Rice at Lubbock in his first two starts as the triggerman in Mike Leach?s aerial assault attack. He?ll be asked to maintain his poise on the road for the first time against a bitter rival. Don?t expect coach Leach to panic, he just reloads with the next capable chucker and always has a flock of talented pass-catchers that thrive in his system. Defense will be the greater concern against Texas, trying to stop McCoy from hogging the pigskin and scoring too many points. The Red Raiders are 12-7 ATS as road underdogs in Leach?s tenure.

As mentioned, this is road opener for Texas Tech and they are 7-6 and 4-8-1 ATS as travelers. The home team has had the better of things of late with 8-3 ATS mark in series which began in 1928. Dating back to 1993, the favorite is a mere 6-10 against the spread; nevertheless, the Longhorns are 8-2 ATS when the total is between 63.5 and 70.

Power Line ? Texas by 16

 

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College Football Wagering is Non-Stop on Saturday?s

College Football Wagering is Non-Stop on Saturday?s

College Football Wagering is Non-Stop on Saturday?s


There is a host of marquee games in college football, nonetheless, the savvy sports bettors doesn?t look towards just the main games, since riches be can found in some the more obscure contests as well. Here is a preview of several of engaging matchups that could fill up a wagering account with judicious selections. Lines from Sportsbook.com.


East Carolina at North Carolina (-7.5, 42) 12:00E ESPN2

It?s another stern test for East Carolina traveling across the state to Chapel Hill. The Pirates continue to steal profits with 13-4 ATS record as road underdogs under coach Skip Holtz and are 6-4 ATS versus current ACC clubs. Not an easy focus game for North Carolina, with Georgia Tech on tap. The Tar Heels are only 8-20 ATS at Kenan Memorial Stadium against non-conference competition the last 20 years. North Carolina is 8-2-1 all-time against their neighbors to the East; with the home team 0-3 ATS. Bettors should note the Tar Heels are slow starters with 8-21 ATS record in September homes games.

California at Minnesota (+13.5, 53) 12:00 ESPN

California has put together two imposing offensive performances and takes to the road for the first time in Big Ten country for the dreaded early start for West Coast teams (9:00 AM Pacific). Jahvid Best is looking like the best running back in the country and Syd?Quan Thompson is shutdown corner for a Bears team that is 7-1 ATS before Oregon game. This will be the second game at new TCF Bank Stadium and the tandem of QB Adam Webber and WR Eric Decker will try to pull upset for a Minnesota team who is 6-12 ATS as home underdogs. This is first time in 12 years the Golden Gophers are playing non-conference BCS team at home, WOW! Cal is 10-24 ATS as road favorite.

Boston College at Clemson (-7, 54) 12:00E Raycom

The Tigers have a couple extra days to prepare for home game with Boston College after losing at Georgia Tech 30-27 last Thursday. Clemson is hoping unproven receivers can benefit QB Kyle Parker, who have dropped a number of passes already. The Tigers come into this ACC tilt 7-17-1 ATS as conference home favorites. Boston College coaches are still trying to decide on quarterback, which is problematic with four choices. The Eagles are 21-11 ATS when catching nine or fewer points. Boston College has won and covered three of four ACC meetings, however they hold one-point differential, with two OT games played.

USC at Washington (+19.5, 52) 3:30E ABC-GP

The coaching staffs will exchange pleasantries before this Pac-10 battle, as many worked with one another the last few seasons at Southern California. Coach Pete Carroll still has the better program and USC players will want to show their old coaches just how much better they are. Off Ohio State win, the Trojans are surprising 2-7 ATS in back to back road games and 1-6 ATS in Pac-10 road openers. Huskies coach Steve Sarkisian is glad 15-game losing streak is over after 42-23 win over Idaho win and will try and showcase QB Jake Locker?s talents, for a club that is 5-10-1 ATS off a victory. Washington is 3-6 ATS against USC in the last 11 years.

Arizona at Iowa (-4, 41.5) 3:30E ABC-GP

While this might not be a game of huge proportions nationally, it?s very large to both schools. Arizona hasn?t started 3-0 since 2001 and Iowa has been unblemished after three contests just half the time in last six seasons. The Wildcats are 1-6 ATS in first road excursion of the year and have lost last three by 19 points per game. The Hawkeyes used to pulverize non-conference opponents at Kinnick Stadium, but are 0-5 ATS laying 22 or less points. Both teams start conference play on the road next week and would like to generate further momentum. After being dominate home team for years, Iowa is 4-9 ATS the last three years.

Utah at Oregon (-5, 54) 3:30E ESPN

The Utes will put their 16-game winning streak on the line in Eugene. Utah is still making adjustments on offense with six new starters, including quarterback Terrance Cain. Fortunately, Cain has been able to hand the ball to steady running back Matt Asiata. The Utes are 18-6 ATS versus BCS teams in the last eight years. Oregon recovered from Boise State loss in trumping Purdue 38-36. QB Jeremiah Masoli has far greater burden of the offense with unproven running backs. The Ducks are 11-2 ATS after playing a game at home and can feel good about themselves heading into California game with a victory over a quality opponent.

Navy at Pittsburgh (-7.5, 51) 6:00E

This year?s edition of Navy football is different than the past thanks to quarterback Ricky Dobbs, who has the arm to match his legs in the triple option offense. This can spread the defense just enough to open up running lanes for a team who is 11-2 ATS as a road underdog of 7.5 to 14 points. This series began in 1912 and Pittsburgh holds 21-13-3 edge (6-6-1 ATS). The Panthers will have the size differential, however the Middies never quit, just like two years ago at same location when they won 48-45 in 2 OT?s as four-point dogs. Pittsburgh is just 5-10 ATS at Heinz Field and the visiting team is 2-1 and 3-0 ATS.

Georgia at Arkansas (-2, 54.5) 7:45E ESPN

With 18 returning starters, Bobby Petrino is reportedly turning things around at Arkansas. He?ll find out how far he?s come hosting Georgia. Arkansas is mediocre 16-16 ATS at home against the SEC since 2001, yet is 5-1 ATS following a win of more than 20 points. Georgia is off always physical South Carolina matchup and they make first visit to Razorback country in six years. Coach Mark Richt?s squads are 20-13-1 ATS on the road and they are 11-2 against the oddsmakers as visitors with a pair of home games up next. Arkansas has Alabama on tap and they are 0-5 ATS before facing the Tide. Despite being in same conference, these teams haven?t met since 2005.

 

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SEC News and Notes

SEC News and Notes

SEC News and Notes

We start this week?s stroll around the SEC with Tennessee?s trip to The Swamp as a monster underdog. As of early Friday afternoon, most betting shops had the Gators installed as 30-point favorites with a total of 53.

When was the last time UT has been this rich of an underdog? Well, never. Ever. In fact, the biggest previous situation as underdogs for the Volunteers was their trip to USC as 18 ?-point puppies in 1981. The Trojans, who were led by Heisman winner Marcus Allen, rolled to an easy 43-7 win in that spot.

Since 1999, Tennessee has only been a double-digit underdog five times. The Vols have thrived in those instances, posting a 5-0 against-the-spread record. They have won three of those games outright, including a 34-32 win at Florida as 18-point underdogs in 2001. UT also beat Miami in ?03 and Georgia in ?04 as a double-digit ?dog.

Urban Meyer?s team has cruised to easy wins over Charleston Southern (62-3) and Troy (56-6). UF hooked up its backers last week as a 36-point home favorite. Tim Tebow threw four touchdown passes and ran for another.

When these teams met at Neyland Stadium last season, Florida dominated in a 30-6 win as a 7 ?-point road favorite. The Gators have won all four head-to-head meetings against the Vols on Meyer?s watch, including a 59-20 home win in 2007.

Lane Kiffin?s team stroked Western Ky. 63-7 to easily cash tickets as a 31-point favorite in Week 1. But in Week 2, the Vols came crashing back to earth. Jonathan Crompton threw three interceptions and UCLA came into Knoxville and emerged victorious with a 19-15 triumph. Las Vegas Sports Consultants had opened UT at 6 ?, but the number moved all the way up to 11 by Saturday morning.

UT?s power running game was stuffed by the Bruins on a goal-line stand late in the fourth quarter. The Vols can?t blame their defense and new coordinator Monte Kiffin. The elder Kiffin?s defensive unit limited UCLA to just 186 total yards of offense.

Auburn has looked outstanding in its first two games, trouncing La. Tech (37-13) and Mississippi St. (49-24) to easily cash tickets as a double-digit favorite in both spots. Instead of the pedestrian offense that led to Tommy Tuberville?s dismissal in 2008, the Tigers are producing 43 points and 572.5 yards of offense per game.

New offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn has done a remarkable job in his second tour of duty in the SEC. Chris Todd has yet to throw an interception and most importantly, the running back combination of Ben Tate and Onterio McCalebb has been racking up yards galore.

Tate is the SEC?s leading rusher to date with 274 yards and one touchdown on 40 carries. McCalebb is second in the SEC in rushing with 262 yards and two touchdowns on 38 totes.

Gene Chizik?s team will be looking to avenge a 34-17 loss in Morgantown last year when it hosts West Virginia at 7:45 p.m. Eastern in ESPN2?s prime-time game Saturday night. LVSC opened Auburn as a 4 ?-point favorite with a total of 51. As of Friday afternoon, most spots had the Tigers at seven with the total adjusted to 53 1/2. Bill Stewart?s team is plus-220 on the money line (risk $100 to win $220).

WVU opened the season with a lethargic effort, beating Liberty 33-20 in a non-lined encounter. The Mountaineers exacted revenge on East Carolina from a 2008 defeat by knocking off the Pirates last week, 35-20. They shook off an early 10-0 deficit and scored a pair of TDs for the only points of the second half.

Jarrett Brown enjoyed a career night, rushing for 73 yards and passing for 334. He connected on 24-of-31 throws and tossed four touchdown passes. Noel Devine rushed for 80 yards and one touchdown.

Now let?s discuss Georgia at Arkansas in what is a crucial game for both teams. Most books have the Razorbacks as short favorites ranging from 1 ? to 2 ?. The total is 54.

The Dawgs are coming off a thrilling 41-37 win over South Carolina, although the Gamecocks took the cash as seven-point underdogs. With USC facing a fourth-and-goal situation at UGA?s seven with 22 ticks left, Rennie Curran batted down a Stephen Garcia pass to preserve the Dawgs? first win of the year.

Mark Richt?s team survived even though it was out-yarded 427-308 and had 10 less first downs (26-16) than the Gamecocks. UGA got a 100-yard kick return from Brandon Boykin in the first quarter and special teams came up big again with a blocked extra point that could?ve tied the game early in the final stanza.

While Georgia has been slugging it out with Oklahoma State ? in a 24-10 season-opening defeat ? and South Carolina, Arkansas beat up on Missouri St. by a 48-10 count and then enjoyed an open date.

In his debut for Arkansas after sitting out the 2008 campaign, Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett looked sharp, hitting on 17-of-22 passes for 309 yards with one touchdown and zero interceptions.

The Hogs will be without a pair of their top WRs, London Crawford and Lucas Miller. Both recently suffered broken collarbones, although Bobby Petrino and his staff are hoping to get Miller back for next week?s game at Alabama.

Arkansas failed to cover the number in both home ?chalk? spots in Petrino?s first season. UGA is 30-5 SU in 35 true road games during Richt?s tenure.

Vanderbilt gave LSU a fight last week before dropping a 23-9 decision as a 14-point underdog. The Commodores will look to bounce back when they welcome Mississippi St. into Music City at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

Most books are listing Vandy as a nine-point favorite with a total of 45. The Bulldogs are a healthy plus-300 on the money line (risk $100 to win $300).

The ?Dores haven?t been this heavily favored against an SEC foe since Jay Cutler?s senior year in 2005. That?s when they lost to Kentucky 48-43 as 11-point home favorites.

Bobby Johnson?s team sustained two critical injuries last week. Senior safety Ryan Hamilton, who had 104 tackles and four interceptions in 2008, is now out for the season after tearing his pectoral muscle at LSU. Hamilton made several game-saving plays to preserve a win at Ole Miss last season. His streak of 34 consecutive starts will end Saturday. Also, sophomore offensive tackle James Williams is out for the season with a dislocated ankle.

We touched on South Carolina?s gut-wrenching loss between the hedges last week. The ?Cocks will try to get back on track when they host Florida Atlantic on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Most spots have USC listed as a 21-point favorite.

If there?s a bright side coming off the UGA loss, it?s that we all finally saw what the hype over Stephen Garcia has been all about. Now he did throw a costly interception and didn?t lead USC into the end zone on its final drive. But more often than not, he was making dynamic plays against the Dawgs.

Garcia had career-highs in just about every statistical category. He completed 31-of-53 passes for 313 yards and a pair of TDs. The third-year sophomore also scrambled for 42 yards.

Kentucky had an off week after giving Miami (OH.) a bagel in its 42-0 season-opening victory. The Wildcats return to action for their home opener against arch-rival Louisville. Most spots have the ?Cats listed as 13 ?-point favorites with a total of 47 ?.

ESPNU will have the telecast at noon Eastern.



--LSU will host UL-Lafayette at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPNU. The Bayou Bengals are favored by 27 at most books. The Ragin? Cajuns are coming off a 17-15 upset win over Kansas St. as seven-point home underdogs.

--Tebow?s career touchdown-interception ratio: 72/11

--UGA senior quarterback Joe Cox completed 14-of-21 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns in his team?s win over South Carolina. However, he did throw one interception that USC?s dynamic linebacker Eric Norwood returned 35 yards for a potential game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter. However, as previously mentioned, the ensuing PAT was blocked by UGA, forcing Carolina to have to go for it at crunch time rather than kick a tying field goal.

--FAU?s premier wide receiver Cortez Gent has been suspended for the Owls? trip to Columbia to face South Carolina. Gent was Rusty Smith?s favorite target in 2008, hauling in 60 receptions for 935 yards and nine touchdowns.

--The Gators have covered the spread in 13 of their last 14 lined games.

--Coaches on the Hot Seat:
1-Dan Hawkins (Colorado)
2-Al Groh (Virginia)
3-Charlie Weis (Notre Dame)
4-Steve Kragthorpe (Louisville)
5-Mark Snyder (Marshall)

 

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Tulsa seeks breakthrough win vs OU

Tulsa seeks breakthrough win vs OU

Tulsa seeks breakthrough win vs OU
September 18, 2009


NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -Quarterback G.J. Kinne transferred to Tulsa from Texas and counts Colt McCoy among his friends.

Sounds like an injection of the Red River Rivalry for this week's in-state showdown between Kinne's Golden Hurricane and Oklahoma.

Not so fast.

``I liked OU growing up and I liked Texas, too. I just happened to pick Texas,'' Kinne said this week as he prepared for the third start of his college career. ``Oklahoma recruited me pretty heavy and I liked Oklahoma a lot. It just came down to I liked Texas better. There's not really any hatred or anything like that. I'm just ready to go out there and play.''

In fact, Kinne admires what coach Bob Stoops has done. Kinne's dad, Gary Joe Kinne Jr., played linebacker at Baylor and later returned to the school to coach the position. Along the way, he taught G.J. to respect a strong defense.

It just so happens that the first time Kinne will be playing on a grand stage in college will be against the 12th-ranked Sooners (1-1).

``We want to win them all, but this one's definitely special,'' Kinne said.

Since current coach Todd Graham helped resurrect the program as Steve Kragthorpe's defensive coordinator, Tulsa (2-0) has been building toward the day when it would topple a true college football powerhouse. The smallest school in the Football Bowl Subdivision gets a chance or two each year, and last year took an 8-0 record into Arkansas before the Razorbacks dashed any BCS dreams.

This year's first shot comes a little earlier.

``Our program is one that we want to be about winning championships,'' Graham said. ``One of the things that we have as a goal is that we want to be a team that's recognized nationally as a championship program. The only way you can do that is to go out there and play teams like Oklahoma and be successful.

``We haven't done that as a program. That's the next step for us, and our guys are working very hard to try to get that done.''

Oklahoma has showed signs of vulnerability as it welcomes in the offense that led the nation in total yards each of the past two seasons. Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford is nursing a sprained shoulder and second-team All-America tight end Jermaine Gresham is out for the season after knee surgery.

A retooled offensive line struggled with penalties in a 14-13 loss to BYU to start the season, and an inexperienced receiving corps has yet to prove itself.

Of course, those blemishes hardly showed during the Sooners' 64-0 shutout of completely overmatched Idaho State of the Football Championship Subdivision last week.

``We need to keep improving on what we've done the last couple of weeks - just to continue to build, to improve in all our fundamentals and what we're doing in our execution to give us an opportunity here this week to have a chance to win,'' Stoops said.

While Saturday's game features the two teams that broke the NCAA season record for scoring last year, both squads have made waves with their defenses so far. The Sooners and Golden Hurricane rank 1-2 in tackles for loss, and Tulsa has an impressive 10 sacks through two games.

This week, redshirt freshman Landry Jones - behind that unproven Sooners line - is the target as he makes only his second career start in place of Bradford.

``That's our whole philosophy is we want to pressure and confuse and manipulate the quarterback. If you can do that, then you're going to be successful in games,'' Graham said. ``That's what an attacking defense is all about.''

Tulsa has only one victory in its last 10 games against Oklahoma, coming in the middle of a weak stretch of Sooners football in 1996. To pull an upset this season would garner the Golden Hurricane the kind of national respect they've been seeking while winning 21 games over the past two seasons.

``I think a win here would put us - we're already on the map, but I think it would put us up there with the elite teams which we think we are and actually we know we are,'' Kinne said. ``We've just got to go out there and make the statement.''

 

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Texas Tech without two defensive starters, USC gives Corp nod

Texas Tech without two defensive starters, USC gives Corp nod

Texas Tech without two defensive starters, USC gives Corp nod

Texas Tech will be without injured starting defensive end Rajon Henley and hurt junior strong safety Franklin Mitchem when it plays at second-ranked Texas Saturday night.

The Red Raiders (+18.5) also will be without banged-up freshman defensive end Ryan Haliburton, meaning the team will likely have to feature only two players at the position during the game, or move outside linebackers down into a three-point stance. The injuries also have affected the line. BetUS.com opened the Red Raiders at 16.5-point dogs, only to see that number inflate to 18.5 Friday.

Texas, which lost to the Red Raiders 39-33 on a last-second touchdown pass last year, has won five straight meetings with Texas Tech in Austin. The Longhorns are 4-1 ATS in those meetings.

Southern Cal to go with Corp

The cupboard never seems to be bare for the Trojans.

With freshman quarterback Matt Barkley nursing a bruised right shoulder, junior Aaron Corp will start in his place in Washington Saturday. Corp was slated to be the starter this season, but was barley beaten out by Barkley during fall camp. The Trojans (-19) are heavy favorites against the revived Huskies, even without Barkley.

The injury has slightly affected the line, however, as BetUS.com opened at USC -21, only to see it drop during the week.

 

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Eye on the skies: College football betting weather report

Eye on the skies: College football betting weather report

Eye on the skies: College football betting weather report


After a wet second week of college football ? just ask the LSU fans that stayed to see their team grind out a win amid a downpour against Vanderbilt last Saturday ? this weekend should provide much more sunshine. Sneak a look below at the possible implications of any weather conditions, and as always, take one last look at the forecast before finalizing any wager.

North Texas at No. 4 North Alabama (-39.5, 49.5)

The Tide try to keep rolling Saturday, even if they have to do it in the middle of a steady rain. The forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of showers and a slight breeze at about seven mph. The precipitation, however, figures to do little to Alabama?s game plan: the Tide will pound the ball and ride their huge advantage in the trenches to an easy win.

No. 23 Georgia at Arkansas (-2.5, 54.5)

It just doesn?t get easy for the Bulldogs. After traveling to Oklahoma State to open the season and escaping against South Carolina with a goal-line stand last week, Georgia now must go face the Razorbacks in the rain. Weather.com calls for a 60 percent chance to showers, with a seven mph wind. The Bulldogs offense is a huge variable, and with the Razorbacks still trying to break in quarterback Ryan Mallett, rain could make the under a very tempting play.