WEEK 6 NCAA INFO AND STUFF

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Conference Updates
October 6, 2009

ACC...Here's one of the shockers of the young season; Maryland actually sits atop the ACC's Atlantic Division by virtue of its upset win over Clemson last week. The Terps are the only team in that half of the loop without a defeat, but with Clemson and Florida State already sitting with two losses, you get an idea of how jumbled things are in the Atlantic. Also, there are some ominous developments in Tallahassee, where it looks more and more likely that we're in the midst of Bobby Bowden's farewell season. In the Coastal half, things look a bit more predictable with Virginia Tech setting the early pace, but who would have guessed under-fire Al Groh and Virginia would be right on the Hokies' tails? North Carolina and its struggling offense rate as a major letdown thus far. Surprise team...Boston College; Disappointing teams...North Carolina and Florida State.

BIG EAST... Remember, the Big East is a card-carrying member of the BCS, so if one of its teams should go unbeaten, shouldn't it have a crack at the BCS title game over some one-loss teams from other leagues? We'll see, but for the moment we can at least project ahead with Cincinnati, cruising along unbeaten and now in the Top Ten of all polls. South Florida is also progressing in unbeaten fashion, and if not quite a serious BCS title game threat with QB Matt Grothe done for the year (although backup B.J. Daniels hasn't looked bad), the Bulls, Pitt, and West Virginia are all going to provide some difficult hurdles for the Bearcats if Cincy really fancies itself a title-game hopeful. The league has fared better than most predicted in the first month of the campaign, with only Louisville appearing outclassed...not good news for beleaguered HC Steve Kragthorpe. Surprise teams...Cincinnati, South Florida, UConn; Disappointing team...Louisville.

BIG TEN... We don't think there are any serious BCS title game threats in the league (the best chance would have been for Ohio State to knock off Southern Cal when it had the chance back on September 12), and we don't think unbeaten Iowa (which has barely survived at home vs. Northern Iowa and Arkansas State) is a threat to run the table, not with a trip to Columbus on deck in November. Nor do we think unbeaten Wisconsin (at Ohio State this week) is a threat to win out, although RB John Clay could emerge as a peripheral Heisman threat, and QB Scott Tolzien is improving by the week. Michigan is providing some unexpected thrills, but Rich Rodriguez' defense is going to prove a liability. On the bottom end, Ron Zook could soon find himself in trouble at Illinois, one of the nation's big letdown teams thus far. Surprise teams...Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan; Disappointing team...Illinois.

BIG XII... Interesting doings in the North, where a bristling three-team race between Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska looks to be in the cards. A measured vote for the Tigers, who get to face the Huskers in Columbia this Thursday and misses Oklahoma entirely; Kansas gets both the Sooners and Texas and must also travel to Texas Tech, while the Huskers visit both Mizzou and the Jayhawks. Don't count Oklahoma out of the Southern half just yet, because QB Sam Bradford figures to return for the showdown in two weeks vs. Texas, although OU is out of the national title picture with two losses already. Surprise team...Missouri; Disappointing team... Colorado.

CONFERENCE USA... There will be no BCS Buster threats in CUSA after Houston was so rudely dumped at UTEP last Saturday. That result also puts the West half up for grabs, with Tulsa now the pacesetter. East Carolina and Southern Miss are probably still the class of the Eastern half, although the unpredictable nature of this league was highlighted again in UAB's shock win over the Golden Eagles last week. Memphis appears on the skids, and rumors are floating in the Bluff City that HC Tommy West's days are numbered. Surprise team...UCF; Disappointing team...Memphis.

MAC... With only one team (Central Michigan, at 4-1) having as few as just one loss, it's obvious things are up for grabs in both halves of the loop. Al Golden's Temple, perhaps picking up in surprise fashion as did Buffalo a year ago, is currently setting the pace in the Eastern half (where, by the way, only Frank Solich's Ohio stands above .500 overall). The West appears to be the stronger of the two sides, with the aforementioned Chips, Northern Illinois, and Toledo also figuring as serious contenders. Surprise team...Temple; Disappointing teams...Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo.

MOUNTAIN WEST... Eventually, this will probably come down to a race between TCU and BYU, with Utah perhaps involved. Remember, the Frogs must travel to Provo and have a tricky assignment on deck at Air Force this week. The Utes, however, have seen their long win streak halted and are now minus workhorse RB Matt Asiata. On the bottom end, New Mexico has been such a mess that new HC Mike Locksley might be fortunate to survive the season. Surprise team...Wyoming; Disappointing team...New Mexico.

PAC-10... Southern Cal's shock loss at Washington opened up the race sooner than expected, but with surprising Stanford emerging as a possible contender, the chase has taken on an unexpected hue. Oregon has also rebounded nicely from a shaky start and gets the Trojans in Eugene on Halloween. Only downtrodden Washington State appears certain to be out of the eventual bowl mix. Surprise teams...Stanford and Washington; Disappointing team...Cal.

SEC... With the balance of power apparently shifting to the West (despite Florida's presence in the East), the top contenders again threaten to cannibalize themselves and jeopardize their BCS title game hopes. Ironically, the Gators probably have the easiest path, although they must travel to LSU this week. Alabama, Ole Miss, surprising Auburn, and the Baton Rouge bunch are all tightly bunched in the West, and we'd be stunned if anyone gets through that gauntlet unscathed. By the way, the loser of this week's Georgia-Tennessee game will have three losses and ticketed for minor bowl territory at best. Surprise team...Auburn; Disappointing teams...Georgia and Tennessee.

SUN BELT... A lively three-team race could be developing between Troy (which has bounced back nicely from early losses at Bowling Green & Florida), Middle Tennessee (with wins vs. Memphis & Maryland), and perhaps Charlie Weatherbie's UL-Monroe, currently on top of the loop at 2-0. Surprise teams...Middle Tennessee and UL-Monroe; Disappointing team...Florida Atlantic.

WAC... The major discussion will be if any league contender can derail Boise State's BCS hopes. With Hawaii forced to now proceed minus QB Greg Alexander (out for the season with a knee injury), the Warriors are an unlikely roadblock, and the Broncos have already beaten Fresno State. Potential threats Nevada and WAC surprise Idaho visit the blue carpet, so the best chance to derail Boise might be La Tech hosting the Broncos November 6. But we wouldn't bet on it. Surprise teams...Idaho & Utah State; Disappointing teams...Nevada & San Jose State.

 

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Bankroll-killing Illini change quarterbacks

Bankroll-killing Illini change quarterbacks

Bankroll-killing Illini change quarterbacks

Illinois, which is 1-3 straight up, 0-4 against the spread and averaging less than nine points against FBS foes, has benched senior quarterback Juice Williams, who had made 38 straight starts.

Fighting Illini coach Ron Zook said on his radio show Monday morning he made the move looking for a spark for his team, which scored 45 points vs. Illinois State and 26 combined vs. Missouri (9), Ohio State (0) and Penn State (17).

A four-year starter, Williams has the most experience of any quarterback in the Big Ten. But he has just one TD pass with four interceptions and sat out most of the Illinois State game after suffering an injury in the first quarter.

He was replaced by junior Eddie McGee, who has played in 19 games but will make his first career start Saturday vs. Michigan State. Host Illinois is giving 4.5 points

 

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Look Aheads and Let Downs - Week 6

Look Aheads and Let Downs - Week 6

Look Aheads and Let Downs - Week 6
October 5, 2009

There were some close finishes and questionable calls in college football last week, but nothing that really was out of the ordinary.

What I took out of Week 5 of the season is that Sam Bradford would have made a difference for the Sooners in Miami and ?BCS Buster? squads like the Cougars appear to be more susceptible to traps.

We?ve got a hat trick of games that appear to be traps for us to pounce upon. Let?s take a look at them.

Tunneling underground?

Houston was starting to get the attention from the media after taking down a pair of Big XII foes. Needless to say, the Cougars weren?t really up to face off with UTEP as 14 ?-point road faves. The Miners parlayed Donald Buckram?s 262 yards and four touchdowns to a 58-41 upset of then No. 12 Houston.

Will the Miners win their second straight this weekend against Memphis? The betting shops are leaning that way by making them three-point road favorites.

It?s not a stretch to think that the Tigers will fall over for UTEP here. This is a team that has yet to beat a FBS level club this year in four chances, failing to cover the spread in any of them.

Why should you back Memphis in this spot? They have won and covered both games they have played against the Miners. One of those wins snapped a nine-game skid and the other came after Memphis had lost two of its first three games.

Trapped Sooners?

Oklahoma definitely could have used Bradford under center last Saturday in South Florida against the ?Canes. His backup, Landry Jones, moved the chains just once out of the 10 times that he threw the ball on third down.

The plus side is that it sounds like Bradford will be back this week against Baylor. The Sooners are currently listed as 25-point home favorites.

What could prove problematic for OU against the Bears is the lack of offensive pop. Sure, you still have DeMarco Murray in the backfield. But they are without All-American tight end Jermaine Gresham for the season and wide receiver Ryan Broyles is now out for the year with a fractured shoulder blade. That eliminates a lot of options on the attack.

Another thing to keep in mind is this isn?t the same old Baylor squad that was a perennial doormat. They?re 3-1 straight up and 1-2 against the spread this season, which is the Bears? best start since 2007. But they will be starting freshman QB Nick Florence, who replaced Robert Griffin after going down for the season with a torn right ACL.

The Sooners will also be preparing for their annual showdown with Texas the following weekend, which could help Baylor out on occasion. Plus, the Bears are 5-3 ATS in their last eight meetings with Oklahoma.

Spartan Hangover?

It almost looked like Michigan State was going to come up on the short end of the stick once again when Tate Forcier helped the Wolverines force overtime with two seconds left. Larry Caper made sure the Spartans walked away a 26-20 winner with a 24 yard scamper in the extra session.

The betting shops like the Spartans as they?ve made them four-point road faves against Illinois.

Does it make sense to make Michigan State the ?chalk? for this game? When you consider the Illini have been manhandled in all three of their games against FBS schools, then yes.

What people should remember is that Illinois beat the Spartans in East Lansing in 2006 as a huge 25-point road underdog. Plus, MSU is just 2-3 SU and 1-4 ATS in its last five games following the meeting with the Wolverines.

 

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College Football Line Move of the Week

The best move came early and often on Michigan State at home against Michigan. The original line had Michigan favored by -1, but quickly moved to State being favored until it eventually closed with the Spartans being a -4 point favorite.

This was one of the strongest plays by a top service which cased the initial movement and it came through with a 26-20 win in overtime, but not without causing some sweat thanks to more late game heroics by Michigan Freshman QB Tate Forcier who tied the game with seconds left. In the end, it was Forcier who forced an errant intercepted pass in overtime that doomed Michigan.

Because Michigan failed to tackle following the OT interception, State ran it right in 25 yards out for the clinching score meaning that all the late followers of the service play got paid too because most of them laid -3.5 or -4, when the suggested send was laying up to -2.5. It was likely State was just lining up for the game winning field goal when the Wolverines true weakness, tackling, exposed themselves again.

Big Game Under the Lights In Baton Rouge

This week we get another chance to watch a Top-5 team fall out again, which will be the sixth time this season. The No. 1 ranked Florida Gators travel to Baton Rouge to face LSU for what is sure to be an epic battle and help shape the face of the 2009 season between the two teams that have the last three National Championships.

The winner of the game will be in the driver?s seat of the SEC and if the winner is LSU, things could get real interesting just because LSU has a much tougher road ahead of them. Following Florida, the Tigers have to play Auburn and then they have two tough road games later in the season at Alabama and Mississippi.

Florida?s road gets much easier if they are able to dispose of the Tigers this week with only a road game at South Carolina presenting any real danger. They don?t have to play either Alabama or Mississippi on their schedule unless it?s in the SEC Championship game.

The big story coming into the game is the status of Tim Tebow after suffering a concussion in Florida?s win at Kentucky last week. Team officials have been quiet about all reports which causes some concern, but it would be a major shocker if he didn?t play.

The Books are using caution in their approach of the game offering the Gators a -9 point road favorite as a circle game taking limited wagers.

?I would expect Tebow to play, but not be 100%,? Kornegay said.

Since 2000, the two teams have played to a near stalemate with Florida holding a 5-4 lead. Over the same time span, each team has won two BCS Titles and three SEC Titles. Needless to say this game is huge and it will be interesting to see what side the bettors, both public and sharp, lean towards.

 

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Conference USA News and Notes

Conference USA News and Notes

Conference USA News and Notes
EAST DIVISION:

EAST CAROLINA - Patrick Pinkney's 30-yard touchdown run on the last play of the third quarter pushed East Carolina ahead and the Pirates' defense forced a pair of turnovers in the fourth quarter to preserve the 21-17 victory over Marshall. Pinkney completed 14-of-23 pass attempts with one interception for ECU (3-2, 2-0), which won its second game in a row. Dominique Lindsay paced the ground attack with 76 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, while Jeremy Chambliss had six tackles to go with an interception and sack. The defending C-USA champions will wrap up a two-game road trip at SMU this weekend.

MARSHALL - Darius Marshall ran for 141 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but his effort wasn't enough for the Thundering Herd in a 21-17 setback against East Carolina over the weekend. Unfortunately, quarterback Brian Anderson couldn't play off the success of the ground attack, which gained 179 yards, as he threw for just 217 yards and a pair of interceptions. Cody Slate was his main outlet, finishing with nine receptions for 88 yards. Marshall (3-2, 1-1) had its two-game win streak snapped, but will try to start a new streak this weekend at Tulane.

MEMPHIS - The Tigers' struggles continued this past weekend, as they managed just 325 total yards with two turnovers in a 32-14 loss to UCF. Memphis (1-4, 0-2), which is still looking for its first win over a FBS program, allowed 475 total yards to a UCF club that was one of the worst offensive teams around in 2008. Will Hudgens and Tyler Bass both saw time under center for the Tigers and they combined for 258 yards on 16-of-30 tosses. Each quarterback threw a touchdown and interception and Duke Calhoun was the main recipient with four catches for 162 yards and a score. It marked his third consecutive 100-yard effort. Losers of two straight, Memphis will host Texas-El Paso at the Liberty Bowl this weekend.

SOUTHERN MISS - The Golden Eagles turned the ball over three times and had 12 penalties, as they were upset by UAB, 30-17, this past week. USM (3-2, 1-1), which opened the year with three straight wins before losing a tight one at Kansas, outgained UAB 345-245 on the night, but couldn't overcome the mistakes. The team was also set back by injuries, as star tailback Damion Fletcher (groin) and wide receiver DeAndre Brown (shoulder) both missed the game. Quarterback Austin Davis paced the team in defeat by throwing for 234 yards and a pair of scores, while Quentin Pierce hauled in seven balls for 108 yards and both touchdowns. Austin will miss the remainder of the season due to a foot injury suffered in the fourth quarter. Martevious Young will likely get the starting nod for Southern Miss when they step out of conference play and cap its three-game road trip at Louisville this weekend.

UAB - Quarterback Joe Webb threw for a touchdown and ran for another, as he fueled the Blazers in a 30-17 upset of Southern Miss this past week. The Blazers (2-3, 2-1), who were coming off a 56-19 loss at Texas A&M, gained 222 of its 245 total yards on the ground, with Webb accounting for 138 of those yards on 24 carries. The dual-threat quarterback also hit on 6-of-13 pass attempts for 23 yards, while the Blazers' defense forced three turnovers and recorded the same amount of sacks. The defense also sealed the game when Hiram Atwater returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Atwater also had a fumble recovery to go with his team-high 10 tackles. UAB will have the week off before opening a three-game road trip with a visit to Ole Miss on October 17th.

UCF - The Knights turned in one of their most balanced efforts in quite some time, rushing for 261 yards and throwing for 214 more in a 32-14 win over Memphis this past weekend. The 475 yards of offense was the team's most since 2007, as UCF (3-2, 1-2) improved to 3-0 at home. Brynn Harvey had a career day in the win, rushing for 219 yards and a touchdown on 42 carries. Quarterback Brett Hodges was also successful in throwing for 214 yards and two touchdowns, while Bruce Miller paced the defense with 3.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks. UCF will have the week off before hosting nationally-ranked Miami-Florida in a non- conference bout on October 17th

WEST DIVISION:

HOUSTON - The Cougars will no longer be crashing the BCS, as they were defeated for the first time, 58-41, by UTEP in their C-USA opener this past weekend. Houston (3-1, 0-1), which had defeated Oklahoma State and Texas Tech to climb to No.12 in the rankings, was stunned by a UTEP club that was just 1-3 heading into the game. Despite the loss, the Cougars still racked up a whopping 664 yards of total offense and were led by quarterback Case Keenum. A possible Heisman Troy candidate, Keenum completed 51-of-76 pass attempts for a career-high 536 yards and five touchdowns. James Cleveland led all players with 14 receptions for 147 yards and a pair of scores, while Tyron Carrier added 11 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. Houston will continue its three-game road trip when it visits Mississippi State in its final non- conference bout this weekend.

RICE - The Owls managed just 87 yards after the intermission, as they were outlasted by Tulsa, 27-10, over the weekend. The Owls (0-5, 0-2) held Tulsa to a 10-10 tie at the break, but the Golden Hurricane controlled the second half with 273 yards gained. Rice managed just 191 total yards on the night though, the defense did keep things close by notching five sacks. Scott Solomon accounted for three of those sacks to go with 11 stops. Ryan Lewis made his first career starter under center in place of injured Nick Fanuzzi and he completed just 12-of-32 throws for 99 yards and a touchdown. The struggling Owls will wrap up a three-game homestand this weekend against Navy.

SMU - The Mustangs were outgained 418-224 and they converted just 3-of-15 third-down chances, as they were handed a 39-14 setback by nationally-ranked TCU this past weekend. SMU (2-2) had negative-16 yards rushing while TCU went for 229 yards and three scores on the ground. Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 240 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the loss, but he completed only 17-of-38 tosses and was also picked twice. Emmanuel Sanders, who came into the game leading the nation with 11.7 catches per game, finished with eight receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown. Chase Kennemer turned in a noteworthy effort for the defense, as he recorded 18 tackles to go with a fumble recovery. The Ponies will try to snap their two-game slide this weekend when they host East Carolina at Ford Stadium.

TEXAS-EL PASO - Donald Buckram ran for a career-best 262 yards and four touchdowns, as the Miners stunned 12th-ranked Houston, 58-41, in a shootout over the weekend. UTEP (2-3, 1-0) rolled up 581 yards of total offense, one week after being limited to just 53 yards in a blowout loss at the hands of Texas. Trevor Vittatoe also got back on track with 276 yards and two touchdowns through the air, as UTEP knocked off a ranked team for the first time in 12 years. Jeff Moturi was the team's main outlet and he finished the night with six catches for 127 yards and a score. The defense gave up a whopping 664 total yards to Houston, but Roddray Walker did return a fumble 70 yards for a score late in the game to seal the deal. The Miners will try to build off the win when they take on Memphis this coming weekend.

TULANE - Ross Thevenot's 23-yard field goal with 2:20 to go lifted Tulane past Army, 17-16, in a non-league bout this past weekend. Army had a chance to win the game, but Alex Carlton missed a 37-yard field goal try with 12 seconds remaining. The win snapped a seven-game road losing skid for Tulane (2-2), which outgained Army, 292-222, on the day. Andre Anderson rushed for 70 yards and a score on 17 carries, while Joe Kemp threw for 166 yards and a touchdown on 14-of-24 tosses. Jeremy Williams also had a big afternoon, pulling in six balls for 108 yards and a score. Tulane will return to C-USA play this weekend when it hosts Marshall.

TULSA - G.J. Kinne threw for a touchdown and ran for another, as the Golden Hurricane pulled away from Rice for a 27-10 victory this past weekend. The teams were tied, 10-10, at halftime before Tulsa (4-1, 2-0) outgained Rice 273-87 in the second half for the win. Damaris Johnson and Charles Clay each had seven receptions in the win, while A.J. Whitmore had five catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. The Hurricane's defense also did a nice job, holding Rice to a mere 191 total yards and recording four sacks. The game was completely different than last year's matchup, when the two teams combined for 91 points and over 1,000 yards of offense. Tulsa will have the week off prior to hosting its biggest game of the year against highly-ranked Boise State on October 14th.

 

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Pac-10 Conference News and Notes

Pac-10 Conference News and Notes

Pac-10 Conference News and Notes

ARIZONA: The Wildcats were not in action this past weekend, as the team enjoyed a week of rest and prepared for its upcoming meeting with Washington on the road. Arizona has won three of its first four games, including a thrilling, 37-32 decided over Oregon State the last time the team was on the field.

ARIZONA STATE: The Sun Devils gave up 14 quick points and could never recover, as Oregon State defeated Arizona State, 28-17. The Sun Devils were paced by Danny Sullivan, who threw for 338 yards and one touchdown in the loss. Chris McGaha hauled in 15 balls for 165 yards, while Dimitri Nance led the rushing attack with 48 yards and one touchdown on just 2.7 yards per attempt. Despite surrendering 28 points, the defense actually put forth a solid effort, holding Oregon State to just 295 total yards, including just 79 rushing yards on 3.3 yards per attempt. The Sun Devils will look to turn things around this weekend, as they take on Washington State.

CALIFORNIA: After exploding offensively in their first three games, the Golden Bears have combined for just six points in their two setbacks to Oregon and USC. This past weekend, California was completely dominated by the USC Trojans, racking up only 285 total yards, including just 86 rushing yards on 3.4 yards per attempt. Kevin Riley went 15-of-40 passing for 199 yards and was intercepted once. All-American candidate Jahvid Best was neutralized and limited to a mere 47 yards on 14 carries. Defensively the Golden Bears were worse and were unable to stop the Trojans on the ground or through the air, as USC racked up 174 rushing yards and 283 passing yards. Cal will be idle for this upcoming weekend and will need to regroup before taking on UCLA on October 17th.

OREGON: LaMichael James rushed for 81 yards and a pair of touchdowns, leading 16th-ranked Oregon to a 52-6 rout of Washington State. Jeremiah Masoli connected on 14-of-18 passes for 116 yards with a touchdown and ran for another score for the Ducks, who have won four in a row since a 19-8 season- opening loss at Boise State. Ed Dickson caught seven passes for 103 yards and a TD. Dickson set the Oregon career mark for catches by a tight end at 105 (103 by Josh Wilcox, 1993-96), and also recorded his second straight 100-yard game. Coach Chip Kelly's 4-0 home mark to start a coaching career is the best record since C.W. Spears went 5-0 at home in 1930. The Ducks will try to continue their outstanding play this upcoming weekend when they battle UCLA on the road.

OREGON STATE: Sean Canfield threw for 216 yards and two touchdowns as the Beavers defeated Arizona State, 28-17, at Sun Devil Stadium. Jacquizz Rodgers led the ground attack for Oregon State, rushing for 81 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. His older brother James also had a solid game, hauling in 10 passes for 114 yards and one touchdown. Although the Beavers were victorious, the defense had some trouble against ASU's offense, as Oregon State allowed 406 total yards, including 338 yards through the air. Oregon State also allowed 26 first downs, 20 of which came via the pass. The Beavers will now have the luxury of playing in front of a home crowd this Saturday when Stanford comes to town.

STANFORD: Toby Gerhart ran for 134 yards and three touchdowns as the Stanford Cardinal remained alone at the top of the Pac-10 with a 24-16 win over UCLA at Stanford Stadium. Gerhart scored on runs of one, five, and 10 yards for the Cardinal, which has won three straight. Quarterback Andrew Luck was 14-of-20 through the air for 198 yards. Ryan Whalen caught six balls for 118 yards. The defense allowed 10 fourth quarter points in the contest, but overall the unit held UCLA to just 299 total yards, including 95 rushing yards on 3.7 yards per attempt. This weekend the Cardinals will try to grab their fourth consecutive win when the team travels to Corvallis to take on the Oregon State Beavers.

UCLA: The Bruins put forth a strong effort in the final frame against Stanford on Saturday, scoring 10 points, but it was far too late for UCLA, which fell to the Cardinal, 24-16. Kevin Craft, playing in place of the injured Kevin Prince, was 22-of-34 for 204 yards for the Bruins. Jonathan Franklin ran for 58 yards and one touchdown. Unfortunately the Bruins were unable to stop Stanford's offensive dominance, as the Cardinals racked up 372 yards, including 174 rushing yards on 4.0 yards per carry. It does not get any easier for the Bruins, who will now have to host a very dangerous Oregon squad this weekend.

USC: Joe McKnight ran for 119 yards and a pair of touchdowns, pacing seventh- ranked Southern California in a 30-3 romp of No. 24 California, dealing the Golden Bears their second straight blowout defeat. Matt Barkley connected on 20-of-35 passes for 283 yards and was picked off once for the Trojans, who beat the Golden Bears for a sixth straight time. Damian Williams caught eight passes for 101 yards and ran back a punt 66 yards for a score. Noticeably absent for the Trojans was running back Stafon Johnson, who continues to recover from reconstructive surgery after a weight bar fell on his neck. USC head coach Pete Carroll has 34 wins over AP top 25 teams, including the past nine tries. USC will not be in action this weekend, but will likely use the time to prepare for its next matchup on October 17th against Notre Dame.

WASHINGTON: The Huskies fought hard to force overtime against Notre Dame over the weekend, but Washington fell just short, as the Irish posted a 37-30 decision over the Huskies in South Bend. Jake Locker threw for 281 yards and a touchdown to lead Washington in the losing effort, while Chris Polk gained 136 yards on the ground for the Huskies. Jermaine Kearse grabbed eight balls for 94 yards and a touchdown in the loss. While the offense was outstanding, the defense for the Huskies was not, as Notre Dame dismantled Washington for 530 total yards, including a whopping 422 yards through the air. The Huskies will try to rebound from their back-to-back losses when they host Arizona this weekend.

WASHINGTON STATE: The Cougars were no match for 16th-ranked Oregon, as the Ducks walloped Washington State, 52-6 over the weekend. Marshall Lobbestael completed 7-of-13 passes for 48 yards and was picked off twice for the Cougars, whose defense gave up 514 yards while accumulating just 158. The majority of the problems for Washington State came against the run, as the Ducks gashed the Cougars for 318 yards on 5.4 yards per attempt. The Huskies will try to snap their two-game slide when Arizona State heads to town this weekend.

 

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Big Ten Conference News and Notes

Big Ten Conference News and Notes

Big Ten Conference News and Notes

ILLINOIS: The Illini hung tough against the 15th-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions over the weekend, but in the end just didn't have enough in the tank to avoid defeat as PSU scored the 35-17 victory. Juice Williams threw for a 263 yards and his first TD pass of the season, in addition to leading the team with 58 rushing yards and another score. Williams is now the school's all-time leader in total offense with 9,126 career yards, but he has led the team to a disappointing 1-3 record this season so coach Ron Zook has decided to make a change. Eddie McGee is slated to get the start this weekend when the Illini welcome Michigan State to Champaign. WR Arrelious Benn had a solid outing against the Nittany Lions, catching five balls for 96 yards. Unfortunately, the Illinois defense was bruised and battered all day by a punishing Penn State ground attack (338 yards, five TDs). Donsay Hardeman led the UI defense with a career-high 10 tackles.

INDIANA: Ben Chappell threw for 210 yards and two TDs, but it wasn't enough as the Hoosiers fell to No. 9 Ohio State on Saturday night, 33-14. The Buckeyes opened a 24-7 halftime lead, but were held in check for much of the second half as Indiana played hard in front of the hometown faithful. The Hoosiers finished with only 11 first downs, turned the ball over three times and converted a mere 3-of-14 third down tries. The Indiana run game netted just 18 rushing yards. WR Tandon Doss was one of the bright spots as he finished with six catches for 96 yards and a TD. The IU defense was hammered for 219 rushing yards as the Buckeyes averaged nearly five ypc. Will Patterson and Matt Mayberry each had 10 tackles in the game, with the latter also logging a sack and coming up with a fumble recovery. Indiana steps out of conference for the final time this season when it visits ACC foe Virginia this Saturday.

IOWA: It wasn't easy, but the Hawkeyes kept their perfect record intact over the weekend as they slipped past visiting Arkansas State in a 24-21 final. The win was Iowa's ninth straight and came a week after upsetting Penn State on the road. Iowa, which is 5-0 for the first time since 1995, piled up 420 yards of total offense, including nearly 300 yards passing. QB Ricky Stanzi was efficient in completing 18-of-26 attempts with three TDs. The UI ground game accounted for 124 net rushing yards, but a pair of turnovers and only two trips to the red zone (one converted for points) told the Hawkeyes that they were in for a real dogfight. Pat Angerer paced the Iowa defense with 11 tackles, giving him a team-best 47 on the season, while Tyler Sash came away with an INT (his fifth of the season) and he forced a fumble as well. Iowa continues its quest for a perfect season when it hosts Michigan this Saturday.

MICHIGAN: The Wolverines suffered their first loss of the campaign over the weekend, falling in overtime to bitter rival Michigan State in a 26-20 final. Freshman Tate Forcier led the Michigan offense with 223 passing yards and a pair of TDs, hitting Darryl Stonum five times for 97 yards and a score. The Wolverines, who rushed for just 28 yards on the day, managed only two FGs through the first three quarters, but Forcier came through late to give the Maize and Blue a chance to steal the victory. Unfortunately, the UM defense gave up 417 total yards and was on the field nearly twice as long as the offense (39:46 to 20:14). Redshirt Freshman Jordan Kovacs led the Wolverines with a career-high 17 tackles, and Obi Ezeh continued his stellar season by adding 14. Michigan will try to right the ship this weekend when the team stays on the road to take on No. 12 Iowa.

MICHIGAN STATE: The Spartans snapped a three-game losing streak and won Paul Bunyan's Trophy for the second consecutive year, as they outlasted visiting Michigan in overtime on Saturday, 26-20. It is the first time since 1965-67 that Michigan State has won two straight over its in-state rival. Kirk Cousins threw for 152 yards and ran for 75 more, but he was intercepted twice and suffered an ankle injury in the second half. Larry Caper scored twice on the ground for the Spartans, including the game-winner in overtime. MSU outgained UM, 417-251, took advantage of three turnovers, and won the time of possession battle by nearly a two-to-one margin (39:46 to 20:14). The Wolverines managed just 28 rushing yards in the game. The Spartans will try to make it two wins in a row when they play at Illinois this Saturday.

MINNESOTA: Eric Decker had another record-setting day for Minnesota, catching eight balls for 140 yards and a TD, but the Golden Gophers wound up on the losing end of a 31-28 final against visiting Wisconsin on Saturday. Decker, who has caught at least one pass in 30 straight games, became UM's all-time leader in receiving yards in the process, as he now has exactly 3,000 for his career. Adam Weber threw for 271 yards and the score to Decker, but he was picked off once and sacked four times. As a result, the Gophers finished with a net rushing total of only 57 yards, averaging 2.0 ypc along the way. Marcus Sherels set a new school record with an 88-yard fumble return for a TD in the fourth quarter. Lee Campbell and Kim Royston both logged double-digit tackles in the contest with 13 and 11, respectively, while Nate Triplett added nine stops, an INT and a fumble recovery. It's Homecoming in Minneapolis this weekend, as the Purdue Boilermakers steam their way into TCF Bank Stadium.

NORTHWESTERN: The Wildcats refused to say die in their recent clash with Purdue, battling back from a 21-3 first-half deficit to claim a 27-21 victory on the road. Mike Kafka threw for 224 yards, hitting Zeke Markshausen a career-high 10 times for 56 yards. Stefan Damos booted four FGs on the day in helping Northwestern win its third straight Big Ten road game. The 'Cats pounced on five fumbles and took advantage of six Boilermaker turnovers in all, with LB Quentin Davie spearheading the NU defensive stand with nine tackles, one of the team's three sacks, a forced fumble and a PBU. The Wildcats take a break from the rigors of Big Ten play to host the Miami- Ohio RedHawks this Saturday.

OHIO STATE: Terrelle Pryor threw three TD passes and ran for a score, leading the Buckeyes to a 33-14 victory at Indiana on Saturday night. In addition to Pryor's exploits, RB Brandon Saine also put forth a huge effort, rushing for a career-high 113 yards. In all, the Buckeyes churned out 218 yards on the ground in winning their 16th straight Big Ten road game -- one shy of matching the conference record currently owned by Michigan. The OSU defense yielded just 18 rushing yards in the game, came up with three turnovers and allowed its first points in nine quarters. No Buckeye finished with more than six tackles in the game, as the defense was on the field for less than 26 minutes and permitted only 11 first downs. The Buckeyes return to the friendly confines of Ohio Stadium to host the undefeated Wisconsin Badgers this Saturday.

PENN STATE: The Nittany Lions bounced back from their first loss of the season by running past Illinois in Champaign over the weekend, 35-17. It was a close game through the first two quarters as Penn State led just 7-3 at the break. In the second half, however, the PSU ground assault took over, accounting for 338 yards and five TDs. Stephfon Green and Evan Royster both went over 100 yards in the game, tallying 120 and 105 yards, respectively, and each scored a TD. Daryll Clark rushed for 83 yards and two scores, while throwing for 175 yards on 17-of-25 passing. The Penn State defense, which has yet to give up a TD in the first half this season, permitted 393 total yards (130 rushing, 263 passing), came up with two turnovers and collected three sacks. LB Josh Hull led the PSU defensive charge with 11 tackles, while the team as a whole made seven stops behind the line of scrimmage. It was Hull's fourth straight double-digit tackling effort. The Nittany Lions return to Happy Valley to take on FCS foe Eastern Illinois this Saturday.

PURDUE: The Boilermakers committed six turnovers, including five fumbles, in Saturday's heartbreaking 27-21 loss to visiting Northwestern. Purdue led 21-3 in the first half, but then fell apart in dropping its fourth straight game. Joey Elliott did all he could to help the Boilermakers win their conference opener, passing for 313 yards and three TDs. Both Keith Smith and Aaron Valentin went over 100 yards receiving in the contest, combining to catch all three of Elliott's scoring strikes. Ralph Bolden rushed for 53 yards, but did so on 18 carries for an average of 2.9 ypc. Purdue outgained Northwestern, 375-311, but held the ball for nearly 12 minutes less and shot itself in the foot time and time again with its multitude of miscues. The Boilermakers will try to put the brakes on their current four-game slide when they play at Minnesota this Saturday.

WISCONSIN: John Clay rushed for 184 yards and three TDs to lead the Badgers to a hard-fought 31-28 win over Minnesota on Saturday. Clay, who set several career highs in the victory, was named the Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts, and led a devastating Wisconsin ground attack which pummeled the Golden Gophers to the tune of 295 rushing yards. In stark contrast, Minnesota totaled just 57 yards on the ground, thanks in large part to five sacks registered by the UW defense. With Clay accounting for the bulk of the offense, QB Scott Tolzien needed only to manage the game and he completed 16-of-26 passes for 159 yards with a TD and an INT. Garrett Graham paced the Badger receiving corps with seven grabs for 68 yards. Antonio Fenelus led the defense with nine stops, while O'Brien Schofield finished with six tackles, including two sacks, while also breaking up a pass and forcing a fumble. As a result, Schofield was tabbed the league's Defensive Player of the Week. The Badgers bring their unblemished record to Columbus for this Saturday's pivotal conference clash with No. 9 Ohio State.

 

[#cruncher]

Don't know who writes this stuff but they do a darn good job, and with humor. Thanks for finding it and sharing...:0corn

 

[Lumi]

Many sources # Cruncher

here is one I can share

http://ussportspages.com/

 

[Lumi]

Gators still have bite without Tebow

Gators still have bite without Tebow

Gators still have bite without Tebow

If Tim Tebow was really Superman, he could get rid of his pesky concussion and any other ailments by simply spending some fun in the sun. And what better place to lick your wounds than the Sunshine State.

If Tebow was really born on Krypton, and not in the Philippines, he would be ready to roll against the LSU Tigers this weekend.

But he?s not. And he won?t be.

Tebow?s concussion has caused more chaos and fear than one of Lex Luther?s diabolical schemes.


For fans of the SEC ? more specifically UF - waiting on Tebow's status for this Saturday's game is like waiting to hear back on a blood test after a sleepover at Pamela Anderson's house.

Even oddsmakers are feeling a bit stressed with the Gators' quarterback situation up in the air. Sportsbooks have posted Florida as a 7.5-point road favorite in Baton Rouge against a team that it demolished by 30 points last season.

?Any number you see coming in under 9.5 or 10 would be made with the assumption that (Tebow's) not going to be in there,? says Las Vegas lines consultant Peter Korner. ?If he was in, you would see a number of 14 points or more.?

?We're advising our customers to lower the limits (on the game) and would normally say take it off the board,? he says. ?But with this being a big game on national TV, you just don't want to take it down. It's really a worse-case scenario but sportsbooks are just going to have to find a spot where they're comfortable and try to do minimal damage.?

Tebow is still not cleared to play this weekend by team doctors and bettors may have to wait until the final moments before kickoff to actually get the truth out of UF head coach Urban Meyer.

Meyer has used words like ?positive? and ?terrific? to describe Tebow's progress, which are the same words a kindergarten teacher uses to describe the development of that kid that bites everyone. He's doing better but no one's dangling their fingers in front of his face.

Two weeks ago, when news broke that Tebow was among the players dealing with flu-like symptoms heading into Florida's SEC showdown in Kentucky, books were hit with a rush of money on UK that moved the line down as low as -19.5 after opening as high as -23.

Bettors can expect another move when Tebow's status is finally announced. Money will flood in on the Tigers, giving a still very capable UF program more value on the side. At this current spread or less, the absence of Tebow would actually make the Gators a smarter wager.

As great as Tim Tebow is, he's not the end-all and be-all of the Florida Gators.

According to a story published at the start of the college season, Tebow carries one of the heftiest price tags when it comes to impact on the spread. Oddsmakers estimate the senior's worth at 9.5 points just below Texas Longhorns play caller Colt McCoy, who was priced at 10 points.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Tebow's injury is how the smash-mouth QB will play after this concussion?

Tebow is known more for his ability to run through defenders than pass over them. This season, he's rushed for 271 yards ? with 123 of those gains coming against the Wildcats two weeks ago. Tebow's not one to back down, slide or run out of bounds and could more than likely end up back on the sidelines if he takes another good shot to the melon.

So does Florida change the offensive game plan and go heavy on the pass, light on the concussion? The Gators receiving corps is suspect enough and has posted just over 200 yards receiving a game against weak opponents.

Tebow is a great leader and can throw the ball when he has to, but without the threat of his ground game keeping defenses honest, Florida would be turning to his less-than accurate arm that has a career completion percentage of just under 66 percent. That's good, but not great for someone considered the greatest college quarterback of all time.

Last year, Florida was an incredible 10-2 against the spread while facing a ton of chalk most weeks. The two games the Gators failed to cover were against Miami and Mississippi, which happened to be the two games in which Tebow attempted the most passes.

He was 21-for-35 versus the Hurricanes (26-3 win as 24-point fave) and 24-for-38 versus the Rebels (31-30 loss as 23-points fave). Tebow also rushed for just seven yards in the loss to Ole Miss, spoiling the Gators' perfect season. Last year, LSU held No. 15 to 22 yards on the ground which was the second fewest rushing gains Tebow had in 2008.

While all this pondering and statistical analysis can make bettors feel concussed themselves, taking a look at Florida's performance after Tebow went down against the Wildcats could clear up some of that cloudiness.

With Tebow heaving into a garbage can on the sideline, Florida gave the ball to backup John Brantley. The sophomore has performed well when given playing time and did his best to keep things simple against Kentucky. He was 4-of-6 passing for 30 yards and a touchdown and seemed very comfortable in the offense.

Brantley has totaled 232 yards passing and four touchdowns on just 30 pass attempts this season. These numbers have come against cupcake defenses but his accuracy of more than 73 percent completions is impressive regardless of the competition.

Florida also has the best defense in the country backing up its offense. The Gators have given up just over a touchdown per game and have limited opponents to an average of under 213 yards.

When Tebow went down against the Wildcats, the true heart and soul of UF went to work. They held Kentucky to 179 total yards, picked off two passes, sacked the QB three times and, before Tebow was injured, blocked a punt for a touchdown on special teams.

Florida will lock up LSU's offense, which ranks third worst in the SEC. The Tigers are scoring just 27 points per game and have yet to post a convincing victory that would warrant them getting just 7.5 points ? even at home ? against the defending national champs. They've gone 2-3 against the spread, failing to cover against Washington, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State.

The Gators will rally around their fallen leader just like they do when Tebow is sporting eyeblack and pumping them up in the pregame, during the game, at halftime and even on the bus ride home. The injury hasn't impacted his ability to motivate and guide his teammates, however, he just may do it a little quieter now, what with all the headaches.

Taking Tim Tebow out of the equation does level the playing field a bit, but not by as many points as books are dealing. One man, no matter how super, doesn't make the team.

 

[Lumi]

Las Vegas Money Moves

Las Vegas Money Moves

Las Vegas Money Moves

The college football line moves are interesting to watch each week just to see what games the sharps pick on. I say "pick on" because it?s a tiered process of how the line evolves. A sportsbook has a few consultants who use a variety of methods to come up with rating. The book gets those recommendations, and then does what they want with the quality they pay for.

Most books use those consultant numbers to shade an opening line one way or another based on what the consensus, or market, number is out there using the top Las Vegas SportsBooks and the known high volume off-shore books as a barometer.

At that point, by conforming to what the market dictates, the initial lines paid for from the consultants are already diminished. On many occasions, the line will move to where the paid service recommended which gets us to the folks who force the line moves.

There are players with big money out there that play limits and move lines, but not always just because of a profile they?ve created for themselves over time with their bets. If a player is always laying the worst of the line and known not to be affiliated with sharp money, his limit bets may not even cause a move depending at what time of the week it is.

The ones who force the moves are a select few groups, who have their own very well paid consultants that do their own power numbers. They have the luxury of being able to look at 100 college games on the board and find the biggest disparity between their number and what the book is offering. Usually, it?s anywhere from 5 to 8 games a week that fits the criteria, or where they see a weakness in the line.

Generally, these players are known and very well respected with their plays. Because of that, their plan of attack, and when to hit the numbers is very calculated. The group consists of several bettors waiting around for the send, in Las Vegas books and on their computers for off-shore lines, on what games to bet and how high to go before the line is no longer attractive.

The sportsbooks they decide to make their first plays with are usually the ones that take the most money with hopes that the smaller books don?t move the line on air - that is without taking a bet and moving just because they see their screen lighting up. Their ultimate hope is that the bookmaker is asleep at the wheel when the moves happen to maximize their investment at the preferred line.

These groups with the several different representatives wagering orchestrate their maneuvers pretty swift and occasionally change faces at certain books to attempt a profile change with where the bets are coming from. It?s a cat and mouse game between bookmaker and the sharps that many books vary in how they deal with it, just as the sharps alter based on where they?re betting at.

In the old days before computers became so involved and the rise of off-shore wagering, many book used to just book solely on money and faces, with some known sharp players getting more respect than other causing a more aggressive line move. The opening lines would also vary tremendously with more opinions and options everywhere throughout the Las Vegas strip and downtown.

It's where the term "runner" came from because you truly had to run just to see what the line was at each book, let alone actually making a bet. Hard to imagine these days not knowing what each book had. Those pay phones at the Stardust had to be the biggest money makers for any group of 10 in the world. The fights for the phones to relay the lines we're a treat to watch.

Today's real sharps are definitely going to win more than they lose, so today?s age of technology and the assistance definitely protects the house more than the past which is ultimately all a bookmaker is there for. I think a little mix of each era would be perfect from most bookmaker's perspectives, but technology won't allow it.

Last week a lot of the college moves got there for the sharps and followers alike, in particular Michigan State, Wake Forest, Virginia, Nevada, and UTEP.

Big Line Moves of the Week

New Mexico State (2-3) opened +13.5 at home against Utah State (1-3) and has been bet down to +10. Initial line a result of Utah State?s three quality losses to Utah, Texas A&M, and BYU.

Mississippi State (2-3) opened a home dog of +3 versus the high powered Houston (3-1) offense, but has pushed State to a -1.5 favorite. The combination of State being able to move the ball effectively in losses to LSU and Georgia Tech the last two weeks and a deflating loss by Houston at El Paso as a huge favorite last week contributes to the perception.

Nevada (1-3) opened -8 for their home Friday night game against Louisiana Tech (2-2) and has been bet all the way to -11.5 after the Wolf Pack tuned up their offense against UNLV last week scoring 63 points while having three players rushing for over 170 yards.

Smaller Line Moves of the Week

Duke (2-3) opened +16.5 on the road at N.C. State (3-2) and has been bet to +14.5. This is the second straight week the sharps on picking on the Wolf Pack after driving the Wake Forest line to the favorite side, and they got there.

Mississippi (3-1) opened +6.5 at home to Alabama (5-0) and has settled at +4.5. Ole Miss has only playing at home once this year while struggling offensively on the road. Alabama has the weight of being a top-5 team on the road, a year when their falling more than normal.

UCLA (3-1) opened +5 at home to Oregon (4-1) and has been moved to +3, likely more on the cautionary status of Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli who missed two practices early in the week and was limited on Wednesday. It?s likely back-up Nate Costa will start, but he?s still an upgrade from what UCLA has in QB Kevin Craft who leads to worst pass attack in the PAC-10. UCLA might also be without one of their top defensive players, UCLA?s strength, in safety Rahim Moore who leads the nation in pick offs with five.

NFL Line Movement

All of the big favorites had movements in their lines from the opening number, with only the Steelers-Lions game remaining as is at -10.5. The Eagles were the only one of those big numbers to go higher settling at -14.5 right now, with the Vikings and Giants games dropping.

All of the numbers around the key number of 3 have moved. Broncos were brought down to +3 at home. The Colts are up to -4 from -3.5, while Panthers are -3.5 flat after being -3 -120.

Through four weeks this season, not one game has landed on 3 while the favored game line was at 2.5, 3, or 3.5 at any juncture. In 2005 and 2006 there were more games that landed on the number than usual causing most books to all use money lines on the number before moving it whole to a flat number.

In the cycle of pro football lines landing on 3, those two years stand alone. Even if getting sided a few times a year when flip-flopping on and off of 3, the math shows the juice on equal sides bet at different numbers makes up for times the game on 3 does land 3.

Beyond the math, the additional volume a book could take by not having a ?closed sign? on the game by laying -2.5 flat instead of -3 even, or -3 flat instead of -3 -120 on each side trumps the math and increases win.

The only book in Las Vegas that doesn?t use money, dealing all flat lines, on all football games is the South Point sportsbook operations throughout the city run by veteran bookmaker Bert Osborne.

 

[Lumi]

SEC Showdowns

SEC Showdowns

SEC Showdowns



The main event for the SEC in Week 6 will be at Tiger Stadium where LSU will put its 31-game home winning streak (at night, that is) on the line against the top-ranked Florida Gators. The last time UF came to Baton Rouge, it was the Tigers who were No. 1.

On that night, the Gators blew three separate double-digit leads and Urban Meyer inexplicably left a timeout in his pocket (Orien-Greene style for hardcore UF fans), as LSU converted five-of-five fourth-down opportunities to pull out a 28-24 victory. Florida did take the cash, however, as a seven-point underdog.

The last time the Gators came to Baton Rouge as the No. 1 team in the country was in 1997. (Chris Berman voice) We know because we were there.

On that night, Steve Spurrier stubbornly didn?t give Fred Taylor enough touches, instead asking sophomore QB Doug Johnson to attempt 50-plus passes. Herb Tyler and Kevin Faulk went off for LSU and the home team pulled out a 28-21 upset, prompting fans to rush the field and tear down the goal posts.

Meyer has come up short in both of his trips to Tiger Stadium since taking over for Ron Zook at UF. In 2005, JaMarcus Russell tried to give the game to Florida with turnovers galore. Nevertheless, LSU captured a 21-17 victory but the Gators again hooked up their backers as six-point underdogs.

The biggest story for this week obviously centers around the health status of Florida senior QB Tim Tebow, who sustained the first concussion of his career two weeks ago in a 41-7 win at Kentucky as a 20 ?-point road favorite.

During UF?s bye week, Tebow didn?t participate in any team activities while recovering and undergoing a series of post-concussion tests with the school?s medical staff. He returned to the practice field for the first time Tuesday, albeit on a limited basis. Tebow wore a non-contact jersey.

He also practiced Wednesday without contact. According to Meyer, Tebow will be a game-time decision and no announcement on his status will be made until the ?foot hits the ball.?

Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Florida (4-0 straight up, 2-1 against the spread) as a nine-point favorite. The number was nine Monday but by Tuesday morning, it had been reduced to 7 ? at most books. That?s where it remained early Thursday afternoon. The total is 45 and the home team is plus-240 on the money line (risk $100 to win $240).

LSU (5-0 SU, 2-2-1 ATS) returns home after a stirring 20-13 win at Georgia to avenge last year?s 52-38 home loss to the Dawgs. This space ripped Les Miles last week for not getting the ball to Charles Scott, who had just six carries in a 30-26 win at Mississippi St. two weeks ago.

Perhaps The Mad Hatter was listening? Scott rushed 19 times for 95 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including the game winner from 33 yards out with 46 seconds remaining. The Hat?s squad won outright as a 3 ?-point road underdog, hooking up money-line backers with a plus-150 return.

During Miles? tenure, LSU has only been a home underdog once. That situation came last year when Nick Saban made his return to Tiger Stadium and led Alabama to a 27-21 overtime win as a three-point favorite. As a road favorite under Meyer, the Gators are 7-8 ATS. However, they have covered the number in seven straight such spots.

CBS will have the telecast Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

Ole Miss and Alabama won?t be in the prime-time slot this week, but both schools will have plenty at stake when they collide in Oxford at 3:30 p.m. Eastern on CBS. This past summer when books made early lines for ?Games of the Year,? the Rebels were tabbed as three-point favorites over the Tide.

That was then and this is now. And now ?Bama is favored by five. The Tide is coming off a 38-20 win at Kentucky as a 16-point road favorite. Junior QB Greg McElroy threw a pair of touchdown passes without being intercepted to improve his TD-INT ratio to 9/1.

Ole Miss (3-1 SU, 2-1 ATS) was in Music City last week, capturing a 23-7 win at Vanderbilt as a 10-point road ?chalk.? Jevan Snead threw three touchdown passes but was also intercepted three times. Shay Hodge had eight receptions for 122 yards, including a pair of TD grabs from Snead.

The Rebels will be in their first spot as home underdogs on Houston Nutt?s watch. However, we should mention that Ole Miss took the cash in all five games as an underdog in Nutt?s first season, winning outright three times over Florida, LSU and Texas Tech.

Alabama owns a 5-2 spread record as a road favorite during Saban?s three seasons in Tuscaloosa. When these teams met at Bryant-Denny Stadium last season, the Tide jumped all over the Rebels early and took a 24-3 lead to intermission.

But Nutt?s team wouldn?t die. After driving the ball down the length of the field to start the second half, ?Bama?s defense stiffened and forced Ole Miss into a short field-goal attempt. That?s when Nutt reached into his bag of tricks and the Rebels executed a fake field goal to perfection for a touchdown.

Ole Miss would pull to within 24-20 and had the ball with a chance to win in the final minutes. But Snead and Co. ran out of downs just inside ?Bama territory. Nevertheless, they covered the number as 11-point underdogs.

Gamblers can take the Rebels to win outright for a plus-180 return (risk $100 to win $180). The total was 45 ? on the send-out from LVSC.

South Carolina (4-1 SU, 4-0 ATS) will play host to Kentucky in a 12:30 p.m. Eastern kick Saturday. LVSC opened the Gamecocks as 13-point home favorites. As of early Thursday morning, that number was adjusted down to 10 with the total at 46. Kentucky (2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS) is plus-280 on the money line (risk $100 to win $280).

Steve Spurrier?s squad is coming off a 38-14 home win over South Carolina St. in a non-lined matchup. Stephen Garcia ran for a touchdown and threw a pair of scoring strikes to Moe Brown.

Garcia will go against a banged-up Kentucky secondary. In fact, UK?s All-American cornerback Trevard Lindley, who is perhaps the nation?s premier cover corner, has been ruled ?out? after spraining his ankle in last week?s loss to Alabama. Also, starting CB Paul Warford is ?out? with a quad injury.

South Carolina will be without starting tight end Weslye Saunders, who caught the game-winning TD pass to beat UK (24-17) last season. Saunders is "out" with a sprained ankle. He has been one of Garcia's favorite targets, hauling in 14 catches for 156 yards.

Kick-off at Williams-Brice Stadium is slated for 12:30 p.m. Eastern.

Georgia (3-2 SU, 1-4 ATS) will be in bounce-back mode when it goes to Neyland Stadium to face Tennessee at 12:20 p.m. Eastern on the SEC Network. The Volunteers are one-point home favorites at most spots, while the total is 46 ?.

Tennessee (2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS) also lost last week at home, dropping a 26-22 decision against Auburn as a two-point ?chalk.? Lane Kiffin?s team is now 1-3 ATS at home.

UGA out-yarded UT 458-209 last year but won by just a 26-14 count, allowing the Vols to cash tickets as 12 ?-point underdogs. The Dawgs have won six of the last nine head-to-head meetings between these SEC East rivals. They own a 31-5 SU record in true road games during Mark Richt?s tenure.

Auburn (5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS) will play its second road game in as many weeks when it takes on Arkansas. Most books have the Tigers as two-point favorites with a total of 66.

The Razorbacks snapped a two-game losing streak last week when they went to Cowboys Stadium and spanked Texas A&M, 47-19. The Hogs covered the number easily as short favorites. Ryan Mallett threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns.

Bobby Petrino?s team won 25-22 at Auburn last year as a 16 ?-point road underdog. The Hogs out-yarded the Tigers 416-193 and RB Michael Smith rushed for 176 yards.

ESPN will have the telecast at noon Eastern.



--You ready for a stat that Steve Spurrier loves to see? Stephen Garcia has not thrown an interception in 115 consecutive attempts dating back to the first half of a 41-37 Week 2 loss at Georgia.

--South Carolina CB Akeem Auguste will serve the second game of a three-game suspension Saturday vs. Kentucky. Auguste was disciplined for violating unspecified team and university rules.

--South Carolina has won nine in a row against Kentucky. Spurrier has never lost to UK in 16 games as a head coach (12 at UF).

--Vanderbilt is a 10 ?-point road favorite Saturday at Army. The total is 38 ? at most books. ESPN Classic will have the telecast at noon Eastern.

--Mallett has an 11/2 touchdown-interception ratio for the Razorbacks.

 

[Lumi]

Public Enemies - Week 6

Public Enemies - Week 6

Public Enemies - Week 6

Another week of college football to look forward to, giving us another opportunity to see who the public may overvalue this week after a strong performance last week. This week, we'll investigate a pair of ACC contests, as well as two underrated SEC clubs.

Auburn (-2 ?) at Arkansas - 12:00 PM EST

Two SEC West teams that didn't get the early-season love Alabama, Ole Miss, and LSU received are suddenly getting recognized. Auburn has run the ball extremely well through its first five victories, while Arkansas is slinging the ball around at a solid clip.

Virginia Tech continues to motor forward after its opening week loss to Alabama. The Hokies have two solid victories on their ledger at home, beating Nebraska and Miami. Frank Beamer's team had problems putting away Duke last week, beating the Blue Devils, 34-26. A potential letdown should have been expected after the prior two victories, but Virginia Tech still outgained Duke, 477-397.

Nelson says there is a chance for a BC letdown this week. "The quarterback situation is a bit more settled with David Shinskie playing mistake-free ball last week, but this looks like a bad situation for BC coming off the 'Gameday' win last week. That said, Virginia Tech will face a steep line and the Hokies have looked vulnerable against the pass this season," Nelson states. However, as Nelson notes, the Eagles aren't afraid of the Hokies, "BC has had the recent series edge covering in seven of the last ten meetings and Virginia Tech has not been great in the home favorite role."

Maryland at Wake Forest (-11) - 6:30 PM EST

Both these ACC clubs are coming off home victories last week, but it was a bigger deal for Maryland, who picked up its first conference win of the season. The Terps knocked off Clemson as nearly two-touchdown underdogs, 24-21. Wake Forest rebounded from an overtime loss at Boston College to beat N.C. State, 30-24. The Deacons did pick off Russell Wilson twice, the Wolfpack quarterback's first two interceptions of the season.

Since the opening week win over Baylor, Jim Grobe's Deacons have outgained the opposition in each of the last four games. Riley Skinner has completed 68% of his passes, while tossing 11 touchdowns. Maryland has owned this series from an ATS standpoint, covering eight of the last ten meetings, including last season's 26-0 shutout in College Park.

The Terps, who have been snakebitten on many facets, will be without leading rusher Da'Rel Scott for the rest of the season with a broken wrist.

Nelson points to Maryland as a potential play this week, as Wake has struggled to cover huge lines at home, "Since 2002, Wake Forest is 9-18 ATS as home favorites and discounting a lopsided win over Elon, all of Wake's games have been decided by a touchdown or less making a double-digit spread look a bit steep."


The Tigers have scored at least 37 points in four of their five games, while being held to just 26 points at Tennessee last week. This is the second straight SEC road contest for Auburn, and their first opportunity as a road favorite.

Bobby Petrino's squad returns home after two straight road contests, falling at Alabama, before blasting Texas A&M in Arlington. It was obvious that the Hogs would improve offensively under Petrino, but quarterback Ryan Mallett has stepped up, throwing 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

Six of the last seven meetings have been won by the home team in this series, as capper sees a nice advantage with Arkansas. "Auburn appears to have impressive rushing numbers this season, but much of that average was built in the first two weeks and that advantage will not be as significant as it appears in the stats. Arkansas is 0-2 in SEC play and this will be a critical game, while Auburn is playing a second straight road game coming off a huge win at Tennessee last week. The situation greatly favors Arkansas and the price is excellent as the home team probably should be a slight favorite,"

Boston College at Virginia Tech (-13 ?) - 12:00PM EST

Suddenly, the Boston College Eagles have become the biggest surprise in the ACC through the first five weeks. BC is coming off consecutive strong home performances against Wake Forest and Florida State, while starting conference play at 2-1. The Eagles were limited to seven points at Clemson, but BC has tallied 55 points the last two weeks.

 

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Games to Watch - Week 6

Games to Watch - Week 6

Games to Watch - Week 6


While we never like to look ahead, especially with some great games on tap this week, gamblers should circle Week 7 on their calendar. The action starts on Wednesday with a Boise State-Tulsa matchup and picks up the pace the very next night with a Big East battle between unbeaten foes Cincinnati and South Florida. Then on Saturday, you have the Red River Shootout between the Longhorns and Sooners, USC-Notre Dame and plenty of other must-see matchups.

Enough teasing, let's get back to this weekend and the "Battle at Baton Rouge" on Saturday.


Week 6

Saturday - Florida at LSU (CBS, 9:00 p.m.)

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Top-ranked Florida (4-0 SU, 2-1 ATS) and No. 4 LSU (5-0 SU, 2-2 ATS) knock heads on Saturday from Baton Rouge in what's easily the biggest game of the college football season. The winner of this matchup has won the past three BCS national championships and a fourth could be just around the corner. All the focus for this week's tilt is on Gators quarterback Tim Tebow, whose status is still up in the air but most believe he'll play. Tebow and UF own the second-best scoring offense (45 PPG) in the nation and they should be tested against LSU's aggressive defense (14 PPG). Florida has had two weeks to prepare for this battle, while the Tigers are coming off an emotional 20-13 road victory against Georgia last Saturday. It was the second straight week that LSU needed to make big plays down the stretch and Les Miles team answered with emphatic finishes. Last week, the offense rattled off a game-winning touchdown against the Bulldogs and two weeks prior it was the LSU defense that rose to the occasion with a goal line stand against Mississippi State (30-26). UGA is a decent team but still probably the fourth or fifth best team in the conference, which makes you wonder if the Tigers are ripe for a beating? LSU defeated Washington 31-23 in its road opener, but are the Huskies any good or just a lucky squad that caught USC in a letdown spot? Those questions will be answered this week and the individual that can make a statement for LSU is QB Jordan Jefferson (920 yards, 7 TDS). The Tigers attack is ranked dead-last (321 YPG) in the SEC and it really doesn't have an identity despite having playmakers in the backfield and on the outside. This unit will be tested on every down against Florida, who is ranked first nationally in defensive yards (212.8) and second in points (7.3) allowed.

GAMBLING NOTES

The Gators have been made favorites (-8) again and not surprisingly, they'll more than likely be for the remainder of their games too. Except for a possible road trap against South Carolina on Nov. 14, this is arguably the last test for Urban Meyer's team before a possible SEC Championship and eventually the BCS title game. You don't crown champions on paper and it's easy to see why you would need a perfect game to beat Florida. One factor that LSU has on its side is turnovers. LSU has only given the ball up four times, opposed to eight mistakes from Florida. The Gators lead 29-23-3 in the all-time series with LSU with the home team winning four straight. Florida has covered four in a row despite going 2-2 SU. The total has gone 2-2. Last year, the Gators blasted the Tigers 51-21 as seven-point favorites in wire-to-wire fashion. Les Miles has only been tabbed a home underdog once in his tenure at LSU and he's 0-1 both SU and ATS, losing last year to top-ranked Alabama 27-21 in overtime. Even if LSU pulls off the upset, Florida still has the easier path to avenge a loss in the SEC title game, which could be against the Tigers or Alabama.


Other Games to Watch

Saturday - Auburn at Arkansas (ESPN, 12:00 p.m.)

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Auburn (5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS) was coming off a brutal campaign in 2008 and the hiring of new coach Gene Chizik was met rudely. Sure enough, Chizik has turned things around rather quickly on The Plains. A lot of his success can be attributed to the hiring of offensive coordinator Guz Malzahn, who has the Tigers' offense (41 PPG, 512 YPG) ranked fifth nationally in points and yards. Malzahn could have this week's game against Arkansas (2-2 SU, 1-2 ATS) circled since he's from the area and he left the program after a brief stint. The Razorbacks and head coach Bobby Petrino have some fire power as well, and they showed it last Saturday by dropping 47 points on Texas A&M, who was also unbeaten at the time. QB Ryan Mallett (11 TDs), a Michigan transfer, has looked sharp and he spreads the ball around to his backs and receivers. Arkansas upset Auburn 25-20 last year as a heavy 16.5-point road underdog, which shouldn't come as a surprise since the visitor has won and covered four in a row. Will the Tigers get revenge and keep the road trend going? The 'under' has gone 3-1 during this span but the oddsmakers don't believe we're going to see a slugfest on Saturday, listing the total at 66.




Saturday - Boston College at Virginia Tech (Gameplan, 12:00 p.m.)

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Nobody expected Boston College (4-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) to be a contender in the ACC this year but the school has put itself in contention with a back-to-back home wins over Wake Forest (27-24) and Florida State (28-21). The Eagles will face a tougher test this Saturday when meet No. 6 Virginia Tech (4-1 SU, 2-3 ATS) in Blacksburg. The Hokies looked flat in their 34-26 win at Duke last Saturday, yet that was expected after knocking off Miami 31-7 two weeks prior. Unknown for the passing game, V-Tech saw QB Tyrod Taylor put up 327 yards and two scores against the Blue Devils. Boston College has won the last two regular season battles in this series, but Virginia Tech has gotten revenge each time by winning the rematch in the ACC Championship. The total has gone 2-2 during this stretch. Little bit of a look-ahead here as VT heads to Atlanta for a key ACC Coastal battle against Georgia Tech. Things don't get easier for BC, who's next three include N.C. State, Notre Dame and Central Michigan.


Saturday - Alabama at Mississippi (CBS, 3:30 p.m.)

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Even though the UF-LSU battle is the Game of the Week, this SEC matchup could've been just as big if Mississippi (3-1 SU, 2-1 ATS) was unbeaten? The Rebels are still ranked but they haven't played a solid game all year, even looking sluggish in their 23-7 win over Vanderbilt last Saturday. Third-ranked Alabama (5-0 SU, 3-1 ATS) comes to town with its ground-and-pound attack and most would argue that Ole Miss will be overmatched in a 60-minute contest. The one thing we do know about this game is that this series has been real tight. The Crimson Tide have won four in a row but they failed to cover the number in all four games, plus all four during this stretch have been decided by four points or less. Most sportsbooks have Alabama listed as a six-point road 'chalk' for Saturday. The Rebels haven't been catching points yet this year, but the team did go 5-0 ATS as underdogs last year and that included outright wins against highly ranked schools in Florida, LSU and Texas Tech. Does history repeat itself in Oxford?


Saturday - Wisconsin at Ohio State (ABC-Regional, 3:30 p.m.)

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Wisconsin (5-0 SU, 2-2 ATS) is one of 13 schools that remain unbeaten in college football and it's fair to say that the school is a product of its inferior competition. The Badgers will find out how good they are in the next two weeks, when it meets Ohio State (4-1 SU, 4-1 ATS) this Saturday in Columbus before playing Iowa at home on Oct. 17. The Buckeyes are laying two touchdowns at most sportsbooks and it's hard to argue against the home team in this spot. After giving up 45 points and going 1-1 in the first two games, Ohio State's defense posted back-to-back shutouts before stifling Indiana to 14 points last Saturday. Wisconsin's offense leads the Big 10 in scoring (35 PPG), and it has a workhorse that can move the ball in running back John Clay (582 yards, 7 TDs). Plus, quarterback Scott Tolzien (65.6%, 1,043 yards, 9 TDs) has proven that he can make plays too albeit against weaker opponents. The Buckeyes edged the Badgers 20-17 last year on a game-winning scamper by quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Gamblers should note that Wisconsin is 2-1 both SU and ATS in its last three trips to Columbus.


Saturday - Michigan at Iowa (ABC, 8:00 p.m.)

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Michigan (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS) and Iowa (5-0 SU, 3-1 ATS) don't play every year due to the conference scheduling and that's probably a good thing for the Hawkeyes. The Wolverines have won three straight and 10 of the previous 12 meetings, with the last encounter happening in 2005. These two squads meeting this Saturday are hard to gauge just because of whom they played but we do know the winner will gain confidence heading into the final six matches. Iowa earned its signature win two weeks ago at Penn State (21-10) but struggled against lower-tier opponents (Northern Iowa, Arkansas State) this year. Michigan has been playing with fire all year too and was finally was burned last Saturday in a 26-20 overtime loss to intrastate rival Michigan State. The Wolverines' offense against the Hawkeyes' defense looks like a wash but Iowa could have its way against a Wolverines' defense has been suspect this year, giving up 392 YPG. Head coach Kirk Ferentz is just 5-10 ATS as a home favorite in the last 15 spots at Iowa and his team is favored by 7-8 points at most books.


Three More to Keep an Eye on
Matchup Quick Hits

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Don't look now but Oregon (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS) has quietly rung up four straight wins and a victory over UCLA (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) will help the school through a tough stretch. After this game, the Ducks travel to Washington before a home showdown versus USC. If that upset happens, then look out for the Nov. 7 game against Stanford. The home team has won three in a row and the 'under' has cashed in all three of those games.

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The table for TCU (4-0 SU, 2-1 ATS) is all set for a serious BCS run and it starts this weekend at Air Force (3-2 SU, 1-3 ATS). The Horned Frogs play four on the road and four at home in their Mountain West Conference schedule and this meeting is probably one of the two games that could be traps, the other being two weeks later in Provo against Brigham Young. TCU's defense is one of the best in the country but covering close to double digits on the road is never easy in conference play.

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Is Bobby Bowden's historic career done at Florida State (2-3 SU, 1-3 ATS)? Just when you count the Seminoles out, they'll usually come back and bite you in the ass and Georgia Tech (4-1 SU, 2-2 ATS) is ripe this Saturday. People forget that FSU's three losses have come by a combined 18 points against teams with a combined record of 12-2. And, you can't expect to win games when you constantly make mistakes. If FSU plays perfect, it can rip anybody. Just ask BYU?

 

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College football Top 25 cheat sheet: Week 6

College football Top 25 cheat sheet: Week 6

College football Top 25 cheat sheet: Week 6

No. 1 Florida at No. 4 LSU (+7.5, 45)

Supposedly there?s some injury concern with Florida, some Tebow guy. It appears the former Heisman winner will be a game-time decision, with some reports saying Tebow may play but not start. Backup John Brantley might actually be a better pocket passer but doesn?t run.

LSU better solve its defensive problems against UF, which is No. 1 in the nation in rushing, No. 2 in scoring offense and No. 3 in total yards. The Tigers are No. 81 in rush defense and No. 88 in total yards allowed. QB Jordan Jefferson has been sacked 12 times.

Colorado at No. 2 Texas (-32, 62)

Colorado must win the turnover battle because its defense has allowed 11 gains of 40 or more yards and ranks No. 101 in the nation overall.

The Horns have won their four games so far by an average of 34.3 points and have won four in a row against the Buffaloes by an average of 35 points. It is a potential look-ahead game for the Horns, with the Red River Rivalry on tap next weekend.

No. 3 Alabama at No. 16 Mississippi (+4.5, 46)

The Tide have the better defense and the better QB right now, with the latter being the surprise. Greg McElroy has completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 1,086 yards and nine touchdowns with just one interception. The Tide have scored at least 34 points in every game.

The Rebels will keep it close if history is an indication. The past four in this series have been decided in the final minute. But Alabama has won 19 of the last 22 against Ole Miss and five in a row. Maybe QB Jevan Snead snaps out of his early-season funk Saturday. He had three picks last week.

Boston College at No. 5 Virginia Tech (-13.5, 44.5)

BC is one of the surprise teams out there, coming off back-to-back home wins against Wake Forest and Florida State. But in the Eagles? lone road game so far, they were dominated at Clemson, totaling just 54 yards. That?s the sign of a young team. BC has beaten Tech in the past three regular seasons.

Good news for Hokies: Tyrod Taylor showed he could win a game with his arm last week, passing for a career-high 327 yards against Duke. Bad news: Blue Devils QB Thaddeus Lewis threw for 359 yards. Tech has won 11 in a row at home.

No. 25 Wisconsin at No. 8 Ohio State (-16.5, 47)

Wisconsin will bring the best rushing offense the Buckeyes have seen, with the Badgers ranking No. 14 in the country with an average of 217.2 rushing yards per game. John Clay leads the Big Ten in rushing. UW nearly beat OSU last year but has lost two in a row in the series.

The Buckeyes? run defense is allowing just 37.6 yards per game in the past three and hasn?t allowed a 100-yard individual rusher in 15 games. On offense, OSU gets back running back Dan Herron from an injury.

No. 9 TCU at Air Force (+10, 43.5)

The Horned Frogs had no trouble with Air Force in last season?s finale, 44-10. But they did lose the last time they visited Colorado Springs (2007) and are just 1-2 there all time.

The Falcons are No. 2 in the nation in rushing (they can?t pass at all) but have lost 11 consecutive games to ranked teams dating to 2002. Air Force lost to Navy last week for the seventh time in a row. The previous six seasons, AFU won its next game.

No. 13 Oklahoma State at Texas A&M (+5.5, 61.5)

Obviously, the big news for the Cowboys is the ineligibility of All-America WR Dez Bryant this week. He had 17 catches for 323 yards and four TDs in three games. That will allow teams to focus more on stopping Kendall Hunter (assuming he plays) and the running game.

These are not the Aggies you are used to. They now play at a fast pace, averaging 88 plays, 545 total yards and 334 passing yards per game to rank No. 2 in the nation in total offense. And if OSU?s Hunter is also out (day-to-day), A&M could well win straight up.

Michigan at No. 14 Iowa (-8, 47.5)

Michigan has won six of its last seven games at Iowa City, but these teams haven?t met since 2006. The Wolverines? offense didn?t look good for most of last week?s game at Michigan State (just 28 yards rushing), UM?s only other road game so far.

The Hawkeyes defense should be the best Michigan has seen so far. It is third in the Big Ten in total defense and points allowed and that unit hasn?t allowed a rushing touchdown in more than eight games.

Iowa State at No. 15 Kansas (-19.5, 56.5)

The only way the Cyclones win this one is if KU looks past them. They did lead KU 20-0 at the half last year, but lost 35-33, so it?s unlikely the Jayhawks take them for granted.

KU has won nine in a row at home against Big 12 North foes, while Iowa State has dropped 34 consecutive regular-season road games against Top 25 opponents. The Jayhawks have won four in a row in the series.

No. 17 Oregon at UCLA (+3.5, 45.5)

Will the Ducks have QB Jeremiah Masoli? He has practiced on a very limited basis so far after leaving last week?s win against Washington State. The Duck defense, meanwhile, has held back-to-back Pac-10 opponents to less than 10 points for the first time since 1992.

The Bruins welcome back starting QB Kevin Prince. He had been out since breaking his jaw against Tennessee Sept. 12. UCLA has lost six of its past nine home games against ranked teams.

No. 19 Auburn at Arkansas (+2.5, 66)

This one should be a shootout between the two top passing teams in the SEC. Auburn ranks fifth in the nation in yards per game and second in points scored with 207 under offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who used to hold the same job at Arkansas. Auburn has won three in a row at Fayetteville.

Two trends bode well for the Razorbacks: The last time Auburn was 5-0, it lost to Arkansas in 2006 and the last time Auburn was ranked, it lost to Arkansas in 2008. In fact, the Hogs have five wins over ranked Auburn teams in this series? history.

No. 20 BYU at UNLV (+17, 62.5)

Cougars QB Max Hall leads the Mountain West Conference in average yards passing per game, at 280.6. The Rebels have allowed 7.9 yards per attempt, second-worst in the MWC, and are last in the conference in total defense and rushing defense. That unit gave up 63 points last time out.

UNLV did hang tough last year with BYU in Provo, losing 42-35. But the Rebels have lost four in a row in this series and are 0-7 all-time in Vegas against BYU.

Baylor at No. 21 Oklahoma (-26, 54)

Baylor is due in many facets: It has lost 18 consecutive games against Top 25 foes and has never won a Big 12 opener on the road. The Bears? best chance to hang close is to hope that OU starts game-planning for Texas in the middle of this one.

Oklahoma has totally owned this series, winning each of the first 18 meetings. The Sooners' margin of victory has been less than 10 points only three times, the last coming in 2005. Sam Bradford remains questionable to return.

No. 23 Georgia Tech at Florida State (-3, 53.5)

The Yellow Jackets were able to rush for 288 yards in last year?s 31-28 win over FSU, and that Seminole rush defense is average this year. FSU is one of the nation?s worst teams defending the pass, and Tech QB Josh Nesbitt is coming off a career game.

The Seminoles are 6-0 all-time at home against the Yellow Jackets, and if the players were ever going to rally to save beleaguered coach Bobby Bowden it?s probably now or never. The Noles still can?t run, so they will need a big day from QB Christian Ponder, who leads the ACC in passing yards.

 

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Where the action is: College football lines on the move

Where the action is: College football lines on the move

Where the action is: College football lines on the move
Just try and find a book posting a line for Oklahoma State?s Big 12 opener at Texas A&M on Saturday.

Many have pulled the game or failed to post a line following Wednesday?s news. The Pokes will be without star receiver Dez Bryant and the status of stud running back Kendall Hunter is day-to-day for the boys from Stillwater. Bryant was ruled ineligible by the NCAA on Wednesday for not fully disclosing all the details of his interaction with an NFL player to the governing body. Bryant leads the team with 17 catches for 323 yards and four touchdowns and is an NFL first-round pick in waiting.

Here's a look at some of the other noteworthy lines this week:

Louisiana Tech at Nevada: -7.5 to -11 (line history)

Louisiana Tech has won two straight games. So why is 1-3 Nevada getting all the love from bettors for the team?s game on Friday night?

Bettors seem to love the Wolf Pack, who are coming off a 63-38 win over UNLV in which the squad rushed for a staggering school-record-setting rushing 559 yards. Nevada also is expected to get back injured running back Vai Taua, who gained over 1,000 yards last year, but missed last week?s game. As a result, the Wolf Pack have seen their line shift 3.5 points from -7.5 to minus-11 as of Wednesday afternoon.

Oregon at UCLA: +6.5 to +3.5 (line history)

Both Oregon and UCLA would like to know the answer for their matchup on Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles.

Oregon signal caller Jeremiah Masoli has spent the week icing his leg and wearing a brace. Coach Chip Kelly said Masoli will play, but his mentor, previous Ducks coach Mike Bellotti, also once said former QB Dennis Dixon was "going to be fine? after sustaining a torn knee ligament. Meantime, UCLA expects to get back No. 1 quarterback Kevin Prince, who missed the past three weeks with a broken jaw. Betters believe in Prince, not Masoli, with the line shifting 3 points in UCLA?s favor to +3.5.

Kentucky at South Carolina: -12 to -9.5 (line history)

With Kentucky coming off two straight SEC home blowouts and South Carolina fresh off a drubbing of little brother S.C. State, who?s the favorite? Good question.

The books opened up South Carolina as a 12-point favorite, but oddly, that line has fallen to just nine points. Even more mystifying, is the fact that Kentucky will be without both of its starting cornerbacks, including All-Conference player Trevard Lindley. The Gamecocks also are 4-0 ATS in their past four against the Wildcats.

 

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NCAAF betting's notable quotes

NCAAF betting's notable quotes

NCAAF betting's notable quotes

Sports bettors hear a million quotes from players and coaches a week. Some of those quotes are just fluff. Others are mere posturing before the big game. But sometimes, a quote can give you insight into how a game will play out.

Check out what notable quotables are catching the ears of Las Vegas wise guys heading into Week 5 of the college football schedule.

Low Flying Falcons

Air Force left it all on the field last Saturday but still came up short, suffering their seventh consecutive loss to arch rival Navy. The seven losses have come by a combined total of 33 points, each one a hotly contested affair.

Last weekend?s 16-13 overtime defeat was the fourth time in those seven defeats that the Falcons have lost by exactly three points. The coveted Commander-in-Chief trophy presented to the winner of the Army/Navy/Air Force series is once again out of the Falcons? reach.

Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson was absolutely crushed following the defeat.

?It hurts. We didn't put the ball in the end zone. Our team, we're kind of demoralized, especially the seniors on the squad because they've never beaten this Navy team,? he told reporters.

The Falcons might have a hard time picking themselves off the floor against powerful TCU this weekend. The Horned Frogs? speedy defense completely stifled Air Force in a 44-10 win over the Falcons, the third time in the last four years that TCU has won the game by 24 points or more.

Rising Tide

Alabama won and covered for the fourth time in five games this past Saturday, earning a 38-20 win at Kentucky. The Crimson Tide have now scored 30 or more points in their first five games of the season for just the second time in school history and first time since 1920. Quarterback Greg McElroy completed 15-of-26 passes for 148 yards and two TDs. He has eight TD passes and no interceptions in his last four games.

Following the win, the Crimson Tide weren?t thrilled about their level of performance.

?We'll take the win [but] we're not really satisfied with it,? linebacker Rolando McClain told the media. ?We knew we could have played a lot better. We just played a real good team. They gave us their best punch. We took it and we countered it.?

Head coach Nick Saban agreed.

?We had balance out there but this was by far the most physical, toughest game we have had to this point,? Saban said.

The Wildcats gained 301 yards of total offense, the most the Crimson Tide have allowed all season.

Wildcats head coach Rich Brooks was impressed with Bama one week after playing Florida.

?We just played the top two defenses in the country. Alabama's defense is just as good as Florida's. They're a great football team. I expect to see them in the SEC championship game,? Brooks told the press.

For Alabama to get to the SEC championship game, it?ll probably need to win at Ole Miss Saturday. The Crimson Tide are currently 6-point road favorites in this crucial mid-season showdown.

Roaring Tigers

Auburn was a Top-10 team coming into the 2008 campaign, but the season fell apart quickly and the Tigers finished 5-7 overall, just 2-6 in SEC play. More importantly for bettors, Auburn was one of the worst pointspread propositions in football, covering only two spreads all year.

This year, with a new coaching staff and boatloads of returning talent, Auburn has started the season with a bang, going 5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS following last Saturday?s upset win at Tennessee.

Fullback Mario Fannin wants to wipe away the bad memories of last year.

?We're trying to prove something every time we hit the field,? said Fannin . ?We know what we have in mind, and that's a championship. We're just going to keep pushing forward and get better every week.?

Vols head coach Lane Kiffin was impressed with the diversity of the Tigers new spread offense, led by coordinator Gus Malzahn.

?They are so complicated. There are so many things they do,? noted Kiffin.

Malzahn?s offense will be tested again this week as they travel to Arkansas, installed as 3-point road favorites in Fayetteville.

Ascending Devils

Before last year's 14-3 loss in Blacksburg, Duke hadn't come within 24 points of the Hokies since Virginia Tech joined the ACC in 2004. Once again this past weekend, Duke gave Frank Beamer?s squad a real test.

?We got close enough in the fourth quarter to go beat a great team,? head coach David Cutcliffe told reporters.

Unfortunately for Cutcliffe, the Blue Devils couldn?t seal the deal.

?Once you taste that, you like it. I wouldn't say we spit it out -- it wasn't a choke -- but we just didn't finish,? he said.

Hokies head coach Frank Beamer was impressed with what he had to contend with on the other sideline.

?I don't think that's the old Duke football team,? confessed Beamer.

In past years, Duke hasn?t had a veteran senior quarterback like Thaddeus Lewis, who threw for 359 yards and two touchdowns against Virginia Tech.

The Blue Devils have been covering pointspreads as road underdogs at a 67 percent clip (26-13 ATS) over the last eight years. Duke is a 14.5-point underdog at NC State this Saturday.

Inept Warriors

Hawaii was in an awful situational spot when they travelled to Ruston, Louisiana last week to take on Louisiana Tech. The Warriors were playing their third consecutive road game for the first time since 1964, making the single longest trip for a conference game of any team in the nation this year while in the midst of a 36-day span between home games.

Head coach Greg McMackin made it clear that there is ?no whining in football?, but he also made it clear that his team was as flat as a pancake in Ruston.

?We didn't have any energy and didn't play our best game,? he said.

McMackin was particularly upset with the team?s defensive effort.

?(It was) the worst exhibition of tackling in football. We were diving and not tackling the way we teach. We're not that kind of football team,? McMackin told the media.

The Warriors? offense was equally inept, and Hawaii's 62-game streak with at least one touchdown came to an end. Hawaii came into the game with the nation?s seventh-ranked offense, but it was held to 301 total yards, more than 200 yards below its season average. Bulldog defenders sacked quarterback Greg Alexander five times before ending his season with a third quarter knee injury.

Sophomore quarterback Bryant Moniz will make his first career start for Hawaii Saturday as they return home to take on Fresno State.

?We're really looking forward to going home and playing Fresno State in front of our crowd,? said McMackin.

Hawaii is a 9.5-point home underdog in that late night affair.

 

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Other notable college football wagering conflicts

Other notable college football wagering conflicts

Other notable college football wagering conflicts

From here on out, nothing is easy for any college football team and the same goes for the sports bettor. The linemakers have a solid read on every team, thus those who have the keenest sense and correct information have the best chance to win. Take a gander at consequential college football contests this Saturday. Sides and Totals from Bookmaker.com.

Boston College at Virginia Tech (-13.5, 44.5) 12:00E Raycom

It?s a rematch of the last two ACC title tilts, with Boston College (4-1, 3-1 ATS) traveling to Lane Stadium. The Eagles are off a pair of ACC home game wins and return to the road where they are 9-4-1 ATS facing ranked clubs. Boston College needs to keep running game in order to open up passing offense. Virginia Tech (4-1, 2-3 ATS) has been on and off this campaign and coach Frank Beamer desires mental toughness with three road games in next four outings after this week. The Hokies offense works better with finesse elements mixed. Tyrod Taylor looks calmer with less structure and Virginia Tech is 11-4 ATS off a win vs. ACC foe.

Oklahoma State at Texas A&M (+5, 61) 12:00E FSN

This is one the matchups that is believed to be for third place in Big 12 South. Oklahoma State?s offense has not run as smoothly as last season and has lost receiver Dez Bryant reportedly for the year. A number of players have been nicked and are expected to be ready for conference play. The Cowboys (3-1, 2-2 ATS) have 13-1 ATS record after scoring 50 points or more in last game. Texas A&M (3-1, 2-2 ATS) has yet to take on a good defensive team, which has accounted for the Aggies scoring 38.5 points per game. Nevertheless, the offense is explosive with QB Jerrod Johnson at the controls. The Texas A&M defense has to play well, with Aggies 0-11 ATS when allowing 450 to 500 total yards.

Houston at Mississippi State (-2.5, 67) 12:30E ESPNU

The Cougars fell in trap game at UTEP 58-41. This sets up Houston (3-1, 2-1 ATS) to try and continue to be a BCS slayer with trip to Starkville. Case Keenum is moving up the Heisman ladder and his speedy and quick receiver core have defenses reacting to what the Cougars do. Houston is 3-8-1 ATS in the second of two or more road games. Mississippi State (2-3, 2-2 ATS) just faced option running team Georgia Tech and has to quickly alter thinking for toss-the-ball Houston. The Bulldogs have to be more disciplined than last week against pass-happy Cougars offense. Mississippi State is 6-26 ATS when they allow 6.5 or more yards per play.

Connecticut at Pittsburgh (-7, 47.5) 3:30E ABC-GP

Big East action begins for Connecticut (3-1, 4-0 ATS) making trip south to Pittsburgh (4-1, 3-1 ATS). The Huskies coaches hope the bye week heeled injuries that occurred in preparation for league play. UConn is never eye-pleasing, however has become constant winner. They have had issues as Big East road dog with 3-12 ATS mark. Pittsburgh lowered Louisville 35-10 and returns home on a high note. The Panthers have serious concerns against the pass (82nd) and must create pressure to cover-up deficiencies. Pitts is 8-1 ATS when their defense allows 150 or less net passing yards. This series has seen three consecutive outright upsets.

TCU at Air Force (-10.5, 43) 7:30E CBSC

The Horned Frogs (2-1 ATS) start 4-0 for a second straight year and begin MWC play at treacherous Air Force (3-2, 1-2-1 ATS). TCU is 6-2 ATS all-time against the Falcons, however were shot down two years ago in Colorado Springs 20-17 in overtime. Quarterback Andy Dalton has run the offensive effectively and the TCU defense is playing to typical standards (7th). They are 8-1 ATS when they score 28 or more points since last season. The Air Force is 6-1 ATS after Navy battle and coach Troy Calhoun has to bring full offensive package facing rugged TCU defense. The Falcons are 6-4 ATS as MWC home underdogs, but 1-5 ATS vs ranked clubs in this spot.

 

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Saturday's SEC Action

Saturday's SEC Action

Saturday's SEC Action
October 10, 2009

#3 ALABAMA (5-0) At #20 MISSISSIPPI (3-1)
Date: Saturday October 10th
Time: 3:38 PM ET
TV: CBS
Line: Alabama -4 ?
Total: 46

The best conference in college football, the SEC places #3 Alabama against #20 Mississippi in one of the toughest games of the day in front of a nationally televised contest on CBS. The Crimson Tide has their eyes on a National Championship, while the upstart Rebels will try and pin a loss on their conference rivals.

As impressive as Nick Saban?s team is, the Crimson Tide face a hard road test against a very good Rebel club. Ole Miss provides a tough match up for Alabama but in reality their last true road test until the Crimson Tide faces Auburn in the Iron Bowl. Mississippi had hoped to be undefeated when these two teams matched up in Oxford but a loss to South Carolina spoiled a game of unbeatens. Before the loss to the Game Cocks the Rebels were ranked as high as #4.

No. 3 Alabama, meanwhile, will look to extend their red hot start and a five-game winning streak against Ole Miss, as its defense tries to bounce back from a poor performance against Kentucky.

For the Rebels to win Quarterback Jevan Snead will have to play better than he did against South Carolina when he was 7 of 21 for 107 yards in a 16-10 on September 24th. Mississippi didn?t let the loss put them in a slump, as they bounced back with a 23-7 win at Vanderbilt last Saturday. Jevan Snead?s problems continued though, as he threw three interceptions along with his three touchdowns.

?I think he would be the first to tell you that we can?t have some of those mistakes that he made in the second half,? Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt said. ?We were executing the offense very well to start, then we started forcing things and he needs to either drop it off to the back or throw it away.?

The Rebels (3-1, 1-1 SEC) still have high hopes in the crowded SEC West, but any chances of reaching the conference title game would almost certainly require a win over Alabama this Saturday.

Speaking of the SEC Championship game, Alabama made it there last season, when they took an undefeated record and a number one ranking against eventual NCAA Champion Florida. This year the Crimson Tide have their eye on the National Championship and know they?ll have to take care of business this weekend against the Rebels if they want to reach their goal.

?(Mississippi) is probably the best team we have played to this point, all the way around,? said Alabama coach Nick Saban, whose team has already beaten then-No. 7 Virginia Tech.

The one thing the Crimson Tide can?t afford is a lack-luster performance, like the one they had last week against Kentucky. ?Even though it?s a win and we?ll take the win, we?re not really satisfied with it,? star linebacker Rolando McClain said. ?We know we could have played a lot better.?

The Tide?s offense averages more than (228.2) on the ground, led by running back Mark Ingram. The sophomore has 290 rushing yards and four total touchdowns in Alabama?s two road games.

?A lot of teams come out and play on emotion,? Ingram said. ?The more we hit them in the mouth, it wears them down.?

If Alabama can get in front, they will stay with the running game. Even though Alabama has one of the most dangerous weapons in sophomore wide receiver Julio Jones, the Tide can eliminate mistakes and control the clock with the ground game. Jones nearly racked up 1,000 receiving yards as a freshman last season, but he has 133 in four games this fall, including just two catches for 13 yards against Kentucky.

Alabama?s junior quarterback Greg McElroy has thrown 89 passes without an interception in the last four games, with eight touchdown passes.

?Their defensive team is very highly ranked,? Saban added. ?They?ve got a very good front, a couple of dominant up front guys and couple of good pass rushers and play well in the secondary.?

The Tide can?t cruise into Oxford as the Rebels are known for big upsets. In his first season as head coach, Huston Nutt went 1-1 against top-five opponents, beating eventual national champion Florida 31-30 before losing to then-No. 2 Alabama 24-20 on Oct. 18.

Nutt has experience beating Saban. Nutt?s Arkansas teams won two of five meetings with LSU while Saban was in Baton Rouge from 2000-04.

Betting Trends:
Alabama is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 SEC games
Alabama is 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games as a favorite
Ole Miss is 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games as an UNDERDOG
The UNDERDOG is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 games between the two teams
The OVER is 5-1 in Alabama?s last 6 games

No. 17 Auburn Tigers (5-0) at Arkansas Razorbacks (2-2)

Date: Saturday October, 10th
Time: 12:00PM ET
TV: ESPN
Line: Auburn -2 ?
Total: 66

The Auburn Tigers look for the school?s first 6-0 start in five years when they visit SEC rival Arkansas on Saturday. With a 5-0 start to his head coaching tenure at Auburn, Gene Chizik has now been a part of 20 consecutive victories as a member of the Auburn coaching staff (dating back to his D.C. days). Chizik, who has seen 12 straight wins at Jordan-Hare Stadium, is just the third coach in Auburn history to win his first five games as head coach. Charles Barkley, how do you like the hire today?

Bobby Pettrino is head coach at Arkansas after the disaster with the Atlanta Falcons. Pettrino is an offense genius who made his reputation by mixing the new-fangled spread offense with traditional power-I football, he has been able to churn out both highly efficient passers and bruising running backs. He doesn?t quite have the horses in only his second year at Arkansas but he does have a hell of a quarterback in Sophomore Ryan Mallet. Arkansas finally got back on the winning track with a win over Texas A&M, but now the Razorbacks need to focus on getting some conference victories.

Quarterbacks: Ryan Mallet came through with flying colors in a must-win game, carving up the Texas A&M defense and leading Arkansas to the easy win. He'll need to be decisive with the ball against Auburn, which wants to get to him and force bad throws. Ryan Mallett is going to feel the heat of an Auburn defense that sacked opponents 10 times in five games. He needs to be able to find a receiver and get rid of the ball before absorbing hits from the hard-hitting Tiger defenders. Mallets numbers for the season are a very solid (67-123-1148) with 11TD?s and a 159.1 passer rating. Pettrino has Mallet airing it out in Fayetteville.

Auburn Senior QB Chris Todd is off to a blazing start this season. He has established a career high in passing yards three times already this year, first with 255 yards against Louisiana Tech, then 284 yards against West Virginia, then with 287 yards against Ball State. He also threw for what was then a career-best four scores against the Mountaineers, before tying the school record with five the next week against Ball State. Todd is the first Auburn quarterback in history to throw at least four touchdown passes in consecutive games, and his nine TD passes in a two-week span were two more than Auburn had as a team during the entire 2008 season. Todd ranks seventh in the nation in yards per completion (15.19) and eighth nationally in passing efficiency (160.81). His 12 touchdown passes are tied for seventh most in the NCAA.

Running backs: Arkansas? running game was boosted by Ronnie Wingo Jr.'s team-high 86 yards on just four carries, including a 62-yard touchdown run against A&M. RB Michael Smith showed his versatility against Texas A&M, leading the Razorbacks with five receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. But Smith needs more than the 17 rushing yards he got against the Aggies in order to keep Auburn's defensive linemen from just rushing up field and going after Ryan Mallett.

Auburn ranks fifth nationally in rushing offense, averaging 253.8 yards per game. The Tigers collected 301 yards rushing against Louisiana Tech in the season opener before running for 390 yards against Mississippi State the following week. The last time Auburn had back-to-back games with at least 300 yards rushing was in 1985, when Auburn had three straight games with more than 300 yards rushing (Ole Miss, 438; Florida State, 413; Georgia Tech, 377).

Wide Receivers: RB Michael Smith showed his versatility against Texas A&M, leading the Razorbacks with five receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. Joe Adams (16-316 yds. 2td?s), Jarious Wright (13-297-2) and Greg Childs (16-260-3) are Mallets go to WR?s all three average over 16 yards per catch. Mallet has hit 12 different Razorbacks for passes this season.

Sophomore Darvin Adams and junior Terrell Zachary was a pair of unknown wideouts prior to the season, but both have had breakout seasons. Adams leads the team in catches (22), receiving yards (363) and touchdown receptions (five), while Zachery has 13 grabs for 304 yards (23.4 ypc) and four touchdowns. Adams caught three touchdown passes against West Virginia. Zachery's four TD receptions have averaged 53 yards.

Defense: Arkansas? defensive line was excellent against Texas A&M, putting pressure on QB Jerrod Johnson, either sacking him or forcing him to throw the ball away or rush his throws. The defensive ends were able to keep Johnson in the pocket and not allow him to use his legs to get yardage. The defensive backfield was also solid, forcing Johnson to hold the ball long enough for the pressure to get to him. Turnovers were a big plus as well, something the defense can't completely count on against Auburn, which has just five giveaways this season CB Andru Stewart made his first start of the season against Texas A&M and didn't disappoint, making four tackles in the game. Although LB Jerry Franklin gets a lot of the headlines, its LB Wendell Davis who leads the team with 30 tackles. Davis has led the team in tackles in three of four games this season and is considered by many coaches as the most reliable of the Razorbacks linebackers.

Auburn ranks tied for seventh in the nation with eight interceptions and 13 total turnovers forced. Last year, Auburn had just 11 interceptions during the entire season and forced 18 turnovers in 12 games. The Tigers have spread the wealth, with eight different players grabbing one interception each. Auburn picked off five passes against West Virginia. Antonio Coleman and Josh Coleman have both collected interceptions and recovered fumbles this season. Antonio Coleman, 19 tackles including 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks. Junior linebackers Josh Bynes and Craig Stevens share the team lead with 43 tackles each, ranking tied for sixth in the SEC. Both players have also recorded interceptions, while Stevens leads the team with 5.0 tackles for loss and Bynes recorded a safety against Ball State.

Series History:
Auburn leads Arkansas 10-7-1 (last meeting, 2008, 25-22 Arkansas).
Arkansas has scored 40 or more points in three of its first four games.
Auburn has won 53 consecutive games when scoring 30 or more points.
In the last 10 seasons, Auburn is 76-8 (.905) when scoring 20 or more points in a game.
Auburn has had to come from behind in four of its five victories, including a fourth-quarter comeback to defeat West Virginia Sept. 19.

Betting Trends:
Auburn is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games
Arkansas is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 SEC Games
The UNDER is 4-1 in Auburn?s last 5 SEC Games
The UNDERDOG is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 games between the two teams

 

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Weekend Action

Weekend Action

Weekend Action
October 9, 2009

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

Florida at LSU
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.?

Head-to-Head 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.

Betting Trends
The sports betting public is still unsure of which way to go on this one, as the Tebow injury causes uncertainty. Online sportsbook SPORTSBETTING.com is reporting even betting action, with 54% leaning towards the Gators.

NFL Betting - Unbeaten Clubs on tap

Of the five remaining undefeated teams in the NFL, it?s not surprising to see the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants, somewhat surprising to see the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings and absolutely stunning to see the Denver Broncos.

Denver?s first-year head coach Josh McDaniels was criticized for his treatment of former QB Jay Cutler but four games into the regular season, he has the Broncos at 4-0 SU and ATS. Denver will be in tough to grab win five this week as they prepare to host McDaniels? mentor Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. The Pats are a 3.5-point road faves with a Total of 41.5. Denver has been quite successful against New England at Mile High going 11-2 straight up and 10-3 ATS and in its last seven home games against the Pats. Over/Under bettors take note, as these ?Over? has hit six times in those games.

Indianapolis will aim to remain undefeated in a Sunday night tilt against the AFC South division rival Tennessee Titans. The Colts are listed as four-point road favorites with an Over/Under of 45 1/2. In the last eight games between the two, the Under has cashed seven times and the Over has paid out only once. In Indy?s last 10 games in the month of October, they are 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS while Tennessee has struggled in its last eight games overall, going 1-7 SU and 2-6 ATS.