The Bum's December NHL Trends, News, Stats All You Need To know To Wager On The Games

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, December 18

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WASHINGTON (14-10-0-6, 34 pts.) at COLUMBUS (13-15-0-2, 28 pts.) - 12/18/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in December games this season.
COLUMBUS is 33-22 ATS (+10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 3-3 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBUS is 3-3-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.1 Units)

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TORONTO (19-9-0-3, 41 pts.) at CAROLINA (8-19-0-3, 19 pts.) - 12/18/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 57-84 ATS (-38.2 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.
TORONTO is 23-30 ATS (-15.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 19-12 ATS (+6.2 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in December games this season.
TORONTO is 19-12 ATS (+6.2 Units) first half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 11-4 ATS (+15.1 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
CAROLINA is 8-22 ATS (-23.5 Units) in all games this season.
CAROLINA is 8-22 ATS (+36.8 Units) first half of the season this season.
CAROLINA is 91-105 ATS (-58.7 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
CAROLINA is 36-47 ATS (-27.4 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 4-2 (+2.2 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 4-2-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.5 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

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COLORADO (10-13-0-7, 27 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (20-6-0-4, 44 pts.) - 12/18/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 1-1-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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FLORIDA (13-8-0-8, 34 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (11-14-0-5, 27 pts.) - 12/18/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 288-331 ATS (-94.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 4-4 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 4-4-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.1 Units)

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ANAHEIM (21-7-0-5, 47 pts.) at MONTREAL (20-10-0-2, 42 pts.) - 12/18/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 76-55 ATS (+12.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 8-1 ATS (+6.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MONTREAL is 8-1 ATS (+6.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 82-46 ATS (+17.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 18-3 ATS (+14.0 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 50-25 ATS (+16.4 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 179-146 ATS (+28.0 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 2-0 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 2-0-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.0 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

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ST LOUIS (21-8-0-2, 44 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (15-11-0-6, 36 pts.) - 12/18/2014, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 33-14 ATS (+13.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 48-22 ATS (+13.7 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 20-4 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 10-4 (+6.7 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 10-4-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

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EDMONTON (7-19-0-6, 20 pts.) at SAN JOSE (17-11-0-4, 38 pts.) - 12/18/2014, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 7-25 ATS (+42.1 Units) in all games this season.
EDMONTON is 7-25 ATS (+42.1 Units) first half of the season this season.
EDMONTON is 1-13 ATS (+19.0 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
EDMONTON is 1-12 ATS (+19.4 Units) after a division game this season.
EDMONTON is 4-18 ATS (+29.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
EDMONTON is 14-44 ATS (+85.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 6-29 ATS (+51.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 5-9 ATS (-6.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN JOSE is 5-9 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 8-2 (+4.8 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 8-2-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.5 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, December 18

Hot teams
-- Columbus won last seven games, with five of last six in OT/SO. Washington won three of its last four road games.
-- Maple Leafs won last six games, scoring 25 goals.
-- Penguins won four of their last five home games.
-- Anaheim won seven of its last eight games. Montreal won last three games, scoring 13 goals.
-- Blues won last five games, scoring 24 goals.
-- San Jose won seven of its last eight games.

Cold teams
-- Carolina lost last six games, outscored 18-6.
-- Avalanche lost five of their last six games.
-- Florida is 2-10 this season in game following a win. Flyers lost eight of their last eleven games.
-- Los Angeles lost five of its last six games.
-- Edmonton lost five in row, 16 of last 17 games.

Series records
-- Blue Jackets won three of last four games with Washington.
-- Hurricanes won six of last eight games with Toronto.
-- Penguins won four of last five games with Colorado.
-- Flyers are 8-5 in their last thirteen games with Florida.
-- Ducks won five of last seven games with Montreal.
-- Kings won seven of last nine games with St Louis.
-- Sharks won eight of last ten games with Edmonton.

Totals
-- Four of last five Columbus road games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Toronto road games went over; seven of last eight Carolina games stayed under. .
-- Six of last seven Colorado road games went over; four of last five Penguin home tilts stayed under.
-- Four of last five Philly games stayed under total.
-- Last seven Anaheim road games went over total.
-- Last four Los Angeles games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Edmonton road games.

Back-to-back
-- None

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Thursday, December 18

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
COLORADO vs. PITTSBURGH
Colorado10-3-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing Colorado
Pittsburgh is 7-15-3 SU in its last 25 games ,when playing Colorado

7:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Florida is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. CAROLINA
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Toronto's last 12 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games on the road
Carolina is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 8 games

7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. COLUMBUS
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 9 games when playing on the road against Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Columbus's last 9 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games when playing Washington

7:30 PM
ANAHEIM vs. MONTREAL
Anaheim is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Anaheim's last 6 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing Anaheim
Montreal is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,when playing at home against Anaheim

10:30 PM
EDMONTON vs. SAN JOSE
Edmonton is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Jose
Edmonton is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing San Jose
San Jose is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Edmonton
San Jose is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Edmonton

10:30 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. LOS ANGELES
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 4-15 SU in its last 19 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games
Los Angeles is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Short Sheet

Thursday, December 18

Washington at Columbus, 7:05 ET
Washington: 9-2 SU revenging a loss versus opponent
Columbus: 7-0 SU in December games

Toronto at Carolina, 7:05 ET
Toronto: 12-4 SU when playing their 3rd game in 5 days
Carolina: 8-22 SU in all games

Colorado at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET
Colorado: N/A
Pittsburgh: N/A

Florida at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Florida: 5-17 SU off a home win
Philadelphia: 7-5 SU as a home favorite

Anaheim at Montreal, 7:35 ET
Anaheim: 18-3 SU in December games
Montreal: 25-33 SU in home games after 2 straight wins by 2 goals or more

St Louis at Los Angeles, 10:35 ET
St Louis: 48-22 SU first half of the season
Los Angeles: 13-22 SU off a road loss

Edmonton at San Jose, 10:35 ET
Edmonton: 0-14 SU as a road underdog of +200 to +300
San Jose: 29-9 SU off a home win

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Thursday, December 18


Penguins' G Marc-Andre Fleury, doubtful Thursday

Fleury will undergo tests for the mumps after missing Wednesday's practice with an illness.


T.J. Oshie, St. Louis - Prob Thurs

Oshie did not play Tuesday due to a personal matter but will rejoin the team for Thursday's game against the Kings.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

NY Islanders at Detroit
The Detroit plays host to an Islanders team that is 6-1 in the last 7 contests versus the Red Wings. New York is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Islanders favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+115). Here are all of today's NHL picks.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19

Game 1-2: Tampa Bay at New Jersey (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 12.783; New Jersey 11.209
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 3-4: NY Islanders at Detroit (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 12.433; Detroit 11.075
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+115); Over

Game 5-6: Anaheim at Ottawa (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.868; Ottawa 10.408
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 7-8: Boston at Winnipeg (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 10.492; Winnipeg 11.871
Dunkel Line & Total: Winnipeg by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (-105); Over

Game 9-10: Dallas at Calgary (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 11.873; Calgary 10.409
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+105); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Friday, December 19

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TAMPA BAY (20-10-0-3, 43 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (11-16-0-6, 28 pts.) - 12/19/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 4-3 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 4-3-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.4 Units)

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NY ISLANDERS (21-10-0-0, 42 pts.) at DETROIT (17-7-0-8, 42 pts.) - 12/19/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 15-3 ATS (+11.1 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 21-10 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all games this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 21-10 ATS (+9.8 Units) first half of the season this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 10-5 ATS (+16.8 Units) in road games on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 8-14 ATS (-10.9 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 17-24 ATS (-20.5 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 3-8 ATS (-7.6 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 2-1 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 2-1-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.7 Units)

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ANAHEIM (22-7-0-5, 49 pts.) at OTTAWA (13-12-0-6, 32 pts.) - 12/19/2014, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 2-0 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 2-0-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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BOSTON (16-13-0-3, 35 pts.) at WINNIPEG (16-10-0-6, 38 pts.) - 12/19/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 28-24 ATS (+52.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 6-17 ATS (+26.3 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 4-2 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 4-2-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.0 Units)

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DALLAS (12-13-0-5, 29 pts.) at CALGARY (17-14-0-2, 36 pts.) - 12/19/2014, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 28-22 ATS (+59.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 171-140 ATS (+25.6 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 3-3 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 3-3-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+6.4 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, December 19

Hot teams
-- Anaheim won eight of its last nine games.
-- Islanders won 15 of their last 20 games.
-- Dallas Stars won three of their last four games.

Cold teams
-- New Jersey lost five in row, 11 of last 13 games. Lightning lost six of their last eight road games.
-- Senators lost seven of last ten games; they're 1-8 in game after their last nine wins.
-- Red Wings lost last four games, scoring four goals.
-- Boston lost six of its last eight games. Winnipeg lost three of last five.
-- Calgary lost last six games, scoring ten goals.

Series records
-- Devils won three of last four games with Tampa Bay.
-- Ducks won seven of last eight games with Ottawa.
-- Islanders won six of last seven games with Detroit.
-- Bruins lost four of last five visits to Winnipeg.
-- Dallas Stars won three of last four games with Calgary.

Totals
-- Eight of last nine New Jersey home games stayed under .
-- Seven of last eight Anaheim road games went over.
-- Under is 5-0-1 in last six Detroit games.
-- Five of last six Winnipeg home games went over.
-- Nine of last ten Calgary home games went over.

Back-to-back
-- Anaheim is 3-1 if it played the night before.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Friday, December 19

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. NEW JERSEY
Tampa Bay is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Tampa Bay's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Jersey's last 10 games at home

7:30 PM
ANAHEIM vs. OTTAWA
Anaheim is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Anaheim's last 5 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing Anaheim

7:30 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. DETROIT
NY Islanders are 15-5 SU in their last 20 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 6 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
BOSTON vs. WINNIPEG
Boston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston's last 8 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Winnipeg is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Winnipeg's last 8 games when playing at home against Boston

9:00 PM
DALLAS vs. CALGARY
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Dallas's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing Dallas

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Short Sheet

Friday, December 19

Tampa Bay at New Jersey, 7:05 ET
Tampa Bay: N/A
New Jersey: N/A

New York at Detroit, 7:35 ET
New York: 21-10 SU in all games
Detroit: 17-24 SU as a home favorite of -200 or less

Anaheim at Ottawa, 7:35 ET
Anaheim: N/A
Ottawa: N/A

Boston at Winnipeg, 8:05 ET
Boston: 193-186 SU in road games when playing their 3rd game in 5 days
Winnipeg: 6-17 SU after a win by 2 goals or more

Dallas at Calgary, 9:05 ET
Dallas: 6-1 SU in road games when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days
Calgary: 0-7 SU in home games off a home loss by 2 goals or more

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Friday, December 19


Lightning G Ben Bishop, doubtful Friday

Bishop has a lower-body injury and was not available Tuesday. He will likely miss Friday's game against the Devils.


Islanders offensively consistent this season

The New York Islanders are 15-5 in their past 20 games, which has a lot to do with the offensive consistency. Through 20 games, the Islanders have only been held to one goal twice in those 20 games, while averaging over three goals per game.

The defense has been no slouch though, only allowing 2.5 gpg with two shutouts.

New York travels to Detroit Friday.


The worst home record belongs to the Devils

The New Jersey Devils are 3-5-1-3 at home this season, which gives them the fewest home wins in the NHL. The Devils have lost their past five in the Prudential Center, being outscored 17-9.

New Jersey will host Tampa Bay Friday.


Offense has disappeared for the Flames

The Calgary Flames rank in the top 10 in offense in the NHL, but over the past six games the team has only netted 10 goals. It's not a surprise then, that Calgary has lost their past six contests.

The Flames are also allowing more than three goals per contest during that span.

Calgary hosts the Dallas Stars Friday.

[StarDust Bum]

39 bowls and a reason to watch every one

December 18, 2014

Over the next three weeks, 38 bowl games and a national championship game will be played from Boise to the Bahamas and various points in between. You should watch them all. Here's why:

Saturday, Dec. 20

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Nevada (minus 1) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

Why watch? Someone thought it would be fun to start a football game at 10 a.m. in New Orleans. Wait for the crowd shots and try to spot the fans who went straight from Bourbon Street to the Superdome.

Pick: LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE 28-24.

Gildan New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque

UTEP (plus 10 1/2) vs. Utah State

Why watch? Brothers Zach and Nick Vigil play linebacker for Utah State and have combined for 181 tackles. Every time a Vigil makes a tackle, take a sip of your favorite beverage. We would suggest Dr Pepper if you plan to watch the second half.

Pick: UTAH STATE 31-14.

Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl

Colorado State (plus 3) vs. Utah

Why watch? Your last memory of Utes star receiver/returner Kaelin Clay should not be of him absent-mindedly dropping the football a yard short of the end zone against Oregon. One of the most exciting special teams players in the country plays his last college game.

Pick: UTAH 30-21.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise

Western Michigan (plus 1 1/2) vs. Air Force

Why watch? The winning team will be the owner of the biggest turnaround season in the country. Both the Broncos (8-4) and Falcons (9-3) have already won seven more games than they did last year.

Pick: WESTERN MICHIGAN 27-23.

Raycom Camelia Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama

Bowling Green (plus 3) vs. South Alabama

Why watch? Do you like hockey? South Alabama QB Brandon Bridge was born in Toronto. His nickname is ''Air Canada.'' Close enough.

Pick: BOWLING GREEN 42-24.

Monday, Dec. 22

Miami Beach Bowl

BYU (plus 1) vs. Memphis

Why watch? By next season Memphis' Justin Fuente will be the coach you want your school to hire.

Pick: MEMPHIS 30-28.

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Boca Raton Bowl

Marshall (minus 10) vs. Northern Illinois

Why watch? Outside of the College Football Playoff semifinals, this is the only bowl game matching conference champions.

Pick: MARSHALL 45-38.

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl

Navy (plus 3) vs. San Diego State

Why watch? Every time Navy QB Keenan Reynolds scores a touchdown you get to reminisce about a college football star from the past. Remember how great Ron Dayne was? Reynolds' next TD will be No. 63, matching the Wisconsin Heisman Trophy winner. Two more touchdowns pulls Reynolds even with Indiana great Anthony Thompson and Texas star Cedric Benson.

Pick: NAVY 28-24.

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Popeyes Bahamas Bowl in Nassau

Western Kentucky (minus 3 1/2) vs. Central Michigan

Why watch? It's a football game on a tropical island, with the possibility of limitless access to fried chicken. This is paradise.

Pick: Three-piece spicy with a biscuit and Cajun rice. And WESTERN KENTUCKY 38-28.

Hawaii Bowl in Honolulu

Rice (minus 2) vs. Fresno State

Why watch? What else are you going to do while putting together that doll house or bicycle on the night before Christmas?

Pick: RICE 27-21.

Friday, Dec. 26

Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl

Illinois (plus 6) vs. Louisiana Tech

Why watch? It's the day after Christmas. Haven't you spent enough time with your family?

Pick: ILLINOIS 35-24.

Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit

Rutgers (plus 3) vs. North Carolina

Why watch? Great player you probably don't know: Rutgers WR Leonte Carroo, who averages more yards per catch (19.68) than any 1,000-yard receiver in the country.

Pick: RUTGERS 42-38.

Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl

UCF (minus 2) vs. N.C. State

Why watch? Maybe UCF coach George O'Leary can explain what Bitcoin is.

Pick: UCF 28-23.

Saturday, Dec. 27

Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman in Annapolis, Maryland

Virginia Tech (plus 3) vs. Cincinnati

Why watch? Virgina Tech's offense is terrible. Cincinnati's defense is awful. Let's see what happens.

Pick: VIRGINIA TECH 33-24.

Hyundai Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas

Duke (plus 7 1/2) vs. Arizona State

Why watch: Lots of great freshmen running backs around the country this season. Two that didn't get a lot of attention face off: Duke's Shaun Wilson (8.0 yards per carry) and Arizona State's Demario Richard (5.6 per carry).

Pick: ARIZONA STATE 38-21.

Duck Commander Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Miami (minus 3 1/2) vs. South Carolina

Why watch? What if I told you the next ESPN 30-for-30 on The U. could start in a Bossier City, Louisiana, casino?

Pick: SOUTH CAROLINA 24-17.

New Era Pinstripe Bowl in New York

Boston College (minus 2 1/2) vs. Penn State

Why watch? Get a look at the most under-appreciated coaching job this season. BC's Steve Addazio won seven games in what even he thought might be a rebuilding year.

PICK: BOSTON COLLEGE 21-14

National University Holiday Bowl in San Diego

Nebraska (plus 6 1/2) vs. Southern California

Why watch? Your friends who only casually follow college football will think this is a huge game.

Pick: USC 31-21.

Monday, Dec. 29

Autozone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee

West Virginia (minus 3 1/2) vs. Texas A&M

Why watch? Get a glimpse of two promising young quarterbacks: Texas A&M will start freshman Kyle Allen. West Virginia's Skyler Howard might only get spot duty, depending on the health of starter Clint Trickett.

Pick: TEXAS A&M 42-35.

Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando, Florida

Clemson (plus 3) vs. Oklahoma

Why watch? Former Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables now leads the Clemson D. It's the `Vena-bowl!'

Pick: CLEMSON 20-17.

Texas Bowl in Houston

Texas (plus 6) vs. Arkansas

Why watch? Do you long for the days when football teams only passed when absolutely necessary? Then Longhorns-Razorbacks is for you. Only two SEC teams have thrown fewer passes than Arkansas. Only one Big 12 team averages fewer yards passing per game than Texas.

Pick: ARKANSAS 21-13.

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tennessee

Notre Dame (plus 7 1/2) vs. LSU

Why watch? Notre Dame QB Everett Golson (22 turnovers) embraces the spirit of giving that makes the holiday season special.

Pick: LSU 34-21.

Belk Bowl in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Louisville (plus 7) vs. Georgia

Why watch? We were deprived of a full season of Louisville WR Devante Parker, who played in only five games because of a broken foot and still caught 35 passes for 735 yards. Get one last look him in a Cardinals uniform.

Pick: LOUISVILLE 28-24.

Foster Farms Bowl in Santa Clara, California

Stanford (minus 14) vs. Maryland

Why watch? The season is almost over and you probably need another reminder that Maryland is now in the Big Ten.

Pick: STANFORD 31-14

Wednesday, Dec. 31

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta

Mississippi (plus 3 1/2) vs. TCU

Why watch? Land sharks (Ole Miss defense) vs. Air Frogs (TCU offense).

Pick: TCU 34-27.

Vizio Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona

Boise State (plus 3 1/2) vs. Arizona

Why watch? Boise State returns to the site of its greatest triumphs, trying to score another victory for the little guys.

Pick: ARIZONA 45-28.

Capital One Orange Bowl in Miami

Mississippi State (minus 7) vs. Georgia Tech

Why watch? The theory is that given time several weeks to prepare, bowl opponents figure out Georgia Tech's triple-option offense. Hence, the Yellow Jackets 1-5 bowl record under coach Paul Johnson. Watch the Bulldogs test that theory, and then watch Johnson get testy with the first person who asks him about it in the postgame.

Picks: MISSISSIPPI STATE 38-28.

Thursday, Jan. 1

Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida

Wisconsin (plus 6 1/2) vs. Auburn

Why watch? Wisconsin star Melvin Gordon needs 293 yards rushing to break Barry Sanders' FBS single-season record. Totally doable.

Picks: AUBURN 38-30.

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at Arlington, Texas

Michigan State (plus 3) vs. Baylor

Why watch? Baylor wanted to be in the playoff. Last chance to show the selection committee it was wrong.

Pick: MICHIGAN STATE 38-31.

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida

Minnesota (plus 5) vs. Missouri

Why watch? Flip over from the Cotton Bowl every once in a while. Maybe you'll find out why Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams, a second-team All-American, has that extra `x.'

Pick: Minnesota 23-20.

Rose Bowl presented by Northwestern Mutual in Pasadena, California

Playoff semifinal: Oregon (minus 9) vs. Florida State

Why watch? Sure a spot in the championship game is on the line, but this matchup between Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston also kicks off ESPN's nonstop, four-month NFL draft coverage. Winston throws a pick. That'll cost him five spots on the big board. Mariota stays in the pocket to throw a TD. Stock up!

Pick: FLORIDA STATE 34-29.

Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans

Playoff semifinal: Alabama (minus 9 1/2) vs. Ohio State

Why watch? Two heavyweight programs with superstar coaches that most fans love to hate, and somebody has to win. Look on the bright side haters, somebody also has to lose. Enjoy the misery.

Pick: ALABAMA 28-17.

Friday, Jan. 2

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas

Pittsburgh (minus 3) vs. Houston

Why watch? Because interim coaches - both teams have one - are people, too.

Pick: PITTSBURGH 23-17.

TaxSlayer Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida

Iowa (plus 3) vs. Tennessee

Why watch? To see Iowa All-America tackle Brandon Scherff. Trust us. There won't be much else to watch offensively from the Hawkeyes (79th in the country in yards per play) and Volunteers (115th in ypp).

Pick: TENNESSEE 17-14.

Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio

UCLA (plus 1) vs. Kansas State

Why watch? You never know which UCLA team will show up. The one that crushed Arizona State and USC? Or the one that was crushed by Oregon and Stanford?

Pick: UCLA 31-23.

Ticketcity Cactus Bowl in Tempe, Arizona

Oklahoma State (plus 5 1/2) vs. Washington

Why watch? Shaq Thompson at linebacker for the Washington. Shaq Thompson at running back. Wonder what kind of arm he has?

Pick: WASHINGTON 24-14.

Saturday, Jan. 3

Birmingham (Alabama) Bowl

Florida (minus 7) vs. East Carolina

Why watch? Find out why Florida just agreed to pay $5 million to hire Colorado State's coach.

Pick: FLORIDA 31-21.

GoDaddy Bowl in Mobile, Alabama

Toledo (minus 3) vs. Arkansas State

Why watch? It's the fourth straight appearance for Arkansas State and the first time you'll actually get to see their coach in Mobile. The past three years the Red Wolves have had interim coaches by the time they played in the postseason.

Pick: Toledo 28-20

College Football Playoff Championship in Arlington, Texas

Florida State (projected line: minus 7) vs. Alabama

Why watch? Can the Tide bring the national title back to the Southeastern Conference or will Florida State repeat as champions?

Pick: Alabama 31-23.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAF opening line report: 'Bama nearing double-digit chalk in Sugar Bowl

SUGAR BOWL (semifinal playoff game)
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (-9.5)

Nick Saban and Urban Meyer meet again. The Crimson Tide (12-1 SU, 5-8 ATS) capped the regular season with a 55-44 shootout win over archrival Auburn giving 9.5 points at home, then hammered Missouri 42-13 Saturday in the SEC championship game as a 14.5-point chalk.

Ohio State (12-1 SU, 8-5 ATS) is somewhat of a surprise here. The Buckeyes lost starting QB Braxton Miller in the preseason, and backup J.T. Barrett suffered a broken ankle two weekends ago in a win over Michigan. But third-stringer Cardale Jones helped orchestrate a 59-0 beatdown of Wisconsin in Saturday’s Big 10 title game, with the Buckeyes rolling despite being a 4-point underdog.

“Bettors don’t forget all the big games the Buckeyes have been in over the last handful of years, and how they were utterly embarrassed in most of them,” Lester said. “Ohio State certainly has its share of fans and supporters, which is part of the reason it’s in the playoff, but I expect we’ll be dealing a double-digit spread when this one closes. Alabama teasers will be aplenty.”

ROSE BOWL (semifinal playoff game)
Florida State Seminoles vs. Oregon Ducks (-8)

Florida State (13-0 SU, 3-10 ATS) hasn’t lost a game SU in more than two years, winning 29 in a row. That includes Saturday’s ACC championship game, a 37-35 victory over Georgia Tech, though again the Seminoles failed to cover as 3.5-point faves. The ‘Noles are nearly at rock-bottom against the oddsmakers, sitting 127th out of 128 teams.

Oregon (12-1 SU, 9-4 ATS) is arguably the hottest team in the country, having won eight in a row SU and ATS, all by double digits and seven by 18 points or more. In Friday’s Pac-12 title game, the Ducks avenged their only loss this season, whitewashing Arizona 51-13 laying 14.5 points.

“The Ducks come into a stadium where they are very comfortable playing, and they should have the majority of the crowd support,” Lester said. “The weaknesses of Florida State are well documented, and the ‘Noles haven’t seen an offense like this since last year’s title game. Oregon should be able to name its score. Again, players will be lining up to tease an Alabama-Oregon national championship.”

Peach Bowl
Mississippi Rebels vs. Texas Christian Horned Frogs

TCU (11-1 SU, 10-2 ATS) felt like it was robbed of a spot in the four-team playoff, dropping from No. 3 to No. 6 after capping the season with routs of 48-10 at Texas as a 4.5-point fave and 55-3 over Iowa State on Saturday as a 34.5-point home chalk. The Horned Frogs finished the year tied with Western Michigan for the best spread-covering mark in the nation.

Ole Miss (9-3 SU, 7-4-1 ATS) had its season derailed by a late-season three-game SEC skid (with a meaningless win over Presbyterian sandwiched in there). But the Rebels ended the year by dumping archrival Mississippi State 31-17 as a 2.5-point home underdog.

“As it is every bowl season, time to get that motivation model out,” Lester said. “Will TCU be eager to show the world they deserved to be in the playoff, or will they go through the motions because they egregiously got left out? I see this playing out as more of a defensive battle, because we’ve got two pretty salty ones on tap.”

Cotton Bowl
Michigan State Spartans vs. Baylor Bears

Like TCU, Baylor believed it was snubbed by the selection committee in being kept out of the playoff games. The Bears (11-1 SU, 7-4-1 ATS) ended the regular season on a 5-0 SU run (4-1 ATS), including Saturday’s 38-27 home win over Kansas State giving 7 points.

Michigan State (10-2 SU, 8-4 ATS) bounced back from a loss to Ohio State to win its last three SU and ATS. The Spartans bested Penn State 34-10 giving 10 points on the road in their Nov. 29 regular-season finale.

“It’s a long trip for the Spartan contingent, while Baylor is very close to home,” Lester said, noting the game is at AT&T Stadium. “We’ve seen Michigan State give up some big numbers to quality passing teams, and its secondary may not be able to keep up with the Bears’ big-bodied receivers. That said, the Sparties always seem to muster some extra motivation for the postseason.”

Orange Bowl
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Mississippi State (10-2 SU, 7-5 ATS) was on track for a spot in the four-team playoff, but dumped two of its last three games, falling at Alabama 25-20 as a 10-point underdog and ending the season with a 31-17 loss laying 2.5 points at Mississippi.

Georgia Tech (10-3 SU, 9-4 ATS) has been on fire at the betting window, cashing six in a row while winning five of those contests outright. The lone SU loss was in Saturday’s ACC final, a 37-35 setback catching 3.5 points.

“This is somewhat of a surprise matchup, but it is intriguing from a gambling standpoint,” Lester said. “The Bulldogs probably lucked out a bit not having to see TCU or Baylor, because those teams are more adept defending the run than the pass. Time is what you need to prepare for Tech coach Paul Johnson’s triple-option attack, and Mississippi State’s Dan Mullen will have three weeks to get his kids ready.”

Fiesta Bowl
Boise State Broncos vs. Arizona Wildcats

Boise State (11-2 SU, 7-6 ATS) got its berth by virtue of being the highest-ranked conference champion from the five minor FBS leagues. The Mountain West champion Broncos have won eight in a row SU (4-4 ATS), including a 28-14 victory over Fresno State giving 22.5 points in Saturday’s conference title game.

Arizona (10-3 SU, 5-8 ATS) found its way into one of the big six bowls despite getting boatraced in Saturday’s Pac-12 championship game, losing to Oregon 51-13 as a 14.5-point pup.

“You obviously have to factor in a huge home-field edge for the Wildcats. And we expect they’ll have quarterback Anu Solomon close to 100 percent after the layoff,” Lester said. “The Broncos should be extremely motivated to play well, but I don’t think Arizona is going to look past them. This one could be a quandary for a lot of handicappers.”

[StarDust Bum]

Where the action is: College football bowl season's biggest line moves

Boca Raton Bowl: Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Northern Illinois Huskies – Open: +11, Move: +10

All the action has been on the underdog for the first annual Boca Raton Bowl, being played at FAU Stadium on Dec. 23. Marshall opened as an 11-point favorite but has been bet down to the key number of -10 with bettors souring on the Herd’s weak finish to the regular season.

“Marshall was a very, very popular bet on team this season, but their last three games have been non covers and the betting market has turned on them, now looking to fade them in their Bowl game versus Northern Illinois,” Childs tells Covers. “Meanwhile, Northern Illinois comes in off of three straight covers and they look like they’ll be a popular bet this bowl season.”

Sun Bowl: Duke Blue Devils vs. Arizona State Sun Devils – Open: 62, Move: 67

The total for this ACC-versus-Pac-12 bowl game has jumped five points, according to Childs. The Blue Devils were one of the better Under plays this season, going 3-8 O/U, but that doesn’t seem to matter against the Sun Devils, who ranked 18th in scoring (37 ppg) and 75th in scoring defense (27.7 ppg).

Needless to say, books are having a “devil” of a time trying to figure out this number, with sharps pounding the Over at the opening number and every stop along the way – 64 and 66 – before setting at 67 points for this Dec. 27 bowl in El Paso, Texas.

“We eventually settled on 67 and no question, our opener here was bad,” admits Childs. “Way too low considering these two offenses. And most weeks this year, we took on Duke Over money. Mistake by us and sharps took advantage, but we’ll live to see another day.”

Cotton Bowl: Michigan State Spartans vs. Baylor Bears – Open: -1, Move: -3

We looked at the movement on this huge bowl matchup earlier in the week, when the early action on Baylor moved the spread to BU -2.5. Since then, more money has come in on the Bears and forced a move to a field goal (Baylor -115). It seems the market is expecting BU to play with a chip on its shoulder after getting snubbed by the College Football Playoff selection committee.

“You have to question Baylor’s mindset here. After playing all season trying to get into the four-team playoff, they have to feel beyond disappointed playing in this game,” says Childs. “That said, if they do bring their A-game, it’s no question they can cover this short price of three points. Very, very interesting game and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.”

Rose Bowl: Oregon Ducks vs. Florida State Seminoles – Open: +8, Move: +9.5

College football bettors have been fading Florida State all season and showed little respect for the defending national champs in the Rose Bowl – a semifinal matchup for the College Football Playoff. Wiseguy action on the Ducks has driven this line up 1.5 points, just sitting under the key number of 10 where public money has shown up and bought back the Seminoles at the fatter spread.

“Looks like a classic Joes versus Pros, as the public is on one side while sharp money is playing the other side,” notes Childs. “The only difference this time, the sharps are on the favorite and the public is on the dog.”

Despite the sharp money on Oregon and three weeks to go before this New Year’s Day kickoff – plenty of time for FSU to get in more off-field issues - Childs doesn’t expect this spread to go any higher. Or at least he hopes it doesn’t have to go to the key number of 10.

“Should be a great game for us to book and I doubt we’ll get to 10 so that leaves this game in what I like to call the ‘dead zone’,” he says. “The spread between seven and 10 and all numbers in between – eight and nine - are dead numbers.”

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAF line watch: Three bowl bets you should wait on

TEXAS BOWL

Texas Longhorns (+6) vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

Arkansas opened as a 5-point favorite over Texas, and money quickly came in on the Razorbacks, pushing the line up to 6. I expect more Arkansas money to come in as this game gets closer to kick off, especially since the SEC is considered the superior conference to the Big 12, and that will influence the betting on this game.

Both teams are just 6-6 SU on the season, but bettors are going to remember Arkansas beating LSU and Mississippi by a combined 47-0. The lasting memory of Texas is a 48-10 blowout loss at home versus TCU on Thanksgiving night. Arkansas also possesses the better offense, and bettors are more inclined to lay points with those types of teams. Getting +7 with Texas might not appear, but it is still best to hold out for a possibly better line on the Longhorns.

TAXSLAYER BOWL

Iowa Hawkeyes (+3.5) vs. Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee was initially posted as a 3-point favorite versus Iowa, and the line has since gone up to -3.5 on the Vols. I anticipate this line going even higher, especially since the SEC has historically dominated the Big 10 in bowl games over the years.

Iowa and Tennessee also come into this game from opposite directions. The Hawkeyes have lost three of their past four games, while the Vols have won three of their past four games. Recent results have a direct impact on how the public bets bowls games, and this game will illustrate that to a tee. Wait this game out, and take Iowa plus more points closer to kick off.

ORANGE BOWL

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs (61.5)

Georgia Tech and Mississippi State are both similar teams in that they are heavily reliant on running the football. Despite that, both teams have extremely efficient offenses that produce a lot of points. The Yellow Jackets rank No. 1 in offensive efficiency while averaging 37.0 points per game. The Bulldogs rank No. 14 in offensive efficiency while averaging 37.2 points per game.

Mississippi State has a good defense that is allowing just 19.4 points per game on 5.5 yards per play. Overall, the Bulldogs rank No. 9 in defensive efficiency. Georgia Tech’s defense is not so good as they allow 25.1 points per game on 6.2 yards per play. The Yellow Jackets rank No. 58 in overall defensive efficiency. Something has to give in this game, and the leaning here is that the two offenses may prove to be too much for the two defenses as the total has already risen higher from the opening number of 60.5.