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[Cnotes53]

Hawaii looks for Week 1 upset
August 24, 2018
By ASA

Matchup: Hawaii at Colorado State (-14, Total 58)
Saturday, Aug 25th
CBSSN, 7:30PM ET

The Hawaii Rainbows travel to the mainland to face Mountain West rivals Colorado State in an early season conference clash.

This game features a pair of teams in rebuilding mode as both have significant turnover from a season ago. These two programs are picked to finish in the bottom half of the conference, but Colorado State has a much better shot to finish the year with a winning record under head coach Mike Bobo, who has led the Rams to three straight 7-6 seasons.

Hawaii?s Nick Rolovich is in his third season as the head coach for the Rainbows and currently sits 10-16 in his first two years. Hawaii started 2-0 last year, albeit versus UMass and Western Carolina, then went 1-9 their last ten games. In those ten games the Rainbow?s defense allowed a ridiculous 7.15 Yards Per Play, while gaining just 5.5YPPL themselves. They allowed 35.5PPG over that ten game span but scored just 19.5PPG.

The Rainbows have a ton of holes to fill from last year including: starting QB, top 2 running backs, 3 of their four top wideouts, 4 of their top eight O-line men, their top 3 D-line, top 3 safeties AND have they now have their 3rd defensive coordinator in three years. At QB this season will be Cole McDonald who threw just 9 passes last year, so inexperience is a concern. The Bows are looking to transition into a more of a run and shoot offense which is going to be difficult considering the lack of experience. On the other side of the football it can?t get much worse as Hawaii ranked 129th out of 130 schools in total defensive efficiency ratings.

Colorado State also has to retool this season, but have enough talent on the roster to minimize the damage of losing 8 starters on offense and 6 starters on defense. The Rams must replace QB Nick Stevens who threw for over 8,500 yards while at CSU, along with their top running back and four wide receivers, but the cupboard isn?t bare. The Rams had a solid recruiting class and benefitted by landing QB Carta-Samuels, a grad transfer from Washington, who has been fantastic this spring.

On the offensive line they return five players with starting experience so you shouldn?t see too much of a drop off upfront in the trenches. Colorado State ranked 30th in offensive efficiency last season and will certainly drop this season, but we don?t forecast them falling as far as you might think with a solid offensive coach like Bobo.

Defensively the Rams are switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 this season and also have a new D-coordinator in John Jancek. That?s not bad news for Rams fans though as CSU was 108th in DEFF last season. Jancek had back-to-back top 20 defensive units at Tennessee in 2014-15. The defensive backfield will be anchored by a pair of very good safeties and three of their top tacklers at linebacker.

The Rams started 2-2 last year, then went on a 4-0 run in conference action with wins over: Hawaii, Utah State, Nevada and New Mexico. CSU was +12PPG and +1.2YPPL in those four wins. They then faded down the stretch with a 1-4 finish but still made a Bowl game.

Last year when these same two teams squared off on the Big Island the Rams were favored by -6.5 points with a total of 66. Colorado State won that game 51-21. CSU put up 610 total yards of offense and had two TD?s on very short drives. One TD came on a 2 play, 80 yard scoring drive, while the other came on a 4 play drive of 77 yards.

Both drives combined took less than 2 minutes. Hawaii racked up 512 total yards themselves but couldn?t dig themselves out of the 24-point deficit at halftime. Ironically, both teams averaged over 7.0 yards per carry which is a rarity.

We?re not ready to back the Rams here who were 0-4 ATS as a double-digit chalk last year, but can?t side with this Rainbows team that is 2-4-1 ATS their last seven as a +14 or more dog.

 

[Cnotes53]

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

HAW at CSU 07:30 PM
HAW +17.0
O 58.0

WYO at NMSU 10:00 PM
WYO -3.5
U 46.5

 

[Cnotes53]

McDonald leads Hawaii past Colorado State 43-34
August 25, 2018

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) Cole McDonald led the Hawaii Warriors to their first win in Fort Collins since 1988, picking apart Colorado State's secondary in a 43-34 win over the Rams on Saturday night after nearly blowing a 30-point lead.

McDonald threw for 418 yards and three TDs, including a 55-yarder to Cedric Byrd that made it 37-7.

With his counterpart, University of Washington graduate transfer K.J. Carta-Samuels throwing for 537 yards and five touchdowns, McDonald and the Warriors had to fend off a furious Rams rally.

It included a four-play, 99-yard scoring drive and a 9-yard TD toss to Izzy Matthews that pulled CSU to 40-34 with 4:42 remaining.

The Rams didn't try an onside kick after that, and Tristin Kamaka's fair catch at the Hawaii 13 gave the Warriors the ball at their 25 thanks to a new NCAA kickoff rule.

McDonald hit John Ursua for 10 yards on third-and-3 at midfield with a couple minutes left and Ryan Meskell's 35-yard field goal with 44 seconds left sealed it.

Despite a delay of game call to start the game, the Warriors (1-0, 1-0 Mountain West) were nearly unstoppable, scoring on all but one of their first-half possessions in taking a 23-7 lead into the locker room on their way to their first win at CSU since Sept. 10, 1988.

The Rams (0-1, 0-1), coming off a third straight bowl appearance, figured to be ahead of the Warriors, coming off a 3-9 season, but missing coach Mike Bobo for much of the two weeks leading into their opener apparently took its toll in the first half.

Bobo spent 10 days in the hospital for peripheral neuropathy after experiencing numbness in his feet. He called offensive plays from the coaches' box.

THE TAKEAWAY

Hawaii: Snapping a five-game road losing skid is just what coach Nick Rolovich needed to jump-start his program.

Colorado State: This was the last thing Bobo needed with the Rams heading into a brutal stretch that includes games against Colorado, Arkansas and Florida.

UP NEXT

Hawaii: The Warriors host Navy (0-0) on Saturday when former Hawaii QBs Rolovich and Ken Niumatalolo square off.

Colorado State: The Rams have a short week before hosting the University of Colorado (0-0) in the Rocky Mountain Showdown at the Denver Broncos' stadium.


***********************


WYOMING 29, NEW MEXICO ST. 7

 

[Cnotes53]

WEEK 2

Thursday, August 30, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home
7:00 PM Central Connecticut State Blue Devils Ball State Cardinals
7:00 PM New Mexico State Aggies Minnesota Golden Gophers
7:00 PM Kennesaw State Owls Georgia State Panthers
7:00 PM Central Florida Knights Connecticut Huskies
8:00 PM Northwestern Wildcats Purdue Boilermakers
8:00 PM Wake Forest Demon Deacons Tulane Green Wave
8:00 PM Weber State Wildcats Utah Utes
8:00 PM Savannah State Tigers Alabama-Birmingham Blazers
8:00 PM Southeastern Louisiana Lions Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks
8:00 PM Missouri State Bears Oklahoma State Cowboys
8:30 PM Northwestern State Demons Texas A&M Aggies
10:00 PM California-Davis Aggies San Jose State Spartans



**********************************


COLLEGE FOOTBALL BEST BETS AUG-SEPT.

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

08/25/2018 4-0-0 100.00% +20.00



BEST BETS ATS AND O/U


08/25/2018..................2 - 0..............+10.00.................2 - 0..............+10.00..............4 - 0........+20.00

 

[Cnotes53]

Week Zero Rewind
August 26, 2018
By Brian Edwards

College football fans were treated to a four-game appetizer of games on Saturday, whetting the appetite for this week?s main course. It?s being called Week Zero and here?s what we found out.

Hawaii sophomore quarterback Cole McDonald had himself a game in his first career start at Colorado State, completing 26-of-37 passes for 418 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. McDonald also rushed for a team-high 96 yards and two TDs on merely 13 attempts.

Cedric Byrd, a juco transfer making his FBS debut, hauled in 11 receptions for 181 yards and one TD. Senior WR John Ursua had seven catches for 123 yards and two TDs, including a fourth-and-goal grab on the opening drive that allowed the Rainbow Warriors to draw first blood.

As a 17-point underdog, Nick Rolovich?s squad darted out to a 37-7 lead with less than four minutes remaining in the third quarter. CSU quickly launched a comeback with 20 unanswered points to trim the deficit to 37-27 with 8:15 left. However, Hawaii responded with a field goal to make it 40-27.

Mike Bobo?s squad didn?t quit, though, scoring on a nine-yard TD pass from K.J. Carta-Samuels to Izzy Matthews with 4:42 remaining to pull to within six. But Ryan Meskell?s 35-yard field goal, his third make of the night, gave the Rainbow Warriors a 43-34 win.

Hawaii hooked up money-line supporters with a gorgeous +700 return (paid $700 on $100 wagers). Rolovich?s team was also a sweet money-line winner for first-quarter bets (+260) and first-half plays (+330).

Carta-Samuels connected on 34-of-50 throws for 537 yards and five TDs compared to just one interception in the losing effort. Preston Williams, a former 5-star recruit by Butch Jones to Tennessee who sat out last season as a transfer, had nine receptions for 188 yards and two TDs. Olabisi Johnson had six catches for 157 yards and two TDs.

My first pick of the season (and only of the weekend) was on the CSU-Hawaii showdown to go ?over? 56 points. That was a winner before the third quarter ended. I posted my play on Wednesday, but 56 was still available late Friday afternoon. On Saturday morning, the total started moving North and closed at 58 or 58.5 at most spots.

New Mexico State hosted Wyoming in the late game hoping to post a fourth straight win over a Mountain West Conference foe. The Cowboys weren?t willing to play along, though. They dominated the Aggies from start to finish in a 29-7 victory as 5.5-point road favorites. The 36 combined points dipped ?under? the 46-point total.

Craig Bohl?s team enjoyed a 450-135 advantage in total offense. Nico Evans was the catalyst offensively, rushing 24 times for 190 yards and two TDs.

Wyoming gave up its only score at garbage time when NMSU QB Matt Romero found Drew Dan for a 31-yard TD pass with only 1:16 left. The Cowboys host Washington State at War Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Aggies are in a horrible spot on super-short rest going to Minnesota to face the Gophers on Thursday night.

UMass is an under-the-radar team I?ve spent a lot of time talking about this summer on my Games Galore podcast over at BrianEdwardsSports.com (feel free to subscribe on I-Tunes if you wish!). I took the Minutemen to go ?over? 5.5 wins at a -120 price.

Mark Whipple?s club has a dynamic offense led by senior QB Andrew Ford, who has a 50/18 touchdown-to-interception ratio during 20 career starts. Ford, who had a 22/4 TD-INT ratio last year, led UMass to a 63-15 win over Duquesne as a 21.5-point home ?chalk.? The 78 combined points went ?over? the 69.5-point total.

Ford completed 13-of-19 throws for 186 yards and two TDs without an interception. Andy Isabella had five catches for 131 yards and two TDs, and the senior WR also had a 14-yard rushing score. Bilal Ally rushed for 109 yards and one TD on nine attempts, while Marquis Young ran 15 times for 90 yards and one TD. Back-up QB Ross Comis threw for two TDs without an interception and rushed for 49 yards and one TD on just two carries.

Senior safety Brice McAllister, a grad transfer from UConn, had two interceptions and a pick-six for 60 yards. The Minutemen, who are 9-2 against the spread in their past 11 games as road underdogs, are 18-point ?dogs at Boston College in Week 1.

Rice jumped out to a 16-0 lead midway through the second quarter against Prairie View A&M as a 23-point home favorite. The Panthers scored 21 second-quarter points, however, to take a 21-19 edge into halftime. They extended the lead to 28-19 going into the fourth quarter.

Rice, playing its first game under new head coach and former Stanford offensive coordinator Mike Bloomgren, cut the deficit to 28-26 with 11:46 remaining on Austin Walter?s eight-yard TD run. Then the Owls forced a punt and a bad snap flew over the punter?s head and resulted in a game-tying safety with 10:15 left.

Rice would get into field-goal range on its final drive to set up a game-winning attempt. Jack Fox was good from 23 yards out on the game?s final play to give the Owls a 31-28 non-covering victory.

Rice RB Emmanuel Esukpa rushed for 173 yards and one TD on 32 carries. Walter added 83 rushing yards and two TDs on 11 attempts. The Owls will play host to Houston on Saturday.

**B.E.?s Bonus Nuggets**

-- Michigan confirmed reports of a foot injury to redshirt freshman WR Tarik Black on Sunday. He is being termed as out indefinitely pending further evaluation. The four-star recruit in the 2017 class started the Wolverines? first three games last year before going down with a season-ending foot injury. Black had 11 receptions for 149 yards and one TD in those three games.

-- Scott Frost has named true freshman Adrian Martinez as his starting QB. The Cornhuskers open at home Saturday vs. Akron. They were favored by 23.5 points over the Zips as of Sunday afternoon. We should note that Martinez did enroll early and participate in spring practice. Also, RB Tre Bryant announced his retirement due to lingering injuries to both knees. In Nebraska?s first two games last year, Bryant rushed for 299 yards and two TDs with a 5.9 yards-per-carry average.

-- Kentucky starting offensive tackle Landon Young is out for the season after sustaining a knee injury at practice last week. Young, a junior, has started nine career games in his first two years with the Wildcats, who have one of the nation?s top RBs in Benny Snell.

-- Rutgers has named true freshman Artur Sitkowski as its starting QB. Like Nebraska?s Martinez, he enrolled early and was at spring practice. The Scarlet Knights open at home vs. Texas State from out of the Sun Belt Conference.

 

[Cnotes53]

Michigan WR Tarik Black out indefinitely
August 26, 2018

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) Michigan wide receiver Tarik Black is out indefinitely with an injured right foot.

Football program spokesman Dave Ablauf says Black was hurt during practice Saturday and is still being evaluated. A timeframe for his return has not been determined.

The 14th-ranked Wolverines open the season Saturday night at No. 12 Notre Dame.

Black had 11 receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown in three games last season before needing surgery on his left foot.

If Black is out for an extended period, it would be a setback because he has been one of Shea Patterson's top receivers in practice, along with Donovan Peoples-Jones and Grant Perry.


********************


Petersen downplays UW as Pac-12 fave
August 26, 2018

SEATTLE (AP) Chris Petersen wanted to make clear that No. 6 Washington is not carrying the weight of the entire Pac-12 into its opening matchup against No. 9 Auburn.

He also made certain to emphasize the Huskies aren't facing the entire Southeastern Conference when they travel to Atlanta.

''We're not playing their whole conference. It's our first game. It's one game against a really good team. It's going to be a team a lot of people are going to talk about through the whole season. We know that. That's what it is,'' Petersen said Sunday. ''The coaches have this in perspective. It's one game against a good team and win or lose we have a bunch after us and no matter what happens it doesn't make or break our season. It just doesn't. That's the mindset. We're on to the next thing. What did we learn? How can we improve, no matter what happens in that outcome?

''They understand we're playing a really good team going in from a really good conference ... but we can't make it bigger than it is.''

As much as Petersen is trying to downplay the significance of the opener against the Tigers, it still does have massive importance in whether either team will find itself in the College Football Playoff conversation. It's also an opportunity for the Pac-12 to get an early marquee victory after a lackluster bowl season in which the conference went 1-8, including Washington's loss to Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl.

''To put all this on us, we have to see how the season plays out,'' Petersen said. ''Everybody is like, `Last year because of the bowl record' and all that kind of stuff. They're all putting this as, `This is a chance, this has to happen.' We don't see it like this. Nobody else is playing Auburn in our conference except for us.''

This will be the 13th time Washington has opened the season against a ranked opponent, but only once have the Huskies faced a top-10 team: 1998, when they opened the season with a 42-38 win at No. 8 Arizona State. Washington has its highest preseason ranking since 1997, when the Huskies began the season No. 4, rose to No. 2 in September and finished ranked 18th after going 8-4.

Clearly it's the biggest opener of Petersen's tenure at Washington - although his return to Boise State three years ago with the Huskies had major personal undertones because of his history as the coach of the Broncos. The matchup with Auburn has also quieted critics who took shots at Washington's weak non-conference schedules in recent years - schedules that were mostly created before Petersen ever set foot on Washington's campus. What were supposed to be important home-and-home games against Rutgers each of the past two years instead became fuel for poking holes in Washington's resume when making comparison with other teams that were vying for playoff consideration.

There won't be the same criticisms this year, no matter what the outcome is on Saturday. But that also means there's little margin for error.

''I think the players and fans might like it better than the coaches. Because you just know there's going to be, it's those first-game things like, `Huh? How did that happen?' When you're playing a team as good as Auburn, that can be painful,'' Petersen said. ''That can hurt you bad. But it's very challenging. It makes you have your game right, right from the start. If not, you know you're going to pay the price. Our kids understand that.''


*************************


Freshman J.T. Daniels named starting QB for No. 15 USC
August 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) Freshman J.T. Daniels has won the competition to start at quarterback for No. 15 Southern California.

Coach Clay Helton announced his decision in a news release Sunday night, ending the 3 1/2-week audition for three strong contenders to be the successor to Sam Darnold.

When he takes the Coliseum field against UNLV on Saturday, the 18-year-old Daniels will be the first true freshman to start at quarterback for USC since Matt Barkley in 2009. Only three true freshmen have ever started a game at quarterback for the Trojans: Barkley, Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer (1998) and Rob Johnson (1991).

''I am honored that Coach Helton picked me as the starter,'' Daniels said in a statement released by the school, which hasn't allowed freshmen to speak to the media during camp. ''I understand this it is a huge responsibility and I need to work hard to be prepared to handle it. It was a tight competition between all the quarterbacks throughout camp. We pushed each other every day. I felt that Coach's decision wouldn't be wrong whoever he picked.''

Daniels is a passing prodigy who was named the 2017-18 Gatorade Male High School Athlete of the Year and the 2017 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year at Mater Dei High School in Orange County. He then graduated one full year early to enroll at USC this fall, likely sensing the chance to contend for the starting job immediately.

He looked sharp from the start of his fall camp competition with redshirt freshman Jack Sears and sophomore Matt Fink, who both had marginally more experience in the Trojans' offense.

''At the completion of camp, it became clear to me and our staff that JT had taken a step ahead of Matt, Jack and (walk-on sophomore) Holden (Thomas),'' Helton said in a statement. I thought the quarterback competition was very competitive and fair and I am satisfied with how our staff handled the process. We look forward to each young man continuing to grow and progress at the position and we are very fortunate to have each one here at USC.''

Helton didn't formally make his decision until watching a mock game Saturday in which all three quarterbacks got a chance to impress the coaches. Helton then said he planned to speak to the families of all three quarterbacks before announcing his decision.

''I reminded each (quarterback) that they need to keep pushing to be ready to play when called upon,'' Helton said. ''After this camp, we have no doubt that each one can lead our team when asked to do so. All are eager to keep working hard.''

Fink is the only candidate with any collegiate playing experience, making three brief appearances last season. Sears was Darnold's successor at San Clemente High School, and he redshirted last season behind Darnold.

Daniels won't get an easy path in his first September at the controls of USC's offense. After the Trojans open at home against the capable Rebels, they'll make consecutive road trips to No. 13 Stanford and No. 23 Texas.

He also has big cleats to fill after the departure of Darnold, who won a Rose Bowl and a Pac-12 championship in his two seasons in charge. Darnold then was the third overall pick in the NFL draft by the New York Jets, and he has a strong chance to be their opening week starter after an excellent preseason.

Helton also released his opening-week depth chart for the Trojans on Sunday night, with Fink listed as Daniels' backup. Sophomore Austin Jackson will start at left tackle, and Bubba Bolden was picked as a starting safety alongside veteran Marvell Tell.

Helton's depth chart didn't identify a starting tailback, listing Aca'Cedric Ware, Vavae Malepeai and Stephen Carr as co-first stringers.

 

[Cnotes53]

Wisconsin's defense work in progress
August 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP) The bar is set high for the Wisconsin defense.

The roster might turn over, but the fourth-ranked Badgers' D rarely crumbles. Since 2013, Wisconsin is second nationally in both scoring defense (16.1 points) and total defense (282.6 yards).

But to return to that level this year, Wisconsin might need some young or inexperienced players to grow up quickly. So far, coach Paul Chryst likes what he has seen in the preseason.

The first test for the team's unusual defensive blend of top-flight talent up the middle and untested replacements on the edges comes Friday night against Western Kentucky in the season opener.

''I like what the guys have done. There's a group that's played a lot of football on defense that we have an idea of what to expect,'' Chryst said after practice on Sunday. ''And then we'll have a number of players where this will be their first snaps.

''I feel like they're confident and ready for that next challenge, but it is a challenge,'' he added.

Wisconsin will rely on a playmaking core up the middle for veteran stability, starting with preseason All-American inside linebacker T.J. Edwards. A key cog since his freshman year, Edwards has more starts (39) than anyone else on defense.

Returning to top-10 status on defense might take a little time as guys get used to each other in game action, but Edwards said he is excited by the possibilities.

''We definitely set our goals high and we want to be around (being a top-flight defense). But I think it comes with chemistry,'' he said. ''With having a lot of new pieces, it's something that we're going to have to build during the games and kind of figure out how everyone plays.''

Wisconsin is breaking in new starters at defensive end, outside linebacker and cornerback. At safety, promising redshirt freshman Scott Nelson takes over a starting job alongside four-year starter D'Cota Dixon. Even quarterback Alex Hornibrook has noticed how well Nelson has played in camp.

''Scott's a playmaker. He's an opportunist,'' Dixon said. ''He's much ahead of the game for his age.''

He'll begin his college career as a starter, as will another redshirt freshman, cornerback Faion Hicks. Sophomore Caesar Williams, who played two games last season, was listed as the other starter on the season's first depth chart.

''If you don't have a huge natural separation, I think one thing that can separate is consistency, and I think that's what you see in them, the consistent approach,'' Chryst said.

Outside linebacker might have the smoothest transition with Andrew Van Ginkel and Zack Baun taking over as the starters. Both players have seen snaps as backups, and Van Ginkel showed his playmaking prowess late last season with a combined two interceptions and a fumble recovery against Ohio State and Miami.

Senior nose tackle Olive Sagapolu, who regularly draws double teams, will anchor a line that will have redshirt freshmen Matt Henningsen and Kayden Lyles starting at end because of injuries to presumed starters Garrett Rand and Isaiahh Loudermilk.

Rand is out for the year, while Loudermilk could be back for Big Ten play. Lyles was moved over from offensive line when camp started to help with depth.

It's a work in progress, though the Badgers do have the luxury of a manageable nonconference schedule before the conference opener on Sept. 22 at Iowa.

They also have a rock at inside linebacker in Edwards, who can help raise the level of play of his young teammates.

''I think I can try to be a better leader vocally, but in terms of doing things outside my game, I'm not worried about it at all,'' Edwards said. ''I know those guys are going to make those plays when the time comes.''

 

[Cnotes53]

Monday?s six-pack

Interesting point spreads for next weekend?s college football:

? Northwestern @ Purdue (-3) Thursday night

? Colorado State vs Colorado (-7.5) in Denver Friday night.

? Washington vs Auburn (-2.5) in Atlanta

? West Virginia (-9.5) vs Tennessee in Charlotte

? Michigan (-1.5) @ Notre Dame

? Miami (-3) vs LSU in Cowboys Stadium, Dallas

Quote of the Day
?I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else?s. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency, for its faith in the wisdom, justice, and goodness of its people.?
John McCain

Monday?s quiz
How many major league teams has Buck Showalter managed?

Sunday?s quiz
Milwaukee Brewers were the Seattle Pilots in 1969, their first year of existence; they moved to Milwaukee and became the Brewers the next season.

Saturday?s quiz
Vikings? QB Kirk Cousins played his college football at Michigan State.


Monday?s List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend??.

13) There are two NFL handicapping contests at the Westgate in Las Vegas; in one you put up $1,500, pick five NFL games a week, and lot of people get prizes (30? 50?). First prize last year was right around $1M- they wound up with 2,748 entries, so $4,122,000 was in the pot.

This year, 1,768 people have signed up so far, with 13 days to go for more people to enter.

The second contest is winner-take-all, with a $5,000 entry fee. Last year, 94 people entered, so first prize was $470,000. This year, 64 people have entered, as of Saturday.

12) Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas also a contest, one where you pick seven games a week, but they can be college games, too. Entry fee is $1,000, and top 20 finishers get paid.

11) If you like to bet on sports, you should listen to SportsXradio, which is on 10-12 pm every weeknight here in the east. It is on radio station 720am in Las Vegas, or you can listen on sportsxradio.com. Shows are archived if you can?t listen to them live.

Why do I say this? They have a guy named Joe Lisi on Friday nights who knows a ton about college football- he pegged 17-point underdog Hawai?i as a SU winner at Colorado State. Host Ken Thomson is as sharp about sports as anyone in the country.

10) Nebraska will be starting a true freshman QB in Scott Frost?s first season coaching the Cornhuskers; Adrian Martinez was supposed to go to Tennessee, but when Butch Jones was told to take a hike, Martinez went elsewhere.

Martinez had an operation on his throwing shoulder and missed his senior year of high school ball; will be interesting to see him play next week.

9) Bad news for my A?s; Sean Manaea (shoulder) goes on the DL. All five members of the A?s starting rotation from the start of the season are now either hurt, or coming back from injury.

Oakland is 45-16 since June 16, but the Manaea injury is a problem.

8) Seattle Seahawks? rookie punter Michael Dickson is getting rave reviews this summer; he has great hang time on his punts and stuck a couple of them inside the Minnesota 10-yard line in this weekend?s game. Dickson is an Australian who played college football at Texas.

7) Pirates? pitcher Chris Archer wore neon green baseball shoes when he pitched in Milwaukee Sunday; kind of like Baylor?s basketball uniforms- very bright. Wonder if it distracted hitters at all.

6) They drew 3,000 fans in downtown Las Vegas for a Raiders watch party when the Silver and Black played in Green Bay last week; it?ll be fascinating to see how the Raiders? move to the desert works out.

5) Toronto 1B Kendrys Morales has homered in seven straight games; the record is eight, held by many, including Dale Long, who wound up doing weekend sports on Channel 10 here in Albany.

4) Michigan Wolverines? WR Tarik Black probably broke his foot Saturday at practice and is expected to miss an extended amount of time; he is an important part of their offense. Black also missed ten games last year with a foot injury.

3) Albany Great Danes? basketball team has six international students; they have players from four different countries. No players from New York City, only 148 miles down the road.

2) Weird seeing Matt Holliday playing for Colorado again; when we started our fantasy baseball league (a keeper league) in 2005, the first three players I drafted were Holliday, Adam Dunn and Brandon Webb.

Holliday was totally awesome in ?07, knocked in 150 runs; in ?09, Colorado traded him to the A?s, who held on to him for half the season before dealing him to St Louis, in a horrific pair of trades that set the A?s back at least a couple years. Wish he had stayed in Colorado.

1) Odd thing: Holliday?s dad was at one time the baseball coach at Oklahoma State, but he got fired. When Holliday was on the A?s, Brett Anderson was his teammate; Anderson?s father was the guy who replaced Tom Holliday at OSU. Had to be at least a little awkward.

Then in 2012, when Frank Anderson left Oklahoma State, Holliday?s brother Josh replaced him, and remains the Cowboys? baseball coach to this day.

 

[Cnotes53]

Thursday's Top Wager
August 27, 2018

By Kyle Markus

College Football Preview - New Mexico State Aggies at Minnesota Gophers

The New M?xico State Aggies broke a 57-year bowl drought by advancing to the Arizona Bowl last season and emerged victorious over Utah State. They would love to make it back-to-back postseason berths with another appearance in 2018, and an upset victory over the Minnesota Gophers in the season opener would be a nice start.

New M?xico State has some momentum but lost star receiver Jaleel Scott as well as three-year starting quarterback Tyler Rogers. The offense must prove it can move the ball against a big-conference foe. Minnesota finished under .500 a year ago and is aiming to make a bowl game this year. The Big Ten is loaded, so winning games like this is essential in that pursuit.

The Gophers are sizable favorites but don?t be surprised if the Aggies keep it much closer than advertised in NCAA football gambling.

The New M?xico State Aggies and Minnesota Gophers will face off on Thursday, August 30th, 2018 at 7 p.m. ET at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

We'll have college football odds at BookMaker.eu available for every game of the 2018 NCAA football season.

Odds Analysis

The line currently favors the Gophers by 17.5 points, and they are getting the majority of the action to cover. Minnesota is the -825 moneyline favorite, so it would be quite the upset if New M?xico State came in and sneaked away with the victory. The Aggies will pay off at +700 for a win. While it?s not super likely, these are very solid odds for the underdog in NCAA football gambling.

Player to Watch

Matt Romero -- The junior college transfer is taking over the reins on offense for New M?xico State. The dual-threat quarterback has talent but this is a tough start to the season. Minnesota should have the physicality edge and returns plenty of talent from a group that was solid a season ago.

The Aggies averaged nearly 30 points per game a season ago but that could be a tough task to duplicate against a significantly better team than they usually face. There are some good players returning, but the offensive expectations should be tempered considering the location, the strength of the foe, and Romero?s inexperience.

Key Stat

Five. that?s the number of bowl games in a row the Gophers qualified for before last year?s 5-7 campaign. The defense has what it takes to get the team back to that status as long as the offense also pitches in. Minnesota is in its second year with P.J. Fleck at the helm and believe they can start picking up the pace as the players better understand his schemes. The Gophers are not at the level of teams like Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan or Wisconsin in conference, which means out-of-conference wins are integral for bowl eligibility.

Free College Football ATS Picks

Minnesota should be able to win this game, but it?s going to be a little close for comfort. The Gophers? offense could sputter early on which will allow New M?xico State to remain competitive.

Take Minnesota to win on the moneyline but the spread is too high. New M?xico State will cover the spread in college football wagering.

College Football ATS Pick: Minnesota Golden Gophers 31, New Mexico State Aggies 20

 

[Cnotes53]

Francois named FSU starting QB
August 27, 2018
By The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Deondre Francois has been named Florida State's starting quarterback, coach Willie Taggart announced on Monday.

The junior beat out James Blackman and Bailey Hockman for the opportunity to start for the No. 19 Seminoles in the season opener against No. 20 Virginia Tech on Sept. 3.

Francois threw for 3,350 yards, 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2016 when he was named the Atlantic Coast Conference's rookie of the year. He suffered a season-ending knee injury last year in the Seminoles' opener against Alabama.

Blackman stepped in to start after Francois' surgery. As a true freshman, Blackman threw for 2,230 yards, 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Hockman took a redshirt in 2017, his first year on campus, and often ran the Seminoles' scout team.

 

[Cnotes53]

Wednesday?s six-pack

Most strikeouts in their first 200 starts:

1) Chris Sale 1,628

2) Pedro Martinez 1,600

3) Nolan Ryan 1,574

4) Randy Johnson 1,456

5) Bob Feller 1,411

6) Sam McDowell 1,409

Quote of the Day
?Training with professional players like Miles (Bridges), seeing what hard work really is ? man, I used to think that I work hard, but then coming out here, working out two-a-days and your body is aching and you have to keep grinding, keep going. It?s been been an experience. It?s taken me a while to get used to it, but it?s fun to be put in environments with greatness.?
basketball prospect Darius Bazely

Wednesday?s quiz
Albuquerque Isotopes are the AAA farm club of which major league team?

Tuesday?s quiz
Chris Sale (1,628) has the most strikeouts of any pitcher in his first 200 starts.

Monday?s quiz
Buck Showalter has managed four teams: Arizona, New York, Texas, Baltimore.

****************************

Wednesday?s List of 13: Mid-week musings??.

13) If you care about such things, Minnesota?s Mike Zimmer is 43-21 against the spread as an NFL head coach. Hue Jackson is 17-30-1; he coached the Raiders for one year, before coaching Cleveland the last two seasons.

12) Someone at SouthPoint Casino in Las Vegas wagered $20,000 on the Houston Texans to win the AFC title at 10-1 odds; so if the Texans make the Super Bowl, that person banks $200,000.

11) Dodgers had their fantasy football draft this week; Clayton Kershaw took Lions? QB Matthew Stafford in the 8th round. When Stafford was playing HS football in Texas, his center was?.Clayton Kershaw.

10) If he hits all his incentives, Odell Beckham will make $19M a year from the Giants; there are 52 guys in the NBA making $19M a year. Seriously. 52.

9) Highest-paid major league managers:
$6M a year: Mike Scioscia, Joe Maddon, Bruce Bochy
$4M a year: Terry Francona, Buck Showalter

Showalter is the only one of those five guys who hasn?t won a World Series; he has a 9-14 career record in playoff games.

8) Lowest-paid major league managers:
$700,000 a year: Jim Riggleman, Mike Shildt, both interim managers (Shildt got the full-time job Tuesday, so he?ll be getting a big raise)
$800,000 a year: Alex Cora, Scott Servais, Brian Snitker

7) Chris Davis plays first base for Baltimore; he hit 47 homers in 2015, 38 in ?16, but is hitting .167 this year, with a .246 on-base %age.

Davis is making $23M a year, now thru 2023. To make matters worse, from 2023-37, he gets an additional $42M in deferred payments. Yikes.

6) Not only does Nebraska have a true freshman starting at QB this season, his two backups are walk-ons, one is another true freshman, the other a transfer from Scottsdale CC.

5) Feast or Famine: Washington Nationals have scored double digit runs in nine games this year; they?ve been shut out 13 times.

4) University of Albany?s freshman class has students from 23 different states and 21 countries. They have a basketball player from Fullerton, CA; if you live near Disneyland, why in the name of Jim Cantore are you spending four years in upstate New York?

3) St Louis Cardinals named interim manager Mike Shildt their full-time skipper; Cardinals are 26-12 since Shildt took over as manager on July 15.

2) Chicago Cubs are 14-1 at home in games where the winning run scored from the 7th inning on; they?re 11-10 on the road in games like that.

1) Dwayne Wade?s son will be a junior in high school this fall; he picked up his first scholarship offer last week; Nebraska offered him a full ride to play for the Cornhuskers.

 

[Cnotes53]

Thursday's Tip Sheet
Joe Nelson

Thursday Night College Football Opening Night

While college football had a brief preview last weekend with six teams in action the Thursday night schedule will officially allow the first full weekend of the season to commence. While lacking a prominent headlining game on the schedule, three major conference teams are in action while the Big Ten and the American are featuring rare opening night conference games.

Here is a quick look at the four games on the schedule Thursday night.

Match-up: Central Florida Knights at Connecticut Huskies
Venue: At Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut
Time/TV: Thursday, Aug. 30, 7:00 PM ET, ESPNU
Line: UCF -23, Over/Under 75
Last Meeting: 2017 at UCF, UCF (-38) 49-24

Central Florida is a fitting team to kick off the 2018 schedule Thursday night as they were the only team to go undefeated in the 2017 season, even claiming the national title locally while finishing the season with an impressive Peach Bowl win over Auburn on New Year?s Day. The success had a cost as Scott Frost left for Nebraska after just two seasons and another former Big XII quarterback is now leading the way in Orlando with Josh Heupel hired from Missouri where he was the offensive coordinator. Heupel has McKenzie Milton under center to help the transition with Milton passing for over 4,000 yards last season with 37 touchdowns and only nine interceptions.

Connecticut has limited expectations this season, the second campaign in Randy Edsall?s second stop leading the Huskies. This squad finished just 3-9 last season with a major transition moving toward an up-tempo offense that leans on the passing game. The numbers improved with scoring and production up dramatically last season but the defensive numbers worsened from Bob Diaco?s 2016 squad by a similar increment. Few starters return on the rebuilding defense for 2018 but this should be a team that can take another step forward offensively.

UCF had just survived a close call at SMU last season when they hosted Connecticut as an 8-0 squad that had climbed into the top 15 of the national polls. The Knights grabbed an early lead but wound up caught in a close game into the fourth quarter as the Huskies trailed by only 11 before UCF added three fourth quarter touchdowns to win comfortably 49-24 but finishing well short of the massive spread with only a 519-413 yardage edge for the Knights.

This year the spread has been adjusted downward significantly but the total is priced about 10 points higher than last season with Connecticut expected to be a productive offensive team that passes often. Quarterback David Pindell had modest numbers taking just over a third of the snaps for Connecticut last season and like Milton he is smaller in stature than prototypical quarterbacks and has good mobility as the Huskies will aim for a shootout result.

Historical Trends: Central Florida is 15-21-1 ATS as a road favorite since 2003, Connecticut is 29-18-1 ATS as a home underdog since 2001.


Match-up: Northwestern Wildcats at Purdue Boilermakers
Venue: At Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana
Time/TV: Thursday, Aug. 30, 8:00 PM ET, ESPN
Line: Purdue -1.5, Over/Under 52.5
Last Meeting: 2017 at Northwestern, Northwestern (-6.5) 23-13

Northwestern and Purdue both made the postseason last year out of the Big Ten West but both could face tougher paths this season. The West teams draw five of nine conference games on the road this season and both squads will play two of three crossover games with heavyweight East squads. The non-conference schedules for both teams are also difficult as this toss-up opening game will carry a lot of weight towards the season goals.

Last season Northwestern had a 20-0 lead in the first half before Purdue rallied for a competitive finish, winding up with a yardage edge for the game but never getting closer than the 10-point final margin in the second half. The Boilermakers nearly spoiled the favorite cover before committing the only turnover in the game inside the 10-yard line with about a minute to go. The Wildcats have won in this series each of the past four seasons and in six of the last nine meetings since 2008, going 5-2 ATS in those games.

Northwestern won 45-17 at Purdue two years ago but that was before Jeff Brohm took over the team. The former Western Kentucky head coach led a successful first season with nearly as many wins as Darrell Hazell had produced in four seasons. The offense displayed much more success running the ball last season while the defense made a massive improvement statistically. The defense will be the biggest area of concern this season with heavy personnel losses from last season while the offense has many key players back including both quarterbacks that split time last season with David Blough and Elijah Sindelar expected to share time again this season.

Pat Fitzgerald is entering his 13th season at Northwestern and the program has been to three straight bowl games with 27 wins the past three years combined. While Wisconsin is the favorite in the West, many see Northwestern as second in line after posting a 7-2 conference record last season. This game will be critical in any entertainment of that notion as the next two Big Ten games will be against Michigan and Michigan State. Clayton Thorson returns after a steady 2017 season at quarterback but 1,300-yard rusher Justin Jackson will need to be replaced.

Historical Trends: Northwestern is 10-6 ATS at Purdue since 1982, Purdue is 15-26 ATS at home since 2012.


Match-up: New Mexico State Aggies at Minnesota Golden Gophers
Venue: At TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Time/TV: Thursday, Aug. 30, 7:00 PM ET, BTN
Line: Minnesota -20.5, Over/Under 45.5
Last Meeting: 2013 at New Mexico State, Minnesota (-16.5) 44-21

New Mexico State was one of the teams that played last Saturday and the Aggies had a forgettable opening performance with very poor results for the offense in a 26-7 loss hosting Wyoming. It appears that replacing long-time quarterback Tyler Rogers will be a challenge as the Aggies posted just 144 passing yards behind Matt Romero and Nick Jeanty. The Aggies also wound up with negative rushing yards in the game and the only score for the team came with 1:16 remaining and the outcome well past decided.

New Mexico State is on the road the next two weeks with this a tricky turnaround going from Saturday night and traveling to Minnesota for a Thursday night game. The poor result last week sours momentum from a great 2017 season with a 7-6 finish in Doug Martin?s fifth season, getting the team?s first bowl appearance and win since 1960. The Aggies now have little margin for error for a return trip playing an Independent schedule. While some challenges for the offense replacing Rogers along with the top rusher and receiver from last season were expected, the defense was considered a possible strength with nine starters back after showing great improvement last season. Wyoming rushed for 312 yards last week on 5.5 yards per carry which should mean a favorable opportunity for Minnesota.

Amidst great self-promotion and fanfare P.J. Fleck?s first season with the Gophers fizzled as a 3-0 start wound up with a 5-7 finish in the standings and only two Big Ten wins. The offense was among the worst of all power conference programs with only 22 points per game and 309 yards per game. The answer this season will be a freshman quarterback as Zack Annexstad was a mild surprise to win the job this summer. The Gophers do have a veteran offensive line and should remain a quality defensive team looking for a breakthrough second season.

The opening result for New Mexico State has meant a growing favorite spread for Minnesota with the Gophers failing as a heavy favorite in opening games the past two seasons in narrow wins. After being shutout in each of the final two games of the season last year pressure will grow on Fleck and with a more challenging game next week at home this is a critical game for Minnesota but also a spot where the Aggies, with a game under their belt, can certainly play better that they did last week.

Historical Trends: New Mexico State is 16-23-1 ATS as a double-digit underdog since 2012, Minnesota is 17-24 ATS as a home favorite since 2007.


Match-up: Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Tulane Green Wave
Venue: At Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana
Time/TV: Thursday, Aug. 30, 8:00 PM ET, CBSC
Line: Wake Forest -5.5, Over/Under 55
Last Meeting: 2016 at Wake Forest, Wake Forest (-14.5) 7-3

These teams opened the 2016 season in Winston-Salem with a 7-3 win for Wake Forest in a game with no second half scoring. Wake Forest won despite only 10 first downs and 175 total yards in what was a great defensive showing for Tulane in the debut of Willie Fritz on the sidelines. Fritz led a very successful two-year run at Georgia Southern but has gone 4-8 and 5-7 the past two seasons at Tulane. The Wave have a team capable of taking the next step with most of last season?s offense back in action but the schedule ahead is difficult, particularly on the road. For a bowl season Tulane will need an upset at some point and this home opener is likely one of the best opportunities.

Tulane only lost twice at home last season falling to South Florida by six and to Cincinnati by one and wins at home over Army and Houston offer some promise. Jonathan Banks is an experienced quarterback that had solid production passing and rushing last season while LSU transfer Justin McMillan is also on the roster. Tulane had a season of regression on defense last year and with minimal returning experience improvement isn?t likely for a Wave team that allowed 5.4 yards per rush last season.

Wake Forest had problems stopping the run last season and one of the worst losses of the season came against another triple-option team falling 38-24 at Georgia Tech. The Demon Deacons have returning experience but replacing long time quarterback John Wolford has been a challenge. Kendall Hinton has been suspended for the first three games while Jamie Newman is injured as freshman Sam Hartman is expected to start. He?ll likely lean on the top returning receiver Greg Dortch who can also be a factor on special teams.

Wake Forest won eight games last season and Dave Clawson has returned the program to a respectable place. A breakthrough season of contention isn?t expected in the tough ACC Atlantic. Holding on to a bowl bid isn?t a given either as this is an important game in reaching the needed win count for Wake Forest as well with Notre Dame on the non-conference schedule and no easy outs on the ACC slate.

Historical Trends: Wake Forest is 12-18-2 ATS as a road favorite since 1982, Tulane is 22-30-2 ATS as a home underdog since 2004.

 

[Cnotes53]

10 possible FCS wins over the FBS in Week 1
August 29, 2018
By STATS LLC Editorial

(STATS) - Games are not won on paper, of course, but the possible FCS wins over FBS program in the first full week of college football are leaping off the page with possibility.

It won't be surprising if a number of FCS teams put the pieces together from an entire offseason of preparation to produce upsets in Week 1.

There have been 26 FCS wins over the FBS in Week 1 the last six seasons, and this Labor Day weekend, there are 42 matchups between the two Division I levels.

"I think (an FCS win over the FBS) validates the level that your program is functioning at," said coach Mike Houston, who led The Citadel to a win at South Carolina in 2015 and James Madison past East Carolina last year.

Here are 10 possible FCS wins to watch for this week (kickoff times ET):

Thursday, Aug. 30

No. 5 Kennesaw State at Georgia State, 7 p.m.

2017 Cinderella Kennesaw State is now a national title dark horse, but this is the fourth-year program's first matchup against the FBS. Its triple option offense ranked No. 1 in rushing in the FCS.

Friday, Aug. 31

Monmouth at Eastern Michigan, 6:30 p.m.

Over 93 percent of Monmouth's offensive scoring is back, with running back Pete Guerriero and wide receiver Reggie White Jr. the chief weapons. Former Drake coach Chris Creighton is in his fifth season at Eastern Michigan, which struggled to win close games last year.

Saturday, Sept. 1

No. 2 James Madison at North Carolina State, noon

The visiting Dukes, the 2016 FCS champions and 2017 national runners-up, are seeking to beat an FBS opponent for the third time in four years. A retooled defense will be hard-pressed to slow an N.C. State team that is coming off its winningest season (9-4) since 2010.

No. 19 Villanova at Temple, noon

The Mayor's Cup will be on the line for Philadelphia rivals whose series is deadlocked at 16-16-2. Villanova has reloaded with a handful of starters who are back from season-ending injuries, including All-America safety Rob Rolle.

No. 14 North Carolina A&T at East Carolina, 6 p.m.

After beating sixth-ranked Jacksonville State this past Saturday night, the visiting Aggies can't afford to be flat emotionally. They've beaten FBS programs Kent State and Charlotte in the last two seasons.

Richmond at Virginia, 6 p.m.

Richmond handled UVA 37-20 in the 2016 season-opening matchup. If new quarterback Kevin Johnson settles in quickly, the Spiders should be able to move the ball well.

No. 18 Nicholls at Kansas, 7 p.m.

Nicholls returns 16 starters from its first playoff season since 2005. In the last two years, the Southland Conference team has lost by two points to Georgia, one to South Alabama and 10 to Texas A&M.

South Dakota at Kansas State, 7:10 p.m.

The Coyotes eliminated Nicholls in the playoffs, and, like the Colonels, they head to the Sunflower State with a veteran lineup. Still, quarterback Austin Simmons has big shoes to fill - Chris Streveler, the 2017 Missouri Valley offensive player of the year.

Northern Arizona at UTEP, 7:10 p.m.

This wouldn't even be an upset because coach Jerome Souers' squad is favored against UTEP, which had the only winless season in the FBS last year. Quarterback Case Cookus should have a big game.

No. 3 South Dakota State at Iowa State, 8 p.m.

Iowa State has lost to an FCS opponent in three of the last five seasons. Even without all-world receivers Dallas Goedert and Jake Wieneke, Jackrabbits quarterback Taryn Christion is dangerous.

 

[Cnotes53]

FCS teams opening the season in conference games
August 29, 2018
By STATS LLC Editorial

(STATS) - Eight FCS teams don't have the opportunity to wade their way into the deep end of the pool this week.

It's jump right in to open the 2018 season.

Four conference games, including three with ranked teams, are part of the FCS schedule in Week 1. On Thursday, Rhode Island faces Delaware and archrivals New Hampshire and Maine meet in CAA Football. On Saturday, Holy Cross travels to Colgate in the Patriot League and The Citadel takes on Wofford in the Southern Conference.

Thursday

(all times ET)

Rhode Island at No. 15 Delaware, 7 p.m.

URI hasn't had a winning season since 2001, but it was generally competitive despite a 3-8 record last season. Delaware, which holds a 22-9 series lead, has a surprise season-opening starter at quarterback, redshirt junior Pat Kehoe over incumbent J.P. Caruso.

No. 7 New Hampshire at Maine, 7 p.m.

UNH coach Sean McDonnell and Maine counterpart Joe Harasymiak are relieved the "Battle for the Brice-Cowell Musket" will shift back to a season-ending matchup in 2019 after this second straight season opener. UNH, which has a seven-game winning streak and a 55-43-8 edge in the series (it began in 1903), likely has too much offense for the Black Bears.

Saturday

Holy Cross at Colgate, 1 p.m.

The Bob Chesney era at Holy Cross begins against the Patriot League's preseason favorite. Colgate has the most returning starters in the league (18) and Holy Cross returns the fewest (nine). Despite winning the last six meetings, Colgate trails 40-35-5 in the series.

The Citadel at No. 10 Wofford, 6 p.m.

This could be the quickest game of the week because both offenses run triple options. Josh Conklin is making his Wofford coaching debut as last year's SoCon champ hosts the 2016 champ - their first season-opening meeting since 1998. The Citadel holds a commanding series lead at 47-21-1.

 

[Cnotes53]

FCS Game of the Week: Northern Iowa at Montana
August 29, 2018
By STATS LLC Editorial

FCS GAME OF THE WEEK: NORTHERN IOWA AT MONTANA

STATS

Week 1 Matchup: No. 13 Northern Iowa (0-0) at No. 24 Montana (0-0)

Kickoff: 9:05 p.m. ET at Washington-Grizzly Stadium (25,217) in Missoula, Montana

Television: SWX, GoGriz.com video stream

Series: Montana leads 6-0 (last meeting: Montana won 20-14 at UNI-Dome on Sept. 10, 2016)

The Skinny: The storyline is three-time Big Sky coach of the year Bobby Hauck beginning his second stint at Montana, where he was 80-17 from 2003-09. He inherits a team that was 7-4 last season and has missed consecutive FCS playoffs for the first time since 1991-92. Northern Iowa went 8-5, tying for second in the Missouri Valley Football Conference and reaching the playoff second round a year ago.

Hauck has reunited with offensive coordinator Timm Rosenbach, with UNLV transfer Dalton Snead expected to run an offense which has plenty in the skills positions, including RB Jeremy Calhoun and WRs Keenan Curran and Jerry Louie-McGee. The Jesse Sims-led defensive line has the necessary size to match Northern Iowa's physical offensive line, but the Griz defense surrendered too many points (29 per game) last season. All-America LB Josh Buss hasn't been 100 percent healthy during preseason camp.

UNI coach Mark Farley is 142-72 in 17 seasons, but he's 0-3 against Montana. He returns a veteran offense that seeks to run the ball with Marcus Weymiller, and QB Eli Dunne (2,704 yards, 26 TDs) figures to attack the Griz's retooled secondary. The defense is less experienced than the offense, but has standouts in OLB Rickey Neal and CB Xavior Williams. Although much of his kicking is indoors, PK Sam Drysdale is 23 of 27 on field goals in his career.

Prediction: UNI is overdue in this series and talented enough to outmuscle the Griz on the road. The vocal crowd and emotion of the night can lift the home team. This game is a tossup: Northern Iowa, 28-24.

 

[Cnotes53]

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS: Michigan, Auburn, Miami start fast
August 29, 2018
By The Associated Press

After a quiet offseason in college football, the final month leading up to kickoff was dominated by scandals.

As lousy as off-the-field issues can be in the sport, and the topics were unsettling in August, the games rarely disappoint and are the reason fans tolerate the bad news.

The season starts with its traditional marathon holiday weekend schedule, a fair amount of which will be nothing more than scrimmages. No. 2 Clemson and No. 3 Georgia start the season with FCS tuneups and there will be plenty of lopsided match-ups involving FBS teams, too. At least a few games are thankfully appointment viewing.

But most of all college football is back and there is a lot of it spread out over the five days. Try to enjoy it.

The picks:

THURSDAY

No. 21 UCF (minus 23) at UConn

The other defending national champions open on the road ... UCF 42-24.

FRIDAY

Western Kentucky (plus 35+) at No. 4 Wisconsin

Badgers start with two suspended receivers, but TB Jonathan Taylor and that massive o-line should be enough for now ... WISCONSIN 48-14.

Utah State (minus 23+) at No. 11 Michigan State

Experienced Aggies are good enough to make the Spartans work into the fourth quarter ... MICHIGAN STATE 31-13.

San Diego State (plus 14) at No. 13 Stanford

Aztecs pulled the upset last year of the Cardinal ... STANFORD 34-17.

SATURDAY

No. 1 Alabama (minus 24+) vs. Louisville at Orlando, Florida

Tua or Jalen? Does it really matter? ... ALABAMA 45-17.

Oregon State (plus 38) at No. 5 Ohio State

Game one of three without Urban Meyer on the sideline. Whatever issues that might cause the Buckeyes, it's doubtful the Beavers will be able to exploit them ... OHIO STATE 56-10.

No. 6 Washington (plus 1+) vs. No. 9 Auburn at Atlanta

After 1-8 bowl season the Pac-12 can really use this one ... AUBURN 27-20.

FAU (plus 21) at No. 7 Oklahoma

Lane Train can't keep up with the Sooner Schooner ... OKLAHOMA 55-21, BEST BET.

Appalachian State (plus 23+) at No. 10 Penn State

App State has maybe the greatest upset in college football history on its resume, but is 0-5 against Power Five schools since moving to FBS ... PENN STATE 39-14.

No. 14 Michigan (plus 1) at No. 12 Notre Dame

Rivalry has been dormant for three years. It ended with the Irish shutting out Brady Hoke's last Michigan team and resumes with Jim Harbaugh looking for a statement victory ... MICHIGAN 23-17.

UNLV (plus 26) at No. 15 Southern California

Will the Trojans start freshman QB J.T. Daniels? ... USC 42-14.

No. 17 West Virginia (minus 7) vs. Tennessee at Charlotte, North Carolina

Mountaineers enter the season with lots of hype and a Heisman contender quarterback in Will Grier. Tennessee is rebuilding with a new coach ... WEST VIRGINIA 28-17.

No. 22 Boise State (minus 10+) at Troy

Two of the best from outside the Power Five ... BOISE STATE 21-13.

No. 23 Texas (minus 13) at Maryland

Hard to guess where the Maryland players' heads will be considering their last month ... TEXAS 28-20.

Bowling Green (plus 31+) at No. 24 Oregon

Ducks debut their latest digs with numbers that will allow even the folks in the nose-bleed seats at Autzen Stadium to identify who is in on the play ... OREGON 56-21.

SUNDAY

No. 8 Miami (minus 3+) vs. No. 25 LSU at Arlington, Texas

The U. is lined up for a 5-0 start if it can handle an LSU team breaking in a new quarterback ... MIAMI 23-16.

MONDAY

No. 20 Virginia Tech (plus 7+) at No. 19 Florida State

New `Noles coach Willie Taggart debuts with a conference game and a chance to make a great first impression ... FLORIDA STATE 31-20.

TWITTER REQUESTS

Northwestern (plus 1+) at Purdue - (at)dvolpi88

How can Jeff Brohm follow-up a solid first season with the Boilermakers? ... PURDUE 24-21.

North Carolina (plus 7) at California - (at)raybelkora

Player suspensions for selling (their own) shoes has the Tar Heels depleted ... CAL 28-23.

Northern Illinois (plus 10+) at Iowa - (at)JeffMiles9

Hawkeyes face NIU sackmaster Sutton Smith with both their starting offensive tackles suspended ... IOWA 28-14.

Mississippi (plus 2+) vs. Texas Tech in Houston - (at)TurnerDad

NCAA-sanctioned Rebels can't play in the postseason, but they have potential to be fun to watch with All-America WR A.J. Brown ... OLE MISS 35-28, UPSET SPECIAL.

---

Overall record last season: 253-90 straight; 156-169-7 against the spread.

Bowl record: 23-17; 20-18-1.

Upset specials: 5-9 (straight up).

Best bets: 8-5 (against the spread).

 

[Cnotes53]

ACC Report - Week 1
August 28, 2018
By Joe Williams

2017-18 ACC STANDINGS

ATLANTIC DIVISION
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Clemson 12-2 8-1 8-5-1 4-9-1
North Carolina State 9-4 6-2 5-7-1 5-8
Wake Forest 8-5 4-4 8-4-1 5-7-1
Boston College 7-6 4-4 8-4-1 5-7-1
Louisville 8-5 4-4 5-8 6-7
Florida State 7-6 3-5 4-7-2 4-8-1
Syracuse 4-8 2-6 6-5-1 2-9-1

COASTAL DIVISION
Miami-Florida 10-3 7-2 5-8 3-10
Virginia Tech 9-4 5-3 6-7 3-9-1
Georgia Tech 5-6 4-4 7-3-1 5-6
Pittsburgh 5-7 3-5 5-5-2 2-9-1
Virginia 6-7 3-5 6-7 6-7
Duke 7-6 3-5 7-5-1 4-9
North Carolina 3-9 1-7 5-7 6-6

Wake Forest at Tulane (Thurs. - CBS Sports Network, 8:00 p.m. ET)

These two teams opened the 2016 season in Winston-Salem, with the Demon Deacons slugging it out for a 7-3 win over the Green Wave. Wake never threatened to cover the 14-point number, and 'under' (42.5) bettors never even broke a sweat in that contest. The Demon Deacons opened as eight-point favorites, but that has been bet down to six points as of Wednesday morning. The line is substantially higher than it was in that 2016 game, holding steady around 55. The Deacs were 1-1 ATS on the road last season, and 1-2 ATS away from home if you count their bowl game. They have only been favored on the road three times since the start of the 2015 season, going 1-2 ATS during the span. The Demon Deacons have been favored by three or more points on the road just three times since the start of the 2010 season. The last time Wake covered as favorites by three or more points away from home was back on Nov. 28, 2009 at Duke. Tulane is just 1-6 ATS in their past seven against the ACC, but 7-3 ATS in their past 10 non-conference games and 5-1 ATS in the past six at home.

Syracuse at Western Michigan (Fri. - CBSSN, 6:00 p.m. ET)

The Orange and Broncos square off for the first time ever, and the game will take place in Kalamazoo with Syracuse favored by 5 1/2 points as of Wednesday AM. Syracuse has posted a total of 15 wins ove rthe past four seasons, while Western Michigan looks to bounce back after an injury-filled .500 season. The Orange have posted wins in four consecutive regular season openers, although a good chunk of those have been against FCS sides. Western was just 2-4 ATS in six home games last season, although they were a respectable 4-2 SU. The last time the Broncos were an underdog at home was Nov. 11, 2015 against Bowling Green, losing 41-27 as a three-point 'dog. They also lost that same season to Michigan State as an underdog at home, but covered a 16 1/2-point number.

Army at Duke (Fri. - ESPNU, 7:00 p.m. ET)

The Blue Devils open the campaign at home against the Black Knights in a much tougher matchup than usual. The past two years have featured opening game wins against FCS foe and Bull City rival North Carolina Central, and the Eagles have been their opponent for the past three home openers, too. In fact, this is the first time since Sept. 1, 2012 that the Blue Devils have opened with an FBS team at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham. They won that day by a 46-26 margin against Florida International, covering a three-point number. Duke will be looking to avenge a 21-16 setback in West Point last season, as Army won outright as 3 1/2-point favorites. These teams also met Oct. 8, 2016 in Durham, with the Blue Devils slugging out a 13-6 win in front of the home fans as 5 1/2-point favorites. In other words, the home team is 2-0 ATS in the past two meetings. These teams have met for each of the past three straight years, and the 'under' is a perfect 3-0.

Massachusetts at Boston College (ACC Network, 1:00 p.m.)

The Eagles host the Minutemen in Chestnut Hill in a Bay State matchup, and Boston College opens as a hefty 18-point favorite. The total has also jumped from 60 to 63, as bettors are confident coach Steve Addazio's bunch can improve upon their seven-win showing. Running back A.J. Dillon rushed for 1,589 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, and he'll be running behind an offensive line returning all five starters. UMass rolled up a 63-15 win last week against FCS Duquesne to cover a 21 1/2-point number, but a game against an FBS opponent on the road is a totally different story. Still, UMass has a high-octane offense and they have covered four of the past five on the road, and five of the past seven overall. BC closed out last season 8-1-1 ATS in their final 10, and 4-1-1 ATS in the past six against winning sides. The over has cashed in UMass' past seven non-conference battles, and seven of their past eight overall. The under is 19-7 in the past 26 at home for BC, however, and 24-11-1 in their past 36 overall.

North Carolina at California (FOX, 4:00 p.m.)

The Tar Heels head out to the left coast looking for revenge against the Golden Bears. Cal posted a 35-30 victory, winning outright as a 12 1/2-point favorite, while the 'over' connected. It was the first of many losses for UNC in a lost and injury-plagued season, as they went just 3-9 SU. However, the Tar Heels did end up 4-0 ATS in their final four games after a trying 1-8 ATS start. Cal lost their final two games of 2017 to fall just short of bowl eligibility, although like Carolina they were able to close on a high note by covering three straight, and five of their final six. California also covered all five of their home games last season against FBS opponents, and they're 9-2 ATS over the past 11 at home against FBS clubs.

Louisville vs. Alabama from Orlando, Fla. (ABC, 8:00 p.m.)

The Cardinals and Rolling Tide will do battle at Camping World Stadium in Orlando as they look to get off to a good start. Louisville is unranked. Alabama is No. 1, and they're favored by 24 1/2 points. This game might not be terribly competitive. Louisville posted at least 31 points in each of their eight victories last season, and they averaged 46.0 points per game (PPG) in their final three regular-season outings while going a perfect 3-0 ATS. All of that would be impressive if their first opponent was anybody but the Tide. This will be the first time these clubs have faced each other since the Cards bounced the Tide 34-7 in the Fiesta Bowl to close out the 1990 season. The Cards are just 1-7-1 ATS in their past nine non-conference battles, while Bama is 5-2 ATS in their past seven on a neutral-site field, 6-2 ATS in their past eight against the ACC and a perfect 5-0 ATS in their past five showings on fieldturf. The total trends differ for these two teams, too. The under is 6-0-1 in the 'Ville's past seven neutral-site battles, and 5-1 in their past six non-conference tilts. The under is 8-2 in Bama's past 10 non-conference battles, but the over is 19-6-1 in their past 26 neutral-site affairs.

Miami-Florida vs. Louisiana State from Arlington, Tex. (Sun. - ABC, 7:30 p.m.)

The Hurricanes look to rebound after fizzling down the stretch. The Tigers will look to regain their championship form, and can get off to a big start against a Top 10 foe. Miami opened the season 10-0 SU, turnover chains were the rage and everyone was saying "The U is back!" However, a 24-14 loss to unranked Pittsburgh as a 12-point favorite cooled off playoff talk, a blowout loss in their first-ever ACC title game appearance to Clemson squashed more of their excitement and a 34-24 setback to Wisconsin really cast a pall on what should have been a celebration. The Canes ended up failing to cover in their final four. The Tigers were a little more consistent, winning nine of their 12 regular season games, but they lost to Notre Dame in their bowl to lose an un-LSU-like fourth time in a season. Neither of these sides have been particularly strong in neutral-site or non-conference battles. UM is 5-11 ATS in their past 16 on fieldturf, and they're 1-7 ATS in their past eight neutral-site battles. LSU is 1-4 ATS in their past five against the ACC and 0-3-1 ATS in their past four non-conference battles. The total might be the way to go, and you might want to go under. The under is 6-0 in Miami's past six neutral-site games, and 5-1 in their past six against the SEC. The under is 4-0 in LSU's past four neutral-site battles, and 6-2-1 in their past nine out of conference tilts.

Virginia Tech at Florida State (Mon. - ESPN, 8:00 p.m.)

The Willie Taggart Era gets underway in Tallahassee on Monday night in the standalone game, and it also happens to be the season opener and an important battle for ACC supremacy. The 'Noles opened as 5 1/2-point favorites, but the line has blown up to 7 1/2 as of Wednesday morning. The Hokies haven't fared very well on the road lately, going 1-4 ATS in their final five to close out 2017. And, for what it's worth, they're 0-4 ATS in their past four appearances on a Monday. The Seminoles didn't do well in the ACC last season, going 0-6-2 ATS in their final eight conference games, and they needed a make-up game to become bowl eligible in 2017. The under is 35-17 in Va. Tech's past 52 ACC games, while the under is 20-7-1 in the past 28 inside the ACC for FSU. However, the 'over' has connected in the past five meetings in this series, while the home team is 4-0 ATS in the past four battles.

Other Games

James Madison at North Carolina State (ESPNU, 12:00 p.m.)

Furman at Clemson (ACC Network, 12:20 p.m.)

Alcorn State at Georgia Tech (ACC Network, 12:30 p.m.)

Albany at Pittsburgh (ACC Network, 3:30 p.m.)

Richmond at Virginia (ACC Network, 6:00 p.m.)

 

[Cnotes53]

Big 12 Report - Week 1
August 29, 2018
By Joe Williams

2017 BIG 12 STANDINGS

Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Oklahoma 12-2 9-1 8-6 8-6
Texas Christian 11-3 7-3 6-8 4-10
Oklahoma State 10-3 6-3 7-6 9-4
Texas 7-6 5-4 8-4-1 3-10
West Virginia 7-6 5-4 5-7-1 7-5-1
Kansas State 8-5 5-4 6-6-1 6-7
Iowa State 8-5 5-4 11-1-1 4-9
Texas Tech 6-7 3-6 7-6 5-8
Baylor 1-11 1-8 5-7 5-7
Kansas 1-11 0-9 4-8 7-5


Florida Atlantic at Oklahoma (FOX, 12:00 p.m.)

The Lane Train rolls into Norman looking to shock the world and put FAU further on the map. While hope might spring eternal in Boca Raton, Fla., as the team is favored to win Conference USA for a second consecutive season while doing it with a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate in RB Devin Singletary, the Sooners are not North Texas. Or Akron. Vegas understands it all, as Oklahoma is favored by three touchdowns. FAU also enters this game with only one win in school history against a Power 5 team, and that came back on Sept. 15, 2007 in a victory against Minnesota in front of 10,759 fans in what is now Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. While the Owls are 26-12 ATS in their past 38 road games, they're 0-8 ATS in the past eight against Big 12 clubs. Oklahoma has covered four of their past five out of conference, 11-2 ATS in the past 13 at home and 5-2 ATS in their past seven vs. C-USA schools. As far as the total, the over is 4-1 in FAU's past five on the road, but 4-1 in their past five non-conference tilts. The over is 5-2 in Oklahoma's past seven outside of the Big 12.

Texas vs. Maryland at Landover, Md. (FOX Sports 1, 12:00 p.m.)

Texas and Maryland met in Austin last season and the Terrapins stunned the Longhorns by a 51-41 count, and there was doom and gloom surrounding head coahc Tom Herman for the first month of the season before getting on track. After failing to cover, or even win, as 18-point favorites, Texas rattled off a 6-0-1 ATS run. Maryland won their first two games of the season, averaging 57.0 points per game (PPG). It was all downhill from there, as they ended up 4-8 SU and 5-7 ATS. Texas has fared well in neutral-site battles, going 4-0 ATS in their past four. However, while they're 6-2 ATS in their past eight non-conference games, and 5-2 ATS in the past seven in September, the Longhorns are a dismal 0-4 ATS in their past four against the Big Ten. The Terps have managed a poor 1-4 ATS mark across the past five neutral-site battles, and they finished 2-6 ATS in the final eight of 2017. The under is 12-1 in the past 13 games on grass for Texas, and 4-1 in their past five neutral-site affairs, but the over is 4-0 in Maryland's past four neutral-site contests and 7-2 in their final nine of 2017.

Mississippi vs. Texas Tech at Houston, Tex. (ESPN, 12:00 p.m.)

In another neutral-site battle, it's SEC vs. Big 12 at NRG Stadium in Houston. Ole Miss opened as a one-point favorite, but Texas Tech is now up to being a favorite by 2 1/2 points as of Wednesday morning. The Rebels haven't had a lot of success in recent seasons outside of the conference, going 1-4 ATS in the past five. However, the Rebels are an impressive 7-2-1 ATS in the past 10 neutral-site battles. The Red Raiders have posted a 4-1 ATS mark in their past five non-conference affairs, while posting a 20-6-1 ATS mark in their past 27 battles in the month of September. The under has also hit in four of the past five for the Rebels on a neutral-site field, but the over is 5-1 in their past six non-conference battles. The over has cashed in 16 of the past 21 neutral-site games for Texas Tech while going 20-9 in the past 29 outside of the Big 12.

Tennessee vs. West Virginia at Charlotte, N.C. (CBS, 3:30 p.m.)

The Volunteers and Mountaineers will tangle at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, and it will be a mixed crowd. Knoxville is a rather quick jaunt on I-40 and down I-77, while Morgantown is just a handful of hours to the north via I-79 and I-77, and the 600 toll booths on the West Virginia Turnpike. There has been a lot of gamesmanship by the head coaches as far as the depth chart is concerned heading into this game. Head coach Dana Holgorsen looks to build on a seven-win campaign against a Vols squad which lost a school-record eight games in 2017. There is hope with QB Jarrett Guarantano, who went 4-2 as a started down the stretch. Speaking of QBs, Will Grier is an early Heisman hopeful for Holgorsen's bunch, and the Mountaineers have four offensive line starters back to protect him. The good news for Tennessee is that they have won nine consecutive season openers. The bad news is they are 6-34 across their past 40 against ranked teams since the start of the 2010 season. Tennessee enters with a 6-1 ATS mark over their past seven neutral-site battles, while West Virginia is just 3-13 ATS in the past 16 neutral-site tilts and 2-5 ATS in the past seven out of conference.

Other Games
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (Thu. - FOX Sports 1, 8:00 p.m.)
Southern at Texas Christian (No national TV - 12:00 p.m.)
Nicholls at Kansas (ESPN+, 7:00 p.m.)
South Dakota at Kansas State (ESPN3, 7:00 p.m.)
Abilene Christian at Baylor (No national TV - 8:00 p.m.)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (No national TV - 8:00 p.m.)

 

[Cnotes53]

Pac-12 Report - Week 1
August 29, 2018
By Joe Williams

2017-18 PAC-12 STANDINGS

NORTH DIVISION
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Washington 10-3 7-2 7-6 7-6
Stanford 9-5 7-3 7-6-1 6-8
Washington State 9-4 6-3 7-6 6-7
Oregon 7-6 4-5 6-7 6-7
California 5-7 2-7 8-4 5-7
Oregon State 1-11 2-9 3-9 9-3

SOUTH DIVISION
Southern California 11-3 9-1 3-10-1 8-6
Arizona State 7-6 6-3 7-6 6-7
Arizona 7-6 5-4 6-7 9-4
UCLA 6-7 4-5 4-9 8-5
Utah 7-6 3-6 9-3-1 6-7
Colorado 5-7 2-7 3-8-1 6-6

San Diego State at Stanford (Fri. - FOX Sports 1, 9:00 p.m. ET)

The Cardinal open their season Friday night on The Farm, and they will have revenge on their minds. Head coach David Shaw's bunch took a 20-17 loss in San Diego on Sept. 16, 2017 as an 8 1/2-point favorite as the 'under' (47.5) cashed. That was a road game. The Cardinal was much better at home last season, posting a 6-0 SU and 4-2 ATS mark. Meanwhile, the Aztecs will be looking to replace all-everything RB Rashaad Penny, now playing his football on Sundays for head coach Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks. The Aztecs are just 5-12-1 ATS in the past 18 non-conference battles and 6-13 ATS in the past 19 against the Pac-12 despite that win last season against Stanford. The under might be the attractive play. The under is 4-1 in San Diego State's past five against the Pac-12, while the under is 4-1 in Stanford's past five at home and 7-3 over their past 10 games overall.

Colorado vs. Colorado State at Denver, Colo. (Fri. - CBS Sports Network, 9:30 p.m. ET)

The Buffaloes head to Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver looking to add to the unexpected woes of the Rams, their rivals from up the road in Fort Collins. Colorado State suffered an inexplicable home loss against Hawaii in Week Zero, 43-34. QB K.J. Carta-Samuels wasn't the problem, as he threw for 537 yards and five touchdowns against the Warriors, but the pass defense of the Rams couldn't stop anyone. That might be a problem against experienced QB Steven Montez. The Buffaloes have posted a 3-1-1 ATS mark in the past five meetings in this series, while the under has hit in each of the past four meetings. More on the under, it is 6-0 in the past six for Colorado and 13-3 in the past 16 against Mountain West foes. The under is 5-1 in Colorado State's past six against the Pac-12 and 6-2 in the past eight neutral-site contests.

Oregon State at Ohio State (ABC, 12:00 p.m. ET)

The Beavers make the cross-country trek from Corvallis to Columbus for the Battle of OSU's, although the telecast will be dominated by the scandal involving Urban Meyer, his assistant Zach Smith and the domestic abuse allegations. Will it be a distraction for the Buckeyes, as they start their season? Vegas doesn't seem to think so, installing the Bucks as a 38 1/2-point favorite. Oregon State could catch a break, at least early on, as there might be some sluggishness on the other side as they slowly jell after all of the distractions. The Beavers are a dismal 1-4 ATS in the past five non-conference battles, 1-6 ATS in their past seven road games and 16-34-1 ATS in the past 51 games in September. Ohio State has posted an impressive 12-3-1 ATS in the past 16 against Pac-12 foes.

Washington vs. Auburn at Atlanta, Ga. (ABC, 3:30 p.m.)

The Huskies and Tigers play in one of the more underrated first-week battles in a showdown of Top 10 schools. Washington opened as a 2 1/2-point favorite, but bettors have flipped that around and are backing Auburn, who is now a 1 1/2-point favorite as of Wednesday morning. Neither of these sides have been particularly good in non-conference games, as Washington is 1-5 ATS in their past six non-conference battles, while Auburn is 0-5-1 ATS in their past six outside of the conference and 1-5 ATS in their past six neutral-site tilts. Perhaps bettors will lean to the under, as the total has gone under in five of the past seven for Washington in a neutral-site contest. The under is 5-0-2 in Auburn's past seven neutral-site battles and 12-3-2 in their past 17 outside of the SEC.

Washington State at Wyoming (CBS Sports Network, 3:30 p.m.)

In one of the more intriguing matchups of Week 1, the high-octane Washington State offense will look to solve the suffocating defense of Craig Bohl's Wyoming side. The Cowboys posted an impressive 29-7 victory as five-point favorites at New Mexico State, a bowl team from a season ago. The Cougars do not have the luxury of a game under their belt, and they have to open on the road against a tough team. They are just 1-4 ATS in their past five road games, 1-4 ATS in their past five non-conference tilts and 2-5-1 ATS in the past eight against the Mountain West Conference. Wyoming is 5-1 ATS in their past six at home, 9-2 ATS in the past 11 games overall and 3-1-1 ATS in the past five against the Pac-12. While the over is 4-0 in Washington State's past four on the road, the under is 5-2 in the past seven non-conference tilts. The under is also 13-3 in Wyoming's past 16, 7-2 in the past nine non-conference battles and 4-0 in the past four against the Pac-12.

UNLV at Southern California (Pac-12 Conference, 4:00 p.m.)

The Runnin' Rebels travel to venerable Los Angeles Coliseum to battle the Trojans in the opener for both sides. USC is installed as a 26-point favorite as of Wednesday morning. The Trojans will be starting freshman quarterback J.T. Daniels, as the 18-year-old gets his feet wet. He'll need to learn on the job quickly, as ranked teams from Stanford and Texas await in the next two games. The Rebels have been pretty outstanding on the road over the past couple of seasons, going 6-1 ATS in the past seven road games and 7-3 ATS in their past 10 in the month of September. USC is 1-5 ATS in the past six at home, 1-6 ATS in the past seven in September and 0-5 ATS in the past five non-conference battles. Perhaps the over is the play, as the total has gone over in eight of the past nine non-conference games for UNLV while going 5-1 in their past six aganst the Pac-12. The over is 6-2 in USC's past eight overall and 11-5-1 in the past 17 non-conference contests.

North Carolina at California (FOX, 4:00 p.m.)

The Tar Heels head out to the left coast looking for revenge against the Golden Bears. Cal posted a 35-30 victory, winning outright as a 12 1/2-point favorite, while the 'over' connected. It was the first of many losses for UNC in a lost and injury-plagued season, as they went just 3-9 SU. However, the Tar Heels did end up 4-0 ATS in their final four games after a trying 1-8 ATS start. Cal lost their final two games of 2017 to fall just short of bowl eligibility, although like Carolina they were able to close on a high note by covering three straight, and five of their final six. California also covered all five of their home games last season against FBS opponents, and they're 9-2 ATS over the past 11 at home against FBS clubs.

Cincinnati at UCLA (ESPN, 7:00 p.m.)

The Bearcats and Bruins will do battle in the Rose Bowl with UCLA favored by more than two touchdowns. Neither of these sides have fared particularly well against the number in recent seasons, especially against unfamiliar foes. Cincinnati is just 8-20 ATS in their past 28 games overall, and they're 4-10 ATS in the past 14 in the month of September. In addition, Cincy is 0-5 ATS in the past five games on grass. In Cincinnati's past 17 non-conference games the Bearcats have managed a dismal 4-13 ATS mark. The Bruins haven't been much better, going 7-17 ATS in the past 24 on grass, 4-11 ATS in the past 15 overall and 1-8 ATS in the past nine games in the month of September. In addition, the Bruins are a terrible 1-8 ATS in the past nine non-confernece battles. The under is 8-2-1 in Cincinnati's past 11 outside of the conference, while going 22-10-1 in the past 33 games overall. The under is 4-1 in UCLA's past five games at home, but the over is 5-2-1 in their past eight non-conference battles.

Bowling Green at Oregon (Pac-12 Network, 8:00 p.m.)

Oregon has been facing some FCS teams in the month of September in recent seasons to open, but this year they'll at least face an FBS club. The Ducks are still favored by more than four touchdowns to knock off Bowling Green from the MAC. Bowling Green heads into this one looking to turn around some ugly trends. They're 3-10 ATS in their past 13 games overall, while going 0-9 ATS in the past nine non-conference games and 0-9 ATS in the past nine in the month of September while going 3-7 ATS in the past 10 on a fieldturf surface. The Ducks haven't been much better, going 8-18-1 ATS in the past 27 games overall, 4-10-1 ATS in the past 15 in September while going 2-6-1 ATS in the past nine non-conference battles. Total bettors might be hammering the over this week in this battle. The over is 7-0 in Bowling Green's past seven overall, and 4-0 in their past four on the road. The over is 52-19-1 in the past 72 games at home and 37-18-2 in the past 57 games in the month of September.

Texas-San Antonio at Arizona State (FOX Sports 1, 10:00 p.m.)

The Roadrunners and Sun Devils do battle for the second time in the past three years as head coach Herm Edwards makes his college football debut at the helm. The last time UTSA played Arizona State in the Alamodome, the Sun Devils escaped with a 32-28 win on Sept. 16, 2016 while easily covering a 21 1/2-point number. The Roadrunners have covered each of their past four against the Pac-12, and they're 5-1 ATS in the past six non-conference battles, too. The Sun Devils are 12-5 ATS in the past 17 games at home, but they're 0-5 ATS in the past five non-conference battles. The under hit in the final seven regular season games for UTSA, while going 4-0 in the past four road games. The over finished up 5-1 in the final six for Arizona State, however.

Brigham Young at Arizona (ESPN, 10:45 p.m.)

The Cougars and Wildcats do battle in Tucson in an attractive late-night matchup to close out the Week 1 slate, at least the games in the conterminous 48. Arizona opened as a 15-point favorite, but the money has been on BYU, betting the line down to 11 1/2 points. The Cougars enter the game with a 4-0 ATS mark in their past four non-conference tilts, while going 5-2 ATS in the past seven Pac-12 contests. Arizona hasn't been as fortunate against the number, although they're 5-2 ATS in their past seven at home. The Wildcats have covered just twice in the past eight non-conference battles, and they're 5-12 ATS in the past 17 September outings. The under is 4-0 in the past four meetings in this series, while going 14-5 in BYU's past 19 no-conference battles. The under is also 8-3 in the past 11 on the road for the Cougs. For Aizona, the over is 6-2 in their past eight home games, and 4-1 in their past five non-conference battles.

Other Games

Weber State at Utah (Thu. - Pac-12 Network, 8:00 p.m.)

 

[Cnotes53]

College Essentials - Week 1
August 29, 2018
By Tony Mejia

The first weekend of the college football season featured only two games where FBS teams squared off against one another and produced an upset right out of the gate.

Hawai?I had a great weekend, capturing the Little League World Series less than 24 hours after its largest university held off 17-point favorite Colorado State to start 1-0 in Mountain West play. Wyoming won its first game post-Josh Allen thanks to an impressive defensive effort in a 29-7 victory at New Mexico State.

We?re now off and running with every other team set to debut in games scheduled daily beginning Thursday.

Here?s a look at the games I?m most excited about between Friday and Monday, a top ten that you can?t miss and should be wagering on if so inclined.

Friday, Aug. 31

Western Kentucky at Wisconsin (-37.5/52.5), 9:00 p.m. ET, ESPN: The Badgers nearly ran the table last season, losing in the Big Ten Championship when they failed to get one last scoring drive against Ohio State. With Jonathan Taylor back to run behind a loaded offensive line, hopes are high in Madison. The Hilltoppers lost five of six to end Mike Sanford?s first season with a thud, losing to Georgia State in the Care Bowl. They?ll play five running backs and are breaking in a new starting quarterback in senior Drew Eckels, so keep that in mind if you?re tempted to take the points. The Badgers will begin answering the question of whether they have the firepower at receiver with Quintez Cephus and Danny Davis both suspended.

San Diego State at Stanford (-14.5/49), 9:00 p.m. ET, FS1: After a tough loss at USC last September, the Cardinal dropped out of the national title conversation by losing at the Aztecs as an eight-point favorite. SDSU?s star running back Rashaad Penny is now with the Seahawks but there are high hopes that Juwan Washington can follow adequately in his footsteps. He hasn?t even been practicing due to the risk of injury, so Stanford will have to deal with a fresh back. Counterpart Bryce Love should already be playing in the pros, so we?ll see if his gamble to stay in school pays off beyond getting a degree in human biology to realize his other dream of becoming a pediatrician. Special kid. The Aztecs will have a strong plan in pace with Rocky Long having so many defensive starters back, so it will be on K.J. Costello to ensure the Stanford passing game takes advantage after failing to capitalize on the room to succeed Love?s presence provides.

Saturday, Sept. 1

Florida Atlantic at Oklahoma (-21/68.5), 12:00 p.m. ET, FOX: Points are expected to pile up here as early numbers have placed this total near 70 and the ?over? should still be a popular play. It?s Lane Kiffin vs. Lincoln Riley, two offensive masterminds, going at in a season opener, so they?ll have had plenty of time in the lab to show off a few wrinkles that could overwhelm the defense. The Owls are stepping up in weight class significantly and haven?t seen a quarterback emerge to take the reins, so that?s going to be a concern in a hostile atmosphere in Norman. It would spice things up if Oklahoma transfer Chris Robison starts for Florida Atlantic. Kyler Murray replacing Baker Mayfield was always the expectation, so now it?s time to see if the former elite recruit who never lost in high school can produce at a high level consistently before beginning his journey in the A?s farm system. The Sooners are laying a big number, so he?ll need to be sharp to keep this from getting too interesting. Impressive OU RB Rodney Anderson will shoulder a heavy load, but FAU?s Devin Singletary is also a pro. It?s expected to be sunny, so weather shouldn?t be a concern.

Washington at Auburn (-1.5/49), 3:30 p.m ET, ABC: This one reigns as the top matchup of the weekend given the rankings and title aspirations both harbor. Huskies QB Jake Browning has gotten a reputation as a player who struggles in the biggest moments and took a step back after a brilliant sophomore year, so we?ll see how he attacks his senior season. Counterpart Jarrett Stidham is a potential No. 1 NFL overall pick given his arm and athleticism. Going up against SEC defenses will test him weekly, but don?t sell Washington short. Taylor Rapp is a tremendous safety leading one of the country?s top secondaries to the table. If Greg Gaines is back to his old self up front, Auburn will have some trouble moving it effectively. The dome at Atlanta?s Mercedes-Benz Stadium takes any weather concerns out the window and certainly gives the SEC?s Tigers the edge since their fan base will help create a great atmosphere and make life difficult for an offense that will lean on elite running back Myles Gaskin. It?s easy to dismiss what looks to be the Pac-12?s top team entering the season due to the league?s lack of success over the past few years but that would be foolish in this case. Washington has the coaching talent to take advantage of a season opener in which Gus Malzahn may believe his defense is ahead of the offensive, potentially slowing this contest down.

West Virginia (-10/61) vs. Tennessee, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS: The Mountaineers have the nation?s most prolific returning passer in Will Grier and genuine Big 12 title aspirations, so it?s no surprise to see them as a double-digit favorite against the rebuilding Vols. There is significant SEC talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball, that West Virginia must contend with in order to move it. The prospect of WR David Sills and Gary Jennings helping Grier light up a Vols? defensive backfield that will start a pair of true freshmen. New head coach Jeremy Pruitt can coach and scheme up a defense, but this will be a tough first test for him and his staff in Charlotte. Tennessee has entrusted Jarrett Guarantano over Stanford transfer Keller Chryst with the keys to the offense despite a shaky freshman season, so the offense is somewhat of a mystery. Thunderstorms are a possibility here as well.

Michigan at Notre Dame (PK/47), 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC: We?ve got ourselves a pick?em here in addition to the possibility of inclement weather, so I?d wait until closer to kickoff to pick a side in this potential classic. Jim Harbaugh is entering a critical fourth season in Ann Arbor and has his best quarterback since arriving back at his alma mater with Ole Miss transfer Shea Patterson at the controls. Unfortunately, talented receiver Tarik Black has been ruled out for a few months with an injury so Michigan will be down a playmaker in South Bend. The Wolverines topped the country in pass defense last season and will pose a major challenge for Irish QB Brandon Wimbush with so many starters back. Sophomore Ian Book might get in a series if the junior incumbent can?t produce results early but has remained the backup despite helping take down LSU in January?s Citrus Bowl. There are plenty of moving parts here. The last meeting between these former annual rivals saw Notre Dame help usher in the Harbaugh era with a 31-0 home win in 2014 that spelled the beginning of the end for Brady Hoke?s tenure. How will Brian Kelly fare now? Whichever team loses faces a major buzzkill.

Louisville vs. Alabama (-24.5/60), 8 p.m. ET, ABC: Nick Saban has another tremendous defense in place, but the Crimson Tide will have to prove it on the field given the roster turnover. Redshirt senior Christian Miller and juniors Raekwon Davis and Anfernee Jennings are worthy leaders who should make life difficult for Lamar Jackson?s replacement, Jawon Pass. Bobby Petrino will have a strong offensive game plan in place with so long to prepare for a daunting challenge, so we?ll likely see this QB race between Heisman Trophy favorite Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts play out immediately. They?ve been listed as co-starters. The Tide are a 25-point favorite in Orlando, where rain is always a concern. Will having a new set of coordinators and a host of new faces derail the Tide or have them ready to show out. The ?Ville will need standout WR Jaylen Smith to prove he?s a quick learner. He underwent an emergency appendectomy at the start of fall camp and is still coming along, which is unfortunate timing given the opening game opposition.

BYU at Arizona (-11.5/60.5), 10:45 p.m. ET, ESPN: The Cougars are looking to bounce back from their first losing season since 2004 and have chosen Tanner Mangum over highly touted freshman Zach Wilson to lead the offense out on the field in Tucson. Former Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin has taken over after the Rich Rodriguez era ended and promises to push tempo in order to make QB Khalil Tate continue to shine since he?s got Lamar Jackson-like skills. This should be compelling given where both programs are entering the season. BYU tight end Matt Bushman was a freshman All-American last season but wasn?t handed the starting job, which is likely a message thing. With WR Dylan Collie and RB Squally Canada in the mix, Mangum will have weapons to move the ball on the road. The speculation is he?ll have a long leash. The ?Cats will have to give Tate time and room to work without suspended senior left tackle Layth Friekh after losing three starters to graduation. The other key returnee, center Nathan Eldridge, has been hampered by knee issues and may not be up to speed if he can go. Getting the offensive line prepared has been one of Sumlin?s top objectives upon arrival.

Sunday, Sept. 2

Miami, FL (-3.5/48) vs. LSU, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC: The luster off the Bayou Bengals since they?ve been denied double-digit victories for four years and counting. The chances of Ed Orgeron changing that this season don?t look great and will be virtually non-existent if they fail at Arlington?s AT&T Stadium given the schedule ahead. LSU?s defense will have to replace a number of key figures but has a chance to again be solid with coordinator Dave Aranda at the controls. The Tigers have a new quarterback too, though Orgeron won?t say who he?s chosen between Ohio State transfer Joe Burrow and lightly experienced sophomore Myles Brennan. Miami hadn?t won 10 games since their 2003 team finished in the top-5 but won its first 10 last year in Mark Richt?s second season at the helm. They were beaten in their final three games last season but return plenty of talent on both sides of the coin, including QB Malik Rosier and RB Travis Homer. Rosier has been streaky, so improved consistency will likely end up being the key to this game and the Hurricanes? season. Keep an eye on the matchup between UM receiver Ahmonn Richards and LSU corner Greedy Williams.

Monday, Sept. 3

Virginia Tech at Florida State (-7/57), 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN: The Willie Taggart era in Tallahassee opens against one of his new conference?s top programs, so there?s the potential for a rough start. Of course, the ?Noles could also hit the ground running if Deondre Francois can pick up where he left off before being injured last season. He beat out James Blackman for the QB job and has a lot of talent to work with against a Hokies defense that lost a significant amount of talent. Bud Foster is one of the best in the business but it?s tough to expect to put together one of his typical stingy units immediately, especially since this opener is on the road. In Josh Jackson, Virginia Tech has perhaps the ACC?s top offensive threat and is capable of stealing this one. The schedules ease up for both teams in the first few weeks, so this is no deal-breaker even though it doubles as a crucial league game right out of the gate. The winner is set up to go on a run, so our Monday night college fill-in carries major consequences.