WEEK 6 NCAA INFO AND STUFF

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Top Saturday Games

Top Saturday Games

Top Saturday Games

The SEC and Big Ten conferences highlight another great Saturday of college football action.

Florida (-7.5) at LSU ? 8 pm ET

The monumental clash between the top-ranked Florida Gators and the No. 4 LSU Tigers has a giant cloud hanging over it. That?s because Gators? quarterback Tim Tebow will be a game-time decision with a concussion.



Sophomore John Brantley will get the call if Tebow can?t go, and oddsmakers don?t seem too scared about that prospect with Florida over a touchdown road favorite.

Florida, the defending nation champion, has a 14-game winning streak right now. They?re also 11-1 ATS in their last 12 road games and have covered the last four meetings with LSU.

LSU is 5-0 straight-up, but just 2-3 ATS. They were able to survive last week at Georgia 20-13, but the offense is only ranked 99th in the country. The Tigers have won 32 consecutive Saturday night home games, but are only 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 home games overall.

Alabama (-5) at Mississippi ? 3:30 pm ET

Alabama (5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS) is ranked 3rd in the country and even got five first-place votes ahead of Florida. The Tide have the nation?s second-ranked defense in total yards, and the offense has been a pleasant surprise at 14th nationally.

No. 20 Mississippi (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) was ranked 4th in the country two weeks ago until a poor performance at South Carolina left them with a 16-10 loss. That was a nationally televised Thursday game. Quarterback Jevan Snead had a really poor effort and he needs to step it up big here.

This is just the Rebels second home game of the season. The first was a 52-6 win over lightly regarded Southeastern Louisiana. Mississippi has covered its last four home games and the home team is 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings between the schools.

The Crimson Tide have trends in their favor with a 9-2 ATS mark in their last 11 games as a favorite. They?re 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games.

Michigan (+8) at Iowa ? 8 pm ET

Iowa (5-0 SU, 3-1 ATS) has quietly moved up to No. 12 in the AP Poll. The Hawkeyes gained a lot of believers with their Saturday night win at Penn State two weeks ago, and they?ll try to make an equal impression at home this time around.

Michigan (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS) has only played one road game so far. That was a 26-20 overtime loss last week to Michigan State. Quarterback Tate Forcier is mature beyond his years, but Iowa City is a very tough environment for visitors.

Note that Michigan covered the last two meetings between the teams, but Iowa covered the previous eight.

There is also another great game in the Big Ten with Wisconsin (+16) at Ohio State. The Badgers are 5-0, but this is their biggest test by far. Still, this seems like a very large spread.

 

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SEC Game of the Week

SEC Game of the Week

SEC Game of the Week
October 10, 2009

SEC GAME OF THE WEEK: No. 1 Florida at No. 4 LSU
Date: Saturday October 10th
Time: 8:05 PM ET
TV: ABC
Line: Florida -8
Total: 45 ?

The game of weekend and possibly the SEC game of the year, will take place this Saturday night in Baton Rouge, as #1 Florida visits #4 LSU.

The Gators come to Baton Rouge as defending National Champions and with the story of will former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow play or not? Urban Meyer confirmed Friday afternoon that Tebow will be in the starting lineup against the Bayou Bengals.

The Gators breezed through the first four game and didn?t even need Tim Tebow to get off to a (4-0) start, but a scary injury against Kentucky could mean the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner won?t be at full strength heading into the team?s biggest road test of the season. In fact, Florida may not have Tebow?s services against the Tigers.

Against the Wildcats, the Gators (4-0, 2-0) were leading 31-7 in the third quarter September 26th at Kentucky, Tebow was knocked out, sending him to the hospital overnight with a concussion. Florida went on to win 41-7.

Tebow is third in the nation in passer rating through four games (170.3), has thrown six touchdown passes and run for five others while averaging a modest 160.5 yards per game through the air, but fans in Gainesville are hardly concerned with their senior quarterback?s numbers as he tries to join Ohio State?s Archie Griffin as college football?s only two-time Heisman winners.

The winner of this game has gone on to capture the last three BCS championships, and LSU (5-0, 3-0) picked up its highest-profile win of its 2007 championship season against the defending national champion Gators. Tebow led Florida to a 10-point fourth-quarter lead before the then top-ranked Tigers stormed back for a 28-24 win.

?It was a tough night,? coach Urban Meyer said. ?We needed to make a stop on defense, not allow a score or not turn the ball over. It haunts us.?

Now, the Gators are facing the prospect of making their return visit to Tiger Stadium - where LSU has won 32 consecutive Saturday night games - without their two-time All-American quarterback. Tebow practiced Tuesday for the first time since suffering his concussion, but still hasn?t been cleared to play Saturday.

?He looked like Tim out there (Tuesday),? Meyer said. ?Obviously practice is a lot different from what?s going to happen Saturday night. We?re still doing an evaluation.?

Tebow shared 50% of the snaps with backup John Brantley but was held out of 11-on-11 drills.

Brantley has looked good in his brief time on the field as a sophomore, completing 73.3 percent of his passes and throwing four touchdowns without an interception.

The Gators earned a measure of revenge for their 2007 loss in Baton Rouge with a 51-21 rout in Gainesville last season, as Tebow and receiver Percy Harvin helped Florida rack up 475 yards of offense against a Tigers defense that came in among the nation?s best.

LSU?s defense ranks 16th in the nation, giving up 14.8 points per game, while the offense ranks 99th in total yards (321.6) behind sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson.

The Tigers allowed 13 fourth-quarter points last Saturday at Georgia, Miles? weak rushing attack averaged 3.7 yards per carry. All-SEC tailback Charles Scott hadn?t scored a touchdown or gained more than 63 yards until the trip to Athens, where he ran for 95 yards and a set of scores, including the game-winner with 46 seconds left in LSU?s 20-13 win.

?Our offense has confidence in Charles Scott,? Miles said. ?Our offense has confidence in the ability to run the football. We just needed to do it and put it together.?

LSU is 2-8-1 all-time against No. 1 teams, with its lone regular-season victory coming 28-21 over Florida in prime time Oct. 11, 1997, at Tiger Stadium.

This is the third time in three years that LSU has faced a number one ranked team. The Tigers faced Ohio State in 2007, they played Alabama in 2008, and now the Gators in 2009.

ONE OF THESE STREAKS WILL BE SNAPPED

-- Florida is riding a 14-game winning streak.
-- The Tigers have won 32 consecutive Saturday night games.

BETTING TRENDS
Florida is 11-1 ATS in their lat 12 road games
Florida is 13-3 ATS in their last 16 SEC games
LSU is 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games
LSU is 0-4 ATS in the last 4 games against Florida
The UNDER is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings between the two teams.

 

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DUCKS' MOMENTUM GROUNDED?: Prince, UCLA live home 'dogs

DUCKS' MOMENTUM GROUNDED?: Prince, UCLA live home 'dogs

DUCKS' MOMENTUM GROUNDED?: Prince, UCLA live home 'dogs

QB's return bolsters Bruins' chances




After a miserable performance in a season-opening loss at Boise State, Oregon seemingly has turned the corner under first-year coach Chip Kelly.

At the top of the Ducks' resume is a 42-3 thrashing of California two weeks ago at Autzen Stadium.

The Ducks travel to Los Angeles today to face a UCLA team that lacks Oregon's offensive firepower but has made moderate gains under second-year coach Rick Neuheisel.

On the surface, the Ducks might appear to have momentum on their side, but a number of factors favor the Bruins in this Pacific-10 Conference showdown.

First of all, freshman quarterback Kevin Prince is expected to return after missing several weeks with a fractured jaw. Behind veteran backup Kevin Craft, a limited Bruins offense had become even more hamstrung.

From a technical standpoint, UCLA is 14-5 against the spread (ATS) the past 10 years as a home underdog and 12-2 ATS versus ranked opponents during the same span. Additionally, the Bruins are 20-5 ATS off a straight-up loss since 2004.

On top of that, the injury bug recently has hit Oregon hard, with cornerback Willie Glasper the latest to be put on the shelf. Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, meanwhile, is battling a bad right knee but could be under center for the Ducks.

In any event, take UCLA as a 31/2-point home underdog.

Four more plays for today (home team in CAPS):

? WASHINGTON (+31/2) over Arizona -- The Huskies return home after a hard-luck overtime loss at Notre Dame. With one of the nation's more underappreciated quarterbacks in Jake Locker, Washington is energized under new coach Steve Sarkisian and should get the win. Arizona still is searching for an offensive identity.

? TEXAS A&M (+51/2) over Oklahoma State -- After opening the season with national championship aspirations -- at least in their minds -- the Cowboys have lost at home to Houston and now will be without suspended All-America wide receiver Dez Bryant.

Kyle Field is a tough environment for opposing teams, and the Aggies appear to pack enough offensive firepower to keep this Big 12 game close.

? OKLAHOMA (-28) over Baylor -- Any hopes of the Sooners sneaking in the back door and gaining a spot in the Bowl Championship Series title game were all but extinguished last week at Miami.

But coach Bob Stoops' teams historically play well off a loss (12-6 ATS in their past 18 in the role), and Baylor's offense lost its heart and soul when quarterback Robert Griffin went down for the season two weeks ago with a knee injury. After it was announced Oklahoma star QB Sam Bradford is returning from a right shoulder injury, this line moved up three points.

? LOUISIANA STATE (+71/2) over Florida -- The No. 4 Tigers are the most overrated team in college football to date.

And while it hasn't always been pretty, LSU has done what it takes to win and is getting more than a touchdown in this mammoth matchup against the top-ranked Gators.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow probably is a 50/50 proposition to play, so take the points in any scenario.

****** THIS GUY IS NOT VERY GOOD *******

 

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Bradford is back and moving Oklahoma's odds

Bradford is back and moving Oklahoma's odds

Bradford is back and moving Oklahoma's odds


Sam Bradford will be back under center for the Oklahoma Sooners this weekend.

The reigning Heisman winner has missed the Sooners' last three games after suffering a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder in a loss to BYU in Week 1. Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops told reporters that his star quarterback is healthy enough to play against the Baylor Bears at home after a positive week of practice.

"Sam has had a great week of practice and is ready to play," Stoops said in a statement. "We're obviously excited to have him back."

With Bradford on the field this weekend, the Sooners have moved from their opening stand as 24-point home favorites to -28 in the hours following the program's announcement.

?When we heard news that Bradford was going to start, we were dealing Oklahoma -27, and we moved to the current number of -28,? says Logans.com oddsmaker Michael Perry, who notes that 28 is a key number because it is divisible by seven.

Logans.com set their opening number with the belief that Bradford was going to play despite talk of shoulder surgery earlier in the week. But with bets rushing in on Oklahoma, they've adjusted to that one-sided action with their current line moves.

?Bob Stoops knows what he is doing and is looking out for the best interest of the team and Bradford,? says Perry, ?and if Bradford is so adamant that he can start, then let the kid start. I don't think Bradford would be ignorant enough to hurt his NFL stock by hurrying himself on the field before he is completely healed.?

Freshman Landry Jones has filled in for the injured Bradford. He's helped the Sooners total over 239 passing yards per game while averaging 35.5 points. Oklahoma is 2-2 straight up and against the spread this year, coming off a 21-20 road loss to the Miami Hurricanes as a 7.5-point favorite.

Saturday's total has moved along with the spread, growing to 56.5 points from a opening as low as 54.

 

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Snow problem: College football weather report

Snow problem: College football weather report

Snow problem: College football weather report


It looks like another beautiful weekend for football across the country as temperatures are starting to fall along with the leaves. Three big games, however, could have weather become a huge factor by the end of Saturday. Don?t forget to check the forecast one last time before placing your bets!

Florida Gators at Louisiana State Tigers (+7.5, 43.5)

Tim Tebow or no Tim Tebow, the one thing that is almost certain in this clash of SEC titans is rain. Weather.com is predicting a 60 percent chance of showers with a 6 mph wind. The temperature also figures to be a muggy, 76 degrees as the showers figure to help a pair of outstanding defenses shine in front of an expected huge national television audience.

Texas Christian Horned Frogs at Air Force Falcons (+10.5, 42.5)

It?s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Colorado Springs. With a 60 percent chance of precipitation and a low of around 20 degrees, snow showers are expected to mark this matchup. Both teams sport fantastic defenses and love to pound the ball, meaning their game plans should suffer little due to the harsh weather, but an 11 mph wind should hurt TCU?s superior passing game.

Kentucky Wildcats at South Carolina Gamecocks (-10, 46.5)

Both squads better be sure to bring their rain gear for this early game. There is a 60 percent chance of rain on the day, including an expected 9 mph wind. The day could also get very hot and sticky since the temperature could reach as high as 86 degrees. Bad weather should help negate the expected loss of Kentucky?s top two cornerbacks.

 

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NCAA

NCAA

NCAA Previews

Baseball is grabbing a little of the spotlight, but it?s still football that still takes center stage in October.

NCAA Previews:
A marquee matchup in college football is set for Saturday evening when the No. 1 Florida Gators head to Baton Rouge to play the No. 4 LSU Tigers. Online sportsbooks have the nation?s consensus top team favored by 7.5-points with a Total of 46.

But the question going into that key SEC matchup is will Florida be able to cover and win without the services of potential 2009 Heisman candidate Tim Tebow?

The Gators last saw action two weeks ago when they hammered the Kentucky Wildcats 41-7, unfortunately QB Tebow was hammered as well and suffered a concussion.

Florida had last week off, allowing Tebow extra time to rest and the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner was able to practice this week but hasn?t been given medical clearance to play and will be a game-time decision.

?After [Tuesday?s] practice, I was told to game plan with the intent that there's a chance that Tim could play. That's all I know,? Florida head coach Urban Meyer told ESPN.

?All the other stuff . . . we'll make a decision as we get closer.?

NCAA Trends:
The Gators are 3-0 against the spread vs. the LSU Tigers during Tebow?s time in Gainesville and are 11-3 ATS against LSU in their last 14.

Florida is also 6-1 ATS in its last seven games in Louisiana.

NCAA Betting:
The sports betting public is still unsure of which way to go on this one, as the Tebow injury causes uncertainty.

Online sportsbooks are reporting even betting action, with 54% leaning towards the Gators.

 

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It is only the first week of October, but there are already some national powers that find themselves out of the national title hunt, not to mention conference title consideration. The Sunshine State takes center stage this week, with the resurrection of one program and the possible demise of another. Finally, a possible re-instatement in Eugene could have the Ducks primed for a Pac-10 title run.

THESE CANES ARE DEFINITELY ABLE: There is little argument that the Miami Hurricanes had the toughest early-season schedule in college football. With Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Oklahoma on the docket to kickoff the 2009 campaign, few people, including head coach Randy Shannon, could have envisioned Miami being 3-1 after a month of action. Still, following a thrilling 21-20 victory over the Sooners this past weekend, that is exactly where the Hurricanes stand. Already with big wins over FSU and Georgia Tech, Miami is in good standing in the ACC. Sophomore Jacory Harris is much further along than anticipated and his maturation under center is a big reason for the team's resurgence. Only time will tell, if the Hurricanes can stay focused and run the table the rest of the way, but with confidence growing each week and a favorable schedule the rest of the way, 10+ wins is a real possibility.

THE NATIVES ARE GETTING RESTLESS: Everything is not sunny in the Sunshine State, as there are rumblings in Tallahassee about Hall of Famer Bobby Bowden's job security. The head of Florida State's Board of Trustees has gone on the record and said that 2009 could be the last for Bowden, who is in his 34th season at the helm. The Seminoles, who have lost two straight games, fell to 2-3 on the season and 0-2 in ACC play with last weekend's 28-21 loss at Boston College. After winning double-digit games in 14 straight seasons from 1987-2000, FSU has not posted a 10-win season since 2003. Bowden, who has won two national titles and 384 career games (second only to Penn State's Joe Paterno among FBS-level coaches), could be on borrowed time, a notion thought to be preposterous even last year. With offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher waiting in the wings to take over, it could only be a matter of time before Bowden is forced into retirement.

REVERSAL OF FURTUNES: Just two weeks ago, the California Golden Bears looked unbeatable and posed a real threat to USC's reign atop the Pac-10. However, with a 30-3 rout at the hands of the Trojans, Jeff Tedford's team has gone from championship mode to survival mode. The problem has been a complete lack of offense in the last two games, as the team has managed just six combined points in back-to-back lopsided losses to Oregon and USC. All-American candidate Jahvid Best has been neutralized in the two losses and if he can't get going on the ground, the passing attack has little chance of working.

The other team in the country that saw its national title hopes dashed was Oklahoma. The Sooners have a built-in excuse with the injury of Heisman winner Sam Bradford. Still, despite the loss to BYU in the season-opener, OU could have run the table in the Big 12 and found itself playing for a national championship. However, a 21-20 loss to Miami this week will leave the Sooners on the outside looking in. Now the team must find a way to regroup, with or without Bradford, as the team takes on Baylor this week before getting back-to-back ranked opponents in Texas and Kansas outside of Norman.

SECOND CHANCES: It was revealed late last week that Oregon head coach Chip Kelly was considering reinstating standout tailback LeGarrette Blount. Of course, everyone knows that Blount was suspended for the year for throwing a punch at the end of the Boise State loss, and then subsequently losing his mind as he left the field of play, arguing and getting into a physical confrontation with fans. While the actions of Blount certainly stepped way over the line, it shouldn't have cost him the season and in turn the rest of his collegiate career. Blount, who was allowed to remain with the team for practice, has done all the right things since the incident and should be given the opportunity to redeem himself. It would not be a move of necessity with the emergence of youngster LaMichael James in the backfield, but rather a move of compassion by Kelly, who has been nothing short of a stand-up guy in his short tenure in Eugene.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: It was a week for running backs to show their worth, starting with Louisiana Tech's Daniel Porter, who rushed for 160 yards and two TDs in leading the Bulldogs to a big win over Hawaii to kick off the week on Wednesday. West Virginia's Noel Devine was masterful the next night, with a career-high 220 yards and one TD in a win over Colorado. Wisconsin's John Clay ran for a career-high 184 yards and three TDs in a close win at Minnesota. Temple's freshman tailback Bernard Pierce posted 180 yards and two TDs in a win at Eastern Michigan. UCF's Brynn Harvey put up a career-high 219 yards and one TD in a win over Memphis. UL-Monroe's Frank Goodin ran for 163 yards and three TDs against Florida International. Finally, Stanford's Toby Gerhart rushed for 134 yards and three TDs for the Cardinal, who are surprisingly sitting atop the Pac-10 at 3-0.

The Notre Dame pitch-and-catch combination of QB Jimmy Clausen and WR Golden Tate was too much for Washington in an overtime win for the Irish. Clausen threw for 422 yards and two TDs, with more than half of that going to Tate, who hauled in nine passes, for 244 yards and one TD.

In a losing effort, Houston signal-caller Case Keenum continued his torrid pace, passing for 536 yards and five touchdowns against UTEP.

SNEAK PEEK: There are three top-25 matchups on the schedule for week number six, but none bigger than top-ranked Florida at fourth-ranked LSU. The Gators may or may not be without Tim Tebow, who is still suffering from lingering effects of a concussion. The Tigers meanwhile, are quietly proving to be one of the most complete teams in the nation.

Thursday night's affair between 21st-ranked Nebraska and 24th-ranked Missouri may lack the allure of the Florida/LSU bout, but it will give the winner a leg up in the wide open Big 12 North.

The last top-25 clash features third-ranked Alabama at 20th-ranked Ole Miss. The Crimson Tide (5-0) are certainly looking the part of a national title contender, but cannot look past anyone, especially the Rebels (3-1) in Oxford.

Other key games include 17th-ranked Auburn at Arkansas, Boston College at fifth-ranked Virginia Tech, 15th-ranked Oklahoma State at Texas A&M, undefeated Wisconsin at ninth-ranked Ohio State, 22nd-ranked Georgia Tech at Florida State and Michigan at 12th-ranked Iowa.

 

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One-sided action on tonight's prime-time totals

One-sided action on tonight's prime-time totals

One-sided action on tonight's prime-time totals


No. 1 Florida (4-0, 2-1 ATS) at No. 4 LSU (5-0, 2-3 ATS)

Where the Line Opened: Florida -9

Where it Stands Now: Florida -8.5

What are the Sharps Backing: LSU +9. Likely was an injury play, as bet was made Monday, when Tebow's status was more uncertain.

Over/Under Movement: 45 to 45.5

What the Book is Rooting for: Florida & Under. 62 percent on LSU on spread and 54 percent of total action on Over.

Injury Report: Florida: QB Tim Tebow (concussion) is questionable, LG Maurkice Pouncey (shoulder) , RG Mike Pouncey (ankle), RT Marcus Gilbert (elbow), WR Deonte Thompson (hamstring) are probable; LSU: RG Lyle Hitt (concussion) is probable.

Comments: Assuming he passes medical testing shortly before tonight's game, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow will start for the Gators. Tebow had some much-needed time off last week, as the Gators had a bye in their schedule. LSU once again narrowly avoided defeat last week, by scoring a last-minute TD to beat Georgia on the road. While Florida has been favored over the past four contests between the schools, the home team has won every time during this stretch. Florida waxed LSU 51-21, last year, when it was a 6.5-point favorite and the total was 46.5

Prop of Game: Charles Scott (LSU) Will He Record a Touchdown: No (-130)

No. 23 Georgia Tech (4-1) at Florida State (2-3)

Where the Line Opened: FSU -2.5

Where it Stands Now: FSU -3

What are the Sharps Backing: FSU -2.5 & Over 54.5

Over/Under Movement: 54.5 to 55.5

What the Book is Rooting for: G Tech & Under. 59 percent of side action backing FSU and 64 percent behind the Over on the total.

Injury Report: Georgia Tech: FS Dominique Reese (shoulder) is probable; Florida State: DT Justin Mincey (knee) is doubtful

Comments: Georgia Tech defeated the Seminoles last year 31-28 for the first time in 10 meetings. The game was a push as the Yellow Jackets were 3-point favorites and the total was 42.5. Georgia Tech QB Josh Nesbitt only attempted five passes in this game, as Jonathan Dwyer had a very nice day on the ground (145 rush yds and 2 TDs) and Georgia Tech rushed for 288 yards as a team. Florida State has been a Jekyl-and-Hyde team in 2009, as it went into Provo and decimated BYU but it has a home loss to South Florida and also just suffered a tough loss on the road in Boston College.

Prop of Game: Christian Ponder (Florida St) Total Passing Yards: 262.5

Michigan (4-1, 3-2 ATS) at Iowa (5-0, 3-1 ATS)

Where the Line Opened: Iowa -7.5

Where it Stands Now: Iowa -8

What are the Sharps Backing: Under 48

Over/Under Movement: 48 to 47

What the Book is Rooting for: Iowa & Over. Bigger decision on total than side, as 53 percent are behind Michigan and 71 percent of total action the Under.

Injury Report: Michigan: QB Tate Forcier (ribs) is probable; Iowa: Tony Moeaki (ankle) is probable

Comments: Michigan finally tastes defeat last week, as it lost a tough overtime road game against Michigan State. QB Tate Forcier has been spectacular all season long. He has completed 60 percent of his passes and has a TD-to-INT ratio of 9-to-3. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferenz would like to see his QB's TD-to-INT ratio improve a bit, as Richard Stanzi has already thrown seven INTs compared to eight TD passes. Michigan has covered the past two meetings between the schools, but before that, Iowa had covered the previous eight, each time being an underdog.

Prop of Game: Ricky Stanzi (Iowa) Total Passing Touchdowns + Interceptions: 2.5 under (-180)